A/N: I realize it's been a while since I posted. Real life makes things rather hectic and lack of reviews causes my muse to be unhelpful. For the few that do review consistently and thoughtfully, thank you! You know who you are! This chapter is a bit short but it seemed a logical stopping point.
Chapter 10: The Scion of Kaport Bay
2 months later…
The herald's voice echoed across the walls of Utopia's audience chamber as another petitioner walked up the long carpet to the middle of the room. Seated primly upon his massive golden pillow, the immortal dragon gazed down at the figure approaching him as the rest of the court gazed speculatively at the new arrival. Nearby to the right of the dragon sat the hawkish and grim figure of the court sorceress, Lady Crostrike of Garasteth. The woman was dressed in soft black robes with deep blue and yellow trim, a slim wooden staff leaning against the back of her chair. Near her sat the more ostentatious figure of the Minister of Trade, Lord Darius of Darmen, who was dressed in a royal purple and blue outfit. Alisha and the mild, slightly rounded, figure of Lord Hammen of Cranden sat near Prometheus on either side of him as befitting the status of his personal advisers, the man dressed in simple monkish robes of tan and brown while her outfit was a simple grey blouse and black pants. Davis and Beowulf stood on the dragon's left, their eyes seemingly intent on the man for their own reasons. Finally, standing somewhat off to the left near one of the statues of the gods, was Lord Loraquet of Naelax. The relatively new addition to the court was dressed in an embroidered red and gold silk doublet and black slacks.
Prometheus listened to the man's request for a trade agreement between Utopia and the southern city of Torrich before reaching out mentally to several of his Ministers using the nanites that had been introduced to them when they had taken their oaths of loyalty.
~~Your thoughts?~~ He asked gently, his voice echoing through their minds.
Torrich does have the goods he mentions in abundance and our own supplies are rather limited.~~ Darius mused. ~~If your Eminence does agree to a trade agreement I should be able to lock in a fair price.~~
~~Does anyone have any objections to this course of action?~~ Prometheus asked.
A chorus of mental negatives answered him as he refocused on the man.
"Your request for a trade agreement shall be granted." Prometheus stated to the man serenely before nodding to Darius. "See to it."
Darius nodded as the man thanked Prometheus for his time before bowing his way out.
"If I might pose a question to your Eminence?" Loraquest's sharp voice suddenly sounded throughout the chamber.
The dragon blinked in surprise before turning his head to the man. "Speak Lord Loraquet."
The man stepped out from his partially hidden position next to the statue. "Forgive my lack of understanding in this matter, your Eminence, but I am somewhat puzzled by something and I hope you might be able to provide a swift and succinct answer."
The dragon nodded in allowance.
"I see here several distinguished members of the Celestial Houses of the realm, my Emperor. And yet, I am puzzled to note that the great House Torquann does not grace this illustrious hall. Did you not say to me not long ago that all of the Houses should be represented here in the interest of fairness and propriety?"
"I did indeed speak so." Prometheus replied. "But the lack of a representative is through no fault of my own or of this court for that House seemingly has no interest in representation. My advisers have told me that they have little interest in politics between the Houses. If they choose to not be a part of this court, I will not force them to be."
The man bowed his head in acknowledgement of Promtheus's statement before continuing. "Your words are of course wise and considerate, great Emperor. If they do not choose to join us, that is of course their prerogative. However, I feel compelled to state that others may not understand such a view and indeed might consider it a weakness or oversight on your part. After all, the common people are not privy to the inner workings of the court and might perceive the lack of representation as prejudice or dismissal against that House. It would not do to have such a rumor begin to fester, after all. Sadly, lies spread faster than the truth, no matter how noble the truth may be."
Prometheus nodded thoughtfully at the man's words before turning to Davis. "Lord Loraquet has a point, my friend. While House Torquann has not presented itself to us, neither have we stretched out the arm of friendship to them. I fear we have been remiss in this. I would have you go to them and offer them a place in my court, if they wish it."
Davis nodded. "As you wish, my Lord."
"If I might suggest, my Lord Davis, the city of Kaport Bay in the north is where the current head of House Torquann holds court." Loraquet added. "You would be best served meeting with them there, I think."
Davis glanced over at him briefly before nodding. "I shall leave tomorrow then, if it pleases you." Davis told Prometheus.
The radiant figure nodded as the herald called out once again while Loraquet unobtrusively returned to his former place next to the statue.
20 days later…
Kaport Bay, Davis decided, was a decidedly noxious city.
His olfactory sensors were constantly updating him regarding the presence of decaying and dead seafood as well as various wastes that washed up from the docks. As a major trading hub in the north, its port was always busy unloading goods and shipping out materials up and down the coast. While there were the occasional moments where Davis wished to be more human, he was entirely glad at that moment that he did not truly have a sense of smell. As the carriage bounced along the uneven cobble road he smirked slightly at the thought of Beowulf trying to make his way through the city with his ultra-sensitive nose.
Stupid gnoll would probably keel over from the smell. That would make for a good laugh! Maybe one day I'll invite him to come here with me just to see his face.
Davis chuckled mentally to himself before he glanced outside, noting once again the solemn and grim atmosphere that seemed to overshadow the city and its people, almost a polar opposite from the shining and happy city of Utopia. He was, of course, aware that the newness of Prometheus's city and its people would fade in time but he hardly believed it would sink into the desolate and dark mire that this city seemed to exude, even as its people went about their daily routine. Here and there he would see grim, armored figures stalking about the streets, the triple diamond heraldry that signified the House of Torquann prominently displayed, signifying their authority over the people as peace-keepers.
Jailors might be a better term considering the looks they get from people passing by. Davis mused silently as he watched people scattering to remove themselves from the vicinity of the guard as he passed, apprehension and dread etched onto their faces.
Something tells me this is not going to be a pleasant visit. He decided as his carriage trundled through the gate guarding the palace.
As his conveyance came to a stop, a man in heraldic livery quickly stepped forward to open the door for him. Davis stepped out and the man quickly beckoned, leading him inside the large wooden doors to the main foyer. Several higher ranking members of city's nobility paused to glance at him curiously as the pair made their way through the rear of the room and down a long hallway, the black marble floor and grim grey stone only adding to the oppressive feel of the massive edifice.
As they came to a slightly larger room with several soft benches, a balding, thin-faced man in crimson and black emerged from the large doors before them and stepped forward, a neutral expression on his face.
"We are honored by your visit, Lord Arnold of Utopia." The man greeted him quietly as the servant silently departed with a bow. "Permit me to introduce myself. I am Octavian, Seneschal to Sovis Mensk, the lord of this city and of House Torquann."
Davis inclined his head in respect. "I am pleased to make your acquaintance, my Lord. I believe you were sent notice that I desired to speak with the Scion regarding various matters?"
The man nodded. "I did indeed." He replied gravely. "However, I am afraid I must be the bearer of a bit of bad news. Several matters have suddenly come to light which prevent the Scion from speaking with you, or in truth any other petitioner, for a day or two."
Davis frowned slightly as the man sighed, seemingly upset. "I deeply apologize for this inconvenience, my Lord, but it could not be helped. However, I assure you the Scion will see you as soon as he is able to put these matters aside. In the meantime, I offer you the hospitality of our palace's guest rooms. You shall lack for nothing during your stay so long as it is within my power to grant. A carriage shall also be provided for you should you wish to partake of some of our city's goods and services." He finished with a watery smile.
Davis nodded his face coolly blank. "Might I inquire as to the nature of these matters?"
The man's face scrunched slightly in distaste. "It has become known to us that a rebellion is being plotted against the Scion and his House. Naturally such an event would cause great distress and chaos throughout the city, not to mention the kingdom at large so the Scion is putting forth all of his time and energy into tracking down these menaces before they can enact whatever fiendish plan they have concocted."
"Let us hope they are found quickly then." Davis stated neutrally. "Should I perhaps fear for my safety if an attack on the palace is imminent?"
The man attempted to smile in a reassuring fashion, though Davis found it to be rather sickly. "Certainly not, my Lord! Our guards are well-trained and assuredly more numerous than whatever rabble these fools have managed to convert to their ridiculous cause. But we must take such matters seriously and remove the instigators or they shall be able to convert more people. I'm sure you agree."
"Indeed." Davis replied blandly.
Sensing Davis's growing coolness, the Seneschal quickly gestured for a nearby servant. The man bowed to the Seneschal and to Davis before leading him through the palace to one of the guest rooms. The servant bowed his way out, leaving Davis alone in the richly decorated room. Pausing to listen for a few moments, he heard the servant's quiet footsteps diminish beyond the stone walls. Extending his senses further, he scanned for any nearby life-signs or energy signatures which could indicate the presence of spies or scrying spells. Finding neither, he opened the large wooden wardrobe absently to find his luggage had already been unpacked and his clothes put away neatly.
At least they're efficient in receiving guests. I think it's time for a bit of a stroll.
Glancing about the room once more, he left and walked down the hallway. Making a turn here and there, he began adding to the multi-dimensional mental map he had begun creating the moment he stepped into the palace. Floors, rooms, windows, guard placements, as well as magical signatures were meticulously inscribed into his data core as he walked about, seemingly admiring the various paintings or sculptures that lined the hallways. More than once he was turned back from entering a specific room or area of the palace by a pair of forbidding guards. Making a mental note at each one, he chatted amicably with the guards for a moment before moving on. After an hour or two he made his way out of the palace. One of the nearby carriages quickly pulled up as a servant opened the door for him. Climbing inside, he directed the driver to take him to the shopping district. The carriage quickly lurched forward, leaving the palace grounds and heading out into the city. The terminator spent the remainder of the afternoon browsing the various upscale shops, admiring blades, jewelry, and clothes, making a few small purchases here and there. As he went about, he conversed with the shopkeepers about the city in general and their opinions on various matters. He quickly found that many of the people were fairly tight-lipped about political matters with no one daring to venture an opinion regarding the Scion or his administration, quietly insisting it wasn't their place to do so. The matter of the rebellion refused to be discussed at all and many seemed to shrink away at the very notion, causing him to move on to safer topics. As the evening wore on he found himself in one of the local taverns, seemingly enjoying one of the local brews along with a plate of steak and vegetables. As he continued to listen to the rumors and gossip that flowed around the tables nearby, one of the servers approached his table with a bottle of wine. Davis looked up at him sharply as the man set the bottle down carefully, an intent look in his eyes.
"Compliments of a gentleman, sir." The server intoned quietly before moving on to another table.
Davis watched the man for a moment before quickly glancing about to see if anyone was paying undue attention to him. Confirming the other patrons were seemingly involved in their own affairs, he fixed his gaze on the bottle he had been presented with. Noticing a bit of paper underneath the bottle, he slipped it free and opened it in his lap, away from any prying eyes.
To the advisor of the Dragon Emperor,
It has come to our attention that you seek an alliance with the Scion of the city. No doubt you have heard of us from various sources in the palace. While Torquann brands us rebels, we seek the end of his rule for the betterment of the people of Kaport Bay and Atirr, not for any selfish or power-hungry designs as others may have suggested. We realize you have no reason to trust us but we would remedy that situation if you are amenable, for the goals of your Emperor and our own run parallel to each other, unlike House Torquann. If you wish to learn more, go to the Burrick's Inn on High Street tonight. You must arrive no later than the ninth bell for we cannot ensure the safety of my agent who will meet you there should you linger. When asked what you would like by the server, speak the phrase 'Nerull's special'. You will then be instructed on your next course of action. Do nothing further to draw attention to yourself as you have already roused Torquann's agents with your inquiries.
A potential ally
Crumpling the paper in his hand, Davis rested his chin on his hand idly as he considered the consequences of the note and what it might mean. While he had no assurance of the group's intentions towards him or the ruling House, intelligence was still intelligence and he might very well learn something useful, assuming they did not try to kill him outright.
And even if they tried, they'd find me very difficult to kill. Plus I'd probably make Torquann fairly happy and more open to an alliance. Either way, I win. Davis smiled grimly.
Noticing the time had just passed the eighth bell he quickly finished his meal, leaving a nice tip for the server before striding out the door and directing his driver to take him to the Burrick's Inn. A quarter of an hour later and the carriage arrived in one of the seedier areas of town. Davis carefully stepped out, avoiding the rancid puddles that lay here and there amidst the broken cobblestones.
"Are you sure you wish to stop here sir?" The driver asked quietly. "This neighborhood can get a bit rough at night."
"I can handle myself adequately, thank you." Davis replied calmly as he walked towards the door.
Entering the inn, he looked around for an empty table. Spotting one near the back he made his way over and sat down, idly analyzing the dim haze of tobacco and various herbs that permeated the air. A few minutes later, a server dressed in brown approached him.
"Can I get you something sir?" He asked politely.
"I've heard Nerull's Special is quite interesting." Davis replied idly, his eyes fixed on the man.
The man smiled slightly in recognition. "Indeed it is, sir. Perhaps you would like to choose a bottle for yourself?"
Going along with the wordplay, Davis nodded and stood. The man gestured for him to follow as he made his way back to the kitchen. They quickly moved between the various cooks before slipping out the back door, into the shadowed alleyway next to the inn. The man quickly moved down the alleyway and along one of the smaller side streets which were densely packed with simple tenements. Coming to a particular door, he knocked in a specific sequence. The window slit opened quickly, revealing a pair of eyes.
"What?" The door warden asked brusquely.
"This man has come about Nerull's Special." The server stated.
The slit quickly shut. There was the sound of bolts and locks being opened before the door jerked open, revealing the burly form of the door warden.
"Inside!" He hissed.
The pair entered and the door was quickly shut and bolted behind them. The man looked Davis up and down suspiciously.
"Who's this then?" He asked gruffly.
"The advisor to the dragon." The server told him quickly. "We must speak with the others."
The man nodded and led them through a bare hallway into an interior room with no windows. Moving the flimsy table aside, grasped a ring set into the floor and wrenched, yanking up a set of floorboards to reveal a dimly lit hole with a ladder.
"Down you go." The man stated with a gesture.
"After you." Davis informed the server.
The man nodded and quickly began to descend the ladder with Davis following. A moment later, the warden replaced the floorboards with a thump, barely missing Davis's head.
Dropping the last few feet, Davis landed in a crude stone room. Looking around, the server was standing near a small collection of individuals gathered around a table lit with candles, their faced shrouded in the dim light. One of them straightened and walked over to Davis, stretching out a hand in welcome, his thin crown of silvery gray hair shining in the candlelight.
"My Lord, I am glad you accepted our invitation." The man said cheerfully.
Davis shook the man's hand cautiously, his face wary. "Exactly what have I been invited to? And whom am I addressing?"
"Forgive me." The man said with a smile on his round face. "My name is Ambrose, one of the leaders of…well…I suppose you can call it the rebellion."
Davis raised an eyebrow at this. "You aren't sure. Not exactly encouraging, my Lord. Precisely what are you rebelling against?"
The man blinked in surprise at him. "I would have thought our note made it obvious, my Lord Davis. We seek the overthrow of the Scion of Torquann and in doing so, obtain freedom for the people of this city. Hopefully in time that freedom will also extend to Atirr as well, the other city where Torquann holds sway."
Davis nodded. "I wished to make sure we understood one another, my Lord, nothing more. Why, exactly do you feel the need to overthrow the current regime? I am a stranger in this city, after all; I know nothing of Torquann or his policies."
"Then I shall educate you." The man stated grimly. "Simply put, the people here are under great burdens, both financially and socially. Torquann is a fairly wealthy House because of its control of the sea ports but also because of the high taxes the House imposes on all the businesses and people. The people make enough to survive and ensure their businesses do not collapse but everyone teeters on the brink of poverty should a run of bad luck or circumstance occur. One missed shipment can often mean closure. Not only are the people taxed heavily, but they can be arrested and tried for the most petty of crimes. I have often wondered whether the guards simply make up the laws on the spot as they make an arrest!" The man exclaimed with fire in his eyes.
"I have seen people taken simply for being in the wrong place at the wrong time." He stated angrily. "For complaining about the taxes, for not moving out of the way quick enough when a guard passes."
The man's face suddenly became haunted, his eyes distant. "I have even seen a child cut down in the streets for yelling too loudly as a guardsman passed by. The child's mother just stood there, trembling in fear that she would be next, not even daring to cry out in anguish for fear the guard would kill her too."
The man looked at Davis in forlorn dismay. "This is the reality of our city, Lord Davis. We live under terrible oppression and no one dares lift a finger. But someone must if we are ever to see justice!"
"And you believe you are the ones to do it." Davis stated.
The man sighed. "We are the only ones who can. We are few in number right now but we are growing. People are becoming so desperate that they will risk everything just to see us succeed. It is a terrible, desperate hope, I know, but it is all they have and we must take what we can get."
"Torquann is already aware of your existence." Davis informed him grimly. "He is searching for you already, or so his Senechal told me. If his guards are as fearsome as you say, I cannot help but wonder how long this rebellion of your will last."
"Ah, but that is where you come in, my Lord!" The man said, his face brightening. "We have heard of the Dragon Emperor you serve and his cause. It is my hope that you can persuade him to aid us in this. With an army as mighty as his at our backs, Torquann's power would be broken forever and we could lead this city into a new era of peace, just as you have done for East Fair and Utopia!"
Davis raised a hand to stop him. "I cannot simply command the Emperor's army to march on another city without his approval. And I will not be able to obtain that approval unless I have concrete evidence of your claims. As of yet I have not even managed to gain an audience with the Scion to hear his side of things. While it is true some of the people I met with today seemed subdued, that is hardly proof."
The man nodded. "Your best option would be to obtain a written copy of some of the laws that Torquann has enacted over the years. These are a matter of public record, technically, but you will find it very hard to find such records, everything is kept secret here. Impeding officials ignore or lose requests and those that insist on digging deeper often vanish. At this point, no one will dare ask such questions. But I am sure that even the Scion would not dare harm a visiting dignitary of such importance; not without rousing your master's ire."
Davis nodded thoughtfully. "I may be able to do such a thing, but I will need—"
Suddenly his head jerked as a crashing noise came from upstairs. A moment later, shouting was heard and several loud thuds before the floorboards above were ripped off, the hole surrounded by armored men with drawn swords. Davis grimaced as he looked into the cold, piercing eyes of the Torquann guard.
Davis quickly found himself back at the palace in iron shackles as he and the other men who had been captured stood before the Scion of the city.
At least I'm getting that audience. Davis sighed mentally. But I would have preferred to bargain from a rather different position.
The audience chamber, like the rest of the palace was dark and grim looking with grey stone and muted tapestries along the walls. The Scion himself was dressed in a rich purple night robe over white linens with the steel circlet of office around his head. His cold blue eyes looked down at the group before him, his face twisted into a sneer. Next to him, Octavian stood in his crimson and black outfit, a look of severe disapproval on his face.
"So at last we have the rebel scum that threaten me and my city." The Scion stated triumphantly before looking to Davis. "And it seems my adviser was right in denying you access to me; if you are a part of this foolishness, who knows what you might have tried to do while in my presence."
"If I may, Lord Torquann, I only arrived in this city this afternoon." Davis explained. "How could I possibly be a part of their group?"
"Do you think me a fool?" The man cried angrily. "Do not think to weasel your way out of this with smooth words and a glib tongue! My man has already told me of the agents you have in this city, spying on us and rousing the people against me! And now I have proof of your duplicitous deeds!"
Davis frowned in confusion. "I have done no such thing, my Lord. On my life, I swear it."
The man laughed cruelly. "On your life, you say? It may indeed cost you that when I am through with you!"
"Who told you I had planted spies in this city?" Davis asked him. "For I assure you he is a liar."
Lord Torquann's face twisted in anger. "You would do well to curb that tongue lest I have my torturer confiscate it! Your men have been arrested, the letters you sent to them secretly have been found in their personal effects. And now we find you in the midst of their company, plotting my downfall! Oh yes, we have more than enough evidence to convict you!"
Davis's face went blank in confusion. "Letters? What letters do you speak of? The only letter I have sent to this city was to inform you of my coming not a few weeks ago!"
Torquann smirked down at him from his throne. "Do not think to lie. Octavian provided me with a series of letters with your signature, instructing these fools in how to begin an uprising at your master's behest. Your most recent letter, in fact, stated you would be arriving soon to determine their readiness. As you can see, they failed miserably."
Davis shook his head firmly. "I have never sent any such letters. If you do have such a thing then they are forgeries."
Torquann snorted in disbelief. "And I should believe you, when you stand before me in shackles along with your co-conspirators? I think not!"
Davis's face turned grim. "And what, exactly, do you plan to do with us? The Dragon Emperor will not take kindly to hear I have been tortured or executed without a trial. Harm me at your peril. If Overking Ivid could not stand against him, what chance do you think you will have?"
Torquann merely chuckled coldly at him, completely at ease. "Oh, do not trouble yourself with such thoughts. I have no intention of harming you. But I cannot release such an obvious conspirator, even one such as you. Fear not, I will inform your Emperor of your actions and your situation. No doubt he will be glad to be rid of a skulking scoundrel such as you."
The man turned to the guards nearby. "Guards! Take them to the cells! Make sure they are guarded day and night, especially that one! I will have your heads if he is not watched carefully!"
Strong hands gripped Davis's shoulders and he was led away as the Lord of Kaport Bay laughed. Octavian stood behind his master, a cold smile on his face.