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~~((The Totally-Not-Random May 1st Special -- page 1 of 18))~~
"This is not the first time you have played advisor to the King of Atreya," said William, a whiff of a smile on his face.

'Yes,' said Hanton. 'I was once quite close with your father-in-law.'

"I remember it vividly," said the King. "When I was a teenager, just beginning to dip my toe into matters of the royal court, you were a star. And one that burned quite hotly, as I recall."

Hanton ruffled his russet feathers but said nothing.

"Many in the court were jealous of your relationship to Martinus," said the King. "I remember it even being said that, at one point, your influence was comparable to the King himself--for that was how much he seemed to trust you."

Still, Hanton remained quiet.

"It makes one think," the King went on. "With abilities like yours, it must have been a trivial matter to obtain that relationship with him."

'That was not the way of it,' said Hanton. 'Martinus and I had been friends since we were both children.'

"Ah, and am I to believe that was a coincidence? The Gaolanets have been a noble Atreyan House for many years. Gathering intelligence and advising the Crown has been your family's role throughout this nation's history."

'Yes. That is also true.' And Hanton made no further comment.

The King eyed the last bit of his tuna melt for a moment, as if trying to decide whether or not he wanted to eat it. "The thing I find most intriguing, however, is the timeline of events." He leveled his gaze back up at the giant bird. "In one form or another, House Gaolanet advised the Crown for the better part of three centuries. That was, until about ten years ago. And now, here we are. Within just the last year, Atreya has experienced not one but two crises--the likes of which this country has never seen before."