Stephan entered the firehall after a long absence but nothing had changed. It was empty and cold but the furnishing and tapestries were all in place. Standing at the bar was someone he recognized almost immediately." Balfour! You are definitely a sight for these weary eyes." Stephan stepped forward to shake the man's hand. Balfour a bit more reserved shook Stephan's hand and followed with a greeting of "Welcome Sire." Without missing a beat, Stephan motioned him over to the table." Come, no one is here but us and let's sit and drink some ale and catch up on the family news." Balfour nodded a bit uncomfortably but he drew 2 mugs of ale and joined the young man at the table.
Stephan immediately asked about William and Robert." They are safe and well protected as per your Father's request. Both are fine young men and in time will step forward to make their marks on the world." Balfour quickly supplied the information." Where are they so I can go and see them for myself? Stephan did his best to hide his feelings. Balfour didn't miss a beat and quickly replied, "But Stephan, you are the heir to the title and William won't challenge you unless you give him provocation." Stephan sputtered in his ale at that news." But Father disowned me and gave the title to the young brat!" His amazement was evident on his face." True, Stephan, initially he was furious but slowly he returned to reason and never executed the change on paper though he asked all involved to not speak of it and let his spoken word stand until the right time." By this time Balfour was very guarded in what he said about the two younger boys. Stephan nodded as his mind was awash with thoughts.
"What happened here? Where is everyone?" Balfour took a drink before he answered." It was a curious thing. People's thoughts and dreams changed and most everyone moved on. Before you knew it this hall was empty. Eventually the town folk closed the doors until someone returned to reopen them. And they have been waiting for a while now. I have been here about a month now and the mice have out numbered the patrons the whole time." Stephan nodded, "then why do you remain? Go and stay with my brothers." Balfour shook his head as he drank the ale." No, I made a promise to a man and I have never broken my word before. I will know when the time is right but until then, I will sit here and wait." Stephan smiled." You old codger, he is alive. I see it in your eyes." Balfour stared back coolly, "I said no such thing and you best let that kind of talk die. All it will get you is a knife in the back or a cut throat to quiet your voice." Stephan nodded but in his mind he planned to break the old man down and have him admit the truth he knew to be so.
"What about that scrawny female named Talisman? How is she doing? I would suspect she is married to some farmer and content with having babies faster than the barnyard cats." Stephan chuckled at the thought. Balfour nodded but didn't say anything. Let the young man find out the hard way. It might do his ego good to eat some dirt. Balfour took another drink as his mind delved into what he saw. This young man is a wee bit brash and cock-sure. Much like his father in the younger days but I sense the pride is much deeper and quickly shown. Stephan broke his thoughts as he spoke up." So Balfour, what do we do now? Who will lead this place back to where it belongs?" Balfour shrugged his shoulders." Most likely a good man when he shows up." Stephan blew the thought aside as he stood up and headed for the door. The slamming of the door saved Balfour some dusting as the force of it dislodged many spider webs.