Orion laid his gaze upon towering gray walls. He was no stranger to such sightsbe they in Mateth or in Dirracha, he had seen walls standing near hundreds of feet tall, enclosing all that within and protecting it in the same turn. But this was not Vasquer, and yet these gray walls stood like giants in this endless black desert, nestled at the bottom of a crater. He had always been proud of his peoples feats. He did not expect to see their equal in this unforgiving, if beautiful, desert.

The prince stepped closer. Orion had gone south, south, and south again, running into village and town and city in equal turns. All rejected him, yet at all stops he received yet more tales of this land of Sethiaa place that was free of the burden of the leadership of the Vessels of Fellhorn. All was as Durran described, even the great curtain walls before him.

When he neared, he spotted a caravan of a strange people lingering outside the gate. The gate guards, though nearby, did not seem to bristle at these peoples presence. Their skin was as black as night, their ears were half the side of their head, their height was greater than that of man, and their guardsmen had a familiar looking weapon in hand. They wore strange and luxurious silken clothing.

Orion walked to them with slow, heavy steps, an innocent curiosity driving him forward. As he neared, their heads turned towards him, watching, waiting. They prepared themselves for anything, yet as he neared, one broke off.

Argrave? one asked, half in disbelief.

Orion paused, standing before the southron elves of the Burnt Desert.

#####

Your brother was a savior to us all, said Corentin. He was a one-legged, one-eyed veteran, and he kindly handed the prince a cup billowing steam.

Orion accepted the cup from the southron elf, turning towards the fire. They encamped within a small, secluded alcove on the edge of the city Sethia.

Why do we camp away from the city? Orion questioned. Are your people barred from entering?

No, Corentin answered, walking with a limp on account of his missing leg. He used his glaive like a walking stick as he moved around the various others sitting around the fire. No, we can enter. But all that most know of Argrave is that he was black-haired and gray-eyed. You might be mistaken for him.

Is that a bad thing? Orion looked down at the cup, taking a drink. It was a tea of some sorta strong, fruity flavor that left a strange tingling on his tongue.

Corentin paused his walk. He ground the bottom of his glaive against the sand, then tossed it aside, awkwardly moving to sit. He splayed his iron peg leg out before him, sighing as he sat.

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Argrave saved the city. But a lot of people were too blind to see it. Misled by someone named Titus, Corentin shook his head. But even still, it all turned out alright in the end.

Argrave killed the Lords of this landthats what I know, Orion said, half-questioning.

Aye. He killed the Lord of Silver, a hand of a god, Corentin said, somewhat proudly. The Lord of Copper was slain by my people, and the Lord of Gold was slain by the Lord of Copper.

Orion frowneda lot of similar-sounding names came at him at once. And these peoplethey were tyrants? They were cruel to their own?

Corentin nodded. Unimaginably so. They could Drain peoplethat is, absorb their very essence to strengthen themselves. They bore Blessings from their god that made them control water absolutely. Beyond that, they kept slaves, breeding them for desirable appearances. A nearby southron elf handed the old warrior a cup of his own tea, and he drank from it. But all thats done now. The slaves to Copper and Silver rejoined the humans at Sethia. We accepted the elven slaves of the Lord of Gold into our tribe but thats not been easy.

Orion nodded and downed the drink that hed been given. He sat there for a moment, thinking. Slavery was something that was wrongthis he had been taught by the gods. And even by his own reasoning, he would not like to be forced to do something for another; consequently, he should not force another in that manner. Yet

Why did Argrave get involved here? Orion questioned.

So far as I know, he needed something that belonged to the Lord of Silver, Corentin said musingly. He simply needed to create some chaos to obtain it.

Orions grip tightened around the cup. So this was a by-product?

Corentin frowned, burnt eye seeming monstrous in the shadow of the flame. No. Argrave could have chosen to have us all killed, remained safe by siding with the Lord of Copper. But he infiltrated that mans tower, subverted him, and liberated this city. Now you see it prosper. There were three giant towers of precious metal there months ago. Theyre gone, now. Theyve been melted, minted into currency. Titus builds up this city day-by-day, preparing for the coming reckoning.

Orion nodded, somewhat contented by this answer. But why why might Argrave be unwelcome, if he truly did all of this?

That would be Titus fault, Corentin noted. It he framed Argrave and Durran. It was a complicated situation, the southron elf shook his head. I cannot bring myself to hate the man, though. Titus treats us elves fairly, promotes our interests in turn with his own. Hes done right by us. Both of our peoples prosper. And his city accepts refugees, builds itself up, promotes expansion Corentin sighed. Much as I hate it, I must overlook what he did.

But why? Why did Titus frame Argrave?

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Corentin lowered his cup and set it down. I could tell you what I saw. I was there when it happened. But theres another I know, one whos been in contact with us. He knew Titus quite well, from what I understand. The man wears the mask of a boar. Perhaps youd best talk to him.

#####

Though Argrave felt some urgency as soon as he heard the news that a delegate from Levins burgeoning kingdom of Atrus had entered Relize, after a brief discussion with Elenore and Anneliese he decided it would be best for them to remain within the Dandalan estate. After all, even despite the presence of potentially hostile foes, their goal did not changewinning over Leopold.

The head of the family went off to the second story to convene with his ridiculously large family, escorted by the diligent Ansgar. Elenore, meanwhile, sent off Melanie to gather information. Undoubtedly her agents were paying attention, and even if they werent, the arrival of such a delegate could not avoid attention. The Dandalans were not opposed to allowing Melanies reentryit was a good sign. Still, Argrave felt sorry for the servants who would have to move aside those two giant marble doors each time.

Im thinking this is not good, Argrave told Elenore.

They had been given a private place to wait inside the mansion. It was a comfortable longue room with little in the way of decoration, but much in the way of comfort. Argrave sunk back into one of two couches placed opposite each other, one foot tapping against the ground anxiously.

I think youre wrong, Elenore shook her head.

Argrave leaned in quickly. Were on Levins side? I missed the memo, he spread his arms out. I think a kingdom has more to offer than we do, balkanized state or no. If Levin is here to bring Relize under Atrus

This was an inevitable confrontation, if a poorly timed stage, Elenore admitted. But if Levin does genuinely intend to remain neutral and renegotiate peace with the victor we might find that out now. And we might iron out simple terms of alliance. Its best to seek out that opportunity.

Argrave sunk back into the couch as she spoke. Truth be told, he didnt like Levin. Whether in the game or in his present reality, he was someone to be despised. Even still much the same could be said of Elenore. She had done terrible things. The difference, he felt, was that one could be redeemed. And one had never been needlessly cruel only pragmatically so.

Levin was closer to Induen in that way. And someone like Induen Argrave had made his thoughts on the matter rather clear.

I agree with Elenore on this, Anneliese said quietly.

Argrave lifted his head up and looked to her. The elven woman had a bitter but resigned look to her.

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Pushing his tongue against his cheek, Argrave said slowly, Alright. If Im in the minority he left his accession unspoken. Still, Im not sure how you intend to get words to these delegates. Even if you do, Levin might not even be present.

Provided Leopold agrees Elenore trailed off.

I think he will, Anneliese contributed. Just judging from the state of him when we parted.

If thats true, Elenore nodded, I think we might use Leopolds connections to speak to this party. These delegates will surely visit patrician familiesLeopold might have ties we can use to our advantage. Or, if were lucky, the family they seek out will already have some of my people in some positions. Its not likely. Patrician families have proven difficult for me to get a handle of in the past.

The door opened, and all turned their head. Melanie entered confidently, glancing around before shutting the door.

Ive got a bead on the delegate, Melanie announced. They rode by horses, elsewise we mightve gotten advance notice theyre currently meeting with the Yiasten family.

Gods I cant integrate druidic magic fast enough Elenore lamented. Yiasten as I recall, this is but one branch of the family. Another holds the title of count in the distant north. In Atrus, as I recall. That would mean the delegate likely has Count Edgar Yiasten hes a shrewd diplomat, as I hear.

The door burst open, and Melanie narrowly dodged it with a quick step forward. Ansgar and Leopold stood there. His sixty-year-old son helped him standit made quite an awkward scene, seeing as how both looked near the same age.

The delegates visit Yiasten, Leopold said with a fire that belied his age. Half out of breath, he fumed, Those pencil-pricks turning up their damned nose at all the other patricians and now, they have yet another thing to brag about at Grand Councils. Well well, lets see if they can brag.

Argrave rose to his feet and opened his mouth to ask a question.

Dont ask a stupid question. Yes, Im on your side. Ill not see Atrus promote Yiasten to lord over this city, as Im sure will happen if I do nothing. My children agree, because theyre smart. Leopold broke off into a cough and waved away Ansgar when he tried to help him. But damn it this wont be easy. Yiasten gods be damned, Yiasten

Argrave straightened. You can get comfortable, Leopold. Working together, I can say well prove to you were competent.

Is that why you looked all anxious and were muttering between each other when I burst in? Leopold coughed a little once more. Ridiculous stairs. Why is the council on second floor, he said, catching his breath. Boy or should I call you king already? There is a huge difference between putting a notion to the Grand Council for voting and having an active opponent. Well be fighting for leadership.

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And if we can make Yiastens primary proponent hinder him? Anneliese said. Have a seat, Leopold.

Thank you, but theres something I must do first, Leopold shook his head. The Grand Council will convene for this matter. But we we have two advantages. None know of your presence here, Leopold pointed to Argrave with his arthritic fingers. And that leads to our second advantage. Were going to host the Grand Council. I can pull some strings and hosting the event, thats the most important thing. Leopold took a deep breath. The host controls the flow of things, after all.

Doesnt change the fact that Atrus has more to offer, Elenore said. Dont be so certain we have an opponent, Leopold. Who knows what Levin wants? He could wish to ensure Relizes neutrality, win them to his side, or simply stir up the waters Elenore leaned back in the couch. Regardless, everything is an opportunity if examined in the right light.