Read Trials of the Hierophant: Vol. II of epic fantasy The Sundered Kingdoms Trilogy for Free Online Page A

Madoc all of his past actions had come screaming back to haunt him in these past few weeks.
    Terrified at the repercussions these actions could have, Madoc felt support from the Senate for his father all but withdrawn. House Denorheim was in a very precarious position‌—‌a very dangerous position. The volatile state of affairs brought upon them could cost both he and his father their lives. He could feel his options running out like sand through his fingers.
    “My lords.” Braith spoke with calm resolve. “If it would please you, I would like to propose the formal dissolution of House Denorheim. As well as my abdication of the throne. In favor of Senatorial rule of Annwyd until which time a new king may be crowned. Shame has fallen upon House Denorheim, and it is a shame from which we shan’t recover. I look to retain what little honor we may yet have with this gesture.”
    The room fell silent. Kendric Pahne glanced to Vaughn Garanth, seemingly unable to think of a reply.
    “You cannot!” Madoc shouted at his father, breaking the silence.
    “Hold your tongue, Madoc.” Braith lifted his eyes to meet his son’s. “We may yet walk from this room with our heads high.”
    Mihangel cleared his throat, drawing the attention of all those in attendance. “The Senate accepts your proposal. As per our laws, you must announce your abdication formally before the nobles.”
    “I shall call forth a meeting of Annwydian nobility as soon as possible.”
    Madoc watched as Braith tried to remain calm, gripping his thighs to keep his sweaty hands from shaking.
    “See that you do,” said Kendric Pahne, venom dripping from his words.
    “I assure you that I will announce my decision to the public within a fortnight. I will need some time to gather my affairs.”
    “A fortnight it shall be.” Mihangel nodded.
    Braith did not wait for the ensuing words to spew from the other senators. He left the Senate with Madoc at his heels.
    “My lord?” said Tristram, greeting them beyond the doors.
    “Leave me be,” Braith ordered, and stormed off to his chambers.
    Madoc stood with his fists clenched at his sides as he watched him leave. He knew of his father’s spending, but had no indication the treasury was empty. He knew Boraste and Valifor were not exempt from exaggeration, so he took at face value their concerns for his father’s lavish lifestyle. But the thought of Annwyd reduced to a mere beggar of Ordanis and Cærwyn‌—‌how could his father have allowed such a thing to occur?
    And to halt the war effort? Had his father gone mad? Were they to halt the war, they would have no success in claiming the Brynlands for their own, nor mining the riches which lie beneath the hills. Expanding Annwyd’s territory would be the only way to fill the treasury once more and to pay off their debts. Only then could they, once again, reign as a powerful kingdom. Annwyd would not be some mongrel to beg for scraps at the heels of anyone.
    “A most unfortunate turn of events, for which I see no advantageous outcome,” Madoc said to Tristram. “Come, walk with me.”
    “Young Master, you seem bothered.” Tristram walked closely at his side through the courtyard. “Tell me what it is that ails you.”
    “My father suffers from a most grievous sin. He has become complacent in a world that moves far more quickly than his sights witness. Cowardice is not a sin our house can bear at this most delicate time. I fear my father has descended into madness.”
    “What is this madness of which you speak?”
    “He wishes to formally dissolve House Denorheim.”
    Tristram stopped in his tracks. “We cannot allow that to happen.”
    “No, we cannot.” Madoc took a deep breath. “Those vultures who sit atop their perches in the Senate‌—‌they would have Annwyd for themselves. Our kingdom would crumble amidst their squabbles. I will not have them destroy all that my family has worked toward. I will not have them take away what is rightfully