Plans Over Dinner

In the hierarchy of nobility within the Kruish clans, there are none as great and respected as the Inthaley, the Clan Lord. They hold great power and control within their territories where they reign as kings or emperors. The only authority over the Inthaley is the Menhiilaus Zanaer, the Great Council of elders, clan lords, and respected members of society that occasionally meets to settle differences between the clans or to set policy for all Krue.

— The Krue: A Valiant Race by Terl Fongalto

Clan Lord's Estate
Thwrud
Subeleth
October 4

At long last, they were able to escape the Clan Hall and get into the relative privacy of Lord Saekoris' estate. Even that minor feat had taken a full honor guard of a hundred warriors culled from among the best of the two companies that had presented themselves for Syler's inspection earlier. Syler had argued against such pomp, but Vekla told him in no uncertain terms that it was not an option. Delmonor joined her in pointing out that there were plenty of people who might not be too keen on having him as their lord and an ambush in the streets, while dishonorable, was not unheard of in such times. He assured him that in time, things would settle down, but for now, he needed to stay under close protection.

Vekla left him at the gateway to the estate that was now his and said she had work to do. Syler, thinking of her father's body, asked no questions. She had already saved him a great deal of trouble in the hall, he didn't want to intrude on her mourning any further. Resigning himself to the hundred strong bodyguard that began to fan out throughout the perimeter of the estate grounds, Syler and his friends entered the grand wood and brass doors of the estate.

They were met by an excited man dressed in fine wool robes and who proclaimed himself to be the saledaur, Torrvel Kagadan. He quickly figured out that a saledaur was a sort of overseer or steward for the estate's servants and guards whose responsibility it was to make sure things ran smoothly around the place so the lord could focus on other, more important things. Syler was grateful that the man spoke the Common Tongue because it made life so much easier for him. It took a few minutes, but he realized that it was Torrvel who helped show him around the house last evening when they were brought here for the night.

Torrvel was excited to explain to his new lord that that he now had eight female servants, five male servants, two chefs, a stableman, and a dozen permanently stationed guards at his every command. His estate had six guest rooms in addition to the master's chambers, an armory, a dining room for private dinners, a feast hall for public feasts, a small library, a study, an expansive cellar, a kitchen, quarters for the servants and guards, and most importantly, stables for up to fifteen hasuan. For Syler who had never lived in a house with more than five rooms, this was a palace beyond all of his dreams and expectations.

And yet, he hated it. Even as the nervous and excited servants showed him around, he only wanted to get out of here. He was furious at the Krue for their ridiculous customs and the bloodshed he had been forced to commit and witness because of them. He only tolerated it because Bronwyn didn't want to make a bad impression.

Had it been up to him, he would have rejected this all without second thought, but it wasn't. Crusos' warning about what he would do should he not embrace all of this was still very fresh on his mind. He didn't know what the devious Element had in mind, but from what he had been told, it probably involved a lot of bloodshed and violence. Syler wasn't a leader, he didn't want to send men into battle to die or be responsible for the lives of the people in Clan Thwrud. He wasn't even a Krue, and now he was supposed to lead them. They had altogether too much faith in prophecy if they were going to trust him to be their leader.

At last, the tour was over and they were able to clean up for supper. Though the worst of the Lord Yaegran's blood had been wiped off of his face and hands with a damp cloth back at the Clan House, there was still a dark brown crust around and under his fingernails. He was not exactly fit for dining anywhere and was eager to at least wash his hands and face. They quickly washed up in the small communal washroom that was connected to the feast hall.

It wasn't long before they were sitting in front of a rather large and long table waiting for their food to arrive. It appeared that the chefs were eager to display their culinary skill and make a good first impression on their new master because they had excitedly informed him that there would be a great feast in his honor. Though he wasn't hungry, Syler couldn't say no for the sake of the others. Against his better judgment, Syler sent out a servant to find Growald and Tald and invite them to the feast. He also insisted that Delmonor stayed as well, both out of gratitude for the man's help today and because he wanted a Kruish warrior who actually spoke his language just in case he needed to communicate with the warriors guarding him. He doubted that any of the warriors would take kindly to receiving orders through a servant.

He also sent word that Growald's men were to be given accommodations at whatever inns the city had, but that they were to stay within those places under guard. There was no point in causing problems by having them roaming around and offending one of the natives. It was better to have them safely tucked away and out of sight.

"Well, today was a lot of fun," said Lamastus jovially. Their food wasn't yet out, but the servants had given them plenty of drink options ranging from juices to beer, ale, wine, and mead.

"Don't even start," cautioned Syler. He was still in a sour mood. To top it off, whatever the healer woman gave him was beginning to wear off and his calf was hurting again.

"There is no need to take it out on him," chided Bronwyn. "It hasn't exactly been an enjoyable experience for us."

"Yea, we ain't had such a good day," added Havert. "We all are sorry for what they ha' done ta ya, but it ain't no reason to take it out on us. We are yer friends."

In a far more serious tone than before, Lamastus said, "Just try to relax, the worst should be over. Assuming there is no coup attempt—and I sincerely doubt it after the display back at the inthadaeka—things should start to calm down."

Syler sighed and ran his fingers through his hair. "Okay, I will admit, I am not in the best of moods. I am quite tired of everything and just want to rest. I am sorry for how I have been snapping at all of you today."

"There is no need for forgiveness," replied Alltis. "It has been an exhausting few days for you and we understand that. Few men could have held up as well as you have under these circumstances."

"Just try to enjoy the food when it comes," advised Lamastus. "I find that everything is better with food and ale in the belly."

Delmonor grunted in agreement, and raised his mug a little before chugging its contents down. Syler gave him a curious glance, but didn't say anything. It was the warrior's second cup of ale and he was already reaching for the pitcher to refill it. Syler wasn't going to begrudge the man a little ale after the uncomfortable day he had surely faced playing mediator and translator.

"Well there, I see ya have done well for yourself," a loud voice interrupted.

Syler groaned to himself as he turned his head to look at the new arrivals. Growald strode into the room and sat himself down beside Delmonor like he owned the place. Tald, at least, was a little more respectful and gave Syler a courteous nod of appreciation at being invited. Now that everyone was here, the servants began serving the feast.

The sight of large plates heaping full of thick cut beef, venison, and various fowl still sizzling from the fires was enough to remind Syler that he hadn't eaten since yesterday when talking with Lord Saekoris. Bowls overflowing with buttered and diced potatoes with radishes, carrots in a garlic and pepper sauce, and beets swimming in butter were served with the meats. Warm breads made with rye, wheat flour, and even potato starch were served alongside honey, jam, and butter. Last on the list was a variety of assorted cheeses from cow, goat, and even hasuan milks. Despite his earlier lack of appetite, Syler was unable to resist the sight and smell of such foods and ate a small amount. The others had no problem digging in, especially Delmonor and Growald.

While they ate, Syler and Bronwyn told of what happened since they parted companies at the border of Subeleth, though they left out certain details from what happened in the morning. When Havert expressed his disbelief, Delmonor began eagerly confirming what was said while spraying bread crumbs and droplets of ale all around him. When Havert repeated his disbelief, the Kruish warrior took offense and even pulled out a knife before Syler and the others were able to convince him that Havert was merely expressing a common saying and that he wasn't really calling Syler a liar. With cheeks flushed red, Delmonor sheathed his sword and offered his apologies.

Growald, for the most part, seemed especially interested in what happened with the Elements. When he spoke of them, there was an almost wistful gleam in the Seinari's eyes that Syler hadn't seen before. Syler went into as much detail as he dared, but still kept parts of it to himself. There were some things he just didn't want anyone, especially Bronwyn, knowing.

When the stories had been told, the subject moved on to the future. "So, Syler, what do you plan on doing now that you are lord of a Kruish clan?" Lamastus asked.

Syler swallowed another gulp of mead before replying, "The same thing I plan on doing when we left Kubei. I want to go after my sister."

There was silence for a few moments as those at the table glanced at each other trying to decide how to respond to this. It was Growald, as usual, who decided to barge in. "And what are you goin' to do about your responsibilities here?"

Syler shrugged, "I didn't ask for them. The people of Thwrud are going to have to learn to live with having a foreign born blacksmith who doesn't care about power or politics in charge of things. I am sure we can come to some sort of arrangement where the lesser nobility runs things in my absence."

"You can't just walk off and expect things to be okay. These people need a leader and you need to learn how to lead. War is coming and you are going to need an army if we are going to survive this at all."

Syler wasn't moved. "I am getting my sister and I don't care what you or the Krue or even the Elements have to say about it. If you don't help me, then get out of the way because I will cut down anyone who tries to stop me from getting her."

Growald threw his hands up in the air in disgust. "Have you learned nothin' here, boy?"

Syler skewered him with a fiery glare. With pure venom in his voice, he said, "I believe that will be the last time I hear you call me 'boy.' I am done being insulted and mocked by the likes of you. In fact," he looked at Delmonor, "if he calls me 'boy' again, I want you to kill him where he stands."

The Kruish warrior smiled happily and slammed a half eaten turkey leg on the table. He tried to say something, but his mouth was full so nobody could understand him.

Growald wasn't impressed, and he said so. "You will need a lot more than a drunken Krue to take me on."

Lamastus smiled sweetly and said, "Don't worry, Lord Penion here has another hundred and twenty warriors on this estate alone that would be happy to help Delmonor here out. And if they don't get the job done, the two companies of warriors we saw earlier today would likely be willing to give it a shot, though I personally don't think they will be needed."

"Lamastus!" admonished Bronwyn with a shove. "Syler wasn't being serious." When her husband didn't respond, she turned to him with wide eyes. "You are serious? You would really kill this man if he insulted you again?"

Syler ignored her, but continued to stare at Growald who, in turn, met his glare and returned it. The table was silent for a full minute while the two of them stared each other down. Havert looked nervously between his two friends, clearly not wishing to have to get in between them should another fight break out. If anything, Tald looked ashamed at the actions of his superior and kept his head down and focused on his shuffling food around his plate. Delmonor had already gone back to eating the turkey leg while Alltis and Bronwyn waited silently and perhaps a little bit impatiently for the men to sort things out.

At long last, the tension was broken when a mighty guffawing laugh erupted from deep within Growald's chest. He slammed the table causing plates and cups to rattle and continued to howl while Syler remained furious. "There is the man that ya need to be!" exclaimed Growald between fits of laughter. "You have a backbone after all, good to know."

"I am not joking with you," replied Syler sourly. "I am quite finished with your jabs and insults."

Growald sobered up and shrugged. "Okay then, I will make you a deal. You act like a lord and I will treat you like one. You act like a child, and I will continue to call you 'boy.'"

"There are no deals here. Through no small part of your own, I am now lord of this clan and as such, this is my house. I will not suffer insults under my own roof. Is that excessively clear to you, or do I need to carve it into your skull?"

Growald's mouth opened to respond, but Bronwyn cut him off. "Enough!" She stood up, planted both fists on the table, and fixed both of them with the same contempt she would give naughty children. "I am tired of this game between you two and it will stop now."

"Bronwyn—" Syler sputtered.

"No. I know that you two have never gotten along, but I will no longer stand by and watch as the two of you claw at each other like bitter old men or immature young boys."

To Growald, she said, "You have done nothing but insult Syler and mock his every move. I understand you had some sort of role to play as this Guardian or whatnot, but that is over. The games are finished and now it is time to be upfront with us all. If you do not stop the petty attacks, you will have to deal with me. I guarantee you, when I am finished with you, you will wish that all you had to worry about were a bunch of Krue."

She turned on Syler to catch him in the middle of a smirk. "Don't think you are so above this, Syler Penion. You aren't merely a victim here. You instigate things and take offense at the slightest thing. I think you have a perverse liking to trying to finding the negative in every single little thing that Growald does. You launch your own attacks and push him and all of us as well. It has driven me crazy enough and I have been unconscious through most of it. I can only imagine how wearying it is for everyone else. You are a lord now, and my husband. I will not tolerate your childish feud with Growald, not when we have plenty of enemies and threats elsewhere to deal with."

She glared at both of them in turn before asking, "Is that clear?"

Growald was first to act by raising his cup saying, "I admit, I was wrong before. You got a good one there, Syler. Treat her well 'cause she is worth it. Very well, my lady, we shall have an end to the ill feelings between us if he is willing."

"Syler?" she asked with a demanding arched brow.

Syler worked his jaw back and forth a few times before blowing the air out of his lungs and sagging a little in defeat. "Okay, you are right. I will stop the bickering and move on. He has been a help to me even if I didn't like how he did it."

It wasn't completely what she wanted, but Bronwyn was satisfied. She nodded once and sat back down. "Now that that is settled, we can talk about going after Karusa."

"Syler, my friend," Lamastus said, "you know I completely support going after your sister, but there is something you need to consider."
"And what is that," replied Syler suspiciously.

"Your leg. I have seen wounds like that fester and they can cause men to lose a leg or worse. Since mages can't work their healing magic on you, you have no choice but to let the leg heal naturally."

Syler didn't respond to that for several moments before pounding his fist on the table in frustration. "I don't know why I didn't think of that," he admitted. "I have been so exhausted and focused on surviving people trying to kill me or my friends that I didn't even consider my leg stopping me."

"It hasn't stopped you, dear," Bronwyn said soothingly as she lay her hand over his. "It just has slowed you down a bit."

Lamastus cleared his throat and said, "That is where I come in."

"How?" asked Syler.

"Well, it could take a few weeks for that leg to fully heal up and that isn't a bad thing. Lord Saekoris and, as much as it pains me to admit, Growald were right about your future. There are too many coincidences and unexplained things going on to ignore. You are needed here to solidify your authority and make sure nobody tries to kill us all when we get Karusa back. After all, we are going to need a safe place to live and right now, the safest place I know of is here among the Krue."

"What are you suggesting, Angvardi?" grumbled Growald.

"I am suggesting that you send me ahead to infiltrate the garrison at See Sei and figure out where they took Karusa. That may take some time, but I can do it and have the information by the time you have healed up and taken care of things here. We could meet somewhere, say five miles west of See Sei and head off after her when you are ready."

"That sounds quite dangerous," commented Alltis. "What if they discover you?"

Lamastus shrugged. "I am an Angvardi and a charming one at that, if I may say so." He ignored Growald's short of derision and continued on. "I think I can talk my way out of anything that comes my way. Plus, if you would remember, I have the vambrace that the governor's operative was wearing. I should be able to bluff my way through posing as one of his operatives. Nobody questions those men because they have the authorization to kill anyone they deem necessary."

"You would do this for me?" said Syler softly.

All humor left Lamastus' expression and he said with solid conviction, "Of course I would. I pledged to help you find her and so I shall. You may not believe it, but I have come to believe that you are indeed someone special, someone worth fighting for. It might not have been explicitly said before, so I will say it now."

He clasped his right fist over his heart and said loudly and clearly, "I, Lamastus Fean, do hereby proclaim my sworn oath to serve you, Lord Syler Penion, and to follow your commands and the commands of your heirs until you have no more need of me or death claims me."

"Just dandy," muttered Growald as he slapped his face with his palm. "Just don't you go expectin' me to preen like that." A look from Bronwyn cut off anything else he might have said.

Syler ignored Growald's comments entirely. His attention was on the black haired Angvardi that had just pledged his service to him. "That means a lot more than you may know, Lamastus. I accept your oath and service and hope to live up to your expectations."

"Do I hafta do it?" whined Havert. "Ya know I am always with ya."

Syler smiled, "Havert, you crazy lout, I didn't give you a choice whether or not to follow me. You are stuck since you are the one who got me into this trouble in the first place."

Havert placed his hands on his hips and asked pointedly, "And how do ya figure that?"

With a jerk of his thumb in the direction of Growald, Syler explained jovially, "It was you who pointed Growald here my way. Without him, I wouldn't be here among the Krue or stuck with a lordship title."

"But then ya wouldn't have Bronwyn without Growald," the redhead retorted.

Syler huffed at that which elicited a chuckle from the Seinari. "That doesn't mean that you and he didn't get us all into this mess."

"Things could be worse," Alltis pointed out. "We could still be out on the road, near starving, and close to freezing to death. This may put us in danger, but it is a danger we can overcome together."

"Very true," admitted Syler. "I am grateful to the both of you for staying at my side when you could have had an easier time off on your own."

"We couldn't just go off and leave ya on yer own with Bronwyn as she was."

Syler shook his head in disagreement. "But you could have, and you didn't. That is why I owe you a both a major debt of gratitude."

Delmonor let out a large belch that drew the attention of the entire table. At the sound of silence, he looked up to see what was happening. As soon as he figured out it was because of him, he looked as sheepish as a fierce, red splattered warrior could and managed to mumble, "Fuswau," before finding something interesting in the bottom of his cup to stare at.

Eager to get back onto his previous suggestion, Lamastus asked, "So, will you let me go and find where your sister is?"

"If you think you can do it, then who am I to say no? You can leave when you are ready and we will meet you five miles due west from See Sei as soon as we can get there."

"Excellent. I will wait for you until the end of the month. If you haven't shown by then, I will assume something went wrong on your end and try to make my way back here. Likewise, if you haven't heard from me by then, assume I was captured or killed and try your own luck at finding her."

"That sounds good. I will make sure Torrvel supplies you with whatever you need and that there is an escort to get you out of Subeleth without problems. Delmonor, would that pose any problems?"

There was quiet while the warrior swallowed a mouthful of grilled potato cubes. When he was done and had washed it down with a gulp of ale, he answered, "No, bwet ley. As inthaley, you have the ability to send anyone along the public roads to the border. Per law, no clan may attack or interfere with any other clan's members on the public roads unless they have declared war upon them."

"Wait," asked Syler. "Are you telling me that clans declare war on each other?"

The bearded warrior nodded eagerly, "Yes, and quite often. You pandraukhinti might think we Krue are united, but that is only against threats from outside. There is always fighting between the clans for many reasons. Right now, there are at least two wars going on that I know about."

Syler was scratching his beard thoughtfully while taking this in. "I never knew. Is there anyone that is at war with Thwrud?"

"None at the moment, but I would watch out for the Larossi. Them never did like us and want our eastern farmlands."

"Thank you for the information," Syler replied darkly. A thought occurred to him, "What is your part in all of this, Delmonor? Why did you get assigned to me and why have you stuck around?"

The warrior blinked a few times and tried to clean his grease covered hands on his chest. "I was a bolder, a guard, for Lord Saekoris, one of many. I think I was picked because I know the Outsiders Tongue from when me osraph taught me."

"Your what?" asked Syler.

"His father," answered Bronwyn.

Delmonor nodded, "Yes, me father. He was curious about pandraukhinti, foreigners like yourself and I learned some of your tongue from him. Lord Saekoris encouraged it so I studied it when I was serving him. I guess I am part of your guard now, so I am at your command."

"What are your feelings toward me and this situation? More importantly, can I trust that you are loyal to me?"

The warrior staggered to his feet causing his wooden chair to screech along the floor. "Bwet ley, kae vsu bwosarotes althirse, khadordosotes fauhse. I serve you with all of my honor." When he was done, he nodded in self satisfaction and sat back down.

Though he was growing tired of having to ask, he felt it was better to do so and know than to remain in ignorance. "What did you say at first?"

This time, it was Lamastus who answered, "He pledged himself to you saying what can be translated as 'bowing before, standing behind.' I have heard that pledge before from those who live in Dunhavo and West Angrava, just not in Kruish." When Syler arched an brow toward his friend questioningly, he explained. "We managed to come upon a small group of Kruish warriors who were fleeing Subeleth. They surrendered to us and, between one of our Kutii captives and one of the warriors who knew a little of the Common Tongue, we managed to communicate. They pledged themselves to the Way and Angvard in exchange for their freedom. That is one of the things they all said when swearing their oaths."

"No true man of the People would ever abandon Subeleth," Delmonor protested.

"Maybe not," Lamastus admitted, "but that doesn't change the fact that those men did. Maybe they lost one of the wars you just mentioned and had to flee for their lives."

Delmonor crossed his arms across this barrel chest and said dourly, "Then they are not Krue, but are now lesser men."

"Lesser like me?" asked Syler caustically. "Am I a lesser man for not being born a Krue or following your ways?"

The warriors eyes widened and he quickly stammered, "Dalmabwes, bwet ley, I meant no offense. Forgive my outburst, it was gakrellea of me."

"Do your people truly think that other races are lesser?" prodded Syler. He recalled Lord Yaegran's opposition to his taking over as a foreigner and was curious exactly how far that xenophobia extended.

"Yes, many do," admitted Delmonor. "My osraph did not believe so, but he was mocked for it. I made myself a strong warrior to escape such mockery and was gladdened to be accepted into the inthaley'os service."

"And you?"

With a gulp, he said, "I try to see men for what they do. There are strong men and weak men among all races. You are a strong man, the strongest I have ever seen."

Syler accepted that with a single nod. It was probably the best he was going to get from him tonight. As long as he followed orders and treated his friends with respect, he didn't much care if the warrior thought his people were better than others. In some aspects, they were, but the Krue still had a lot that he thought needed correcting.

He turned his attention to Growald and asked him, "What are your plans?"

He gave one of his characteristic shrugs and replied, "I mean to stay and watch you to make sure you don't get into trouble. After all, I am your Guardian, so I figure I might as well as guard you."

"Oh joy," Syler murmured mirthlessly. "I suppose you could be of use since I think I can trust you and your men not to try to take my authority. That might prove useful if things get dangerous."

"Those men aren't loyal to you," Growald pointed out. "They are loyal to the Seinari and to the Kingdom. Some may be interested in helping you out, but they aren't like me. If you don't give them a reason to believe that you will help their cause, then they will leave at the first moment."

"If they leave without my permission, they will get themselves killed," said Syler.

"Yes, which is why they haven't left yet. They didn't intend on coming here, but we didn't much have a choice what with being surrounded by Krue. I suggest you weed out the ones who have no interest in you and send them off tomorrow with Lamastus."

"That sounds like so much fun," moaned the Angvardi.

"Don't worry," replied Syler. "I will send a few warriors to keep them in line."

Lamastus didn't seem convinced, "Just make sure the warriors aren't going to let them slit my throat when I sleep."

"I think ya can survive," Growald said sardonically. "Just use your fancy tongue to weasel yourself out of everything."

"Don't worry, I will make sure they know of the situation," Syler interjected reassuringly before Lamastus could return the insult. He frowned and noticed someone had been rather quiet. "Tald, what about you?"

The farmhand turned soldier looked uncomfortable in the center of attention, but he didn't shrink away. "I joined with the lieutenant here to help fight off the Angvardi and free our home. I wasn't never a soldier before, just a conscript like you and Havert. Looking around, I see a lot of potential here to help a lot. I ain't got any family nor much tying me down back in Sei, so I suppose I could stay here with you if you would have me."

When Growald didn't object, Syler nodded. "I would be honored to have you. You were always kind to us and even when the others weren't and I respect that. Stay with me and I will make sure you are put to good use helping people. That doesn't mean that we are going to abandon our homeland. I have no love for the Angvardi or the Terulans, not after what they did to our king and us personally. Mark my words, if I have any say in it, we will throw them back into the East and leave them to rot there."

Lamastus shifted uncomfortably at that, but he kept his mouth shut. Growald and Havert seemed pleased, as did the women. Tald himself nodded with a small smile gracing his lips. "That sounds very good, my lord."

Syler lifted a finger, "One thing, don't call me 'my lord' or 'lord' or any of that nonsense. We are countrymen and that means you call me Syler. If you really have to be formal, call me 'Mr. Penion' as that is my name."

"I can do that, sir," answered Tald with a look of caution. When Syler only rolled his eyes without correcting him, he relaxed a little.

They had a casual conversation for the next half hour, but by then even Delmonor had managed to eat and drink his fill and was beginning to look uncomfortable. Syler stood up and winced as the pain in his leg returned with a vengeance. He quickly regained control of himself and said, "I think it is time to retire. My leg needs tending to and some of you will be traveling tomorrow so you need to get some rest."

There were a few groans of relief, mainly from Delmonor and Lamastus who both were beginning to get antsy. The guests beat a hasty retreat with servants who showed them to their rooms. That left only Syler and Bronwyn in the feast hall, though they weren't alone for long.

"Bwet ley, is there anything I may do for you?" Torrvel asked.

Syler didn't immediately respond because he was busy trying not to pass out. Standing up had been a bad idea entirely. He had been mostly okay while sitting down, but once he rose, the blood rushed down and his calf was throbbing once more.

Seeing the pain in his eyes, Bronwyn responded for him, "We wish to retire to our chambers. Please make sure that there are fresh bandages and poultices sent as quickly as possible."

Torrvel gave Syler one glance and bowed before rushing off to relay orders. A servant who had been waiting at the door helped Bronwyn get Syler to an entirely massive room that was to be their quarters. The room itself was larger than their entire house in Kubei had been and was far more ornate and richly furnished than anything Syler had been in before. If the guest room they spent last night in had been opulent, this was profanely excessive in its finery.

Whether it was done by orders from him or after he had died, all of the personal things that Syler expected Lord Saekoris to have were not present. While the room was completely furnished, it was full of things that were new, unused, and had no personal wear on them. He didn't know why, but that saddened him a little.

Syler leaned him back on a small leather couch and propped his leg up on a footstool. Gently, Bronwyn removed his boot and tore off his pants up to the mid-thigh. Even if he had managed to wash up a little before supper, he was still filthy from the two fights he had been in. With loving care, she removed the bloody bandages and started cleaning his leg and wound. Every time he hissed in pain, she winced with him, but she was resolved to continue her work.

"You know," she said, after a few minutes of work, "it was a lot easier last time. At least then, you didn't have any actual wounds."

Syler smiled at the memory of her cleaning him after his first fight with Growald. He had been slightly embarrassed at the time, but the incident had brought them close. It was the first time he realized that she saw him as more than just an intruder, but as a partner.

She smiled down at him and he saw her perfect white teeth. "At least the stitches held."

"Yes, we can be grateful for that."

There was a polite knock at the door. When Bronwyn answered it, Torrvel was there with a basket full of fresh bandages and several poultices wrapped in thin cloth pouches that could be easily spread over the wound. "Kaeboutua," she said in gratitude as she took the basket.

"Does bwet leya require assistance?" the saledaur asked hesitantly.

"Fao, we will be fine without you," she responded before closing the door. After all that had happened today and all the people fluttering around offering help or leading them places, she wanted her husband to herself tonight.

"Did you know there is a full bath here?" Syler said when she returned to him. He pointed to the opposite side of the room from the door and added, "I think it even has one of those running fountains in it."

Bronwyn placed her hands on her hips and said mockingly, "You mean to say that you don't want me to give you another sponge bath?"

Syler frowned at the quip. He would normally have been more than willing to play her game, but today's events and the pain from his calf left him in no mood for a repeat of this morning. "Not tonight," he said sullenly. At the disappointment in his wife's eyes, he reached up and pulled her down into a kiss. When they broke it, he whispered to her, "I am sorry, but I just want to get this bandage changed and go to sleep."

She went back to tending his leg and said, "I understand. I have never killed anyone before, so I can't begin to imagine how it feels."

"It isn't so much that," said Syler. "It is why I have to kill. Yes, I regret killing Lord Saekoris. There was so much that I could have learned from him and he had done nothing to harm us. I had no qualms about killing the Shalktra or the priests in the Temple. They all deserved what they got. I don't even mind killing Lord Yaegran. He didn't leave me too much of a choice and was a bastard anyway."

He winced as she applied a fresh poultice onto the wound, but that didn't stop him from continuing. "What I regret is being manipulated into the situation in the first place. The Shalktra took you because of prophecy and their desire to get to me, so I had to go and kill them to free you. The Elements force me to do their bidding in order to gain your life back. Then the Krue take me and force me to fight a man who had done me no wrong because of prophecy. That in turn places me into a position where I think a lot of people are going to get killed in opposing me because of some very valid reasons. I am an outsider, a foreigner, and now because of prophecy, their old and respected lord sacrificed himself to put me into power.

"Why? Why is all of this happening? Because of prophecy. Because some old men with grey hair scratched some words on parchment and called it the future. Maybe it was one of the Immortals that actually sent it, but that makes it no better. I am just a pawn to the Immortals just as I am a prize to the Angvardi and the Terulans and the Krue. Even Growald had ulterior motives when dealing with me. I am tired of being a mere pawn or a prize, forced to go whichever way others want me to. I haven't been free since before the Angvardi invaded and I am high tired of playing the games of others."

Bronwyn was silent for a time as she finished wrapping up his leg. When she spoke, her voice was strained, "I did not know you had to trade your freedom to save me."

Syler let out a deep breath and said soothingly, "It was a sacrifice I was willing to make because living without you or Karusa is not life. I made the deal to save your life in exchange for the Elements not harming my friends or interfering in my attempts to get my sister. My part of the bargain was that I was to accept their handpicked destiny for my life. It was a tradeoff I felt was fair, even if it means I must play their game."

"You shouldn't have done that for me."

"There are a lot of things I shouldn't have done, but that was not one of them. One way or another, I will make them regret forcing me to do their bidding. They think they have a pliable, ignorant blacksmith to use, but they will find that my patience with all of them goes only so far." There was a hardness in Syler's eyes as he spoke. Without noticing it, he had clenched his hands into fists and was tensing up. "Once I have my sister and my friends are safe, everyone will start playing a new game: my game. I don't think that it is a game they will be expecting and, for anyone who crosses me, I do not expect they will like it much."