Dragonlord: Greymantle Chronicles: Book Five by J David Baxter

Author:J David Baxter [Baxter, J David]
Language: eng
Format: epub
Publisher: Silver Paw Publishing
Published: 2022-12-15T00:00:00+00:00

It was the first time Nate had been in the Council chambers. It was in a separate building attached to the palace compound but not actually part of the palace itself. Its placement, apart from the rest, seemed to say, “You may rule this land, but we are equal, and you do so at our will.”

Or maybe he was reading into it something that wasn’t actually there…

Then again, the opposition party was literally trying to undermine the King’s authority by calling this meeting and forcing a vote early.

When he saw Wendan mingling with several other Earls, he walked over to join him. “So what is this about? How did they get the King to call an early Council session?”

His friend, and fellow noble, frowned. “Of all the asinine things, they used the excuse of the Grand Tournament. The Ladir’s had been tasked with handling the finances of this tournament this year, and with them gone, they argued that a new family had to be given the task immediately. There are only a few months to go, and they claim there isn’t enough time to wait until the next council session.”

“Why do we have to have a vote? Can’t the King just appoint someone?”

Wendan shook his head, “It’s not that simple. The King can do that, but once in session, any lord can bring up other motions. Marlan, Duke of Berring Wells, will call for a vote of no confidence, and his party has the influence to win that vote.”

Nate sighed. He hated to see the royal family lose their authority over the kingdom. The King was wise and good and cared for the people. He didn’t have that same feeling about Marlan, who seemed to be out only for his own power and prestige.

They were interrupted from further conversation by Lord Akencourt, the royal Treasurer, calling the chamber to order.

“This session of the grand Council will now begin. Duke Marlan of Berring Wells, has called upon the King to convene a special assembly to address the Grand Tournament and who will be in charge of its finances now that the Ladirs have been removed from their positions.”

The King stood and gestured to the Duke and Duchess Haverhill. “Duke Haverhill has volunteered to take their place, and I see no reason not to grant that request. They have the requisite gold on hand to fund the tournament and experience in handling large ventures. Unless there are any objections, then this is the will of the Crown.”

Seeing no objections, Lord Akencourt responded, “Let that be entered into the record then. Duke and Duchess Haverhill shall oversee the tournament.”

With a look of regret, the Treasurer asked the follow-up question, “Is there any other business for the Council at this time?”

Duke Marlan stood. “I call for a vote of no confidence in the King. His majesty has been too conservative and chosen not to take advantage of several financial opportunities available to the kingdom’s merchants over the last several years. This has cost tens of thousands of gold marks that could have flowed into the pouches of our merchants and citizens.

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