LITMIR.BIZ

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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.”

      Chapter

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