After the Storm
an excerpt

Tamuir hurried into the council chambers just as Stafarin brought the meeting to order. A couple of people seemed to be missing. A woman Tamuir had not seen before was in the chamber.

“First order of business is for us to determine who is still with us,” Stafarin was saying. “Where is Tane?”

The strange woman spoke. “That is why I am here, your majesty. My father will no longer be able to occupy his post as the minister of commerce.”

“Is something wrong with him?”

“Sir, he is loosing his mind. There are times when he seems normal, but at other times, he seems to be stuck in years past. We have noticed it in the family for a few years, but since the storm yesterday, it has become decidedly worse.”

“Well, this would be a bad time for us to be without him.”

“I understand. I know I don't know everything he did, but I would be willing to take his place until you can find a replacement.”

“Normally, I would not allow this. What makes you think that you could handle the position?”

“Since my father took this post, my mother and I have taken over my father's business holdings. Not only have we maintained profitability in his absence, we have doubled our earnings as well.”

“Running a business is not the same as understanding how to run the commerce post.”

“I am sure. But if you give me a chance, I know I can help.”

“Very well. If no one else objects, I see no reason why you cannot take over the position on a temporary basis while we get the city back on track. I think, for now, though, we should maintain in public that your father is still in the post. Once we are past our current crisis, I think we can safely announce a suitable replacement.”

“That will work for me,” the woman said as she sat down.

“Okay. Now, does anyone know where Spyridon is?”

“No,” Farin said. He was sitting by his brother's side. “From what I can tell, a guard saw him the day of the storm shortly before the big wave hit. No one has seen him since.”

“So it is possible that we have lost him?”

“That would be my guess for now.”

“Then after this crisis, we will have to finish that position as well. How about the priest?”

“I just came from there, matey,” the captain of the Lucky Mermaid said. “He said he 'ad matters to tend to and regrets he would be unable to attend.”

“Sure. He has matters to attend to,” said Farin. Tamuir thought he detected a hint of sarcasm.

“I wish Mysteria was here, too, brother,” Stafarin said. “But for now, she has been implicated in my assassination attempt and has apparently fled.”

“I still think that excuse is too convenient.”

“Nevertheless, we must work with what we have. Bao.”

“Yes, your majesty?”

“How much do you think that this storm will cost us?”

“It is hard to say for sure. But an early estimate would be several hundred thousand gold crowns. At least.”

A whistle came from across the table.

“We need to do whatever we can to help those affected by the storm.”

“Yes sir.”

“How are we on provisions?”

“Better, now that the dragons have brought us some meat, but we still need other things, such as grains and vegetables that we may not be able to replenish for a while,” said Farin.

“Good. As for the commerce, I think, for now, that will have to be set aside until we can get roofs over people's heads. As that begins to happen, then commerce will naturally come back into play.”

“I agree,” Tane's daughter said.

“If no one else has anything?”

Everyone around the table shook their heads except for Tamuir and Farin.

“We have one more item to discuss,” Stafarin continued. “My brother, Tamuir, and I have recently discovered a plot. The plot was set into motion during the storm. As you may have heard me say already, there has been an attempt on my life.”

“By who?” Bao asked.

“By the other person who is missing from the table. Halvard. For now, I have Zimri here filling in his role.” Stafarin pointed at the guard on his left.

“Who's behind the plot?” Tane's daugther asked.

“It would appear that Mysteria is behind the plot.”

“I don't believe it!”

“Neither do I,” said the king. “All the evidence we have discovered seems to indicate that she is the one behind it. We are still looking into it. But our search has also uncovered another alarming development.”

Farin stood up. He said, “Right now, another army is camped just outside town. We think they may attack.”

“Now?” said Bao. “We're vulnerable!”

“That's why we think they chose now to attack. Because we are vulnerable,” said Stafarin.

“Our army that had been protecting Tamin arrived last night. We had recalled them to help with the storm. Now, it seems they will have to be our defense.”

“How long can we last?” Tane's daughter asked.

“Not long. But we do have help coming,” Stafarin said. “Tamuir. When can we expect help?”

“Tonight. Tomorrow at the latest.”

“Good. Captain, we asked you here because we think there is a possibility of an attack from the sea. Although we have not spotted ships yet, we think it is a possibilty.”

“I'd feel better if I had me ship, sire,” the captain said. “But if ye had some catapults and some cannons to spare for the shoreline, I'll do what I can.”

“Anything else?”

“I'd like some pitch and some torches.”

“Do you think that will help?” Farin asked.

“Sure,” the captain said. “Ain't nothing a ship fears more than fire being flung at it.”

“I see. Good strategy.”

“I'll have my men help with the defenses.”

“Thank you captain. Farin, see to it that the soldiers on the shore follow the captain's orders.”

“Yes sir.”

“The other thing we need to discuss, then, is the safety of our citizens. We must make sure that the temple and the caves are protected. That is where most of our people have been staying. Until the army his repelled, we should warn those staying there to remain there until this is over.”

“I will see to that right away,” Farin said.

A soldier burst into the room. “General, they're here.”

Farin nodded.

“We need to get moving. Farin, see to it that blacksmith is protected. We need him to get started making stuff as soon as he can.”

“I'll see to it.”

“Dismissed. And may the gods be with us all.”