War of the Words/Chapter 5

Tralin looked at King Draynor. Though the king knew he was ill at ease, he betrayed no emotion; he rarely did. The king often wondered if his apparent stoicism was a trait of all Drakel or something specific to his own dear friend. Over the years Draynor had managed to detect the slightest signs that indicated Tralin's moods, but he was no closer to understanding them. He understood Drakel culture more than any living human being but was no more aware of it than the average human was of the inner politics of temple life among the deities.

"My opinion of the issue is irrelevant, your majesty. The choice is yours, not mine."

"Don't be foolish or stuborn, Tralin." The king sighed deeply. "Of course your opinion matters. The promotion to nobility affects you directly."

"I do not desire power of that sort your majesty, nor will I refuse it if it is given. My interest is, as always, in knowledge and for the well-being of all people."

"That, my friend, is precisely why you are so fit for the job. You have openly expressed your disinterest in politics since you came to my court. If you were interested I would be far less inclined to promote you. Yet I sense more then casual disinterest Tralin: you are troubled by the prospect. Why?"

"My lord, I will do as you wish in this matter."

"Tralin, you clearly have reservations. Share them!" Draynor's tone hardened slightly suggesting this was not a request but a royal directive.

"My lord, I remain loyal to you but I question the wisdom in my appointment."

"Whyever is that?"

"I question that I will be accepted as nobility by the people, as much as your will is respected by them. Are they ready to be governed by someone from a race that remains an enigma to them? The Drakel and humankind are not interactive. Many would be justified if they distrusted me."

"Tralin, you are well loved in the kingdom..."

"That may be so, your highness, but nonetheless I am Drakel."

"Such concern is unmerited." Draynor waved his hand dismissively. "Not one noble I asked had the slightest reservation in recommending you as the perfect choice for this appointment. Word has long since leaked from my court that you were the strongest contender for the job. Van Nyes, the closest contender, told me point blank he would refuse any such appointment if it circumvented you. The people have already declared you nobility. This is merely a formality..."

"As you wish it, your majesty. It will be done. Only remain alert, I pray you."

"I tell you the concern is unmerited, but I will remain vigilant for unease and disease in my kingdom, as you will as well, I am sure. This must be done. Since you have decided you wish to go to the front, I want you in a position of military control that only your title or rising through the ranks directly will give. I do not see you as a Drakel Warrior so the latter is not an option."

"Yes, my lord."

"Very well, so be it then. Tomorrow evening I will knight you and bring you into the family of nobility." Draynor smiled, for he planned to do something which went beyond this. Having no children of his own, he planned to adopt Tralin as Prince Regent, but he had not voiced this to any but a select few... He did not want it leaking that Tralin was the heir apparent before the coronation.