Chapter 162: The Wolf Clan 2

"The nine great clans each contribute representatives to the Crown Council," Garric said as they crossed an arched bridge. "Generals, mages, judges and ministers advise and enforce the will of the king. He rules above his people like any chief, but a chief cannot command armies or levy taxes across dozens of fiefdoms." "That sounds much like our own chief," Tanaka pointed out.

"If the King has authority over his people, he can dictate conditions to his trade partners," Garric said, nodding. "The Wolf King handles state matters pertaining to the Wolf Lands, but not those affecting other beastkin nations. Wars and disputes between our great clans are also matters for the Crown, as are major trade concerns," Maeryn added. "Now, the current King is..."

"Old," Tanaka heard himself say. "King Aldren Greymane has ruled the Wolf Lands for twenty-seven years," Maeryn replied. Tanaka frowned. "And how old is he?" he asked. "He’s not particularly old," Garric laughed. "Sixty-three?" Tanaka asked. "That was no age to rise to the throne," Garric agreed. "Maeryn said he was..." Tanaka began.

"A little," Garric said. "Only a little," Maeryn said, shaking his head. Aldren Greymane inherited his throne after a bloody conflict between rival descendants of the royal Greymane bloodline, Maeryn explained. "The previous King had no children of his own and three different branches competed for the throne," she said. "So they fought for it," Tanaka guessed.

"Happily for the realm at large, the King did not die in battle," Maeryn said. Garric nodded. "At least not right away," he added. "Aldren challenged his uncle in a duel, but he did not win by much," Maeryn said. Tanaka paused. "Most animals do not live a long time," he said. "I have known an old wolf and two old lions," Tanaka said, "but none that old."

Tanaka’s smile faded as he listened to what Maeryn said. "And what sort of ruler is King Aldren?" Tanaka asked. Maeryn’s answer caused his grin to fade away completely. "His Majesty is known to be a patient and careful man, not easily fooled," she said. "Good," Tanaka said. "I’m going to find out for myself."

The hall was large enough to host hundreds, but Tanaka found himself studying the vast diorama on its far end. It showed a group of beasts standing amidst a ring of stone pillars, but the silver wolf crown hovering above them was not worn by any of the figures. "This is no lie," Tanaka said. "It shows that the Wolf King rules his people like a pack leader."

"Indeed," Garric said, "but never through subservience." Tanaka knew what the King was thinking when he ordered that picture painted. Lest any beast were to think the Wolf King a cruel tyrant. The Wolf King did not own the loyalty of the packs and clans, but commanded it because he had earned it. Aldren Greymane would have to win every election he cast for the throne, then he truly would deserve that silver crown.

A wolf chieftain had no right to demand total obedience from his dogs, but he did have the ability to lead his pack to glory and prosperity, or utter destruction. Such power was rightfully worn only by the best and brightest sons of wolfkind. Tanaka smiled. "I think I understand now," Tanaka said. "Why the Wolf King controls so many of these nations."

"It is not natural advantage," Maeryn replied. "Nor superior magic," she said. She paused for effect, Tanaka knew. "Or even greater organization," she added. The Wolf King’s natural advantages were not nearly as great as his competitors’. Yet Varghelm remained the largest, richest and strongest city in the land. Wolves had built the roads, established the system of justice, taxation and military service, and upheld that system with enough strength and unity that every other beast accepted it in turn.

Strength had earned them power, but the wolves held the balance of power through control of organization, which no other nation could wield with the same skill. That was why a wolf would make the finest general, ambassador, magistrate and even entertainer that the land could produce. Tanaka’s smile widened. "Now I understand the politics behind the throne room," he said.

Maeryn raised an eyebrow. "And what understanding is that?" she asked. "Of beasts," Tanaka said. His gaze lingered on the silver wolf crest. "Of the crown," he added. A second later, the answer came of its own accord.

His Majesty King Aldren Greymane wanted to see him, personally. His Majesty King Aldren Greymane considered that the morning’s meeting was complete, but personally he wanted to meet Tanaka later that evening. The grey-maned wolf beastman entered the chamber. Tanaka rose as soon as he spotted the insignia on the warrior’s chestplate. King Aldren Greymane had been notified of the latest developments in Wolfeim.

The royal guard stood at a respectful distance as he spoke. "His Majesty King Aldren Greymane requests your counsel in the morning," he said. The guard bowed to Tanaka, then to his partner at his right. "His Majesty further requests the presence of Lord Raizen of the Star Wolf Clan," he added.

Tanaka turned slowly toward the Star Wolf King. Raizen’s whiskers twitched. Neither of these men would miss an opportunity like this. Tanaka was not in this kingdom because of his blood. A warlord of the Wolf Clan had heard of an upstart pretender claiming to bear the Wolfblood himself, and had decided to investigate. That King would be interesting to see, but even more so would the man himself, Tanaka decided.

Tanaka turned back toward the great hall as Raizen departed. "Might we see a battle display, by chance?" Tanaka asked the Royal Guard. "A tournament is scheduled for the afternoon," the man said, "but it would not be fit to expect the king to attend such an open event." Tanaka’s smile faded. "Of course not," he said.

Tomorrow morning, Tanaka told himself. He would meet with the King himself. Tomorrow morning, Varghelm would no longer be ruled by an unknown quantity. For better or worse, Tanaka was making history. And, somehow, that knowledge filled him with pride, not dread.