Gedrick pulled the hood of his cloak up over his head as the wind began to pick up. Off in the distance the clouds danced on the breeze above the Crown of Koar, and combined with the brightly colored leaves on so many trees, made for a fine afternoon sight. Gedrick's eyes never slowed when looking them over, as he turned until his gaze looked off towards the western horizon. There was nothing noteworthy to be seen, just trees, grass and the road, but his head nodded as soon as it was pointed that way. Without saying a word his feet began to move, leaving behind Mestanir and taking him west towards the coast once again.

---

The ship sailed on a brisk wind, cutting through the waves as it moved north. Salnim Malwind stood near the prow, out of the way of the sailors moving about the deck, gazing out at the ocean illuminated by the morning sun while his thoughts were hundreds of miles and several days behind him.

"I must say that was very well done, Salnim," Gerjonn Chandrennin said, sitting a plush chair across from Salnim in a sitting room inside the Keep of Elstreth, "I am not sure how you were able to get my sister to come around, but very well done indeed."

Salnim smiled politely at Gerjonn, "I did not get Kas to do anything, Gerjonn. I just told her the truth of the matter, and the two important facts. That the decision was hers and hers alone. And that she would have my support no matter what. So if you want to thank anyone, thank your sister and not me."

"Of course, of course," Gerjonn said with a smile of his own, "Whatever your contribution to this matter was, it was appreciated. And now that this little business has concluded, I imagine you will be eager to return to Vornavis?"

"So eager to get rid of me, Gerjonn?" Salnim said with a chuckle, "While I do need to get back, it is not what I am keen to do at the moment. Talking with you however is another matter."

"I have never said that. You are welcome here for as long as you like."

"I am not blind Gerjonn. I see how you look at us, at me," Salnim answered, leaning forward in his chair, "And it is fine if you do not like me. But accepting and respecting things are another matter."

Gerjonn leaned back in his chair and clasped his hands, his eyes carefully watching Salnim while he raised a single eyebrow, "Enlighten me."

"I've seen how much your family means to you. All this work you are doing is certainly commendable. Now you have the country bumpkin from the North showing up and are worried it will ruin things for you. And before you object, I know how some view the northern baronies. But you're missing the forest for the trees."

"Excuse me?"

"Aldora never had any ties to the north. No influence, minimal trade. Now all of that has changed. You have a presence and a connection that flows both ways. In terms of goods and trade, Vornavis like Aldora is a major source of wine for the Empire. Think of what is possible by improved relations? And finally I know how you view your family and its position in the Empire. But never forget who your cousin chose to serve as his envoy in matters that led to the most important treaty signing in recent memory."

Gerjonn raised his clasped hands, tapping his extended index fingers against his lips in thought, "So there is some fire in you after all."

"I'm not finished," Salnim said cooly, "While you may not approve of things, you know good and well that your approval isn't needed. Your father made that very clear for all of you and your siblings didn't he?"

"How would you know anything about that?" Gerjonn asked with another arched eyebrow.

"Your father told me. We had a very pleasant conversation several years ago," Salnim answered, "He mentioned your mother and the difficulties they faced. How he made it clear that his children would all be free to do as they wished when their time came. And he also did make note that an Aldoran riesling and Vornavian chardonnay did make a fine complement to one another."

A faint smile became visible behind his clasped hands, "Is that do?"

"It is. If those two points do not help, then I hope this final one will," Salnim said looking Gerjonn straight in the eye, "In the end only two people get to make this decision. You are not one of them. I know she is your sister, I know you care about your family, but respect the decision."

"That is it? No challenges? No threats? Just facts?"

"I did make a promise to Kas," Salnim said with a grin, "Besides this is your field of battle. Where better to handle it."

"A most intriguing proposal, Salnim. It seems I have much to consider," Gerjonn answered.

"Well consider one more thing as you do. Kas and I will be going back to Vornavis in a few days. Come with us. Come see first hand what things could be like."


The prow of the ship crashed through a large wave, sending a spray of water onto the deck. It struck Salnim and brought him out of his thoughts and back to the present. He wiped some water off his face and looked back up to the horizon. The first hint of land could be seen in the distance. Vornavis. Home. He turned and headed to tell the others. There was much to get ready for.

---

A strong wind blows in from Solhaven Bay onto Bayside Road, blowing the white hair of the old sailor sitting on his bench. He clenched his pipe in his teeth as he stared out at the bay, "Can feel it in my bones. There's a storm coming."



What follows them on a cool breeze
Will it swallow them or will it ease
What follows has led them to this place
Do they belong or shall it be erased