Chapter 40: Friends Old and New

Sorin led the way into the keep, through the great hall, and up a set of stairs to Cerant's quarters—the King's solar. He sat down at the large, round table in one corner and helped himself to the pitcher of wine set out, motioning for the others to join him. "I did not think I would ever return here; I did not think anyone would permit it."

"Everyone knows you were not responsible," Sorin said. "We could just never prove it and your father was too old and frail by that point to retain his wits. I am sorry you were not here when he passed."

Cerant nodded. "Me too, but it cannot be undone. Tell me what I have missed, what my brother has done. I knew he was evil, but I never thought him capable of murder. Not like that."