All That Is Evil Is Not Dark/Chapter 21

Jano stood on the balcony overlooking the city; below, a mob of angry citizens jostled for his attention. Some had lost land or property in the Drakel invasion, others were having their business or lives interrupted by the disrupted traffic through Drakel-controlled areas.

Jano was not yet a target for their anger, but logic demanded that in time, lacking the ability to focus on the real source of their fury, they would target him instead.

Jano sighed and withdrew from the window.

"I have not even told them the news," Jano said to Cerin sadly.

"That’s probably best," Cerin replied. "It might lead to riots if they knew the king was dead. Right now, they view his return as their chance for liberation."

"A king shall return..."

"Yes," Cerin hedged.

"Yes, but? " Jano asked, sensing his reluctance.

"Yes, but Tralin is a Drakel."

"The people were all for Tralin being Draynor's heir. Darin tried to incite trouble; I was his agent for it. We failed miserably."

"True, but that was before Draynor was dead and before the Drakel invaded our lands."

"Tralin will have no choice but to deal with this problem promptly."

"It is best, in my experience," Cerin said, "not to say what Tralin must do. In my experience, Tralin often does the inconceivable."

"How comforting..."

"Actually, it should be. You are right, at least, that he won't ignore it. If he does, the people will overwhelm him. I cannot yet imagine how he will deal with it, however. I doubt he can just ask the Drakel nicely to leave."

"You worry about his return, though. Why? If you are sure he will work things out, you should be anxious for it."

"As king," Cerin replied, "Tralin will be required to act where you have not. I will likely be ousted from the Knighthood."

"Perhaps," Jano replied.

"Can you imagine any other recourse? Tralin is not about to hide it... He is too forthcoming..."

"Let us not guess what Tralin will do," the regent answered. "As you said, it’s a pointless effort."

"They should be on their way by now," Cerin responded. "I imagine that Moglin has delivered our message."

"Likely."

"So now..."

"So now we wait. We have no other recourse."

"Waiting is incredibly difficult when disaster is breathing down your neck, my lord."

"Tell me about it..."