Zavian took a bath and went in for a meeting with the council. They were already seated when he arrived. As he walked into the meeting hall, they all stood up to greet him. After he had sat down, they took their seats.
One of the Lords stood up; ''Your Majesty, we're happy for your safe return home. We hope the trip was a success?'' He asked, and Zavian nodded; he was leaning to the side, supporting his head with his hand.
There was little murmuring in the hall, and Zavian looked at his subjects sitting in front of him, and they were looking at themselves, as though they had something to say but were not sure how to bring it up.
''Is there something I need to know?'' he asked, a little frown forming on his forehead.
The Lords looked at one another, whispering among themselves. No one wanted to bell the cat. Zavian was growing impatient, and then he looked at the Lord, who was standing;
''Lord Gerald, do you have anything to say to me?''
