As Grenn Albraght returned from a meeting he could see Drik Swerbaght waiting for him on one of the benches outside his chambers. Dirk stood up to walk with Grenn.

“Not a complete fool Dirk. It went well enough. We’ll give it time now.”

Dirk nodded as he walked along. In a comfortable silence. Just as they were about to split off to go to their own chambers Dirk took a single coin from his pouch and flicked it towards Grenn.

“Really? No one. I told you Dirk, a small house among the great. It’s not only wealth that counts here, it is history, pride-“

Grenn caught the coin out of the air. 

“Size even, don’t let the ladies fool you.”

Dirks laugh turned into a coughing fit into a handkerchief that he quickly folded to hide the blood he had just coughed up. With a raspy voice he added:

“Time to leave a mark than, Anything you’d have me set up for tomorrow morning?”

Grenn opened the door to his chambers but didn’t have to think about it.

“How about our loveliest adviser, our interest should align.”

Dirk nodded as he headed back to his own chamber for a good night’s rest.