The three of them returned to the village and found it pitch black when they got to the inn. The lights in the main room were on, and the door was open. Within the common room, they found Estela and Reginald speaking. Reginald was sitting in a corner reading, his blonde hair tied behind his head. Relma didn't think this was a good place to read; it was a terrible place.

Books were worth a fortune. Why was Reginald doing this?

"You are both late," said Reginald, sounding a little annoyed. "Varsus and I have been waiting."

"I apologize, Reginald," said Aunt Pan. "Relma and I found ourselves with some unforeseen business. Still, I believe I have dealt with the spirits."

"And what about you, Fayn?" asked Reginald.

"I had to negotiate with some spirits of the land," muttered Fayn. "It was like ending the war, only less attractive.

"So, are we ready to go tomorrow?"

"Not yet," said Reginald. "Varsus is waiting for a letter."

"About what?" asked Aunt Pan.

"He's been in communication with Frederick and De Cathe," said Frederick. "The two of them have been watching the movements of the satyrs. And we still haven't seen any sign of Ajax."

"It's not like Ajax to be late," said Varsus. "At least not when it is not fashionable."

"He did say that he intended to speak with the satyr chieftains," said Estela.

"What do we do if he doesn't show up?" asked Fayn.

"We'll have to go all the way around," said Estela. "I'm not risking the Black Marshes without a guide."

"That is wise," said Aunt Pan. "Still, I will find our errant wolf. I have spoken with the birds. They will come to me with any news of Ajax."

"What do we do in the meantime?" asked Reginald.

"I leave what you do to Estela," said Aunt Pan. "For my part, I will ply my trade as a runeswoman." And she walked out.

Relma sat down next to Estela, who seemed brooding over something. She looked to Reginald, who paused. "Okay, Estela, what should we do?"

Estela took a drink and sighed bitterly. "We should present ourselves to the Lord. I should have done it before, but we ended up drinking heavily.

"You didn't use any of the money from your winnings, did you?" asked Relma.

"Of course not," said Estela. "It's sealed tight. I had Lady Pandora make it so it could only be opened within the castle of Carn Ganus—the capital.

"Someone tried to steal some of it in the bar. He got his hands burned."

"Where is he now?" asked Relma, wondering if she could help.

"In prison, I think," said Estela. "They were planning to hang him for theft. But I told them to let the matter pass. He was just a boy, about twelve or so.

"Nothing insidious."

"I think I'd like to heal him," said Relma.

"Do it if you want," said Estela. "You'll have to get permission to meet him from the Lord. Fortunately, we're heading that way, to begin with."

"The Lord is, um... I'll come to it," said Relma.

"Lord Anias Culhorn," said Varsus from one side as he turned a page. "He reigns over this village; we'll need his blessing." He glanced at his guards. "Officially, of course."

"I'm already on my way there," said Fayn. "Or I would have been if you hadn't gotten me sidetracked. He was the one who asked me to hunt down the flowers and the one who knighted me. I'll have to tell him about my results.

"He'll owe me a lot of silver." She paused. "Though I may as well let it wait until tomorrow at this rate."

Relma slept easily that night and awoke the next morning, much refreshed and immediately set everything up for Estela. Preparing themselves for the day, she and Estela made their way down into the common room. Fayn was there, drinking with a bitter look on her face. Relma approached from behind. "Fayn, you're up."

"Yes, I am, and I was just about to head to Lord Anias," said Fayn. "I wouldn't expect a nice welcome, though. He isn't what you can call the pleasant company."

"I enjoy your company," said Estela. "I'm sure I can enjoy his."

"That's the closest you've come to a decent retort since I've known you," said Fayn.

After breakfast, they got together their things and made their way out toward the castle. The air was fresh and breezy, though the wind brought some swamp smells in. Clouds partially covered the sun, and Relma enjoyed the weather.

"So, Relma, what took you so long last night?" asked Estela.

"I had to break up a beaver dam," said Relma.

Estela blinked. "...And how did Fayn fit into that?"

"I didn't," said Fayn. "Pandora messed up my plan on the way to it."

"You were about to get attacked by tree spirits," said Relma.

"Yeah, and once I destroyed them, that would be it," said Fayn.

"It could have alienated the spirits of this entire region," said Relma. "This way, peace is restored, and we don't have to worry about them siding with the satyrs."

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"Whatever you say," said Fayn.

"Estela," said Relma, "why does everyone seem to distrust Lord Anias?"

"Anias is swine," said Estela.

"That's a little harsh," said Relma. "You haven't even met him."

"Daylight is harsh," said Estela. "That doesn't make what it illuminates any less true. His family had pledged loyalty to House Vortegex, but they abandoned us when we needed them most. The lot of them were driven out like the vipers they were when we came to power.

"We don't trust their kind anymore."

On they marched until they came before the gates of the castle. Here, Estela raised a hand to knock but hesitated. Then Fayn moved forward and slammed her hand on the door several times. A slot slid aside to reveal a pair of sunken eyes. "Yes, what is it?"

"I am Fayn Lancel, returned from my mission," said Fayn. "Those with me are Lady Estela and her squire, Relma. They seek to meet with Lord Anias."

The eyes peered over them. "...One moment." The slot slid closed, and there was silence. A sound of unbolting followed, and then a door was drawn open. Behind it was a thin, short man wearing green robes. He rubbed his hands together as he looked out. "I am Asus, Lord Anias conjurer. Lord Anias has agreed to see you."

"How good of him-" began Fayn before Asus raised a hand.

"Not you," said Asus. "Just the Lady Estela and her retinue."

"What?" said Fayn.

Asus looked somewhat apologetic. "Those were his orders."

"I have done the job he asked me to do, and he means to keep me waiting out here?" asked Fayn.

"Lord Anias does not like to meet with more than one person at a time," said Asus.

"Then give me my damn payment so I can go!" snapped Fayn.

"Lord Anias pays his servants directly," said Asus.

"Servant I-" Fayn began before giving up. "Nevermind. I'll wait."

Asus turned to Estela and Relma. He led them into a guard room beyond where men stood watching. "You two may follow me. However, you will have to leave your weapons in this room."

"To what end?" asked Estela. "I am no enemy. I am here with the leave of Benarus."

"Lord Anias doesn't meet with people with weapons," said Asus. "You will also have to leave that chest there."

Estela looked at the chest on her back and narrowed her eyes. "This is precious cargo. And I do not intend to let it out of my sight."

"It will be perfectly safe here," said Asus.

Estela didn't look like she believed him. Relma thought for sure she'd turn around and walk out. But finally, she unslung the chest, and it landed with a clang. "...Very well. However, the contents of the chest are mine. If they should be lost or stolen, the one responsible will regret it."

Asus turned to Relma, who realized she was carrying Lightning Trail at her side. Drawing it out, she looked over the marvelous blade. Parting with it seemed wrong, a violation of a kind and Relma did not like it one bit. "I... I don't want to just put Lightning Trail aside like this."

"It is but a sword," said Asus. "And it will be returned to you when you leave."

Relma did not believe him. "Estela, we should go."

"Will you insult Lord Anias' hospitality without even speaking with him?" asked Asus.

"Just do it, Relma," said Estela with a sigh. "No one is going to be able to take Lightning Trail. Elranor himself gave you that sword."

Relma handed it over reluctantly. Then Asus took a torch from the wall and led them away through the halls. It was dark in this place, and the only natural light came from arrowslits. The walls and floor were of rough stone, and it was clammy. But now and again, they would come to intricate, ornate weapons that were remarkable in one way or another.

There was a veritable collection in this place.

At last, they came to a room with many rich ornaments on the walls. Swords and axes, shields, and spears. An old man was sitting at a desk, bent over and writing. As they came in, he sat up and smiled. "Ah, the Heir of Kings and her companions. Thank you for bringing them this far Asus. As always, you've been a great help."

"It is no trouble, milord," said Asus. "I'll leave you in peace."

"Of course," said Anias. The door shut as Asus left, and they were alone. The old man clasped his hands together as he eyed Relma. "Now. How nice of you to visit me."

"Relma is my squire," said Estela.

"Very nice indeed," said Ania, not sparing Estela a glance. "Would you care for some wine?"

Relma said nothing.

"Yes, thank you," said Estela flatly.

"Then please, have a seat," said Anias, seemingly annoyed.

Both of them sat down as Anias poured out several glasses and passed one to each of them. He then poured himself one and drank from it. Estela did as well, while Relma tasted it and found it a bit strong for her tastes. "This is one of my more memorable brands — a very old and distinguished beverage. I'm something of a collector. Of wine, and many other things at that."

"What else do you collect?" asked Relma before she could stop herself.

"I've always had a particular fascination with weapons. Both decorative and practical," said Anias. "I remember young Fayn's father gave me several unique foreign blades.

"Now, I believe I ought to know just what it is you fine ladies are doing here?"

"Was word not brought from Benarus?" asked Estela.

"It was, but I'd like to hear it from you all the same," said Anias.

"We have been planning to move through your lands on my way home to Escor," said Estela. "I thought we should present ourselves to you first."

Anias nodded in a sagelike fashion. "Hmm, very interesting. Very interesting, indeed. I was told that you were returning home with some allies. And I guess you are bringing your winnings back with you."

"I'm not certain that is relevant," said Estela.

"A fair point," said Anias. "No doubt, the Kingdom of Escor has war plans."

"Of one kind or another, yes," said Estela. "We aren't seeking it, but it's coming to us. The money will be very helpful there."

"I see," said Anias. "And why is the Heir of Kings going with you? Surely so illustrious a name need not humble itself to playing squire."

"Every knight needs to play squire at one point," said Estela.

Anias smiled. "Once again, a fair point.

"Now, let's discuss the matter of price.

"Price?" asked Estela.

"Yes. After all, you are walking through my lands," said Anias. "Domains my family has ruled for generations. I think it only fair that I will be compensated for the trouble."

"I have authorization from the Steward himself," said Estela.

"Do you?" asked Anias, hands clasping together. "That is strange, for the letters I read seemed somewhat suspicious. I'll need to get experts to confirm that the contents are indeed his handwriting. And that his seals are correct.

"Until that time, I'll offer you both my hospitality.

"Of course, it could be a very long delay. Days, even weeks. And all sorts of unfortunate things might happen in Escor during that time."

"Are you threatening us?" asked Estela.

"No, merely inconveniencing you," said Anias with a friendly smile.

"What do you want?" asked Estela. "A share of the profits?"

Anias' smile widened. "Nothing so petty, no. I want Lightning Trail."

A silence that seemed to stretch into eternity fell over them.

"What?" said Estela.

Anias shrugged. "It is a remarkable antique, something that is ages old. I think it would look good on my wall."

"I can't give you that," said Relma. "It isn't mine to give."

"Are you not the Heir of Kings?" asked Anias. "And therefore, doesn't it belong to you?"

"No!" said Relma. "It was entrusted to me by Elranor! But I can't just give it away!"

"It is only a sword," said Anias. "The magic put into it is outdated by now anyway. One could get the same effect with any shiny piece of metal.

"In fact, I'd gladly provide you with a duplicate."

"I told you, I can't give it up!" said Relma, horrified at the idea. "And I wouldn't even if I could!"

Anias paused. "I see.

"That is most unfortunate. If you are unwilling to cooperate, there will likely be a lengthy delay." He looked to the door. "Asus. Just in time. Please let dear Fayn in. We have much to discuss. Excuse me for a moment." Then he motioned to his guards. "Escort these ladies to a cell, if you would."

Estela reached for her sword, but there was a flash, and Relma remembered nothing else.