Black Halfman

"Elderwood, eh?" Yogi said, his voice tinged with disdain. "That place is in open rebellion. It's been a real headache for the empire. They hide in those dense trees, you can't find 'em, but they always find you. Imperial forces have tried to flush them out more times than I can count, but they're slippery bastards. The real issue isn't just their rebellion; it's the taxes. The realm can't function without collecting taxes from all five imperial duchies. Elderwood was a big player, they paid the largest share. When they stopped paying, the emperor had no choice but to increase taxes on the other four. That's why I ended up in a financial crisis myself." Yogi chuckled bitterly, shaking his head. "I wonder how long it'll take for my brother to realize he can't pull Southenheim out of poverty. Not until they find the Gold Behemoth of Berkley, anyway." 

"The Gold Behemoth of Berkley," Preto repeated with mild amusement. "That sounds more like a legend than a solution."

Yogi shrugged. "Call it what you will. But gold's gold. And desperation makes men chase myths."

Preto shifted chains clinging in his hands, his thoughts wandering before he spoke. "Meria exceeded my expectations," he admitted. "She was a strong woman. But what surprises me most is how long she's held her rebellion against Alexander."

"She may be strong," Yogi said, "but she wouldn't have lasted this long without Halfman. He's the one the emperor really needs to deal with, a cunning man, very cunning."

"Halfman?" Preto asked, frowning.

"You've never heard of Black Halfman?"

"Never."

"Well, I don't know much about him either," Yogi admitted, "but what I do know is enough to keep me wary. He's a cripple, no lower body, but don't let that fool you. He's sharper than a blade, wears only black and is trusted by the Sisters Blackwood."

Preto tilted his head. "He wasn't there when I first met Meria eight years ago."

"Maybe not," Yogi replied, "but times change, Preto. And so do alliances. Halfman's presence has turned her rebellion into a far greater threat than Alexander ever anticipated. You'd best remember that." Yogi leaned slightly closer "Halfman may be the only ally you have who'll turn out to be truly useful."

"Black Halfman" Preto repeated.