I was planning on more of the same the next day, and had started by eating breakfast with Venzik, Burdor and Lanvar, two of the newer dwarven guards. We were also talking about their names and where they were from. Burdor is from Taurgul, the seat of Hawk Clan, and Lanvar is from Gurvalt, the seat of Horse Clan, in case you were wondering. Triona walked up. “There is a solicitor at the door by the name of Morlin. He says he would like to speak to you.”

“Really? What about?” I’d never heard of him.

“He would not say, sir. Said it is private business.”

I took a last bite before standing up. “Let’s go see what he wants. Then I’d like to spar. Are you up for it, Triona?”

“Yes, sir.” She said, smiling. She seemed to love knocking me about. I had a bruise on my left shoulder from sparring with her yesterday. Venzik followed us.

Celerith and Belnik were waiting by the closed front door, weapons in hand, when we showed up. “let him in.” Venzik said, drawing his sword and motioning to Triona to do the same. Celerith open the door carefully. “Please come in, solicitor, but please hold up your hands as you do.”

Morlin was obviously puzzled at this, from the look on his face as he slowly walked in, hands in the air. One held the handle to a heavy folder of documents, tied closed with a fancy ribbon. Then he glanced nervously at all the weapons in my guards’ hands and tried looking relaxed. Celerith closed the door, which didn’t seem to calm the young solicitor down, because he jumped when it made a loud thud. “You must be Lord S’Vig. I am Morlin, a solicitor from Bennet and K’Tar. I am pleased to meet you, sir.”

He was tall and thin and very young, but I was impressed that he was trying to pretend there was nothing odd about all of the armed guards eyeing him warily. “I am indeed Dirk S’Vig. Welcome to my home. I apologize for my touchy guards but there have recently been some attempts on my life.”

“I am not armed, I assure you, my lord. I have merely come on business.” He even tried to smile.

“I was not aware we had any business.”

“It is fairly private business, sir.” He looked around at all the guards.

I laughed. “Around here this is as private as it gets.”

“As you wish, my lord. I am here about the matter of a will. You have been left some goods and property.”

Jade. It had to be. “I feel the need to sit down.” I started walking to the kitchen. “I also think I need a drink.” It’s hard to get over something when it just keeps getting shoved into your face.

Everyone followed me and waited while I had a half a mug of wine to calm myself. I motioned for Morlin to sit and then gestured at the wine. “No, thank you, my lord. I am fine. Just let me know when you are ready for me to read the will.”

I sat across from Morlin. “Is it from Jade? Jade Hallis?”

“Yes, sir. And you have my sincere condolences on your recent loss.”

I nodded before finishing off the mug of wine and pouring myself another. “I’m ready.”

Morlin untied the ribbon and opened the folder. “This is the legal will of Jade Hallis.” He read aloud. “Signed and witnessed according to the laws of Mindolo. I hereby leave all of my worldy possessions to Dirk S’Vig, of Ansdron, as well as all of my love.” He looked up at me. “It was signed one week ago, my lord, at our office here in Ansdron. I was there.”

I nodded, unable to speak.

“Would you like me to read the list of assets? It includes her shop, inventory, home, personal wealth and belongings.”

“No.” I love owning things, but I was trying not to think about Jade, and hearing about every single thing she owned wasn’t going to make that any easier. “Thanks, but I am not ready for that. Just leave it on the table.” I took a sip of wine. “Is that all?”

“For now, my lord. Just sign this receipt and I will be on my way.” He reached into a pocket and pulled out a small bag. “These are copies of the keys to the shop and house. I recommend you have the locks changed because who knows who else has copies. I also recommend you, or one of your people, visit both as soon as possible to ensure things do not disappear before you can claim them.”

I nodded and he rose from the table. “Thank you and good day to you all.”

Venzik motioned for Celerith and Belnik to escort Morlin to the door. “Thank you.” I managed to say. He said his goodbyes to me, but I was already lost in thoughts of Jade and what might have been, along with her betrayal. I felt like I needed to talk to someone but Delik Slin was at the office taking care of all the spymaster duties and Thilos was in charge of the Warders and scouts keeping an eye on the drants. I figured Sir Aryoss and Padral were also busy and I didn’t feel like talking to either of them anyway, especially Padral. That left one of my old thieving buddies or Imprid. I decided getting some comfort from a woman was probably the best idea, so I had Venzik send some guards to find her and see if she was free to talk to me.