“Be seated,” the Judge stated loudly.
Everyone standing sat down. Lord Ashwind kept his gaze fixed firmly on the Judge. He was likely afraid Drake was glaring at him... which he was. Glaringly.
“The cabal is called,” the Judge stated loudly. “Before our official business begins, I will hear a call for announcements. Stand if you have an announcement.”
Drake had known how this would go. Still, he waited to see if Lord Mistvale, Proudglade, or Brightwater would stand first. As with the order they had announced their arrival at the cabal, they would also speak of new business in the order their manors were founded.
No one else stood. Drake stood before the Judge could move on, followed by Lord Skybreak. She’d been waiting for his move and they remained on the same page. Good.
Though manor lords were given unlimited powers over their lands, blood thralls, and subjects, here in Korhaurbauten the rules were different. Here the noble court held absolute authority on behalf of the Eidolons. That authority now resided in the Judge.
Each manor lord would be allowed only one announcement before the official business of the cabal began. Drake was confident he knew what Sky would announce for hers. Now, he had to get the unpleasant business of sucking up the Judge out of the way first.
“Speak,” the Judge said firmly. There was no question she directed that at him.
“I am now the new Lord Gloomwood.” Drake worked to project his voice without shouting and was pleased with the results. “As the new Lord Gloomwood, I present myself to the noble court and my fellow manor lords.” Samuel had insisted he must do this.
“You took your title weeks ago,” the Judge said calmly. “Why have you delayed in presenting yourself to us?” The Judge spoke for the entire noble court.
No excuse he made about being hunted, teleported, and repeatedly almost killed would satisfy the noble court and the Judge. Nothing would except obedience. As much as it stuck in his craw, he’d play their game to keep everyone in his manor safe.
“I have no excuse,” Drake said calmly. “Today, I offer a tithe to the noble court in exchange for my tardiness.” He stated the amount Samuel had suggested.
“The tithe is accepted,” the Judge said. “Please be prompt in the future.”
If no one is trying to assassinate me, sure, Drake snarked silently. Aloud, he said nothing. He suspected Lydia would be proud of him for that.
With Drake’s business obviously concluded, the Judge looked to Sky next. “Speak.”
“As Lord Skybreak, I wish to officially announce that I have formed an alliance with Lord Gloomwood.” Sky spoke loudly and with confidence which made Drake proud to be her ally. “Our manors now stand as one. Anyone who comes for either of us will face us both.”
Drake liked the sound of Sky’s vow. He also knew she was only required to announce their alliance, not add anything else. The fact that she’d made it clear she and Drake had now united their forces would hopefully give the other manor lords pause.
Even a large force would be at a disadvantage in Sky’s land against her rangers, who could ambush attackers and melt into the country like ghosts. Meanwhile, Drake’s silverwood trees could bring a whole army to a halt. Hacking through even one tree would take a determined army half a day, and he knew from his wargaming with Lydia and Emily that his smaller force could make an enemy army absolutely miserable inside his borders.
Still, not a manor lord in the room batted an eye at Sky’s announcement of their alliance. Lord Proudglade had already known about it through Robby the creepy surveillance doll, and he must have told the others. As for the rest of the manor lords, even an idiot could figure out Drake and Sky were allied when they arrived in Korhaurbauten together.
“This alliance between Lords Gloomwood and Skybreak is acknowledged by the noble court,” the Judge said. “You are now free to trade in all respects, including magical artifacts. As agreed upon in the first cabals, you will continue to report all discoveries and trades.”
Drake simply hoped the noble court wouldn’t learn that Lords Gloomwood and Skybreak had been trading magical artifacts before they officially announced their alliance, and without informing the noble court of this fact. He’d already paid a good chunk of coin for his tardiness tithe. He didn’t need to bankrupt his manor with a possible manor war on the horizon.
The Judge waited just long enough to ensure there were no other announcements, then spoke again. “With announcements concluded, we now move on to the cabal’s business. Lord Proudglade? As he who called the cabal, stand and announce its purpose to those gathered.”
Lord Proudglade stood and fixed Drake with a confident glare. “I have called this cabal to discuss the dismissal of the latest Lord Gloomwood from his manor and blood pact. He has dishonored the title of manor lord and insulted the noble court.”
The man was as blunt as Drake had expected. It was almost a relief to know Lord Proudglade had called this cabal simply in hopes of getting Drake thrown out of the manor lord club because he came from another world. He was prepared to combat that argument.
“State your grievance with Lord Gloomwood,” the Judge said.
“He is not from our land,” Lord Proudglade stated coldly. “He is not even from our world. He is an abomination summoned here by the former Lord Gloomwood. While I held no love for the old lord, his replacement is nothing more than a feral beast who escaped his cage and murdered his better. This beast dishonors us all by claiming the title of manor lord.”
So Drake was a beast? A feral beast? He grinned in Proudglade’s direction. He’d certainly been a beast the night he ripped through Captain Ro and all his soldiers as a wererat. It would be fun to tear this guy’s smug head clean off.
“State your proof,” the Judge said calmly.
Drake maintained his silence. If he spoke before the Judge called on him, he could be censured. The noble court had its own rules even a manor lord could not defy... if they wanted to remain a manor lord in the noble court.
“My fourth son, Westin, personally witnessed the arrival of this man from a realm beyond our own,” Lord Proudglade said coldly. “He witnessed this because Lord Gloomwood abducted him and intended to use both him and this man for a ritual sacrifice.”
Once again, Lord Proudglade was talking about Lord Crow, the old Lord Gloomwood. And once again, it didn’t matter. In cabal matters, the name “Lord Gloomwood” simultaneously represented Drake and all the Lords Gloomwood who’d come before them.
Their victories were the same. Their crimes were the same. Sky was absolutely right that it was a stupid way to think about things, but again, he had to play the game by the game’s rules. And given how confident Lord Proudglade looked, Drake couldn’t wait to disappoint him.
“No rules of the noble court state a manor lord must be from our realm,” the Judge said.
“That is because an outworlder has never defeated a manor lord,” Lord Proudglade said. “Therefore, I call for a vote to change the rules of the noble court. I say that only those who were born in our realm and worship the Eidolons may become manor lords.”
Drake almost spoke up right then. Yet as difficult as it was to remain silent, he had to trust to the Judge’s impartiality and the specifics of procedure he’d read about in Samuel’s rules. He had to do this by the book.
“Lord Gloomwood,” the Judge said. “What have you to say in your defense?”
Finally! He’d been half afraid the Judge would simply call the vote before he could get a word in edgewise, but apparently, Lord Proudglade hadn’t found a way to bribe this woman like he’d bribed or intimidated Lord Ashwind. Drake still had a chance to turn this around, and with the Judge’s impartiality confirmed, he could now do that.
He focused on the Judge. Procedure demanded he make his case to her, though his words were meant for another in the room. “As you have stated, a manor lord need only have divine blood. I do. That means the Eidolons believe I am worthy to fill the role of manor lord.” He took a breath. “There are no requirements that I be born in this realm or this world. Even if we change that rule today, it should not be applied retroactively.”
“Is this your only defense?” the Judge asked calmly.
“With respect, Judge, I don’t need a defense, because Lord Proudglade’s request for a vote to change who can become a manor lord is not in the best interest of the noble court. It is obviously in his own best interest.”
Lord Proudglade’s glower increased, which absolutely thrilled Drake.
“Explain your words,” the Judge ordered.
“The former Lord Gloomwood was focused on his own goals and machinations.” Drake knew better than to openly disparage Lord Crow, but he suspected that his statement would creep up on the edge without going over. “While he was opposed to Lord Proudglade in abstract, he was not a threat to Lord Proudglade’s four manor alliance. I, by comparison, am a threat to everything Lord Proudglade hopes to accomplish... because if he keeps sending assassins after me and threatening my people, I am going to ruin him.”
He heard Lark’s soft gasp from his side. At least his bold pronouncement had impressed someone. It had evidently only angered the other manor lords, though Lord Brightwater, at least, was now watching him cautiously. That was good. He needed her attention.
“What is your proof?” the Judge asked.
Proof? That he was a threat to Lord Proudglade? Drake could offer that.
“The former Lord Gloomwood refused an alliance with Lords Skybreak, Ashwind, and Blackmane.” He might be revealing more than the other manor lords were comfortable with by saying that, but it was true, and he’d already lost Lord Ashwind. “Yet since I became lord, I have allied with Lord Skybreak. I am willing to ally with Blackmane and Ashwind as well. That would bring us to an alliance of four manors, one equal in power to Lord Proudglade’s alliance.”
Drake looked to Lord Blackmane, who looked thrilled by this news, and Lord Ashwind, who still looked sullen. Drake was also thrilled the Judge didn’t challenge him. While making such an open statement of his intent might seem reckless on its face, it was also a chance for Drake to slip an open call for allies and an open threat to his enemies into the procedure.
“Lord Proudglade’s only intent with this request is to tilt the table in favor of his alliance, a goal I am now fully capable of thwarting,” Drake added. He made sure to make it clear he considered Lord Proudglade the de facto leader of the big four, which might rankle the other manor lords. “Changing our rules is the only way he can stop me from stopping him.”
Now Lord Frostlight was watching him with interest as well. Rather than a woman looking forward to hunting him, she looked more like a predator sizing up a smaller but still dangerous predator. And Lord Redbow, surprisingly, was grinning like a fool.
“What is your proof?” the Judge demanded again.
She was still letting him speak. “Lord Proudglade’s forces alone are too weak to take my manor in battle, and his many assassins have failed to kill me. Therefore, he wishes to use the noble court to change the rules and remove a threat to his power. By placing his lust for power above the welfare of the noble court, Lord Proudglade is the one who shows you disrespect.”
“Well done,” Viktoria said softly at his side.
Drake didn’t look down or acknowledge her because the others might notice. Still, he appreciated her vote of confidence. Only his voice would carry outside his magical box.
As for Lord Proudglade, his glower was all gone. In its place was an implacable and icy hatred that would have made Drake uncomfortable if he didn’t already know the man wanted him dead. Now, at least, his enemy seemed aware his survival wasn’t simply due to luck.
He simply had to hope his talk of Lord Proudglade’s lust for power and his use of assassins had reached Lord Brightwater. She was the true audience for his speech, not the Judge. She considered using assassins dishonorable and had no real interest in a tilted table. If he failed to convince her, he and Sky were as good as doomed.
“Do you have anything else to add in your defense?” the Judge asked.
“I do not,” Drake said.
“Lord Proudglade?” The Judge looked to him.
Proudglade scowled. “I seek only to protect the noble court from pollution by the blood of outworld savages. Once again, I call for a vote to change the rules. One must be born in our realm to become a manor lord.” He glared at Drake. “Applied retroactively.”
“The vote is called,” the Judge said. “Six manor lords must agree to change the rules of the noble court. If six votes are found, the matter will be moved into ratification. Manor lords, if you agree to this rule change, stand and vote.”
There was nothing more Drake could do to sway the other lords. Nothing to do but wait for the votes. Even so, if they tried to remove him... he knew his people would resist. The fact that his people would fight to serve him willingly was a welcome comfort.
Lords Mistvale, Frostlight, and Redbow all stood with Lord Proudglade. After a moment of looking around for guidance, a scowling Lord Ashwind stood as well. He really was a fucking traitor. Lord Proudglade must have already formed a secret alliance with him.
Lord Blackmane did not stand with the others. Instead, he offered Drake a smug grin. At least he’d won over Mister Haremhunter. At least the man was good for something.
Sky, naturally, remained in her seat. With the vote now five to three, all eyes turned to Lord Brightwater. Her eyes remained fixed on Drake.
He met her gaze but offered nothing further. Samuel had assured him she was a fair woman with a fair mind, and he’d made a fair case. Even so, his heart hammered so hard he suspected everyone in his box heard it. And maybe in the next box over.
“Lord Brightwater?” the Judge asked.
Lord Brightwater looked to the judge. “I abstain.”
The moment of incandescent rage that danced across Lord Proudglade’s features vanished almost the moment it arrived, but it was all Drake could do not to pump his fist in triumph. Today, he’d defeated the first of Lord Proudglade’s devious ploys.
Now, he just had to dodge all the other grenades the man intended to lob.
“Be seated,” the Judge stated loudly.
Everyone standing sat down. Lord Ashwind kept his gaze fixed firmly on the Judge. He was likely afraid Drake was glaring at him... which he was. Glaringly.
“The cabal is called,” the Judge stated loudly. “Before our official business begins, I will hear a call for announcements. Stand if you have an announcement.”
Drake had known how this would go. Still, he waited to see if Lord Mistvale, Proudglade, or Brightwater would stand first. As with the order they had announced their arrival at the cabal, they would also speak of new business in the order their manors were founded.
No one else stood. Drake stood before the Judge could move on, followed by Lord Skybreak. She’d been waiting for his move and they remained on the same page. Good.
Though manor lords were given unlimited powers over their lands, blood thralls, and subjects, here in Korhaurbauten the rules were different. Here the noble court held absolute authority on behalf of the Eidolons. That authority now resided in the Judge.
Each manor lord would be allowed only one announcement before the official business of the cabal began. Drake was confident he knew what Sky would announce for hers. Now, he had to get the unpleasant business of sucking up the Judge out of the way first.
“Speak,” the Judge said firmly. There was no question she directed that at him.
“I am now the new Lord Gloomwood.” Drake worked to project his voice without shouting and was pleased with the results. “As the new Lord Gloomwood, I present myself to the noble court and my fellow manor lords.” Samuel had insisted he must do this.
“You took your title weeks ago,” the Judge said calmly. “Why have you delayed in presenting yourself to us?” The Judge spoke for the entire noble court.
No excuse he made about being hunted, teleported, and repeatedly almost killed would satisfy the noble court and the Judge. Nothing would except obedience. As much as it stuck in his craw, he’d play their game to keep everyone in his manor safe.
“I have no excuse,” Drake said calmly. “Today, I offer a tithe to the noble court in exchange for my tardiness.” He stated the amount Samuel had suggested.
“The tithe is accepted,” the Judge said. “Please be prompt in the future.”
If no one is trying to assassinate me, sure, Drake snarked silently. Aloud, he said nothing. He suspected Lydia would be proud of him for that.
With Drake’s business obviously concluded, the Judge looked to Sky next. “Speak.”
“As Lord Skybreak, I wish to officially announce that I have formed an alliance with Lord Gloomwood.” Sky spoke loudly and with confidence which made Drake proud to be her ally. “Our manors now stand as one. Anyone who comes for either of us will face us both.”
Drake liked the sound of Sky’s vow. He also knew she was only required to announce their alliance, not add anything else. The fact that she’d made it clear she and Drake had now united their forces would hopefully give the other manor lords pause.
Even a large force would be at a disadvantage in Sky’s land against her rangers, who could ambush attackers and melt into the country like ghosts. Meanwhile, Drake’s silverwood trees could bring a whole army to a halt. Hacking through even one tree would take a determined army half a day, and he knew from his wargaming with Lydia and Emily that his smaller force could make an enemy army absolutely miserable inside his borders.
Still, not a manor lord in the room batted an eye at Sky’s announcement of their alliance. Lord Proudglade had already known about it through Robby the creepy surveillance doll, and he must have told the others. As for the rest of the manor lords, even an idiot could figure out Drake and Sky were allied when they arrived in Korhaurbauten together.
“This alliance between Lords Gloomwood and Skybreak is acknowledged by the noble court,” the Judge said. “You are now free to trade in all respects, including magical artifacts. As agreed upon in the first cabals, you will continue to report all discoveries and trades.”
Drake simply hoped the noble court wouldn’t learn that Lords Gloomwood and Skybreak had been trading magical artifacts before they officially announced their alliance, and without informing the noble court of this fact. He’d already paid a good chunk of coin for his tardiness tithe. He didn’t need to bankrupt his manor with a possible manor war on the horizon.
The Judge waited just long enough to ensure there were no other announcements, then spoke again. “With announcements concluded, we now move on to the cabal’s business. Lord Proudglade? As he who called the cabal, stand and announce its purpose to those gathered.”
Lord Proudglade stood and fixed Drake with a confident glare. “I have called this cabal to discuss the dismissal of the latest Lord Gloomwood from his manor and blood pact. He has dishonored the title of manor lord and insulted the noble court.”
The man was as blunt as Drake had expected. It was almost a relief to know Lord Proudglade had called this cabal simply in hopes of getting Drake thrown out of the manor lord club because he came from another world. He was prepared to combat that argument.
“State your grievance with Lord Gloomwood,” the Judge said.
“He is not from our land,” Lord Proudglade stated coldly. “He is not even from our world. He is an abomination summoned here by the former Lord Gloomwood. While I held no love for the old lord, his replacement is nothing more than a feral beast who escaped his cage and murdered his better. This beast dishonors us all by claiming the title of manor lord.”
So Drake was a beast? A feral beast? He grinned in Proudglade’s direction. He’d certainly been a beast the night he ripped through Captain Ro and all his soldiers as a wererat. It would be fun to tear this guy’s smug head clean off.
“State your proof,” the Judge said calmly.
Drake maintained his silence. If he spoke before the Judge called on him, he could be censured. The noble court had its own rules even a manor lord could not defy... if they wanted to remain a manor lord in the noble court.
“My fourth son, Westin, personally witnessed the arrival of this man from a realm beyond our own,” Lord Proudglade said coldly. “He witnessed this because Lord Gloomwood abducted him and intended to use both him and this man for a ritual sacrifice.”
Once again, Lord Proudglade was talking about Lord Crow, the old Lord Gloomwood. And once again, it didn’t matter. In cabal matters, the name “Lord Gloomwood” simultaneously represented Drake and all the Lords Gloomwood who’d come before them.
Their victories were the same. Their crimes were the same. Sky was absolutely right that it was a stupid way to think about things, but again, he had to play the game by the game’s rules. And given how confident Lord Proudglade looked, Drake couldn’t wait to disappoint him.
“No rules of the noble court state a manor lord must be from our realm,” the Judge said.
“That is because an outworlder has never defeated a manor lord,” Lord Proudglade said. “Therefore, I call for a vote to change the rules of the noble court. I say that only those who were born in our realm and worship the Eidolons may become manor lords.”
Drake almost spoke up right then. Yet as difficult as it was to remain silent, he had to trust to the Judge’s impartiality and the specifics of procedure he’d read about in Samuel’s rules. He had to do this by the book.
“Lord Gloomwood,” the Judge said. “What have you to say in your defense?”
Finally! He’d been half afraid the Judge would simply call the vote before he could get a word in edgewise, but apparently, Lord Proudglade hadn’t found a way to bribe this woman like he’d bribed or intimidated Lord Ashwind. Drake still had a chance to turn this around, and with the Judge’s impartiality confirmed, he could now do that.
He focused on the Judge. Procedure demanded he make his case to her, though his words were meant for another in the room. “As you have stated, a manor lord need only have divine blood. I do. That means the Eidolons believe I am worthy to fill the role of manor lord.” He took a breath. “There are no requirements that I be born in this realm or this world. Even if we change that rule today, it should not be applied retroactively.”
“Is this your only defense?” the Judge asked calmly.
“With respect, Judge, I don’t need a defense, because Lord Proudglade’s request for a vote to change who can become a manor lord is not in the best interest of the noble court. It is obviously in his own best interest.”
Lord Proudglade’s glower increased, which absolutely thrilled Drake.
“Explain your words,” the Judge ordered.
“The former Lord Gloomwood was focused on his own goals and machinations.” Drake knew better than to openly disparage Lord Crow, but he suspected that his statement would creep up on the edge without going over. “While he was opposed to Lord Proudglade in abstract, he was not a threat to Lord Proudglade’s four manor alliance. I, by comparison, am a threat to everything Lord Proudglade hopes to accomplish... because if he keeps sending assassins after me and threatening my people, I am going to ruin him.”
He heard Lark’s soft gasp from his side. At least his bold pronouncement had impressed someone. It had evidently only angered the other manor lords, though Lord Brightwater, at least, was now watching him cautiously. That was good. He needed her attention.
“What is your proof?” the Judge asked.
Proof? That he was a threat to Lord Proudglade? Drake could offer that.
“The former Lord Gloomwood refused an alliance with Lords Skybreak, Ashwind, and Blackmane.” He might be revealing more than the other manor lords were comfortable with by saying that, but it was true, and he’d already lost Lord Ashwind. “Yet since I became lord, I have allied with Lord Skybreak. I am willing to ally with Blackmane and Ashwind as well. That would bring us to an alliance of four manors, one equal in power to Lord Proudglade’s alliance.”
Drake looked to Lord Blackmane, who looked thrilled by this news, and Lord Ashwind, who still looked sullen. Drake was also thrilled the Judge didn’t challenge him. While making such an open statement of his intent might seem reckless on its face, it was also a chance for Drake to slip an open call for allies and an open threat to his enemies into the procedure.
“Lord Proudglade’s only intent with this request is to tilt the table in favor of his alliance, a goal I am now fully capable of thwarting,” Drake added. He made sure to make it clear he considered Lord Proudglade the de facto leader of the big four, which might rankle the other manor lords. “Changing our rules is the only way he can stop me from stopping him.”
Now Lord Frostlight was watching him with interest as well. Rather than a woman looking forward to hunting him, she looked more like a predator sizing up a smaller but still dangerous predator. And Lord Redbow, surprisingly, was grinning like a fool.
“What is your proof?” the Judge demanded again.
She was still letting him speak. “Lord Proudglade’s forces alone are too weak to take my manor in battle, and his many assassins have failed to kill me. Therefore, he wishes to use the noble court to change the rules and remove a threat to his power. By placing his lust for power above the welfare of the noble court, Lord Proudglade is the one who shows you disrespect.”
“Well done,” Viktoria said softly at his side.
Drake didn’t look down or acknowledge her because the others might notice. Still, he appreciated her vote of confidence. Only his voice would carry outside his magical box.
As for Lord Proudglade, his glower was all gone. In its place was an implacable and icy hatred that would have made Drake uncomfortable if he didn’t already know the man wanted him dead. Now, at least, his enemy seemed aware his survival wasn’t simply due to luck.
He simply had to hope his talk of Lord Proudglade’s lust for power and his use of assassins had reached Lord Brightwater. She was the true audience for his speech, not the Judge. She considered using assassins dishonorable and had no real interest in a tilted table. If he failed to convince her, he and Sky were as good as doomed.
“Do you have anything else to add in your defense?” the Judge asked.
“I do not,” Drake said.
“Lord Proudglade?” The Judge looked to him.
Proudglade scowled. “I seek only to protect the noble court from pollution by the blood of outworld savages. Once again, I call for a vote to change the rules. One must be born in our realm to become a manor lord.” He glared at Drake. “Applied retroactively.”
“The vote is called,” the Judge said. “Six manor lords must agree to change the rules of the noble court. If six votes are found, the matter will be moved into ratification. Manor lords, if you agree to this rule change, stand and vote.”
There was nothing more Drake could do to sway the other lords. Nothing to do but wait for the votes. Even so, if they tried to remove him... he knew his people would resist. The fact that his people would fight to serve him willingly was a welcome comfort.
Lords Mistvale, Frostlight, and Redbow all stood with Lord Proudglade. After a moment of looking around for guidance, a scowling Lord Ashwind stood as well. He really was a fucking traitor. Lord Proudglade must have already formed a secret alliance with him.
Lord Blackmane did not stand with the others. Instead, he offered Drake a smug grin. At least he’d won over Mister Haremhunter. At least the man was good for something.
Sky, naturally, remained in her seat. With the vote now five to three, all eyes turned to Lord Brightwater. Her eyes remained fixed on Drake.
He met her gaze but offered nothing further. Samuel had assured him she was a fair woman with a fair mind, and he’d made a fair case. Even so, his heart hammered so hard he suspected everyone in his box heard it. And maybe in the next box over.
“Lord Brightwater?” the Judge asked.
Lord Brightwater looked to the judge. “I abstain.”
The moment of incandescent rage that danced across Lord Proudglade’s features vanished almost the moment it arrived, but it was all Drake could do not to pump his fist in triumph. Today, he’d defeated the first of Lord Proudglade’s devious ploys.
Now, he just had to dodge all the other grenades the man intended to lob.
