Outside the castle windows in the Sunset Lands, February's chill cut to the bone, and snow fell without end. With the performance of "The Fourth Wall" over, the Sunset Lands seemed to have fallen quiet as well. Only a handful of guests had chosen to stay; most had already left.
That included the distinguished guests who had obtained the six books, as well as Szass Tam, leader of the Red Wizards, the Bane Godspawn Iyachtu Xvim, the black-robed Monks from the Way of Shadow, and the nobles of Cormyr.
After hosting this grand celebration, Aaron had decided to spend some time recuperating. He planned no major moves for 1362 Dalereckoning. For now, his priority was to absorb and consolidate his gains. He had far too many unresolved matters piled up; what he lacked was resources, not goals.
But what Nastya told him about his parents still made Aaron frown. He gently patted his Dark Elf Sister's hand a few times, then slowly rose and walked to the office window. He opened it and let the snow drift inside. White flakes struck his face, drawing this celebrity of the Realms, only twenty years old this year, into deep thought. With his hands clasped behind his back, he gazed out at the falling snow, looking lost.
As he had always felt, Aaron did not have a good impression of his father or mother. In fact, he was absolutely certain that if his parents were still alive, he could never have reached his current heights.
His rigid, violent, yet loyal and courageous father had been a source of protection, but also a restraint.
Yet when Nastya revealed this matter, Aaron could not simply ignore it.
What should he do? Demand blood for blood? Impose some punishment? Or pretend nothing had happened and let