The King’s Justice Read Free

concern, if I understand correctly, is that Kelson is about to act against our better judgment. Short of our physical intervention, however, I fear there is little we can do to prevent it, in this particular instance.”
    â€œI believe you’ll receive no argument on that point,” Barrett said. “But your choice of words suggests some future remedy.”
    â€œIf we are bold enough to take it—yes. If, as we seem to agree, there is no question that Kelson is to be regarded as ‘of the blood,’ as Vivienne so quaintly put it, then I suggest that we have the means totally within our power to control him—and have had it for several years, in fact. Bring him into the Council.”
    She ignored their gasps as she raised a hand toward the high-backed chair standing empty between Tiercel and Vivienne.
    â€œBring him into the Council and bind him by the same oaths that bind the rest of us. Or are you afraid of him?”
    â€œOf course not!” Vivienne said indignantly.
    â€œHe is strong enough,” Sofiana countered. “He is mature far beyond his years.”
    â€œHe is untrained.”
    â€œThen, let us take his training upon ourselves, and make sure he receives proper supervision.”
    â€œHe lacks other qualities.”
    â€œSuch as?”
    â€œDo not push me, Sofiana, I warn you!”
    â€œWhat qualities does he lack?” Sofiana persisted. “I am willing to be persuaded that he is not, indeed, ready, but you must give me a specific reason.”
    â€œVery well.” Vivienne lifted her head in defiance. “He is not yet sufficiently ruthless.”
    â€œHe is not yet sufficiently ruthless,” Sofiana repeated. “I see. Then, would you rather have Morgan or McLain?”
    â€œAre you mad?” Laran gasped, the first one bold enough to intervene in the exchange.
    â€œIt’s absolutely out of the question!” Kyri said, with an emphatic shake of her fiery mane.
    â€œThen, elect some other Deryni willing to accept the responsibility,” Sofiana replied. “We operate at less than our full potential, with our number incomplete. How long must Stefan Coram’s seat sit vacant?”
    â€œBetter vacant than filled by one unready to wield its power,” Vivienne snapped.
    Arilan watched and listened in some amusement as reaction continued to run its course around the table: Vivienne and Kyri continuing to challenge Sofiana over the very notion; Laran deeply disturbed; Tiercel excited but thoughtful, not saying anything for once; only Barrett unreadable, sitting still and solitary in his own mind between Arilan and Sofiana.
    Nor was bringing Kelson into the Council a bad idea—someday. In the beginning, though the Council quickly agreed to acknowledge the king as full Deryni, no one even tried to argue that he was skilled or experienced enough. But in the three years since truly securing his throne, Kelson had learned many a hard lesson of kingship and of manhood. Arilan was in a unique position to report to them on that. In fact, it was Arilan who had first broached the subject of Kelson’s candidacy; Arilan who had continued to pursue the notion, albeit far more gently than Sofiana’s efforts of late; Arilan who, alone of all the seven of them, had ongoing contact with the king and knew, better than any, just how hard and disciplined—and powerful—the king was becoming. No Haldane king had ever sat on the Council before; but no Haldane had ever displayed Kelson’s abilities, either.
    â€œI think we’ve talked around this subject long enough,” Arilan finally said, when most of the outrage had died down. “Even if we were disposed to admit the king today—and you all know my feeling on that matter—that is not the time, with war imminent and a disputed ritual of magic in the offing for tonight. Nor do I think anyone is seriously arguing that Morgan or Duncan are viable candidates