has decreased markedly in recent times,” conceded Ferguson. “Hints of this date back twenty years. It’s most likely a temporary circumstance, the punishment for some transgression. Superstitious peasants, spurred by heretical priests and so-called prophets, stoke the fires of disbelief. But I have faith, Your Majesty, that we will come through this and when the gods have restored their favor, belief in them will be stronger than ever.”
“That may be the case, Your Eminence. You’re certainly in a better position to make the determination than I am. But in the meantime, this disbelief is contributing to lawlessness. Something must be done to curb that.”
“On that subject, you would be better advised to speak to those who maintain law in the streets. Perhaps the captain of the Watch?” There was no sarcasm in the tone but the words alone were enough to push Azarak to the brink of his patience.
“If the rule of law collapses in this city the way it did in Basingham, your temple may be the first target of violence. Knowing that, Your Eminence, how can you make such a statement?”
“We trust in the king to protect us.”
“Then help me do that duty.”
“I’m at your disposal, Your Majesty. If it is within my capabilities…”
“In your estimation, what would it take to allay the fears of the populace?”
“In philosophical terms, greater faith. In practical terms, better weather, answered prayers and more miracles.”
“I can’t think of anything we can do about the first but we can ‘correct’ the other two. Wouldn’t you agree, Your Eminence?”
The trace of what might have been a smile played across Ferguson’s lips. “Are you suggesting I mislead the people into believing signs that have not been provided?”
“I’m suggesting you search out things that might be construed as answered prayers and miraculous occurrences and make those known throughout the city.”
“And if I am unable to find these things? Should the priesthood fabricate them?”
“That’s an ecclesiastical matter, Your Eminence. I wouldn’t dream to interfere or suggest how you resuscitate the people’s faith.”
“Of course not, Your Majesty. It’s dangerous for a secular ruler to dabble in religious matters.” There was a hint of warning in the prelate’s tone.
“Do I have your support in resolving this matter, Your Eminence?”
“I will do what my conscience directs me to do. If faith is found lacking in the people, I will seek to bolster it by any means which would not cause offense to the gods.”
“Then we understand each other?”
“We do, Your Majesty,” said Ferguson, rising and bowing slightly to the king. “We do indeed.”
CHAPTER FOUR: HINTS OF THE PAST
Festival! No word was more welcome to the weary citizenry of Vantok than that one. More than a holiday, such events came rarely - perhaps twice or thrice in a decade - and only when the king decreed one. On festival days, there was a general amnesty from work. Even serfs could not be forced to attend to their chores. The markets were closed and every round of beer, ale, and other spirits purchased in the city’s registered inns and taverns was placed on the Crown's tab.
The occasion of this festival, held only three weeks after the Midsummer’s holiday of the year 1583, was the announcement of an heir to the throne. Since King Azarak was without offspring and showed no inclination to remarry and secure the rulership for his bloodline, his advisors had persuaded him to name a faithful retainer to the position of Crown Prince. The assumption was that Azarak would eventually choose a new queen and have a brood of blood princes but, until that happened, provisions were necessary to secure the succession in case the unthinkable occurred. If the king died without naming a successor, chaos would ensue with every noble pressing a claim, no matter how tenuous. Thus, the naming of a temporary Crown Prince was a reason for celebration,
“That may be the case, Your Eminence. You’re certainly in a better position to make the determination than I am. But in the meantime, this disbelief is contributing to lawlessness. Something must be done to curb that.”
“On that subject, you would be better advised to speak to those who maintain law in the streets. Perhaps the captain of the Watch?” There was no sarcasm in the tone but the words alone were enough to push Azarak to the brink of his patience.
“If the rule of law collapses in this city the way it did in Basingham, your temple may be the first target of violence. Knowing that, Your Eminence, how can you make such a statement?”
“We trust in the king to protect us.”
“Then help me do that duty.”
“I’m at your disposal, Your Majesty. If it is within my capabilities…”
“In your estimation, what would it take to allay the fears of the populace?”
“In philosophical terms, greater faith. In practical terms, better weather, answered prayers and more miracles.”
“I can’t think of anything we can do about the first but we can ‘correct’ the other two. Wouldn’t you agree, Your Eminence?”
The trace of what might have been a smile played across Ferguson’s lips. “Are you suggesting I mislead the people into believing signs that have not been provided?”
“I’m suggesting you search out things that might be construed as answered prayers and miraculous occurrences and make those known throughout the city.”
“And if I am unable to find these things? Should the priesthood fabricate them?”
“That’s an ecclesiastical matter, Your Eminence. I wouldn’t dream to interfere or suggest how you resuscitate the people’s faith.”
“Of course not, Your Majesty. It’s dangerous for a secular ruler to dabble in religious matters.” There was a hint of warning in the prelate’s tone.
“Do I have your support in resolving this matter, Your Eminence?”
“I will do what my conscience directs me to do. If faith is found lacking in the people, I will seek to bolster it by any means which would not cause offense to the gods.”
“Then we understand each other?”
“We do, Your Majesty,” said Ferguson, rising and bowing slightly to the king. “We do indeed.”
CHAPTER FOUR: HINTS OF THE PAST
Festival! No word was more welcome to the weary citizenry of Vantok than that one. More than a holiday, such events came rarely - perhaps twice or thrice in a decade - and only when the king decreed one. On festival days, there was a general amnesty from work. Even serfs could not be forced to attend to their chores. The markets were closed and every round of beer, ale, and other spirits purchased in the city’s registered inns and taverns was placed on the Crown's tab.
The occasion of this festival, held only three weeks after the Midsummer’s holiday of the year 1583, was the announcement of an heir to the throne. Since King Azarak was without offspring and showed no inclination to remarry and secure the rulership for his bloodline, his advisors had persuaded him to name a faithful retainer to the position of Crown Prince. The assumption was that Azarak would eventually choose a new queen and have a brood of blood princes but, until that happened, provisions were necessary to secure the succession in case the unthinkable occurred. If the king died without naming a successor, chaos would ensue with every noble pressing a claim, no matter how tenuous. Thus, the naming of a temporary Crown Prince was a reason for celebration,
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