Looking around them, the party feels acutely aware of the functional nature of even their best clothing. Hernan takes two glasses of wine from a passing servant and passes one over to Gevot. Notable people from around the Frontier Fort are gathered for the Castellan’s dinner in the inner fort.

Gevot smiles back, as Sergeant Suzie catches his eye from her post at the entrance to the Castellan’s private quarters.

Talking to the owner of the loan bank, Yenser asked details about their service offerings for depositing funds and borrowing against items of value.

The Castellan sweeps into the room without announcement and moves directly to greet the captain. Beler quickly notes that, although clearly past her prime, the Castellan moves like a warrior and she suspects that she could still be a dangerous melee opponent.

Appointments in the cursed colony often were made to accomplished women, rather than just for political reasons like in the new world.

After greeting a number of notable guests, the Castellan makes her way towards the party and clears her throat. Raising her glass in the air, she raises her voice and announces, “We’re gathered here tonight to pay our respects to the Blue Company and their valiant work investigating the attacks on caravans along our borders. The Frontier Fort owes them a debt and we all owe them our admiration. Here here!” Taking a deep drink, she drains her glass and the other guests follow her lead.

A servant discreetly trades her empty glass for a full one as the Castellan makes her way to Beler and switches from her public performance to a private one.

“We’re all deeply grieved for you that your efforts cost Lady Grace her life, but well satisfied that you have resolved our issue. None of us suspected that the travelling priest was anything other than what he presented himself as.” the Castellan says to Beler, taking her measure.

“We are likewise grieved and pleased.” responds Beler, choosing her words carefully. “In truth, we ourselves did not suspect the priest until he attacked us in the wilderness.”

“A cowardly act, which was thankfully unsuccessful,” the Castellan agreed. “In truth, I’ve often wondered if perhaps males don’t have the moral fortitude for positions of authority. The churches will, of course, administer themselves, but I’m quite pleased that our spiritual leader has the correct moral center that comes more naturally to women. We’ve been quite curious about your unusual party mixture. Not just including men, but having a number of non-humans. Have you found their performance to be acceptable?”

“I don’t agree that males and non-humans are in any way morally deficient,” responds Beler hotly, she flushed with anger as she continued. “Hernan, Gevot and Yenser are brave companions I would gladly lay my life down for!”.

Nearby conversation dies down as party goers realize that a notable exchange was occurring. The silence stretches for many heartbeats as the Castellan studies Beler.

“Well, as I said you have our gratitude. These new philosophies coming out of the new world are always fascinating, but of limited utility for those of us taming the wilderness. Please enjoy your dinner,” the Castellan responded coldly.

With a nod of her head to the party, she departs back to her private chambers. After her exit, the Captain announces that dinner would now be served and suggests the guests make their way to the dining room.

Moving next to Beler, she observes, “that could have gone better.”

---

Back at the inn, the party discusses the evening events in their room. “So, the captain told me they’d be sending payment to the Blue Company and an acknowledgement that we’ve completed our contract. She said that they would be deeply appreciative if we could clear out the remainder of the caves. She’s said that we can keep any treasure we find for ourselves, and that they’ll provide two corporals and six guards to help us if we need them.”

Talking late into the night, the party debates what their next move should be.