Chapter 4: The Conference
The Duke’s study was bathed in the golden glow of magical lanterns that hung from the high ceiling. Shelves lined with tomes on politics, strategy, and arcane theory surrounded the room, while maps of the Commonwealth and neighboring territories were spread across a large wooden table at its center. A collection of advisors stood around the table, murmuring in low voices, their faces tense with concern.
Duke Sigismund Rest sat at the head of the table, his presence commanding yet contained. His gaze was sharp, darting between the gathered faces before settling on the newly arrived figures of Frank and Robert. With a subtle wave of his hand, the Duke silenced the conversations, and all eyes turned toward the two newcomers.
“Robert, Frank,” Duke Sigismund greeted, his voice measured and steady. “Thank you for joining us on such short notice. I trust your training session was productive?”
Robert inclined his head respectfully. “It was, Father. Uncle Frank has been helping me refine my spell control.”
“Good,” the Duke replied curtly, then gestured to the empty chairs near him. “Please, take a seat. We have much to discuss, and time is not on our side.”
As they moved to their seats, Robert took a moment to survey the gathered council members. Most of them were familiar faces—trusted advisors of House Rest, each a master in their respective fields. There was Lord Althar, the head of logistics, who managed the flow of supplies and resources for the House’s military efforts. Beside him sat Lady Corvina, a skilled diplomat known for her sharp tongue and keen political mind. Next to her, Master Emeth, the House’s Chief Mage and a respected researcher, watched Robert with an appraising gaze.
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“Now that we’re all here,” Duke Sigismund began, steepling his fingers in front of him, “we can address the matter at hand—the upcoming noble gathering in Eastern Varsovia.”
A murmur rippled through the room. Robert leaned forward slightly, his curiosity piqued. He’d heard about the gathering in passing, but hadn’t yet been informed of its significance.
“Why has the King called for this gathering, my lord?” Lady Corvina asked, her brow furrowed. “It’s unlike him to bring so many nobles together without clear cause.”
The Duke’s expression darkened. “The King has called the gathering to address the growing tension between the noble houses. House Crima and House Mighthaves have been making bold moves, both politically and militarily. The King surely fears that if these provocations continue unchecked, it could lead to civil war.”
A tense silence followed his words. Robert glanced at Frank, whose expression remained calm, his gaze fixed on the Duke.
“However,” the Duke continued, his voice low and edged with steel, “we know that the King’s true aim is to secure his own position. He must maintain a delicate balance of power among the noble families. If House Rest, House Crima, House Mighthaves or other Ducal houses become too strong, it could undermine his authority.”
“And so,” Lady Corvina interjected, “he calls for a gathering under the pretense of peace, when in reality, he seeks to manipulate the factions into a stalemate.”
“Precisely,” the Duke said with a nod. “But we will not allow ourselves to be played like pawns. We will use this gathering to solidify our alliances and reinforce our position in the Commonwealth.”