My heart stopped. It felt like the whole room was spinning around me. Trafford. That name, I’d heard of him before. Under the Sapphire Mountains, Gunner mentioned him. All my feelings toward Gunner that I had bottled up since coming home boiled to the surface. Anger, fear, regret, it all surged at once.

  Trafford was the one who helped Gunner take over the harska. He was the one who supplied Gunner with the bandit army. It was his fault Henry and Arienne were taken. The lives I was forced to ruin, the death of Mayor Korpi, it was all because of him. Anxiety washed over me. Why would he ask for me? Did he know that I helped oust Gunner? Was Zadona working for him? Did she know what he had done?

  Beth leaned over the table and grabbed my hand. The warmth spread through my body instantly. As I looked up, I caught her soft smile. She gave me a reassuring squeeze. It took me a few more minutes to calm down, but I did feel better. During my moment of panic, I missed some of the conversation.

  “And that was how you learned of Norman?” asked Greenspring.

  Adherent Valna of the Lawmaker’s Assembly nodded. “I’m not sure how he knows Norman, but Lord Trafford was the one who introduced me to Norman’s music. It wasn’t as good as hearing him live, I’m sure, but it still blew me away. When Lord Trafford asked me if I could greet you all as you entered the city, I couldn’t refuse.”

  “What about your friend, Richard?” asked Nia.

  “He volunteered,” said Valna. “I suspect he wanted to meet Norman as well.”

  “You wouldn’t happen to know of a Kanta elf by the name of Zadona, would you?” I asked.

  “Of course! She started working for Trafford around the same time I met him. Do you know her?”

  “She’s an old friend of ours,” said Beth. “I didn’t know she was a member of your church.”

  “Ah, she isn’t. Though believe me I’ve tried,” replied Valna, frowning. “No, she only works for Lord Trafford.”

  “So she works for the head of your church but isn’t a part of it?” asked Nia.

  “Lord Trafford isn’t the head of the Lawmaker’s Assembly, I am,” said Valna.

  “But you answer to Trafford?” I asked.

  She shrugged. “Most people in Adelbern do. He’s a very influential figure. If it weren’t for him, I don’t think the city would be as nice as it is. He funds public projects not just here but in several of the neighboring kingdoms.”

  “Then why haven’t I heard of him?” muttered Nia.

  I ran my hand through my hair, trying to make sense of it all. Somehow, for some reason, the man who funded Gunner also funded all of Adelbern. Not only that, but had the head of one of the largest churches at his beck and call. How? How was it that he grew so rich and gained so much power? And what did he want with me?

  Valna sighed, pushing her empty plate away from her. “My apologies, but it’s getting late. I must retire for the night, and I suggest the rest of you do so as well. Norman, be sure to meet me down in the foyer tomorrow morning so that I can take you to meet Lord Trafford.”

  She stood up, gave us a bow, and turned to leave. Were I of a sounder mind, I would have stopped her to ask more questions. Nia tried to but was completely ignored. I didn’t get the sense that it was Valna being hostile, but what did I know? Everything in my life was slowly unraveling at the seams. Without Beth, I doubt I would have been able to move.

  A few of Valna’s servants led us to our rooms. Beth held my hand the entire way, making sure that I didn’t fall. It was like I was dazed. Nia and Greenspring tried to help, but Beth waved them off. I think she knew that all I needed was some rest. Especially since I would have to meet the benefactor of my nightmares the next day.

  It was a miracle I fell asleep as soon as my head hit the pillow.

  When I woke up, Beth was curled up under my arm, our blanket pulled up to our chins. She was breathing steadily, her face peaceful. It took me a few seconds to remember we weren’t at home. I missed my family. How was Charlie fairing without Beth? A part of me wondered if he missed me. At least this time Arienne and Henry were safe. The only people in danger were me and Beth.

  But I wasn’t the same Norman who left Xalir for the first time. I had fought against the Rebel King and won. A false sense of bravery surrounded me like an aura as I got ready. Letting Beth sleep, I pulled on my clothes and grabbed my mandolin. After kissing her forehead for maybe the last time, I left to find Valna.

  She was waiting in the foyer. Today, she wore an elegant golden dress that shimmered in the morning sun. It came down past her feet, pooling on the floor like a puddle of gold. Everything below her neck was covered. Her eyes were covered by a thick, golden blindfold. A sign that she was a high-ranking member of the Lawmaker’s Assembly.

  Her hair was braided in such a complicated star-shaped design that I couldn’t imagine how it was accomplished. The scent of incense wafted around her. When I approached, she turned toward me and smiled. It was a good thing she couldn’t see me through her blindfold, if she could, she might have been upset at how casually I was dressed.

  She was stunningly beautiful, but she could never compare to Beth. If Valna represented the sun, then Beth was a clear sky on a dark night. A shimmering expanse of shining majesties that left one speechless. Reserved in her beauty, yet inescapable. Yes, I was a very lucky man.

  “Did you sleep well?” asked Valna, casually hooking her arm around mine. I wasn’t sure if she needed me to guide her, since she couldn’t see, so I didn’t resist.

  “Better than most nights,” I replied.

  “Are you nervous?” she asked as we stepped outside.

  “If I told you that I was, would that ruin your perception of me?”

  She laughed. “It’s your skill with that mandolin of yours that draws me to you, not your bravado. I’ll leave such feelings for your wife.”

  The warmth from the morning sun helped calm my nerves, but I was still afraid. It was like I was walking through the halls of the harska fortress all over again. Only the sound of Valna’s voice kept me tethered to reality, but only barely. I wished Nia and Greenspring had come with me.

  We stopped outside an unsuspecting building at the edge of the harbor. Massive ships filled the horizon as sailors of all shapes and sizes loaded some and unloaded others. Passerby paid us no mind as they went about their day, none even glancing at Valna. I wondered how they could ignore her, but then I guessed this wasn’t the first time she dressed like this. Or maybe we were hidden by some kind of illusion magic. Mentally shrugging, I let Valna lead me toward the plain white building in front of us.

  A rush of cold air blew past us as I pulled open the massive wooden door. Valna must have felt it as well, as her whole body shivered. The smile that had lit up her face the entire morning disappeared. I hadn’t realized how warm it made me feel. Taking a deep breath, I stepped inside.

  While the exterior of the building matched the style of the buildings next to it, the inside did not. The walls were made of stone, while the floors were covered in a thick red carpet. Dull red lanterns barely lit up the area. At the end of the room was a wooden door painted black. Small sitting benches were pushed against the wall, one of them occupied by Advocate Richard.

  Like Valna, he wore clothes colored gold with a matching blindfold. At first, I thought he was also wearing a dress, but as my eyes adjusted to the light, I realized he was wearing robes. Higher quality than the ones he wore yesterday, but still not as nice as Valna’s. His bright clothing contrasted against the dark room. As we entered, he looked up at us and frowned.

  “Mr. Benson, welcome,” said Richard. “Lord Trafford is in a meeting right now, but he will be able to see us shortly.”

  Valna and I sat down on a bench opposite him. Now that I was fully in the room, I realized how cold it truly was. “You two are coming with me?”

  “For support,” said Valna.

  “Don’t look so nervous, Norman,” said Richard, flashing me a weak smile. “All Lord Trafford wants to do is speak with you about your adventure in the Sapphire Mountains.”

  “I’m sure,” I muttered, bringing my legs up into my seat to try and conserve body heat. “If that’s all this is about then why are you two dressed like that?”

  “It’s tradition for members of the church to wear these vestments when meeting with their superiors. It symbolizes our humility and desire to imitate Charisse,” answered Richard.

  Ensure your favorite authors get the support they deserve. Read this novel on Royal Road.

  I turned to Valna. “I thought you said you were the highest-ranking member of the Lawmaker’s Assembly.”

  She frowned. “I am.”

  Before I could ask her more, the door at the end of the room opened. A tall man wearing dark red robes peeked his head out and peered at the three of us. His long white beard poked out from under his hood. Based on everyone’s outfits, I felt seriously underdressed.

  “Come,” said the bearded man, his voice like silk. “Lord Trafford will see you now.”

  Valna stood up, her arm like an iron chain as it pulled me up with her. She led me to the door, while Richard followed from behind me. It was like I was being led to the slaughter. My heart raced as we walked down an empty hallway packed with doors on all sides. Small groans and cries of pain could be heard through them.

  I expected us to stop at the end of the hall, but instead, Valna turned and opened an unsuspecting door on our right. The hinges creaked as the heavy metal door swung open. A bright light poured out and blinded me. Before I could ready myself, Valna pulled me in. As my eyes adjusted to the light, I saw him.

  On an iron throne, behind a mahogany desk, sat a skinny-looking elf with blood-red skin. A sunset elf. Sunset elves were not native to the thirty kingdoms that made up Strabora, nor were they born from natural means. They came from the mad experiments of a crazed wizard somewhere far across the sea. Like themselves, the language of the sunset elves come from a combination of many different cultures.

  He was shirtless, wearing only a pair of black trousers. Dark tattoos portraying exotic sea creatures danced up his arms onto his back. His hair was white like snow, long and pulled back into a ponytail. My eyes widened as I recognized him.

  Trafford, the man who helped Gunner.

  His cold, calculating eyes, looked up at the three of us. They were white, with no pupils to be seen. I could only tell where he was looking thanks to the red veins at the edges of his eyes. Trafford looked at each of us in turn, his expression ranging from neutral to bored. That is until he looked at me.

  A wide smile formed on his face. “Norman Benson,” he muttered, his voice soft yet clearly audible.

  Richard stepped forward. “Presenting Norman Benson of Xalir, your Lordship.”

  Though I had only seen Trafford in a dream, I knew he was dangerous. His presence suffocated me like a thick fog that permeated the room. My heart rate quickened as I watched Valna step forward as well. I wanted to reach out and grab her, but I couldn’t. Standing this close to him, it wasn’t like being near Gunner. It was a hundred times worse.

  Valna let go of my arm and bowed. “Lord Trafford,” she said, her tone only bordering on respectful.

  Trafford leaned back into his throne. “Thank you, Valna, Richard, your assistance is most appreciated. Perhaps I will consider increasing my donations to the Assembly.”

  “That would be most kind, Lord Trafford,” said Richard, bowing as well. Unlike Valna, he bowed completely at the hip.

  “Norman,” said Trafford, gesturing to an empty bench in front of his desk. “Please, sit. Have you been enjoying Adelbern so far?”

  I glanced at Valna, totally unable to move. With the slightest of movements, she gestured toward the bench with her head. But that wasn’t what gave me the will to move, it was the small smile that followed it. A friendly smile filled with understanding. I dragged my feet to the bench and sat down. All I could think about was how much I wished Beth was with me.

  Though I wanted her as far away from Trafford as possible.

  “I haven’t seen much of the city,” I replied.

  “A shame. I find it to be quite pleasant.”

  “Is this what you wished to talk about?” I asked.

  He laughed. “Not one for small talk? Come now, Norman, I’d like us to be friends.”

  “No,” I replied. “I can’t see that happening.”

  “So you say. But you don’t even know me. How long did it take for you to befriend Gunner? A week? Three months? Was that why you betrayed him? You weren’t friends?” Trafford shrugged. “He seemed to believe so.”

  Gritting my teeth, I said, “He kidnapped my family.”

  “Only two of them, and kidnapping your daughter was an accident. Trust me, I know the whole story.”

  “Then why am I here?”

  Trafford looked at Valna and Richard, seemingly pondering something before changing his mind. “Your friend recommended you for my new project.”

  I raised an eyebrow. “Project?”

  “I’m hosting a tournament and I want you to compete as my guest of honor,” said Trafford extending his hand out toward me.

  “No,” I replied without hesitation. Though I was terrified of Trafford and everything he represented, I wasn’t going to play his little game.

  He sighed. “What a shame. And here I thought Piopus had chosen a worthy successor.”

  “Wait, You know Piopus?” I blurted out.

  He leaned against the armrest of his throne. “Sure, he was my teacher before he was yours.”

  I couldn’t believe it. Piopus had taught Trafford? Did he know what things Trafford would do, what he had done? It wasn’t true, it couldn’t be true. Piopus was a kind, old spirit who had guided me through my youth. How could someone taught by Piopus turn out like Trafford?

  If that was true… There was one burning question on my mind.

  “Why?” I asked, my whole body shaking.

  Trafford leaned forward, grinning. “Why what?”

  “Why did you help Gunner?”

  “Why not? I thought it would be fun to help him with his little endeavor, and it was.”

  Anger surged through me like a flash of lightning. “He hurt my family!”

  “A shame, but it seems they are fine now, right?”

  Before I could reach over the desk and punch him in the face, I felt a firm grip on my shoulder. Green eyes stared down at me, but there wasn’t malice in them. They were sad. Valna, her blindfold thrown to the ground, gripped my shoulder with her shaking hand. I exhaled, forcing the anger down. I felt my muscles relax. Valna let go of my shoulder and took a step back.

  “Calm down, Norman, I never intended to hurt your family,” said Trafford. “If I had known Gunner was causing you harm I would have told him to set your family free.”

  Turning back to Trafford, I asked, “So you didn’t know what he was doing?”

  “Well, I knew a bit. Like him, I thought you were really on his side. He didn’t tell me he had captured your family.”

  “And all the other families he ruined? All the blacksmiths he forced to work for him? The people he killed. Did you care about any of them?”

  Trafford’s lips were pulled into a thin line. “Let’s say a baby bird falls out of its nest. Tragic, right? It can’t fly yet, so it can’t return on its own, and the mother refuses to help it. Were I to do nothing, it would die. So, of course, any well-meaning individual would go out of their way to help it. That is a fact of the world.

  “Now, would that well-meaning individual be responsible for every action that bird takes? Every time that bird hunts and kills, would the fault rest upon the individual? No, of course not. It is the bird’s nature to kill, all that person did was help them back into the nest.

  “When you see someone suffering, do you not wish to help them?” asked Trafford.

  “Helping a bird get back to their nest is one thing. Giving them an army to conquer others is going way too far.” I glared at him.

  “Perhaps not far enough.” Trafford paused, then sat up straighter, giving me an appraising look. “Norman, I’d like us to be friends.”

  “You helped Gunner,” I replied.

  He nodded. “Indeed, but I think in the name of our former master we can let that slide. You know, he was just here a few weeks ago.”

  My eyes widened. “He was?”

  “Oh yes, he came to oversee my plans for the tournament. You know, King Eero and Queen Hilde are letting me publicly host it this year. It still has to be a bit hush-hush, but they gave me their blessing. Yes, Piopus stayed here for as long as he could before he felt the road calling to him again. Remember how much he loved to sing about the call to explore?”

  I chuckled. “Yeah, he did.”

  “That man can’t resist traveling to new places and meeting new people,” said Trafford. “How I even got him to visit for a week is beyond me. He mentioned you, did you know that?”

  I leaned forward. “He still talks about me?”

  “You were his prized pupil! Wouldn’t you say that was the case, Richard?”

  I looked at Richard who nodded as hard as he could. “He mentioned Norman a few times, yes,” said Richard. Valna nodded as well.

  “More than that, I would say,” said Trafford, frowning slightly. “That’s why I want us to be friends, Norman. How could two students of Piopus be anything less than good friends?”

  I didn’t want to even be near Trafford, but I could agree with his logic. If Piopus trusted him, then why shouldn’t I? Other than the fact he helped the guy who kidnapped my daughter. As I sat there trying to wrap my head around everything, one question came to mind. “Why didn’t he tell me about you?”

  Trafford pondered this question for a moment. His stomach growled, cutting through the silence. Rolling his eyes, he whistled a short tune I quickly recognized. It was a song Piopus taught me as a child. In his hand, an apple appeared out of nowhere. He took a bite, seeming to savor the flavors.

  “I don’t know,” said Trafford. “Our old master is a mysterious one. Wouldn’t you agree, Norman?”

  I nodded. Even as his student, I could never fully understand Piopus. “Did Gunner know? Did he know we trained under the same teacher?”

  “Gunner knew little of anything. That’s why I’m glad you usurped him. Saves me the hassle of doing it myself,” said Trafford with a full mouth.

  “Why would you help him if you didn’t want him to succeed?”

  Trafford shrugged. “I hoped he would be stronger, but at least it was fun. Don’t tell me you didn’t have any fun?”

  “He kidnapped my daughter!”

  “And you rescued her. I fail to see what the problem is,” said Trafford, crossing his arms.

  Before my anger surged again, Valna grabbed my shoulder and shot me a stern look. With Trafford’s eyes focused on me, she mouthed out the words, ‘Don’t let him get to you.’ I took a deep breath and slumped in my seat. This was all so exhausting.

  “I’m sure the others will be wondering where I am,” I said, watching Trafford take the last bite of his apple.

  “Sure, sure, I’ll let you get back to your friends. After all, the tournament doesn’t start for a few weeks. You will be joining, yes?”

  I glanced at Valna, who gave me a slight nod. It seemed I had little choice in the matter. “I’ll need more details,” I replied. “But I suppose it doesn’t sound too bad…”

  “Splendid,” said Trafford, clapping his hands. “In that case, we’ll continue our conversation another day.”

  As I stood up to leave, Trafford stood up as well. He grabbed my shoulder and led me out. Just before we left the building, he whispered in my ear, “I want us to be friends, Norman. Remember that. Zadona does.” Before I could say anything back, he lightly pushed me outside and closed the door.

  After a few minutes, Valna joined me. In the brief amount of time since I last saw her, she had put her blindfold back on. “I’m sorry I wasn’t more help, Norman.”

  I sighed. “It’s not your fault. Let’s just get back to the house.”