Page 16 of Bane of the Wild Hunt

“Advisors?” Riordan prompted.

“Many of the newly appointed leadership are not yet confident in their roles, Your Majesty.”

“So rather than appoint experienced individuals who can perform their job, we have increased the number of individuals in this room to compensate?”

“Yes, Your Majesty.”

“You do believe in democracy, do you not, Riordan?” Nikos pointed out. “More voices rather than fewer.”

“I certainly do when it comes to matters of social and political reform. But when decisions that can save or end lives on the battlefield need to be made, it is not the time or place for naivety. Not even in the name of democracy. In those times, I only want the most experienced voices in my ear, and I should still be able to hear myself think,” Riordan replied, his voice sharpening with every word.

“There are matters of ethics in war—” Nikos began.

“To be determinedbeforewar. Not during. There is no need for dozens of advisors to be clogging up discussions. Not when the commanders themselves could be confident and experienced enough to trust their own instincts,” Riordan declared. His tone of absolute finality shut down any further argument before he turned his attention to the nearest Imítheos youths who were balking.

“We were all new once, and if you are committed to excelling here then youwilldo so under my command,” he reassured them more kindly. “But it will be by your own true merits, notjust because you were born into the right family. And I can promise that you will find it much more rewarding to receive a rank youknowyou earned. Come that day, you will have done the work so you no longer have to question yourself or feel any uncertainty. But this is not the same as court. This is not a place for posturing where you will be handed things to reflect your family’s prestige. The lives of our people and the security of our cities are at stake here.”

I should not have been surprised to see the relief in the eyes of most of the young griffins, but it was clear that Riordan had taken immense pressure off of many of them. The youths had been given these titles that they were not comfortable with for the sake of their family’s honour.

Several warriors began to bow deeply after Riordan was finished speaking. Most were Ktínos, but Imítheos joined them until even the most reluctant individuals were grudgingly ducking their heads. I was the last to bend my head down, once I was sure no one would strike at him, and I felt his attention shift to me instantly.

I don’t believe you have ever bowed to me,he noted.Actually, I think you even swore never to do it.

Don’t get used to it,I answered, relishing the sensation of his amusement.

“Who is your general?” Riordan asked once everyone in the room had risen to face him again.

“We did not appoint one,” admitted Dio, raising his brows at Riordan to subtly convey his disappointment.

I thought for a moment myskiámight really and truly lose his temper. The prickle of his ire vibrated down our bond and raised the hairs on the back of my neck.

“Why?” he asked, reeling in his reaction.

“A decision could not be made. And in the interests of a more democratic war room, we decided to maintain a war council instead,” Dio explained.

Riordan drew in a deep, slow breath through his nose and then merely nodded as he released it.

“I will take that under some consideration, and should I deem it is prudent to appoint a general, then I will select the most suitable candidate.”

“Perhaps we could all vote on one,” suggested Nikos.

“Perhaps youcould, if I trusted you not to be unfairly biased and irresponsible with your choice. The role of a general is not a matter of popularity,” Riordan dismissed.

Riordan was the one focused on Nikos, so I did not need to look at theilíthios,but I still saw the quiet fury igniting in the eyes of the king’s cousin.

Careful. You really cannot afford to make enemies on a whim anymore. Not with such a vulnerable mate.

Amira is not as vulnerable as you think. And Ido notmake enemies on whims,Riordan protested my warning.

What I mean is that you have more at stake than ever. Nikos is arrogant and entitled, and he got used to power in your absence. Do not give him even more reason to come looking for your weaknesses,I maintained.

Amira isnota weakness. But I hear your point.

“Tell me about the outposts and why so many of them have been abandoned,” Riordan said, seemingly changing the subject and freeing Nikos of his scathing attention. But I knew better even before Dio, Heraklees, Xantho, and all the other Imítheos from the previous leadership turned to look at Nikos. No pretense of mediating blame.

Youhearmy point, but you arenotlistening. You are determined to make him an enemy,I accused Riordan.

I am determined to drive him from this chamber where he does not belong,Riordan clarified stubbornly.

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