Gorthyn paced through the snows of the Valley his mind focussed and turning over and over as he thought over the startling events of the day before. He had been doing so for what seemed like hours, restless and oblivious to the cold as he wrestled with an array of emotions and concerns.

He had long thought that nothing that Muldran could do these days would surprise him - well he had been proved wrong on that score comprehensively. While he was more than a little aghast at what Muldran had done, he also found it begrudgingly admirable...For a moment his mind drifted to one who was long past gone from the lands and for whom he would have sacrificed everything much as Mul had done. The memory brought his pacing to a sudden stop for a moment, then he let it fade back into the shadows of his memory and began his thinking and striding once more.

He had seen Cherry's concerns, not to say hostility to the situation as it arose and no doubt towards himself too. He was also only too aware that personal allegiences and alliances could tear apart the Court as its very own Balance was stretched and distorted to breaking point in the wake of what happened.

It had fallen to him to call the Convocation of Court members to discuss the election of a new Shadow King, somehow during it he was going to have to try and steer them all to safer shores while at the same time achieving what he wished for.

His mind settled on a plan of action, he turned back towards the dark bulk of the Keep and into the warmth suddenly more at peace than he had been for many months.