20. Hygate Dilemma
The Lord had returned at last following his successful mission. His human subjects had been liberated and were now being cared for in the orphanage and hospital in the village for a variety of illnesses and injuries. They hadn't been tortured but badly neglected, left to suffer for weeks in the dark dungeon where they were being held. As August rode in on horseback his expression was grim but satisfied. The mission had been successful but at great cost. The Lord of Hygate was dead.
The soldiers had crossed the borders without incident and awaited their Lord's presence before gaining access to the dungeon through a combination of bribes and stealth. A few guards had to be dispatched to get to the humans quietly but they had still been discovered by Lord Whitlock and a small unit of his soldiers. They had been quickly subdued but Whitlock refused to be taken prisoner. He had lashed out in his fury and August had been forced to destroy him rather than allow him to further harm the innocent humans. They had been escorted back to Ferin, August's kingdom, and immediately reported to the local doctors to be assessed. Besides some malnutrition and minor injuries all were found to be safe and they would quickly recover. Their mental anguish was significantly more concerning as they were instructed to focus on leisure and strengthening their bodies before returning to work. One distraught couple had returned to find their daughter missing and that their farm had been claimed by a family member in their absence. Left with no income they remained with the rest of the group in the local hospital to grieve. August had been touched by their cries of relief and gratitude as they saw their village emerge from the dark forest the previous night after their escape. But he awaited the storm that would surely come when Hygate discovered their Lord was dead before claiming an heir.
Lawfully August could claim the kingdom as his own land as he had defeated Lord Whitlock in battle. But he was not eager to try and control Whitlock's tumultuous army or struggling human population. It would be a setback to his own people to try and drag the failing kingdom back into the light. It pained him to see so many humans suffering but his own people might face dire consequences if the kingdoms were united. August had spent most of the night discussing the matter with William but neither had been able to develop a solution. As he swept into his chamber pursued by a young guard he was clearly brooding. The guard finished his recitation of the recent developments in the castle and left quickly. He had been instructed to give his master more detail but the grumpy vampire was cold and intimidating. He barely noticed as the guard stumbled out the door.
He collapsed onto his couch wearily and rubbed his face. He still had much to attend to before sunrise and he loathed the thought of his further duties. He just wanted to rest. He sat quietly for as long as he was able, Lark dancing across his mind as he sank into the cushions. All too soon a knock came to his chamber door. William was waiting for him. They had a meeting with the council the following day and would need to have something prepared to present to them. He and William crept through the dark corridors of the castle to avoid being spotted and rendezvoused at Bernard's office. Though he was usually in his own room at this hour he had received an urgent message from August on their trip home and quickly ushered them in.
"What news, my Lord?"
Bernard asked briskly. He offered August his own chair behind his desk and joined William on the other side. August sighed deeply.
"We debate whether or not to accept Hygate into the kingdom of Ferin," he replied heavily. "Whitlock is dead."
Bernard's surprise did not show on his face but he was taken aback. August is rarely resorted to violence. He nodded in understanding.
"It would be a threat to our own prosperity if we were to absorb our neighboring kingdom," Bernard mused. William scoffed.
"We cannot let the other Lords fight over that land," he argued. "We can not afford more bloodshed. We will recover from the unification in less than a decade. Our resources can be stretched and Hygate can be transformed to aid our people. We can build infrastructure. We can't afford to let the other Lords go to war."
August smiled coldly, fixing his eyes on Bernard.
"Do you see my dilemma?" he asked. Bernard nodded and his face fell.
"There is much to consider," Bernard admitted.
"And no time for it," William retorted. "The council meeting is tomorrow evening. We should not be hasty but we should be resolute." He had a look of pride but also of fear. He had long hoped August would give him a territory to rule. Perhaps this was his chance. He had always been a loyal and effective partner and knew he was capable of the task. "It would be my honor to oversee Hygate's integration," he announced.
Bernard appeared amused.
"I cannot argue against it," he admitted. "William is more than capable." The pair shared a friendly smile.
August was quiet. He was contemplating the positives and negatives of ervey scenario. But his mind was clouded. Lark still danced in the back of his head and he was too distracted to come to any conclusion. Frustrated, he pushed back from the desk suddenly and startled both Bernard and William.
"Bring Lark to me," he said softly. William raised an incredulous eyebrow.
"My Lord, we are occupied with this debate," he protested. "We must reach a decision at once."
August held up a firm hand to quiet him.
"Bernard often speaks of Lark's intelligence and her knowledge of my kingdom. I value her opinion. Go retrieve her immediately."
William's eyes widened in shock and he hesitated for a moment before rising and rushing from the office. August had never called a woman to a meeting, let alone a human. He was in such a daze that he faltered at the door to her chamber. Why would he need her opinion?
Bernard studied August closely as the Lord sat dejectedly at his desk. He could feel some doubt building inside of him. Was this a sign that August was weakening? He could see the determination and desperation on his Lord's face and hoped that Lark could at least offer him some clarity. He had often complimented his young pupil. She was wiser and cleverer than he had imagined possible and had poured many hours into her studies. Perhaps she might offer a valuable perspective. By the time William burst back into the room, dragging Lark behind him, Bernard's worries had already begun to fade.
Lark appeared flushed and bewildered as she stumbled into the office. Her confused expression softened as she laid eyes on August. Bernard watched as the Lord's eyes warmed and his body relaxed. He beckoned Lark to him. She curtsied to him and Bernard who nodded coolly.
"My Lord?" she asked with a quizzical look. "Can I be of some assistance?"
August rose and took her hand. Lark nearly withdrew it from him in the presence of Bernard and William but managed to calm her racing heart. It felt like months since she had seen him last. Despite his troubled look and lack of decorum she could not deny him.
"There has been a development," August explained quickly. "Whitlock is dead and a matter of great importance is upon us. I desire your input if you are willing."
Lark's face reddened. She was flattered but quite intimidated by the suggestion. Why would he seek her advice? She was nothing but a pet. She bowed her head humbly.
"It would be a privilege," she responded. She didn't allow the news of Whitlock's death to phase her but did feel a strange sense of relief. The ruthless vampire was well known in Ferin. Few would mourn his death.
"There is a council meeting tomorrow night. The vampire council which oversees this continent. Before that meeting we must reach a decision on this matter. We must decide whether or not to absorb Hygate into my kingdom...or not."
Lark was stunned. She had never considered the consequences of Whitlock's defeat. This was a serious matter. She turned to Bernard and William.
"What are our options?"
The three men explained briefly the possibilities as Lark listened intently. As they finished she nodded. Her mind had been made.
"We must offer the people of Hygate some compensation for their former suffering," she concluded. "They have not known peace. It is our duty to offer them a benevolent ruler. They are lost."
The men were contemplative as she continued.
"They are human like me. They deserve the happiness I have found. Our resources will be sufficient to support us all as long as the most recent information can be trusted. Their population is less than ours and our farms have been fruitful this year. Our forests thrive as do the people. Certainly we afford less luxuries here and redirect that wealth to their citizens."
Contempt flickered in William's eyes but he stayed silent. He had never heard a human speak in this way and he sensed her judgement of them. They had access to much of the wealth in the surrounding territories. Their people were happy and healthy but vampires had held power since the pandemic. He would regret the loss of his exorbitant pension and lifestyle. Bit he could understand the need for sacrifice. Bernard spoke up in support for Lark.
"I agree with her," he said simply. He was human himself and understood her values deeply. He had once been a poor child from a family in poverty. He had clawed his way to this prestigious position with his stubbornness and confidence. But he had once suffered in Hygate, a fact which nome but August was aware of. The Lord fixed him with a knowing look and then turned to William.
"Your thoughts, my friend?"
"The logic is correct," he grumbled. "We have the means to ration more efficiently. The impact would be only slightly detrimental. But you would need a man to oversee the transition."
Lark hid a smile. She could already guess William's intention. August nodded and rose quickly from his chair.
"Then it is settled. Hygate is now the territory of Ferin. And William shall have dominion over it until the process is complete."
William grinned and brightened. He stood proudly and gave his Lord a deep bow.
"I am honored, my Lord," he responded. "I shall go begin preparations for our announcement to the council." He hesitated before meeting Lark's eyes. "You have proven yourself useful," he said curtly. But his eyes were filled with admiration. He left the office and Bernard followed close behind. Before he exited he leaned toward Lark, bending his tall frame to whisper in her ear.
"You have done well."
As he disappeared into the hallway Lark finally found herself alone with August. He was beaming at her proudly with her hand still held in his own.
"You are a treasure," he said softly. Lark felt her knees weaken under his direct gaze. She opened her mouth to reply but he stopped her. "Come. We will talk in my chamber."