The Council
Morning light did little to relieve the dimness of the library or ease Irenya’s stretched nerves as she paused at the threshold. A good deal of tossing and turning during the night left her doubtful of her ability to spend hours concentrating on the realm’s politics. An elderly man was sitting at the long table, his gaze fixed on his clasped hands. She recognised him as Elaaron’s lawyer. His hearing must have been poor as seconds passed before he looked up.
‘Goddess greetings, Lady Irenya.’ He rose with some difficulty and bent his head in courtesy. ‘I am Redmund irIlketh, lawmaker to Elaaron and his father before him.’
Irenya returned the greeting and felt the paper-dry palm of his hand tremble against hers. She sat promptly, not wanting him to totter around the table to ho
