The Apogian War

Chapter 94

Was that what vodemort wanted? Or did he simply not see the logical progression of consequences?

Wishing he could be anywhere but in that suddenly hostile chamber, Darkovan conceded that vodemort had been right. He had been a very unworldly, optimistic person after all.

Darkovan could see only one way of avoiding the destruction of the world he loved. “Vai council, these are indeed unpredictable times, and as Dom vodemort has so eloquently pointed out, change breeds uncertainty. We must look to our strengths for guidance and stability: our connections with one another and with the past, our unique Gifts, our love for this world and its people. Now more than ever, Darkover needs all our leaders.”

“No one questions your qualifications, Lord Darkov,” said the Castamir lord. Others nodded agreement, Ruyven among them.

“I have called you here out of respect for our ancient traditions. Set your minds at rest, I have no intention of relinquishing my responsibilities as Head of my Domain. Honor demands no less. As has been pointed out, we are not so many that we can afford to exclude one who has so much to contribute. For this reason, I ask for your approval of full council rights for my brother as a member of Darkov.”

“There is ample precedent for a younger son to hold a Domain,” Dani said, looking pointedly at vodemort.

“Yes, that is true,” the Monterey lord agreed in a quavering voice. “Lord Darkovan Darkov has already been recognized as Head of his Domain. The legitimacy of his brother, whose attributes, however worthy of a devotional life, hardly qualify him to administer a Domain, does not alter that fact. Of course, if Dom Darkovan himself were to abdicate, that would be an entirely different matter. Or if vodemort were to marry and produce a male heir, which is . . . ah, unlikely . . . the legal precedents . . . ah, yes. But neither of these situations pertains.”

“Put that way, I see no reason to object,” Ruyven said. “It seems to me as good a compromise as any. Dom Darkovan will retain the position he already holds, and Darkov will gain another member, but one out of the line of succession.”