The Orb of Wrath

by Nic Weissman

  *******

  Devgon waited in the lobby of the Royal Office. He was accompanied by two people: a senior official of the Chamber called Pargepulax and Nelm, his faithful assistant. Their audience with the King should have already begun, although delays were common when you were going to see the King, so he tried not to worry.

  As a full member of the Chamber, he had received the important assignment of negotiating a legislative change with the King that would introduce increased competition in a strategic sector, as was the stone sector. This would mean the need for new trade routes in all counties, and create many new business opportunities for the traders. Devgon was also the spokesman of the progressive sector of the Chamber, led by Les Geswek.

  The progressive sector had proposed to boost many changes that would promote the traditional status quo against the immobility of the current conservative who led the legendary Lady Godiva. For example, they were in favor of aborting the trade agreements with the Duchies, and thus take control of the International Trade, where all the wholesale trade was done with the other countries. They also advocated the construction of new roads that would reduce transport time, even when they had to go through natural areas that remained unchanged today.

  “Sir, do you want to review the documentation, while we wait?” Nelm said, always attentive and helpful.

  “No, thanks, Nelm. I went over it again this morning and it's very fresh in my mind,” Devgon said.

  Nelm was an old man, but he retained much of his strength. He was extraordinarily clever and had a lot of experience. Devgon had wondered more than once how it was that Nelm hadn't gone much further in life. He did not feel better prepared than Nelm. And, of course, he often saw other people in various positions of responsibility who were less able or smart than his assistant. The positive side of all of this was to have the help of someone so capable. Perhaps what took away from his potential were his humility and, above all, his kindness. You couldn't get very far in this world of sharks where Devgon moved being a humble and good-natured person.

  Nelm's past was a mystery. Devgon knew he wasn't born in Bor ... and little else. His appearance betrayed a kind of classic elegance. He dressed well, but always in a very sober way, without stridency. One of the best tailors in Deepcliff probably gave him his clothes because they always looked impeccable. The only odd note of his appearance was a tattoo on his left forearm, a dragon or something, which was always hidden under his clothes. Devgon had asked him once about it, but hadn't received any information. “It was long ago” was all he got out of him. Nelm may come from a family of sailors or maybe had worked in that sector when he was young. Tattoos were also common in the kingdom of Bor among people of the entertainment business, but Devgon couldn't even imagine that Nelm had something to do with that world.

  “Come in now,” a man said, walking out of the Real Office's door.

  “My name is Buldamus and I am the Chief Secretary of His Majesty. I think we've already met,” the man said, shaking hands with Devgon.

  Indeed, Devgon had seen the man at other times at royal receptions or in other meetings with the King. Although, really, they had barely spoken.

  “True. Let me introduce my companions. This is Pargepulax, who works with us in the Chamber and this is Nelm, my personal assistant.”

  “Glad to meet you,” the man said, going into the room, without even looking at the others.

  They all went into the room after the secretary and sat at a large table, following his instructions. Some lackeys immediately offered them refined drinks.

  “Regrettably His Majesty will not be able to meet you today. He is dealing with other pressing matters. Certainly attending the many responsibilities he has as a King. But don't worry; your majesty has delegated to me the discussion you wish to have,” Buldamus said.

  That proved most suspicious to Devgon. They had set that appointment with a month's notice and had stressed the need for it to be directly with the King. In addition, Devgon was one of the Sixteen, a member of the Chamber, not a single third class officer. This was outrageous.

  “Sir, please, drink some water now. I think you were quite thirsty while we were waiting in the anteroom,” Nelm said, giving him a drink.

  Devgon took the glass and drank. Nelm had understood that the secretary's announcement had him twitching and was giving him an excuse, even forcing him, to pause before answering. This way, he could avoid saying something in the heat of the moment that he would later regret.

  “It's certainly a disappointment. I hope your majesty is well,” Devgon said, diplomatically.

  “Oh, yes. The King is perfectly well. I'll tell him you send your greetings, of course,” said the Secretary. “And so? What is this about?” he added.

  Then the three visitors struggled to detail as best as they could, and like they had rehearsed, the details of the proposal and the benefits it would bring to the kingdom, while downplaying the potential impact that change might have, and how they could mitigate the negative effects thereof. Devgon recited his part with professionalism, but sounded resigned. He knew that the meeting wasn't going anywhere.

  When they finished, the Secretary made a couple of questions and then argued that it was an important change, that it wasn't the time to make changes like that in the Kingdom but that he would present the case to the King for his consideration anyway. Everyone nodded and thanked his attention. The Secretary promised to call them again if the King had interest in the matter, but made them understand that it was unlikely at this time.

  While they were dismissed and escorted to the door, Devgon wondered what had gone wrong. They had kept the initiative a total secret. Only key members of the progressive sector knew about it. They had prepared the meeting with the King in advance, without specifying the object thereof. They knew that a lot of the conservative sector of the Chamber would object. That's why they had included the vote on this initiative on the agenda of the previous evening. This made it almost impossible for anyone to have time to access the King and disrupt his plans. But somehow, this was exactly what had happened.