Broken Ties: A Gwerin Novel

By Scott William Simmons

After lying off with his step-father to search for Dar Banning, the missing Birrnian prince, Liam has returned home to Kinsale. But his once small, comfortable, isolated world has become confining and claustrophobic. So, with the unexpected bond of friendship formed between Aerin Manus and Karam Kael, and the threat of war with the Menden Empire looming over their heads, Keir Liam strikes off into the world, ready to take on whatever new adventures await him.
Broken Ties is book 2 in my Gwerin Series, an LGBT Fantasy Adventure, where gods still walk the land, and manipulate the hearts and minds of the people of Gwer.

• Language: English
• Publisher: Scott William Simmons
• Release date: Feb 8, 2016
• ISBN: 9781310443053

Scott William Simmons

Just your average T-shirt and jeans type of guy who paints and writes while reminiscing about the old gods, who also enjoys the company of cats and dogs. You can find out more about me at www.facebook.com/ScottWilliamSimmons and www.scottwilliamsimmons.com

Book preview

Broken Ties

A Gwerin Novel

Book 2

By

Scott William Simmons

Published by Scott William Simmons

Smashwords Edition

Copyright 2015 Scott William Simmons

This eBook is licensed for your personal enjoyment only. This eBook may not be re-sold or given away to other people. If you would like to share this book with another person, please purchase an additional copy for each recipient. If you're reading this book and did not purchase it, or it was not purchased for use only, then please return to Smashwords.com and purchase your own copy. Thank you for respecting the hard work of this author.

This book is a work of fiction. Any references to historical events, real people, or real locales are used fictitiously. Other names, characters, places, and incidents are the product of the author's imagination, and any resemblance to actual events or locales or persons, living or dead, is entirely coincidental

To see more work by Scott William Simmons visit www.facebook.com/ScottWilliamSimmons

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www.scottwilliamsimmons.com

Cover art by Andrew Cefalu www.andrewcefalu.com

Books by Scott William Simmons

The Gwerin Series

Choices Made

Broken Ties

Richard

Thank you for your friendship.

And for being a mentor over the years.

Synopsis

Welcome to Gwer, a world of men and women still following the dictates of their gods. Gods that, for thousands of years, constantly warred with each other while commanding their disciples to kill and die in their name. These battles brought the Gwerin and their world to the brink of annihilation. Were it not for the goddess Cavanna all would have been lost under the unending winter brought upon by the goddess Saffir. The Mother of All thwarted Saffir's plans, banishing her and many of the pantheon, including Cavanna's husband, along with their mortal followers to a world they could call their own. To war, or not to, as they wished. To ensure a lasting peace among the remaining peoples Cavanna commanded for all the seas of Gwer to be drained, isolating many of the kingdoms, using survival as a means for the Gwer to work together and to end their strife.

After centuries of civility Cavanna had her son Barra, the god of the earth, create the lodestones, a mystical means for the Gwer to begin travelling across the desolation the gods had created.

Choices Made

Our story begins a thousand years after The Great Rift, the last war of the gods.

In Kinsale, the capitol of Birr, one of the largest Gwerin kingdoms, we meet Liam. Keir Liam, a twenty-four year old man, was orphaned as a little boy when raiders murdered his father while sacking his village and burning it to the ground.

Not wanting to ever watch another loved one die, Liam isolated himself from the world, sticking to the home of Seb Cullen, the man who adopted Liam. Fortunately for Liam, Cullen was a priest to the god Barra. This gave Liam the temple and its environs to call his world. When Aerin Riocard, the ruler of Birr, asked Cullen to aid Manus, his eldest son, to search for Banning, Riocard's foster-son and Manus' half-brother, the priest goaded Liam into helping him. Manus was not pleased by this invitation because Karam Kael, Manus' best friend, and a man Manus was secretly in love with, was immediately infatuated with the shy and awkward Liam.

Manus was not the only one displeased by the arrangements of this adventure. For reasons of her own, Mair Betrys, the mother to Manus and Banning was not happy that her eldest son would be flying off into danger to search for his half-brother. Betrys had no love for her youngest son and would have preferred another to search for her youngest son, or for Banning to simply remain lost.

What the Birrnians did not know was Banning had been kidnapped by Emmis Daigh, an old lover of Dar Fionn, Banning's father. In their younger days, when Daigh was suddenly rejected by Fionn for Riocard, his new suitor, Daigh fled their home of Seruth. Daigh's journeying eventually led him to the kingdom on Iniscarn where Daigh took up pirating for Argus Berach, the Scarnian ruler.

So, when Daigh came across the unconscious Banning during a raid, the man only saw the face of Fionn, a man he still loved deeply. Disobeying Berach's law of not kidnapping, Daigh returned to Iniscarn with Banning. The Scarnian ruler was quick to rebuke Daigh and his actions when Daigh's second in command, Ormin Lhoyt, turned in his captain to Berach.

Sending Daigh off to Kinsale to inform Fionn and Riocard that Daigh had found their son, and not wanting to deal with the minor Birrnian prince, Berach ordered Gwyn, his daughter, to babysit Banning. Not wanting to be tied to home, Gwyn invited Banning, whom she found attractive, to journey with her to the Lahunne City States, a kingdom ruled by women.

With Liam, Kael and Manus were searching the wreckage of Banning's barge, and while Banning was off with Gwyn flying to Lahunne, a very old enemy was hunting the flats for prey. The Mendens, an empire that still worshiped Ciaran, the god of chaos, an empire that had been isolated after The Great Rift because of the lack of means to travel the world, were looking for men and women to replenish their slave population and to strengthen the blood lines for their clans.

The captain of this voyage was a man named Villis Dane. Dane was a leader among the ten clans that ruled Mendes. Dane was popular, ruthless and so devoted to Ciaran that he would brutalize foe or friend if it would please his god.

Dane also had spies living amongst the Sothair Dor, the slave races. One such man was Urnin Saul. Saul had wormed his way into working for Argus Berach and had become the man's overseer of Na Lomahn, a very secluded island out in the middle of the Ganeamha Flats. Berach's goal was to move his pirating operations to Na Lomahn. What Berach didn't know was that Dane also happened to be using Na Lomahn as a base of operations to attack northerners flying across the flats.

During one such attack Barra decided to halt Dane in his attempt at collecting slaves. The earth god was not wholly successful in his counterattack because Ciaran, Barra's uncle, came to the aid of his disciple. The battle would have decimated the land were it not for the intervention of Cillach, the god of war. Cillach restrained Barra from killing Ciaran, with Barra only yielding once all the slaves were released from bondage.

One such thrall who chose to remain behind was Cremin Vokes. Like Dane, Vokes came from one of the ten ruling clans. Unlike Dane, Vokes was not a leader among his people. As a matter of fact, Vokes was caught by his sister in a compromising position with one of his clan's slaves. You see, Vokes was also sleeping with Lyro Stowe, the ruler of Mendes, as was Karmela. Karmela saw this dalliance as an opportunity to eliminate a rival and talked her father and Stowe into sending Vokes into servitude for Dane as a form of punishment. What Karmela had not known was that, even after the abuse, Vokes was secretly enamored of Dane and was willing to flee with the man while Ciaran yielded to Barra.

But Ciaran's submission was just a ruse; a ploy to have his nephew brought to judgement for laying hands upon another god. You see, Cavanna, who was not only Barra's mother but Ciaran's sister, had mandated that no god would battle another or risk punishment. The majority of the pantheon eventually agreed with Ciaran that Barra had violated their laws; with a smaller group in agreement that Barra should be exiled to another world. Not Cavanna. No, The Mother of All chose a different fate for her son by making him mortal. Cavanna took away Barra's godly gifts, entrusting them to Ennaya, a goddess who was Cavanna's daughter and Barra's twin sister. Now that he was mortal Barra had no place among the gods so Cavanna sent him to live with the Gwerin he dearly loved.

During Barra's tribunal flight across the world failed, leaving many a Gwerin stranded far away from home. Liam and Kael were marooned out on the flats where their romance blossomed. The same happened between Banning and Gwyn while they were moored in Farro, a waypoint ruled by Banning's family. Daigh on the other hand, was stuck in Kinsale, where he and Fionn were tortured by the love the two men secretly felt for each other.

Dane and his slavers were also stranded on the flats. It was during this confinement that Ciaran allowed the Menden captain to feed on Vokes' soul. This was how Dane learned of Vokes' feelings for him and, at the insistence of Ciaran, married Vokes.

Once Ennaya gained control of the lodestones travel resumed across the world. Banning and Gwyn flew to Auvereen, one of the city states of Lahunne, to spend time with Gwyn's uncle, Argus Rafe. Liam, Kael and the disgruntled Manus (Manus saw Kael's attention slipping to someone else) made their way to Fomor, a town on the southern coast of Birr. It was in Fomor that Kael learned that this is where Liam lived as a little boy. And it was here in Fomor, when Liam was five that the town was attacked and Liam's father was murdered.

Kael saw this revelation and Liam's vulnerability as an opportunity to consummate their relationship. As the two, who were out on the outskirts of Fomor, were about to kiss, a man, naked and beaten, came stumbling over the hillside.

His name was Caittle Anam and he was a sagart in the service to Barra. Anam recounted his tale of how Barra had been haunting his dreams, urging his priest to hunt out Manus in Fomor. When the lodestones lost their mystical qualities, Anam hiked the distance to reach Fomor, unsure of how he wound up without his clothing or why he was bloodied and bruised. Once cleaned Anam was presented to Manus, the sagart informing the prince that banning could be found in Lahunne. Manus doubted this information until Seb Cullen, Liam's step-father, agreed with Anam and urged Manus to leave Fomor and to head southwest towards Lahunne.

Yes, Manus had his doubts about Anam, as did Liam. But Liam's concerns came from watching the deterioration of his stepfather who was constantly at Anam's side, and the other odd happenings occurring around Anam.

It turned out that Anam was correct and Manus found his brother in Auvereen. Manus would have gladly left at that moment to return home but for the fact that Argus Rafe's wife, Soya Alayna, invited Manus and his family to her home to celebrate their reunion. Kael joined Manus for this dinner, leaving Liam on the Camalain. This gave Liam time to confront Anam, accusing him of being Barra. Yes Anam was Barra. The fallen god told Liam that Cullen knew of his secret and begged Liam to keep it as well. In return Barra gave Liam a gift of a vision showing his birth father, recalling memories of love that the man had felt for his son. But this use of his remaining power also alerted Ciaran that his nephew was alive and as to where he could be found.

True to his word, Liam kept Barra's identity a secret. Unfortunately this burden created a rift between Liam and Kael. Manus was pleased by this change of events and was plotting how to woo Kael during their return voyage, with Banning flying with Gwyn in her vessel, when a sandstorm overtook the two vessels, halting their movement across the flats.

This storm was no natural event. With the aid of Ciaran, Dane's sagarts had conjured the sandstorm to not only conceal their movement but to hinder the Birrnians. Dane's assault was going well until one of Manus' glider pilots killed himself by slamming his small vessel into the bridge of one of Dane's warships. The Birrnian pilot's sacrifice sent the Menden warship plummeting to the ground, killing all that were aboard the warship.

The elimination of one of his vessels enraged Dane all the more. Using his two remaining warships to force Manus' and Gwyn's vessels to the ground, Dane sent his forces across the flats to attack the Birrnians and Scarnians. Ciaran chose this time to take possession of Dane's body, using Dane as a means to hide from his brethren while using his godly powers to wreak havoc among Manus' and Gwyn's crew. All would have been lost until Liam was brought down by a Menden warrior. It was at this moment that Barra revealed himself and pleaded for clemency for the Birrnians and Scarnians. Ciaran agreed, promising slavery for Liam and all that lived, as long as Barra sacrificed himself so that the others could live.

Barra acquiesced to forfeiting his life. But his uncle refused to end it. Ciaran left Dane's body so that the Menden captain could have the pleasure of killing a god. Dane reveled in the god's blood pouring over his hands and would have taken Barra's head as a prize for his clan, when Cavanna intervened. Denying Dane the right to desecrate her son's body, Cavanna transformed Barra into sand so that he could be scattered by the wind.

Thwarted, both Dane and Ciaran fled the area to lick their wounds and to plan their next attack against the Sothair Dor.

Released from bondage by the goddess, both Dane and Gwyn collected their dead before taking flight to return to Birr. On this last leg of their journey it was also revealed to all that Cavanna had resurrected Barra, giving immortality back to her son. Not only did Barra take back control of the lodestones from Ennaya, Barra revealed himself to Manus, professing his loneliness and his desire to be intimate with another being. Manus willingly became the god's lover. Manus was grateful that the god would be a distraction to ease the loss of love he felt for Kael, and to overcome the hate Manus had for Liam, as both men rekindled their romance.

Upon their arrival to Kinsale, Banning, who did not want to be forced into an arranged marriage by his parents, fled with Gwyn to return with her to Iniscarn. Banning did receive his father's blessing, the man bearing the brunt of Riocard's and Betrys' annoyance, ire and wrath at allowing Banning to shirk his familial duties. This new isolation within his clan only made Fionn realize how lonely he truly was and how much he regretted ever rejecting Emmis Daigh.

As for Liam, the boy who had always been shy and awkward around people, only wanting to be left alone? Liam also left home. Saddened by this event, Seb Cullen reminded Liam that he would always be welcome in his home. Grateful to the man he thought of as a father, Liam went to live with friends he had made during his journey, less fearful of the world, happy that he would be closer to Kael, wondering what new adventures would be awaiting him. Wondering what new adventures awaited him and Kael.

Chapter 1

Reunion

Home.

After almost two months of traversing the barren flats of Gwer, witnessing the death of the god Barra at the hands of a Menden slaver, only to be resurrected by his mother, their creator, the goddess Cavanna, Ormin Lhoyt was happy to return home.

Not my home, Lhoyt thought as he walked the carved stone streets of Carnuaimh and made his way to the villa of his captain, Emmis Daigh.

Not my home.

There was a time when this villa used to be home when Lhoyt was not bunkered on the Shaefra. A courtesy Daigh had given to him and several other crew members while on shore leave.

But now?

Now, as dusk settled over the city, the stonework of the neighborhood painted a deep red by the setting sun, Lhoyt hesitated on the threshold of Daigh's villa. Unsure as to whether he was still considered an occupant or guest Lhoyt let himself into his captain's home.

Leaving his kit by the door, Lhoyt assumed he would have bumped into another crewman from the Shaefra. Surely Vinnia or Brady would have been here. But the villa was quiet. Eerily so. Especially when word on the docks was that the Shaefra had been scuppered and that Daigh and his crew had just returned from a trip they had made to Kinsale.

Walking through rooms that were only illuminated by the fading light of the day Lhoyt made his way to the glass enclosed gaming room on this level of the home and found Emmis Daigh sitting before a board set for King's Men. A glass of alcohol was set beside the gaming board, ignored by Daigh, who staring blankly out at the canyon that Carnuaimh was built in.

Captain?

Master Ormin. Daigh reached for his drink and took a sip from it, his eyes never leaving the panorama before him. Welcome back.

Thank you.

The sound of Daigh's glass returning to its spot on the table echoed within the room before the quiet solitude that Lhoyt had walked into reasserted itself around them.

Lhoyt waited, expecting a flurry of questions about his journey. Or at least a reprimand. Definitely a reprimand at having left Iniscarn with Gwyn and Banning to travel with them to Lahunne. But Daigh remained silent as he continued his vigil over the city, ignoring Lhoyt where he stood.

I can't do this, Lhoyt thought as the silence became unbearable, absently rubbing his jaw, as if the man was remembering the encounter when Daigh had struck him over ratting him out to Argus Berach for kidnapping Banning.

I can't do this. Lhoyt mumbled, shuffling his feet uncomfortably, as he thought about what he had experienced while in Gwyn's service over the past couple of months.

What did you say? Daigh tilted his head to look back at his commander.

I can't, Lhoyt started, cursed, steeling himself before starting over with what he had to say.

Captain, Daigh, I need to resign from my post.

Lhoyt hesitated once more as Daigh retrieved his drink and shifted in his seat so that he could look at the standing man.

Go on. Daigh encouraged the man before lifting the glass of alcohol, bourbon, to his lips.

I need to resign my post. Lhoyt resumed, knowing full well that he was repeating himself. It's just, I'm attracted to you and have been for quite some time. And now. Now. I think it best if I go my own way before I ruin our friendship. If I haven't done that already.

Unless you have someone in mind I think Clune Davis would be a good replacement for me. Lhoyt added as Daigh stood, leaving his drink behind as he approached him. I can stay to train him or whoever you pick. Whatever you want Captain.

No. Daigh said as he came to stand before Lhoyt.

No? Lhoyt couldn't take his eyes from Daigh whose hair was flaming red from the setting sun washing over it, the graying at the corners of his mouth momentarily hidden, while he could smell the bourbon that Daigh had been drinking on his breath.

No. Daigh replied as his hand came up to rub the old scar that cut across Lhoyt's lower lip and chin before kissing him.

Lhoyt. I want you to stay.

***

No! Out of the question! He cannot stay here.

But father!

No Gwyn! Banning and his man cannot reside in our home!

But why? It would only be until repairs can be made on the Kasser so I can make my next trading run.

You know why. Berach growled in frustration while running his hands through his black, silvering hair, his words hinting at their past practices and of how she came to meet Dar Banning. And it would not be appropriate for the two of you to be seen living within the same home.

It's not like we'd be sharing a room!

Did you on the Kasser?

Father! No!

Gwyn's conversation with her father was not going well. As a matter of fact, Gwyn's reunion with him was not turning out as pleasant as she had hoped it would be.

Although he was thrilled to have his daughter home from such a long and, from the rumors he was hearing, a dangerous journey, the ruler of Iniscarn was not thrilled that Gwyn had first taken Banning, the son of a rival kingdom that one of his men had kidnapped, on her trip to Lahunne and to now have brought the prince back to their home.

I kept him out of your hair! Gwyn countered. Just the way you asked me.

Undeterred by Gwyn's attempt to turn the blame for this fiasco on him, Berach reminded his daughter once again of how Emmis Daigh had been the one that had kidnapped the prince.

I know. Gwyn said a little quietly, fearful that Banning, who was only down the hall in a sitting room, might have heard the comment.

But it was Banning that asked for passage out of Kinsale. Besides, Gwyn raised her chin defiantly as she crossed her arms across her chest. I like Banning and I wanted him to come back with me.

Like him? Seriously? Him?

Father! Yes! And please keep your voice down.

Berach continued to look at his daughter, not knowing what else to say except to curse, which only made Gwyn all the more nervous and began to tick off Banning's attributes and of how he had gone out of his way to help her and her crew on the Kasser.

Berach also felt the need to point out that he was not Scarnian.

Uncle Rafe liked him. Gwyn countered.

Of course his brother would have liked him, Berach thought, the man liked everyone.

Exasperated by the conversation and seeing no outcome that he would like, for now, Berach conceded to the fact that he would be losing this debate and told his daughter to fetch Dar Banning.

Surprised by this command, because she thought their fight would have lasted longer, Gwyn took a moment to let her father's words sink in before leaving the room to retrieve her guest.

Berach didn't say a word when the two returned, only staring at the young man who greeted the ruler of Iniscarn with a confident Milord. But the confidence soon wavered in the twenty-two year old as the ruler of Iniscarn remained silent, his gaze hardening, fixated on the prince, while picking up a carved ivory pen to toy with.

Banning was not what he had expected. At least not so much. The prince of Birr was dressed in attire suitable for court life and he wore the signet ring of his family on his right hand. This is where the appearances of being part of a monarchy from a great kingdom, an empire, ended.

Banning's blondish brown hair had been cut short, not shoulder length which was a style that was in vogue with the Gwerin elite, and was parted down the middle and brushed back with some locks falling forward over his forehead.

His skin was tanned; a warm brown with his cheekbones and forehead slightly darker than the rest of his face. A coloration that spoke of someone spending a lot of time living under the sun. His was not the complexion of a man who was trained to be spending most of his life inside of a throne room.

But it was his hands that truly caught Argus Berach's attention. They were not immaculate with polished nails as someone would have whose only goal in life was to socialize. Quite the contrary; the man's hands were just as dark, if not darker than his face. And the cuticles seemed to be stained with oil and dirt. Why, even the nail on his left thumb was broken, cracked and dirtied.

More like a laborer wearing clothing too fine for one of his status, Berach thought as he watched Banning begin to fidget and pick at his broken nail.

My daughter tells me you are looking for sanctuary? Berach finally asked.

No Milord. Banning's gaze returned to Berach, his eyes unblinking when he spoke. I have come seeking work on one of your merchant vessels.

Preferably my daughters?

Banning's only reply was to blush, his cheeks turning a deep red, enriching the color of his tan while Gwyn scowled at her father's bluntness.

And what does your father think of you being here?

Sir, he gave me his blessing.

What of your liege lord?

Here a worried look appeared in Banning's eyes.

I never asked my foster-father to take leave of Kinsale.

Then it would be safe to assume that he is probably not happy that his property took it upon himself to flee his country.

Gwyn clicked her tongue in disgust at her father's rudeness while Banning simply ignored the barb.

You are probably right Milord. Banning replied politely.

Berach looked down at the ivory pen he was still holding onto, pulling out its metal nib and rolling it in his hand while letting Banning wonder if he was going to send him back to Kinsale. That decision would be to the benefit of everyone, Berach thought, while putting the pen back to together.

Work you say? The Lord of Iniscarn finally asked.

Banning helped Timo Lyle with maintenance of the ballistae. Gwyn chimed in as she realized that her father seemed to be wavering in his thinking about Banning. And he learned how to fletch arrows while we were out on the flats.

As proof to Gwyn's words, Banning raised his hands to reveal his fingertips which explained why they were still stained black from the pitch used to affix the feathers to the arrow shafts.

Have the steward put him on the books as working on the Kasser. Berach also knew that Banning had arrived with a bodyguard and asked if the man would be staying or returning to Kinsale.

He will be staying Milord. Cahl Goban is a damn good fighter and a hard worker.

I am sure. So that will be two names to be added to the roster of your ship.

Thank you father! Gwyn beamed.

But there are rules. Berach cast his stony gaze onto Banning, doing his best to now ignore his daughter.

First. You are welcome to spend the night in my home. But as of tomorrow morning you must find your own place to live.

When Gwyn began to protest over this stipulation Berach quickly cut his daughter off.

Second. Master Cahl must find someplace to stay tonight.

He is with several of my men right now. Gwyn explained, unhappy that she was not completely getting her way in this matter. We'll send word to them that Goban will be staying in the hostel with them in Market Row.

I don't have a problem joining him and the others. Banning added.

Or we can see if the Tors have some room in their home for you for the time being. Gwyn mused out loud. That will give us some time to find some apartments for you and Goban.

Whatever. Banning shrugged trying to act as nonchalantly as possible. Either a hostel, the Tors, or one of the barracks will be fine for now.

I am not a harsh man. Berach interrupted, somewhat jealous of the excited conversation that started up between his daughter and the former prince of Birr. I am just concerned about the propriety of my daughter who will one day rule my kingdom.

There is no need for you to explain Milord. Banning replied. I understand.

Berach stood. Good, Master Dar, I am glad that we understand one another. That being said I would like to invite you to dine with my daughter and myself tonight. Gwyn still needs to give a report of your trip and a second voice might help with information she might overlook.

As you wish Lord Argus.

Doing one of the most business-like things he had ever done in his life, Banning stretched out his right hand to the ruler of Iniscarn. After a brief pause of surprise Berach followed suit, the two shaking hands while Banning thanked Berach for his generosity before he and Gwyn were dismissed from the room.

***

Dinner that night at the Argus' villa was held on a small balcony that overlooked the canyon city of Carnuaimh. Several braziers had been lit to chase away the coolness of the evening air with the only other light sources for their dining being the candles in the center of the smallish rectangular table where they were seated.

The dinner was quite formal, at least by Berach and Gwyn's standards who had grown accustomed to either eating in Berach's library or at a table situated within the villa's kitchen.

You were fortunate that the only casualties of that battle were your glider pilots Garrum Nisha and Tallit Orser. Berach commented after listening to Gwyn and Banning tell the story of their trip to and from Lahunne and of the attack that followed.

Thankfully Ciaran and the Mendens were focused on attacking Banning's brother and finding Barra. Gwyn replied. We were lucky the men and women in the ballistae rooms only received flesh wounds from the shattered hull when Ciaran did turn his attention on us.

Berach agreed with his daughter.

Their families should be compensated. Berach began to explain to his daughter. Make sure the Garrums and the Tallits receive two years wages for their losses.

That reminds me. Gwyn said as she used her fork to move some vegetables about her plate. Nisha was single and her son, Landon, wishes to remain on board the Kasser. The thing is he has yet to reach the age of majority.

How old is the boy?

He is fifteen.

What of the rest of his family?

Nisha and her mate were originally from Wex and came here so that they could follow the old traditions. I think it's been about five years since the man has passed away.

Well, find out if the mother had any holdings and you and I will make sure any titles are transferred into his possession, as well as receiving our compensation for Nisha.

Yes father.

Banning, who had remained quiet while the father and daughter talked business, slowly picking at his food so that he would not finish his meal ahead of Berach or Gwyn, looked up when the lord of Iniscarn acknowledged him.

You see Banning. Berach started. We may not be a vast empire such as your Birr but we are a prosperous enough kingdom and will take care of our own no matter what the cost.

An honorable trait sir. Banning replied.

And our customs do not offend the modern sensibilities of a Birrnian citizen?

No sir. Banning replied quite confidently. "Or I