When Angels Sin

03. Unforeseen Danger

Mikal

All heads were turned as Mikal entered the council room.

Everyone was already there. Lord Bernard was seated pompously at the center, taking a lot of space with his huge form, and his spread wings, and his shaggy black hair. Vilfred sat next to him in contrasting elegance, with his long honey curls framing his gentle face. Sir Sigurd was gawking stupidly, his half open mouth revealing a missing tooth. Sir Maarten, raising his thinning grey eyebrows and toying with a curl of dark grey hair. And Lady Greta, resting her plump round face on her hands while smiling warmly at Mikal.

Mikal could notice how they all followed his every step with admiring eyes as he walked to his place next to Bernard, and he suppressed his knowing smile. He was used to that kind of attention and awe wherever he went. But of course, he was the smartest and most handsome creature in Nordenland. He knew the great effect he had on everyone he met. Everyone, except for Sir Astor, who could never control his narrowing eyes whenever they fell on Mikal.

The old bitter man was sitting at the furthest end of the council table, his dark eyes and dark hair reflecting the darkness of his soul. Mikal knew how much Astor disliked him. Of course, an old experienced Lord who was once one of Bernard's closest advisors, being rivaled by a much younger and talented opponent.

Ever since the victory he had achieved against the Eastern heathens of Kassarath, Mikal had instantly become the closest to Bernard, surpassing everyone. Astor who had expected himself to be named Bernard's prime advisor after Ulrich's death, was utterly shocked when he found Mikal the one chosen for the position. Everyone else was surprised too. But it was only natural for someone as resentful and jealous as Astor to be blinded by hate. The others however were wise enough to admit Mikal's great intelligence and gladly accept him without any grudges.

"I have just received a message today from Lord Frederik of Grytia," Bernard said as he held out a piece of paper in his hand. "King William's forces are on the march to attack Grytia, and Frederik is asking me to gather forces from all over Nordenland to aid him against William's attack."

Mikal rolled his eyes. So that was the disturbing piece of news that had shaken Bernard so badly and made him run out and call for urgent council so late in the afternoon.

"That is impossible!" Sir Sigurd gasped. "Of course we can't help him."

At this time, the issue of Grytia had come too far. Earlier that spring, the eastern pirates who had settled in the deserted coastal hills of Brynhal, right outside the Western borders of Nordenland, started moving South through the Red River attempting a few attacks on the city of Grytia. King William of Vausterland had offered to send his forces to Grytia's aid, but Frederik refused, fearing to fall into the same fate that his neighboring cities had faced the past year.

Frederik succeeded in keeping the pirates' attacks at bay without help from outside. But with the most recent attack earlier that summer, William who was an outrageously unstoppable conqueror would not take no for an answer again. Once more, he offered to aid Frederik, but when Frederik refused his offer this time, William decided to march for Grytia nevertheless. Not to aid, but to conquer.

"With the time it has taken this letter to reach us," Bernard frowned, "I can only expect that William's forces are already marching to attack Grytia as we speak."

"Which means in the coming few days we shall learn that Grytia has fallen under the rule of Vausterland. Perfect!" Astor snapped. "I hope you are happy now with letting your Kassarathi friends through our seas," he scowled as he turned to Mikal, who in turn ignored him completely.

"Sir Astor, please do not fret," Sir Sigurd said with the intention of calming him, although he was obviously very nervous himself. "I assure you this matter shall have no effect on us at all."