Read Online DemonWars Saga Volume 2: Mortalis - Ascendance - Transcendence - Immortalis (The DemonWars Saga) by R.A. Salvatore - Free Book Online
Authors: R.A. Salvatore
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than St.-Mere-Abelle. Yes, that might prove wise in these troubled times.”
The other monks around the table didn’t seem to agree at all. “The College is always held at St.-Mere-Abelle,” Brother Viscenti pointed out rather sharply.
“But, perhaps—” Je’howith started.
“We have not discussed the location,” Brother Braumin put in, “and now is not the time to announce any such change as you propose.”
Brother Viscenti started to respond again, as did Brother Francis, while Brother Talumus and some of his St. Precious entourage began talking excitedly about the possibilities of such an honor. But then suddenly King Danube slammed his fist on the table and leaped up from his seat.
“I have warned you!” he began. “All of you, to put your house in order. Can you not see the fear on the faces of the people you pretend to serve? Can you not understand that your foolish bickering will rip this kingdom apart, spiritually at least? Well, I shall have none of it!”
“Brother Braumin and I have come to agreement concerning the next father abbot,” announced Je’howith, obviously uncomfortable at the startling outburst and likely regretting his suggestion of a change of location for the College.
King Danube settled back into his seat, staring at Braumin for confirmation, as were many surprised Abellican monks.
“We have come to … an understanding,” Braumin began. “My choice, and Father Abbot Markwart’s—repentant Father Abbot Markwart’s—choice to lead our Church sits beside me,” he explained, patting Pony’s shoulder. “But, alas, Jilseponie will not heed our call at this time, and so Abbot Je’howith and I have found some common ground.”
“And will the rest of us be enlightened concerning that ground?” a scowlingMaster Francis put in.
“Of course,” Brother Braumin replied. “We made no decisions—such are not ours to make—but merely discussed the matter and tried to find some agreement, a proposal shaped between us that I might bring to my colleagues and Abbot Je’howith to his.”
Francis nodded, indicating that Braumin should go on.
“We must speak privately about this,” Braumin answered and turned to the King. “But the College of Abbots will succeed in its task of appointment, and of the correct appointment for the times. I assure you, your Majesty.”
“As we have come to agree on the new abbot of St. Precious,” Je’howith added, surprising everyone. “Master Francis, with great generosity and foresight, has abdicated the post, and plans to nominate …” He paused and motioned to Francis.
“I had th-thought that Brother Braumin,” Francis stuttered, obviously caught off his guard. “Once he has been formally proclaimed as master …”
“Yes,” they heard Brother Talumus say with enthusiasm.
“Immaculate Brother Braumin will become interim abbot of St. Precious within the week,” Abbot Je’howith insisted, “and we will formalize that appointment as soon as we have heard any assenting or dissenting arguments.”
King Danube looked at Braumin, and the monk shrugged. “If asked to serve, I would not refuse,” he said.
Danube nodded, apparently satisfied with that. He paused then and put his chin in his hand, his gaze drifting off to nowhere in particular. All the rest of the people around the table likewise quieted in deference to the King, and Pony understood then that Danube was in control here and that the brothers of the Abellican Church would do well to disturb him not at all. The less King Danube needed to turn his gaze toward the Church, the better the Church would survive.
Danube remained apparently distant for a long while—Pony got the distinct feeling that the man was testing the patience of those around him, waiting to see if anyone would dare to speak. Finally, he sat up straight and stared at Pony.
“And is your decision—or shall I call it your compromise?—Brother Braumin, that it will be a man or a woman who
The other monks around the table didn’t seem to agree at all. “The College is always held at St.-Mere-Abelle,” Brother Viscenti pointed out rather sharply.
“But, perhaps—” Je’howith started.
“We have not discussed the location,” Brother Braumin put in, “and now is not the time to announce any such change as you propose.”
Brother Viscenti started to respond again, as did Brother Francis, while Brother Talumus and some of his St. Precious entourage began talking excitedly about the possibilities of such an honor. But then suddenly King Danube slammed his fist on the table and leaped up from his seat.
“I have warned you!” he began. “All of you, to put your house in order. Can you not see the fear on the faces of the people you pretend to serve? Can you not understand that your foolish bickering will rip this kingdom apart, spiritually at least? Well, I shall have none of it!”
“Brother Braumin and I have come to agreement concerning the next father abbot,” announced Je’howith, obviously uncomfortable at the startling outburst and likely regretting his suggestion of a change of location for the College.
King Danube settled back into his seat, staring at Braumin for confirmation, as were many surprised Abellican monks.
“We have come to … an understanding,” Braumin began. “My choice, and Father Abbot Markwart’s—repentant Father Abbot Markwart’s—choice to lead our Church sits beside me,” he explained, patting Pony’s shoulder. “But, alas, Jilseponie will not heed our call at this time, and so Abbot Je’howith and I have found some common ground.”
“And will the rest of us be enlightened concerning that ground?” a scowlingMaster Francis put in.
“Of course,” Brother Braumin replied. “We made no decisions—such are not ours to make—but merely discussed the matter and tried to find some agreement, a proposal shaped between us that I might bring to my colleagues and Abbot Je’howith to his.”
Francis nodded, indicating that Braumin should go on.
“We must speak privately about this,” Braumin answered and turned to the King. “But the College of Abbots will succeed in its task of appointment, and of the correct appointment for the times. I assure you, your Majesty.”
“As we have come to agree on the new abbot of St. Precious,” Je’howith added, surprising everyone. “Master Francis, with great generosity and foresight, has abdicated the post, and plans to nominate …” He paused and motioned to Francis.
“I had th-thought that Brother Braumin,” Francis stuttered, obviously caught off his guard. “Once he has been formally proclaimed as master …”
“Yes,” they heard Brother Talumus say with enthusiasm.
“Immaculate Brother Braumin will become interim abbot of St. Precious within the week,” Abbot Je’howith insisted, “and we will formalize that appointment as soon as we have heard any assenting or dissenting arguments.”
King Danube looked at Braumin, and the monk shrugged. “If asked to serve, I would not refuse,” he said.
Danube nodded, apparently satisfied with that. He paused then and put his chin in his hand, his gaze drifting off to nowhere in particular. All the rest of the people around the table likewise quieted in deference to the King, and Pony understood then that Danube was in control here and that the brothers of the Abellican Church would do well to disturb him not at all. The less King Danube needed to turn his gaze toward the Church, the better the Church would survive.
Danube remained apparently distant for a long while—Pony got the distinct feeling that the man was testing the patience of those around him, waiting to see if anyone would dare to speak. Finally, he sat up straight and stared at Pony.
“And is your decision—or shall I call it your compromise?—Brother Braumin, that it will be a man or a woman who
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