“So is this normal?” I asked Arno carefully as we wandered through the vast and seemingly unending halls of the Nest. Honestly, the place was throwing me for a loop. There seemed to be very little rhyme or reason to any of its construction. Not to say that I was even remotely qualified to speak on such things, but the thought crossed my mind regardless as we were shown an open air courtyard that hovered out into empty space, seemingly grasping onto the edge of the vast estate with nothing but a prayer. The view it offered of the surrounding wilderness was beyond beautiful, but my mind was occupied with what I thought were far more pertinent events, “I mean, we did just leave most of the Clan you serve in the middle of a rather intense heart to heart. Seems a strange time to have a tour.”

“Far stranger events have taken place in the Nest during my tenure as head steward, Lord,” Arno said, his tone of voice stiff, “Lady Freida insisted that I help you all to learn the basic layout of the estate for your own benefit. I will not neglect my task.”

“No point talking to him, Orin,” Boldrin laughed as he stretched, taking in the immaculately maintained garden and pond, all while glaring up at the blaring sun overhead as he leaned against the archway leading into the courtyard “He follows orders to the letter. If a D'viritazi asked for him to serve us tea while we all kill each other, he'd do it without batting an eye. Ain't that right, Arno?”

“Quite so, Boldrin,” Arno replied easily, his frosty demeanour melting slightly as he looked to the large man. Seemed he saved that particular tone for me. Great, “I live to serve the head of this Clan and any of his progeny. I will endeavour to do so until they find no more use for me.”

“Given what I've seen of the Nest so far, you have reason to be proud of your work, Lord Arno,” Elora said enthusiastically from behind Boldrin as she examined a rather eye-catching painting on the wall just inside the archway that presumably showed an artist's rendition of a member of Clan D'viritazi catching a Lightning bolt as it fell from the sky, “How long have you served the family?”

“Oh, this past summer marks my fifty first year of service to the House D'viritazi. I served Mastan's father when I was a younger man. Usually when the head of the Clan dies it is customary to hand the reigns of head steward to the next in line for the position, but my son showed little to no interest and I couldn't leave Lord Mastan to shoulder the burden alone.”

“So the position of head steward is inherited?”

Arno nodded eagerly. I could tell he enjoyed the subject immensely, “It has been, your Highness, since the advent of the First Knight himself. House Kiden has been a vassal of House D'viritazi longer than any other. It is written that our family was once one of the independent clans that ruled Ragora before the First Lightning Smith united all under her banner. We were the first to pledge our loyalty and our family has served ever since.”

“And always as stewards?” Elora asked politely, her hands clasped delicately as she shot me another concerned look. She did that quite a bit after she finished Healing, I'd noticed. It was almost as thought she was afraid she'd missed something. Of course, she could also just be shooting me looks because my face was still stained with blood. I must've looked out of place amidst all the finery. I patted the sword at my hip, reassured by its presence. Annabelle had grabbed it for me before we left the Great Hall. The familiar weight settled me as I listened to my wife speak.

“Always,” Arno intoned, “It is the highest position one can hold without being a member of the family itself. We hold the trust of the Lightning Lords and it is one that hasn't been betrayed for a thousand years. Dark times have come and gone, but a Kiden will always be found standing to the right of a D'viritazi. Mastan's father and mine would often say that you can't have one without another.”

Shit, that was some long term loyalty. I couldn't imagine that the D'viritazi were always easy to serve. Now would be a pretty good example of that fact. As much as Arno seemed to dislike me, the tone he'd used to answer to Mastan was something else and seemed to skirt the edges of full blown defiance. The way he'd stared at the the head of the Nest showed that the relationship between the two was anything but cordial. It seemed that his family weren't the only ones that Mastan had managed to alienate because of his decision to send Tess away.

I looked to my savage Smith now. I'd kept looking at the Bond to get an idea as to her mental state after that rather turbulent first meeting with her father, but I was drawing a blank. She seemed to be back to her old self, but there was something I wasn't seeing. It was almost like a weight had been lifted from her shoulders. The nervousness, the uncertainty, that had haunted her on our journey over the White Sea was nowhere to be seen. I could only interpret that as a good thing. If she was happy, then so was I.

Tess soon caught one of my unsubtle glances and sidled her way over to me while Elora and Arno were slightly ahead with the others as our tour continued. My wife seemed rather interested in the history of House Kiden. Unfortunately, she was the only one to show such interest. Vera was staring around with dull eyes and an even duller expression, the boredom emanating from her so thick it was a wonder the head steward didn't catch on. Annabelle seemed to be focused on her own problems, her icy stare miles away. I would put money on it having something to do with Mastan's ability to use his Element while not Bonded, a unique puzzle that she was keen to solve. Boldrin was just grinning madly at everything as usual, his sense of child-like excitement shining through as he strode ahead of everyone else. He was clearly very familiar with his surroundings, which made sense considering he'd once called Mastan his employer. I was reminded once more of the unease between the two as they spoke to one another. Another sure bet was that the clear dislike that existed between Boldrin and Mastan had something to do with me. I would need to ask him about that later, get to the bottom of the why. I couldn't be blind-sided, not here.

“You're staring, Orin,” Tessa muttered as she fell into step beside me, eyeing me with mirth dancing in her steely gaze “And I can feel you touching the Bond.”

“I know,” I replied sheepishly, “It just got a little heated in there. I wanted to make sure you were alright.”

Tessa's stare softened, “I'm fine. In fact, I feel better than I have done in quite some time. On the way to Nian I was... Shit, I don't know. I was feeling a million fucking things and none of them were good. But after coming back from that nightmare I felt... free. Haven't got a better way to describe it. Settled, I guess. In my head, everything was twisted and broken, but you brought me back. You saved me again.”

“You saved yourself,” I said sharply. I'd helped her find her way when we'd become lost in her soul, but I didn't want my savage Smith selling herself short, “You brought yourself back.”

Tessa shrugged, “I suppose. But if you weren't there, I wouldn't have even known I was dreaming. So believe what you want, asshole, but thank you.”

“You're very welcome,” I chuckled, “Though even if I did save you, I've still got quite a ways to go before I settle the debt. On a scale of who has saved who more, I think you're still ahead by quite a bit..”

“And don't you fucking forget it,” Tess grinned, “I've lost count of how many times I've had to pull your ass out of a fire.”

“Well, you can't say I'm boring. My unique talent for finding trouble is a well-honed skill.”

“Oh, I know that better than most. I wonder what mess I'm going to have to clean up next?”

“Hopefully we can have another little break,” I laughed, “I like the idea of staying in one place for a while, even if this 'Nest' is a little...”

“Intimidating?” Tessa quipped even as she grimaced, “Aye, I never liked it much when I was young. I spent most of my time outdoors if I remember it right. Neafar jungle, the Nian beach, or even just wondering through the city itself with my sisters. Being here when I was a little girl used to scare the shit out of me. I remember being so afraid of getting lost. I don't think anyone but father knows about everything in the Nest or even how deep into the mountain it reaches.”

“That is a correct assessment, Lady Tessaraina,” Arno's voice carried back to us as he looked to Tess over his shoulder fondly, “I have served for decades and even I find myself getting lost within these halls on occasion. As I'm sure you remember, the residence of your family and the library are the two most frequently used parts of the building. The older areas of the Nest are reserved for only your clan, your father specifically. Even the servants are denied entrance.”

“And you've got plenty of those.” I muttered as I spotted yet another servant dressed in the elaborate uniform of House D'viritazi. We'd passed dozens of them since leaving the Great Hall, the sheer amount even dwarfing those that served in the palace in Myrin.

“We do indeed,” Arno replied coldly, as though me speaking had somehow soured his mood, “Many Houses in Nian and beyond want to serve in the Nest. The position is considered a great honour and we offer it freely to both commoner and Noble alike. It is the chance to serve the family that united all of Ragora, as well as to be noticed by Lord Mastan. Such attention could lead to great prestige.”

“You almost make it sound like Mastan is King of these lands,” I smirked as I looked to another of the attendants, who bowed their head without a word, “I thought Ragora free of such constraints.”

“The First Minister and the parliament of Ragora deal with the day to day matters of the people,” Arno explained, “And the High Lord is the head of our Noble population, but make no mistake, Lord Orin, the D'viritazi are revered for services they have rendered, both in the past and to this day. Lord Mastan is the guardian of these shores and has put his life on the line many times to protect it. You would do well to respect that.”

“Is that why you dislike me, Arno?” I asked bluntly, making the man's eyes widen as he finally turned to meet my own, “Because I didn't bow and scrape before Mastan?”

“That isn't-”

“Or perhaps because you believe I owe him something? I'm sure you know more about what happened to me than even the rest of the family does. As you said, there is always a Kiden beside a D'viritazi. I'm sure Mastan took you into his confidence.”

“He did not,” Arno replied bitterly, “Mastan told me nothing of Lady Tessaraina's true fate. I, like everyone else, believed she died at sea.”

“I can see that doesn't sit well with you,yet here you are, still as loyal as ever.”

“My husband is not a subtle man, Lord Arno,” Elora chided as she took my hand in hers, gifting me with a small smile, “But he is not the only one to notice your attitude towards him is, while not disrespectful, hardly the warmest either.”

I tapped my thumb against the back of my Princess' hand, returning her smile with one of my own. Of course Elora would spot the falseness in Arno's voice and hitch in his step when I spoke. She'd been born into this world, while I was still a babe in comparison. I looked to Tessa to find her looking at the head steward with surprise in her eyes before she fixed Arno in place, making the man freeze with a glance. I saw her jaw clench even as her hands followed suit.

“Is that true, Arno?” Tess whispered softly, a dangerous glint to her eyes, “You have a problem with my Knight?”

“I wouldn't call it a problem, my Lady, not in the least, but I cannot deny there is truth in the Princess' and Lord Orin's suspicions. It is not dislike that drives my feelings, only caution,” Arno stated boldly, though at least he had the decency to look ashamed by that fact, “And it has nothing to do with Lord Mastan, I can assure you of that”

“So what is it then?” I asked, though my tone was gentler this time. If this was a problem I could solve then I would, “I don't know what I have done to slight you, but I'm willing to listen.”

Arno's gaze softened, “Lord Orin-”

“Grandfather!” A high-pitched voice grabbed all of our attentions as a young woman came storming down the halls, her heavy brow furrowed in anger. She was a pretty lass, the resemblance to Arno more than obvious as she glared at the older man. She all but ran towards us, her dress whirling about her and her fury palpable, “Where is he!? Where is the coward who put Roland in the infirmary!? Alden and Deirdric just dragged him in to see Hun and told me what happened. Where is he?”

“Niari,” Arno's eyes widened as he turned to the young woman who'd drawn the attention of all present, “Lower your voice!”

“I will not!” The young woman, Niari, spat out with clear venom, “They said that you were there when it happened and did nothing. Where is Roland's attacker? I'll deal with him myself.”

“Niari,” Tessa muttered before her eyes suddenly widened in recognition, “Ah, so the guard you knocked out was Roland. I knew I recognised him from somewhere.”

“You!” Niari stormed past her grandfather, her eyes meeting mine as she clenched her teeth, “Were you the one who attacked my brother? Sucker punching him like a knave!?”

Well, this was unexpected. At the very least, my question as to why Arno seemed to dislike me was answered. It appeared that the irritating guard who'd tried to protect Mastan had an equally irritating sister, both of whom were related to the head steward of the Nest. No wonder the man didn't like me. Yet something felt wrong about that assumption. I still felt like I was missing something, but before I could formulate my thoughts Arno took a step towards his granddaughter.

“Niari, watch your tone!” Arno said with a barely restrained shout, his hands shaking, “You speak to the future King of Venos and the Knight of Lady Tessaraina.”

Was he afraid I would hurt her? Was that the reason for the looks of panic that filled his aged face? I wasn't one to attack women, especially so when said woman was unarmed. She was angry for her brother and I could understand that. If someone hurt Gertrand or Pater, I'd be equally committed to gaining vengeance, but this particular situation was one born of misunderstanding. The only reason I'd knocked out the guard was because he drew a sword on me. I hadn't even had a weapon in hand.

“Hardly a sucker punch, lass,” Boldrin snorted with derision even as he rolled his eyes, “Your brother was sporting a sword and armour. Orin beat him down with his bare hands. He was the weaker fighter and lost, nothing more to it than that. No shame in it either.”

Niari, thankfully, didn't seem to be listening. As soon as her grandfather had mentioned Tessa's name she had come to a complete stop, her jaw dropping as she looked to my mercenary with complete disbelief on her face. Her hair was blonde, though a far darker shade than Elora's, and her green eyes shimmered with shock as she stared. The rage she'd harboured a moment before stopped in its tracks, “Tessaraina? Rainie?”

“Hello, Niari,” Tess said nonchalantly, giving a little wave and looking not in the least bit nervous, unlike her first meeting with her family, “Its been some time.”

“...Some time...” Niari repeated, her eyes still touched with shock as she examined my Smith, “We thought you were dead. We heard the rumours of your being alive, but we didn't... none of us really thought...”

“Surprise.” Tessa replied flatly, “How are you?”

“Fine, thank you for asking,” Niari said, responding automatically, her stare filled with uncertainty as she awkwardly replied, “How are you?”

“Can't complain,” Tessa said with a grin as she turned to me and my Princess, “Orin, this is Niari. She and her brother Roland were friends of mine when I was little. Niari, this is my Knight, Orin of Myrin and my Sister-Smith, Princess Elora of Venos.”

“A Princess?” Niari blinked, looking to Elora who gave her a shy smile of greeting, “Your Sister-Smith? This man is the Heir?”

“He is, Niari,” Arno said, his voice almost pleading, “Please, control yourself!”

“Shit!” Niari cursed as she placed her hands on her hips and glared at me, “I didn't know that. Alden didn't tell me.”

“Did you stop to listen, little dove?” Arno said harshly.

Niari glared at her grandfather for all of a second before she smiled sheepishly, “Not exactly. You know what I'm like, grandfather. Deirdric mentioned something about a young Knight knocking him out. I kind of... well, I filled in the blanks.”

“As per usual,” Arno replied, exasperated, “I apologise on behalf of my granddaughter, Lord Orin. Niari rarely thinks before she acts.”

The young woman bristled at that, “I came here to defend the honour of our House, grandfather! How was I supposed to know that Roland was attacked by Tessaraina's Knight!?”

“By listening instead of trying to save your brother from invisible evils,” Arno snapped, “I can confirm what Boldrin the bold has said. Roland drew his sword on Lord Orin and he reacted. That was the extent of the interaction.”

Niari scoffed as she looked me up and down doubtfully, “I find that unlikely, grandfather. Roland is nearly twice the size of this boy. No offence, Rainie.”

“Some taken,” I muttered under my breath as I gave Tess a little look. She was no help, only grinning at me and enjoying my seeming humiliation. I found it quite heartening, truth be told. Seeing her smile after the events of the last couple of hours was only a good thing, “I apologise for harming your brother. He simply got in my way. I was aiming to harm Mastan.”

“Aiming to harm the King of Lightning?” Niari scoffed as she examined me more closely, “Given the blood on your face, I'm assuming that went about as well as I think it did.”

“Niari!” Arno snapped.

Niari cursed once more and raised a hand as though to ward off evil, a sigh of frustration leaving her lips, “I know, grandfather. Apologies to you all. I can be... difficult sometimes. I know that better than most. I believe grandfather's words, Roland is always biting off more than he can chew. I feel I need to protect him, even when he is in the wrong. Forgive me, Princess, Lord Orin, Lady Tessaraina.”

“It's fine,” I said with a smile, finding myself strangely intrigued by the odd girl. Her attitude seemed to change on a dime, but there was nothing nefarious to it, “I would do the same in your shoes.”

“Oh... Well, thank you,” Niari said as she beamed, “But you're still an asshole for putting Roland in the infirmary. Beating him up is like kicking a kitten. If you weren't Tessaraina's Knight, I'd insist you be lashed for it... I'm doing it again. A thousand pardons, Lord. You're Rainie's Knight, so you get a pass. Truth be told he isn't even that banged up. He was up and walking when I left him. Sulking, of course, but not angry. I often get angry for him in situations like this. Strange, I know.”

I aimed a confused look at Tessa who could only shake her head at the strange girl, “Niari has always been like this. It's weirdly comforting to know she hasn't changed.”

“Why would I change? I'm perfect the way I am,” Niari said as she suddenly lunged forward, gathering Tess in a hug that immediately made my previously smug Smith uncomfortable. Now it was my turn to gloat, “I'm so happy to see you, Rainie! You got so big! You're taller than me now. Not sure how I feel about that. I love your hair, did you do it yourself? We need to visit the others, see the old faces! I don't know how many of them you remember, but I know Roland will be so happy to speak with you again! He's getting married, did you know that? Countess Fiona. Lovely girl, a little dull, but lovely all the same.”

The girl was throwing so many questions at Tess it was a wonder that my Smith didn't get whiplash.

“I'm sure I'll get the chance to see all of them soon enough, Niari,” Tess replied as she patted the young woman's back awkwardly, “Can't say I recall most anyone we spent time with when we were little.”

“Then you get to meet them all over again!” Niari said with a joyous crow before her expression darkened, “Most of them are idiots now, obsessed with honour and all that rubbish. It'll be nice to finally have someone to talk to that isn't so concerned with 'growing up' and 'responsibility'.”

“Niari, you are the head of Lady Tilia's household,” Arno's voice was strained, “Please, have some sense of decorum when talking to her sister.”

“You're the head of Tilia's household?” Tessa blinked.

“Yes, but it isn't what you think. It's really more of a ceremonial position. Lady Tilia has next to nothing that she needs managed which she doesn't manage herself. I don't think she trusts me all that much.”

“Tilia?” Tessa said slowly, her disbelief plain, “Really?”

Niari nodded gravely, “Oh, yes. Ever since the fiasco at Baron Forrest's Ball last year she hasn't forgiven me. It wasn't my fault, honest. I tripped.”

I couldn't help but chuckle at that. I didn't know Tilia well, but considering she is treated as the troublemaker of the family, her being cautious around Niari spoke to the girl's own proclivity for causing problems. I found myself liking her more by the second, in spite of the threats she'd made.

“I'm sensing a story there,” Tess replied with the smallest smile.

“And a long one, but that must wait until later. I have a tour to continue to give. Niari, if you could find your father and let him know that Roland is alright it would be most appreciated,” Arno said quickly, seemingly wishing to end the interaction between Tess and Niari as soon as possible, “I'm sure he's worried sick.”

“I doubt he knows,” Niari said with a sigh, “He's still at the High Lord's tower and isn't due back until tonight.”

“Then go and see to Roland, let him know that Lord Orin holds no hard feelings for what happened and nor should he. You would do better by his side than remaining here.”

“Grandfather... If I didn't know any better I would think you were trying to get rid of me,” Niari said with a coy smile, “Whatever for?”

“You have a habit for saying the wrong thing at the wrong time, little dove,” Arno pleaded, “I don't want you sticking your foot in your mouth more than you already have.”

“Fine,” Niari pouted as she finally released Tessa, “But we simply must meet up soon, my Lady. Oh! Maybe I could run your household instead of Tilia's, then I could actually have something to do. Do you have a household? Do you have money? I'm good with gold. Spending it more than saving it, granted, but-”

“Niari.” Arno all but growled causing the young woman to laugh.

“I jest, grandfather,” Niari said cautiously before turning to me once more, the anger in her eyes all but gone and replaced by something else, “You know, you are very handsome, Orin of Myrin. I'm glad that Rainie wasn't Bonded to some ugly, pug-nosed Venosian. No offence. The scar is really working for you. Are you free this coming sun's day? I know a lovely little bakery close to port.”

“He is not,” My Princess all but growled, “I'm afraid he is taken. By me.”

Niari gasped and hit her head lightly, not looking the least bit intimidated by Elora's glare, which spoke to her courage. I'd seen mighty Lords cowed by that very same stare, “Oh! Married, of course, future King and all that. I had to try. I'm of an age where I really should be courting more, but most of the men who are interested never speak to me again after one outing.”

“I wonder why,” Arno muttered, his weathered hands pressed against his skull, “Please, Niari. I will speak with you later.”

“I'm going, I'm going!” Niari all but shouted as she skipped back down the corridor, weaving between the assembled group with energetic aplomb, “I'll see you soon, my Lady! I'm so happy to see you again. Did I say that already? Oh, and Lord Orin, Roland will want to fight you. He's stubborn, like a mule, especially when he loses. Until next we meet!”

And just like a rather irritating hurricane that you couldn't take your eyes off of, Niari was gone, disappearing into the labyrinthine maze that made up the D'viritazi Nest. As soon as she was out of sight, Arno nearly fell to his knees with the intensity of his bow, his nose all but scraping the ground as he performed the gesture for each of us in turn, including me, “I cannot begin to apologise enough for my granddaughter. Niari is... an acquired taste.”

“She appears to be quite mad,” Vera said with a shake of her head, “I think I like her. Though I couldn't for the life of me tell you why.”

Arno smiled shakily, “She has that effect on people, I'm afraid. All adore Niari, but not many would be willing to trust her with anything of worth. It took me nearly three years to find her a position in the Nest and only Lady Tilia was willing to give her a chance. The others all rejected her, even Lady Cassie, whose household is next to non-existent. She has the sharpest mind I've ever seen, but she rarely uses it to the fullness of her potential. If not for that fact, she would be the perfect successor for my position as head steward. My hope is that one day she will grow up, but I fear I will not live to see it.”

Tessa smiled after the young woman fondly, catching me staring at her and chuckling to herself, “So much has changed since I left, but Niari hasn't. She was always getting me into trouble when we were little.”

That made me smile and even lifted my Princess' melancholic mood as she grinned at her Sister-Smith, “It must be so strange to see old friends again after so long. She reminds me a little of May, I suppose, though more... well, just more.”

I nodded, agreeing with that assessment entirely, though my Princess was being polite. The daughter of Senator August was a bundle of energy to be sure, but Niari seemed to be something else. That whole encounter was jarring.

“No stranger than seeing my family and how they've changed,” Tessa grimaced before smirking at Elora, “That was some fire you showed there, Elora. Worried?”

Elora bristled on my arm and I felt her hand wrap so tightly around mine that I winced, “I'm not worried about her, Tessa. Not worried in the least.”

I had forgotten how possessive my Princess could be. I couldn't say I didn't enjoy it. I kissed her on the cheek gently as she flushed, looking to me with a mix of affection and frustration born of her annoyance at Niari.

The mercenary laughed, “Sure. I thought you were going to take her head off. Niari's all bark and no bite. I doubt she even remembers what she says minute to minute.”

“I can assure you of the truth of that, Princess Elora,” Arno replied, his eyes fixed on Tessa and twinkling with happiness, “My Niari is one who thinks little before she speaks. I'm sure she wasn't making a serious suggestion for Lord Orin's company.”

“Of course.” Elora replied, her polite facade back in place but I noticed that her intense grip on me didn't fade, “Like I said, I'm not worried.”

“I have a question,” I asked as we all began to move through the Nest once more, drawing all eyes to me, “Does everyone here know that I'm an Heir? I mean, I can understand that the D'viritazi family knows about it, but Niari and yourself, Arno, are both aware of what I am.”

“We who serve are well aware of the D'viritazi history with the Knight of Knights,” Arno said, “And because it is a large part of said history, it is rather difficult to hide it from those who serve closest to the family. There are six Noble Houses who know of Heirs, even if they do not have Knights of their Clans who are Masters. House Winder, Deirdric's family, and my own, House Kiden, are both members of this group. We all swear oaths to never reveal the truth to any outside of our respective circles.”

“That sounds dangerous,” Elora said quietly, “How can you trust that the information will never leak to the public?”

“I'm afraid nothing is fool proof, Princess,” Arno admitted, “Nor can I say that we have never experienced such problems in the past. The oaths we make are not those that bind the soul. The servants and guard are expected to take such oaths upon swearing their loyalty, but we of the six Houses who serve the D'viritazi are not. It is a show of trust, one which has been maintained for centuries. We owe this land and our own fortunes to the family. It is a pledge we take very seriously.”

“So what happens when the information leaks?” Annabelle asked, her eyes brow furrowed, “You've said you have experienced problems in the past.”

“Not for a hundred years of so, but yes,” Arno nodded gravely, “We were not always six vassal Houses. At one point we were as many as eight.”

Arno said nothing more for nothing more needed to be said. The fact that eight had become six was more than enough to go on. Clearly no mercy was shown to those who revealed the truth of the Clan's purpose. It seemed trust wasn't the only thing that was holding the vassals to the House they served. Fear was an obvious secondary motivator. After all, the Smiths of the Five Houses and even Knights born of the bloodline, Mastan as an example, were clearly far more powerful than ordinary pairings. No normal Knight of the same level would be able to defeat such an existence as Mastan D'viritazi, this I knew in my very soul. His strength and skill were obvious during our brief battle. I couldn't imagine just how strong he was as a Knight. Stronger than Vera and Annabelle at a guess, though I wouldn't go so far as to say he was as powerful as Gida. I'd only seen a fraction of her power and much of it seemed to come from her Cursed Weapon. Even the thought of that dreadful presence made me shiver.

Our tour continued unabated and, honestly, one room tended to blend into another after a while. The Nest seemed larger than the palace in Myrin, which seemed impossible given the sheer scale of Elora's ancestral home. But the hallways, corridors and drawing rooms seemed to be endless. After walking for only a few minutes, I played a little exercise in my mind, trying to retrace my steps to the Grand Hall where we'd met Mastan and Theadora, yet I didn't even know where to begin. I brought this up to Arno and, surprisingly, it was Tess who answered.

“It's built to confuse by design, to protect us,” My savage Smith said as she looked through a large, open window which allowed for an incredible view of the vastness of the White Sea, “There was an attack, an uprising, nearly three hundred years ago by a small group of unionists who wanted to see all three of the Eastern Islands united under one government. They thought the best way to do that was to attack the most powerful Clans of each country. My ancestor, the First Lightning Smith, had foreseen we would face such challenges and so made the layout of the Nest as disrupting as possible. The attackers became lost within the Nest and were famously picked off by my family, one at a time. Two hundred men and women walked in and not a one of them walked out again.”

“Was that in your books?” I asked.

“Aye, it was,” Tessa replied, “The whole history of our Clan is in them. Like Arno said, only father knows every nook and cranny of this place. Maybe mother and Lilian as well.”

“I can say with certainty that your sister is not yet familiar with the entire layout of the Nest, my Lady,” Arno chuckled softly, “Even Lady Lilian becomes lost on occasion.”

“Easy mistake to make,” Boldrin yawned, “I got blind drunk once and ended up waking up in some dining room on the other side of the estate. Took me hours to make my way back and none of the servants were any help. The dopey bastards just kept nodding at me.”

“The servants are only permitted to follow the orders of the D'viritazi and their Vassals,” Arno said smugly, “Their duty does not extend to drunk mercenaries.”

Boldrin laughed, a great boom that echoed down the hall as he slapped Arno on the shoulder, “Fair enough!”

We continued on our way until the narrow corridors began to undergo a change. The part of the Nest that contained the Great Hall was apparently the oldest section of the estate and so the décor reflected that with aged weapons and tapestries of days gone by, wars fought that had long been relegated to story and song. As we walked, I noticed the stone taking on a slightly lighter shade, and more balconies and rooms filled with intense Ragoran sunlight. The views once more showed the distant city of Nian, its size all the more apparent as one looked down on it from above. I could distantly see people go about their business, unaware that eyes were upon them from atop the grim mountain of Dealanaich.

“This is the residence of the D'viritazi family,” Arno began, “Lord Mastan and Lady Theadora's rooms are located far to the south of our present location while all the young Ladies call this place home. If you will attend for but a moment.”

Arno guided us into a large circular hall with a half dozen corridors leading off in different directions. What caught my eye almost immediately was an incredibly intricate mosaic piece over our heads. I felt my mouth drop at the sight of it. I wasn't partial to art myself, the tapestries and paintings doing very little to give me pause, but this was something else entirely. I craned my neck, taking in the enormity of it all.

The entire roof was covered with the elaborate image of a battle that I'd never heard of. Playful shades of light and shadow danced as two armies clashed. Warriors garbed in bright plate fought against indistinct figures, beings that had little to no sense of form. I felt my skin crawl as I stared at the dark beings, something in the image instilling a sense of dread in my heart. I knew the warriors in plate to be Knights, as they fought with a myriad of Elements and each of their Weapons seemed unique, the differences bombastic and incredible in scope. At the very centre of the piece was a figure garbed in Armour of solid gold. Power seemed to surround and permeate him. He was still, of course, but the artistry of the mosaic was such that it almost looked like he was motion, his hand raised towards the cloaked beings who seemed to shrink away in abject fear. Lightning shimmered across his form and his hands was a single-edged sword that seemed to glow, the hilt made of the purest gold and the blade as white as the Lightning that surrounded him like a halo.

“See something you like, Lord Orin?” Arno said with a smile, tucking his hands behind his back as he stared up at the piece proudly, “This particular artwork is almost as old as the Nest itself and was moved from the original Clan home of the D'viritazi to be constructed here, piece by piece.”

“What is it of?” Elora asked with awe in her voice, “I've never heard tell of such a battle before.”

“I am not surprised, Princess. All have heard of this particular war, but the facts remain skewed, even by those that wrote about it. That was by design, I imagine, to forget the evils of the past. This mosaic is known as the 'The First Knight' and is said to be a depiction of the battle for Ouros. The man who made this particular mural painted four others, each showing the First using a different Element. Each of the Five possess the work that represents their respective powers.”

“Who are the figures in black?” Vera asked with a frown, “The old tales say little of the enemy that the First Knight fought. Even as a Master, that information is not available to me.”

“This is more of an artist's rendition of what he believed the great evil looked like, hence why they are cloaked in shade and shadow. In truth, none know what he actually fought. I'm sure Lord Mastan knows, but that particular secret he has never shared with anyone, including his son and daughters.”

The First Knight.

I'd never seen even a painting of him, truth be told. At least, not one in such detail. I remembered the small church the Sister took all the orphans to in Myrin, recalled the roughly drawn painting that covered an entire wall. It showed little, only a figure garbed in light as he stood before a crowd of people. Sister Erin had told me it was of the First Knight. It had captured my imagination as a boy. He'd always been larger than life in my mind, a warrior of myth and legend. Honestly, when I was grown and before I'd learned of Tessa's purpose and my own past I'd questioned more than once if he was even real. I'd half thought he was just some tale invented to keep unruly children in line and give them something to strive for. A cruel trick to play in the Commons of Myrin, of all places, where most of the urchins were unlikely to see adulthood, never mind become Knights.

For some reason I felt like the man in the mosaic was watching me, judging me. His gaze questioning, demanding. I almost opened my mouth to answer a question that hadn't been asked. Then I felt my eyes drawn to the blade he held in his hand, clearly his Weapon, a medley of gold and white, clearly constructed for him by the First D'viritazi Smith. I looked to Tess almost involuntarily, wondering what her thoughts on the incredible sight were, but my Smith saw nothing but the Weapon. She stared up at it with a frown on her face, her eyes clouded with deep, intense thought. There was something else there, as well. Familiarity. Understanding.

Tessa's eyes met my own and I saw something deep within them. It was a thought, a feeling, an idea waiting to be born. In an instant, my Smith's stare went from clouded to clear, shining with a clarity that hadn't been present before. A spark ignited, deep in her very soul. I felt it shimmer across our connection, setting my own heart ablaze and causing the hairs on my arms to stand on end. I smelled ozone, felt the soft patter of rain against my skin. It was like I was using the Storm.

'Raiken!'

“Orin? What's wrong?” I was reminded of Elora's touch and quickly gripped her hand hard. I blinked and stared at my Princess, wondering why I was so tense. Everyone present was also staring at me with confusion and worry in their eyes, even Arno.

“I-It's nothing,” I looked to Tess again and found her staring at me intently, concern causing her frown to become more pronounced. The strange feeling had abandoned me. So quick did it dissipate that I wondered whether it was real or if I had imagined it. Tessa's eyes were once more clear, whatever I'd seen in those depths retreating back into the black, “I'm fine. Must still be feeling my sea sickness.”

“I ain't surprised, lad,” Boldrin said, clearly concerned, “You were laid up for most of the trip. Arno, could you show us where the rooms are? The kid needs a lie down.”

I rolled my eye at that, “I'm fine, boss.”

“Bullshit you are, you looked like you were about to collapse there and Tess doesn't look much better. We've got all the time in the world now, no threat can reach us here. We don't need to spend all our time on the move. That's an order, Orin.”

I grinned, “You aren't my commander anymore, Boldrin.”

“Maybe not,” Boldrin grumbled, “But I still look out for you. You could use the rest, kid. We all could.”

I looked to Vera, Annabelle, Elora and Tessa. All looked drained and I knew the reason why. We'd been at sea for a long time and before that we'd been moving so fast we'd barely been able to catch our breath, even in Yelmora. I suppose taking the rest of the day couldn't hurt none, “Aye, you're right. Lead on, Arno.”

“Of course, Lord Orin,” The head steward spun in place, making his way down one of the many large arches that led deeper into the complex, “We are close now. While I know Lady Freida was keen to get Lady Tessaraina back into her old room, I'm assuming, my Lady, that you would rather be closer to your Knight?”

Tess nodded, her gaze on the floor and her brow furrowed in thought. She looked like she was barely paying attention to anything around her. A point that was proven a moment later when I gently guided her out of the way of a rather expensive looking vase, “Tess, are you alright?”

Tessa looked to me, her eyes half-glazed as though her mind was a million miles away, before she finally registered my voice and focused on my face, “I'm fine, Orin. I just... Fuck it, it doesn't matter. It probably means nothing.”

I tried to get more out of her, but my mercenary was clearly not in the mood for talking and fell silent. I exchanged a concerned look with Elora, who had also noticed Tessa's sudden change in mood. I caught a few words from her as she muttered under her breath but nothing that I could understand. She was so absorbed by her thoughts that she was walking as though in a daze. I had to stop her from knocking into the wall a couple of times as we were guided to our rooms.

Tess kept on murmuring as we reached ornate doors that lined the corridor north of the large circular room. She came to a stop with the rest of us, but barely acknowledged we were there, such was her strange state. I wanted to say something, but I didn't know what to do. Instead, I looked to my wife for help, who was staring at Tess with wondering, honey-coloured eyes.

“This is your room, Lady Tessaraina,” Arno said with a sharp bow, “Your Knight will be right-”

He barely got a word out before Tess stormed in through the doors and slammed them shut behind her, the sound ringing out into the huge hallway and making us all wince. I took an involuntarily step forward to follow her but a hand on my chest stopped me in my tracks. Annabelle shook her head at me once before shooting a look to her sister, who nodded at her Smith in support.

“Tessa needs a little time, Orin,” Annabelle said softly, turning to stare at the closed doors, “I've seen this sort of thing before and so have you. She's come to a realisation.”

“Realisation about what?” I asked, glaring at Annabelle, “What's wrong with her?”

“She's fine, Orin,” Vera said with a calming smile, “Like Knights can have moments of enlightenment into their Elements or Techniques, as you yourself have, Smiths can do the same. She needs a moment to process.”

Elora met Annabelle's cold eyes with her golden gaze, confusion quickly transforming to excitement, “... of course.”

“Process what, exactly?” I asked with a frown.

“It could be anything, Orin,” Elora said, her joy making her all but bounce in place, “It's similar to what you went through in the arena in Yelmora, what I went through when I Forged Rionna. It's a good thing, love. Nothing nefarious, she just needs a moment alone. I was sure I felt something when Tess was looking at that mosaic, seems I was right. Her soul glimmered for a moment. It was quick, but it was there.”

I blinked, “You saw her soul?”

“Yes,” Elora said hesitantly, though she looked proud of her efforts, “I've been trying to extend my soul sight, keeping it open for as long as possible. The range isn't great, but it's improving.”

“Smiths need to train as hard as Knights do,” Annabelle said with a smile, “And that includes when separated from their partners. The greater Elora's soul sight while not Bonded, the better it will be when you two become one.”

“So Tessa's having a moment and I can't help because I might fuck things up?”

Elora thought hard on that for a moment, “Yes.”

“Wonderful,” I said with a frustrated sigh, “Is this one of those 'To see darkness, you must become the Dark' moments?”

“Something like that,” Elora said fondly as she kissed me, “She'll come find us when she's ready.”

Despite what Elora said, I knew it had something to do with Tessa's Weapon. It couldn't be a coincidence. She'd been as drawn in to that mosaic as I had myself, the Weapon in the First Knight's hand speaking to us both. Did it awaken something in her? Something she hadn't been able to find since we Bonded in Myrin? I was now sure that what I'd felt in that room wasn't a figment of my imagination. Had I witnessed this moment of realisation without even knowing it?

I didn't know the first thing about how to Forge a Weapon. I had a basic understanding of the process, but I couldn't explain how Elora had known she could create Rionna when she did. I needed to trust my Smith, both of them. Instead of saying anything else, I sent a little tendril of comfort and acknowledgement over the Bond, to let Tess know that I was here when she needed me. The response wasn't immediate, but it did come in the form of a little squeeze of our connection before it fell silent, “Fine. I can wait. But one day, Princess, I'm going to go through some Heir bullshit that is so weirdly specific that I'll have to say 'just give me some time'. Then you'll know how annoying it is.”

That sounded far better when I said it in my head and it didn't draw the reaction I wanted, making my wife laugh as she touched my scar affectionately. I realised my blunder almost as soon as I spoke. I'd kept my discovery of First Sword largely to myself after all, “You can have your secrets, Orin, I know you'd tell me in time. Of course, I could just make you tell me. You have a will of iron, beloved, but not against me. I have my ways, as you well know.”

She did. Shit, I didn't think of that. Seems my plan to slightly annoy my wife were dead in the water.

“But I wouldn't do that. I trust you, Orin.”

Spirit, “I love you, you know that?”

“I had an inkling.” Elora grinned, though she couldn't hold my gaze for long, looking away as her face turned to bright crimson.

“Leave Tessa be for now,” Vera said as she yawned loudly, “I think it best we take some time to rest.”

“Dinner will be served at sunset, in the dining room closest to the residence,” Arno said softly as he indicated to the doors that were our rooms and each of us in turn with another bow, “I will send servants to retrieve you when the time comes.”

“Thank you for the tour and your time, Lord Arno,” Elora replied with a curtsey, “We will see you soon, I'm sure.”

“I hope so, Princess,” Arno replied with smile before hesitating, “And once again I am sorry for Niari. She grows on you, I can assure you of that.”

“I'm sure.” Elora said, but her smile was a little more strained.

“A moment, Arno, before you leave.” I asked as the others made their way over to their rooms, which were conveniently located near to one another. Elora stopped to fix me with a confused stare but I shook my head and gave her a kiss, “I'll be with you in a second, Princess.”

My wife smiled, mouthing the word 'trust' before she made her way over to our room as I turned to the head steward of the Nest, his eyes meeting mine easily. I pushed my concern for Tess to the side for the moment, focusing on the task at hand, “Can I help you with something, Lord Orin?”

“We can finish our conversation from earlier,” I tilted my head at the man, “I thought for a moment that your dislike for me was born of me attacking your grandson, but that isn't the case, is it? Nor is it because I attacked Mastan. You didn't like me the moment I stepped off the carriage outside the Nest, Arno. I just want to know why.”

“Is it really so important that you know a servant's opinion of you, Lord Orin?” Arno asked, his frown growing deeper by the moment.

“You are more than a servant, Lord Arno, head of House Kiden,” I said, “I just want to know what your issue with me is. If it is something we can resolve then I hope to do so.”

Arno raised an eyebrow, “You do?”

I nodded severely, “I do. I'm going to be here for a while and I'd like to nip any problems you have with me in the bud. It'll save a lot of annoyance further down the line, I'm sure.”

Arno chuckled as he shook his head, brushing dust off of his uniform with a practiced hand, “You are not what I expected, Lord Orin. If the truth is what you wish for then I won't deny your right to it. Sadly, your wish to resolve it will be for naught. I did not know of Lady Tessaraina's fate. I thought her dead like everyone else, but what I was aware of was the intention of her mission to Venos. I just believed her ship didn't reach its destination. I know of you, Orin of Myrin. I know you are an orphan, I know you are an Heir that is not of the First Knight's blood. You were right to imply I knew more than I previously allowed you to understand. Mastan told me of what happened to you as a child, of the Hall's sins. I know of the past that haunts you. You were born into blood, Lord Orin. That tends to leave scars. You carry your share, I know. As soon as Princess Elora revealed herself I knew who you were. The Scarred Knight, the vanquisher of evil in Myrin. They say you carry a hundred scars from a hundred battles. Such is the way with rumour, it soon turns to legend, but I don't think what marks you is a physical wound, it's something deeper. Something dark. A scar of the mind that even your young age couldn't banish, not fully.”

I furrowed my brow, confusion evident, “You are cautious of me because of what happened when I was born? An event I had no control over? A past that I can't even remember?”

“My first and highest priority is to serve the D'viritazi Clan,” Arno continued, “Mastan believes you will save us all and I hope to the Old Gods that he is right, but I am far more pragmatic than he. Frankly, Lord Orin, I do not trust you. What I've seen so far hasn't convinced me otherwise. You care for my Lady, for Tessaraina, and my heart swells to see it. But I have known men like you in the past, those with pasts dripping in tragedy. It rarely stays hidden for long and when it emerges... well, history repeats itself more often than not. As I said, as soon as I heard the Princess' name I knew who you were. Mastan and Theadora will know as well. We've heard many tall tales coming from Venos over the past months. Stories of a great battle at Dunwellen, of a mercenary who killed a dozen Knights despite being a newly Bonded himself.”

“You certainly know quite a bit. I would have thought that mention of me wouldn't have reached this far, not so soon. Even Senator August of Yelmora had only heard whispers,” I replied, trying to gather my thoughts, “And I only killed two Knights at Dunwellen, not a dozen.”

Arno smiled bitterly, “All roads lead to Nian. Merchants come and go like the wind itself. News reaches us quickly here and as head steward to the oldest family on this island I like to make sure I am informed and, by extension, the Lord and Lady of the House.”

“How do you expect me to respond to this, Arno?” I asked genuinely, “Do you want me to promise you that I intend no harm to you and yours? I very much doubt that would set your mind at ease.”

“No, it wouldn't. We are a bit beyond promises now, Lord Orin,” Arno replied, “Death clearly follows you. Whether you intend it or not, that fact is undeniable. If you were but a man, the threat you pose would be relatively minor. But you are not just a man, are you? You are a future King, a Knight, and more than that you are an Heir. Power corrupts, my Lord. I have seen it a hundred times in my life and I have lived for a very long time. Not only are you an Heir, but you are one who is untethered to any real cause save your own. As flawed as the Hall's methods are, there is a reason for it. The Five Houses bind Heirs to purpose, keeps them from turning on the rest of us. I knew the previous Heir, Count Verdun, I saw first hand the power he had at his command. Little could be done to stop him if he turned on us.”

“You know, you aren't the first to think me a threat,” I smiled, memories of a black gauntlet closing around my neck coming to the forefront of my mind, “My in-laws didn't like me much. In fact, Queen Gida would still like to string me up. But I proved myself to them, at least enough that they came to my wedding, enough to entrust Elora's safety to me.”

“I doubt that Queen Gida and King Julian know all that I do,” Arno replied, “You're right to say that I see you as a threat, Orin. I am concerned that you will bring about the destruction of this Clan, this family, that I have dedicated my life to protecting. I will not allow that to happen.”

“Is that a threat, head steward?”

“No. It is merely a warning. I will be watching you, Lord Orin. As will Lady Theadora. Lord Mastan's word is really the only one that matters and he has guaranteed your safety, but know that not all of us see you as the second coming of the First Knight that he believes you are. I will give you the respect you are due as a member of Nobility and the Knight of my Lady, but I will also protect the D'viritazi line. Whatever the cost.”

I almost rolled my eye at that but just about managed to stop myself. I felt like the old man was being a tad dramatic. “Arno, I hate to break it to you, but I really am just an orphan from Myrin. Is my past fucked up? Sure, but I can assure you that the last person who believes they are the First Knight reincarnate is me. I want to protect my Smiths. It's the reason I'm here, the reason I travelled all this way. The last thing I would do is harm Tessa's family. I attacked Mastan because he deserved it. I attacked your grandson because he tried to stab me. I can't argue with the 'death follows you' shit, I'll give you that. Trouble does have tendency to track me down, but not because I want it to. All I really want is to be left alone, but I have Mastan, or Samuel, or the Hall all trying to fuck with my life in ever new and interesting ways.”

“You claim innocence, but you cannot deny what you are.”

“Nor have I tried to,” I shrugged, “King Julian told me once to prove his wife wrong. To show her that I'm not the threat she believes me to be. I don't think I quite succeeded in that, but I'll make this promise to you now: I'm going to prove you wrong, Arno. You, Theadora and whoever else thinks I'm a threat. I just want to keep Tessa and Elora safe.”

“You don't understand, but I didn't expect you to,” Arno said, disappointed, “I feel the cruel wind of fate in your coming here, Orin of Myrin, and it carries a portent of doom. I think you will bring about the end of all of us, even if your intentions are pure.”

“I can't help you with that, Arno,” I said as I turned away from the man, already heading towards my room where my wife awaited me. I felt a pulse from her across the Bond, one which caused a smile to bloom on my face. I wasn't fazed by Arno's certainty, nor by his belief that I would being about the end of all he cared for. I'd been told that in the past and Gida was certainly much more intimidating than the old man. I fought for something beyond myself, for the two women who trusted me, who were my Bonded partners, my Smiths. I was done apologising for the crime of being born, even if I could have avoided so much pain had my birth not taken place. I just had to make the best of what I had, to live my life. It didn't matter if it was Arno, the Hall of Tyra, or the Spirit itself. My path was set now. I was too far down it to turn back, nor did I want to. Whatever fears I'd harboured in back in Myrin had long since died. “I've heard it all before. I've said my piece and I know saying anything else will mean nothing. Words will not convince you, but perhaps my actions will. I'm sorry that I couldn't alleviate your concerns, but I will leave you with this parting gift. Tess said it to me once and it really struck a cord. It's sage advice that I suggest you heed.”

I turned and grinned at the man as I reached the door, taking a hold of the handle as I let him see my own certainty, my own belief.

“Fuck fate.”

I left Arno standing in the hall as I walked into my room without a backward glance.