《Between Gods And Mortals》Chapter 6 - Politics
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Bella, Ragnarson, Einar and Erick walk, leave the rooms and head towards the great hall with the intention of calling an extraordinary meeting. The path is short there. But the steps are heavy, which makes the walk long. The four present there know that they have a fundamental role in what is to come. Each has its burden to carry. Lives are at stake and perhaps even the future of the nation of giants as well. Many problems are to come. Each with a different thought of how to deal with what is to come and their respective mission ahead.
The most worrisome would be Erik. He without a doubt will not want peace. With his father dead, all his reason, which was already small, was gone. Diplomacy is out of the question. Except talking to Thor to find out the reasons for murdering his father. Answers in his view would bring clarity and relief. Not just for the prince, but for everyone. However, one step at a time.
They arrive at the door of the great hall and Ragnarson enters the room first and startles everyone around him. A man who hasn't seen himself for many years suddenly appears in front of him is quite a surprise. Some unbelievers keep their mouths open watching such a scene. Others even look like they've seen a ghost. One of them, still perplexed, decides to say:
Ragnarson… The sadist… It's not possible! It sure is him! LionBite and this huge pressure!
Ragnarson is tired of hearing this every time someone sees him for years. He knows he can't blame anyone who is so surprised, because they were years away. Without hearing news and presence in the kingdom's military affairs. Many thought that he was dead. But his sudden appearance brings a lot of commotion and worry at the same time. Appearing like that, all of a sudden, could only be a sign that the situation was serious. The king's death would have even greater consequences. In the midst of all this, the warrior decides to speak for the first time:
Yes! It is me! Ragnarson the sadist! As you like to call me behind my back. I'm alive, as you can see! I came back to solve the murder of King Lumnus. My intention was to investigate this discreetly. But the situation demands everything from me. That's why I ask you… Call an extraordinary meeting of all board members immediately. I will be waiting in the conference hall and war strategies as usual.
The warrior never liked his sadistic nickname. He got this nickname because of his past mistakes, which he regrets now. He's a new man now. Having made that speech, Ragnarson still sees that the people in front of him haven't moved. Still in shock at his presence and heeded his orders. This makes him a little irritated that he again addresses the soldiers, some members of the summit and other men in front of him in the great hall, saying:
Let's go! Move! Get the board members and bring them to me right away!
Now, all the people present there begin to move in a disorganized way and carry out what the former general had just commanded. An even funny scene for Einar who lets out a slight smile behind Ragnarson. He missed his friend and commander so much.
The four walk to the designated meeting room, while all around him he installs disorder and desperation to gather all the members. Many who were not there and who were later warned by other members inside the castle did not believe in Ragnarson's return, but were convinced. Others simply paid to see it.
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The strategy room is full and a huge silence at the same time. All the top members are there, apart from the queen. Generals and other important people too. Those in there who didn't see Ragnarson are incredulous too. With no more time to waste, the warrior who hasn't done this for a long time starts yet another strategy and wars meeting after years:
I don't think any introductions are necessary… I'll get down to business then… Our king was killed and I came here to investigate. I don't know yet who the killer is for sure, but I can categorically say he's an Asgardian, because…
When Ragnarson makes this revelation, members of the hall there begin to speak and interrupt him, surprised by such news. After years of peace and all that was sacrificed for it, the Asgardians stabbed the king and kingdom in the back by killing the king of giants. In this way, the revolted men and women scream:
This is nonsense! A clear declaration of war! We have to kill them all! No more diplomacy! It 's war!
Bella sees this whole scene and is annoyed with such haste by the council members. Watching their reaction makes her think that her father overestimated them, as they are being very reasonable at this point. Which is inadmissible, because the council members must be the head of the king. The princess screams:
SILENCE! LET RAGNARSON FINISH TALKING! - Bella's scream takes effect immediately and everyone in the room is silent. And calmly she looks at the warrior and says: You can continue now. Right... Well... As I was saying, the killer is Asgardian. The king knew the man and talked to him before he died. The assassin has infiltrated the castle somehow. We know that he carried a different sword that does not belong to this realm but to Asgard. A unique sword given for merit in war. We must not rush into the subject's accusation yet. War is the last case. - One of the advisors present asked the warrior: What shall we do then Ragnarson? We have to go to Asgard to talk to Thor and ask him to hand over the killer. Will it be possible ? I'm not sure… But I think even Thor doesn't want a war right now. Once the killer is in our custody. We'll take it this far for him to be tried under our laws. Hmm... Looks like we have a plan... Yes… But make no mistake. It won't be as simple as said here. Complications can and will happen.
The men in the room agree with Ragnarson's plan for now. What was passed at this meeting was only for information and later, before the execution, it will be in a more detailed way. This day has been longer than expected. Now, the warrior would have to enter another delicate agenda. Succession to the throne. He knows who would be the ideal brother to take over, but it wasn't up to him, it was up to the majority. Ragnarson, after a pause of a few seconds, resumes his speech:
It is also important to discuss the succession to the throne… The laws say that it must be the eldest son of the king, which in this case would be Erik, but I would like to propose that it be done differently this time. That a candidacy for the next king be opened between the two brothers being competitors. And this will only be possible with a vote of the majority of the councils for this to happen, according to the statuses. What do you think? - Einar who was close to Ragnarson and Bella takes the front, saying: It's a great idea! That would be the fairest way since the two proved to be capable and have the ideals of their parents!
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Ragnarson this time makes a slight smile. Einar realized his intentions immediately. With the opening of a candidacy for the throne of the kingdom, they will find time for negotiations, plans and avoidance of casualties. Erik at this moment is unstable with the death of his father and the council only has to manipulate him for a war to be declared. Also, this amount of time may be possible for Bella to convince other council members to vote for her.
The choice of a king is made through a general assembly, which brings together the top, royalty, representatives of the people, high-ranking military and others. Whoever gets the most votes is the winner and consequently declared king.
Such a political move, yet to be voted on, is already causing fury in some council members, especially Siegfried, who sees a former general very important in the past for the kingdom to appear again in front of him. Unfortunately for him, Ragnarson is endowed with great political influence and followers for his achievements. Before retiring, he tried his best to abstain from politics. The focus was always on action, that is, wars.
Elder Siegfried doesn't take long to show his indignation at Ragnarson's proposals. The two had met earlier, but only the warrior recognized him. He says aloud towards Ragnarson, but looking around:
Why… Ragnarson… After years out! You reappear here out of nowhere and already want to give orders and spread untruths and even political articulations you were already doing, and worse, right in front of everyone, immediately revealing your plans. Thank you for your service to the kingdom after all these years, but leave the policy to those who know. Siegfried... your tongue is still sharp after all these years... But to answer you... Everyone in this room knows that my support for the kingdom and the king is intangible. I've sacrificed my life several times so that we could both be standing here today. I have every right to be here and I will do my best to help. Besides, this isn't about politics, it's about a possible war to come. And why did Mr Ragnarson enter the hidden castle and disguise himself as a guard? That sounded very suspicious... I didn't want to make a fuss. My intention was to do an investigation without attracting attention, but the situation is complicated I thought. I will need your help. There is no time for disunity and infighting. Hmm...
After Ragnarson's explanations, Siegfried sits down, not many words to say. The former general gave him a well-crafted and truthful answer. Everyone in the room was silent after that and didn't question his presence in the room. Nor would there be a way. As the warrior had said, his importance over the years was paramount. Any suspicion would be in vain and of an envious character. Ragnarson tries again to resume his speech:
So... Let's vote to change the king's succession temporarily... Opening an election so Bella and Erik can run... All in favor, raise your hands!
At this point, the vast majority of the room had raised their hands for this type of claim suggested by Ragnarson to be made. Amazingly, Erik voted for the change. Even with a hot head over his father's death. He was able to see that this articulation was necessary at that time, as giving up a kingdom was not a simple matter. It's not clear what's on your mind.
Perhaps he was convinced that he would get the necessary votes in the future election or that he would consequently be the victor over such a suggestion. It was not even necessary for him to vote no, but to be democratic, Ragnarson now says:
Those who are not in favor of change and who remain in succession… Raise your hand now!
A minority raises their hand for the vote. Siegfried didn't even raise his hands. The elderly counselor rose and glared at Ragnarson and left the room. Soon after, it was Siegfried's supporters who left. The warrior looks at the entire scene, takes a deep breath and says:
Right… Within the deadline yet… The election for king or queen will be held. Until then, both candidates will work hard on their positions and those who will vote think carefully as the nation's future is at stake. YES - this scream echoes from various corners of the room, the councilors and other members are happy with what has been decided, but Bella is still not satisfied. She appears to want more. She approaches Ragnarson, takes her hand, extends it and shouts to everyone in the room: Those in favor of Ragnarson being made a member of the king's council… Raise your hand now!!!
A big commotion is made and everyone raises their hands, and then they start beating the table in celebration for the newest member of the board. Bella looks at him happily but the warrior is laughing because once again he was tricked by her and forced to do something he didn't want. However, Ragnarson is not saddened by such a decision and understands Bella. He realized that she saw ten steps ahead of her at that moment.
Very well… Unanimously… Ragnarson is the new top member of the board. Congratulations Ragnarson Thanks!!! AD ETERNUM RAGNARSON!
Ragnarson is happy for the commotion and affection of several in the room. People who were very sad and outraged by the king's death forget for a moment and see a light at the end of the tunnel because of the former general. It is notorious to know that he is trustworthy and that he will seek solutions to the problem and he will be able to bring about change due to his leadership capacity and political influence. However, before closing the meeting. He warns:
In the coming days, a strategy will be drawn up to deal with the death of the king and the Asgardians! The meeting is closed! Yes, my lord!
The members and others start to leave the room, but it looks like Bella and Erik still need to talk to him. Erik lets his sister go first. Bella and Ragnarson are now alone in the hall. It starts by saying:
Thank you Ragnarson! For all your help in this time span course! But I have something very important to tell you... What happened? I need to go away for a while! I will go to Earth! I will look for Odin, father of Thor! What… Have you gone crazy? Your presence is of utmost importance here, especially since you are a candidate for the throne. If you are, there is no guarantee of victory. Your father never told you, me or anyone else, but you are the best choice to be queen… Yes, but I cannot be queen of a kingdom that may not be able to exist in the future… The future of our nation is more important than my succession to the throne. Erik has his temper issues, but you can handle that. Hmm… Look... Odin may have answers to what's going on and he knows his son better than anyone else. The kingdom is on the verge of war. Odin's great influence could prevent a catastrophe for the two kingdoms and the disruption of the greatest piece ever seen.
Ragnarson doesn't get tired of being surprised by Bella, it was time to stop that. He thought before that she was ten steps ahead, but he was wrong again. She is at least fifty paces ahead. Ragnarson puts his hand on his head and says:
I trust your judgment, Bella! Thanks Do you know where Odin is? He's in Midgard, Earth! Um… Interesting… He shouldn't be there for any reason. When you go there, don't forget the rule not to interfere in human affairs there, like killing them or telling them about it. Okay… We can go to the witches to make the whole arrangement. They are strong magic users. Surely they can transport me to Earth! My dad always visited them and from what he said they are strong magic users so they can definitely teleport me Be careful while you're there… I'll ask Einar to visit you so he can give you information about what's going on here! When you go I'll also give you a locator stone so that he can find you. Okay… Thanks again! I trust you Bella! I wish you good luck on your journey! You help us from there while we do our best around here!
Both hug each other tightly, showing each other an affection as if they were familiar, despite all this time without seeing each other. The respect and love nurtured between them. Ragnarson practically watched his niece grow into an intelligent and shrewd woman. Which makes him very happy and surely King Lumnus was very proud of her. Bella breaks out of the hug and turns around, looking good-bye. She wants to go to Terra as soon as possible. Already a few steps ahead. She turns and addresses Ragnarson:
Uncle… Your rooms are still the same as when you left… My father made sure it was cleaned and nothing was changed. Go there when you finish your business! Right, thanks!
Ragnarson is thrilled and lets out a laugh. In the vision of his former friend and king, one day the warrior would return to his kingdom for good. A demonstration of Lumnus's faith and need with Ragnarson, as well as hope. Both knew that if he returned, his role on the battlefield would be limited and his role more behind the political scenes in the kingdom. The destination is amazing. Ragnarson will do it, the king predicted it, but he was wrong, death was not expected by both.
The warrior is alone in the hallway lost in thought, until he hears sounds of approaching footsteps. He looks in the direction of the noise and sees it's Erik approaching. He looks like a few friends. Clearly nervous about what was decided just now. Ragnarson was wrong to think that he would take it all in peace. Erik leans his face close to Ragnarson, basically nervous. And he says:
Uncle… How can you do this? I thought you loved me and trusted me! After all these years you still have doubts about my abilities!!! No, Erik! I don't doubt your abilities and your commitment to the kingdom! But what I did is right at the moment! Your father didn't choose which son would be the next king! The right thing at the time was to do this! How much are you and your sister able to lead Jotunheim… I know that! But my sister wants peace and diplomacy above all! That's why my father died! He was caught in a moment of vulnerability! No, Erik! You got it wrong… I understood? I don't think you understand, Ragnarson! What is at stake! Look boy… It's not you who will tell me after all these years what I know and what I don't know! Calm down… We're going to see Thor soon! And from there we will see our action plan! We cannot be too hasty! Ragnarson… I disagree with what you've done and I won't forget! Use your head kid! Think of the whole scenario… Don't restrict the context! Hrrr...
The conversation between them became more heated than expected. The move Ragnarson made did not please Erik, but for him not to have protested at the time of the vote. It's because he knows it won't do any good and that it would show his irrationality and hot blood. Because of that, he abstained.
Elder and advisor Siegfried, no doubt when he had the opportunity to speak to him earlier, used it to manipulate the boy and show his intentions. The old man was always known for his cunning and greed. He believes the giants should lead the seven kingdoms and are the greatest. The way he thinks may be the best for Jotunheim, the realm of giants, but the worst for harmony between the other realms. A dangerous man and one that Ragnarson should keep an eye on.
Ragnarson, after getting lost in his thoughts and heated discussion, walks to his old room. This long day is drawing to a close. The warrior enters his room and goes to his old table. He rubs his hand on his desk. Which automatically brings up multiple memories. He gives a slight smile. Until he sees a picture that has his two children, Lumnus, Bella, Erick, Erine and Ragnarson. The warrior who is known as a sadist is once again thrilled. Today his heart was soft. Many emotions were experienced. And with that, the day ends.
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