DERUDIN

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

“I would advise against a trip to Westport, my king.”

Derudin stood obediently beside the seated king. Lyell’s grand desk was made evermore monstrous by the scrolls and papers piled upon it. With the tumult following the imprisonment of Crella and Stephon, Lyell had fallen behind in his many self-appointed tasks, namely those of overseeing the kingdom’s military and finances, and he angrily studied one such piece of correspondence as Derudin spoke. It is too much for one man, and he is losing focus.

The fact that Alther had not gone to Westport as ordered further complicated matters. The city was falling to chaos and members of The Guard had to be stationed in markets to help lower the incidence of theft and murder. Had he the time, Derudin would have sought out Alther in an attempt to advise the man, but between his duties to the king and his classes, he had none to spare.

“But you have not even heard the reasons and necessities for such a trip,” said Cassen. He stood before the king wearing his usual simper. “I beg pardon for borrowing from your own title, but would it not be wise, my dear Derudin, to first examine all the factors?” As always, it seemed it was Cassen’s intent to provoke Derudin to anger.

It will not happen again. Derudin would never forgive himself for once allowing Cassen to agitate him to the point of lashing out. His subsequent absence from the many High Council meetings that Cassen had attended had caused irreparable damage. “What factors are there that will prevent the angry mob from storming the king’s litter?” Derudin kept his voice calm.

“I am so glad you have asked. Allow me to explain.” Cassen produced a wax-sealed piece of paper. “As you will see, I have been sent by the prince himself to request the king’s presence in Westport. It seems Alther has negotiated some more lucrative trade agreements with the Spiceland merchants and wishes to have a banquet feast to celebrate what he is calling the Rebirth of Westport. Quite cleverly done, if I do say so myself.”

“You think it clever because it is your own doing. Since when are you Alther’s envoy? What do you have to gain from this?” Derudin asked, the king thus far remaining silent.

“I am both offended and flattered that you would think the Rebirth was of my own invention. But I assure you, they are Alther’s words. I admit I may have used some of my influence with the merchants to help him secure his better contracts, but Alther is not the fool you make him out to be, Derudin. He is an intelligent man—of noble blood, no less.”

“Do not twist my words. I implied no such thing. And you are yet to answer my second question.” This silk-covered serpent will be the death of the kingdom if he continues unchecked.

“The second question?”

“What do you have to gain from this?” Although he felt the anger beginning to boil inside, Derudin’s words remained coolly delivered. Seek the void. Do not let this fool challenge your restraint.

“Are we not all denizens of the same kingdom? We all have much to gain by not seeing Westport fall to ruin, lest Eastport and the Throne follow.”

“Remind me again what good your piece of paper and fraudulent magnanimity will do in the face of a starving, angry horde?”

“Enough bickering,” said Lyell, finally looking up from his papers. “I will not pass up the opportunity to reconcile with my son and see him succeed. Partnering with Cassen was perhaps the first intelligent thing he has done since I took Adeltia. We will attend this banquet, but it will be held in the Throne. I would trust my fate to the mob no sooner than I would parley in a blood feud. We will make all the necessary arrangements to ensure all the men of note from Westport are accommodated for the short trip that will be required of them.”

“A very fair compromise, my king,” said Cassen. “I am sure Alther will be content to hear of it.”

Derudin saw no use for further discussion. Once forged, the king’s decisions may as well be set in stone.

“I will see to it that Master Warin makes the preparations necessary for security. Thank you for assisting my son, Cassen. It will not be forgotten. If that is all, you may leave.”

The king’s attention once more on his papers, Cassen shot Derudin a satisfied smile before curtseying and making his exit.