Of course, this was the Grand Fell of the Gnomes of The Doors. But Baldrick’s constituency probably numbered around one hundred and fifty, maybe two hundred gnomes.

And many of those had gathered around and were listening too.

But True treated Baldrick, and in turn the others, as if they were equals, deserving of all the information that was safe to share direct from the lips of the crown prince.

Not only sharing it.

But discussing it with them.

“Silence has bewitched the Firenz king,” True said quietly. “He cares for her deeply already and shows it openly. Your future queen will be Firenz. Our ties with Firenze now are unbreakable. Thus, I can assure you, Baldrick, there will be no future campaigns. I would be called on to lead them, and I will not. And as I will not, any other who would be called on to do so in my stead will refuse.”

“Sedition?” Baldrick asked with surprise.

“Wisdom,” True answered.

It took a moment, but Baldrick smiled.

It faltered when he noted, “Carrington is still a problem.”

And this was a marvel too, for Baldrick knew much, beyond what he might learn from gossip, proclamations or heralds.

This meant he either made it his business to know, regardless he resided in a wood at the southern regions of the Great Thicket Forest, or someone, probably True, or agents of True, kept certain personages in the know about matters he thought it important they be apprised of.

I had the sense it was the latter.

“This is not unknown to the people who need to know it,” True assured. “That is a fact you can trust, dear friend.”

Baldrick nodded, seemingly appeased by this cryptic answer.

I let out the breath I had not realized I was holding and took a sip of my ale.

The ale was as was everything about this land, earthy and hearty and wonderful.

There was a low whistle, which made Baldrick turn his head.

He turned it back to us, his attention lighting on True but a moment before it came to me.

“It is not our intention to bring to the fore what must be weighing heavy on your heart and mind, but we have taken advantage of this surprise visit, and it would be our deepest privilege if you allowed us to bestow a gift on you, our princess.”

“I…” I did not know what to say, so I peeked up at True.

He did not look happy.

“What would be coming to the fore, Baldrick?” he asked brusquely.

“It’s a veneration, True,” Baldrick answered.

True relaxed and looked down on me.

“You should allow it, sweetling,” he murmured.

“Allow what?” I asked.

His arm about me pulled me closer. “Just allow it, Farah.”

I gazed into his eyes, but I knew I needn’t search.

True would not let anything harm me.

I turned to Baldrick. “It would be my privilege to receive your gift, sir.”