After a long period of silence and very careful thought, Keeper Q’yer replied, “I really don’t see the harm in it.” Lord Serant and Calyin fixed him with a puzzled stare, but let him continue without interruption. “Really. They want a separate meeting with the council to discuss your right to maintain control. We’ll give it to them, but on our terms. We will work it into the speeches we had planned for tomorrow. In fact, we will begin on that very topic. We will turn the tide in our favor.”
“And with a ruling in front of all members and the council to support us, they can do nothing. Yes, I like your thinking, keeper.”
A devilish smile also passed Father Joshua’s lips, “Yes, we shall confront them with it before they expect. Our words will be heard first. I, too, approve of it.”
The door to the audience hall burst open. Lord Serant was the first to move from the table. In a skillful lunge from his seat as he drew his weapon, he was now only a few feet from the intruder. It took him a moment to relax his sword arm, after he realized it was only Captain Brodst. “Lord Serant, King William is minutes from arriving at the postern gates. Chancellor Van’te of South Province and his aides are just a half hour’s ride behind King William’s delegation.”
“Good. Any word or signs of those from the free cities?”
“No, but if I know Geoffrey of Solntse, he will be late in coming; the governors of Mir and Veter will wait to meet him near the crossroads to the south.”
“Yes, that would be like him, wouldn’t it?”
After Lord Serant personally greeted King William and Chancellor Van’te, he returned to the audience chamber. Once all plans were set, they retired for the evening. Captain Brodst wasn’t tired in the least; he went to check on Pyetr’s progress. Only then was he satisfied enough to be able to sleep, but something still burned in the back of his mind. He knew something wasn’t right, but he couldn’t touch upon it.
Early the following morning, a courier brought word to Lord Serant that Lord Fantyu of High Province had arrived in the coastal city of Taber on the eastern sea and would regretfully be a day late in arriving to Imtal. “Did Lord Fantyu explain why he was to be late?” demanded Lord Serant.
“Yes, my lord. He told me to tell you, begging your pardon of course, and I quote, ‘Tell his lordship if he questions my allegiance by the paltry offense of arriving slightly late that first of all we were delayed by rough seas and bad weather; we rowed our war galleys to a double beat. Secondly, the distance from High Province to Imtal normally takes well over two weeks in fair conditions, and he should be thankful we are here already. Thirdly, I must take into consideration my warships, which are of the kingdom’s own fleet. Under no circumstances will I risk my fleet entering the forsakenly shallow waters of his blessed river!’ Begging your pardon, of course, your lordship,” spoke the courier swiftly.
Lord Serant had to force back a smile; the youngster had imitated Lord Fantyu to perfection. He had even imitated the uncanny nature with which the lord accented his every word with bodily gestures. Lord Serant dismissed the youth, and returned to his morning duties.
Throughout the day, delegates arrived; by noon the High Council was in full count, as was the Council of Keepers and ten representatives from each of the priesthoods. Only the governors of the free cities were unaccounted for. Lord Serant and Princess Calyin were growing nervous. They had fully counted on the heavy support of the governors and Lord Fantyu to seal their approval.
Finally, they tactfully decided to begin the initial ceremonies as planned but to hold off an open meeting until the following afternoon. King Jarom of Vostok was clearly puzzled over Lord Serant’s game of intrigue. He and his aides left the ceremony as soon as it was timely. The other kings and their aides were soon to follow his departure.
Lord Serant still didn’t approve of the number of bodyguards they retained. In another situation, he would have spoken his opinion; for now, the balance was too delicate to attempt to upset it. All proceeded well for the moment; he hoped it would remain smooth.
He spent the remainder of the day in his study with Calyin, trying to pass the day calmly. He left orders that he was not to be disturbed under any circumstances. Chancellor Volnej assured Lord Serant that he would take care of their guests’ every wish. Lord Serant was sure the chancellor would. With Pyetr’s men stationed in the key positions throughout the palace, Lord Serant was confident the chancellor would be well watched.
At the moment, however, Lord Serant was not pleased. Sister Midori and Sister Catrin interrupted his and Calyin’s solitude. He was busy staring out a window lost to dreams of past and future, while Calyin and the two priestesses were engaged in heavy conversation; the topic of their words was beyond him. His tensions cleared when Captain Brodst informed him that Geoffrey and the other governors of the free cities had finally arrived and eagerly awaited an audience with him.
He seized the opportunity to leave the woman’s talk and go greet the governors. He quickly traversed the distance to his private audience chamber. “Geoffrey of Solntse! Well, it is about time, you old wood troll!” shouted Lord Serant embracing his old friend.
Seeing Geoffrey again brought back memories from his youth when the two had first met. Lord Serant had been a cocky young lord and Geoffrey a young but experienced swordsman first class. Lord Serant had challenged Geoffrey to a contest of steel over a simple remark. In minutes Geoffrey had won the duel, leaving a fuming lord. The two had later become good friends.
“I had to make a slight delay, but I overcame the problem.”
“What, a stray wildcat? Or a female?”
“Well actually a little of both.”
“I knew it!”
“Can we talk freely?” asked Geoffrey looking to Captain Brodst.
“Yes, I would trust Captain Brodst with my life.”
“We met a friend of yours on the way here. You know my son Nijal, yes?”
“Of course I do.”
“He has left the free city to, ahh, um, travel. I ran into him and his companions near the southern crossroads. He told me to tell you, ‘The child is safe’. He said you would know what he meant.”
“Adrina? Did you see her?”
“Princess Adrina? I should have known! Why, that little rogue!”
“Captain Brodst, send a message to the garrison nearest to the crossroads. I want Adrina found, and I want her back at the palace! Does he know what has happened? Who was he traveling with?”
“Calm yourself. I know she is safe. Nijal is with her. He would not allow anyone to harm her.”
“I know he wouldn’t, but in the name of the Father, why haven’t they brought her back to the palace?”
“I should not tell you this as I have sworn not to, but if you need assurance this will give it to you. The band that he travels with is quite unique. They arrived in Solntse over two passings of the moon ago. The leader is one of the great ones called ‘Noman’.”
“Are you mad, Geoffrey?”
“My friend, know that I simply speak the truth and accept it. I would never lie to you. I did not know it was Adrina he spoke of, but again I say she is in capable hands that do no mean her harm.”
“I am sorry, Geoffrey. I hope in time I will understand; Adrina’s rightful place is here. We will find her!”
Afternoon disappeared into evening and evening ended in morning, which once again became afternoon, although it was very early afternoon, being just past noon. Lord Serant’s thoughts drifted from past to present. He remembered how he had stood on the balcony watching the morning sun grow with the birth of dawn. He watched as the old hall began to fill; tension was visible in the air, as was an intermixing of foreboding and relief.
He recalled with fondness the first time he had come to court Calyin. He had fallen in love with her simple beauty and warmth, which time could never taint, only perfect. His eyes fell to where she was seated beside him. She saw his smile and grasped his hand, holding it reassuringly tight.
He wat
ched as the final guests were seated and waited for Chancellor Volnej’s queue to enter. Together they stood; and regally, Calyin placed her arm in Lord Serant’s. Lord Serant took a last minute look at the guests and then closed the antechamber’s viewing port.
They entered the great hall through the antechamber’s small, seemingly minuscule door when compared to the immensity of the old hall, which had stood idle during Andrew’s time. It had only been used by the Alder, on occasion for which the chamber had been constructed. A similar hall stood in the newer section of the palace, newer being a misnomer since both sections were quite aged, but one indeed had been constructed more recently than the other. This chamber, although it had not the rich design of the other, had, nonetheless, been chosen. A servant behind them drew a tapestry that depicted the sun rising over the far mountains, an omen of good fortune, across the small door as they walked forth.
Calyin’s eyes wandered the hall’s vast span, which comprised almost entirely the eastern wing of the old palace. They walked past the long, oaken tables behind each of which sat one of the kings of the South amidst their aides, chancellors, and even their bodyguards, with which, even under these most serene and secure conditions, they would not part. Her eyes rose to the high-mounted pews where the High Council sat, only consuming a minute portion of them. In times of old before even the High Council, the seats had been filled with representatives from each city, village, and burrow across the kingdom and all its holdings, but this again had only occurred once, for afterwards there was no need as before.
The great double doors opened wide as the heralds slowly approached. Those gathered rose and remained standing until Princess Calyin and Lord Serant were seated at the foremost position, which took quite some time, as the walk was a long one, especially at a stately pace. The doors were closed as the heralds departed and sealed in accordance with the ancient ordinance. The doors would not reopen until all differences were justly settled and the alliance was secure.
“Herald and Welcome! The few gathered into this great hall represent the trinity that maintains the alliance of peace and prosperity,” began Calyin, raising her voice strongly at first to insure that all could hear her voice, but the hall had a wonderful resonance which took her quite by surprise, as her voice carried to even the farthest reaches of the hall at a level that caused some to wince. She continued in a softer, somewhat subdued tone, “In these days of troubled times, it has become commonplace to see a keeper walk the halls of the palace often, forcing us to look back to other days and other times. Now is the time to solve all our disputes. The past is behind us; we have only our future to preserve. There are those that question my right to rule beside my beloved husband in Prince Valam’s absence. I hold no reservations; I only wish the kingdom to prosper, so let us begin this session by taking an earnest toll. The majority of you know me personally and know my soul. For those few of you who do not, I understand and welcome your caution in accepting me. Andrew was my father. Knowing him the way I did, I know he would have agreed that I am overly qualified for this honored position. I always remain true to my word, so if you see fit in your hearts to deny me the opportunity to serve my kingdom, then so be it. I will return to High Province without protest. Are there any here who would like to speak before we begin the count?”
King Jarom was quick to his feet; his face showed anger as he spoke. “You are a fool, Lord Serant, if you think you can get by with your trickery! We can see clearly through your paltry words and mocking ways! Let it be known that it was I who questioned Lord Serant’s position, and also that I requested a private board before the High Council to discuss this subject!”
Lord Serant shot back, “I think all gathered know of your treachery in the south.”
“As I’ve explained to you previously, Lord Serant, the matter in the south was over long disputed lands.”
“The disputed lands are further south.”
“The disputed lands include all of South Province.”
Lord Serant swept his gaze around the hall. “They most certainly do not and the members of the alliance know this. And now you use the pretense of the alliance to bring an army into the heart of Great Kingdom.”
King Jarom looked about the hall, indignant. “You wound me with your words. I demand satisfaction—my champion against yours or you against me. Your choice.”
The High Council was charged with managing the proceedings and the chancellors Volnej, Van’te and de Vit stood. Chancellor Van’te spoke, “King Jarom, the High Council is here, and we are listening. Choose your words with wisdom. Do not let them be fueled by arrogance!”
“I am sorry for my outburst, chancellor. If Lord Serant wishes the contest to open, then so be it. I just wish to say to you, those who are gathered here today, that it is our belief that the alliance would be better served if one of higher office held the esteemed position in question. Of those here the only kings are myself, King Peter of Zapad, King Alexas of Yug, and King William of Sever. Of these four, I am the senior and undisputed leader. In the past, my wisdom has been recorded numerous times and is widely respected. I wish it to be known that I would like to honor this position with my wisdom until the day of Prince Valam’s return and he is crowned king!”
Lord Serant searched the eyes of the crowd, almost pleading for someone to say something on his behalf. He zeroed keenly in on King William and stared sharply at him. He was sure William did not support Jarom. He wondered what Jarom had on William to still his tongue.
It was Lord Fantyu who spoke out next. He stood and raised his hands high into the air. “Father, grant us mortal spirits the wisdom of truth,” Fantyu intoned in his way of exaggerated gesture. “Why cannot the fool see his prosperity? Is a fool who thinks he is wise, a wise man? Or is the fool who knows he is a fool, the wise man? I have known and respected Lord Serant for a long time. He is an honest man. He speaks no lies, only truth. When a serpent has entered your house and he speaks falsity and lies, do you heed his words?”
“My dear Lord Fantyu. I speak no falsities. My words ring of truth! I ask all of you earnestly, have I ever not held to my word? Have I ever been false?”
Midori spoke, “An aura of darkness enshrouds you, Jarom! You cannot hide the truth from the Mother!”
“Priestess,” said Talem, first of the Dark Flame. “I see no such aura around King Jarom. He is a just man who speaks truth.”
“Do you speak these words because of his support to your order? Have the priests of the Dark Flame wandered so far from home that they have forgotten truth?”
Father Joshua said, “Quarrelling amongst ourselves will bring us nowhere. As the Great-Father walks within me this day, through the intensity of his presence, I can know the import of this day! Just as the first marked a new period, so will this day. Do we want this day to be remembered as was the first? Or do we want to prove we have learned and grown beyond our past? Lord Serant has my bidding!”
Lord Serant waited through the long silence that followed, hoping both that someone would say something to break the sudden lull, and that it would remain. No one offered any further comment. Princess Calyin edged her hand into his and held it reassuringly tight.
“Well spoken, Father Joshua. Shall the count begin? Are there any who would wish to speak further?” strongly asked Lord Serant. When the silence held, Chancellor Volnej stood and unraveled a long parchment and began to read from it.
“Hence came the alliance of our kingdoms, whence disappeared the strife of the times long since passed. Troubled times have returned. To maintain the stability necessary for our peace and prosperity, a wise and just leader is needed. His Lordship Serant of the West has pledged to us that he will honor this position to the utmost of his ability until our crowned prince has returned to us from afar. Let us begin!”
All attention turned to the rear of the hall, where the toll would start. Two of the primary groups were the priests of the Dark Flame and the keepers. As chief representative of the priesthood, Talem ca
lmly rose from his seat and shook his head a resonate no, then returned to his seat, without the utterance of any spoken word. Keeper Q’yer, who assumed the position as head of the keepers, stood and regarded Lord Serant and Calyin with an apologetic glance. He then turned and fixed several of his fellow keepers with gleaming frigid intent. Slowly he lowered his eyes in shame and voiced, “No.” Keeper Q’yer slumped back into his chair. He understood why the keepers must stand united on their votes; still he yearned to speak his mind and say “yes,” but it was already beyond that.
Lord Serant’s face went livid as he clinched his fists tightly. He turned a scowl towards King Jarom, who returned a leering smile. Calyin interlaced her hand in Serant’s and held it tighter than before.
Father Joshua and Sister Midori each in turn affirmed a jubilant yes, and thus all eyes turned to the tiers on the eastern and western sides of the hall. In a wave, the members of the councils, representatives of all the peoples of the alliance, voiced their individual decisions. In all, only one registered a vote of no.
For the free cities, Geoffrey spoke a definite yes, as did Lord Fantyu. Chancellor Van’te also voted positively. King Jarom, King Peter and King Alexas each followed with a definite no, and lastly King William exuded a yes. As he retook his seat, he smiled broadly at Lord Serant. The smile was short lived and quickly followed by an expression of gloom.
With the final count, the room grew deadly calm. As Chancellor Volnej lowered his quill, he passed the scroll to Chancellor de Vit for his mark. The chancellor read the inscriptions with extreme care, insuring the validity of each word penned. When he was finally satisfied, he scribed his sign and passed the document on to Chancellor Van’te, who represented both South Province and his role as a chancellor at this session.
The chancellor’s face was inscrutable as he inspected the scroll. He turned and faced Chancellor de Vit and Chancellor Volnej. The three retreated to the far reaches of the great hall, seeming to disappear from the sight of those gathered. They sat for over an hour of heated discussion in a second set of high pews on three sides that almost formed a separate chamber, except that they had the same common roof and no walls to divide them. The center tier was only three levels high, but the eastern and western tiers rose to the windows.
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