As the conversation moved on to other topics, Gwendolyn slipped away. She had come to the ball hoping to uncover information about the land and the strange forces that seemed to be at work, but she had discovered something even more intriguing. The lord of the manor was a man of secrets, and his true identity was hidden from all.
Feeling a bit bored with the women's chatter, Gwendolyn decided to move to a group of men gathered by the large, ornate fireplace. They were dressed in fine clothes, their jackets embroidered with gold and silver threads, and their boots polished to a shine.
Gwendolyn shifted a little closer, trying to catch what the group of men was saying. They stood in a tight circle, each one leaning in as if sharing a secret. She carefully craned her neck and strained her ears to eavesdrop without being noticed.
