The crowd swiftly loses interest in Nobility as the minutes go by and no more conflicts arise. Even those who, like me, glared at the quantity and quality of food on those three tables, focus on filling their stomachs.

The Order's two thousand temple guards arrive soon before the Hospitaliers return with new comrades, further cramping the plaza. There is one at the main table, apart from Leomi, who does not forget about me and keeps glancing over.

Huan Thrin seems rather unsettled, no doubt by the fact that the Telnur Prince hasn't gone along with his predictions and that his faction bailed on him. Although... now that I think about it, this banquet has been a little too successful at fracturing their alliance.

Tuala isn't an idiot on Patrick's scale since she retreated from the alley as soon as she lost her sword, whether because she thought herself weaker or not, she didn't let her emotions get the better of her.

Not to mention a scheming Ladyling wouldn't announce her allegiance to Duchess Roskal like this and confirm our suspicions without any benefit to her side. So, it was an act? I think so, a last resort to show Master Amand that the Izla is growing disorderly because Arkur didn't cause a conflict like they hoped he would.

“Tomorrow's Sunday, right?” I ask. Yvonne nods. “When is Arkur leaving?”

“He came here on one of his family's ships so he can likely leave whenever he wants.” She tells me.

“When are the Templars leaving then?” I question.

“They'll likely start taking barges to the mainland Monday.” She replies.

“Then that's Thrin's time-frame.” I conclude.

“What can he do? The population clearly isn't on his side.” Rowland comments.

“Maybe in Meria but who's to say what the mood is within other demesnes?” I counter.

“Disorderly would be a light word to describe it.” Yvonne speaks up. “Noble houses without titles have regained a large amount of their authority since the Izla's army has been begun transferring to Port-Odo, the population is divided between Nobility and the new Council system.”

“How does Leomi plan to resolve that?” I ask. “Surely she isn't counting on the fact no one will dare revolt while she's defending the Empire.”

“We've had this conversation before Jessica, twice at least.” The sword-sworn comments. “Leomi wants to change Nobility and that takes time. Her low born supporters permeate all factions within every demesne, including Thrin's who positioned itself against the Council. A revolt isn't feasible for them at this stage.”

“Hm.” I ponder her words until I recall that Grace questioned Rowland. I assemble a messaging construct and send it to her. 'You're counting on the Justiciers to find proof of wrongdoings and slowly grind them down by exposing their crimes publicly since they're relying on their subjects' reverence to hold onto power.'

“Uncanny.” Yvonne mutters.

'You're just going to face the arbitration head-on, aren't you?' I question with another messaging construct.

“We're prepared for it.” She replies, confirming my suspicion.

I shake my head, a bit disappointed in Leomi and Cecil. I have no doubt they've prepared strong counters to Thrin's arguments but it doesn't change the fact that it would be best to prevent the Arbitration itself.

Although, Lance can't use the same method I will because she's a Noble. I throw a glance at Thrin, crossing gazes. I raise an eyebrow and smirk. He frowns and looks down to grab a towel. He pats his lips with the cloth and tells something to the Prince who waves his fingers at him without looking.

“Huan is coming over, go away.” I tell Yvonne and Rowland a bit abruptly. “Please.” I add. The two hesitate, causing me to grow impatient. “I'm no fool, you came here because you wanted to cheer me up and keep trouble away. It worked so far because I allowed it to.”

Yvonne opens and closes her mouth in hesitation over what to say. Rowland reaches up and pushes her jaw shut with his index, causing her to throw him a glare. I smile a little but it fades as the Thrin gets up from his chair and heads over.

The two get up and head off together, I hear intense whispers arise between them soon after but pay no attention because I'm carefully drawing flow from the construct Uhla applied to my broken bones.

I take sixteen portions from the seventy left, three from my reserve, and one more from the constructs anchored to my heart. I weave these twenty portions in a perception construct, which should allow for two-hundred seconds of activation if I don't alter it.

As Huan climbs the steps, I raise my right foot and prepare to kick him if he tries to climb above my eye-level. Shove him down a step even if he stops there. I want him to fall into my trap, we can't be the aggressors. Boring. Her complaint coincides with the moment Thrin stops face to face with me.

“Miss Freepath.” He greets.

“Huan Thrin.” I drawl lazily while raising my umbrella.

“Countess Lance made it clear she has no power to command you.” He speaks up, surprising me because I didn't expect this to come up first. “None seemed to believe her, but I am inclined to because she has always operated in the open. And, if she has no power over you, then Councilwoman Cecil does not either. The fact she has implied the contrary convinces me of the truth of the matter because she would support the Countess if you were her agent.”

“Is there a question in there?” I ask, raising an eyebrow.

“I am merely expressing my thoughts.” Huan replies with a thin smile.

“That game is a losing one.” I tell him with a roll of my eyes. “Cecil could be double bluffing, you would never find out until it's too late.”

The Thrin's expression doesn't shift and I remain placid. I'm aware he's probing me but I don't expose it or the fact I suspect he's here to make me lower my guard because then he might change his plans. He's intelligent, and a schemer, so it would do me no good to engage in honesty.

“Why are you set on opposing the Izla's reunification? Can you not see that the fractures dividing us only benefit the mainland?” He asks, clearly trying to provoke me.

“Fool.” I reply with disdain. His expression doesn't shift but I notice that his fingers distend in relaxation at my reaction. “Port-Odo is part of the Duchy now, the mainland is no longer a threat and neither are you. Your faction is already falling apart.” I reply casually, believing not a single word coming out of my mouth.

“I've overestimated you.” He utters with a scowl, trying to further antagonize me but no doubt also expressing his true thoughts. “You should be aware that your naive plans to become her consort won't go anywhere now that Prince Arkur of Caroline is here.”

“Oh dear, you've spied on my people!” I exclaim theatrically. “Whatever shall I do?” He marks a pause, undoubtedly because he thought I would take my situation more seriously.

“It isn't impossible for you to remain by Countess Lance's side once she becomes a Duchess if you gather enough support.” Thrin tentatively proposes, ignoring my sarcasm. “You can gain our King's favor by merely relinquishing information on Elizabeth Vil, which helps you as well.”

I stare silently. His posture is stable and his emotions are under control. It worries me that he is telling me so much, yet also very little, it makes him slightly more unpredictable than I thought.

I can't tell whether he knows Leomi is to receive an honorary title or not, or if he knows but is hiding it, or doesn't and attempting to probe me, or use what little he found out to pressure me to seek his help to become a mere decoration on Leomi's arm.

“You're worsening my headache, Lordling.” Liz flatly tells him. The major finger of his right hand twitches, confirming that Huan knows about the events surrounding his brother's death. “It is difficult to asses whether you're arrogant, or stupid.” Neither, he's trying to influence my thoughts into focusing on tomorrow night.

“A concubine can rise in rank, especially with support from Nobility.” He presses, trying to insult me back under veil but failing to go all the way by calling me a mistress. “You don't have much time left to prove your worth to all who have a say in a Duchess' entourage.” Knew it.

“What's in it for you?” I ask, deciding to play the fool because it's the only way to be certain he'll be where I want him to be when I want him to be there.

“Very little.” He replies confidently. “My family will recover its lands sooner or later. But rewards will abound if Elizabeth Vil can be taken out, enough for you to obtain an important title.”

“Do you really think I'll form an alliance with you?” I question our of curiosity.

“Why not? I am not my brother or my father. We can help each other.” He tells me, apparently forgetting that he said he overestimated me. “Elizabeth Vil is your enemy as much as she is the Kingdom's and neither Lance's faction nor the Hospitaliers will help you ward her off. A tool no longer in your hands is but a weapon for your enemies to pick up, you know this since you're relying on the Order to protect you.”

A tactic to throw me off? Put you down and then pull you up in the hopes you'll be grateful? He's still probing for a weakness to exploit as well as push my mind away from his scheme to call for Arbitration, not to mention he might use the conversation to arouse Arkur's interest.

“You've made a critical mistake in your assessment of me.” I note.

“Have I?” Thrin asks rhetorically. “I don't think so. You wish for freedom, for wealth, and for peasantry to live better lives. Working with me will help you achieve all these goals because I wish for the Izla to grow closer to Telnur and the old way of Nobility as much as Leomi Lance does.”

“Observe this umbrella.” I tell him.

I angle it behind my shoulder to show off the silver handle and ribs as well as the blood-red inner oil-cloth before flicking it forward to present to him the embroidery on the top, the light-blue sky and white clouds along with the road paved in silver stones.

“As you can see; the path to the free sky is supported by a tree rooted in bloody soil and protects it at the same time.” I tell him, grinning as I witness Thrin's eyes widen and his cheeks pale. “Elizabeth Vil can bend or resist the wind as she chooses and my path will adapt to her whims without losing its destination because the sky is wide. She is no more a single-minded madwoman than I am a single-minded idealist. We deal in reality.”

“What point are you trying to make, Miss Freepath?” Huan Thrin asks while trying to conceal his right hand's shaking fingers behind his straight back.

“These two intertwined crests represent our bond as sisters. We are family whether we battle together or against each other.” I explain while laying the umbrella back on my half-shoulder. “If you want to get rid of one of us, you must deal with the other as well.”

“That is evidently a bluff to protect yourself while the two of you are apart.” Thrin accuses.

“Believe what you wish but I have no need to lie.” I reply with a confident smile. “You're no threat to me.”

“Because we both wish for the Izla to prosper.” Huan argues. “But, I digress. Only time will tell whether what we've said this afternoon are lies or not, I merely hope you'll keep in mind that you can find allies if you find yourself in need.”

He waits a while for me to reply but I hold my tongue. He eventually makes a slight nod and returns to his seat. I chuckle in amusement, mostly because I'm glad this little scheming dance is over.

“Was that wise?” Vikiana asks quietly.

“He never wanted to deal with me, so it doesn't matter whether he thinks I was bluffing about my relationship with Elizabeth.” I tell her, aware that some people may be listening in. “The attempt to bring me to his side wasn't sincere anyway because neither of us spoke our true minds, the conversation was meaningless.”

But, just because it was meaningless doesn't mean it didn't achieve anything. Exactly, with this declaration we're sisters, I'm certain he'll show up exactly when I want him to and I've eliminated some of his options.

He can't risk killing you anymore so he'll try to avoid you, he's sure to fall for your tricks and go along with your plan whether he likes it or not now. I dismantle the perception construct and return the flow to the constructs it powered.

“He knows you're confident enough to provoke him to his face.” Vikiana comments.

“Do you want to know what I'm planning or are you looking to annoy me?” I ask.

“Yes.” She replies humorously.

“How about this, you stop asking and I'll agree to a spar?” I propose.

“You don't need sparring, you need to learn patience. You're not Elizabeth Vil, you can't fight like her.” Vikiana tells me.

I frown and shut my mouth. That woman is as difficult to deal with as ever. I pull the umbrella's handle to leverage it on my half-shoulder and conceal myself in its shadow.

“What's an Argavis?” I ask her.

“It's a huge bird of prey that lives on the highest mountains. It has a five to seven meter wingspan with blue plumage and is strong enough to do far more than rip an arm off.” She answers. “It doesn't have a habit to hunt humans, or Rykz and Lisilese, it mostly eats goat-sized animals.”

“Still scary.” I comment as I imagine the creature.

I watch the banquet go on while occasionally chatting with Vikiana. The afternoon goes by quickly and the Nobles disperse by nightfall. Yvonne and Rowland never return but they never go far even as they mingle with the crowd.

Once she's sent all the Nobles off, Leomi invites people to pick at the leftovers and heads back to me. Cecil, Amand, and two other Templars who seem to be Masters as well leave together in the direction of the Keep. Lance sits at my left side and grabs my waist to hug me with a sigh of contentment.

“Did anything important happen?” I ask her.

“No.” She replies. I stare at her. “Prince Arkur did try to probe me about my marriage but he hasn't made an offer yet so I'm not sure if he's offering himself or one of the houses following him or if he's trying to work as an intermediary to form ties with houses who aren't allied to him.” She admits.

“How did my presence affect your plans?” I ask.

“I don't know, Arkur is unusual.” She replies. “He didn't talk about you at all but listened in when others mentioned you. It was mostly chatter but the entire conversation was cut short when Thrin returned and mentioned we're planning to get engaged as well as the meaning behind that umbrella.”

“It's probably my fault they figured it out. Rowland and Cecil were likely overheard talking in the workshop.” I tell her apologetically.

“Oddly enough, I think it reassured them all.” Leomi tells me with an amused smile. “They probably think you'll draw her ire so they'll be safe.”

“Cowards.” Liz utters with pride.

“The Council is entering in session to discuss E.Vil and the gathering of the Izla's army in Port-Odo. Come with?” Leomi proposes.

“No, I'm a lowly peasant trying to reach above her station. I can't leave the Temple's steps because I'm very afraid.” I tell her with a grin.

“Give me a real answer.” Lance replies with a frown. “Are you mad at me?”

“For what?” I ask, surprised. “I had my quota of maneuvering for the month in a single conversation and I organized this so I'll stick around to the end.”

“You're not going to lash out because they broke our reunion and killed the romantic mood, are you?” She questions worriedly.

“No.” I tell her with a smile. “Yvonne made sure of it.”

“She's being a friend.” Leomi says.

“I know, I'm just not...” Human anymore. “Social.” I finish lamely. “Take your mother along, you should spend time together. I need to think on what she told me earlier and I'd feel bad keeping her here for no reason since I'm safe here at the Temple.” I bombard her with reasons. “I'll grab a patrol to escort me back if you want me to.”

“Fine.” Leomi tells me with her palm raised up to stop me.

“Take a route you never have before to return.” Vikiana speaks up, implying her agreement.

Leomi kisses my cheek and pinches my waist, making me jump. She chuckles and gets up. I wonder what put her in such a good mood but soon realize it's because she predicted much more resistance to our engagement.

“Can I expect you tonight?” Leomi asks.

“No.” Vikiana utters firmly.

“I don't like that you're sleeping in that brothel.” She continues, ignoring Viki.

“No, I'm preoccupied.” I tell her apologetically.

“What did you tell her?” Lance questions her mother.

“She made me realize that I need to rethink my combat style.” I intervene before the two get into an argument about me. “I won't be going back to the brothel tonight so don't worry.”

Leomi hesitates but leaves with her mother without pushing me. I don't watch them go, knowing that the two of us need to talk about Celyz because I couldn't help but think of my oak when I jumped in her arms but still unsure of how to broach the subject.

Do you want to spar? Of course, haven't tried this yet. I close my eyes and imagine myself. Soon after, Elizabeth Vil appears in front of me with her mask and the Little one. I frown as my headache surges but it soon fades. A single-edged broadsword appears in my hand while she draws the liangi from her back.

We fight for the whole evening. She utterly flattens me in every bout because she was always training with me. Not only does she have the Little one and the liangi but her right arm is also stronger than mine. I could protest, but my sister isn't cheating.

She can draw more strength from our body because she doesn't hold anything back when she fights whereas I am focusing on control. As my main issue is one of reach, she gives up on the Little one and the liangi to pick up the same weapon as mine.

We spar the night away. I lose two-thirds of the bouts. While she retains her advantage in strength, the problem is that her unrelenting style is polished so she doesn't have too much trouble overwhelming my more balanced technique even when I manage to outmaneuver her.

“The sun is rising, you should rest to be mentally ready.” Liz advises me.

“Wake me up when I'm fresh.” I reply.

“I will, sister.” Liz replies.

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