The guard waved them through without issue, and a moment later their hansom passed under the gate and into a large receiving area. A heavy stone building rose several floors, although two additional lower walled areas extended from the sides. From Lazare’s explanation, they were dual wings known as the People’s and the Lord’s, which were fallback locations to house those escaping from disaster or war.

  As they stopped, valets appeared and offered to help Flor and Sparks down from the hansom. Lazare helped himself down and was soon met by a rosy-cheeked man who bowed. Lazare waved him up and then indicated the two behind him.

  “Lord Neus, I present the Brawler Flor and the aspirant Cleric Sparks. This is Lord Neus, the Lord of stewards. His stewards will assist you as needed.” Both Flor and Sparks curtsied politely to Neus.

  “I see you are not joined by your brother or his wife, my Lord,” said Neus.

  “He is unfortunately indisposed and sends his regrets to the Lord Necromancer.”

  Lord of Stewards turned to lead them into the chapel. The Chapel reminded Flor of the Temple in the city, although constructed of stone rather than wood. An unnamed Cleric 3 stood at the door to offer assistance as needed. Flor considered this the best time to ask if Sparks could stay behind.

  “My Lord Neus,” said Flor, “My friend the Cleric aspirant Sparks would beg to remain with the Chapel or in the yards, based on her desire for reverence to the goddess. Do you have qualms about her doing so, my Lord?”

  Lord Neus shrugged as if he had no issues. “I shall inform my staff and the Cleric Júlia Maria.”

  “Thank you, my Lord.”

  Flor – Sparks: Find cats and other helpful information, please.

  Sparks – Flor: Yep.

  Flor continued with a brief observation of the Goddess alongside Lord Lazare, then followed him to an exit which placed the group at the main entrance to the keep, with the wings to the auxiliary keeps on either side. Up close the building was intimidating and stark, closed off with a massive wooden door. The door was open and they entered a small antechamber, which maintained a similar second door. After passing through this, they were in what must be the Assembly, which was a sparsely decorated, but wide and well-lit expanse of a room.

  You could be reading stolen content. Head to the original site for the genuine story.

  Lazare leaned in. He said quietly, “As I said, maintain the path. I will observe for ways to get you to the table, though I still think it is an impossibility.” He then followed the Lord of Stewards to a set of staircases and ascended.

  A steward appeared beside Flor and gently beckoned her to follow, “This way, please. We will get you prepared for the ceremonies.” The steward led Flor to a separate spiral staircase and took Flor up a level to what opened into a large chamber with multiple simple beds and storage lockers. Nobody moved around and Flor realized they must be off doing whatever jobs they were assigned. “These are the servants’ quarters. I’ll take you to the privy tower first then show you to a small room where you can wash the road dust off.”

  The steward continued to talk at her while Flor cleaned, washed her face, and straightened her outfit.

  “You must be new to Lord Francesc’s retinue. At least, you haven’t made this journey before. It’s positively lovely that Lady Oriol is hosting this event, although it just amounts to extra work for us. Although only a little extra for me, as helping you around is within my normal duties. You could say I was made for it, ha! But I guess if you hadn’t shown up I’d be pulled off to some other task, so this is more along the lines of what I prefer to do anyway.”

  Flor didn’t mind the prattle, perhaps interested if there might be a hint in what she was told to help get out of this game. As Flor finished getting ready, the steward finally stopped talking.

  “This way, then,” she said, taking Flor back to the spiral staircase and up another level. “This is the great hall. You’ll be seated over here, along the wall. There are a few other guests who will be along shortly.”

  “What else should I know?” said Flor.

  “Lady Oriol will give a speech, then the Cleric will give a benediction, then food will be served. The Cleric will close and there will be music and dancing if you choose. If you need the privy, I beg you to use the one previously offered rather than the off this hall.”

  “Thank you. Do you have a name?”

  The steward looked uncomfortable, “You must be new here. That is not polite to ask.”

  Flor stared at her, then said, “I beg your forgiveness. I shall not ask again.”

  At this, the steward laughed and said, “Let me know if you need anything else. I’ll be this way and that.”