Fairer Than Fae

Kings' Counsel

Galimar did not enjoy his visits with his neighbor and childhood friend, the King of Coelyn. Layre had been a good companion when they were youths. Reckless and engaging, he had brandished his charisma like a sword. Withdrawn because of the rumors surrounding his origins and his father's public disdain for his only son, Galimar had never possessed the same confidence as his fellow royal. They began their sojourns into the countryside, up the mountains, and deep in the forests as mere boys when their fathers would come together to discuss the political matters of their small continent.

The Kingdoms of Boedor and Coelyn were the only two to inhabit the large island, Boedor to the north and Coelyn to the south. They had lived in peace for centuries. Once their borders had been settled in the Dark Ages, when the Fae were the ultimate ruling power in the land, any strife between them had ceased. Instead, they drew their strength from unity against the supernatural agents that controlled the island.

As generations of mortals passed, their power grew and the Fae began to dwindle. It was rumored that immortality was driving some of the Fae to atrophy into trees, rocks and shape shift into animals. Their long lives had grown tiresome, allowing the mortals to gain a foothold on the island.

If ever there was a time for outright rebellion against the Fae, it was now. Layre had chosen the right time for such a campaign and he would drive it to the very end, no matter the cost.

"But you must regroup this year. Send some of your men home, release them from their conscription so they may farm their lands. Coelyn possesses the richest farmland on the island. What happened at harvest this year, the shortages, the starving among your people. It mustn't be allowed to happen again," Galimar spoke in his naturally monotone voice.

The fire in the massive hearth beside them popped, roaring despite the arrival of spring. It had been cold in the first months of the year for decades now. At least twenty five years of cold springs.

Layre waved a hand dismissively, setting down his goblet of aged wine. "My people know the cost of such a holy endeavor as ours. They understand and ask for it. They have lived for countless generations under the yoke of devils that we are now finally able to vanquish. A few months of hungry bellies are nothing they aren't prepared for."

Galimar's dark brown eyes scanned the rich table laid before them with roasted pheasant, buttered asparagus and rolls of pure wheat. It was an easy statement to make for a king that possessed a full belly most of the year, but Galimar didn't say anything. Layre did not take criticism well.

"Besides, we have our friends to the north to help us through the lean years," Layre leaned forward and clapped Galimar on the shoulder, a sharp look in his weary eyes, the lines on his once handsome face deeper than in years past. "Especially while my people take the brunt of the battle." Layre sighed heavily, his mouth turning down in disappointment as he leaned back in his chair.

Inevitably, the topic of conversation had turned to Galimar's lack of involvement with the war against the Fae. Layre called it apathy, but his tone spoke another word. Cowardice.

"Layre, you know how I feel about the conscription of the common man in my Kingdom. We do not have it as easy as you in the highlands, we need our shepherds, farmers and fishermen to the survive. Our huntsmen are even struggling to find game on the Weton Steppes. The longer this war takes, the less the land provides."

"But imagine!" Layre laughed brightly, the smile on his thin mouth not reaching his eyes. "How much faster it could be over if we banded together as our forefathers have taught us. The unity of our kingdoms promises our survival."

Thankfully, for Galimar's sake, a commanding knock at the door of the private dining chamber interrupted them. Layre lifted a finger for the scarlet and iron clad guards to let their guest enter. Galimar managed a sincere smile as Layre's only child strode into the room.