Dusk light washed over the city of Jast, the orange giving the somber city an amber hue on its black stones. The towers seemed less dark and foreboding as high as Argrave was, though he was not fond of the stronger winds here.

Im done, Annelieses voice broke his thoughts.

Argrave turned, feeling some gold fur rub at his cheek. He wore the fancy black outfit he had had retailored a few days ago. It had taken some extra money to have it done in such a timely fashion, but he was largely satisfied with the results.

And? Argrave pressed her further. The rest of the company gathered aroundElaine, Stain, Elias, and Helmuth. Galamon was present, too, but he did not need to move from his spot to hear Anneliese.

Everyone save the two elves wore very elaborate clothing. Stains outfit was still the tight-fitting white one hed donned when visiting Elias, and the young lord of Parbon wore his houses colors. Elaine had donned a simple but vibrant crimson dress that seemed to meld with her hair. She most often wore the baggy gray robes, but in this dress, her statuesque figure was especially evident.

I scanned the Counts estate thoroughly, Anneliese began, gaze jumping from person to person as she recounted her experience scouting with druidic magic. Guards patrolled the outer walls and garden, but no more than usual. None of the rooms seemed to have any large gathering of troops. Of the areas I was able to explore with my pigeon, none of them seemed to be anything more than well-prepared for a banquet. I cannot account for secret rooms or hidden compartments, but the Count is not overtly preparing to take action inside.

I seriously doubt my brother would violate your right as a guest, Stain spoke to Elias. People would be speaking of it until the end of time. He cant have that. People can only speak kindly of Jast, elsewise hell toss and turn in his sleep, crying and moaning in twisted agony at his sullied honor.

Youre doing a lot for this to happen, Veladrien, spoke Elias to Stain. Are you sure of it? I wont fault you if you renege now.

This is why I hate goody two-shoes, Argrave dialogued internally. They always try to take less than what they need, even at their own detriment. Don't give him an out, you fool... he wished to say, but Argrave was not genuinely concerned. He expected Stain's answer, and it came just as he thought it would.

Call me Stain. Its the name I chosethe one I want, he insisted. After tonight, Veladrien wont be any more. If itll help this little deal work out, Ill formally renounce my heritage. Im sure Count Delbraun will leap forth like a dog towards a treat at the prospect of removing me from his family. Bastard. Er, no offense, he quickly added towards Argrave, having recently discovered his identity.

None taken, Argrave shook his head. Alright. So, seeing no immediate danger, I think itd be best if we decided on a plan as to what should be done once were inside Delbrauns estate.

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We just need to get a private conversation with the Count, Elias shook his head. We play it by ear.

No, we dont, Argrave quickly refuted. Our ears arent capable of much thought. This is too important to delegate to an organ which some people live without. The stakes are a lot larger than you can see, and Im not talking about the beef which we might find served in these gilded halls.

Elaine snorted, but most others were unamused by Argraves pun.

Firstly, its imperative that we stick together. We can function better if we remain closer to each other, and in the event that something unsavory is genuinely waiting for us in the banquet hall Argrave bunched his hands together. Strength in numbers, no? Moreover, we cant say when or where well encounter Delbraun, and so we all need to be by each other.

The Count is sure to greet us, Elias argued. He is the host, and we are the guest he specifically invited.

Do you think it would be prudent to show his face if he genuinely intends to move against you? Elaine asked. I see, now, why Argrave asked me along. Im a shield. The Count wont act against Elias easily if he risks offending the branch manager of the Order in Jast.

No, not a shield. Just your presence with Elias gives a lot of credibility to our offer. And now, Elias owes you a favor. Hes rather rich, if you didnt know. Argrave tapped his shoulder. Look at this outfit. Silken white, gold threads cant have been cheap.

You take many liberties, putting the young lord in debt to another, criticized Helmuth.

What can I say? Im a free-spirited man, Argrave deflected.

Elias waved a hand. Its fine, Helmuth, he interjected. Alright. Say the Count doesnt arrive. Say hes not even present. What

He is present, Anneliese shook her head. I have seen him wandering.

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Elias rubbed his fingers together. How do you know what he looks like?

Argrave described him. Ashen hair kept slicked back, middle-aged, tall, orange eyes.

And how does Argrave know? Elias prodded further. The Count scarcely leaves his estate, let alone Jast.

Argrave quickly supplied, Stain told me, placing his hands on the teenagers shoulders.

I did? He looked at Argrave, then quickly caught on. Oh, right, I did, he said with certainty.

Indeed, Argrave nodded, quickly pulling free his hand. And to answer your earlier question, Eliasthe beauty of a banquet is that other people will be in attendance. Most prominently, the local nobility of Jast will be present. It takes but a few pointed inquiries to incite their own curiosity; soon enough, theyll be mirroring our own sentiments. Argrave put his hand to his chest. Why isnt the host present? When will the host be present? That sort of thing is insulting to the nobility, as you know. Might be theyll make a fuss for us.

Elias bit his lip, thinking, then nodded. It seems a reasonable solution. I dont think I would have been able to come up with that on short notice. Perhaps it was nave of me to think that people were fundamentally unpredictable.

Of course, if they are fellow conspirators working with the Count, nothing will come of it, Argrave shook his head. That alone should tip us off. It would be a good warning bell.

Then is that all? Elias questioned.

No, Argrave shook his head. Ill be doing most of the talkingits what Im good at, as Im sure you agreebut this next part is very important, because hell likely be seeking you out for responses. Argrave stepped forward, pointing at Elias face. Do not allow him to decide at a later date. He must decide on this betrothal at this banquet.

Elias looked up at Argrave, meeting his gaze. Why?

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You would make a terrible merchant, Argrave shook his head, then held out two hands to represent two examples. Lets say you have two buyers of your product. One offers a very good deal. You know, however, the other buyer might be capable of offering even more. What do you do to maximize profits?

Elias mused, and then bitterly answered, I would tell the other buyer about the good offer, trying to get more out of him. He shook his head. You think the Count will go to Elbrailleor perhaps even Vasquerand look for a better deal.

Precisely, Argrave tapped his temple. Like I said, Ill be talking. I dont want you botching this entire thing by saying something foolish. If youre unsure, consult me. Dont do any ear-playing or gut-following. Think with your gut and youre acting out of your ass.

Helmuth shook his head in disapproval at Argraves insolent words, but Elaine seemed quite amused. A silence stretched out as Argrave thought of more he could say, but he came to the conclusion that there was nothing more to add.

Argrave stepped away, shooting his cuffs and straightening his coat. I hope the food doesnt blow. I hate fancy dishes.

Is there nothing more? If so, we should probably head for the main gates, Helmuth commented.

Some few guests have already arrived, noted Anneliese, looking out across the hill leading from Jast up to Count Delbrauns estate. I will remain here, keeping an eye on things with my druidic magic. Should anything seem awry, I will fly into the banquet hall and perch on someones shoulder.

Be careful, Argrave cautioned. If your pigeon is shot with a quarrel, god forbid, there will be a good deal of backlash.

Best I suffer some than let everyone be unwitting of what is coming, she rebuked.

If thats your choice, Argrave shook his head. Alright. If theres nothing more

Elaine raised one hand. Do you need nothing from me? Should I merely stand around looking pretty?

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Youd have no difficulty with that, Im sure, Argrave complimented smoothly. I gave you no direction because I have no issue with any interjection you might have. Unless its a deliberate sabotage, of course. That would not be ideal.

No, you have my full support, she shook her head. This matter with that elven spellcaster, Rowethe deal is not yet finalized, but this could be huge for me. I have to thank you for bringing him to me.

I thought you might like that, Argrave nodded. Its no trouble. We can talk of it later, if you wish. For now lets go, shall we? Argrave spoke to everyone.