Arc 7: Chapter 19: Inquiry and Wait
As I roamed the battlements of Castle Tol, thinking over the day’s revelations while evening settled over the winter countryside, armored footsteps made me turn.
“Lord Cyril,” I greeted the fort’s commander. The young knight nodded a quiet greeting to me. Clad in white and gold, the Stork of Osheim looked well matched to the sterile background, like a flash of pale sunlight in cold surrounds.
“I wanted to thank you,” he said. “You reminded me that we all have a role in this war, Ser Hewer. The hunger for glory has poisoned the Houses for far too long.”
I waved a hand dismissively. “Don’t overthink it. I know House Stour’s reputation. Your uncle chose to keep watch over Kingsmeet and the gate to the east while the rest of Urn’s clans were competing for glory at Garihelm’s tournament. I’m certain the Emperor knows this effort is in good hands.”
“Will you be moving on to Baille Os after this?” The knight asked. “You should listen to the Cardinal speak. He is a man of great vision.”
“I’ve heard some tell of Cardinal Manfred, and of the people he’s keeping close. You know the Priory is out of favor in the capital?”
Cyril’s tone became cautious. “In the capital, perhaps, but the Priory is well respected here. Grand Prior Eirik was nominated by the Cardinal himself. We understand there was some… scandal in Garihelm.”
I snorted. “If that’s the word you want to use. Horace Laudner wanted to sell his congregation out to an occult power. He was as bad as any Recusant.”
And now you’re working with the same devil who seduced him into that choice, I reminded myself. I never would understand what exactly had lead the Grand Prior to that decision, though I could guess that it might be more complicated than some selfish bid for power.
“We have heard stories,” Cyril said, his voice still reserved.
“Like how the Emperor called angels to bring the Accursed Headsman to heel?” I laughed softly. “Yes, I’ve heard some of those too.”