The Next Day, Vrasha Meets with Karden

Early next morning, Minister Karden sent a guide to bring the princess and her delegation to meet with him for breakfast. Vrasha took her aids, but left her guards, and was guided through the cavernous halls of the vast palace. It was amazing just how big it was and it boggled her mind as to why Gelmina felt they needed it. If it was a castle or a fortress, she might have understood. That was for defence after all but this palace had no real means of defence. It was big and expensive looking; far bigger than anyone would ever really need. It was as if it was just to show off but Vrasha could not imagine that even Gelmina would waste such money on a thing which gave them no real benefit.

She spoke to Karden about it during the breakfast. The Minister of the Interior was a powerful man in his thirties, with dark hair and a proud and hawkish face. She could easily imagine him as an ex-soldier or mercenary, but his voice was soft and gentle. The kind of voice which could take you into doing whatever he wanted if you were not careful.

"The palace was built some time ago," he told her. "Technically it's the oldest part of Gelmina. Did you notice that we have no rivers nearby or places to draw fresh water from?"

Vrasha nodded.

"I did actually. I assumed you used some form of magic. I believe that's not uncommon for the more rich kingdoms?"

"Hah! Yes I am sure it is not," Karden smiled. "But we didn't have access to such things when we were first founded. You see, Gelmina draws on artisan wells buried deep below the earth. The water there is carefully monitored and drawn upon to feed the city. During the rainy season the water seeps into the earth and is filtered through layers of stone, ending up down there. Then when we need it, we draw it out and use it."

"I see." Vrasha said, sitting back in her chair. A certain picture was already forming in her mind. "And let me guess, the access point to these wells is beneath the palace?"

"Indeed." Karden smiled. "Every day, food, supplies and fuel is shipped to the palace and each day those same wagons take water back out from it to the rest of the city."

"So the size is a symbol of power."

Karden shrugged.

"Is that such a bad thing? Power is natural and important. When no one has more power than anyone else, there is anarchy. Suffering. Chaos. When someone amasses enough power to rise to the top, they then are able to set the rules all others must follow. They may not be nice rules, but they _are _rules. Gelmina embraces such knowledge. We know that power is vital to the survival of any kingdom, and that we should not pretend that all are equal. Some people have more power than others and this is how it always has been, even for you. You are the princess of Khol-Hon, are you not? Do you think your ancestors were always royalty my dear? Of course they were not. They fought for it and killed for it. They had no power and then they _took _that power. And the result of that action today is you sitting in front of me. Power matters."

Vrasha inclined her head, thinking about his words even as she took a slow drink of the water that Gelmina had provided.

"Power is important," Vrasha agreed. "It's how we avoid anarchy. But it's not the supreme thing. Above power there has to be order. Laws. Power should exist, but it should be bound by the state not rule over it."

"Ah, but laws grow from power." Karden laughed. "There would be no law if someone was not strong enough to enforce them. The moment a nation or kingdom thinks they are strong enough to break the rules, they will do so. After all, that is what happened with your very own father was it not? For generations Khol-Hon was at peace with its surrounding kingdoms but then as soon as your father realised just how much stronger he was than them, he went to war and began to invade them. The code - the laws - which had existed up to that point had no way to stop him. He was bound to them only as long as he allowed himself to remain so."

"Perhaps so," Vrasha said, narrowing her eyes. "But do not forget that it was his breaking those codes and laws which caused others to rise up against him, including myself. It was his disregard for others and his stupidity that led to his overthrow."

"Exactly. He had the power to invade the others and he did. But he did not realise that you also had power, and so as he squandered his own in pointless battles, you used your properly and cast him down. Power is a resource, not an absolute. It can be wasted away and spent on petty things or saved up for when it is truly needed."

"Is that the opinion of Gelmina?"

"Oh, no. Only me." Karden laughed. "Gelmina favours order above all else. Structure and law. we are but a city state and yet we have money and resources beyond many kingdoms. We trade our wares, our slaves, our magic, and we have become rich. Rich and powerful."

"So you say," Vrasha said idly. "But it has been a long time since you tested yourself against a rival kingdom."

"That is true," Karden said, concealing a flash of irritation. "Very few seek to challenge us. I am hoping that by building a dialogue, I'll be able to enrich both our kingdoms."

"We will see." Vrasha said. "What do you intend to show me today? You said you wanted to give us a tour?"

"Indeed! As soon as we're finished here, I will show you the deeper parts of the palaces. It's not just a pretty sight, you know! We base much of our magical industry from this very building. I'll show you some of the workshops. People always like the workshops."

"I look forward to it," Vrasha said. "I am sure Eldoy will be annoyed she missed it."

"Ah yes. That would be your sorceress, wouldn't it? I couldn't help but notice she isn't here."

"She is conducting some ritual that is required of her order," Vrasha said with a wave of her hand. "I don't much understand it but she said it was traditional and would take up most of the day."

"I see. Well, in that case I am sure you can tell her all about the wonders you saw when you get back to your chambers later."

"Indeed," Vrasha smiled. "I am hoping she might also have news for me."