A cool breeze blew in over the ramparts of Vornavis Keep, bringing with it the faintest hint of Solhaven Bay looming off in the distance. Salnim Malwind stood there gazing down over Vornavis and Solhaven beyond and the many ships docked along the piers and quays.

"I heard you met Duncarr yesterday," a gentle voice called out from behind him.

Salnim turned around with a wide smile on his face towards the newcomer, "Hello Kas."

Kasendra Chandrennin returned the smile as she joined the young lord along the ramparts.

"I did run into your brother."

Kasendra tilted her head and gave Salnim a look, "Did my brother give you any trouble?"

Salnim paused to answer, and a number of images flashed through his mind. Duncarr standing in the practice yard with blades drawn, a flurry of blows and parries being exchanged, and Salnim's shield edge at Duncarr's throat, while Duncarr had him pinned with a gladius at his abdomen.

"Trouble? No. I think we understand each other quite well now."

Kas did not alter the look she gave, "The bruise on your temple says otherwise."

Salnim touched the fading bruise for a moment, "Oh this? No, your brother was not responsible for this." Salnim's mind drifted for a moment back to the previous day.

---

Gurbah stood before Duncarr and Salnim, towering over them with a blunted version of his massive axe in hand.

"If you and new friend are done playing, Little Lord, time for lesson."

Duncarr glanced at Salnim, "Is this how you welcome everyone to Vornavis?"

Salnim just laughed, "Only the people we really like. Take his right side, I'll go left. And watch out, Gurbah is faster than he looks. He hits just as hard as you might imagine, however."

Duncarr shook his head, drew his swords, and gave them each a quick practice swing, "Anything else I should know?"

"Try to roll when you get thrown."

Before Duncarr could respond, Gurbah cut in. "Enough talk. Begin." And with a roar, the Captain of the Vornavian Guard charged.

---

"Gurbah decided to welcome your brother to Vornavis himself. Felt it was only fair to include me in the welcome."

Kasendra looked at Salnim askance and shook her head, "You really know how to show my family a proper time here don't you?"

Salnim could not help but to laugh, "It is not all swordplay and duels, Kas. I promise your brother is no worse for wear. He'll be joining us all for dinner, and you can see for yourself."

"And why shouldn't I go and see him now?"

"Because dinner is in only an hour, and I thought you would grant me the honor of your company for a walk in the meantime, my lady."

"A walk? And where might we be walking, my lord?"

"The walls, the gardens, wherever you would like. The view will be lovely no matter where we go," Salnim answered and held out his hand to Kasendra.

Kasendra smiled and shook her head, "Flatterer," and took his hand. And the two walked off as the sun began its gentle decline to the horizon.



And although this wave is stringing us along
Just know you're not alone
Cause we're going to make this place our home