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It was a bit difficult to make out their faces in the darkness of the late evening, but as they got closer, Hector realized that the one on the right was Ambassador Stoutamire. The man was not first to step forward and speak, however. Instead, it was a middle-aged woman in a long red coat with feathers along the collar.

"Thank you for coming on such short notice, Lord Goffe," she said, holding up a rather archaic-looking lantern for illumination. "Welcome to the Imara Province. I am Larissa Karr, the Secretary of State for the Lorentian Federal Government." She offered him a gloved handshake, and Hector took it.

The Secretary of State? Didn't that make her super important? Or did it? Hector wasn't too familiar with the structure of foreign governments. Hell, he was still learning about Atreya's government.

Ambassador Stoutamire shuffled forward to shake hands with him as well. "Apologies for the lack of warning, Lord Goffe. Had I known, I would certainly have informed you that Secretary Karr would be here to meet you. Oh, you must think us terribly unorganized."

"It's no trouble," said Hector.

"Things have been especially hectic around here, you see," said Stoutamire. "Why, just yesterday, the power--"

The Secretary decided to interject. "That's enough, Ambassador. Lord Goffe didn't come all this way to hear us complain."

"Ah--yes. Forgive me." Stoutamire stepped backward with a stiff bow.

Secretary Karr regarded Hector again, this time lingering on his companions. "Who is this that you have brought with you?" she asked. "Your hunting party?"

"That's right," said Hector, figuring that was as good a term as any. With the Scarf, he could sense that Salvador Delaguna was fidgeting a bit more than the others.

Hmm, perhaps he was worried about being recognized. Hector had made iron masks for all the Rainlords, so that wouldn't be a problem, but Salvador was the head of House Delaguna, which made him quite an important political figure in Sair. Maybe that was making him uncomfortable unconsciously or something.