[Groin Redbeard]

So who exactly are these young rascals who sneak in the dark and reprimand me thus? Lithor eyed them curiously as they emerged from the shadows. They were dressed richly, at least richer than him, and carried themselves with a posture that was unmistakably noble. Lithor thought he had seen them somewhere before, but where?

Somehow, Lithor was amused at these two youngsters. One of them talked while the other listened for support, an amusing pair. This young man’s indignation was in vain, Lithor felt no shame at being corrected by someone barely old enough to have hair on his face. Suddenly it became clear. These were none other than the sons of Athanar! Lithor had seen them in the hall; however, they were not there when Athanar and Lithor argued. Where did they hear it from? All was made clear to him before the young man finished. He did not know why, but this type of conversation sounded familiar to him.

“Thornden? Treason?” The thought was too much for Lithor. He threw back his head and gave an uncontrollable laugh.

“You are right, on one matter young master: there are things you do not understand.” Lithor wiped several tears from his eyes. It felt indescribably good to laugh again after all the pressure he just endured. Lithor regained control of himself, but by now he was feeling too happy to be grumpy with this boy and his sidekick.

“Furthermore,” Lithor said in a groan as he seated himself on a nearby crate. The boys were edging closer. They will get no provocation from me this time. “I will not answer you last question, simply because you do not know what kind of a man Thornden is. But as to you first question, your father…”

“Lord Athanar!” The young man insisted calmly.

“Lord Athanar,” Lithor bowed slightly, “and I spoke our minds to each other and nothing more. Besides, you will likely hear from your father what was said. I will not try to justify my part.” Lithor squinted in the dark to try and see the two young men clearer.

“And for future reference, I would appreciate it if the both of you kind gentlemen would stop eavesdropping on my conversations.” The image of these two young men slinking around in the dark after him like Cnebba or Garmund brought a smile to Lithor’s face. That is where he had heard this type of conversation! This is exactly how Cnebba and Garmund would question Javan after the stables incident. So I am Javan and these two characters are Cnebba and Garmund! Lithor threw back his head and laughed again. This was becoming fun!