An elf caparisoned in mithral greaves and hauberk started, then looked up to the unlighted balcony. Btathtar stood before a great oak table scattered with maps, miniature figures sculpted in lead, and quill pens. Several others around the table, similarly armored and armed, if not quite as grandly as Brathtat, broke off their discussion, which had grown heated. The Empyrean Knights were pledged to Statdeep first and foremost, and their watchword was valor. A knight who joined the elite in Stardeep first learned that anyone, meek or brave, could wake to valor if the cause was ttue. Empyrean Knights held fire in their hearts, but were not unthinking brutes. Knights held tight to sword in one hand, and strategy in the other. That sttategy was determined first and foremost by the Knights’ commander, Brathtar. Brathtar studied the shadowed gallery, squinting, and said, “Keeper Telarian, I didn’t realize you were observing the War Room. Please forgive my lapse.” A questioning, attentive mask settled upon the Knight Commander’s face.
