Blair
Highburn was a busy and old system. It held one of the oldest bishoprics in the Commonwealth, and answered to the High Bishop of Kingsgate, the most powerful and oldest of the four High Bishoprics in the Commonwealth. The Bishopric of Highburn was created fifty years before that of the Bishop of Bloom.
Highburn also hosted one of the mints of the Commonwealth. It made for a powerful, and wealthy world in the Commonwealth.
It had only taken three and a half days to travel from Marhold to Highburn by the Fabian Gateway Network that linked them. Still it had seemed almost twice as long. Half the Royal Court was on board the ‘Royal Dragon’, and Blair had been trapped by several of the members of the small councils, and most evenings seemed to have many of them at the King’s table. She had learned quickly that there was no place to hide on a starship.
“You will love it here my queen,” Bishop Oswin Bogs told her as the ‘Royal Dragon’ took up orbit and people began to leave the ship for the planet on shuttles.
“You are from here are you not?” Blair asked the Bishop. She knew the answer, but he had been one of the few members of the small council she had not been trapped by to talk about one matter or other.
“Yes, ever since I was a boy, and I would have remained if not for the High Bishops appointment of me to the small council,” the Bishop said with a small smile. “And I would be happy to suggest some beautiful location for you and the king to spend time once you get settled in your new estate.”
“I would love that,” she told him. “You will be at the feast tonight I take it. I understand the High Bishop of Kingsgate will be there. Came all the way from Kingsgate to greet the king.”
“Indeed my queen. And you are in for a treat. The people of Highburn know how to throw a feast. My biggest regret in life is being away from my flock, but it is a great honor to serve the King, but it is good to be home.”
Blair had been surprised by the small council of the Commonwealth. The council which advised the king on any and all matters. It held more power than the House of Lords, House of Commons, and Senate, and yet she was surprised by the lack of great lords from the Commonwealth. King Oswald appeared to trust those more minor noble houses or with no noble ties at all.
“Do you return home often?” Blair asked the Bishop.
“Oh yes, whenever I can. I have those which can do my duties, but I must confess that I do enjoy them. There is a joy in such simple tasks as serving the people. It is a short travel from Bastion, and so I take advantage of that as often as I can,” Bishop Bogs told her. “But forgive an old fool. I shall leave you so that you may find your husband. We shall have time to speak at the feast no doubt.”
“Thank you Bishop,” Blair said politely.
