"I have scented the tracks of many young wolves eager to tilt my ear, hoping to gain a favorable position in the Ridge. I have always made it a law that no one should bring me heavy tributes. In our hierarchy, a gift that smells of bribery is a gift that reeks of betrayal.

"You are gathered here to howl for my birth-cycle, and your loyalty and presence are more than enough. I approached you, Charlotte, with the intent of returning the canvas. If such a relic is truly ancient, it represents a hoard of wealth that would unbalance our trade. However, it seems my instinct regarding your character was...