In the center of Schwartzgrad, separated from the rest of the city by high walls, sat its beating heart of stone. Towering over all the other buildings, the Imperial Palace was built as a testament to the strength of the Emperor's family and their relationship to the Valkyrur. Underneath a lazy low-hanging sun, its imposing trapezoid keep cast dark shadows across the street below.
Once past the gates that were manned by gold plated members of the Imperial Guard, visitors were greeted by an enormous flight of stairs that would lead them to the palace proper. Which obviously posed a problem for a man like Montgomery, whose lack of mobility meant the climb itself was a torturous task.
Reaching the middle of his greatest foe, he knelt over, huffing and puffing. Truly an embarrassing state of affairs for a man who prided himself on physical fitness when he was in the navy. But those days were long over, and Montgomery had to contend with his physical limitations. Ulyana waited a few steps ahead of him, fully aware pride would prevent him from accepting her help. She averted her eyes out of respect, instead pretending to examine her nails.
Montgomery caught his breath. He straightened his back, then paused, looking up at the palace itself. There was a tangible grief present on his withered face. Ulyana wondered if said grief was a product of his loss of faith in their motherland's path or the knowledge that he would be forced to play the role of villain to save it from annihilation. Loyalty truly was a fickle thing; a nation of traitors could not be allowed to dictate the terms of governance to the loyal.
Suddenly Montgomery became animate again. His brooding gave him renewed vigor, allowing him to scale the remaining steps. These two crows, draped in their black coats, were the only souls present aside from the guards standing at the main doors. This was not uncommon since those born outside the aristocracy needed special permission to enter the throne room.
"A pox upon the prideful engineers designed this monument to vanity," Montgomery declared, as he turned to look back down.
Ulyana rolled her eyes, amazed by how much he could complain about a city he professed such a love for. The roads needed to be paved, industrial districts reorganized to maximize input efficiency, lower-class communities invested in and most pressing of all the barriers between each rung of the city torn down. "Another unnecessary excess, no doubt?" she asked, already knowing exactly what he was thinking; "surely, though, Monty, you recognize the cultural value of it."
"Hah! Cultural value is all well in good, but I am much more concerned about the inefficient usage of space." Montgomery said, utilitarian in his mindset; "think how many apartment complexes could be built here instead, or call me old fashion, a park."
"There is a thought. A park!" Ulyana laughed at the absurdity of the idea.
"What is funny?" he snapped.
"I meant no offense," Ulyana said with a wave of her hand. "I just figured you'd want to see it converted to something useful to the war effort, like a barracks."
Montgomery adjusted his glasses, humorless as ever. "Hmph, the military district is perfectly suited to maintain an adequate garrison for Schwartzgrad." He walked to her side, overlooking the city. "In a perfect world, societal life would require no further militarization. However…" His piercing gaze moved to the wreckage left by the Federation's snowcruiser, which was faintly visible in the distance. "Maybe you are correct, dear. The palace would be better converted to a training camp. We'd be able to teach the basics of firearm safety to every able body person in our city."
"Careful, Monty. It sounds like you are proposing the conscripting of women to our armed forces." Ulyana teased, "that would ruin their feminine mystique."
"And why shouldn't we?" Montgomery retorted, facing her. "If we had another 100,000 bodies in Arch Plaza, those rangers would have been routed." He raised the hilt of his cane so it was below her chin. "Besides, I expect both our Empire's sons and daughters to do their duty when the enemy is at the gates."
There was a slight waver to his voice, Ulyana changed her demeanor. "You still blame yourself." She smiled softly at him, pushing the cane down.
Montgomery became sullen. She could always read him like a book. "It was my lapse of judgement that allowed Heinrich to get away. I should have listened to Varrick's concerns."
"What's done is done. No one blames you." She said reassuringly, even though Ulyana did not know exactly why he showed such restraint regarding X-0; "I won't tolerate any more of this self-flagellation."
Despite scolding him, her tone was one of concern, and Montgomery nodded. "You're right. While I must bear responsibility for my role in setting us on this disastrous course, it is not too late to right the ship." He motioned they needed to keep moving. "Our Empire will not be condemned to the dustbin of history, I'll make sure of it."
They approached the Imperial Guards, who took one look at the uniforms and allowed them both to pass. Beneath banners of red and gold, glowing in rays of sunlight that shone through grandiose stain glass windows, sat the Emperor's throne. Statues of robed Valkyrurian figures lined the carpet that lead up to the seat of power. Once filled with nobles, foreign dignitaries and plenty of merchants, this room now sat empty.
The Emperor himself had not set foot in his palace for nearly a year since the war started and only servants remained. Ulyana found herself saddened, for when she was a little girl, her father was often invited to many lavish events. Where the warm lighting, the music, and performances did much to excite her childish imagination. But now it was a palace of ghosts, a monument to a dying bloodline and an archaic system artificially kept alive by those who believed it could last.
Montgomery grumbled something, then shuffled toward the corridor on their left that led deeper inside. They walked by magnificent works of art, each depicting major events within Imperial history. From the first Emperor's early drafting of the alliance system in the image of the old Valkyrurian Dominion, to the near undoing of the experiment by the Warrior-Scholar Mandus of the Kingdom of Gothia. One picture stood out compared to the rest, though, and Ulyana stopped, admiring its intricate brushwork.
Thousands of shadowy hands were depicted reaching forth from blackened Earth. They climbed toward a figure draped in white cloth, descending from the heavens. In her hands was a spiraled lance. The Valkyria's hair was white, aglow with a blue light, as she came to Europe's defense. Returning to Ulyana's side, Montgomery scowled. "What a grotesque piece. How many of our sons will have to die for another man's cause?"
A choice of phrasing that Ulyana found quite odd. "Is this cause not ours?" The piece was titled The Great Calamity and was part of a series of works about the Valkyria's war against the Darcsen.
Montgomery shook his head with disappointment. "This was the Valkyrur's cause." He placed both hands on the hilt of his cane. "And they are no longer here, are they? How much suffering has been inflicted in their name? How much has Europe bled, her surface scarred?" He exhaled sharply. "If there is any justice, we will ensure history forgets the Valkyrur along with the Darcsen. That is our cause. To create a future."
He elaborated no further as he tapped his cane, then nudged past Ulyana. She lingered, trying to understand what wisdom he sought to impart. Eventually, she decided he meant for her to ponder what he said for a while and moved to catch up with him.
Montgomery stood at another set of double-doors. Their wooden finish was burned with a seal of a wyvern, which was the official symbol of House Gothia. It was well known that the Empress took pride in her gardens, often importing exotic plants from all over the world. Ulyana fixed her suit, the fact dawning on her she was rather underdressed to meet one of the most powerful women in the country. "I have never met Empress Gothia. Anything I should know?"
A fair question, one Montgomery had not considered. He thought only a minute. "Those who invoke her ire don't live very long. Just remember her interest, are not ours and only rarely our Empire's." With that, he pushed open the doors.
Ulyana was stunned—it was all she could do to not audibly gasp. Hidden away behind the cold, stone exterior of the palace was a lush tropical paradise. Water was piped in via aqueducts from outside, circled the room, creating a small river that ended at a center pond. Grass grew from the ground and was dotted with a plentitude of colorful flowers. Each species was handpicked by her majesty herself, who crossbred them to emphasize their beauty. Blooming buds of calming purple, vibrant red, and cool blue dominated the entire space.
Above, a crystal ceiling filtered soft light down so it could reach the plants. There was a faint piano melody floating through the air, but Ulyana could not determine from where it originated. A handful of finely clothed noblemen were speaking among themselves. Interspersed between them were several members of the Imperial High Command, denoted by their white gimnasterkas and golden scabbards.
Nervous looks went in Montgomery's direction, deserved mostly, since he had a penchant for disappearing relatives. He reacted to their fear with confidence and stood proudly. Ulyana's eyes finally fell on the divine monarch herself. Empress Catherine Von Gothia, last of her line, the portrait of elegance itself. She stood alone, luxurious black hair flowing beyond her lower back, producing a beautiful silhouette coupled with her sunset bronze dress.
Empress Gothia turned to see what the cause of the silence was and gave a faint sneer. It was like looking into the eyes of a pristine statue, carved out of ivory and as smooth as marble. Ulyana felt as if she might faint. There was no doubting the Empress's Valkyrurian blood.
As Catherine approached, Montgomery hastily dropped onto his good knee, bowing his head deeply. Realizing his subordinate was still standing, mouth agape, he hissed, "Ulyana!"
"Ah!" Ulyana scrambled to follow suit.
Catherine stopped before her crows and held out her right hand. On each finger was a silver ring, bejeweled with rubies. She held it toward Montgomery. "Lord Commissar York, I am so pleased you came." Montgomery steadied himself, ignoring the throbbing pain in his leg. With a grimace, he kissed the center most ring which depicted the Imperial crest. Satisfied by his display of obedience, she said, "Please, stand."
With some effort and help from Ulyana, Montgomery got upright again. He forced himself to smile, playing the role of a dutiful servant. "Of course, Empress Gothia. I'd never dream of missing… one of your many parties." A probing glance around at the faces of those present caused him to ask. "And how is his majesty?"
"Recovering nicely," Catherine answered, careful not to reveal too much; "these last few months have been most disturbing for him. As they have for us all."
"I know he will return to his duties soon enough," Montgomery said doubtfully.
Catherine looked at Ulyana, who was staring wide-eyed like a deer caught in headlights. "Where is Ludwig? I was under the impression you two were inseparable, York."
"I've sent him North, to assess the situation," Montgomery said; "I felt a more personal set of eyes was needed given the crisis unraveling."
"Pity Ludwig tends to bring the best out of you," Catherine said, disappointed. She remained intrigued by Ulyana, sizing up the smaller woman. "You are Wolzogen's daughter, no?"
"Um, yes," Ulyana said awkwardly.
Catherine put her hands together. "Quite a masculine career choice, but I can't say that uniform doesn't suit you."
Ulyana stammered, unable to respond. Montgomery had never seen her so flustered. "What's gotten in to you?" he asked.
"Shall we play a game of chess?" Catherine asked before anyone could embarrass themselves. Near the pond was a patio space with a couple of tables and chairs. "Miss Wolzogen is welcome to join us."
Montgomery nodded, but Ulyana chose to stay a few paces behind in order to give them space. Catherine maintained her detachment. "Let's hear it then. What is your assessment of our present peril?"
While she did not trust Montgomery's motivations, she, unlike her husband, saw the value in his unique approach to state politics. "Bleak," Montgomery said, but he knew she knew as much. "Drei Stern has impaled our best mechanized divisions on Gallia's lance, depriving Field Marshal Von Richthofen of critically needed reinforcements for his southern thrust." He knew his limitations well, as Montgomery was no general, but it did not take a genius to recognize the tragedy unfolding. He lowered his voice. "Without victories, our people will see no reason to continue to stand behind your husband's rule."
"Troubling, most troubling," Catherine said thoughtfully. "X-0's decimation, while necessary, has crippled our weapons development. Should the United States enter the war, I fear we can no longer maintain our technological edge."
Unlike the Emperor's other wives, she had always possessed a love for history and military tactics. Which was why, despite her age, the Emperor had seen fit to make her his third. He recognized the usefulness of a woman who knew how to navigate the cutthroat world of Imperial politics and with his illness leaving him infirm, Catherine was effectively the regent of the throne. Which had led some to label her the Black Empress and whispers of tyranny abounded.
"If I may speak plainly," Montgomery stopped; she gave a nod, facing him. "Our enemies without are the least of our present concerns. I am confident that we have both the men and the leadership required to win this war." A boldface lie, but to admit as much in public would be tantamount to the betrayal he so readily condemned. "It is our enemies within that concern me, your majesty. Allow me to conduct a proper investigation into all branches of our military."
Catherine's eyes narrowed sharply. "I thought we had settled this. What you are proposing is nothing short of insanity."
"Insanity?" Montgomery frowned at her. "Insanity is allowing traitors to lurk behind every medal and at every level of our officer corps. Need I remind you Heinrich was once a friend of your husband?"
"Careful where you direct your accusations, York," Catherine said, an edge to her tone. "How many bodies have piled up because they failed to prove their innocence to your satisfaction? Taking a sword to our own army with the enemy at our doorstop can only weaken us further."
"Anyone who harbors doubt in their heart is guilty of treason and therefore is unfit to lead," Montgomery responded. "Let justice be done, should the sky fall."
His recitation of the Commissariat's motto caused the corners of Catherine's lips to curl downward. She looked at Ulyana, who was listening closely. "And what does Miss Wolzogen think we should do?"
"Me?" Ulyana asked, even though that much was obvious. Her eyes moved from Catherine to Montgomery, then back to Catherine. "In this case, I believe the problem is our Commissariat's inability to act on credible threats without first deferring to his majesty. We could have had Heinrich removed from his position before his ambitions were realized." She was being extremely careful with her words. "Given his present condition, it may be beneficial to form a system of dual power. Our Commissariat can be freed from bureaucratic red tape and properly fulfill our role as our Empire's shield."
On paper, her request was a sensible one that would expand the bounds of Montgomery's authority within the Imperial legal framework. In practice, however, the Commissariat had already divorced itself from oversight, often refusing to comply with demands to justify its actions. Catherine smiled at her. "You truly are York's daughter." Adopted daughter to be precise since Ulyana had been removed from the line of succession by her family. "Alas, what you ask is impossible. Our alliance system cannot accommodate such a reform. It would plunge us into civil war."
The Imperial Alliance was comprised of three pillars of power: first was the Emperor, then the All Father, and last, the Nobility, which also made up most of the military. Montgomery expected the answer, but gave a subtle, proud nod to Ulyana. The three resumed their walk, coming to the patio. A chess board sat between several chairs laden with plenty of gaudy pillows. Montgomery waited. "White or black, your majesty?"
"It is only fitting that my esteemed Lord of Crows plays in darkness as my work is done in the light," Catherine said, her formerly stern demeanor shifting to one of relaxation. She was aware of his little nickname. She sat across from him while Ulyana opted to assess the fruits on the other table. Montgomery put his cane on his lap, leaning forward.
Their game started as Catherine brought out her pawn in front of her king. It was a different opening than her preferred Queen's Gambit, which gave him pause. He opted to move his queen's bishop's pawn forward.
Several grapes in hand, Ulyana took a seat next to him, munching softly. Catherine asked, "I am curious, Miss Wolzogen. Was it worth it?"
"These grapes are wonderful," Ulyana replied absent-mindedly. Her mistake apparent she jolted. "Was what worth it, your majesty?"
"Giving up your titles to become a Commissar," Catherine clarified as she moved her knight onto the board.
"There is a war on. My titles cannot defend our countrymen," Ulyana said, having had the stock answer prepared in advance. "We as a nation can no longer be so stratified in the face of the world."
"Hmm." Catherine found the response most perplexing. "To be honest, York. I never understood your insistence that your men should forgo claims and inheritances."
Montgomery moved his knight, taking her bishop. "Claims ignite the ambitions in men's hearts, and they would be liable to abuse their position to satisfy their own ends." He looked up at her. "As I am sure you understand, that is unacceptable. Disunity is a dangerous state of affairs."
Their game continued for some time. Ulyana sat in silence, watching it unfold. She was enraptured by the usage of trickery both relied on to gain the advantage. Nothing was held back, with topics normally off limits for polite conversation becoming the focus of intense scrutiny. At one point, when a servant whispered in Catherine's ear, Montgomery stole a pawn from the board. When she looked back, he said, "I figure you might like to know your son is quite well."
Ulyana raised an eyebrow as this quip successfully got a rise out of Catherine, who visibly bristled. She lost focus on their game and leaned forward. "Thin ice, Montgomery. The last man who spoke that mistake's name in my presence…" She trailed off, then laughed. "Well, I don't need to tell you." She moved her queen, placing him in check.
Montgomery grunted, taking some time to study his declining strategic situation. "All in good spirit, your majesty," he said, seeing only two remaining paths to victory. Otherwise, they were heading toward a stalemate.
Changing the topic to official business, Catherine said, "I've read Commissar Volker's report. Ghastly man, he is, but now that X-0 has been dealt with, what are your plans for Ausbruch?
"I had hoped for rehabilitation. Unfortunately, their loyalty to the obsolete Walz is ironclad," Montgomery said with a hint of respect. He loathed Klaus as a commander who felt obliged to play by his own rules, but could appreciate a man who led from the front with his men.
"It would be irresponsible to let them continue to exist," Ulyana interrupted, making her opinion on the subject known; "Walz acted in tandem with X-0 as did those soldiers under his command. Loyalty to a man above our Empire is dangerous."
Catherine cocked her head and placed a hand on her chin. "Hmm, but would you not profess a similar loyalty to York here?
Montgomery fixed his glasses but opted to let Ulyana answer the question. She said, "That is not how it works. Each member of the Commissariat is sworn to protect our Empire. Monty, here, is just another man among many."
"As it should be," Montgomery said, eager to redirect the conversation. "I recommend forming the survivors of Ausbruch into a Forlorn Hope vanguard. Have them deployed to reinforce Army Group Center."
A proposal that was an execution by less personal means. In his eyes, it would allow already decorated soldiers to be of service until their end. "I will have to see what my husband thinks," Catherine said thoughtfully. "But I am sure he will approve it. You should give him some credit, York. He doesn't trust Walz either." Noble relationships truly were an unpredictable lot. Unlike Montgomery, however, the Emperor recognized the value of heroes. Their game resumed, but only briefly, for Catherine said, "I'd like you to investigate Earl Hambolt," she shifted so her legs could rest upon the sofa she was sitting. Her dress flowed onto the floor like water.
Montgomery gave a faint smile. "Another ex-lover, I assume?"
"They just forget their place so readily," Catherine said with a despondent sigh; "men of good standing can be quite frustrating in that regard." She gave a subtle wink to Ulyana. "I am sure you can relate, Miss Wolzogen."
"Quite, I often find myself bored to tears by their poetry. And yet, no matter how many times I reject it, another letter appears in my mail," Ulyana agreed.
Oblivious to the complexities at play between the two women, Montgomery ran through a list of names in his head. One miserable reality of his job was trying to keep track of so many people of alleged importance. Eventually, he managed to recall a face. "Ah, yes. Would you like him roughed up or is this a request for a more permeant solution?
"His death would reflect poorly on me," Catherine said, as she moved her hand in the air. 'Send him to the East. The colonies could use an artist to liven the local mood."
Montgomery nodded. "I shall see him stripped of his titles just as soon as my men produce evidence of his crimes."
As he finished speaking, Catherine finished the game. "Checkmate."
Montgomery raised both eyebrows, heaved a sigh, and leaned back in his seat. "You've bested me yet again, your majesty."
Pleased by her victory, Catherine stood, then took a few steps away from the table to look back at the artificial pond. "I have to wonder, York. You jumped at the opportunity to rid the world of Heinrich's accomplishments…" She looked back at him. "Yet you spared his lieutenants. Why is that? Given Walz and Ausbruch's soon to be fate."
Montgomery was surprised by this line of questioning; he remained silent. Ulyana had wondered the same in fact, so was curious to hear his justification. He slowly stood, bringing his cane down. "Spared? Hardly. I merely still have a use for their talents elsewhere."
"Out of spite, then?" Catherine asked, cutting right to the point. "To prove to a dead man that you can succeed where he failed?"
"I believe Agents Rocino and Graf have already proven as much by their own efforts," Montgomery replied, choosing to accept the testimony of those who survived Volker's questioning over anyone else; "Rocino stood alone in Schwartzgrad, fighting our enemies without adequate support, but was eventually overwhelmed despite her valiant efforts. Agent Graf led a daring boarding of the enemy vessel and had her commander not lost his nerve. The entire story would be one of heroism." To punctuate his point, he slammed his cane down. "Therefore! We must conclude that those two girls succeeded a thousand times over where Heinrich failed!"
At first, his passionate proclamation gave Catherine pause, but then she slowly started to clap. Wearing a plastic smile she said, "Sounds to me you think rather highly of them both. Odd then that you would see fit to condemn them as well."
Montgomery grimaced. He had unintentionally stepped into her web of intrigue. "Ludwig told you didn't he?" He asked exasperated.
"Indeed, it seems Dear Ludwig has some humanity left in that tortured soul of his," Catherine answered, having received quite a passionate letter on Nikola's and Chiara's behalf. "And given their apparent heroism, it would be impulsive to have them retired so soon." She took a step closer, enjoying watching him squirm. "Their actions deserve the highest honors."
"You intend to recognize them as Heroes of the Imperial Alliance?" Ulyana asked. Never had a woman received such recognition. Only those soldiers who went far beyond the call of duty could ever have medals pinned on their chest by their glorious emperor.
"Of course, they've earned it. Subverting a traitor's orders to mount a defense of our most beloved city. Few have risen to such heights."
Montgomery tried to object. "Your majesty, Agents Graf and Rocino are currently—"
"I will hear no protests from you, York, on this matter. I've already decided," Catherine said, her intentions impossible to discern as usual. "Nikola Graf and Chiara Rocino are hereby granted royal immunity for past transgressions against our Empire. I will formally send their pardons to your office by this afternoon."
"As you say, your majesty. How generous." Montgomery bowed his head, but Ulyana could see the vein bulging from his temple. There was nothing he loathed more than royal meddling in his organization.
"Perhaps we should get back to the office," Ulyana said.
"Yes, there is much work to do," Montgomery agreed, anxious to escape Catherine's watchful eye.
He turned to leave, but Catherine cleared her throat. "There is one more matter of business I wish to discuss."
Montgomery looked back. "Which is?"
"There is a delegation from the United States on route, for some informal talks, and I would like your assistance."
"The United States?" He repeated, his brow furrowing. Nothing had come through any of his clandestine communication channels. "That is surprising. Do these delegates intend to circumnavigate the embargo?"
"That I am unsure. Their communique was passed along through their embassy in Zwolle," Catherine explained. "Given your surprise, I think it is safe to assume they have kept this under wraps."
An understatement, to say the least. In fact, Montgomery could only assume his operatives in Vinland were compromised. He touched the edge of his glasses. "I'll be there."
He was about to leave again when Catherine said, "Oh, Miss Wolzogen, do you fancy a bit of fencing? It has been a long time since I have been able to go against someone my size."
Montgomery exchanged a glance with Ulyana, who shrugged. "I do enjoy the sport, your majesty." It would be in poor taste to refuse such a powerful woman, so confidently she added. "Just don't expect me to hold back."
Montgomery departed. Catherine watched him leave. "Never has there been a man with a blacker heart than my Lord Commissar. Where he walks, calamity walks as his companion."
Ulyana could not tell if the Empress's words were that of admiration or disdain. She chose to believe the former. "Hmm, maybe you should focus on our match."
"Oh, I intend to."