19/09/2018

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The Cardinal of Sin
Chapter 5 War in the Square Part 9

-cos-

Great Tomb of Nazarick, Sixth Floor, Lower Levels of the Amphitheatre

Pandora screamed. He pushed off the boxes he was sitting on, his long fingered hands reaching forward. All he had to do was stop her. It didn't matter how. The cave of boxes was narrow, but he could reach in. The boxes clattered, tumbling down. He didn't hear.

He felt one hand reach Aura's arm and grasped it. It was the wrong arm but anything would help. He pulled Aura. His other hand reached in deeper. There came a stab of pain. Pandora didn't care. He knew what his Father would feel if Aura succeeded. He had no desire to feel that. His pain didn't matter.

"No!" Aura despaired. "I failed." She didn't struggle against his grip.

"You did not fail," Pandora said, pulling Aura into his arms. He could better control her that way. He pulled back, almost falling over backwards. He held her close, cradling her body. Holding her like this, he was reminded how small Aura was.

She turned in his arms, burying her head against him. Tears were streaming down her face. He didn't mind that. That was normal. That was what should be happening, yet she cried in silence.

Pandora looked down at his hand and breathed a sigh of relief. The pain he had felt was the knife. He had intercepted it. He used his other hand to rub at Aura's back. "Shh, shh," he soothed. He leaned back against one of the boxes. "Shh." The croon reverberated through his chest. He wasn't sure if Aura heard.

[Father?] Pandora reached out with a message spell.

[Pandora?] The response was instantaneous, and somehow felt close.

[I have Aura. She is unharmed.]

[Are you?]

Somehow his father always knew the questions to ask. It was probably why he was such a good mediator.

[A scratch,] Pandora admitted. [It's nothing.]

His father said nothing to that. [Where are you?]

[In the storage room on the lowest level of the Colosseum,] Pandora replied.

[I will come to you,] Ainz decided.

Pandora nodded as he felt the connection break. His father had to be back in Nazarick. He sighed with relief, still rubbing at Aura's back. His father wouldn't be back unless the Theocracy had been defeated. It was over.

-cos-

Great Tomb of Nazarick, Sixth Floor, Stage Level of the Amphitheatre

There were several staging areas in the Great Tomb of Nazarick. Most of them were traps but when the traps weren't triggered, they were good places to gather prisoners. Ainz assumed Shalltear would be using the area on the Third Floor for her portals. He, therefore opened his into the Amphitheatre. The rest of his party followed.

He looked at the prisoners. The Pleiades had unceremoniously stacked the corpses in a pile. "Separate the Cardinal," he instructed. "Dispose of those in white robes, and put those in purple into storage," he specified. There had been a difference in the feel of their magic and he wanted to explore that later. Those in white had used divine magic, the ones in purple had done something else. He wanted to find out what.

Yuri Alpha nodded for them all and the maids quickly obeyed.

That left the living prisoners. Mare had levitated them through the portal and now they were laid out in a line. Albedo was keeping her body between them and him. One prisoner belonged to Shalltear, and the woman to Aura. He didn't know what to do with the others. They were strong, for humans but… He'd have to think on their fate.

"Have them all imprisoned," he instructed Albedo and Mare as he gestured to them. He needed some time to think about what to do next. Victory in the Square was assured but how did he now deal with the Theocracy?

"You have all done well," Ainz said, making sure the maids could hear. He probably should have started with that. "I will attend to appropriate rewards in the next few days," he added. Another thing he had to think about.

He had a feeling he was going to be dealing with fallout from the Theocracy for a while yet.

[Father?] Pandora interrupted his thoughts. It reminded him there were things he needed to consider here. He felt a sudden stab of trepidation.

[Pandora?] He replied immediately, ignoring the sudden stab of trepidation that pierced his heart at his creation's contact.

[I have Aura. She is unharmed.]

Ainz relaxed at that, the trepidation passed but then he had a new consideration. [Are you?] Aura was fine, or as fine as she was going to be, but was Pandora similarly unharmed.

[A scratch. It's nothing,] Pandora replied.

Mentally Ainz frowned at that. He had the suspicion it wasn't just a scratch but his creation would tell him if it was worse. He hoped. Though perhaps he could ensure that both Pandora and Aura were as well as could be expected. And he should tell Aura that the woman had been captured. [Where are you?]

[In the storage room on the lowest level of the Colosseum,] his creation replied.

[I will come to you,] Ainz told him. He looked around the stadium. The maids had been their usual efficient selves and had removed the corpses. The other prisoners were gone as well. They moved quickly.

Albedo was still with him and it took Ainz a moment to realise why. Fluder and Leinas were still here and she would not leave him alone with mere humans, no matter how loyal they were supposed to be.

"Fluder," Ainz said, turning to the old man. "I trust you enjoyed the battles?"

"Yes, Your Majesty! They were magnificent," the Magic Caster replied.

Ainz detected something in the old man's voice. It took him a moment to place it. "Eclipse is the last thing those living beings who are within its sphere ever see," he told the old man. "There is no protection," he added.

The former Chief Magic Caster of the Baharuth Empire frowned for a moment before he understood. He smiled briefly, stroking his beard as he nodded. "I regret not seeing it, but am thankful for your consideration, Your Majesty."

Leinas nodded her agreement. It was slightly amusing that the Empire's Knight agreed with one who would be called traitor but Ainz decided to ignore that. "I will open a portal for you," he told the Knight.

"That is not necessary, Your Majesty," she replied.

Ainz tilted his head. That was not the response he had been expecting. Albedo stiffened, while Fluder looked interested.

The Imperial Knight took a deep breath. She was probably bracing herself against the aura of hostility Albedo exuded.

Ainz mentally shook his head. He was going to have to do something about Albedo's continued hatred of humans. It was not healthy, or was it hard coded into her? He hadn't had the time to read all her settings before Yggdrasil's shut down. Tabula Smaragdina always overdid it with the settings. It was possible that out of all of those from Nazarick, Albedo would have the hardest time learning new things. Especially if Tabula Smaragdina had put in so many settings. For her sake, he hoped not.

"Your Majesty indicated you would consider curing my curse after the Slane Theocracy had fallen," Leinas said.

He knew what she was inferring. While the Theocracy wasn't quite within his control, that was a matter of time. Ainz looked at the woman. She was staring boldly at him. "You realise you may not survive," he reminded her of what he had said back in Arwintar.

"I will survive," she insisted. "I will endure anything if it means my curse is cured."

"And then what?" Ainz asked.

Leinas blinked. She had to have thought of that. "If you can cure this curse, Your Majesty, I am yours to command," she replied.

"The Emperor?"

It was Fluder who laughed. "Jircniv has always known Leinas' price," the Magic Caster explained.

"That is true, Your Majesty," Leinas confirmed.

"Very well," Ainz replied. She knew better than to rejoice. "You will go to E-Rantel, and I will attend to it in a few days," he added, opening a portal.

"Of course, Your Majesty," Leinas said, though her tone was happy. She stepped towards the portal. "Ah, wait," she murmured, and fumbled at her neck briefly. She pulled off the [Sokujiryokou Talisman] and held it out. "This is yours," she said.

Ainz nodded as he took the talisman. It would be best to collect them as quickly as possible. Fluder seemed to realise that and also took his off, handing it to Ainz. They were not needed now.

"Speak to Tsuareninya Veyron to obtain lodgings," Ainz instructed Leinas. He trusted that the other woman could handle that much at least. Leinas nodded before stepping through the portal. There was a bounce in her step. He let it close after her.

"Your Majesty's generosity has earned her loyalty," the old man told him.

"That remains to be seen," Ainz replied. "I was not lying. She may yet die."

Fluder shook his head. "She will find a way to survive." He had no doubt.

"We will see," Ainz said. "Now, I must attend to Aura," he announced.

"Of course, Your Majesty," Fluder agreed, lowering his head as he stepped away. Albedo relaxed.

"Albedo, you can get changed," Ainz told her. The Guardian Overseer nodded but didn't move. Fluder was still in range. They watched as the old man left the Colosseum, though Ainz knew that Albedo probably wished the human was trapped.

"Leinas will not have a position here," Ainz told her.

"My Lord?" Albedo asked. He could hear the slight confusion in her voice.

"She will not have a position here," Ainz repeated. "If she survives, I have other duties in mind for her."

Albedo nodded. He could sense she was relieved that Nazarick would not be hosting another Human. Prisoners were acceptable, but not those in service. "You fought magnificently, Albedo," he praised her. "I thank you for capturing the woman alive," he added.

Albedo had removed her helmet, so he saw her blush. It was odd that such a strong being was capable of that. She looked almost coquettish. "Now, please rest. I will need you when I discuss things with the surviving Cardinals," Ainz told her.

"Of course, my Lord!" Albedo nodded and finally moved away from him.

Ainz sighed. He was finally alone. It was time to head to Pandora, and Aura. Mentally he braced himself for what he would find there as he made his way to the Colosseum's exit, heading into the dark storage rooms that were under the main Arena. Pandora indicated he was on the lowest level. It did not take Ainz long to get there.

He stepped into the large room. His features didn't display his frown when he saw the boxes. What were they here for? They looked like some of the old games he had seen, where the player had to jump from box to box to clear the area. He couldn't remember which one of the Guild had designed this area. Everything was illuminated by a yellow light, making the wood on the boxes seem all the more rough.

That wasn't the point. "Pandora!" Ainz called.

"Here!" His creation's voice came from behind several stacks of boxes. A wraith popped up from behind them, indicating the exact location.

Ainz sighed as he made his way over. He was having this area cleared as soon as he was finished here. There was no need for it. He wondered which of the Guild had set it up. It was childish. He found Pandora near the base of several boxes. A few had overturned but that didn't hinder his movement. The doppelganger was holding the dark elf gently.

Thankfully, Ainz saw that first. Then he noticed the knife going through Pandora's hand.

"A scratch?"

"A scratch, Father," Pandora agreed.

Ainz dropped down beside his creation, as Pandora rose, still holding Aura close. She appeared to be asleep. "Hold out your hand," Ainz instructed.

Pandora obeyed with what appeared to be a wry smile. Ainz pulled the knife from his creation's flesh. The doppelganger said nothing. He didn't even hiss as Ainz cast a healing charm.

"Thank you, Father," Pandora said.

It was nice to be able to speak to his creation like this. Pandora wasn't being flamboyant but he could not revel in that. Aura required his attention. "What happened?"

"She was already here when I arrived," Pandora replied, shaking his head. "I couldn't talk her down. I tried."

"I know you did," Ainz assured his creation. "Her mental state is not stable," he added.

Pandora nodded.

"If she is now suicidal, that means healing her mental state has become a priority."

"You have captured them?"

"You know we have," Ainz told Pandora. The doppelganger had been in more contact with Demiurge and Shalltear than he had. Since Ainz hadn't been contacted, he assumed their missions had gone well. "Except, Aura isn't Shalltear," he added. "Just presenting her with those responsible and allowing her to do what she will isn't going to heal her," he said.

Again Pandora nodded. The motion seemed sad. Ainz gave his creation a pointed look.

He sighed. "I haven't been able to find anything in the other's abilities," Pandora admitted.

Ainz nodded. It was what he expected. Yggdrasil didn't need mental magics. The few spells that were meant to 'settle your mind' actually slightly increased your luck. There was nothing designed to deal with what Aura had been through, simply because it wasn't possible in the game.

"Then I will ask Fluder to prepare his ceremony," Ainz announced. He hadn't yet read the documents Fluder had given him but Pandora had indicated that it would work. That was enough to order it. He would read them before casting whatever magic was required.

He could tell Pandora wasn't happy with the announcement but couldn't think of a better option. He knew that Aura needed to be healed quickly. They could not afford a repeat of today even if it meant that those who, technically speaking, had nothing to do with the incident were hurt. They were not of Nazarick. That was the final determination. This was all for Nazarick.

"Afterwards, the humans will be returned to where they were," Ainz told his Creation. "They will not be further harmed.'

"And those responsible?" Pandora asked.

"They will be given to Aura."

The doppelganger looked down at the dark elf. "I imagine once she is healed, she will be more interested in them."

"Especially the woman," Ainz agreed. "Though… That will put me in an interesting position with the Elves," he added.

"How so?" Pandora asked.

"Sebas indicated that their King would consider an alliance if his child was delivered to him."

Pandora saw the weakness in the Elf King's request immediately. "The woman, Zetsumei is his child?" he sought confirmation.

"I believe so," Ainz nodded. "I suppose I can deliver what is left of her," he murmured. The thought might once have bothered him. It didn't now. The woman had brought this upon herself. And the Elves… well, alliances were the quickest means of conquering, but there were others. The Elven King should know that as well.

"He did only say he would consider an alliance," Pandora agreed, with a laugh. He understood the logic.

"I would prefer peaceful integration for the Elves but Sebas indicated that their King was very strong. Nothing that can't be dealt with but strong. I am awaiting his report to determine the line of succession."

Pandora smiled at him. The Elf Kingdom was a distraction. "What of the Theocracy?"

Ainz took a deep breath. What of the Theocracy? He had to consider that quickly. He had no feeling towards the great majority of the Theocracy's citizens. Those he despised had been captured, or were dead. But he had declared war, and war was about the country. And in kidnapping the majority of the leadership, it should mean he had weakened them significantly. If they had sense, they would be suing for peace.

Except they were a Theocracy. They held humans to be supreme, not the strongest of all species, but those chosen by the Gods. It was a stupid belief and if the document Ainz had read was true, it was not how the players from Yggdrasil wanted to be seen. He could understand why they had helped humans. They were Human, or at least, it seemed that most of them had been. He didn't feel human though. He didn't want them dead but they were just another species. They had their own skills and weaknesses. A lot of weaknesses really compared to other species but Humans were adaptable.

He didn't think the Theocracy was adaptable.

"I will give them a chance to surrender," Ainz said slowly as he considered the problem. There was still the Pontifex Maximus who could make decisions and they still had their army. That might be a problem. But they had no money and no artefacts. That should help them see the truth. He hoped.

"If they don't?" Pandora asked. His tone made it clear he didn't think they would.

"It is not my preference but they will be subjugated by force then," he responded. He couldn't leave them be. The declaration of war ensured that. "Though perhaps, to make the transition easier, I can have Jircniv take control of them," Ainz mused. "We will have to see how sensible they are."

"We will," Pandora agreed. "I hope…"

"You hope?" Ainz prompted. He wanted those of Nazarick to tell him what they wanted, that included Pandora and usually his creation was good at that. This time he seemed reluctant.

"I hope they are reasonable."

Ainz nodded. He could agree with that, privately at least. "I imagine the regular citizens will be," he said finally. They usually were. "And if I have to install a new leadership group-" Ainz shrugged. That was just the price to pay. It had happened in the Holy Kingdom, though he had yet to give them a permanent ruler. It would probably happen again. "I have time," he added. He had to think of the long term, not just the life of a human. In that, he had time.

Pandora smiled at him. "Shall we leave?"

"Yes. Mare will be missing his sister," Ainz acknowledged, looking at the dark elf. And he had other work he needed to be doing.

They all did.

-cos-

Re-Estize Kingdom, Noble Estate

Philip sat at the high table. While, as the Groom, he was one of the guests of honour, he wasn't sitting in the position of Lord. His father was still there. Still the view was similar enough to what he'd have once he was the Lord and he was enjoying it.

He wasn't enjoying the fact that, even on a day that was meant to be about him, his Father was still in the limelight. Lord Nabol sat beside his father and the two of them were chattering happily. They hadn't even noticed the insult. His elder brother had sat in the Lord's place on the day of his marriage. His father didn't trust him, even though he was the heir.

Lady Gemma sat beside him. She hadn't said much during the feast. Philip approved. Every word she had said just reminded him of how different she was from Lady Albedo. Gemma was wearing a pale blue dress. It was modestly cut with lace ruffles along the side. Her jewelry was tasteful and expensive. It was probably worth the same as the armour that had been lost with his eldest brother.

It did nothing for her appearance. She still looked like a sow when he compared her to Lady Albedo. The Sorcerous Kingdom's Prime Minister's clothing had flattered her figure, showing off her curves to perfection and her jewels had been worth far more than a mere suit of armour.

Philip deliberately turned his thoughts away from Lady Albedo. Instead he focused on the feast. It was nearly over. That meant he could withdraw with his new wife and then… He really didn't want to think on that but he knew he had to. Besides, Philip reminded himself, this marriage was just temporary. It was the deal that would secure his estate, and once he was the Lord of the estate, then things could change. His marriage would be one of the first.

Only once his estate was powerful could he approach Lady Albedo.

"And now then, a toast!" His father announced.

Finally! Philip thought. Once the toast was done, he was expected to escort Gemma from the great hall to their bedchamber. He quickly looked to his goblet. It was half full. A gesture to a waiting servant saw Gemma's filled as well. It was something a husband should do, and for now, in public he had to be a good husband.

"To the union of the house of Nabol and Tatham!" His father cried out.

"Here, here!" Lord Nabol said.

Philip reached for his goblet. He wasn't insulted that Gemma's House was listed first. That was tradition. "Here, here!" he agreed, taking a sip of wine. To the union that would see him gain his rightful Lordship, he recited his own toast silently.

"Here, here," Gemma said from beside him. She took a small sip. Philip looked to her. She smiled at him tentatively. He made sure his features were at least neutral.

The rest of the feasting group cheered, and drank. That's all they were here for. The food and drink. Philip's lip didn't curl in disgust but it was a close thing. He was sure none of these people would remain once he was in control. He didn't need them.

The round of drinking finished, and Philip put down his goblet as he held out his hand to Gemma. Like the marriage ceremony, he knew what he had to do here. And he would do it. For now.

She took his hand. He remembered how Albedo's had felt. Her delicate fingers had been warm to his hand. Gemma's felt coarse. Her lace glove wasn't flattering. It just felt rough. Still, Philip realised he was on stage. He had been on stage before, at the Ball that Hilma had organised. This was no different. He smiled. "My Lady."

"My Lord," Gemma responded, giving her own smile as she rose.

The gathered peasants roared their approval. Some even shouted coarse words of sexual encouragement. Philip rolled his eyes. The insinuations weren't subtle. He led Gemma out of the Great Hall into the corridor, and breathed a sigh of relief when the doors closed behind them. That cut the noise down but they weren't alone. A servant stood there with a lantern. In the house! The servant would lead them to the bedchamber.

It was yet another way in which his father saved money. Having a servant with a lantern was cheaper than lighting the halls. He sure as hell hoped the chamber fire had been lit! The hallway was cold.

"This way," he said to Gemma, taking her arm. It was expected. She nodded and walked with him, following the servant. The walk wasn't long but she was shivering before they reached the room.

Thankfully the fire was burning in the bed chamber's hearth when they arrived there. If it hadn't, Philip would probably have screamed.

"Thank you," Gemma said to the servant as she entered.

Philip said nothing, he just closed the door behind them. The bedchamber had several torches around the edges, serving as light sources. They were helping keep the room warm. He was thankful for that. There was a large four poster bed against the far wall. Furs were heaped on it. Before the fire were two chairs and a small table. There was a flagon of wine and two goblets on the table.

"Would you like a drink, Husband?" Gemma asked, moving towards the wine.

For a moment he thought he should say no. He'd drunk enough at the Feast but then he remembered what had to happen now. He needed the drink. "Of course," he agreed, moving to sit in one of the seats. It wasn't that late yet.

Gemma sat only after he was settled, as was right. She poured the wine, before holding the goblet out towards him. Philip took it and it was only then that she poured her own. Again, that was right and proper. She was his wife, she was not his equal. Only Lady Albedo would be allowed to drink at the same time he did. He would allow her to be his equal in marriage. He took a large gulp. He could tell quickly from the taste that his Father hadn't had it watered down, and hadn't stinted on the vintage. At least that much was going right. Gemma took several smaller sips as she watched the fire.

"Oh, it is strong, my Lord," Gemma murmured, putting her goblet down. She placed one hand on her cheek. Philip looked over. She was flushed. He resisted the urge to snort. Obviously the woman couldn't handle her drink. He downed the last of the wine before putting his goblet down.

Dutifully Gemma immediately moved to fill it. Philip felt his lips twitch. Gemma had been well trained. Perhaps marriage wouldn't be too bad, though he was determined that it would be short. She again handed him the goblet.

Philip drank it slower this time. She might not be able to handle her wine, it was strong stuff. His father usually watered down everything, so this was strong for him as well. "When is your Father departing?" Philip asked, ignoring the double meaning of the question.

"I believe in another week, my Lord. The Priests indicated that the weather will hold that long," Gemma told him.

He nodded, ignoring the familiar stab of anger at the priests. No doubt, the House of Nabol had had to pay a pretty price for that information. Still, it wasn't like Lord Nabol had to travel that far. They were the next estate so while the journey would be in winter, it shouldn't be that hard.

"I look forward to working with him," he said, taking another sip of wine. No, he didn't, but it was the diplomatic thing to say. He was getting very tired of being diplomatic and hoped that his father would confirm him in the lordship soon.

"Both estates will benefit from our union," Gemma agreed with a soft smile.

Philip took a large gulp of wine at her wording. He didn't need to be reminded of that. Did she do it deliberately? He didn't know. There was nothing in her expression. Think of Albedo, he told himself, even though earlier he had tried to avoid thoughts of that beauty. "I'm sure they will," he forced himself to say. His estate would benefit from him being in control, nothing more. He swallowed more wine. He was going to need to be drunk for this.

He ignored the burn as it went down. It was strong stuff. All the better. Philip sat back, resting the goblet on the arm rest as he waited for the wine to take effect. Then it was probably best to get this over with. Gemma picked up her goblet and took another small sip. He just enjoyed the warmth of the fire. At least he did until a searing pain flashed through him.

Philip convulsed. Without him balancing the goblet it crashed onto the floor. He didn't care. He didn't even hear it fall. His entire body was racked with pain. He cringed into himself, seeking a position which was comfortable but there was nothing. Philip tried to cry out but his throat closed. Something was gripping him. His struggled to get air into his lungs. He couldn't breathe. He couldn't do anything. He fell from his chair. The wine soaked into his pants leg but he didn't care.

He was cold. Not even the fire was warming. Philip felt his body thrashing. The motion seemed abstract. His limbs hit the chair, and the small table. The chair remained standing but the table flew away. The flagon fell.

He swallowed but he still couldn't breathe. He tasted blood, and his vision tinged with red. That was the blood leaking from his eyes as tears. They stained everything. His head felt like it was on fire, even as everything was cold. More blood leaked from his ears and nose. Philip forced his gaze to Gemma.

She was just looking at him. The lack of horror on her features struck him and everything became clear.

"Poi… poison," Philip managed to say.

"Yes," Gemma agreed softly, taking another sip from her goblet before she reached down and picked up her skirts, pulling them out of the way of the spreading wine and blood as he thrashed. "The Count sends his regards," she added.

The Count? By the Four Gods, who was the Count? Philip couldn't remember. Then he did. The Count was the man his Father was slaved to! The leader of the Anti-Royals Faction. He lifted his hands, trying to clear his throat. If he could just do that… He clawed at his skin, driving his nails deeply into the flesh but nothing he did gave any relief.

The reality of his death was near. "Al…" Philip swallowed again as his hands fell from his throat. Everything still hurt but his strength was fading. He couldn't do anything. "Bedo," he said the final words. His last thought was of her.

She was perfect. He saw her smiling at him. She was everything he'd ever want in a woman.

And everything he'd never have.

The world went black.

-cos-

Gemma rose and took a few steps before carefully throwing her goblet. It landed on the ground spilling the wine within. It looked as if it might have fallen there when the table was overturned. She moved to the flagon, giving a disgusted look as her slippers got soaked in wine. Carefully she tipped out the last little bit of wine that had been caught in the flagon's round bulbous bottom before she returned it to the floor.

Only then did she look at her ex-husband. Blood was oozing from every orifice and there was foam at his mouth. She sniffed the air carefully before grimacing. His bowels had let go. Gemma sighed. She liked this dress too but sacrifices had to be made. At least she wouldn't be sleeping in this room. At least, not tonight.

She looked at Philip again. What had he said as he died? Al-bedo? Who was that? What was that? The only thing it sounded like was Albedo, the woman who was the Sorcerer Kingdom's Prime Minister. Gemma snorted. It appeared the rumours were true. The idiot had been infatuated with that beauty. That explained why he'd put on that expensive ball. It hadn't just been to start that faction. Gemma almost laughed. Albedo had probably forgotten Philip existed.

Gemma shook her head, taking a deep breath. It was time to get on with this. "AIEE!" she screamed as loud as she could, going to her knees next to Philip's corpse. Wine and blood soaked into the fabric of her skirts. She put her hands out to his chest, as if she had been trying to help him. "Help me!" She yelled.

There came the sound of running from the corridor and the servant who had led them to the room burst in. He stared at the body.

"Help me!" Gemma implored.

The man shook his head, backing away before his nerve broke and he ran.

"Peasant," Gemma muttered. "Help me!" she yelled again. Hopefully the servant would have the sense of mind to go get someone else. Thankfully it appeared he had. She soon heard more steps pounding through the corridor. She began sobbing artfully.

"No!" she sobbed, over Philip's body. Her father burst into the room, followed by Philip's.

"What happened here?" Lord Tatham demanded. He took the scene in quickly.

Gemma sniffed. She didn't move. Her father came over to her, and gently helped her rise. He moved to stand between her and the body. "I…" she sobbed. "We were drinking the wine," she managed to say, forcing tears to roll down her face. "Then he just convulsed!" she wailed.

"Shh, shh," her father tried to sooth her. Lord Tatham wasn't going to be soothed but Gemma supposed this was his son, and it was his alliance with the House of Nabol that had just shattered.

"I tried to help him. I really did but I couldn't do anything!" The state of her skirts gave testimony to the fact that she had tried to help Philip. They were dripping blood and wine. She had been careful not to kneel in his other bodily fluids.

Lord Tatham closed his eyes briefly as he took a deep breath. The smell evidently didn't affect him. "I'm sure you did, my girl," he assured her. What else could he do? She had done her duty. If anything it was his son who had failed.

From where she was standing, burying her face into her Father's chest she felt more than saw him look over at Lord Tatham. "This is an inauspicious event," he murmured.

"It is a bad omen," Lord Tatham agreed. "But let us think of Lady Gemma," he added. "I'm sorry I must impose upon you, my Lord, but could I ask you to escort your daughter to the guest room? I will speak to you shortly."

Gemma felt her father nod. At least Lord Tatham had been polite. She allowed herself to be led away. Once they were in the darkened corridor, she took a step away from her father.

"You've done well," he told her.

She sniffed. "It was easy," she replied softly. "Though are we still to join with this House?" she demanded.

Her Father nodded. "The Count still thinks it is for the best. Don't worry," he assured her. "All you need is one child," he said.

"One living child," she retorted. A dead babe was no good, which meant at least three years of marriage. One to conceive and bear the child, and then another two to ensure the babe was strong. If the child lived that long, it would likely make it to adulthood.

"Yes," he agreed. "Do you have a preference?" Her father asked.

Gemma knew what he was asking. Did she prefer Lord Tatham or his brother? Her father would remind Lord Tatham that the Count wanted this union and then would crassly suggest she marry one of them. Tomorrow most likely. There was no need to wait. The alliance would go ahead, and the Count would be pleased. And more importantly, Philip's stupid budding faction would fracture and die without him. The others should be intelligent enough to take the hint. And if they weren't… well Gemma wasn't the only one who knew how to remove hindrances. Few people ever looked at their wives and daughters as anything more than chattel.

"The brother," she decided. "There is no need to remove Lady Tatham," she explained. It wouldn't be fair to the woman, and women should really stick together, as much as they could anyway.

"I'll see to it," her father said, as they reached the guest suite.

Gemma nodded. "I will bathe and have the servants wash this dress," she told him, stepping into the set of rooms she had been living in. Thankfully they were warm. The hallways were cold.

Her father smiled at her. Gemma nodded. There were rewards for those who followed the right leaders. She'd learned that young. It appeared Lord Tatham hadn't taught his son that.

Well, that was his loss, and her gain, and really, that was all that mattered.

-cos-

End Chapter 5, War in the Square

Bet you didn't see that one coming :D

Now the next few chapters deal with the prisoners and of course, healing Aura. So there is a little bit more to come.

Review please! I love hearing from people and you will get a sneak peak at a bit of the next chapter as a reward!