The Savage

Part 3: Chapter Thirteen: Llewellyn

Llewellyn slipped into the gallery above the senate. Senate meetings were meant to be public, but rarely did anyone other than the Senators themselves attend leaving the gallery empty. Choosing a seat in the shadows in the hopes that Davyth wouldn't notice him, Llewellyn watched Syros enter the chamber.

Striding confidently up to the dais and bowing, Syros cut am impressive figure for his age. He had the body of a much younger man, looking as fit and built as Davyth did. Wide shouldered, muscular arms and tall. Davyth nodded his acknowledgment without so much as a smile. Syros stiffly took his seat to Davyth's right as Davyth stood.

"First subject for the Senate is that of Regency. Our great King cannot rule in his current state and a Regent must be named. Lord Nye have you a nomination?"

Lord Nye stood, his voice sounded small echoing around the massive marble room, "The Senate nominates the heir apparent as Regent." He sat.

"Thank you, Lord Nye. Are there any other nominations?" Davyth asked.

The room remained silent.

'That's surprising.' Llewellyn thought, 'has my grandmother's influence waned so much?'

Davyth went on, "Commander Syros, who has called this session, would like to address the Senate. Uncle?" Davyth gestured towards the hourglass and sat.

Syros stood approached the glass instrument and turned it beginning his time.

"I'll not waste this senates time on formalities. You know who I am. You know what I want. I have brought you great wealth throughout my military career. You have trusted me for thirty years to lead the army and guide you to prosperity. Why should now be any different? Your parley with the usurper was... unsuccessful. On our southern border I protect your provinces from the ever threatening Kallistosi raids and so it should be to the north. If this usurper is allowed to gain control of the Sliav and Camas pass how long before he looks south to our borders? Why should his army be allowed to grow and strengthen?" Syros paused, looking to each face. "I ask you, what will protect you then?"

Silence spread over the chamber broken only by the sound of a cough as the sand drained through the hourglass emptying the top. Not a word was spoken. Davyth stood. "Let the senate vote for a decision. First, all those in favor of making myself Regent?"

All hands raised.

"It is decided, I will hold Regency until the King is fit to rule. All those who favor the Commander's request to invade and supplant the usurper Mehdoc?"

The room stilled even further. Not a single hand raised.

"All those who would decline the Commander's request?"

A shuffle of robes sounded as every hand shot up into the air.

The old prince stood dumbfounded over the senate staring at the raised hands. Llewellyn watched his shoulders stiffen as he strode from the chamber, the sound of his heavy boots echoing against the marble. The double door slammed as the senators began to mutter. 

Slumping back into his chair Llewellyn sighed. He would've liked not going to Jadida.

Lord Nye stood, "Sire, should we be concerned that the Commander will march north regardless of the senate's decision?"

From his golden chair on the dais Davyth waved his hand, "Without the support of provinces such as Camden or Cardiff his army would starve. He has no choice but to comply."

Llewellyn straightened. His Camden. Gods! Why hadn't he thought of this before? Camden. He could use Camden. Slipping from his seat, Llewellyn stole out of the chamber.