Book I: The Three Dynasties
Chapter IV
The Conclave
Hungarian Territory, Ördögház: 543 AD
The sound of galloping came to abrupt halt as Lord Arthur brought his entourage to a stand still. Turning his head slightly he looked to his Viceroy who was riding at his side "Looks like we are late." He grinned slightly.
"It would appear so." Eli nodded in agreement as the two men beheld the sight that awaited them. In the distance Viktor's fortress like home loomed over the landscape. It's spiked log walls completely surrounded by two encamped armies, one bearing the standards of the Corvinus clan, and one bearing the banner of Viktor and the Teleki clan.
"I should have brought more men with me." Arthur sighed "My turnout is nowhere near as impressive."
"Your personal bodyguard is sufficient My Lord." Eli assured him "Arriving with few guards shows that you are not intimidated."
"You are right of course." Arthur agreed. "Kraven!"
"Yes Lord Arthur." He answered immediately.
"Lead us in, Lets get this farce of a meeting over with."
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Kraven and his bodyguards lead Arthur and his entourage through the gated entrance to Viktor's compound, Arthur rode proudly at the head of his small force, who were dispersed in a defensive position around the luxurious carriage that carried his daughter. Kraven was the first to dismount his horse, leaving Arthur's side to rejoin his master and his Ministers. "May I present Lord Arthur, ruler of the lands to the south." He reported to Viktor.
"Good Work." Viktor nodded, not even bothering to look at Kraven "Arthur!" He greeted his ally enthusiastically "How was your journey?"
"Swift." He nodded in reply "Your courtier… Kraven, is quite the guide. Though I noticed your Celt does not talk much."
"Ah yes…" Viktor laughed to himself "…Soren, foolish Irishman still insists on painting his face blue… though from what I hear every man from his island is a savage, still he is good at his job."
"I noticed that Corvinus is already here." Arthur said, his voice taking a more serious tone."
"Yes he is." An authoritative voice answered from the other end of the courtyard. Arthur turned with a smug grin to see the form of his enemy.
"Corvinus." Arthur greeted him, as he strode confidently into the center of the courtyard, flanked by his three sons. "It's been a long time, Abraham."
"That it has Arthur, I think its best we got straight down to business, we have much to discuss."
"I agree." Viktor nodded "There is no need to stand on ceremony. Arthur your men are free to use my home, did you bring your daughter?"
Arthur signaled to one of his men who opened the door to the carriage "Come here Amelia."
The young Princess elegantly exited her carriage and seemed to glide across the courtyard to her father's side. "Father." She smiled sweetly.
"Amelia." Viktor greeted her warmly. "You grow more lovely each year."
"Thank you Lord Viktor." She spoke humbly.
"Your father and I have much to discuss, my daughter has not seen you for a long time, perhaps you would like to spend some time with her?"
"I would like that." She nodded.
"Kraven will take you to her."
"Send two of my men with her." Arthur instructed Eli.
"That will not be necessary father." Amelia sighed in frustration as she left with Kraven, passing the men of the Corvinus Clan as she did."
"Hello Amelia." A nervous voice greeted her.
Amelia stopped momentarily to look upon the man that had greeted her "Markus." She replied coldly as she carried on walking.
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In the Great Hall of Viktor's fortress a roaring fireplace illuminates the largely empty room. It is quieter than usual, there are no guards, there are no comings and goings, instead a solitary rectangular table is the focal point of tonight's activity. At the head of this table, the host of this meeting, Lord Viktor of the Teleki clan, on the right hand side of the table sat Lord Arthur of the Vorenus Clan, with his Elderly Viceroy stood at his side, and on the left hand side of the table sat Alexander, or Abraham as he is currently known of the Corvinus clan, flanked by all three of his sons.
"Well I think we all know why we are here." Viktor begun with a grave tone "So to business."
"If there are no objections I would like to have the floor first." Corvinus spoke up.
"Be my guest." Viktor grinned.
"As you know my family has ruled over these lands for generations, we have unified it's tribes, it's villages into a cohesive unit. More importantly it is my family who have kept these lands safe, it is my family who have kept out the Romans, the Vandals and a dozen others. This region was stable until you two began eating up my territory and splitting my forces. Your ambition has made us all vulnerable to outside attack. It must stop, we need to draw up permanent boarders."
"Ah yes." Viktor grinned, "Your family has kept us safe… your father, your grandfather and beyond. Do not insult my intelligence!" Viktor bellowed "Yours us the worst kept secret in the land. Abraham Corvinus… or should I call you Alexander?"
"You sound as paranoid as the peasants that farm this land!" Corvinus spat defiantly.
"Please Corvinus," Arthur interrupted "Everyone knows that you are damned, as are your wife and sons. The legend of the minor warlord that sold his soul to the devil in exchange for becoming master of all he saw."
"Ridiculous." William spat.
"Do not listen to his lies My Lord." Eli whispered.
"I have no intention of listening to him Eli."
"Then what are we doing here?" William demanded "This is ridiculous father, we should kill them both now."
"You are more than welcome to try," Arthur grinned as both he and Viktor stood and drew their swords.
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"What do you they are talking about?" An exited voice asked as a young girl sits cross legged on a comfortable looking couch. Her skin is fair, her youthful features framed by blonde ringlets falling about her face, a garland of seasonal flowers resting gently upon her head, her body adorned in the finest silk.
"War of course." Her companion replied wearily "For that is all they ever talk about."
"I overheard my father and his ministers talking of peace yesterday." The girl spoke eagerly "Perhaps the misery that has befallen these lands will finally be over."
"Oh Sonja you are so naïve." Her beautiful companion half laughed "The misery of these lands will never be over, My father, your father and the Corvinus clan will never be able to burry their ancient hatred… even if they had an eternity."
"Then why host this conclave." She argued petulantly.
"Because my dear Sonja the armies of this land are depleted, all three of those old Warlords need time to rebuild, some paper treaty will buy themselves enough time to rebuild their strength."
"You are so cynical Amelia." Sonja frowned slightly "I think this time my father really means it."
"Of course he does." Amelia half heartedly agreed.
"So what do you think will happen?"
"Well…" Amelia sighed "…all sides will concede a few minor villages, agree to move their armies away from the frontiers and agree to a mutual cooperation in keeping the barbarian tribes out of these lands."
"How do you suppose they'll do that?" The younger of the two girls asked.
"I imagine they'll agree to marry one of us, probably me to one of the Corvinus brothers… so that a child may be born that unifies the clans."
"Your father would not do that to you." Sonja tried to reassure her "No more than my father would do that to me, your father loves you dearly."
"I do not doubt that." Amelia conceded "But as much as our fathers love us, we are not sons. They can not leave the affairs of their kingdoms to two mere females… no Sonja as your father would say daughters are good for two things, trading and breeding. We are nothing more than assets for our fathers to marry off and bargain with." Amelia stopped to smile for a moment "Of course being as lovely as we are, we are the most valuable assets our fathers have… well after their heavy cavalry of course."
"Would it really be so bad?" Sonja sighed "I mean being married off to a rich and powerful Lord… At least the brothers of the Corvinus clan are pleasing to look upon. And I think Markus is more than a little taken by you."
"He has been asking my father for my hand in marriage since I turned fifteen." Amelia sighed in boredom "Its quite depressing when the only suitor to show any interest in you has been forsaken by heaven and all that is good."
"So you believe the rumors." Sonja asked excitedly "That The Corvinus clan sold their souls to the devil."
"I do not know." Amelia sighed "There is something unsettling about them though. "Still it would appear that my father is beginning to warm to Markus's proposal though… why else would he be here?"
"Amelia…" Sonja spoke gently "… you must have a hundred suitors from here to Constantinople asking for your hand, everyone knows you are the most beautiful flower to grow in this barren landscape."
"Thank you." Amelia blushed slightly.
"What will you do if your father does agree to marry you off?"
"I will respect his wished of course." Amelia replied, her worlds resolute "Markus is not a bad man… I am sure he would treat me well. It could be worse…"
"How do you mean."
"It could be William." Amelia laughed slightly.
"What is wrong with William?" Sonja laughed back "He is as handsome as Markus, he is far more charismatic, more passionate…"
"Indeed." Amelia interrupted "Half the women of this land have experienced his passion; at least Markus would not stray."
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In a fit of rage Arthur held his sword to William's throat, the cold steel of the long cavalry sword causing the hairs on his neck to stand on end. However the son of Corvinus did not flinch, rather he allowed a grin to fall across his face. "Do you really think you are fast enough to kill me Vorenus he teased his aggressor."
"I do not know what powers you have demon." Arthur spat "But if your hand moves to your sword I will take your head."
As soon as Arthur had finished his sentence there was a blur of movement, and before Arthur could comprehend what was happening he to felt the cold kiss of steel about his throat "Do not threaten my brother, Vorenus." Markus hissed as he teased the Generals neck with his short sword. Sword in hand Viktor strode over to where Markus stood, as Eli drew his ceremonial sword to engage Henry Corvinus. It was not long before everyone could see a blade pointing at them.
"Oh for God sake!" Alexander yelled as he pounded the table with his fist "You are acting like savages! Soon you will all be painting your faces blue and worshiping water spirits! This is why I wanted to have this meeting, our petty squabbles are tearing this land apart! Markus! William! Henry! Lower your weapons."
"Very well." William grinned "Markus and I do not need weapons anyway. We are stronger than any of them could ever imagine."
"William!" Markus whispered harshly.
"Oh come on brother, they already know, everyone does!"
"There will be no blood spilled here." Alexander spoke gravely "Now I will not tell you again." At their fathers command the three Corvinus brother reluctantly lowered their weapons and returned to their fathers side. Once they were satisfied that the situation had alleviated, Viktor and Arthur also sheathed their swords and returned to their seats."
"How do you expect us to talk of peace when we can not even have a conversation without drawing swords against each other?" Viktor spat.
"It would appear that the three of us are unable to bring peace to these savage lands." Alexander sighed "Perhaps our children are the only ones who can succeed where we have failed so many times."
"What are you suggesting." Viktor asked suspiciously.
"An alliance." Alexander spoke confidently "Through marriage."
"Marriage?" Viktor enquired.
"Vorenus's daughter is of marrying age, she has been for several years. My son Markus is quite taken by her." Alexander spoke as if he were talking about trading a horse, much to the embarrassment of his immortal son, whose cheeks began to turn red.
"I have been refusing your sons proposal for years." Arthur dismissed him "When Amelia is ready to take a husband he will be a better man than your hellspawn son."
"This is her nineteenth summer Arthur." Viktor whispered "There are girls who are happily married much younger than her."
"Good." Arthur spat indignantly "Then let him marry Sonja."
"Sonja is too young." Viktor dismissed him.
"This is her sixteenth summer Viktor." Arthur replied sarcastically "There are girls who are happily married younger than her."
"Lord Arthur!" A voice interrupted, causing both Viktor and Arthur to cease their discussion, only to see Markus stepping forward. "I know that you do not regard me very highly, that you allow your superstitions about my family influence your judgment. But my father is right; in order for any of us to prosper the fighting between our three great families must come to an end. I know you would rather see her married to a Prince in Constantinople, but I have always had a great amount of respect and affection for your daughter. Were she and I to be wed I would give you my word that as long as my heart beats, no harm would ever come to her, I could make her very happy… and I would be permanently indebted to you if you would give me a chance to prove to both you, and the Princess that I am not an evil man." At the conclusion of his monologue the room fell silent, and an awkward Markus Corvinus skulked back to his position at his fathers side.
"That was lovely." William laughed slightly "Really brother, you should be a poet."
"William!" Alexander snapped at him.
"Forgive me father… I was merely trying to lighten the mood, but Markus is right Arthur. Your daughter could do a lot worse for herself."
"How so?" Eli scoffed under his breath.
"She could end up married to someone like me." William shrugged.
"Well Vorenus, what is your answer?" Alexander demanded.
Arthur looked to his ally Viktor, who nodded his head slightly, and then to his oldest and most trusted advisor, his viceroy Eli, who after a moments hesitation also nodded. "Very well." Arthur answered reluctantly "My daughter Amelia, will be wed to your son Markus." Alexander let out a sigh of relief as Markus could hardly contain his joy and a large grin crept across his face. "But you must meet some conditions first."
"Such as?" Alexander asked suspiciously.
"You are to surrender the disputed settlements in the Carpathians, you are to recall all mercenaries harassing Viktor's forces in Moldova and you are to withdraw all of your armies from out frontiers."
"They are some rather ambitious demands." Corvinus grinned slightly "And as lovely a bride as Amelia will make for my son, I am not sure she is worth all of that. What else are you offering?"
Arthur hesitated for a brief moment "I will personally lobby the Emperor in Constantinople, and the Pope in Rome, you will no longer be an enemy of the Empire or the Church."
"Once a Roman always a Roman." Alexander laughed "That is acceptable, the peace is concluded."
"Well then…" William exclaimed as he clapped his hands together "…when do the happy couple get presented to each other."
"As soon as possible." Alexander replied dryly.
"Tonight." Arthur sighed in frustration.
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Markus paced up and down his quarters impatiently, as William and Henry looked on. "You will wear a whole in the floor brother." William observed dryly.
"How do I look?" Markus asked nervously as he checked the buckles on his armour.
"You look like a Caesar." Henry answered him "A very poor Caesar, but a Caesar never the less."
"Thank you little brother." Markus spat back.
"All joking aside." William began as he stood face to face with his twin "I am very happy for you today Markus."
"Thank you brother." Markus replied as the two shared a brief embrace.
"Now go! It is time you were properly introduced to your lovely new bride." William watched in silence as Markus made his way through Viktor's fortress, towards the small wooden hut in which he was due to meet Amelia.
"Do you think he will say something foolish?" Henry asked from the corner of the room.
"Little brother I would bet money on it."
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She sits in perfect silence, dressed in the finest silk gown her fathers money could buy, the thin straps gently clinging to her shoulders, while the flowing lilac silk makes her look like one of the goddesses from the old Roman tales. Her ivory white skin seemed to outshine the full moon that illuminated the savage landscape, while her emerald eyes gleamed more than any jewel her father had looted. Her raven hair was tied in an unusual fashion for these lands, it was more Roman than native, yet today it was covered by a a delicate lilac vale, on top of which rested a thin gold band, it was the same head ornament her mother had worn while she was alive. "You look so much like her." Arthur spoke proudly, as he took his place at her side. She turned her head slightly, but said nothing, she merely gave him an unimpressed look. "What do you think of the room?"
The wooden hut in which she sat had been lavishly decorated with the finest tapestries and furnishings "It is lovely." She spoke coldly.
"Amelia…" Arthur sighed "…I know this must be a frightening experience for you, but there comes a time in every young woman's life when she must…"
"Be traded like a piece of cattle so that her father may profit from it?" She interrupted him "Thank you father, I am so pleased you have found me a husband."
"Amelia… please make an effort, this union will bring peace to the land."
"So you keep saying." She sighed. The door to the hut crept open slightly, as Eli popped his head into the room.
"My Lord. They hare here." He spoke quietly.
"Amelia?" Arthur asked gently.
"Send them in." She replied unenthusiastically.
Eli opened the door fully and stepped into the room "General Arthur Vorenus, Lord and ruler of the Southern Kingdom, and his only daughter and heir, the Princess Amelia Vorenus, may I introduce you to Alexander… forgive me…. Abraham Corvinus Lord and ruler of the Western and Central Kingdoms, and Master of the Carpathians, and his son Lord Markus Corvinus.
The two men of the Corvinus clan stepped into the lavish room and bowed their heads to the seated Princess, Markus then walked to her seat before dropping to a knee. "Princess Amelia, though our families have been at war for generations I would like nothing more than to usher in an era of peace with you by my side. Will you do me the honor of granting me your hand in marriage."
"It would be my honor…" she replied rolling her eyes slightly at the pretence of the whole situation "…My Lord."
"Then it is settled." Alexander exclaimed "We have no further business here."
"Agreed." Arthur nodded "The wedding will take place as soon as I am satisfied you have lived up to your end of the deal."
"I would expect nothing less." Alexander agreed "Shall we give them a moment alone?"
"Why not." Arthur smiled insincerely.
Amelia maintained her composure as her father and Alexander left the room, it was not until she heard the wooden door close that she began to feel a little uncomfortable and shifted her weight in her seat.
"Fathers." Markus laughed slightly in an attempt to lighten the mood. Amelia said nothing. "I know you do not think very highly of me." He continued in an empty tone, but I want nothing more than to make you happy. Amelia continued to cast her icy cold stare at the opposite wall, not even acknowledging what her future husband was saying. "Very well…" He sighed in a rejected tone as he sat on the floor and leant against the wall. "But if you do not mind I will sit here awhile anyway, until we are called for. Because even though you can not bear to bring yourself to converse with me, merely being in your presence brings joy to my heart."
The pair sat in silence for what seemed like an eternity, until the silence was broken in a way that Markus had not expected. "I do not dislike you." Amelia spoke up.
"I am sorry?" Markus questioned.
"I do not dislike you." She repeated herself. "I dislike the situation I find myself in, however my anger is directed towards my father… I do not mean to hurt you."
"Then why so cold?" Markus asked as he made his way towards her "I am not lying when I say I desire only to make you happy."
"You are… a good man." Amelia spoke nervously as she began to blush a little "And a handsome man, And though I do not wish to hurt you, I will not lie to you by saying that I look forward to, or even welcome our marriage."
"That is understandable." Markus nodded "It is only natural for you to be afraid, and I am not asking you to love me… or even to want me, all I am asking is that you give me a chance. Give me a chance to prove to you that I am more than just the son of your father's enemy."
Amelia swallowed hard as she made eye contact with Markus, his piercing eyes and warm expressions, softened her hardened exterior slightly, as for the first time she allowed a nervous smile to creep across her face… sensing that her betrothed was genuine she hesitantly held out her delicate slender hand. It trembled slightly as her suitor dropped to a knee and carefully took his hand in her own, after taking a moment to feel the silky ivory skin of her hand he brought it to his mouth and kissed it gently. "Thank you Princess." He whispered to her.