Haladras Read Online Free PDF

It would be impossible for us to mine the
teryleum at three times our current rate without more mines. But where would
the provisions come from to support those new mines?
    “I threatened to reload all our teryleum and take it to Lord
Rowvan of Allega. He only laughed at this and said that he would directly
report me to the minister of interplanetary trade. Who would send a royal
emissary to Haladras to personally oversee our trade operation. Furthermore, he
promised to have me arrested for stealing the king’s property.
    “I scorned his threat of arrest, and stormed out of his
office. However, wishing not to create diplomatic troubles for Haladras, I
deemed it best to take our losses and hope for better returns on the remainder
of our teryleum. This proved—thankfully—to be the case.
    “So, my lord...Council members, I return to you with this news.
We have less than half the provisions we need until we trade again, and Quoryn
has established a governor and given him a near army of imperial soldiers.”
    There was a low hum of voices from the Council seats. The
viceroy continued stroking his beard, looking grave and pensive. Finally, a
Council member stood and spoke out a question for Arturo.
    “How long have the troops been stationed on Quoryn?”
    “I cannot definitively say,” replied the captain. “But the
streets of the city were filled with them. They seemed well established.”
    More low murmuring.
    Another Council member stood and spoke.
    “My lord, can we trust the veracity of this account? Is it
not safe to believe Quoryn has rebelled against the empire and is growing an
army to overthrow our king?”
    This was met with a chorus of supporters, as well as the
angry cries of naysayers.
    Another Council member rose.
    “Captain Arturo’s word is unimpeachable,” he said. “If he
says Quoryn’s new governor has power vested him from King Tarus, then I deem
that nothing illegal is happening on Quoryn.”
    “Here! Here!” rejoined several voices.
    “Then the king has struck a blow to Haladras!”
    The hall burst into an uproar of voices. Council member
contended against council member; citizen against citizen. The bedlam persisted
for many minutes before Aberforce managed to restore order. He had taken to his
feet and held out his arms like an enchanter casting a spell. Eventually the
assemblage calmed and returned to their seats. The viceroy remained silent for
some time afterwards.
    At last he spoke.
    “I, too, doubt not the veracity of Captain Arturo’s account.
I will admit that this news troubles me. This unfortunate turn of events puts
Haladras in a dire state. Yet I will have no man here challenge the goodwill of
our Lord Protector, King Tarus. He clearly has wise motives for what’s been
done on Quoryn. We are merely uninformed.
    “As to the matter of Governor Dungrad’s new trade law, I
suspect King Tarus is ignorant. I shall immediately make preparations to travel
to Ahlderon and make an appeal before the throne on behalf of our people.
First, however, I will visit Governor Dungrad and discuss possible amendments
to their trade law. In the meantime, I suggest we brace ourselves for the
worst. We do not know how long it will take to correct this matter. We must
more strictly ration our provisions, and if necessary draw from our emergency
stores.”
    The viceroy turned to Captain Arturo.
    “Thank you for your report, Captain. And for your loyalty to
Haladras. I know you did all in your power to protect our best interest. Is
there anything else you wish to report before the Council ere we adjourn?”
    “There is, my lord.”
    A simultaneous shudder swept over the assemblage as everyone
readied himself for more ill tidings.
    “Proceed,” commanded the viceroy with noticeable reluctance.
    “You need not fear, my lord. The worst is told. I have only
some news to convey which has come to my ears through my crew. They are strange
tidings. I doubt they hold much import. Still, I have heard