Talon the Black (Dragonwall Series # 1)

Chapter 60 - Beautiful Enchantress

Kastali Dun

Talon drummed his fingertips impatiently upon the armrest of Dragonwall's throne. Its white marble was smooth under his skin, its finish glossy as the day he took up rule. The throne was the pinnacle of the Great Keep. Dragonwall's kings would come and go, but the throne would never change.

If only the same could be said about today's circumstances.

Cyrus's Gift changed everything. There would be no petitions in court today. Remnants of the steward's announcement echoed in his ears. "By King Talon's decree, the outsider known as Claire Evans, who has demonstrated unquestionable magical abilities, is to become his royal ward."

Lord Layton Raffe jumped to his feet when he heard the news. "Magic, you say? Bah! I oppose this decree!" Raffe had always opposed Claire. Even now, the lingering artifacts from the traitors Raffe had blindly followed, seeds planted by Euen Doyle and Stefan Rosen, took root. Though these traitors' heads rested on spikes, Lord Raffe continued to display obvious distaste.

"Lord Raffe, the topic is not yet open for discussion!" said the steward, sputtering. "You are speaking out of turn—"

"Out of turn?" Lord Raffe cut in, raising his voice, "There is no discussion! I'll not have it! Not while I sit upon the council."

"Silence him, Reyr."

Reyr stood and calmly faced the lord. His expression was stony. "Lord Raffe, the steward has not yet opened the discussion. You are indeed out of turn. If you cannot uphold court rules, you are welcome to step down from the council. In case you have forgotten, two positions are currently open. Why not make it three?"

Lord Raffe turned a deep shade of purple. Reyr's point was taken. Raffe sank back down in a huff. Reyr turned to the other council members. "Any further protests?" No one dared challenge the Shield. "Good," said Reyr. He held his hand forward, gesturing that the steward should continue.

The steward nodded. "As the king's ward, Lady Claire will undergo magical training by the Magoi. Likewise, she will assimilate into our way of life. She will no longer be an outsider, but a citizen of Dragonwall." With that, he rolled up his scroll. The hall was deathly silent.

The steward gave everyone time to comprehend the full meaning. His pause stretched onward before he said, "Lords and ladies, the floor is now open for discussion. Those wishing to voice concerns may bring forth constructive arguments." Here the steward glared at Lord Raffe. "Once all voices have been heard, the king will make his final decision."

As if there would be any other decision.

Lord Ashton Wyndham was the first. He stood, politely waiting for the steward's permission to speak. Once given, he presented his argument. "I would like to argue against this decree, Your Majesty."

How unsurprising. Lord Wyndham hated change.

"I have not seen the evidence of Claire's magic. Have any of you?" Playing on his audience's interest, he looked in turn at many of them. They afforded him the courtesy of shaking their heads. Pleased, he nodded. "I thought not. Your Majesty, rumors spurred by yesterday's events of a fight between the serving girl named Claire and our very own Lady Caterina are mere embellishments."

He considered Lord Wyndham's argument before turning to face him. He did not rise. "Thank you for your dignified argument, Lord Wyndham. While rumors can easily be misconstrued, I am confident that magic was indeed performed."

The lord swallowed. "Forgive me, Your Majesty, but did you see her perform magic? With your own eyes? Did your Shields? No lord or lady I know, aside from Lady Caterina, can lay claim to such." He paused briefly. "The servants gathered in the corridors...well...we know how servants like to talk." A number of hearty chuckles followed his comment.