Kaya watched him quietly, seeing there was turmoil in him still, having had life not only taken from him, but the credibility of being able enough to be triumphant in a tournament thrown in his face. What was worse, Kaya understood all to well why people thought Cedric had died under normal circumstances.

"It's easier for them to believe you died," Kaya said, sighing. "When people are comfortable, they just want to stay comfortable, don't they? The idea they have to get ready for a war, where people lose their lives and betray each other just becomes something they would rather avoid. But that's what makes them weaker for the enemy in the long run, really. It;s less about you, Cedric: they're scared."