“There is something we can do while we wait,” smiled Alex.
“And what is that?” asked the general.
“Give me a dozen men right now,” suggested Alex, “and I will get your accounting for you.”
“How?” questioned the general.
“I will go down and demand it,” smiled Alex. “Duke Everich would kill the clerks if they allowed it, but I will threaten to kill them if they don’t.”
“You would not kill the clerks,” sighed the general. “You don’t have it in you.”
“The clerks don’t know that,” grinned Alex. “I will make the decision easy for them. We get to see the accounting, and they get to deny that we did. The end result is they get to live, and the queen gets to find out where the money is going.”
“It would work,” nodded General Gregor. “We would just have to be careful how we used our new found knowledge. Still this is not a job for you, Alex. I will mention it the queen. I think she should be the one demanding the accounting.”
“As you wish,” acceded Alex, “but it should be done at night when Duke Everich and Colonel Salvo are not around. Have there been any attempts on Queen Marta’s life yet?”
“No,” frowned General Gregor, “and that bothers me. It leads me to believe that Duke Everich feels he has a solid majority of the Council behind him.”
* * *
“Who would have thought that she would actually come back?” mused Duke Zalski as he sat down in the dining room of the Palace Shadow. “I was almost convinced that she was dead.”
“Things would have been simpler if she were dead,” commented Duke Graves.
“What do you mean?” questioned Duke Zalski. “You will finally get the accounting that you have sought for so long.”
“And you are now poised to head the Council,” added Duke Tredor.
“Head the Council?” Duke Graves echoed morosely. “She has returned to eliminate the Council. Are you aware that her bodyguard, which we authorized, consists of a thousand Red Swords? Do you think they are here merely to protect her?”
“They are the Queen’s Own,” retorted Duke Zalski. “If she has their allegiance, why shouldn’t she bring them to Tagaret?”
“Because we disbanded the Red Swords,” scowled Duke Graves. “Clearly, she has been planning this return for some time. I fear that we have been duped by those councilors from Sordoa, gentlemen. Looking back on our conversations with them, it is obvious that their primary goal has been to restore the queen.”
“Why is that such a bad thing?” inquired Duke Zalski. “We certainly have not managed the city well.”
“Are you a fool, Zalski?” frowned Duke Tredor. “Without the Council, you are nothing in this city. We all are nothing.”
“Exactly,” Duke Graves nodded in agreement. “I am not going to allow her to take away what I have worked so hard to get.”
“And how are you going to stop her?” asked Duke Zalski. “Are you going to refuse her invitation to head the Council when she offers it? Are you going to vote against the accounting that you sought for so long?”
“This is more important than the accounting,” retorted Duke Graves. “And any offer of hers to make me head of the Council would be temporary at best. The honor of being the head for a few days before she abolished the Council does nothing for me.”
“You sound as if you are going to support Duke Everich,” frowned Duke Tredor. “Is that possible? Am I hearing correctly?”
“There is nothing wrong with your hearing,” declared Duke Graves. “Duke Everich and I have come to an understanding. We shall lead the Council as equals. With his votes and our votes, the Sordoans are effectively muted. The queen’s leverage over our affairs is eliminated.”
“Well, Duke Tredor,” Zalski shook his head, “you no longer have to feel as if you are caught in the middle. The two councilors you have offered allegiance to for your own personal gain appear to have joined forces.”
“I resent that insinuation,” blustered Duke Tredor. “I have not sought personal gain. I was torn over questions of how to best serve the people of Tagaret.”
“Please,” chuckled Duke Graves, “spare us your defense. Personal gain has always been the goal here in Tagaret. It is at the heart of the Contest of Power. The issue before us is whether or not this Council is to survive that attack of the monarchy.”
“Why not put it to a Council vote?” questioned Duke Tredor. “We can basically outlaw the monarchy and end this once and for all.”
“An excellent idea,” nodded Duke Graves. “We should do it while we are assured of the votes needed to win. If we dally, the Sordoans may convince others to join with them, and then we are doomed. I will propose this to Duke Everich in the morning. I am glad that we are all in agreement on this. I must retire for the evening, but I will let you know in the morning what Duke Everich says.”
Duke Graves rose and left the table.
“After the queen is out of the way,” snickered Duke Tredor, “we can get back to the Contest of Power. The Sordoans will be very angry at how Everich and Graves have manipulated them.”
“What are you saying?” asked Duke Zalski.
“Think about it,” grinned Duke Tredor. “You and I could convince the disgruntled Sordoans to join us against Grave and Everich. One more vote and we could rule the Council ourselves.”
“That is something to think about,” nodded Duke Zalski as he rose. “I fear it is past my bedtime as well. Perhaps we should discuss this some more tomorrow.”
“Indeed we shall,” grinned Duke Tredor as he pictured himself as the head of the Council.
Duke Zalski walked slowly away from the table, his mind reeling from the duplicitous scheming that marked the Contest of Power. His mercenary bodyguards fell in alongside him as he exited the Palace Shadow. His carriage was summoned as he stood outside the inn. He watched as a pair of Red Swords rode proudly out of the gates of the Royal Palace. His eyes moved back to the two Targa soldiers leaning against the wall at the gates. He shook his head at the disparity of the two pairs of soldiers. He glanced sideways at the mercenaries that were guarding him. They stood erect and vigilant as their eyes scanned the street for danger.
“What do you think of the queen’s return to Tagaret?” Duke Zalski asked the mercenaries.
The mercenaries remained silent.
“I am curious to know how former soldiers compare the rule of the Council to the monarchy,” pressed Duke Zalski, “not because I have doubts that your allegiance would affect your performance of protecting me. I have faith that you will do your job well, but I really would like your personal opinion.”
“Our job does not allow us the luxury of such choices,” one of the mercenaries replied, “but personally, I believe that the city was much better off under the monarchy. Our army was proud and strong. There was no need for mercenaries, and the streets of Tagaret were safe to walk at night.”
“People were not rioting or starving,” added the other mercenary. “Tagaret was a grand city, but I guess we shouldn’t complain. We are paid far more now than we could have ever hoped to make in the army.”
“We will need the money,” nodded the first mercenary. “From what I hear, Tagaret will be sacked before the year is out. Might as well get what we can while we can. Then it is off to some other city.”
“Won’t the mercenaries stay and defend Tagaret?” questioned Duke Zalski.
“Do you think the city treasury can afford to hire us?” asked the second mercenary. “Mercenaries don’t fight for free.”
“Have you no allegiance to Tagaret?” inquired Duke Zalski. “Is this not your home city?”
“Allegiance?” echoed the first mercenary. “One gives allegiance to a crown or a country. Tagaret is more like a business. No offense meant, Councilor, but what fool would offer their life and allegiance to a company without pay?”
“Allegiance is something that is earned,” nodded the second mercenary. “The crown takes ca
re of its people, and the people swear allegiance in return. It is more like one large family where everyone is concerned for everyone else. Are the people of Tagaret cared for today? My guess is that this city will become a ghost town the minute the enemy appears outside the city walls.”
“Will the army desert?” inquired Duke Zalski.
“Probably,” replied the first mercenary, “but you can hardly blame the young lads. They have never been trained for combat, and they know it. Most of them have family in the city that will be fleeing as well. Given the choices, what would you do, Councilor? Would you join the lads on the battlefield, or try to get your family to safety?”
“I see what you mean,” Duke Zalski nodded sadly. “You paint a rather grim picture of our future.”
“The future of Tagaret is grim,” shrugged the second mercenary. “It is how things are though. Better not to think about it, is what I say.”
“Would it matter if the monarchy was restored?” questioned Duke Zalski.
“If the people thought it was genuine, it might,” nodded the first mercenary. “Of course the queen would have the tremendous task on her hands of winning back the hearts and minds of the people.”
“I think she could do it,” offered the second mercenary. “After all, she appears to have won back the hearts of the Red Swords easy enough. People love the monarchy. Her leadership would make the people feel secure and loved.”
“Do you really think she has the temperament to lead the people?” inquired Duke Zalski. “She rarely spoke in public when King Byron was alive. I am not sure she has the wherewithal to unite the city.”
“Could you raise a thousand man army to work for free?” chuckled the first mercenary. “Do not sell Queen Marta short. She may be soft spoken, but my Red Sword friends tell me that the troops adore her. They will stand by her ‘til the death. That, Councilor, is devotion. To answer your question, yes, she could lead the city.”
“I heard that she entered the city without a battle,” interjected the second mercenary. “That sounds like a task much harder than inspiring the populace. It also shows that she has courage and dedication to her city. Do not think that the people have not already noticed this. There was not a single riot in the city today. Why do you think that is?”
Duke Zalski ignored the question as he stared once again at the two Targa soldiers leaning against the wall at the gates to the Royal Palace. His mind drifted from the speech the queen had given to the Council, to his dinner session with Duke Graves and Duke Tredor. He nodded to himself as he saw his carriage arrive in the street before him.
“Your carriage is here,” announced the first mercenary. “Let’s get you inside and get you home.”
“Not home,” Duke Zalski announced defiantly. “Take me to the estate of Lord Clava.”
Chapter 23
Stacking the Deck
“Welcome to my home, Duke Zalski,” greeted Konic. “To what do I owe this pleasure?”
“Thank you,” nodded Duke Zalski as he sat in the offered chair. “I came to talk informally about this business of the Council. I have just come from the Palace Shadow where I dined with Duke Graves and Duke Tredor.”
“And I was not invited?” Konic feigned hurtfulness.
“You are no longer welcome in the group,” Duke Zalski stated matter-of-factly. “It is now known that you and Lord Markel schemed to have the queen return to Tagaret. You have made many people very angry.”
“Our promotion of the queen was above board,” countered Konic. “I take exception to it being characterized as a scheme.”
“Yes, there is some truth to that,” nodded Duke Zalski, “but only some. It is believed that your goal is to return Tagaret to a monarchy. That part you hid from us.”
“Now wait…,” Konic began.
“Please, Lord Clava,” smiled Duke Zalski, “do not bother to deny what I believe to be true. Save your breath for more important things. May I be open with you?”
“Please do,” sighed Konic as he wondered if all of their work would begin to fall apart.
“Duke Everich has convinced Duke Graves to join with him,” informed Duke Zalski. “Their goal is to outvote you seven to two.”
“And what will this vote be for?” questioned Konic.
“To dissolve the monarchy,” replied Duke Zalski.
“So they do not take the queen’s warnings seriously,” frowned Konic. “Why are you telling me this?”
“I have had time to reflect upon many things this night,” responded Duke Zalski. “We have become so embroiled in this Contest of Power that we have forgotten what the Council is all about. I do not trust Duke Graves, and I know that Duke Everich is like poison to our city. You have played this game well, and I fell for your scheming too, but I believe your reasons were just. Even though you are not from Tagaret, you appear to care more for the people of the city than the rest of the Council. I hope I am not misjudging you.”
“I care about the people very much,” replied Konic. “In fact, it is the reason that I accepted the invitation to join the Council. I have no personal need for fame or fortune. Now it appears that I can not even help the people though.”
“Probably not,” frowned Duke Zalski. “You should not stop trying, but I fear that after tomorrow, you will be totally ineffective.”
“Well I appreciate your candor,” stated Konic, “but I must continue to fight for what I believe is in the city’s best interests.”
“My candor is a long time past due, Lord Clava,” smiled Duke Zalski. “It is probably suicidal of me, but I wish to join with you in the attempt to restore the queen to power.”
“Why?” asked Konic as his mouth opened wide in surprise.
“As I said earlier,” answered Duke Zalski, “I have had time to reflect upon many things. The Council has failed miserably to govern Tagaret. And I believe that even if the players were changed, it is the wrong mechanism to rule. The Council was designed as an advisory board. It functions well in that capacity, but the people need a monarch to inspire them. They need a queen to nurture them and care for them. Tagaret faces certain ruin if we fail to change the leadership of the city.”
“Well this is a most welcome surprise,” smiled Konic.
“Do not get so elated,” frowned Duke Zalski. “We face certain failure.”
“But you are still willing to back the queen?” posed Konic.
“Even if it kills me,” affirmed Duke Zalski. “And it probably will. At least I will leave this world on the right side of things.”
“Do the other councilors know of your change of heart?” asked Konic.
“It is not really a change of heart,” corrected Duke Zalski. “I have always strived to help this city. It is more of an opening of my eyes, but to answer your question, no they are unaware of my plans. In fact, in a perverse way, I look forward to the shock on their faces when I vote with you and Lord Markel.”
“And if I can mange to make the vote a matter of the dissolution of the Council instead of the monarchy,” posed Konic, “would you vote to dissolve the Council?”
“If that means that the monarchy will rule, yes,” declared Duke Zalski. “I will not vote to leave the city without any leadership though.”
“Nor would I,” agreed Konic.
“Well, I must get to bed,” declared Duke Zalski as he rose. “I expect you to guide me through any votes that are not clear to me, Lord Clava. Tell me what you want, and I will stand with you. Good night.”
After Duke Zalski left, Konic walked over to the bookshelf and looked up.
“Carry an image of this conversation to Oscar,” Konic said to the fairy. “Ask him for his opinion and any orders that he might have regarding it.”
* * *
The sky was just beginning to lighten when Arik and Wylan gathered their belongings and left the inn. They proceeded to the stables and began loading the packs on their horses.
“You are up early,” the voice said as a figure moved out of the
shadows. “I was not sure of which room you were in, or what name you were registered under. Are you leaving town?”
Arik and Wylan turned to gaze upon Sheri.
“We have to catch a ship this morning,” nodded Arik. “We do not have much time.”
“I am sorry to see you leave so soon,” frowned Sheri. “Your gift was most generous. I felt the need to thank you personally.”
“It was the least I could do,” smiled Arik. “I will do much more when I come back.”
“If you come back,” frowned Sheri as she gazed at the array of weapons Arik and Wylan were carrying. “Where are you going?”
“Up north,” Arik answered vaguely. “And I will be back. Tagaret is to be my home. That is one thing that I can promise you. And the people will not suffer then.”
“You have a strong personality,” giggled Sheri. “I like that in a man. Will you look for me when you come back?”
“I will make sure that he does,” interjected Wylan as Arik nodded.
Arik let Chaco out of the stable and mounted him as he waited for Wylan.
“He didn’t say goodbye to me,” Sheri frowned. “I waited all night for him.”
“He is preoccupied,” shrugged Wylan. “This will be a very dangerous journey, and he has so many responsibilities. I am sure his mind is just elsewhere.”
“Responsibilities?” questioned Sheri. “What responsibilities?”
“We have to save the world,” grinned Wylan as he kissed Sheri.
Sheri’s face creased in confusion, as Wylan led his horse out of the stables. Arik started up the alley while Wylan mounted and followed him. Sheri ran out of the stables and watched them ride off.
* * *
Duke Tredor’s carriage turned at the gates to the Royal Palace instead of entering the palace grounds. He frowned as he looked out of the carriage window and saw the palace wall passing by. He gazed at his protective escort and saw that they were behaving normally. He was about to shout for one of the mercenaries and demand an explanation when the carriage halted in the alley alongside the Palace Shadow Inn. The carriage door opened and his escort hurried him out of the carriage.
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