Rage had overtaken William, which was a rage that was not his own.

He walked within the gardens of Neral Dinis, finding a beautiful and well-tended place. Yet he still saw no servants. Instead, Neral Dinis was tending to the planets with a set of players and looked with interest at them. He culled one limb unbefitting his purposes and pulled up weeds where he found them.It would have been surreal.

Gel Carn could wait.

"Where is everyone?" asked William.

"Sleeping because they have been starving," said Neral Dinis matter-of-factly. "We've been in prison, you see."

"If you and Korlac had cooperated, you could disrupt Arkan's control," said William. "Atravain has stood alone this whole time. Had she been given help, her draconian approach would never have been necessary. Korlac hung his own brother rather than cede authority to thieves."

"Yes, and I once knew a Kosriv Korlac. He was named by a Mother from Stalken. He distinguished himself in battle under Andoa the Bright. And he had an extensive professional interest in vampirism. So we often spoke at length, and I met with his sons.

"Eventually, he decided it was not for him." said Neral Dinis, kneeling by a patch of earth and digging in it with clawed hands. "Corruption in those days was part of the job. First, Korlac usurped his brother with perfect legality. And afterward set to motion hanging all his political opposition with equal legality. All of them were, by default, corrupt." His hands cleaved the earth like a knife through butter, and he began to draw things up.

"This was around the time Vanion Gabriel disgraced Borinius. So noble's heads were not so sacred. But, of course, Vanion wasn't rewarded for that; he'd disgraced the nobility. Soon there was a power vacuum, and Kafka used that to indulge in his worst impulses." From there, he began to draw several lumped brown vegetables. "Ah, potatoes.

"Imported from foreign parts you now. Very healthy food for humans. Alas, I cannot eat them and never got the chance. Saphra has quite a passion for cooking, you know." He placed them into a nearby basket as he did.

"I did not know that," said William, not seeing his point. "What of House Korlac?"

"Arthur and Korlac then cooperated to get rid of the criminals. Arthur was the only person who wasn't corrupt, you see. He'd been appointed to spite Vanion, but Vanion hadn't begrudged it. But too many powerful and rich people were making money from it all. So they pulled in Arkan and, little by little, seized control of Antion and the surrounding towns.

"During this, Vanion slipped into Artarq. He proceeded to write a series of damning reports of Argath's actions. Frequently reminding everyone that he was the one who won the Battle of Desora. It had been agreed that Argath would run it, and all his behavior had been standard.

"But Korlac hated House Marn as usurpers and regarded them as foreigners. So he jumped at the chance to destroy Marn. What followed was a protracted legal case that bankrupted Marn. Moreover, it badly damaged the finances of his house. Vanion disappeared off to Themious with a small band of heroes. There was also an individual named Hadleim, notable in Gel Carn and well-liked.

"Raynald, Rusara and also Kafka and Edmund Telus."

"Surely that would be a matter of some alarm?" asked William.

"Well," said Neral Dinis. "There were certain destined powers that proclaimed it. Vanion had nothing to do with that, of course. Raynald and Rusara were the ones Arengeth wanted, but they would be kept from Vanion. So Edmund knew him and liked him, and the journey began.

"Vanion assumed command of the entire thing. Azgora chose to marry him, and they returned here. Once that happened, Vanion was the leader. When Vanion returned, Argath Marn was bankrupt, and Artarq fell to pieces. So Vanion assumed command without consulting anyone. From there, he used his band of heroes to put down several revolts. The Calishans had their own problems, but Khasmir satyrs charged over the border. Vanion smashed them and installed loyal monarchs within each one.

"It is an interesting period of history, to be sure."

"And you're not upset?" asked William. He found himself surprised by this.

"I enjoy gardening," said Neral Dinis. "My associates are asleep and dreaming. Sooner or later, things should turn around, and I will awaken them. But I have lived long enough to see such things pass. There is little point in becoming upset over what will soon be dust in the wind. Everyone alive will be dead, sooner or later."

"But surely this is a betrayal," said William. "You, as a vampire, may not care. But you, as a Lord of Antion, ought to."

"What are you suggesting?" asked Neral Dinis, looking back.

"I am not suggesting anything," said William. "Only there must be payment for this crime, and there will be. The books have to be balanced."

"Has it occurred to you that I might seek vengeance on you?" asked Neral Dinis. "Certainly, you have had a part in what has been done."

William considered his next words carefully. "I speak in grand theory, Lord Dinis. And that bears consideration."

"It does," said Neral Dinis. Then he smiled and picked up the basket. "I used to hunt live games. However, the hobby became tiresome. There is less adrenaline in it, but I see the appeal. But first, there is someone I have been holding. A Reg Hawkthorne. What would you have done with him?"

William shrugged. "Release him, of course." He remembered Ham's assistance earlier; this would be repaid.

"As you wish," said Neral Dinis. "I don't know what Rius expected of me, but apparently, he thought it would buy favor. It might have if he wasn't dead. There are always lessons in the death of a man. It reflects his life. I shall give him back to his Father. Shall we?"

They waited in a little indoor glade, surrounded by bright plants with the sun shining down. William sat without his armor, and none of his enemies had seen him without it. So here he sat in a white tunic that was a bit worn. Neral Dinis was clad in a fine uniform, looking at a heart-shaped locket. It suited his pale flesh as well as hoped and reminded William somewhat of Letan Marn.

Arkan Lantan entered the room first, clad in cloth armor, a spear, and a short sword. He had a guard beside him, a slight violation of protocol. Yet he noticed William, calculated, and nodded. A moment later, the guard departed. "A tactical error on my part. Seemingly of benefit."

"Yes," said Neral Dinis in amusement. "It has been.

"Tell me, Arkan, when a person forces decades of starvation on your populace, when they strip away the most basic elements to life and liberty. Do you think sufficient recompense is given just because they were a good person all along?"

Arkan paused. "Lord Dinis, we both know your people operate on different principles."

"I would suggest," said Neral Dinis. "That this arrangement must be made based on one Lord to another."

Arkan sat down. "I see your point." He looked around. "You tend these plants yourself?"

"Yes, it is a job I enjoy," said Neral. "I often think that our primal senses are how creatures truly live, rather than flesh or blood. That is the price of undeath."

"A poetic view on things," said Arkan. "My Father had gardens like these but did not tend them himself. He fought many naval skirmishes in the old days.

"Defeated many pirates. At least before he went mad with drink and revelry. The only statue in his honor is the one I raised for him with money raised in support of Antion."

"Ah," said Neral Dinis. "That is not my nature. On the contrary, human beings desire to leave a mark because they will be gone soon.

"Undeath gives one the luxury of time. Human beings often ignore physical pleasures until it is too late. Or become so consumed by them that they never know what they are. It is an interesting dynamic."

At that moment, Saphra entered, wearing a pink apron over dark garb. William had never seen her submit to a person before. "The food is ready."

"Ah yes, give my compliments to the cook and let them in, Saphra," said Neral Dinis. Somehow William felt the cook was in this room and felt a sense of affront.

"Does one dismiss the Baroness De Chevlon as though she were a servant?" asked William suddenly. A risky move but one he felt obligated to make.

"Well spoken," said Neral Dinis. "Saphra, by all means, sit down as is your right."

Saphra nodded and did so silently.

It was all wrong. Arraxia never felt obligated to be silent about anything. William finally understood why she was so vicious and vainglorious in Seathorius. This was far beneath her. William quickly moved beside her as if as a bodyguard, switching seats as he did so. There were several others.

"Alright, I'm here," said Tavish as he walked in.

This was a dangerous moment.

William was curious to know if Tavish had seen him without his helm. He'd worn it whenever possible, and they'd worked together only briefly. Even so, his scar was quite distinctive. Tavish halted, looked to him, then to Neral Dinis, and sat down without comment.

He knew.

It was almost impossible for him not to. Arkan had also met William face to face, but Neral Dinis' didn't know that. So William was a distraction.

"Now then, gentlemen, all the usual rules of hospitality apply here," said Neral Dinis. "Jehair, come in."

Jehair entered and saw William with Neral Dinis. Her eyes widened, and she looked very old, though her flesh was unmarred. As though she had been betrayed. Felix came in just behind her and drew out a notepad.

William looked to Neral Dinis, and Jehair sat down as well. "I am here to represent the people of Blackfear, who you have betrayed."

Which left only the snake.

"Guard, open the door now," said a voice.

"Yes, your grace. At once," said Suran's voice.

"Hurry up; my time is worth something. Yours isn't," said the voice.

Imposing dominance on someone only doing their job. Bad leadership, and the door opened to reveal Cirithil. Who did not look at all like he'd just fled like a coward from a battle he'd started. Very noble and magnanimous, completely unaware they'd heard him at the door.

And after he came a sunny-faced, blonde boy William's age wearing an orange and yellow robe. He had no weapon and was smiling, but his eyes were gazing carefully.

"Who is this?" asked Arkan.

"This is Nagos, an associate from Namina," said Cirithil. It was spoken with a deference William did not believe. A man who cursed the gods to their face respected no one. "He has certain opportunities for us in this matter."

"Gentlemen, I am here to represent my government, nothing more," said Nagos.

"What is this foreigner doing here?" asked Tavish, annoyed.

Everyone's attention was now focused on Nagos.

A distraction. A garishly dressed foreigner to put on display to keep people's contempt off Cirithil. While he was present, Cirithil could operate. But why did Nagos cooperate with this? It didn't matter.

"May I inquire," said Saphra. "Why the magnanimous Lord Cirithil has decided to involve King Nagos. Especially since he was neither invited nor known. Your letters spoke of him in glowing praise. But I do not see that he has anything to do with our business."

"I'll stay quiet if you want," said Nagos. "Unless you want me gone, of course." Nagos looked at William, and William realized he knew exactly why he was there.

What hold could Cirithil have on him that would force him into this? Well, William couldn't say anything yet.

"That is quite alright," said Neral Dinis. "Please dine with us. The food should arrive shortly. And you do not look to have eaten."

The food arrived, and it turned out to be very good.

Simple but good, and it was a pleasant evening. William kept his Black Sword out of sight, but it didn't matter. Everyone already knew him, except possibly Cirithil, who just sat there. He ate little and listened intently, and he seemed completely different from who he had met.

The tale has been taken without authorization; if you see it on Amazon, report the incident.

Yet not in a good way.

The conversation went on about many things, including gardens and chess. William mirrored Cirithil during it. But why? William was important, but not in this context. Cirithil was in a position to socialize, and socializing was all he'd done before now. Was he seeking to atone for past mistakes?

That seemed unlikely, given his behavior outside.

Some sort of reaction.

"That Black Sword you carry, Sir Gabriel," said Nagos. "Where did you get it? I haven't seen that color before?"

"I knew it," said Tavish. "The scar."

"I thought to keep a low profile," said William.

"Your voice is less rasping," said Tavish. "What are you doing here?"

"Being outmaneuvered by Arkan," said William with a shrug. "But, perhaps I should answer the question." He glanced to Cirithil, whose gaze became one of more hatred. William returned it in kind as he stood and broke it only to go around the table.

William offered the sword to Nagos, who took it.

"This I gained running a demon named Laughing Wraith, though," said William. "The blade broken into many pieces. But it was reunited and reforged."

Nagos took it, holding the blade carefully. "I'm not a warrior. But this is heavier than most swords. It is burdened by misery and sorrow."

"A Paladin is a man whose task is to confront sorrow and misery," said William. "We endure that others may find respite for fighting it when we are gone."

"Do you believe in peace?" asked Nagos.

William hesitated. "No."

"Why not?" asked Nagos.

"Because peace is a wasteland. One where nothing lives and nothing interesting happens," said William. "The grass is in rebellion against the wind. The land rebels against the sea are kept in check by violence."

"I am familiar with Naminaen notions of harmony," said Jehair. "They were an immense help to my people once. But, unfortunately, the nature of the world was such that we had to embrace a destiny as warriors."

"Jehair," said Nagos. "I'm glad to see you again. I was afraid you were dead." There was something in that exchange below the surface. A recognition of sorts. Perhaps they had met in another life.

"Not yet," said Jehair, smiling slightly.

Now Cirithil looked almost like a feral animal as if what happened had enraged him. But, actually, he didn't really look like Cirithil at all for a moment.

Yet he didn't change position at all. Just stood there, waiting.

"About what you said, Sir Gabriel, the constant revolution will make a wasteland as well," said Nagos. "Conflict is like a stagnant pond. But if it continues forever, there will be no pond at all. Harmony is a Father that must be respected. If you flee too far into the wilds too often, you will starve."

"I suppose one must define harmony," said Arkan. "But Nagos is correct. This is going too far. We've got five hundred men wounded out there. This was supposed to be a peace meeting, and we had a pitched battle."

"I recall that Sir Gabriel started that battle," said Cirithil.

"That is absurd, Cirithil," said William. "I was simply doing what was necessary to save the nearby villages. The 'peasant revolt' was calculated to make the roads safer and gain respect. You commanded the venture and took chief place.

"I had only a supporting role."

"Isn't this a calculated maneuver, though," said Nagos.

"I am a Paladin," said William. "If I am not making a stir, I am not doing my job. And I'm here because a pack of werewolves arrested me."

Laughter from everyone except Cirithil.

"Right," said Nagos, smiling slightly. "Anyway, we can all agree things have gone too far."

"Yes, we do," said Tavish. "The problem is de-escalation. Now I've managed to settle things well with Atravain. Haldren could be a problem, but that's not my jurisdiction. But House Korlac is starting to move. There are rumors that they've been assigned a position of influence in the city. If they get there, the hangings will never stop."

"Indeed," said Arkan. "Korlac has been taking notes on every little crime he can. They say he has volumes upon volumes of evidence. He would need testimony from a few major sources. And our organizations could be destroyed."

"Like Lamech?" asked William.

"Lamech, what about him?" asked Tavish. "He's in prison, isn't he?"

"He walked out," said William. "And he was planning revenge on me before Arkan interceded. So he already betrayed our position."

"Lamech was acting on my behalf," said Cirithil. "Investigating the murder of my priests. It was apparently a Ham Hawkthorne, killing them off for cutting him off in traffic."

William would have loved to throw the crimes of the High Priest out. But no one would care in this company.

"When water is drained from one place by man," said Nagos. "There are consequences." That was overstepping himself.

William considered looking at him and then just focused on his meal. Cirithil began to eat for the first time since he'd been here. Saphra ate as well, though she obviously did not enjoy her cooking. That was right; demons could not experience worldly delights like food.

"This is excellent," said William.

"Thank you," said Saphra. "Humans do not like to dwell in Blackfear. Most of us are focused on Antion. Thus it is generally best to prepare one's own meals."

"Yes, well, I raise a glass to our hostess," said Arkan.

A toast was held, and Cirithil reluctantly did so. What had Saphra ever done to him? Did he just oppose being kind to other people on principle?

Was the man truly that hollowed out? How? The gods did not do such things, only demons. But there was no taint from him. Was he seeking a personal vendetta with William? Surely his humiliation could be easily avenged elsewhere. And it was a result of his own actions.

And how had this change happened so suddenly?

Or was this who Cirithil had been all along?

If so, why the deception? To corrupt those around him.

"Let us discuss the money," said Cirithil.

"Very well then," said Arkan. "Most of the money that we make is reinvested in markets. The general goal for my organization was to gradually go legitimate. Legalize the businesses that we focus on and own everything. The goal of all merchants, really.

"Now, House Gabriel has dealt us several defeats, which is not bad. However, being defeated is an important part of running a successful Thieves Guild. If the law is perceived as completely toothless, the 'bad' thieves all take over.

"Then you have gang wars, and everything falls to pieces. You need groups of adventurers to come in and disrupt things. Kill off the worst aspects of the Guild and save damsels. Add one or two loveable rogues, and people turn a blind eye.

"The way things stand now, we're becoming the villains.

"We already have prepared exit plans for ourselves. That and exit plans for our subordinates can be handled individually. However, we have a number of outstanding cash stores we could not invest. So you can only do it slowly, or people notice signs; it must all be done by proxy.

"These stores have to be dealt with. Either moved to a different location or invested in some safe store."

It was obvious where this was going.

The High Priest was immune from the law. The High Priest could put the money into the statues that could be melted down. He could invest it, and they could gain some benefit in return.

"So give it to charity," said Tavish. "Bank the entire amount to Her name."

"Her?" asked Arkan.

"Arraxia, Queen of Seathorius," said Tavish. "She's rebuilding an entire castle. That will take a great deal of money and skilled labor.

"She's publically declared herself the ultimate god, and the satyrs believe it. And she isn't connected with anyone in Antion. So let's just give the money to her and deduct it from our taxes. Andoa put in all those regulations about charity; let's use them."

What was he doing?!

Saphra looked vaguely interested for the first time since the conversation began. Mostly because people were finally talking about her.

"It does not work that way," said William. "Arraxia is not formally recognized as a God by Antion. She has no temple, no priests. And if you give her that kind of money, she will use it. She is a dangerous warlord and the nemesis of the Dreaming Goddess.

"She's only just carved out a power base for herself in Seathorius. And while she does not technically break her word, her help goes no further than it. She is petty, vindictive, and has a god complex."

"So, you think the fact that she is competent, well-connected, and a threat to you means she is a worse choice?" asked Arkan, generally motioning toward Cirithil. However, it could also be Neral Dinis.

William thought about how he could answer that without supporting Cirithil. "There seems to be no choice. It is not my money, after all."

"Now," said Saphra. "Perhaps we discuss the subject of reparations. And also, those delightful villagers you stirred into a frenzy."

William considered what would be best. Jehair spoke first. "You could try ignoring them."

"Ignoring them?" asked Arkan, raising an eyebrow.

"I see," said Neral Dinis. "Just leave them in peace to starve in whatever way seems best to them? I have previously done such strategies, but a firmer grip may be necessary."

"Perhaps you could give Saphra authority over them," said Arkan. "They could be a good trade alternative to the King's Road. A couple of ways stops would be useful. And she is technically the Baroness De Chevlon."

"Some have been displaced from their homes," said William. "Efforts to return her property might be in order." There was a stunned silence. Obviously, no one present could believe what they were hearing. "Many of the people have been taken from their homes unjustly.

"It might be worth consideration."

The stunned silence continued.

It dawned on William how vile the people in this room were. Tavish was obviously considering the angle, at least. Saphra and Neral Dinis were indifferent. But Arkan and Cirithil could not comprehend what they were hearing. Jehair looked like one who had been in his position. No wonder she hated the human race so much.

"If you don't need me, I'll leave you to your schemes," said William finally.

"Of course," said Arkan.

William walked out the door and remembered what Neral Dinis had told him. Lamech should be quartered in a room a little ways off with orders not to come out. Now, what to do?

"Thrown outside too, then," said Suran, leaning against a wall.

"Yes," said William. "Suran, what are you doing here? This seems beneath you."

"Well, my Paladin powers have been ringing like a bell in my ear," said Suran. "My tour of duty in Ascorn ended when Sokar assassinated Rius. After that, Farwa was my commander, but she was reassigned. I had to eat, so I signed on with the High Priest as a bodyguard.

"What was that about, anyway?"

Explanations took some time.

Suran obviously didn't fully get it, but he knew enough to be disgusted. Eventually, he shrugged.

"Well, whatever you did, you played it well," said Suran. "This was supposed to be a shakedown where Arkan got concessions to use the tunnels. Now though, it's looking like an even match, and Jehair should be able to negotiate good terms for the people. Were you actually working for him?"

"Well, I knew Neral Dinis and Arkan were going at it," said William. "And I was more or less opposed to Arkan and his associates, and Raynald De Chevlon sent me. So, in practice, yes and no."

"I suppose the end result will be better," said Suran. "If that's all you care about."

"What exactly do you expect me to do?" asked William. "Slay them all me and product a functioning nobility waiting in the wings."

"Nothing!' said Suran. "I just...

"This all leaves a bad taste in my mouth, is all. There wasn't any need for any of this.

"Aren't you going to listen?"

"I don't need to," said William. "Cirithil forgot to dismiss Felix. He'll tell me anything I need to know. And I'll write things down myself."

Suran nodded. "Neral Dinis played this beautifully."

"Is Lamech around?" asked William.

"Yes," said Suran. "The High Priest decided to keep him out of sight, though. In that next room."

William nodded. "Would you agree he has a place at this meeting?"

"Yes," said Suran. "They seem to like his sort of company. Why?"

"I think I'll go talk to him," said William.

"Bad idea," said Suran. "Lamech has already decided he will stick by the High Priest. He's trading up."

"Hardly," said William. "They're equal partners at this point. Cirithil just doesn't know it."

Walking around the corner, he opened the door and found Lamech sitting in full armor on a bed, looking out of place. He seemed to be expecting an attack and standing by polishing his sword. Once done, he raised his sword, and William raised his sword.

"Lamech, my old friend," said William with a perfect imitation of sincerity.

"William, what is it now?" asked Lamech, sheathing the White Blade.

"I thought you might like to know that Tavish is in the next room," said William. "He thinks you've ratted on him and is out for blood, even here. If you were to enter, it could make quite a scene."

Lamech met William's gaze.

He knew precisely what William was doing, but it didn't matter. He was a Blackguard, and an opportunity to cause pain and misery was his. He had to admit that this was for personal gain if he did not take it. Then he not be motivated entirely by spite, and money would have power over him.

"...Damn you," said Lamech, walking past him. William looked to where Suran stood up tall.

"I apologize, had to settle a personal vendetta and got side-tracked," said Lamech. "Open the door."

"Yes, sir," said Suran, opening it.

"Thank you," said Lamech before marching in. "I believe I warrant an invitation, Cirithil."

At this moment, Tavish rose in rage. "Lamech!

"You filthy rat! I'll carve you to shreds for snitching us out!"

"Wait, Tavish, don't!" said Arkan.

And Tavish sprang out, knife in hand, while Lamech went to meet him. The blade and sword struck in a blur. It was clear Tavish was excellent and faster than Lamech. But Lamech knew how to predict his moves, so soon they struck back and forth like lightning.

"Stop this!!" said Arkan. "Now!!"

Cirithil smiled.

But Saphra raised a hand. "Larxe, detain them at once."

That was when a group of werewolves dropped down from the balconies above. Larxe caught Lamech's sword between her hands and held it there. Two other werewolves grabbed Lamech and forced him down from behind. At the same time, Tavish was gripped by three. "You're both under arrest."

"He attacked me," noted Lamech.

"I don't care," said Larxe. "Take both of them to their cells."

"Surely we can pardon them in this-" began Arkan.

"No, we will not," said Neral Dinis. "We shall simply have to continue discussions without them. Now then, Arkan, I believe you want sanctuary in this domain. And Jehair wants security for it.

"Well, I'm first going to need a ready supply of bodies to feed my thralls, taken legally, of course. And we should speak of compensation for damages rendered. This military campaign of yours has caused me a great deal of damage. Perhaps you could provide it."

"I already have your assurances of safety for the people. Therefore, I will depart immediately and trouble you no more," said Jehair shortly.

Nagos looked with sympathy at Arkan. "Can we remove the guards, please?"

"I'm afraid that's not negotiable," said Cirithil. "We must be prepared for another outburst."

So now Cirithil had turned on Arkan to extract concessions from his earlier loss. Suran looked on in disgust. William looked to Felix. "Felix, make sure no harm comes to anyone."

"I understand," said Felix.

The door shut as the two were escorted out.

"That was a dirty trick," said Suran.

"Tavish will be released," said William. "Or so.

"Neral Dinis' does not want to cross King Gavin. I already put Lamech in prison once. This time I think he'll need help to walk. He ought to have never been released from prison in the first place. He had murdered several knights already.

"Paladins you may have worked with.

"As for Arkan, he already sicced Larxe on me. This was why I was at the table, to invite Lamech in. He and Tavish worked well together, and Lamech instantly sold him out. Tavish treats his subordinates decently, so I thought he'd take it personally."

"So the whole thing was an elaborate ruse to get Lamech and Tavish out of the room," said Suran. "Are werewolves often used as police? City watchman, I mean?"

"Not to my knowledge," said William. "Though Neral Dinis did mention something to that effect. It makes sense; they can smell things well and move about quickly. They could serve well if they could control their bloodlust. Arkan has just been put in the position he meant to put Neral Dinis in."

"His actions are mostly defensive," said Suran. "This is why using contemptible means to change the world is useless. The means create the ends."

"Is the pay worth it, Suran?" asked William.

"Better than back home," said Suran.

Suran laughed. "I'll take your word for it."

William had never looked into Cirithil's eyes. Why not? In fact, he has yet to directly address Cirithil, not since their first parting. It just didn't seem proper, and he wondered why. Should he address him directly?

He was the High Priest.

Well, there was no time for it now. Jehair and Felix met him at the gates, and Massacre was sleeping. Things seemed better out here, the greener a few birds, but still desolate.

"I have a complete record of the meeting," said Felix. "Nagos' support has let Arkan hang on to some wealth, but he had to cough up the locations of some of his treasure troves. Cirithil is sending men to collect them now. But Nagos managed to arrange the release of Cirithil's taken slaves, such as there were. I think both will want to stick to something other than the bargain.

"There will be blood for this, I'll tell you."

"Why has no one killed that man?" asked Jehair. "Nature would never allow such a creature to exist."

"It seems to have," said William. "And there is precedent to consider."

"Oh damn precedent," said Jehair, walking. "There is something evil about him. I didn't see it before, but I feel it now."

"How would you want to be treated?" asked William. "If you were in Cirithil's position?"

"You loathe the man," said Felix. "We all do."

"Well, I don't have to like a person to have consideration for them," said William. He was trying to remember what Cirithil looked like. It was harder than it ought to be. "And what about Arkan?"

"Well, I imagine he'll lose his assembled fortune," said Felix.

"Meanwhile, Tavish is now severed from Arkan, leaving him only with Lamech," said Jehair.

"Then we may see some very bad men hung," said William.

"Where to now?" asked Felix.

"Gel Carn can go straight to hell!" said William. "The Tournament is off!"

And he walked toward Fenus' Inn.