| My lords,” I began. “The last time I entered this room, I begged for the restoration of my lands from the treacherous sorcerer, Gabril de Spesialle. His Majesty, King Lufaux, granted my request and verified my claim to the county of Asphodel. Spesialle then murdered our king and set into motion the events that have since consumed us.”
They stared at me in silence, and an icy-slick sweat broke out on my brow. “The Duke was in league with Jeshan de Callat, and the regicide was committed with Callat’s full knowledge and cooperation.”
“She lies!” Jemore yelled. Several of the courtiers shifted position and two of them tried to sidle to the door. Mylan and Glaucon moved to cut them off. They remained at the door, hands crossed on the hilts of their swords as the naked points rested against the marble floor.
“I am not in the habit of lying. I name Jeshan de Callat, usurper of the Ansienne throne, as traitor and an instigator of regicide. For his misdeeds and the betrayal of his country, I have administered justice to him on behalf of the kingdom in the forests that border my land.” I tossed the dead King’s signet ring to the marble floors, where it struck with a ping and rolled for some feet, coming to a rest in the center of the room. “The usurper is dead by my hand. The Callat monarchy is at an end.”
Speech and movement erupted in the council chamber. Some of the courtiers cheered, embracing their neighbors in excitement. Others went pale, hands moving to the ceremonial daggers at their belts. More disturbingly, some of them remained silent, their narrowed eyes turned to us.
Mariol took up the burden of speech. “We have come to Geochon, my lords, to convene the Privy Council. It is time for us to determine our next king. The Duke de Spesialle has formed an alliance with Tartarus and Vaulad, and both kingdoms are preparing to send their armies into Ansienne. We do not intend to name a ruler ourselves. We have only one demand: we will allow no scion of the line of Jeshan de Callat to ascend the throne of Ansienne. We will not lend countenance to such an act.”
“Demont,” I said quietly. The soldier stepped forward. “This good man witnessed my execution of the usurper and can vouch for the words that Jeshan de Callat spoke when informing me of Spesialle’s betrayal. When I took the royal seal from Callat’s hand, I made this man swear to keep it safe until we had found our next ruler. No one will take the throne this time, milords, without the consent of the full council. We are here to insure that no one tries.” |
