He always felt a tad bit annoyed when he left the halls of the Obsidian Citadel. THe grand city was so
much more advanced and prosperous than the rest of Sushold. But he knew that the mission he
carried was important and he was just a small cog in a massive machine that made sure the realms of
men would not fall into chaos. At least, that is what master Maeral always said, but he was a
dithering fool, now that Cedric thought about it. The sound of his chuckle scared away a sparrow in
the underbrush next to the road.
The smell of the castle met him earlier than the sight or sound of it. He just wished he did not have
to stop at that damned castle on his way to his real destination. The cooking fires and refuse that
always accompanied such a large castle.
Gods, he missed the Citadel.
Now that he was closer the colours of lord Birchwood were visible on the flagpoles. Cedric frowned,
thinking about the last time they met. He was appalled by the lack of respect the lord showed
Cedric’s masters. Birchwood saw himself as equal to them which was expected from a man who
thought himself king. The lands belonging to Birchwood were not that large to begin with, let alone
his regard within the Citadel.
The doors croaked as he entered the great hall, though what was supposed to be great about it,
Cedric could not really tell. He approached lord Birchwood who was seated in his large chair, you
could hardly call it a throne to be honest. Cedric bowed his head to the lord and then to his Lady who
stood beside her husband. From the corner of his eyes a figure moved and when he looked he saw a
boy, clothed in fine livery, probably the son of the lord.
“It has been a while since a guard of the council stood before me. The council must have been busy
of late,” lord Birchwood stated. He looked pensively at Cedric for a few moments. “Have we met
before?”
“I am Cedric of Dayne, my lord.”
“Cedric? You’ve changed since the last time we met. What tidings do you bring from the council?”
Cedric paused and thought how he should bring this news as he knew lord Birchwood would not see
it as news at all.
“The Earl of Ludingen has passed away,” he finally said.
“Yes, I’ve heard, what of it?”
“The death of the Earl of Ludingen was not considered a natural death, nor was the death of his son.”
Cedric saw lord Birchwood frown but decided to press on.
“The council is investigating the matters, but Ludingen cannot go without a ruler which means that
his second son, Rickard of Ludingen, will be the new earl. It is also a public secret that you, lord, and
now Earl Rickard have had a troubled history.”
‘Pfff, is that all? I don’t think that Rickard still holds a grudge over something that happened a long
time ago.’
‘His recent statements suggest otherwise, lord, if you just....’
‘This was before he was made Earl,’ Lord Birchwood interrupted and waved his hand as if trying to
swat a fly. “Rising to a position of ruling changes most men.”
“Have you met with the Earl recently, lord?” Cedric said, trying to hide the annoyance in his voice.
“Tell the council that there is no need for concern,” Lord Birchwood replied and rose from his seat,
dismissing Cedric. “That will be all.”
Cedric paused and looked at the lord, before finally bowing his head and turning away. He heard his
footsteps echo through the empty hall and shook his head to the stubbornness of the nobility.
bij langere verhalen in het engels.