"Induct Her Into Her Daily Routine"

"This is part of a large set of books?" Francesco asked.

"It will be as to whether I commission the completion of solely my family or the two books you hold for each family as her next task will be determined by the outcomes of the sitting," he said meaningfully. He knew the look and feel of the books were equally as impressive as the information they contained.

"You completed these on your own merit?" Francesco addressed Changying directly.

"Wang Donati held a great deal of family information, I merely refined, edited and added pertinent facts to what he had started. He is not responsible for the look and feel, but I am sure he can only improve those features," she said quietly. "He is a talented publisher."

"I know of him," Francesco nodded but said nothing more.

"The girl has some skill, but we will judge her value to the Twelve," Marco said with a tone that said he was unimpressed by Joseph's offering.

"Your men would do well to remember that they speak to a chair of the Twelve," Joseph's voice did not change in tone or pitch, but the threat was evident. He faced Marco directly, "When you seek to judge others be careful lest you are judged through the same lens."

"Francesco, you make take the girl to her quarters and induct her into her daily routine," The commander instructed the oldest of the three men who stood with him.

"Commander," Francesco bowed his head briefly in respect and escorted Changying from the large room. The men stayed silent until the door closed behind them.

"You may test her resolve to be here, but you will not test mine," Joseph said in a dangerous voice. "I have shown my commitment to bringing the girl here but make no mistake; I will wait out weeks of endless debates and arguments over the girl, which I had hoped to avoid by bringing her here, rather than endure insults born from arrogance or ignorance."

"I apologise for the poor choice of words," Marco immediately responded. "I spoke only to show her the gravity of her situation here."

"You said it to raise yourself above the Donati," Joseph was livid. "That girl has a better idea of why the Twelve came together than you do." He stared at the younger man judging him by his reaction. "Not only have you disrespected me but also your Commander, who you sought to speak for with that statement." The man finally looked concerned that he had indeed overstepped his assignation. Turning to the commander, Joseph asked, "Was he dropped on his head at birth?"

"Perhaps, I will have to ask his mother," The commander said with a perfectly straight face. "You are dismissed, we will speak about this later," he said to the men who bowed their heads in respect and headed for the door.

"Your son?" Joseph ask.

"Yes," he chuckled. "The youngest, he constantly seeks to prove himself. He asked to be part of this challenge. The decision to bring her here was swift, and we have worked hard to accommodate her special circumstances. I will impress upon them once again the uniqueness of the situation."

"I appreciate that," Joseph relaxed now they were alone. "Shall we talk about the details?"