Forged in Fire - (Part 5 of the Ignaius-Saga)

Family Business

Tanier arrived a little early for the meeting, but found something to keep himself busy. There were always reports to look at, files to inspect. He did not want to be available for anyone, before he was really ready to talk to the whole group. While he pretended to be very busy, he watched people arrive. He noticed the growing curiosity, especially as Sikrit arrived. People greeted her most respectfully, but were clearly wondering, what this was all about, if she was here. Now it would have been rude of him to not acknowledge her, so he went over and formally kissed her hand. Her eyebrow rose just the tiniest fraction of an inch.

Instead of asking what this was all about - as she understood well that something important was going on - she engaged in the kind of small talk that was exactly designed to distract from this, talking about her day and "the girls" and how much she was looking forward to seeing Palewind Castle, complete with an episode how she had last been there almost 10 years ago.

Finally everyone was there and Tanier took the floor.

"Gentlemen, my lady, let me make a statement first. Nothing that I will now tell you, will leave this room. Is this clearly understood? Anyone who feels he can not handle this is kindly invited to leave now."

It was no coincidence that he had not said "or she", knowing perfectly well that it was impossible to make Sikrit leave the room now. He waited for a moment to let his words sink it. A murmur went through the room, but everyone nodded, more relaxed than excited. Such an announcement was not new to most of them.

Then he continued: "As you know, we will give a feast for our friends from House Alturus tonight. I will make an announcement at this meeting. I have decided to make Variel of Arturus my consort. I understand that this is a controversial move and may create a bit of a stir, this is why I have invited..."

His words were cut off, by the sheer volume of questions, shouts and expletives that started to fill the room. Everyone was talking at once.

He just allowed the noise to run its course for a moment, then he raised his voice and his arms to signal everyone to shut up. "Gentlemen, be quiet!" He had to repeat this, before the noise would die down. Some could still not control themselves and kept debating with their neighbor, some stood just inches in front of Tanier and were trying to talk to him, but he just ignored them and refused to speak to anyone individually. Eventually everyone wanted to hear, what else the king had to say and the noise died, but most people did not return to their seats. People were looking around, obviously the group

was deciding, who could speak for them. Jirak looked furious, but after the events of last night he didn't volunteer to speak. Peras pretended not to notice that people were looking at him. It was finally Kimon, who spoke. As Tanier's uncle and senior adviser he held no specific function, but highest authority. He was still sitting. It seemed like he had to debate with himself, if he really wanted to do this, but eventually he stood up and walked to the front, standing a few steps away from Tanier.

"Just to see, if I got that right: You intend to marry this pretty boy?"

"I do. You got it exactly right. If you are referring to Variel, that is." Tanier saw no point in picking a fight over minor stuff, the agitation needed an outlet. "Is there a problem with it?"

"You could say so. He is a man."

"I noticed."

At this point Kimon's eyes flashed with anger.

"Don't get cheeky with me! Why are you doing it?"

Tanier exhaled. Now he could at least explain a few things.