William was furious.

He'd had the tournament in hand. He could have won and should have. In skill at arms and strength, he was stronger than Estela. But she had all but cheated, and the crowd had cheered. Nearly a month of desperate labor and battles in the darkest parts of Antion. There had been ceaseless toil healing, and this was how he was repaid?

To be cheated out of rightful victory by that upstart Princess? By all accounts, he'd won the match. But, just as several others had before him, success was stolen from them. And for what? So Escor could go to war on its own people and drive itself more into the ground. Saphra hadn't even watched the last round, either.

All that time coming down here. And the worst part was, Wrynncurth had yet to meet with him. William had come down here to convince him to let go of his vendetta with Tanith, but that had been finished before. More than anything now, William wanted to be back home and resting, his sores gone. A hot, decent meal without any of this excitement.

To see Tanith and his parents again.

But he'd have to make a return journey emptyhanded to do that, and he needed more money. And being a Paladin, he would have to stop by such villages as he had yet to visit on the way here. The plague had to be checked, and the undead numbers in Blackfear curbed more on his way through. Then there was the matter of visiting various Lords. Of ensuring all was well and writing down what was not well.

More danger and useless toil.

All empty-handed because Estela had cheated.

So he paced within his pavilion as Felix stood by, arms crossed and face veiled in shadow. Varsus' guards stood silent outside while Massacre lay belly on the ground. She was eyeing him suspiciously. William felt the chimera guess exactly what he was thinking and feeling. She probably cared little about it, though.

Massacre was a simple creature, though by no means stupid. She'd be content wherever she could get food and music. But William could not play right now. There was an account to settle here. William reached down to scratch Massacre's ears, the lion ones. The chimera rolled onto her belly and made a groaning noise. William began to rub her white belly before remembering he was supposed to be angry.

"We will not let this stand," said William, throwing aside his cloak.

"Bah," said Massacre.

"I should have won that battle. Unfortunately, I did win that battle," said William.

"Bah," said Massacre.

"I know her actions were technically legal, but a technicality is just that," said William. "Not even that. Benarus just looked the other way, like he did with everything in this ridiculous fiasco. At least when it was convenient for him.

"No, no, I will not let it stand like this."

"Bah," said Massacre without sympathy.

"I'll crush her in the melee," said William. "Completely." Why wasn't Felix saying anything? Usually, he was the one who tried to talk him out of things.

"Don't kill anyone," said Felix.

"Of course, I'm not going to kill anyone," said William. "Who do you think I am? Estela?"

"You're angry and bitter," said Felix. "You are in no position to make a plan right now."

"Happily, you don't need to," said a new voice. "I've already taken care of the plans."

William looked up and saw Varsus walking into the tent. His hair was neatly combed, and he smiled. William turned to him. "Varsus, what is it?"

"Estela has shamed our house," said Varsus. "She won her match through trickery rather than legitimate ability.

"However, Gel Carn has chosen to let the matter pass."

"Yes, I know," said William. "But what other choice do we have but to beat her in the melee. There is a prize in the melee for the victor. If we win there-"

"We will have one," said Varsus. "But we will not have avenged ourselves. Estela would suffer an honorable loss. One with dignity. We do not want that.

"She must be utterly humiliated as an example that this behavior cannot be tolerated. The honor of House Gabriel, of House De Chevlon, is at stake."

"And what do you suggest?" asked William, not liking where this was going.

Varsus turned around. "Follow me, and we'll discuss it, cousin."

William met Felix's gaze, then followed after Varsus. Together they made their way through the tents. Eventually, they came to House De Chevlon's pavilion. The guards were standing by there in double force. They found Saphra De Chevlon lounging in a chair, knitting as they entered. She was clad in a black dress that bared her ample cleavage. It did so even more than the previous one, and she'd painted her eyes. Her long dark hair fell all around her tanned skin while she smiled.

"So, you're here then, Varsus," she said. "And William Gabriel has come with you. I'm glad. I did so very much want you to be part of this conspiracy."

"Conspiracy?" asked William.

"Nothing illegal, of course. All perfectly legitimate," said Saphra. "Much like Estela's victory."

"I'll believe that when I hear the details, Lady De Chevlon," said William, now beginning to calm himself. Felix had been right, and Saphra enjoyed every bit of chaos she could sew. "With all respect to your noble lineage."

Saphra chuckled and arose. "Very well.

"There are only a few others who need to arrive."

William waited. Soon a familiar face came through the tent door, clad in white. He averted his eyes as William looked at him. "Sir Ham Hawthorne."

"I..." Ham paused. "I wish to apologize for my earlier scorn of you. I was at least partially drunk, but that doesn't make it right.

"You didn't have to heal me as you did."

William decided there was no benefit to continuing the vendetta. In other circumstances, his father would have married into the Hawthorne family. "It is of no concern. Words are easily taken back.

"I suggest you apologize to Lady Relma instead. She was the one that you acted against."

"Yes, yes, I know," said Ham.

Reginald came through the tent; next, hand clasping his sword. He smirked at he saw them and looked to have been in good humor. "And I'm here. Sorry, I'm late; my conversations with some beautiful maidens went better than expected. Are we seeking vengeance?"

"More or less," said Varsus. "No deaths or rulebreaking."

"Fair enough, sounds fun," said Reginald with a laugh. "Where's Garrick?"

"Here," said Garrick as he emerged from the shadows. He was clad in armor, and his sword was on his back.

William was surprised by his presence. He was not one of those he'd thought to find in such a meeting. "...I was given to believe you held no grudge against Estela."

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"I do not," said Garrick. "I respect her willingness to do whatever is necessary to get what she wants. However, I am being paid to participate in this conspiracy. My presence here is nothing personal. Merely a matter of business.

"Knights of the Coin exist to serve the best interests of our clients. We do so regardless of personal feelings."

"How much are you being paid?" asked Varsus.

"Six crowns," said Garrick.

"That's it?" asked William.

"I find myself rather short of money at the moment," said Garrick. "And it seemed like the in thing to do."

"And what exactly is this conspiracy?" asked William.

"Simple enough," said Saphra. "As soon as the tournament begins, everyone here will cooperate. We will attack Estela together all at once. Then, once she has been removed from the fight, we'll turn our attention to the others as one.

"Cooperating, we will win the melee.

"We will then distribute the prize money for the melee among the participating houses. De Chevlon, Gabriel, Hawkthorne, and Estov."

"I do not have a house. There is no nobility in Sorn," said Garrick.

"Yes, of course, I merely put in your family name for the effect," said Saphra. "Obviously, you have a separate payment."

"This doesn't seem right," said Ham.

"When have you been concerned with what's right, Ham?" asked Reginald.

"Just recently," admitted Ham.

"Estela cheated against Garrick. And she cheated against dear William," said Saphra.

"Relma and Fayn didn't advance fairly either," noted William.

"Yes, but they didn't win the tournament," said Saphra.

"If I may, Baroness De Chevlon, Estela should not be our first target," said Garrick.

"Oh, and who would you suggest?" asked Saphra, looking up.

"We should target Ajax first," said Garrick. "He is by far the most dangerous of the contestants who will be present. If we defeat him first, the only remaining ones will be De Cathe, Relma, Estela, and Fayn. On the other hand, if we crush Ajax quickly, they may still need to realize we are working together.

"From there, we can work on Estela and Fayn. Finally, Relma."

"You can skip from Estela to Relma if you like." said a familiar voice.

Fayn emerged into the room bearing a new poleaxe. Ham looked at her in surprise. "Lady Fayn? What are you doing here?"

"I thought I might join in," said Fayn. "For part of the money."

"You owe Lady Artorious," said Ham. "You would be hanging if she hadn't forfeited. And you are joining up with us against her friend."

"Yes," said Fayn. "But she broke my father's poleaxe. So I had to get this one repaired. I was going to knock out Estela and Relma anyway. This just helps me with that. It's not like losing the melee will hurt her any.

"Look, this is completely legitimate. So I will make a condition that we ignore Relma in the melee. It isn't like she's a threat."

"She beat you," noted Reginald.

"Under the gaze of the Heaven's Eye," said Fayn. "A nexus of divine energies specifically attuned to her bloodline. Of course, she's going to win with an advantage like that.

"Its mere presence allowed Sir Orson to kill a hundred elves at the gates of Gel Carn. To say nothing of when Anoa let the waters in.

"This entire tournament has been rigged from start to finish. And my uncle tried to hang me just to avoid slowing it down. If I can ruin things for him by messing up Estela's perfect features, well... why not?"

Varsus looked at her. "...It seems we will have an overwhelming advantage."

"No, you will not," said Ham. "I won't have any part of this. I will go and tell them exactly what you are planning."

"Ham, come on, we're not breaking any rules," said Reginald.

"Neither was Estela," said Ham.

"Turnabout is fair play," said Reginald.

"So said Estela," said Ham. "I've done enough detestable things already. I won't do another." And he walked out.

William glanced at Felix. "Follow him."

Felix nodded and walked out.

Saphra clapped with obvious sarcasm. "Well, this is excellent; we don't have to pay House Hawkthorne."

"Hawkthorne has a point," said William. "Couldn't we just agree to an alliance?"

"House Vortegex has given insult to House Gabriel," said Varsus. "There must be paid in kind."

"I don't think Uncle would agree with that," said William. He was beginning to think that things were going too far now that he had calmed down a bit.

"Your Father would," said Varsus. "You cannot let people think there is no consequence to crossing you. That's how nations fall.

"Once it is believed a person is weak, bad actors take advantage of them. Debts need to be remembered. You must be viewed as dangerous, or you will be nothing."

William took the point.

He remembered Kata of the Furbearers. She had been thrown in a cell with her people and imprisoned in violation of every possible law and truce. It had been a wholly unjust war, but the Furbearers had been weak, so it hadn't mattered. No one had any time to help them, and many did not have the inclination. If not for Tanith and William, they might have had a very grim ending.

Although people dying in cells, languishing. Even Jehair had not been able to tolerate it and had put aside her plans to deal with it.

Father had taught him the necessity of retribution. So it was in every successful ruler.

"Still, this is a matter of some concern. Our enemies now know what we are doing," said Garrick.

Saphra yawned. "Ham left too early.

"I have certain powers of sorcery I have learned. Powers that will ensure our victory."

"What are those?" asked William, liking this less and less.

Saphra finished her knitting. Then they raised the violet cloth. "These are colors of Rioletta. When the wearer wills it, webs will be sent forward to tangle the one responsible. The webs that wrap around the person will cause them great agony. With these, we may take Ajax out of the fight easily."

"And the price?" asked William.

"Price?" asked Saphra with false innocence.

"Rioletta is the Goddess of Weaving," said William. "Among the things she weaves is fate. There is always a price for her aid."

"Actually, this one was already paid for," said Saphra. "You see, I performed the requested deed to gain the use of my previous scarf. Unfortunately, however, it was destroyed before I could use it for my own ends. In such situations, Rioletta offers replacement goods.

"She's very reasonable."

"Meaning the price has already been paid," said Varsus.

"Of course, it has already been paid," asked Saphra. "I wouldn't be using infernal bargains to win a tournament. However amusing it might be."

"The last time I accepted your colors, I nearly killed my cousin," said William.

"Don't worry," said Saphra. "This time, you'll nearly kill someone you don't like."

"I'm not wearing it," said William.

"You are the only one who can use it, William," said Varsus. "I have no experience with magic. But you do."

"Just give it to me," said Fayn as she grasped it. Then she drew back her hand with a yelp. Her hand had what appeared to be a spider bite on her hand. "Ow!

"What was that?"

"You are in league with a fire spirit, Fayn," said Saphra. "Rioletta hates fires. They burn her webs. Also, she specifically requested William wear it.

"I'm afraid William is the only one who can wield this thread."

"Rioletta is as much a demon as a god," said William. "Why would she work with me? A Paladin of Elranor?" A better question might be why everyone was pressuring him into this.

Saphra rolled her eyes. "My, someone has delusions of their own importance. In my experience, demons don't really hate paladins all that much. On the contrary, they enjoy corrupting them far too much."

"In your experience?" asked William.

"I am a sorceress, dear," said Saphra. "I've experimented with many sources of power."

"... Ajax's howl may have the power to counteract the threads," said Garrick.

"Don't be foolish," said Saphra. "Rioletta's threads are not so easily swayed as the winds."

"The wind is not easily swayed," said Garrick. "It spent many years gaining the allegiance of the winds of the Dusk Lands. And the winds of the Sea of Power."

"Well, you certainly wasted your time," said Saphra.

"We will use the webs as a last resort," said William. "Garrick, Reginald, and Fayn should go up against Ajax. Varsus, you should deal with Relma. I will handle Estela personally."

"What about Ham?" asked Fayn.

"Ham might not work against us," said Reginald. "He'll probably tell them what happened, but he won't side against us directly. Instead, he'll either stay neutral or join our side.

"He does stuff like this sometimes."

"Switches sides?" asked William.

"Does the honorable thing when it isn't the smart thing," said Reginald. "Usually after he's bounced back from doing something stupid. His family isn't exactly an honorable lot."

"You do have a lot of faith in that drunkard, don't you?" asked Saphra.

"Ham won't betray us. I promise you that," said Reginald.

"What about what he did with Bishop Joffrey," said Varsus.

"Joffrey had it coming," said William, remembering his behavior in Ascorn.

"I dare say he did," said Varsus. "It still says something about our friend."

"That was vendetta, Varsus," said Raynald. "And not the fun vendetta where everyone shakes hands at the end. Ham told me Joffrey killed a personal friend of his out of spite. And this is after selling Ascorn to the Healer's Guild and getting mixed up with criminals.

"We are talking about a degenerate, vile man who killed an innocent old woman out of spite. This after letting the plague spread through the streets. And Ham only went after him when he tried to enslave the population of Blackfear. Ham picked the right moment, the bastard had it coming, and Cirithil is out of the game these days, anyway.

"This isn't even in the same ballpark as Cirithil.

"Don't get me wrong, I'm unhappy about Estela doing this. But it's all in good fun. What the priesthood did was pure heresy."

William nodded. "I agree with Reginald.

"The two situations aren't even remotely comparable. If they were, this tournament wouldn't be the correct place to hash them out. I think I've been too harsh on Ham so far. I must have encountered him on that roadside during a dark period in his life. And he did save many people by his actions." He sighed. "But you're right, Varsus.

"We're going to win the melee."

William grasped the colors and tied them on his arm. Once again, he felt the presence, but this time he knew it for what it was. He felt like a fly, caught upon thousands of webs. Webs that stretched across the entire world, trapping every living creature.

They were all trapped in the web. And now he saw her, or perhaps her shadow. A spider, yet he saw the upper body of a human in place of the face. He gripped the colors, closed his eyes, and focused.

When he opened them again, the webs had departed.

William untied the colors, folded them, and set them into one of his pockets. Varsus looked at him. "Well?"

"I can do it," said William.

It was time to repay Estela's actions in kind.