"...Prince Knirros is exploring the Northern Ruins, for we have heard rumors of a powerful artifact that could break Morbanem's power in one stroke."
There was some worried muttering in the crowd at that. Jon wondered just how dangerous these ruins were. Even Thenesra and Iroldu looked a little concerned.
"Your Majesty, is that wise? Putting your son at risk for someone else's war?" asked the ever-daring Duke Kagon.
The king glared. "Risk, yes, but any greater than I undertook at his age? I hardly need a coward for a son, and Allaria hardly needs one for a husband."
That is technically true. I could survive without any husband at all, Jon thought.
"But I have the highest confidence he will be home soon, the king continued. He has been sending messengers back on a regular basis, and the latest reported that Knirros was close to his goal. I wouldn't be surprised if he has already started the journey home."
"Dara! What are you doing!?"
Karyn lowered her sword, then saluted her sparring partner. Apparently the big meeting was breaking up, as people were leaving the throne room, then stopping to stare at the combat that had apparently broken out in the hallway. "Oh, hello Iroldu. Just killing time. The Kornost guards and I got into a discussion about fighting techniques. So I had to demonstrate, then they did, then that led to a little sparring."
"I would thank you to avoid killing anyone and starting a war. Getting yourself killed would also be incovenient for us. Come, we have much to discuss."
At this point Karyn noticed Iroldu was alone. "Where's Allaria gone? Getting to know her new fiance?"
Iroldu started marching Karyn back to the apartments. When they were out of earshot of the humans, he explained in a low voice. "Allaria will be spending time with Princess Lisosia -- hopefully her sister-in-law-to-be. Thenesra will be keeping an eye on both of them. But the Prince is absent. Apparently the king sent him on a rather dangerous mission."
"Oh." Well, maybe Jon doesn't have to worry then. Too bad, it would have been funny. "So where are we going?"
"I will attempt to divine Prince Knirros' location. When I do, we and a few of your mercenaries will go to help him. There's no telling what might happen to him in the Northern Ruins. The humans are lucky we're here. Their own amateur wizards would be no help if Knirros ran into trouble with the ancient magics there."
"I'm ready to help. Just point me in the right direction." Karyn was actually smiling at the chance for an adventure. The sparring had convinced her that Dara's skills were hers to use, so letting the week go by without doing so would be a crime. Not to mention it sounded like Iroldu was an actual wizard, ready to fight at her side -- or behind her, as wizards prefer. Too bad Jon couldn't come along, but Allaria didn't seem the adventuring type. It figured the plot would split them up sooner or later.
