The afternoon sun beamed through the stained-glass window, illuminating the Rhoden family crest that was carved into the center of a large wooden table. The meeting hall was rectangular in shape; roughly thirty feet long and fifteen feet wide. In addition to the window, there were a dozen sconces positioned at regular intervals along the eastern wall that provided light to the room. Both the north and south entrances were flanked by sentry, who stood silent at attention. Three of the six chairs were filled with their respective personages, each of whom had brought with them an assortment of ledgers and documentation, with the largest pile having yet to arrive. The Omnirian Royal Advisership Council had been meeting regularly, at noon, on the first day of the new month for nearly a decade.

“If Allan planned to keep us waiting so damn long, he should at least have ordered for the chef to prepare something.”

The man who spoke first was the Lord Regalus Finch, Archduke of Kaverras and Chief Officer of Foreign Affairs. He was a broad, bearded man with a deep voice and an easily disagreeable nature. In the silence that followed his outburst, Regalus readjusted himself in his chair and waited for a murmur of sympathetic dissatisfaction from the other Advisership members.

At the farthest end of the table, near opposite Lord Finch, sat a woman in extravagant dress, with a temperament like cold steel. She was Lady Catherine Kendrich, Archduchess of the Locture Estate.

“It is indeed uncustomary to delay the start of our meetings by such a length,” she announced to the room. Then, before continuing, she paused to adjust the sleeves of her dress. “Especially considering that the topic of today’s discussion relies heavily on Allan’s records.”

Her official title on the Advisorship Council was that of Chairwoman of Social Relations. However, to all present, and indeed to all within the aristocracy, this title was entirely superficial. Lady Catherine Kendrich was the current matriarch of the Kendrich family— arguably the wealthiest high noble family in Omnirius proper. The Kendrich’s not only enjoyed significant status and influence in Omnirian politics, but they were one of the few surviving families of the old nobility, which meant that they were well known both abroad and among the common people. A series of unfortunately timed events had left the Kendrich family bereft of a suitable patriarch, and when the dust had settled, Catherine had managed to cement her position as the head of the most influential family in Omnirius. Her presence on the Council was a natural consequence of that social position— there would be no major decision made in this country without her input.

Tired of the bitter silence, Catherine looked sternly at the man sitting opposite her and spoke.

“Zorren, I presume you’ve spoken with Allan prior to this meeting to impress upon him the necessity of his contribution? I would hate to think that, after all this waiting, he would arrive empty handed.”

The man to whom Catherine spoke was Zorren Zalphineas XI, Chairman of the Omnirian Magistrate.

The Omnirian Magistrate was created as an adjunct governing body, whose purpose was to help maintain order after the fall of the Omnir dynasty. When the Rhoden dynasty took power in the year 829, they worked hard to dismantle the “Old Religion” that was pervasive in the region. The Rhoden’s and their supporters believed that obsession with the ideology of the Deceluan faith had led the Omnirs astray and clouded their judgment, thereby leading to the economic collapse of the nation. However, without the former religious institution in place, it became far more difficult than anticipated to maintain order among the people. In order to compensate, religious affiliates who had survived the exchange of power were vetted and given authority to assist the Rhoden monarchy with its transition by creating a new organization known as the Magistrate.

Even in the present, the role of the Magistrate was of contentious debate behind the closed doors of the high nobility. Yet even so, especially following the death of the High King, they were an essential component to the functioning of the state.

“Allan is well aware of the purposes of today’s meeting,” Zorren said, flatly. “If he has any cause to be late, I cannot speak to it.”

“And shall we be expecting the Queen Mother this afternoon, Zorren?”

Zorren shook his head at Regalus.

“Queen Mother Hellen is unfortunately unable to attend due to her continuing ailment.”

“How surprising,” Regalus sighed. “Perhaps you should get rid of the physician in charge of her care?” Regalus chuckled to himself.

“Master Falbrin has been faithfully serving the Royal Family for several generations. Though he is skilled, even he cannot undo the effects of old age.”

Suddenly, there came a commotion from outside the meeting hall. A man then burst through the door, trailed by two assistants, each carrying an assortment of ledgers.

At this, Regalus threw his hands in the air.

“Ah! Allan! Are you sure you did not wish to make us wait until sundown?”

Allan shook his head dismissively at the comment and plopped down in his chair.

“Enough jest, Regalus. I was delayed by matters beyond my control.” The two assistants approached and placed the ledgers down on either side of him. Allan looked down at the ledgers and nodded satisfactorily. Then, he waved his hand at the assistants and spoke. “Now, off with you both.”

The men bowed and exited quickly.

Catherine folded her hands neatly then turned her gaze toward Allan.

“Seeing as we now have a quorum, shall we commence with the meeting?”

Lord Allan Munzhaler, Duke of Royce, was the current head of the Omnirian Royal Treasury, a duty which the Munzhaler family had the honor of performing for many generations.

“As you wish.” Allan then plucked a particular ledger from the pile and tossed it unceremoniously into the center of the table. “Where would you like to begin?”

“Oh, wonderful. More good news, then?” Regalus sighed, folding his arms and leaning back into his chair.

“Allan,” Zorren said softly, “Tell me that at least the construction of Gate City is on schedule?”

“Yes, actually,” he began, “Apart from a few prior delays, the construction of the city is still on track.” He paused to open to a particular page of the ledger. “In fact, thanks to Sir Perry Mannigold and his Starspawn Guild providing support and protection for the stone quarry excavations, production has sped back up. If I recall correctly, the masons should now have all the stone they need to finish.”

“Does that include carving the fifteen-foot statue of Reynard in the center of the town square?”

Catherine minded her tone as she spoke, but her intention was perfectly clear.

“Yes,” Allan responded, ignoring the bait. “The construction of the late High King Rhoden’s statue has been honored as commissioned. As is the case with the rest of the city plans that were drafted and submitted by His Majesty before his…passing.”

“They may have their stone,” Catherine continued, “But for how many more months is the project expected to continue?”

“Well, I have not been given an exact count…” Allan offered.

“Three months? Six months? A year?”

Allan frowned.

“I have spoken on multiple occasions with the masons in charge, yet even still they are unable to give an exact date. However, considering their current progress—”

“How much more coin are we willing to funnel into this project, then?” Catherine asked, cutting Allan off.

“Of course it would come to this,” Regalus snorted.

“And by this, you mean…?”

“You’ve never supported the building of Gate City, Catherine.”

“Tell me, Regalus. What aspect of this endeavor has proved beneficial to this empire? How wise of a decision was it, after all, to take our remaining resources and dump them into an unnecessary project after having just survived a half-decade of war?”

“Careful, Lady Kendrich. You are questioning the wisdom of our late High King,” Regalus shot back.

Catherine readjusted herself in response, eying Regalus subtly before continuing.

“As the head of Kendrich Household, and a major financial contributor to—”

“Spare us your trivialities, Catherine,” Regalus said as he folded his arms in defence. “Surely not an occasion goes by where we are not reminded of your financial contributions.”

Catherine smiled.

“I apologize, Lord Finch,” she said politely, “But I have to wonder who it is that provides the funds and resources for the armies you command?”

Regalus bit his tongue, knowing he had lost.

Catherine continued to sink her teeth in.

“Though it may be possible, I have yet to see any army emerge victorious without the proper funding to conduct war. I suspect that no matter how skilled or experienced a general may be, his men will not survive long without weapons, armor or food.”

“Catherine,” Zorren cut in, “No one is doubting the significance of your family’s contributions.”

“I am glad to know that Zorren.”

Catherine sat back in her chair, returning to her normal composure, yet with a faint smugness of victory.

Zorren leaned forward slightly and studied her carefully. Catherine had sharp facial features, long black hair and light gray eyes that flickered viciously. Zorren had known Catherine for many years, and though her features had changed in that time, he thought they suited her now better than they ever had.

“Of course,” Allan said loudly, breaking the silence, “It should be reiterated, that as a matter of course, Omnirius is still in a precarious financial position.”

Zorren then turned to Regalus as he spoke.

“Is there any news from the borders?”

“We have been able to prevent the raiders from extending too close to Eadenfros, but it has been difficult to mitigate the attacks in the borderlands. Thankfully, most instances do not pose a threat to our nation’s security. Although,” he added, “ The raids show no sign of slowing down.” He then eyed Catherine as he continued. “Thus far, we have been able to ration our stores effectively. However, with our current resources and manpower, we are unable to protect the farther reaches of our borders.”

Zorren addressed Catherine next.

“Lady Kendrich, have you any further luck convincing the other houses to increase their donations?”

“The Kendrich-Osler’s and Saundell’s have agreed to increase their contributions, but the rest have yet to concede. I have sent a representative to Malendar’s Edge to speak with Lord Thistletwat, after which you will have my update.”

“And what of the people?”

Catherine looked at Zorren curiously but did not answer.

“You are the Chairwoman of Social Relations, are you not?”

Catherine frowned at the insinuation.

“Are you asking how the people fair in their opinion of the state?”

Zorren nodded.

“Poorly,” she said with a shrug. “As can only be expected.”

“We will require some elaboration, Lady Kendrich.”

“It is as I have said for the last few months— the people are exhausted.”

“The people?” Regalus asked. “You wouldn’t happen to be presuming on behalf of the common folk again, would you, Lady Kendrich?”

“Not at all,” she shot back. “In fact, both the nobility and the common folk are equally disenchanted with the state.” She then turned her attention to the table at large. “There is a growing resentment among the mercantile classes and the lower nobility. The old trade routes have nearly all been destroyed by the war. Those that remain are too dangerous to risk travel— as you’ve no doubt seen, Lord Finch. And, as a consequence of the war, we no longer have an excess of military power to divert to protecting those trade routes.” Catherine then turned to Allan. “There is growing fear among the nobility that we are headed for another economic collapse, not unlike that which facilitated the Rhoden’s rise to power some years ago.”