William returned to Ran Telus and had a sense of homecoming; seeing familiar sights with new eyes was nice. So they emerged from the trees into the welcome air of full daylight. William picked up her tracks and realized he'd picked up a thing or two from Jehair. Not that he'd ever need it.

Henceforth, he meant to stick to the roads.

One that he'd expected to feel at Carn Gable. It was a bitter realization that the home he grew up in meant almost nothing to him. It was a dark, hazy memory with some good spots, even though no one had hated him. Most of what he remembered was his lessons, often taking him to the surrounding area.

But then, he'd always liked this prosperous and busy city better than Carn Gable. The flowing banners and good stonework were nice. So often, they had journeyed to it and neighboring areas. As they walked, however, William noticed many similarly dressed men standing to attention. They were nominally members of the King's army, yet they looked entirely out of place.

They were not looking or pillaging. Were they all Babarassians? Why make such a public showing at all? Indeed, they could not have been stupid enough to think they could take this place. And there was militia near each one.

Why such a savage rejection as though desperate?

It must have been the end of some old plot the bridge guard was trying to conceal. No doubt Arkan would figure it out soon enough.

"Ran Telus at last," said Kata. Her tone spoke volumes of what she thought of it. William didn't blame her.

"This place is amazing," said Oresa, looking at the colorful banners. Her tone also spoke volumes.

"Much more impressive than my home," laughed William. "Though less defensible. To tell you the truth, my home has always been less luxurious. I wish we were coming here in better circumstances."

"Won't you be recognized?" asked Kata.

"No, I don't think I will," said William. There were those magnificent gates they had entered through before. "The William Gabriel who came through here last time was a less impressive figure. I have several scars and a different manner. It should be enough to fool one I am not familiar with." And he brought to mind the horrors he had suffered and tried to look a lot less vicious. "Well, for a start, Oresa, you will walk ahead.

"Be friendly and innocent, and I will walk behind. Kata, you and I shall walk behind her as mercenary protectors. Try to look sour, and don't mention your heritage."

"Why?" asked Kata.

"I want to attract attention to her as the dim-witted innocent," said William. "Not I, the ruthless veteran, or what have you. If she is in command, they won't take us seriously."

"You look like about as much a ruthless war veteran as a puppy," said Kata with a laugh.

"A scarred puppy," said Oresa.

It was laughter that William did not share.

"Be that as it may," said William. "I will not be taking chief place as we enter. I want someone to see you as a mark, Oresa, and me as someone who can be subverted to get to you.

"Kata, you are now my unreliable native sidekick. So play your parts, and let's start looking."

"What are we looking for?" asked Kata.

"I have no idea," said William.

On they went, Oresa at the head, her loose clothing flowing around her as she leaned over to look at wells. And also to gaze at stone walls and ask about their construction to no one in particular. The odd thing was that people seemed to disregard how little she wore, as though it didn't matter.

Did she have divine ancestry?

William moved forward, and Oresa went ahead to the guard. "Um, excuse me, sir, I'm Princess Oresa, and these nice people have been escorting me. I was wondering if the Lord Edmund Telus is here."

"A Princess?" asked the guard. "From where?"

"Um, a far-off land called Eastern Kalthak," said Oresa. "See, I'm separated from my companions and don't know anyone here. My Father is a long way off and has a lot of daughters, so nobody will come looking for me or anything."

"You really should put something on and find somewhere safe," said the guard. "Don't go anywhere near the market squares. Find the, uh, the Ancient Horses Inn. It's a good place, a decent innkeeper, and safe.

"Don't go anywhere near the places on the shore. That's where mercenaries and less savory folk are. Some won't be here in a while, so Lord Telus can't do justice to them."

"Thanks a lot," said Oresa.

The streets at this port were clean, and the people were not ill or injured. The guards were well disciplined and kept watch without imposing themselves. The buildings were in good repair, and the fresh sea air was beautiful.

Now he knew why his fond memories were here.

This was the city of a good Lord, a place of life and beauty. His experiences and victories had not diminished it. On the contrary, only made him appreciate it all the more, now knowing the alternative. There was a city across the channel with all the same advantages. And it was hell.

The difference was the man who ruled it.

Tanith had a Father to be proud of. He hoped she knew that.

Even so, William rapidly concluded that there was something special about Oresa. There was a purity or innocence to her that people picked up on. Some people looked up at her orange hair and scoffed. Others sighed, while still more just walked off, but a few looked a bit better for having seen her.

She talked to people, asking them about what happened in these places. William knew the answers; however, there was the fletcher's shop. There, some of the best arrows in Haldren were made. There was also an armorer, where Duke Vanion had gotten the armor for his elite troops.

"Why not look for Edmund Telus?" asked Kata quietly.

"We'd never find him," said William, keeping his gaze on Oresa. "And if Prince Aras is against us, we cannot defeat him. He's much better than me; we'd never find him anyway. Besides, you don't kill royalty; it's not done." Focus on purity and innocence being somehow wrong."

William halted and looked over to one side. On a stall before him, he saw a mirror. A woman was there.

"Will you look into the mirror?" asked the woman.

"What will I see except myself?" asked William.

"This mirror is blessed by the magic of the Mirror of Laevian," said the woman. "You may see who you are. If you dare look."

William raised it to his eyes. In it, he was a man, though younger than most. His eye bore a scar of a battle over it, but it had not destroyed the picture of nobility he could represent. His garb was travel-stained and mismatched, his hair ragged. His sword was black as night, but it did not hide who he was.

William smiled and put the mirror down. He nodded to the woman. "Thank you."

"What you saw was yourself," said the woman.

William turned away.

"What did you see?" asked Oresa.

"A noble among commoners who are kind enough to humor him," said William.

William wondered what the terrible person he'd imagined himself as was thinking. It seemed wrong to forget him entirely. Likely he suspected this was set up to make the betrayal crueler. But, whoever it was, it hardly mattered anymore.

His soul was lost.

To William Gabriel.

They walked many places Oresa led them, and William was content for her to be happy. She and Kata seemed to get on well, but he trailed behind and wondered what Melchious was thinking now. Had it been Melchious or another like him? Perhaps there were many of them.

Not all could be so ruined.

Had Melchious laughed with him, or was he infuriated that anyone should feel true joy? He hadn't had anything to do with this. Were William and Melchious thinking the same thing right now about one another?

"How much for the girl?" asked a man.

William turned to him and, at first, thought Lamech was behind him. Yet as he looked, William realized his eyes had no glow. His armor was gone for a moment if he'd ever worn it. Now, all he saw was a man trying to make his way.

Kata came up behind William as he removed his gloves and splashed water on his face to wash it off. Then, he becomes a bit more presentable. It looked better now.

Who was he?

"We're going to the Lady Telus at once," said William.

"That would be a very unwise move, Sir Gabriel," said a voice.

William looked up and saw a familiar, mustached man. What was his name? William had been so occupied he'd nearly forgotten it. Oh yes, Lilas. Hadn't he mistreated his workers?

"Oh, Lilas, you're here," said William. "I'm pleased someone is. How can I help?"

"Not here; we must speak somewhere else safe," said Lilas quickly. "You may find this place more hostile than you remember. The situation has changed."

"Very well," said William. "Lead on.

"Oresa, Kata, stay close and ready." He wondered if Lilas had heard his conversation and sincerely doubted it. If he had, Lilas would be running and not approaching him.

Lilas led William to a grand-looking building with a large gate and many windows. Motioning to it, he smiled. "This is a brothel, one of several such establishments I've created. Lady Telus had a notable interest in some among them."

"Are you insulting my friend? Or trying to discredit me?" asked William.

"Merely noting that such a place is a common visiting location for soldiers," said Lilas.

William knew this to be a lie. Tanith had never visited a brothel in her career; she'd always said she'd like to conquer her prey. And since Duke Vanion was at war with organized crime, the soldiers had been kept away from brothels, on penalty of a fine.

"Show me your trade records, now," said William.

Lilas seemed surprised by this and a bit worried. "As you wish.

"Though I'd hoped to be taking at face value. This way."

"Oresa, Kata, can you read Haldrenian," asked William. "It's a runic script focusing on being short and to the point?" He let a threat stay in the last statement; he wanted to appear as a mere brute.

"Yes," said Kata.

"I can't," said Oresa.

William said nothing, and Lilas looked a bit worried. They went in by a side door, and William checked his corners. One man moved forward, having an axe, but William looked at him. Then, several men. "Get out, all of you. I'm here on business from House Telus."

The guards hesitated and looked to Lilas, who went white.

"Now," said William.

"Yes, sir," they said. They nodded and walked out.

You might be reading a pirated copy. Look for the official release to support the author.

Lilas opened his mouth as if to call them back but halted. He was not respected by military men. No guard would be stupid enough to cross nobility. Let alone the well-known son of an ally of House Telus. Lilas suddenly realized he was on his own before three hazardous people. Hurriedly, he gave me a book to him.

"Lilas, please sit down," said William. "Oresa, Kata, watch that door, but don't be a menace. I don't want there to be any blood."

William took the records and began to scan through them. These were just in Ran Telus and the businesses in this place, but it was immense. He imported fine silk to cloth his employees. He had contacts with merchants all over Antion and Haldren. Food and spices were imported from the Islands of Power for prices far too reasonable to be uninformed.

Many herbs were grown in Blackfear, and he made vast sums of money based on these numbers. Looking up at Lilas, William flipped through several more pages. "Where is the rest?"

"Each of my trade posts has its own documentation," said Lilas. "The numbers and dates are all in my head. I reference them as they arrive."

"I see," said William. He checked further. He noticed that a lot of Furbearer quilts were shipped before enslavement. So, repayment of his debts was still waiting. "Tell me about your profits in the King's Road, Kata; take notes."

Lilas halted. "I don't remember them."

"I see," said William. "Give me a rough estimate."

"I make much money from the King's Road," said Lilas. "There is extensive traffic."

"And Blackfear?" asked William.

"I have no holdings in Blackfear," said Lilas.

"Then I have been misinformed," said William. "Since several reliable sources say you do."

"I may have a few herb gardens that I profit from," said Lilas. "But it is nothing significant."

William saw the notes on the King's Road in the book itself. The costs for moving Sornian goods along it were far too low. You'd need guards and a lot of money for tolls. It seemed like something was being covered up.

So William asked question after question, and Oresa sketched it out.

"I'm sure it is," said William after a moment. "If all this is accurate, then you are a loyal and humble servant of the realm. However, you should know that many of these investments will be disrupted soon."

"Is there some move I should know of?" asked Lilas, now feeling more confident. Oresa looked relieved now. She'd had pity on Lilas.

"No," said William. "I am simply stating that Antion is in chaos. Everything is being reorganized in preparation for the Heir of Kings. I'd hate for you or anyone else to lose their livelihood."

"Divine favor often needs a helping hand," said Lilas. Oresa frowned at this.

"I would argue the helping hand needs divine favor," said William, putting the book down. Time to manipulate this man. "Explain why you feel I shouldn't go and visit a longtime friend?"

"Well, the Lady Mara is hardly an imposing figure. Edmund Telus is gone and has been for some time, as is Prince Aras," said Lilas, relieved at the subject change. "And when Tanith arrived, hearing House Gabriel was betrayed, she hurried to the castle immediately. Many remarked she was intent on violence, and the castle has been locked down."

"Tanith Telus would never harm her Mother," said William, shocked and appalled at the idea.

"Wars can change one, milord," said Lilas, giving what might have been a sad smile. It ended up looking smug instead. No doubt, he was pleased with knowing something William didn't know. In reality, Lilas knew nothing.

"Tell me about this Black Ice," said William. He understood nothing.

"An employee of House Hawkthorne," said Lilas. "He arrived here with those gathering to fight the Babarassians. After a dragon destroyed them, a very convenient event, they were out of work. So House Hawkthorne has been gathering people here since.

"One can only wonder what they intend now." Lilas had pegged William as a hero.

So why was he now treating William like an idiot? Surely, the fact that William had wanted to read his documents meant he was intelligent. Especially since he had talked down those thugs and had Lilas' men walk out.

Was it possible that Lilas assumed only stupid people were good?

It would explain a great deal. Some had told William that politics was a game, but House Gabriel never subscribed to view. Politics was about people and how to get them to do what they wanted. And also making sure what you wanted was good for you.

Father wanted power; everything he did was to that end. William wanted to heal people and gain great renown. What did Lilas want? He obviously had no pride, and he had money.

"What would you say they intend?" asked William.

"What can only speculate at his point," said Lilas. "But, Lords seldom send armed men into other domains without reason."

That was objectively untrue.

Harlenor had a very, very large population of mercenaries for hire. They were in constant circulation. Argath Marn had gained fame, as had Father and Raynald and many others. Warriors went into it and took sides to make connections and become great. All so that they could be rewarded justly for their efforts.

But then Lilas didn't believe in rewarding people, did he? William remembered the men he'd mistreated in Ascorn. Obviously, he had contempt for those he had passed by in the race, so to speak. Perhaps because they reminded him of where he came from?

"And Black Ice?" asked William.

"A notable enforcer, known for his brutal behavior," said Lilas. "He has been waiting with uncharacteristic gentility. But it is brought to me that he murdered a woman and her child in Ascorn." There could have been such a thug, but such a man would never command the respect of warriors. Brutality was not admired; strength was.

Children died in war. That didn't mean people wanted babies on spikes.

"What other accomplishments does he have?" asked William.

"He apparently cut down a crowd of Babarassians in Ascorn," said Lilas. "A demon with a sword, they say. You might enjoy fighting him. It was said that he murdered his own Father and sister."

Why did he keep treating William like an idiot? There would always be atrocities so long as there was war. Tanith had committed her fair share. Yet, William was friends with her because he was responsible for her. What did this man think? That because this Black Ice had done atrocities, William would go out sword drawn?

Lilas seemed to need clarification. Good gods, this man was terrible at controlling himself. William guessed that he operated by being beneath notice. So once someone paid attention to him, he had no idea how to operate. Or he was just really bad at this.

"How unfortunate," said William. "Tell me of the debts House Telus has incurred?"

Now, Lilas looked less concerned and took on a scheming fashion. As though reflecting William's own nature. "They are quite substantial, I gather.

"Indeed, Baron Hawkthorne came here to negotiate them. There were plans for a political marriage, and Prince Aras came here. Shortly before your associates assassinated Lord Rius."

"Has anyone tried to kill them yet?" asked William.

"That isn't the direct action men take in this place," said Lilas. Assuming William's persona was correct. "I gather you've learned a different kind of politics. House Gabriel is well known for paying its debts."

William decided he was going to screw with this man. So he put on the very image of a concerned and compassionate Paladin. "Where are the sick and injured? I must tend to them at once."

"Edmund Telus has not allowed the Healer's Guild to bring in inefficiencies," said Lilas.

"Then there are no sick or injured? No one in need?" asked William.

"The stalwart priests of Elranor continue to operate," said Lilas. Who probably took his commentary for mockery? It was, but only if he was involved in the Healer's Guild.

"And what of the people here?" asked William. "What of the soldiers who are camped across the countryside? Have they abused their power? Are the people well fed?"

"Things have been tense, and yes, they are," said Lilas, trying to figure out what he was getting at. "A center of trade is a good area of operation for merchants."

Money was everything to this man.

"Do you worship Coinfurth?" asked William.

"The priests have taught me much about religion," said Lilas.

William considered killing him then and there. It was an unworthy thought, but he had it. He wasn't sure why he loathed this man so much. "Ascorn didn't look nearly so prosperous.

"How is this connected to Rius?"

"Everyone had a connection to the late and lamented Lord Rius," said Lilas, tone holding a note of sarcasm. "He was very polite and a good host but lacked mercantile skill. Mostly, he was given his bribes and let men do as they wished.

"It was a free market."

"Not when I arrived there," said William before drawing out Larxe's list. "Everyone on this list is probably dead. Werewolves verified this information."

Lilas looked at it and looked concerned; he must have known some of these men. There was anger but no grief. "I see.

"How did they die?"

"Devoured by starving vampires, among other fates," said William. "I gather Elranor didn't care for sanctioning infant sacrifice.

"It appears there are limits even to what the church will do."

"There's no such thing as a limit, Sir Gabriel," said Lilas. "Only somewhere you haven't reached yet."

"Be careful where you reach," said William, voice going harsh. "You own a lot more than is standard for a merchant. What is your connection to House Telus?"

"Lady Telus and myself were old friends," said Lilas. "Though she may not remember as such."

"Why was Tanith Telus not included in Rius' meetings?" asked William. "It did not seem her consent was relevant," said Lilas.

"For?" asked William.

Lilas halted. "Tavish Kern apparently likes her. He has been looking for an excuse to get her to open her legs for some time."

"Meaning?" asked William, who knew Tavish wanted marriage. He was about ready to kill this man. His casual disrespect was disgraceful.

"He is seeking a marriage arrangement to get into nobility," said Lilas, now off guard. "A common slur I picked up in some of the worse parts of Escor."

"Go on," said William.

"He arranged for Anborn, the firstborn son of Edmund Telus, to be given a position," said Lilas. "I gather Tanith was upset it was not given to her. So she brutalized her brother and forced him to fight on the front lines." It was as though Kata did not even exist. Oresa was now looking thoughtful.

"Who hired the Babarassians?" asked William flatly. But, of course, no one had hired the Babarassians. They'd done it independently, but Lilas might not know that.

"...Lord Kern," said Lilas, becoming nervous.

"How do you know this?" asked William.

"I was at the meeting," said Lilas. "Many things were discussed. It was scheduled beforehand."

"And you didn't feel obligated to talk to a member of House Telus when you were arranging this?" asked William. "Tanith was in a high position of authority."

"I was there by the authority of King Gavin," said Lilas. "I am still a royal financier, after all. The streets were unsafe, and there was little-"

"The streets weren't unsafe," said Kata, standing up. "We'd secured them by then, I remember; I was there. All our operations pulled people out of the slave camps Tavish was freeing."

Lilas halted and looked to Kata, then William. "Would you believe the words of a Furbearer slave over a fellow noble?"

William motioned to Kata, and she sat down. "Explain what you mean by that?"

"Well," said Lilas. "I am nobility. I am the official of certain unprofitable lands on the border with the Wood Elves. A wasteland of no real value or strength.

"I departed it ages ago to seek service under King Gavin as a financier. That was nearly thirty years ago. That was where I met the Lady Telus and eventually began operations here. Similar to your own story.

"Your books provided me with several opportunities."

"I am quite sure they did," said William, feeling any respect for the man crumbles to dust. It would be one thing if he'd been a nobody who'd worked his way up from nothing. But now, it was plain that he had abandoned the realm he was supposed to rule. And it was hardly a wasteland. "You know that that region is growing in prosperity, yes?"

"Well, the wonders of the economy," said Lilas.

"No, the wonders of good rule," said William. "The neighboring houses have been taking up positions of authority there. House Korlac initiated a hanging of two druids there. Some Lord's sons speak openly of taking power there.

"Hardly anyone even remembers you were ever there. So it might be wise to return and set matters to rights."

"I appreciate your concern," said Lilas, an edge in his tone. "But it's a minor trade outpost in a much larger realm. Hardly worth the trouble of one with my resources."

As expected.

"Who got the Babarassian's royal army uniforms?" asked William finally. "I know House Gabriel didn't."

It could not be Tavish Kern because he aimed for a political marriage. It could not be King Gavin because the Babarassians would take his Kingdom. Kern was an extension of the King, and Lilas could not accuse him. Acas in the north was too distant, and Haldren needed help to arrange it.

"...I don't remember," said Lilas.

"Think of some names," said William, picking up the book. "Get them to King Gavin. Do you have a spare version of this book?"

"Yes," said Lilas.

"Good, because I'm keeping this one," said William, standing up. "Show me the brothels; now I want to see the girls."

"Of course, sir," said Lilas, regaining confidence. So there were other documents, but this one only scratched the surface. And he led him into a side room.

Lilas assembled a row of beautiful, scantily clad women. Their bodies were very nice, but they were smiling. Many had unnatural proportions, which ought to be impossible due to magic. There was a glow to them, but it wasn't like Oresa. It was false, a violation.

"They seem very happy given their employment," said William.

"Too happy," said Kata.

"Well, getting someone to love their work is easy," said Lilas. "Just find someone from the worst hell on earth, and this place becomes heaven."

That kind of thinking would make the world hell. "A dangerous assumption," said William. "People can think. There's a price to everything." And he turned to walk out. "Everything."

Then, as he reached the door's threshold, he turned back to Lilas, who was already looking at the whores. "Oh, and Lilas..."

"Yes?" asked Lilas.

What to say?

"Your loyalty to Harlenor should be greater than your desire for profit," said William. "If you interfere with the security of Harlenor again, you'll hang next to Cirithil when I meet him in Antion.

"Understand."

Lilas smiled. "I understand, of course."

"Good," said William. "Don't make me come down here again."

William walked out with a sigh. It was dark now, with dusk fading into twilight. The stars were blazing above, and the air was crisp and clear. He was sure he could make good on this boast; Lilas ran with many people, and House Gabriel was powerful. Having them both hanging at his initial arrival might take some doing. But it could be done if Lilas crossed the nation again. It might be a moot point if King Gavin could have done better on these reports.

Aras came forward as they entered the town square, garbed in black. He pulled back his hood, and William thought rough living suited him better. "Excellent work.

"If you continue like, we'll be in for either a golden age or a brutal civil war."

"We might have both at this rate," said William. "Prince Aras.

"I was given to believe you were absent."

"One has to take plain guises now and then," said Aras. "This situation has left me with little faith in humanity."

"At least there is humanity to redeem itself," said Kata sadly.

"What exactly is going on here?" asked William, feeling much better that he hadn't killed Lilas.

"Those soldiers in royal colors came here months ago," said Aras. "They had the uniforms set up long ahead of things. Then, they disguised themselves as merchants and took on a new form.

"And they've burned their dead in secret.

"I had not known they were Babarassians, however. When I arrived, they came out and declared for me. Edmund and I immediately went into hiding for obvious reasons."

"It must have been part of a larger plan," said Kata. "The Babarassians conquer the Furbearers, and the men here open the gates of House Telus to them.

"Smart."

"Yes, I imagine the arrival of a giant dragon to burn their new colonies to ashes changed the situation," said Aras. "They were caught in their own trap then. They had no means of escape and no means of security except keeping the facade up.

"My Father was moving to set up defenses at Carn Gable and deal with it directly. I'm afraid he may be operating on a less favorable view of your Father's actions. But since that area was unoccupied, I fear it may have been taken.

"I'm sure we can work this out, however."

"What now?" asked Oresa.

"I need a meal and a hot bath," said William.

And they did.

The tavern they went to was nice, with music and many good drinks. William enjoyed it, and they spoke of many things. Aras, evidently, did not think there was any great crisis. And William took his word for it.

"So Jehair, is she?" asked Areas.

"In prison," said William. "Assuming the werewolves haven't killed her."

Aras looked concerned. "You'd best explain."

William explained at length, and as he did, he felt much better. Aras smoked his pipe while making no comment.

"Why did you choose to arrest her?" asked Aras. "You could have simply pretended it didn't happen."

"It was a choice between her glory and my glory," said William. "I considered letting the matter.

"But I decided it would not be right for her to be the hero. So now there is no hero."

"Well, at least things are finally settling down," said Kata.

"You assume that something isn't going wrong," said William.

"Not this time, it won't," said Aras. "And if it does, the Gods will receive a strongly worded letter."

William laughed.

He was looking forward to meeting King Gavin.