Gaerwyn sat rigid and hot in the stuffy anti-chambers of the Merchant Guild. The solemnity of the proceedings prevented windows from being open, and the dark wood room scarce allowed one to breathe. Sean was at his side with stacks of papers at the ready for any suggestion of his during the proceedings. His pate was shiny with the first beads of sweat. If the Masters of the Guild had not decided to delay the proceedings a good twenty minutes, this might have been well on its way.
The one thing in Gaerwyn's favor was Prince Maelgwn looked less than pleased with the delay as well. His Highness's manservant and guards shared an echo of that superior glower as the two accused guild masters, Masters Ifor Baeddanson and Nye Howell, made their way inside the room with perfected bows of apologetic humility. The masters did not spare a look to Gaerwyn as they took their own seats with their man at a table set apart from the other and facing the four chairs, one occupied by the prince and another empty.
In the two remaining chairs sat those guild masters who had not been implicated in the information sent to him from Ewan, Hudson, and Brother Llyr. Stony faced Master Siarl Tremain shared his grimace with both sides of the argument. His distaste for the implications and possibilities had been yelled far and wide in the halls of the guild when the petition, approved by the seal of Yransea, had arrived. Master Rhys Romney was more subdued. Few had heard him say one word or the other, but a mild complaint that he hoped he would not be detained overlong and prevented from making his commiserations with the Yransea family on the morrow.
Tension and sweat prickled at Gaerwyn?s scalp, his hair pulled back in a tight and proper tail. Lenika had helped him with it, for in his distress, he had made a mess each time, until her deft and calm fingers took over the task. She had wished him well, confidence of his success in the matter lifted his heart when he parted that morning. Now, though, he was most keenly aware of the obstacle he had chosen to conquer. Masters Tremain and Romney, men of high standing, self made men of property and influence, would have to be more than persuaded to decide against their peers.
He only hoped he had enough to do just that and rescue his name and his property from the folly of greedy men, and any other who might fall under their consuming eyes.
Master Romney cleared his throat, setting the thin droop of skin beneath his narrow chin to wiggling. ?Yes, let us get this matter on then,? he grumbled motioning for the secretary to start his notes of the proceedings. ?Prince Maelgwn, we appreciate your assistance in the matter and providing your guidance and good judgment in the place of the seat reserved for Yransea.?
Maelgwn smiled for the first time and tilted his head only the breadth of an eyelash, and one not watching him would have missed it entirely. ?Considering the circumstances, the house of Yransea felt it best to abstain from biased influence, and we-?
Gaerwyn noticed the formal use of the royal ?we? and felt his stomach knot.
?-are bound to the laws and duties of the land to see justice done.?
If His Highness could have been more formal, Gaerwyn was at a loss as to how. A glance to his opponents in the matter showed they felt delighted with this cold and ceremonial statement, as if their case was won. Gaerwyn hoped he did not look as green about the gills as a first day midshipman in his first rolling gale. It was a sensation that did not ease as the secretary began to read the lengthy document listing the charges set against Baeddanson and Howell.
?Captain Caisson,? Romney called, ?with the charges read, let us hear your evidence.?
The one thing in Gaerwyn's favor was Prince Maelgwn looked less than pleased with the delay as well. His Highness's manservant and guards shared an echo of that superior glower as the two accused guild masters, Masters Ifor Baeddanson and Nye Howell, made their way inside the room with perfected bows of apologetic humility. The masters did not spare a look to Gaerwyn as they took their own seats with their man at a table set apart from the other and facing the four chairs, one occupied by the prince and another empty.
In the two remaining chairs sat those guild masters who had not been implicated in the information sent to him from Ewan, Hudson, and Brother Llyr. Stony faced Master Siarl Tremain shared his grimace with both sides of the argument. His distaste for the implications and possibilities had been yelled far and wide in the halls of the guild when the petition, approved by the seal of Yransea, had arrived. Master Rhys Romney was more subdued. Few had heard him say one word or the other, but a mild complaint that he hoped he would not be detained overlong and prevented from making his commiserations with the Yransea family on the morrow.
Tension and sweat prickled at Gaerwyn?s scalp, his hair pulled back in a tight and proper tail. Lenika had helped him with it, for in his distress, he had made a mess each time, until her deft and calm fingers took over the task. She had wished him well, confidence of his success in the matter lifted his heart when he parted that morning. Now, though, he was most keenly aware of the obstacle he had chosen to conquer. Masters Tremain and Romney, men of high standing, self made men of property and influence, would have to be more than persuaded to decide against their peers.
He only hoped he had enough to do just that and rescue his name and his property from the folly of greedy men, and any other who might fall under their consuming eyes.
Master Romney cleared his throat, setting the thin droop of skin beneath his narrow chin to wiggling. ?Yes, let us get this matter on then,? he grumbled motioning for the secretary to start his notes of the proceedings. ?Prince Maelgwn, we appreciate your assistance in the matter and providing your guidance and good judgment in the place of the seat reserved for Yransea.?
Maelgwn smiled for the first time and tilted his head only the breadth of an eyelash, and one not watching him would have missed it entirely. ?Considering the circumstances, the house of Yransea felt it best to abstain from biased influence, and we-?
Gaerwyn noticed the formal use of the royal ?we? and felt his stomach knot.
?-are bound to the laws and duties of the land to see justice done.?
If His Highness could have been more formal, Gaerwyn was at a loss as to how. A glance to his opponents in the matter showed they felt delighted with this cold and ceremonial statement, as if their case was won. Gaerwyn hoped he did not look as green about the gills as a first day midshipman in his first rolling gale. It was a sensation that did not ease as the secretary began to read the lengthy document listing the charges set against Baeddanson and Howell.
?Captain Caisson,? Romney called, ?with the charges read, let us hear your evidence.?