Beyond the Wall

Chapter 2: Mistake

During their conversation, several more Lords had entered the Council Chambers. Lord Presagiar did a quick count; Lord Alcaçar, Lord Ordoñes, and Lord Salazar. The latter wasn't paying any attention to him, but he was sure that would change.

The people they needed to start the meeting were Prince Ynfante and King Reynaldo. Fashionably late, no surprise. The rest of the Lords didn't seem that perturbed, so it must have been a regular thing.

Within a few minutes, the door flew open and in strode King Reynaldo. His royal robes trailed behind, and in Lord Presagiar's opinion, cleaned the floor quite nicely. The Kingdom Crown shone upon his head like a golden ring with jewels of great worth imbedded on the surface. If any of the Lords thought they had fancy clothes on, they were like a dying ember compared to the blazing sun.

Behind the King came a slouching Prince Ynfante. By the look on his face it looked like he'd rather be anywhere but the Council of Lords. But nobody paid attention to him; the King's apparel demanded their eyes instead.

"He's dressed up more than usual," Lord Presagiar caught Lord Alcaçar whispering to Lord Maydestone. "Must be to show off and intimidate the new Lord."

That made Lord Presagiar smirk. He appreciated the special attention King Reynaldo paid to him while dressing, but it wouldn't get the desired effect.

After King Reynaldo and his reluctant son sat in their special chairs, the rest of the Lords followed. Once they were all seated, the King motioned for the Council to start.

"Welcome, Lords of the Provinces of Amurallada," the King announced. "Let us go over matters of business. First up, there has been a new addition to the Council. Please welcome Lord Presagiar of the forest of Bosque!"

Trying not to look too pleased, the new Lord stood up and gave a small bow. The rest of the Lords politely clapped, though he noticed Lord Salazar was barely clapping, only staring with barely disguised contempt.

The King motioned for him to sit. "Let me explain our new addition. Lord Presagiar has grown in a non-noble family. However, they were loyal and efficient government workers that kept Amurallada running. When the position opened up for a new Lord of a new province, Alberto Presagiar showed remarkable governing abilities and caught my eye. Therefore, I hereby formally declare Alberto Presagiar Lord of Bosque, Ninth Lord of Amurallada!"

There was another round of clapping, and Lord Presagiar nodded respectfully. There was a short pause, as if there was a time for comments or questions.

Lord Salazar took the chance. "My King, may I speak?"

King Reynaldo nodded.

The Lord of Llanaras proudly stood and walked down to the intricately carved podium. Once there, he shot a glance at Lord Presagiar. A look that clearly communicated malice. You don't stand a chance.

"My King, I would like to put forward again my opinion that there shouldn't be a Ninth Lord." He turned back to the King, all looks of anger gone and a pleasant, reasonable mask on. "This just over complicates things."

"Lord Salazar, we have already heard what you have to say." The King seemed tired of the Lord's complaints.

"Well, maybe this time things will seem a bit more persuasive. You see, why should we make a new province just for the forest of Bosque when Llanaras can just have it as part of itself? The main profits of Llanaras came from the forest, and now with Bosque's territory line in the way, Llanaras will be much poorer and not be able to send as much profits to the capital. With Llanaras governing the forest settlements, everyone will get more money and more prosperity. Llanaras is much more prepared and able to ship large amounts of lumber than this fledgling province."