The Royal Audience Chamber had been prepared for a gathering considerably smaller than the formal assemblies usually held before the throne.
A long conference table occupied the center of the chamber, surrounded by chairs reserved for the principal negotiators involved in the Adventurer Guild's proposed Royal Charter.
At the far end, beneath the golden crest of House Alden, sat King Edmund III.
The King was approaching his seventh decade, and more than thirty years of ruling Westmark had left their marks upon his appearance.
His once-dark hair had become predominantly silver, and fine wrinkles surrounded his eyes. Nevertheless, his posture remained upright, and his gaze was sharp as he examined the documents arranged before him.
Sage entered alongside Lucan and Boren, following Crown Prince Richard into the chamber. Minister Aldous Pembroke, Lord Chancellor Alistair Fenwick, and several senior royal advisers were already present.
