In the Hall of the Dragon King by Stephen Lawhead Page B

preying wolves, and so give back the roads to the people and to commerce. However, before I could myself set eyes upon this bandit leader, he was sprung to freedom by companions high in rank and title. I have not apprehended the men who loosed this villain, but I know now who put them up to it.” He paused, and all eyes and ears were his. “Lord Weldon and Lord Larcott!”
    At once a cry rang out. “It cannot be!” Lord Larcott, slamming his fist upon the table, was on his feet, protesting his innocence. Lord Weldon sat stunned in his chair. The other knights and nobles drowned Larcott’s cries with their own demands for justice.
    Prince Jaspin held up a hand and ordered silence. “You, as noble lords of this kingdom, will have your chance to answer the charges brought against you. For now, and until such time as your crimes shall be heard, you will deliver yourselves to the tower to be there confined.” With a nod of his head, Prince Jaspin signaled four armed guards to escort the Lords Weldon and Larcott to the dungeon. The furor continued along the meeting table as the two unlucky men were seized where they sat and marched out under the rough handling of the guards.
    Lord Larcott could be heard screaming, “By Zoar, you’ll pay for this outrage! I’ll see your head black on the spike!” Lord Weldon went quietly with a look of deepest grief and unrelenting sorrow upon his gray face. Those who saw his look quickly glanced away; his eyes seemed to burn into the soul of any who accused him.
    When they had gone and order was restored, Prince Jaspin rushed to the heart of his plan: filling the two newly vacant chairs on the Council of Regents. “Noble men, as you are aware, the people grow daily more dependent upon strong leadership to maintain order in the land. I propose we now elect two new members to the council, and do so without delay.”
    â€œHear! Hear!” the nobles in Jaspin’s sway shouted, delighted with such a display of efficient and farsighted leadership. When once more the din had died, a figure stood at his place at the table. “I cannot accede to such a move,” said Lord Holben, a knight of no small renown. He was Larcott’s friend and one who had been chosen by King Eskevar to sit at council. “For to elect new members to this council would be to declare the guilt of the previous members. There have been no writs of justice presented and no decrees posted. As it involves nobility, this is a high matter and as such can only be judged by the king himself upon his return.” With that Lord Holben sat down.
    â€œHe is right,” said some. Others objected. “It cannot wait!” The chamber once again rang with the shouts of contending voices until Ontescue held up his hands and succeeded in reducing the tumult to silence.
    â€œSurely the prince has only the best interests of the realm at heart. Therefore, I will abide by Prince Jaspin’s decision in this matter,” said Ontescue. He nodded with a sly smile toward the prince.
    â€œI defer as well,” said Sir Bran. He was aided in his opinion by Sir Grenett, who then scowled down the length of the table, daring any to defy him. Most, willingly or with reluctance, came at length to their side, opposed only by Lord Holben and several of his neighbors who cared not for Jaspin.
    â€œI maintain the king’s justice in this matter. No further moves may be taken against those charged with this crime,” Holben declared. “Here it rests until the king shall return.”
    â€œVery well,” snapped Jaspin irritably. “The matter shall go no further at present. However, it is equally a breach of the king’s law to leave an empty chair at the Council of Regents. Two members must fill those vacancies. Since we are all assembled here now, I see no reason we should not proceed to elect new regents.”
    Lord Holben started to his feet to make some