Moral and Actual Bankruptcy

“What do you mean ‘Danté’s dead’?!”

The two old men bristle at each-other, each one blaming the other for the far away failure of a third old man.

“Exactly as it sounds. Our secret deal with the Assassin has ended in abject failure.”

Dunning and Kruger have never particularly liked each-other or had any respect for the other’s opinions. Both men originally sought the Stowanian crown for themselves and then, after Urdurel’s peace offer, both men thought that they’d be the first choice to be his named successor in place of his murdered daughter and disavowed son. 

It’s fifty years later now though, fifty years of weaselly sycophancy and slyly currying favour. Decades of promoting their own self interest, while actively undermining each-other. Despite both men holding positions of great influence and prestige within the country, second only to Lord Urdurel himself, that promise of absolute power is still, frustratingly, beyond either of their reach.

The initial speaker; Dunning, whispers a second question.

“Do they know we were behind the attack at the border?”

Kruger purses his already wrinkled lips.

“No. No, I don’t think so. Danté’s association with the Witches is smokescreen enough.”

Both old men fall silent for a moment before Kruger continues.

“If we don’t find a way to stop Urdurel, he’s going to bankrupt the whole Kingdom. The army is swelling to a size that the realm can ill afford to pay for long and he’s sent those adventurers off to offer full payment for that ridiculous prison tower, plus interest, to the Gnomes of Ambergis!”

Dunning responds with an equally bleak tone.

“Poison’s failed repeatedly and, unless we find another way to… stop him, there’ll soon be nothing left for either of us to inherit, even if those accursed demons are beaten back.”

Second and Third Among Equals

Hustling down the stone steps of the austere tower, expensive robes held up in their wizened hands, the two old men scowl at each other before Lord Dunning whispers.

“Do you see how he dismissed us when important secrets were about to be revealed?”

Equally disgruntled, Lord Kruger hisses back.

“He tells us we’re his equals but as soon as that letter from the Fey was drawn out, we were immediately excluded.”

Pulling his fellow Lord into a side chamber, Dunning quietly shuts the door behind them and glances around to confirm that they’re alone.

“Excluded? Expelled is what you mean. Whatever’s in those barrels, it has to be very important.”

Lord Kruger nods in agreement.

“Certainly more important than mere wine.”

The two elderly sub-leaders fall silent for a moment before Lord Kruger speaks again. His voice still kept low.

“I’m beginning to suspect that Lord Urdurel has no intention of naming either of us as his successor.”

It’s Lord Dunning’s turn to nod sagely.

“I think you may be right. After fourty years of promises. After fourty years of him saying that one of us will be promoted to ‘High Lord of all Stowan’, the man still lives! Not just lives but has refused to officially name me as his successor.”

Lord Kruger snaps to his full, unarched height.

“Refused to name ONE of us as his successor.”

Lord Dunning manages to hide his sneering reaction but still manages to respond.

“Yes, yes. That’s what I meant to say.”

Both men had led large factions of the country against Lord Urdurel after Lady Hetzabah had been cast out. The Capital had been decimated by him when the disguised Hag had claimed a seat at his side. Their causes had been just and Stown had teetered on civil war. It was only Lord Urdurel’s promise to form a triad high council and announce one of them leader on his death or retirement, that prevented it.

The two Lords had only been in their thirties then; a good decade and a half younger than Urdurel and the negotiations had been born from genuine repentance and the fact that he now had no deserving heirs still alive to inherit his title and no living heirs that actually deserved it. It was a reasonable pact.

Now though, as Lords Dunning and Kruger assess each other, they have to accept that they are heading towards their own final days with no expectation to outlive their stubborn, age defying ruler.

Recovering somewhat, Lord Dunning carefully forms the sentence in his mouth before he lets it out.

“I believe this triad has gone on long enough. I think that Lord Urdurel should be forced to ‘step down’ before this war against his mad son actually begins.”

Lord Kruger smiles.

“Yes, I believe you’re right. If Lord Urdurel were to ‘step down’, Sir Briefadel will have no reason to come here seeking revenge.”

Lord Dunning smiles in response.

“I’m glad, that after these last forty years, we’re finally in full accord.”