Cyrdic felt much more comfortable in this fortress of northern strength, but simultaneously felt very much out of his element. He had never exactly been comfortable with lying or acting. He drew himself up, and gave the chamberlain a salute with his fist when it was his turn to present him. "Reiner Wulfhofen," Cyrdic said. His voice was steady and firm, and the chamberlain seemed satisfied with that. 

"Very good," he said, eyes switching between them. "Follow me, if you will." 

The man shuffled back from whence he came, ushering Cyrdic and Camilla through the small door and into a room far vaster than Cyrdic had anticipated. The ceiling looked taller than a giant, and the white stonewalls made it seem as if they had walked into a world of snow. Two men wearing Nordland colors had just been dismissed, walking past Cyrdic and Camilla toward a far larger doorway than the one they entered. A small crowd of retainers stood at the side, but Ostforth led both of the Mercs to the center of the courtroom. 

Sitting upon his throne was a lean man, fierce of visage and red bearded. His eyes were a penetrating blue-grey. To his right was Jisele, who seemed happy to see Camilla and Cyrdic before her. To his left was an attractive female of dark hair, resplendent in golden robes. Most likely a mage, and Cyrdic realized she must have been the one riding on the pegasus. 

"My count Todbringer, I have here the esteemed Vivvienne Du Couronne, and her traveling companion Reiner Wulfhofen," he said with a bow, and with practiced ease, moved to the side. Cyrdic held his head up high, and to his surprise, Boris stood up and strode down the steps of his throne to stand before the two of them. 

"I never thought I'd be indebted to a Brettonian and and Ostlander, but here I stand," he said, snorting a laugh. The count placed a hand upon Cyrdic's shoulder, staring into his eyes. "My niece tells me you and the lady Vivvienne saved her from a grisly fate. For that, you have my truest thanks." Despite the dangerous fire in his eyes, Cyrdic could tell he was being honest. He truly cared for the girl. 

"I shall tell her father and mother of her safe travels, and who is responsible," the count continued. 

"Your men Brom and Jory did well," Cyrdic said, which Boris gave an approving nod of. "I'll be sure to remember that." The count gazed downward, and eyed his ornate sword. Recognition dawned on his face. "Where did you get that, herr Wulfhofen?" he asked bluntly, Boris' gaze now shined with an intensity. 

Cyrdic wasn't a good liar, and he felt uncomfortable doing it in front of such a forthwright man, so he told the truth. Giving a small summary of Camilla and he in the Middlemountains, finding it amid the rubble of a forgotten cavern. Boris listened, and then replied with. "If you were another man, I would take that blade from you, for its one of the Fangs of Ulric." 

"A sword of ancient power," the female wizard said, piping in. She gazed at Cyrdic with a professional air. "Only five have ever been forged. They've power to rival the runefangs, I hear..." 

"But, you are a stout and trustworthy man, and you saved my niece. The blade is yours," Boris said, and switched his gaze to Camilla. "Are you lovers?" he asked. Cyrdic was taken aback by the question, and Boris actually laughed. "Dammit man, I'm merely asking if I should prepare one room or two for our guests. We've no room in the palace, but the Boars Feast will have rooms for you, on my honor, and my gold. You'll want for nothing, of course." 

Next, he would speak to Camilla. 
[@Penny]