The hall echoed with the sound of instruments as Lady Aubrey Brandon, daughter to the Baron of Hawksburg, entered the room. Little attention was paid to her entrance, for the place was filled with the rich and powerful of the city. She spied the earl himself, seated at one end of the hall, holding court over the proceedings. He was richly adorned with jewellery, only outshone by his wife. Aubrey thought to introduce herself, for unlike the court of Merceria, the guests were not announced here. She reconsidered; the princess had sent her ahead to scope out the festivities and determine the layout of the land, and this duty she had taken to heart. She slowly scanned the area, her sharp mind absorbing it all. The more influential people were up by the earl, chatting amicably. Around the hall,
