After the Tournament (3 of 3)

Evening had fallen when Krow returned to the courtyard.

Their host, Chaparha, was walking in the garden with Jamutaltei. They were deep in discussion, so he only nodded at them as he passed.

But Chaparha called his attention. "You've done well today, Krow."

"Better than expected," he agreed.

Chaparha studied him, surprised. "You don't seem too caring of your loss."

"It was not a fight I could win." With a sword, anyway. "I knew that going in."

"And you accepted still?" Chaparha huffed. But waved away a response. "No matter. It shows you have a head on your shoulders at least. Unexpected, for one your age."

Krow lifted the edges of his lips, but didn't reply.

"A good trait for a guard. I suppose I could see why that old man hired you. If you had won…" Chaparha shook his head. "perhaps the consequences for Cerkanst would have been worse than simple rumor."

They would?

Krow thought over the information he knew.