Ambrose says "No, this is even better than I had hoped!"

Roddick says "You can practically see them all recalculating their plans."

Borrik says "Haha! The looks on their faces! The drake slayer part was a nice touch."

"Where do you think the armor came from?"

Borrik says "What?! You actually killed a drake?!"

"Yes, I did."

Borrik says "How bad was it? How many men did you lose?"

"I didn't lose any, I was alone."

Borrik says "You fought and killed a drake all on your own? I think I have underestimated you!"

Ambrose says "This isn't really the time for stories, as much as I would like to hear it as well."

Roddick whispers "Actually, everyone around us is listening, go ahead and tell the story, Ash."

So I tell the story of fighting the drake, I leave out everything about the trials and just tell the details of the fight itself. Borrik and pretty much everyone nearby are completely enthralled by the story as I tell it. I can see others edging closer to try and hear what is going on, their curiosity overcoming their aversion to me.

When I finish the story I can hear people who listened telling others who didn't the story, but not very accurately. The story is going to spread, and it will grow with each time it is passed on as all stories do. Who knows, if the story spreads enough it may eventually become a legend, that would be kind of cool.

Ambrose says "Did you see Pine's face? He looked like he swallowed something that was still moving!"

Borrik says "It was such a good show I feel like I should have paid admission."

Roddick says "Your amusement aside, he will be modifying his plans as we speak. He has enough money to buy almost anyone in this room, we can't underestimate him."

"With him there are four guildmasters I know of, how many are there in total?"

Ambrose says "The council is made up of seven guildmasters, the three you haven't met are the blacksmiths, miners, and masons. The Guildmaster of the blacksmiths is Pelos, miners is Scott, and masons is Gregor."

Borrik says "You will meet them soon, they are here somewhere."

"Alright, what should I know about them?"

Roddick says "Pelos and Scott are commoners, they worked their way up through the guilds. They always vote for whatever they think is best for the city."

A case of literary theft: this tale is not rightfully on Amazon; if you see it, report the violation.

"They sound like good people."

Ambrose says "They are, but sometimes Pine convinces them to vote for things he wants."

Borrik says "Gregor is a noble and Pine owns him completely. He is basically Pine's dog, he always votes how Pine wants."

"So he is on the list of enemies, got it. Anyone I should pay attention to among the nobles?"

Roddick says "Only two really, Duke Tremaine and Marquis Rend."

Ambrose says "Marquis Rend is the leader of the faction that most opposes Pine."

Borrik says "Duke Tremaine is the highest ranked noble in Illium, but he got there using Pine's money."

"Pine really owns most of the nobility doesn't he?"

Ambrose says "Those he owns are a definite majority."

Roddick says "Those who he doesn't own are all part of Rend's faction. So if you plan to join a faction I would suggest his."

"Should I join a faction? I was planning to just support you guys and work on my own plans."

Ambrose says "Rend's faction would help shield you from at least some of Pine's plans. Keep in mind he has a lot of power in Illium and can cause you all sorts of problems."

"Surely you can counter most of those problems, you being in charge of the city and all."

Ambrose says "I can only fix them after the fact, which takes time and paperwork. If you make me do paperwork I will make you suffer for it!"

Roddick says "No, you won't."

Ambrose says "Oh, yes, I will!"

Borrik says "Sound like an old married couple, don't they?"

"Sure do! But back to the topic at hand, should I be joining a faction?"

Roddick says "Rend is one of the few good nobles, so yes joining his faction would be a good move. If you do it visibly it would also worry Pine even more."

"Anything that hurts Pine is all well and good, but I was hoping to avoid as much of the politics as I can."

Borrik says "Too late for that! You are in it up to your neck already boy, whether you like it or not!"

"Well, I don't like it, but I will live with it. Now one of you point out this Rend for me and then shake my hand."

Ambrose says "That's him over there getting some food, and why are we shaking hands?"

"So that those watching think we have come to some form of arrangement."

Borrik says "Haha! Pine will be worrying about what we are all planning instead of watching what is already happening! I think you will be good at this!"

"Thanks, now if you will excuse me. Going straight to Rend after making a deal with you three should really worry Pine."

As I walk away I can hear all three of them chuckling away behind me, what's more is everyone watching can see how good of a mood the three of them are in. They will take that to mean that whatever deal we worked out is really good for them, and bad for those who oppose them. As I approach Rend I size him up, he is in his fifties at least and looks half starved, but his salt and pepper hair is immaculate and he is well dressed.

"Greetings, Lord Rend."

Rend says "Lord Ash, a pleasure to meet you."

"Forgive my presumption, but it has been strongly suggested that I join your faction."

Rend says "Is whatever you and Ambrose are cooking up against Pine's interests?"

"Oh, absolutely!"

Rend says "Then welcome!"

Accepting his offered handshake I take a quick glance around, every eye is on us. Some are trying not to be obvious about it but I can tell all the same, and a lot of whispering started up when we shook hands. Finding Pine in the crowd I see him chewing his thumbnail and looking deep in thought.

"He seems worried!"

Rend says "Yes, it is a pleasant sight, isn't it?"

"Yes, the more he worries about hidden threats the more likely he is to miss the obvious."

Rend says "Is this plan you are cooking up going to happen soon?"

"No, a good plan takes time to mature."

Rend says "Good, I look forward to watching him sweat for a while!"

Tremaine yells "Lord Drake Slayer! Considering the stories going around I wondered if we might bother you for a demonstration of swordsmanship?"