record_id: 305f8b3e-f83d-8173-ab57-ef358ea06e01
created_time: 2026-02-12T23:35:00.000Z
title: 02-12 Recording Analysis: Construction Logistics, Fantasy Fiction, and Family Ethics
source_url: /

[TRANSCRIPTION]
Speaker 1 00:00:24
Cough. 
Speaker 2 00:06:10
Hey. Another day in paradise.
Speaker 2 00:11:19
More everything. Did I get more everything? Um. To bring. Yeah, yeah, go on my, go so. Yeah uh. Yeah. 
Speaker 1 00:16:16
Oh.
Speaker 2 00:29:20
Or or have your parents. Um yeah I I put it in the calendar, like it's a just as a placeholder.
Speaker 1 00:29:42
Yeah that one's Monday.
Speaker 3 00:34:08
We didn't have enough room for the toolboxes, or for the big toolbox. We had everything else.
Speaker 2 00:34:22
That Would be just so you know, I'm not trying to that would have been the one thing I said, don't I would have said, don't leave because it's a two man deal to get it out.
Speaker 3 00:34:56
I'm Not trying to slap you. No, but I get it. I mean, I just you know, I think the best thing you guys can do for me is just kind of go.
Speaker 2 00:35:08
Okay, here's where we're at before we go on to the next step. So, I just got to figure out how to get it out of there.
Speaker 3 00:35:24
I mean, uh, I was thinking tomorrow if I'm feeling better in the morning, I could probably head straight over there because I know one of those guys that works in there for the bricks. Pre tty sure they would have no problem, helping me just getting it up in the truck. And then on my way over here, I could go to Alpine and then come here, get the canopy from over there. And that'd have enough room to put the canopy in here and everything too. It's just a toolbox, literally just a toolbox. Yeah. Uber. We uh we don't need an Uber but we have Uber.
Speaker 2 00:35:53
We we well we should. You should grab it? Yeah. I think the more that we're doing this, we don't need this, we don't need that, and then we're like hey where's our stuff you know? Right.
Speaker 1 00:36:02
Um And two of those trash bins plus That's it. 
Speaker 2 00:36:07
The list keeps on growing. So, so you guys are aware, is this pretty much everything? Yeah, just I mean I'm sure you guys took some stuff off here too. Yeah, I probably would have put the toolbox in there first. Right? And then you could stack on top of the toolbox. Um provided you get straps, whatnot, and then you can stack everything up. If you go, all right.
Speaker 3 00:37:38
An appointment this morning, So I should have gotten the note saying I wasn't going to be here till later, but I wanted to check in. Huh? No, My I texted him, and it was also on the printer that I have a meeting.
Speaker 1 00:38:52
A bunch of lights around. Was somebody in the house?
Speaker 2 00:38:56
That I can't tell you.
Speaker 3 00:38:57
I closed all the shades. So a bunch of lights, yeah, interesting. A bunch of lights around the house, somebody was in.
Speaker 2 00:39:06
So I just got here and they were talking on the phone and.
Speaker 3 00:39:10
Oh look at that! Yeah, there's some children over there.
Speaker 3 00:39:22
Need actually access to the map.
Speaker 1 00:40:01
First.
Speaker 3 00:40:53
Took my lunch break a little early. Got my favorite breakfast burrito, which is in Atwater Village, kind of near Glendale. Cause I went to the DMV today, and I think that always deserves like a treat. So, I'm having a great morning actually. There you go. Never get to get that burrito during the week. And it's like weirdly stuck in twenty sixteen prices, like their burritos are like six fifty or seven dollars Oh wow.
Speaker 3 00:41:18
And They make their own hot sauce or kind of hot sauce thing. 
Speaker 2 00:41:26
No, I, I uh, I have not had my favorite breakfast burrito for. Six seven years so. But, it's in, it's in uh well I live in Orange County. And it was down the down the street from the place where I used to work, and you know, but I'm not driving.
Speaker 3 00:41:46
Yeah give me an idea of you'll you'll appreciate this. Yeah. One of my at that place. I was working, they uh.
Speaker 2 00:41:55
They said," one of my guys." So I order, and the girl behind the counter goes," You work at the break line?" Yeah. Oh. Like. 
Speaker 3 00:42:10
East of Alhambra, what is that valley called? They're out there. So like meat for like dumplings.
Speaker 2 00:42:15
And that's where I grew up in Cerritos. Yeah, right? Which is seventy- five percent Asian, I think. Mhm. Yeah Even in high school I get nominated for stuff and they go," That's cute that you got nominated."
Speaker 3 00:42:25
There's white, maybe like second generation, third generation now, but like tons. That is it. There's nothing else. Right, right. So there is some I don't know kind of nice being a place that has that.
Speaker 1 00:47:20
Mesh here, right? Yeah. Yeah, we left it open. Oh.
Speaker 2 00:48:47
Quick Question.
Speaker 2 00:49:14
Oh, is that what it's about? Is that what thousand ounces is for? Yeah. The Gantry.
Speaker 2 00:49:53
No, It was really what. So he asked me to take a call from Builder Trend. From meeting with Builder Trend, they said, "Hey, we want we want to make you guys stop on overtime." So he forwarded it to me and said, "Can you do more hours?" And so I'm like, "Yeah," just have power. And, you know, and they're like, so you fixed it, here's how you fix it. You know here's how you turn it off. So I'm like cool forward it. His response is. Thanks, I don't see a reason why we should ever be having overtime now. And it's like, you know, it's like is he on one? You know, and then I am sitting here, you know, Doing the layout for Gabela and I realize that like my measurement was slightly coping. When do I tell him this?
Speaker 2 00:50:52
It's not gonna be a huge deal depending on which mode he's in.
Speaker 2 00:51:17
Maybe, I mean Friday is my night because on Friday he's like, yeah, go to Stradella. Alright, guys. Get out. Pack it up. Get out and so they're like, hey, We need twenty minutes extra. And uh I might be if he would have looked at it yesterday. I don't know. And then the reality is what that cost. 
Speaker 1 00:51:45
Me like twenty bucks thirty bucks. 
Speaker 2 00:52:32
I'm just gonna. It's the last time I've asked a measurement on a job and all. Like in the next day, my weld, the next day my weld was like, damn it, that can't work. So exactly. Oh yeah.
Speaker 1 00:53:21
Yeah. Did he tell you?
Speaker 2 00:53:29
Yeah, I'll check it out. He didn't tell me either. I just stopped by the well and I checked it and after I checked it.
Speaker 2 00:53:41
Oh, I already told Corey it's off, and I'm like, "I am?" Yeah, but it was supposed to be three eighths. It is with like half inch and see what that's like five eighths at one point. No offset from uh from our float from from the face of our float. It's supposed to be three eighths. It's supposed to be flush with our tile, right? So we we gave ourselves you know five sixteenths plus two, And I just haven't talked to him all week. It's been weird, you know. I'm just if he needs one more push to blow up, I'm not going to be that guy. You guys have plans for next week for the ring? Are you just kind of taking it as it goes?
Speaker 2 00:55:47
Like yeah go to go. So. She'll Pull.
Speaker 2 00:55:57
Yeah, dude, she makes you guys good for sure. She went, she went now but let's get him.
Speaker 2 00:56:24
We'll Be like. Yeah, yeah, we're we're. Like I'm sorry, Can you can you tell me how many grams of fat are in that thing? It's it's true though we've only got one guy that's not sweating. So give him There you go.
Speaker 2 00:57:05
Hey, Hey, can you do me a favor and look away while you do it? Because when you look at me, it's just gonna. You know, I need I need an extra five seconds. Uh shoot, what was I going to tell you? Oh, you'd appreciate this. It's in my middle. Okay. So on my. So, number one, you're going to grow at some point in time. If it bothers you, then do something about it. If it doesn't bother you, then don't do something about it. It's all up to you. I'm sorry if that sounds out of order. What are your thoughts on this? You were active here? I guess so. I'm making burgers and he goes. 
Speaker 2 00:57:56
And normally he makes burgers with me. He's a twelve-year-old who can make a burger, and every single one of them has these things called like, right? Right? So this kid knows how to cook, loves to cook. And so I'm like, I'm making the burgers and he comes up to me and goes, Oh man! This is peanut sauce with some strawberries in it or something. And I'm like oh man! It's just it's great that he's doing that because it's like I think I might have. Uh. Created something here, you know. So.
Speaker 2 00:59:14
You Know, we can save some money here. Like once a week or what? I'll buy you a pizza, bro. You know, maybe a little ice cream on top. Hi.
Speaker 1 00:59:25
Well, I appreciate it. I. 
Speaker 2 00:59:49
Mean, he might not be. Sometimes, you know, sometimes he just feels like he has to say something. You know, but it's just like. 
Speaker 2 01:00:04
I wouldn't. I wouldn't know what that is.
Speaker 2 01:00:54
Hey Dude, cause I'll tell you what. If you can do it, if you can do just couple therapy through the television, I am telling.
Speaker 2 01:01:19
Yeah, I mean, now we used to do. I went to one guy, and it was like. And then even my wife was like, yeah, you just don't focus on this. And then said okay go find a woman. We, we definitely need a man, but go find a woman, you know, because that guy was kind of a woman anyway. And uh, went to a woman, you know, and she's wonderful.
Speaker 2 01:01:50
You know, she's like I'm just as strong as they come. You know, you don't you don't want to try and bother me at all. This is what it is and that's what it isn't. I don't care what you think. So uh,
Speaker 1 01:02:11
You know, you just never know when she's going to get there.
Speaker 2 01:02:32
Yeah, You know what's funny is and and I'll leave it at this. You know, so we ended up quitting the last one. But she said something to me as a throwaway statement. You know, and she gave me she's like just try this as like a throwaway thing. And I'm like you know what I'm gonna try it. I'll tell you what changed our marriage completely changed our marriage. 
Speaker 2 01:02:54
So. You know, I I think I don't think she intended to do that, with that statement. But. You never know man. So. Alright well, I won't keep you. So. You know if you need to go to therapy, I'm happy to make up some business cards and say that I'm qualified. Now we have like just tell your wife.
Speaker 1 01:03:41
If You just saw it from my perspective, then we would understand each other.
Speaker 2 01:03:54
Alright. You got it.
Speaker 2 01:05:14
Is that enough for today? Is that enough for. Right. Okay. I will uh. So all of the grout, uh. Grout, all the water and hydroban is bonanza because it's latte cream. And then all of the mirror coat stuff, aqua block, membrane C. Uh, Lamaya. Okay. Uh, Mortar Bit Two Thousand. Mortar Bit Two Thousand, all SCP. Okay, it's como for the waterproofing? Different components that only represent. Yeah Rapid Thirty Seven Oh One at SCP.
Speaker 2 01:06:12
Banana has different. The price? They have this. They know the the product that gives Bonanza a good deal, but they don't give SCP a good deal. But Miracle gives SCP a good deal, but not Bonanza. Oh yes, different thing. Yeah, pero es de igual is equal the productito? Right? Yes. They give them a good price. 
Speaker 1 01:06:41
So they have more work for them.
Speaker 3 01:08:33
I'll Move it.
Speaker 1 01:09:52
No, no.
Speaker 1 01:13:20
There.
Speaker 2 01:18:13
Wherever so they can keep on going but you can start setting yeah.
Speaker 2 01:18:44
You can put the plywood up and floor strips over there. So, we can put it on the what about one more pass just on the floor or in the sides?
Speaker 2 01:19:15
Okay. So. Yeah,
Speaker 1 01:19:23
I think. 
Speaker 4 01:19:34
That's it for the members today. They put. 
Speaker 2 01:19:47
They do it. Yeah. Okay.
Speaker 1 01:19:56
M one and, arena is but,
Speaker 2 01:20:05
Yeah. I'll have it. I'll have it. Yeah, I feel good already, You already you didn't even come, you got him sick. Alex right?
Speaker 2 01:20:17
Or it's so bad that you got him sick like.
Speaker 3 01:20:20
So I mean, everybody in my house got sick, so I wouldn't be surprised. Like literally everybody got sick. The whole household.
Speaker 2 01:20:29
So, alright man thank you. Alright dude You too Out of here? Out of here till tomorrow, Okay brother How uh, how can I meet up with you this morning? And it's like, I gotta call Brandon. 
Speaker 2 01:20:48
Where were we gonna meet up at? I was gonna go meet you wherever you were. Oh. Just to give you the stuff, so you guys didn't have to wait on me. Oh, okay. And then if I was really smart, I went 'cause I went to Torrance, so I went all the way home, dropped off my kids, Picked up everything we needed to everything. And then my wife's like, hey, can you take my car to Torrance? You know and just instead of it driving here. So now I'm on my way back to Torrance and I'm like, man, if I would have brought my truck, I could have just met Brandon. You know, somewhere on the way. Oh that's okay. As long as it wasn't me that, that forgot to do something. No you didn't do anything. Okay. No you, uh by the time I remembered, it was like nine thirty and I was like, I'm not gonna go back there. All right man thank you. 
Speaker 2 01:23:22
See you guys tomorrow. Take care. You do the same.
Speaker 5 01:30:28
The third, the third was a different matter entirely. The third carrier was a child, A boy of few enough years that Manon doubted, he understood what had happened to his city, to his home. Which the glass had never touched. The fire hadn't. He was sitting on the stoop of that home when she found him in the morning, here while seated around a small fire on the beach. Manon was determined not to think of it. If Luka was quick to escort the woman back into the walls and help her find shelter among families, offering it, then slow to return, Manon was resolved not to care. The third. The third was a different matter entirely. The third carrier with a child. The boy, A few enough years that Manon doubted, he understood what had happened to his city, or his home, which the glass had left unharmed. The fire hadn't. He was sitting on the stoop of that home when she found him in the morning. The morning the price was due. Chin in one hand, head down, one finger tracing shapes in a coating of ash that covered the stone steps. From behind him emerged voices, older ones, frightened angry voices. Manon heard something about a sister in Floridium. Heard, the other say they did not have the coin to make the journey, much less start a new life somewhere else. The boy kept his attention on his drawings, Scuffing them over with a shoe when he was unsatisfied or perhaps satisfied Manon supposed, she didn't know.
Speaker 5 01:31:23
When she first felt the careless skill emanating from the incident, The boy clutching his father's hand as the mother bought a jug of milk for three times its worth, she had hoped it wouldn't be a child. Further observation made this an impossibility. With a single point, he passed his scepter, Raised his fingers at the surface of a barrel of water, he could barely see over. The subsequent ripples could not be attributed to wind, and the giggle that erupted from the child's lips was proof enough. She wondered if the parents had even noticed their child's talent. A child? She'd not prepared for this. Still, she had her directive, and if Manon's life did not depend on delivering it, a chance to ask questions of one who came before might be possible. Questions that might help her free Perrin from his unnatural prison. Certainly they did. She could remember Perrin at that age, more solemn than this child, quiet, observant. The mischief had laughter had come later, born from Victor's example and encouragement. But where Victor's mischief had turned dark, Perrin's was of purer heart, Bright and unblemished until the day their father was dragged from their summer home on Ile de Gorstane and imprisoned. The brightness had begun to fade then, and over time her brother had learned to wear a mask, a facade built on indifference. And Manon had come to see this as the greatest casualty of Julian Barker's crimes.
Speaker 1 01:32:20
Solomon said, Let's go.
Speaker 5 01:32:23
Four was better than three, but perhaps three was enough. Manon turned away. That left only the fourth. Manon had not seen the young woman again. From Solomon,
Speaker 3 01:32:34
No, we can't push it back, I'm more important and sent a crying with laughter emoji.
Speaker 5 01:32:40
And since their encounter in the alley, which in itself was not surprising, Verdun was no market town, But her inquiries as to the identity and whereabouts of a young woman with a shaved head and a nervous disposition were met with shrugs or apologetic shakes of her head. And not a single piece of useful information. She tried to consult Captain Romero and the officer in charge of the city watch, But the captain was engaged in coordinating cleanup efforts and was not interested in giving Nona's trivial matters. Any of her time. The fact that she communicated with Perez Lane that set Nona's teeth on edge. At a loss, Nona even made mention of the young woman's courier skills, but this too seemed to be a dead end. It was as though she didn't exist. And Nona was running out of time. She did what she could, Leaving instructions with members of the city watch and with Vincenzo that if such a woman was noticed, She should be brought to the plaza the next day, whether by force or encouraged with promises of coin or safety or whatever seems to appeal to her.
Speaker 5 01:33:21
Perhaps word would reach the young woman. Perhaps not. Two was enough, surely. Two questions were better than none. The sun was at its peak when Manon made her way to the plaza. Romano was there ahead of her, milling about aimlessly, and the dressmaker arrived shortly after Manon. The butcher's pacing became intolerable to Manon, almost instantly as they waited at the ruined fountain, and by the time the one who came before arrived, striding with purpose through the gate, she was ready to be gone. The man who called himself King had other ideas. Manon had taken only two steps when his voice called out to her : " Y ou will stay. " And so she did because though every fiber of her being screamed at her to be away from that place. There was something new in his voice, something cold and fierce and implacable. Manon did not have the will to fight. The man in the crown looked at the dressmaker and then at the butcher. He stared down at them, their fear palpable. Two, he said, his displeasure shaping his voice into something sharp. It was in that moment Manon saw her there, at the edge of a crowd that was swarming across the plaza, unremarkable and plain but for her shaved head. Three, Manon said with eyes only for the other carrier. The one with the shaved head, this one fought and fled ;. The one who came before followed her lead. You said four I was wrong. Manon didn't move, didn't blink?
Speaker 5 01:34:18
But she knew if he could hear her heartbeat, he would know her willingness to be a lie. But the golden gaze remained fixed on the young woman. Monon was not the quarry in his sight. For a moment, Monon thought he would order her to bring the woman to him, which Monon could not imagine doing without the use of her carrier abilities, which she was desperate to keep concealed. But it seemed he was willing to do his own work. Monon once more experienced the decidedly uncomfortable sensation that the skull's grin had grown wider. And then she heard the dressmaker cry out. Monon spun, saw the two carriers struggle where they stood, saw fear contort their faces, Saw ashes rise from the bricks around fountain and form dark clouds around their legs. Romano strained His arms reaching before him, and she understood they were immobilized, leashed to the stones at their feet. And from across the plaza, another cry rang in the air. More ashes falling, reaching out to snare the young woman with black tendrils. Anon saw her turn and try to run. ; saw the crowd begin to scatter. ; saw a man in golden stoles extend one hand. She did not get far. The ash cloud surged upward, enveloping the carrier. And for a moment there was silence. Then a scream and a burst of fire from within the swirling ashes, but it was not enough. The one who came before snapped his fingers into a steel fist, And the ashes collapsed to reveal the young woman on the ground, obscured within thick ropes of ash that bound her tight. And with a slight twist of his wrist. 
Speaker 5 01:35:17
The cloud of ash retreated, Dragging her across the plaza with the speed of an arrow shot from a bow. The ash deposited the young woman in a heap at the crowned man's feet, face down. What skin could be seen through the unnatural bindings smudged and scraped raw. Anomie jumped back, recoiling from the sudden violence, Aware in a way she had not been that this would be her fate if she made a single mistake. With the three carriers rendered helpless, the one who came before flexed his gauntlet and rolled his shoulders, a motion exaggerated by the black steel he wore. And. Then he reached up to the bronze disc hanging from his neck and lifted it free up over the golden skull up over sharp shards of his silver crown. What are you going to do to them? Menon heard herself whisper. The golden skull looked up, that resonant stillness emanating from somewhere deep within. And for a moment, Menon was certain he'd forgotten she was there. She didn't expect an answer, wasn't sure she wanted one. "What I have always done." And with that, he stepped closer to the butcher, one hand on the back of his neck, pulling him close in a strange sort of embrace, the other hand darting toward the man's abdomen like an assassin with a blade. Only he wielded the bronze disc instead of a knife. Romano screamed ; his face contorting into a hideous maw ; his burly form sagging against cold steel armor ; eyes rolling back into his head. The one who came before held him upright ; steel, - clad fingers entwined in the butcher's hair.
Speaker 5 01:36:16
And waited while the scream faded into mewling gasps. Then, with tenderness that frightened Manon more than the butcher's pain, he lowered Romarin to the ground. Manon saw the butcher's eyelids flutter, saw the black circle burned into his flesh, Saw his fingers curl against the ground and then lift all over again as the one who came before turned to the dressmaker. When she too lay on the ground, her chest rising and falling in a shallowest of breaths. At last he approached young Mina. He took his time with her, went to one knee beside her, Watched her twist and squirm in a grasp of ash ropes that still held her tight. Gently, he slid one hand under her back and lifted her torso from the ground. As easily as a child lifts a straw doll. And when he brought the disk to her skull, he leaned close, his golden face nearly touching hers. When the young woman screamed, Vannan was ready for it. But she was not prepared for the second voice she heard. Vannan. Perrin's voice. just as before. Nothing but her name, a soft whisper that caressed her mind. Vannan sucked in breath, felt eyes on her, Lifted her gaze just enough to see Luca at the western edge of the plaza. Even at that distance, Vannan felt the weight of his sorrow. The screams went silent. The man with the golden skull set the young woman's shivering body alongside the other two ;, all three clung to life, He stood unfurled his full height.
Speaker 5 01:37:15
The disc in his hand, radiating light, to his hands around his neck once more. Slowly, as though the air offered resistance, he spread his arms wide. His steel fingers stretching toward the ground. Manon held her breath. Nothing happened. Nothing that is until the disc flashed with blinding white light. Manon dropped to a crouch, One arm shielding her eyes, but this was no tap for she believed the white spots in her vision. She saw something forming each of his hands growing extending until he held a sword in each hand. A thing Manon's mind could not comprehend even as her eyes witnessed it. The blades were long and sharp with wicked notches on the steel near the hilts. She understood now that he hadn't acquired or found the crown of the black armor in the days since Amisium. He had been made, forged, with this very manner. He looked down at his work, admiring them, judging them from all his sense. Twisting his wrists right and left, the dark steel swung in a net. He turned his attention to the carriers of his feet, and then the one who'd laid aboard cut their throats with three furious savage strokes. Chapter seventeen By that reckoning I should be dead already Pain and light. These were things. Esca knew Perhaps one came first heralding the other, or perhaps they were one. She couldn't feel her arms.
Speaker 5 01:38:13
She supposed they were pinned above her head still, Not in the least because her shoulders felt ready to slip from their sockets with the slightest movement. She didn't open her eyes to face the light; wasn't sure she could. And then the pain grew worse, or at least more immediate, sharp and stinging: a grass switch against her legs. "You look half-dead." It took Estra a moment to realise that she comprehended those words. Perhaps she would open her eyes after all, which is how she discovered she had quite the audience. Estra was surrounded by V ardini ;. She saw the woman with the silver earrings and the older woman from the night before, as well as the warrior who had taken her and Boyd Shedem. And if she was not mistaken, Kite of The Clan had grown overnight—unlikable. Or a second had arrived, but the face closest to her was not Valena. The man peering at her was portly and pale, and dressed in fine brocade. He squinted despite being quite close, which suggested poor eyesight, and dabbed frequently at his sweaty hairline with a silk handkerchief. In short, He was as unlikely a creature to be found in the Vardin grasslands as a housecat in the swamp. And Estelle immediately knew two other things about him, Though she could not decide, which was more important :, he spoke V alora n—excellent—he smelled of harrow root—unexpected. Erska had heard of the substance having that effect on certain individuals.
Speaker 5 01:39:09
Some scholars thought it due to poor diet, others insisted it could be traced to blood composition. All agreed it was a sign of overconsumption. Esca did not have an opinion on the particulars. All she knew was that the spicy scent was oozing from this man's pores, as if he were sweating it out. The switch smashed against Esca's guards again, wielded by a Vardini warrior she did not recognize. She closed her eyes, her throat too dry to utter any complaint. The man in the purple brocade spoke rapidly in Vardu to the warrior. This exchange continued for a moment until the Vardini man scowled, Drew a long knife and with a swift chop cut, Esca's hands free from the post. She fell forward, her arms crying out with new pain, and dropped to her knees in front of the portly man. He could have caught her; indeed, she came face to face with his knees as she fought to stay upright. But he merely dabbed at his mouth with his handkerchief. More words passed between the two men, and then the warrior shouted to the assembled Barbini. At which point they began to move away. The two women were the last to go, and Estra saw them argue heatedly as they went. But, after a moment, she was alone with the stranger—or at least as alone as they could be under the watchful eyes of the warrior who, after depositing a stool with a woven seat in muddy grass, Lingered a short distance away, pacing back and forth ;, his eyes never straying from Estra's.
Speaker 5 01:40:04
The pale man passed his handkerchief over his forehead and rearranged his belly, then lowered himself onto the stool. He peered at Hester again. Well, they don't like you very much. No second stool appeared to be forthcoming, nor water for her parched lips and throat. Who are you? Hester managed. With her feet still bound, she had little choice but to remain on her knees. That or flop onto her side like some sort of beached sea creature, which Hester very much doubted would improve her mood. I? The man indicated himself with a hand holding the handkerchief. I am Kelsier's son Boru. You speak Allorn? Which city? My my! Where are your manners? I have given you my name. Now you ought to give me yours. Estra wet her lips and tried to reel in her impatience. Estra de Caravel of Arconia, delighted. And I was once of Vonaxia's, but I've been across the sea these many years. And your position with the Vattiini? The handkerchief fluttered in his hand. You are very direct. If I were you, I wouldn't frown so much. Sangvoria gave a slight tilt of his head toward the watching warrior. Why? Estra asked, Attempting to manufacture, a more neutral expression Because I highly doubt, you and I will be given a second chance at this conversation. You might consider me rude for sitting while you kneel and for not offering you water to quench your thirst But, if it were up to him.
Speaker 5 01:41:02
You'd still be tacked to that post, like a prize calf ready for butchery. If he suspects this isn't going well, it'll end quickly. Tesca considered this for a moment. "Then what exactly is this conversation we are having, Master Samborius?" Keldemir Samborius passed by, Idly propped his elbow on his knee with his chin in palm and grinned with clenched teeth. He was no longer friendly; in fact, His face had grown quite intent, and the warrior was directly behind him rendering his features unwatched. " W hy, it is the one in which I explain to you all the trouble you're in." "I'll be tempted to keep you alive." "I see," Tesca said. "Then why would you have an interest in keeping me alive? What's in it for you?" I suppose you wouldn't be satisfied if I said something very nice about feeling kinship with you, our shared heritage, our beloved seven cities and on and on like that. The vacant expression returned as the warrior came around to Samborius's left, and he dabbed his neck with a handkerchief. You would suppose correctly, Askia said, fascinated with the changes in the man. Unfortunately for you, I'm not one to truss up like a pig and don't particularly feel the need to answer your question. Samborius's expression and words were entirely at odds with each other, but he gave a nervous little laugh. There were few situations that could make Askia Dacaral uneasy, but a lack of information pertinent. Vital information was one.
Speaker 5 01:42:00
And the knowledge that others had the information she needed, But she saw no choice, but to step into the arena of whatever game it was the Pon Axawun was playing. Well then, Master Senvorya, she said. Perhaps you had better begin. Kasimir Senvorya uncrossed his legs, Crossed them the other way and settled onto his stool in a manner that reminded Asgar of a dog turning this way, and that on a soft blanket before lying down to sleep. Your hosts, he began at last, are the Wind at Dawn Clan. Roughly translated of course. They are a small but respected clan with a long heritage. None of this splintering that so many of the Vardinii clans are known for. Those who arrived with me this morning including our watchful friend here Are from the Sun Behind the Grass clan, larger with an even longer heritage, and one of the four great clans of the Vardina. Sun Behind, the Grass and Wind at Dawn are what you and I might call neighbours. Though, of course, such a thing is a nebulous construct when one blade of grass looks much like another. Do you follow? Esca nodded. Indeed, Master Sanvorya. Let me guess : Sun Behind the Grass demands a certain degree of loyalty from Wind at Dawn and can interfere in this or that clan's affairs? Sanvorya raised an eyebrow. Not just a pretty face, I see. You are mostly correct, but clans are fully autonomous. So I would say that 'interfere' is overstating it slightly, but Wind at Dawn benefits from the stability that comes with having one of the great clans as a neighbour.
Speaker 5 01:42:60
Now, I have started to grasp benefits from having a neighbor that is not overly ambitious. The relationship is complicated, and mind you, I am vastly oversimplifying the politics between the Vardini, but this will suffice for what you need to know. And what is it I need to know? Asked the Prince. Sarnbori waved the handkerchief at an insect circling his head before speaking. Part of the relationship between the two is an exchange of warriors. They spend a season, sometimes more, living and fighting with each other. It strengthens the bond and acts as a means for younger warriors to learn from those who are more experienced. But, do you even care enough to guess at what other use this practice might have? There are hostages there too; we are probably less than. Allowing her to forget how much her body hurt. Alas, it was having no such effect on her thirst. Not afraid to be blunt, either. Sangvoyen said, "The Vardini do not shade or bluntness. Not at least when it comes to these exchanged warriors. Their language is very careful in this regard." But you are correct. Now, Eske Caravon? You are two for two in your insights. I don't suppose you could manage a third? You mean what this practice has to do with me? Eske took a breath and glanced through the tall grass toward the hide structures of the W ind- at- D awn encampment. When she looked back at the Parnaxan, he was watching her intently. The man I killed was one of these exchanged warriors. He was of Sun Behind Grass. 
Speaker 5 01:43:59
Sangvoria sat back and smiled. "Very good." He followed this up with another nervous laugh, and a series of exaggerated bows at his hairline. "You have upset the balance between the two clans. Wind of Dawn was responsible for this man's life. His death sullies Wind of Dawn's honor, and threatens the Sun Behind the Grass position in the Vardini hierarchy." "By that reckoning I should be dead already," Estra said. "Why am I not?" Two reasons," Sangvoria said. " It so happens that the warrior you killed has not endeared himself to his host. He sought to claim a Wind of Dawn woman. " There are few things that unite the Vardini so completely as the treatment of women." His actions were antithetical to everything the clans believe in. He was only allowed to live because the woman insisted it be so. Estra saw the dead man's face once more, saw his eyes widen as the knife drove into his skull, felt her stomach twist. She pushed the image away. And the second reason, Senvorri leaned close, The stench of harrow root was nearly overwhelming. It seems you have a champion among you at dawn. The matriarch has taken a liking to you. Estra frowned, The matriarch? I haven't met her. Ahh, Senvorri said with a small smile, But you have. She does not yet wear the chain because the formal ceremony has not taken place, but she is the matriarch made.
Speaker 5 01:44:57
No mistake. Wind at Dawn is transitioning. That was something, Estra supposed, to have a matriarch regard her with some favor. But what she had seen of the matriarch's relationship with the other woman, who clearly had some influence, suggested the clan was not entirely at ease with their new leader. How great is her power? Senvorria gave a delicate shrug. I could not say with any certainty. I am not as well acquainted with Wind at Dawn, and each clan is different. Some matriarchs keep their successors at a distance, determined to have sole authority. Others work in tandem, But she is new to the role. Yes, and I am not familiar with her or her clan's feelings for her What happens next? asked Senvorria, The son behind the grass matriarch will be here soon. I imagine there will be a great deal of conversation, to which you and I will not be privy, Senvoya said. He made a show of polishing one of his buttons. This is quite the unprecedented situation. You'll be talked about for generations to come. You'll forgive me if I don't find that comforting, Esku said. Tell me, Master Senvoya, What benefit do you gain from pretending to be dull of mind and poor of eyesight? Kazimir Senvoya didn't miss a beat. He trilled another laugh and fanned himself. Have you never acted the fool, Esku de Carabul? No, actually," Esku said."You enjoy being underestimated?" Enjoy? I wouldn't say that."
Speaker 5 01:45:57
Sangvoria smiled, a sickly sort of smile, crushing a bead of sweat in the crease of his cheek. But you must understand, I am a fat man past my best years. I have no martial advantages, no bravado or courage to speak of, and no vast fortune on which to rest. And so I have adapted. We do what we must to survive. Are you prepared to do the same? What do you mean? Sangvoria studied Eshka for a moment, a new weight behind his gaze. I know a thing or two about ancient Ardini laws and customs. In fact, If I were a wagering man—which I'm not—because wagering tends to be at odds with survival, I've found—but if I were—I'd bet—I know as much as these matriarchs. I may be able to use that to your advantage, but you have to promise me you'll do as I say. Putting her fate in another's hands was not something Esku was accustomed to doing. In fact, It ranked alongside a lack of information as the two things Eskar sought to avoid at all costs. Kazimir San Vorya had managed to inflict both upon her in the span of a single conversation. "I'll make that promise," Master San Vorya, Eskar said. But first, you will ask our hosts for a cup of water, and then you will stir some of your harrow root powder into it." San Vorya's jaw twitched; Eskar was sure of it, the first instinctual unplanned movement he had made since she had opened her eyes. But then he smiled, a little too broadly perhaps.
Speaker 5 01:46:55
And wagged a finger in her direction. "A devotee of the root, I see. I confess I didn't think you were the type, but I can imagine how very desperate you are for a taste. Yes, indeed, I can." Resentful of his choice of words, Vesper wanted to offer a stinging retort but she swallowed it down, Aware that this man was perhaps her only ally and an uncertain alliance, if there ever was one. And therefore, it would not do to antagonize him overly much. If that meant he thought her an addict so be it. Even, as she made that resolution, she felt her face twist in revulsion, but Sangvoria having spun his ample backside on his stool to face the sun behind the bronze warrior was none the wiser. The water procured he withdrew a small pouch from his inner vescot pocket Complete with a tiny silver spoon, no larger than Esku's smallest finger. "You'll forgive me if I ration you rather strictly," he said. Esku gave a nod. "Any amount would do." Senvorius filled the spoon twice, Which meant he gave her less than a fifth of what she might add to a broth, and handed the clay cup to Esku. She waited for the particles to sink below the surface, pleased to be patient in the face of the obvious hunger in Senvorius's eyes, and then raised the cup to her lips. The water itself was marvelous, and then the spicy tang of the herb root hit Esku's nose and tongue, and she closed her eyes letting powder do its work. By the time she opened them, her senses were clear; her mind calm. 
Speaker 5 01:47:54
And she felt, if not exactly in her element, stronger than she had since entering the Vardini grasslands. The look on Kazino Sanvoria's face though was far too knowing for her taste, And Eski made a point of injecting her voice with as much indifference as she could when she spoke. "Thank you Master Sanvoria, you are very kind. Now tell me more about the matriarch of Sun Behind the Grass. I should like to know what to expect from her. " The history lesson was cut off. However, before it ever got underway by the approach of the Wind at Dawn matriarch. She shot down the warrior's attempt to accompany her with nothing more than a steely glare, worthy Eski could not help but think of Serena de Caravel, when faced with a particularly asinine diplomat and then came to stand in front of Eski. Samborius scrambled to his feet, more awkwardly, Estra suspected, than he needed to, and offered the stool to her. But she declined this with a wave, her gaze fixed on Estra. Only, after a long moment of stillness, did the woman accept this with a nod, then spoke again. Her words drawing Samborius's eyebrows upward in surprise. "She will be asking you for a favor which she will name soon," Will you accept?" Estra looked up at the woman. Her face was still calm and composed, But there was a curve to her mouth that suggested a smile contained and a light in her eyes that Estra named anticipation." "A champion indeed," Samborius said watching her go.
Speaker 5 01:48:52
I am curious what she intends to ask of you. Most curious. She wanted him dead, the man I killed, so it seems. That is not in itself unexpected. There are others who would have shared that belief given his crime. But that means she wants to disrupt the balance between our two clans. Seems tenuous, and I have some concern whether her people will support her. We humans are stubborn, Master Sangoria, And I found that people take comfort in familiarity and resent change even when they would be better off for it. Casimir Sangoria made a little bow. "I know a thing or two about change," and look where that got me," he said, his arms gesturing at the expanse of grass around them." I hope to someday hear your story, Master Samborius," Estra said. "Provided I live long enough. " Whatever rapport had emerged between them seemed to teeter, and then vanish as Samborius looked away and resumed wiping away sweat with his now sodden handkerchief. When he glanced her way again, the most fleeting of glances, it was as if an abyss had opened. Two alliances she might have, but both were built on something Estra could not see. It was a disconcerting thought to say the least, to know that she was being used for ends of which she remained ignorant. A third ally however revealed himself later that day, long after Cassian Samborius had left his stool in search of sustenance and shade.
Speaker 5 01:49:50
After even, the sun behind a brass wire grew bored of his task and wandered off. She was left to sit in the grass at the base of the post, hands and feet still bound, sun beating down, passing time by the strands of a spider building its web near her knee. Estra was conscious only because of the harrow ropes she knew. When a small shadow appeared over her shoulder, and then shadow was crouching at her side, pressing cup of water into her hands. Estra drained the cup. He took it without a word and walked away only to return a moment later, the cup refilled. This he did five times not once venturing to speak, not once questioning whether she needed more. The fifth time he carried a piece of thin spicy flatbread Esker had to force herself to chew slowly and savor. When she finished, she expected him to leave, Expected him to slink away as quietly as he had come before he could be caught and punched. But Shadow didn't leave. He sat next to her, legs crossed, finger poking in the dirt, disturbing the spider and its web. Glancing up at her only now and then, he smiled once, spoke not at all. And Esker had never been so glad of company in all her life.Chapter eighteen.And they will answer my song.I like the look of him strong but not one of those overconfident buffoons.Sasha shifted his head just enough to catch Leon Drovolkarador's eye. Grass tickled his nose.
Speaker 5 01:50:48
You get all of that from Ramsey's Tucumans backside. Caridors shrug was as expansive as if he were leaning casually against a tree with a flask in his hand, which was quite remarkable considering he was flat on the ground, Face pressed to the earth after crawling across a small ridge to get within sight of the Gray Eagles' camp. Sometimes an arse says a great deal, Arch-Commander. If stealth weren't paramount, Sasha would have burst out laughing. As it was, he had to snort into the grass, which only resulted in further tickling. They had tracked the Gray Eagles all day or in truth, Sasha and his men had followed at a respectful distance, while Caridors scouts did their work, keeping the Eagles closed without risking their own position. Four scouts protected their own flanks, riding at precisely aligned distances so as to detect any counter-scouting ordered by Tucuman. But the Grey Eagles had moved with the casual ease of those who suspected nothing. Indeed, they might as well have been out for a country stroll. The plethora of weapons bristling about their persons belied this, of course, as did apparently Ramses Tucuman's arse. Now, with the sun moments away from sinking below the horizon, the captain of the Grey Eagles was laughing. He did have a good laugh; Sasha had to admit. Sharing a joke with a pair of his men as they lit a long pipe and passed it amongst themselves. Tucuman wore a pair of swords :, one strapped to his back and the other shorter and slightly curved hung from his hips.
Speaker 5 01:51:46
His dark hair was pulled up and off his neck, and fastened into a thick knot with a wide band of blue cloth. Around him, his mercenaries settled in for an evening next to a rippling stream, Staking out particular trees to sleep under or the preferred patches of ground, no doubt with the smoothest pine needles with the unspoken familiarity of men who knew their place in hierarchy. Sasha could see it unfolding, : seasoned men clustered closest to the running water, where the ground was flat. And pleasant ; younger members of the troop left to find a suitable rock on which to rest their heads out on the fringe of the camp. Sasha counted four, who had chosen poorly too far from the rest, one, even out of sight behind a pair of bushes. Vulnerable in the coming darkness. He waited for Tookamong to correct them, to position them in a manner that was more prudent, but the captain did no such thing. Sasha frowned and jerked his head at Carridor to signal his intent to retreat. Together they crawled away until it was safe to stand, then returned to the rest of their party. Captain Kolombiawl waited with eager eyes, Following every step, Sasha took as he and Carridor descended into the small gully they had claimed for themselves. He waited until Sasha and Carridor had arranged for four scouts to take turns watching the eagles from the ridge that night, But there was no doubt what sort of words would spill from his mouth. The moment he had Sasha's attention : " C an, we take them?" asked Commander. "There is not a question of ability nor even of numbers."
Speaker 5 01:52:44
So the great eagles had a slight advantage. No, Captain Joly Colombial was asking for permission, and that was the problem. They could. A night ambush could be undertaken. Toukamun seemed entirely at ease, unsuspecting. Four of his men would die in silence, maybe more before an alarm was sounded. Sasha was more than aware that Colombial and his six men could handle twice their number. That left roughly ten of the eagles for Carridore and his scouts to kill or subdue, and Sasha himself would take Toukamun if the man did not surrender. It was if not easy, too uncomplicated, though he would rather keep the two men separated as much as possible. Sasha drew Carridore and Colombial aside stepping between the two halves of a massive boulder.
Speaker 5 01:53:14
Split open long ago. Let me see the camp, large commander Columbian urged. Find the best points of attack. We can take them in their sleep. Better let one of my.
Speaker 2 01:53:23
Hello, comma this is Braden McLeish period. 
Speaker 2 01:53:49
Hello, comma this is Brad McElhiney period. I need to reschedule my appointment on Monday, unfortunately. Period.
Speaker 2 01:54:16
Can We do another day. 
Speaker 1 01:54:30
His Voice sharp, both of you. Sasha looked from one to the other. When was the last time you saw a mercenary captain conduct himself in such a way in enemy territory? Silence, which was both satisfying and entirely unhelpful. Tukamun might be under Litshen's pay, Sasha went on, But he will know as well as any mercenary that the cities of Valara do not often make such contracts.
Speaker 5 01:54:46
Meaning he will be unwelcome and mistrusted everywhere he goes. What gives him the confidence to divide his troop, to travel and make camp with such a disregard for caution? Arrogance, March Commander, Kolombi'al said with a certain ironic confidence. Stupidity, Carridore said in the same moment. Sasha shook his head. I don't believe it's either of those things. We are missing something, and I will not. Sasha directed his gaze at Kolombi'al. initiate conflict until we know what that something is. I will not kill the only people capable of telling us what we need to know. Is that understood, Captain? A stiff nod. Yes, March Commander. We watch Tukamal's every move We come to understand him well enough to know what he will do next before he does, Sasha said. Does that include letting him reunite with the rest of his troop? It was Carridore who posed the question, the essential question really. That was the danger in watching and waiting, in not severing the head from the snake. Sasha's task was not to gather information after all ;. He was to protect Vianesi from Ramses Tukamon. And the ambitions of the Principate of Lucenza. Killing the mercenary captain before he ever set foot in Vianesi territory was certainly one way to achieve that. It is not Commander Carridore. That ought to have been the end of it; The Arch-Commander had spoken, made his decision known.
Speaker 5 01:55:42
Later, much later, if Sasha had been asked, He would have been adamant that there was no way of predicting what would follow. After all, Captain Columban had beamed orders were accepted, and Sasha had every reason to expect them to be followed. The contents of the Androvale corridor was flasks and something else in mind. It was the singing that woke Sasha. Atrocious singing, but that was hardly the point. It could have been a divine voice sent by the stars, and Sasha would have cursed it all the same because it was entirely too loud, and it was coming from the ridge between the two camps. And it belonged to Commander Carridin. Sasha had always excelled at waking quickly. It wasn't an innate skill honed by years of early mornings and a single dawn attack. During his first campaign, Sasha survived. Many did not. List's skills saw him reaching for his spear the moment he opened his eyes, saw him come to his feet before the sleeping forms around him stirred, Saw him reach the edge of the valley before the closest of the two scouts on watch raced into camp. Sasha let him wake the others; he needed to reach Carridore. Bounding through the trees on long strides, Sasha wove his way through white birches and slender pines and up the slope leading to the ridge. The drunken voice of Carridore—a beacon in the night—Sasha summited the ridge, paused, searching in cloud-cropped moonlight for Carridore. There—arms wide—belting his song to stars. 
Speaker 5 01:56:40
Sasha ran, letting his spear fall from his hand, and slammed into Carridor, tackling him to the ground. The song died, cut off with a squawk. Silence, But for Sasha's, steady, breathing and Carridor's deep inhale as he fought to get air back into his lungs. "Wha'z ya doin'?" was Carridor's slurred response to ending up sprawled on his back, cushioned it would seem by the alcohol in his bloodstream. The commander looked up at Sasha with eyes that did not focus. But Sasha's attention was elsewhere. He kept Carridor pinned down—an easy task, given the commander's apparent lack of concern with having Sasha's full weight on him—but his ears and eyes were straining for signs of life in the grey eagle's camp below. For a moment. He dared to hope. The night went on as it ought. A breeze whispered through leaves, insects buzzed, an owl offered an indignant hoot. And then one by one, the insects went quiet. The eagles were coming. Sasha got to his feet, pivoting to face the slope. A rustling to his right, another straight ahead. Without taking his eyes from the darkness in front of him, Sasha backtracked and retrieved his spear from the grass. Korydor still stretched out on his back as though admiring the stars, mumbled something and laughed ; the sound ringing out, but Sasha no longer cared about silence ;. The stage had been set, From behind Sasha came the sound of his men approaching.
Speaker 5 01:57:40
From Doctor Winter. Hello Braden, sorry to hear that. We do have Wednesday at eleven a m or five p m. But there was no time to regroup, doing so would leave Caridol vulnerable which Sasha would not do, no matter how egregious the commander's offense. Captain Colombar was more than capable of organizing the scouts and his own men, Sasha would trust that and stand his ground. It was not ground of his choosing, The slope was gentle and the top of the ridge broad exposing him on all sides, if Eagles moved quickly. If, he was lucky, they might approach with excessive caution, given that they did not know what precisely awaited them at the top. And if some invisible deity was feeling very generous, Sasha supposed Tukamun might only have sent two or three men to investigate the off- key disturbance. But the sounds rising up the slope were not the movement of just two or three men, and Sasha did not care to rely on luck. He stepped forward, placing himself between Carridore's prone figure and whatever was coming up the hill, spear grasped lightly in his right hand, Its sharp edges glinting with cold moonlight as the blade, kissed the soft pink petals of a tall- stemmed flower poking its head above the grass. Sasha took a deep breath.
Speaker 2 01:58:32
Let's go with Wednesday. Period. 
Speaker 2 01:58:38
At five p, m period. Thank You.
Speaker 5 01:58:54
Let it out. Slowly felt the hairs on his arms lift from the skin and his heart in his chest. Then then dark figures rose up before him, three spear lengths away, emerging like shadows spilling from the earth. First two, then a third and the sound of footfalls on grass promised yet more a shout rang out as one of the three spotted him. Followed by the slightest of hesitations, And then no doubt perceiving both the steel he carried and that he was alone, they came for him. But he wasn't alone. An arrow whistled past Sasha's right ear and plunged into the throat of the nearest attacker. He dropped without a sound. The other two Eagles drew up short, and if Sasha had bothered to look for it, He would have seen their eyes gleaming in the moonlight darting here and there in search of the archer. Sasha was not bothering to look though because he was lunging at them. His spear sliced open the belly of the one on his right ; sharp steel hardly slowing as Sasha pivoted, his momentum driving the edge of blade onward. The second, Eagle leaned back, dodging the strike or thought he did, but Sasha extended to his fullest reach. And a spear carved into man's ribs.
Speaker 5 01:59:38
Sasha did not wait to see him die. Wrenching the tip of the spear free, he surged ahead to face the next pair of shadows. Another arrow whistled through the night, burying itself in a torso. Sasha heard the clash of steel on steel, knew his men had engaged, Saw shapes hurtling through the dark and brought his spear down in an arc on an eagle's shoulder, the blade cleaving through flesh and bone. Sasha pulled the spear back but the blade stuck. Releasing the shaft as the dying man dropped to his knees, Sasha danced away from a sword meant for his chest, spun and grasped a spear with an underhand grip. Rushing forward, Sasha vaulted over the man planting one foot on a man's chest as he leaped. The blade came free, and Sasha thrust the spear forward, driving it home in a third mercenary's collarbone as he landed. He pushed the body from his spear tip, and then the knight around Sasha was empty. To his left, The chaos of the initial encounter between the two forces had evolved into a standoff. Captain Columbier and his men held position, shields braced before them, spears at the ready. Immediately behind them, a line of scouts had blades drawn, And in the rear, six archers aimed arrows at the opposition bowstrings drawn taut, black fletching and black wood nearly invisible in the darkness. Opposite this display, The Grey Eagles were similarly arrayed, though with a distinct absence of archers, they were vulnerable and Ramses Tukamol knew it. He stood at front. 
Speaker 5 02:00:34
Unmoving but for the rise and fall of his chest, as he assessed his options. Sasha could imagine the course his mind was taking. Time to insert himself into that course. Ramses took Amon, Sasha said. The captain of the grey eagles turned his head to face Sasha. Moonlight played across one cheek. Give me a reason to tell them not to put an arrow in your heart, Took Amon's gaze dropped to the bodies around Sasha's feet, though it did not linger long. The mercenary looked back at the Arconian soldiers. A cricket broke the silence, and Took Amon dropped his sword, the longer of the two he had carried in daylight, to the ground. It landed upright, its tip sinking into the earth and wavered for a moment—a plain sword unembellished, a killer's blade. 
Speaker 5 02:01:04
Sasha wondered at the bloodshed they'd had witnessed. With a quiet word, Ramses took them on, ordered his men to do the same. They complied slowly and not without a few shared glances,
Speaker 2 02:01:12
As though none wished to be from D R. Okay, we will see you when thank you. You do the same.
Speaker 5 02:01:34
The first or the last to lower his weapon. Only when all visible weapons rested in the grass did Colombial move. The captain and his men stepped forward, the archers keeping vigilant watch, and herded the mercenaries away from their blades, which were collected and dropped at Sasha's feet. Colombial did this slowly, being sure to let steel clatter against steel, a cacophony of noise that sang the grey eagles' defeat. Sasha ordered them to bring one mercenary back. Tougamon kept his face still. When this was done, Sasha signalled for Colombial to retrieve Commander Carridore from his pleasant repose under the stars and bring him back to camp," Sasha said, his gaze resting on me and Drovol Carridore's weathered face." As two of Kolongal's soldiers lifted him between them, let him sleep. There would be more to say: a reprimand, a reckoning. But that was for another day. Sasha did not relish the thought. Kolongal nodded, and the Eagles? Sasha glanced their way. They looked small in the darkness, and smaller without their weapons. Tired, far from home but still dangerous. Sasha squared his shoulders and faced Tookamun Captive You understand me? A nod May I suggest your men accompany mine while you and I talk? They will be well looked after Suggest Accompany Polite words, Tookamun would know them for what they were Is this agreeable. It is.
Speaker 5 02:02:34
I will allow one to remain behind as witness, Sasha said. Choose. Tukamal nodded again and looked at his mercenaries. Akano, he said. A tall man stepped forward, barefoot and shirtless, his loose pants settled around his hips with a fringed and beaded belt. Sasha looked to Captain Colombeau once more. You will remain, Captain Colombeau saluted, then sent his men the scouts and the captive Grey Eagles down the hill. Sasha waited until their footsteps faded into the sounds of the night, then invited Renly's Tukamal to join him farther down the ridge. The mercenary captain hesitated a moment, then closed the distance between them. He was a well-built man of a height with Sasha His trim beard showed grey on the chin, foreshadowing what was to come. They walked shoulder to shoulder for a dozen strides, Kallabiya and the man called Akunamo trailing like shadows cast by a low sun. Sasha slowed and came to a halt. He did not turn to face his adversary; instead looked up at the stars, saw the shape of the leaping wolf and the great spear of Menaxos. As expected, Tukamun's gaze drifted upward after a moment. "We call that one 'the Sorrow Wolf'," Sasha said, tracing the constellation through the sky. "Do you have another name for it?" Silence. Sasha waited. "She is Mother Wolf," Tukamun said at last. "I enjoy learning what the stars hold for those born half a world away."
Speaker 5 02:03:32
To you, stars are stars. The names we give them matter little. They certainly do not care. Sasha could appreciate that answer. He felt more than saw Rameses Tukamun shift his gaze from the night sky. Slowly, Sasha did the same until the two men were face to face at last. Am I to know the name of the man who has stripped me of my sword? Tukamun asked, his Balarn was fluid, his voice deep. Or, are you and I going to dance around and say very little of consequence? Such is the way of Balarns in my experience. Sasha had considered keeping his identity from T uka mun ; leverage could be lost and gained on such decisions. If Tukamun was inclined to respect his position, they might attain a measure of cordiality. But, if the mercenary had ill will toward the A rch - C omm ander of Archonia due to past deeds, friends of friends of friends and so on, revealing himself might earn nothing but hostility. In the end, Sasha was not one to hide. One didn't earn a coterie of honours and names by hiding. And one certainly didn't become Arch-Commander of Archonia by lurking in the shadows. Sasha intended to remain true to his title and reputation. Then I apologize for your experience, Captain. You will find I think that I am not one for games. My name is Alexandro Deminos," Sasha said. The name registered as a curl in the left corner of Tukamun's snout." Ah."
Speaker 5 02:04:31
I see. And then the colonel turned into a short laugh. Not bitter, not angry, genuine humor. You're probably wondering what I and my Grey Eagles are doing in Lychensar. But I could ask the same of you, Arch-Commander Duminos. Sasha could refute that, but better yet to ignore it. Your Valaryan is very good, Captain," Tugon smiled lingeringly. " I spent some of my childhood in Riaa They were good years. The years of boyfriends roaming the streets, finding mischief, making the first friends of his choosing That, a captain of the Grey Eagles had once lived in one of the Seven Cities was new information to Sasha. Riaa is a long way from Erebor," Sasha said He watched Tukamun, trying to read the other man. But the mercenary merely smiled again. "But enough. We are not here to learn each other's life stories." "I know why you're in the Chantry, Captain. But I'd like to know why you've separated from the rest of your troop, and what I am to do about it." "You want my opinion on what you ought to do with me?" Tukamun's smile twisted a little. "I knew the Arch-Commander of Arconia was young. Tell me: Are you acting the part? Or are you truly so innocent as to seek your enemy's counsel?" "Are you my enemy, Captain?" Sasha waited for those words to bring their full weight to bear, holding Tukamun's gaze for longer than was strictly comfortable. Then he looked to the stars once more.
Speaker 5 02:05:30
Forgive this young pup, Captain. But if you will indulge me, May I ask if you know why we call this nebula shape, the Sorrow Wolf? Did you learn the story while roaming the streets of Rhea? I did not. The deep voice betrayed the slightest hint of irritation. This wolf had a family, a pack. Together they roamed the wilds, taking prey when they hungered, singing to the moon when they were joyful. Fast and strong they were, without equal. Each wolf had teeth with which to bite. Each wolf had legs with which to run. Each wolf had a warm coat with which to stay warm. And one day, the Sorrow Wolf tested his strong legs and snapped his sharp teeth, and laughed at the cold and snow and wind from within warmth of his fur. And he decided he did not need his pack. He left, trotting off into the moonlight, leaping streams and admiring his shadow. Remus took a moment, shifted his weight from one leg to the other, his impatience rising. Spare me your children's story, Demetrius. I understand what happened. The wolf could not hunt on his own, could not sing on his own, could not stay warm on his own. And, he grew sorrowful and shed tears that froze in the sky to burn there, forevermore as stars or something like this. Yes? A tale of woe to frighten me when I am without the full force of my Eagles? Sasha raised an eyebrow and shrugged as if this had not occurred to him. Yes if you like you could interpret the story in this way. 
Speaker 5 02:06:28
He squared his shoulders, dropping the casual air, fixing Tukamun with a steady gaze. But I had a different interpretation in mind. The pack is Valara, Captain, and the principae of Vicenza is the Sorrow Wolf. Arrogant and alone. Is this the way you wish to die? In the service of a man who cannot win the battle. He knows is coming sooner or later? If he pays, that is the life and death of a mercenary march commander. The words were said easily, as though Tukamun had rehearsed them so often that they had become truth. But Sasha saw his jaw harden, saw a flicker of disquiet into the man's eyes. Tell me C apta in : Is there a piece of land waiting for you in Hierobol or perhaps in some peaceful valley in Parthia? A quiet place to lay down your weapons and live out the rest of your days? Or, maybe you crave the splendor of a rich city where people will see you and admire your scars. You've won your share of battles, earned your gold and silver. Surely you have the means to die an old man. Sasha looked the mercenary up and down. I might be a pup, but you are not. How much longer before one of your equals takes your place? Either by force or by consent, it will happen. This is also the way for the mercenary. Wouldn't you like to live out what life remains to you without shedding blood? Without looking over your shoulder? Sasha could see a crack in the man's pride as surely as he could see that Jakobon's eyes slid away, as though there was some refuge to be found in the darkness.
Speaker 5 02:07:25
He pressed on, before stubbornness reared its head. "I don't want you to come on. I want the princhipen of left to come on's gains return. Go home. Fight somewhere else another day or not at all, it matters not for me, but don't die for Corannos or Jaxios Ashurun. Don't let him and his treason kill your eagles, because I will kill them captain, every last one, because I am the pack. I am the protector of the seven cities and they will answer my song. " Ranses Tukamun waited a heartbeat after those words disappeared in the night and then turned his profile to Sasha. His shoulders rose and fell in a single great breath. A breeze curled up the slope and stirred a lock of hair that had come loose from the cloth - bound knot. Somewhere a small animal screamed, a faint, distant cry of distress. "What is it exactly you are offering me, Arch-Commander?" "Freedom," Sasha said. "In return, You and your Grey Eagles will immediately vacate all Balaran lands and make no attempt to return for the remainder of your tenure as captain." "You do not wish to turn me against the Prince-Chieftain? Hire me to supplement your own forces?" "You've been paid. I have no wish to add to your profit." Tukon spread his hands. "Paid yes, but not in full." Sasha shook his head. "I admire your attempt at negotiation, Captain," he said softly. But you will see no more Balaran money." A small smile. 
Speaker 5 02:08:24
I had to try, did I not? Certainly, Captain. Tutankhamun grew quiet for a moment. We cannot keep the luxury of time to decide. You have what is left of the night, no more. Ramses Tutankhamun answered this with a nod. He turned and caught the eye of the mercenary Akamano. Whatever passed between them was caught up by the darkness, deeper now as clouds swept across the night sky and flirted with the moon. Very well, Tutankhamun said as he faced Sasha once more :, You will have your answer at first light, March Commander. Only later, after the two mercenaries had been escorted down the hill to join the rest, After Sasha watched Tutankhamun confer with a few of his men and then stretch out on the ground. Arms behind his head, eyes closed to the north. Though Sasha did not think he slept. Only when Sasha stood alone once more on the ridge, unable to sleep, his mind full of wolves and war, did Captain Colongi call upon him. The question wrinkling the man's forehead: "What is it, Captain?" Sasha said. "One of us ought to sleep tonight," and I don't think it will be me." "Forgive me," Archchancellor. It has been a long time." Moon forgot to keep her promise." I do believe you're correct. " She wants me to trespass on an ancient burial grove in a voice that suggested he did not believe himself. The translation is accurate. This is the favor she asks." The matriarch had come to ask her favor bearing gifts food, to be precise. 
Speaker 5 02:09:22
A bowl of steaming grains with a pale brothy sauce spooned over the top. The scent and tendrils of steam had driven Estra to distraction the moment she caught sight of the matriarch, Senvorri at her heels. They had come to Estra after moonrise, After a day spent curled in a nest of grass, trying to will her body to forget its hunger. And thirst. In Shadow's absence, she was alone when the sun behind grass matriarch arrived with an extensive entourage, an event Estra heard rather than saw. Heard the drumming hooves of approaching horses, heard the exchange of formal greetings between the two matriarchs. She'd expected a visit, an inspection, but chance was set out to her. Estra had seized it and taken an eager spoonful Promptly, the caravel did not turn down Opikso and turned to Esku once more. He looked uncomfortable. The nervousness he wore so well now something more than a deception. I am to accompany you, and we are to leave now. The matriarch nodded at that last word, emphasizing And I it seems am your physician. The ruse will buy us time, but she impresses upon me the importance of speed and tools. Esku pressed. She indicated herself, her bound limbs and unwashed clothing. I have nothing with which to work, " Sangoria related to Esku's supposed, though the alternative was digging with her fingers on cue a small figure emerged from the shadows. Sure enough, Chetto carried two spades.
Speaker 5 02:10:21
His face was alight, his grin wide, no doubt excited at the prospect of a midnight adventure. Esca took the spades from him and looked them over. Sturdy, the handles well fitted to the iron, larger than some. She was running her hand along the smooth antler handle when Sangvoria let out a yelp. Esca looked up to see the man holding his palm against his neck. The matriarch, her face as calm as ever, stepped away from him, something small between her fingers. Sangvoria spoke; the question unclear even though Esca could not understand the words. And then Esca watched the rosy spots of his cheeks, drain away to white as the matriarch answered him. When she finished, Sangvoria seemed robbed of speech; his hands suspended over his shoulder There was no sign of blood or injury that Esku could see. The matriarch turned to her next, and Esku took a step back, which drew a smile to the woman's mouth. But there was no malice or cruelty in it, and when she spoke, her voice was soft. Bonded, she said, which could have conveyed a variety of things, but Esku did not need to dwell on that; she understood. Their futures were bonded. Kazimir San Vorya's future as it turned out was in peril. The matriarch slipped away in the darkness, leaving Esku to ask what had happened and what was said. He touched his neck once more. This time Esku saw the faintest smear of blood come away on his fingertip. San Vorya stared at it. She poisoned me," the words were stiff and slow. 
Speaker 5 02:11:19
His disbelief apparent. "To ensure our return, she will give me the antidote when we give her the staff." He looked up at Estra and blinked rapidly. "If we do not return by nightfall tomorrow, I will be dead." Estra watched the fear work its way across his face, saw him swallow or try; his throat catching twice. "Why not me?" A laugh bubbled up from Sanvorio's chest, a wild unharnessed thing. "Because," he scooted Caribol, " I imagine she suspects I wouldn't know the first thing about digging a burial mound. Which makes you rather more valuable." And she's right. No point in risking poisoning you when she's got this chubby donkey to play with." "I won't let you die," Estra said. She was aware of Cheto watching the exchange between them. "No, indeed you won't," Senboya said, regaining some of his bluster. "I've been away from Ballara a long time, young lady, and I've learned a thing or two about death and spirits. If you let me die, I'll come back as a crow and peck out your eyes." He was, Esku saw, utterly serious. She might once have offered an argument against such a statement, citing the scientific permanency of death and the failure of numerous studies to produce evidence of spectral or spirit forms, but the Lordikun was very far away. And this man's wrath was very near. Besides she'd told Sasha often enough that she never expected to be able to explain everything with facts and logic and science.
Speaker 5 02:12:16
But there was wonder in my mind, and things were knowable, and this too thrilled me. Give Casimir Sangoria wanted to believe his essence could be born into a crow at the moment of his death. Well, it was fitting. A clever bird for a clever man. Understood, Master Sangoria. I have no wish to have my eyes pecked out. Estra offered him a smile. We should go. Do you know her name? Estra asked the Winter Dawn matriarch? They'd been walking long enough for the moon to travel from somewhere off Estra's, right shoulder to roughly directly overhead north, then or at least close enough, though the height of the grass made orientation nearly impossible. No doubt this was intentional. If Estra could not see Estra could not run. She had, of course, considered it. But if she was being honest, The prospect of unearthing Sceptre's staff and learning something of its meaning was rather like a slab of meat dangled in front of a hungry dog. She would follow where Chetto led. Much of the journey passed in silence, In part due to the fact that only one of them could speak to all members of the party, And that one was walking with the sort of morose expression, one might have when one is contemplating one's death. But Esca's question pulled Sangoria out of that contemplation long enough for him to answer. "Nadeja," he said. "And do you know why she wants this staff?" "I can only guess at her reasons," he answered. He went silent, plodding along, both of them following Chetto closely. 
Speaker 5 02:13:14
As they lose each other in the grass, Kater Shear Teska said. She smiled when Samborian glanced over at her.
Speaker 5 02:16:10
We could start with another history lesson. What is the significance of the staff? And whose grave are we disturbing? And why can't she do it herself? The questions rattled off Estra's tongue quickly. Zenvorio put his fingers to his neck. He had done this periodically as they walked. The tiny needle imbued with poison had left the faintest red bump on his skin, visible only when Estra insisted on peering closely at it in the darkness, an insistence Zenvorio had acquiesced to with a woeful sigh. Please, Master Zenvorio, Estra said. Your last lesson was so very good. Another sigh. Your flattery is very obvious and you ask a lot of questions. Estra nodded. I do, yes, thwarted many a governess and scholar with my questions She made a helpless gesture with her hands. And really, you're partially to blame. You did call me clever earlier. The smile came slowly to Sanghora's face, battling through his determination to remain in a state of melancholy, but it had come, bringing a bit of life to his eyes once more. The burial mound we are visiting," he began. "Here is the eternal resting place for the physical forms of three people. They all died according to the story on the same day." Sanghora paused and screwed up his nose in thought. "One hundred and twelve years ago, I believe one of those three people was Mahela, who is one of the most revered old Ardene matriarchs, and it is Mahela's staff. We have been sent to retrieve." Ahead of Esthar. 
Speaker 5 02:17:08
Shadow swished on through the grass. How he knew the paths to take, when there were no paths at all and a clouded sky above, was a mystery to Aska. But he walked with unerring certainty, as though the earth spoke to his feet and told him the way. Perhaps it did. Samborion continued: "Mihaila did what no Matriarch before her or since has done. She achieved unity between the clans. " The Badiu then and the Badiu now say that she was blessed by their holy spirits, blessed by the earth and by the moon. Some even believe that she was born from a union between Mother River that flows through Grass Plains and Mother Moon in Sky, and they believe her staff held powers of spirits, and that this is why she could bring peace across all of Clanlands. Sen Vorya cleared his throat. But as you can probably imagine, there were those who resented the peace and her peace. Who saw fractious feuds as a means of gaining power. Who saw the ever-shifting balance between clans as the way of the Barbiini, But she had deprived them of that petty power, and they could not stand their own insignificance. They were few in number, these dissenters, but they knew one very important thing. Sen Vorya brushed a particularly tall clump of grass from his face and looked at Destra. "Any guess what that is? " They knew the peace was held together by Nehela's life, and that her death would end it," Aesla said. Sen Vorya gave a slow and solemn nod: "Indeed."
Speaker 5 02:18:06
Had she lived longer, she could have knit the clans together with unbreakable bonds. But the unity she built was still fragile, still supported by her name and strength and sheer will. A bird burst from the grass in front of Chellin, calling its alarm to the stars. Eski laughed as did Samborion. Chellin laughed. Eski listened to the sound of its wingbeats fading away into the night. What happened to her? The question was a heavy one, the answer anticipated: The bird somehow heralded Mihila's fate. The stories vary in specifics, : Some say her spirits in her stomach turned on her ;, others say her foes killed a sacred white antelope to draw her away from safety, and then slaughtered her like the beast. And still others believe her lover was tricked into murdering her. What is certain is that Mihaila died, and with her, died the dream of unity. Estra was quiet for a moment. "A tragedy," she said at last. "Aren't all the best stories?" They walked on, the grassland around them filling in the silences with a chorus of unidentifiable sounds. "I don't make a habit of raiding tombs," Master Samborius, it seemed important to say this. "I conduct sanctioned legal excavations." "Your business is your business," Tesveda Carvalho replied mildly. "I didn't ask." I appreciate that," Estra said, but if we both get out of this alive, I would not have it told that I am nothing but a greed - driven treasure hunter."
Speaker 5 02:19:05
Kazimir Samborius stopped walking, the first any of them had come to a halt in some time. Eshka did the same and turned to face him. Ahead, Cheddo carried on, then stopped and stared back at them with undisguised impatience. He gestured at the grass at his feet : " Y ou dig things out of the earth. Some will gather them and judge you for it." "Would you reprimand them all?" A small shrug rolled off his shoulders. "No, it would be impossible." "If I may offer some advice," Eshka: "Do not live and die by the falsehoods others speak about you." And with that he continued on, Patting Cheddo on the shoulder with a great deal more vigour than was strictly necessary, leaving Eshka to hurry after, His words ringing in her ears and the name of Manon Barker whispering in their wake. Naturally, Thinking about Manon Barker involved thinking of the moment, Esku had understood the woman was trying to blow up her ship in Torridium Harbor. She could still smell the black, acrid smoke. Could still see Manon tumbling over the ship rail into the sea, only to be fished out again. And she could hear Alexandro Deminos speak a lie : because Manon Barker had not been brought back to Archonia to face justice. Rather, She had been freed—a piece of the Archduke's scheme falling into place, along with other carriers. He was collecting. And Sasha had played his part. How framing Esku for the murder of Chancellor Fueor Yovt Torridium fit into that scheme? Esku had to confess she did not quite understand—beyond the obvious:
Speaker 5 02:20:01
While Arkonia was littered with glittering luminaries of political stature, Branyasko for the murder of Chancellor Fueor Yovd already unfit into that scheme. Neska had to confess she did not quite understand beyond the obvious. While Arkonia was littered with glittering luminaries of political standing, Men and women whose influence and choices orchestrated the workings of Arkonia and extended far beyond the city. Few families could claim to match the power of the House of T'Karabon. That Valexia Arturos de Vokalant Pro might seek to diminish that power was not entirely extraordinary. And yet it was extraordinary. The Archduke embodied the essence of the Seven Cities, that is, The belief born out of cruelty and destruction over yesteryears, that one man or woman could not should not. Govern alone. That the seven were strong because they were seven. Arcturus had lived this philosophy his whole life, And it was woven through each and every decision he made as one of the seven brothers and sisters in rule. Maddie sent a screen time request to you and Ashlynn. Estra knew this, had learned it from her mother and father and her own observation, And she also knew that undermining Maximillian Solima de Caravel undermined the very foundation of Arconia. Of course, Estra ought not to speak such a thought aloud. There was an arrogance to it, and most certainly a bias, but even the pettiest government official with a grudge knew it to be true.
Speaker 5 02:20:60
Which meant the threat against her family was a threat to her city. And there was the matter of the godforge.
Speaker 2 02:21:10
Hello? Hey. Hey, what's up? Um, is there a plan to get Maddie back before practice?
Speaker 4 02:21:18
Yeah, my dad's gonna be dropping him off.
Speaker 2 02:21:21
Do you know what time that is?
Speaker 4 02:21:23
Like between three and three- thirty, I think. Okay.
Speaker 2 02:21:28
He's got practice with Jesse that's why. 
Speaker 4 02:21:31
What time does that go Because I only see one practice. Yeah,
Speaker 2 02:21:34
I put it on about an hour or two ago. So, it'sum five o'clock on Mondays and Thursdays so far.
Speaker 4 02:21:44
Oh dang, so he's like a really long practice today. Essentially yeah.
Speaker 2 02:21:50
So, um we'll see how that goes. Cause what's interesting is all the kids that are trying out at, Jesse's aren't going to.
Speaker 4 02:22:04
Ian's. Ian's, yeah. So. I wonder if they're doing that on purpose. I don't know.
Speaker 2 02:22:18
So, how'd it go with Dino? Good! He was nice! By the way, if you want to talk later, we can talk later in the middle or just want to get. I'm not.
Speaker 4 02:22:30
Having, I'm at like a, I feel like I've been going strong for like three days now. Four days, I mean emotionally, I've been going strong for like four days now. But it's like I'm having a breaking point where it's like, I can't. You know, like I'm like.I'm just sitting here. And I'm not doing anything. Like, and then.like.I can't.like my my head kind of hurts and then.like stuck. I know what there's plenty of stuff i need to do, but i'm like i don't have an energy to call anybody or to do anything right now. So.
Speaker 4 02:23:00
Anyways. Um, yeah, we can talk about it later. It's good. You know, The only thing I, it's like it's hard because it's like we have all these formulations that we're kind of working on a little bit. And you know, It's like, hey, just make sure that you send me the one that is the best representation of your company, because if it doesn't go over well, I'm gonna have questions, you know, and it's fair. Yep. You know, and it's like, and it's hard to I'm like I told you don't make get hard because it's like, you know, It's hard to say like on one hand, I pro. You know, like maybe I don't say anything at all, But like I feel like I, like what I am trying to say is we're taking something good, and we're making it even better. You know, But you know that obviously is going to come across as we don't like it where it is. And it's not enough. You know. But so probably could keep that, But it's like he's also if I send him something right now, then he's not going to, you know, then and they change it.
Speaker 4 02:23:59
And he knows it. His guys will know it, you know. So I don't know. I gotta get on the phone with, like one of the chemists and talk to him about it before I move forward with it, but like, but yeah, it was good. Like and he just had like some like great like first, you know, our our conversations are always like, hey, how's your day going? How are you doing? How's you know, like, and they are kind of full of like what you know, Like, we talk about like what God is doing in our lives. And no, you know, yeah. Feeling encouraged or discouraged. And then it kind of goes into business. So, I need to, yeah. I just follow up with him and try to send him the pricing and everything. And he's willing to try out anything, you know. So, and purchase it and stuff. Um. So. so yeah. Yeah. Cool You know, I'm getting I'm getting cool like I'm getting traction in this Yeah. It's been a good day people following back up and texting me, you know, and like.
Speaker 4 02:24:56
I like had good good momentum, you know. It's, just a matter of it's like just a matter of following back up and keeping things going, you know, and being on top of it. You know. It's like I being out in the field, I have all this follow up now to do as a result. And then sometimes it's like I can't even be out in the field. Like I need to you know, I need to send make calls, you know? Anyways. Huh. I'm just tired. I'm just like physically tired actually.
Speaker 2 02:25:34
You ever have any uh follow up withum Haley?
Speaker 4 02:25:39
So Santiago called me today because I called him and I texted him on like Tuesday, and then he didn't text me back and then I called him yesterday. And then today he called me and I was like, I was starting to get worried. And he was like, no, I've been working nights. I've been sleeping. He goes, you should have just woken me up. You should have just kept on calling until you woke me up. And I'm like, no, I'm not gonna do that. You know? So I know like generally speaking like your. you know. Like I know that you have.I see that you're working nights. Like you're posting about it. You know? So i'm not.you know.I don't want to get.I don't.I don't want to interrupt your sleep. You know?
Speaker 4 02:26:24
Yeah. So, I made lunch plans with them next week on Wednesday. So Wednesday is kind of booked. I have a coffee in like Santa Ana, and then I got to pick a place for us to meet up for lunch, um, with Santiago. So it's starting to look good. I should just kind of make a full court press right now over the next thirty minutes. And then do emails, you know, Until you get you get home with the older boys, but Yeah We'll see how much I can get done Okay.
Speaker 2 02:26:51
I rescheduled my dentist appointment for Wednesday at five o'clock. So as of right now, it looks all good. So I think what I'll do is I'll just drop off the boys and then I'll go, and you know, do that. But, it looks like we're we've got a you know, relatively empty night with you know only with the um with the Roman um effect. Yeah. Um, hey, how'd you read the Edson response when he said that's fair?
Speaker 4 02:27:27
What? Like with you or like I I said that's fair like for you, like to say that. You know.
Speaker 2 02:27:35
Yeah would what but how did you read his response?
Speaker 4 02:27:40
His was like I gotta give priority to my kids first, and then and then I'll play your kids, you know.
Speaker 2 02:27:47
Okay, that's the way I read it. I wanted to make sure. Right. So, no, no, no. That's fine. That's fine. Um, you know, but it's like well then no. Right You know. 
Speaker 4 02:28:03
Right Right, and it's hard because it's like look, The reality is is that Um You know we're kind of in a catch twenty two. And I'm gonna say this actually first before I say anything else because, I think, you know, I told them that he wasn't able to go to camp for myriad of different, like for financially, just wasn't in the cards. But more importantly, like your dad was in town, and we needed to go to your uncle's everybody to be present at your uncle's funeral in support of your family. Right. You know, of your cousins.
Speaker 2 02:28:44
So. By the way, I really appreciate it. I wondered how you were going to come about this whole thing. You know, regarding the kids'involvement and and hearing, you know, not that I was worried about it. I was just curious. And I haven't even had to like bring it up. You've been like running it essentially, and so i I appreciate that.
Speaker 4 02:29:09
Yeah, I mean look. Not gonna lie, it's a good excuse. Like and not excuse but like it's a it's an easy win, And an easier conversation to have other than "no, we just can't afford it." Because then they start going, "Well, you can afford this. You can afford this. You can't afford that," you know. And he's gone every year, and I am disappointed, you know, that Eric's going and Ben's not. But Eric got a scholarship and he's also using his money for it. You know, even if Ben had offered to use his money for camp, I still feel like I would have had to say stick by my original. 
Speaker 4 02:29:48
You know, I still do feel pretty strongly about the fact that you know Ben should be present for your family. You know, our family, our family, our kids should be present for your family and their kids and their grandfather. You know, And yeah Aaron's kids don't care, because Aaron is acting like she doesn't really care. Um, which is fine, you know,
Speaker 2 02:30:14
We get a thing too like,
Speaker 4 02:30:15
But Brody does. But you know,
Speaker 2 02:30:17
They haven't seen their grandfather. Right. You know, in I don't know, it's like five years, something like that. You know. So right. I mean, when you talk to Maddie about like Maddie will ask you questions about like, hey, what happened at this point in time? You realize like yeah he was too young. He doesn't remember any of that stuff. Like. They don't remember their grandfather I'm assuming You know Right. Not that they don't remember him as a person, but they don't remember.
Speaker 4 02:30:44
I don't know. You you were pretty involved at some level, but I I mean like I agree with you. Like I and it doesn't bother right It doesn't bother me, But but you know But Brody They know Brody and in some ways, you know like like no, I don't think they ever hung out with him by himself. I don't know Like in some ways, you know, because Aaron's kids are a little bit. You know disconnected like Brody's. It would be easier to have a relationship with. Um, so it you know, it doesn't matter. They just need to be there. You know, that would be my stance on it. Um, And I look back and I go like I don't remember if it was just Maddie and Eric um if Maddie and Eric went to my aunt Wanda's funeral, but I know Ben wasn't there because he had camp. Hmm You know Yeah And I. 
Speaker 4 02:31:43
I don't think it's a big deal, but on, but I look back and I go, okay. Should he have been there for my mom? You know. Should he have been there for my. you know. So like yeah, he doesn't care and he doesn't know. But, what does that mean to the people that you know to the two, who are you know to the people that we that are adults that we've known love? You know so um anyways but yeah it It was an easy decision because it was a good excuse, but I stand by it. You know, Which is why I can't make the exception for Ben that I could for Eric when he was willing to pay for it. Right. So, you know, And I hope that he could understand that and that he doesn't see it as being like unfair.
Speaker 4 02:32:44
So. Anyways. Yeah. Anyways. Um, but yeah, I don't know what we were talking about.
Speaker 2 02:32:58
Um, we're talking about Edson.
Speaker 4 02:33:00
Oh, so yeah, So oh, my point being is, is that either way Ben is home on Saturday, you know, and I I probably would have supported whatever you wanted. To do, but if you were like oh, If someone was like, oh, he's going to play like I need players. You know like he will play like I still probably would have brought enough the fact that I think that our messaging is a little bit confusing when we're willing to when we're when it's important enough to say, no, you are going to stay back for yourum there.
Speaker 2 02:33:38
There was there was never a part in my mind where he was going to go on Saturday. Yeah, for the record. Um,
Speaker 1 02:33:45
I just didn't know yet. Uh, like what all the details were. And I was like, Well, let's, you know, cause I'm not driving in. 
Speaker 4 02:33:55
On how he plans on, you know, working with a team. You know that I don't know Tina Edson reaches out and Roman recommends Ben.
Speaker 2 02:34:11
I don't. That's not the way I read it, and we don't know that you know. It's very possible that you know, he asked Victor and Skyler and all of them as well. So he actually reached out to Matt, uh, to Matt who was right next to me, and he's like, hey, I'm here with Ben's dad. Do you want me to ask him? Okay. You know no so I don't, Necessary. I think he's more just like, hey, just so you know, Roman said it's cool.
Speaker 4 02:34:44
Right. Okay. Okay. That's the way I read that maybe. Okay. No one That's fair That's fair So Yeah, I think like I think it's completely okay for Ed to want to use his own players. Yeah.
Speaker 4 02:35:08
And I think that it would be completely okay for us to say, you know what, like my wife and I barely see each other, and like Ben would only be able to make Sunday happen. And I think we just we're going to take we're going to value our family's time while we have it before this season starts to pick up for for Ben and Eric, you know.
Speaker 4 02:35:39
For all three of our kids, yeah. Yeah, I just but you know,
Speaker 2 02:35:43
And it's a much better way than I was planning to say it. But it's like, are you stupid?
Speaker 4 02:35:52
You know,
Speaker 2 02:35:52
Like you are going to ask me to do a tournament in Temecula? You know, You want me to play my kid to play down in a tournament in Temecula and not guarantee. You know him minutes.
Speaker 2 02:36:08
You know, it's you know, it's crazy. It's like no nobody's going to come and play with you. You know. Right.
Speaker 4 02:36:18
You can probably get kids that want like kids that want to be on that team. Right. You know? Right,
Speaker 2 02:36:30
Kids will play, You know, always go to play up for that team, but they don't even play down. I mean, I'm. Sure. There are. You guys like Victor would take him, you know. Fabio would take him. Yeah, Victor mentioned it. Yeah. You know, Matt's not going to. You know,
Speaker 4 02:36:47
So Well and that's kind of the difference, you know? And also and their situation is different, you know? Probably wants to waste his time or if Fabio. You know Giulia thrives on bother beating, you know, and and Fabio would encourage it, encourages it, and it's a good day for them. You know they see eye to eye, Favor you and Ben because, you know.
Speaker 2 02:37:14
Right. It doesn't benefit Ben at all. You know, there's no. You know.
Speaker 4 02:37:20
Yeah. So So it's just not, it doesn't create a good environment, you know? Ben not ben. Ben tends to get down and you get frustrated, and he doesn't enjoy it. He doesn't feel good about himself when he's playing on that team. He gets frustrated with the other kids. He gets soft-spoken, you know. If Victor is out there, Victor is all over him, bossing him around, you know. So no, You know, it's just if we were in a position where we needed to do something like that, then I would. And, if Edson said this would be a favor and I am so sorry, like I just, you know, like I need extra, you know, and.
Speaker 4 02:38:04
I I didn't could make some type of deal, then great. But you know, that's okay. Yeah. You know, if Roman came to us and said, hey, I need Ben to do this. If Roman asked us, and he said, I need Ben to do this, and I've talked to, you know, Edson he's going to play this position. I need him work on these things we would probably consider it. But this isn't that. Right. So. Um. Yeah. Okay. Anyways, um, let's see here, I'm starting to feel a little bit more awake Maybe. I should get another call in before you guys get over here. Sounds good to me.
Speaker 4 02:39:02
Alright. Did you ever get, um, it doesn't matter. I'll talk to you about it later. Okay. I love you. Love you too. Yeah, alright, bye-bye. Bye-bye. 

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