The Defector

Sore Winner.

I sat waiting for someone to answer my question...

"Since you see fit to drag your heels on this matter, I'll ask you one more time and, this time, I had better get an answer within five minutes.

How do you plan on moving forward from this if I simply return them?" I demanded.

Sitting back, I put my feet on the dais in front of me.

"I have all of five minutes to spare as of now.

If you genuinely care for your children, you will answer."

Hasseth grew increasingly angry by the second until he shouted at me for having my feet up.

"That's not the answer that I seek." I said.

A member of staff rolled a cart in.

"Tea is served." She said simply.

She took cups to everyone but me.

However, she did have a cup with what I'd requested.

She sat it in my hand and said.

"Sir. Your message was relayed, as you requested.

Moving from that, I have made this as you specified but, are you certain? It is Kaspa flower." She said, her face wracked with fear and worry.

Several of those present suddenly stared at me as I took a sip.

"This is delicious. Thank you very much." I said, tucking into my tea.

"Four minutes." I said after taking another sip.

They watched me so intently, that it seemed they were eager for something.

"If you're wondering, I have had this tea before.

I am aware that Kaspa is a poisonous flower but, I am immune." I said.

They went back to their silent contemplating and one still stared at me... with tears in his eyes.

I stood and said.

"Sir Guyen. Please, follow me. Id like to ask your thoughts on a personal matter."

I stepped out and he followed.

Once we were in the corridor, I touched his shoulder and we appeared in the forest.

"I saw your tears. Why don't you speak up? No one is answering me." I said.

He looked around him.

"I'll be killed if I speak!

The king ordered us to silence under penalty of death!" He wailed.

"I see. Is your noble status more valuable to you than your child? Even if he is your youngest son?" I asked.

"Not at all!" He cried.

"How do you feel about the foxes? Are they demons in your opinion?" I asked.

"I've never once thought of them as such. I've only ever hoped that we could work with the fox people." He explained.

"Seer. Does he speak the truth?" I asked.

"Yes." Came her quick response.

I sighed.

"I can move your family out of the kingdom but, it must wait until after the seven day mark.

I will return your son to you and, also, tell me.

Who else among those men wish for peace with the foxes?" I asked, placing my hands on my hips as I toyed with a snowbell flower with my foot.

"I know that Margrave Copper does. Duke Briant does as well." He said.