"Well,Your Majesty,the appointment of a Lord Chief Wizard is of course in your gift...it is traditionally done at the Grand Craftmoot in Dun Airtt,where all the schools gather to pledge loyalty to the Crown.Normally this takes place every thirteenth spring,but there is always an extra when a new monarch accedes.You shall need to travel there,and make your choice."
"I'm sure there are competing factions there as well",Katie said.Just like the different sports teams among the jocks.
"Indeed there are,and you will not find them all here at court nor am I as familiar with them as I am with the Council...a Lord Chief Wizard generally sees that Council seats for wizards are filled only by those from his own school or those rivals he can not ignore." Herrimar paused."The senior wizard on the Council would surely rule himself out...Joador was the lover of your cousin,the beautiful and reckless Princess Kadalisia,who was next in line to the Throne until the Morkaldori slew her with a magebolt as she and Joador were having an insufficiently guarded picnic.He has never forgiven himself.It was after that,six years ago,that Prince Kadisphoros returned to Lysfamar Mor from Dun Roseimonolin,where if you can believe it he had been studying the intricacies of how to wear a beret.I'm not sure I believe it." Herrimar snorted."At any rate,King Kalyndros was able to keep the factions in check....until he was killed himself.Now,we only have you...and are caught between the hatred of the Morkaldori and the ambitions of Criofan,with our country divided on what to do."
"So you don't like Kadisphoros and you're not sure I'm up to the job...but since you don't like the alternative,why did you challenge me at the Council?" Katie felt secure enough to ask now.
Herrimar took a deep breath."If the Crown HAD gone astray...if it had not brought the true heiress to us...we had to know at once.And otherwise,it was best that your legitimacy be demonstrated as soon as possible,in front of all." He bowed."Am I forgiven,Your Majesty?"
Katie nodded.
Tue Jan 13 19:37:07 2004