The Tower of the Hand

Lord Maekar Dracaryn requested an audience with the Hand, and was escorted up to the office by the Hand's household guard. "Good day, my lord Hand," he said, with a polite bow when he entered.

"A simple matter, truly, but one not worthy of his grace the KIng's attention," Maekar replied, settling into one of the chairs opposite the Hand's desk. "Banditry is rife in the Kingswood, and I intended to request a small squad of men to temporarily assist my own Darkheart men in scouring the surrounding area for brigands."

"The city watch ought to be sufficient, provided they have their own equipment and gear," Maekar replied. "Perhaps a score of men? I should like fifty, but I know the crown's resources are not infinite and I shall make do with whatever you can grant me."

Maekar frowned. "Half the farmland south of the Trident is burnt out and blackened, while the other half is overgrown for lack of men to work the fields. You know better than I how much it costs to import enough food to keep the populace of the city from starvation; the countryside cannot even sustain itself, let alone all the mouthes clustered here."

"How has Driftmark fared? I know it is many years since that business at Hull; your Lord Father was a capable man, while he yet lived, and your late brother was as well. My condolences, for his loss," he added belatedly, almost as an afterthought.

"I suppose that's as good as any can boast, in days such as these," Maekar replied. "How do you find your niece's management of your ancestral seat? I should think I would have trepidations about one so young, and a girl besides, inheriting in so troubled a time. It will take strong guidance and a firm hand, in all corners of the realm, to return this Kingdom to the glories of the past."

"I am sure she would welcome your experience and guidance; it would be foolishness to spurn so valuable a mind to assist her in the task of running Driftmark," Maekar replied. "And what of her brothers? I know little of them; they are squires, are they not? Whom do they serve?"

"High honors both," Maekar replied with an appreciative nod. "House Velaryon is well honored by the King, and deservedly so, but what of yourself, my lord? Have you no thought toward a seat of your own, and a wife? Perhaps a wealthy young heiress to occupy your nights," he added with a small chuckle.

Maekar nodded knowingly. "Patience is a virtue, though many do not see it so. I have found there is great value in the skill of being able to wait for just the correct moment, before acting. Impatient men often make foolish decisions, while those who know to wait have the opportunity to view a problem from every angle before attempting to solve it."

"Thank you, my lord, I appreciate the men. His grace the King is fortunate to have a capable and loyal Hand, and if there is anything you require of me, you need but ask," Maekar said, rising to his feet.

"By your leave, my lord," he said respectfully, with a short bow. He turned to leave, unless the Hand had anything else to say.