The Ancient World Order

Chapter 20: Wilfred Mandos of The Empire

In contrast to what is believed, it's easy keeping up an appearance once you were filled with hate and anger. After Thomas' revelation, Wilfred had somehow found comfort. The path was clear. There were no more delusions. Emma's fate was just not some foolish act of a child. Someone had tried to kill her to get to him somehow. He was sure of it now. Just as someone had imprisoned and most likely murder Leland. In Leland's case, it was simple, he had crossed the church, and they killed him for it. There was no other conclusion, but was this just the beginning? It mattered not. What they have done is enough, the Church is the enemy, and they needed to be dealt with. It was also likely that they were also involved in the attempt of Emma's life. The only thing he couldn't figure out was a reason for them targeting her. Or are there more parties involved? The thoughts were spinning around in his head, there was nothing else he could think of. He had neglected his new duties as he could no longer focus on anything, no matter how much he tried. The only thing he could bother to look at, what could be concerns for Eilas, home in Sail's End. There were ever-increasing reports from Lord Dan Morrowvale on all the strange events taking place around Westfort.

Even though it had just been a matter of days since Fredric had been crowned Emperor, and Wilfred his Chancellor, he had pushed several reforms which Wilfred had to administer to the best of his abilities. From morning to evening he had frequently been, with an absent mind, in council meetings, meetings with guilds, merchants and whatnot. Fredric himself rarely left his chambers. He spent most of his days thinking and writing on his philosophy works. "I trust you to act as you see fit." Fredric concluded every morning meeting they had as a placeholder. The only meetings he bothered to visit were the council meetings. Their Fredric had preached to the high court that the state should interfere as little as possible in the citizens' affairs. It had been the results of his latest studies in philosophy and state craftsmanship. He referred to kingdoms of old which had prospered under rulers who had not done so much more than just overseen law and order. His preaching had been widely unpopular within the rest of the court.

Since his coronation, Fredric had become a different person. "He seems to strive to become some philosopher Emperor." Dale Morg had said during the last council meeting. Wilfred agreed, the only action Fredric seemed to be willing to take was none action. He wondered if this always had been the case, but now it became more apparent, as so many relied upon Fredric to make decisions.

The council meeting this morning was no different. Wilfred, Sandor Grimbold, Dale Morg, high master Lether of the knowledge guild, Imperial Treasurer Améer Dalleon, Grand Marshal Alois, spymaster Didrick and even Fredric's brother Simon had gathered to hear yet another of Fredric's preaching. Inside the imperial courtroom, they were seated around the ancient marble table. It was said to have been the same table at which Magnus himself had his council meetings. "Apparently Magnus was the only person in history whoever did or own anything in the Palace." Wilfred remembered Eilas joking the last time someone pointed out that a dining table was Magnus' personal dining table.

"The Darma tribe seems to be unstoppable." Alois had the first subject on the agenda. The memories of Achea's campaign more than a decade ago were still fresh. If it was not for Wilfred's brave defence during the Hundred Nights Siege, Achea might have been the one sitting on Fredric's throne today. Now history might repeat itself, another great warrior horde might achieve what Achea had not.

"They are ravaging through the Oval Coast and will soon reach more of our allies of the trade cities." Alois continued. "More and more tribes of the Grand Steppes have joined in their conquest. There is hope though, we have incited an alliance of clans of the Great Sands, to stop their advance, but it might not be enough. We must send them further assistance. There are armies of mercenaries to be employed. In times of relative peace, mercenaries come cheap. Just a small number of coins from the Imperial treasury and we can stomp out the fire before it spreads further."