Sunrise - The Beginning Dawns
Ryan waited quietly to the right and behind the King. Both of them Heralds and with immense power. The gathering nobles and couriers were pleasantly talking, oblivious to the anger that Ryan as King's Own held in check. Ryan had several Gifts. The greatest of these was mindspeech, both receptive and projective. Then he had the rare ability to touchread. A handy Gift when working with the network of spies he had established both within and without Gryphon Heights. Right now he had purposefully let down his shields and allowed the unguarded thoughts of those in the room to filter in. Not exactly unethical, but close enough to make him uneasy.
"Uneasy is a good sign," his Companion, J'Terma, whispered in his mind. "And that is why I Chose you, because I knew your character would be sound against the temptation to abuse your Gifts."
"I struggle with it more than I should. Just knowing that we are wasting time on nobles and their useless plotting when there are very real dangers that need to be watched for elsewhere..."
"Chosen, calm yourself. We will handle each task together. One at a time."
Ryan mentally sighed and glanced at the King. King Bryan was sitting there, appearing to read a letter before court officially started. Ryan knew better though. He was also watching those before them. Knowing today they would be an audience that would bear witness to power of Heralds. At least, as far as court intrigue allowed.
King Bryan had two Heraldic Gifts as well. Like all Heralds he had the mindspeech Gift of truthsense but in far greater power than most could dream. And he also possessed a weak Bardic Gift. Combined, he made a very moving leader that proved advantageous during not just court, but diplomatic affairs as well. His Companion, the Roden, was also the strongest of the Companions both in physical prowess and in magical abilities. Together they made a formidable pair.
It was time to remind the court, couriers, and those with too much time on their hands of some of that power. And how as citizens, they should be thinking about the welfare of their country instead of how to get petty revenge for perceived slights.
Ryan stayed quiet, a quiet reminder of power as King Bryan put the letter down and cleared his throat. Instantly those in the throne room quieted and the buzzing of conversations ceased. "Today I see several of you made request to bring business to the morning session. Would the House of Chelt and the House of Merban please come forward as you both indicated your requests were urgent." King Bryan watched expressionless as Lord Chelt stepped forward smugly and Lord Merban followed determined. Ryan could sense their thoughts and the political battle they each thought that they had won.
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An hour later, court was adjoined for the day. A very quiet court dispersed. The usual political jockeying and discussions halted by the banishment of the two lords. More on their minds was the display of power as the King used his gift to force both to explain their side in utter truth and exposed by their own words what they had planned, why, and that complete regard they had had for others and the outcome on the kingdom.
No one could leave fast enough and no one could be made to speak quickly.
"Uneasy is a good sign," his Companion, J'Terma, whispered in his mind. "And that is why I Chose you, because I knew your character would be sound against the temptation to abuse your Gifts."
"I struggle with it more than I should. Just knowing that we are wasting time on nobles and their useless plotting when there are very real dangers that need to be watched for elsewhere..."
"Chosen, calm yourself. We will handle each task together. One at a time."
Ryan mentally sighed and glanced at the King. King Bryan was sitting there, appearing to read a letter before court officially started. Ryan knew better though. He was also watching those before them. Knowing today they would be an audience that would bear witness to power of Heralds. At least, as far as court intrigue allowed.
King Bryan had two Heraldic Gifts as well. Like all Heralds he had the mindspeech Gift of truthsense but in far greater power than most could dream. And he also possessed a weak Bardic Gift. Combined, he made a very moving leader that proved advantageous during not just court, but diplomatic affairs as well. His Companion, the Roden, was also the strongest of the Companions both in physical prowess and in magical abilities. Together they made a formidable pair.
It was time to remind the court, couriers, and those with too much time on their hands of some of that power. And how as citizens, they should be thinking about the welfare of their country instead of how to get petty revenge for perceived slights.
Ryan stayed quiet, a quiet reminder of power as King Bryan put the letter down and cleared his throat. Instantly those in the throne room quieted and the buzzing of conversations ceased. "Today I see several of you made request to bring business to the morning session. Would the House of Chelt and the House of Merban please come forward as you both indicated your requests were urgent." King Bryan watched expressionless as Lord Chelt stepped forward smugly and Lord Merban followed determined. Ryan could sense their thoughts and the political battle they each thought that they had won.
********************************************************************************
An hour later, court was adjoined for the day. A very quiet court dispersed. The usual political jockeying and discussions halted by the banishment of the two lords. More on their minds was the display of power as the King used his gift to force both to explain their side in utter truth and exposed by their own words what they had planned, why, and that complete regard they had had for others and the outcome on the kingdom.
No one could leave fast enough and no one could be made to speak quickly.
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