Blood of the Righteous

Lessons In Ruling

David sat fidgeting in the waiting area outside of his father's courtroom. It was past midmorning and the other people waiting were getting restless too. The hard benches that lined the gray stone walls were filled. Several townspeople were scheduled to have Lord Alexander III hear their disputes over rights to land, animals, and businesses. A merchant, most likely new to Lystra, was probably there to ask permission to set up shop. There was also a pregnant woman and an irate man, most likely her father, an annoyed popinjay, six farmers, two other merchants who both wore the patch of Lystra's merchant guild, and General Sagaroth with two of his maroon clad soldiers.

Sagaroth stood up and walked over to David.

"Lord Ki Kalendeen likes to take his time, doesn't he?" the mountain of a man said.

David almost strained his neck looking up at the man towering above him. "You'll have to excuse father. It's a big day today, you know. He'll be along soon, I'm sure."

An almost evil-looking grin crossed Sagaroth's face. "I suppose it is." He turned to look down the hallway. "More than you know," he said under his breath.

Lord Ki Kalendeen rounded the corner, with several people right on his heels. David's mother was among them, talking as he was obviously trying to walk away.

"Listen, Alexander! I know there is something wrong! Can't you feel it? You should take some men with you and search below the castle!"

"I said no!" he replied, quickening his pace. "I'll send some men down, but I'm not going to lead them! Look at how many people are waiting for me. And the wedding is in a few hours." He stopped, turning to face her and clutching her hand. "Arianna," he said, running his hand across her jet black straight hair, "I'm sorry, but I have my duties. It could take days to search everything beneath the castle. I'll send twenty armed men. Will that be enough to satisfy you?"

Arianna pulled her hands away and hugged herself, fear evident in her eyes. "No, it won't! You should lead them. You don't understand. Something isn't right! We can postpone the wedding until tomorrow. I need to know that nothing is wrong." She began to twirl her long black hair around her fingers.

Sagaroth stepped forward. "Excuse me, my lady. I'm sorry, but I couldn't help but overhear. I'll gladly take my men and search beneath the castle."

"And who are you, sir?"

"General Lexar Sagaroth, ambassador of the King of Aragil, at your service, my lady."

Lord Ki Kalendeen turned to Sagaroth. "Thank you for your offer, General, but it shall not be necessary. My Captain of the guards is more than capable of handling the job."

"Well, your lovely wife doesn't think so, my lord." Sagaroth said with a grin as he took Lady Ki Kalendeen's hand into his own.

Lady Ki Kalendeen gasped and quickly withdrew her hand, taking two large steps backwards.

Although he was a hand and a finger shorter than the massive general, Lord Ki Kalendeen stood his full height and took a threatening step towards Sagaroth. With a strong hand, he pressed his index finger against the large man's breastplate. "I don't know what the etiquette of Aragil is like, General, but in Elgannan it is not considered polite to tell a Lord what to do in his manor. And if you ever, EVER touch my wife again, I shall destroy you where you stand. Do I make myself clear?" His voice rang with authority and confidence.

The entire room fell silent, and David visibly cringed. He was convinced Sagaroth was going to pick his father up by his long locks of blonde hair and swing him through the courtroom doors, but instead, Sagaroth gave a quick and humble bow.