[b][center]Holy Palace of the Gu'Shedal, Capital District, Manram[/center][/b]
"If the tales are true, their treasury has been empty for a long time," Alurar said, turning his attention to the newcomer. He was an interestingly dressed fellow, to say the least, and Alurar was interested to note that he too had chosen to carry a weapon on his person. He was rather glad the Hanarth Princes weren't the only ones here with weapons, not that it would've mattered wither way.

"From what we hear in Hanartha, everything of value in his palace has been stolen and the King is a King only in name," Alurar continued, practically ignoring Jim.

---

Asurar took William's hand, smiling as he shook it. "Well it's a pleasure to meet you, Captain Edwin. It's nice to meet a fellow warrior," he said happily, "Though I'm not much of a rider myself. I prefer to be on my feet with a sword in my hands." He patted the hilt of the greatsword on his back back emphasis, and gave another good-natured smile.

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[b][center]Meely Plantation, Manas[/center][/b]

The ride south hadn't been a particularly difficult one, at least no more difficult than any constant ride would be, but the group had been riding almost constantly since they set out. So all ten of them were rather dirty and didn't have the most pleasant smell. Truthfully the only reason why they'd stopped at the plantation was because it was along the route to the capital; the fact that it was run by the Queen's heir was simply a bonus. When Lucille made her offer, one of the hanarth stepped forward. He wasn't the tallest or largest of them, but he was the oldest by far. His face had hints of wrinkles to it, and his black hair had wisps of grey to it.

"I'm sure that my men would enjoy that, my lady," the man said, "We've spent quite a while on the road. And it's been too long since any of us have had a good meal. We appreciate the hospitality." All the other men nodded their heads in agreement, before the man spoke again, "You are Princess Lucille, correct? don't suppose you would be available to talk after the meal, would you?"