Dyson dropped back in his chair, his mouth agape and stared at Trick for the longest time.

"Are you okay? Do you need some water or something?" Trick asked.

"I need a drink. A stiff one, too." Dyson replied.

"Beverly!" Trick called out.

Beverly appeared in the doorway.

"Can you please grab that bottle of 300-year old Scotch I have hidden around here somewhere, and a couple of glasses."

"Right away." She turned and left, but then came back moments later.

"That was quick. Sure you are not a member of the Seneschal?" Trick said surprised at her speed.

"After you returned from the Presidium, I thought you might be needing this." Beverly replied.

"And that is why you are coming with me."

"Damn straight I am, Your Excellency!" Beverly replied.

"What? You are taking Beverly too?" Dyson asked incredulous.

"I wouldn't be able to find my socks without Beverly."

"When did this all happen?" Dyson asked still shocked.

"Actually, the night before Bo's anointing during the Parliamentary Banquet. Rana Stuart of the Quedaerin Dynasty passed away some months ago and the Grand Ducals have been hard pressed to select a new one. They asked me, I hashed it over with Taoiseach Sandalli and accepted."

"You accepted? Not sure if what you suspected about Bo's destiny would have proved true?" Dyson asked.

"I knew Bo's destiny would prove true. I have known for quite some time. I just had to put the right pieces together to figure it all out." Trick replied with confidence.

"But what if it didn't?" Dyson asked.

"But it did." Trick replied. "Dyson, I have every faith and confidence in you as the next Ash. I would not have created and installed you in the role of County Regent if I didn't. You have proven yourself thoroughly capable. It is time now for you to take leadership."

"What about The Morrigan?" Dyson asked.

"Leave Evony to me. In fact, do not discuss this with her at all until after I have given the all-clear."

"Understood." Dyson said. Trick smiled.

"So who will you choose as your County Regent?" Trick asked.

"Tamsin. Our personal relationship notwithstanding. She would be perfect for the role. And I assume she would select Reed to replace her as the Ops Head."

"Me too. Now, one of your first transitional acts as the new Ash is to convene the Elders for a meeting. They are all to use Peggy's Travel Service to get here, but we need them all here." Trick said.

"No problem I can convene the County Elders."

"No. Not simply the County Elders, but the Elder Fae Council."

"What?" Dyson queried.

"Tell them this is a non-negotiable directive. They all will be here." Trick replied.

"Understood." Dyson acknowledged. Trick smiled and extended his hand to Dyson

"Congratulations, Ash Thornwood!" They shook hand and then toasted one another.