He paused to make sure everyone had his attention," Firstly, to state the problem. The death of the Giant and Rhugh. They were killed allegedly by the Priest and The White Capes directly or indirectly. That's our immediate problem. And the major problem being the appearance of The White God, that can threaten the King's position. Let's say one day the King wakes up and sees The White God. He says some made up stuff like how he was enlightened by the visit. That way he officially accepts the White God as his religion. The people will see him as the saviour that God himself chose. If the people can believe a Priest then why not the King? Next he calls on The White Capes to honour them publicly. Apologises about how mislead he was and then declares them official by adding a few troops to their Order.

"With King's troops among them, The White Capes will be in check. Next is Andlenore. Make it a pilgrimage. We can profit heavily if we officially sponsor such an event. After all this I state what I have been stating since the start. We tread on thin ice. One false step and we go under."

"And so we do not ignore the sacrifice of Rhugh, and honour those who killed him and his troops?" asked Glinrin.

"We did address that issue. We neutralise the organisation with only half of the number of men required, what else do you need?"

Glinrin kept his intense gaze on Roderick. Roderick stared back until eventually he emptied his wine, "Do you not see beyond your hundred men, Glinrin? Here the King's position is at stake."

"That is just exaggeration of the problem. If we destroy the organisation responsible what threat will the King have?" Yule enquired.

Threat you say? He will be ripped naked of all he has. His Empire will collapse if this goes on.

Why wasn't the wine working? He was tired of answering the same questions.

"It is the faith not the organisation. Like I said before, The Priest is a mortal, God is immortal."

"You assume too much," Yule stated, stroking his beard, as if his wisdom had led him to a new insight.

"These aren't assumptions. I told you before to listen rather than stroke that beard." Yule retraced his hand as he was caught red handed. The King laughed.

Glinrin seemed to have calmed down," Roderick I do not say your plan in invalid, rather too much risk is involved. It remains much safer to just destroy The White Capes and stop the faith by various means like Royal decrees. I can prove to be easier."

Easier? Good luck with that.

"It is risky I grant you that, but it is possible because the risk doesn't arise out of chance, rather it depends on how matters are executed. Meaning it is entirely depended on us. The only risk is human error. While the path you suggest is not as easy as it's appeal is."

"Sounds easy enough to me," Yule declared.

"That is because you are a genius," Roderick commented. Yule didn't react to that.

I just hope he understood I was sarcastic.

"At least one matter stands clear. We do not touch Andlenore. We ignore it whatever course is followed," said The King.

At least? The whole matter is crystal clear. It's just that you have marbles in place of eyes, O mightily useless King.

"Yes Andlenore will be dealt with later," said Glinrin in his deep voice.

"There is just a force of about twenty in The White Capes. And they must be really weak by the blow dealt by Rhugh and his hundred. Now is the time to strike. A final blow and this matter ends. A few Royal decrees and we are on the safer side," said Yule.

Oh! I need more Furginian wine.

Roderick realised he had done all he could now. He really should have learned manipulation like those around him. His naive younger self had chosen this part to speak the truth rather than manipulate. Now he found it increasingly difficult to deviate from it.

"Yes Your Majesty! Just let me prove my worth. Give me a few days and I will have these worms grovelling at your feet," said Glinrin with a determined expression on his face.

Oh! Talk of honour to move the hearts. Some abilities you have. The astonishing fact remains it will actually work on the King.

As if to specifically prove Roderick right, the King declared," Then I leave you in charge of finding and destroying The White Capes. Try to do so in secrecy without attracting too much unwanted attention."

"Yes Your Majesty! The honour is mine."

As Roderick left the council chamber he could think of only one place to go, Greyshire.

Author's Note: Thank you for reading!!

The whole Chapter 8 has no section breaks. I break section using ****

For ease of reading I have divided it into two 1k word chunks.

And yeah! Please vote/comment or review!!!!