Dark Quest by Richard S. Tuttle Page B

an investigation and a reevaluation of the fitness of the Red Swords.”
    “As you wish, Duke Nelson. The Palace has been sealed and I’m sure we’ll catch the culprit.”
    “Duke Nelson,” began Colonel Gregor, “It is the responsibility of the Red Swords to investigate harm to the Royal Family. I certainly welcome General Clark’s assistance and guidance, but I will be heading the investigation.”
    “I think not!” snapped Duke Nelson. “General Clark, I want the Colonel relieved of command.”
    The tension in the corridor built as the Red Sword guards placed their hands upon their hilts. “By what leave are you issuing orders to the King’s Army, King’s Advisor?” demanded Colonel Gregor.
    “As Regent of the Kingdom,” snarled the Duke.
    “I think not, Advisor”, responded the Colonel. “The Regent may rule only after confirmation by the Council of Advisors and then only until the heir is crowned. You overstep your bounds, Sir.”
    “General Clark,” commanded the Duke, “please come to my office where me may discuss affairs in private.” Duke Nelson turned and stormed off down the hall. The General followed him and the Colonel went to his office.
    The Duke stormed into his office and sat down. “General, why do you stand for such impertinence?”
    General Clark stood before the window and gazed out. “Sir, the Colonel has over four thousand troops at his disposal and they are fiercely loyal to him. By his charter, I cannot even relieve him of command of the Red Swords except for reasons of treason or by command of the King. As General, I can demote him to Private and post him to the Disputed Area, but he would still command the Red Swords.”
    “Very well, General, but keep him under surveillance. You must realize that the King had no heir and my Council of Advisors will chose the next king. I certainly will favor those who are loyal to me in times of trouble.”
    “I have had him under surveillance for some time. Perhaps some of his troops are required in the frontier. I will make those arrangements as soon as I notify the Council of your desire for a meeting.”
    The Duke smiled at the General’s back as he left the office.
    The Council of Advisors was assembled and informed of the King’s death. Duke Nelson called the meeting to order. “Gentlemen, it is imperative that we stabilize the Kingdom by naming a new King. Is there an heir?”
    “There is always an heir,” offered Duke Lanker. “The problem we face is trying to find him. One would expect with a sonless King that potential heirs would have plagued his reign, but, to my knowledge, there has never been one. We will have to search the archives and explore the family tree.”
    “Well,” Duke Nelson confidently proclaimed, “I’m sure that we will find the heir. In the meantime, we need a Regent to carry out the mundane affairs of the Kingdom. Having been the right arm of the King for many years, I can assume those duties while we are searching for the heir. I have been handling most of the duties already and my appointment will not give our neighbors the impression of instability.”
    There were murmurs around the chamber and some bickering and posturing, but Duke Nelson knew that the dukes were so individually aggressive that none of them could build a majority. Within an hour Duke Nelson was proclaimed the Regent.
    The process was repeated for naming Duke Nelson’s replacement as King’s Advisor. For a while it appeared that Duke Eddington might swing enough votes, but Duke Clemens withdrew his support and started the bickering anew. Duke Nelson was tiring of the nonsense. He had already gotten what he wanted. He surveyed the room and chose the one person who was not posturing for the position. Duke Whitley had not been on the Council long enough to have formed bitter enemies. “Gentlemen, please! This is only a temporary position and there is much to do in the Kingdom. As Regent, I want someone as my Advisor who will not