“But he refused?”
“Aye and suffered for it. He told the Rogarian Cardinal Malfin he would rather be a simple peasant in some far-off woods than have anything to do with Rogarian blue. You can imagine how that comment was received by his eminence.”
Rogarians were known for the deep pigments of a peculiar blue they so cherished. Vivid and rich in color, it almost had a sheen to it. Anything relating to the imperial throne was of that odd shade. When the imperial troops marched into battle, the sight was stunning to behold. Now, with the House of Decidius on the throne, the blue would be trimmed with silver.
“And what have you heard of their plans, friend? Why this massing of power?” I asked.
The innkeeper took a deep breath, the frown on his face deepening, and again checked to see if an
