Page 85 of The Dark Rises
I hand the prick Madoc’s note. “Yes, I know. I’ll be sitting in for Madoc today.” Several smirk, as if I’m a joke, but I stare them down. “I’ve done this before, remember? Let’s get started.”
They turn toward Lord Edsel, whose face is pale. “This is outlandish. I’m going to find Madoc and remind him we’re his council and this is an important meeting.”
I take the note from him and pass it along to the serious-looking gentleman in the back. While he reads it, I return to the asshole standing in front of me.
“The meeting is starting. Leave or stay. It’s up to you, but today, I hold this seat,” I inform him, emphasizing each word so he knows I’m serious. “And Edsel, I suggest you call him King Madoc when you see him. Show him respect and he might kill you quickly.”
Sputtering, the Lord of Autumn storms out of the room.
“So, roll call or no?”
The gentleman in the back stands. “I’m Lord Avi of the Woods. The fourteen of us have been on the council for the entire time Denir reigned. There hasn’t been a need for formal protocols.”
I smile at him. “Thank you, Lord Avi. Let’s jump in then. The Federation for Fae Rights and Independence declared war. Thoughts?” I want to hear what they say first.
He shakes his head. “My land borders the Wilds. Letting this kingdom fall would be a catastrophe. I don’t like the thought of war, but it might be necessary.”
Another brash man stands up. “I fought in the last war. It was brutal, but I refuse to let the Lesser Fae dictate to me.”
One by one, they all advocate for war based on one reason or another.
I frown. “What about their rights? Or independence?”
“It depends on what they want,” they reply. “If we know specifics, we can determine how to proceed.”
“How about the same rights and freedoms you have?” I probe.
Almost all of them shake their heads no. Only Lord Avi is willing to consider it.
I stand. “Okay, I think we’re done.”
“We haven’t talked about the terms we’re willing to offer them,” one of the council members sputters.
“If you can’t offer them the same rights and freedoms you enjoy, then you’re willing to accept war. I recommend you go home and kiss your families goodbye,” I urge them, walking toward the door.
A bewildered expression crosses their faces. “Why?”
“If you’re advocating war, we need every soldier we can get. Being on the council has given you leadership skills that could be useful on the battlefield,” I explain with a sweet smile. “I’ll let King Madoc know your decision.”
They begin shouting as I walk out the door.
Madoc’s in the bright sunny courtyard talking to one of his soldiers when I find him. For once, he isn’t wearing a scowl.
“Meri, this is General Beld. He leads our army,” Madoc says, introducing the fierce-looking barrel of a man standing beside him.
At the word “our”, the general straightens and bows. “It’s a pleasure to meet you, Lady Meri.”
Madoc scowls at the man, and he looks startled.
“We haven’t established titles yet,” I explain to ease his worry. “I was a little worried about the army, but you seem quite capable.”
Madoc gestures to the soldier. “Two thousand highly trained soldiers, according to the general. Thankfully, Denir was quite paranoid. Only the best are selected to serve, and training has remained a top priority.” He turns and points behind the palace. “We even have an aerial unit comprised of air elementals, avian Fae, and a few others, though most of the Phoenix and Fire Drakes have left. Rivan’s assessing their capabilities.”
“That’s good news,” I state firmly. “I informed the council today that they’ll be joining the army. My apologies, General Beld, as I’m sure they won’t be up to your usual standards, butI’m sure you’ll be able to find a place for them. I think there are fourteen of them.”
Madoc shakes his head. “Thirteen.”
I guess Lord Autumn was stupid enough to approach Madoc. “Thirteen. If they don’t report for duty, please let us know.”
