Isheda stepped out onto the floor with him and put a hand on Ruith’s shoulder.
Ruith took a deep breath, lowered his notes, and lifted his head. “My father was a complicated person. You all know his story, and you may think you know mine. You may call me a prodigal son. A puppet king. More human than elf. Call me what you will, but I stand before you today as proof that humans and elves can work together. When we do, we can change the world. I spent six years building up my Crow mercenaries. Six years leading men and elves to work together toward a common goal. That is what I have come here to do. That is the legacy I wish to build. But I cannot do that alone. Though I am honored to bear my father’s title as Primarch, I cannot in good conscience be King of Roque, king consort of Brucia, and Primarch of the elves. That is too many titles for one elf. And so I come before you with one command. Within thirty days, this assembly is to hold a special election to choose my successor.”
A murmur went through the crowd as the councilmen and their aides all leaned in to discuss the ramifications of Ruith’s announcement. It was customary for the title to pass from father to son upon death. They had expected Ruith to return and serve out the rest of his father’s term, but Ruith could not bear the idea of spending two long years in D’thallanar away from Eris. Not with a child on the way and war on the horizon. He was casting off hundreds of years of tradition with his request.
“Does Clan Deepfrost intend to maintain a vote in this assembly?” Niro asked, and a hush spread through the room.
Ruith faced him. “Clan Deepfrost will choose a new representative to serve in my place. I intend to return to Brucia.”
Niro studied him with an intense gaze before turning to the crowd. “Does the Primarch have a second?”
Lord Redrock nodded. “I think a special election is wise, if we can ensure that it will befair.”
Niro paced to the center of the chamber. “Are you asserting that my integrity is compromised, Lord Redrock?”
Redrock glanced from Niro to Ruith. “I am only concerned for the role that these human cities and this new alliance impressed upon us might have in these elections. The Sagacious Assembly has yet to be presented with the official documents. We will need time to review them.”
Ruith nodded and went back to where Aryn stood, retrieving the thick stack of papers from him. He held it up for everyone to see. “This is the official document drafted between Primarch Taratheil, Queen Eris, and myself.” He held it out to Niro, who took it with a slight bow.
“My scribes will provide all of you with copies within the next forty-eight hours,” Niro promised. “And we shall reconvene in three days for nominations. Until then, this assembly is adjourned.” He walked back to the desk and waved his hand over a glowing orb. The orb went dark, signaling an end to the meeting.
Ruith let out a relieved breath as the assembly members and their staff vacated the hall.
“You did well,” Isheda said, patting him on the back. “Your father would be proud.”
“I never wanted to be here,” Ruith said with a sigh. “And yet here I am.”
“Primarch Ruith.” Niro approached and bowed. “We haven’t been properly introduced. I am Niro Wolfheart. It was my honor to be chosen as the late Primarch’s Voice in this assembly. I was devastated to hear of his passing. You have my deepest condolences.”
“Thank you,” Ruith said, trading grips with Niro. He had a good, firm handshake that made Ruith take a near instant liking to him, even if he seemed unremarkable so far.
When Niro turned to Isheda, however, his face blossomed with a smile of familiarity. “Lord Isheda! It’s good to see you again. How is Lady Emmanthe?”
“She’s bearing the loss, as we all are,” Isheda said carefully.
“Please extend my most heartfelt condolences to her as well.” Niro’s face softened and his eyes dropped. “And who is this handsome young elf?”
“My son,” Ruith said, placing a protective hand on Faelyn’s shoulder. “Faelyn Starfall-Deepfrost.”
Niro’s smile faded, and he gave Ruith another glance. “An interesting choice for him to bear such a name. Faelyn was a great king, and the Starfall name is one with many songs and legends attached to it. You have a lot to live up to, young Faelyn. Big things will be expected of you.”
Faelyn said nothing.
Niro’s attention shifted to Aryn, who lingered on the far side of the assembly hall, watching the people exiting with his sharp gaze. He studied Aryn with careful eyes before turning to Ruith, his smile tight. “I served at your father’s pleasure, Primarch Ruith, and though we are strangers, I look forward to getting to know you and your entourage over this next month.” He bowed, collected his papers, and with one more long glance back at Aryn, left the chamber.
Ruith snorted as Aryn came to join him. “He’s going to run as my replacement.”
“Almost certainly,” Aryn agreed. “As well as Redrock.”
“Find out everything there is to know about Niro Wolfheart,” Ruith commanded. “I don’t care what you have to do, or who you have to bribe, stab, or threaten. I want to know everything before we’re back in this chamber again, Aryn.”
Aryn frowned up at Ruith. “You don’t trust him?”
“I don’t trust anyone with an agenda,” Ruith said. “Niro has one, but we don’t even know what it is. Find me dirt, Aryn. If he so much as sneezes, I want to know about it.”
“As you wish,” Aryn said with a nod.
Eight