No Outsider Allowed

"Valen," Erich Winfield answered.

The expression on Martha's face soured. "He is the king of Abetha. Be careful of the way you address him."

"Doesn't matter to me and neither does he object."

"Do whatever you want." After saying that, she walked ahead. 

"The one you were protecting is gone. Must you still ignore me now? I have been patient, thinking one day we will meet. Do you really have to act as if you don't recognize me?" he said.

She stopped. "What do you want?"

"For now, let me treat you. Other things, we can talk about later. Once I get answers, I will leave you alone."

She nodded and walked ahead. Erich Winfield followed her inside the tower. 

Instead of a lounge to welcome the guests, the ground floor of the tower had a huge empty space. Other than the set of stairs that led the way up,  there was only an old-looking wooden table and chairs. Martha sat in one chair and Erich Winfield sat in another.