Michael Sullivan - Wintertide

Carefully choosing his words, Hadrian replied, "Not a complaint really, I am merely concerned about my performance in the coming tournament. I am going to be competing against many renowned knights such as Sir Breckton here. It is extremely important that I do well in the joust. Some very distinguished people will be watching the outcome quite closely."

"You should not be so concerned," Breckton mentioned. "If you are true to the knight's code, Maribor will guide you. What others may think has no weight on the field. The truth is the truth, and you know whether you live in accord with it or not. From this you will draw your strength or weakness."

"Thank you for your kind words, but I am not merely riding for myself. A success in this tournament will change the fortunes of those I care about as well…my, ah, retinue."

Albert nodded.

Sir Breckton leaned forward. "You are that concerned about the reputation of your squires and grooms?"

"They are as dear to me as family," Hadrian responded.

"That is most admirable. I can't say I have ever met a knight so concerned with the well-being of those who serve him."

"To be honest, sir, it is mainly for their welfare that I ride. I only hope they do nothing to dishonor me, as some of them are prone to poor judgment-rash and risky behavior-usually on my behalf, of course. Still, in this instance, I prefer they would merely enjoy the holiday."

Albert gave another nod and drained the last of his wine.

Ballentyne took another drink as well. He swallowed, burped loudly, and then slouched with his elbow on the table, resting a palm against his cheek. Hadrian surmised that it would not be long before the earl passed out completely.

The monk and the gray-bearded fellow bid the table good night. The two wandered off while debating the Legend of Kile, the significance of Saldur's story, and the true nature of the man Hadrian allegedly met in the forest.

"Well, it has been a delight to dine with you all," Albert said, rising. "I am not used to such rich living, and this wine has gone to my head. I fear I will make a fool of myself should I remain, so I will retire."

The two knights bid him farewell, and Hadrian watched as Albert left the hall without looking back.

Having no one else left to converse with, Hadrian turned to Breckton. "Did your father not attend, or is he seated somewhere else?"

Breckton, whose attention was focused toward the front of the hall, took a moment to respond. "My father chose not to come. If not for the request of my lord here-" He gestured at the earl, who did not react. "I would not have attended either. Neither of us is in a mood for celebrations. We only recently learned that my younger brother Wesley died in the empress's service."

Hadrian replied in a somber voice, "I'm sorry for your loss. I'm sure he died with honor."

"Thank you, but death in service is not unexpected. It would be a comfort to know the circumstances. He died far from home serving aboard the Emerald Storm, which was lost at sea." Breckton got to his feet. "Please excuse me. I think I'll also take my leave."

"Of course, good evening to you."

He watched Breckton go. The knight had the same stride as his brother, and Hadrian had to remind himself that the two choices he faced were equally unpleasant. Even without his emotional ties, two lives were more valuable than one. Breckton was a soldier, and as he himself stated, death in service was not unexpected. Hadrian had no choice, but that fact did little to ease his conscience.

Ballentyne's head slipped off his hand, making a solid thud as it hit the table.

Hadrian sighed. Like knighthood, noble feasts were not as illustrious as he had expected.

Knightly Virtue Albert Winslow walked quickly through Aquesta, holding his heavy cloak tightly around himself, its hood raised. He regretted not switching to boots, as his buckled shoes were treacherous on the icy cobblestones. He could have taken a carriage. The palace had a few available for hire, but walking made it easier to determine if he was being followed. Glancing back, Albert found the street empty.

By the time he entered the Bailey Inn, the fire in the common room was burning low. An elderly man slept near the hearth, a cup of brandy nearly spilling in his lap. Albert walked quickly to the stairs and up to his room. He would write out a note, leave it on the table, and then head back to the palace. Formulating the wording in his head, he took out a key and unlocked the door.

How do I begin to explain what I just saw?

Instead of entering a cold, dark room, he found a fire burning, lighted candles on the table, and lying on his bed with boots still on-a dwarf.

"Magnus?"

The door closed abruptly, and Albert spun to see Royce behind him. "You should remember to lock your door," the thief said.

Albert smirked. "I won't even dignify that with a comment. When did you get back?"

"Not long enough to get any rest," Magnus grumbled. "He drove us like dogs to get here."

"Hey, watch the boots," Albert said, slapping them with the back of his hand.

"What's happened with Hadrian?" Royce spoke sharply, his hood still up.

When Albert first met Royce, the viscount had been a drunk living in a farmer's barn outside Colnora. Reduced to selling his clothes piecemeal to buy rum, he was down to little more than his nightshirt and old rags. Wailing about the misfortune of being the noble son of a spendthrift father, he offered Royce and Hadrian his silk nightshirt for five copper tenents. Royce had made him a better offer. Riyria needed a nobleman to work as a liaison to the wealthy and privileged-a respectable face to sell disreputable services. They cleaned him up, paid for new clothes, and provided all the trappings of success that a viscount required. They gave him back his dignity, and Albert was noble once more. From then on the viscount saw Royce as a friend, but at times like this-when Royce's hood was raised and his voice harsh-even Albert was scared of him.

"Well?" Royce pressed, stepping closer and causing Albert to back up. "Is he in prison? They didn't…"

"What? No!" Albert shook his head. "You're actually not going to believe this. I just came from the Feast of the Nobles, the big opening party for the Wintertide celebration. Everyone was there, kings, bishops, knights, you name it."

"Get to the point, Albert."

"I am. Hadrian was there, too."

Albert saw Royce's hands form fists. "What were they doing to him?"

"Oh, no, nothing like that-they were feeding him. He was-they made him a knight, Royce-a knight of the Empire. You should have seen the outfit he was wearing."

At this, even the dwarf sat up.

"What? Speak sense, you crazy-"

"I swear. It's the truth! Regent Saldur even came over and told the whole table this nutty story about how Hadrian fought for the Imperialists at the Battle of Ratibor and was knighted because of it. Can you believe that?"

"No, I don't. Have you been drinking again?"

"Just a bit of wine. I'm sober. I swear," Albert said.

"But why would they do such a thing? Were you able to get near him? What did he say?"

"He wasn't able to speak freely and hinted that he was being watched, but I think he's competing in the tournament. It sounded like the regents made him some kind of deal."

"The tournament at Highcourt?"

"Yes. He made it pretty clear that we shouldn't interfere or try to help."

"I don't understand."

"That makes two of us."

"I feel ridiculous," Amilia whispered to Nimbus as she pushed her plate away.

One hundred and twenty-three pairs of eyes stared at her. She knew the exact number. She knew which rulers brought wives and which sat with courtesans. She knew who was sensitive to drafts and who was uncomfortable near the heat of the hearth. She knew which princess refused to sit beside which countess. She knew who held power and which ones were just puppets. She knew every quirk and foible, every bias and fear, every name and title-but not a single face.