Chapter 29
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When Tifre and Selencia made their vow, they made it with all sincerity. Tifre truley believed in her romanticized version of Faerun. Selencia truley believed in the freedom of Darokin, warts and all. Neither wanted war between the two powers. They had both spent much time in Mystera, if there was war between Faerun and Darokin it would primarily be the Orks and Trogolodites who suffered the most. Now that both powers had two pieces of the Gorgostone, the only thing that kept the fragile peace intact was that neither knew exactly where the Hermit lived. Both sides claimed that wouldn't abuse the power, but they also feared what would happen if the other side had three pieces of the stone. As each woman resided in these kingdoms, they were also affected by the fear and prejudices of the lands. Tifre loved Selencia, she didn't want to believe that her beloved would betray their oath. But Selencia was a pirate and a thief, who had betrayed her friends on at least two occasions. Would the wealth of Darokin prove too much of a temptation? And Selencia loved Tifre, she was definitely the more honorable of the two women. But she also genuinely believed in Faerun and the "honor" of the Harpers. Would that come before her love of Selencia? Relations between Faerun and Darokin did not improve during this time. War was becoming more and more likely. Both sides try to gain more allies during these next few months. Mainly among the Orks and Trogolodites of Mystera. If either side had to march through Mystera, resistance from the Trogolodites and Orks would weaken their armies. Thus they found themselves having to court favor with the very peoples they looked down upon and subjugated. To Liam's surprise, Asterius proved himself a skilled diplomat in these negotiations. As much as he feared Asterius usurping his power, he still needed his help in the coming war.
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Even in the capitol, in the palace itself, people feared what would happen if Faerun got the final piece of the Gorgostone. Queen Margaret feared for the life of her son, Conner. As much as she hated the boy's father, she loved her son more than anything. Ofcourse, she also feared what would happen if Liam discovered her affair with Malcer. If her adultery was discovered, she would not live long enough to be killed in a war. She and Malcer came up with a scheme. Faerun feared and hated High King Liam, and the feeling was mutual. Perhaps, if they could make a deal with the Harper's leaders to eliminate Liam, they might be willing to neogtiate peace with his successors. It was risky, who could they trust with such a plan? Certainly Faerun would want some assistance of peace in this plan, from someone of authority in Darokin. Asterius seemed like the best choice. Liam was paranoid about him, maybe he really was planning to usurp the throne. And he did seem less anxious than Liam about war with Faerun. It was a risk, but if successful it could mean peace between the two powers, and Margaret would finally have her vengenace against her husband for Bridget's death. But first, she had to make certain that her baby was safe. Malcer had heard a nurse in the palace speak. Her son was a soldier, and likely to be sent to the front lines in the event of war. This was her chance, Margaret spoke to the nurse in private.
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Margaret: I hear you have fears about the upcoming war.
Nurse: Forgive me my queen, I mean no disrespect to you or your husband. I merely fear for my son's life.
Margaret: It is fine. We all fear war. If Faerun were to win, they would likely execute the royal family. In that sense at least, we are alike. What if I could arrange for your son to be transferred away from the front lines?
Nurse: I could never thank you enough for such a kindness.
Margaret: That is not true. I would require a service. I want your son to take Conner, to a farm away from this city. You ofcourse would be free to join him. I pray that I can come back for my baby. But, if things go bad, if Faerun takes over, would you raise my son as your own. Noone, not even Conner, could ever know who his true parents are.
Nurse: Yes. My son, he has a beloved, I think they'll marry soon.
Margaret: Than Conner could grow up believing he is their son.
Nurse: If that is what you wish, my queen.
Margaret: It is. Thank you.
Nurse: Thank you.
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Margaret had the nurse take Conner away while Liam was negotiating an alliance with the Shadowmoonclan. She and Malcer knew that Liam would likely have them executed for this alone, so they had to meet with Asterius. It was risky, but it was now or never. They told of their plan, and he seemed cautiously interested.
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Asterius: So your plan, if I understand it correctly, is to murder the high king, and I take over?
Margaret: Officially my son would be high king. But since my son is less than a year old, you would be the de facto ruler of Darokin. And then make peace with Faerun.
Asterius: I do hope for peace, but I am not certain it is possible.
Margaret: Perhaps, but is it not worth the risk?
Asterius: If we fail, we will all lose our heads.
Malcer: And how many more will die if war comes? Both sides have two pieces of the Gorgstone. Do we not owe it to the people of both lands.
Asterius: I remember when Liam first tried to become high king. He was still idealistic, believed in serving the people, even had hopes of ending slavery. But the power, the intrigue, the paranoia, it changed him.
Margaret: He also had no problem forcing me into marriage.
Asterius: Tell me, if our public alliance required marriage, would you agree to marry me?
Margaret: In name only. I would not object to you having affairs, I would expect the same consideration from you.
Asterius: I must consider this carefully.
Margaret: Liam will return in less than a day. If we are to murder him, and frame some random bandits, we must act quickly.
Asterius: You have the bandits already?
Malcer: I captured them. They are likely murderers already, I don't object to taking their heads.
Asterius: I see. You will have my answer soon.
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Margaret and Malcer did indeed have his answer soon. Within an hour they were both arrested. Liam was told of their betrayel as soon as he returned. Malcer confessed his own involvement, but claimed he acted alone, trying to protect his beloved Margaret. But by this point Liam knew that Margaret had taken their son and hidden him from his father. That by itself was a betrayel worthy of the death penalty. Liam began to believe that he could genuinely trust Asterius. But there was always a part of him that wondered how much of this was loyalty, and how much was manipulation. In any event, he sentenced both Margaret and Malcer to be beheaded at dawn. The two prisoners sat in their cell awaiting their inevitable fate.
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Malcer: I've asked them to execute me first.
Margaret: Why?
Malcer: To give my beloved a few more moments of life. I'm sorry, but it's the best I can do.
Margaret: It is I who should be sorry. I used you to gain vengeance. You are about to be executed because of me.
Malcer: I was raised to be a Harper. Stolen from parents I'll never know, raised to live a hard life with no real pleasure. Terrorizing villages, stealing infants, I decided to put myself first for once. And now, I have found love, and I risked my life for peace between Darokin and Faerun. I know that perhaps you never loved me, and war might be inevitable. But I prefer to think that I am dying for love, and for peace. Dying first to give my beloved a few more moments might not be much, but it might give me some peace in my final moments.
Margaret: Thank you. And for what its worth, I do love you.
Malcer: I love you too.
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Malcer was taken off first, he did have some peace in his final moments. Then Margaret was taken. She wore three coats, because it was cold this morning. If she had shivered from the cold her enemies would have said it was from fear, and she refused to give them the satisfaction. She also refused to tell anyone where Conner was being held. If the great war came, at least her son would be relatively safe.