" 'Our master'," Kagan repeated distastefully, "is likely at the door. Other than the kitchen, the house is clean and ready. The staff are assembled to greet Tannow when he comes in, and if his time at court went well, we will probably avoid any trouble. If it went badly, though..." Kagan frowned. "You house slaves have it easy. As hard as it is to be punished, it's harder to punish your friends at your enemy's command. That's my job sometimes." Hos eyes briefly flickered over the elf, then went back to the floor.<br/><br/>"Right, that's clean. Now hurry, I have to greet Tannow the moment the door opens." Kagan was up and off in a second.<br/><br/>* * *<br/><br/>As the heavy, dark doors to the estate opened, Tannow's green eyes seemed to drink in the sight before him. His home, his retreat away from the stupidity of the kingdom's politics. Not that he would ever want to leave the game of government, but he could only handle the trivialities inherent to it with frequent respite.<br/><br/>There were his slaves, as much a sign of his wealth as the manor they were kept in. Many humans, a few orcs, even an elf or two. Because he could afford them. Because that was what he had worked for. But how much better things would be if...<br/><br/>An idea came to him. Not for the first time. But now...<br/><br/>Tannow's thoughts were interrupted by Kagan, who stepped forward and respectfully bowed his head to him. "Master Tannow, we are delighted to see you. Dinner is ready in the dining hall, and we await only your command."<br/><br/>"I'll take it in the study tonight, thank you. Have someone bring it up to me." Tannow handed his coat to the orc. "Be prompt."<br/><br/>* * *<br/><br/>Kagan ran back to find S-74, hoping she had dessert finished. "Change of plans, he wants to eat in his study upstairs. I'll bring the dishes from the dining room to him, bring up the dessert as soon as you can. He seems a little off tonight."