Blood of the Fold

"Some of these dukes and duchesses are talented at playing games of power, but not at what is in the best interest of all. These duchies are almost sovereign, and their subjects bow only to a monarch. There are those who would speak persuasively for Kelton to heed the word of the Crown, and not D'Hara, should one of the wrong Houses come to the throne and declare the surrender invalid. Civil war would be the result.

"I'm a soldier, and view events with a soldier's eyes. A soldier likes least of all fighting in a civil war. I have men from every duchy. Civil war would tear the unity of the army apart, destroy us, and leave us vulnerable to true enemies."

Richard filled the silence. "I'm listening, go on."

"As I said, as a man who understands the value of unity, of unified authority, I think the future lies with you. Right now, until there is a new ruler on the throne you are the law,"

General Baldwin leaned sideways against the table and lowered his voice meaningfully. "Since you are the law at the moment, if you were to name a king or queen, then that would settle the matter. See what I mean? The Houses would be obligated to honor the new ruler, and go with you, if the new ruler says it is to be as has already been done."

Richard squinted. "You make it sound like a game, General. Moving this piece on the board to block an opposing piece before the opponent has his turn to take your marker."

He smoothed down his mustache. "It's your move, Lord Rahl."

Richard leaned back in his chain. "T see." He thought a moment, not knowing how he was going to get out of this. Maybe he could ask the general's advice as to which House would be loyal. He didn't think that would be wise, though, trusting a man who just walked in and announced his intent to help. It could be a ruse.

He glanced at Cara, who stood to the side behind the general. Her shoulders were hunched and her face wore a silent, confounded expression. When he moved his gaze to Raina, she signaled that she, too, didn't have any suggestions.

Richard rose and went to the window, staring out at the people in the city. He wished Kahlan were here. She knew all about this kind of thing: the ways of royalty and rulers. This taking-over-the-Midlands business was constantly proving more complicated than he had expected.

He could simply order this nonsense stopped, and send in D'Haran troops to enforce his orders, but that would waste valuable men taking care of what should already be settled. He could leave the matter until later, but he needed Kelton to remain loyal — other lands' surrender hinged on Kelton. He already had Kelton, but if he made a mistake, all his plans could end in ashes.

Richard wished Kahlan would hurry up and get to Aydindril. She could tell him what he needed to do. Perhaps he could stall until she and Zedd arrived, and with her advice, do the right thing. She should be here soon. But would it be soon enough?

Kahlan, what should I do?

Kahlan.

Richard turned back to the waiting general. "Since Kelton needs a monarch to stand as a symbol of hope and leadership of all Keltish people, I shall name one for you."

The general waited expectantly.

"By my authority as Master of D'Hara, to whom Kelton owes its allegiance, I name your queen.

"From this day forward, Kahlan Amnell is the Queen of Kellon."

General Baldwin's eyes widened as he came out of his chair. "You name Kahlan Amnell as our queen?"

Richard hardened his gaze as his hand settled on the hilt of his sword. "I do. All Kelton will bow to her. Like your surrender, this order is irrevocable."

General Baldwin dropped to his knees, his head hanging low. "Lord Rahl, I can hardly believe you would do this for my people. We are grateful."

Richard, his hand on the verge of drawing his sword, paused at the general's words. He hadn't expected such a reaction.

The general finally came to his feet before the table. "Lord Rah I, I must leave at once to bring this glorious news to our troops. They will be as honored as I to be the subjects of Kahlan Amnell."

Richard, unsure how to react, remained noncommittal. "I'm pleased that you would accept my choice, General Baldwin."

The general spread his arms. "Accept? This is beyond my hopes, Lord Rahl. Kahlan Amnell is the queen of Galea. It has been a cause of strife in our land that the Mother Confessor herself would serve as queen to our rival, Galea, but to now have her as our queen, too, well, it will prove that the Lord Rahl holds us in the same high esteem as Galea. When you are wedded to her, you will be wedded to our people, too, the same as the Galeans."

Richard was stiff and speechless. How did the man know that Kahlan was the Mother Confessor? Dear spirits, what had happened?

General Baldwin reached out and pulled Richard's hand from his sword, clasping it in a warm embrace. "Lord Rahl, this is the greatest honor our people have ever received: to have the Mother Confessor herself as our queen. Thank you, Lord Rahl, thank you."