Free The Exodus Sagas: Book II - Of Dragons And Crowns by Jason R Jones Page A

battle of tongues. She followed his stare, across the carpet, and to the throne on the left, right to the mutual look of Queen Rosana. Florin smiled, sheathing her rapier, having found exactly what she needed to in just a look. Her talk with the childish king would wait till later, after she had a meeting with Alec Silverblade and her men in the shadows of the city. A woman knew when another woman was in love, after all.
    “Enough! Enough, enough, enough, well done everyone. I am amused, but I am hungry.” Richmond laughed as he spoke, nodding to the bishop. He had enough problems with the shadow of Kalzarius the wise and eternal looming over his rule, and the pull that Savanno held as well. His father had left him with many men that had decades of glory and power beyond his, and he seized every opportunity to rise himself above it. This was simply another step for him, to gain the advantage over those he ruled. “Kalzarius, I admire your arts and devotion to foreign nobility. I could only hope that someday, you felt the same for your own kingdom. Lord Savanno, I sincerely question your loyalties to the knights you lead and to the crown in this matter. Perhaps there is something in this scroll or with those that carry it that needs some revealing, would you think?”
    Silence turned to hush whispers, heads lowered and bowed. Kalzarius and Savanno were humiliated by their king. Yet not defeated in their cause, as neither of them were willing to give up easily. They had to delay, and give James the time to reach Cristoff and return with the protection they needed. Time for Saberrak and the scroll of Annar to make way from the tower.
    Lord Savanno bowed, “Your majesties, if I may-“
    “Majesties? I do not recall the queen speaking to you. I asked you a question, and you give an answer to myself and my wife? What honor is there in that? I would expect better tactics from one such as yourself, Savanno. Continue.” Richmond the Second glared victorious at the leader of the knights of Harlaheim, knowing each step was a step closer to having a new hierarchy.
    “My king!” Kalzarius boomed his voice, slamming the end of the dark staff hard onto the stone. “This is enough petty talk of nonsense. We have a serious matter of refugees and a relic that needs protection, not interrogation, from our kingdom. These games of words are getting us nowhere. Perhaps the queen could s hed some light on the matter.” t he old wizard tried to turn the conversation around, and get things back to the real issue at hand. He hoped the queen would not stumble now that he had thrown her the floor most inappropriately.
    Tension as thick as molasses filled the silent chamber, all eyes on the queen. She looked across the me n and women present, feeling their glares, their nervousness, and the hatred steaming from the king for Kalzarius. She knew that if she sided for the church, she would be discredited for merely following her husband ’ s careless and treacherous games of debate. If she sided with Kalzarius and Savanno, she would pay for it a hundred times over in the halls and corners of the castle, and risked someone watching her bedchamber too closely from then on. She would lose either way, and she accepted it. Rosana stood, and bowed to her king. “I will take my leave, my king. I do not feel well and must rest.”
    Lord Savanno and Kalzarius showed no emotion as she left. The robed wizard could not, for he had spoken loudly and was now further in embarrassment. Lord Savanno dared not show even a glance with all eyes on them before the throne. All bowed as the Queen of Harlaheim left the great hall, and retired to her chambers.
    “My lords, knights, and subjects, I feel we should also rest. Let us dine, cool our tempers and tongues, then reconvene this matter immediately following. Seneschal, a word if you will. The rest of you are dismissed to the dining hall, where I will see you in but a moment.” Richmond received his bows, and