[Firefoot]

Siamak was intensely curious about the General’s wish to speak with him. Obviously, he wanted to talk in private or else he would have spoken his mind during the banquet. He supposed it would probably be about the Emissary, as the General had brought it up so shortly after his father had made the announcement, but it could be something else, though Siamak did not know what it could be. Nevertheless, Siamak schooled his expression as if it were only a matter of business and turned his attention to the present. He listened with interest to what the Emissary was saying, though he was having trouble processing everything so quickly. He contributed to the conversation as necessary or when the opportunity presented itself. The hour became late and so the banquet began to draw to a close.

The ensemble of musicians who had been the entertainment for the evening wrapped up for the night and guests began to trickle out of the banquet hall, though some of the nobles lingered, chatting. Servants began to inconspicuously clear away the plates of food, many of them being empty by now. Siamak waited for as long as was proper and took his leave, bidding those remaining at the table a good night.

“General Morgôs,” he said, getting the Elf’s attention. “Take your time to finish up anything you need to here, and meet me in the courtyard.” The General nodded, and Siamak departed from the great hall. The night air was refreshingly cool, though not chilly, and the stars twinkled above. The courtyard was dimly lit with torches and the light spilling out from the banquet hall, and Siamak saw that there were a few people gathered to converse here rather than inside. He selected an out of the way location to wait for the General, and it was not long before General Morgôs emerged from the hall, spotting the prince almost immediately. After greeting each other, Siamak spoke.

“Would you prefer someplace where we could be alone to speak, or is the courtyard fine?” he asked.

“Somewhere private, if that is all right,” General Morgôs replied. Siamak nodded. “Certainly. Come with me.” He led the General through a side gate of the courtyard, silently passing through the public gardens into one of the more private ones. Like the courtyard, the only light was a few torches and the slight light of the crescent moon. The sound of trickling water attested to the nearby fountains, and night bugs were chirping.

“No one will disturb us here,” said Siamak. Unable to suppress his curiosity any longer, he asked, “Now, General, what is it that you wish to speak to me about?”