Kunst, Chapter 2

over the past hour, various nobles from across the realm had filed into the room and taken their places around the long table. The aged knight sitting at it’s head, next to an empty throne and a much younger lord, stood up and cleared his throat. 
“My lords, I gather you here today to inform you of recent developments.” 
As the room quieted, Kunst spoke again “My nephew, our liege, Duke Johann, has fled the country, for fear of assassination. As his heir, I have brought you here to renew your vows to him, and to acknowledge myself as his lawful regent until his return.” 
a stunned silence fell over the room, broken by an old abbot’s cough 
“You are to renew your vows, and remain loyal to his lordship until his return.” the respected old lord continued, gesturing toward the silvered throne “Swear it upon your honor, each of you, that you will honor your vows to your duke!” he called into the room, and one by one, the lords called ‘I swear to uphold my vows!’ finally, all men in the room had sworn their fealty, and Kunst raised a goblet
“A toast, to our good duke Johann.” Kunst called, and the lords raised their cups “Long live the Duke!” Kunst said “LONG LIVE THE DUKE” cried the nobles in the Hall, none but one noticing the silence of the young lord sitting to his left, 
Kunst asked “Ah, Albrecht, is something troubling you?” the lord looked up from the table and replied “Not at all, Uncle, just thinking. Shall we toast Johann once more?” 
Kunst looked into his half empty goblet, and remarked “Sure, two toasts never hurt any man before.” 
the two men stood again, and Kunst raised his glass in a toast to his nephew Johann 
“Long live the duke!”
“Indeed, May the duke live long and well.” Albrecht replied coldly, before unsheathing a long dagger, and driving it into Kunst’s heart.