Lorenth pulled a silver coin stamped with the royal emblem out of his pocket and handed it to the boys. Of little worth in itself, it was how the royal family extended personal invitations for someone to join them in the castle. On the rim of the coin Lorenth’s name could be seen by those that knew to look for it. Upon arriving at the castle, the individual would be met by the guards and they would usher the person to the appropriate member of the royal family. Lorenth always carried a dozen or so in his pocket.

Most had never seen one of the silver coins, much less been invited themselves. It generally was indicative that the individual was going to be rewarded for some great act of heroism or, sometimes, was going to be asked to perform for the family. Lorenth hadn’t handed one out in several years.

He smiled. It promised to be an eventful evening after all.

---

Kae’lo and Brandus were seated in the largest of the tents on two chairs that had been placed before a portable dais of sorts. On the dais was an ornate chair. It was inlaid with dragons fashioned of mother-of-pearl. Each dragon had small gemstone eyes of varying greenish shades. The fabric was red velvet that had been delicately stitched with gold thread.

Upon being deposited in their seats and commanded to wait, the guards had retreated back out of the tent.

Kae’lo spoke in a low tone, “Well, we were brought to a tent and not an arena. That’s a good sign. Brandus, whatever might happen, let me do the talking. Remember, you’re here as my second. The Caldorians can be strict about regiment. I could be told to punish you or worse if they find you’re being disrespectful.”

Brandus nodded, “Alright. It’s your show, mate.”

With that, the tent flaps opened behind them and several Caldorians walked in and positioned themselves around the outside of the tent. Each wore the same white pauldron that Brandus had seen the young female wearing earlier, perhaps some sort of regimental unit, Brandus thought to himself.

Following the soldiers, the young female entered and smoothly moved across the room to sit in the chair. Once she had seated herself, she looked expectantly at the two before her.

Kae’lo promptly kneeled and Brandus followed suit.

“Rise.”

Both stood and waited.

“My name is Xes’kre Del. I am sub-matria of the clan of Xes’kre Boska. You may sit as we converse.”

Brandus followed Kae’lo’s example and sat bolt upright in the chairs provided.

Kae’lo spoke first, “We have responded to your summons, Sub-matria Del. If I may ask, what is the nature of your business with us?”

She hesitated for only a moment before speaking again. “Yes, I’m here to discuss a matter of some urgency, but the details are not for the hearing of those that they don’t concern… guards, please leave us.”

The guards looked slightly alarmed at this command, but managed to quickly conceal their surprise and left the tent.

The sub-matria waited for them to exit prior to standing and descending from the dais. “Finally, they are gone. Please, be at ease. Everything always feels so formal to me. It’s quite suffocating.”

Kae’lo and Brandus glanced at each other, but slowly relaxed back into the chairs.

“Sub-matria, if you don’t mind, what are we doing here?” Kae’lo looked a little confused by the apparent incongruity of her actions.

“Please, call me Del! I believe you to be a friend of my father’s. I need your help with a task that…”

“…your pardon my lady, but I do not know your father. I have only ever spent time with one Caldorian, and his name was Zekra.” Kae’lo chanced an interruption, as the atmosphere seemed more informal now.

Del smiled at the confusion, “Yes! That was his name, but after you knew him as Zekra, my father was awarded his own clan. With a new clan comes a new name, as is the way with our people. Didn’t you know that?”

Kae’lo looked a little surprised. “No! I had no idea!”

“Ah, that would explain the confusion I kept seeing on your face. I fully expected you to have some understanding of my relationship to you. I truly am sorry for that.” Del sincerely looked apologetic.

Kae’lo looked much less confused than he had been up until this point. Brandus imagined that it was a large relief to him. “I had assumed that he had fallen out of contact because of his duties.” Tears welled up in the tough dwarf’s eyes. “I’m so glad that he’s doing well.”

“Yes, he’s doing wonderfully. That brings us to the reason why I needed to seek you out. I’m assuming you are aware of uhsa’ta since you were a part of my father’s?”

“The counting? Yes, I’m aware of it.”

“Good. That will make this easier. What it comes down to is this: My own counting is approaching, and as much as the stigma of having white scales has faded within our society, it is still prevalent among many- especially among those of the older generations.

“During my father’s time, you assisted with his counting. Your gift of knowledge, trade, and relationships was a real boon to our people at the time. However, I’ve no such opportunity.

“As such, we’re in real trouble. The vast majority of those who serve under me are soldier who have had issues with discipline, violence, or authority in the past. If I fail at my uhsa’ta, they will likely rank over me after it is complete. I will be reduced to their servant and plaything.

“If that happens, the dishonor to my father would be… well, to be blunt, it could be lethal. He could lose his clan the next time the council of all clans meets together… and worse, that could mean his execution. I need your help to ensure the safety of my father, myself, and our people. Will you help us?” Del looked worried that Kae’lo would say no. Everything in her demeanor said that she was terrified by the idea of failure.

Kae’lo thought for a moment. “Am I understanding that as my second, Brandus would be responsible for this as well?”

“Yes. That is correct. Since I’ve asked you, and you brought him as a second, he would be responsible for our quest as well.”

Brandus raised an eyebrow. He wasn’t sure he liked where this was headed.

“I need to discuss this with him for a moment. I can’t provide you an answer until we do.” Kae’lo said firmly.

“Alright. Go ahead. We can wait for a moment.” With that she went and sat down in her chair to give them space while they talked.

Kae’lo looked at Brandus. “Before you say anything, I need you to understand what you are getting into. I didn’t know this at the time I initially joined Zekra during his quest, but it is only fair to warn you. When someone assist another in their counting, they become part of it as well.”

Brandus spoke for the first time in what felt like ages, “Ok, so what does that mean to me?”

“Simply put, if she fails, you will join her in her new station in life. Whether that be servitude, exile, or even death. Both our fates will be bound to hers.” Kae’lo looked grim.

Brandus whistled softly, “I see… so what do you want to do?”

Kae’lo looked slightly saddened, “I would go in an instant if it was just me. However, I involved you in this. I can’t agree to help if you aren’t prepared to take the risk as well.”

“And how long would this quest continue?” Brandus’ stomach churned… this could seriously have an effect on his trading and his business relationship. To be out of touch with his contacts for any significant length of time… well, that could set him back for years of progress.

“I don’t know. It varies if the individual succeeds. It is never longer than a year. If it isn’t deemed a success by the end of a year, then it has failed.”

“When does this quest begin?”

Kae’lo grimly replied, “I haven’t asked. It is generally on the eve of their coming of age, whenever that is for Del. I wanted to talk to you first.”

“I see. Let me think for a second.” Brandus thought for a moment. A year wasn’t so bad… only his newest contacts would probably be effected, the ones most delicate. However, risking his life for someone he didn’t even know… Brandus looked at Kae’lo. Kae’lo was a good friend, and had been for many years. He sighed, “I wouldn’t do this for Zekra or Del. But for you, Kae’lo, I’m willing to take this risk. You’ve been a good friend, and a friend of yours is a friend of mine.”

“Alright then.” Kae’lo looked up at Del. “We’ve decided.”

Del stood up and came down next to them again, “Alright.” She took a deep breath, “What was your decision?”

Kae’lo gave a terse nod, “We’re with you in this. When does your trial begin?”

Del gave a tight smile that hinted of regrets, “Well… in three days, actually. Between the time spent travelling, finding you, and arranging to meet you there wasn’t much extra. I’m sorry.”

Kae’lo and Brandus glanced at each other again, at least it was better than immediately. Arrangements would have to be made, but could be pieced together in three days. “On the morning of the third day, we’ll meet you at the eastern gate to the city.”

Brandus had an idea, “We can use my trading cart for the travelling. I should be done in Gandon by then. If that works for both of you?”

“That will be acceptable. Thank you so much for this. You are a true friend.” Del was visibly relieved. “Please sit up again, I’ll need to call the soldiers in to announce your departure.”

Kae’lo and Brandus sat up straight once more.

“Guards!” After a moments pause, the flaps of the tent opened and the guards came into the room. They took their places. “Our business is concluded. Please see these men back to their transport.” All the guards immediately snapped a salute. Kae’lo and Brandus rose and walked out of the tent followed by the soldiers. As Brandus looked at Kae’lo’s back, he couldn‘t help but wonder what he had gotten himself into.