The king was a frail, old man who could barely raise his hand anymore. Once, he had been robust, but his illness had robbed him of his facilities. He was wrapped in a pile of blankets to keep his skinny frame warm. His skeletal face managed to show some surprise as the Loidite princes were ushered into his private chambers.<br/><br/>"Not wasting time this morning, are you," he wheezed. "You'll have to forgive me if I do not return the gesture. I haven't been myself."<br/><br/>He motioned for them to sit on the chairs placed by his bed. "I'm glad you came. You must be Prince Tansen. Your father speaks very highly of you. I hope my son is showing you curtesy while you are in my lands," he said. He turned his head as he coughed. "Gavin is a good boy, much like yourself, Prince Tansen. And my daughter is a wonderful girl, good head on her shoulders. You'll like her, if you meet her. Gavin can be very protective of his sister, treats her like a glass baubble."