Lord Entire Sabien Blake stood.
“Honored guests, I am pleased that you could join me in what will become an annual celebration of our continuing success in the push north. Rorden has transformed from a small settler’s burrow into a thriving river port. Its timber and field bounty have not only made it self-sufficient, but also overflowed to improve further spearheads toward Shylie. I raise my glass to those whose work has not been in vain, that despite setbacks and tragedies, the future now looks bright.”
All nobles presented their glasses, some higher than others, to a cheer, but the room was not full of smiles.
“Who is Blake?” The question circled the vast house like scavenger birds. “Where did he come from?”
“An old family, they say.”
“Must be old indeed, if none here know it.”
“Such wealth for a young man. He will need a wife to help manage it.”
“I hear he has eyes for-”
“has dark dealings”
“an imposter”
“can become leverage”
“a threat to all we”

Above the din, Blake smiled and sipped his wine.