Arguing Men

***

The miners had gathered in the old stone church, their usual meeting place, when they arrived. Edmund pushed the robust creaking wooden doors open, and they stepped inside. The place was brightly lit and perfectly aerated due to the open windows. The men already had a heated discussion going on and their murmurs vexed the building itself.

As he and Edmund entered, the intense discussion momentarily subsided, as they acknowledged his presence with curt nods and brief, appraising glances. The atmosphere was thick with tension.

"Your Majesty." They all echoed in unison, bowing low to him.

Alexander walked past them and ascended to the elevated platform at the front of the church. As he took his seat, he made a slight wave of his hand and said. "Carry on." They did.

He glanced around. Maybe thirty or more miners filled the small building. Every pew was filled and some men stood to the side. Their murmurs increased continuously until the tiny voices became a loud noise, discorded and a