"Benjamin, you will visit the seven great kingdoms of Elyndor," Renard started again, his tone firm and final as he kept his calculating blue eyes locked on the young man, "Do not worry about freedom and all of that. You are free to move around as you like whenever you wish.
"But please, understand that you have become quite the prize in everyone's eyes and must not be hoarded by any single kingdom or person. It would be better if you chose no one in fact.
"You joining one side makes the others feel deeply threatened, as your growth continues to be unusually rapid and unpredictable.
"So joining all kingdoms equally, or joining none at all, remains the best approach to maintaining peace and harmony across Elyndor. Do you understand what I am saying?"
