Читать книгу The Hopes of Kings - Steve Reilly - Страница 15

Chapter 8

King Xavier sat on the great sun throne of Arenia and looked about the room from atop his stone tower of stairs. He wanted to be sure all was in readiness as he waited for Piaz to be brought before him. Field Captain Harold stood to his left; his soldiers filling the guard’s alcoves around the room and lining the red carpet that linked the throne with the double doors, while Beth stood with the other members of the council to his right. He knew two of his Gun-Jadal waited behind the throne, both tall and strong. Their appearance alone helped protect him though he trusted the sword he had hidden beside the throne more.

Satisfied that all was in place for his little show, he signalled the guard by the door. Other members of the court attended and waited around the vast space, having heard that something of significance would happen today, but the important participants were ready. The final player to this act was about to be admitted. The doors swung open on silent hinges. Zakary, his new personal aide, stepped forward for the announcement.

“All hail King Xavier, Lord Protector of the Land and True Guide of the People; I present Piaz the traveller and teller of truth.” Zakary stepped back into obscurity on queue.

The expressions of those around the room amused the king as he hoped they would.

Piaz walked forward as the doors closed behind him. Everyone waited for his guest to make his way along the carpet to the throne, flanked by two guards. While he waited, Xavier silently congratulated himself on appointing Zakary to the position of aide. He had chosen not to appoint another pageboy and although Zakary was not much better, the thing that mattered was that he was not a child. He was not a bright man but he had the loyalty of a mutt and was prepared to do anything asked of him. The last pageboy, the sixth in that position, had been lazy and slow and Xavier did not have the time to train him. That was his father’s job, and his father could take on that responsibility now that the boy had been sent home. Xavier admitted to himself that he had never had the time or patience to learn to accept children.

Piaz stopped before the throne and fell to one knee with his head lowered. He waited for the king to give him leave to rise while Xavier sat and looked about the room, taking pleasure in the power of his position. All eyes were on him, except of course his guards who had eyes for everyone else.

“Piaz the truth teller, I welcome you to Whitebridge. You have been summoned here because we have work for you, and I hope you will accept the role that we offer. But this is not the place or time to discuss such matters.”

These words took everyone by surprise as he hoped they would, because he had secretly encouraged them all to attend. The throne room was silent as all waited for what would come next, having believed Piaz was the reason for the rumours. But by starting the gossip, Xavier had given them a reason and he had stopped all speculation.

“Please forgive me for this indulgence,” announced King Xavier, “but I have another duty to perform and I took the opportunity of your visit to get everyone here without starting tongues wagging. I did not want those involved to come prepared. Piaz, today is to be a grand day in the land and you alone will bear witness for all those outside the court to what happens here.”

Glances were exchanged and nervousness showed on all the faces in the room. It was obvious that not even Beth was aware of what Xavier was about to do. Her face showed its mixture of confusion and suspicion as he hoped it would. The king held out his right hand with palm up and one of his Gun-Jabal reached behind the throne to produce the ceremonial mace of Arenia that had been hidden there, handing it to the king. Years of use by royal hands had darkened the old timber, highlighting the gleaming gold foot that Xavier placed on the ground between his feet. The orbed head of the mace was ornately carved and inlaid in gold and precious stones. It was made to impress, and it did this now.

“Grarm, please approach the throne,” he called to the room, staring vacantly at the space above the great doors. His tone was strong and commanding and Grarm cautiously made his way forward and knelt before the king. Xavier spoke clearly to the room again.

“A king has many responsibilities and his time is limited. Even I must take time to sleep occasionally.” He gave a chuckle at his own little joke.

“But any King must rely on those close to him for help and advice. Not to do so would be arrogant.” His cheeks rose slightly with that thought. “With this in mind, I have decided to call you all here today. My friend Grarm is wise in the way of politics and people, and I value his advice although I have never told him this. I wish to correct that, and ask that he accept the position of King’s adviser.”

He waited for Grarm’s response.

“I will gladly accept the position and hope that I will serve you well.” The smile on Grarm’s face showed that he appreciated Xavier’s gesture and saw it as his dominance, and that of the council, over the king. Xavier nodded.

“Beth, will you please approach the throne.”

Her surprise was even more evident than Grarm’s as she came forward and knelt beside the councillor.

“Your position and insight into the workings of this city and the world are far more than valuable, they are necessary if I am to be the king you all want me to be. Will you also accept the position of King’s advisor to work with Grarm and myself in the ruling of Arenia?”

Beth hesitated before speaking,

“I also will gladly accept the position and hope that I serve you well.” she replied quietly.

Xavier nodded again and this time the smile spread easily over his face.

“And as my advisors, you must have position to match your responsibilities. You will need to be respected by all throughout the land.”

Taking leave to stand and with two hands grasping the shaft, he slowly raised the mace and lowered its head till it rested first on Grarm’s forehead and then again on Beth’s, before bringing it back to stand between his feet. His voice took on a tone of power as he announced his intentions so all in the room could hear.

“Grarm and Beth of Arenia, I, King Xavier, protector of the people, hereby declare to all the lands that from this day forward you will be known as Lord Grarm and Lady Beth. You are to be advisors to the King of Arenia, and holders of the wisdom of man. Let all who stand here today bear witness to the honour bestowed upon you. Rise Lord Grarm and Lady Beth, and stand at my side.” When they had done as asked, Xavier continued, “Now we come to our other important business, that of Piaz, but this is not the place to discuss such matters. I ask all who wish to join me in my chambers to celebrate this wonderful day with food and wine. We must show our new Lord and Lady that we are happy for their honours and Piaz can consider what we ask of him in more pleasant surroundings.”

~

A large table laden with roast meats, cakes and other delicacies stood against the wall and at one end a wine keg and goblets sat ready. Xavier held back and allowed his guests to enter before him, and then moved to prepare a selection of venison and duck with vegetables and a freshly baked bread roll, all foods he enjoyed.

“Please help yourselves,” he invited as he took his meal to a chair and began eating. After he had finished he rose to pour himself a goblet of wine and walked to where Lord Grarm was chatting with Piaz.

“Did you enjoy the meal?” he asked.

They both assured him the fare was excellent and the day unexpectedly good.

“Well it is not every day that Arenia gets two new nobles. Has our new Lord discussed our plans while you have been talking?” Xavier asked Piaz.

“No, I still do not know why I have asked here but I am ready to serve you and your advisors. I know how important their word is.”

King Xavier smiled at the reply.

“Lord Grarm, you understand what it is we are planning. I must not ignore my other guests, but you can tell Piaz what is required of him and I will return later to see if there are any questions.”

Xavier walked away, but listened, and it took some moments before Grarm started speaking again. By the time he joined them again they were laughing and appeared to be the best of friends.

“This is good to see. Lord Grarm’s explanation has not left you frightened? Has he explained what is required and do you have any questions?”

“He has explained what is needed and I look forward to the opportunity.”

“Good. Then there is only one other matter. I have had the chance of seeing you work and I want you to lead the group of people who will see this plan succeed. And such an important position should carry with it the authority to ensure that it is achieved. I would think a new rank of Lenk-Knowledge in the army would be appropriate. Do you agree Lord Grarm?”

“Um, yes,” Lord Grarm responded, flattered more and more with the addition of his title along with his appointment as one of King Xavier’s advisors.

“It is settled then. Today we have two new nobles and a new officer. I see great things for The Society in the years ahead.”

“My king, may I speak with you in private?” asked Lord Grarm.

Xavier led him into the bedchamber and shut the door. His new advisor turned on the king in a cloud of indignation.

“Your majesty exceeds his authority. Naming Piaz as leader of this operation and giving him army rank is Society business and we agreed that you do not speak for The Society.”

“I am sorry my Lord. You are right, but while we did not discuss it, I assumed that we had agreed to place Piaz in charge when we asked him here and no others. Giving him rank was only meant to aid his work, and the army is my business. When the youth see him, they will appreciate what can be achieved if they dedicate themselves to our cause. I have no intention of undermining your authority so please do not doubt mine.”

Lord Gram seemed to accept the king’s explanation and he gave the man a moment to decide what he should do before redirecting his thoughts by adding, “And I have been advised that I have made another mistake today. Apparently I cannot grant titles to you or Beth unless you are landowners. I need to correct this oversight. Tomorrow, I will make the time to decide which estates you will each receive.”

Xavier could see the image of Grarm standing at the door of his own estate had pushed all indignation at Xavier’s decisions aside.

~

Later that night, when they were alone in bed, Beth asked Xavier about his decision to declare Grarm and herself as his advisors.

“Everyone knows that we are close, and they assume I listen to you anyway, which I do,” he conceded. “This is what they expect, and I will give it to them. Then they will feel they still understand us, and thinking that way, they believe they will control us.”

“But it will impede my real work.”

“Your spies will still perform their duties and answer to you, but now you will be in a position where other information will come to you directly. I doubt that your work will be impeded. It was my intention that it will be enhanced.”

Beth smiled at Xavier’s understanding of the members of the council.

“Maybe, but there remains the problem of Lord Grarm. He has been suspicious of you since you joined the council and may work against us.”

“And now he believes he is in a position where he can exert control over me. But I have given this much thought. He is intelligent, and on occasion sees things that others do not. He could prove valuable. But he is a man who enjoys attention. This title will stroke his ego and occupy him for a while, allowing me the chance to build Arenia into the greatest power of the kingdoms, and with that power, The Society will grow.”

“And what will happen when his ego has been satisfied?”

“Then he will find that his estate has many problems that will occupy his time.”

“Is this also what is prepared for me?”

“No, I need your attention on Arenia and our work. We will find someone to run your estate.”