As the steward's voice fell, a tiny band of six musicians in the corner struck up a tune.
A few lutes and flutes, accompanied by a small hand drum, played an ancient local folk song.
The melody was lilting, but the small size of the band made it sound thin, adding to the somber atmosphere.
Following that, several old servants filed in one by one, holding trays.
There were no exotic delicacies, only large racks of roasted lamb ribs, root vegetables sprinkled with coarse salt, and freshly baked rye bread.
The aroma of the food was hearty, but the earthenware plates and tin jugs they were served on had clearly seen better days, their edges chipped and dented.
On either side of the long table, Valerius and Philippe each led their own faction of vassals, the division between them clear. Nearly all the vassal nobles of the Dawn Territory were present—five Barons and over twenty Knights.
At the lower end of the table sat the noblewomen.
