William waited on a pier overlooking the sea as a ship came in.

Black-armored soldiers made hails of greeting. Among them were Raynald and Vanion, standing together as they had when they left. Behind William, Ran Telus was abuzz with activities. People came from all over to see the celebrations as plans were laid for future alliances. Most of the bad blood had cleared by now. Those Drens who had survived the fighting with Tanith were welcome. A few were even marrying among the Furbearers. Battlefield romances, apparently.

And Vanion Gabriel stepped off the pier, cloak flowing around him like some gallant lord out of legend. Adjusting it made him look very wise and noble to any observers. William appreciated the effort as he stood up and offered Vanion his sword.

"Father, you're here at last," said William.

"Yes, I am, my son," said Father, taking the blade. "You've kept good care of it.

"My sources often spoke of your efforts. You've gone far beyond what anyone would have expected of you. It shows that extra effort can shift the universe, not just on your part but on others.

"And you would be the Princess Oresa whose beauty is so spoken of, and Kata, the Warrior Queen to be of the Furbearers."

Kata blushed with pride. "You know of us?"

"I mean means," said Vanion. "I would have given you more help. But Khasmir is in such ruin I have been meditating there. We very nearly had another war between the satyrs. Ascorn, I could help with Amenos." He nodded to Amenos. "However, I have had very little to work with save William and Tanith.

"And Tanith is an unpredictable piece to play in this regrettable game."

"We noticed," laughed Kata.

"I must admit, this was not a planned expedition. But with everything on the line, I had to come up quickly," Vanion halted. "William, you must not think I knew things were nearly as bad as they were.

"I fear my gaze is limited by what I focus on, as are all men. I should have sent more support if I had known how serious the plague and criminal element were."

"Well, the matter is largely concluded now," said William. "Arkan and Tavish are off renegotiating things now."

"What is your read on the matter?" asked Vanion.

Raynald was uncharacteristically silent. William guessed that he was absent in an official capacity. Likely Vanion had to look as impressive as possible, and Raynald faded into the background. "Well, the world is ill-disposed toward Arkan now, and the same for Tavish.

"Paying off a lot of debts has bought them a pardon from Gavin. A great many merchant Lords have lost a fortune in this. They brazenly invested in evil markets and have paid the price to the creatures that dwell in them."

"Yes, I have heard of many arrests," said Vanion. "Apparently, the werewolves and House Korlac are getting on very well. Our alliance with Larxe was a masterstroke on Elranor's part. I'm also pleased you arrested Jehair. She was too dangerous to be left unchecked."

"It was her or us in that situation," said William. "What she did could not be pardoned by me. She committed a crime, and I had to arrest her."

"Well, she has since walked out," said Vanion. "Even as we speak, Korlacs hunts are being called off. They have arrested quite a few low-level operators and a few moderate ringleaders. So things will be safer for a time, but we'll have to battle the criminals again.

"Ansara sent some documentation of her own as a gift. She'd like it to be included in your writings when permission is granted to release them."

"I would not presume to release a detailed history," said William. Raynald looked irritated at this. "Raynald, what's wrong?"

"It isn't right," said Raynald finally. "These bastards have had it all their own way for years. We've got them on the run. We should be pressing the attack and burning them out; damn the money losses.

"Instead, we're letting the people who tried to sell us up the river go and worse, having to smile in their faces."

"I know the feeling," said Kata sadly.

"I understand your objections, Raynald," said Vanion. "But an enemy backed into a corner fights twice as hard. Moreover, our enemy has support from many nations and likely from some elements of the nobility.

"If they genuinely believed we were out for blood, they would not use any rules. They would do whatever it took to kill or subvert us, and it would be a gruesome battle. Calisha would be the only victor.

"We took them off guard here and did great damage. Many of them will kill eachother off because of the loss of profits. However, our reckoning with them will have to wait for a position of strength."

"Yes, sir," said William before Raynald had to.

Raynald nodded.

"Now," said Vanion. "Princess Oresa, who is here at the moment?" He was testing her.

"At present, Arkan Lantan and Tavish Kern, King Osrif. And the leader of the Babarassians, Emile," said Oresa. "They surrendered shortly after their deception was arranged. Gavin has given them some very lavish gifts; I don't understand why."

"Perhaps he does not want them to go home empty-handed," said Vanion. "They have lost many friends and ships and even family. All for nothing.

"Send them back without a shirt, and they will hate you forever. But, on the other hand, give them a generous gift and let them go, and they may feel ashamed to have struck so noble a figure. Or at least decide it is not worth the effort of attacking again.

"Auga did her work well."

"Why do you have a dragon in the family?" asked Kata.

"She doesn't take that form unless the mood strikes her," said Vanion. "And that is very rare. So it's not something I control. Most of her time is spent reading."

"Edmund and Prince Aras are here, as is King Gavin," said William. "Tanith should be coming; a messenger came."

This was far from the first meeting that happened.

Soon enough, another ship came in from Artarq, and a sunny-haired but serious-faced man was on it. He wore a blue cloak and leaped off before the ship was fully docked. As he did, Tanith and Anborn rushed forward to meet him.

"Sunthred!" said Tanith.

"Tanith, Anborn, I'm glad to see you at last," said Sunthred, clasping both by the arm. "I'm told you vanquished the hosts of Lord Kern almost singlehanded."

"Not really," said Tanith.

"But close to it," said Anborn, looking more like his old self. "We didn't have any legions. A minor skirmish to get rid of the bad blood, but I was the finest spear on the field."

"I was wielding swords," said Tanith.

Laughter, like they were family again.

"How are things in Artarq?" asked Anborn.

"Very good," said Sunthred. "Since the Khasmir Campaign, Duke Vanion has started cooperating with Baltoth. They used to play one of us against the other, but now we can share information and wipe them out.

"They'll need an alternate source at this point. Likely from Kalthak."

"Well, they'd have to secure the Islands of Power first and have a stable journey," noted Anborn. "I've done work as a bard out there."

"Assuming there is anyone left at this point," said Tanith.

"You don't have to worry about that," said Tavish, coming out of the shadows. Things became tense.

"Ah, Tavish is here," said Tanith. "Why don't I have to worry?"

"Prince Aras and I have been discussing turning all our operations," said Tavish. "We only started them to disrupt the rising crime rates. Now that Arkan should be able to control it and the law is being enforced, our job is to cut and run while we have the chance.

"We warned everyone that it was every man for himself."

"Is that a tradition?" asked Tanith.

"Call it a grace period," said Tavish. "Arkan has done this several times. First, you set up 'organized' crime in a place whose government is about to collapse. Then you use your status to keep things slow and humane.

"Either people start enforcing the law again. Or the nobility gets so discredited, and everything collapses." Then he turned to see Vanion approaching and stepped back in fear. "Duke Vanion."

"Yes, Duke Vanion is here," said Vanion. "I'm told you made a generous donation to the finances of my friend, Lord Edmund Telus, and asked no favor for it."

"No sir," said Tavish, shuddering. "I felt that I was the one who had to clear the debt."

"That is wise," said Vanion. "If your agents ever sell malas outside of legal bounds again, no god, king, or demon will save you from me. Are we clear?"

"Yes, sir," said Tavish, meeting his gaze and showing only a hint of fear.

"Good; send me a full report on your contacts in the Sorcerer's Guild. We can consider the vendetta ended," said Vanion. Then he turned to Tanith. "You've performed excellently Tanith. I consider your earlier misstep in Gel Carn fully repaid. I have communicated with Wrynncurth by the crystal ball, and things should work out.

"Provided there are no further incidents. He appreciates your assistance in Ascorn and other places. Give my regards to your Father; I may be detained."

"Yes, sir, thank you," said Tanith before turning to move off.

Tavish hurried past William, halting only momentarily with a lovestruck look on his face. "She's too good for me."

And off he went.

If you stumble upon this narrative on Amazon, be aware that it has been stolen from Royal Road. Please report it.

Tanith, Sunthred, and Anborn went off together, and William didn't mind. This wasn't about him, after all. However, Lilas was watching to one side, and his expression was enraged. William did not look at him and wondered what it was that he hated about the moment so.

"Now, this merchant, Lilas, you mentioned him," said Vanion quietly.

"Frankly, I think he made some sort of power play," said William. "I don't think he technically did anything illegal, nothing I can discern. But he has had investments in many places. So I thought he might be using a Sornian tactic, buying things up.

"Jehair had planned to deliver Blackfear to the elves.

"I think he might have known of what was happening. He would have had to to buy up all this."

"Let me see the book," said Vanion, looking through it. "Hmm, now I remember him. He challenged Arthur to a duel for the hand of Mara Hawkthorne and was thrashed. However, he never went to war and became a financier for King Gavin, moving money from one place to another.

"Had some excellent ideas.

"If it came to it, an embezzlement charge could be made. I'm sure you could find a basis for it, and he did use Gavin's money for this. He made it back, but a charge of embezzling the King's money is whatever he wants it to be.

"Just give the book to King Gavin and bring him your concerns.

"I'm going to look around. I haven't been back here in some time."

At that moment, Aras arrived, now clad in more formal attire. Though less expensive than what Liras were wearing. It was a green cloak and brown beneath it, though Father looked the finer. "Ah, the thrower of pigs returns."

"Please, Prince Aras, the recklessness of youth is ill-remembered," said Vanion. He had a wry smile on his face.

What was he talking about? Raynald seemed to get a laugh out of it, though, and Vanion looked in irritation.

"Indeed," said Aras. "You always did wear this sort of thing better. I'm pleased that it didn't go further than it did. We have been facing an imaginary figure in the other place."

"Not imaginary," said Vanion. "Vanion the schemer is part of who I am. He is how I became great. So to deny his part in my identity would be foolish. But you have never been my enemy, Prince Aras. And I pray you never will be."

"Well, I'm sure we'll have plenty to do in other areas," said Aras. "Themious is not that far away." And he looked out to sea, though William wondered if he was looking at him. And as he did, William realized he was standing alone.

Felix was absent. Tanith was gone to her family. Massacre was gone, and he wasn't part of the group before him. A mere observer of events and gazing out to sea, he saw no ship coming in. Only churning oceans of darkness where foul things dwelled beneath the waves. There was now nothing but an empty pier. The ship had left as soon as Sunthred had gotten off it.

Kata and Oresa were gone, off to some other matter. And no one took any note of him. So William began to wonder if he was so different from the man he had pretended to be. Turning, he saw Lilas continuing to watch, and a smirk came across his face as if some plan had come to him.

Ships.

An empty pier.

Lilas had a lot of control of ports. He could delay the departure of fleets or reassign them if he chooses to. All he'd have to do is wait for House Gabriel to be put in such a position. William supposed he could bring the records, but he doubted Gavin would execute him over that. Lilas apparently had the favor of Tanith's mother.

If he was indeed dead set on vengeance for whatever, there was little to do but weather the attack. Turning to Raynald, he remembered the tales of his sixteen duels. Taken on men he hated and despised, a world that had rejected and looked down on him. Raynald looked to Lilas, and their gaze met.

Lilas smirked and walked away. Raynald's eyes narrowed, then turned to William. He nodded and walked off with Vanion and Aras, who spoke to him as an equal.

'Well,' thought William. 'Now I understand Raynald a bit better now.'

William walked away, thinking to himself. People seemed enthusiastic, and a feast day had been declared. Moving on, William moved to the palace. Sir Merrin was there, speaking with several merchants in private. They looked of concern. As William approached, he turned.

"Squire Gabriel," said the man. "You're here."

"Yes, I am, Sir Merrin," said William. "I'm here on an errand from my Father. But, first, tell me, where is the Lady Telus?"

"With Tanith Telus and her children, of course," said Merrin.

"Might I meet with the King?" asked William.

The merchants looked concerned at this. William guessed they were worried about his meeting with Lilas and the book at his side.

"Well, if you're seeking him, he's not here," said Merrin. "He never does his work in castles if he can avoid it; he hates them.

"He's never been one for finery. So I'll take you to him.

"Gentlemen, you need not be concerned about anything like what is happening in Antion. The roads have become very unsafe, and it is against the custom of King Gavin to punish without good reason. This applies to merchant, noble, and commoner."

"Of course," said the men. "Thank you, Sir Merrin."

Merrin looked to William. "I'm told you had an altercation with Lilas earlier."

"He invited me into a brothel, and I told him I wanted to see his records," said Wiliam.

"Well, it's a good thing you didn't hurt him, or we could have some problems," said Merrin. "I've never liked the man, but why?"

"I saw him mistreating his workers in Ascorn," said William. "And this." He offered the book.

Merrin took it and looked through the book carefully. "Ah.

"I've never liked him. Now I know why I didn't. Whatever Aras' theories, you don't get this low price on valuable goods. Not without an extensive list of contacts. One much larger than was reported." He paused. "What about this list of dead men?"

"I found High Priest Cirithil using a legal loophole. To sell Harlenorians into slavery," said William. "He was acting the part of an apologist for putting infants on pikes. And the merchants there were playing along.

"The satyrs went berserk and killed them all. I believe it was some sort of dark magic.

"Cirithil is now an insane, raving lunatic, completely incapable of performing his duties. So you probably won't notice any difference."

Merrin laughed. "A black humor, but Cirithil is better when he is doing nothing. Follow me."

Into the manor they went, and Merrin led William to a room where King Gavin sat at a desk writing. Outside, the sunlight was peering through the windows, and the King looked up at it longingly.

"King Gavin?" said William, beckoned forward.

"Please, just Gavin at present," said Gavin. "I'm trying to work out the costs of all this. The warriors had a good time, but there will be expenses. Sir Gabriel, how may I help you?"

"King Gavin, I am concerned that a crime might have been committed," said William. "Are you familiar with a merchant named Lilas?"

"Yes," said Gavin. "He has managed to ensure our treasury always stays full. I will admit I did not care for his company, but that is pure preference.

"What is this about a crime?"

Merrin offered the book, and William took it.

"Well, the numbers here don't seem to add up," said William. "I've looked over it several times. And I've had your son and my Father look over it as well. So there are good explanations for how these investments could make this much money.

"The King's Road is in disrepair, but noble privileges could make it profitable. And since nobody uses it, it could give a major advantage.

"But I don't believe it.

"The road is in shambles, and Blackfear is a nightmare. All of the business these days is done around it. No one could run a farm there, especially since Neral Dinis had been powerless for some time. Arkan Lantan has forced most of the vampires into hibernation.

"I think this money might come from something else."

"He has a point," said Merrin, then he pointed to one page of the book and sat down. "Look here.

"According to this, he makes more money each year. That should have been getting lower with the breakdown and law and order. Unless he is invested with factions that were gaining power."

"You miss the more important details," said Gavin. "He is invested in the slaver operations. I have never liked slavery and have often objected to it. Lilas knows this."

"To be fair, Gavin, he's always paid on time, and many merchants pay tithes to us," said Merrin.

"Yes, but if these profits are correct, I don't think we've been getting nearly enough of this," said Gavin. "Have you shown anyone else this?"

"Oresa and Kata were with me when the discussion was had, Prince Arasa and my Father," said William.

"Well then, I'll deal with this privately," said Gavin. "He will account for his actions, and we will determine how much he owes the crown.

"Perhaps we could give him an invitation to the feast. Lilas would have desired prominence for some time, even if he did not like the normal means of getting it.

"Is something wrong?"

William halted. "Lilas has an extensive shipping empire.

"I'm concerned he might use that to move against my house. If we were engaged and needed reinforcements by ship, a delay could be our end."

"Lilas is not a brave man," said Gavin. "I do not think he would be so reckless or foolish."

Well, that was more than enough to end the subject. Best not to press it.

"There is something else," said William. "I looked at his brothels.

"The women in them are... wrong."

"What do you mean?" asked Gavin sharply.

"They are all unnaturally beautiful," said William. "And they are happy. Insanely happy, in fact."

Silence as Gavin turned to him in full.

"How many did you see?" asked Gavin.

"A few dozen, I think," said William. "I didn't count."

"A few dozen," said Merrin. "Impossible.

"Kern rescued less than that in his entire career. And he had to stop because it was affecting his sanity. Lilas couldn't have brought that many back from Caliph."

"But he might have done so by proxy," said Gavin thoughtfully. "It bears thinking of.

"William, you've done well. I will handle this matter and follow it up. However, our policy in matters of corruption is to lie still.

"Will you be at the feast?"

"Not unless you wish it," said William. "I left Felix, my servant, and friend stuck in the middle of nowhere with my armor. A community is nearby, but I've kept him waiting too long.

"I've got to get to Gel Carn.

"Otherwise, this entire adventure was an elaborate waste of time."

"Best to get to it then," said Gavin, smiling. "Good luck.

"Our Houses have been quarreling over nothing for years. I've missed a good friend in Duke Vanion."

William nodded and headed out the door. As he did, he ran into Duke Vanion. Father halted.

"William, where are you going?"

"To Gel Carn," said William. "I have to get started right away."

"Now?" asked Vanion. "I was hoping to discuss things and introduce you to people."

"I've already been introduced," said William. "And t I left Felix by the Black Mountain guarding my armor with werewolves. I've got to get back to him right away. It's been a terrible imposition on him."

"It'd be as well to just call him back," said Vanion. "You've only got three days until the tournament, and you don't have a ship. You'll never make it."

"Father..." said William, smiling. "I'm making a leap of faith."

And he raced off, feeling as if some powerful music was sung about him as he did.

"I'll give your regards at the victory feast!" called Father after him, fading into the distance.

Then William sped toward the plateau's edge and scaled-down it as he and Tanith had done before as children. Grasping at handholds he'd known for years, he dropped ten minutes' climb in one. He reached the bottom with haste that inspired even him. He attracted the attention of onlookers. An errant breeze shot through his hair; he sprinted as the crowds seemed to part for him as he neared the dock. The sea air smelled heavenly as several rough, ready men ducked for coming. William passed them by, looking for his chance.

There he found a ship with Arkan and Tavish crewing it alone. There was also Oresa and her men. It was just leaving the harbor, but William leaped onto it as it began to leave. And as he did, a favorable wind blew into the winds, sending it bolting away.

"Planning to miss the feast as well?" asked Arkan.

"Well, obviously," said William.

"William!" called a voice.

William looked up to see Tanith. She rushed forward, clad in a formal dress and looking very beautiful. Her blonde hair flowed behind her like the swaying trees, and she snatched his hand. Leaning forward, they held the grip as the hands were held. It was warm in his palm and a moment he wished could last forever, though wind and tide drew them apart.

"Tanith?" asked William.

"You didn't think I'd let you walk out without a goodbye?" asked Tanith, face to face. "Listen, William, I can't go with you. But I want you to know I'll always be loyal to you.

"No matter where you go or what you do, I'll always be your knight."

And for a moment, their hands were together, held as an island between the departing ship and the pier of home. Then it was broken, and the ship lurched forward with such speed. Tanith seemed to almost become a memory. She waved and shouted something as mists arose, but no sound came forward.

Into the mists, the ship moved with haste and might as if by its own power. Arkan was not the master of it, and it seemed only a moment before the channel had passed away. Soon they entered the cover they had first set forth, and William leaped onto it. Waiting was Massacre, and he leaped atop her, and they shot away, leaving behind their comrades.

They traveled, surging through the shadows as the sun set and the shadow of the Black Mountain grew long. Finally, it was all-consuming. Up the slopes, they moved without relent, passing by a fortress of outlaws. They were now negotiating with royal officials. And all around him, William saw a far and beautiful green country.

The criminals were routed, and the complacent had been roused. Yet, even now, heroes and villains alike strove to grow beyond what they were. And as they descended with marvelous speed, midday came on. And William marveled at their haste and thought how he should have arrived had he gone to Gel Carn.

Less than a week, even without divine favor.

How long would he have waited for the tournament, as other men fought and died without his aid? Such a life was not worth living. Thus it was that he came to Isriath's city, now renewed. Roofs had been set, Felix was consulting with several people, and some were taught music there. The sun shone down on them, and new children would come to this place.

Blackfear, still terrible, was now not nearly so hopeless.

Felix ran to him and offered him his armor, and William took it up and, dismounting from Massacre, dressed in it anew. Now clad as death, they went atop Massacre. And she surged onward, running all the faster. William marveled that her sheer muscle power could bear them both.

So it was that they shot through the realm of Lord Tarsus. He found many villages recently put to order by others like Sir Frederick and Fayn. And he learned that the mines had been overgrown with man-eating plants. Yet they had withdrawn and departed with the arrest of Jehair.

On they went through a country being put back to order. Rocks and stones and dusty slopes were no barriers to Massacre. She now took the King's Road, the way of holiness, and surged down it. Such was the haste that it was soon put behind them, and they entered Gel Carn. He saw black dragons flying this way and that with parcels and also many new homesteads being set up. Even now, it seems the plans long put through were made. And many villages had been bolstered by new fighting men.

But the second day passed into night, and still, they rode on. Soon they came to the river and found the ford.

"Who are you?" called a ferryman. "If you've come for the Tournament of Kings, you're too late! You've got less than a day! It's three days out to there!"

"Then we've more than enough time," said William. "Barden, grant us speed!"

Massacre ran back, and William wondered at what she intended. The river before them was as wide, no, less great than Savior's Run. Yet formidable nonetheless.

Massacre began to sprint, running faster and faster along the ferry pier. Then as she reached the end, she leaped.

For an instant, they were shooting over the air like a bird. And finally, they landed on the other side. Through the forests, they went, and none could bar their path. Until they emerged into sight of Gel Carn.

William saw then the sacred place of Harlenor. The city that Anoa had founded in ancient days. Not to resurrect Sendar of old but to bring a new age. Here was where he had fought and labored to save humanity. Here was where the Kings of Old were crowned and where no man had dared invade.

It stood as a white fortress, smaller than others. But marvelous in construction, it caught the rising sun's light. So that as they raced toward it, their eyes were blinded by rays.

So began the last desperate race, shooting fast over the fields toward the city's gates. Faster and faster Massacre ran, clearing the streets like a hurricane. Yet she was touching nothing save the cobblestones. Finally, at last, they came before the tent where admissions were. Dismounting, William moved up to the man.

"Is this the sign-in area for the Tournament of Kings?" asked William.

"It is," said the man.

"So be it," said William. "I intend to enter."

"That is William Gabriel," said one William did not know in the tent.

"He certainly makes an entrance," said a girl.

William Gabriel entered with a chimera and a Calishan following in his footsteps. And there, William saw Varsus speaking with Reginald. Varsus was tall, blonde, and dignified, like Father but less cold. Reginald was like Raynald, but whole of body and unscarred. A sense of joy came to him, and William moved up, not looking at the others yet.

"Varsus? It's been years since we last saw each other," said William.

Varsus, tall, blonde, and dignified like Father but less cold, smiled. "You have grown. What injury caused your voice to change so."

"Oh, this," said William, remembering his helm. "Hold on." He drew off his helmet and put it under one arm. Then he spoke. "The helmet is enchanted to make me more intimidating." His voice was now normal, a proud baritone, but without the unholy rasp.

"The glowing green eyes certainly manage that," said Varsus, smiling a bit. "I wonder if you did not overdo it."

"It was a gift from Rusara," said William. "I didn't want to offend her."

Varsus looked at him. "That scar... how did you get it?"

What scar? Oh, right, the one he'd gotten.

"I was slashed across the eye by a demoness," said William. "It is a bit of a long story. I'm glad to see you again."

They embraced warmly, then broke apart. "As am I," said Varsus. "You were six, I believe when last I met you. You've picked up strange company." His eyes looked warily to the Calishan, and Relma's sense of dread returned.

"Oh, Felix is quite loyal and reliable," said William. "You don't need to fear him. We've been stopping to heal every village we come across throughout our journey. If he were going to betray me, he'd have done it long ago." He had been looking for an excuse to mention healing people, hadn't he?

Varsus shifted. "...You'll forgive me, cousin. But I was not expecting you here. Duke Vanion gave me leave to represent House Gabriel."

"And ordinarily, I'd leave it to you," said William. "Unfortunately, I have to fill in for Raynald. He wanted to come here, but he's needed as a general in Khasmir. There are still raishans about and other duties to fulfill. So he wanted at least one of his students to appear.

"I wanted Tanith to go, but it turns out she disagreed with the local lords. So that left only me. Mother also wanted to go, but my new siblings need her."

Now to get to the mission Father had given him.

"At any rate, there was another reason for me coming down this way," said William. "Father wanted me to deliver some news to Brisgald personally. Auga is to be granted the position of Lord of Carn Gable."

"Auga?" asked Varsus, raising an eyebrow. "I was under the impression that Uncle was keeping Carn Gable for himself."

"He was ruling it through Mother," said William. "But now that the entire family is focused on Artarq, he's decided to make the move official. We need someone over in Carn Gable; we can trust to rule it.

"Auga is smart and capable. We would have chosen you, but you're the heir to Brisgald."

"No offense is taken," said Varsus. "I prefer warmer climates anyway. And my younger sister is well suited for the task." That got a laugh from both of them. "How did Vorn take it?"

"Badly," said William. "He shouted and yelled about being passed over."

"That sounds like him," said Varsus. "Still, Uncle has always assigned positions on merit. And Vorn has little of that."

"You do him a disservice, Varsus," said William. "He's quite intelligent, and there are some things you'll love to hear about."

Varsus nodded and paused for a moment. "I hope you don't expect an easy victory in the tournament, William."

"Far from it," said William. "Truth be told, I don't even expect to win. I'm a good swordsman, but it's never been my best skill."

It was a happy ending.

But the problem with happy endings is that you must live long enough for them to unravel.