Gabriel listened the young king, nodding on his ideas he replies; "I agree we need clear matters with the duke, once I am sure he nor knights are not anyway related to rebels I advice we take off your present disguise in front of duke and knights during a gathering which I try arrange. You could try to apologize them and request them return to your service. Also indeed we need to learn where Tessa was kept so we can track up to the rebels to find her, consider she was sheltered she may be very well manipulated to play by C's tunes." Gabriel was listening when king told about to disband protectors and he was about nod and add that knights could help deal with them when suddenly huge bird flied far above their heads, huge like a dragon. Gabriel looked on the large bird and said; "I did not know either, I hope it's only passing through and decide not to stick around." Gabriel turns to king and says; "Either case I recommend we try win duke Wolfwood to our side, I try talk to him when you make apologize for creating the protectors. I know it sounds something what king should not do but you made quite big error in decision which led to otherwise loyal men alienated from you and they felt betrayed that despite their oaths and their desire to help kingdom they were abandoned. So you need at times like this be humble and I suggest be open honest with your apology when you explain how things turned out to be like they did. But as said I will check carefully the knights and duke Wolfwood himself that they indeed are not part of the rebellion. As said I just have strong suspicion they are not and from his daughter's reactions I assume he is not part of it.<br/><br/>Also I strongly suspect the only ones able pull of the carnage in Shadecliff mansion would have been protectors or their underlings which I nor you are aware about. Satel had strong interest on lady Maria and so before we disband we need rescue her or else Protectors would kill her or old hostage. I have no proof but I have a friend working on checking some info about the event back in the city. Either way duke Wolfwood will not be pleased find his son is dead, so let me bear burden of the deed." After that Gabriel asks something more personal; "Can you tell me about the king's mistress and Tessa? I heard from rebel leaders which I met that king and your mother did not get along. If it's not too personal I would like to know what happened behind the royal curtain so I understand better how we ended up to have Tessa added to the picture? I was young knight when I joined nor I was long enough to learn know better the royal family besides the surface." Gabriel kept keen eye on the big bird, seeing where it was going exactly and try get good measure of it's shape and is there anything odd about the bird.