by Mary G. Wockenfuss

Created on: October 26, 2008

"Selene" Chapter II - Alliance

Selene tried not to let her figure slump as she sat by her father's side, listening to the messenger of Lady Clarissa Von der Wettern recite reason upon reason why an alliance between the kingdom of Sonne and the Ring Islands would be beneficial. This speaker Selene had long ago forgotten his name had been droning on for nearly a quarter of an hour with no end in sight.

She stole a glance at her father. He had interlaced his fingers, his thumbs tapping against each other. She had tried, but had never perfected, the art of appearing engrossed in the speaker's words while feeling utterly bored, like her father had.

At long last, the messenger finished his discourse and sat down. The council members turned their eyes to the opposite end of the twenty-seat table, waiting for Lord Griffith's decision. After a minute, he spoke.

"You have presented a very strong case in favor of this alliance. I, too, find it to appear beneficial."

Okay, maybe she was the only one bored out of her mind.

"Would Lady Von der Wettern allow us time to consider this proposal?" her father asked.

The messenger, a tall, broad shouldered man, nodded. "Take all the time you need, my lord. Lady Von der Wettern does not expect my return until I have your answer."

"Then we will adjourn to allow us time to reflect on this generous offer."

Selene tried not to sigh in relief, for she knew that her own part in this matter was not over. She followed her father and the other council members into an antechamber just off the conference room. The room radiated with the warmth of a roaring fire glowing brightly in the hearth. Selene stretched, then lowered into the chair closest to the fire. Her father rested an arm against the chair opposite her, but did not sit down. Nor did Ambassador Malachi, who took to pacing the room. Colonel James Grenn of the Sovereign Guard stood at attention near the door.

"It's positively ridiculous," the ambassador burst out. "Can't imagine why we should accept this arrangement. Lady Von der Wettern's people seems to be the ones who would benefit most from this."

Griffith turned to his daughter. "What are your thoughts, Selene? Do you agree with the ambassador's assessment?"

She looked at her father, tried to be as helpful as possible. "Well, we would benefit greatly from the fish market of the Ring Islands, as they would benefit from our timber."

"And our army," grunted the ambassador.

"Yes, but we would also have use of their fleet," Colonel Grenn remarked.

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