The Violet Flamberge

Inferno Flamberge: Chapter 19

A/N: If you haven't yet, please leave a review for my novel, The Crimson Claymore, on amazon and goodreads. http://www.CraigAPrice.com/the-crimson-claymore . Also, on The Chronicles of Starlyn, http://www.CraigAPrice.com/Starlyn . And, if you haven't yet, join my email list for an exclusive eBook, as well as updates on my published works: http://www.CraigAPrice.com/email-list . As always, please leave reviews here on Wattpad if you like how the story is going, and with any improvements I could make. Thank you for reading!

Noraes ran his fingers through his dirty blond hair, sighing. He looked at the twelve men seated at the table around him. Politics were tough, and something he never really wanted to be a part of, but now here he sat, the king of Legain, or really, the king of the southern region of Lorgaeth. Everyone around him expected so much from him. The problem with politics, is he couldn't speak his mind or be blunt. Everything had to be skirted around, handled delicately, while at the same time, pleasing everyone. He was king, and could make large decisions, but he know those kind of decisions had to be well thought out. Even if he had the final call, it would not do to have an earl or duke against him. He knew they had power and connections, and Noraes didn't feel like looking over his shoulder with each step he made.

"Listen, I'm sorry the farmers harvesting aren't providing your family with enough goods, but going to them and taking their reserve isn't going to help."

"And why not?" Viryra, the earl, asked.

"Because, if they do not have enough food to survive the winter, they may become sick and die, or their sons may die. If they do not survive the winter, we will have less of them to tend the farms come spring. Do you know anything about farming, Viryra?"

"Well ... no."

"I can tell you from the little experience I have, this last fall was harsh on the crops. We had several days of freezing temperature, which most likely, killed many of their crops. If that is the case, they would have to replant and hope for the best. We had several days in the fall too cold for proper growing. That is the reason they have so little. It is not their fault."

"Well, we can't let them think we can get by on these meager portions in the future."

"No, we can't," Noraes said. "I will make a decree that come spring and summer, they must make up the portions they were unable to deliver this season."

"That will do," Viryra said.

"I am not finished."

Viryra tilted his head.

"You will provide them with the men needed to help plant and tend crops for the spring."

"I will what? I will do no such thing!"

"You can't expect them to provide you with extra grain and vegetables with the same amount of hands they currently have. I've been by the farms. I see how hard they work. If we wish to replenish, they'll need help. Your men won't have to be there everyday, they can manage a few extra crops, but when it's time to loosen the soil and plant the seeds, you will be needed. When it's time to pick, you'll be needed."

"It is inconceivable to have my men, warriors, to plant and pick grain!"

"Are your men too good to put in hard work? Are you telling me they're lazy? If you have a handful of lazy men in your ranks, why should I feel comfortable with them protecting this land? Perhaps you and your men are not needed here in Legain, [name]."

"My men are not lazy," Viryra said through gritted teeth.

"Then they will help when needed?" Noraes asked.