Chapter 36
Gaining Allies
Fox watched as Bennet Remington and Edward Winchester came into the small office. She was pretending to be more interested in spinning the large globe next to the desk for entertainment. The curtains on the window had been pulled back to reveal the open expanse to sky and mountains.
"Lady Regent." Winchester bowed and waited for her direction.
Bennet ignored decorum. An act that would have sent his father into fits or rage, and hopped over the arm of the leather couch. The moment he was seated he kicked his black riding boots up on the dark wood coffee table. He made no attempt to hide his eagerness to be gone. "Get right to the point Lady Lothar, what is this all about?"
Fox looked over and suppressed a grin at the younger man. She slowed the spinning of the globe with the flat of her hand. "Really, this is how you greet me, when I have been ever so obliging as to get myself with child so that you can pick one of your many bastards to marry it?"
"What?" Winchester actually shouted that out. The horrified gaze going to Remington. "Is that what you told her? Light save you when your father catches wind of such trash."
Bennet slowly removed his feet from the table. He swung around to face Winchester. A look of open defiance on his face. "My father is not going to hear a single word from you about this. So you keep what you hear in this room to yourself."
"I was going to say the same thing to both of you. Lord Remington needs his rest. I read the files on all of you carefully. What we need is the elder Lord Remington in his place for the time being. I am attempting to take down Bascomb, and having him focused elsewhere aids my cause." Fox placed her hands on her hips and studied their reactions.
"You are going to take down Bascomb? Now that's a fine joke." Winchester snorted in disbelief. "I know you have King Wyrnn's ear, but it will take more then that to hack off the rotting limb. Lord Remington has been trying for years, and failed utterly on several occasions."
"And you have been helping him during every single attempt since you came of age. Are you ready to stop riding your master's coat tails, and lead your new branch of Nobles into a new age of power?" Fox challenged Winchester to think beyond the current state of affairs.
"I certainly am not." Bennet tried to rise from his spot. "I have had my fill of these games since I was a young child. Do me a favor and forget I exist."
Fox rushed over to the couch, and shoved him back down. A finger pointed at him like a scolding mother. "Not another word out of you. You are just scared you will not be able to succeed where your father failed. Well, I actually did believe your tale about having bastards all over Azeroth. Many of your set do, you realize. I assume that is where you came up with the lie. Now that I have thoroughly briefed myself on the both of you, I have decided to take you under my wing."
"Your wing?" Bennet leaned back into the cushions. "You do realized going against the other Nobles will just get you killed."
"I went against your father, Bennet. It did get me killed, but as you can see, I came back from that." Fox looked over at Winchester. "Yes, Edward dear, I have always been aware just who gave the order to kill me."
"My apologies, but I had no way of knowing you were Anduin Lothar's daughter at the time, or I would never have made such a move." Winchester paled and remained where he was standing.
"I had no way of knowing either, so that made two of us. There is good that came from it. Lord Bascomb will question any allegiance we form because it it." Fox motioned to a chair. "Please, come sit and speak with me on what you do know. Because if we are going to clean up your set, I need to know just who to keep and who to cut."
"By cut, you mean you plan to ruin them?" Winchester looked surprised.
"You do remember that I was SI-7, right? Pulling away their financial backing, and publicly humiliating them into ruin is Noble internal game,s that you would use. No, I plan to show them turnabout is fair play."
"You can't mean to kill them!" Bennet sat forward.
Fox looked over at the younger Remington. He was quick witted. The knowledge of that pleased her greatly. "Why ever not. They kill commoners without thought all the time."
"That is because they are of lower station. We have to control the masses and keep them in check" Winchester argued in complete horror at her ideology.
"And do not forget, that I am a Lothar by birth. Royal by Blood, as everyone keeps pointing out. You Nobles are of lower station, and I have to control you, because no one has bothered to keep you in check." Fox smiled almost wickedly as she tossed his own words back at him. It was clear he did not like the prospects of being in the lower set. "How ever you two will be saved the reaping if you join with me now. I want loyalty and the two of you will head the new Noble set like the Elder Remington and Bascomb, the only difference is you will answer to me, or the House of Wyrnn. No under the table games, or I will not hesitate to end you at my first suspicion."
Winchester shook his head trying to process all she was telling him. "I need time to think about this proposal."
"Well I do not. I pledge my loyalty to the Royal House of Wyrnn and Lothar. If you can clean up this sickness, I have been witnessing since my youth, then there is nothing I will not do to help you, Lady Regent." Bennet sat forward and looked to Winchester expectantly. "I know you think I am just a kid, Lord Winchester, but we could work together. Stormwind would be better for it. My father spent so much time trying to one up Bascomb. There were days he would go with out sleep. He was always trying to maintain his social standing. I never wanted that life for myself. This is a golden opportunity to change it. Please heed what the Lady Lothar is saying to us."
"What she is saying, is that she will kill our people. You do realize this. There will be new people, common people, that will become entitled. Everything is going to change, and there is no way to tell if we are trading up or down in the grand scheme of things." Winchester pointed out anxiously.
"The deaths of the Nobles can be curtailed if we take out Bascomb first. Find his supporters, and then chop off the head of the snake." Fox looked over at Winchester. "Although, the killing doesn't bother me if there is no way around it. I was a Rogue after all."
"Killing Nobles openly. I never thought I would live to see this day." Winchester leaned back in thought. Then looking to Fox, he asked, "So I would be in charge after Bascomb is removed?"
"No. The House of Wyrnn will be in charge, or you will be eliminated at the first hint of abuse of power." She cocked up an eyebrow. Daring him to speak against her. "But you and your family will be next in line for Stormwind's Royal seat. Do not let the temptation of that end you."
"Surely not. Being so open is too dangerous. I once heard a Gnome refer to his Majesty as the walking Bull's eye." Winchester smiled brightly and chuckled low. "Although, I know the dangers better then either of you of this kind of action, you can count me in. There is no future for me if Lord Bascomb stays in power anyway."
O0O0O0O0O0
Astarii had enchanted everyone in Cathedral Square with her mere presence. The ability to use the Light was only an added bonus. Lord Bascomb was right, the Sister of Elune would have complete control before the week was out. The power of Light was on their side, quite literally.
Damiana shook her head and sighed. How easily beauty could blind the masses. But if she was to be truthful, Lord Bascomb's new found ally was powerful in more then just looks. Astarii could control the Light magic with an expertise one would expect from a student of Tyrande Whisperwind. The man's desire for control was going to out grow Stormwind at this rate. He must have realized this before he called across the Great Sea for aid. Woe be upon Darnassus.
Luckily, Damiana knew she would break with him far before that came about. She had one goal in mind and that was getting rid of Crimson, the Warlock. Exploiting Crimson's Fox was just a plus side. Sheylann was the only one to worry about in that respect. The Druid knew there was no great love between the Priest and Warlock. If that connection was made things would go bad for Damiana very quickly, since Crimson had not sent her to play midwife to Lady Lothar. That little lie had been Lord Bascomb's doing from the start
Lord Bascomb had found out about the royal child weeks ago. Fox's little confession had not been any surprise to him. Plans had already been put in place. The general consensus was if this child was a son, it died at birth. No questions were to be asked. If a daughter was produced then she was to be removed from her parent's care at any cost. Lord Bascomb was still kicking himself for failing to realize that Anduin Lothar had a child in the first place. He cursed the name Ondrena Manston for hiding Eloise so well. That opportunity had passed, but this one he would not let go. King Wyrnn was manipulable where Bascomb was concerned. He had been doing it for years. So with the right people and things in place, Lord Bascomb could finally have the control that even Katrana Prestor had failed to establish.
Damiana knew it was the mind control skills that he was actively looking at for this phase of his plans. That was why she and the Night Elf had been selected. Shrugging, she walked over to Astarii. "I am going to head over to the keep to see how Lady Lotharr is doing."
"I have yet to meet her." Astarii looked up from the tome of Light she had been scanning.
"And you will not be. Lord Bascomb wants you to keep a low profile and stay here. Bring the Order of Light under your control. The commoners of Stormwind will not question the Paladins and Priests. Having them side with Lord Bascomb will over shadow the Lady Lothar's connection to the SI-7."
Astarii smiled and nodded, "Quite brilliant of him, isn't it?"
"Not really. Its rather straight forward. Who would stand with a Rogue over a Paladin?" Damiana rolled her eyes. "You have a lot to learn on how Human society works."
"Indeed I do, but I will learn. Goldenleaf likes Stormwind better then Darnassus, so this is where I will be. He made it very clear what he wants in his woman last time I saw him. I plan on becoming that." The Night Elf looked back at her book. "You may go now. I know where to find you should I require any assistance."
Damiana gnashed her teeth . The Night Elf was still treating her like a servant. Maybe when this was over and Astarii was of no more use they would have a reckoning. An evil smile gave way to a slight nod of approval at the idea.
O0O0O0O0O0O
Lor'themar set the perfectly wrapped present on the table, as he looked over at King Wyrnn. "As I was saying this is a purely personal visit, that has nothing to do with affairs of state."
Varian looked over at the gift wrapped in red paper with a golden bow. "I smell cookies."
Lor'themar scowled at that statement. "No matter what the Gnome has told you, I do not smell like cinnamon and sugar!"
Varian sat up straight and pointed to the box. "I was referring to the package. Now you have me curious, what Gnome are you talking about?
Lor'themar slapped a hand over his face. "If you do not know, let us leave it that way."
"I can accept that. So who are the cookies for?" Varian smirked. There was no use hiding a treat from him.
"If you have decided to taunt me, I am not in the mood for it King Wyrnn."
"Who says I am going to taunt you. I have been known to make a fine batch of chocolate chip from time to time myself." Varian blinked. He was confused why Lot'themar suddenly seemed so on edge about a mere box of cookies.
"Do you bake cookies?" Lor'themar tossed back. He was sure he knew the answer to that. This was the High King of the Alliance. A master Warrior who struck fear in the hearts of his enemies. Known as Lo'Gosh, the Ghost Wolf, Champion of the Gladiator arena. It was almost impossible imagining him with oven mitts and an apron.
"I have a son, Lord Regent." Varian leaned forward. The blue eyes locking on the Lord Regent. "Kids like cookies. I have not always been the most stellar of fathers, and I have never been above bribery. Also, if you will recall, we have a substantial orphanage in Stormwind. There have been a number of bake sales on their behalf. I do not see myself above lending my aid in what ever way possible to help my people."
"You really do bake?" Lor'themar smiled at Varian. Finding the amusement in Varian, that he had objected to being directed at himself.
"Extensively. Do you have a problem with that?" Varian's eyebrows dropped low in warning.
Lor'themar reached out to slide the box toward Varian as a peace offering. He had been planning on giving the box to Braelyn Hawke, but he could always make more. "Snicker doodles. I seem to have discovered I have a new talent."
"Shall I get some milk?" Varian replied in a bland tone.
"That would be splendid." Lor'themar tried to remain serious.
Then they both broke into gales of laughter.
O0O0O
Braelyn bit her lip as Rygen Stonehorn ducked his way into the little cottage.
"I take it you are the human in question?" The Tauren looked around the rooms. The large eyes searching. "Where is Lord Brightwing?"
"Sleeping. At least, I think he is still in bed. I haven't seen him today." Braelyn swallowed hard. The sheer size of the Tauren was putting her on edge. They were a large race, but this one was impressively larger then the standard issue.
Rygen looked over at the stairway. A deep snort of annoyance. "I will not be fitting up there any time soon. Zak'sora, could you get Tharath and retrieve him for me?"
"I be willin ta do dat for ya." Zak'sora ambled in and nodded to Braelyn. Tharath close at his heels. "Excuse da invasion, Little Human Girl. I not be stayin long."
"Wait! You just can't go charging into his room to pull him out of bed like this." Braelyn cried out coming over to the Tauren.
"Brae, you need to stay out of Horde business." Goldenleaf moved through the door to grab her arm. Then with a glance to Rygen he nodded, "Carry on. I will move her somewhere safe. It probably will not do you any good having her here while you interrogate the Blood Elf."
"I appreciate that, Night Elf." Rygen gave a bland stare toward his departing men. "Once this is handled, I will meet you over at the main keep to discuss the punishment that should be met out for his actions."
"Understood." Goldenleaf had to actually drag Braelyn out of the cottage. She had tried digging in her heels. A look of question on her face, but Goldenleaf was in no mood to be forth coming with any of his information.
Chelinka and Pyrasong rushed over to the little Hunter and started their fussing over her.
"Didn't you use the potion I gave you?" Goldenleaf raised his hand to cut the two other woman off. The large hands dropping to Braelyn's shoulders to shake her. "If he was asleep he could not have attacked you like that! What were you thinking?"
"Attacked me?" Braelyn felt her mouth dropping open. Then shot an accusing look at Pyrasong.
The little Blood Elf's lower lip coming out. "I am sorry. I just wanted to help. You are not safe staying near Halduron from what I saw. I know, I should be more loyal to him, but he was in the wrong."
"I can not believe you told anyone about what happened last night! These two most of all. You said you were my friend." Brealyn cried out. A red flush coming over her face. This was getting out of hand.
"Don't yell at Pyrasong!" Chelinka reached out to clasp Pyrsong's hand and patted it reassuringly. "You did right dear. Do not listen to her."
"Could the two of you just let her answer the question? I made the vial just for the Blood Elves, and you should have used it, like you were instructed." Goldenleaf shook his head down at her.
"Well, I didn't, because I do not trust you." Braelyn shouted back in his face. She did not want to deal with their questions. She needed some time to concoct some sort of story to get Haldruon out of trouble while keeping her secret. "It's your fault for always being so mean to them."
"I'm not mean. I'm provoking, and there is a clear difference. You know what this means. I wasted some really good regents for nothing. Do you know how hard it is coming up with substitutes for things I do not have on hand here?" Goldenleaf growled and kicked the ground. "Next time, I will just let them suffer. You can suffer too, Brae, until you apologize to me."
"Ignore da Night Elf, child. I be an Alchemist too. So ya can come ta me if ya be needin any thang." Boani called over. She was standing outside the door. Having no real desire to enter when Rygen was in such a snit. Few things set him off, but he was irked over this infraction. She almost felt sorry for the Blood Elf inside.
"Wait, you used substitutes? How would you know if it worked correctly!" Chelinka shook her head at Goldenleaf. No sure she like his way of thinking.
Braelyn kept her mouth shut. She had tested it herself, and knew that it was a strong relaxant that had worked just as Goldenleaf has discribed.
"So I was low on steelbloom. I did find enough, for this application, but well Pippers had passed by and made a donation." Goldenleaf watched as everyone gasped at him. Besides Braelyn who turned green at what he said. "What it's not like you used it, right? No where in my research has it been shown that pug pee will adversely effect Blood Elves."
Pyrasong screamed in rage and started raining slaps on his shoulders and back. She would have boxed in his ears if she could reach them. "You wanted me to drink a potion made with dog urine?! I am going to K-HILLL you!"
"Oww!" Goldenleaf jumped behind Chelinka and used her for a shield. "Do you have any idea what goes into half the potions and flasks we put on the market daily? It's not that bad! If you think so you should try visiting an Alchemist shop."
Chelinka blinked over to stand next to Boani. "Leave me out of this. I am on her side with this one. Goldenleaf, you ever give me something like that and I will lock you in a stall with that ram."
Goldenleaf went to his cat form and sprinted up the road trying to escape his punishment. Pyrasong racing after him. The sound of her voice loud echoing through the entire city.
"He be right about the materials." Boani shrugged. "Da thangs we use."
The sound of lightening ripping through the air caused the Mages to turn back toward the cottage. Chelinka blinked over at Boani.
The Troll sighed, "Seems Lord Brightwing be a sound sleeper. Zak'sora will be amused."
Chelinka paled and looked over at a very upset Braelyn. "Let's get you to the main keep. I hear that King Wyrnn has come to take control of Stromgarde for Lady Lothar. You would probably like to greet him."
"Also the Blood Elf's Regent is in attendance as well." Boani told them. "We saw him arrive when we left."
"Lor'themar is here?" Braelyn's head shot up. "But that would mean that Rommath is here as well."
Chelinka actually growled at that. "Knowing Rommath he will try to find you first. Which means he will be at the Barracks and then be directed to come here."
"And he will find the Tauren and his group interrogating Halduron." Brealyn paled. She knew that was not going to go over well.
"You are going to have to stop him from getting here Braelyn." Chelinka pointed out.
"Me? Why me?"
Chelinka almost wanted to choke Braelyn for playing at being so stupid. "Because you are the one he is looking for not Halduron. Besides you are the one always promoting peace. This is your chance to create some."
"I want peace, that is true, but I never said I wanted to sacrifice myself for it." Brealyn wanted to cry. Why was everything suddenly going so wrong.