Even with the infamous company in his midst, it seemed Urek could not bring himself to sit properly. Rezkin thought the man simply was incapable of moving without assistance. He honestly could not fathom how the fat man managed to work himself into such a position in the first place.

Urek eyed the visitors as he took another bite of his sweet pastry, flakes of dough and glaze raining down onto his chins and chest. He plucked a goblet from his desk and gulped half its contents before he had even swallowed the dessert. The unpleasant man slammed the crystal goblet back onto the desk with a threatening clink and followed it with the clunk of a meaty fist. At first, Rezkin was simply disgusted with the man’s complete lack of fitness and utter disregard for the Rules, but after seeing the poor excuse for threatening gestures, he realized he was experiencing an unfamiliar feeling—amusement.

“You expect me to believe this boy took out half the high members of the Diamond Claw guild and that he did it by himself?” Urek scoffed, his question directed at Adsden who remained in the doorway.

The second stood leaning against the frame with his hands casually tucked into his pockets as though this was nothing more than a leisurely visit among trusted companions. He wore a relaxed smile as he shrugged and said, “So I have been told.”

“Well, I don’t buy it!” Urek barked. “You think you can come in here to my House and make demands?”

“I come with a proposition,” Rezkin stated succinctly.

Urek huffed in annoyance. “You think I’ll simply hand over the guild? You’re delusional. And, don’t even think about trying to pull that gutterspit you somehow pulled off with the Diamond Claws. There’s a reason I’ve been guildmaster here for over six years!”

“Yes, and that reason has nothing to do with your capabilities as a guildmaster,” the young warrior responded.

The guildmaster sputtered with indignation. “You insolent little whelp! You’ll regret making an enemy of me! I have resources, and everyone knows not to mess with Lord Urek!”

“I am familiar with your resources. Your cousin’s patronage will do you no good here. You have no right to the noble title of lord since your father disavowed you, and your title was revoked. The fact that the current head of your former house, Marquis Addercroft, is your cousin and that he placed you in this position with promises of suffering and death for any who would see you deposed is inconsequential.”