The Lead Crown, Chapter 1-6: Thaddius
Tranquil Waters: The Lead Crown Ch 1-6, Thaddius
"Lady Rebeckah." Thaddius spoke aloud, holding the small picture in his paw. It was an artist's rendition of the full-figured red wolf woman; the artist had obviously taken many liberties, as she did not come anywhere near close to the aesthetic beauty of the imaginary bitch in the illustration. Perhaps, he considered, most of that could have been blamed on her personality... which was far more abrasive than the course canvas of the picture.
"She did not meet your approval, your highness." the firm, yet neutral tone of Brother Maynard was as much questioning as it was observing.
"She was pompous." responded the wolf, putting the picture down as he turned to regard the black Labrador. Brother Maynard's tone was neutral, but Thaddius could detect a hint of displeasure from him.
"Lady Rebeckah is from a high-born family and a very noble lineage." the priest responded calmly, "She has the right to carry a certain air about her."
"That does not excuse her dullness." Thaddius felt a certain degree of disobedience pressing its way through his usually well-rehearsed discretion; in truth, the red wolf bitch had been nearly unbearable.
"She was brought up to be courtly, your Highness." the Labrador noted, strolling into the black wolf's room and looking around at the recently-changed décor, "Honestly, Thaddius... you cannot expect a proper high-born woman to take an interest in hunting, or sword play, or fisticuff... not that the last of the list is proper for a king either." Brother Maynard lowered his voice for the judgmental portion of the comment.
"Honestly, Brother..." the wolf sighed, rubbing the top of his head in exasperation, "How can a woman be both boring and over excitable at the same time?"
The dog smiled, infinite patience obviously renewed, "She had little interest in your past times, your Highness... but it was obvious she had taken an interest in you."
"Or in the possibility of becoming queen." Thaddius quickly added.
"Of course." Brother Maynard nodded his head at that, stooping over to start collecting several carelessly discarded articles of clothing, "That IS what we want, is it not?" his smile took a slightly more jovial nature, "Or were you seeking a wife that would worm her way into every last one of your daily activities?"
Thaddius took a deep breath, understanding the priest's wisdom the moment he heard it, "No... you are right, Brother... I see your meaning." He rose from his place by his desk, opening the drawer so he could deposit an envelope before shutting it once more, "Far better that the thought of being a queen occupies her time than the prospect of being a wife... we know that I could never be a husband." he straightened up and smoothed out his undershirt-- he'd long-since discarded his tunic, vest, and overcoat to improve his comfort.
"You WILL be a husband, your Highness... and a good one. After all, it is written in the Testament of Jordan that no King will ever be a better ruler--"
"Than he is a husband." the wolf finished the quote for the Labrador with a grumble, speaking in a far different voice than was proper.
"Your tone is combative." Brother Maynard observed, "We will speak no more of Lady Rebeckah tonight."
"Then what would you prefer to be the topic of discussion, Brother?" Thaddius smiled at the old dog, hoping his invitation would be clear. Brother Maynard often followed up the visits of prospective queens with a prayer session-- incentive for the wolf to behave. Sadly, his suggestion was either ignored, or overlooked.
"A heathen has escaped Newport." the Labrador tossed the armful of raiments into a nearby clothing hamper, "And has eluded capture."
"Send out the Templars." the wolf responded with a shrug, "A heathen will not get far when the people learn of his brand."
"This heathen was not branded." Brother Maynard took a seat in the cleaned chair, "And the situation is... too... sensitive to send the Templars."
"Why would--" Thaddius was going to ask a question, but he quickly realized the answer, "He must have been a member of the clergy there."
"Friar Arlowe Few." the Labrador explained. The Brother apparently didn't miss the way Thaddius' ears raised at the recognition of the name, "Ah... you remember him, do you?"
"He served at the Cathedral here for a number of years." confirmed the wolf, "He always seemed so..."
"Pious?" the priest raised an eyebrow, "Loyal?" his ears rose as well.
"Liked." Thaddius responded simply.
"He was." confirmed the Labrador with a scowl, "By the clergy and our flock... so now you can see why the Church is concerned with causing so much commotion."
The wolf was quiet for several long seconds as he examined the old dog. His next words were worded carefully, "You would like me to issue a warrant."
"The Church itself would expect it, your Highness." confirmed the Labrador, "Friar Arlowe has been preaching heresy from a position within the Clergy... such a thing is--"
"Inexcusable?" Thaddius offered.
Brother Maynard flicked an ear, his face becoming unreadable as he uttered the next few words, "It is believed his son helped him to escape."
"His..." the wolf paused, "son?" Thaddius rubbed his chin in thought, "A Friar has a son?" he closed the desk drawer before finally moving away from it, "How could a Friar have a son if he has held true to his vows?"
"How indeed." it was a statement, blatant and obvious.
"What would you have me do?" the noble inquired of the priest.
"Send a warrant for his capture, and for those who aided him." Brother Maynard issued the statement in a frank and matter-of-fact manner, "If the Church and Lehsunia's king stand united then those who oppose you will realize the power with which they are in conflict. It will bring this nation closer to peace."
"What of the power of the University?" Thaddius questioned, "To have created something that would destroy two entire city blocks was--"
"Was a disaster... and a failure." the Labrador quickly interjected.
"There were rumors that it was a weapon." the black wolf stroked his muzzle in thought.
"Idiocy." the priest snorted, "To have used it on their own backyard would have been madness." Brother Maynard shook his head, "No, your highness... it was supposed to have been a flying machine that rode on the wind."
Thaddius' ears raised immediately, "But..." he lowered his voice, "Flight is the purview of the Dragons."
"Just so." the priest nodded, "And so the University was punished by God for their transgressions. That is all we need to know."
"But... the people of Newport were harmed greatly by this activity." the wolf objected.
"A peripheral punishment for supporting such heresy." Brother Maynard acknowledged, "The Church needs not get involved, as their own hubris will be their downfall."
"I could outlaw the University." the wolf offered, "I cannot let their activities harm the people of Lehsunia."
"No, your Highness... any attempt to affect the University in such a way would bring horrible political backlash from the people and Noriene's support will only grow."
Thaddius banged his paw on the bedpost beside him, "This is unacceptable! How is a king supposed to help his people if he can do nothing for fear of reprisal from forces that, by all account should have no voice in matters?"
"This is the princess versus yourself, child." Brother Maynard reached out and rested a paw on the wolf's bristled shoulder, "We must play the game her way-- only then can we have a decisive victory."
"Then I suppose you will have me do nothing about the issue at the Newport docks?" the wolf's hackles did not lower.
"The docks?" the Labrador withdrew his touch, "Of what issues do you speak, your Highness?" he sat back down in the chair and folded his paws in his lap.
"Ilyse and Wyra." Thaddius snorted, "How have you not heard of it?" he questioned, surprised that the priest who knew everything was not informed, "I would have thought that you would have been aware the very day it happened."
"Well, child..." Brother Maynard chuckled calmly despite the grave discussion, "I would dare say that nobody but God Himself would find out about information from so far away in as little time as the same day."
"It was eight days ago!" the wolf objected.
"Seven." the priest countered, "You know we have talked about exaggerating, your Highness." he took on his authoritative tone.
Thaddius was reproached, but only for a moment until he realized, "You DID know about it." and he cocked his head to the side, "Why was I not informed?" despite himself, the wolf's voice had raised in volume as he gripped the wooden bedframe in frustration.
"They will be handled, my child... calm yourself." Brother Maynard noted calmly, "You were not informed for the very reason you now show: your inability to act creates anger in you, Thaddius... and the resolutions to problems created by angry men cannot be made by angry men."
The wolf closed his eyes, gritting his teeth as he took in a deep breath. He exhaled slowly and repeated the action... then once more... and finally began to feel his hackles lower, "You are right, Brother Maynard... as always." he took a calmer breath and let that one out as well before adding, "I was not questioning you."
"Of course you were." the labrador smiled, reaching out a paw to the wolf; Thaddius offered him one in return, which the old dog clasped in both of his, "You would not be a good king if you did not question... and you ARE a good king."
"I will be..." Thaddius nodded, "when this is all over."
"Despite what your sister claims you ARE still king, your Highness." the priest stated, standing up as he let go of the wolf's paw, "Privy to many matters of council and given insight into the most important affairs of state and church."
"And I am grateful for that trust, Brother Maynard." Thaddius bowed his head reverently, feeling his heart swell at the old dog's admission of appreciation for his activities.
"And you show me great trust in return, Thaddius." the priest reached up and gently caressed the side of the black wolf's muzzle. The touch resulted in an immediate reaction in the noble, his undergarments suddenly feeling as though they shrank significantly.
"Perhaps..." the wolf's voice came out shaky, "...perhaps we should head to..." he swallowed the eagerness in his voice, "...to the prayer room."
"Later, my king." the labrador offered softly, removing his paw from the side of Thaddius' face. Brother Maynard stood and looked to the door before glancing back, as if an afterthought, "I am curious, your Highness... how DID you become familiar with the events at the dock?"
The wolf pushed his desire aside; he didn't look back at the drawer that held the missive from his brother. He focused on the question for a moment before he answered, "Malcom."
"Ah..." Brother Maynard nodded in thought, "Of course." and, with that, the priest departed, closing the door to Thaddius' room behind himself as he left.