The Void of Muirwood (Covenant of Muirwood Book 3)(25)

Suzenne looked shocked by the suggestion. This was not a secret Maia had confided in anyone but Collier. She had wanted to determine her grandmother’s willingness first.

As ever, Sabine’s expression was more difficult to read. “No Aldermaston has ever been chancellor before, Maia.”

“I know,” Maia replied. “And no queen has ever ruled Comoros either. I can tell the mayor wants the position. He has not asked for it yet, but every day he assumes more and more authority and seeks to insinuate himself with me. His help has been invaluable, and yet I am not willing to choose him for the job. The chancellor will lead my Privy Council. The only other person I would trust to do it is yourself, and you are the High Seer.”

Sabine smiled at the compliment and cupped Maia’s cheek.

“Must I persuade you?” Maia said, wringing her hands in her lap. “I truly feel it is the Medium’s will.”

Sabine looked over at Suzenne, who was listening to them with great interest. “You agree, Suzenne?”

She nodded vigorously. “I have the utmost respect for Aldermaston Syon and his wife, Joanna. I have secretly mourned the thought of leaving Muirwood to begin my life anew. To have them here at court would be a comfort. And a constant example of honor. The people here would respect them. They have no false humility.”

Sabine nodded in agreement. “Truly, you could not have named two more capable people. While Richard would be an admirable chancellor, his wife’s counsel would be valuable as well. And since the Ciphers are spread throughout the realm, they are very well informed about the realm and its needs. They are wise without being cunning, and they will be a help to you.” She stroked Maia’s arm. “I have also felt the Medium prompting me. Now I can see why. As you know, Aldermaston Kranmir must be replaced. Augustin will be without a ruler, and it is close to the port city of Doviur, which is one of the greatest centers of commerce in the realm. It is a proud abbey and needs to be chastened with a gentle hand. When I met Wyrich after crossing over to Assinica, I felt strongly that he should become the Aldermaston of Muirwood. There is much unsettled land in the Bearden Muir. It is a swamp that can be drained. Muirwood would remain the seat of the maston order in Comoros, but under Wyrich’s gaze. I would make Richard and Joanna the Aldermastons of Augustin, with Joanna fulfilling the majority of the abbey duties so that Richard could serve you. That abbey is closer to Comoros, and he could travel by Apse Veil between the two places to perform his dual roles. Yes, and there is wisdom in not having your chancellor also be the highest Aldermaston of the realm. While I do not believe Richard is corruptible, it is better not to tempt a man when you can avoid it. He is getting older, so it will be hard on him. But he could at least serve you until you are established.”

Maia clung to her grandmother again, smiling. “Thank you!”

“It is the Medium’s will,” Sabine said, nodding. “I can feel it now. Who else do you hope to have on your Privy Council?”

Maia glanced at Suzenne before returning her attention to her grandmother. “Suzenne and Dodd. I plan to invest Dodd as the Earl of Forshee. The incumbent has fled to the north and must be dealt with in due course. I have promised him a pardon if he surrenders, but word has likely not reached him yet. I was also planning to name my husband as Earl of Dieyre, of course.”

“Naturally,” Sabine said, nodding in agreement.

“I seek to reward the Earl of Caspur for his loyalty, and I was also going to name Lord Paget of Bridgestow. He served in my grandfather’s Privy Council, and I knew him when I lived in that city. He was one of my most trusted advisors.”

Sabine nodded. “I know him well.”

“And I plan to include the mayor of Comoros. He played a crucial role in supporting me when others sought my death.”

Sabine smiled. “He is self-serving, to be sure. But it is not unwise to align his interests with yours. Who else?”

“Anyone you would recommend?” Maia asked. “I am still learning a bit about the existing power structure. I do not intend to strip all of my father’s supporters of power. That would doom me before I start.”

“It would. You can always make additional selections after your coronation, but you should announce your choice of chancellor after you have spoken to Richard so that word can go out. Let your enemies consider their position before you bring them to heel. And you must set the date of your coronation immediately. Once you are the anointed queen, it will change the nature of their defiance.”

Maia smiled. “I am so grateful you are here. Will you stay in Comoros?”

Sabine shook her head sadly. “I cannot. After I make the changes we discussed, I must go to the other realms and continue to open the Apse Veils in those abbeys. I will do what I can to win support for you and help your cause. But you are the ruler of Comoros, Maia. Not I.”

It made her cringe to think of her grandmother leaving again so soon. She had hoped at least to have her company and guidance for a few months. Having the High Seer as an ally would make all the difference to her rule. Her father had flouted his relationship with the mastons. Maia would need it in order to survive.

“How much time do I have, Grandmother?” Maia asked.

Sabine did not need to ask what she meant. “Not long,” she whispered. She took Maia’s hands again, kneading the knuckles with her thumbs. “In a few months, your kingdom will be plunged into war. The Victus will try to unite all the others against you. Pry-Ree will help defend you. Trust that. With Dahomey on your side as well, we have a chance. But if all the other kingdoms do join forces against us, we will fail. If we can persuade one more to join . . . just one, it may help tip the balance.” Her look was grim. “That is what the Victus fear. They have conspired to hold our kingdoms in subjugation. They do so with cunning and wealth. Breaking their grip on our necks will not come without bloodshed. I believe we have years of war ahead of us. You will not have much time to prepare, I am afraid. Even if the other kingdoms learn the truth about Assinica and the fate the Victus has planned for them, they may look only to protect themselves.”