Tony wears a Scots Guard Ceremonial Jacket in this chapter.

Thank you, Toni (Guest) for commenting!

Oh and GuestFromFrance, where are you, my friend? Not seen your comments in a long time. Hope you are still reading :P


Two Days before Full Moon

Tony looked at himself in the mirror as he enjoyed the careful attentions of Le Loup and the sailor, Mackie, who were dressing him up for dinner. Le Loup straightened Tony's shirt cuffs while Mackie gently brushed the real Count's ceremonial coat. He came over to Tony, holding it up. Tony pushed his hands through the sleeves and shrugged himself into it.

He could not help but preen at the impressively dashing figure he cut, in the fancy clothing.

The Count's ceremonial coat was a scarlet, knee-length, full-sleeved coat with black epaulets trimmed in gold. It had a stiff, one-inch high collar in black, with gold embroidered stars on each side of the collar. Each sleeve had a four-button angled, black high cuff, trimmed in gold. The coat closed in the front with the help of six, large circular gold buttons, emblazoned with the lion crest of Hertzau. He wore black breeches and shiny Hessians with the coat.

Mackie looked Tony up and down and then said, grinning, "My Lord Stark, this is some pretentious clothing. But damn if it doesn't suit you."

Le Loup added. "You look more like a count than the real Count Rupert ever did."

A point that had worried Le Loup and Tony about this masquerade, was that Tony did not have the right wardrobe to support his acting as a nobleman. He definitely had the manners, the attitude and the bearing but clothing was another matter. Noblemen dressed a breed apart and Rupert was a Count. So it would be expected that he would have an extensive wardrobe.

Then Mackie had come to their rescue. Tony had approached him for tagging along as part of his entourage and the sailor was more than happy, to be a part of their mission. He also mentioned that he had two trunks of nobleman clothing in his ship, taken as unclaimed bounty from another ship.

Le Loup had nearly kissed the sailor then, he was so relieved. So Tony had at least five ball-worthy outfits and did not need to worry that he would not look like a count.

Tony combed his hair and patted down his trimmed beard. He placed the signet ring of Hertzau on his index finger and the large, emerald ring on his middle finger.

The giant was polishing a straight sword for him, just as an accessory. He stood up and handed Tony the sword.

Tony thanked him, sheathed the sword in the ceremonial holder and asked, "Now that I am finally ready, who wants to be my body guard for the Dinner?"

Mackie raised his hand enthusiastically but Tony wanted to awe the audience in his first appearance at the palace.

He smiled and said. "Sorry, Mackie, it will be your turn next. But today, I want the big man to be my body guard. Only a fool would confront me with him by my side."

The giant's bashfulness at being selected, charmed Tony and he clapped him in a friendly manner, on the shoulder. "Alright, my broad friend, get dressed in your finest! Tonight we pretend to be nobility."


At exactly 6:45 pm, an attendant knocked politely on the room door and asked if the Count was ready for the dinner and if so, could the Count come with him, please.

Two minutes later, the attendant led Tony and the giant downstairs to the first floor and to a large banquet hall, decorated resplendently in white and blue. In the center of the room, there was a large water fountain that seemed to be plated in gold. It had a giant sculpture of multiple marine animals like fish and sea gulls, which served as the fountain's spouts. Servants bustled to and fro, setting plates and cutlery at a large, ornate, dining table.

Tony felt a sudden pang of nostalgia as he remembered the galas and balls, his mother used to host in the East Wing of Stark Keep.

He looked around the hall. The giant was right behind him, looking threatening. Tony tensed slightly as he saw the Chonsario liberally scattered about the room, scowling and not mingling with the guests.

They are here to guard, to look out for something. whispered the Dragon. Calm your bodyguard, Anthony.

Tony looked over his shoulder at the giant who had the most murderous expression on his face. He whispered at him, "Giant, calm down. Do not get angry. There will be time for your revenge, I promise you."

The giant growled but stopped scowling.

Tony mentally assessed the small clumps of guests. So those seem to be the Lords and Ladies of Patait.. they have the typical physical features of this land. Hmmm... that group is entirely in white... nobility? Military? I can't identify the seal.

The dragon chipped in as well. Some nobles from Carinthia are here. Look at the signet on their swords. And over there, are some foreigners from over the sea.

Tony glanced at the exotic looking gentlemen in one corner, babbling to each other in a foreign tongue.

Some more guests entered the hall then. An entire contingent of men and women dressed entirely in purple. Tony knew who they were and where they came from. The reclusive tribe of the Picaros... all the way from the Andes. An eclectic bunch of people, don't you think so, Dragon?

The Dragon was puffing gently. Rich, powerful, odd. The perfect group to be curious about the supernatural. These people have come to witness something magical. And to see how they can use it, to further their own agendas, be they political or personal.

Tony was just deciding whom to approach first when he saw the pretty historian, dressed in blue, walk towards him. She was smiling at him appreciatively. He twinkled back at her and when she stopped in front of him, he bowed low from the waist at her and kissed her hand. "Milady, thank you for inviting me to your kingdom's esteemed ceremony."

The historian smiled deeply and then stammered out, "Count, Sir, the Duke wants to meet you."

Tony straightened and tried not to get tense. I did not think the Duke would be here. Le Loup told me he no longer left his house. Damn it!

He nodded and followed Milene absently. I hope the Duke does not not recognize me. I pray and pray that he doesn't. If he does... I'm going to flatly deny it. I'm going to be so indignant and arrogant that he will have to admit he is wrong.

Funnily enough, the Duke seemed to be in the farthest corner of the banquet hall, far away from the guests.

When was the last time you saw the Duke? asked the Dragon.

When I was 18, before I went to join King Leoric's service. After that, the Duke went abroad, to the Middle East, to conquer strange lands. That's why he could not come for my parents funeral. I know, I've grown much older, I look different but...

He stopped as they came to one of hall's many balconies. The Duke had his back to Tony.

Milene said nervously, "Your Grace, may I present Count Rupert of Hertzau."

Tony had been practicing this move. He stood absolutely straight, one hand holding his coat beneath his collar, the other, folded behind him, straightening his back. He clicked his heels sharply, inclined his head in the slightest manner and said in his haughtiest tone, "It is an honor to meet you, Duke Rorshach."

He was shocked to his core when the man in front of him, turned slowly and stared at him blankly, no expression whatsoever in his dead eyes. Tony took in the tufts of grey hair, the reddish eyes and puffy cheeks and the way the Duke was leaning back slightly, on his heels.

My mentor, the Duke, how did he... how did he become this? He was a military man and as sharp as a tack. Whereas this man is... looking into his glass, confused. And he reeks of alcohol. The Duke I remember, rarely drank.

The Duke seemed to be out of his wits. He wheezed and asked jerkily, "Count of what?"

Milene repeated as Tony tried to contain his shock. How old my teacher looks... how is it possible? He should be in his early fifties. Yet here he seems to be a doddering. ..the Duke grunted and asked Milene to fetch him a glass of wine. Here he seems to be a drunk. Is it alcoholism or age?

The Duke peered at him dazedly. "Count, count, you say..." he stumbled forward and took Tony's hand in a flaccid grip. "Pleased to see you, Sir. I am Rorshach..." he paused and Tony completed, "Steward of Patait?"

"Yes, you smart boy..." he beamed drunkenly at Tony. Suddenly his gaze sharpened and he looked at Tony with a measure of intelligence that Tony remembered. "You seem so familiar to me, do I know you from somewhere?"

Stay calm, stay calm. You can fool him.

Tony affected a nonchalant air. "Are you suggesting, my face is common, Duke?" and then tittered as he had seen noblemen do.

The Duke stared at him for a minute and then his eyes glazed over again and he yelled for another drink. Milene brought him yet another glass which he drank immediately, noisily dropping most of the liquid on himself.

Tony stared at him with growing disgust. This cannot be my mentor. This is not the man I remember. No wonder the Chonsario and the

Priests took over Patait.

He cleared his throat and said, "If you do not mind, Your Grace, I shall take your leave. I want to talk to the..." the first name that came to his mind, he said... "the Picaros, over there." and he gestured wildly.

He need not have bothered as the Duke had already turned back to the balcony, slurping his drink loudly.

Tony took Milene's arm and gently led her back to the fountain. He did not know how to ask what he wanted to ask. She looked at him inquiringly as he stopped and turned to her slightly.

"The Duke..." he paused. "Was he always like that? Because... I recall... I mean from what I've heard, I recall hearing that he was a brilliant strategist and leader."

Milene just stared at him, wide eyed. Tony shrugged.

She then said so softly, he almost thought he had imagined hearing it. "Strange things are going on, Count. I ... I do not know how to explain them." Then she tensed and Tony followed her gaze. A new group had entered the hall and the crowd was murmuring. He couldn't see who they were.

Milene said, "Excuse me please, Count" and she left him.

Tony was confused by his meeting with Duke Rorshach. He sensed there was something he was missing. He half turned to walk back to the Duke when he felt something staring at him malevolently. His skin began to prickle and he felt the flame roar in his chest. The Dragon hissed viciously, Something evil has entered this hall. It is looking at you. Be still. Be wary, Anthony.

Tony turned back to the entrance and saw what was staring at him avidly. Or rather who. He gulped at the giant, flat-headed bald man, dressed in black monk robes with large milky white eyes. The eyes blinked slowly at him.

A large toad. A blind one. A priest?

Not just any priest ... the High Priest of Patait.. there is dark magic and malice exuding from him.

Tony stood still, not sure what to do. The priest tilted his head slightly. The circular pendant around his neck flashed blue.

Then Tony was nearly knocked over as the Duke, suddenly out of nowhere, walked right past him carelessly, nudging him hard. "Hey!" Tony said indignantly, then shut up as he saw the blank expression on the Duke's face as he very obediently trotted after the High Priest towards the center of the hall.

Just how did he call the Duke? He did not say anything. And I did not even hear the Duke coming behind me. Is he...

The Dragon hissed, I think the Duke is possessed by the wicked priest. And he is fighting it but it is taking a toll on him, hence the physical degradation of the Duke is evident.

Tony clenched his fists with anger. Is there no end to the evil going on in this palace?! How do I break the spell of possession?

The Dragon huffed and whispered with worry, You can remind him of your past. It might help him break it. But then... I fear he will recognize you because of the memories...

Then the Dragon added gently, I'm afraid for now, Anthony. We can't do anything. You need to find out what is going on.

Tony grimaced. Agreed. Pepper is my first priority.

He looked at the fountain as there was a commotion. He walked there quickly. The guests were gathered around the fountain. He saw the giant gesture meaningfully, withh his eyes at the center of the fountain. Tony managed to push his way forward gently.

It seemed the commotion was because the Menolestes had finally made an appearance. They stood in a small clump, nearly identical because of their fat, short figures, bald heads and deep blue robes. They were all roughly the same height as well.

One of the fat priests stepped forward. He had a huge tattoo of a wave on his chest.

He smiled and said, "Greetings, esteemed guests! We recognize your presence here at the Oracle ceremony for this full moon. We thank you for being here. I see, we have some new invitees."

He gestured at the group of men in pure white. "Representatives from the army of Rusitania are here." They nodded at him.

"And we have the Esteemed Count Rupert of Hertzau, visiting Patait for the first time."

He nodded at Tony, who arched one eyebrow, adopted a grim expression and slightly nodded his head regally.

You are getting good at this, Anthony. chuckled the dragon.

The priest continued, "Let me go over our schedule of events. Today, we shall present the candidates shortly, followed by dinner."

Tony mentally stopped himself from sighing with relief. Finally I get to see Pepper.

"Tomorrow morning, you are free to do as you please. You can reach out to us for meditation tours of our Temple or the City. In the evening, however at sharp 8 pm, we will start the Oracle ceremony."

He grew stern here. "Please be there on time. We will close the gates to the Ceremonial Audo. No interruptions shall be allowed to the ceremony."

"The day after tomorrow is the night of the full moon. You may get to witness the commune with the Great One only if we get his permission." He held up his hands ad the crowd started to whisper loudly. "I understand your irritation. However..." his voice rose threateningly, "I hope you all realize we are all just children of the Great One. His word is the law. His will be done."

Then he relaxed. "If this ceremony is successful and we get an Oracle, the Great One will join with us."

Then he clapped his hands. "Now bring out the candidates!"

A bell started to ring and Tony and the crowd turned as three hooded figures, clad in white togas were led in. They walked in a line, heads bent low and came to a stop near the tattooed priest.

They turned and faced the crowd.

The one on the extreme left, is Pepper. I know that walk anywhere.

The priest cleared his throat and said in a ringing tone, "We have three candidates this time. Candidate one!" The figure stepped forward and lowered his hood.

A young man with thick dark hair looked blankly ahead, no expression whatsoever on his pale face. He had a red belt at his waist.

He's barely breathing.

The priest said "Candidate Two!" This time it was a very young girl with blonde hair. She was not as composed as the man, for her eyes were red with tears. But the blankness was there in her wide eyes.

Tony struggled to control his temper. She's been drugged. So has he, come to think of it. She is just a child and so scared.

"Candidate three!" And Tony relaxed as it was revealed to be Pepper. He looked at her with relief, checking her for any visible signs of injury. She was pale and seemed tired but he noticed that her eyes were focused and she was not swaying.

The priest continued to babble about the honor of being a candidate and all but Tony only had eyes for pepper.

Smart Pep. She's managed to avoid the drugging somehow. I'm so happy and relieved to see her.

He realized that Pepper was trying to look around the crowd without being noticed.

The priest continued with his speech. "We at Patait, continue to be allied with the noble Chonsario. They remain passionately committed to our cause and as just as devoted to communing with the Great One."

He bowed and the crowd clapped.

The Dragon said thoughtfully, This continous emphasis on the power of a mysterious being frightens me. What is so powerful about the Great One that the Chonsario is investing so much time and effort in communing with it? They do not seem like the spiritual sort. Then there is the fact the Chonsario only follow orders. Someone has sent them here, someone who knows about the priests and their perversions. But who?

Then the dragon sighed deeply. But, of course you are not interested in my thoughts, Anthony because you are busy looking at Pepper.

I wonder if I can talk to her.

Anthony, be careful!

Just then, Pepper caught his eye. For a minute she stared at him in confusion, then she blinked and quirked one side of her mouth slightly upwards.

Tony took a step towards her, then abruptly halted as Pepper shook her head at him slightly, as if to warn him. He stared at her, trying to understand what she was saying.

Then the gong sounded and everyone started to move towards the dining table.

Pepper just pulled her hood over her head and walked away along with the other two candidates.

Tony stood there, staring at her leave. I want to go after her and take her away from this place.

Anthony, you can find out where Pepper is being held, today night. the dragon whispered. Now remember your cover. You are a Count! Go mingle and eat dinner.

Tony sighed sadly and took a seat at the dining table.