"The early meeting, too, stinks of deceit. Fewer are willing to come on such short notice. Hence, I have made it my business to thwart this ploy."

"Surely you don't suspect the Steward of Lund in this," Anest said disparagingly, pulling his shirt over his head. "I would not credit it."

"I credit nothing but my own eyes," Dorain told him. "If you go to the meeting now, I will rouse Lily and help her to dress."

When Lily arrived at the hall and joined Anest, she saw that Dorain had been successful in rousing a sufficient number before the Steward of Lund. Most of the representatives scheduled to participate in the later meeting were present.

As they awaited the Steward, Anest explained to Lily that the office of Steward was unique, for it was an elected position.

Lund, he told her, further, was many things to many people. It was sanctuary to some from the dark things of the east. For others, it was a centre and protector of trade along the River Grey. It was also a training centre for the armies of the Four Kingdoms, and a place where valuable information about the enemies' movements could be exchanged.

When he entered the hall, Lily saw that Baldric, the Steward of Lund, was an exceptional man with a natural air of command. He was said by all not only to be a renowned man-at-arms, but the city's librarian and historian as well, though this was a common enough mix of talents and interests in the history of the Stewards.




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