Seeker (The Source Chronicles Book 1) Read Online Free PDF Page B

almost broke into a grin at the thought.  All those years, all those men constantly stroking his ego and saying yes to his every whim, and the second most powerful man in the Kingdom was one who willfully would tell his King no.
    As Seneschal, Lord Tulock ran many of the day-to-day necessities of the Kingdom.  He oversaw the various public works, payroll, paperwork, and all other humdrum jobs a King should not be burdened with.  Thus, he was Chief Magistrate as well.
    The King kept him by his side for the tedious but necessary affairs of state such as these small disputes, and any other items that were brought before him, but were not necessarily his concern.
    The shouting went up an octave, and though it would have amused the King to let the men draw the knives they should not have had in his presence, he raised a hand.  “Enough!  Your Excellencies, cease this bickering and make ready to hear my judgment.”
    They stopped, and bowed in concert before him, but did not yet rise up.
    He gestured to Lord Tulock, who knelt by his side.
    “What is this wearisome mess about, Tulock?”
    Lord Tulock’s response held a note of exasperation.  “I did apologize for this, my liege, but they would not take my decision as final.”
    Varlock-Sharron growled low in his throat.  “The ruling I read about with your other reports this morning?”
    “The very same, your Majesty.”
    The King gestured, and Lord Tulock stood up, clearing his throat audibly as he did so.  Both Barons arose as well.
    “Hear my judgment,” stated the King formally.  This part he did enjoy.  Every now and then his nobles needed a stern reminder about who they were beneath.  “It shall be thus.  Baron Dovan, you will withdraw your shepherds from Baron Kall’s fields.  Baron Kall, you will withdraw your shepherds from Baron Dovan’s land.  You will then divide the cost for the workers who will be sent forthwith to build a wall between your properties.  You will subsequently proceed to pay the royal treasury an equal fine of one-thousand gold crowns.  Furthermore, if this nonsense should ever arise again, you will have lands and titles stripped, and you will become shepherds of your own territories.  Have I made myself clear?  Are you both satisfied my lord Barons?”
    Each man bowed deeply, but neither could hide the scowls on their faces.  “As my liege commands.” they said dispassionately at practically the same time.
    The King slightly inclined his head.  “So be it.  My ruling is complete.  And that is the end of this audience.”
    Lord Tulock banged his staff upon the dais twice.  “King Varlock-Sharron Anduin, glorious sovereign of Sharron, bids all take leave of this place forthwith, a blessing upon your heads. The next Royal Audience will be convened at his Majesties’ leisure.  Thank you.”
    They slowly filed out of the hall, joined by the other nobles, servants and entourage, muttering to themselves.  When the last had gone, a pair of guards stepped out of the room, shutting the large double doors with an echoing metallic clang.
    The King groaned slightly as he stood, removing his state robes and crown, placing them in the arms of a waiting servant.  Another took the robes and staff of the Seneschal.  The King stretched his arms over his head a moment, then relaxed, turning to Lord Tulock.
    “I do so often wish we could dispense with these audiences all together, Tulock.  At least, it would be nice if the nobility would cease to be spineless louts.”
    Lord Tulock chuckled.  “Agreed, my liege.  But then, if the curs had a spine, they’d only find bolder ways to annoy and distract you, while lining their pouches better.”
    Varlock-Sharron chuckled without humor.  Tulock Oran was perhaps the only man in the world who could address him with such brevity.  It was to his mind the ultimate luxury, to have an honest companion.  “You speak true, my friend.  Come, all this useless talk has made me restive.  A