The Eye of Luvelles - By Phillip Jones Page 0,2

Brandor. I want to discuss how I should proceed before giving further orders. I’ve called the Senate to Brandor because we need the members of our government to travel to the Barbarian Kingdom and spread word that we wish to live in peace with them. Each selected senator will need to take a number of offerings with them for each of the barbarian nobles. Their royal families are to remain esteemed.”

Michael’s face showed his disdain. “You want us to treat those heathens as royalty? Sam, this is outrageous. Senchae would not have done the same for our nobles.”

“Exactly. That’s why it’s important for our actions to show otherwise. I want all barbarians to know that we respect their people. I want to meet their nobles to determine who amongst them would be the best choices to offer positions as new members of the Senate. I plan to select 11 to replace those lost during the quake, and I’ll give each their own seat on the Court of Brandor. It’s more important now than ever to ensure the barbarian people are represented within a unified Southern Grayham.”

Michael stood in silence. Shalee could see the irritation on his face. “What’s got you boggled, Michael? Speak your mind.”

“I don’t like the thought of barbarians polluting our Senate. The senators will have much to say about this. Your ideas won’t be welcomed.”

The king rubbed the scruff on his chin. “‘Pollute’ is a harsh word for people we don’t understand. Let me ask you something, Michael. If you were barbarian, and you hated the people of the south, not to mention the fact that you were taught to hate them since childhood, wouldn’t you loathe Brandor further if you were left without a voice when it came to the day-to-day functions of a government that had been crammed down your throat? Think about it. How would you feel?”

After spending a while pondering his king’s opinion, Michael responded. “Your logic makes sense. I suppose the alternative would be a lawless nation. I would rather deal with a barbarian in the Senate than on the battlefield.”

The king grinned. “Considering the politics of the Senate, they can be just as ruthless as barbarian warriors.”

Michael nodded. “Agreed. But it will take many moments for my mind to adjust. It will take many more moments for the men of the army to understand, but they trust your judgment. From the moment you became king, you have shown them your strength. The Senate, however, won’t accept the change.”

“Don’t worry about the Senate,” Shalee responded. “When Sam reminds them that it was the gods’ decision for us to come into this world to create a peaceful empire, they’ll see things our way.”

Michael shook his head. “No ... they won’t, Shalee. You’re wrong.”

The queen frowned. “No, you’re wrong, Michael. They’ll have no choice but to comply. We’re still at war, and until Sam declares otherwise, he can do as he pleases. The senators will just have to deal with it.”

Michael patted Sam on the shoulder. “I hope you handle this matter with far greater tact than our queen has just suggested.”

Sam laughed and then pulled Shalee close. “Our queen is spirited, is she not? I’m sure I’ll figure something out before I address the Senate.”

Michael sighed. “I often forget you have such powerful friends backing your positions. Not many men converse with the gods as you do.” The general bowed to his queen. “I don’t think I’ll ever understand how the mind of a woman from your old Earth works. I often find myself perplexed by your candor.”

Shalee moved to Michael and gave the general a hug and then followed the embrace with a quick wink. “There’s no forgiveness necessary. Women are pretty much the same here as they were there. And as all good women should, we keep you guessing as to whether or not you’ll ever figure us out.”

Michael gave a half-hearted smile. Since he did not know how to respond, he changed the direction of the conversation. “As for me, My King, you have my full support. I believe your proposal will find favor in the hearts of the barbarians once they understand your intent is to provide them with a voice.”

“Let’s hope you’re right, General.” Sam moved up the steps and took a seat on his throne. “Please check to ensure that all senators have received word to make their way to Brandor. I want all the voices representing each mark to be present when I address the Senate.