THE KINGDOM OF Cebrae

Excited at being included in her first official briefing on the Kingdom of Cebrae, she was practically skipping alongside Kolyn. Amused, he clasped her hand tighter as they made their way to the King’s quarters where, apparently, there was a room set up for just that purpose. When she entered, she stopped short causing Jo to run into her. “Sorry,” she said automatically as she moved out of the way, her whole attention riveted on the room. It was airy and beautifully decorated but her first impression was that of a boardroom set up for an army general or a High Council somewhere. Dead centre was a huge oval mahogany table with sixteen high backed chairs, each place equipped with a small laptop. Her eyes popped when she took in the large relief map of the island. It really does look like a huge footprint with missing toes and a deformed heel, she thought with a smile. There was a map of the world next to it dotted with various coloured markers and adjacent to that hung a white projection screen probably for PowerPoint presentations given the hi-tech equipment she had also noted. This is so modern! I guess it’s time my retrograde view of castles came up to the 21st century! Slowly pivoting on her heels, she noted a beverage bar with several easy chairs nicely arranged near it. With a hint of a grin, she turned wide eyes on Kolyn and gave him a silent “Wow!” “Impressed?” he asked in a quiet voice, his eyes twinkling with amusement at her reaction. She broke into a huge smile and nodded. Since all those expected at this meeting had now arrived, they took their seats. The King sat at one end with Kolyn on his right followed by Addie. On his left sat Mr Dubois, Mrs Dubois and Jo. Dimitri took his place at the other end of the oval with three Guardians to a side. There was also the Captain of the Royal Guard sitting next to Addie, and his Second. The King stood and addressed the group. “Welcome to this semi-annual meeting. In deference to Princess Addie and the Dubois, we will be going into more details than usual so that they may gain a complete understanding of where things are at in the Kingdom. As per our meeting policies, any questions, opinions or suggestions are welcome once the presentation by a particular Guardian is completed. The visuals will be projected on the large screen but you may also view them simultaneously on your laptop. Should we not be done by noon, we will take a half hour lunch break which will be served here.” At this point, he turned the proceedings over to Dimitri. “Thank-you, Sir. We will begin with Nolan’s report. He is in charge of welcoming new arrivals to the island, the communication lines between the castle and the Cebraeans as well as to our continental contacts, plus the general overseeing of the conduct and ethical running of the various businesses.” “Your Majesty, ladies and gentleman,” Nolan began, “the island’s population has remained around the 5000 mark for the past two years. Before that point, there was a steady 10-15% increase annually. There is probably room for about 10,000 inhabitants. Our communication lines are good with 95% of the businesses now having converted to the use of computers and the internet to conduct their affairs. The shuttle boat and our two airplanes have been accident-free for the last year in their twice daily trips to the mainland.” Taking a deep breath, he continued, “The business sector, however, is not doing well. With the drop in Tourism on which most of the businesses depend, it has become cutthroat. The hotels are having to resort to drastic price cuts in order to draw business which in turn reflects on the quality of the service. The owners are at loggerheads and two have now taken it to court. In the craft cottages, the story is pretty much the same. Souvenir shops are barely selling enough to stay open and many families are feeling the pinch. The financial stress has given rise to numerous altercations and the people don’t feel safe in the city since last summer’s homicide.” He then projected two graphs: the population trend and the percent in rise of violent altercations. The latter seemed to double in percent and double again this past year. As he sat down, Addie typed on her laptop. Two years ago – what happened? What changed? Pop = level Crime = up The next Guardian, Myron, was in charge of promoting the island as a safe, peaceful resort with gorgeous beaches. His report and graphs were no better showing a definite lack of response to the promotion despite a more appealing design and a higher quantity going out. Addie added another line to her list. Promo = being stopped? As each Guardian presented his report, her list got longer and longer. Royal reserves = down to half Other reserves = being depleted Tourism income = 20% down Fisheries = 50% down New jobs = level New trade partners = level Looking at her list thoughtfully, she highlighted the very first line. Kolyn thought she was just being studious when she started typing on her laptop but when he actually read what she had written down, he was stunned. In nine or ten lines, she had summarized the last hour and a half of reports. Her highlighted question at the top left him reeling. Catching his father’s eye, he gave a quick nod in Addie’s direction and then signalled that he should open his laptop and check it out. As she continued to ponder her question, a subtle current was going around the table and, unbeknownst to her, they one by one logged on to her page. The room was very quiet. Puzzled, she looked up only to find everyone staring at her. Feeling like she had committed a faux pas, she blushed delicately and questioned Kolyn with her eyes. He gave her a faint smile and reaching over, gently squeezed her hand. “Addie, do you have a question?” asked the King suddenly. Startled, she sat back in her chair, shaking her head negatively. That’s when she noticed her text on Kolyn’s computer! Turning her head in the other direction, she was shocked. It’s also on the Captain’s laptop! Slowly looking around the table, she realized that they were all looking at her synopsis. Mortified, she blushed deeply not knowing where to look. “Addie,” the King said gently noting her discomfiture, “your question is valid. What are your thoughts on that?” Getting a grip on herself, she answered tentatively, “Most of these statistics started to decline drastically around the two-year mark. There had to be a catalyst of some sort at that time.” “I became ill and couldn’t do my job,” said the King. “But Kolyn was there,” she countered. “True…” She looked at those who had been there at that time, waiting for some explanation. Seeing that none was forthcoming, she added, “It may be something that seems quite insignificant – like someone with influence died or moved or someone got a different position— Kolyn’s muffled gasp stopped her mid sentence and she whipped her head around to look at him. He was staring at her, aghast. “I can’t believe we didn’t see this before,” he exclaimed causing everyone to stare at him in bewilderment. “Sanchez was promoted to Chamberlain when the M Drouin passed away!” “What did he die of? Was he very old?” she asked curiously. “Not that old – probably in his sixties. The doctors said it was natural causes.” “I wouldn’t put it past Sanchez to have poisoned him,” she muttered under her breath. However, both Kolyn and the Captain of the Royal Guard heard her comment. “What?!” they exclaimed at the same time. “I’m sorry, that was out of line,” she apologized. “Kolyn!” interrupted the King a bit impatiently, “what did she say?” “She said she wouldn’t put it past Sanchez to have poisoned him.” Stunned by her conclusion but still knowing that it was a possibility, they all gaped at her. Addie wanted to crawl in a hole. Dimitri spoke up just then saving her from further embarrassment. “It all fits! He needed this position of power. M Drouin was health