"Lord Krembar, welcome to Wisimir."
Urin had arrived on the steps just as the first party of guests reached the Residency. He knelt as protocol demanded, keeping his eyes low.
"Get up man," said a hearty voice in response, "can't have you getting those robes all dirty."
Urin stood and found his right hand crushed in the strong grip of a bearded man of forty years or more who'd leapt down from his horse. He looked into eyes full of laughter and fierce passion. "You must be Urin, Ellian's assistant?"
"The City Minister," Urin corrected, but smiled easily. Krembar's good humour was disarming. "We've been expecting you and your company."
Ten mounted and armoured guardsmen wearing the livery of House Krembar remained mounted in the courtyard front of the steps. They had come a long way from the south near Eledar. The blue and gold eagle had rarely been seen in Wisimir, but it certainly made an impression.
"Where is my host?" Krembar said, eying the doors of the residence. "Unlike her to be tardy."
"The Lady Governor awaits you within the residence Lord Krembar." Urin bowed again. "If you will follow me, we have prepared quarters for your men in the city." He nodded to one of the other attendants who also bowed and walked forward to the escorts.
"Wilem, with me," Krembar ordered and a second man leapt down from his horse, handing its reins along with Krembar's to one of the other soldiers. He was younger than his Lord, clean shaven, and stared at Urin strangely. Urin nodded and then ignored him.
"We're ready," Krembar said. "Show me to your Lady."
They went back through the doors, the Residency staff lined the walls inside each bowing to the visiting noble who smiled and shook hands, exchanging pleasantries where he could and simple greetings where he could not. Krembar it seemed was a man who exuded charisma and Urin understood why Lady Tarn hadn't wanted to meet him here in person. No comparison, he thought.
Eventually they were done, and went through into the inner portions of the residence, heading for the Governor's formal rooms, where she greeted them dressed in her formal robes and with a wide smile of her own.
"Theynain, a pleasure."
"No Lady Tarn the pleasure is mine."
It was Lord Krembar's turn to bow. Though a powerful man, the city lords and ladies outranked those who only claimed dominion over their family estates, Krembar was close to the royal court and the knightly orders, but he was still of lesser rank than the Governor of Wisimir.
"How was your journey?"
"Long and tiresome, but better for its arrival." Krembar laughed and took her outstretched hand. "The last time my family visited Wisimir we were both still in small clothes."
"And as I recall from my father's stories, they chose not to bring you," she replied.
"No indeed."
"Then a tour and time in the city will be a new experience. Something we must ensure goes well."
"I don't doubt it will."
Urin was beginning to feel out of place, when there was a soft knock at the door. He went over and opened it. Nieril stood in the hallway.
"What is it?" Tarn asked.
"Pressing business for the Minister, my lady," Nieril replied in a voice that barely carried.
Urin turned to the Governor "With your permission?" she nodded and he moved into the corridor with Nieril, closing the door firmly behind him.
"What is it?"
"I found some information in the archives I thought I should speak to you about," Nieril whispered.
Urin frowned. "I'm with the Governor, can't this wait?"
She nodded. "Yes, but it wasn't just that. The Magister's waiting in your office."
The mention made Urin go cold and his left hand started to throb again. "How long has he been there?"
"Only a few minutes, I left to find you as soon as I could."
Urin hesitated, then started walking back to his office, gesturing Nieril to follow. "Tell me what you found out."
If Nieril could have lowered her voice further, she would have done, forcing Urin to lean in close to hear her. "I went to the secrets and found the box. I assumed you knew the name 'Maximillian' was on the list of declared enemies of the realm?"
"Yes, that's why I sent you to find out more," Urin said testily.
"I searched for other references," Nieril went on, explaining what Urin already knew. "Maximillian hid his surname to enhance his reputation, but also to protect his family. He didn't want them exiled with him when he was banished from the realm one hundred years ago."
One hundred years? The man Urin had seen didn't look that old. "What was he banished for?"
"There appears to have been some altercation between him and some of the other nobles."
"He was a noble?"
"Yes, of the House Von Drey."
Urin stopped and turned around, grabbing the girl by the shoulders. "Are you saying—"
"That Maxmillian's surname was 'Von Drey'? Yes sir. It's as you suspected, an old noble house stretching back a long way, but not to before the crossing. By all accounts, a Lord Von Drey was one of the first leaders of the people who founded this city."
Urin felt like someone had slapped him. "You're sure of this?"
"Yes, I copied the documents very carefully."
"And where are these copies."
"On your desk."
In front of the Magister! Urin pushed her away and broke into a run.
---
"Let me though please!"
A voice Jack didn't recognise. He blinked rapidly, trying to clear his vision, but it didn't seem to work. "Who's there?"
A hand took his wrist and a blurry face appeared inches from his own. "My name is Sejel, I came from the physicians."
Jack felt the strong grip on his arm. It seemed to burn and he tried to pull away, but Sejel held him fast. "Please, let me examine you."
Jack's whole arm felt hot. The sensation was strange, but not unpleasant. Gradually the face in front of his came into focus. Grey eyes and a forehead creased faintly with concern. Jack thought the man's face was perhaps the most forgettable he'd ever seen.
"Is that better?"
"Yes, much, what did you—"
"That doesn't matter so much as how you feel."
Jack felt better. The fog in his eyes vanished even as he searched for it. He was in the mess hall again, surrounded by onlookers. Baylen appeared behind Sejel.
"What was it?"
"Just a little lack of blood to the brain, a touch of manipulation and he's fine," Sejel replied, but his slight frown hadn't changed and Jack noticed he was sweating and breathing hard with effort. "All the same, I would bandage his head."
Jack stood up, his feet suddenly trustworthy again. He picked up the sword like an old friend. It felt lighter somehow and sunlight gleamed from the blade.
The mess hall was packed with onlookers. A ragged cheer went up as he stepped away from the table. "I'm fine," he said.
"Glad to hear it," said Malthus. "I've money to win and from the sounds of it, so 'ave a few others."
Jack walked out of the mess hall gingerly, but the pain in his head didn't return. When he was back on the training ground, he turned back to find Malthus, Baylen, Fran and Estorin behind him. "Where's the physician?"
Baylen looked around, as did the others, searching the excited crowd of soldiers outside the mess hall, but no-one could see him.
"Must have gone," said Estorin.
Jack shrugged. "How much time till the final?" he asked.
"About two hours," Baylen replied. Get back to that little room in solitary, best place for you. We'll deal with everything else."
"I'll come get you when it's time," Malthus added.
"Fine," Jack replied. "Just don't leave it too long."