A Winchester Gathering

Few things could bring the Winchesters together under one roof.

And the tournament was one of these few things.

At least, to Solvane Winchester and his wife, it was.

William and his brother were known to have a different approach to life from their father.

As had long become custom, the Winchesters sat in what could pass for the throne box in the arena.

It overlooked the contests from a vantage point.

Platters of ripe figs, dates, grapes, all sorts of fruit, small pastries, fine cheese and meat were laid on the table before them.

William watched as his brother, Zachary, swept up a small bunch of grapes, popping them into his mouth one after the other. He chewed quietly.

William was irritated by the chewing noises nonetheless.

He closed his eyes to the sound and tried not to berate his brother.

It was so long ago that they were children, and yet there were days his brother made him feel like they still were.

With him being constantly irritated, Zachary was free of any care in