“When will Edward’s trial take place” Duncan said as he hurried through one of Miserth Keep’s many stone corridors. It was the day before the ‘meeting of succession’ and Miserth keep was filling with nobles from all around Formaroth.

“Unsure my lord” Alex said as he followed closely behind, struggling slightly to keep up “Something as serious as this would require a king or queen to preside over as judge. Given that there is no monarch at the moment it is difficult to make a judgement on when we can try him. Not to mention we would have to assemble a jury of trusted nobles and find enough time to try Alise Du Paraquette as well. For the mean time we have placed them in a cell on the first level of the Miserth keep’s dungeons. I must confess I didn’t think very highly of Edward, but I never suspected him of such treachery” Alex said, it was clear that he had been somewhat shaken by the revelation about Edward.

“Well I must confess, I was certainly suspicious that he was stealing money from the treasury. However I had no idea he was stealing [i]that[/i] much” Duncan replied with a slight hint of shock in his voice. Even he had been surprised by how much money Edward had stolen. “Honestly I think we actually ended up losing more money through him then we actually gained. Fortunately I have been able to use this to our advantage. With the funds we have reclaimed from Edward’s private bank we can pay back the money that the bank of Nyhem has asked for this month. And with that issue no long looming over our shoulders we can finally cut the taxes for the people of Nyhem”. Duncan stopped right outside his room as he turned to face Alex. Alex looked at Duncan with a questioning look.

“Are you sure that is wise? Afterall we still have to pay back the rest of the debt owed to the Ironbanks. And without an economic advisor on the high council it may become difficult to find the funds”.

“Trust me; the support of the people of Nyhem is more important at the moment. Particularly given that the High Council’s current reputation isn’t exactly the best” Duncan said grimly “Also don’t worry about the economic advisor. I have a good idea for a replacement”.

“I pray that they do a better job than Edward. Now if you would excuse me my lord I have to meet with Charles Du Paraquette so I can instate him as the new ruler of Sypius Plains”. Alex said as continued on his way. Just before Duncan could open his door he heard someone call his name.

“My Lord Regent” As Duncan turned to face whoever had called his name he saw Alenius walking towards him with great haste. There was a look of urgency on her face and Duncan instantly knew that something important had happened.

“What is it Alenius” Duncan replied

“Lord Andrew of house Manshrew has arrived”

_______________________________________________________________________________________________________________

The main entrance to the Miserth Keep was certainly something to behold. The ceiling was around thirty meters high and it was clear that the stone masons that had made it were masters at their craft. Several great stone pillars rose from the floor to the celling and the floor had a beautiful mosaic design to it. The entrance was filled with nobles who had come to attend the meeting. Andrew could feel the eyes of the nobles staring at him as he walked in through the main entrance. He could not tell if they viewed him as a hero, or a traitor. Afterall he was far from home and he was aware that many people in Nyhem viewed him as a traitor to the crown.  Andrew was accompanied by a dozen of his elite bodyguard, these soldiers were considered to be the best trained and the best armed in all of Uzbog, and they would die before letting something happen to their king. As Andrew made his way through the entrance hallway he looked around for a servant to show him to his chambers. It had been a long day and he had no interest in mingling with the nobles of Nyhem.

“Lord Andrew” Said a voice that spoke from the crowd. The voice, though sounding polite, could also be interpreted to sound somewhat spiteful. As Andrew turned round he saw Duncan De Reimer approaching him, his bodyguard Alenius accompanied him at his side. Andrew remained quiet as Duncan continued “A pleasure to see you here, I must admit I was somewhat unsure if you would arrive for these meetings” Duncan extended his hand, to which Andrew shook in response. While Andrew gave a strong handshake, Duncan’s seemed weak and uncaring.

“Well it takes time to talk to the council members over decisions that will affect the fate of the entire kingdom, but I am sure you listen to the opinions of your subjects”.  Said Andrew, though the words were pleasant enough they could easily be interpreted to have a hidden meaning. Andrew admired Duncan’s skill at politics; he did not trust him of a second. Though he might have some good intentions, Andrew could not shake the feeling that he always had some kind of hidden, selfish motive.

“I certainly do, I am sure you did the same when you decided to remove the tyrannical Helyot from power”. Duncan said with sly smirk. 

“Well kings come and go, I am sure you are very aware of this”. Andrew spoke with firmness. It was clear that he was indicating towards John’s death. Like Diana he was not so certain that he had died from natural causes like Duncan claimed.

Duncan smiled. “Indeed, kings and queens pass away and pass into nothingness. However the family legacy lives on, the Remonnets are evident of this, a family legacy that spanned for nearly five hundred years. These next few decades could define everything for the great houses of Formaroth, they could either create a legacy that could last for centuries as the Remonnets did, or it could disappear into nothingness like House Heize did”.

“Only time will tell on how we are remembered” Andrew spoke with calmness. He would not be swayed by the threats of a snake.

“It certainly will, won’t it. Anyway it has been a pleasure to meet with you again but I am afraid there are many matters that require my attention” Duncan said with a sly smiled as he turned and walked away with Alenius following behind.

“Surely the host of such important meetings would show his guest his chambers” Andrew said with a smile. Duncan halted before signalling to two servants who quickly made their way over to him.

“Of course where are my manners, you have ridden far and must be exhausted. These two will show you the way to your chambers. It is in the western wing guest room…the same room your brother stayed in the last time he was here” Duncan finished as he finally walked away with a clear smirk on his face. For a split second the calm on Andrew’s face was replaced with anger, how dare he insult his brother’s memory in such a way. However Andrew’s common sense soon got him under control. If he were to lose his temper here it would reflect badly not just on him, but on all of house Manshrew. Though one thing was for certain, he now knew for certain that he would have to be careful. Andrew beckoned his guards before following the servants to his chambers.


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