A Meeting with Lord Cinderbottom

Master Hu had barely settled onto his roost when Lord Cinderbottom began.

"I bet you're wondering why I'm here."

Master Hu nodded.

"I bet you think it's bad news."

Master Hu nodded again.

"Well, you're right."

Master Hu nodded a third time, realized that he had just gotten in a routine and it was not actually a good time to nod, and shook his head instead. "What is it this time?"

"There is unrest in the Southern Provinces."

"Yes, I have heard of things."

"It is worse than we have feared. I have been contacted."

"What do you mean?" But then it dawned on Master Hu what Lord Cinderbottom meant, and his lower beak dropped. "Bjorn."

Lord Cinderbottom nodded. "I am afraid there will be a tournament."