More healing villages. Several, in fact.

Yet another miserable, tedious job he had to do on top of everything else. This sort of thing had happened before in Antion. Harlenorians had done worse to people who they believed had committed heresy. Even so, William found the faith of these people weak indeed.

But he healed them anyway.

There was no great religious revelation or thank yous of any kind. Nobody expected him to do the work, and nobody thought it was important.

At last, the time came to say goodbye to their beautiful companions.

"Well," said Janice. "Mother will be pleased to have cut the church out of some power. And now we have a free hand to actually worship without the priests getting in the way."

"Civil unrest shouldn't be nearly as much of a problem with the plague dealt with," said Jaina. "Thank you, William."

"Of course, we couldn't have done it without your chimera friend," said Grace, scratching Massacre behind the ears. "I'd love to see you again."

"I'm probably going to go on a mission to Blackfear soon," said Jaina. "Mother wants to examine things down there. We might cross paths."

"I'll look forward to it," said William. He enjoyed having all three of the beautiful sisters present.

Jaina in particular.

For a moment, he found himself stunned by their combined beauty.

Then he turned and walked away, finding a smile on his face.

As if some divine revelation or power had been broken.

William didn't get it, and he didn't particularly care. So long as they improved their lives, who was he to pass judgment.

"Why did that prostitute once answer to the name Maius?" asked Felix.

"Well," said Jehair. "It has become the custom for prostitutes in Antion to answer to the name of foreign goddesses. It keeps things impersonal, and I believe it was used to wedge the door open.

"The only good reason a priest would have to go to a brothel would be an exorcism of some sort."

"I'm sure that there are other reasons, but I take your point," said William, feeling disgusted now. There went his good mood. "So much for the glorious Realm of the Gods."

"Not all gods subscribe to your ideal of holiness," said Jehair.

"Elranor is the only god I have," said William.

And so the tedious, boring dream continued, healing and driving out false priests. He even dealt with a few plague demons. William more and more began to feel as though he were someone else. A sort of self-righteous spirit that wished only to be rewarded. He didn't know where such thoughts came from, so he attributed them to foreign influence.

Could it be the influence of the Urishia? He'd heard rumors talking about him.

Everything around him was foreign now. A different world, a different place he was never meant to come to. Or was never meant to come here for. Baltoth had probably been observing this from a dark tower and laughing the whole time.

"Things have been getting better," said Felix suddenly.

"Things have been getting better!" said William, incredulous. "Are you mad?! You pick now to start having a positive outlook on life?!"

"I'm obligated to have something positive to say at some point," said Felix.

"You don't have a contract!" said William. "You could have quit our service anytime you wanted! And how are things getting better?"

"Your name is in the ascent," said Felix. "Your political opposition is destroyed or eating itself alive. You have dismantled the decadent and useless systems of religion. All while still keeping the High Priest alive.

"This ensures that he will discredit the old system long after you've taken power. That will buy the new system, set up by Atravain, time to flourish.

"The warrior's traditions of Harlenor are being resurrected in Antion. These skirmishes will prevent potential threats and prepare you for war. Harlenor is saved; it rises from the ashes of Rius burning as a phoenix of ancient Namina."

"When we stand before a heavenly city with our enemies far behind and hope," said William. "Then I will share in that joy." He looked to Jehair, who was adjusting her hair. It seemed a slightly different hue.

"Bah," said Massacre.

"No, Massacre, we aren't going to hurt anyone," said William. "I've had all I can take of that. We're going to Brisgald."

"Bah," said Massacre.

"No more adventures," said William. "I want a nice visit with my extended family without any cities getting burned down. Is that so much to ask?"

"You'd be surprised," laughed Felix.

"Yes, it is an uncommonly usual occurrence," said Jehair. "Though less so than before, more's the pity. I have never liked cities."

William knew this statement was completely true. So why say it if not to emphasize the fact? He began to think she'd been much more involved in all this than before. And so they rounded the bend and saw Brisgald.

It loomed over them like a dark and terrible tower worthy of any dark lord. The walls were as high as Father had described them. On the walls were many dark-clad warriors bearing arrows and swords. The skulls of the ornaments were all around, while the towers raised like a claw reaching to heaven.

It would have been very menacing. But it was a bright, sunny day with no mist, and a farmer was bringing a shipment of hay to market. The buildings were all well made, and the people were well fed. Uncle had done his work well, though the hanging body of a murderer from the noose was disturbing.

A guard stood by, and a very old sign was put up;

"Hung on conviction of patricide," said the sign.

So all was really as it should be. The underbrush had been well cut back from the road, so travelers need not fear ambush. And the area around the fortress was well maintained. As they walked, he saw many rows of apple trees, also guarded with a high fence around them. The guards were well-disciplined, for they kept a clear eye.

And one man could be seen pruning such an apple tree. He had a long, blonde beard, and he wore a cap on his head. His garments were practical and brown, and he was strong limbed with two guards around him. At the base of the tree was leaning a huge war hammer.

Then he looked up. "William?"

William blinked. "Uncle Arthur?" He drew off his helm and let his hair fall around him. "How did you know?"

At once, Arthur stepped down and nodded to a man nearby to take up his word. Then he moved forward and opened the gate. "The armor was described by Rusara's letter. Although I must say, you arrived a bit later than I'd hoped. And you're a bit taller.

"What kept you?"

"That is a story I can't explain in one conversation," said William. "So I will just say 'Antion.'"

Arthur laughed merrily and embraced him. William halted, shocked at the feeling of his uncle's arms around him. It felt... good. Father never had this kind of physical affection with William.

"Well, that is the usual problem," said Arthur. "I suspected trouble when Varsus arrived without any trouble at all. I'm afraid the boy is a bit too practical for his own good.

"He needs to learn to be more of a people person. Fortunately, Reginald and Ham went with him, or they were going to meet Ham."

"Many I have met have the opposite fault," said William. He'd heard about Ham Hawkthorne and didn't understand what Varsus saw in him. The three had struck up a friendship in an inn and went on several quests together in the day.

That was how Auga had joined them. Varsus had found her on one such quest.

Arthur nodded. "Yes, Lord Rius was never one to oppose another, even when he ought to. I heard of what happened to him. He was in precisely the wrong job for his type, a port like Ascorn needs a hand of steel.

"They should have given the position to House Korlac long ago. But I suppose the border with Sorn has always been more trouble. And trade has increased a great deal since your Father took Artarq. So perhaps Rius was simply out of his element."

"We'll never know now," said William. "This is Jehair."

"We have met," said Arthur. "How have you been leading him?"

"He wanted to go by all the worst paths," said Jehair. "Everyone would have preferred to take an easy route here. But he ended up going to virtually every village and losing a lot of money."

"Everyone except me," said Arthur. "I have never tolerated the behavior that happened out there. Either among commoners or nobility.

"A ruler ought to be stern about these things. Vanion tries to work with everyone, but there comes the point where you have to lay down the law or lose everything. That's what happened with Rius. And this must be Felix, the invaluable companion, and friend."

"Felix is a trusted companion, yes," said William. "Please do not put him in an inconvenient position."

Arthur nodded. "Of course. Why don't we dine at my castle, and we can discuss all this at length."

They had not gotten far toward the gate when it opened. Into view came a brown-haired woman with freckles. She had a long sword at her side and was slim with no curves, a rare quality among Harlenorians. Coming forward, she looked out east, hardly noticing them as they approached.

"Auga, Auga is that you?" asked William. "'You haven't changed a bit.' It seemed the only thing to say."

"It's natural William," said Auga. "Your skill with a blade had come to full flower. It's good to see you."

"You as well, Auga," said William.

"And who are your companions?" asked Auga, rubbing her eyes. "I know Jehair, but the others... I can't see. Is anyone coming down the road?"

"They already did, Auga," said Arthur.

"Ah, yes, right," said Auga. "I saw them earlier, but my sense of time was wrong. I thought today was yesterday. Who is your friend?"

"This is Felix; he came into my employ after our last meeting, Uncle," said William. "He's been a trusted friend through the worst of times. With us is Massacre, a friend and representative of Typhos."

"Bah," said Massacre.

"I'd heard you were constructing a temple to her," said Auga, turning to walk back.

William walked after her.

"Bah," said Massacre, urging him forward.

"It is more of a dual temple, in honesty," said William, remembering Auga had no sense of etiquette. "It was originally to the Dreaming Goddess in recognition of her helping me. But I used an old temple to Typhos and refurbished it. Since Massacre is also a friend, I thought it best to let it stand for both."

"A temple to two gods?" said Auga, picking up a book and reading it. "What if they fight?"

"I imagine segregating the congregations might be useful," said William. "It did wonders for Haldren."

"Haldren is old school," said Auga.

"That's not entirely a bad thing, Auga," said Arthur.

"Last of all, there is Jehair, a servant of the Flower Maiden," said William. "She seems to have already met everyone, however."

This tale has been unlawfully lifted from Royal Road; report any instances of this story if found elsewhere.

"We have met. Briefly," said Jehair.

"I don't care about her," said Auga, flipping the book. "Not relevant."

William looked to Jehair apologetically. Auga always had been too forward for her own good. Then again, who would be foolish enough to call her on it.

"Well, whatever the case, you are welcome with us," said Arthur. "I'm sure Vorn will be glad to hear from you."

"Is Varsus here?" asked William.

"You missed him," said Auga. "He's already gotten ahead of you to the Tournament of Kings. That alongside Reginald De Chevlon."

"I would have gone, but I'd have had an unfair advantage," said Arthur wistfully. "To say nothing of Auga's advantages."

"Well, I'll be sure to give them your regards," said William. "Have you been well, Uncle?"

"Well, my injuries pain me, but I've had much good work to distract from it," said Arthur, looking about the courtyard. William looked with him and saw before him that the courtyard was busy. Many shipments were being moved into the granary. "Gwendoven is very well also. How is my rascal of a brother?"

"Looking more the part of a Sorcerer King by the day," said William.

"Well, that is how he would have liked it," said Arthur. "Not the best swordmaster, but good with a spear and his hands. And he took no pleasure in either."

"To tell you the truth, Father has been odd lately," said William sadly. "After the Khasmir Campaign, he's spent a lot of time in his study. He's giving his seal when he isn't meeting with officials or dining with Mother and me. Yet there isn't nearly enough things in need of his approval.

"He's given me many more responsibilities. Yet something seems to be drawing all his attention. It's like he's fighting a battle, but the enemy can't be seen."

"We all fight battles like that, lad," said Arthur, looking out the gate. Jehair was in it. "They're the most dangerous because we don't always know they are happening. But I'm sure he'll have time once all this settles down. About your friend, uh, Tanith..."

"That's what has dragged me down here," said William.

"Ah," said Arthur. Tanith had a few personality flaws.

"Negotiations and reparations," said Auga, nearly finished with her book.

"Something like that," said William, not knowing what to do with himself. "Is anyone in need of healing?"

"My priests are already tending to them," said Arthur.

Auga finished her book, shut it, and stood up. "Wielding a sword is an interesting means of hunting, I will say.

"Where did you get that scar?" Apparently, it wasn't in his book. Which it was.

William paused. "Well, there's a long story behind that."

"Let's tell it over a meal if you have not eaten," said Arthur. "Vorn is out organizing the grain shipments to Antion with Isabel. An important task, if inglorious. I'm afraid the boy enjoys it a little too much for his own good." Vorn was much older than William.

"That would be nice," said William.

It felt heavenly to get new clothes. The old, dirtied rags from the road were shed alongside his armor. He was able to wash himself in a tub instead of a cloth and rinse out her hair. By the time he was done, he felt like a new man.

Uncle gave him new white garment to wear and wore them gladly. Massacre went off to hunt, understanding by now the rules of hunting on a Lord's landing. Arthur told her which animals were off-limits, and she listened in a bored tone before loping off.

And at last, William saw Gwendoven.

"William," said Gwendover. "I've heard a great deal about you lately."

"Yes," said William. "I was looking forward to coming to Brisgald someday. The people here seem well-taken care of."

"Well, we had our work cut out for us," said Arthur. "Borinius ran the place into the ground. Everyone else in that conspiracy got off with hardly any trouble. But the people here were starving.

"The first rule of running any country is that people need to eat. If people are starving, they cannot fight, they cannot think. They can't solve their own problems. And worst of all, they will do anything to stop starving. So if your people are starving, you have failed as a ruler."

William suddenly felt very bleak as he considered this. A sense of depression he could not explain hit him hard. And he suddenly felt as if he were not among friends but around vicious enemies. "...I suppose some would say that the mark of a good ruler is that they would be starving."

"What do you mean?" asked Arthur.

William felt short of breath. "I merely put myself in the mind of an evil man. An evil man who only cared about keeping his power intact might regard starvation not as a failure but as an asset. All you would need to do is make everyone blame each other for the starvation instead of you.

"Or you could keep a particular group of people well-fed and use their desperation."

"Well, that is very much what Borinius was doing," said Arthur. "Though I don't think there exists a man evil enough to do that directly. For such a system to work. You would need to be fully aware of what was being done and its consequence.

"More than that, you need access to an extensive Empire that you could keep in control. It would require constant paranoia, and your lieutenants would turn on you."

"Not if you executed them first," said Auga. "Just kill them constantly and shift them out. You could make it work if you are supplanting people and leave none alive to seek vengeance."

"Again," said Arthur sadly.

"This always happens," said Gwendoven.

"What does?" asked William.

"No matter what we do," said Gwendoven. "Whenever we have guests over, the conversation always turns grim. It's a quirk of the place like Brisgald resents the way we took it."

"We didn't take it, Gwen," said Arthur. "It was given into our hands as a reward for exemplary service. But unfortunately, Borinius discredited himself by base treason. We were granted it instead.

"Brisgald likes to remind us of the fact.

"Personally, I like it. It helps me remember the darker side of the nobility and keep myself from falling into it. I wouldn't be nearly as good a ruler without these conversations." Another tinge of resentment. "Although Brisgald resents that too."

Laughter, and it was dispelled.

"Am I late," said Vorn as he came in. "I just came in from organizing the grain shipments. They've all been sent out for the year. Though the year hasn't been nearly as good as usual.

"Can't imagine why."

Vorn has slicked-back black hair and slight stubble. His eyes were gentle, but his wrists were slim, and he didn't look comfortable with the blade he wore. It was a formality he kept with him out of obligation. William remembered he'd always liked Vorn, but he'd never looked up to him like Varsus or Raynald.

He didn't know why. Grain shipments were vital. Regular supplies had to be made to Antion and other cities, or they would starve. Andoa's grain dole was essential to feeding the people without work.

"No, you're not late Vorn," said Arthur. "Although perhaps you should put a bit more focus on military aspects. Things seem to be going to a dark place right now.

"Where is Isabel?"

"I'll keep it in mind, Dad," said Vorn. "She's still in the Hand of Anoa, setting things up."

That term again?

Kiyora used it to refer to his Father; it seemed like a quirk of off-worlders. The term had a lack of respect in it, and William refused to ever use it. His Father was to be respected and obeyed. "Vorn, it has been some time."

Vorn looked at him and then took off his long coat and hung it on a rack. Surely the servants could handle that. "William, William, is that you?

"I didn't recognize you with that scar and such? How have you been."

He offered a hand, and William took it before Vorn sat down across from him, too informal. But Arthur had no problem with it, and William must respect his host. "Things have been going... passably.

"We managed to stalemate the Calishans at Savior's Run. And we stopped Melchious cold in Khasmir. Seathorius is ruled by Arraxia and Kiyora, who are... intelligent and creative, and both preferable to Melchious. Arraxia, however, can't be relied on for saving insofar as it amuses her, and Kiyora takes no one's side.

"She could be on our opponent's side if she viewed it as the right thing to do."

"Isn't that a good thing," said Vorn.

"Not for us," said William. "There is a righteous cause out there with our name on it. If we submit to everyone with a grievance against us, the wicked will inherits the earth."

"Fair enough," said Vorn with a laugh. "How's Gel Carn?"

"At present, it is unoccupied," said William. "Mother followed me to Artarq, and her main lieutenant went with her. So we have no enemies, and Edmund Telus has guaranteed assistance.

"The only person who could invade would be King Gavin."

"Which wouldn't happen since you work for him," said Vorn. "Things have been going pretty out here. Dad and Varsus have dealt with the bandits out here. They've all gone off to Blackfear or moved north toward Atravain's territory."

Arthur considered this. "No one has fought a Blackguard in some time, William. I did it ten years ago. They are not very common because their souls are usually claimed by demons if they win. To hand one over to Dunmoore is almost a sign of fealty."

"It wasn't intended as such," said William. "I just wanted him locked away and interrogated. He was deep in the councils of whoever was running all this."

Arthur looked to Gwendoven, then back to William. Vorn looked uncomfortable. William halted.

"You mean, Dunmoore is part of it?" asked William, not sure what to think of it.

"Not part so much as oversight," said Arthu. "He was tasked to reign in the Thieves Guild Council. However, it was a ceremonial position. If House Korlac and the other nobility could reign them in, there would be no council to begin with.

"But the nobility made a collective decision or many decisions." Jehair shifted, and Arthur looked to her then back. "To not punish crime. Because nobles have economic privileges, many used them for personal gain. Lord John Korlac launched many investigations, but they were shut down.

"And once the nobles were all cheating, everyone else started cheating to compete. Even the honest nobles like House Marn had to do it to survive."

"Where were we during this?" asked William.

"Many different places," said Arthur. "Escor, Gel Carn, the satyrs in the Black Marsh were always a threat and Hadleim was in the flower of his career. Raynald did some raiding of Calishan shores with Rusara as well. All this didn't take days, it took years of consistent effort and it was nasty and long. Even after your Father got back from Themious it went on for a bit.

"And it's still going on. It's all too complicated to explain in a single sitting, like most things."

"How?" asked William.

Arthur paused. "Well, I invited John Korlac to dinner, and we decided we would use any necessary means to restore order.

"And we did. Although the rate of hangings has decreased a great deal. The gallows out there are important. They remind me of what I have done, and they remind the populace of what they ought not to do."

"It's nasty," said Vorn. "And it happened."

"Second time," said Auga, who was reading again. "You arrived late."

"It seemed to have worked better for us than Kafka's solution," said William. "Atravain has been having serious problems. Though Luke Atravain has gone into action, and Dunmoore is present. So things may work out there."

"At least he didn't let nature take its course," said Vorn. He was almost looking to Jehair, though she did not mark it. "Like Rius, I mean."

It was obvious, really.

"So, to make a long story short," said Arthur. "The thieves have far too much influence, and Dunmoore might be under their influence. Though I dare say, the witnesses will ensure his cooperation.

"Now, why don't we speak of what you've been up to, William."

And William did explain.

It was a very long story by now. William had gotten a bit tired of telling it, but he went through it as efficiently as possible. Vorn was interested in the women more than William liked. But he asked many questions about forges and such. And how many weapons a given place could produce. Or how much cattle a given area had.

William tried to answer and often had to rely on Felix for an answer. Father had taught him all this, but it had slipped his mind.

Arthur took an interest in battles, the strategies, and the swordplay. Gwendoven seemed more interested in politics and the rise of Arraxia. He also told how Vanion had consolidated control. Vorn asked for specific troop numbers and this William did remember, as well as a lot about logistics.

Auga looked bored through all of it.

"Surely this was in my books," said William.

Silence.

"Hasn't anyone read my books," said William. "I sent all of you a copy."

"Well, I gather a lot of people in Antion are reading them," said Arthur. "And a lot of people in Ascorn. And a good many other places, now that reading has become so common, and the printing press is in full operation. But uh...

"No, I haven't found the time."

"We've got time now," said Vorn.

So William had to go through the entire story. The tale of the battle with the Dark Dreamer and Kiyora's world was interesting to Arthur. Apparently, he had been off-world and to several other places. But they were all high towers of steel with smoke and gaudy lights, and he'd never wanted to go back.

"It's a kind of pleasure house," said Arthur. "Members of the Demoration have been trying to rope the nobility into their lifestyle. So I was invited with several others.

"But the elites of the Demoration don't seem to do anything other than drink and steal."

"They've got some really nice systems," said Vorn. "They can move things over long distances very quickly. Of course, those machines don't work at all in this world or worlds like it.

"Those operate on a different set of principles. But recent events have let them make experimental crossings into our world."

"Could they be behind the thieves?" asked William.

Arthur halted. "Well, I don't doubt some people from the Demoration are involved in it. But from what I understand, it is a very poorly organized world. Or series of worlds, information is limited.

"But the High Priest Cirithil enjoyed it and gave positions of influence in the church. However, Vorn was given direction in life by his time there and trade systems. That's one of the reasons they are so friendly with our enemies.

"Ultimately, they are simply people. Like us, they have evildoers, heroes, and demons; they just take a different form. And I won't pass judgment on the whole place just because a few of them did something to wrong me.

"Now, I believe we must get to your adventures here."

And William explained those too.

This was more recent and of much more interest than the others. His battle with Lamech was of particular interest to everyone. And the accounts of his battle of wits with Tavish Kern and the others were well-appreciated. On the other hand, throwing the priests out of the temple was something met with indifference.

"Don't you care?" asked William. "We've probably just bankrupted the church."

"The church has solid gold statues all over the temple," said Vorn. "They never use it for anything. The High Priest bought his position after killing his Father before he could be disowned. Then he embezzled everything he could."

"He murdered his Father?" asked William in horror. Patricide? Would Cirithil have really stooped that low?

"Vorn, that is a scandalous accusation," said Arthur.

"Nobody proved anything," admitted Vorn with a shrug. "But his Father was a man of the gods, and a friend of High Priest Alonsus. Cirithil was a spineless good for nothing from the start. There were rumors he was going to be disinherited when Magnar died suddenly.

"So did a lot of other people who might have stopped him. I went with him to Kadan; he spent the whole time whoring and gambling. Didn't give a damn about the transportation or how they built those towers. It was all gaudy lights.

"And after he got the position, he whored out the church. Took bribes like crazy and went to Demos a lot. And a lot of women started coming in from there, taking the names of certain goddesses. Using buildings which nobody could tell how they were funded. If you have bankrupted him, it's no more than he deserves."

"For my part, I am a Haldrenian by birth," said Arthur. "I adhere to the old ways."

"So this Arraxia," said Vorn. "Is she your rival?"

"I wouldn't classify us as rivals," said William. "More unwanted acquaintances that try to kill one another. Who work together now and then."

"Then does that make Lamech a rival?" asked Vorn.

"Surely not," said Gwendoven.

"No," said William, crossing his arms and looking away. "He is a murderer and a criminal.

Arthur sighed in good humor, straightening his beard. "Well, I suppose something has to go wrong for our world to exist. In another world, House Gabriel would be depraved usurpers. They were plotting the overthrow of the good King I pretend to be."

Why had he never felt this way with Father?

It was nice.