The king watched from the window as the cart carried the coffin away from the palace grounds, crossing the grassy hills and muddied roads, back towards Laoce.
He wore the ceremonial robes of an official in mourning: a black tunic with a golden sash and a long robe covering it. His fine hairs of his head were thinning after many years of consideration and ware.
"Near thirty years that man was here," he said, pondering. His voice was rugged and old.
"Even so, my lord, all men die," came the voice of his son's armor bearer in reply. "It is fitting that we should find a replacement for him. We could shape the kingdom through one man's office. What of El'cham Smith of Pergum or Dianne Icei of Tyra?"
The gray eyes of the aged king looked on the young man with skepticism and warning. The man was ruddy with a sharp, angular face, and dark hair. His eyes were a pale violet mixed with grey. His body was that of a warrior: lanky and muscular.
"What of Rupert Chan, or... Daniel Sardis, if not. A man of Sa'ar is always one of reason and values. Surely, this should please my lord."
"It is not our place, Ramus," Stephan said at last, his voice low.
"But my lord, King Stephan, you are king. Whether in Pyre or the four realms of Altrüon, is there a thing which is outside of your power? The man is of your court."
Stephan sighed, turning his eyes back to the rain dropped window.
'Will he ever be to me a thorn, though his sword has been to me a scepter?'
"There are ten positions of the Court given to the king's pleasure that he may appoint them, and would you have me take one of the two which are not given me? No." He shook his head and sighed again. "No, the ambassador must be appointed by the Council of the Kingsmen. He is their representative before the throne in Pyre, and I will not usurp their authority."
"But, sir, the wrong appointment could result in a lifetime of trouble for us all. Benzulum was a very practical and reasonable person, but he did not share your vision. Suppose the Council was to send another man who is not properly acclimated to the present political climate. The results could be disastrous. How could you work with such a man?"
"I would manage it, Ramus, because I must. The ambassador is the Council's representative. He is not mine. Or would you have me select the Seer, also?"
"I find no fault in Sebastian," Ramus replied. "Although, his selection of a woman as his successor is quite unusual and strange. Perhaps we..."
"Stop it, Ramus," Casper ordered him from his place in a chair. He had remained silent until that time, but he had clearly had enough of the conversation's back and forth.
The prince was a tall man and handsome. He was the picture of health, a strong man and built. His hair was a sandy curl. His face was round, comely and freckled. His golden brown eyes glinted like amber in the light and he smiled determinedly.
"My father gave you his answer," Casper reminded his armor bearer. "You ought to show respect for it."
Stephan smirked. 'Perhaps he's learning after all.'
"But Prince Casper," his friend sputtered, clearly taken off guard.
'We should correct him more regularly for his occasional laxness in conduct.'
"Ramus, calm yourself," he laxly encouraged him. "The Council will do well in choosing an ambassador fitting for the times, just as Seer Trimble has done well in his selection. Dorcus has done well for us these past months, and she is still learning. Now, as far as the ambassador is concerned, I am confident that we will receive a man well able to serve us and the interests of the Kingsmen and their Council."
Ramus hesitated to answer him. He stood in the midst of the room lightly trembling. Then, very slowly, he began to speak. "Prince Casper, have I not served you well these years, and have we not seen many battles together? Have I not been by your side in each moment of glory and danger?"
"Ramus," he said, "you have been better to me than any man. You have proven yourself as an integral part of the kingdom, and you have won the people's hearts and ours."
"Then, my lord, if I have your favor, hear me now. The Kingsmen Council is unqualified to choose the recipient of a position on the court of a king. The laws are in need of reform, and this is the perfect time. Act now and see the blessing of Himmel and its King. If you do not, who knows what manner of man they may send us."
Ramus spoke delicately, but Stephan felt a twisting of his heart in his chest. 'Is it not enough that he should stand in the presence of a king or that he should be friend to one who inherits a kingdom? Must he now insist that we two become rulers of all and take control of that which is not ours to decide?'
Casper laughed. "Ramus, your persistence is admirable but sorely misplaced. We will put our trust in Himmel's providence. Why, even now Sebastian is on his way to Elkshire to lend his insights to the representatives from the regions."
"Very well, my lord," Ramus said with a reverential bow. "May it be done according to the wishes of my Lord the King and the Prince after him."
Stephan watched him and nodded. 'All seems well, but... perhaps a hint of ire? A brilliant mind and cunning... but prideful. Surely, he is not convinced of our decision.'
He leaned against the wall, turning his eyes again to the windowpane and the castle grounds beyond it. "Sebastian will do well for us," the king declared. "He has been good to me these many years, as has his King... and mine." He turned his eyes to Ramus. "Perhaps you have forgotten I am not a god that I should kill and make alive. While it is true that all men die, this death is not opportunistic for me. It is for my blessing." He stroked the faded grey of his long beard thoughtfully. "Yes, Ramus, I am expecting this next ambassador shall be one better than any I could hope or select for me... and for my sons after me. Why should I deprive myself of that blessing by choosing for myself a man of lesser good?"