Chapter 19

A long line of men quickly formed at the booth where those wishing to participate in the trevhette had to register. Next to that booth, gamblers placed wagers on the outcome of the jhukrhette match and got the early line on the trevhette as well as the bhokhette. Meanwhile, many of the women flocked to the crafts and merchants booths, and haggled over the prices of silks and trinkets. Some children made for the dragon ride, others the DragonHunt, while the remainder ran around aimlessly, inventing new games and releasing enormous amounts of energy without showing any sign of slowing down.

Those that preferred a more relaxing evening had a few options themselves. One could recline under the brightly colored tents, eating roasted meats and quaffing ales and meads while being entertained by the bards and jesters. There was also a play you could attend and children could go to the puppet shows. And you could seek out the counsel and guidance of the witches, an opportunity that did not present itself too often as few lived outside the confines of the Towers.

The King and his retinue also had the fortune of enjoying the evening. Nherycyn, even in this somewhat unpopular time, was immediately surrounded by various officials, nobles, dignitaries and GuildMasters. And though they overstayed their welcome, Nherycyn tolerated it, if in fact he did not secretly enjoy it after the lukewarm reception he received earlier in the evening.

For the better part of the night, Athar kept company with the King. He conversed with Nherycyn's political guests, being affable with his words and gestures but intimidating just by his presence. The King's Advisor also spent some time with a few of his counterparts, the witches.

Prince Rhenycyn enjoyed a small resurgence of popularity after his offer of free beverages. He took advantage of it by circulating amongst the people, talking with the commoners and playing games with the children (and letting them win of course). He spoke freely about Valdhon's murder when the topic arose, attempting to regain the people's trust by showing he had nothing to hide. By the end of the night he had done a great deal of politicking and felt it had been well worth it.