Teach Me Dirty

6: Detroth

When he stepped into the meeting room, elders, warriors, and leaders were already gathered, waiting for him in silence.

At his arrival, they all rose to their feet and bowed deeply, their heads lowered in respect. They remained in that position as he walked past them with authority, taking his seat at the head. The moment he settled, they followed suit and sat.

“What is the matter on ground?” Nudoz asked, his gaze fixed on his advisors, Dilan and Opar.

“Greetings, King Nudoz,” Opar began, rising to his feet as all eyes turned toward him.

His voice carried across the room with respect. “We are gathered here because of your victory, in which you have conquered the kingdom of Taringhal.” He paused briefly, his gaze shifting toward Dilan, silently inviting him to continue.

Nudoz already knew why they had gathered, but he preferred to let them finish speaking.

Dilan rose from his seat and bowed respectfully before him. “Your Highness,” he said, lifting his head slightly, his expression serious as he prepared to continue from where Opar had stopped, and addressed the matter.

“You have conquered the kingdom of Taringhal, Your Highness,” Dilan said steadily. “But it cannot be left without leadership. You need someone stationed there, someone to govern and maintain order, because you cannot effectively rule Taringhal while still presiding over Urinthu. The people will need an authority in your absence.”

Just as he had expected, this was the true reason for the meeting. Taringhal needed a ruler, and it could not be him. He understood the truth in their words, that no matter how powerful he was, ruling two kingdoms at once would not be possible.

Even a king like him had limits, and leaving Taringhal without firm leadership would only invite chaos, rebellion, and the rise of those bold enough to challenge his authority.

“So, what are you all suggesting?” Nudoz asked, calmly but in an authoritative voice as his gaze swept across the room.

Opar cleared his throat before stepping forward. “There are many leaders who desire to take charge of Taringhal,” he began carefully.

“But after assessing them all, we have selected two lords we believe are worthy. Now, it is left for you to approve a vote. Whichever of them gains the highest support will rule Taringhal on your behalf, under your authority.” Opar said.

Nudoz remained silent, his expression was unreadable to the people in the room. His two advisers had not consulted him before making such a decision.

They had gone ahead to select two lords, and now they sought his approval as if it were a mere formality. The audacity did not sit well with him.

“Who are the lords?” he finally asked.

At once, two lords rose to their feet and bowed deeply. Nudoz’s gaze lingered on them, assessing them.

“Speak,” Nudoz said.

“I am Lord Gerold, leader of the Higher Town,” the first man said with a respectful bow.

“And I am Lord Adon, lord of the Valley Side,” the second added.

Nudoz gave a slow nod, his gaze moving between the two men before him. It was clear that they had all gathered with the same purpose: to choose someone to rule Taringhal on his behalf.

Yet, beneath his unreadable expression, his thoughts ran deeper. There was a reason he had not called for this meeting himself. While they debated and presented options, he already had someone else in mind… someone he preferred far more to govern Taringhal.

If only his two advisers had come to him first instead of orchestrating this needless, and nonsensical display, none of these lords, or the people gathered would have been given false hope.

Their premature actions had complicated what should have been a simple matter.

“There is no need for voting, I will personally name the person who is to rule Taringhal on my behalf, and my decision will be final.”

All eyes were fixed on Nudoz in anticipation as everyone waited to hear which of the two lords he would choose, unaware that it would be neither of them.

“Dotroth,” Nudoz announced.

A collective gasp erupted, echoing through the meeting room. They were all in shock, and in disbelief.

Dotroth was not among the candidates presented, yet Nudoz had made his choice clear. They were all wondering why he had ignored all expectations.

Detroth was stunned, unable to comprehend why Nudoz had chosen him. He hadn’t expected this honor, especially with so many great lords present. Yet, the king had bypassed them all, selecting him… a mere warrior, over seasoned leaders, leaving him bewildered.

No one dared to speak. The two lords sank back into their seats, each clearly holding words they wanted to say, but fear kept them silent.

Everyone in the room understood that speaking up would signal disagreement, a direct challenge to Nudoz’s authority… a move that could have severe, even dangerous, consequences for anyone bold enough to defy him.

“Your Highness, I understand that you seek what is best for the kingdom, and I do not mean to question your judgment,” Dilan began, bowing his head slightly.

“But, with all due respect, Dotroth is no lord. He is only a fighter, a seasoned warrior who knows only the battlefield and the art of war, with little understanding of governance or the responsibilities required to rule a kingdom effectively.” Dilan said.

A collective gasp swept through the room at Dilan’s words. Though he was the king’s trusted adviser, no one had ever dared openly challenge Nudoz’s judgment in front of others.

Yet here he was, speaking out, defying the king’s decision and risking the consequences, leaving the entire assembly stunned.

All those present silently disagreed with their king’s choice, but not a single voice dared rise in opposition. For Dotroth is very young, just a boy… and he is being compared to two great Lords.

Inwardly, Nudoz’s mind was made up, he had his reasons for selecting the young warrior, reasons no one else could understand.

“I am sending you to Taringhal, Dotroth,” he declared, leaving no room for argument.