Roland nodded, looking thoughtful. "Your kin seem the stronger for it, and that is the truth. Here, we are taught to bear the burden of it, to be the strength of our people that they may have peace." He glanced down at his guns, his free hand going almost unconsciously to touch one sandalwood grip. "But of late it seems there is no peace for anyone, and a man could come to wish for a tradition more like yours."

They were far enough down the stairs now that the sounds of conversation wove into the air around them. Roland smiled a little, a twitch of his lips and a glitter of his eyes. "I hope you're ready for this all-day feast."