Xanas strode confidently into Tion’s party, noting the people there. Lower lighteyes, most of them were, yet necessary to his plans. He knew that other delegates from Kharbranth were here, like Graves and his men, carefully pulling strings to ensure Taravangian’s acquisition of the throne. Xanas had met with Highprince Gavilar, and asked him to listen to Taravangian’s plans. Naradal needed removing and a man of true ability needed to step in. Who to start with? Xanas walked over to Humperdink and sat down. He needed to make a few connections, as spanreeds had become rare in the wartime, and Xanas was not meeting in a possible enemy’s lair, nor would he lead one to his own hideout. The Diagram required him to manipulate them though, so here was the place to do so. He sat down and waved over a wine merchant – Saritu, that was his name wasn’t it? – and asked for the most expensive and intoxicating one there. Xanas did not drink his wine, but let Humperdink make some small talk and drink the bright pink wine. “So, Humperdink – that’s an odd name, no symmetry at all. Where are you from?”
Xaneth is the one that introduced Xanas to Taravangian.