Renard continued speaking from his position at the curved end of the massive oval table, his voice carrying a smooth, persuasive tone that echoed softly through the living ironwood hall as the golden light from the canopy above shifted in gentle patterns across his face.
"We have decided that you will visit all our kingdoms in turn, and we will all seduc— I mean, show you the genuine goodness and unique wonders of our own lands.
"We want you to become a citizen welcomed by all the great kingdoms in Elyndor. This is crucial to prevent unnecessary headaches on my part, but more so, to prevent wars and open fighting from breaking out across the realms. You get me?"
Benjamin, with his droopy oceanic blue eyes still heavy from the recent drain on his body, slowly scanned the faces seated around the grand table.
His gaze moved deliberately from the round uncle with the thick reddish-brown beard and noticeable pot belly pressing against the edge of the wood;
