Aurelian understood that kind of problem.
A family branch did not disappear only when its people died out. Sometimes it slowly faded because it no longer had a place where it mattered, and over time, that could be just as damaging.
Orvain looked at him again before speaking.
"The Crownward March is dangerous," he said, "but it is also the kind of place where capable people can become important very quickly. That's what my branch needs."
Aurelian didn't answer right away. This wasn't the sort of offer he could accept just because it sounded useful.
"What would you want in return?" he asked.
Orvain laughed softly.
"Direct. Just like your father."
Orvain clasped his hands behind his back as they continued walking through the garden.
