The Four Swords

Chapter 39: Respect

King Caderyn refused to begin the meeting until after food arrived. He did not want to be interrupted by its delivery. A large platter of assorted meats and treats was placed at the far end of the table by a maid, who bowed and then departed.

My eyes longed to devour the entire platter brought for the council, but I thought better of it. Taking a modest portion, I tried to satisfy my hunger by assuring myself there would be plenty for a second helping.

I caught a glimpse at my father's plate. Maybe my portion was larger than modest. It would be rude now to return the food, so I might as well eat it.

We all sat in our places where we heard the Captains' reports. King Caderyn began the meeting since he was the only one without food in front of him.

"Council, since none of you..." The King began before remembering that I was in the room. "Well, most of you were not able to attend the petitioner's court today, I regret to inform you that our efforts to make our countrymen feel safe are not enough. Most of the petitions were calls for more guards. How can we best show the townsfolk that the Norads are not a threat?"

My throat felt dry. The Norads might be more of a threat than he realized. "Your Majesty, I fear that the Norads..." I was cut off mid thought.

"Sir Jacobson, unless you have a solution to this problem, I suggest you hold your tongue." King Caderyn put me in my place with a sharp word and a pointed stare.

I knew he had power, but I did not realize he could wield it so effectively to make me shrink in stature. My shoulders rolled forward and I nodded, taking the reprimand as well as I could. I had plenty to say, but I suppose this moment was not the best. I would have to look for a better opening. I could not give up.

Lord Bleddyn cleared his throat, trying to clear the tension from the room. "The training went well today, Your Majesty. Tomorrow we will begin mixing up the clans to do different drills. The men who missed today because they were at their posts should benefit from another day of collective training."

I pushed my food around my plate with my fork. My appetite was still ravenous, but I did not want to draw the king's gaze. I slowly picked at the food until there was nothing left on the plate. There would not be a chance for second helpings.

The conversations about training and scouting continued for hours. I contributed nothing to the conversation, but looked for the appropriate moment to bring up Alina's observation again. My spirit was not broken, just timid. At least that's what I keep telling myself.

The King finally seemed to be wrapping up his thoughts on what should be done. "So it is agreed that patrols will sweep the city at least twice a day to let the citizenry see we are being vigilant. Training will continue. If that is all the ideas anyone has, we can adjourn."

It was now or never. "My King, I have something that I need to bring to the attention of the council. Princess Alina thought it was most important," I spouted off my speech as fast as I could. I did not want to let my nerves take control.

"Sir Jacobson, it is hardly appropriate for a guest of these meetings to interrupt their proceedings," King Caderyn's tone was high pitched, as if he was talking to a child.

I suppose I was a child compared to these great men. Even still, a child should not be dismissed based on age.

"Your Majesty, please let us hear what Sir Jacobson has to say for Princess Alina. My son is not generally one to speak without a purpose." My father came to my aid. Maybe they would listen to him.

"Lord Jacob, I have not heard such disrespect from you before," King Caderyn boomed with eyebrows knitted together. He did not like being contradicted or challenged, especially in front of an audience. "Is your loyalty to your king or to your family?"

The King's tone had such a bite to it, that I thought my father would abandon my cause. Never make a man choose between his honor and his family.

My father took a deep breath to drain the red flush that spread from above his collar to his cheeks. Was it embarrassment or anger that evoked such a reaction?

"My allegiance is to my kingdom. My life belongs to my clan and country. My respect is for those who earn it." My father let his words hang in the air for a moment. The room was silent. Did my own dutiful father just imply that he had no respect for our sovereign because of me?

"Your Majesty, the clan of Stag has always dutifully served Ensis. Maybe it is best we hear all ideas, especially ones that come from your daughter. The prophecy revolves around her. She might have some insight into those dreadful events," Lord Garrison gently pacified the king by reminding the king of his own demise.

Maybe the clan of Falcon has it right. Passing down this position from father to son for generations gave them an advantage on how to deal with unruly rulers. If Lord Garrison can match this level of strategy on the battlefield, we might be unstoppable.

The king ground his teeth together through a clenched jaw. "Sir Jacobson, I would like to hear what you have to say."

I cleared my throat. "Princess Alina thinks there might be a connection between two petitions that have recently been presented in court and our mystery parade archer."

I presented my argument to three eager listeners and one taciturn monarch. At least Alina's idea was being heard, even if it meant I was on her father's bad side.