A strong suggestion

With some trepidation, Kael walks into the meeting room where Lord Greyheart is sitting. As usual, Bernal is nearby, leaning against the wall. He seems relaxed, but Kael knows he is ever vigilant. Lord Greyheart is writing on some kind of document, and looks up as Kael approaches.

He sets aside his pen and smiles. “Ahh, the hero returns. You look thoughtful Kael.”

Kael nods. “Yes, my lord. I have a lot on my mind lately.”

Lord Greyheart chuckles. “Seems to be happening a lot. This document is an alliance agreement. First of many.”

“Not exactly a surprise, my lord.”

Lord Greyheart shakes his head, gesturing for Kael to sit. “No, the alliance offer was expected, and welcome. What’s surprising is the offer that I be the figurehead of said alliance.”

Kael settles into a chair. “That is a surprise, but a good one, I’d say. I trust you to lead well, my lord.”

A shadow briefly passes over the older man’s expression. “Thank you, Kael. That means a lot. But what of the future? I can’t rule forever, no man can. And I lack an heir, as Bernal so often reminds me.”

Bernal chuckles. “That’s not what I said, and you know it.”

Lord Greyheart rolls his eyes. “Right, it was actually a crude joke about me needing to get laid, isn’t that right?”

Bernal grins, crossing his arms. “That sounds more like me.”

Lord Greyheart smiles and shakes his head. “You’re lucky we’re old friends, Bernal. But my point stands. I am not a young man, and time inexorably moves forward.”

He sighs. “But that’s not what you’re here to discuss, is it, champion Kael? What’s on your mind?”

Kael takes a deep breath. “Oddly enough, it’s a little bit related, my lord. It involves Evie. Well, her, and all the nonhumans.”

Kael braces himself before speaking. “My lord, you need to end slavery in Foresthearth.”

Lord Greyheart looks at Kael for a long while. “Explain.”

Kael nods. “What right do we have to keep these people as property? How are we any better than Karlia? Sure, they’re mostly well treated here, but they’re still slaves!”

Lord Greyheart sighs. “I cannot overturn generations of tradition and history…”

Kael interrupts him. “Why not? You’re the ruler here. Your word is law!”

Lord Greyheart shakes his head. “It’s not so simple…”

Kael slams a palm onto the table. “Your own daughter is a ****! You watched her be sent to a **** school, and then gave her out as a reward!”

Lord Greyheart rises from his seat. “You don’t think that hurts me? It tears me apart every day!”

Kael stands as well. “So do something about it, my lord! What better time than now? It’s the right thing to do!”

Lord Greyheart straightens, hei expression thunderous. “Champion Kael, you overstep yourself.”

Kael shakes his head. “No my lord, my duty is to protect you. And part of that is telling you when you’re wrong. And right now, you’re wrong!”

Lord Greyheart points to the door. “Get out, champion Kael. We will summon you when you are needed.”

Kael clenches his fists. “You can’t run from this, my lord! This needs to happen!”

“We said you’re dismissed, champion. Go.”

Kael glances at Bernal, who simply shakes his head, before turning and storming from the room. Looking back as he closes the door, he catches a glimpse of Lord Greyheart slowly sinking into his seat, his head in his hands. Kael is frustrated as he turns away. Clearly some part of Lord Greyheart agrees with him, but something is holding him back. But what? And how to solve it?

Seething and confused, Kael stomps down the hall, headed towards the training room. Some exercise will help clear his head. Or at least let him blow off steam.