~A MAN OF HONOR~

~THE IVORY CASTLE: A SHORT WHILE AGO

THE VAMPIRE PRINCE OF SYVERIA, now turned Ward of the Crown and given the name Marsil of House Pierran stood reclused under a particularly dark arch in the decorated halls of the Ball Room. Soft music flowed into his ears as he gazed out at the grand ceremony going on just few feet away.

The whispered chatters and mild laughter of the invited Noblemen joined in the Bard's song, creating something of a minor discord to their music. The harps and lutes strung on nevertheless.

And more wine flowed.

The deep red ale flowed out of the hands of serving lads and into the gilded Royal chalices. Then straight down into the gulping throats of the gathered Lords—and even a few crude Ladies, women who seemed to have no control over the intoxication of the rich liqueurs.