Hospitality

Eventually their hearing returned well enough for the group to talk again. After seeing yet another terrifying thing that Alaron could do, his hands were retied. His mouth, however, was no longer gagged. It was unnecessary since the soldiers now knew the prince's identity.

As they came in view of Oblivion, Ashleigh sidled up beside Devrim. "So the rumors about His Highness are true?" she commented quietly so that the boy would not hear.

"Depending on the rumor, it may actually be worse than you heard," the Emperor responded with a shrug. "If you do not want us to enter the city, I will respect your wishes."

Duchess Ashleigh thought for a moment. "No, he has shown us a way to deal with the Monster. We at least owe him room to sleep in and a meal in his belly for his help."

"How long has that…thing been bothering you?" The Emperor wanted to know. He had seen no reports on the matter.

"Tales of it have been spreading for years. At first incidents only came from the far north, but recentl