The dark clouds over Tabor symbolised the confusion and fear that the rebellion had sown in the hearts of Ravenna's supporters for nearly a year. Carmathown became a flashpoint, and despite the best efforts of his military and militia services, he was unable to quell rumours that Prince Philip and Snow White had defeated troops carrying crowned raven banners near the Moon Mountains.
Ageon, or rather Ben, sat in his training room, which he had added to his chambers. He focused the Force on what had become crucial to him since Caramthown: nurturing his anger. He had to fight the weakness that Snow White, Philip or anyone else might have sown within him. The boy pulled a small object out of the tinsel he had been working on for so long. It was a Kevlar mask that would help him to fight the faintheartedness and give himself to the mother. He had to trust her. She was his mother. He knew no other. He put on the mask and looked at the world in a new way. Ben, Ageon... You need to melt down. Maybe give yourself a new identity. A real one. He stood up and drew a practice mannequin with the Force. He began to cut it with the red Valrum sword he had received for his birthday. He wanted to be filled with anger. Finally he swung his arm and the mankein snapped and broke in two. No mercy, he must be like an animal.
-My Lord heard the quiet voice of a servant.
-What do you want,‖ he growled without turning around.
-The Empress summons you.
Finally something is happening,- he thought.
He went down to the throne room wearing a mask. On the way, all the servants avoided him, and even his mother's knights averted their eyes. He entered the throne room. Red curtains hung from the pillars and Queen Ravenna sat on a throne. A servant was kneeling at her feet, washing her feet with pious reverence. Ravenna looked at the figure in the mask and snorted with laughter.
- Do you have a mask now, Aegon?
- Yes, Mother-reflected Aegon-it gives itself a new meaning.
-Meaning?" the queen howled. She tapped the claw-shaped ring on the arm of the throne. She often did that when she was upset," Aegon observed.
- Go away, girl," she said softly. The maid wiped her feet and kissed them as a sign of devotion to the queen. She took the water bowl and left, accompanied by the guard.
-The beast noticed Aegon.
-You are right. Bred in our schools. 13 years of reign and already a generation of volunteer worshippers is growing up. This one is 17 and has had a god since she was four. Me, my son.
-That is impressive, my queen,² Aegon said politely.
-Take it off,hissed Ravenna. Aegon took off his mask after a moment and looked at Ravenna with shame.
-You give yourself whatever meaning you want, my prince. But I can see Vorgath's influence on you, creating an identity that resembles his wounds.
-He is Vorgath. I am Mascarad.
-Mascarad,‖ Ravenna said in amazement. She rose from her throne, her ethereal gown following her like a tail.
-Well, my raven. I think I must stop calling you that. I call you because there is an urgency.
- A mission?" the boy asked.
-Yes, I have begun to act with your aunt, Freya. Things are beginning to boil over in the north. I don't like to see things changed once they've been established. It's to do with the fact that we had the whole continent in our hands and were about to attack Asia, but a rebellion broke out in the North," Ravenna said slowly.
- Rumours of Carmathown have apparently arrived," Aegon said, looking at his mother.
The queen looked at him.
- Someone has brought them this and given them the will to fight.
- Philip and Snow White's spies?
Ravenna turned away from him and walked towards the table with the world map. There were fewer and fewer open areas, but Ravenna's fears were justified.
- I think it is the knight with the Force. An old loyalist of your bodily father. Cade Starkiller's master. This Matir.
Aegon murmured in confirmation. Rheus Matir and his apprentice tilted the balance of power in their favour at Carmathown. He was more of a threat than Philip or his sister.
- You think he will be near Frosenia, do you not?
Ravenna looked on proudly.
- You are so wise, my love,- she touched her son's cheek tenderly.
-Yes, he will be there. Especially after Freya slaughtered hundreds of people in the north. Her huntsman slaughtered to send a sign to those who would rebel. So you and Vorgath will take care of things there. You will crush the rebellion. You will strengthen the alliance with the North. Freya will help Na in Asia, and then we will de facto take over the whole world.
Aegon could already see the madness in Ravenna's eyes. She will become what she has always wanted. A living god on earth.
-And by the way, you will kill those two Force users. So that nothing stands in our way. I will take care of Snow White and Philip. Their skulls will be impaled on my throne and Snow White's heart will be devoured by me to complete the destiny of this world.
-Now, Mother,‖ said Aegon, ‗I will leave at once with Lord Voragh.
-After the council he will join you,‖ she said, entering the chamber where the mirror was.
-Don't fail me, son,² Ravenna said.
-Never, Empress.
Ravenna sat at the head of the table and looked at her council. Her most trusted people. There weren't many left after the death of Morgan and Finn. She smiled coldly.
- The situation in the North is out of control. The rebellion is spreading faster than a fire in a dry forest. We must act swiftly and ruthlessly," she announced emphatically.
Gideon the Wise, the corrupt head of the Council of Wizards now serving Ravenna, grunted to indicate that he wanted to speak.
-Ravenna declared sourly, "You may not ask for permission.
-My Queen, the rebel forces are diverse and unpredictable. This is no ordinary enemy. They have the support of both the local tribes and ... (pause, look at Ravenna) certain magicians.
Ravenna laughed.
-Mages? We have our own. I have magic. The fact that Theodrill is alive is an insult, and the North has a witch in particular. My sister, who will help us.
-Yes, my lady,‖ Thomasin said adoringly, "Lady Freya has already taken steps to support our forces. Her troops have already begun operations against the rebels on the border.
-The rats must be nipped in the bud, and the North will consume the weak. Frozenia will devour the weak. The reluctance of the civilian population is the last of my worries. If the fear of Frosenia and death keeps them from joining the rebellion, that is a price I am willing to pay. I am prepared to pay it with the lives of thousands of these little savages.
Ravenna looked at the faces of the council members with a smile.
-Let's not be afraid, since our goal is to create an eternal empire. Right, Lord Vorgath?
Vorgath sat quietly, but the masked warrior nodded.
- A violent solution is not the only way to quell the rebellion. Perhaps you should consider other means... More subtle.
- I'll leave that to you and Prince Aegon. But show no mercy. I trust you and Freya will bring this needless slaughter to a swift end.
Vorgath bowed and left the chamber.
-We will take care of Philip and Snow White, Ravenna announced.