King Breogan splashed the cold water onto his face, willing himself awake. After wiping himself clean he made his way to the Council Table and exhaled deeply as he sat. He poured himself a glass of hot mead and savored the sensation as the fire enveloped his core awakening his entire body. A single torch burned low giving ground in its battle against the growing darkness. For now it was just him and Brandubh. The others could wait until the morning.
Though he was not best pleased to have been awoke at such an hour the situation demanded it. When an owl of na Druaidíi had delivered the note for his eyes only he had known it was an undoubted matter of urgency. Ardgal would not have done so otherwise. Brandubh had sent for the King to be awoken immediately. As was expected.
The king had learned through experience that speed was key with any matters concerning Milesia. He would never be caught unawares or unprepared again.
Directly opposite him Brandubh took a seat. His face, as always, gave nothing away. He sat patiently awaiting the King's prompt. Whatever opponents he had, and there were more than a few, none could question the effectiveness and skill of Brandubh when it came to diplomacy and administration. If not for him the realm would be far worse off.
It was that prowess that overruled any of the nefarious rumours and heinous hearsay which surrounded him, of which there were also quite a few. Likely spread by those which he had revealed and exposed, Earls and petty lords which sought to vindicate their own misdeeds against the crown.
Breogan wiped his mouth clear and set his cup down heavily, “Well? What is it that is going through your mind? Is it a war they want?”
Brandubh shrugged, “What else? The Rí of Na Druaidíi is not one to spread lies, if he says they are Milesians then colors or not I am inclined to believe him. And if we do assume that to be true then it can be nothing else other than an act of war. Assuredly the Milesians will hide behind their excuses and claim innocence but I do not see it as such.”
The King rubbed his eyes irritatedly, “Nor do I. Too much has happened this past year for it to be mere coincidence. Though I am not overly surprised at their intentions I am by their timing. When last we spoke on the matter you believed they could not hope to control us all here on Aileann. Not yet. That there was time yet for us to find a suitable solution.”
“A belief I still maintain.”
“Then perhaps we are missing something.”
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His chief advisor shook his head gently, “Perhaps, though I think not. It is the Milesians we are talking about, they expect all to bow down to them. Now and not later. Patience is rarely a trait given to Empires. It may be that they grew too tired of waiting, they saw an opportunity to rid us of the Leader of Na Druaidíi and they went with it. Unexpected it may be but it is not unanticipated.”
Breogan nodded in agreement. “A decision must be made. A firm decision, a united decision.”
The Chief Advisor raised his brows, “Is that wise? Perhaps it should be us and us alone that decides our path from here. If not we may have some who would go against. Let us decide the matter and make the others see sense after.”
“I fear not. This is a matter for us all. A decision we cannot make alone. Not without knowing of the Earls and their minds. Anything we do now must be as one mind, it is the only way to deal with the Milesians.”
Brandubh traced his hand across the table blindly. “That may be so but we should be cautious, not all the Earls will want to risk trouble with their Milesian benefactors. Some may oppose, publicly or otherwise.”
The King smiled, “Of that I am all too aware, which is why I wish to see their faces when I propose my plans.”
Brandubh nodded, “It will be enlightening no doubt. Very well I will have letters sent out at first light.”
“Good. And the Milesians? Do you feel we should send some word or request for explanation on their side?”
“No. Let them come to us. Anything we do will be used by them to portray us as being aggressive and accusatory if, and when we next meet. Let them worry a little on us. No doubt their failure at Dúnrath will have already reached them, I would imagine they too are now awake burning candlelight as they make their defences and evasions for the event.”
“Something they have proven more than adept at doing in the past.”
Breogan pushed himself away from the table. “It is late, for now that is enough, at first light and no later have the messages sent. Stress the urgency of the matter. I want all Earls here and ready as soon as is possible.”
“It will be done. Then once more I bid you a goodnight my King, there are some minor details to which I must attend in the city but once I am done I will be back here to discuss our plans further.”
The King nodded thoughtfully, sometimes he wondered if Brandubh ever slept. The man seemed to always be attending to something or other. Minor details were everywhere it seemed.
“Very well, by then I will have gathered all the Council and informed them of yesterday's events.” For all the good that will do.
The Advisor bowed and made his exit quickly and quietly. The King finished the last of his mead and poured himself another. He knew there was little hope of him getting back to sleep tonight. He grabbed his robe and sword belt tightly about him and headed towards the courtyard. The Milesians had made their move, now he would need to make his.