One week had passed since the defeat of the Burgan invaders. Although some low ranking soldiers escaped after their leaders were defeated, there was little they could do to disturb the new found peace in Gontu. Majority of them would eventually become local bandits if they managed to evade the surrounding patrols.

The capital had become extremely busy as many began investigating a little town at the edge of south Gontu. A Count Marshall was dispatched to investigate the entire situation. He revealed that Sydenham Town had many major news, one after the other. First, news of Baron Black's assistance to a Burgans invasion caused a huge uproar. Many nobles began to feel the pressure as the Court implemented stricter laws to further stifle their growing power.

The second news released by the Court Marshall, was about a young Squire by the name of Khal Dor who was instrumental in disrupting the Burgan invaders. He, along with many soldiers belonging to the local Baronet, managed to win against impossible odds against the Baron's men as well as the Burgans until his grandfather's arrival at the town. He was showered with many praises as most people believed he was one of the talented Knights of House Dor.

Lastly, the news that caused the Court to dispatch imperial guards to investigate was when a Durmondae insurgent was found in the little town. Although the likes of Thunder-fist Dor and those under his command had ordered the man's execution he had evaded capture thanks to the bandit Sagdel. It was unknown how Sagdel had managed to survive after so many years but his group remained at large. A full-scale search had begun after imperial law was called by the King.

*************************************************************************************

In a Castle somewhere made of Cormac steel, two older men could be seen drinking tea as their eyebrows knitted together tightly. The older man on the left was short but stocky and his only noticeable feature was his overgrown eyebrows that massaged his cheeks. He held his cup tightly as he took a quick sip. "I dare say the King is becoming too brazen! How dare he increase the taxes! One lowly Baron is enough to shake him off his high horse? Why haven't you kept your Nobles in check Charles!" The man ended by flinging his cup to the floor.

Crash!

The younger of the old men signaled his maid to clean the mess before he turned to his friend. "Burgans are not know for using their brains my good friend. They may be formidable warriors but scholars and shipwrights are not part of their forte. This entire situation stinks. My dogs will sniff one the real mastermind eventually. You need not worry. I heard the local Baronet was promoted to Baron. Hmm how interesting."

"I care not for your petty schemes Charles. I need results! You promised me this when I joined your foolish little group." The old man coughed a little this time before he glared at Charles. There was a quick flash of killing intent revealed by Charles but he quickly controlled himself as he stared at the man. "Relax my good friend, this is but a minor set back. We are still on schedule with the Red King. It is only a matter of time before we gained the world."

The old man finally smiled, revealing several empty spaces in his mouth.