The young king looked around the dimly lit room, pursed his lips and looked at Faye smugly.
- Do you know why you're here, Faye, or whatever you call yourself?
- No, I do not. Pardon my ignorance, your majesty.
Faye tried to make his baryton voice as steady and trustworthy as possible.
- My grey men believe you and your accomplice are despicable assassins, sent by the Jarral enclave. It is surely true that the Imran and his fat silk peddlers would like to se my innards on the floor, but still- to be so bold, or so clumsy...?
Explain your reason to be found in the Palatine Circle and I will see if I like your little song.
Faye's eyes widened with fear and his throat became dry. This was worse than he ever could have imagined. Trying hard not to babble, he said:
- Uhm, m-my profound excuses your majesty. We are but wretched travellers, carried by the winds and whims of Aeol the Piper. I was not aware that it was such a grieveous offense to enter the Palatine Circle without proper invitation. My musical skills are much enjoyed in the common rooms, but the coin is better in a nobleman's salon. The journey cost us all our money, and my companion Issä had to sell his beloved widjawood lute. Forgive me Sire, but is he in your custody as well?
The king looked at him carefully while twirling a red-enameled gold ring on his finger, it had a yellow beryl type stone in it. He was frowning slightly less than before. Somewhere behind the pillars in the back Faye saw a floating movement, or was it just the torches flickering?
-He is in the next room with my guards, though wearing a much less fancy collar than your own. Imagine that they put you in the Ogre of Malkar chains.... He chuckled.
Very well, I know you're not lying, so I will judge for myself if your music is any good, and that will be the proof of your claims, bard. - Ryker! Come watch this man while he plays his instrument!
But from the antechamber they suddenly heard a thumping sound and a thud, and then a scream and a curse.
The curse was in Thalian. Issä!!
Blades clashed briefly, another thud and a loud bubbling groan gave away that another opponent had been downed.
The king looked astonished, but quickly moved behind Faye and drew his ornamental court rapier, the gilt steel glimmering menacingly in the torchlight. He looked at Faye sternly, his green eyes quickly appraising the older man's stature and possible combat abilities.
-It looks as if my men were wrong about you, but the damned assassins got in. They failed once already so this will be the next level, probably Maegthar or sisters of Ardos. Defend me now and you might make your fortune tonight. He made a gesture and muttered a few arcane words, and the Ogre of Malkar chains stopped humming and fell to the floor with a loud clank. Faye was free to move, and act.
A slender masked figure with a faintly shimmering cape entered the room with fluid movements...
