The streets were as bad as the docks. William saw a Babarassian exchanging coins with a guard.

Then a man came from the side with a knife, and William stepped away from his swipe. Grabbing him by the throat, he pulled him from the person he'd just healed and forced him to the ground.

Several Babarassians drew swords, but one put a knife to an old man's throat. "I'll kill him! Drop the sword!"

Then Felix stepped out of the shadows and grabbed the hostage taker by the sides of the head. Wrenching it to one side, there was a sickening snap as the man's body fell to the ground. The others rushed at William, who ceded ground. He caught the leader's blade on his shield and ran him through. The others encircled him, blades jabbing.

Something hit his shoulder, and a blow knocked his shield to one side. His blade was repelled. Felix was dueling with one and couldn't jump shadows without being killed. The pain of a blow to his knee plate sends him to one knee, and a blow strikes his helmet.

Then Aras stepped from the shadows and cleaved four men down in a blur.

His blade gleamed bright, and it was a sword for a King. Elven magic and steel had forged it, and they turned. His blade cut straight through the sword and helm of one. A riposte sent a sword swinging away before the wielding lost ahead. Another lost their hand and then was stabbed through the heart. Three more came at him from two sides, but he dodged and thrust, and two more fell dead.

Aras wiped his sword and drew his bow in one motion. Two shots sent two assassins falling dead from the rooftop.

How?

Felix was injured to one side, and William healed him, aching. Then he cleaned his blade on the cloth of an enemy's clothes, sheathed it, and went back to healing people.

"You draw attention to yourself, William Gabriel," said Aras with a laugh. "Though in a good way, I won't be able to help you again at this rate. You have a knack for getting into trouble." He unstrung his bow, and began to clean his sword.

"I accept the help you offered with gratitude," said William.

The guards who had done nothing fled.

They returned to the journey to the manor, and Aras went elsewhere. Even so, it was slowed by having to heal everyone. Drunks lay in the gutter, stripped naked, and beggers were on every corner. Still, at least the architecture was nice. The buildings usually had balconies out on top. You could see well-dressed people eating and discussing business. Iron fences cordoned off these areas, and many savory plants were grown to disguise the smell.

William did not blame these merchants. He wouldn't want to make a deal in this mess.

There were also water pumps designed to pull water up from underground. Yet the water that came out was a filthy brown. All but useless. No doubt it would have to be filtered, and William decided to record it;

The first thing you needed was a funnel of some kind. Or, failing that, a series of baskets hanging over one another in a line. At the base of it would be fabric, then a layer of charcoal on top. Above that would be sand and a layer of gravel or grass. There were different varieties, but the campaign used it all the time.

You poured the water down through the base, and it filtered through. As it did, it left the impurities behind, little by little. It was a kind of magic that the dwarves had shared with humanity many ages ago. There were several competing theories over which combination of filters was the best.

However, the best choice was to drink no water and stick to alcohol when possible. The fast-flowing river water was a better alternative since it filtered itself naturally.

Even so, how had the water become so filthy? Some of it had to be done twice. Demons sometimes left this kind of perpetual shame, but that came from unholy magics. Even satyrs would keep the water supply intact.

"So, has anything changed since last you were here, Felix?" asked William as they walked.

"The men who have overdosed on Torbin's Take are new," said Felix.

William had studied the herb. It cleared the mind but sent you into spasms if you used too much. It had been discovered by Torbin Benarus when he'd been on campaign for Anoa III. He'd been trying to extract the King's tribute from rebels. If memory served, Torbin's men had been afflicted with a spell that made it impossible to think. Boiling the plant created a pleasant smell that relaxed their senses. The spell had passed, and they were able to beat the rebels.

It would please Elranor to deny the criminals their prize.

"Anything else?" asked William.

A man, tired and hungry, was loading a wagon with heavy boxes. Lilas was standing there, writing notes and paying attention to the boxes. Then, one broke as it was placed near the bottom. A bit of grain streamed out. The exhausted man stooped to save it from the ground. Then, by meticulous and swift work, they patched it.

The cargo was loaded.

"Your pay is forfeit," said Lilas as though talking to himself. He should have looked up from his financial book. "You damaged the cargo."

The workers slumped in exhaustion and said nothing.

And he walked off, armed men, most of them red-haired, looking at them in contempt. William wondered how Lilas had not seen him clad in black skull armor. But he realized Lilas never looked at people if he didn't need them.

William was near the worst-off people. Lilas had never even looked in his direction. His association with them put William beneath notice.

Well, it didn't matter, and William nodded to Felix.

Felix moved over to the men and offered them some coins. "Consider this: you're due for helping avoid hunger across the continent."

"Thank you," said the man. "How may I help you?"

"Tell me of Lilas?" asked Felix.

"Well, I've worked for him twenty years," said the man, mopping his sweat. "He came here with money from King Gavin, and we set up this business together. I moved cargo, and he directed people to me.

“Lilas played middleman with many businesses. He worked his way up, and I worked my way along. Eventually, he bought this place out and kept me on. I doubt he even remembers my name."

"What is your name?" asked Felix. "It may be recorded?"

"Robert Aldious," said the man. "Lilas has got a lot of money. But sooner or later, he will reach too far. The merchants love him."

"My sympathies," said Felix. "Does Lilas have any hold over Rius?"

"Lilas has a hold over people," said the man. “And Rius doesn't care how the taxes are paid as long as they are paid. And, like anyone else, he wants his cut.”

The disrespect irritated William, but he said nothing as he finished and went on. Why was Rius not referred to by his proper title?

"This is very bad," said Felix quietly as they walked away. "Rius is losing respect.”

William said nothing and walked.

At last, they came to the manor, a huge, white-walled, three-story house made of fine stone. It was built right up against the southern inland wall. Men were at the doors, clad in leather, and were not city guards. A beggar was dying by the door, and dogs were licking his sores.

William healed him.

"Here is the manor," said Felix. "Though these men do not seem like the normal kind."

William nodded as he got there. The guards put their hands to their knives as he did. "Who are you?"

"I am William Gabriel, son of Duke Vanion Gabriel. I wish to speak with our longtime friend and ally, Rius," said William. "I am passing through his territory.

"Make way."

"Why should we?" began the guard.

"Because I am a noble," said William.

They looked at one another. "Let him in."

But another held his shoulder, and he nodded before entering. A doorman came out past the doorman. "You are the son of Duke Vanion's? I assure you that Baron Rius will be only too happy to cooperate with you. Come in." They went beyond the door into a cloakroom.

"Master Hawkthorne has been here for some time already."

"Hawkthorne is here?" asked William, remembering the name.

"You do not know?" asked the doorman. "I had taken your presence and was here to meet with him."

Someone took hold of William's leg, and he looked down to see a woman unable to walk. Kneeling, he healed her.

"Rise and be cured," said William. "If you'll excuse me.

"Reg Hawkthorne's actions were taken with neither our knowledge nor will. I have only just learned of this."

"You mean to say that..." The doorman looked to the door, then back. "I've said too much. You must follow me and stop for nothing. If Master Hawkthorne sees you, it might cause problems."

"As you wish, though you seem to have more fear of him than your own Master," noted William. He healed a beggar dying by the door. However, even as he did, three more came to him. These, too, he healed, only to find six coming at him afterward.

Word had spread of his deeds. And this was his reward.

"Felix," said William. "Get the people I have already healed off the streets! They are forming a mob! Send them to find any sick or injured who cannot get here by their power; take them gently here!

"Bring children and the elderly forth first! And will someone find some healers that the Guild wouldn't dare touch," He looked to the guards. "You two, form a line and make sure no one cuts in it.”

They pressed around him from all sides. The stink of plague and unwashed bodies was everywhere.

And soon, as he fought to hold back the tide, men gathered. Hard men with weapons eyed him hatefully. Then, moving forward, they were stopped when Lilas stepped in. He spoke quietly and softly to them, and they departed. But William already knew what was coming, for he saw the flat rooftops above them. The perfect place for an archer.

So, he kept himself somewhere where others would not be hit. And soon, an archer came upward onto the roof and drew back an arrow. William looked at him, and he hesitated for a moment. Hesitated as more and more people were healed in wave after wave. Was that a flicker of conscience on his face?

Yet his eyes turned backward.

And at last, he launched his arrow. William raised his shield, and the bolt struck hard. It pierced straight through wood and steel to go out the other side. What tortured this land? Jehair probably knew; no wonder she'd been so irritable.

Another arrow was launched, and William caught that as well. The blow shook his feet, and he kept healing. Felix and the guards looked at one another. "William, get into the manor!"

"No," said William.

Another arrow fell as the tides continued. And this one nearly grazed his armor. Drawing his sword, he cleaved them off. Felix phased into the shadows as the bow was drawn back again. Up the walls, he scaled and was on the archer, snatching his bow and throwing him off the wall to land hard.

William moved forward and found him, trying to limp away. But the crowds were on him, grasping him. William rushed forward. "No, let him go! He is in need."

And he restored the man to health.

The man stood up, unsteadily staring at him.

"What is your name?" asked William.

"Cassian of Sorn," said the man.

You might be reading a stolen copy. Visit Royal Road for the authentic version.

"Who sent you?" asked William.

"The Healer's Guild, who else," said the man. Then he drew a knife and went at him, but William disarmed him with a hand and broke the knife.

"Then go and sin no more," said William.

The man stared at him as though he'd grown a second head. His mouth opened and shut. Then he shrugged. "As you wish."

And he left. William turned back to the servant or where he had been. The man came back. Looking to the windows, he looked to Felix. "Did you see anyone looking out those?"

"No," said Felix.

Then the man came back. "Lord Rius forgives your delay and awaits your coming," said the man.

William waited, adjusting his cloak as Felix took a position in the shadows by the door.

"Well, it seems someone has been misusing House Gabriel's good name," said Felix.

"I noticed," noted William. "What do we do about this?"

"Find out who it is, kill them all, and publicly display their executions. Then make it clear we have no association with them," said Felix.

"That's ruthless of you," noted William.

"This behavior could ruin Duke Vanion if it becomes associated with him," said Felix. "And they've just tried to murder you in public."

William looked around the waiting room, where people wore their coats and boots. It was magnificent, with silver-lined walls. Many fancy designs depicted no story made from priceless shells.

There weren't any religious images or tapestries on the walls. Nor was there any great story recorded. There were several pictures, and all of them were about food or material things. The most interesting was a ship sailing out to sea on a clean dock. There was a mournful figure at the end. The figure looked a lot like Father, with dark hair and a cloak, but his cloak was ragged and exposed to the winds. Yet he was unbowed by them and walked on nonetheless.

He was not rich but with nobility and strength in his own right. However, William doubted that was the intended reason for it. It almost seemed an insult, perhaps to Rius.

"If this is his coatroom," said Felix. "What may we expect inside?"

"Since we won't be getting past the coatroom," said William. "We'll never know."

Eventually, the door opened, and Rius entered, and William saw a glimpse of what lay beyond. There was a very large staircase with gold lining, and the walls were also lined with precious metals. Most of these precious metals were more expensive. There were one or two pictures, most of them of foreign Lords.

Then the door was shut. Rius’ head was bald, save for two sideburns, and his eyes peered at them carefully. He noted William's armor and halted.

William removed his helmet and nodded.

"William Gabriel?" said Rius. "You are late."

"Lord Edgar Rius," said William, considering what to say. "I apologize. It is my custom to heal the sick and injured where I go. It seems your enemies have ensured many of them, and a mob assailed me."

"Such is the risk of handouts, I'm afraid," said Rius in a voice meant to be affable. But, in practice, it just sounded dismissive. "Though some reported that your House had a hand in this."

"I knew nothing of what has been happening here," said William. "Once I learned of your plight, I came to assist."

"I'm pleased to hear it, but you'll forgive me if I'm skeptical," said Rius. "I wonder if House Gabriel does not forget where it stands among the nobility of Antion."

"I believe I should be asking your forgiveness in this situation," noted William. Just who was Rius to dismiss Vanion as a vassal? 'What has happened here?"

Rius sat down and put down a candle. A useless gesture since he was surrounded by light. "It started when Calishan Wars escalated.

"A huge flow of mercenaries to come through here. Merchants also came with wares and supplies to sell at the campaign, and fleets of ships also came. People had put aside funds and stores solely to account for this day."

"And then the war ended," mused William.

"Yes," said Rius. "One moderate battle and the whole thing is concluded with a beneficial truce. It bankrupted many merchants and left many Crusaders with no purpose.”

"But what about the Khasmir campaign? That lasted a long time," noted William, becoming annoyed. If Rius couldn't keep order in his streets, he had no business whining to a fifteen-year-old. But this would be impolite to say. But that would not help. "And many warriors joined it. Even the Paladins took part, though it was after my departure."

"Yes, but it was against demons," said Rius. "Vanion did not allow the looting of the people there. There wouldn't have been a problem if he'd allowed Raynald to sack a few villages."

"My cousin Varsus did the negotiating, I believe," noted William.

"Yes, he did," said Rius. "He was very polite and didn't leverage people nearly as much as he could." That was said almost dismissively. "But he refused to accept a bad deal and didn't have to work with all that many people. Most of those he worked with ended up being those he had a prior relationship with."

And among them was not Rius.

And who was Rius to complain anyway?

"The problem was that House Hawkthorne came up with an immense amount of money," said Rius. "Nearly limitless. I gather quite a few Bretusians moved finances in.

"Pretty soon, they started buying out all the merchants, giving them loans in exchange for fees. I confess, I did some buying out myself. They needed the money, and having merchants under your influence is good.

"Pretty soon, we had hundreds of mercenaries hanging about. Then Reg Hawkthorne came in.

"He declares that he is here on behalf of House Gabriel and taking control. And that if I know what's good for me, I'll do as he says."

"He can't do that!" said William in horror. "You can't walk into another man's country and declare yourself the leader! Not without a cause of war or vendetta!"

"My dear boy, I've found that you can do about anything if you are strong and someone else is weak," noted Rius. He sounded like he was trying to be sad. But his tone was superior, as though it was a triumph that it was so. "Life is not a story; you'll find that out to your sorrow if you keep trying all these childish heroes."

"That's not the point," said William, mastering himself. "We don't just have codes and rules because it's right to have them! They are also for our protection!

"If nobles ignore the rules of war and peace, others will also! There will be no order to any of it! Even if his plan succeeded, it would only work until the Paladin Order arrived to bring him to justice!" It occurred to William that Rius hadn't violated any rules.

This was, technically, his city to do with as he willed.

“That may be the point,” said Felix.

"The slave speaks sense. Do you think Reg Hawkthorne is capable of a plan like this?" asked Rius. "If Reg gets total control of this city, sooner or later, King Andoa will hear of it. Then he'll gather an army, take control of cheering crowds, and be the end of House Hawkthorne.

"Who is the real mastermind then?" asked William.

"You need to ask only three questions for that," said Rius. "First, who benefits from doing this? Second, who would be able to do this? And third, who would be willing to do this?

"Once you answer those three questions. You only need to apply the remaining name that fits the plan best. So think."

William considered the question and remembered his training. Father had taught him many such things. "This is not the sort of plan Melchious would use. The other Harlenorian Kingdoms gain nothing by gutting Antion. Calisha is vested in our survival; we're the only ones who can negotiate.

"Arraxia doesn't have this kind of money, and her servants are satyrs. Most of the nobility of Artarq now have no choice but to remain loyal.

"The gangs from Arsheen?

“Or the people backing them.”

"That was my assessment as well," said Rius, too quickly for William to believe it. "Someone out there, William Gabriel, hates you a great deal.”

"Felix, what of Jehair's view on the matter?" asked William.

"Don't trust Jehair, not yet," said Felix.

"Jehair and Amenos?" asked Rius. "I had wondered why they were there. Certainly, they have not had any part in the takeover.

"We have to be very careful in how we approach this." What did Rius want his records for? William couldn't imagine Rius looking through stacks of reports. Had he misjudged the man?

"It's the Paladin Order," said Felix.

"Felix, that is ridiculous," said William.

"Why?" asked Felix. "Paladins can go into any territory and domain in Harlenor without leave. Planting Reg here would be a perfect excuse to come in as a conquering hero. And also weaken House Gabriel. They could devise some excuse that justified it. Only the higher-ups would have to know.

"They could just tell the lower orders they were here as liberators."

"They would all be stripped of their powers by Elranor immediately," said William.

"Would they?" asked Felix. "The Paladin Order is an important political entity in Antion, albeit one past its prime. Elranor has always taken a hands-off approach to governance. Given that most of the Paladins would not even know the details, on what grounds could they be stripped of power?

"Perhaps whoever organized the operation might. But they might even be a Paladin, just some scribe in the background. Avoiding personal responsibility is the mark of all politicians."

Rius laughed nervously. "Why don't we put such theories aside until we leave this mess? Then, whoever is behind it does not matter if we all end up dead or ruined by them.

"As a point of fact, I already have a plan.

"I may not be much of a warrior, but you don't survive in this port without knowing how to scheme." Common people had said as much, but it was a poor excuse from Rius. "The sheer audacity of this move took me off guard. So, I lay still and made all the motions of being completely cowed.

"I've been waiting for him to drop his guard to make a move. That time has, more or less, happened, and I've been coordinating with my militia by secret messages." William noticed that in a potted plant was a flower similar to that of the inn. So Jehair was listening to all of this and had been.

Did Rius even know what it meant? Did anyone?

"My servants have yet to be nearly so well watched,” said Rius. “You may have noticed a pink-haired girl named Imogen."

"I did not hear the name, but I did notice her," said William.

"Yes, well, she has a knack for hearing and seeing things and picking pockets," said Rius. "I've gained the numbers of his people, and I have an idea of his movements. I am in contact with my men and can order them to rise at will. The problem is that we are heavily outnumbered.

"I tried to send a man to Brisgald, but he was turned back at the gates." Why? Did Uncle truly hate Rius that much? William had known they'd disliked one another, but not to this extent. "If you could get out to Brisgald and get help from House Gabriel, we might wipe them out. All my men would need to do is open the gates. I doubt you'll find any resistance from the populace."

Help from Brisgald? Rius' solution to this problem was to invite a rival Lord into the city to reconquer it for him.

Had Rius ever walked the streets? Or led men at all? This place around William was very ornate. Elaborate designs on the walls, and this was only the antechamber. There were solid silver candlesticks out here. How much money was there? Melt down a few of these treasures, and you could hire an army.

Best to change the subject. This was Rius' city.

"What about the Furbearers?" asked William.

"Ah, that," said Rius. "That is not a matter I had any choice in. Ascorn is neutral ground.”

More excuses. Didn't this man have a sense of responsibility?

"Is that a picture of my Father?" William asked privately, thinking it must be more interesting than the others.

"It was a gift from him," said Rius. "One must give gifts to the nobility of Antion after ascending a position. So when Desora was one, it was a choice between Vanion and Argath Marn.

"I put aside my personal feelings and choose the more accomplished warrior."

Meaning that it made him more money. Marn had given Rius many wondrous gifts for his help. Duke Vanion had received nothing.

"Why aren't these riches being used to equip your men outside?" asked William finally.

"Antion learned long ago that the old obsession with violence is a liability," said Rius with a smile.

Warriors were the principal backbone of Harlenor. The ability to fight was an integral part of their identity. The militia system set down by Anoa the Bright was Harlenor's guiding principle. Men who could fight were not easily oppressed.

"Who would you say is the best of the merchants?" asked William.

"Well, that would be Lilas Acren, of course," said Rius enthusiastically. He makes an immense profit for us and always pays his dues on time. He always provides an ample table when visited and knows his place.

"Your Father, as well." The last part was said almost as a warning.

"Does one give more honor to a rich merchant than to your King?" asked William suddenly with more heat than he planned.

Rius flinched and started thinking hard. "Well, King Andoa has rarely had much of a presence lately. And it can't be denied Lilas has done good work. He would be almost a friend if not for class barriers.

"He was a low-ranking noble seeking to rise by his means and has done so. He and Vanion are kin of a kind. I have a portrait of him out there. I can show it to you if we ever dine."

"Who is the best of your warriors?" asked William. "Your counterpart to Lilas?"

Rius seemed to consider that far too obvious. "Well, I don't have much call to concern myself with warriors. The old campaigning days are long past." Now, he is invoking a successful career when he had been denigrating it. "Most of the great warriors prefer Artarq."

There was nothing else to say.

"Well, then, I will return to the city and investigate things as best I can," said William. “It may be that we can find a much easier solution—one that doesn't require a full-scale battle. It may destroy our real enemies."

"If you can provide me with such a way, I will be a very happy man," said Rius, pleased at his apparent victory. "Wars are always expensive, especially when they happen on my doorstep.

"For now, I must meet some distinguished guests for dinner. You may eat with us if one of them invites you. It would not be appropriate for me to add another so quickly."

"As you wish," said William. The idea did not appeal, but he must humor him. Declining or not offering such an invitation would be a grave insult.

Rius went and left him there in the coat room. Felix and William shared a glance, and William shrugged.

Rius finally came back in a splendid violet cloak, the color of royalty. It was adorned with diamonds, and his hair and beard were waxed. He opened the door. William followed him out, wearing armor filthy from labor.

William would have to clean it soon, which would be miserable work.

There were many wealthy-looking merchants. Many were in the halls of Rius's home while Duke Vanion was in the coat room.

William stepped to one side, guessing that he would be snubbed. He did his best to look expectant. To his surprise, there were a great many healthy commoners standing around in the dim hours of the day.

"Ah, my friends," said Rius. “There has no doubt been some trouble of late.

"But I know that each of you has played a part in resolving it. Follow with me, and let us eat."

All of the merchants walked past William without a second glance. Lilas was last, walking slowly and halted, apparently reluctantly. "I'm afraid the distinguished citizens of Ascorn all heard your story, Sir Gabriel."

"That's why nobody will remember their names," said William. And he made a note not to record any of them.

Lilas flinched, and several of the merchants stepped back in fear. Cheers came from the crowds, and many threw rotten vegetables at the merchants. Many fled back as the crowd they had ignored now moved forward as if for blood. William drew his sword. "Hold where you are.

"None will harm Lord Rius's guests while they are under his protection! I will slay any who attempt it!"

Rius nodded sagely as they rushed into the house. William watched them go and noted that Lilas was smart enough to keep his composure. After a moment, he turned and walked back in, nodding to him as though it had been expected.

Smart.

Lilas was decent at working for a crowd when he knew it was there. Which meant he was much more dangerous than William had thought.

William turned to the people. "Disperse and make yourselves useful.

"Plans are in motion, and you may have an important role in them."

They nodded, and the supremacy of the nobility was saved.

For now.

Lord Rius had traded his birthright to become a mediocre merchant. Even though William saved him, he must despise him.

"What inn do you want to stay at?" asked Felix.

"We're camping in the street when night comes," said William.

"Why?" asked Felix.

"It's cheaper this way," said William.

All this luxury among filth made him hate both all the more.