Sonzi Darus, head of the Darus Household and known across Stahl as the Iron Agent, the man in charge of all iron trade and production, sat alone in his study. His hands covered his face, elbows resting on the edge of the desk. Eyes closed, he tried to think through every possible outcome, every consequence of the moment ahead.
The silence was broken by three firm knocks at the door.
"Enter" - Sonzi said.
The door creaked open, and a man with gray-streaked hair stepped inside. It was Viron Darus, his eldest son, the one Sonzi had spent years grooming to inherit the position of patriarch.
"Father" - Viron said, his voice low and a little unsteady - "The hour has come for the audience with the king."
