Of Heroes And Villains (Book 4) Read Online Free Page A

position?”
    “No, I’m sorry,” he said, bowing again. “My presence in your court is because I currently have a quarrel with the Langoran Order. Ever since the creation of the Orders three years ago, they have been trying to alter our creed, and our current Order Master, bless his soul, has been very cordial in accommodating the ‘brutes,’ his words, not mine. I am here to say that if I take the position of Order Master, I will not be as kind. However, I also do not want to upset our reverent Queen. I seek your wisdom. Personally, I believe wholeheartedly that each Order should maintain and uphold their beliefs and the culture of their respective people, but they should not seek to change the ideals of others. The Langoran Order should stay in Languor. Am I wrong?”
    James burst out laughing, and Seeker’s alarmed eyes fixed upon him.
    “What is so funny, Master Sage, if I may ask?”
    “Just that we hear this kind of complaint every day. The Orders—always at each other’s throats. Did you already talk to Master Torill about your intentions?”
    “I am here to speak with the Queen, good sir.”
    “This is the one point in which I get to have my say,” James said, leaning forward in his throne chair. Catherine nodded in approval. “The Queen has asked me and Arimus to keep a taut leash on the Orders, so that there is still peace among us. A little conflict and opposition is healthy, especially so we don’t end up thinking too highly of ourselves, but it’s supposed to stay at exactly that: a little conflict. The individual Orders were created to promote alternative thought, not pigeonhole the people into one way of thinking.”
    “You assume much, Master Sage,” he smiled. “The Allayan Order—“
    “—is just like the other two Orders. The only underlying theme is that each of you think that you have the solution to how we should handle the United Kingdoms. The world is far more complicated than you can claim to know. I’m sure you’ve read of Thorn?”
    “Who hasn’t?” Seeker muttered.
    “That man—that Allayan—nearly destroyed us all, and took our souls in the process. The former King of Allay nearly brought everyone to ruin for his own selfish goals. Now, did anyone question his motives in the beginning? No. Everyone believed that because he was the King, he knew what was best, and we were wrong. The people of Allay placed their faith in the wrong person, and many lives were lost as a result. So you can talk all you like, but what I’m saying is, in order to convince the people that your Order speaks the truth, not a truth, but the truth? You are going to have to fight for their trust as well as ours. We were fooled once. Not again.”
    “If the Langorans are to stay in Allay, then I will say this. I will not be merciful when it comes to what I have to say. My denouncement of their Order will be harsh and sharp. I am sure they will respond in kind. Is that a more desirable solution than a separation?”
    “As long as you remember who holds the end of the leash,” James said. Seeker smiled and nodded at him, then at Catherine. He left of his own accord.
    “Perhaps we should speak with the Order Master,” James grumbled, but Catherine shook her head.
    “We promised not to thrust ourselves unnecessarily into their affairs. If Seeker is to be the next in line, then it is not just what their Order wanted, it is the people’s choice as well.”
    “It’s starting to sound like it’s all getting out of hand. The unrest. Meanwhile, we’re here in the castle, just waiting for all of it to boil over.”
    “Not exactly,” she said, turning to James. “The Sage Academy opens in three days. Once it is well underway, it will help exponentially.”
    “How? I thought we were just organizing all the Sages that have been born. You know, giving them a place to practice and stuff.”
    “It’s more than that,” she replied, and James raised an eyebrow. “I was uncertain about re-opening