“Hump!” growled Ankor Mauk, shaking his head irritably. “The young whelp always was a hot head. Good-hearted, to be sure. And fearless in battle. But he wasn’t built with the tools for intrigue and subterfuge. Nor ruling a riotous population. It takes a firm hand backed by the mind of a shrewd politician to keep the Malawei in check.
Old Juris Malawei was a talented politician and a consummate schemer when it came to thwarting the Many plots against him. My cousin remained the baron of the Malawei for decades because he knew when to rule with an iron hand, and when to reward his people when the time became necessary.”
“Aye, that is what I have heard,” the Niscian responded, sitting on my left, nodding. “But old age finally caught up with the brilliant ruler, my friend. No one can withsta
