Not All Heroes Are Guiltless

Chapter 46

Chapter 46

Dungan’s POV

It takes three days through paths which are barely wide enough for one horse to get the carriages to the temple. Every village we traveled through the members of the clergy were rude and disrespectful to the peasants. When one young girl had be accosted to follow his excellency to his bedchambers in the house, he had forced accommodated for himself. I stepped in and whisked her into my own chambers to protect her from the indecency of a greedy asshole.

The next day he insisted on lecturing me about my role and what manners I must attain for dignified clergyman. I didn’t realize satisfying their d***s was something as King I would have to appease. This man had covenanted to an oath to Bellar and he had no clue what Bellar does to his own oath breakers. His words and actions were blatant disregard to Bellar and his teachings. I ached to let him meet his god.

Bellar was a warrior for all people. He arrived to protect the people and lead them to peace. His accomplishments dated prior to Redland and their lupine protectors.

Tired and restless from the humble cell they gave me. I walked out into the front courtyard of the temple. The sun had still not risen, but I learned yesterday that most of the work for the temple was done in those early hours. The grounds men were working on the gardens, the orphanage would gather food for the kitchens, and not surprisingly the needy were standing by the gates hoping for some nutrition offering. I guess they did order the temple guards to disperse them while I was here.

Sneaking past the sentries and heading out past the temple steps I reach the city underneath. To my relief, it’s already bustling with energy. Peddlers were setting up their wares while the smell of fresh cooked bread wafted through the air tempting the starved. The spices and aromas of Bellar’s trade districts have always been nostalgic reminder of living in the lupine burgh.

After allowing myself to observe the activities of the venders for a few minutes, I bask in the warm sun rays as the break in the horizon. From this perspective, I catch up and witness the state of the country pretty well and I know what Bellar wishes for me to do. Too many young children and even young men are living unwashed on the streets. Along with men who are torn down by bad luck and were more than likely injured during one of the countless battles. I’m glad to see evidence of several nobles who are keeping as many men employed and peddlers able to compete reasonably with others. But a few have taken advantage of the Hou Ndour and in return have controlled the transfers of a few essentials goods and sadly, they try to use their leverage to change the good nobles to falter their righteous beliefs.

Farther down the street I see the full-fledged shop of Benlow’s Trading Company. I walk in as if to browse and the greeter spots me but quickly diverts his attention away from me because I’ve kept myself pretty plain and simple. I walked back towards the office and hear the captain talking with the shop manager.

“Turmac isn’t just dealing with a few headstrong rebels. They are dealing with the exiled prince’s civil war. He’s brutally cutting off all trade to Sonade and Peliarn. Our contracts won’t even hold up with Turmac until they can gain control of their people.” The captain groans.

“Sounds bad. Things are getting questionable here also. Rumors stated the priests have brought the heir to the temple. They are training him as we speak.” The manager says with a huff. “Everyone is getting nervous. To make matters worse, I can barely make quota because I don’t have enough customers. I had to lay off half of my warehouse last week. No response from Benlow.”

“He has to know what is going on. He’s been around long enough to know how to maneuver a new potential King. I sure he will be trusted in no time.” The captain reassures.

“Is there anything I can do for you sir?” An attendant came up to me while I was browsing some of the cloth from Turmac. Staying close to the offices in the back, but far enough a non-lupine wouldn’t be able to hear the discussion.

“No, was just browsing.” I say and drop my head down. The attendant nods his head and walks away. I leave the shop knowing a few rumors will definitely help me out in the next coming endeavor.

I decided to push my boundaries on this temple’s law and stay out in the street to enjoy some of the hustle and bustle of the day. About midday the temple guards are trampling through the streets in a hurry and I almost laugh at their expressions when they see me.

One of the guards rolls his eyes like I’m a brat and grabs me by the arms. Forcefully leading me back into the temple with the waiting clergy with the arms crossed like upset parents. The next three hours I have to endure not one but eight men telling me how disappointed I am for leaving the grandeur of the temple for the simple life. My life is too valuable to be amongst the peasants.

If only they knew Bellar’s marks itch and burn every moment I delay on taking the throne. He wants nothing to do with this temple and everything to do with the people I watched and encountered today.