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as he watched each man take in what he had proposed.
    When Argost smiled with apparent satisfaction, Klast noticed that Gaelen took a deep breath, and his shoulders relaxed again. He wondered if any of the others noticed. If they did, they did not show it.
    Klast applauded Gaelen’s choice of Argost for governor. The man’s sound judgment and even-handed manner would go far to instil confidence and trust among the Catanians.
    “ My lord,” Argost declared, “I will do so with pleasure. This plan shows good judgment. It shows both strength and decisive action at the same time. It tells the people that you may not be trifled with, but that you will be just.” His voice rang with confidence, and he nodded vigorously in agreement.
    The replies of the other two were less enthusiastic. Klast watched Janest take his time, run his fingers through his hair, then nod slowly. “I understand what you are trying to accomplish, my lord. It may work. I have no better suggestions, so I will stand behind it for the time being. Time will give us the answers. If I see this begin to undermine your authority, I will speak with you again.”
    Sinnath looked concerned. “My lord, I recommend a stronger stance. Perhaps this idea will work with our own soldiers, but I fear it may send the Catanians a message that you are too lenient and can be bent to their own ends. To let them return to their homes at no further cost may suggest rebellion has no consequences.”
    “ Thank you Janest, Argost … Sinnath, I appreciate your opinion. However, this was not a decision made carelessly. The Catanians are not rebels who committed treason. They are families who were going about their normal lives, until we invaded them. I believe that, given the opportunity, they will gladly return to the lives they knew. I trust they know the difference between the actions of armed men and those of regular citizens. They will see this as recognition that we understand it as well. It will make them more compliant to my rule. Are you willing to support me on this until we see results?”
    “ Of course, my lord. Have I not just sworn allegiance?” Irony crept into Sinnath’s voice as he added, “Did you not say we were to express our concerns openly?”
    Gaelen laughed wryly, shaking his head. “You are correct, Sinnath. Thank you for reminding me. I will need such reminders again I am certain. One does not step into the position of lord knowing all one needs to know.”
    They all relaxed, and Klast knew Gaelen had passed his first test.
    “ My next decision may please you less,” Gaelen began again, studying each of them carefully before continuing. “Be assured I came to this plan after carefully considering all possible outcomes. I will not be swayed on this, and will need your full support, until I satisfy you that it is sound.”
    Klast came even more alert. Gaelen had not had time to inform him of what was coming. The amnesty was already making the council sit up and take notice. From the look on Gaelen’s face, he was aware that they might have a hard time swallowing the next announcement.
     

~ 4 ~
     
    A RISKY CHOICE
     
    The wary faces around the table told Klast that this test might be a more difficult one. He could see that Gaelen knew it too. But Gaelen went ahead as though he expected full support.
    “ The prisoner we hold upstairs is Cataniast’s daughter, Marja. You will recall that, just over a year ago, I was sent by my lord father to Lord Cataniast to negotiate an offer of alliance. You also know that a section of that agreement stated that his daughter would be sent to join with me, to become my wife. The joining would add strength to the alliance. You will recall that Cataniast refused. I intend to extend that offer again.”
    Klast watched shock and concern flash on both Sinnath’s and Janest’s faces. Argost showed little surprise.
    Gaelen paused before continuing. “Not only is she most comely,” he flashed a quick, mischievous