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Larris swallowed the lump in his throat and looked down the table at the arrayed members of the Regis, the small council that aided the king in running the kingdom. His father was dead, having passed away only five days earlier. His funeral that morning had been a small one, much less than King Allar had deserved, but the war made a grand state funeral impractical. Allar was gone, but Larris was not king. No one was king, nor would anyone be, until Lerryn’s status was resolved. Was Lerryn still alive and, if so, where was he?
Mazier, vizier to the late King Allar, cleared his throat. “Your Highness, if you are ready to begin?”
“Of course. I thank you all for being here at this difficult time.” It was perhaps a silly thing to say. They were required to be here, but he saw no harm in a bit of courtesy. He looked around the table at those assembled. To his right sat his uncle Orman; Hugo, a military envoy representing the Galdoran army; and Rayburn, the aging commander of the city watch. On his left were Mazier; Edwin, the Silvermaster, who managed the finances for the crown; and Jowan, Archpriest of the Temple of the Seven. Larris’ gut twisted at the sight of the man. He’d had the restorative Jowan had given King Allar tested, and it was found to be safe, yet he could not escape the feeling that the temple was somehow behind Allar’s rapid decline and death.
He noted a significant absence. “Why isn’t James here?” James was a saikur who had, for many years, served as a liaison between the Gates and Archstone.
“He is not needed at this time,” Orman said. “The decisions we will make today regarding the future of the kingdom can be made without his input. We all know the situation.”
All around the table, the others nodded in agreement.
“I, for one, feel the Gates exerts too much influence on sovereign nations.” Jowan folded his arms and leaned back in his seat. No one disagreed with him though Hugo shifted uncomfortably.
“Do you have something to say?” Larris asked Hugo. “Please do not stand on ceremony. You have a right to speak.”
“I would simply like to point out that the saikurs are currently negotiating to bring an end to this war. Would it not be prudent to include them in our discussions, as what we do here could impact the negotiations?”
“I agree,” Rayburn rasped. “If we appear to be distancing ourselves from the Gates, it could make us appear vulnerable. Kyrin must see that we are united with all of our allies.”
“Are we? What have our allies offered us, save platitudes? None have supported us. None!” Hugo pounded his fist on the table for emphasis.
Larris could not disagree. The nations of the north were hesitant to involve themselves in Galdora’s dispute with Kyrin and, and to the south, Diyonus was devoting all of its troops to protecting its own border from the growing army in Kurnsbur.
“What is the status of the war with Kyrin?” Larris asked.
“If I may, Your Highness. There is a small matter that requires our attention. A formality, really,” Mazier said apologetically. “Until we address the issue of the succession, no one is truly in charge of this body. It would be inappropriate to continue in this manner until the situation has been resolved.”
“It cannot be dealt with at this time,” Larris said. “I have sent men in search of Lerryn, and they have reason to believe he is still alive. Until he is found, I think it most expedient for me to serve in his place.”
Rayburn nodded, but the others exchanged uncomfortable looks. Larris’ heart sank. He knew how this conversation was about to go. He had already had the same discussion with his mother. Determined not to make it easy for them he waited.
“If you will forgive me, Highness, we have discussed this at length,” Mazier said.
“We have?” Larris interrupted, emphasizing the word ‘we.' “Please refresh my memory as I do not recall having had this discussion with anyone in this room.”
“Nor do I.” Rayburn scowled at Mazier.
Mazier could not suppress the frown that flashed across his face, but he was quickly all smiles again. “I should have made myself clear. Some of us,” he glanced from Orman to Jowan, “have had occasion to discuss our current situation. It was not our intention to leave you out of the discussion. We merely found ourselves in the same place at the same time and naturally this is a subject which concerns us greatly. So...” He turned his palms up and shrugged.
“And what fruit was born from this accidental conversation?” Larris hoped he did not sound as sardonic as he felt. Right now, he needed the support of the Regis or at least a majority of it.
“We agree that your brother is still alive,” Jowan began, “and is, therefore, the rightful king. We further agree that someone should serve as regent until he returns.” He paused and glanced at Mazier, who nodded. “It is our opinion that appointing you in that capacity could fracture the kingdom.”
“What do you mean?”
“We do not know how long it will take to find Lerryn.” Jowan’s brow furrowed. “His prolonged absence has not gone unnoticed. Some believe he is dead while others consider him unfit to rule. If you step in as regent, many will begin to think of you as the true king while others would see you as a usurper. This could cause division, and perhaps rebellion.”
“Further rebellion, you mean,” Hugo interjected
“True. We cannot ignore our current situation.” The high priest gave Larris an apologetic smile. “I do hope you understand. This is an uncomfortable conversation and I do not wish you to think we do not value your input. We rejoice that you have returned to us.”
Doubtful, Larris thought.
“Who do you suggest should serve until Prince Lerryn is found?” Edwin asked. His furrowed brow suggested that he too had been excluded from the machinations and was not happy about it.
“We believe that Lord Orman is best suited to serve. His Grace is not in the direct line of succession but is part of the royal family. The court knows and trusts him.” Mazier looked around the table as if challenging anyone to contradict him.
Orman sat looking down at his hands. Finally, he looked up. “I will reluctantly accept this position, but only if I have the support of the Regis.”
Larris fought the sudden urge to roll his eyes. Orman knew he could not serve without this group’s blessing. His humble words were merely for show.
“Is there any further discussion on the subject?” Mazier asked.
“I support Prince Larris,” Rayburn said, “but I will accede to the wishes of the Regis. We should be united now more than ever.”
Larris’ heart fell. His only hope had been for Hugo, Edwin, and Rayburn to come down on his side, thus splitting the vote.
“My sentiments exactly,” Edwin said. “But I hope that, in the future, we will keep our conversations about such important matters inside the council chamber.” He cast a meaningful look at Mazier, who gave a single nod.
After that, the result was a foregone conclusion. The Regis voted by acclamation to make Orman the new regent. Larris surrendered the seat at the head of the table to his uncle and sat down alongside Rayburn, who gave him an apologetic smile before turning his attention to Orman.
“Now,” Orman began, “as my nephew correctly pointed out, we should discuss the status of the war efforts.” He turned to Hugo.
“We are struggling” Hugo said. “I won’t deny it. Kyrin continues to push us back along the border. We are giving ground slowly, but giving ground all the same.
Orman frowned. “My sources tell me otherwise. It is my understanding that the front has stabilized.”
“As I said, we are giving ground slowly, but I would hardly say the front has stabilized.” Hugo paused, waiting for a reply. When none came, he continued. “The situation in the south is difficult to assess. We have not managed to get a single spy into the lands controlled by Karst. Rather, not a single spy we sent in has returned. For that reason, there is very little we can say for certain about the situation. We know that he now controls the entirety of the former Duchy of Kurnsbur.”
“It is not a former duchy,” Orman said. “It is and will always be a part of Galdora. The rebellion does not change that fact.”
“You are correct, of course.” Hugo made a small nod in Orman’s direction, which Larris’ uncle returned with a smile. “Karst also controls a large portion of Eastern Lothan. The Malgog seem to have given up without a fight. They appear to have abandoned that part of their kingdom.”
“Their civil war has moved east,” Mazier said. “The bulk of their forces now lay siege to Karkwall.”
“They’ll destroy themselves soon enough.” Rayburn shook his head.
“Don’t be so certain,” Larris said softly
“The ambassador from Diyonus is here at the castle,” Mazier said. “He is, needless to say, concerned about our situation, but he was reluctant to discuss the situation on his nation’s border. What, if anything, can you tell us about that?”
“Nothing definite. As far as we know, Karst has not attempted to cross the border into Diyonus, but every sortie by the Diyonan army has been crushed.”
“How can that be?” Jowan asked. “A collection of rebels and stray Lothans against a trained army? I think that demonstrates the value of gossip.”
“We hear the same story from every source.” A note of defensiveness crept into Hugo’s voice. “I cannot speak to the size or strength of Karst’s forces, but it is clear that they are much stronger than we anticipated.”
“That settles it.” Orman rubbed his hands together. “Our first priority is to make our kingdom whole once again.” His eyes locked on Hugo. “A significant number of soldiers have just completed their training, have they not?”
Hugo nodded. “A full legion and two cavalry units.”
“Excellent. That should be more than enough to smash this rebellion in Kurnsbur. Once that has been accomplished, we may turn our full attention to the Kyrinian front.”
“But my Lord, these are green troops. They have never seen battle.” Hugo looked shocked
“And what better way to bloody them then against a collection of rabble? Better they cut their teeth in Kurnsbur than against Kyrinian regulars.”
“We should mix them in with veteran troops,” Hugo stammered. “One does not send such an inexperienced force into battle as a single unit. It simply isn’t done.”
“Good. Karst will not expect it.” He turned to Rayburn. “I will need you to cull the ranks of the city guard of all veterans who are of fighting age. Send them to the Academy for induction.”
“My Lord?” Rayburn gaped at Orman. “What few men I have who fit that description have all completed their terms of service and chosen to leave the army. They have wives and children.”
“A life of leisure is not a luxury Galdora can afford during a time of war. They will serve or they will hang. Am I understood?”
“Yes, my Lord, but you will leave my guard woefully depleted.”
“If we do not win this war, there will be no city for you to guard.”
Hugo cleared his throat. “We have no experienced commanders in the city at this time. I shall have to send word to the front before you can take the troops to Kurnsbur.”
“Nonsense,” Orman said. “I shall command them myself.”
Silence reigned around the table. Larris found himself at a loss for words. This was an unexpected turn of events to say the least. Just as his uncle had seized power, he was going to leave the city? What was his game? He glanced at Jowan, who, alone among the members of the Regis, appeared unsurprised. Was it Orman’s plan to strip Archstone of its defenses and leave it in so vulnerable a position that the temple could step in and seize power? But why? It made no sense.
“Uncle,” he began, “you are needed here. We have just named you regent. How will it stabilize the kingdom for you to leave immediately, taking all our troops with you?”
Orman dismissed Larris’ question with the wave of his hand. “I will still be regent. The Regis can rule in my stead. Mazier will chair the meetings and Carsus will sit in my place.”
Larris grimaced at the thought of his cousin taking up any sort of a position of authority, but there was nothing he could do about it. “I don’t like it. The idea of you leaving...”
“Please tell me you, of all people, are not about to chastise me for leaving the kingdom in its hour of need.”
Larris felt his cheeks go red. As much as he hated to admit it, his uncle was correct. Both he and Lerryn had done that very thing and not too long ago. What could he say about it?
Taking his silence for acquiescence, Orman rose. “I believe that ends our business for today. Commander Rayburn, I will expect those men in the morning. I plan to leave within the week.” He immediately turned on his heel and strode out of the room.
Larris, Rayburn, and Edwin exchanged glances. Larris sensed he at least had two allies, but what could they do? He needed to understand his uncle’s plan, whatever that was.
He hurried back to his quarters and sent for Allyn, who arrived in short order.
“There is something you need to know,” Allyn said as soon as the guard closed the door.
“What is that?”
I intercepted a message to Orman from the temple.”
“How did you manage that?” Larris asked
Allyn shrugged. “I followed the messenger and knocked him out before he reached the palace. I lifted his purse so he’ll think he was robbed.” He handed Larris a small sheet of parchment.
The message was brief.
Do not fret. Karst says the time is at hand.