Alchemy

by Camille Oster

  “I have determined that I am not supporting the crowning of another king,” she stated. Lorcan’s eyebrows rose in surprise. “I think this is an opportunity to create a more fair means of governance.”

  “You are an idealist thinking final power isn’t necessary.”

  “I don’t agree.”

  “What you are suggesting, although noble in sentiment, won’t work. We would all descend into chaos and no one would agree with each other. The court will descend to nonstop intrigue.”

  “Maybe you are selling us short. I think we can step up because the times requires it.”

  “So, you are not supporting Wierstoke’s campaign?”

  “I’m not supporting you either.”

  “I never said I was pursuing it.”

  “I can’t imagine you wouldn’t. Pursuing power has been your mainstay. Wierstoke winning would weaken your position, and I can’t see you being able to bear that.”

  Lorcan considered her for a moment. She couldn’t readily tell if he was angry or not; he was so supremely good at hiding his emotions when he wanted to. “And how would this alternative work, if you ever managed to achieve it?” Was that derision in his voice? Probably. She was, after all, standing in the way of what he wanted to achieve.

  “I don’t know yet,” she said honestly.

  “That will make it even harder to achieve.”

  “I don’t know,” she repeated softly. “I think there are quite a few here at court who are willing to consider alternatives, particularly if it means not being under the thumb of either you or Wierstoke.”

  He smiled now. “Are you speaking of your own fears?”

  “I am speaking of a member of this court who’s been made to dance to Raufasger’s tune any time he felt like it. I think there are many who would seriously consider a more fair form of ruling.”

  “It will be nothing but infighting and backstabbing.”

  “So, not much different from what we have now, then?” Ashra turned her attention to the distant landscape outside her window. “We actually have bigger problems to deal with.”

  “Like what?”

  “You remember the people in Tondoke. I am sure that privation is repeated in every village across the land. They would all have heard of Raufasger’s demise by now. There is a good chance that they will seek to improve their lives, and if we drag our feet, it may just be that they won’t wait for us.”

  “An argument that supports getting on with appointing the new ruler as quickly as possible, and not a messy and cumbersome system you are proposing.”

  “What I am saying is that we need to find an effective intermediary way to work to support and improve the systems in place to ensure things don’t get worse for the people who are already stretched to the point of rebellion.”

  “Big word.”

  “Would you use force to subdue them?”

  He gave her a warning look. “We cannot afford to give ourselves over to anarchy.”

  “Then, let’s work together to make things better, at least to shore things up in the short term until we have a chance to sort more permanent governance. There is no guarantee that the contest between you and Wierstoke won’t be long and drawn out.”

  “Your support would considerably shorten it.”

  “Support that I am not lending to either of you.”

  “It will risk breaking up your alliance.”

  “A risk for a better future for everyone—including you.”

  A slow grin spread across his lips. “Are you making unilateral decisions for my best interest now?”

  “I am thinking about everyone. We cannot just think about ourselves. It would be unconscionable. I might be wrong, but I cannot bring myself to not try for a better world. Whatever you do, please don’t fight against me. If you truly are fit to be a ruler of this land, then you owe it to the people to try for something better.”

  “Who is the one manipulating now? Are you attempting to emotionally blackmail me? Hard to do if I have no emotions to toy with. Obviously, as you have so often accused, I am always seeking the opportunity for myself in such trade-offs. So, what’s in it for me?”

  It was Ashra’s turn to give him a chiding look. By his tone, she knew he was toying with her. If he hadn’t been so willing to help the people of Tondoke not so long ago, she might think him incapable of caring for people, but she had seen him react. “You will have my gratitude.”

  “An expensive price for your regard, Lady Greve.”

  Chapter 20

  The first thing to do was to tackle Wierstoke. She had informed Lorcan of her plans and that she wasn’t supporting anyone in their claim for the throne. Now she needed to tell Wierstoke the same thing, and she really had no idea how he would take it.

  Ahead of arriving at his apartments, where she hadn’t actually been before, she’d sent a note requesting a meeting. His doors were large and heavy, as if signifying the weightiness of the family behind it. A pull informed of her presence and a servant answered the door.

  She was shown to a library, where Wierstoke sat behind a desk, bent over some documents.

  “Lovely library,” she stated and looked around. Many of the books here were old. She wondered where they’d all come from. He was obviously a well-read man. “Impressive.”

  “I do believe it is the most sizeable in the citadel behind Raufasger’s. I suppose that will belong to the new king after the coronation.”

  “Well, that is what I’m here to talk about.”

  Wierstoke’s eyes narrowed.

  “Two issues. Firstly, I believe we need to form a council to deal with the immediate needs of the land. We must not let Raufasger’s death be an event that causes suffering. I dare say there is also much to improve that this council could also look at.”

  “A council?” he said. Like Lorcan, he probably assumed that they should focus on deciding a new king and no such thing would only serve as a distraction. He was silent for a moment, studying her intently. “And the second thing?”

  “Well, my wish that this council would turn into more of a parliament.”

  “You wish to dilute the king’s power?” This surprised him.

  “Absolutely. I don’t think anyone wants to be in a position of absolute power like we have been. If fact, I question the need for a king at all.”

  “No king?” He sounded incredulous now. “Of course there needs to be a king. It is ludicrous to propose otherwise. I could perhaps understand that some would limit the power of a king, but to not have one at all is madness.”

  “The job of governance can as easily be done by committee.”

  “Committees never agree on anything.”

  “Maybe the differing opinions have value.”

  “Someone needs to make final determinations.”

  Ashra was getting tired of him pressing the same point relentlessly. “I, for one, wish to explore new ways of leadership for this land.”

  Still staring at her, he chewed his lip for a moment, seemingly while trying to work out what to say.

  “Which means,” she continued, “that I will not be endorsing any candidates for the throne at this time.”

  “You would be breaking our alliance. That will certainly make you… weak. Quite a stance to take for some pipedream. Some would say absolutely idiotic.”

  Before coming here, she’d wondered if he would go so far as to bully her, but apparently, he would. “And I would like your support.”

  His eyebrows rose up onto his forehead. An amazed chuckle escaped him.

  “Obviously,” she said. “Without my support, you have no chance of the throne, considering you need unilateral support. Lorcan would be stronger than you.”

  “So, you are throwing yourself in with him. I should have known this was all some way of justifying that.”

  “No, I have told him the very same thing, but the point I am trying to make is that alliances are likely to prove pivotal to any kind of group leadership. This alliance ca
n break apart and I can easily join another. It is you that has the most to lose here.” She forced any kind of nervousness out of her voice. Going in here, she had intended this to go with more charm and less forcefulness, but a harsher tone had been necessary. She took a breath. “But this alliance has served us both well in the past and it would be a shame to break it.”

  “You are strong-arming me, Lady Greve, and I don’t appreciate it.”

  “I am only trying to create a much better situation than the one we came from.”

  “Are you sure you’re not simply trying to undermine us?”

  “Us? Who is us, precisely?”

  He didn’t answer.

  “I think there are sufficient people here at court who would gladly consider some alternative form of leadership.” Ashra smiled tightly. “None of us would honestly claim that having a king added anything good to anyone’s lives.”

  Wierstoke leaned back in his chair. “It seems your ambition has turned on me this time. I wish I could think that it was Lorcan that influenced you to act like this, but I know better. You are no meek creature, Lady Greve. You take this court and turn it upside down at your will and in the end, you seem to force us all to play to your tune. I suppose we should be happy you haven’t decided to set your sights on the throne.”

  Ashra threw him a look as if she were disappointed with him. If fact, the thought hadn’t even occurred to her. She couldn’t think of anything worse, actually. All she wanted was to be with her children. Well, that wasn’t entirely true. If that were her only ambition, she would throw her lot in behind Wierstoke and simply have him promise to leave her undisturbed for as long as she pleased. It just wasn’t in her to throw the rest of the world to the wolves as long as she had what she wanted. That was why she was doing this.

  “If I am wrong, you and Lorcan will have to slog it out until a victor. Irrespective, it would be a long-drawn-out affair, so in the meantime, I would appreciate your support for a council to ensure the country doesn’t fall apart because we are all squabbling about leadership.”

  All she got from Wierstoke was a grunt and she knew better than to press her luck.

  “Don’t act as if I’ve killed your children. We will do great things, you will see,” she said with a smile.

  “I am beginning to fear when you set your mind to something, Lady Greve.”

  Rising to leave, she nodded to him, knowing they were leaving this meeting without a definitive understanding of the state of their alliance. That would remain to be seen. He might work against her, but then he didn’t entirely know if she was working against him in return. This was something she would have to keep an eye on. Maybe she would have to engage young Tilley to report back to her what people were saying about her and their ambitions.

  Next, perhaps she would tackle the ladies. They were often underestimated at court, but having them on side would certainly help set the tone of this new court if nothing else.

  Before that, she walked over to the administrative section of the citadel, where there was still an undercurrent of sheer panic. Niesen Woord was in his office, looking flustered.

  “There is no one to answer your requests, Lady Greve,” he said with exasperation. “If you want to leave, just leave. There is no one stopping you, or anyone else, apparently.”

  “Are people leaving the citadel?”

  “What can I do for you?”

  “I am here to inform you that we are putting together a council to make the necessary decisions needed to ensure the ongoing maintenance of this nation.”

  For the second time in a short space of time, her suggestion brought astonished surprise. “And why would it be your job to set up a council? You’re just some leftover wife.” He said the words with distaste. He’d always had something against her.

  She smiled patiently at this man who she’d never liked very much. The feeling had clearly been mutual. “Because we are the landowners, the economic force of this land.” She stared at him pointedly. “Or would you prefer a military coup?”

  He went to snort, but it melted from his face when he realized she might be right. Leadership would either be claimed by the landowners, the courtiers, or by the guard.

  “I don’t wish to live in a military state, and neither do most of the court. In the meantime, there are a whole swath of hungry and angry people who are right now wondering if they should just take what they want.”

  “The guard are keeping the people in check,” he said, then biting his lips as if he’d said too much.

  “Report to us on the state of things in two days,” she commanded and slowly turned, her skirt sweeping the edge of the door as she left. “Inform the guard to do the same.”

  Ashra had a great deal of work to do to get this council together in two days’ time. There was no insurance either Woord, or the leadership of the guard, would be there. If neither turned up, it meant no one was in control. Niesen had more or less let slip by the balking look on his face that he felt very uncertain about there being any reins on the guard.

  Niesen wasn’t the problem. This all hinged on whether the guard would cooperate, would agree to take new reins. If not, then this would suddenly turn into a military coup. Maybe they were also extremely unhappy with the idea of having another liege. Like most, they probably suffered under Raufasger’s reign.

  Chapter 21

  Dealing with the ladies proved surprisingly easy. Ashra’s invitation to tea was accepted by almost everyone. There were no longer invitations arriving through the administration within the citadel, conveying Raufasger’s orders. All their required activities had stopped and it seemed most didn’t know what to do with themselves. Hence, her invitation was probably received with relief by some. They had somewhere to go, somewhere to find out what was going on. Interesting that it should be at her apartments, which were now filled with beautiful gowns and elaborate hair.

  The ladies of court had natural communication channel much stronger than the mens’, and Ashra was going to utilize that. Granted, some of these ladies were intellectual lightweights, but not all of them. For as shallow and flighty as Fiedra could be, she wasn’t a stupid woman, and she had influence over many of the ladies in her inner circle.

  The thought of this council being populated by select people, or by a selected group, had occupied her mind most of the evening. Not all of their opinions were needed, so a select group would be more efficient, and probably effective. But at the same time, it was not the time to alienate people and hence cause unnecessary dramatics, so perhaps the council, for now, had to consist of people who wanted to be on it.

  Ashra had served tea and finger cakes before announcing her intentions, and inviting them and their husbands to join the council if they felt the administration of the nation was of interest to them. She duly warned them that there would perhaps be trying topics, but stressed the importance of why it was necessary.

  Now that she had an actual meeting to go to, the presentation by Woord, and the guard to communicate the state of affairs, it was easier to get people to listen.

  Her proposal was met with murmur amongst the ladies.

  Ashra smiled, knowing without a doubt that few wouldn’t want to miss out on being a part of this council, at least until they knew what was going on. Now was not the time to be outside of the ‘in crowd.’

  “Well, quite a bold step,” Fiedra said.

  “A necessary step.”

  “Lorcan must be livid. I am sure he’s set his sights on the throne.” Fiedra almost purred as she spoke.

  “I think there are many who wish to be without a king since we just got rid of the last one. I would say the majority of the court suffered in one form or another during his reign. Not to mention the broader population.”

  “You are an idealist, I think. When it comes down to it, people complain, but as they say, a leopard doesn’t change its spots. Most feel highly agitated not being led. It is simple human nature for man. Not everyone is a leader.”

&
nbsp; “Irrespective of how things turn out,” Ashra said, “there are issues we need to turn our attention to immediately.”

  “Such as?” Fiedra said. It was clear she had no idea what Ashra was referring to.

  “The structures that ensure goods and food flow around the land as they should.”

  A look of confused surprise registered on Fiedra’s face.

  “Can’t have people starve,” Ashra filled in, although not surprised that Fiedra would have no idea how things were for people outside the citadel.

  “They’ve been trying to kill Raufasger for years. They’ve just gotten their wish. I am sure they’re more than prepared to handle the consequences.”

  “Careful what you wish for and all that?” Ashra suggested, looking at her. “Hungry people tend to be desperate.”

  Fiedra gave a conceding shrug. “I suppose. If you feel they need mollycoddling, then I suppose you should see to them.”

  “I take it you won’t be attending the council meeting, then?”

  Narrowed eyes cut into Ashra for putting Fiedra on the spot and suggesting she not attend the political activites going on. Fiedra felt no care for the things Ashra wanted this council to look at, but she refused to be left out. Then again, life at court historically made victims of the people not there to defend themselves. Perhaps that hadn’t changed, but Ashra didn’t want this council to be the place where their nasty and destructive brand of politics was played out.

  *

  Pacing back and forth, Ashra waited in front of the midsized hall that she’d picked out for the council meeting. Her decision had been sent to Niesen Woord, and now it would remain to be seen if anyone turned up. It could be that not a single person came, that they had all decided that she was not the person to lead and suggest such things.

  That would certainly harm her standing if that were the case. It could also be that this council was completely ineffective, bogged down with infighting, political maneuverings and intrigue. If truth be told, she wasn’t sure she would include any of these people in a representation of highly competent leadership.