The sun shine over the city of Rhena. The sun will only be visible for a few hours this time a year so people are making the most off it. Taverns and shops are frequented by the people, and children play in the streets. Snowmen are built and snowballs are thrown. The cold is still present but the lack of strong winds makes it tolerable. The wealthier children wear leather and fur gloves while most make do without. People still talk about the coronation of the new king and the tragic death of the former king. His valiant death at the hand of their long-standing enemy makes him a hero to most and his name is spoken with reverence and respect. Their awe of Kristofer II is in no small part because of his victories over Brockmark. None speak ill of their new king, at least not openly. All the more is spoken of rumours concerning Kristofer III. Word has it that he lacks his ancestor’s prowess with a sword. Another rumour claims his adoration for learning and speaking other languages and his admiration for things foreign. The more dangerous rumours, those one only shares with trustworthy men is that the new king denies the gods. Curiosity and anxiousness in equal measure dominate the topic here in Rhena. Outside of Rhena the topic of a new king engages many but fail to invoke any greater emotion. After all, what does a peasant in the west care for who rules the Kalix castle and sits upon the throne?

While the people in this northern land take advantage of the calm weather the king and his council meet in his office. A large ornate wooden desk dominates the room. The intricate carvings depict the mountains of northern Kalixen, wolfs and weapons. Behind the desk is an almost throne like chair meant for the king. Jorn and Katyla sit on more humble chairs in front of the large desk.

The king pulled up a couple papers from his desk. “I’ve worked on this for over a year. I think.. I believe this is the best long-term option for changing this nation.” The king hand over the documents and place them in front of his advisor. “I’ll summarise it for you.”

Kristofer’s hand taps on the desk while he gathers his thoughts. “The premise of the plan is to create a new military system in Kalixen. We have a great deal of orphans or otherwise unwanted children that gets placed in families in exchange for a small sum of silver or copper. This process is mostly delegated to nobles who control the land. We will establish two separate institutions where we will keep and raise these children to be the future military force of Kalixen. They will hold no allegiance to any noble. I think this to be the key to create a proper nation”

Katyla take the papers to look through. “You’ve mentioned this in the past but there are problems. It’ll cost a great deal of money to finance something like this. Just raising so many children is expensive in itself but to also train them as soldiers.”

Kristofer nods. “That’s one of the problems, yes. Another problem is how the nobles will react. I can’t simply declare my intention to create a new large army of soldiers only loyal to me. That’s why this is the only way I saw as possible. We issue an edict. The king will henceforth finance the upkeep of all orphan or unwanted children in the land. The nobles who currently pay stipends to families will agree since it will mean more money for themselves.”

Jorn scrutinize his king. “For how long have you thought about things like this? I knew you were smart. Your tutors always said as much, but this? This will cause trouble; the nobles won’t like it.”

The king couldn’t hide some frustration from reaching his face. “I know the nobles’ won’t like it. That’s why we have to do this step by step. First, we start the orphanages. Children from around Kalixen will be gathered with us. Then we begin military training. How the nobles will react at that time, well, your guess is better than mine.”

Jorn sank deep in thought. “I’m not sure.” He confesses. “Some will be outraged and complain while others will wait and watch. Duke Tendir Ulfven will most certainly react. He’s to ambitious and smart not to put two and two together.”

Katyla looks to her friend Jorn and ask. “Will they have cause to act, you think? As far as I know its not directly against any treaty for the king to raise an army of his own.”

Jorn shakes his head. “There’s nothing explicit that I know of that would ban or limit the kings right to assemble an army of his own. In the original document signed by Kristofer I and those he raised to status said the nobles will offer men in times of war. In return for this the nobles have a right to tax subjects. If your majesty raises an army of your own many would question if this is a strike against this founding document.”

“And if it is?” The king replies.

“YOUR MAJESTY!” Jorn shot out from his chair and lean over the desk. His face too close to his lieges. “You cant be.. You can’t be serious!”

“I am serious Jorn. I’ve spent years learning from my father and observing how he ruled. He was a king yet he never did anything but the occasional raid against Brockmark. How many lives did he improve? He accepted the country as is but I can’t. I want to build something new, something better. I don’t want my heir to think of me as I think of my father.”

“He’s not wrong.” Katyla chimed in. “It’s only reasonable for the young to have ideas of their own. Kristofer’s not impulsive or rash and possess more brain than either my late husband or son. It’s our job to support him, and to call him out if he’s being stupid.” The last part is said with an affectionate grin.

Jorn didn’t relent. “This is serious Katyla. One wrong step and we could bear witness to a catastrophe.”

Now the king re-joins the conversation. “That’s why I need competent advisors with knowledge of how the nobles behave and react. I’ll also need to understand the common folk better if I wish to succeed.”

Jorn gathers himself and sighs audibly. Under normal conditions he would never sigh like this in the presence of his king but normal conditions no longer apply. “So, what you want is absolute monarchy, absolute power, am I wrong?”

Now it was the kings time to gather himself. He takes a moment before answering. “No and yes. It’s not necessary to establish the kingdom as an absolute monarchy but the power associated with it is necessary. I have many reforms in mind for the long-term but to implement them we will need to change the balance of power. The nobles have value but that value need to serve the state rather than existing as their own little nations.” The speech sound planned and well thought out but as it ends the king look uncertain.

“Jorn, I know this is dangerous. I have thought of these things for a while yet it wasn’t until the death of my father that it hit me. What will I leave behind once dead? I want to believe that there is meaning to this, that I was born a prince.” The king looks his age again. Just fifteen winters young with a thin frame.

Jorn’s face changed. He remembers the young boy who hated training swordsmanship, who still hates it. Who was afraid of riding ever since he saw a man get thrown off a horse. The boy who spent all his time in the royal library.

Jorn eased himself back into his chair. “I’ve already given my word to support you so support you I shall. But I will advise you as I think best.”

“Of course, such is our duty.” Katyla says.

Jorn takes the document to look at them. He flips through the many pages and smiles. “I think this is more writing than your father did in a lifetime.”

Kristofer glances out the window. “You should both know. I’m prepared to step down from the throne if my plan fails and civil war becomes likely.”

This announcement was meet with shocked silence. Katyla and Jorn both stare at their monarch as if he’s gone mad. “You can’t!” They both echo each other. “I will not allow it.” Katyla declares. “Nor will I” the marquis says.

Kristofer puts up his hands in a placating manner. “I don’t intend to fail.”

“No one ever intends to fail.” Jorn mutters.

“Then you have to make sure I don’t fail. I’m counting on the both of you.”

“I will support you dear” Katyla says.

“There’s a lot you need to explain about this plan of yours, your majesty.” Jorn says while looking at the documents.