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“…two boys arrested for hunting deer in the royal forest, a husband and wife sentenced to death for practising unnatural arts, and three instances of incitement to riotous behaviour in the market square. Two of the instigators have been arrested, to be charged later today, and one is still at large.”
“A man and his wife.” The Lord Chancellor mused. “How many instances of witchcraft does that make this month?”
“Nine, my lord.” Mr Tannar replied. He shuffled his papers idly. “It is certainly higher than last month, but I suspect the rise is due to the new Captain of the City Guard. He seems rather more… enthusiastic about certain aspects of the job.”
“Enthusiastic or not,” The Lord Chancellor replied, “He could not arrest the people if the crime wasn’t being committed. Make sure the Guard are on the alert for it, Tannar. We can’t let this sort of thing get out of control.
Mr Tannar made a quick note, then turned the Lord Chancellor’s attention to a more pressing matter.
“The Queen-in-Waiting is become more troublesome, my Lord.”
“Explain what you mean by ‘more troublesome’.”
“She has demanded that she be allowed to sit in on the council when it meets next, despite the fact that the Queen will be present. She does not seem to trust the council members to protect the city on their own. I think she means to force the issue of trade with the Lowlands.”
“We cannot, and will not, trade with the Lowlands. She knows that.”
“She believes that it is the only way to bring the city through this time of famine.”
“Then she must not be allowed to sit on the council. Inform her that her presence is not required tomorrow, and if she wishes to object, she may take the matter up with the Queen.”
“Very good, my Lord.” Mr Tannar made another note. “One final item – the lesser royalty wish to have more of a presence at council. They want another two seats.”
“They already have more seats than they should. Tell them to stop getting greedy, or I will have two of their seats removed.”
“As you wish.”
“And let the Queen know that I will not be able to make our appointment until the fifth bell.” The Lord Chancellor sighed. “We have run worryingly short of her medication – I have to request more from my personal physic.” A satisfied smile crossed his face. “He is proving invaluable – perhaps we should look into the possibility of moving him to a cell with a better view.”
“Indeed, my Lord.”
“Thank you, Tannar. That will be all.”
Mr Tannar left the Lord Chancellor to his musings. It was funny where life took you, he thought. When he had joined the Chancellor’s staff all those years ago, he would never have believed he would be part of a royal coup. But treason suited his lord, and it made his own job much more interesting. With a smile, Mr Tannar returned to his work, overthrowing the crown in his own small way.
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