"Oh, Garalt," Alyia said softly, reaching out to the weakened knight, "I was so worried for you."
    "No need to worry now, Milady," Garalt said in the most formal way possible, knowing her father was right behind her, "I am fine."
    "If anything were to happen to you, I would just die..." Alyia sighed.
    "Uhh..." Garalt struggled, trying not to bring any more light on the subject with King Ulmerad, "You think far to much of me, Princess."
    Garalt could see Ulmerad raising an eyebrow at their actions, perhaps he already knew.  
    "It was a brave battle, whelp," Kullvox broke in, changing the subject, "you did well to your King and to all of Ikros today."
    "Yes!  Hail Garalt, savior of Ikros!" Malvious cheered.  The rest of the knights cheered as well.  Garalt couldn't help but smile.
    "First he defeats an immortal dragon," Hillsbrad said coyly, "and then he defeats an evil warlord with the powers of the underworld at his command.  What WILL you do next, boy?  Turn water into ale?"
    "I'd drink to that!" Golan added.
    Again all the knights cheered.  Garalt had to agree, a nice stiff drink sounded too good at the moment.
    "Aye," Kullvox sighed, "but Sire, the day is not won, not yet."
    "What do you mean, Kullvox?" Ulmerad questioned, repositioning himself in his saddle.

    "He means we have... troubling news to tell you, Milord," Garalt answered.  
    "Well, speak up lad, what is it?  Is Ethelred coming back?"
    "No, Sire.  Ethelred has pledged that Ikros will never again see any sign of the Council or any of their agents."
    The knights for a third time cheered on the news.
    "Then what is the problem, Sir Knight?" Ulmerad chuckled.
    "Sire, there are traitors in our ranks," Garalt said slowly, staring right at Ulmerad as to make his point totally clear.
    "What?" Ulmerad gasped.  The assembled knights began to question all at once.
    "Who could it be?"
    "A traitor, here?"
    "Who would go against King Ulmerad?"
    "It is not I, Milord, I assure you."
    "Death to all traitors!"