<br/>Eglio was a good king, as kings go, but always fancied himself a warrior first.  The economic and social advances made in his kingdom belonged to the various advisers and academics and clergy, but the military accomplishments that made them all possible belonged to Eglio and his soldiers.  So when Manfred approached the subject of the cure for his belly ache as from one old soldier helping another, it appealed to the king in ways a bargeload of "learned physicians" never could. It was also a difficult thing for him (like most men) to say no to Katelyn.<br/><br/><div class="quoteheader"><div class="topslice_quote"><a href="https://elliquiy.com/forums/index.php?topic=173980.msg8281081#msg8281081">Quote from: chaoslord29 on 24-05-2013, 20:31:58</a></div></div><blockquote class="bbc_standard_quote"> “There is no need to trouble his majesty’s doctor; A simple jaunt away from the heat and stuffiness of the feast will no doubt restore his majesty’s vigor, and it would provide a moment for more private discussion as well . . .” <br/></blockquote><div class="quotefooter"><div class="botslice_quote"></div></div><br/><br/>"Milord, I must know what you propose ... in the absence of the Royal Physician ... " it was the aged duke looking out for his king's health and welfare.  The king quickly put his old friend's mind to rest.  The Count was like family now --<em>Our noble brother</em>-- and he could certainly do no more harm than the long succession of quack physicans his advisers had fostered upon him.<br/><br/>Gilberto, still the dutiful son despite his lust for the old man's bride, wanted to go with his father to ensure his care.  Instead, the king ordered him to remain at the banquet.  After all, the banquet was hosted by the King, so if the king could not be present, his son should be required to stand in for him.  Fortunately for Gilberto, the planning of the feast had been so thoroughly overseen that it was guaranteed to be a smashing success even before the first boar had been killed.  Without the distraction of the beautiful Queen, he was almost quite a charming host to his honored guests.<br/><br/>Eglio did his best to keep up appearances, trying to make it appear as if he was doing the leading instead of being led.  Once they were alone, however, he stooped over and allowed his wife and the Count to support him the rest of the way to the bed.  By that time he was in such pain he would have agreed to anything Manfred prescribed.<br/>