Earlier in Stella’s kitchen.

  “There’s never leftovers,” Stella said that with a bit of a grin. “Come back in a couple calls, I’ll set some fresh ones aside.”

  “Fair enough,” Daniel said. “I’ll fill everyone in when I know more about the funeral.” He turned to leave.

  “Promise?” Stella asked.

  ‘Promise’? Daniel thought. Where’s this coming from? “Of course,” he said at last. “This is our top priority after all, and we’ve all got a part to play—”

  Stella cocked her head a bit and sighed. “And we’re all working together on every part, right?”

  That made Daniel pause again. Could she really know? He thought to himself, though he quickly hid his doubts with a grin. “That’s the idea,” he said. Better leave before I give her a chance to figure it out. He threw on his hood. “I’ll be back.” With that he headed out the door, and the wood grunted shut behind him.

  The alley was a quiet scene, just dirt and some barrels lined along the stone walls. Daniel hardly noticed the silence though. His mind was racing.

  Everyone at Stella’s knew the King’s death was a problem, but he’d undersold how bad it really was. Gad wasn’t just likely to be the next King, it was certain. No one could match his wealth and influence. No one could touch the guard’s de facto commander-in-chief. Without an act of God he’d take the crown and everyone back in the shop would be hunted. Their lives would be over. Daniel sucked his teeth. How did this happen?

  The guards report confirmed the King had died in the palace fire, but the details were vague at best. He needed the full story.

  He stepped past the mouth of the alley and emerged into the crowd. The huddled masses hardly noticed an extra hood wading by. Probably for the best, he thought to himself. He didn’t really need more attention, especially from the guard.

  After all, he was the reason the garrison was nearly empty the other day. A fact that he couldn’t be sure any guards would know… or hold against him. Better to play it safe for— he cut himself off as he eyed a group of them wading through the crowd ahead. He shied his gaze away as the clamoring of metal boots drew close then softened behind him. They must be headed for the Wall, Daniel thought to himself. Then the lockdown's already started. He held back a shudder as he watched them disappear into the huddled masses beyond.

  The cost of an empty throne was already weighing on his nerves. Even as a recluse, Caleb had served a purpose. There’s only so much a Councilor or even a General could do without his blessing, but if the King was active again or worse yet an enemy— we’d be screwed, Daniel thought.

  They had to keep Gad off the throne, and right now… right now that meant Avaram was their only option. They needed to get him the crown, and I have no idea how. He took a breath. First things first, he thought to himself. I gotta make sure our house is clean.

  Gad knew they were hitting the archive, and the only explanation Daniel could think of is someone let it slip… or leaked it intentionally. Until he knew which he had to assume the worst, and that meant handling this himself until he had proof. Easier said than done, Daniel thought. Stella already knows I kept something to myself. He sucked his teeth. Never could lie to her well. If he couldn’t keep this quiet for long he’d have to move fast but— I’ve only got the one lead. His thoughts drifted back to the Clinic, and the one suspicious thing he’d found there. Ethan Dal.

  The only lead from the archive was that entry log for the clinic, and just as soon as they find that the Councilor shows up, snooping around with a pretty lie and asking about the Coves. That wasn’t a coincidence. He was after that report, Daniel thought to himself. Whoever had broken out clearly had caught the Councilor’s eye. I just need to get to them first.

  He still needed to keep up with the funeral and the vote though. He sighed. There was just too much to do. There was no getting around it. I’ll need some help. He couldn’t involve anyone at the shop though, not yet, and that meant… he sucked his teeth. He hated to involve her again but he didn’t have a choice. Things were getting out of hand.

  He had to make his move and soon.

  The path up ahead began to widen as the plaza and Hall came into view. The normally grandiose sight was sullied by the swelling, uneasy crowd before it. The tension was palpable. Dozens of cloaks and swaying heads loomed before a tight line of guards set near the stairwell.

  Can’t say I’m surprised, Daniel thought to himself. The Council might not have confirmed the death yet, but even he could see the proof from here. Past the dome roof of the Hall, on the higher part of the mountain’s slope, the charred palace still smoldered. If they don’t give answers soon this crowd might run up and take them. Hopefully he wouldn’t be here for that.

  He pushed his way up through the masses, reaching into his cloak for his glasses before making his way to the front of the crowd. He put them on and took a breath. Let’s just get inside.

  One of the guards up ahead flagged him down as he approached. A private judging by the marks on his uniform. He had a bit of a goatee that matched his short and scruffy dark hair.

  “Hold there,” he said as he raised his hand. “Can’t let you through without a pass.”

  Time for the usual performance then. “Oh, of—of course!” Daniel said with a nervous grin. He haphazardly started to rummage through his cloak until he pulled out a large silver coin. “I’ve got it right here!”

  The guard took the coin from Daniel’s hand and looked it over a moment. “Avram Gray’s office?” He eyed Daniel again before handing back the coin as his face soured. “Hope the party was worth it.”

  And that’s my cue to leave. Daniel gave a sheepish shrug and smile that left his glasses askew. “I’ll just… head in then.”

  The guard scowled but stepped aside, letting Daniel traverse up the stairs.

  He fixed his glasses as he ascended, leaving the swelling crowd behind him to face the grand entrance beyond. He stepped up to the looming stone columns now, and pangs of regret gnawed at him again. He stopped and took a long sigh. There was already trouble at Libi’s doorstep, and here he was bringing more.

  It felt like that’s all he did for her now.

  He’d only been in Avram’s office for one… no, almost two months now, ever since they’d left Jibral. He scowled at the thought. We were lucky to get out at all, he groaned, and it wouldn’t have happened without Libi. She’d only been with the old man for a few months longer than him, but she’d quickly become Avram’s right hand… and his left. She pretty much ran his whole damn body at this point. His schedule was her design, and her help got Daniel a cover in his office. She stuck her neck out for him, when all he’d done was ignore her.

  He took a breath and started to head in.

  After everything with Gad had blown up in Jibral she was the only reason they’d gotten out. The only reason they were still alive. She told you not to do it, Daniel thought to himself. Should’ve listened. He sucked his teeth. No… Jed was right. They had a shot and they had to take it. What happened after was… well, the same bullshit that happened at the archive, he thought to himself. The same bullshit happening now. Consequences he couldn’t predict colliding to crush any chance he had to end this. Guess I should expect it by now.

  He stepped out past the columned entrance, making his way into the illustrious lobby.

  The tension had stymied most of the normally bustling space. Staff from each of the founding families gossiped in huddles around the circular room. Crowds of well-groomed faces, decadent gowns, and tunics cast an array of soft blues, reds, and greens across the room. Regicide was apparently enough to ward off the more flamboyant colors. Daniel sighed. At least it’s useful for something. A few unlucky aides were still at work though, frantically moving to and fro as they zipped around the pious statue of Caleb I. The image of God floating before him, guiding him to the city, his legacy’s grave.

  Muffled shouting up ahead snapped him and the rest of the room to attention at once. That came from the throne room. The ornate wooden doors beneath Joshua’s frame held back quite the argument, as Daniel walked towards that side of the room. The Council must be in there now, Daniel thought to himself. What could they be arguing about? It didn’t really matter, for now anyways. He’d find out soon enough.

  He approached the far wall in the room, before pushing open the door to the back staircase. The inconspicuous entryway was one of the newer additions to the Hall, part of King Joshua’s massive renovations of the city. Caleb I might’ve embodied its beginnings, but King Joshua was undoubtedly the face of modern Dargas… for better or worse.

  He continued his descent on the stone stairs, until he stopped at the wall about two flights down. He gave that one a push and another door opened before him. A wide, cavernous space was set beyond the frame. It was circular, like the lobby above, though not quite as large and with lower ceilings.

  At the center of the petite dome was a huge glass lens, illuminating the space below. An array of mirrors was set behind it, catching light from the glass base of the statue above and casting it here. A sun roof underground. There were rooms spread out just like the layout upstairs, with aides bustling all around them. These were the Councilors’ offices. The hub where Daniel had spent far more days than he’d ever wanted.

  Aside from the throne room, most of the Hall upstairs was a fa?ade. Pretty spaces for important meetings and to leave onlookers in awe. The day-to-day trivialities, the grunt work that kept the city alive, all happened here. Aides called it the Hive.

  He stepped through the square stone door and heard it grunt shut behind him. King Joshua had apparently put all these doors in, but this space and the stairs to it had already been built. He’d never quite understood that. How’d anyone get here before?

  There’ll be time to mull on that later, Daniel thought as he shook his head. I need to talk to Libi. If anyone at the office was in the loop about the upcoming vote, it would be her. If she kept him informed, he could focus on finding the leak and Ethan Dal. With a bit of luck he could wrap all this up before anyone at the bakery was the wiser. Yeah, Daniel thought to himself. Cause we’ve been nothing but lucky so far.

  He took a breath.

  With a few side steps and near misses he snaked his way around the foot traffic until he was standing before Avram’s wooden office door. Let’s get to it. He headed in.

  The inside had a pretty open layout. Its cavernous ceilings were concave, like the rest of the dug out Hive. At its center was another, smaller glass lens, letting light shine into the space through another array of mirrors. The bottom of one of the smaller glass circles on the Hall’s floor. The main room was wide with a large table set in the middle and chairs placed all around. Estate layouts, budgets, inventories and more were all spread out across the wooden surface. Whatever papers weren’t there were kept in a few shelves along the walls, with some paintings set in between them. Scenes of families strolling in the plaza, the palace gleaming in the sunrise, and Travelers taking offerings and Eglits. Senile as he might be Avram loved the city, and he wanted reminders of it everywhere, even in this furnished cave.

  To his right an open doorway led to a couple smaller rooms, Libi and Avram’s offices. There were still whispers around the Hall about her sudden rise. Complaints that older staff should've taken the top aide spot but, she’s more than earned her place. The dozen or so other aides Avram employed were here too. Some were still at work near the shelves or bustling around the office, but most were huddled around the table. Daniel hadn’t exactly spent the time to get to know them well, but judging from their worried faces he could guess what the conversation was about. He moved in closer to overhear.

  “—they’re not letting anyone in. They won’t even say how they think it started,” one of the huddled group said. He had combed over brown hair and hazel eyes. I think his name’s… Isaac? “You don’t think that’s weird?”

  “They probably just want to be sure before they say anything,” another aide said back. She had tan skin, full lips, and curly dark hair she kept in a loose fro. “This was the King. It’s serious. Even they’ll want to get it right.”

  Naomi, Daniel thought, as he held back a grin. The past couple months had been busy, but he’d made sure to get her name. Once this was all over he still wanted to have a little fun.

  “And instead of rallying, the Council is arguing behind closed doors!” A middle-aged man said. This one he didn’t know. “Who does that help?”

  “You know who,” Isaac said. “There’s only one man who benefits from this. The Council’s real master—”

  “—you mean King.” A new voice chimed in now, and Daniel groaned at the sound. Of course he’s here too. A young man just a little older than Daniel started to approach the table. His dirty blonde hair was shaved on the sides and a cool mess of tousled curls in the middle. They crowned a square clean-shaven face, with thin lips pulled in his usual smug grin. His white shirt, sleek dark pants and vest set a monochrome stage that sharpened the gray of his eyes, as they oozed with disdain and the worst kind of confidence. The one only a life of privilege could provide, and no one’s got more than him. This was Gaddiel Knowles V, Gad’s son and only heir. Most days he went by Nolan.

  Taken from Royal Road, this narrative should be reported if found on Amazon.

  “This whole charade is just a formality,” Nolan said, as he waved his hand in the air, “and everyone knows it.” He leaned into the table now. “There’s only one way this vote ends, and the sooner it happens the better. If I were you I’d get used to this.”

  “He’s not King yet.”

  A fresh voice joined the crowd, as Libi stepped out from the left doorway. She had long, voluminous black hair that fell about halfway down her back. The darks of her eyes shined like marbles against her cream skin, accented by her thin lips, pointed chin, and plump cheeks. Donned in a long sleeved black shirt and brown pants, she had a fierce, quiet poise that commanded authority as soon as she entered the room. She stepped up to the table now.

  “And until he is, let's not forget who our boss really is. The funeral is in two days, and it’s not going to plan itself.”

  Nolan scoffed but stepped aside. “Guess denial’s to be expected.”

  Libi rolled her eyes but ignored him as she filled into the crowd. “Where are we on the decor?” She asked. “Are the floral arrangements set?”

  “We’ve got most of what we need for the centerpieces and seating area,” Issac said. “But we’re having trouble with some of the King’s… special requests for his service. Flowers are just the start, some of this stuff I don’t think we can do in just two days.”

  “The Council wants to move quickly,” Libi said with a begrudging nod. “But it’s nothing we can’t handle, Asher.”

  Asher! Right! Daniel thought to himself. Where’d I get Issac from?

  “You’re right though,” Libi said. “The limonium is a little hard to come by…” she thought about that some more. “Let’s see if any of our… friends on the Outer Wall has a lead on some.”

  Smugglers, Daniel thought to himself. It wouldn’t be the first time they’d had to use them. Planning events for the more… eccentric crowd sometimes required finding harder to get items, and they weren’t always in stock. Making the impossible happen though is what Libi was known for.

  Asher raised his brow at her. “You think they’d have flowers?”

  “I think the rich will pay too much for anything, especially if it’s hard to come by,” Libi said with a grin. “Just check and see, we can get whatever they’ve got here by tonight.”

  Asher gave a laugh and nodded.

  “As for the rest of the King’s—” Libi paused. “Late King’s specific requests just make me a list,” she said. “I’m meeting with Avram later today. He’ll get the Council’s help on whatever we need. No one’s going to deny Caleb’s last requests.”

  The rest of the crowd, save for Nolan and Daniel, dispersed to the shelves and out of the room.

  “You going to keep sulking in the back, Daniel?” Nolan asked as he nodded over toward him.

  “Just as long as you’re here,” Daniel said with a smirk.

  “Cute.”

  Libi rolled her eyes at the conversation as she started to approach. “You know people might sulk around you a little less, Nolan, if you stopped fighting everyone you spot.”

  “Oh, don’t say that Libi!” Daniel quipped back. “You’ll ruin his whole charm!”

  Nolan smirked at that. “This is good,” he said. “You two should get your laughs in while you can.” He straightened out his vest. “Cause pretty soon I’ll be out of here, and on to bigger and better things.” He gave his usual smug grin. “We’ll see who’s laughing then.” With that Nolan turned and headed out the room.

  God, I can’t stand him, Daniel thought to himself. Then he sucked his teeth. Especially when he’s right. Nolan was only here because of his father after all.

  The way he had put it Gad had gotten him a role here so he could earn some ‘independent governing experience.’ If Gad took the crown though, Nolan would surely return to his father’s side. Why be an aide when you could be a prince instead?

  “Kinda hoped he wouldn’t be an ass today,” Libi said as she stepped up to Daniel.

  “Goes against his nature,” Daniel said.

  Libi smirked as she shook her head. “But if you’re back already,” she said. “Then I guess that means you didn’t have any luck at the palace?”

  Right, Daniel thought. That’s where she thought I was. It was a small lie really. Even before Libi had asked him to, he'd tried to get to the palace, but the whole path there was locked down. When she had asked though he just took the excuse to check back on the bakery. And now I know I need her help. If I’m gonna get it now’s the time. He already knew she wasn’t the leak. Her being in charge of the office meant someone always knew where she was, and who she was with. He’d kept tabs on her that whole day. She’d never had a chance to warn anyone.

  “We need to talk,” Daniel said.

  Libi scoffed at that. “Were you not listening before? We need to get to work.”

  “It’s about that delivery the other day,” Daniel said. “The one to the garrison.” He leaned in closer now. “There were some… complications I need to tell you about.”

  Libi sighed and gave him a look that said her day had just gotten a little longer. “Let’s go to my office.”

  The two of them stepped away from the table and started heading towards the side rooms. Once they were past the open frame Libi walked up to the first wooden door and headed in.

  As far as offices went Libi’s was modest at best. The layout was a simple square, with just enough room for her desk and a couple chairs. The ceiling was spotted with a few glass dots that gently lit the space. A notebook and papers were scattered over the table beside a small pot of dainty purple flowers. There was a cabinet to the right of her wooden arm chair, and a small chest to its left. The other walls were bare save for a painting hanging on the opposite wall.

  Daniel shut the door as he stepped in after Libi.

  “You said this would be over,” she snapped as soon as the door closed. “One last thing to put Jibral in the past—”

  “I know—”

  “Then how do you explain this mess!” Libi said, throwing her arms up as she turned towards him. “I read the reports on what happened at the garrison. Guards died there! You said—”

  “I know what I said!” Daniel cut in, “and I’m sorry.” He took a breath. “What happened wasn’t your fault.”

  “How do you figure?” Libi said. “You asked me to take over a delivery, and now people are dead.”

  “It’s more complicated than that,” Daniel said. “No one was supposed to get—”

  “Don’t tell me what was supposed to happen!” Libi snapped. “Sneak in and get the ledger. That’s what you told me you wanted to do.”

  “That’s what happened—”

  “No, it’s not!” Libi said. “Cause your plan didn’t involve needing to hurt anyone, even if it was insane!” She walked away with those words, going over to sit in her chair. “Honestly, I expected one of you to get arrested at worst, not a dozen guards dead in the street!” She took a breath as she eased back in her seat. “At least tell me you found it.”

  Daniel groaned while he stepped up to the table. “We…”

  “You’ve gotta be kidding me—”

  “Libi listen—”

  “No you listen!” Libi snapped. “I only helped you and Jed before because people were hurting, and you were the only ones trying to stop it!” She started to count with her hands. “Now David is gone, things are just as corrupt as ever, and I—” she shook her head. “How am I making things better?”

  “Look,” Daniel said. “I don’t know how, but Gad saw us coming. We didn’t realize how much he knew, or how far he’d be willing to go in public.” Daniel sucked his teeth. “He locked down the Wall, brought out Warriors, maybe even—” he stopped. “Maybe even more now if we’re not careful.” That was close, he thought to himself. He almost let it slip.

  Libi might’ve helped them out in Jibral, but she had no idea what had really happened there. She didn’t know what Jed had exposed them to. She didn’t know about Arbiters. And I plan to keep it that way. The last thing he wanted to do was paint a target on her back.

  “Things are bad,” he said, “and nothing’s gone the way that I wanted it to but… I’m still here. I’m still trying to help people. I just need you with me on this.” He stepped closer to her now. “You know we’re on the same side. Stop the corruption and make people’s lives better.”

  Libi looked him over a moment before taking a long sigh. “What do you want?” She asked.

  “Information,” Daniel said. “You’re in charge of the funeral, and I know you’re in the loop on the vote too. I just need to know how the Council’s planning to move next—”

  “You mean Gad—”

  Daniel snorted. “At this point they’re one and the same,” He leaned into the chair in front of her. “I know you said they wanted to move quickly, but if we can flood the Council’s schedule with things like tributes for Caleb, maybe we can delay the first vote. Give me some time to work out a new lead.”

  “What lead?” Libi asked.

  “There was a breakout at one of the Coves,” Daniel said. “I think whoever escaped might be caught up with Gad,” or something close to it. “I want to find them and see what they know before the guard catches up to them,” or worse yet Councilor Dal.

  Libi leaned forward and clasped her hands over the table. “That might be… harder than you think.”

  That made Daniel pause. “What do you mean? What happened?”

  “After that whole archive fiasco, apparently the military decided to step in. Galahad sent over an investigator.”

  The General? Daniel thought. “Why would he be involved in city affairs?”

  “I don’t know, that’s just what I heard,” Libi said. “But if the rumor’s right, the investigator… he’s a Warrior too.”

  Another one? Daniel thought to himself. “Why would Galahad do that?” He asked. “After what Nachman did a year ago I thought Warriors were—”

  “I know,” Libi cut in. “But clearly something’s changed.” She shook her head. “Still, there’s no way this many Warriors are in the city without Nachman’s blessing, and he wouldn’t give that unless—”

  “— unless he was under threat too,” Daniel said. She might be onto something. “He must be coming to the funeral right?”

  “He is but he’s not in the city yet,” Libi said. Then she mulled on that some more as she brought a hand to her chin. “He did send an aide ahead though, Rowan, I think he’s right upstairs.”

  That could work, Daniel thought to himself. He knew Rowan, another smug ass really, but he’d been by Ivar Nachman’s side for years. If Warriors were at the archive he’d know about it, which means he might know why they were there, and more importantly what happened to the ledger. If Daniel could get him talking, he might be able to figure out where it is now, maybe even learn about some new evidence he could use.

  “I’ll go talk to him then,” Daniel said with a nod before turning to walk out the room. “Could you start to set up one of those tributes? I’ll do all the logistics I just need it on the books so—”

  “I can’t,” Libi said.

  Daniel stopped. What? “Why not?”

  “Because they wouldn’t matter,” Libi replied. “I said the Council wanted to move fast, but I undersold how fast. The first vote’s happening at the funeral.”

  Wait, wait, wait, “what?” Daniel nearly gagged at that. “Are you serious? What’re they going to do? Find a dark corner to carve up Caleb’s corpse while it sits in the other room?!” That seemed a little callous, even for them.

  “You wanted to be informed. Now you know,” Libi said. “So whatever you’re gonna do, I’d do it soon.”

  Daniel paced back and forth as he groaned. “Wait,” he said. “If you know about the meeting, are you gonna be in the room?”

  “I should be but—”

  “Can you get me in there too?”

  Libi let out a long sigh. “Yeah, I can swing that,” she said at last. “But like I was saying don’t—”

  “That’s good enough,” Daniel said with a nod. He turned to leave.

  “Don’t do anything stupid!” She called as he walked away.

  Daniel turned back to her and shrugged. “When have I ever?”

  She raised a brow at that. “Really?” She rolled her eyes. “You know Jed always said the same thing too, right?”

  “And you always liked his plans.”

  “Not always,” Libi said flatly.

  “Well if you’re worried,” Daniel said. “You can come with me—”

  Libi raised her hand. “Didn’t want to go with you then, still don’t want to now.”

  Daniel smirked. “Then I’ll see you at the funeral.” He walked out the room.

  The main office was still lively as Daniel trekked across the space. Gotta find Rowan and get him to talk—

  “Oh there you are Sando,” Asher suddenly called out to him. “Kinda rare to catch you in the Hive nowadays.”

  Daniel gave a nervous grin as he fiddled with his glasses. “Oh, well you know, Libi’s just got me running around a lot. Mostly for the funeral now.”

  “Right,” Asher said. “Well, whenever you’re done scampering, we could use your help with the itinerary. No one keeps up with all the Council drama like you.”

  You don’t know the half of it. “Sure,” Daniel said. “I’ll be back in a bit.” With that he hurried out the Hive and back onto the stone staircase. After a few moments he reached the top of the flight and pushed open the door to the lobby beyond.

  Daniel started to scan the room. Where is he? The same faces were scattered around the space but— the throne room‘s open? The large wooden doors were spread wide, and a small crowd had gathered near the entrance. Daniel studied the faces there until— that’s Ethan Dal.

  He was donned in his black and white Council robe, talking with a few worried faces. They walked with him to the Hall’s entrance, giving slight bows once they arrived and left him. Ethan watched the group head back into the lobby, before his amicable smile suddenly fell away. He darted his gaze around the room then slipped off to the side of the entrance.

  That’s not suspicious, Daniel thought. Where’re you headed off to now? He trekked across the room, casually slipping through the masses until he stood just beneath the columned frame. Where’d he go? The view of the staircase and plaza before him was bare, save for the walled off crowd and— wait, Daniel thought. Is that… is that Abel and Micah?

  They were standing at the front of the swelling herd, talking with one of the guards. Hold on, Daniel thought to himself. I think that’s a Warrior.

  Their metal plated armor was distinctive from the city guard’s more leather-based uniform, but since when do they cover their tattoos? This one had on a long-sleeved black shirt, with matching pants and boots. Daniel couldn’t see his face, but Abel clearly shook his hand, before he and Micah dipped back into the crowd. What was that all about? Then he shook his head as he remembered. Shit! Where’s Ethan? He scanned around the entrance again, but he was nowhere to be found.

  Damn, Daniel thought to himself. Guess that would’ve been a lucky break. He turned back towards the Hall now, scanning the crowd as he walked back in. I can’t see Rowan either. He looked around one more time to confirm it before sucking his teeth. Well, this was a bust. He took a breath. But it doesn’t change what I have to do next.

  The King was dead, and the first vote to replace him was happening soon. Far sooner than Daniel would’ve hoped. Getting in the room would at least let him see how the Council was feeling, and to find a way to tip the odds in Avram’s favor. Or at least find a place to start.

  In any case, he’d clearly need Libi’s help going forward, and for now that meant playing nice at the office. Ivar Nachman, Ethan Dal, and Gad, they were all mixed up in something, and Daniel was getting the feeling it was about a little more than Plain’s Flower. Doesn’t matter, Daniel thought to himself. Whatever’s going on, I’m going to figure it out.

  One loss meant nothing. This fight was far from over.