The Reformation Wars: A Shadow of Gloom

Chapter 4

Dustin's face basked in warm sunbeams and his regal cloak billowed out behind him in the cool breeze of a young morning. His hands clenched around a stone balustrade almost as hard as he'd clamped his jaw shut.

Standing on a balcony projecting from the east side of the palace, he presented his back to his father and endured an infuriating barrage. King Manfred had berated his son at length for all the trouble he'd brought to the realm by involving himself in Forbache's insurgence two years prior. Restraining a strong-willed horse was nothing compared with the effort Dustin expended in holding his tongue.

"We're bounded in on all sides by the Empire, Dustin!" Manfred was saying, "It's only by the grace of God we haven't been overrun—"

"And we're bounded in on all sides by a protective ring of mountains!" Dustin snapped back, finally whirling about to face his father. He stared bravely up at Manfred. "I understand the implications of what I did in Forbache, Father, and for that, I have already apologized. You claimed to have forgiven me, yet look at us."

"I only set the matter to rest so we could welcome you home. Celebrating your return was more important to me than handling politics."

"Fair enough, but I will endure your scolding no longer. I am a man grown now, Father, and I demand you speak to me as an equal. If I am to inherit your throne, then treat me as a child no more."

Manfred let out a deep breath. "As you say, my son. Forgive any unnecessary harshness; you've thrust us into trying times."

"You have my forgiveness. Though the way I see it, the trying times began the moment you allowed Monterayne to be surrounded in the first place. Whatever your reasons, surely you knew of the attacks on the old Alcontean Republic, and yet you never bothered lending them your aid."

"Alconte didn't help us in our hour of need, so the decision was made to stay Monterayne's hand. Wiser to strengthen our kingdom than scatter our armies across the vastness of the Republic in what could have been a futile effort. Also, you must remember the decision wasn't mine to make; the Republic fell only weeks before your grandfather passed. On my ascension, I inherited the trying times you speak of."

"I see." Dustin conceded, "In that case, I retract. We may continue discussing my failings and yours endlessly, but it all strikes me as little more than dwelling on the past. What has happened, has happened. That cannot be altered."

Manfred stepped over to a little table nestled in a corner of the balcony. He poured a glass of wine for himself. "You want to talk about the future."

"Indeed. I received a letter from my correspondent in Forbache; she says the situation has grown dire in the west."

"It always was." Manfred squinted, then shrugged. "But how so?"

"Well, Forbache rose up and liberated herself successfully, and I'm sure you can imagine how that inspired other provinces to attempt the same. Only in their case, they met death, defeat, and despotism. The peoples of the west desire freedom, Father, but the Empire is too strong!"

"Is Monterayne stronger?"

"Strong enough, I believe." Dustin said, "Is it not the duty of the strong to help the weak? A few nations remain outside the Empire's grasp, and our kingdom is one of them. We are free, so we ought to lend our strength to unleashing others."

"Our territory is small, our people are few, and our trade is limited. God surrounded us in a ring of mountains to protect us. Monterayne's best strategy is to remain defensive."

"God gives one man a shield, another an axe. Even so, any man has an obligation to save his fellow from being robbed."

Manfred scoffed. "We speak of nations, not men. Don't forget that I'm still king, and my duty is to the people inside Monterayne's borders. You must be very careful, my son."