Author's note. I'm very excited to share this chapter with you. At this point, the world starts to expand and include more characters with sub plots to Han lu's story.

At this point, I'd like to ask my readers a question. What do you think about making this story a you tube narration? I noticed many fandoms have fanfiction readings, but the Elder Scrolls is terribly lacking. I'm considering making a side gig of narrating both my own and other people's stories. Do you think it's a good idea? Would you be more willing to listen than read? Do you think an Elder Scrolls fanfiction based youtube channel would get any traction? Feel free to PM me.

You'd think it would feel good, getting expensive clothes at someone else's expense, but standing in front of the clothier's mirror just caused me anxiety. Of course, the middle aged Dunmer woman spoke highly of my outfit. I looked good, I had to admit, but all I could think of was the sinking feeling I got at the idea of a nobleman's party.

The clothier looked at me sternly. "Muthsera, if you plan on attending a high class event, I really must suggest a haircut. There's a barber just down the street."

I looked at her without comprehending for a moment before realizing what she'd said. "Oh, of course. Thank you." I took one last look at my black pants and vest over a long sleeved red shirt before paying her. I pocketed the receipt for reimbursement later and shuffled to the the barber shop in a daze.

'This won't go like the Emperor's birthday,' I promised myself. 'I'm not going to cause any trouble. Just make nice, play along, and get paid.'

I kept assuring myself, barely taking a moment to instruct the barber, but I couldn't shake my feeling. It's never that simple with nobility.

After the barber was finished evening up my ratty hair, I couldn't think of any more excuses to delay meeting Eyedis, so I slowly made my way to the Fighters guild. I found Wayn and Hasphat playing cards on the main floor. Hasphat avoided my gaze, but Wayn looked up from the game. "Hey, knock em dead tiger."

Hasphat retorted without looking up from his cards. "He's going to a party, not a fight Wayn."

"Well he's still representing the guild, right?"

I ignored them while they bickered and went down to my bunk. I took the orcish sword from my footlocker and belted it on. It wasn't ornate like the ones some of the nobles would be wearing, but neither did it look cheap. It gave off just the image I'd imagine Eyedis would want. Professional.

I also kept my curved knife on my belt, but besides that I left the orcish bow and quiver. It wouldn't do to attend a party while armed to the teeth.

"You look nice," I heard Eyedis mention from the doorway. I turned and straightened my belt before looking at her. She had her red hair up in a bun and was wearing some sort of brown leather uniform rather than a dress.

I responded with the expected token response. "Thanks, so do you."

"Shall we go then?"

I nodded and followed her through town to the silt strider platform. I was happy when we finally got under way. The view of the surrounding land gave me something to get my mind off the anxiety. From my perch atop the silt strider, I could see rain falling over Seyda Neen to the south. Scattered clouds daubed the rest of the horizon.

"I hope the party doesn't get rained out," Eyedis commented as she settled in next to me.

I did, but I kept that to myself. "I'm sure it's been thought of," I said instead.

"Hmm." A lull fell in the conversation. I just stared out to the left side, but Eyedis kept trying to get me talking. "So are you getting settled in?"

I tilted my head to each side, "I don't know. Balmora is a nice enough place, but I get a little restless if I keep still too long. I'm taking it one day at a time."

"Have you considered working in one of the other guild halls? The Fighters guild has four halls in Morrowind. There's one in Vivec city to the southeast," she pointed east of where Seyda Neen was located. "There's also halls in Ald' Ruhn to the north and Sadrith Mora on the east coast."

That last one caught my attention, but I tried not to give anything away. I still hadn't told Eyedis about my ancestry and I'd resolved to quit giving away my secrets. "Thanks for the information. I just might look into it."

I wasn't sure how I felt about Sadrith Mora. One part of me thought it would only complicate things, but on the other, I could have family there in House Telvanni. Were my grandparents still alive? Would they want to meet me? Did I have aunts, uncles, and cousins? Were they in the family business? My thoughts were interrupted when castle Pelagiad came into view. The Imperial fort had been built on the southern coast of lake Amaya. As we passed it, I saw a small town sprawled out in front of the gates. The town itself was surrounded by small farms. The sun began to set as the city fell behind the horizon. The only lights we could see were from the moon and lanterns from the occasional farm or plantation.

We followed a path that ran parallel to lake Amaya until a well lit villa came into view. The land here was thick with furrowed ground and even as the moon rose, I could see slaves and slave masters tending to the acres of fields. We approached a walled compound that was strung with hundreds of lanterns, lighting the whole area. Outside the wall, there were shacks that were no doubt slave quarters. Inside the walls, the buildings were far more ornate and guests were already mingling. I heard the faint tones of a string band playing in the most open courtyard.

The silt strider we were riding pulled up alongside the compound wall where a wooden platform had been built to accommodate the beasts riders. As we stood to disembark, Eyedis leaned over to me. "Han lu, I need you to just make nice and stay professional. No picking fights and no political arguments."

I smirked. "No worries. I can do congenial."

We were greeted by a well dressed Khajiit at a desk. He wore the silver bracers of a slave, but spoke like an average servant.

"This one welcomes you to Dren plantation. Your names if you please?"

Eyedis took my arm, "Eyedis Fire-Eye of the Balmora Fighters guild and my escort Han lu Urshar."

The Khajiit checked a guest list, finding Eyedis' name and jotting mine down with a quill. "Once again, welcome. Feel free to make your way to the courtyard. You are also welcome to peruse the grounds."

"Thank you sir," Eyedis said in parting. I followed her lead down the stairs off the wall and past a few buildings to the courtyard. The lanterns cast shadows across the compound. There were tables and chairs set up around the edge of the courtyard. My stomach tightened involuntarily seeing the middle of the party grounds cleared of furniture and filled with dancers surrounding a bonfire. I automatically started scanning for any curly haired Wood Elf girls, but realized it was unlikely I'd find Gildee at a high society event. Was I relieved or disappointed? I wasn't sure.

I scanned the crowd as Eyedis met various nobles, only commenting when addressed. Most of the crowd were Dark elves, but there were a spattering of humans and other elves. Naturally, the only Khajiit and Argonians present were slaves and servants.

I stayed mostly aloof until we were greeted by a familiar face. A Dark elf man in clothing too rough to be a noble greeted me and offered his hand. I shook it and greeted him. "You're Llaro Llethri right," I guessed after searching my memory? The Dunmer before me was one of the two who had offered Ajira and I a ride to Balmora on horseback.

He laughed, "I'm Gathal. Llaro is my brother."

I turned to Eyedis. "Gathal, this is Eyedis Fire-Eye, Guildmaster of the Balmora Fighters guild. Eyedis, this is Gathal Llethri. I met him about a week ago." I looked Gathal in the eye. "In Balmora," I added with emphasis, hoping to avoid having to tell Eyedis I was moonlighting for the Mages guild.

Gathal seemed to pick up my meaning and without missing a beat, took Eyedis' hand. "At your service Sera." He lifted her hand charmingly to his lips in greeting. "Perhaps you'd be so kind as to join my brother and I at our table."

Eyedis' cheeks flushed rosy, her blush far more distinct than a Dunmer's due to the Nord's pale complexion. "We'd be delighted."

Gathal led us to a table nearer to the dance floor than I liked and we took our seats. Llaro was there with a young Dunmer noblewoman who seemed familiar. I tried to place her face, but I couldn't seem to do it. Gathal introduced us and I met the girls eyes, but they betrayed no recognition or emotion. None at all. I suddenly got the feeling she was keeping a straight face on purpose which only made me more suspicious. I caught myself staring and what's worse, so did she.

Gathal motioned to her, "This is Safia Dren, daughter to Lord Orvas Dren."

Eyedis and the Llethri brothers talked about their respective lines of work, meanwhile, I watched Safia out of the corner of my eye. Once again, I believed she was watching me too.

"I've been told that Lord Orvas is considering contracting with your guild," Llaro chimed in. "If that's true, we may be working closely with each other. Gathal and I see to the safety of our supply lines and keep careful track of the Dren families assets."

I chuckled on the inside, wondering if Eyedis knew what she was getting involved with, but once again held my tongue.

"So how did you get involved with the Dren family," Eyedis asked?

"Gathal and I are Ashlanders. We grew up far to the north. In our younger days, we left our tribe and worked as caravan guards and mercenaries until Orvas hired us. He's always looking for loyal men."

"Speaking of whom, where is he," Eyedis asked? "I haven't met him in person yet."

Gathal craned his neck to search, but Safia pointed him out. Orvas Dren was tall for a Dunmer; well over six feet. He stood near another table, not stopping to sit with any one group, but walked all around so as to meet all of his guests. He was in dark expensive clothing with a black cape hanging by a silver chain. His daughter caught his eye and waved him over. He politely excused himself and made his way toward us.

Eyedis straightened her outfit nervously. Orvas approached the table and once again stood, rather than sitting. He leaned on an empty chair, presenting a hard, angular face. "What do you need Safia?"

Safia introduced us and a grin spread out across of his face. A grin I could only describe as devious. "Ah yes, the Imperial guild. Madam Fire-Eye, you truly live up to your name," he flirted, though he wore an expression like a wolf.

"Why thank you," Eyedis played along, either oblivious or intentional. "I've been very eager to meet you."

He moved to the back of her chair like a predator on the prowl. "Not as eager as I've been I assure you. You know, I have to say, I expected you to bring an escort from one of your other Imperial provinces. I thought you'd have trouble recruiting locals, but it seems you're making friends rather quickly." He moved on suddenly, as if Eyedis didn't exist and leaned against the round table between us so he could look directly at me.

"Tell me, Han lu Urshar," he pronounced my name prominently, as if making a point. "How does an Ashlander become buddy buddy with an Imperial guild? I was under the impression that the ashland tribes mistrusted the Imperials and outlanders. Why so eager to switch sides?"

I frowned at the sudden intense attention being focused on me and the fact that he so readily recognized my name from ashland origins was not lost on me. Orvas was surely an experienced politician. Eyedis looked a bit disgruntled, having been passed over so lightly. Orvas rested his intimidating gaze on me. This was not the treatment a noble gave his dinner guests. Orvas was domineering over the party and its attendees, establishing his position in the same manner as a bear, standing on its hind legs to look more intimidating.

"I'm on my own side Lord Dren and I'm an Ashlander by heritage, not upbringing. I was born and raised in Cyrodiil."

Dren cocked his head to one side. "So you have no loyalties to your tribe?"

I chuckled, trying to keep the mood light despite Orvas' lording manner. "None whatsoever. My parents never even told me what tribe I'm from."

"And to the Empire? Do you serve the Emperor faithfully?"

I glanced past him to find the Llethri brothers who were grinning widely and Safia sitting between them, who was intently trying to read me. I looked back up at Orvas. "Not necessarily."

The lord's face drooped and looked crestfallen, though I suspected it was a part of his act. "Well what use is a man without loyalty?" Suddenly Dren's ploy made sense to me. My parents used this tactic all the time. Unfortunately, I'd fallen for it, but I could backtrack and alert Eyedis before she went into negotiations.

"You may be surprised yet lord Dren, should you be willing to give my guild a try."

Orvas Dren humphed and returned his attention to Eyedis who was looking smaller than she normally did. "Well, that matter remains to be seen. Would you give me a few moments to gather my business counsellors and then meet me in my office?" He pointed to one of the buildings. "We'll discuss what you have to offer and we'll see whether we have any need of you."

Eyedis looked up at him as he left. "Yes, Lord Dren. I'll see you there soon." She seemed to sink into her seat a little, feeling out of her depth. I glanced across the table once more. Seeing the looks on the Dren affiliate's faces, I started feeling like a lamb in a wolves den. I set my jaw in determination. 'I'm a wolf too,' I mentally growled. I wasn't going to let Eyedis get taken advantage of, if only to prove that I was on their level.

"Pardon us Safia; gentlemen, but if I only have Eyedis for a few moments, I'd like to escort her to the dance." It was a blatant lie, but I couldn't say what I needed to say in front of them.

Eyedis didn't look up. "I'm not sure we have time for that Han lu." I mentally cursed. This Nord woman was far too slow on the uptake to deal with Orvas. Suddenly I wished I knew Gildee's charm spell. I needed to get Eyedis away from prying ears. Thanks to my lack in that magical discipline, I settled for a much less subtle kick to her ankle. She looked up at me in surprise and she seemed to comprehend my hard look. "Then again," she backtracked, "I suppose we have a moment."

As I took Eyedis' hand and rose from the table, I risked one more glance at the others. The Llethri's excused us and had already written us off as beaten by their master, but Safia wore a different look. She was certainly her father's daughter. The smile she gave me told me that she knew I was still in the game.

Eyedis watched me with anticipation as we joined the slow waltz. "This night is not going as I hoped," she vented.

I nodded. Taking a moment to gather my thoughts. I took a deep breath and got a whiff of Eyedis' pine scented perfume. "You're out of your league here. You're a fighter, not a negotiator and your lack of charisma is going to get the guild a very bad deal." I spoke boldly to get my point across to the Nord, watching the crowd out of the corner of my eye. It was more out of habit than precaution. Nobody was looking at us. Except Safia.

Eyedis shook her head. "We don't have much of a choice. We need contracts to keep the guild going. If I don't make a deal tonight, we may not get this good of a chance again."

I sighed. "Eyedis, you're letting Orvas control the narrative. He probably knows that we're hard up for work. The reason he talked to me at all was to make you feel like you had little to offer him. He wanted you to think that you might not meet his standards at all so that you'd settle for low prices on bad contracts. But that's not how things really are. Remember what Llaro said? Orvas is always looking for good men. That's something Orvas wouldn't have wanted us to hear. He's trying to make you think he has plenty of manpower and that the Imperial guild is just a fallback."

Eyedis was suddenly looking anxious. "How do you know all that?"

"It comes from years of overhearing negotiations."

Eyedis bit her lip. "I don't think I can do this. Maybe you should go in my place."

"No. You can do this." As we spun I noticed Llaro talking to Safia and glancing at me. Safia stood and approached us. "Look," I whispered quickly. "It's simple. Go to Orvas, pretend that we don't need him to survive, negotiate as long as you can, and when they finally make a written offer, it will be less than we're worth. Walk away from it tonight and they'll send a better offer in the next few days."

Eyedis pulled back to look me in the eye worriedly. "Are you sure they will?"

Safia neared us, preventing me from answering. "So sorry to interrupt, but may I cut in? You ought to be meeting my father now."

Eyedis reluctantly pulled away from me and glanced at Safia. "A-absolutely. Dancing was never my strong suit anyway," she replied lightly.

I gave her one last confident look and spoke, trying to convey a double meaning, "It helps to take advice from a professional." This time, Eyedis was able to pick up on my verbal queue and nodded a bit more confidently before leaving.

Safia stepped in front of me, holding her arm out for me to take. "Shall we?" I hesitated, wishing I'd had more time to talk Eyedis up, but submitted. The worst thing I could do now was make a scene.

Safia wore a simple black dress with red highlights. It seemed to be a theme for the Drens. I wondered if they were styling their clothes to match daedric weapons like the ones I'd seen the Llethri's carrying days ago.

I took Safia in a dancing embrace, having to clear my throat to hide my surprise as she pressed up against me. She enthusiastically followed my lead giving me a knowing look all the while. My nose was invaded with a lavender perfume. Unlike Eyedis' subtle scent, Safia's stood out. I tried to think of some kind of small talk to start a meaningless conversation, but her smile was too distracting. It was far too on the nose for what I'd expect from someone in her position. "What's so entertaining?" I asked.

"I just think it's fun when someone believes they can get the best of my father." She tossed her shoulder length, obsidian hair, giving me a clear view of two ruby eyes wearing a look of amusement. "You may think you're keeping your head above water, but you've already drowned."

I didn't respond. There was nothing to gain here by arguing. I did like Eyedis wanted and just made nice.

"What do you think of him? Honestly," she asked with a wolfish grin. Unlike her father's sharp, angular features, her face was softer and more rounded.

"Honestly?" I asked. She nodded with a smirk, her red eyes glinting in the lantern light. 'What did I think of him?' I didn't answer for a long time. She kept staring at me expectantly. "Well, I suppose if he were about a foot shorter, I might mistake him for my dad."

Safia's smile turned to a look of surprise, one eyebrow raised. She didn't press me further until the dance was over. The string band ended their song and I pulled away from Safia. I spoke curtly. "I've had quite enough dancing for one night, thank you," I said, hoping to excuse myself.

"But I must insist you come and tell me about yourself Han lu." She grabbed hold of my wrist. "You wouldn't want to disappoint your hostess. Not with such a big business arrangement hanging in the balance."

I gritted my teeth. This girl used the same social tactics as me, but she seemed to do so for her own entertainment. Without argument, I let her lead me to an empty table away from where we had been sitting. This side of the courtyard was near a dock. There was no wall between the compound and the lake. It was the furthest dining area from the party and the least crowded. As Safia sat down, her expression became softer.

"I have to apologize for all that," she said surprising me. "I'm not really controlling, but that's who everyone expects me to be." I kept quiet, not sure where she was going with this. She lost the confident, authoritative expression she'd been holding over me and became more amiable. "Look, now that I don't have my father's retainers watching me, I can be honest. Keep your guild away from my family. It will only end badly for you." Her expression had changed so dramatically, she seemed like a different person. Her smile was genuine.

"Why tell me this," I asked, as a waiter placed drinks and a small platter of horderves in front of us?

"I have my reasons. Father is not a good man. He and his retainers manipulate everyone they deal with. That's the sort of person I'm expected to be if I want to take over the family business one day. So I play my part for now. Which brings me to why I wanted to talk with you in the first place. I have an offer for you."

I leaned back in my seat, daring to relax a bit. "Pray tell."

"If you won't tell anyone that I was in Balmora a few weeks back, I won't tell my father that you splattered my dress with rat brains."

I immediately realized where I'd seen her. She'd been coming out of the South wall cornerclub when I'd been clearing out the giant rats for Drarayne Thelas. I remembered the feeling I'd gotten that the cornerclub was just a front for something else and I wondered how she was involved.

"Sounds like a fair deal to me."

"Good. Now that that's settled, why don't you tell me about your father? I've never met another man quite like my dad. How does he remind you of him?"

"I'm afraid we both have secrets to keep. You're playing the part of the spoiled daddy's girl and I'm playing a part of my own."

She rolled her head from side to side dramatically. "Oh secrets secrets secrets. I get so tired of secrets." Safia complained. "What can you tell me about yourself?" She leaned in, putting her elbows on the table and perching her face in her hands. The look she gave me made my heart skip a beat. Now that she wasn't acting like an elitist, I had to admit she was rather attractive. She had the smooth bluish skin of a coastal Dunmer.

I checked myself, frustrated that my heart was beating out of my control. Once again I had to come up with a story. "There's not much to it. I grew up in Cyrodiil, ran away from home young, tried to join the Imperial legion, but they said I had trouble with authority. I took up mercenary work and came here."

"Just like that," she asked with a knowing smile? It was obvious she knew I was fabricating, but instead of pressing, she humored me.

"Just like that," I affirmed.

"Right, and I'm a Daedric princess here to meddle in the affairs of mortals, breaking innocent men's hearts and fooling the foolhardy."

Despite my secretive nature, I was unable to keep a straight face. Something about Safia put me at ease and my poker face melted away. With a chuckle, I admitted, "I could almost believe that story. But are you the cunning Boethiah or the elegant Azura?"

Safia feigned shock, "Why Han lu, did you just pay me a compliment?"

"Perhaps I did."

Our banter was interrupted by someone from behind me. "May I offer some horderves?"

Safia cocked a brow at him. "We've already got a platter, thank you very much."

To my surprise, the waiter pressed. "May I recommend the comberry tart for the gentleman?"

I turned and was surprised to see that it was Caius Cosades, dressed in waiter's attire and offering me a snack on a silver platter.

"Oh… of course," I said in surprise. I took the pastry and the napkin it was sitting on without ado, trying not to raise suspicion. Soon as I took it, Caius moved on. I took a few token nibbles, wondering what that could have been about.

Safia cocked an eyebrow at me and I shrugged, truly having no idea what had transpired. "It is an excellent tart," I insisted, pretending not to know Caius. She replied by picking up an identical one off the platter next to us and giving me a pointed stare. Suddenly, my mind raced. What was special about this tart? My first thought was poison, but that wouldn't make sense. Some kind of enhancing potion might have been understandable, but I didn't know what for.

My father had taught me a checklist of symptoms to look for when trying to identify if your food had been spiked, but I couldn't identify anything.

Safia asked me how I liked Balmora. I forced myself to be calm and continue the conversation, which left me little brainpower to concentrate on Caius.

"I don't mind the town. It's nice enough I suppose, as long as I keep my distance from the council club. I had a small scuffle with the boys over there when I first arrived."

"Have you been to the temple yet?"

I shook my head. "Haven't had the time." It was a lie, but it was simpler than explaining my daedra worship.

"You ought to. It's well worth taking time for your spiritual health. Our souls need tending the same as our bodies."

I let a grin creep onto my face. "Are you a regular patron?"

"An acolyte in fact. I help the priests with tasks from time to time."

"Is that what you were doing in Balmora that day?" I took another tentative bite of the tart. "Then again, that dank little cornerclub doesn't seem a very godly place for an acolyte of the temple to spend her time," I teased.

"Part of my job is to visit the poor and the afflicted. I can hardly do that by staying in the safest parts of town now can I?" She reasoned with practiced skill, obviously being well versed on the subject.

"I suppose that's well and fine, but you should be mindful of your own safety as well. Two elves almost followed you after you left the south wall."

"Hmm, you think I'm a helpless daddy's girl, don't you? A goody two shoes."

I shrugged and popped the remainder of the tart into my mouth, revealing writing on the napkin underneath. It read, "Find an excuse to leave the party immediately." I crumpled the napkin and discreetly tucked it in my vest pocket.

"I hate to be rude, but could you direct me to the restrooms?"

"Oh, of course. There's one in the outbuilding over there." She pointed to a building near the silt strider station.

"Thank you Muthsera."

We stood at the same time and she said, "Of course. It's been a pleasure Han lu. If I don't see you again this evening, may we meet again soon."

"Oh the pleasure will be all mine, I assure you." I then excused myself and walked with a purpose to the building Safia had pointed out. I passed a lit brazier and tossed the napkin into it. Most of the party attendees paid me no mind. I did wave when I saw one of the Llethri's raise a celebratory mug to me as I passed.

A Dunmer guard stood near the entrance to the building, glancing at me before returning her attention to the rest of the party. She was unarmored except for a distinctive round shield on her back made of a rare green volcanic glass. She also wore a matching glass longsword. Those items were not cheap.

Ducking into the building with the latrine, I took a moment to think while in the small room. The fact that Caius wanted me to evacuate had me on edge. Was there a trap? Was Dren going to abduct or murder us? Would someone attack the compound? What should I do about Eyedis?

"Prioritize your priorities," I said, stealing my father's phrase. "Secure transportation, then find Eyedis." I wished Caius had given me more to go off of.

I left the building through another door, avoiding the party. The alley between the building and the compound wall was empty with the exception of a young human couple kissing passionately. I ignored them and made my way to the silt strider platform.

The Khajiit greeter was still there. He stood when he saw me. "Hello again young master. What can this one do for you?"

"How soon can I get a silt strider out of here?"

"So soon," the Khajiit inquired? "The harvest feast has only just begun."

"An emergency has arisen and I may have to see to it quickly."

The greeter shook his head. "This one apologises, but the silt striders are to leave near the end of the party. If they started leaving now, the later guests would have to await their return. If an emergency has arisen, talk to the Llethri brothers. They would surely assist you."

I bit my lip and nodded before turning back to the party. While still on the wall, I identified where the main building was and also where the stables were. If I had to steal a horse to escape, I would. Asking the Llethri's for help was out of the question. They might be involved with whatever plot Caius wanted me to avoid.

Once out of sight of the Khajiit, I slipped into the shadows of the closest building. If I could stay close to the wall, I could avoid the majority of the party goers. I needed to get to the manor house and find Eyedis. Could she be in trouble? I was in hot water if I had to rescue her single handedly.

I briefly thought of abandoning her. It was possible she wasn't involved and the worst that would happen would be a stern talking to from her tomorrow. It was also possible she was a captive and needed my help. I followed the north wall to the east end of the villa. The party was situated on the south end of the compound looking out over the lake. I encountered no guards until I came to the middle of the east wall. The manor house was watched by two or three guards who patrolled its perimeter.

The back wall of the house was only eight feet from the shadows of the compound wall. I fell to a prone position and crawled along the wall where the grass had grown high enough to hide me. I paused as a heavily armored guard strolled past. His footfalls and the noise of his armor were loud enough to cover any noise I might have made.

As he passed I scanned the wall. There was thick ivy growing part way up and there was a drain pipe on the corner. I slowly unclipped my sword from my belt, leaving it in the tall grass. Free from the extra weight, I waited for the guard to pass and slipped to the drainpipe, climbing as quickly and quietly as I could. I wasn't as strong as I used to be, but I wasn't as heavy either. I clambered up to the roof and pulled myself onto the thick tiles. Taking a moment to catch my breath, I checked over the edge on each side of the house for windows. On the front of the house, facing the rest of the compound was a balcony with closed double doors.

"If I were a rich plantation owner, that's where I'd conduct business from."

The problem was that if I were to drop to the balcony, I'd be completely exposed to anyone looking from the party. A lit torch on either side of the balcony ensured there would be no shadow to hide in.

"I need to put out those torches." I thought of a solution quickly. Luckily I hadn't actually relieved myself when I visited the restrooms. Unzipping my pants, I discreetly released a stream of urine onto each torch, exposing myself to the world. I prayed that no one would look up to the two story buildings roof. My actions were getting harder to explain by the minute.

After successfully extinguishing each torch, I dropped to the porch, crouching as I landed to quietly absorb the impact. I was in luck. The meeting was taking place just inside. I stayed to the side of the double doors, but could faintly hear voices. I couldn't make out most words, but I heard Eyedis and she didn't sound distressed. With a quick peek through a pane of glass I saw Orvas Dren sitting with his back to me and a small handful of other men.

Eyedis calmly negotiated as I had told her. She seemed to grow slightly more irritated by the minute. Each of the people in the room seemed to take a turn.

The last words of the meeting, I heard quite clearly thanks to Eyedis' raised voice. "Lord Dren, I would thank you for your time, but it has become quite clear that you do not take my guild seriously. Unless you can fairly compensate my men for risking their lives, I'm sure you'll find your manpower elsewhere. Good evening, sir." With that last word, she turned and left the room.

My heart rate quickened. I had to catch her before she returned to the party. She had as good an excuse as any to leave the party. I needed to retrieve my sword first though.

I stepped onto the balcony rail and hoisted myself back onto the roof. My arms protested the exercise, but I made my way around to the back of the roof. Looking down, I decided I could jump down to the wall and back the the ground. Waiting for the guard to turn the corner, I got a running start and jumped the eight foot gap, rolling to absorb the impact. I then eased myself over the wall and rolled again with a thump.

"Hey, who's there?" The guard in heavy steel plate armor turned back after hearing me hit the ground.

I sat dumbly in the grass. "What's wrong sir?"

"What are you doing back here? Party goers are to remain in the courtyard area."

"Oh, my sincerest apologies muthsera," I explained as I rose to my feet. "I simply thought I'd take a stroll around the lovely villa."

The guard held a torch and lowered it to shine light on my face. "What were you doing on the ground?"

"I slipped. There's a wet patch of grass there. Perhaps the maid threw out the dirty bathwater."

The guard seemed to accept my explanation. "You'd be surprised just how often I get doused by the house servants. You'd think they'd learn to watch where they throw, but they never do. I'm sorry for the inconvenience sera, but I'll have to escort you back to the party."

"Absolutely. Just let me grab my sword, it slipped off my belt in the fall." I picked it up and allowed the man to escort me to the front of the house.

"You might want to get that scabbard checked. You don't want to lose your sword off your belt if you get in a fight."

"I'll do that." I saw Eyedis was halfway back to the party when I came around the house. "Oh, there's my escourt," I said, pointing her out.

The guard nodded, happy to get me off his hands."I'll leave you to it then. Enjoy the festivities sera."

I jogged after Eyedis and caught her arm from behind, slowing her pace. "How did it go guildmaster?"

She shot me a grin. "You should have seen their faces when I rejected their offer. It was beautiful."

I smiled, playing along. "Good. Well then, shall we head out? We ought not to linger. Let them stew over it awhile, don't you think?"

Eyedis' expression turned to one of displeasure. "But the party's young. Couldn't we have a bit to eat and drink before we go?"

I shook my head, gently pulling her in the direction of the silt striders. "I don't think that's a good idea."

Eyedis pulled her arm out of my grip. "Do not forget which of us is the guildmaster here. I think we'll be just fine sharing in a few pleasantries before we leave."

I saw Orvas' advisors start to file out of the house back towards the party, followed by the lord himself. "Please Eyedis, trust me."

Orvas caught sight of us and Eyedis said, "It's too late now. I can't just run. Follow my lead, Han lu."

As the group shuffled past us, Orvas approached. "I'm sorry we couldn't come to an accord muthsera Fire-Eye. Know that my offer will remain on the table should you change your mind."

Orvas' advisors stopped when he started talking with us. I noticed one of them studying my face. I tried to turn away from him and concentrate on Orvas himself. Eyedis nodded curtly. "I will keep it in mind Lord Dren. I do thank you for the invitation to this celebration."

"I hope you enjoy the rest of it. Perhaps you'd like to join us at my table for the feast."

Before Eyedis could reply, one of the advisors interrupted by drawing his sword. "I'm sorry Orvas, but I recognize this man. You are the infamous Han lu, Urshar. You attempted to assassinate the Emperor. You're supposed to be dead."