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of my congregants will discredit me.”
    “Then do not speak in support of Lord Bhayar,” replied Quaeryt. “Tell your congregants that, so far, matters have been far better than anyone could have hoped in a war of such scope and that Lord Bhayar has behaved honorably, unlike the late Rex Kharst, and that the test of Lord Bhayar’s character and acts will come in the months and years ahead.”
    Amalyt turned to Bhayar. “He is most persuasive, is he not?”
    “I have found him persuasive not because of his words, but because of his judgment.” Bhayar offered a slightly crooked smile. “I will not say that I have always found his words agreeable. But his counsel is seldom wrong, even when he was but a modest scholar. Quaeryt has studied more history, and forgotten more than I ever learned, for all that his tutor and mine attempted to require us to learn.”
    “I suspect you know more than you allow,” suggested Chamion.
    “That is a trait of all rulers,” said Amalyt, “and one cannot blame them.”
    “It’s true of all men of ability,” added Deucalon.
    After a moment of silence, the councilor spoke again. “There was much destruction in the western part of Variana … of a rather strange and mysterious nature.”
    “There was,” agreed Bhayar. “That often occurs in war.”
    Chamion frowned.
    “Perhaps,” suggested Vaelora, “the councilor meant to inquire about what you plan to do there.”
    “We have already rebuilt the exterior and interior of the Chateau Regis, thanks to Commander Quaeryt and his officers, and we have begun to refurbish it. We will restore the lands as time and golds permit. I will see … perhaps … about repairs to some anomens.”
    Quaeryt understood the implications of the word “perhaps.”
    “But … what of all the others…?”
    “I cannot afford to rebuild all that Rex Kharst destroyed in Telaryn. Surely you do not expect me to rebuild all that has been destroyed here as a result of Kharst’s unwise decisions.”
    “One could hope … for … some assistance.”
    “On that, we will have to see once Bovaria is settled once more.”
    “You have said little, either here or in public, Lord Bhayar, about High Holders … whether they or their heirs might still hold their lands, or whether you plan great changes.” Chamion looked to the head of the table.
    “There will doubtless be some changes in holdings, councilor,” replied Bhayar. “There were some High Holders whose behavior was so egregious as to merit loss of position and lands, and there may be others who perished in the fighting without direct heirs. In general, I do not plan to replace reasonable and effective High Holders unless they give me cause. Some may lose a portion of their lands, as I see fit, depending on circumstances, but I believe these matters will sort themselves out over the next few months.”
    “And choristers?” asked Amalyt.
    “Unless a chorister incites against me or causes others to do so, I have no plans to replace choristers. I reserve the right to do so, but would only do so for cause.”
    Amalyt offered a nod that was as much grudging as accepting.
    “Might I inquire as how you plan to rule both Bovaria and Telaryn?” Chamion glanced from Deucalon to Bhayar.
    “As one land, with the same laws for both … in time, of course. Anything else would not be fair.” Bhayar laughed musically. “Anything else wouldn’t work well for long, either.”
    After another three courses, a dessert of pear tarts, and a sparkling wine … and more questions and much carefully worded conversation, Bhayar eased back his chair, then rose. “Chorister Amalyt, Councilor Chamion … it was a pleasure to get to know you. I trust that we will all be able to work together to assure that the future is more promising than the past.”
    “That would be our hope as well,” replied Chamion.
    Amalyt merely nodded and said, “Lord Bhayar.”
    After the two Bovarians had departed, Bhayar nodded