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The soft rustle of a page being turned broke the silence which hung over the room Caterina had been given. She had found the best way to cope with her fears over her younger brother's safety over the past month was to learn all she could about the early history of the empire. In order to understand why those from the dawn of the empire would give up even their families and happiness to follow Abel.

All she had learned, was what had been told to Caterina and others during the journey here by Ion, Asthe, and later by Mirka and Baybars. She had learned part of the reason Athina had followed and even respected Abel. Yet, this didn't explain why she had given up a future with her family in order to aid him centuries later. In fact, she hadn't even known he was alive until after she had woken in this time.

Caterina moved to final chapter of the history book she was reading. She skimmed it.

Nothing.

The history books only framed the founders as heroes. Icons who built the foundations of the empire proper. It was no wonder Abel had been so upset with Ion over when the boy had been speaking of the founders. They remembered more for their deeds and not for who they were as people. Still, this was the way the history of many nations was taught to the young. It instilled a sense of loyalty to the nation in question.

Caterina let out a breath.

The history left her with more questions than answers over the founders and why they acted as they did. Of course, she knew what it was like to have the loyalty of a few under her. William and Abel, for one. Yet, there was something deeper with those who followed Abel.

A knock broke through her thoughts.

Caterina straightened, her gaze on the door. "Yes?"

"Cardinal Sforza," it was Esther, "the empress wanted to see you."

Caterina stood. She opened the door and stepped out of the room. "Thank you, Sister Esther. Show me to where her majesty is waiting."

"Right away." Esther bowed.

William looked up from where he stood near to Tres. "Do you want us to come as well?" the professor asked.

"Yes."

Caterina fell in behind Esther while William and Tres walked behind her.

"Here," Esther informed them when they stopped near one of the smaller dining rooms.

"You may go, Sister Esther."

Esther nodded, though Caterina caught a hint of disappointment in her eyes.

Caterina entered the room.

"—a brother like that," the empress was saying.

"R-really."

Caterina's gaze fell over the person the empress was speaking with. Her heart flickered. "Alec," the name escaped her as a breath. Caterina rushed to her brother. She restrained herself just enough so as not draw him into an embrace. A small amount of bandaging could be seen on his hand and face. He wore fresh clothing and his hair appeared damp. But he was alive and safe. "Are you all right?" Caterina asked.

"Sister." Alec avoided her gaze. "Y-yes, I-I'm fine n-now thanks to Brother Petro and-and," he looked down the table.

Caterina hadn't noticed the others in the room. Her brother was looking at man dressed in a tattered coat. A mask rested beside his plate. The man looked towards Caterina as if he sensed her gaze on him. He lifted a glass of red wine and bowed his head. His eyes were pale green. Dark curly hair falling from a ponytail in chaotic mess.

A woman was seated beside him, stuffing her face. "So good," she mumbled through a mouth full of food. These must have been the two Seth had set the task of rescuing her brother to.

"Ah, we were informed you were here, sweetheart." A familiar, almost annoying voice drew Caterina's attention to another in room. He was seated across from Alec still dressed in his cardinal robes.

"Cardinal Antonio De Borgia," Caterina stated. It wasn't shocking to see it was him, out of all the cardinal who ended up here in the empire with her. His hair looked to be neat despite also being damp. "Long time no see." He gave her one of his "charming" smiles and winked.

Caterina looked away from the man. Her gaze returned to Alec.

She glanced once more at the room, her gaze only leaving Alec for a heartbeat. One other appeared to have been rescued. He stood stiffed backed, eyes locked on Seth and hand almost shaking. It was Brother Petro. He looked as if he didn't know what to do with being so close to the empress.

Caterina took the empty seat beside Alec.

"T-the e-empress was j-just telling me about her brother," Alec informed her. "She s-said he is a-a lot like you, sister."

"Really?" Caterina gave her brother soft smile. Like Abel?

Seth gave a soft smile as well. "I should have said, the way your Holiness describes your sister, reminded me a lot of how my brother used to treat me when we were kids." She giggled. "Granted, my brother was far too overprotective." Seth turned her bright gaze on Nihilum. "Thank you for your hard work."

Nihilum gave Seth a small smile. "Now her Eminence has joined us, perhaps we can discuss what is going to happen next," Nihilum stated.

The doors opened. Two more from the empire stepped into the room. One of them was Mirka Fortuna and the other was Astharoshe Arsan. Mirka her place in seat the servants had set behind Seth. Astharoshe did the same, though her gaze lingered on Petro.

Alec shifted, his gaze lingering on the two imperial nobles. His eyes flickered everyone with unease. This wasn't good. Alec had never had a strong point in politics or speaking before crowds.

"Or, now that the nobles have joined us," Nihilum corrected.

"All right," Seth smiled at the agent. "You may give your report."

"As suspected the Rosenkreuz Orden is behind the sudden grab for power made by Cardinal Francesco di Medici," Nihilum started. "Many within the Vatican proper have been placed under the direct control of one Dietrich von Lohengrin who uses a form of lost technology which can control all but the thoughts of his viaticum's, turning them into puppets.

"As your majesty well knows, he used this to infiltrate the empire through the former Baron of Luxor."

Seth nodded. Her eyes glazed in pain as if the memory caused her pain.

"So, this Dietrich was the one who also made me into his personal toy?" Antonio asked. "How boorish of him."

"Yes, it was him, your Eminence." Nihilum bowed his head towards Antonio.

Caterina let her frustrations out as a breath. It was always the Orden. "My agents have faced Dietrich and his puppets many times," Caterina reported. "The only counters are either to kill the puppet or send in Father Nightroad."

Antonio cocked an eyebrow his hands folded before him on the table.

"Either way," Caterina continued before Antonio could speak on the fact she'd mentioned Abel, "there would be massive casualties."

"There is another method," Nihilum started. He placed a dagger on the table. "My daggers have tech in them which can cancel the Marionettenspieler."

"The problem lies in being able to mass produce it," Seth rested her chin on her hands. "Trade with the outer has been all but cut off since the war started. We no longer have the raw materials to reproduce Nihilum's technology." Seth looked from Caterina to Antonio. It seemed she had realized Alec had shut down and was staring his plate. "There is also another issue. It's related to the leader of the Orden and his second in command."

The Contra Mundi. The identity of who led the Orden had been shrouded in shadow for years. However, Caterina did have knowledge of who his second was. "Isaak Fernand von Kampfer, code named Panzermagier, is also known by the Vatican," Caterina led with. "We're well aware he's the mastermind of several major events and second only to the Contra Mundi."

Nihilum bowed his head. "This is very true." He looked towards Seth.

"There might be another solution to counter Marionettenspieler," the empress changed the subject back to the largest issue at hand. "It's a matter I need to bring before my brother and few others."

Caterina suspected Seth was referring to the founders of the empire.

"We can meet again in two days. It will give me time to speak with and you Holiness, your Eminence, and Brother Petro time to recuperate after your long trip here." Seth gave Alec a kind smile. "Is that agreeable, your Holiness?"

"I-I," Alec bowed his head, eyes wide as he stared at the table. He then glanced towards Caterina.

She gave him a small nod.

Alec straightened, his voice a little high, "Y-yes, your Majesty."

"All right." Seth nodded. She stood, the motion almost graceful. "Then we'll speak again in two days. Mirka, Astharoshe, Nihilum, I need a word with you three."

"Of course, your Majesty." The two nobles stood and bowed to Seth.

Nihilum stood as well and picked up his mask. "Very well, Seth."

His informal addressing of the empress earned him a glare from Duchess of Kiev.

The three of them followed Seth from the dining hall.

"Well, it was nice talking with all you." The woman who had been with Nihilum stood and gave them a two-fingered salute. "I'm off to find someone." She strode from the room.

"That was his Holiness you were talking to!" Petro shouted, teeth bared.

The door snapped shut, showing the woman didn't really care.

Caterina stood. "Come, Alec."

"R-right." Her brother stood.

She led him from the hall. Petro followed along with Antonio. It seemed there was no avoiding the other cardinal.

"You and I should tour the imperial palace, Sweetheart." Antonio gave her a smile and wink.

"I'm a little busy." Caterina brushed the man off.

A small breath escaped Antonio. He caught sight of William. "Professor," Antonio greeted the agent, "would you do me the pleasure of accompanying me through the palace. It seems Sweetheart is a little preoccupied with his Holiness."

William glanced at Caterina.

She nodded.

"Very well, your Eminence." William moved to Antonio's side. The two of them set off.

"S-sorry, sister," Alec mumbled. "I-if you want t-to go, I-I don't mind. I d-don't want to be a bother."

"You're never a bother, Alec."

"I-is Father Nightroad h-here?" Alec asked. "And Sister Esther?"

"Yes, they're both here."

Alec brightened at this.

x – Abel – x

How had Abel let himself get talked into this?

Metal clanged. Sparks flew. Two red blurs shot apart.

Barack moved at one side of the open space while Baybars watched him, eyes calculating. Both held their blades, ready for the other to attack.

Baybars leapt in first.

Barack braced himself.

Their blades locked.

They danced in a beautiful display of skill and power. Their capes whipped around them. Armor gleamed in the sparks cast by their clashing blades.

At times Barack gained the upper hand only to have it swap to Baybars in the blink of an eye. The sight was impressive as watching any two masters duel. Yet, it wasn't just any two masters. It was as apparent as their skill.

A few of the off duty yeniçeri lined the edge of the arena. They remained quiet as if uncertain who to cheer for. Their current leader against the very founder of their guard. It was no wonder they didn't have a clue who to cheer for.

Movement made Abel glance to his right. Evera had stopped beside him. "Dad's been talking about nothing else since we returned to the empire," she voiced. Her eyes tracked the two masters.

Abel grunted as he returned his attention to the match. He was supposed to be the judge of it. "They're evenly matched."

"Yeah," the girl agreed. "Is Sir Barack holding back any?" she whispered the question.

Abel shrugged. "I doubt it." Unless one counted not using the tech in the blades. But then both were holding back by in this respect. And it would be cheating as it was.

Baybars staggered a little from a well-timed thrust from Barack.

Barack shot forward. He knocked Baybars's sword from his hand and caught it. The only time one would see someone duel wielding great swords.

The tip of Barack's blade came to rest just under Baybars's chin.

"I'd say the winner is a little clear," Abel stated.

The group of yeniçeri stared on in shock. "That was amazing," one breathed.

"Sir Baybars held his own against the founder. The founder," another chimed in.

"You're really good." Barack smiled as he held out Baybars's sword to him.

"It was an honor." Baybars took his sword and bowed to Barack.

Barack gave a nervous laugh. "More fun than an honor." Barack moved over to Abel and let out a heavy breath. A thin layer of sweat coated his face.

"That was a close match," Abel said in way of greeting to Barack.

Barack smiled. "It really was." He glanced around.

Many of the yeniçeri were watching the two of them. A soft hum filled the space. From what Abel could hear they were hoping the next match up would be between him and Barack.

A small cough escaped Barack. "Have you see Alexander?" he asked.

Baybars moved to join them. "He was spotted on the other side of the palace this morning," the head of the yeniçeri informed Barack.

Barack let out another breath. "It's been a month," he muttered.

"You're well aware, Barvon, doesn't forgive the wasting of food," Abel pointed out.

"No more than I do, with what he said." Barack scowled. "I'd best find him and attempt another apology." Barack turned to Baybars. "It really was a good match. I look forward to rematch."

"As do I." Baybars smiled a little which was odd to see on the stern man's face.

"I'll be back shortly." Barack looked at Abel. "Don't even think about leaving the yeniçeri."

Abel raised both his eyebrows. "Fine."

Barack nodded and moved off.

"Disappointed?" Abel asked Baybars when Barack had vanished from sight.

"Not at all. I never imagined I would be able to duel him."

"And that it would be so close?" Abel pressed.

Baybars looked at him.

"Before you ask, no, Barack wasn't holding back. He wanted to take a duel with you to be serious."

"Thank you, Majesty." Baybars turned to his men. "You all have work to do."

They straightened before moving off. Only two remained as Abel's guard. A few had been assigned to Abel. Something about Seth not wanting him to sneak off.

Baybars turned back to Abel. "A few them want to see you spare," he voiced, tone polite. "Those who were with us to retrieve are passing on the story of your duel in the underground."

"And it's most likely been blown way out of proportion."

Baybars bowed his head. "So, it would seem. But such are rumors which surround you, your majesty."

Abel let out a small breath. He supposed there was no avoiding such rumors not since Seth had announced she was really a Nightlord and revealed Abel still lived. It made the situation he was in all the more precarious. On one hand, he had served under Caterina for a few years now and respected her as his leader and a friend. On the other, he knew Seth wouldn't drop the matter on him returning to the empire.

Footsteps drew Abel from his thoughts. A woman rounded the corner. She stopped, eyes locked on Baybars. "There you are!" She raced towards Baybars.

"Do I know you, ma'am?" Baybars asked.

"What do you mean? We've known each other since we were kids."

"I believe you have the wrong person, ma'am. This is the first time I've met you."

The woman leaned back and chewed the inside of her mouth. She looked Baybars up and down. "Really? You look like Bar."

"Bar?" Abel asked. "As in Barack?"

"Yeah." The woman nodded. "That's him." She jabbed her thumb at Baybars.

"Sorry, ma'am, but I'm Baybars," Baybars corrected her. "I'm his—"

"Wow, really?" The woman whistled. "You could pass as his twin brother."

Baybars opened his mouth when his gaze shot to the other end of the hall.

Barack rounded the bend, scowling.

"No luck?" Abel asked.

"None," Barack confirmed. "I hope this doesn't last. The last time he was mad at someone it went on for over a century."

The woman turned. "If he's not Bar," – she jabbed her thumb at Baybars – "then you must be."

"What?" Barack stopped, he frowned at the woman. His eyes widened, mouth opening in shock. "What the hell? Reva?!"

Reva smirked. She walked over to Barack and gave him a light punch on his chest. "Who did you think it was?" She laughed. "What's with the getup? You look like something out of the movies."

"It's the uniform of the palace guard," Barack retorted.

"Really? But your lookalike has the same design and those lot back there don't." She waved her hand in the direction of Abel's guard.

"Lookalike?" Barack asked.

"Me," Baybars stated.

"Oh. Well, he's my descendant, so, yes, we look similar."

"That would be your great-great-great-great-great-great grandson, Barack," Abel teased.

Barack looked over Reva at Abel. "Thanks."

Abel laughed. "I can't be the only one walking around with at least six greats."

"Explains why he looks like you, at least." Reva let out a small breath then smiled. "Let's race, just like old times."

"What? No. This is a palace, not the streets of our childhood home."

"So?" Her smile turned to a smirk. "I know, you're just scared of losing to me like when we were kids."

Barack looked at Abel.

Abel shrugged. "It's not my palace," he stated.

"Majesty," Baybars stated.

"All right, want my word on it, go for it." Abel smiled. So, the girl was an old friend of Barack's. This might do him some good then.

"Fine," Barack let the word out as a breath.

"All right, then we'll just race down this hall." Reva started towards the closest end of the hall. "Come on, Bar."

Barack followed her.

Abel and Baybars watched as the two prepared to race.

"Prepare to eat dust," Reva teased. "Go!" She made for a head started.

Barack didn't move. He shook his head; then, vanished. He accelerated through haste. He seemed to reappear at the end of the hall, skidding to avoid hitting the wall.

Reva stopped. She hadn't made it to the end of the hall, stopping on level with Baybars and Abel. Her jaw had dropped. Eyes wide.

(Author's Note: Welcome back, Bluewings!

The poll is now closed.)