The Sins of Kings by Daniel Thomas Valente

Author:Daniel Thomas Valente [Valente, Daniel Thomas]
Language: eng
Format: epub
Publisher: Barrente Publishing
Published: 2023-10-23T16:00:00+00:00

Chapter

14

Aldir

Gods and Demons

“How do you expect us to believe this, Laustair?” Aldir asked. A sudden flash of light from the brazier caused him a moment of uncertainty, but he regained his wits sooner than the others. He pressed his thumb and forefinger into his eyes to sharpen his focus. Did his father-in-law just admit to being a god?

He shifted in his seat, understanding he must reassert his authority over this ludicrous conversation. I am the bloody Primacy of the Realm! I cannot have these men thinking I condone my own family’s impudence.

“These men rode many leagues to discover an answer to an issue of utmost importance, yet you offer them no more than absurd cheek.” He apologized to the men of the Eyes of the Forest and stood.

Laustair glanced up. “Excuse me, my lord, but only a fool responds to a matter they do not comprehend with anger.”

Does he wish to goad me into an argument? “I have made a rather comfortable life for myself by accepting matters I do not comprehend. It is not my lack of perspicacity that irks me, Father. It is your graceless disregard for our guests’ purposes.”

Though the others maintained a quiet respect, Aldir was acutely aware of their discomfort. This was an inappropriate conversation, but he would not have it said of him that he allowed such disrespect, not even from one as revered as Laustair.

“You give them no more than fables or conjectures, yet anticipate acceptance. I demand proof.” Aldir slammed his hand on a nearby table.

“What proof would suffice, my lord?” Laustair eyed him. “For it seems my words no longer command the trust they once did.”

Exasperated, Aldir shook his head. “According to Chief Ridgefront and Master Cantlay, this Dalnor refuses to come here himself.” He approached Laustair. “I have known you near thirty years. Am I to understand you somehow neither changed your appearance nor revealed the slightest of variances in your façade during this time?”

He faced the others; his voice laced with derision. “Has my father-in-law altered his appearance in any way tonight?”

Their silence and unease spoke louder than words. Perhaps they were wise not to answer. Caught between himself and a self-proclaimed God, Aldir did not envy their position. He scrubbed his hand across his face and turned to confront Laustair, but a soft voice interrupted him.

“Perhaps, my lord,” started Darrin, “we cannot distinguish the divine unless it is willed?”

Edlen would get on well with this boy. Neither of them knows when to keep quiet. The thought of his daughter gave him pause. Come home, Edlen. Let me see your face once more before I leave. Let me be certain you are safe.

“The Valdryz are not travelling magicians,” answered Laustair. “They do not perform tricks for a lord’s amusement or illusions for coin. Young Master Cantlay hits near the truth. Though I have known you for many years, I excuse your lack of perception…but your distrust irks me.”

Laustair stood, taking shambling steps towards the brazier. Once in front of the raging fire, he bent down and reached for an ashen log buried deep within the flames.

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