All The Kings Men

Chapter 40 Kings Thoughts

I made my way to the west dinning hall where my unexpected guest wait for me. There was no denying I was nervous. The last communication I knew of between our two kingdoms was a declaration of war after my older brother Felix took out half their villages. Of course there was always a threat of your life as king but for the most part my kingdom was happy. We were making good headway fixing relationships my father had destroyed I prayed that he heard rumors of me ruling different.

With Christmas Eve tomorrow and having such a rockey day with my bride I hoped whatever he wanted would be quick and easy. I had my doubts the only reason he was here was because of the storm. His people lived in worse temperatures then this. Taking a deep breath I pushed open the giant wood doors and stepped into our dinning room.

Sitting around the table were 8 burley men. Much larger then any of my guards. What were they eating up on the mountain ? Rocks? Who knew humans could grow so large. Part of me was terrified and part of me was turned on. Either way I did my best to hide my emotions. Sitting at the end of the table in my normal chair was the King of the Dark Mountains.

"I was beginning to think you were not coming." King Cassius said in a cryptic deep voice.

"I would never not greet a guest." I said light hearted. "I apologize things have been quite crazy around here."

"Yes...I heard about your drug problem." He said. I swear this man never blinked. "Infact I heard it started in your kingdom and has plagued everyone's beloved lands far beyond your boarder."

"I assure you we are diligently working to find and hold accountable who is responsible." I replied.

"And Your sister I heard she just gave birth giving you a strong alley." I wasn't shocked at his knowledge. If Fiona were to be friends with anyone it definitely would be the king of the dark mountains.

"Thank you for caring about her. She and the baby are doing well." I said dancing around the subject.

"Do you know your father denied my request for her hand ?" He asked.

I held in a chuckle. "No. I'm afraid I at the time was not in line for the thrown. I had little involvement in any of the affairs of the castle and did not have any say in my fathers decisions."

"Ah well....I suppose I should just get to the point then. I know it's late and you have your holiday tomorrow." He said his voice deepening. "I must confess the weather did not bug me. There is something your father locked away from my father. Something I need."

I took a seat next to him trying not to let it phase me he decided to claim my seat. I knew it made me look weak but I had major repair to make with this kingdom. If I could in anyway mend just a small part of the relation I would do it. "What is it ?"

"The ancient scrolls." King Cassius replied.

I couldn't help but sigh. Our kingdoms used to all be ruled under different beliefs and costumes. But coming into the modern age the church took over and decided what was and wasn't acceptable to believe. Some of the things our ancestors used to believe and do were pretty crazy. Most people didn't even believe in those things anymore and the things they claimed were real had not been seen by human eyes in centuries. Most of the people in the kingdoms wanted to settle into a more simple, routine life so it was just natural to follow the church. I thought that way of life had died with our ancestors and no one even remembered those ancient texts. But now I have a man wanting them and another claiming he saw a dragon.

I did not know why my father hid them from the world. "I will have to run it by our counsel but I see no need to hold on to them. But may I ask why do you need them?"

Cassius seemed to eye me unsure how he wanted to respond. "Recently an issue has come up in my family. I believe the resolution to the problem is in those texts."

"I see." I replied. "Well let me call a late counsel meeting yet tonight and I shall have an answer for you in the morning. But for now we have prepared rooms and security for you and your men. Please rest and let me know if you need anything."

Cassius seemed satisfied with my answer and nodded in response. "Thank you king Silas. It has been a long journey and we are tired. Your hospitality is much appreciated."

"As far as I know those scripts are the only ones to exist In the world." George one my counsel men replied.

I glanced around the table noticing several new faces. My counsel was made up of some of the elders to our kingdom. Men who's last names were as old as my families rule. Others were here simply because of money, they owned lots of land and funded the castle. I did not have a choice on them. Others I was able to pick. There were any seats available until I hung one man and a few others passed away. It brought me joy Vincent accepted one of those seats despite me hunting down his brother.

"Yes most kingdoms burned theirs once the church took over. Silas your father refused to burn yours and made it adoment they stay under lock and key once your eldest brother was born." John added.

"Why?" Vincent spoke up. "Those text speak of creatures and magic. None of those things actually exists. Just old wise tales. Why on earth would they be important to lock away?"

"Our ancestors did not believe them to be wise tales." George said.

"If they are no use to me then why not let them have it ? You believe they are to be true George ?" I asked.

He glanced around eyeing the table of men. "I believe that there is always truth underneath a tale."

"People lie all the time." John huffed.

"Regardless I have no use for them. They are simply collecting dusts in our cavern and my father did this kingdom wrong. Although they are isolated they do have a vantage point because they can see over a lot of the land. I think it smart we try and mend our relations with them." I replied. "We give them the scripts....to borrow."

"I hope we do not regret that decision." George sighed.

Before anyone could argue with my decision the door to our counsel chamber swung open. A very shy Hannah stepped in. A low murmur ran through the counsel.

"You are lost girl. Get out of here." John said rudely.

"Actually she is not." I said walking to her.
"There is one seat left on the counsel. And I have given it to her."

"Excuse me?! He's joking. Without asking us?!" The crowd up-roared.

"Hannah has given me a very big insight to not only the struggles of the women in my villages but the vast poor population. She has amazing ideas to help me fix the poverty my father has caused. She is going to bring us into the next century. Hannah us our new counsel member. You will treat her as an equal. Or you will answer to me. "