Funerals, in the Arcadian tradition, entailed long sermons in the name of the Goddess, conducted in the rear garden of Sentinel’s main temple. It was a large, looming structure with a myriad of silver spires, cutting a jagged shape among the other buildings in Hightown.

  Much of the theology went over Coin’s head, and likely would have even if he was in the mood to pay more attention to the preacher. It was all so much twaddle about immortal souls, and the loving embrace of the Goddess, and how mortals should always strive to emulate the Goddess. More than once, the preacher went into what he referred to as an ‘Epistle.’

  Which was, apparently, a section from the holy texts that relayed a letter written by ancient holy men. These, in turn, described similar lessons about worship, and godliness, and how righteous men were assured the comfort of the Goddess in the Hereafter.

  Whenever Coin tuned back in to listen, the more absurd he found the whole thing to be. He doubted the man speaking had known Elijah at all, and it certainly didn’t seem that way from how sparingly he referenced the old man between his readings of scripture.

  Coin, instead, focused his attention on the great pyre that had been erected behind the preacher, upon which sat Elijah’s body. His body had been cleaned and prepared by an undertaker, and dressed in a crisp white suit. Save for how pale he was, there was no sign of rot or decay in his flesh. But it was still eerie to look upon the man who had been so jovial and full of life now stiff as a statue, all traces of ‘himself’ having vanished.

  Coin had seen countless dead bodies over the years. But it was only now, faced fully with the death of someone he knew and cared for, that he stopped to understand the difference between a live body and a dead one.

  Finally, once the ceremony was over and the pyre set alight, Coin began to rise from his seat. The other visitors, wealthy members of the city’s upper crust did the same. They offered prayers to Elijah’s passing, but Coin remained mum on the subject.

  The minister told them all to go in peace, and Coin knew he would be given a diamond made from Elijah’s ashes in the coming days. This was, apparently, the norm in Arcadia.

  Grass crunched underfoot as they made for the outer gate of the temple, the rest of the funeral filing out as a long black column. Few people spoke to Coin, offering him vague platitudes and condolences for Elijah’s passing. They had no idea who Coin was, only that he was Elijah’s enigmatic heir. Essine’s presence didn’t gladden them either.

  But Coin had insisted that she attend. And anyone who took offence to her presence, they were welcome to take up their concerns with him. Nobody saw fit to do so.

  “Well, it was a lovely ceremony,” Pearl said, speaking in a hushed voice.

  “You think so?” Coin said.

  “Oh yes. Most folks would kill to have their rites conducted at this temple, and the preacher had everyone hanging on his words. It was the kind of dignified send off owed to a man of Elijah’s standing.”

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  Coin shrugged. “I suppose.” He’d take Pearl’s word for it, she was the expert when it came to society. And, ultimately, his mind was far removed from the funeral. He was focused on what was to come. What was he to do now?

  He had Elijah’s wealth, but what could he do with it? In the past he would have ben content to simply hoard it all. Yet it was Elijah’s money. And he perhaps expected Coin to do grand things with it. Or, at least, to do something with it.

  “Your little friend is right. This was a fine ceremony. Exactly what the old man deserved.”

  Coin turned to face the semi-familiar voice. A stocky man in a finely tailored black coat, flanked by a towering dark-skinned swordswoman. “Ashur Clyde,” Coin murmured.

  “Hm. Kind of you to remember me. Alas, I’ve forgotten your name entirely.”

  “It’s Coin,” he replied, narrowing his eyes.

  “Ah. Of course.” Ashur offered him a fake smile, folding his hands together.

  Pearl and Essine gave the newcomer a wary glance. “Who in the Bleak is this creep?” she murmured.

  “Ashur was Elijah’s apprentice before me. But then he betrayed the old man, usurped his business out from under him,” Coin said. “Surprised you decided to come out here.”

  Ashur shrugged. “I cared for Elijah, I truly did. Yes, I usurped his throne while he was wracked with grief, but somebody had to step up and take control. Otherwise the Venture Company would have utterly collapsed.”

  “Clearly you were torn up by your decision,” Coin flatly said.

  Ashur let out a small grunt. “I would not expect you to understand the reality of business. Honestly... what did the old man see in a hick like you?”

  Coin didn’t rise to the bait. Ordinarily he might have felt angry at the disrespect. But, here and now, he was too lost in his own grief to get that fired up.

  “What in the world do you want? Are you really such a boor that you’d pick a fight at a funeral?” Pearl asked.

  “Perish the thought. But I believe Ser Coin deserves some... scrutiny,” said Ashur. “The old man was with you when he died, was he not? Seems responsibility for his safety should have fallen on your shoulders, Coin. And you failed him.”

  That snapped Coin to attention, his body growing tense. Veins blossomed briefly on the sides of his neck, obscured by his collar. He took a step forward. Yasuko, Ashur’s bodyguard, stepped toward him and placed a hand on his shoulder... and found she could not budge Coin an inch.

  “Choose your words carefully,” Coin firmly said.

  Essine placed a hand on his other shoulder, making Coin’s resolve waiver just a tad. “Please,” Essine softly said. “Do not sully the ceremony with violence.”

  Coin swallowed hard. Ashur watched him impassively, undaunted by the potential threat of Coin’s strength. “The old man chose to leave his wealth in your hands. What a bewildering choice. Come along, Yasuko. We have business to tend to.”

  Coin stood back to watch them go, gritting his teeth. “Did you send men to rob us?” he called out.

  “What’s that now?” Ashur stopped walking, but did not look back to meet Coin’s gaze.

  “When we got the contract from Lady Greatglow, you were pretty damn mad. And I know there were people outside of Sentinel waiting to rob us. Did you send them?”

  Pearl and Essine gave Coin an uncertain look. Pearl, in particular, looked very confused.

  “I should hope you’re not making unfounded accusations toward me, my friend. It’s rather unbecoming, you know.” He still didn’t look back, but his shoulders had grown stiff. “Tread lightly, going forward.” He trod off, flanked by Yasuko.

  Coin grit his teeth, fighting every dark impulse that raced in his mind. Anger pulsed through him, a fury that simmered under his skin.

  That bastard stole from Elijah and got away with it. Betrayed the old man, no matter what pretty language he used to describe his side of things. The company Elijah built staying in his hands, Elijah’s true legacy, that thought made his stomach churn. Something had to be done about that, he reckoned. But, in the meantime, he’d need to watch and see if Ashur made a move against him.

  “Come on,” Coin said, glancing to his companions. “Let’s head home.”