The whole table turned to Zorren who was seething beneath his dour expression.

“Well, Zorren?” Catherine pressed. “What have your investigations shown?”

Was it a bluff?

No.

Catherine would never make so bold a claim in front of Ainsworth and the others without knowing for certain. Her confidence said it all. If he were to deny it, she would know he was lying. Even if the others would not doubt him, she would know. Zorren did not know how she had come by the information, but the time for such questions was long passed.

“Our investigations have shown that there is indeed an Elfkin residing among the people of Viemen.”

Only Ainsworth seemed genuinely shocked by this, and in a moment his demeanor changed.

“And you have not thought this information pertinent enough to share with us!?” Ainsworth roared as he sat forward.

“Our investigations were preliminary,” Zorren calmly explained, “There was no reason to suspect the Elfkin was a threat.”

Ainsworth looked as if he wished to say more, but his head was swimming with realization. Exhausted, he fell back into his chair and stared blankly at the stain-glass windows which dominated the eastern wall.

“Seven!? Seven were enough to dispatch this creature?”

“And your son commanded them,” Regalus added with a wry grin. “It is quite a blessing to the Mannigold name.”

Ainsworth was not amused by the comment. But if he had any retort, he never got the chance to say it.

“While I do not deny Sir Perry’s contribution,” Catherine chimed in, “I believe the more pressing matter involves the elfkin warrior. Sir Perry is indeed skilled, but if he alone had the capability to best a dragon in combat, then Rhoden’s war would have ended quite differently.”

“What are you suggesting?” Ainsworth asked.

“I am suggesting that the elfkin is likely more powerful than we can imagine— and I suspect further investigation will corroborate this.” She flicked her eyes to Zorren only for a second before she continued speaking. “And if in fact a single entity with such immense power is sleeping within our borders, then we must surely act.”

“And what action would you propose, Catherine?” Regalus asked as the tension within him grew.

Zorren and Allan too were waiting for an answer— and it showed.

The author's content has been appropriated; report any instances of this story on Amazon.

Catherine observed the men in the room and their anticipation delighted her. She could scarcely have hoped that such idle gossip would have borne so beneficial a fruit.

“I propose that we welcome him.”

Ainsworth lurched forward in his chair with a wild look.

“Welcome!?”

Regalus, fearing his silence to be suspicious, quickly addressed the group.

“I believe that would very much upset the gentry, Catherine.”

“Would it?” she wondered.

“I would never have expected such a position from you, Lady Kendrich,” Allan added, eying her warily.

“It seems the only obvious solution,” she offered with an innocent look. “We have all discussed at length the economic and militaristic shortcomings of our present situation. Unstable borders. Shrinking economic prospects. A lacking military. And there has hardly been any consensus on how to proceed with the governance of our empire in the absence of a High King. What better deterrent for war and further conflict than a hero with the strength of legend?”

“You must be joking, Catherine,” Ainsworth blurted out. “You know as well as I the risk that such witchcraft poses to our national security. Or would you have a repeat of history?”

She shook her head at him.

“I am not proposing that we submit to the elfkin in any way. But you cannot deny the reality, Ainsworth. You have seen the streets for yourself. The people are eager. There has not been such nationalistic fervor in years.”

“They cheer in the streets for Sir Perry,” Regalus corrected.

“As they should,” Catherine responded. “And it is also Sir Perry with whom this elfkin has rapport and alliance.” She then addressed the table openly as she spoke. “I propose that we welcome Sir Perry and his elfkin companion to Eadenfros— honor them officially and publicly.” Catherine turned greedily toward Ainsworth as she spoke her next words. “Sir Perry will be awarded, and the Mannigold name will receive much due notoriety.” With that, she turned back to the table at large. “The people will have their hero, never minding the details. And as for the rest of the kingdoms of the empire? They will then know unequivocally of our strength.”

The council was silent now. Indeed, it seemed that her proposal was too good for any of them to pass up. Each of them, selfishly and in their own way, stood to benefit greatly from this plan. Even Zorren had reason to support the idea. In fact, he was a bit jealous.

Catherine, unbeknown to her, had touched on something that Zorren had only now just pieced together. Whether she realized it or not was of no matter; because in an instant Zorren could finally see his clear path to victory. And it would start with this one simple thing.

“I could not agree more with Lady Kendrich,” Zorren said with a grin. “Might I make a suggestion?”

“Please,” Catherine said cautiously and with a wave of her hand.

“In a few weeks time, Gate City will be shown to the world. Instead of receiving Sir Perry and the Elfkin in Eadenfros, I propose that we do so at the celebratory banquet for the city’s completion. There will be many dignitaries and foreign diplomats there, as well as many influential nobles and socialites. What better place to honor such distinguished guests?”

“The city is already well guarded and well protected,” Regalus added. “And if we have Sir Perry and the alfkin there as well, I cannot imagine anyone would be foolish enough to plan an attack.”

“It would also be more economically efficient to add to the existing festivities, rather than to plan for something new altogether,” Allan chimed in.

“Do you agree, Lady Kendrich?” Zorren asked with a critical stare.

Catherine met him with playful eyes and an elusive smile.

“I see no reason not to.”