"Have all of
my six-fingered forefathers become bloody despots?" queried Korvos.
"Perhaps we should talk about this tomorrow," evaded Elmuth. "I'm sure
the foreigners have a long trip back and would like to start early."
"I think we'll be staying for a few days," countered Princess Theguis.
"I've always wanted to see the Korathian sights."
"I do not think that would be wise," persisted Elmuth. "Korath can be
an unpleasant place for..."
"Foreigners," muttered Racius.
"...such enthusiastic happy people like yourself," finished Elmuth.
"My friends will be staying," stated Korvos matter-of-factly. "I want
to be shown to our rooms."
"Yes sire," acceded Elmuth.
The trio were led to different parts of the castle. Korvos' was shown
to the King's Room, which was a large room, with old tapestries
adorning the walls. A large canopied bed dominated one part of the
room, while a worn table and chairs occupied another part of the room.
All of the furnishings looked old and worn, as if they had been here
since the start of the Korathian line. The small windows looked like
they would admit little light, if it wasn't a dark night already.
Several torches and lamps provided fitful light. Korvos, tired after
the long ride, immediately fell asleep.
|
Chapter 4: Rattling Sabers
The next morning was just as dark and stormy as the previous day had
been. Korvos was being dressed for the coronation, whilst Elmuth
watched calmly and answered his lord's questions. Racius was also
present, pacing back and forth, impatient for something exciting to
happen.
"...The Princess will be along when she finishes choosing a dress for
your coronation," explained Racius. "Although with her it's more likely
that we'll have to delay the ceremony until she makes up her mind."
"Well, I would like to have a reign of peace," mused Prince Korvos. "A
large reign of boring peace."
Elmuth took the Prince's musings in stride: "I must warn you, Lord
Korvos, that the constant rain has caused this year's crops to be
particularly poor. The peasants are starving, and the nobles agitate
for a war that will fill their coffers with riches."
"They should be thrilled at the return of the six-fingered King,"
observed Racius.
"Hmm, yes," had to agree Elmuth, though he disliked agreeing with any
foreigner.
Korvos: "Will the nobles rebel?"
Elmuth thought for a moment. "Certainly not before you are coronated
and have given your acceptance speech. Once you've stated your
intentions for Korath, they may or may not be pleased." |