You've seen enough. Back to the palace.

"Pinch's time," Lanks says. "Take you back up the hill, Rex?" he asks.

You take a deep breath. "Yes. I'll make my own mistakes, I suppose."

Lanks nods. "Majesty," he says, too low to carry.

You give your old page a clap on the shoulder. "Serve well, Pinch. See you again."

"Farewell, Rex," Pinch says. "You know where to find me."

Lanks returns you to a somewhat confused palace staff, who you imagine must have been playing "I had the King? I thought YOU had the King!" while you were gone. You'll have to be a little smoother if you want to play at your father's games of wandering among the people.

The next few days are a flurry of settling issues, granting diplomatic letters, and arranging the government for while you're gone. Lord Gilbert, Sir Garret, and Count Dresin are to be the governing council. You've decided to proceed to the marches by the Duchy of Hightree to begin your progress, but you haven't settled on your team and your approach.

It seems to come down to a choice of pomp or power -- gold or steel. Should you proceed with a full-dress Royal Progress -- showy, but slower, with more time for dealing on the edges? Or should you choose a tighter, faster and sharper-pointed Progress, fronted by a cavalry troop? Unsurprisingly, Sir Garret recommends the faster and sharper group. Lord Gilbert advises that a full-dress Progress will be better at winning Itheria's hearts, and suggests Count Holly, known as Silvertongue, as your advocate.