The afternoon sun beamed through the stained-glass window, illuminating the Rhoden family crest that was carved into the center of a large wooden table. The meeting hall was rectangular in shape; roughly thirty feet long and fifteen feet wide. In addition to the window, there were a dozen sconces positioned at regular intervals along the eastern wall that provided light to the room. Both the north and south entrances were flanked by sentry, who stood silent at attention. Three of the six chairs were filled with their respective personages, each of whom had brought with them an assortment of ledgers and documentation, with the largest pile having yet to arrive. The Omnirian Royal Advisership Council had been meeting regularly, at noon, on the first day of the new month for nearly a decade.

“If Allan planned to keep us waiting so damn long, he should at least have ordered for the chef to prepare something.”

The man who spoke first was the Lord Regalus Finch, Archduke of Kaverras and Chief Officer of Foreign Affairs. He was a broad, bearded man with a deep voice and an easily disagreeable nature. In the silence that followed his outburst, Regalus readjusted himself in his chair and waited for a murmur of sympathetic dissatisfaction from the other Advisership members.

At the farthest end of the table, near opposite Lord Finch, sat a woman in extravagant dress, with a temperament like cold steel. She was Lady Catherine Kendrich, Archduchess of the Locture Estate.

“It is indeed uncustomary to delay the start of our meetings by such a length,” she announced to the room. Then, before continuing, she paused to adjust the sleeves of her dress. “Especially considering that the topic of today’s discussion relies heavily on Allan’s records.”

Her official title on the Advisorship Council was that of Chairwoman of Social Relations. However, to all present, and indeed to all within the aristocracy, this title was entirely superficial. Lady Catherine Kendrich was the current matriarch of the Kendrich family— arguably the wealthiest high noble family in Omnirius proper. The Kendrich’s not only enjoyed significant status and influence in Omnirian politics, but they were one of the few surviving families of the old nobility, which meant that they were well known both abroad and among the common people. A series of unfortunately timed events had left the Kendrich family bereft of a suitable patriarch, and when the dust had settled, Catherine had managed to cement her position as the head of the most influential family in Omnirius. Her presence on the Council was a natural consequence of that social position— there would be no major decision made in this country without her input.

Tired of the bitter silence, Catherine looked sternly at the man sitting opposite her and spoke.

“Zorren, I presume you’ve spoken with Allan prior to this meeting to impress upon him the necessity of his contribution? I would hate to think that, after all this waiting, he would arrive empty handed.”

The man to whom Catherine spoke was Zorren Zalphineas XI, Chairman of the Omnirian Magistrate.

The Omnirian Magistrate was created as an adjunct governing body, whose purpose was to help maintain order after the fall of the Omnir dynasty. When the Rhoden dynasty took power in the year 829, they worked hard to dismantle the “Old Religion” that was pervasive in the region. The Rhoden’s and their supporters believed that obsession with the ideology of the Deceluan faith had led the Omnirs astray and clouded their judgment, thereby leading to the economic collapse of the nation. However, without the former religious institution in place, it became far more difficult than anticipated to maintain order among the people. In order to compensate, religious affiliates who had survived the exchange of power were vetted and given authority to assist the Rhoden monarchy with its transition by creating a new organization known as the Magistrate.

Even in the present, the role of the Magistrate was of contentious debate behind the closed doors of the high nobility. Yet even so, especially following the death of the High King, they were an essential component to the functioning of the state.

“Allan is well aware of the purposes of today’s meeting,” Zorren said, flatly. “If he has any cause to be late, I cannot speak to it.”

“And shall we be expecting the Queen Mother this afternoon, Zorren?”

Zorren shook his head at Regalus.

“Queen Mother Hellen is unfortunately unable to attend due to her continuing ailment.”

“How surprising,” Regalus sighed. “Perhaps you should get rid of the physician in charge of her care?” Regalus chuckled to himself.

“Master Falbrin has been faithfully serving the Royal Family for several generations. Though he is skilled, even he cannot undo the effects of old age.”

Suddenly, there came a commotion from outside the meeting hall. A man then burst through the door, trailed by two assistants, each carrying an assortment of ledgers.

At this, Regalus threw his hands in the air.

“Ah! Allan! Are you sure you did not wish to make us wait until sundown?”

Allan shook his head dismissively at the comment and plopped down in his chair.

“Enough jest, Regalus. I was delayed by matters beyond my control.” The two assistants approached and placed the ledgers down on either side of him. Allan looked down at the ledgers and nodded satisfactorily. Then, he waved his hand at the assistants and spoke. “Now, off with you both.”

The men bowed and exited quickly.

Catherine folded her hands neatly then turned her gaze toward Allan.

“Seeing as we now have a quorum, shall we commence with the meeting?”

Lord Allan Munzhaler, Duke of Royce, was the current head of the Omnirian Royal Treasury, a duty which the Munzhaler family had the honor of performing for many generations.

“As you wish.” Allan then plucked a particular ledger from the pile and tossed it unceremoniously into the center of the table. “Where would you like to begin?”

“Oh, wonderful. More good news, then?” Regalus sighed, folding his arms and leaning back into his chair.

“Allan,” Zorren said softly, “Tell me that at least the construction of Gate City is on schedule?”

“Yes, actually,” he began, “Apart from a few prior delays, the construction of the city is still on track.” He paused to open to a particular page of the ledger. “In fact, thanks to Sir Perry Mannigold and his Starspawn Guild providing support and protection for the stone quarry excavations, production has sped back up. If I recall correctly, the masons should now have all the stone they need to finish.”

“Does that include carving the fifteen-foot statue of Reynard in the center of the town square?”

Catherine minded her tone as she spoke, but her intention was perfectly clear.

“Yes,” Allan responded, ignoring the bait. “The construction of the late High King Rhoden’s statue has been honored as commissioned. As is the case with the rest of the city plans that were drafted and submitted by His Majesty before his…passing.”

“They may have their stone,” Catherine continued, “But for how many more months is the project expected to continue?”

“Well, I have not been given an exact count…” Allan offered.

“Three months? Six months? A year?”

Allan frowned.

“I have spoken on multiple occasions with the masons in charge, yet even still they are unable to give an exact date. However, considering their current progress—”

“How much more coin are we willing to funnel into this project, then?” Catherine asked, cutting Allan off.

“Of course it would come to this,” Regalus snorted.

“And by this, you mean…?”

“You’ve never supported the building of Gate City, Catherine.”

“Tell me, Regalus. What aspect of this endeavor has proved beneficial to this empire? How wise of a decision was it, after all, to take our remaining resources and dump them into an unnecessary project after having just survived a half-decade of war?”

“Careful, Lady Kendrich. You are questioning the wisdom of our late High King,” Regalus shot back.

Catherine readjusted herself in response, eying Regalus subtly before continuing.

“As the head of Kendrich Household, and a major financial contributor to—”

“Spare us your trivialities, Catherine,” Regalus said as he folded his arms in defence. “Surely not an occasion goes by where we are not reminded of your financial contributions.”

Catherine smiled.

“I apologize, Lord Finch,” she said politely, “But I have to wonder who it is that provides the funds and resources for the armies you command?”

Regalus bit his tongue, knowing he had lost.

Catherine continued to sink her teeth in.

“Though it may be possible, I have yet to see any army emerge victorious without the proper funding to conduct war. I suspect that no matter how skilled or experienced a general may be, his men will not survive long without weapons, armor or food.”

“Catherine,” Zorren cut in, “No one is doubting the significance of your family’s contributions.”

“I am glad to know that Zorren.”

Catherine sat back in her chair, returning to her normal composure, yet with a faint smugness of victory.

Zorren leaned forward slightly and studied her carefully. Catherine had sharp facial features, long black hair and light gray eyes that flickered viciously. Zorren had known Catherine for many years, and though her features had changed in that time, he thought they suited her now better than they ever had.

“Of course,” Allan said loudly, breaking the silence, “It should be reiterated, that as a matter of course, Omnirius is still in a precarious financial position.”

Zorren then turned to Regalus as he spoke.

“Is there any news from the borders?”

“We have been able to prevent the raiders from extending too close to Eadenfros, but it has been difficult to mitigate the attacks in the borderlands. Thankfully, most instances do not pose a threat to our nation’s security. Although,” he added, “ The raids show no sign of slowing down.” He then eyed Catherine as he continued. “Thus far, we have been able to ration our stores effectively. However, with our current resources and manpower, we are unable to protect the farther reaches of our borders.”

Zorren addressed Catherine next.

“Lady Kendrich, have you any further luck convincing the other houses to increase their donations?”

This story is posted elsewhere by the author. Help them out by reading the authentic version.

“The Kendrich-Osler’s and Saundell’s have agreed to increase their contributions, but the rest have yet to concede. I have sent a representative to Malendar’s Edge to speak with Lord Thistletwat, after which you will have my update.”

“And what of the people?”

Catherine looked at Zorren curiously but did not answer.

“You are the Chairwoman of Social Relations, are you not?”

Catherine frowned at the insinuation.

“Are you asking how the people fair in their opinion of the state?”

Zorren nodded.

“Poorly,” she said with a shrug. “As can only be expected.”

“We will require some elaboration, Lady Kendrich.”

“It is as I have said for the last few months— the people are exhausted.”

“The people?” Regalus asked. “You wouldn’t happen to be presuming on behalf of the common folk again, would you, Lady Kendrich?”

“Not at all,” she shot back. “In fact, both the nobility and the common folk are equally disenchanted with the state.” She then turned her attention to the table at large. “There is a growing resentment among the mercantile classes and the lower nobility. The old trade routes have nearly all been destroyed by the war. Those that remain are too dangerous to risk travel— as you’ve no doubt seen, Lord Finch. And, as a consequence of the war, we no longer have an excess of military power to divert to protecting those trade routes.” Catherine then turned to Allan. “There is growing fear among the nobility that we are headed for another economic collapse, not unlike that which facilitated the Rhoden’s rise to power some years ago.”

“Preposterous!” Finch roared.

“Allan can confirm,” she said, calmly. “The unfortunate truth is that the Omnirian economy is collapsing.”

Regalus slammed the table and looked at him.

“Allan!?”

“Well, I think perhaps collapse is a bit presumptuous…”

Regalus gritted his teeth.

“Omnirius cannot survive another war. We have only just managed to broker a peace accord between Boginsklad, Fenvir and Auborn. If they suspect weakness, they will come for us— three against one!”

“Catherine,” Zorren asked, “I can believe that there is growing unrest, but the Magistrate conducts its own independent audits of the producing land within the Omnirian borders, and I see no evidence with which to justify such a conclusion.”

Catherine’s expression soured.

“Our surveys with the Treasury corroborate testimony from the minters,” Zorren continued, “Which indicate that coin is still circulating well. You must also know that the Magistrate is responsible for overseeing and brokering many high value trade contracts both between merchants as well as in the markets. To my knowledge, there are still resources within our borders from which to call upon.”

“That is true, Zorren. But without the approval of the high nobility, those resources may remain inaccessible to the military, should they be needed.”

“You mean without your approval?” Regalus shot back.

“Your paranoia is unbecoming, Regalus.”

Allan leaned into the fray and spoke to the table at large.

“Surely, it is not such an impossible task to garner the support of the noble families for the purposes of aiding our empire? Especially if the alternative is war?”

“Impossible, surely not,” Catherine began. “It will, however, be difficult.” She then looked at Regalus, speaking before he could interject. “Even disregarding my opinion.”

Zorren eyed her as he spoke.

“And why would you suspect such difficulty?”

“To speak frankly,” she answered, “The problem is Rhoden’s Decree.”

This was something not even Regalus could deny her. Each of the Advisership members knew very well how the decree had impacted the aristocracy. In truth, even the common folk had been confused, some even angered by the idea.

“The people are nothing without their monarch,” Catherine continued. “The monarch is the symbol to which we look for our guidance, and the banner under which we all unite. By not birthing, nor even selecting an heir, Rhoden has succeeded in leaving his people lost and without guidance. There needs to be structure. Order. Hierarchy. Without it, there will be only chaos and uncertainty.”

“And we are certain the blade is nowhere to be found? Has Reynard left no clues as to Glarbius’ whereabouts?”

“The palace has been searched a dozen times over,” Catherine said with a shake of her head. “And, seeing as Reynard passed so suddenly, there are none who know where it is or if it can be found.”

As Catherine spoke, Zorren saw the familiar look of hunger flicker to life within her eyes.

“There is, of course, a way to unite the nobility again,” Catherine continued. “A way to convince the noble houses to work together to help Omnirius withstand these trying times…” She then paused to observe the room. Allan and Regalus seemed subdued by her words, while Zorren remained as unreadable as ever. “If we were to appoint a regent—”

“I am not sure that will solve the problem.”

Catherine, caught off guard by the sudden opposition, shot a look at Zorren— murderous intent flashed across her eyes.

“Tell me, Zorren, for what reason do you believe that to be so?”

“It is true that there are those who are frustrated, or even angry with Reynard for his decision. But there are just as many that loved him as their High King and Defender. What’s more, His Majesty’s Decree is not some trifling document to be dismissed— it was, and still is, an official order. The last decree of His Majesty High King Reynard Rhoden IV. The betrayal of which may have undesirable consequences that push us even further from unification.”

Catherine laughed.

“You would defend Rhoden’s Decree?” she asked, leaning forward and placing her palm on the table. “There has never been such an act by any monarch in the history of this nation. Even the mere thought of leaving the decision of a ruler up to chance or favor is absolutely ludicrous!”

Zorren watched her calmly. She was showing her hand and he delighted in it.

Catherine, above all else, has always desired power. She had managed to hold together the Kendrich family by the skin of her teeth after the Plague of 936 and through the War of Blood and Iron— always looking for another opportunity to claw her way to ever greater heights. Zorren knew this about her, and he knew that she was never to be taken lightly. Catherine knew how the game was played, and she played it to perfection: but she was not the only one.

“It is true that Rhoden’s Decree was…unconventional.”

“Unconventional!?”

“However,” Zorren continued, “I think that we are not fully considering the merits of this decision.”

“Surely, you are joking?”

Regalus, having taken Catherine’s bait, decided to question Zorren.

“And what merit might that be?”

“As you are no doubt already aware, the Magistrate is also tasked with monitoring travel into and out of the nation’s borders. In the years since knowledge of Rhoden’s Decree has spread, there has been a significant increase in immigration to Omnirius from abroad— this includes merchants and craftsman.”

“That was no doubt due to the need of skilled laborers for the construction of Gate City,” Catherine explained. “Do not try and confuse matters.”

“While it is true that there was an initial increase after the commissioning of Gate City’s construction, the increase I am speaking of was measured within these last two years, nearly half-way through the construction.”

“What, then, are you proposing?” Regalus asked.

“If we facilitate this influx of skilled laborers, merchants, and traders into Omnirius under the premise of Rhoden’s Decree, we can, in one move, solve both of our problems.”

The Advisership members waited patiently for an explanation.

“With more skilled labor, we may make better use of our natural resources and reassert Omnirius as an epicenter for trade in the region, as we have been in decades past. Thereby boosting our economy and securing the funding we need to restore both our military presence and control over our vassals.”

Catherine sat unmoving, staring intently at Zorren. He watched her mouth twitch, undoubtedly deciding between the many venomous things she wished to say.

“And you believe this plan of yours is reliable? That it will rescue this nation with absolute certainty?” she asked him.

“I do.”

“What makes you certain?”

“Gate City.”

Catherine rolled her eyes.

“Gate City?” Regalus asked as he leaned forward.

Zorren nodded.

“Gate City may have started as a project to commemorate Rhoden’s conquest, but the truth is that it can serve a more important purpose. Gate City will become our gateway into the east. It will mark the edge of Omnirian territory, but it will also serve as a beacon of our power and status.”

The room fell silent.

Through this silence, Zorren watched Catherine carefully. He could see her flitting her eyes between Allan and Regalus, expecting them to reject his proposal outright. But, as they each sat there mulling over his words with genuine consideration, Catherine’s face gradually began to sour.

Allan was first to break the silence.

“Well, as far as the numbers are concerned, I think it could work.”

Regalus spoke next.

“It is certainly an interesting notion, but would it solve the problem of Rhoden’s Decree?”

Catherine was about to speak when the afternoon bell tolled loudly throughout the Magistrate compound. By now, the sun had lowered in the sky and the light that came through the glass window had passed beyond the meeting table. Zorren looked at Catherine, curious for her response.

In a rare moment, Zorren found her impossible to read.

Finally, she spoke.

“If Zorren is confident, then I propose we allow him the opportunity to prove his ambitions.”

With that, she rose from her seat and stood to her full height. Zorren followed her with his eyes as she headed towards the southern entrance. As she approached the doorway, the guards bowed and stepped aside to allow her through. But, before crossing the threshold, she turned one last time to face the table.

“You have my full support, Zorren.”

And with that, she turned her back to them once more and exited the meeting hall.

“Well,” Regalus said as he stood up, “I expect you will have a new report for us next month, Zorren. Prove to us that this idea of yours will work, and you may have my support as well.”

Regalus’ footsteps echoed throughout the hall then gradually faded as he entered the hallway and disappeared around the corner. Allan then let out a heavy sigh; but, as he stood and began to gather his papers, Zorren suddenly spoke up.

“Guards, thank you for your services. You are dismissed.”

The guards bowed and took their leave.

Allan looked from Zorren to the guards, knowing full well that the meeting was not over. Once they were alone, Allan took his opportunity to speak.

“I did not expect so little resistance to Catherine’s proposal…especially from Regalus.”

Zorren shook his head dismissively.

“He is thinking selfishly, not rationally. As if the Finch’s would ever be considered for regent.” Zorren rubbed his forehead. “Leaving the decision of Rhoden’s heir to the discretion of the aristocracy will only lead to more conflict.”

“More conflict than Rhoden’s Decree? A sword slicing through stone? That was his grand plan? Surely a civilized election between the heads of the households would be a more reliable option?”

Zorren shook his head.

“No matter who makes the decision, no matter what means they use to justify it, no one will be happy.”

“Catherine would.”

“She is blinded as well,” Zorren spat. “If the Kendrich’s tried to assert themselves as regent, there would be a revolt from the other houses.”

Allan sat down once again, realizing the conversation wasn’t ending soon.

“Are you so certain?” he asked. “Who would go against them?”

Zorren looked to the ceiling.

“It might not happen immediately, but it would happen eventually. All of this desire to prevent another war, and yet, if they have their way, that is exactly where we would find ourselves.”

“Zorren, you must know Regalus is right, as well. Even if we ignore the several years it would take for Gate City to become profitable, your plan does not solve the problem of our lacking military strength and it does not solve the problem of an absent heir.”

Zorren looked at Allan plainly.

“Why do you believe we need a monarch?”

Allan seemed dumbfounded.

“Well…I…”

Zorren pushed his chair away from the table, stood up, and folded his arms behind his back. He remained there, at the head of the table, staring down at the Rhoden family crest etched into the center.

“If I have learned anything in all my years, Allan, it is that there really is no absolute need of a monarch. Yes, Rhoden had his charms as a leader and a figure to the people, but look at what he did. He nearly brought this entire nation to ruin, all because he went unchecked.”

Allan eyed Zorren wearily.

“Then what would you suggest?”

“That we do away with this notion of ‘monarchy’. It is impossible for one man to be able to competently decide the fate of an entire empire. Even Catherine, for all her tenacity and capability, would no doubt fall victim to the same shortcomings. Under her leadership, sooner or later, Omnirius would fall.” Zorren continued to stare at the sigil. “The burden of failure is far too great. Even now, we are living under Rhoden’s shadow…dealing with the consequences of his decisions. And where is he? Gone. Free from the responsibility of answering for his crimes. Incapable of fixing his mistakes.”

Allan thought for a moment before speaking.

“They will not submit easily. The nobility will resist such a change.”

Zorren turned to Allan with a smile.

“But you won’t?”

Allan shrugged his shoulders and began gathering up his papers once more.

“I am a man of numbers,” he said. “A man of facts. And as much as I dislike change, the facts do not lie. I know how you work, Zorren— you and I are of the same mind. Rhoden was, unfortunately, a net loss for this nation. Omnirius may need a change after all.” Allan then smiled to himself. “Besides, in all my years, I have learned never to bet against you.” Allan then stood and headed toward the door. “Ah, I almost forgot!” he said, stopping suddenly. “I heard a very interesting rumor…About an elfkin in Viemen.”