LITMIR.BIZ

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you are all thinking,” admitted Xavier, relaxing into his role.

      They showed interest. Xavier had proven his skills in controlling both people and countries and their current success was testament to that. “What would you do?” questioned Grarm.

      King Xavier stood and paced the room as he summed up his situation. “Queen Fittoreah gathers to defend Frith though I doubt she has enough soldiers to mount an invasion. We all agree Arravale will not attack and the auchs are not a serious problem at the moment. But The Society is committed to see their future threat removed.” He stopped to emphasise his next point. “The forefathers did not tell us to kill all opposition to man, only that we should ensure the supremacy of man. There is a difference though the distinction has been lost. While we hid in Arenia, it was of little matter. But now The Society is becoming stronger and the kingdoms of man are more united, the meaning becomes important. Man’s supremacy cannot be challenged while I rule the largest force the world has ever seen.” Before the arguments could arrive, the king went on. “But I think you may be right. My army should go north to remove any future threat.”

      His words surprised all in the room. They had seen Xavier spread his control over three kingdoms and anticipated he would argue to expand that control further, they had come to the meeting expecting to argue to get exactly what he proposed, but his earlier words hung over them like a dark cloud.

      “How does this help with Frith or Arravale? You said you could solve all three,” asked Grarm, his brow furrowed in anticipation of some major change the king wished to add to their thinking.

      “Winter is coming. By the time Jaimz or Ronald could reach the mountains, the cold and snow would be upon them. We do not have the equipment or supplies to support a campaign there until spring and I have had to rebuild Jaimz’ finger. After their time in Ortalia they will need time to train and prepare. I suggest we send them to a location near the border and give them the winter to do this. It will also be a show of strength. Frith will be relieved when they move north in the spring. Queen Fittoreah will be overjoyed that they have avoided any action against us.”

      Xavier sat again and left them time to think. It seemed a simple plan and they had been given a time frame for the elimination of the auchs. Xavier hoped it would be enough. After he had satisfied the council with this work in the north, he could continue the growth of his empire without interruptions. That is what he hoped they believed. By spring, many things would change. If necessary, it would be time to find a new council, one more of his choosing. A smile touched his lips at the thought.

      “And Arravale?” asked Luke.

      The king let his breath out slowly, the simple fact that this question had been asked told him that at least one councillor had accepted his plan. “There is no need to invade Arravale, or do anything to threaten its people, because they are going to offer it to me. I am told they hold a gathering where all the people come together. One of Jaimz’ men went there as a child when he travelled with his father. They call it a moon fest and it is held before each spring. I will send a small delegation of selected people to meet with their leaders and negotiate a treaty. We can offer them gifts of delicacies and other items they do not have in a dry, land-locked kingdom. We will also offer to protect them when the auchs attack. All I would ask in return is freedom of movement through their lands, and the right to speak with them at their gatherings. In their position, it would be hard to resist such an agreement. My armies will have free access to the north, and will be ready if the south tries to gain advantage and when our work is complete, they will want to be part of my lands for their own safety.”

      Lord Grarm offered his thoughts. “That sounds reasonable, but it would not make you king of Arravale, and I know you are ambitious.”

      This, too, Xavier had anticipated. “My ambitions are for The Society. If we can speak at their gatherings, we can slowly introduce the teachings of the Academy. But I would concentrate on the histories and passive events. I do not see them accepting the training of soldiers.”

      Lord Grarm had his doubts about Xavier’s sincerity, but the plan had merit. He accepted the proposal and the others followed his lead. They had their plan. They had a future to look forward to.

      ~

      The shadows grew longer in the gardens of the palace of Greche. As Xavier strolled along pebbled pathways between gardens of dense bushes and brightly coloured flowers he enjoyed the peace and feeling of isolation it gave him so deep within the city - it was a momentary comfort he usually only found when travelling in the countryside, a past time that was now denied him through his position. It allowed him to think. He found a bench tucked away in a quiet grove and sat and soon after Beth joined him there. She knew his moods and had trailed him without speaking, leaving him to his brooding.

      “Tell me about Frith,” he asked without looking at his wife.

      “Why?”

      “If my armies are going to mass near their borders, I need to understand them to know how they will react. I know what I said at the meeting but I will not leave anything to chance.”

      Beth thought for a moment before answering. “It is a wealthy kingdom, the richest of all the kingdoms of man. Ortalia could have challenged this if they desired, because of their ships and sailing skills. But Ortalia preferred to keep their way of life free of the influences of the world but the royal family of Frith does not control their wealth. Queen Fittoreah is no more than the kingdom’s chief administrator. The place is run by the traders.”

      “The traders?” he asked, suddenly more interested.

      Beth stopped. She could see the idea coming to Xavier’s mind. “They call themselves the Honourable Guild of Mercers and Traders and it is they who control everything that happens within their borders. They buy and sell everything of value from boots to information. They deal locally as well as with Greche, Ortalia and Daire, though you have seriously affected them there. Everything they do is carefully assessed for financial risk and forecast return. If you wish to understand their reactions to putting your army on their border, ask yourself how it will affect their profits.”

      Xavier sat deep in thought as the night settled over him and the garden. The sky purpled and stars began to appear in the darkness.

      Later that night while he sat talking with Beth in their rooms, Xavier explained those aspects of his plan that he was willing to have his wife know. When he had finished, he asked who she thought would be most suitable for the task.

      “Myra would be the obvious choice,” she offered. “She is by far my best agent and her skills and understanding of business cannot be matched. But her name is too well known in Greche following her work here. Tales of her exploits may have spread across the border.”

      After discussions, they decided the risk was worth taking. Next day, he sent a message to have Beth’s best spy join them.

      When Myra arrived, his plan was laid out. Myra was to use her skills to infiltrate the guild, and with the coin and gold Xavier could provide, she would begin trading, using the knowledge The Society could provide through Beth’s network. She was to do all she could to undermine the finances of the country. “The kingdom relies on trade, and without knowing it, I have already disrupted their operations. You must help finish the job,” finished Xavier.

      “I will leave tomorrow and in case my name may have reached Frith, I will choose a new one.” After a moment’s thought she announced, “I will become Clarise. I like that name.”

      Chapter 4

      Alieah rushed onto the deck and jumped aside as sailors scampered up the gangplank carrying the last of Empress’ possessions, like ants hurrying to a picnic. Her first instinct was to run to Nakime’s side, but the sound of her Empress calling to the captain shocked the movement out of her. Nakime had broken tradition before, but only in private meetings with family, never openly and to someone of lower rank than the family.

      “Come, Alieah. We must get out of the way and let these people do their work,” Nakime encouraged.

      She joined the Empress against the railings and they both tried to

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