FOURTEEN
The Council
SUMMER 963 MC
Anna peered out from behind the curtain to watch the nobles milling about the great hall. Tempus, eager to see what interested his mistress, sniffed the air, then moved closer, the better to spot the object of her attention.
"Are they all present?" she asked.
"They are," said Gerald, "and waiting for you."
"Very well," she said. "Let's begin, shall we?"
Gerald stepped out and waited a moment as the Master of Heralds, who acted as the host of these meetings, met his gaze and then rapped the floor with his staff, drawing everyone's attention.
"Her Majesty, Queen Anna," he announced.
They all turned as one, giving her their full attention when she entered. She made her way directly to the throne and sat, with Gerald taking up his customary position
