you and I both know that the house is haunted
and you and I both know that the ghost is me
The visit, although pleasant, is underlined with the severity of Beqanna’s political climate, and Magnus would have to be deaf and blind to not know it. He knew that Weir was most likely here because the Dale wanted to get a feel for the other kingdoms, and he knew that they were doing it to gain their bearings. Not that he blamed them. It would be wise for all of the kingdoms to come to terms with what they would do should war finally befall them. Not all would participate, but they would not be able to ignore it.
First, Magnus turns to Fynnegan, and his smile is warm. “They can’t remove them—not completely—but our kingdom’s entity is young. All kingdom’s are, and its power is diminished if it is hurt the way that it was. Who knows how it will behave should trouble stir at the Gates’ border again, but there is concern that it will not be as strong as it could be had it not been attacked at all.” He rolls his scarred shoulders, “Not that we will let such concerns hold us back. We are strong, and we can stand up to a future fight.”
Then, his gold-flecked eyes turn back to Weir. “No need to apologize. It is difficult enough to govern your own kingdom without constantly being drawn away to other kingdoms—friendly or not. We appreciate that you took the time to come see us today.” His blood sings at Weir’s proposal and despite the fact that he does not currently have any sway in the diplomatic caste, he is Lord and feels comfortable talking on behalf of the kingdom. “I am sure we would be agreeable to working alongside the Dale.” At least, Magnus certainly would; he had spent years there fighting for their army. “Perhaps we can arrange for a time for our two Kings to meet and discuss the details after you have returned home?”
Finally, he glances down at his adopted daughter and his smile is brief and sad. “They don’t know any better, little love. Many of them have been taught their entire lives that to destroy is to be powerful and that to be powerful is the most important thing in the world.” He nuzzles her quickly. “They’re wrong.”
With a laugh, he straightens, shaking out the inky darkness of his mane, before winking toward the small stallion in the group. “Would you be surprised if I told you that I’m older then I look?” His body was still in its prime—muscles strong and lean, scars telling a million stories of his past—but his mind was much, much older. Ancient to some, newborn to others. “I believe I am nearing a century soon, although many of those years were lost to me.” Another shrug. “All the same, the name does not ring a bell to me. It was perhaps, before or after my time. Still, I am sure that he was a good man.”
MAGNUS
once general. once lord. once king.