A Gathering of Mourners
(Swords with Souls)
Fantasy Fiction
By Dan Watt
(Author of BARD: Bearer of the Gemstone)
(Author of the Plagueborn series)
– Adult content –
A Gathering of Mourners
“What I have to say could be considered traitorous. But I ask you to consider it before you decide what action to take.” Sir Afamefuna has a defeated expression on his face. “After Sir Olaf’s recommendation, the king has decided that a great chunk of my fiefdom should be severed and given to the new king’s guard. The one Olaf encouraged the king to accept. The king has already given Sir Olaf, Sir Ganbold’s fiefdom.”
“Already?” he asks, shocked. That means that either Sir Ganbold was able to flee with all his people, or, whoever remains will need to swear allegiance to Sir Olaf. He pauses in thought. Or, Sir Olaf will have anyone remaining butchered as traitors. He wonders if Sir Oisin, whether he captures or kills Sir Ganbold, will demand the fiefdom.
“I am getting old,” Sir Afamefuna continues. “My joints hurt in the morning and my reaction time is slowing down. But I have four hearty boys. Two of them are young men now. They can easily take care of the daily tasks. I swore allegiance to the king but not before the well being of my family. Or my conscious. This king and his conniving wife are destroying this kingdom.” Sir Afamefuna’s face is now full of rage, and he pulls his sword out a bit farther. “You know what happened to the gardenery in Buttigieg,” Sir Afamefuna continues. “After that king had the River Massika’s flow altered. The Buttigieg Gardenery is now surrounded by a foul-smelling swamp! Think, Sir Oliver, what will happen when our king alters the path of the River Tyne? I’ve wandered across lands turned to sand because of idiotic ideas like this. If Stian was still alive, he would tell you the same.”
He stands there, thoughtfully, for a moment. Buttigieg Gardenery is also considered one of the most haunted places in the land. “Let’s agree,” he says finally. “That we will speak plainly on this from now on.”
Sir Afamefuna inhales and shoves his short sword back fully into its sheath. He reaches out a hand to Oliver as he says, “Agreed. The other problem with getting old is you have to relieve yourself more often,” he continues, facing one of the tree trunks. “There’s other concerns,” he says speaking with head turned. “Sir Olaf has suggested castrating all dwarven newborns. The same with any youth that grows to giant size. He says it will keep their population down. There’s more and we should talk later, after the burning.”
He feels bile come up his throat. All children are sacred, Endellion had said. The thought of regicide doesn’t seem so sacrilege suddenly.
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