[RPG] [FEI][SoC] A royal mind

[Greg McGlynn]

Victor sits in his chamber thinking curiously to himself. Leknaat sits 
across the room in a dim light, reading over several scrolls that have 
happened to interest her.

As Victor sits he moves a coin around his hand very swiftly.

/I wonder how the king is going to solve the Dukeship front.... I for 
one have never witnessed him do such a thing./

Anxious are we Victor?

/In a manner of speaking, yes./

I do not believe the king will give Cesari Dukeship.

/And why not?/

He is a skilled warrior, but he already holds a region to his name.

/Yes indeed, as do I. But that does not mean to say he can step aside 
and take a higher rank./

Do you think that will happen, or am I correct?

/I have faith in the king, as do his deciples I imagine, otherwise he 
would not be king./

You didnt answer my question.

/I know..../

The room fills with silence for a moment, until, with one word, Leknaat 
manages to break that silence.

Adala.... you think she will be awarded Dukeship.

/As much as I disagree with it, yes./

Why not Adala, she is a skilled warrior, no?

/She bested Ijil in combat, and suddenly a few days after his recover he 
suddenly leaves? Does that not seem a bit strange to you?/

Perhaps.... but it could have been coinsidence.

/That is always a possability.... but never the less, rank is something 
that should be truely earnt, by favor of the king or public./

Right now, both you and Cesari hold the same stature, you are lord of an 
entire region and a member of the devoted council.... it would be a more 
difficult situation to be entered into if a decision were to be between 
the both of you for higher rank would it not?

/As usual, you are correct. But I feel both he and I are man enough to 
accept the kings decision on such an act..../

But you are not convinced that Adala should be the new Duchess.

/It seems most likely she will be awarded such./

Then why not speak with the king?

/As I have said, I trust the kings decisions.... and I will follow them 
through till the end..../

---------------------

As Adala arrives at the palace, the King welcomes her personally.

"Thank you for coming, Dame Adala, though that shall not be your title 
much longer. Yes, in a few minutes you will be Duchess of Palnasos, with 
the city around us at your command.

I have informed the people of the city that their new lord will be 
appointed today, and already the crowds have gathered, nobles and 
commoners alike. Follow me to the balcony."

Xerxes leads Adala through the palace. At last they emerge on a balcony 
overhanging a large crowd talking excitedly. But at the appearance of 
the King and the Dame, the crowd falls silent to hear what is about to 
be said.

"People of Palnasos!" Xerxes declares. "This city shall be no longer 
without a lord to watch over it! I hereby appoint Adala, Dame of 
Palnasos, to be henceforth the Duchess of Palnasos, commander of this 
shining city."

The crowd cheered. As it became quiet once more, Xerxes said, "Duchess 
Adala, I entrust you with the care and leadership of this jewel of the 
Sanctum of Casshern. As Duchess, you now command not only this city, but 
the entire duchy. Lead it well, and make it prosper for your realm and 
King."

Then Xerxes lowered his voice so that only Adala could hear: "Do you 
want to speak to them? It would be fitting as their new Duchess. 
Otherwise we will withdraw."

----------------------

"He did what?!!!"

The messengers colour disapeared from his face upon seeing the reaction 
of Karpur on the news.

"How can he put someone so inexperienced in such an important position?" 
The messenger knew better then to answer these questions and slowly made 
his way to the door. Karpur didn't notice he left and forgot the man had 
been in his chamber the moment the door closed.

Karpur now had a dilemma. He couldn't swear sincere allegiance to this 
new duchess. He had respect for the lady, but was convince she was unfit 
to lead Palnasos. However, he still was marshall of Palnasos and he was 
still prepared to fight for the city, but not for her. He was in doubt 
what to do. He could swear fealty to Victor or Cesari, but then he might 
loose his position as marshall. And Ansopen and Zarimel were both 
provinces he couldn't relate to. He was more a man of the cities over 
the rural areas.

He set a large chair in front of the window, opened a bottle of whine 
and sat down. Letting his thoughts go while overseeing the city of 
Palnasos. He needed to think.

----------------------

A messanger arrives at Victors home, it is one of his own men. Victor is 
sitting in his study as usual, reading over scrolls and making and 
breaking documents.

My lord!

/What is it? Cant you see I am reading?/

Forgive me my lord but you asked me to deliver any update on the city, 
and this is news.

Victor puts his scroll down, takes his glasses off and sits back in his 
chair.

/Go on..../

King Xerxes has just named Adala the new Duchess of Palnasos.

/So.... I was right afterall.... this could turn either bad or good.... 
send Adala a message, I would like to see her at my home when she gets 
the chance./

Yes my lord.

The soldier quickly leaves Victors study and heads towards the palace. 
Meanwhile, Leknaat has appeared in the study.

As you fortold, she was named Duchess.... do you feel any different than 
the day before?

/These are cautious times for us all.... I dont know why she was named 
Duchess..../

You believe she will falter?

/Like a leaf in the wind./

Yes she may be inexperienced but she can learn.

/She is too rash, too hasty.... they are not the qualities that a 
Duchess should hold dear to herself. She is young, inexperienced and as 
much as I hate to say it, she is fragile.... she holds herself up in 
high regard against another, that not only worries me for the nobles of 
this realm but for the people as well.... our people should be treated 
like any other, I fear she will see them as pawns in a little game./

I have to agree with you there.... but you have sent for her, what are 
you going to do, or say?

/As of now Ansopen is now under her dutchy, I will tell her stricktly to 
leave Ansopen alone, I have worked too hard and too long to resotre the 
peoples faith and ambitions.... I will not allow anyone, Duchess or 
otherwise to rashly tarnish what both myself and the people of Ansopen 
have strengthened to make./

You fear for those you care for, a weakness if I ever seen one.

/Maybe so, but none the less this woman is dangerous, the others may see 
it but I see it clearly. A woman of little skill and experience bested a 
man who I fought personally against in a friendly duel, she defeated 
him.... and now she holds his city? This was not the dutchy I had 
Ansopen join, Ijil was the man I trusted to lead Ansopen in a bask of 
victory if it ever came to be..../

You dont trust her?

/I trust her.... but I do not trust in her abilities.... there is 
something about her that I feel uncomfortable with..../

----------------------

Cesari decided to go to the residence of Adala, which is now the Castle, 
and congratulate her on her appointment. He heard the stirring voices of 
some elders in his realm, but he disagreed with them.

It was simple. He was the General, and watched over the rural region of 
Zarimel. Karpur, Victor, and Xerxes all had positions of nobility ont he 
council with him, and some of them even ran regions.

It's a realm of 9 nobles, and it was in fact time to show to the other 
newer members of the Sanctum that were chances were advancment. Adala 
had pledged her heart and soul to SoC, and therefore, it was good to let 
her have a go on managing the needs of the city.

Cesari arrived to show his respect
Victor
Arch Priest of Sanctum of Casshern, Count of Ansopen
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