by John Migacz
CHAPTER 5
“I don’t understand,” said Duke Lothogorn, peering into his cup. “Baron Yorburg will not even discuss this absurdity.” Dozens of candles and a blazing fireplace failed to dispel the pall of concern blanketing the well appointed throne room. He rubbed his generous paunch, hoping to ease the roiling acid. He gulped down more wine. Since the siege began, drinking had become his favorite hobby.
The Duchess, sitting in her throne next to him, engaged in her pastime. With her head bent forward her red hair almost obscured her work. He watched the needle flash as her stubby fingers placed another stitch in her petit point. After observing for a moment Lotho decided he liked his hobby better. A green-liveried servant stood close by with a chilled pitcher of wine – the house staff also knew the Duke’s fondness for his hobby.
Lotho scowled. “He rejects our offer of mediation and refuses to see our emissaries. He just sits there in that large ugly tent and waits. What is he waiting for?” His fingers curled into a fist. “He even refused to honor my request to meet in single combat!”
“For which I am very glad, my dear,” replied the Duchess without glancing up from her sewing.
Lotho pounded the arm of his chair. “Why? Don’t you think I can cut Yorburg apart?”
“Of course you could, Dear, but nobility killing one another?” She tsked. “It’s just not done.”
“As if he’s not trying to do just that with his thousands of mercenaries!”
“Let’s allow the King to settle this silly thing,” she said. “All we have to do is wait until his regents arrive.”
“That’s assuming our messages got through…” he mumbled.
“Of course they got through, Dear. No one would stop a messenger to the King, now would they?”
“No, of course not,” said Lotho. Times being what they were, he wondered, but he wouldn’t reveal that thought to the Duchess. He hoped at least his message to Balthus had gotten through.
He swirled the dregs of wine in his cup. “You know, woman, since becoming Duke it has been nothing but one worry after the other.” He sighed. “Life was so untroubled before accepting the dukedom.”
“No, Dear, you still worried about everything from luse breeding to the Shallcross Tournament winner. Now you just worry about different things.”
“I did not, woman. Life was easy and carefree back then.” He said it with conviction although he knew she was right. But Baron Yorburg attacking him? That was the one thing he never would have worried about.