Blood on the Sand
Volume 1: The Broken Crown
Chapter 5: Flowers of Sin
The fires from Sierra Ardiente rose into the night, casting a gold-red hue on the wall of heat stone that segregated the large fiery eastern part of the island from the lush western portion. A warm breeze swept through the silver-green fronds of the golden trees adding to the natural symphony created by the four natural elements. The islands of La Esmeralda was a living symphony worthy of Beethoven and Wagner.
Luna Tristao leaned against the white sandstone wall, watching the yearlings play in the rising tide below and allowing their laughter fill her mind. Her short stature of merely five feet, petite frame, and youthful appearance made many outsiders underestimate her. Her waist-long blonde hair was kept in a high ponytail. She was dressed in a cream-white peasant blouse and sky blue ruffled skirt. She brushed her mask fragment shaped like an upside-down triangle under her left eye with a delicate finger. The moonlight glistened on the diamond stud in her right nostril.
"My lady."
She turned and saw an elderly male Arrancar clad in a long light purple coat with a rearing white unicorn embroidered on the right breast. His mask fragment was shaped like a pair of round-rimmed glasses that dug into his temples. His dark blue hair was speckled with silver.
"What is it, Kaan?"
"A messenger from Las Noches is here to see you. He claims that it's urgent."
"Las Noches… When was the last time we received a visit from there?"
"Since your grandfather's time."
"He can wait. It's not very urgent."
"I'll take him to the guest house and make sure that he's comfortable."
"Make sure to explain how things are done here. I don't trust these Nocheans when it comes to having proper manners."
"I'll see to it personally, my lady."
"Thank you, Kaan. And make sure that the messenger understands that we will only assist in an advisory capacity, but we'll remain neutral in their politics. We will declare for no one."
"I'll see to it."
"Thank you, Kaan."
Kaan bowed and made to leave, but stopped.
"What is it?"
"I wasn't certain if you wanted to be informed or not, but we received another ship-load of freed slaves."
Luna sighed and said, "Another gift from La Urraca. Honestly, La Urraca really needs to find another place to send them. We're a small nation and don't exactly have a lot of room at our disposal to house them."
"I suppose we could utilize one of the outer islands for such a purpose. Let them develop their own lives there after their trained in agriculture or industry or trade." Luna nodded in agreement.
"Anything else?"
"Only the usual petty criminal who have been sentenced to serve their fellow citizens in order to make restitution for their crime. Nothing else to concern you, although Florian would say otherwise."
"Are the people coming in with dirty shoes again?" Luna asked, smiling.
"And… How did he put it again? Ah yes. 'Leaving coffee-stained fingerprints on the pages and defiling the sacred paper with eared corners.'"
"The books should feel honored to have such smudges and eared corners. They're badges of honor for any book because they're being read."
"I've tried to tell Florian that, but those books might as well be his own children."
"Perhaps a little visit will help placate him."
"It might help, but it's doubtful," Kaan said. "Now, if you'll excuse me, my lady, I have a messenger to see to."
As Kaan walked away Luna returned her attention to the sound of playing children. She wondered if their future would be bright and happy. She hoped it would for these children, but she feared that the future for the children of the Empire would be dark.
Jean Parros
The soft music of water fountains was accompanied by the strumming of harp strings. Colorful flowers of sin broke the silver consistency of the shrubbery. Arrancars and Terrans walked the in the labyrinthine garden of Lune d'Argent at whose heart rose a great golden fountain of nymphs and dryads and fauns surrounded by marble statues of nude dancing youths. Servants clad in pale purple chiton embroidered with three golden lilies carried silver trays of snacks and flute glasses of pale wine.
Jean Parros stood at the top of the marble stairs leading to the garden watching the others assembled for one of Chancellor Andjo's feasts with his pale blue eye. His dark violet hair was pulled back into a tail held by a silver ring. He was clad in a long white coat with lavender lace poking out of the sleeves and a powder-blue ascot. A black sash decorated with a fork of white lightning draped over his chest. His mask fragment covered the top of his head and his left eye.
Chancellor Andjo's outdone himself this time, he thought as he watched a tray laden with a roasted peacock pass, its plumes bounced slightly as the servant walked past.
A heavy hand fell on his shoulder. Jean turned and saw a squat Arrancar clad in the crimson and white robes and the crimson galero of an Illustrado. His hollow mask fragment was wrapped around one ear and looked like a shell. He wore a chain of twelve gold disks engraved with the nine-pointed star of the Illuminated Faith. A precious stone gleamed in the center of each disk. A necklace of white and gold prayer beads hung from the gold cord tied about his waist.
"Orexis Grindina, what brings you here?" Jean asked.
"I was invited by Phayne."
"Does he want your council in regards to the Faith?"
Orexis smiled and leaned in close to Jean. Jean leaned close to Orexis so that he could whisper in his ear.
"We received word from Las Noches. His Holiness is preparing to depart."
"Is he now?" Jean asked, smiling. "He's getting old and I heard that his illness is becoming worse."
"Oh yes, and I dare say that he might not survive the journey home."
"So that's why you're here. You're wanting to wear the Crystal Tiara before its current wearer dies."
"I need the support. The other Illustrado are circling the old bastard, waiting for him to die, and each one has their own agenda. Three factions are forming among them and mine is the smallest. The Illustrado from Oratia wants to establish a second Holy City in Avreaux. The Illustrado from Jerrem want to return the Holy See to Rhona where the Faith sprung."
"And both options would severely cripple House Andjo's main revenue. Pilgrims bring plenty of gold and trade. And you're right, we need someone who will keep the Holy See where it is. But there's a problem. Only the College of Illustrado can elect a new Capataz. And they won't all be going to Las Noches, now will they?"
Orexis smiled. "What makes you so certain? His Holiness will have the College with him. His personal seal was put on the summons and the Illustrado must go to Las Noches."
"I take it that the Eastern Flame knows about this."
"Well…" Orexis began but was cut off by the sound of a staff striking the marble tiles. All eyes turned to a herald clad in a form-fitting purple uniform with three golden lilies embroidered over the left breast. He carried a white staff topped with a golden lily with an amethyst where the three prongs diverged.
"Announcing the arrival of Lord Phayne Andjo, Heir to the Seat of Fauvre and Warden of the Lily Laurel," the herald shouted.
Jean nearly gasped at the sight of the Arrancar who came striding out of the main palace. He had seen Phayne Andjo many times, but each time could not prepare him for the sight. Phayne was tall, slim and yet muscular. His crisp white uniform was richly embroidered with vines and lilies of golden thread. A purple sash embroidered with three golden lilies draped across his chest. His shoulder-length black hair curled slightly at the end and framed a handsome face that was both masculine and feminine. His gold-and-lilac eyes gleamed as he looked over the guests who applauded.
"My dear lords and ladies," he said, bowing. "My uncle will be pleased that so many of his friends have come to help him celebrate the anniversary of his ascension. To show his appreciation, my uncle has granted me leave to distribute the gifts."
The assembled nobles applauded as servants walked into the courtyard bearing trays with small purple boxes with golden ribbons wrapped around them. They paused in front of each guest who in turn took one of the boxes. When a servant stopped in front of Jean he was about to take one of the boxes when Orexis leaned over and took the box he was about to grab.
"My apologies," Orexis said, smiling.
"You really should be careful how you treat someone you need a favor from," Jean said as he took another box, scowling.
Orexis chuckled as he opened the box taking out a gaudy gold ring emblazoned with a faun surrounded by lilies. Jean sighed as he took out his own ring and put it on his finger as a sign of gratitude. Everything about it reeked of decadence and a desire to remain relevant.
This whole party is like that, Jean thought and frowned. He knew that many houses thought that House Andjo was an irrelevant house that could only waste its wealth, but Jean wasn't as certain. House Andjo got the wealth to waste from somewhere.
"Now, please follow me to the dining hall where my uncle is waiting to receive you."
The nobles chattered as they followed their host. Orexis and Jean walked together, not saying a word.
"The moment this is done I'm tossing this damn thing," one of the nobles muttered as he glared at the ring.
If Phayne Andjo heard the noble he did not betray anything, but maintained his serene smile as he led the guests inside the main palace. The moment they entered the meeting hall eyes widened in awe at the richly ornate décor. Rococo furniture stood against the curving mirrored gold-veined walls. A statue of Pan and Daphnis stood in an alcove at the stair landing ahead of the doors. Servants clad in purple livery with ornate gold thread designs. The peak of their waistcoats showed rich design of gold, crimson, and green flowers and birds. Not a single white hair of their periwigs were out of place.
"It's like being in Versailles with Marie Antoinette," one of the Terrans said.
"I find eighteenth century France to be the height of Terran fashion," Phayne replied. "It was truly a tragedy worthy of poetry. Glory brought low by the vile envy of the ordinary populace. The extraordinary need to be careful not to abuse the ordinary too much or downplay their suffering. Instead, the extraordinary need to learn how to blend in without betraying their superiority so as not to awaken the envy of the inferior."
"Spoken like a true Andjo," one of the lords said while trying to stifle a laugh.
"Your jests amuse me, Lord Aullor," Phayne said, smiling. "Come, my dear guests, the feast awaits."
They approached a pair of mirrored doors that were opened by two servants. Inside a long table was set with white silk tablecloths and dishes of gold and silver. Fluted glasses shone like crystal in the candlelight.
Jean was about to enter the room when a hand was placed on his shoulder. He turned and saw Phayne standing next to him.
"Lord Parros, I would appreciate it if you join me and a few of the others for a private dinner. I dare say that my uncle's company might not be to your liking."
Jean looked into Phayne's gold-and-lilac eyes and smiled.
"I would be delighted."
Trudi Gerran
Trudi watched as Clara Marceaux made her way through the crowded street before boarding one of the gondolas waiting for passengers. She returned her attention to her vanity and picked up the small roll of paper Clara had given her.
"A good trade, I suppose," she sighed and sat down. She picked up the silver watch that belonged to her father and looked at the time. She had five minutes left.
She tightened the cloth belt of her gown and walked to the door. She opened it, listening to the sounds of a brothel that never slept. She closed it and locked the door, sliding the bolt for extra security.
"You're looking good, tonight, Trudi."
She turned and saw a man clad in a long white coat with silver blue cords of rank draping over his shoulders. His thin face was unlined and his short white hair was neatly styled. He looked at her with piercing blue eyes that seemed to strip her to the bone and soul.
"You really need to learn how to knock, Griffei," Trudi said. "What if I was with a customer?"
"I know your routine, Trudi. I made sure that your Arrancar lover was gone before I let myself in."
"Are you here on the Kasier's business or father's?"
"Both. I trust that you haven't forgotten your duty to the Kaiser."
"I haven't. And I trust that father's not worrying too much."
"Father was called to a council by the Kaiser. It would appear that Juha Bach is up to something and the Kaiser is concerned."
"Ah yes, the so-called 'Almighty'. How many Quincies have actually gone over to him since he woke up?"
"A few, enough to raise concern. The last thing we need is an unnecessary war with the Reapers."
Trudi smiled. "He'll only wage war against the Isolationists. The others won't lift a finger against the Kaiser so long as he agrees to fight against Juha Bach."
"Don't be so certain. Reapers tend to protect their own if the need arises. But that's not why I'm here. I'm here because of the situation here. We heard that there might be some trouble."
"Again nothing to concern us. My resource gave me a bit of news. It would appear that Baraggan Luisenbarn is dead and the Usurper Souske Aizen has been captured."
"Interesting. So there's a power vacuum in Las Noches."
"That's right and the Arrancars in Las Noches are desperate to fill it while the Arrancars in the other provinces are eyeing their own prospects. Whether that means they'll fight for the Imperial throne or secede from the Empire altogether is uncertain."
"Aizen's coup certainly was a thorn in the foot, but in the end it might help us. What else did she tell you?"
"Well, she did say that the Guilds are in talks with certain corporations on Terra."
Griffei's eyes narrowed. "What kind of companies?"
"The military-industrial complex," Trudi said, smiling. "Along with three of the largest international banks. There's even talk of approaching the Kaiser to form a trade alliance of sorts. It would be the largest power in all the worlds if it succeeds, far more powerful than any throne or crown."
"Then I shall inform the Kaiser of this. He might be interested in returning the olive branch."
"And what of the prospect of war here?"
"Let the Arrancars fight over a worthless crown. Like you said, if this alliance succeeds then it will have the true power and power is the only thing matters."
Cirucci Sanderwicci
The sand glistened beneath the moonlight as the great worm moved across the sand. Cirucci clung to the worm's back, feeling slightly uncomfortable. She was used to flying with her own wings, but riding another creature was a different matter.
"I wish we had used a Garganta," she muttered.
"Thanks for inviting Nel on this, Cirucci," Nel said from her perch on Bawabawa's masked head. "I needed to get away for a while."
"Not a problem," Cirucci said, forcing a false grin on her face. "Ugh…how much farther is it?"
"Not too far," Victor replied, not bothering to look up from a copy of The 48 Laws of Power by Robert Greene. "We should be there before they serve tea."
"Tea would be nice," Nel said.
"Thanks for doing this, Victor," Cirucci said. "I know that Skullak gave you other responsibilities."
"If I didn't come with you then it would probably take you a century to get there. And if we're to succeed in our endeavors then we must follow Law Thirty-Five."
"Law what?" Nel asked.
"Law Thirty-Five: master the art of timing."
"Sounds like something an ambitious warlord would say," Cirucci said.
"Who's to say they don't have a point. Skullak should have waited a bit longer," Victor muttered. "He should have sent his messages to those houses that he can trust first and then inform the others."
"Why do you say that?"
"Do you really think that all of the houses would permit him to take on the title of 'Warden' for himself? Some of the houses will think that he's out for the throne for himself."
"Now you're being paranoid," Nel said.
"Yeah, the honor of House Tuma is legendary," Cirucci retorted.
Victor sighed and shook his head. "A legendary reputation tends to fade when others aren't able to see it in action. And we've been isolated for too long. They won't trust that he means well. Many will see if he has hidden motivations in his words and even twist them to create those motivations."
"They won't do that," Nel said.
"They will. They will."
Cirucci didn't respond. She began to think about what Victor Cuulhourne said. She didn't want to believe it. She wanted to have faith in her fellow Arrancars, but she knew better. Isolation had a tendency to breed mistrust.
"We're near," Victor said.
Cirucci looked up and saw a great mesa rising from the sand. On top of the mesa was a great silver dome with a burning silvery green flame at the top. She then noticed that the base of the mesa was surrounded by great pillars and statues of male and female Arrancars.
"The Archives of Aarissia, ancient goddess of the night and wisdom," Victor said.
"Are we sure that it's here?" Cirucci asked.
"If Baraggan Luisenbarn left any document detailing his last wishes then it will be here. Not even God could keep one of the Archivists from bringing a document here once they got their hands on it. And an Archivist would have heard Baraggan's will and testament and commit it to writing."
"What if Baraggan didn't leave such a document? He did think of himself as a god," Cirucci said.
"He didn't always think so," Victor said. "He would have it written early in his reign, long before he went on an ego trip. However, if he didn't then we'll just have to look for his predecessor's, and if he didn't leave anything then we'll go further back. Regardless, we will get what we need."
Jean Parros
Jean took another sip of amber wine and eyed the four others Phayne invited to dine with him. Orexis sat next to him plucking bits of roasted peacock with his fingers and popping them into his mouth. A golden-skinned female Arrancar with a mask fragment resembling three interlocked stars across her forehead and silver hair sat to his left. A handsome Arrancar male with shoulder-length strawberry blonde hair whose mask fragment was in the form of twin crests barely showing through the hair at the top of his head sat to Phayne Andjo's right. He looked at Orexis who was sitting next to a Terran woman in her mid-thirties clad in an iron-gray Terran suit. The woman's platinum blonde hair was tied back in a ponytail. He looked at the case on the floor and wondered what was in it.
"Thank you for joining me," Phayne said.
"It's our pleasure," Orexis said.
"If you don't mind me asking," the golden-skinned Arrancar said, "but why did you wish us to join you?"
Phayne looked at the Arrancar to his right who only nodded. Phayne looked at each of the others and smiled.
"I'm sure that you're aware of the situation in Las Noches."
"The last we heard," Jean said, "some Reaper was in charge. After that we didn't hear anything else."
"The Usurper kept Las Noches in isolation in order to ensure he would not have to deal with too many enemies from outside. We allowed it because we had our own interests in mind," Phayne said. "Things have since changed. My uncle received a message from Las Noches."
Jean leaned forward, eager to hear what the news was. Phayne looked at the Terran who only looked mildly interested at best.
"Miss Price, I trust that you're at least somewhat aware of the situation in Hueco Mundo."
"I am aware that an Isolationist Reaper from this 'Seireitei' took over Las Noches . There was then an incident in Karakura Town, Japan involving this Reaper that proved to be a financial nuisance for us."
"Good. Then I don't need to fill you in on the unnecessary details. The Usurper did indeed wage war against his former comrades in some Terran city, but more importantly he was defeated."
Jean stood up, knocking his chair over. One of the servants rushed over and set the chair back up. Orexis leaned back, his eyes wide. The female Arrancar only took another sip of wine and wiped her mouth with a white silk napkin.
"Aizen's been defeated. Are you certain?" Orexis asked.
"I saw the message," the other male Arrancar stated. "Chancellor Andjo is also aware of the situation, but has not formed any kind of response to Skullak Tuma's request for him to come to Las Noches."
"Why would he?" Jean asked.
"Skullak Tuma, who has taken it upon himself to take on the title of 'Warden', has summoned the houses to gather in Las Noches in order to declare a new Emperor," Phayne said, smiling.
"Isolation has clearly addled his mind," the female Arrancar said.
"Indeed, Lady Elyssia," Phayne said. "However, we need to make sure that the other houses think that we're willing to cooperate."
Jean listened to Phayne's words and the gears of his mind turned, seeking hidden meanings. He smiled and sat down. He raised his glass.
"Then permit me to be the first to toast your health, Emperor Andjo."
The others, except for the Terran woman, looked at Phayne who only shook his head.
"You must misunderstand me, Lord Parros. I have no intention of declaring myself 'Emperor'. At least, not yet."
"Others will declare themselves first," the Terran said. "Earth history is filled with such things and they follow the pattern of the fall of some great power leading to a vacuum that leads to chaos and war that in turn leads to the rise of a new power. Although that pattern has somewhat altered with the course of time."
"In other words, the old Empire is dead," Phayne said. "Only a fool would think otherwise."
"Then what is your plan?"
"My plan is my own," Phayne said. "But let's just say that Fauvre used to be a power unto itself once, so why shouldn't it be a power unto itself again?"
"Secession," Elyssia said. "Declaring secession in the open before an opportune moment would unite the houses that wish to maintain a united empire against us. Of course, the other houses might not even care."
"House Marceaux would care," Phayne said. "And not all of the Luisenbarns are dead. Mordrath is still in exile, and may be dead for all we know. But she's still alive."
"How do you know that?" Orexis asked.
"I have resources. When I heard about that failed rebellion a few years back I made sure to find out exactly where she was. I've recently found out that she's in one of the southern provinces."
"Which means either Chancellor Rureaux or Chancellor Lorros is hosting her."
"But if the Disgraced Empress is still alive then she's the last Luisenbarn to worry about, right?" Jean asked.
"No. Her son may have failed in his rebellion and was hunted down to be killed, but he had a child. Whether male or female, I don't know," Phayne said. "But either way, this grand-child of Baraggan's can be used to invoke the marriage-right."
"That's why we can't afford to declare our secession just yet," the male Arrancar said. "For the time being we'll just go along with a declaration of neutrality as Chancellor Andjo is most likely to do."
"However, once we get either The Faith or the guilds with us then we'll declare our secession," Phayne said. "House Andjo will once again be kings and queens."
"Who else knows about this?" Elyssia asked.
"You assembled here and my sister. My uncle does not know of this nor do I wish him to know."
"Why tell us?" Jean asked. "Wouldn't it be better to keep this plan secret?"
"You each have your own ambitions," Phayne said. "Corrin is my closest confidant," he said gesturing to the Arrancar sitting next to him, "and he agreed to have the three of you know. Miss Price is here on other business that does relate to this."
"But not officially," Miss Price said. "This is purely off the record on my part."
"Orexis," Phayne said. "How is the Holy Father these days? Is he well?"
"As well as an Arrancar his age can be," Orexis said, smiling. "But I fear that the journey to Las Noches may be ill on his health."
"Well, let's hope that the journey won't be too hard on his health," Corrin said. "But if the journey proves to be too much for him, then let's hope that whoever is blessed with the Crystal Tiara will be a shining example of righteousness and lead the flock into a new time."
"I'm sure he will," Orexis said, winking at Phayne. Phayne raised his glass.
"Lord Parros," Phayne said. "I understand that you wish a position in Fauvre's Noble Council."
"Well, it would be an honor to serve Fauvre to some capacity. My brother, Patros, died in disgrace while serving the Usurper. I would have the name of Parros be respected and not mocked."
"Then perhaps we can come to some agreement," Phayne said. "Corrin, do you think it would be possible to grant Lord Parros a letter of introduction to the Council."
"It can be arranged in exchange for a favor or two," Corrin said.
"Good. What do you think, Lord Parros?"
"That is most gracious, sir."
"Then we're agreed."
"We're agreed," Jean said.
"We're agreed," Orexis and Elyssia echoed.
"Good. Then let's toast our arrangement. Oh, and here comes dessert."
End of Chapter 5
Encyclopedia Imperium:
House Andjo: The name Andjo predates the Kings of Day and were known as "The Evil Lilies" due to the legacy of Conchita Andjo who is known as "The Sinful Eater". During her reign Conchita Andjo was known to invite her enemies to feasts where the flesh of their kin were served in meat pies or as roasts and, over time, had developed an appetite for "sinful foods". During the conquest of Artur the Conqueror the only monarch who was said to have struck fear into the hearts of the great conqueror was Damir Andjo, known as "The King of Blood" who favored impalement as a means of executing his enemies. When Artur the Conqueror reached to borders to Andjo lands he was greeted by "a forest of writhing bodies and carrion", the sight of which caused him to turn back. It wasn't until Queen Bella Andjo married King Artur II that the eastern nations of Flaura, Verra, and Avrau were brought into the Empire and became the province Fauvre. After the fall of the Kings of Day, Maurie Andjo declared Fauvre to be independent and Maurie Andjo was crowned the first Twilight Queen. The nation of Fauvre lasted for four centuries before it was once again brought into the Empire when Isabelle Andjo married King Henri Leonisra, the first Leonisran monarch. During the tumultuous reign of King Gaellan Leonisra Chancellor Sciarra Andjo saw an opportunity to gain further power for House Andjo and laid siege to Rhona, the center of The Faith. When the Capataz of the time, Callio IV, came out in order to render a declaration of excommunication Sciarra was said to have struck the old Capataz with such force that the Crystal Tiara shattered from the impact. From that time the Holy See has since been located in the city of Avianne, the capital city of Fauvre, with House Andjo pulling the religious-political strings. However, the firm hold that House Andjo had on the Faith was undermined by the growing influence of the Guilds centered in the province of Lucca.
Sigil: three gold lilies on a purple field
Words: Growing in Majesty
Alliances: House Leonisra (through marriage), House Marceaux (through treaty), The Illuminated Faith (through treaty)
Banners: House Parros and their banners, House Tu Odelschwank and their banners, Hosue Corrin and their banners
A.N.: I would like to thank SapphireTou for letting me use her O.C. Luna Tristao and the location of El Esmeralda. I hope that I've at least done justice for them for their debut in this story.
The province of Fauvre is largely based on pre-Revolution France. The Andjo palace is inspired by the palace at Versailles with the livery modeled after the clothing from the same period in European history. Most of the Fauvre nobles prefer clothing modeled after 18th century garb and Rococo style artwork. The neighboring province of Lucca, however, is based more on Medieval Italy, especially Florence and Venice.
The Quincy, however, are based more on the German Empire and Prussia under the reign of Kaiser Wilhelm II (1888-1918). The Quincy, however, is divided between those who are loyal to the Kaiser and those who are loyal to Juha Bach in Vandenreich (which is the Quincy equivalent of the isolationist Seireitei for the Reapers). The majority of the Quincy, fortunately, are loyal to the Kaiser as they see it in their best interest to maintain friendly ties with the Reapers and Arrancars to maintain their wealth and prestige.
Further Recommended Reading:
The 48 Laws of Power by Robert Greene