Kelton approached Gladfee's desk with unease. It had been many months since the last time he had been in the library and unknowingly risked the man. He stopped at the King's Truth and glanced at the open page. It mirrored what was in mind, a waste of time used only to stall in hopes Gladfee would see him before Kelton neared. He would prefer to view Gladfee's expression and get a sense of the damage done between them.

Kelton cleared his throat, then repeated it when Gladfee failed to look up from his work. Gladfee's head finally lifted, and his eyes found Kelton. There was no pleasure in them. At least Kelton knew where he stood. With a sigh, he resigned himself to inevitability and approached the desk.

"Your humor did not play well," Gladfee said. There was anger in the tone. He went back to his work, scribing on a page next to a book. Kelton had moved from friend to unwelcome annoyance.

"My sorrows," Kelton said with a small bow of his head. He had earned Gladfee's anger, unintentionally, but earned nonetheless. It was best if he collected it all at once.

"It is a wonder your privileges weren't removed." Gladfee sounded as if he wished they had been.

"Aye, it is a wonder," Kelton said. "I did not think the ruse would stir the anger of the crown."

"You did not think!" Gladfee rose as if he meant to strike. "You did not think?" The paper he had been writing upon turned as he laid his fist on the desk. "I looked the fool in front of my Master. Did you think that funny?" His fist rose than hesitantly lowered atop the paper as if he regained his composure.

"It was a miscalculation," Kelton replied, his eyes lowered in shame. Gladfee's fist opened, and two fingers indicated writing on the page. Two sets of numbers. It took only a moment for Kelton to access their meaning. Page number, followed by word number. Two words from the King's Truth; 'understand' and 'friend.' When Kelton looked up, Gladfee crumpled the paper in mock anger.

"Next time, you choose another to shame," Gladfee said.

"Never again," Kelton said. "I hope time will allow forgiveness. I value the trust we had."

"We shall see," Gladfee said and waved Kelton away as if he were a gnat.

Kelton sighed, turned, and walked toward the fantasy tower. He forced guilt into his gait, though his heart was light, knowing Gladfee saw through to the truth. Time will allow the angry ruse to end, though the crown demanded a show. Gladfee was a palace silver and knew his politics well.

The shelves of books were as Kelton had left them. Nothing changes quickly, not with the time it took to create a book. He lamented the loss of his scribing tools and moved to where he had left off his search. It would be a while before the King got word he had arrived, time he could use to seek more references to Aragonia.

Kelton had presented an orange to the King's messenger the day prior, as was dictated. The messenger, a woman wearing the silver, instructed him to visit the library. It was a convenient order that coincided with his desire to return. There were moments when he had feared the privilege was lost or would be taken away if he were so bold to enter.

It took four aisles of fruitless searching before the library lost its sounds. The quiet descended like a shroud; the last footsteps barely echoed in their retreat. Kelton wasn't taken by surprise when the King approached from behind.

"Methodical," the King commented. Kelton dropped to his knee, still holding the tome he was examining.

"High Master." Kelton kept his eyes to the ground.

"What do you search for?"

Kelton was sure lying held only pain for those he loved, including himself. He could keep some things from the King, but could no longer deny a request. Truth was mandatory.

"References to my homeland, high Master."

"Have you found any?"

"One, high Master," Kelton replied, his eyes still studying the marble floor. "A book of verses. One of which is the same as a tale I heard long ago."

"Retrieve it," the King ordered. Kelton rose, replaced the book he was examining, then left to acquire the book. He returned and handed it to the King with all the respect he could muster.

The King opened the book. "Page?"

"They are unnumbered, high Master. It is near the end." Kelton dug into this mind and flipped the pages he had seen before. "13 pages from the back. It is titled Requiem of Kushiel."

The King sighed as he read the verse. There was no great understanding of the text in his eyes. Kelton doubted he had heard the story before.

"I will not hinder your search," the King said as he closed the book and tucked it under his arm. Kelton was sure it wouldn't find the shelf again. "Though, I will know each reference you find. Gladfee will be instructed to set aside any text you deem worthy of my eyes."

"Aye, high Master." Kelton remained standing as the King took a seat. There was no indication that the same would be offered.

"Your mind has hatched something you fear I will be displeased with?"

"Aye, high Master," Kelton said. "Though it is only fearful if I proceed with you unknowing. I know not the concerns of a kingdom and do not wish to trample on them again. I won't risk those I care about with my ignorance."

The King nodded, so Kelton continued. "Korvin gave me a map, high Master. One he acquired by theft from this library."

A tiny curl of the King's lip surprised Kelton. It disappeared but lasted long enough for Kelton to conclude the King knew of the map and how Korvin had acquired it.

"The Queen allowed me to keep it, in memorial for Korvin's service to the crown. It is a map of the first King's attempt at crossing the western jungle. It shows a path through and I desire to attempt to follow it. Korvin wished it of me, and in truth, I find the idea has a strong pull on me as well."

"The Nagada," the King said.

"Aye, high Master."

"Korvin was meant as a reward, not a source of new schemes. In truth, I thought he would busy your mind, though I now know your mind cannot be slowed."

"Reward, high Master?"

"The breaking of the vine's hold on my brother, the downfall of houses Barrankee and Mortique, the smile on my daughter's face," the King said as if it were obvious. "Do you think me too kingly to be grateful?"

"Aye, I did, high Master," Kelton replied. "I am low property, and you are above all. As of late, I have pondered why I still breathe."

"I have pondered the same," the King said. "Your bold words make me ponder it all the more."

"I fear speaking anything but the truth will anger you, high Master."

The King chuckled, then composed himself. "Truth should always be sprinkled with diplomacy. In your case, with reverence of my position over yours."

"Korvin was an excellent friend and teacher, high Master. I am forever grateful for your gift of allowing me to learn from him."

"Now that is truth that pleases my ears," the King said. "Korvin was equally grateful for the chance of stirring your mind. That pleased my Queen, which in turn pleases me. It is one of the reasons you continue to breathe."

"I am most grateful for the breathing, high Master."

The King's laughter echoed in the empty tower. Kelton thought it prudent to smile, though he hadn't meant it to be funny. The more he thought on the words, the higher the curl in his lips.

"Does your Master wish to follow the map as well?" the King asked.

"It has not been brought forth, high Master. My young Master and the Princess had allowed me to pursue the possible profitability, but wished to wait until after the wedding before I approached my Master." Kelton looked at the ground and decided he'd tell all. "Master Zello is fond of adventure. It was not hard to tempt him."

"And my daughter's wishes?"

"Mistress Alliette is unhappy that she cannot go, high Master. As a good mother, Yelvin claims her time."

"Unhappy?" The King looked worried.

"It is a bad choice of word, high Master. Mistress Alliette is pleased with her life and her choice of husband. Yelvin's needs supplant her own right now. Once he is off the breast, her time will be freer."

"I will find her a wet nurse," the King said.

"It was offered and dismissed, high Master."

"Dismissed?"

Kelton's face flushed, and he nodded.

"What were my daughter's words?"

"I do not think they were meant for your ears, high Master."

"I will hear them nonetheless."

Kelton hedged and almost lied, then sighed and decided to be true. "The Princess said, Yelvin will suckle only two sets of breasts, mine and his future wife's." He paused in embarrassment, then added, "High Master."

The King struggled to remain stoic and failed. His face contorted, then he let his lips form a smile. "Words of a good mother, are they not?"

"Aye, high Master," Kelton replied, happy the King did not find the words too coarse.

The King leaned back in his chair. "What do you hope to discover if you follow the map?"

"A wagon path to the west would be profitable, high Master."

"That would please your Master," the King said with a wave of his hand. "It is your interest in the adventure I wish to know."

"Like Korvin, I find the Nagada intriguing, high Master. I envision finding remnants of them and putting facts to what many think is a myth."

"They were not a myth, but you know that."

"Aye, high Master." Kelton fumbled with the idea and struggled to voice it. "This a great land with great kings. The Nadaga somehow undid that, if only for a moment. I desire to find out how their minds worked. It is...it is...not how we think this day. I desire to find new ways of looking at things. Mayhap, it will benefit many. Mayhap, I will find nothing or discover they were merely victors of chance."

"You desire to undo this kingdom?"

"I do not possess that dream, high Master. I am property and have become resigned to my place, at least until my Master deems otherwise. As you have taught me, my schemes can affect others I care for. I now know to limit my doings within your wisdom, for there are too many secrets I am not privy."

"Diplomacy grows within you," the King said with evident pride. He sighed, then looked toward the roof. "A western path would be of strategic use to my armies." He stood and Kelton found his knee. "If your Master is so inclined to chance this endeavor, mention that it would be wise to consult me prior. There is no need to mention this conversation."

"Aye, high Master," Kelton said, his eyes finding the marble floor. Property doesn't talk to the King, so a secret it would remain. The King walked past him with the book of verses in his hand. Kelton was back in the library and had permission for an adventure. A fine day indeed.

Kelton smiled when Tarvakian pulled the cloth off the bowl in the center of the table. It was a forearm wide and filled to overflowing.

"Crogerts, and so late in the season," Bellina said. She looked as pleased as Kelton.

"A present from owner Kabal," Tarvakian said. "He waited until the end of the ceremonies. Feared I'd let the guests eat them and not allow my beautiful wife to partake."

"How thoughtful," Bellina said. "He's the one looking for mares If memory serves. You'll have to quote him high, and I'll get you to lower it to something reasonable for his kindness. He'll be pleased. Mayhap, he will send more."

"And you become more beautiful every day," Tarvakian said. "You let me know the quote, and I'll grumble while you talk me down." He reached over, and the two joined hands, sharing a smile. The conversation pleased Kelton. It was as if the marriage had fixed a lingering wrongness in the world. Not everything was broken beyond repair.

"So, Zello, Alliette, you wish to speak with us?"

"Aye, father. Kelton has acquired a map." Zello signaled, and Kelton laid the map in front of the elder Master.

"It is a copy of a map used by the first King, Master," Kelton said. "It shows a path through the western jungle, though I don't know the truth of it. From what I understand, the first King faltered before the Nagada and never entered."

Tarvakian turned the map to share it with Bellina. "Where did you get such a thing?"

"A gift from Korvin, Master," Kelton replied. "He stole it from the library." He continued quickly when Tarvakian's eyebrows peaked. "The Queen cherished his service and forgave him. She allowed me to keep the map, knowing its content."

"It is the King's view that is concerning," Tarvakian said.

"Can you not mention it when next you meet at counsel, Master? If he wishes it returned, I will forget I have seen it." Kelton thought that worked out well. His Master and the King discussing the map without Kelton having to disclose his earlier meeting.

"Forget? A picture mind can forget such a thing?"

"In truth, I do not know, Master," Kelton admitted. "Though if I ignore it, it may fade and be forgotten."

"You wish to find this path?" Bellina asked.

"Aye, Mistress," Kelton replied.

"If it is there, the profit is high," Zello said.

"Vasco and Kelton have calculated sums, and they are impressive," Alliette added as she slid over a page filled with numbers. Tarvakian and his new wife shared a smile that grew into a chuckle.

"We are being ambushed, my love," Tarvakian said.

"And a well-planned one it would seem," Bellina agreed.

"It was Korvin's wish that I follow the map, Mistress," Kelton added.

"And an arrow at my heart to finish me off," Bellina said with laughter.

"It has some risk," Tarvakian said, his tone returning to seriousness.

"Aye, my love," Bellina said. "Yet I am inclined to lean toward Kelton's schemes. He has greatly weakened the scourge of the vine and many miners breathe because of his doings. All of which has led to handsome profits."

"True, his successes outnumber his failures," Tarvakian said while nodding.

"It is a shipping concern," Bellina said. "I leave the decision to you, my love."

"Hmm, it seems you have left me completely outnumbered. Zello and Alliette are in favor." Tarvakian shook his head and pursed his lips. "It will be their house one day. We might as well let them make a decision or two."

"Wise," Bellina agreed.

"I assume you have plans in the works," Tarvakian said to his son.

"Aye." Zello, with some measure of excitement and referenced places on the map with his finger. "There are farms near the jungle that border the Lacor river here."

"They grow rice, using the yearly flooding as irrigation, Master," Kelton added.

"Flooding?" Tarvakian asked.

Zello nodded. "Kelton has done some research and found a dry window in the year, a time when most should be dry. It begins three months from now and last another two. The river level should be low and easily traversed, not unlike our eastern shipments over the Cairne river."

"We thought two wagons on the initial trip. One carrying supplies, the other bolts of cloth for the western lands," Alliette said. "If a small trade could be made, it would prove the concept true, and we could plan more extensive caravans with other houses' goods."

"If things do not go well," Zello said with a shrug, "We would not have greatly weakened the house by tying up a train of wagons or risking more than a single load. Two wagons would make a retreat easier than a train of many."

"And how many do you envision going?" Tarvakian asked.

"Six guards," Zello replied. "Kelton and nine other property. And myself of course. We expect to be clearing a path and require the labor necessary to do it."

Tarvakian pulled over the sheet of sums and looked it over for the second time. "The guesses on profits are large, yet you risk many on the scheme."

"I have his promise, father," Alliette said. "Zello will turn about at the first sign that the risk has become too high."

"I desire to see Yelvin grow to manhood with my wife, father," Zello agreed. "And I'll not ask anyone to go farther than I."

"I know Kelton's desire in this," Tarvakain said. "But it is best we don't forget our duty to property. We promise due care, and it will be given. All who travel with you will willingly accept the task. We will not risk those who would fear such an endeavor."

"It may be best if property asks property," Bellina said. "It would sound like an order if given by the family. There is one I have met who is diplomatic and friendly with most. Felicity is her name if memory services."

"A wise path," Tarvakian agreed. "And a wise choice. She has been of immeasurable help to Beldin and the house as a whole." He looked at Kelton. "You will explain to Felicity the task and skill needs. Have her query to find the adventurous souls among our property. Make sure she knows we have no desire for the names of those who decline."

"Aye, Master," Kelton said. He nodded to his new Mistress, adding a smile. Her wisdom enhanced the house and gave the world a warmer glow. Power deployed with masterful grace. That and Evelyn was finally free.

"And take her some crogerts and some for you as well," Tarvakian said, then added as an afterthought. "A few for Yanda as well."

The truth had its limits, Kelton thought as he gathered his crogert booty. There was no need for his Master to know that Yanda disliked the nut. No one had to know that the extra he took was for his pleasure. Coin wasn't the only profit one could savor.