Age of Cataclysm: Book 1-Chapter 54
Imported from SF2 with no description.
Chapter length: 2,512 words
Current novel length: 198,563 words
Chapter 54
(Malfias)
Malfias waits patiently for his visitors in his private chambers, consuming a food platter while he writes a letter. Auburn wax bears the Hearthrow symbol of a lion as he seals the document before sending it off by a bloodhawk. He has more papers to write and sign ever since the death of the false Edreth.
Shung is the first guest to arrive for the meeting. As usual, he appears earlier than the expected time. Sitting in front of Malfias, he stares at the letters his boss has yet to acknowledge. Some of the recipients cause him to raise his eyebrows, a reaction he hides quickly each time he notices him about to look in his direction.
“What are the letters for?" asked Shung.
“They're family matters," Malfias answered. “Mainly checking on the statuses of my brothers, sisters, and offsprings across the world and whether some of them and my father intend on traveling to the Summit. There are also letters mixed in there about Edreth."
Shung decides to inquire about the odd letters, starting with the most peculiar. “Errek Alermetson? I'm curious as to why he'll receive a letter from you."
“Errek and I have a history with each other. I'm sending him a gift in celebration of his twentieth wedding anniversary."
“No doubt he will dedicate your investments towards his project. How much you expect in dividends?"
“Minimal dividends. Virtually inconsequential. My gift is sincere."
In all his years with Malfias, Shung still suspects an ulterior motive. “Malfias, gift, and sincere are words I never thought would be together."
“It'll plant the seeds, so it's basically a massive largess."
Such a plenteous endowment for a tiny return? The end of the world is indeed upon us. “What about Yalïd Araqiel in Klarroth?"
“I'm inquiring information as to why my daughter, Tryce, is no longer in contention in marrying the Yalïdiniš," Malfias answered.
“A shame. Having Klarroth as an ally would be beneficial if you're willing to overlook some of its idiosyncrasies."
The door opens before Malfias can respond, and two men ambulate in, chatting. One is an elder with a long, white beard while the other is younger than him though he utilizes makeup to keep his goatee and hair dark, masking the grey areas. They greet Malfias and Shung before taking a seat at the table. The man in the makeup receives a subtle, bitter response from the Hu-Janese.
Malfias relocates from his desk over to the table, meandering around impatiently for the other arrivals. “They're late." He expects Envarn to be tardy. It's usual for him to personally remind his prodigy. But, Eryce, this is her first time. Perhaps the invitation didn't completely register with her since it's also the first time she partakes in the meeting, and she forgot. They waste five minutes before walking through the door.
“Sorry we're late," Eryce said. “I was busy teaching him as you requested, and we lost track of time."
“At least we can start the meeting," Malfias responded dryly.
“I would like to begin by saying it's an honor to be a part of the council, again," the man with the long beard spoke.
“There's no need to utter those words each time I call for a council, Otys," Malfias responded.
“Yes, Lord Malfias," Otys replied. “Apologies."
Envarn rocks in his seat energetically, grinning. “So, this is a council? I've never been to one before. I expected it to be more august, but this will do. What's this about?"
“You, for starters," Malfias answered. He adds as he stares at everybody at the table, “I'm sure you're well aware that the deceased Edreth left a vacancy at Castle Carneath. Soon, Envarn, you'll be the next baron by marrying Sheilra. The family will be one step closer to obtaining the Dragon Throne, and every Adoranian territory will fall under our influence. For once since the dawn of the kingdom, the monarchy is weak."
“Why waste time on Castle Carneath?" asked the man wearing makeup. “No offense," he added towards Envarn. “It would be beneficial to marry off one of your sisters or one of your two daughters like the Balceran and Aleudras family are attempting as we speak. It would be disastrous if the Elves of either lineage obtain the grand prize. Tryce would be an ideal candidate."
“Because, Petryke," Malfias spoke, “I'm preparing for war, and having a Hearthrow marry a person with Sturn and Terryn blood in them, unifying the two families to mine, will be a powerful alliance. I believe the current king will soon perish due to his negative reputation and weak leadership. There's no other person with a claim to the throne."
“Aside from one," Shung interrupted. Everybody but Envarn and Eryce fall silent for a minute. He has an arrogant visage while she dismisses the individual.
“If we were in Thelos, then I would worry," she spoke.
“I can kick the shit out of him," Envarn uttered. “Bastard won't know what hit him."
“Anyway," Malfias redirects their attention to the main topic, “With no rightful heir, conflict is virtually ineluctable."
“If I may bring this up," Otys spoke up, “I've been noticing an atypical spike in the finances. You're siphoning every coin from our sources as possible to your operation. A loan from Diamond Financial for four million emperium coin? It will be years to pay this off. Decades even."
“I appreciate the concern," Maflias responded. “The grandest of prizes require the most major of moves. Fortune favors risk-takers, and this fortune will dwarf the loan to a mere drop once we succeed."
“It would be wise to strengthen our foothold while time remains," Shung recommended. “Edreth's jurisdiction provides no major boon, except for Sheilra, while the Montins have Meybury and its plenitude of minerals and the vaults in Siartin risk falling into the Brotherhood of Liberty's hands. The commoners down south are riled and threaten secession."
“They're blowing off steam," Petryke said. “The peasants know they lack the capabilities to launch any meaningful attempt. Like parents to a child throwing a tantrum, ignore the mud bathers, and they'll eventually shut up when they're not receiving attention, or you give them a severe spanking or two."
“Let's not forget our northern neighbor," Shung uttered. “The Phehans would love nothing more than civil conflict in Adoran. The shadows articulated that the new queen is a replica of her mother in the personality department or worse. We are handing the kingdom to them on a silver platter if a civil war breaks out. There are also whispers of several Cerths desiring for their land and independence, recruiting more members."
“The Farlanders are just replicas of the southern provinces. All bark and no bite."
“Dhaknio Valley would like to say hi."
“That reminds me," Malfias spoke to Petryke to disrupt his and Shung's conversation. “The Summit nears, and the events in the southern provinces are one of the main subjects the Seven Noble Families," he utters the following words with a bit of disgust, "and the Gaaruuks will discuss. It's the only common denominator we have. I want you to join the Hearthrow family as an advisor." Shung represses a sudden burst of emotion.
The offer has Petryke's attention. “I am honored. I'm also surprised that Shung isn't going."
“He refused."
“Is that so?" Petryke turns his attention towards Shung with a subtle smirk. “Did the Shadow Whisperer come down with a sudden case of the cold feet?"
“More of other obligations," Shung replied.
“Before we conclude our meeting, what other news do you wish to report?" asked Malfias.
“The shadows tell me that Raulyn is currently in Garen's Well," Shung answered.
“Our enemies aren't doing a terrific job at ridding us of him."
“I can hire some mercenaries to do the task," Eryce offered. “He possesses zero combat skills. They'll end him as soon as the first sight of that dwarf. Or send a few whores his way, and he'll be too occupied to reunite with us."
“Send both," Malfias replied. “As he's busy with a prostitute, the mercenaries shouldn't have any problems obtaining his head. He'll die with a hooker on his cock. I imagine his final expression is during his orgasm. Anything else?"
“There are reports of a male and female claiming they're the descendants of Aris Aram, over in Lutis and Eltyr, respectively," Petryke responded.
“More people exploiting the legendary hero's legacy," Otys said. “How abhorrent."
“And near the Darkened Seven, no less," Shung responded. “My shadows are reporting of activity to the East. It is Ordren, and he is the Calîn in the Ilulan Empire. The people consider him as the holy vessel of their god."
“Like I said before, I would worry if we are in Thelos," Eryce spoke. “Their navy is mediocre, and their wyverns can't fly across the Levosita Ocean without ships. We're safe from the pious jingoes."
“They're amassing new ships and improving those that are salvageable. How long do we have till they're breathing down our necks? I doubt as long as you think, and hopefully, your gods help us when they reach land. Everybody must be frantic by the event judging by the aggressive actions by the nations."
“People have a fascination towards superstition. If there's nothing additional to canvass, then the meeting is adjourned," Malfias said. He faces his wife. “Make sure to hire Iskar Raksi." She nods her head.
One after another, the members exit through the door and go their separate ways. Observing Petryke beckoning him, Shung follows him to a secluded hallway. He puts on a stoic expression to him.
“I knew since the assembly that you and I weren't done with our talk," Shung said.
“As perceptive as ever," Petryke responded. “You decided on the shadows. Fascinating."
“The shadows provide the best information. It's where people flock to divulge their secrets because they feel it's secure or they underestimate its ability to eavesdrop on dialogue. Tell me, what didn't you approve of the marriage between Tryce and the Yalïdiniš?"
“She would forge a better alliance than Klarroth," Petryke answered.
“From your perspective."
Petryke smiles. “It's not my perspective. It's the world. The Archive will mark it down as a positive."
“The Archive does not view through the lenses of positive or negative."
“Bias exists everywhere. Even neutral institutions such as the Archive has it, whether conspicuous or subtle. Which bias will Illyria accept, yours or mine? In case you're aren't aware of the signs, our preparation time is at an end. From this moment onward, the game truly begins, and each move we perpetrate will determine who will conquer who as the prophecy unfolds." As he leaves, Petryke utters his next words while walking backward. “Gyr Kaon?ajnys"
“Gyr Kaon?ajnys."
(Arven, Bolts, Kaera, Lorna, Merrick, Myla, Sylfinas)
Sylfinas lays in the bed in paralysis from Resila's potion. Every part of his body below the head is numb. Cold steel touches near his right ear as Resila presses her gun against him. Shock, betrayal, confusion, and fear are fusing together in the cauldron of his emotions as clear liquid transudes through his skin._ Rimita actually exists? I thought Kaera was excogitating a random name for her story._
Resila cocks the hammer of her revolver. “I'll repeat it before I fire. What do you know of Rimita?"
“Nothing, I swear," Sylfinas answered. Her expression shows that she doesn't want to commit to her threat.
The door opens, and Arven, Kaera, and Lorna barge in while Bolts, Merrick, and Myla wait outside. Startled, Resila points her gun at them. Sharp pain causes her to drop it as Lorna shoots her arm.
“Reach for that gun or try any funny business and I'll blast a hole through your fucking head," Lorna warned. Resila heeds it as she beholds Arven, a snarling Kaera, and Lorna armed and ready to fight.
“How did you become aware of my situation?" asked Sylfinas, glad that he had reinforcements.
“Myla told us," Kaera answered. She is in one of the underwear from Bolts's collection along with Lorna.
“She said she sensed you were in trouble and guided us," Arven added.
“Don't injure Resila," Sylfinas spoke. “She doesn't want to inflict harm."
“What does she want?" asked Kaera as she lowered her greataxe. While this is occurring, Merrick does most of the persuading to curious people.
“Remember when you told us about faking a Halfing named Rimita? Turns out a Rimita exists, and Resila wants to know our current knowledge," Sylfinas answered.
“What are the odds that some random name is actually on a Wanted list?" asked Merrick. “And no, you may not answer, Sylfinas."
“That name gives her sadness," Myla uttered.
“None of you actually have information pertaining to her?" asked Resila. The group answers with a nod.
“Who is Rimita?" inquired Arven.
“She's my sister. She's been kidnapped, and I'm searching for her to bring her back to her husband and first baby at home."
“Kidnapped by whom?"
“The Phantom Brotherhood. At first impression, I thought you were members." Resila notices Arven, Kaera, and Sylfinas having the most visible reaction to the culprit. Out of her view, Merrick expresses the same response as them.
“Clink-clank." Merrick stares at Bolts in confusion, trying to decipher its message through charades. It gives up after he fails miserably.
“I assume you are familiar with the organization," Resila said.
“It caused havoc in mine and Arven's hometown of Belburn in Adoran," Sylfinas answered. “It summoned a zombie horde during the Harvest Festival."
“The members also kidnapped me," Kaera replied.
“Did you behold her?" asked Resila. Her eyes have a glimmer of hope.
Kaera shakes her head. “Either she was purchased before me or locked up in a separate chamber from mine."
Disappointment fills Resila's eyes this time. “So, she's anywhere without a clue to her whereabouts."
“Sorry."
“What lures you to Lenehil?" asked Arven.
“I figure the best way to initiate my search is by traveling to her last location, which is Lenehil." Believing the group is truthful, Resila liberates Sylfinas from the potion by pouring a violet-colored antidote down his mouth. It assuages the muscles' tension like after a deep, heated massage session, and his sense of touch returns. “Apologies for causing this mess. You are free to go," she said to Sylfinas.
“Before I leave, was there any connection between you and me?" asked Sylfinas.
“Sorry, but I don't roll that way," Resila answered. Arven, Bolts, Kaera, Lorna, and Merrick don't need Myla's assistance to know Sylfinas's balloon is deflating. “Though I must admit that you're attractive and benevolent that you'll acquire a romantic relationship in no time.
Saying their farewells, the party members retire to their respective rooms for the night. As Arven, Myla, and Sylfinas sleep soundly, Merrick tosses and turns in bed before waking up from a dream. He buries himself in blankets as both hands suddenly glow blue and discharging tiny lightning bolts. As he places them closer to each other, the electricity merges together into a sphere before fizzling out.
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