Castle Mirador, Kingdom of Thurisle
It had been a long time since they'd had a party at Mirador.
For the last few months, everyone had been preoccupied. Winter was coming. Goforth and his fellow explorers had set out, gotten lost, then been recovered. Much to everyone's horror, the explorers' memories had still not returned. There was a general sense of unrest in the land, such as Kandar had never experienced in his years as duke.
Yes, it was time for a party.
Kandar was famous for the dances he gave at Mirador. Only the finest food and drink were served; only the best musicians and entertainers performed. Balls were times to eat, drink, and be merry, to let the anxious months slip away from memory. At least for a few days.
Although the day dawned heavy with snow, Kandar knew it would be one to remember. Honored guests were coming from all over the kingdom. Doubtless some would be delayed by snow, but they were Thurisayles, after all. What was a little bad weather to them?
The ballroom had been exquisitely decorated. Lavish food had been prepared and each guest was to take home a gift- a silver-toothed comb.
The only thing that still worried him today was his father. Dalor had been particularly troubled over the last few weeks, so much so that Kandar had ordered a double watch on him. The old king was to be locked in his chambers while the party lasted.
Sometimes Kandar felt the weight of his broken relationships very heavily. It was easy to wish things were different; to wish his mother were still alive, or to wish his deranged father wasn't his burden to care for. But that simply wasn't reality. His mother, the queen, was dead. His father was here because Thurisle had been the best place for him to go after he'd come back crazed from his journey. It was out of the way. Hardly any strangers ever visited, and bad weather kept most people out of trouble once they arrived.
Although Kandar had made sure that Dalor would be kept safe in his room for the night, he had a sick feeling that something was going to happen tonight. Something unplanned.
As the duke strode to his room to get ready for the evening, he heard a voice in the hallway.
"Your Grace?"
Nithar walked quickly toward him, wearing her usual leather coat and breeches.
"Oh, what is it now?" He complained. "I was going to get ready."
"I'm sorry." She sighed. "I just needed to confirm one of the invitations."
"This late? Nithar, it's two hours until the party begins!" He exclaimed.
"I know. But the captain of the guard wanted to check. Did you invite Chance Goforth to the party?" She asked, her grey eyes searching for any sign of recognition.
"Not that I recall. I decided not to invite any of the explorers from his crew. Not until they all recover, of course." He clarified.
"Well, Goforth is here." Nithar sighed. "He just checked his horse into the stables and is currently chatting with courtiers in the waiting room."
Kandar made a face. He could get very temperamental before his parties. Something that generally wouldn't bother him could become a great irritant at a time like this. Nithar prepared for an outburst.
"What a selfish thing that man is." He growled. "I gave him everything- a new house, lots of money for his work. Is that enough? No. He needs the undying attention and pity of the whole kingdom."
"What do you suggest we do?" The young woman trailed slightly behind Kandar as he paced the floor to his chambers, impatient to get ready.
"I don't know. Get him out of here." Kandar stormed.
