Tanith Telus was not happy.

The cover had been nice a while ago with serene waves and blood-soaked rock. Not anymore, since it had been cleaned up and the ships seized. Omar had only been allowed one, which she had not stripped of anything but slaves. Personally, she didn't see why he ought to be let go, but William seemed to think he was honor-bound to do it.

A hundred Babarassian defenders were dead here, two or three of their own. It was a pretty good trade, and that made it boring. Farasa had used them like glorified executioners, ruining the fun.

"I don't see why we had to let those Babarassian pigs go," said a man, who had joined in with her forces.

"This is all their fault anyway," said another one.

"Silence you," said Tanith. "It's a matter of honor and principle.

"William decided that we were honor-bound to do it, so that's as far as the discussion goes! Or do I have to enforce some discipline?"

"They're just going to come back," said the man.

"It doesn't work that way," said Kata.

"Then why don't you tell us how it works, you dark-skinned-" began a man.

"Enough," said Tanith. "We needed someone to bring word on what happened here to the Babarassians. Emile isn't enough, and now they'll be running scared.

"If we let Omar live with some of his treasure, that sends a clear message and gives us an opening to negotiate later. Only an idiot fights a war on two fronts, and we might have to. This is how House Gabriel operates. You negotiate a settlement with someone who is reasonable. Then you crush the people who won't work with you.

"We've already smashed these Babarassians; we've got more important things to deal with."

"What about the colonies?" asked Kata. "The ones in my land."

What was with Kata and her people? Tanith considered how she would react if the Babarassians attempted such a thing. But it wouldn't matter because they would fail miserably. If anything, Tanith thought she'd be angry at her people for being so weak.

But Kata wouldn't like that response.

"They aren't here, and we can't deal with them now," said Tanith. "If Elranor says you'll get your people back. You'll get your people back. Omar being dead won't change anything.

"But, if he's alive and advocates for cutting and running? That might help. He's more useful to House Gabriel alive, and we gave our word, so we'd have to do it anyway. You have to keep your promises."

"Well, what if-" began Kata.

"No Kata," said Tanith. "There is no arguing with that.

"Either your word is worth something, or it isn't. William believed that his promise to Emile applied to Omar. Omar made the smart decision, so that is the end of it. Now, keep control of things here.

"And any of you who know about this, I want you to go to the Paladins. Tell them everything about the gangs. Everything. The operation is moving into their area of influence now that House Gabriel is gone.

"That means if they find any dirty little secrets you didn't tell them about, you'll have a problem. Talk to them, get any plunder you've made official, and help them do whatever they want. Farwa is smart, and she's about to have unrestricted power, or I'm a fool.

"We deal with her, or we deal with King Andoa later."

The men shuddered. King Andoa's reputation proceeded him. No one wanted to be on his bad side, a saint or not.

Then she sighed and walked back down the tunnel, now lit by torches. She felt very low and mournful, and even more so now. It got like this after a bloodletting sometimes.

William had scolded her, rejected her, and sent her off to Rius. She'd known she'd messed up, but she ought to have gone with him. Anyway, she had to return with Kata to where the Paladins had been dismissed. Only Farwa remained, sitting on a box and speaking with Suran.

There was an argument going on. Suran was arguing and motioning to the ships. Farwa seemed irritated with him, but Tanith knew it was no good asking. So she listened in to one side; Paladins were bad at this.

"I just think we should be checking with Rius," said Suran. "This is his city. The rules are clear."

"The rules mean nothing in this context Suran," said Farwa, who looked tired. "Ascorn is in complete chaos. We have a mission, and consulting Rius could compromise or delay us.

"Even if he isn't involved, he'd be a liability."

"We can't just abandon the chain of command when it doesn't suit us," said Suran firmly. "We're in his command right now. Technically."

"You are in my command," said Farwa. "And by the authority invested in me by Lord Dunmoore, we are operating on our own counsel.

"We can't risk it. Am I clear?"

Suran went silent for a moment.

"Yes, ma'am," said Suran.

Tanith sighed, feeling more depressed and despondent by the moment. She doubted she'd sleep very well tonight. Why did she get these moods where she'd feel good and then suddenly feel bad?

Was it because William was gone?

"Why is William sending me off?" muttered Tanith, looking to the rough seas. It was good to see them splashing. "I could go with him a bit. And why do I have to pretend I will betray him anyway? It's not like anybody who knows me would ever think I'd betray him.

"I mean, come on, I'm a knight, and he's the son of my Lord. Never going to happen."

"Ugh, this thing is heavy," said a voice.

Tanith looked up and saw a set of boxes being carried out by Furbearers. Why had they not been shown to William? And why only now when attention had fallen elsewhere. Kata was there and turned to find Tanith before her.

"Tanith, you're back," said Kata

"What's in the box?" asked Tanith.

"Some documents," said Kata. "Shipping records one of my lieutenants wanted." Incriminating documents? That could be useful. "So, where's William?"

"Gone," muttered Tanith. "You won't see him anymore. And there wasn't anything I could do. Jehair and Felix also went out into the wilds and never came back."

"Oh, I see," said Kata, going white. What was her problem?

"...What?" asked Tanith, surprised.

"Nothing, nothing at all," said Kata, looking afraid. It was a good look.

"You should take this stuff to Amenos," said Tanith.

"Why?" asked Kata. "I thought the Dust Elves were on the same side as House Gabriel."

"Side is sort of vague, but yeah, more or less," said Tanith. "If Amenos gets this, we can use it later.

"William's orders."

"His..." Kata halted and raised a hand. "What are you... But you just said... You said you killed him."

Fighting William seemed appealing, but killing him? Never. "Get your mind out of the gutter, Kata. Do you really think I could take all three at once without a scratch? And do so fast enough that nobody noticed? Plus, I'd have to move the bodies or take them out far enough away that no one would notice.

"William is wearing heavy, signature armor. And Jehair has friends all over who know this place better than me. Plus, it'd be very easy to figure out who'd have the opportunity and ability to take them out.

This tale has been unlawfully lifted from Royal Road. If you spot it on Amazon, please report it.

"Although what motive you could give is beyond me."

"Oh, thank death," said Kata.

"You're welcome," said Tanith.

"So what is William's plan?" asked Kata, looking at Tanith.

"At present?" asked Tanith. "He doesn't think Rius has been honest with us. William is afraid that he might have been part of this operation. So he wants me to make myself out as having questionable loyalty or something.

"Really seems like a weak plan, but not my problem. My problem is making it work. I mean, whoever going believe I'd stab William in the back?"

"Believe it or not, a lot of people," said Kata.

Tanith blinked. "... You're serious?"

"Well, you're always talking about how you like killing people," said Kata. "And you had an argument with William earlier where he chewed you out, so-"

"Just because I like killing people doesn't mean I'd betray my friends!" said Tanith. What was wrong with her. "Never mind, this can work in my favor. Help me bring this out to Amenos, will you? Where is he?"

"He has set up operations at the Steel Arm. But the Paladins are there," said Kata.

"Oh good, you can trust them," said Tanith.

"But you said not to trust anybody," said Kata.

"You can trust Elranor. The Paladins are operating as extensions of Elranor's will," said Tanith. "Otherwise, they would not be Paladins."

"How do we know they aren't being deceived?" asked Kata. "They'll surely bring news of the documents right to Rius since he's the legitimate Lord."

Tanith considered that and thought she was right. "Well, what do you suggest instead?"

"We should keep the trunk on my ship, the one you gave me," said Kata. "And we ought to wait for the cover of night before going out to it. If we go out with the trunk now, everyone will see us and wonder what we are doing.

"Someone is sure to figure out, or at least guess near enough that they'll demand an explanation."

"Haven't you been taking plunder?" asked Tanith.

"No," said Kata. "Why would we? Looting and pillaging are wrong."

Kata was weird. "You are new, aren't you?

"The money here is fair game. They were your enemies, and you killed them fairly. You get to take what you want."

"Well, I don't want any of this," said Kata, motioning to other boxes. "What am I going to use it for? It's just a bunch of metal circles you people obsess over. You can't take it with you when you die."

"Buying weapons and armor so you can kill the Babarassians," said Tanith. "Purchasing back the enslaved and sold people before you got here. Purchasing the services of stonemasons to teach your people how to build fortifications. Educate yourself in culture and history that you might learn from both, and rule wisely. Purchasing and creating great works of art to enhance the lives of your people. Paying off unexpected expenses that could otherwise be the pretext for an invasion. Purchasing gifts and proper attire when you go to visit neighboring lands." She took a breath. "Purchasing goods and services from merchants. Hiring mercenaries to assist in wars you aren't qualified for. That and providing the funding necessary to send your agents long distances. Funeral expenses for the fallen. Also, providing worthy sacrifices to the gods in life and repairing structures. Hiring the services of specialists who can perform jobs you can't. Buying information from abroad. Bribing enemy agents. Paying ransom for captured warriors, so the enemy doesn't execute-"

"Okay, fine, so it's pretty useful before you die," said Kata. "We'll take it with us. What now?"

"I'd also take the ships in the cove," said Tanith. "They'll be pretty useful for a getaway; as for what now, you've won a decent victory here. You've gotten back some of your kidnapped people. And you have a ship to get them out.

"You could probably head back to your old lands, though I'd ask Amenos for some seamen to help. I'll put in a word for him. On the other hand, you could try to get back the people who have already been taken." She didn't need them anyway.

"Do you think we can actually do that?" asked Kata.

"Well, a direct flight would never work," said Tanith. "The cargo has been shipped, and they won't give it up, whatever law or honor says. Your prisoners know what is happening here and could ruin Rius' reputation if he has a chance to talk.

"So Rius will want him back.

"You could bargain with him to try and buy back your people. Just don't make it a threat, and wait to give them up until you have a guarantee with witnesses. Make sure the witnesses aren't in his pocket. Amenos would be good; Dust Elves are big on their word.

"But you'll also want someone of similar rank. Ordinarily, William would be a good choice, but he's away. I'm around the same level as Rius, and there might be some Paladins.

"I'll get his word in public, so everyone will know if he lies," said Kata.

"It doesn't work like that," said Tanith, leaning against the side of the boat. "Look, the word of a noble is worth a lot. A few commoners say they saw what they saw is not worth nearly as much as Rius. Sure, everybody in Ascorn will know, but Rius can just attribute it to hearsay if he decides to cheat you.

"Also, circumventing the system will make all the other nobles uneasy. Most of the people out here are neutral to you at best. Start deviating from how things are supposed to be done without a good reason. You're going to alienate some of them."

At that moment, a Furbearer with brown hair tied up above his head came forward. He was shorter than Kata and had an axe by his side. "Kata?"

"What is is, Sokar?" asked Kata.

"Lord Rius is here," said Sokar.

Kata looked panicked.

"Well, we're going to have to meet him, then," said Tanith.

"What do I do?" asked Kata.

Tanith bit her lip. "Leave this to me.

"You stand in the background and speak only when spoken to. You're better off having Rius think you're a complete nonentity. He won't take any countermeasures if he doesn't think you have any will.

"Assuming he's actually acting in bad faith.

"For all we know, he's come to offer to ransom all your countrymen from the plantations. As a show of goodwill."

"It could happen," said Sokar.

Tanith turned to see Lord Rius approaching with armed guards. The streets were almost clean by now, and a lot of effort had reduced the smell. The piles of burning refuge had died down, and there were ashes. And most of the bodies had been given a proper burial. Also, the streets were a bit clearer, with many gangs dead or moving off.

There is no sign of Aras, though.

Moving to meet Rius, she nodded.

"Lady Telus, you're here at last. Is this the leader of the Furbearers?" asked Rius.

"Yes, this is Princess Kata," said Tanith, motioning to her. "She's one of the main reasons we could subdue the Babarassians as quickly as she did.

"Her people have been enslaved and sold here illegally by them."

"I see," said Rius. "It is unfortunate to see how much damage Reg has done. I shall be certain to set things to right. How many of your people are here, Princess Kata?"

"My people..." Kata gave a very good impression of nervousness. "The Babarassians slavers seized us. They said that they were acting with your authorization. If William hadn't saved my ship, we'd have ended up in the same place.

"We owe you great thanks."

"You need not thank me," said Rius. "I'm afraid we've all had the same problems. I was a prisoner in my house until recently.

"Tell me, where is Sir Gabriel? I do not note him among your number."

"William is gone," said Tanith sadly. "He went off into the wilderness, and I don't think he'll be coming back here for a long time." Another wasted opportunity for bloodletting.

"Oh, I see," said Rius, not sounding sad. "I was hoping to thank him for his assistance. Tanith, walk with me, will you? We need to discuss events."

"I believe that I should-" said Tanith.

"I must ask you to be patient," said Rius. "This is a Harlenorian matter."

Tanith did so, and Rius looked at her.

"So, Tanith, perhaps you could explain William's sudden disappearance and why it happened?" asked Rius, smiling.

"William wants to get to Gel Carn," said Tanith with a shrug. "He's already behind schedule as it is. Do you really think he'd waste his time healing all these commoners if it wasn't his house on the line?"

"You sound bitter," noted Rius, touching her shoulder.

"Is it wrong?" asked Tanith, dearly wanting to stab him. It would be so easy. "I come out here to escort him; he stirs up the embers. Then he leaves me to finish and hold the Furbearer's hands. Ever since I joined back with him, we've been hunting demons or healing people. Hardly any plunder or rewards.

"There are other things I'd rather be doing."

"Such as?" asked Rius with a smile.

"Plundering the riches of Calisha or Babarassia might be a start," said Tanith, looking west. That was true.

"Well, I imagine you may get your wish at this stage," said Rius. "Lord Dunmoore will be here soon, and I plan to ready a fleet. Our intention is to retake the land that the Babarassians stole.

"There should be a full campaign with potential for both our houses to make an immense profit."

"Then why isn't Kata here? She is the authority on the subject?" asked Tanith.

"Pay that savage no mind," said Rius. "You've indulged her so far, but her people and their fate are of no concern in the grand scheme. The nobility is called to look beyond such matters and make decisions for the good of all.

"It is a high and lonely destiny, but once you learn to live with it."

"Kata could still be a problem," said Tanith, shaking her head. "If her people decide to pick a fight rather than go back to how things were, they could get sympathy from commoners. It could make things difficult."

"Do you have a solution?" asked Rius.

"Kata could also prove useful," said Tanith, looking her way. Kata was speaking with Sokar in private. Their gaze met. "Her people know their own lands well, better than us. With their knowledge of the terrain, we could take down the Babarassians more easily. Unfortunately, it would also divide many of their soldiers up as guides.

"So they won't be able to pose a threat."

"Do you think they are a threat?" asked Rius.

"I think they'll fight rather than accept an overlord," said Tanith. "They've got a taste of blood and power, and they like it. Kata is smart for one of its kind.

"Using them at least gets them out of your city, makes them useful, and helps Dunmoore or whoever is in charge."

"I see," said Rius. "You raided a Babarassian fleet, didn't you?"

"William led us in," said Tanith.

"Were there any prisoners? Any documentation?" asked Rius keenly.

"Well, there were," said Tanith. "But William left the illiterate Furbearers in charge of their cells. And I'm here talking with you and could be delayed, while Kata has no idea how these things work.

"Give them a day and... well, these things have a way of working themselves out."

Rius considered it. "Then there is no sense in causing a stir.

"We'd best prepare to meet Lord Dunmoore. I will be relying on you a great deal for what comes next."

"William ordered me to put myself at your disposal," said Tanith. "Until I receive orders to the contrary, I'm your knight."

Rius smiled. "Thank goodness."

Now was where things got dicey.