Fetes and processions marked the passing of every hour here, it seemed. So soon after the last ended did a new one begin, with even more pomp and finery.

"Look at this wealth," Tellos said, having returned to Vyarin's side. "Imagine the silver it must have cost to arrange this party. With that same money we could hire tens of free companies from across the Zpina, entire warbands up and down the Three Great Rivers, and contract princes from every corner of the League, amounting to . . . hundreds? Thousands of able swords."

"Prozdy is at peace," Vyarin responded, gritting his teeth. Behind his rotted eye a dull pain throbbed. He could barely listen at all.

"Peace will not last. We have repelled the Western Overlords once; they will return. With such a show of arms, we needn't fear this second attack. Indeed, with such power, we could cross the Zpina and destroy their fortifications on the mountain pass. Then we shall rule in their lands, for a change." Tellos continued. If he was aware of Vyarin's annoyance, he made no show of it. 

"Do you intend for us to capture the silverware, with which we may hire these swordsmen?" Vyarin asked, with a raised eyebrow. Of course, it mattered little, as the other eyebrow rested under a thick coat of cloth.

"If the knowledge Brudzkon passed to me is correct, the traditions of this kingdom are strange," Tellos said, after shooting his cousin a withering look. "The succession prefers consanguinity to strength. Daughters in this land are more legitimate than brothers with large retinues. The woman you were speaking with-"

"Annalise is her name," Vyarin hissed.

"I know," Tellos said. "She is eldest among her siblings, and thus the primary heir. Eventually, she will rule over her sisters as liege, if her sisters ever inherit parcels of land at all. Do you realize what this means?"

"That were this . . . 'alliance' to happen, you will be advising a woman on matters of war?" Vyarin asked, rhetorically.

"You already know," Tellos huffed. "I will write home to your father, detailing the options given to us, our clan. He will likely write back with commands. They are to be followed." With that, Tellos left Vyarin, ducking into a side hall in search of a local scribe. Vyarin grasped the cloth over his head with a heavy hand, stress pounding in his skull. Who was his cousin, or his father, or even his great ancestor Kremaze to dampen his new acquaintanceship so? He exhaled heavily through his nose and looked around. Nosy courtiers, as usual. Ever since Annalise pointed out their tendency for spycraft, he began to see it everywhere. Hushed whispers, sideways glances, a few words here and there traded as they pass each other. They were listening in on him. He looked around for her, then made a show of pretending not to. He had to get a grip on himself. Would she see this potential marriage in the same light?