A small scrolled snuggly attached to the winged creature as it descended. Its small wings flapped periodically as it landed on the worn-out frame of the messenger coop, adjacent to the expectant servant. The bird quickly ate the dried grains held in the servant's hand while he removed the message. The coop had always given off a foul smell from the pigeon's droppings, but he was used to it. It had felt more like home than most of the other places he had been. The magnificent castle that towered over the city had become his home only four years now thanks to the added inhabitant. Who would have guessed that the mighty Dor family would have a secret child that would show up so randomly? Like most, he had been skeptical of the claim, but the familiar blonde hair and intense stare had won him over. Not many others in the north could give off that predator aura he was so familiar with now.

The boy had slowly grown up to become a man. Twelve years old already and thanks to his spirit energy, he was already at 6 feet. Only recently he had celebrated his coming of age ceremony, allowing the servant to stand at his side while they paraded him all over. The servant knew well that the boy didn't really like the public display much, but he faked a smile and accepted his responsibilities as the young Dor Lord. He quite admired the strange maturity the boy showed. Well, he was an adult now, the servant had to remind himself that thinking of him as a boy could lead to problems. Although he was fair and never gave the servant a hard time, he was a noble and if he wasn't given respect, the servant could find himself missing his head.

He quietly walked towards Lord Khal's chambers. It was an unorthodox room, Khal had played a key role in the design. He had constructed a small room to sleep in, using most of the space for an adjacent exercise room, as the servant had come to know. He had initially thought that Khal wasn't known for any martial prowess, the rumors about him killing a Senior Knight four years ago was unfounded. The servant had assumed it was the family's way of hiding the fact that he had commoner blood in his veins as well. The servant had been a keeper of secrets, as he liked to call it before he was taken in by Lord Matrus. His time snooping around and gathering information on the various nobles had become his only niche in the black market. It was just one mistake on his last job that caused his capture. If any other family had captured him, he knew he would be dead a long time ago, without anyone to mourn for him.

He knocked loud enough so that Khal could hear him before he opened the door. Serving Khal offered many boons when compared to the other servants. He had heard their whispers of contempt and envy many times, but he ignored it. It didn't matter what they thought of him. He was Jasper, keeper of secrets. It was easy enough for him to dig up dirt on any of the servants which could lead to them losing their jobs or their limbs. That fact alone was enough for him to quell any resentment he held against them.

The first thing Jasper saw as he entered the room was his panting Lord. Khal was glistening with sweat as he stood there holding a sword. Jasper had come to understand Khal over the years and with that his love for exercising. At first, Jasper thought that if he was so determined to train, why hadn't he joined the Dor military? Maybe he was saving it for Skystead Academy instead. Jasper had glanced at one of his frequent letters to his childhood friend Erik and it mentioned something of the sort. Yesterday, Jasper had overheard some servants saying that Khal had spoken up for him, prevented his execution. It was only then that Jasper learned the truth and he wasn't sure what he should do. All the rumors that everyone disregarded turned out to be true. He thought back to Khal, there were so many signs there that should have clued him in. He remembered the subtle way in which he moved, purposeful and with great calculation. It had escaped him till now, no one would expect such a young man to be capable of that. The fact that Khal never showed his skills outside the castle might mean that it was intentional. It was the only logical reason as to why he was so humble and plain.

Jasper had to rethink on all their interactions to see the full picture. While others thought that maybe he would use his grandfather's name to pass the Skystead exams, he knew better. Their assumptions wouldn't be unfounded of course, many young lords developed their prowess after joining the academy after all. Not everyone could be like Viscount Gilbrid's two sons. Both were unprecedented geniuses within the Dor family. Although they weren't on the level of the Thunder Fist, they would be dependable in the future. Jasper had done his investigation on the family; the only exception was Khal.

"A letter from the young Lord Erik," Jasper said with a bow as he presented the scroll to Khal. Without responding, Khal quickly grabbed the letter before his stern face melted into a smile. Jasper watched his Lord's eyes shift from left to right as he read the contents. Curious, Jasper thought back to his first meeting of the Khal. It was only when he decided to ask one too many questions about Castle Dor that he was eventually captured at the local tavern. Actually, it was only after he asked specifically about Khal. Strange, although the boy then was no longer a commoner but a bonified noble, he had adjusted too quickly. No lord who lived as a commoner before could possibly switch so quickly. Jasper had seen a lot already, but this was the strangest thing he had witnessed in his thirty years. It wasn't until the letters started coming in that Jasper realized that Khal used his teachings from Lord Tommel to quickly adjust himself to his new reality.

Lord Khal's background was mysterious. Jasper found himself eager and wary to unravel the mystery but not much information was forthcoming. Khal had already been the reason for his capture, digging further might cause him to lose even more than his freedom.

---

Khal crushed the letter between his fingers before ordering Jasper to burn it. After learning that he was supposed to remain low profiled and try his best not to draw too much attention to himself, his sudden fame had eventually faded into the background. He was just the grandson of Marcus Dor. It was a popular topic earlier on when he first arrived but since no other news was known of him, the excitement those of Elfheim City first had settled. His relationship with Erik had only remained known between his family and his only servant, Jasper. He knew the man was smart and held a lot of information, it was for that reason that he begged his granduncle to spare him.

It had taken four years before he had figured out the man. He was harmless physically, but his knowledge placed him as one of the most dangerous men Khal had ever known. Tommel always stressed that knowledge was power, and it was a marvelous boon for Jasper to be added to his power. All he needed to do now was make the man loyal, it was easy to order someone around when a knife was placed at their throat. It was a different situation when someone gave their loyalty willingly.

Erik's letters over the years had offered Khal a lot more information about the outside world that he would find on his own. What he cared about most was that Tommel's manor was reconstructed into a luxurious Inn, raking in a large sum of money for the barony. Baron Black's mansion was now Tommel's mansion and what remained of his army was now under the control of Tommel. Sergeant Michael was even promoted to Captain, earning him the command of the two hundred soldiers under the new Baron. Even Bryce was promoted to Sergeant, before commanding a new elite team. Khal wasn't particularly surprised by the information. What did surprise him was that one of Tommel's guards had gone missing. It was a young guard who helped protect Avery during the ambush on saddleback road.

Erik had warned Khal that the eight great houses were not united as they would have everyone think. Some wanted even more power while others were more interested in filling their pockets. It had caused a feud amongst them, most notably between Calum and Dor.

"Do you need anything else, young master?" Jasper asked. He realized Khal was deep in thought, maybe it was unwise to snap him out of it. "How well do you know the Great Families Jasper," Khal asked suddenly.

"Well, young master, what do you want to know specifically?" Jasper asked curiously. Khal had known that he worked for one of the great houses before this. It wasn't difficult to get that information considering Jasper was snooping around here of all places. "Tell me all of it," Khal said expectantly. Khal's staring at him intensely, causing Jasper to become uncomfortable.

"Well, young master Khal, you see I..I'm not the type of man that would rat out my former employer," Jasper mumbled quickly.

"I already know House Calum sent you here to snoop. They're the only other house that's brave enough to make such a bold move. Are there any more in the castle?" Khal demanded this time.

Khal knew the Jasper was at a loss for words, the man must have finally figured it all out. Khal smiled inside, who knew Tommel's teachings would work so well. He was sure Jasper was questioning why he was still alive if he already knew who he worked for. The trick was that there was none. All he had to do was show Jasper that the Honor Katarians once had was still alive and it would be more beneficial working for him instead. "Milord, there are many eyes among the servants. I dare not claim to know who they are-"

"But can you? Given time, can you find out?" Khal asked bluntly. "I suppose I can milord, nothing can escape Jasper the keeper of secrets." Khal chucked a little. Yes, he was really Jasper the keeper of secrets. It was only a matter of time before he learned all those secrets as well.

"Good, in a few weeks I'll be headed to the academy. I won't return for another three years. Organize a list of names. My family's castle will not be a place for rats to dwell any longer," Khal added.

"As you will. Umm, If I may milord, it was you that spared my life?" Khal was surprised by the man's sudden question. Even his tone seemed pleading. It would be the first time he had seen Jasper ever asked something that he really wanted to know. He knew how careful and calculated the man could be. "Yes, but why the sudden interest?" Khal countered calmly.

Jasper legs trembled suddenly before the man got on his knees. "The one begs fealty to the merciful Lord Khal."

Khal stared at the man more serious this time. Oaths of fealty was a serious matter for any lord. It was a verbal contract of faithful service in exchange for the Lord's protection. Few would dare utter fealty in Valeria easily. Khal sized up the man a little more. He was of average height, a little skinnier than most. His face looked weathered from the cruelty of life, but his eyes were alive for the first time since Khal had ever seen him. Khal knew that he was a notorious information broker in the underworld. His granduncle had advised that taking up Jasper would be a dangerous affair but luckily Moreen had intervened. Khal wasn't sure why his great-grandmother had bothered to take his side, but he was lucky she did. "Why?" Khal asked skeptically.

"Milord, I've seen many nobles during my lifetime. I know their arrogance, their greed, and their stink. Someone like me can't survive too long on my own. I do my line of work out of necessity, to smoke out the filth out of our country. House Calum led me to believe House Dor was amassing an army to overthrow the country. They believe that you were a plot to distract the masses while General Dor conquers Seabo from under the King's nose."

"And do you believe this?" Khal wondered aloud. He made sure to stare at Jasper directly in the eyes. If he was trying to deceive him then Khal would have his granduncle do with him as he saw fit. "Never milord!" Jasper shouted passionately. "What I have done, what I have become, was all for Katar! I've only ever sold information on those that were unworthy, to begin with. Unworthy to take care of us commoners. I was a little boy when my father and mother was stripped from me. I watched the filthy noble gut my father before raping my mother right in front of me. I didn't know the bitter truth about this world then, but now I live to expose the truth. I live to seek justice for everyone oppressed by those unworthy to hold power."

Jasper stared at Khal with pleading eyes. Khal could see the man's rage as he mentioned his parents. It was the usual story that many of the commoners shared. Not every noble lived up to the standard Tommel set for Khal. He knew that he was blessed with great men in his life. Without seeing any reason to deny the man, Khal picked up his sword and placed it on the man's shoulder.

---

"What!" Lord Rhodes screamed as he broke another one of his teacups. A young Knight by the name of Clovis stood before him with his older brother, Knowles right beside him. "And where is this recluse now?" Lord Rhodes demanded.

"Milord, he sent it via writing. It has become difficult to interact with him ever since Lord Coin's demise four years ago. The recluse is aware of Raven's hand in the matter. It would be far more difficult now," Ser Knowles advised.

Lord Rhodes merely scoffed at the knight before taking another of the teacups to his lips. Although old, his abilities as a merchant had earned him high esteem within his family. "No, there is one way, bring a blank scroll and my quill. Hopefully, the Red King wouldn't mind parting with a few of his men," Rhodes smiled sinisterly to himself.