Chapter 642 — The Situation
Blade of Dawn · Page 4 of 4
Another duke who had saved the realm at the brink of ruin; another situation close to the Fogmoon Rebellion.
One by one the whisperers fell silent. They began to reckon inwardly the future balance of power in the kingdom, to reckon the manner and angle of their next round of "investment"—and the king seated upon the throne began to look rather awkward in many eyes.
Ordinary nobles could choose their place in the game; a king could not.
Wales saw every reaction plainly, yet said nothing.
After all, these men were now meritorious defenders of Saint Sunil.
But at least, as king, he still had the power to issue commands.
"Before Duke Cecil enters the city, we must secure the area around the southern wall," Wales said at last, unhurried, after a moment of silence. "Gentlemen, the dignity of many a name in Saint Sunil is at stake."
Whatever the situation, at least that sentence struck a chord with every man present.
"We will organize our forces and retake the two strongpoints beyond the southern wall, as a 'gift' with which to welcome Duke Cecil," Wales continued. "One is Mill Town; the other is Crow Mesa, farther south."
After a brief hush, a great many voices of assent rose in the hall.
For both places lay close to the wall, and the sentries had long since seen that there was essentially no enemy there.
They were the finest props for "securing dignity."
:. :