Chapter 11 - (6)

They all mounted their horses and made their way out of lower town into the dark path through the woods. Covered by the night, they started to ask the questions that plagued them.

"What is this truly about?" Lord Morge asked.

"I received instructions to investigate the Mclears." Walter said.

"From Her Ladyship?" Lord of Merve asked.

"Yes, I didn't expect to find out as much as I did, but the source was genuine. The Mclears have been working with the city guards to deliver large carts of things to the Townsdale land and one of those things if not all, are diamonds."

"Are you sure of this? The Mclears have been taking her ladyship's diamonds to make her hand over the Wickshire mines for a while now." Lord of Merve said.

"The source came to me with prove. He tried to sell to me the diamonds he found on the field. He was not sure they were real though. But one thing is sure. We have a window tonight." Walter explained.

"How?" Lord of Merve asked.

"According to him, the city guards leave the land at night and the carts come in and leave just as fast as they came but we have a twenty minutes window from when they leave till when the guards return. To be safe, lets say ten minutes. I wanted to wait a while, but one cannot say who else that man had told of the diamonds on the field. It's best to act fast." Walter said.

"True. Even if we can take nothing, we will have a good idea of what they store there." Lord Morge agreed.

"We should leave the road. We are close enough. The night is dark enough to mask the carts in the trees." Walter said.

"So, the woods then?" Lord of Merve asked jovially.

They did so, taking shelter in the trees and waiting silently. A while later they heard the guards ride away using the main road.

"I guess it is as you say. It will not be long till the ghost carts arrive." Lord Morge whispered.

***

The king strolled into a full court. His steps, weak and breathing, heavy. The court ministers stood as he made his way to the throne. Sighing, he took a look at them.

"Sit" He said and they obeyed. No one needed a prophet to know that the queen orchestrated the entire ministers to make an appearance. What she was up to, he could not imagine nor did he have any intention to do so. Looking at the tensed nature of the hall, he had a bad premonition.

"It's good to see all of you so eager to do the kingdom's work, but you are going too far to call a court gathering at this time of the night. You all need to relax a little more." the king said.

"Your Majesty, we are here because your health is getting worse as days pass." one of the ministers said.

"We but worry, Your Majesty. Forgive our intrusion at this unholy hour." another continued.

"So, you are all here because of my health? Then you should have waited till morning so that I may rest a bit more." the king said.

"Your Majesty, we plead your ears in this matter. In light of your health, the ministers have all decided it is time your majesty considers naming an heir." one of the ministers said and the king frowned. He knew the queen hoped he named Prince Thelmus heir, but he had put it off time and again.

"Official Ghuil, His Majesty has but one son, there is no problem in that area. His majesty shall name Prince Thelmus when he feels like it." another minister countered.

"Yes, I am in support of Official Jorge. This is only one of the many reasons we came here today. The matter of Crown Prince Thelmus will come later." another said. They brought it up and put it down so fast? From Prince Thelmus to Crown Prince Thelmus in seconds. The king could not help but sigh.

"Your Majesty, We would like to present a law for your approval. That is the first of all things. We wish to make sure all unmarried ladies can not hold a property with a title, without a legal guardian. If one is not present, the property is to be held by the crown till the lady marries." one of the ministers said.

Looking at them, the king could not help but burst into a fit of laughter. What was his wife planning this time? He had no intention of signing any law she presents at the moment. His laughter sent the hall into deathly silence. Tension could be felt in the air. When the king had calmed down, he looked at his ministers. He was obligated to give them a response.

"Official Lerphs. Have you found your king so incompetent you have already named the crown prince yourself?" The king asked.

"I wouldn't dare, Your Majesty." Official Lerphs bowed his head.

"He has not been named crown prince, yet you have already added the title to his name. I wonder if it is I you serve or he?" the king asked.

"I deserve death for my impudence, Your Majesty." Official Lerphs bowed even lower.

"Yes. You all deserve death." the king said, sending everyone into the frozen hills.

"But tonight, you will all live." the king said and they sighed a relief.

"Your Majesty is benevolent!" they all chorused with a bow.

"The ability to name the crown prince remains the right of the king and no one else. I will not hear anymore about this issue. As for the other, we currently have no unmarried lady holding a property and title without a legal guardian. When that day comes, you may congregate and ask again. That is all I will take for today. The next gathering will only hold when I call you. Without receiving an invitation do not gather again." the king gave his verdict and got up, leaving them with no chance to take into mind what he had just said.

Leaving, he could not help but frown. New laws? In the middle of the night? Why are they rushing it? He could not shake the feeling of bad luck looming over him. Sighing, he told himself to be patient, his beloved wife will make a mistake.

"Your Majesty!" he heard a voice say in alarm and he found the queen and her entourage rushing to him. Pausing before him, she took a bow and her entourage followed suit.

"You should be in bed, Your Majesty." she said with concern. She was a middle aged red head, but still looked to be in her thirties.

"The ministers seem to have a mind of their own these days. I wonder where they get the courage to call for me so late at night." the king said.

"The ministers? What would be of that much importance this time of the night?" the queen asked.

"Worry not, my queen, it is just this and that. They are threading dangerous waters. I will not save anyone that falls." he said slowly, letting his words hang in the air.

"My lord?" the queen's confused eyes rested on him.

"Nothing to worry your head about, rest well." the king said walking past her towards his chambers, while the queen stared at his leaving back.