***
Mahntra' Bhu had wandered around again, trying to talk with the families of those nobles who'd disappeared. Some seemed more willing to talk now that more time had passed, but most were still pretty close-mouthed. He didn't learn anything new, and suspected he'd learned all he was going to. The only thing to do now, he'd decided a couple of days ago, was to try and stir things up a bit and see what rose to the top of the pot.
"Here we are," he mumbled to himself. "It looks as if a few people are already here waiting. That's good. I think I'm getting their attention."
Mahntra took his position at the corner of the city's most busy intersection. People stopped to listen. This was the third time in two days he'd stood here. The first time people were shocked when he started shouting out his message, but it'd had the desired affect.
"You all know me," he began, raising his voice to be heard. "You all know of my service to this city." He looked around and found, to his satisfaction that there were more people gathered here than on the previous two times. Apparently word had spread of his street corner meetings and people were waiting to hear. That also meant that his message was being carried to those he most wanted to hear.
"I ask you all a question. Has anyone seen the Princess lately? Has anyone seen many of her noble advisors? Where are they? Our city is in the throes of a succession crisis, and the princess now, of all times, should be visible, comforting her people."
There were murmurs of agreement running through the crowd. This is working well, Mahntra thought.
"Instead, what have we seen? We've seen nothing but the Conservator, Tranthra' Joh seeming to take the reins of power and issuing his own edicts and proclamations as if he were ruling! Why is that? Why has he not spoken out about where the princess is? I was denied an attempt to meet with him as is my right! All I am left to conclude is that all is not well with the voice of our city, and Tranthra' Joh is concealing it!"
Out of the corner of his eye, Mahntra noticed guards moving forward through the crowd. Good. It seems my message has been heard. Now let's see what happens if I turn it up a bit.
"Citizens, I hate to cry out to you like this, but someone must hear. Someone must cry out and try to break through the seemingly deaf ears of our Conservator. Where is the princess? Why won't you tell us? Are you trying to seize the reins of power for yourself?
"You must answer us! You must let us see the princess! She will be our Queen, and will be our ruler! Not the likes of you, Tranthra' Joh. Never!"
There were shouts of agreement from the crowd. "No! We want an answer! Where's the princess?"
"Ho there, you rabble! Break this up!" Several guards moved up beside Mahntra' Bhu, taking him by the arm on either side.
"You'll have your answers soon enough. Don't listen to this old man. He's just mad because he's no longer Chief Keeper. Go on about your business now. It's over. Go on!"
The people started to mill around, but they weren't leaving. The other guards started to move forward, their hands on their weapons.
"Go on, my friends!" Mahntra' Bhu jerked his hands away from the guards' grip. "We will give time for Tranthra' Joh to answer. Let us wait to hear. Go on now. Continue what you were doing, but wait for now. Wait and watch!"
The murmurs continued, but the crowd slowly started to disperse. Mahntra turned to the leader of the guard who was moving back to face him.
"Go home old man, and don't do this again. We've orders to warn you this time, because of your long and loyal service to our city, but be warned, the princess is on an important errand for our city. She took her most trusted advisors with her. If you continue to stir things up, you'll only endanger her and her escort, understand?"
"Oh, I understand," Mahntra said. "Only too well."
The guard looked at him, his eyes narrowing, but then decided to follow orders. "Go home."
Mahntra inclined his head. "As you wish."
Satisfied, the leader called his guard to order and marched them off. Mahntra watched them go then turned to leave himself. Now to wait for a while and see what rises.
"Wait, Keeper."
Mahntra turned to see a small group of people moving toward him.
"Please. What do you think is happening?" There was a look of worry on the speaker's face. It was reflected on the people following behind.
"I wish I knew," Mahntra answered. "I really wish I knew."