Soldier

Chapter 18

Chapter 18

“Really?” Yoesphin took my place to look through the holes. “How fascinating”

I laid my ear against the wall and could tell this part of it was much thinner. I wonder who used to eavesdrop at the king's meeting?

“... this is a serious problem, your highness...”

“... how are we to afford the troops without raising the taxes?”

I sighed and sat down on the cold floor. These kind of meetings could go on for an eternity.

“Are you in a war?” Yoesphin asked in a low voice without moving her head from the holes.

“No, I don't think so”

“Because they keep talking about troops and making them bigger”

I stood up and joined her side.

“The trolls have escaped the mountains. Tahol is in danger!” Some man exclaimed.

“Our world is in danger” The king stated calmly without moving his gaze from his hands. His voice made everyone silent and they looked at him for a further speech.

“We need to level the taxes if we're going to increase our troops”

“Your highness, the people in my province is complaining about the taxes as it is” A man with a small moustache spoked. “Raising the taxes... I'm not sure anyone will even fight for you after that”

I could tell he whispered those last few words. To go against a king is a big thing.

“My lord” I sharpened my ears when Tenan Lu spoke. “Not to say I'm against your idea, but sir Collin has a point”

The king was silent before he spoke. “The trolls needs to be stopped. The taxes will increase by at least fifty percent”

He slammed his hand at the table like 'these-are-my-final-words'. People removed their wigs and started to leave the room.

“Okay, they're moving” I said. Yoesphin was already searching for our exit.

“Wait!” I stared through the holes. Neither the king or Lu had left. “He hasn't left yet”

Three other men stayed behind as well.

“Your highness, the request about the troops. I suppose it has something to do with the forest?”

The man was big and round with red cheeks. He seemed warm in his costume.

“Our problem doesn't lie with the trolls any more” The king's voice was bitter as he spoke. “The Elfoak has turned off the shields”

Tenan Lu's face turned surprised. I thought he knew about this. Yoesphin stood beside me with her ear at the wall. The three other men didn't seem as equally shocked as Lu.

“We warned you about this. One day they won't be satisfied to do the dirty work” Sir Collin, as I recall his name was, said.

“And that's exactly why we need to make them see who's in charge!”

“My lord, I propose an attack. Another sacrifice should remind them” This was Lu's words. They were going to attack Argia. No, maybe they won't. No one has made that decision yet.

“I believe your right. Start to gather your troops” The king rose from his seat and soon the meeting room was left empty. Yes, they're going to attack Argia.

I turned to look at Yoesphin, but her face was speechless. Those blue eyes, that seemed full of life, had lost their sparkle. I took her hand and noticed she was shivering. I didn't think it was by cold.