A burning fireplace and comfortable chairs made the room cozy and warm. The black stone walls had been hidden under hardwoods, so this room looked personal and inviting.

“You’re a fan?” I couldn’t keep the disbelief from my voice. “You watch the tournaments?”

He chuckled as he sat down next to the fireplace. On the table before him sat a large tray of meats and stews, including a fried roll I hoped contained vegetables. I also saw a silver carafe, wafting steam. Next to the tray someone had placed a Zaibur board without pieces.

“Oh yes,” he said. “I’m a huge fan. Not just of the contests themselves. It’s the basic premise of the tournaments. The greatest question rulers have asked themselves for centuries has been: What does one do with a standing army? Kandor solved the issue by always searching for the next war to fight, but what happens when you run out of lands to conquer?” He waved a hand. “Khorvesh has to contend with the Blight, and I suppose the Manol, but Jorat? Jorat is sandwiched between three other Quuros dominions, with no outside borders save a coastline so storm-ridden no navy would dare attack it. What is Jorat to do with all those raised to believe the flower of adult measure is found on the field of battle?”

Of course, I’d grown up knowing the answer to that question. “We turned it into a sport.”

“You turned it into a sport,” he agreed. “An important sport, an economically vital endeavor, one with which your population is deeply involved. All the heroic valor of the battlefield, but far fewer casualties. Genius.” The duke paused. “At least, until a real threat shows up again. Perhaps not so genius now, when your ‘knights’ don’t know how to cope with a real emergency.”

“Yes, who would have predicted you’d set upon them with sorcerers, demons, and a dragon.” I didn’t bother to hide my scorn.

“Who indeed?” He grinned. “Have you had a chance to eat?” He gestured toward the food. “I’d be honored if you’d share a meal with me.”

“Thank you. I’m famished.”

I sat down and began helping myself to food. He seemed surprised. I realized either he was supposed to eat first as duke or eat first as male. Whatever the rule, he didn’t think I qualified. If I’d known, I’d have insisted on being the first to reach for a plate.

I split the roll with my knife and saw a gelatinous white substance inside. “What is this?” I asked.

“Whale fat,” he answered. “You should try it. It’s delicious.”

I looked down at the tray. “Is there anything here besides meat?”

“The tea doesn’t have meat in it,” he answered. “I’m sorry. No one told me you didn’t eat meat.”