"Kegan didn't have any kids." Bai squinted at her. "What did you do to it?"

Of course Yehudit came thudding down the stairs after Sileas.

"Apparently he did. He tried to find me but couldn't. This was wrapped in a letter addressed to me."

"What is your name?" Bai asked.

Sileas glanced at Wulfsen. "Sileas. A barmaid gave birth to me, but I was since adopted."

"Kegan didn't marry a barmaid." Bai said. "Give me the pendant."

"No, he didn't. If he had, I would have had a happier childhood. He wed my adoptive mother, Brighid."

Bai clenched the staff. Brighid. She must have been slaughtered during that attack.

"Give me the pendant." Bai repeated.

"No. Even if I could, I would not. My father wanted me to have it. It's mine by birthright," Sileas said stubbornly.

Anger flashed in Bai's eyes. "If I destroy it while you're wearing it you will be badly hurt, maybe even killed. Give it to me."

"Like hell you will!" Yehudit got to her feet, only to stumble down a few more steps.

Anger flashed through Sileas, quick and hot. The pendant glowed and shot a blast of power at the stranger. "I don't know what part of it can't be removed you can't understand, but if you keep making me angry, it seems to feel it and it will harm you."

Bai used his staff to deflect the power into the ground.

"She shouldn't be able to do that." He muttered.

Great. That's all I need, Yehudit getting caught in some sort of magical crossfire. "Yehudit, get back." She glared at the stranger. "I have much to learn regarding my birthright, and I only received the pendant yesterday. Now if you will kindly move on before you get sent to the dungeon, I can get my door repaired and set about learning things."

"I'll destroy it all before I let you use the artifacts!" Bai said.

"If we weren't flooded with mermen, some of whom are masquerading as people we would know, I wouldn't need to learn any of this," Sileas spat back. "I'll destroy you before I let you destroy any chance I have of ending this invasion."

"What the hell?"

Dyfrig picked up the largest cleaver he could find.

"Whatever's upsetting you lot, take it out of my kitchen!"

Oscar dove under the table.

Assured the area was now secure, and everyone happily eating, Xavier headed over toward the food, his stomach rumbling loudly.

Dyfrig was putting the chopper to more conventional kitchen use now, making neat cubes of meat for a pie.

Xavier grinned. "Is there anything left for a starving assistant to the lord of the keep?"

"Of course."

The chopping stopped.

"For breakfast there is bread and bacon and biscuits and jam..."

As he talked, Dyfrig put a plate together and handed it to the newcomer.

"I'm Dyfrig. And who might you be apart from hungry?"

Xavier's stomach grumbled loudly again. "That sounds very good." He grinned. "Xavier DeVale, best friend and second-in-command to Lord Thornblade. It's a pleasure to make your acquaintance, Dyfrig."

"Likewise. Do you want a plate to take to Lord Thornblade when you are done?" asked Dyfrig.

The bread was soft and crusty, the bacon crisp.

"Thank you, but no. I saw him eating with his betrothed earlier." It was all Xavier could do to not let his mouth water at the sight of the food.