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William continued. "Charles becomes involved in the independence movement several years before it begins to pick up steam with the general public. He continues to travel to other countries regularly for various reasons, but increasingly, those reasons involve speaking with prominent revolutionaries across the Empire." The King paused, eyeing Hector a moment. "The Rainlords were among them. Lluc and Marcelo Redwater. Perhaps you know of them?"

The last name certainly rang a bell, but he didn't recognize the first ones.

Garovel chimed in privately. 'Those two were the chief instigators of the Redwater Uprising. I'd be happy to explain all about them later.'

Hector didn't doubt the reaper's enthusiasm. "The Redwater Uprising," was all Hector chose to say to the King, however.

"Yes. Now that I'm thinking of it, Warrenhold had an oblique connection to that ordeal as well, did it not?" He smiled, but his eyes seemed to hold a keener interest behind them. "What an interesting coincidence."

Garovel was chortling. 'Is this guy some kind of history nut?'

Hector was beginning to think so.

'We should talk to him more often.'

That pulled a small laugh out of Hector, despite trying to hold back. And at the King's apparent curiosity, he tried to clarify. "I think my reaper likes you, Your Highness."

"Oh? I am... flattered. I think."

"Yeah, it's a compliment."

The man looked aimlessly around the room. "Well, thank you then, wherever you are."

Hector pointed the reaper out for him, and the King corrected his line of sight.

'Hey, tell him my name.'

"His name is Garovel, by the way."

"Ah, yes, that sounds familiar. Helen may have mentioned him before."

Garovel gasped. 'Now I'M flattered. Tell him how flattered I am.'

"Now he's flattered, too."

'Tell him how smart and handsome I am, as well.'

'Shut up, Garovel.'