“To be sure of one’s friends, to be confident of their loyalty, that is a rare thing indeed.”—Writings of Ser Jesup Corrigan, Knight of House Mornen

  The Vill, Cryptonia, Ground Plane

  Jasper’s squad continued to ride through town at a walk. Jasper observed the sad state of several rundown buildings that had been left to rot. The shingle roof of a nearby building had fallen inwards, opening the interior to the elements. Jasper frowned at this.

  “Such a waste,” he muttered.

  “It is,” Titus agreed solemnly.

  “It was not always like this,” said Calian.

  “More consequences of poor leadership, I imagine?” Jasper looked over his shoulder at the steward.

  “When families are unable to sustain their businesses or livelihoods, there is little to keep them here.” Calian shrugged and blew out a long sigh. He pointed at the decrepit building. “That used to be a carpet weaver’s shop. The family was run off because they were unable to pay Lerontis’ ungodly taxes.”

  “We will not be conducting municipal business that way any longer,” Jasper bit out through gritted teeth. “Not unless it is absolutely warranted.”

  “Yes, Lord,” Calian nodded. The vampire’s gaze focused on a man that was sweeping off his front porch. The man looked up in surprise and doffed his weathered cap, bowing a bit unsteadily. He smiled up at Jasper.

  “Good day, Milord. Nice to finally lay eyes on the new master of the Tower.”

  “Master Silas,” Calian smiled, pulling Star up beside Jasper and raising a hand in greeting. “It is lovely to see you on this fine day. We have come for Lord Jasper to meet the council members, if they are in town.”

  “Ah, I see, Master Calian! Teagan, Lady Alanis, and Miss Gretchen are in the Keg, just up the street,” Silas pointed towards the tavern directly ahead. “I saw them headed down for a pint.”

  “Well, that sounds like a good idea,” said Jasper. “It’s getting near lunch, let’s see what they have to eat and we’ll look for the councilors.”

  “As you wish, Lord.” Calian leaned forward in his saddle, and Star proceeded at a walk down the lane. Jasper legged Notch behind the steward, and his escort followed him. They arrived at the aptly-named watering hole, dismounted, and ventured through the swinging door. It was a comfortable looking place, lit with oil lamps, smelling of good food and ale. A decent number of patrons were crowded into the long tables spaced throughout the large front room. Jasper could see a simple plank stair at the far end, behind the bar. People turned to look at the new arrivals. Conversations died to a murmur. Fingers pointed.

  “Greetings,” said Jasper, raising a hand after removing his gloves. He felt a bit uneasy, but tried for a confident smile. “Please don’t let us ruin your fun. Just here for a meal and to meet some friends.” The room was quiet for several moments before resuming a more normal volume. Calian leaned over and pointed to one round table in a corner with two women and a man seated around it.

  “There.”

  “Ah, I see.” Jasper turned to his guards. “Get something for yourselves, Titus and Calian can keep me safe in here, I think.” He grinned.

  “Your will, my Lord,” said Vek. “We’ll be close by.” The soldiers nodded respectfully and found a relatively clean table, Jonno raising a hand for the serving girl. Jasper and his companions headed for the table. The three stood up as he stopped in front of them.

  The author's content has been appropriated; report any instances of this story on Amazon.

  The man was big, a few inches taller than Jasper, and almost a hundred pounds heavier. He wore no apron, but the man was clearly a blacksmith from the ember scars and singed hair on his forearms. His formerly-white shirt was sweat stained, and there were a few holes in it. He had short, thick, curly black hair and a beard to match. His tanned face had some wrinkles, but not enough to make him look old. Next to him was an older woman perhaps in her sixties. Her hair was grey, and she had a mole on the bridge of her nose. She wore a smock layered with hues of green, white, and burgundy, tied with a leather belt around her thin waist. Her hands were gnarled, but steady as she set down her mug.

  “Hello.” Jasper smiled. “I am Jasper McKenna. Calian has told me you are three of the city council members I. Teagan, which I must assume is you, ser, and Miss Gretchen, and Lady…ah, forgive me, I am still struggling learning these new names.”

  “Lady Alanis, Lord Jasper.” The lady bowed to him with the grace he had come to associate with elves, despite the fact she did not overtly resemble one. She did not have the elegantly pointed ears of her kin, but she was young and quite beautiful. Her long brown hair fell in unnaturally straight strands down her back. It was braided in loops at the temples that wound together around the sides to keep the loose hair from her face. Alanis’ lips turned upwards in a slightly mischievous grin. “It is a pleasure to meet you.”

  “Likewise, my lady. Please sit.” He gestured to them, and they returned to their seats. Jasper felt a brush at his elbow and noticed Calian had retrieved chairs for them as well. “Thank you, Calian.” He turned back to the three councilors before him. “I must apologize, I did not intend to interrupt your conversation; but it is my first time in town, and I wanted to make the most of it.”

  “Not at all, Milord,” Teagan chuckled, waving him off. “We’s just sittin’ and whiling away the midday sun now. My boy is off getting us more coal for the forge, and business is slow anyhow.”

  “That is actually one of the things I wished to discuss,” said Jasper, leaning forward to put his elbows on the table. “I’ve been made aware of the region's trouble with trade and business in general, and I intend to do something about it.”

  “Do you now?” Gretchen’s blue eyes twinkled. “That would be a sight of good luck, or a blessing from the gods both.”

  “Indeed,” Alanis murmured, meshing her long fingers on the table.

  “I don’t know about that, but trade problems I can address,” said Jasper. “I also wanted to personally extend my invitation to the confirmation celebration to all three of you.” The human’s eyes widened in surprise, but Alanis simply smiled.

  “I would be honored.”

  “As would I,” Teagan chimed in.

  “Certainly so. It’s been too long since I had any of Cook Harla’s good biscuits,” said Gretchen, grinning.

  “I asked for them especially,” Jasper laughed. “I’m glad to know her talents are appreciated outside the castle as well.” At that moment, a serving girl appeared and asked if Jasper would like to dine in. He said yes and asked her to bring the meal of the day.

  “It’s just a simple mutton and potatoes, Milord,” she said, looking unsure and worried he might be disappointed.

  “That sounds good, miss.” He smiled, and she bobbed a quick curtsy before departing. Jasper turned back to his table mates. “I believe there is one missing, right? Cedric?”

  “Yes, Lord,” Teagan nodded. “Said he’d be away on business for a hand of days or so, something to do with searching for more workers to help in the forest and his shop.”

  “Really? I knew he was a woodsman, I did not realize he was a carpenter as well.”

  “Master Cedric is the best human woodcarver I have seen in many years,” said Lady Alanis. “He is quite talented, if a little rough around the edges. But, that is the manner in which he was made. All things are just so.”

  “There is great wisdom there, Lady,” Titus nodded. Just as they were about to continue speaking, a servant girl arrived, quickly followed by Aesil. She looked quite agitated.

  “Lord, I must apologize for interrupting, but there is a commotion down the street, Vek said I should come in and warn you.”

  “Oh dear,” said Gretchen, putting a hand to her chest. Teagan looked resigned, and the elf lady remained passive.

  “Commotion?” Jasper cocked his head. “Does this happen often? Should we be worried?”

  “I’m not sure what it’s about, Lord.” Jasper stood from the table, Calian and Titus following suit.

  “Well, let’s go see. Perhaps we can straighten things out.” He faced the three elders and smiled. “Until next time, councilors.” They bade him good day, and Jasper exited out onto the street. Just up the lane, there was a growing crowd of people talking and some shouting that merged all together in an indecipherable hubbub. “Titus, if you wouldn’t mind exercising some parade ground vocals, I’d appreciate it.” The knight grinned.

  “My pleasure, Lord.” He cupped his hands around his mouth and bellowed loudly above the crowd noise. “Clear way! Make way for the Lord of the Tower!”