by Frank David
“The blade houses the soul of Ellianos. She watches over you, but you must have the sword in your hand for her to react. She embeds her talons in your arm to connect with you, controlling your muscles and movements. Allow her to do her job. The pain will subside once you are accustomed. With this blade, you are almost a match for Stela and her mystics.” He paused and pointed to the object propped against his bed. “A shield made from Ellianos’ scales. When you arm yourself with both items, the two will work together to protect you.”
Edmund grabbed the shield and placed it on his left arm. “It too is so light; how will it protect me? I fear you are leading me to doom.”
“Edmund, if I wanted you dead, I could kill you here and now and none would be the wiser,” Braynard tried to reassure him.
“Lady Adele is witness to your presence here. She would inform the guards.” Edmund felt confident in his safety.
“I could remove all memory of my visit or I could simply kill her as well.” Braynard gave a dark smile.
“If you go out into the hall the guards would see you. Would you kill all the guards?” Edmund was not trying to push Braynard but trying to understand why the man believed he was untouchable.
“Edmund, you bore me, but I will show you if you really want to know.” Braynard looked at him. He could sense Edmund’s doubt. “Very well, but her death is on your hands.”
“No, wait! You cannot kill her. I believe you, stop,” Edmund hurried toward the man, the sword raised. As he approached Braynard, the sword fell to his side. He could not lift it. “What is this? The blade is made to fail me when I want to strike down my enemy?”
“The sword works fine, but it will not attack me. Perhaps that is enough to show you the power I possess and stop questioning me. If you need further proof, I would be happy to use Lady Adele.” Braynard stared at Edmund.
Edmund refused to call his bluff. “No, mystic, I believe you. Do not hurt Lady Adele.” He moved back away from Braynard. “Thank you for the gifts.” Edmund bowed but was less than sincere, still leery of the man’s motives.
“Pick up the shield,” Braynard commanded.
Edmund did as he was told. Braynard began hurling fireballs in his direction, all were repelled by the shield. The shield seemed to move on its own, protecting him from every attack. The ice spears began, each deflected by the shield. When the attack was finished, Edmund examined the shield which showed not a scratch. “Very well, you have proven the effectiveness of the shield, thank you,” ensuring he was more sincere this time.
“The time to attack Hulsteria is approaching. Allow your men to take the troops that stand between you and Stela. I need you to make your way to her. You must face her. Your sword would be an unfair advantage against the Hulsterian armies. You will use your gift to go directly to Stela, is that understood?” Braynard did not want him facing any of the armies. That was what his men were for. He needed Edmund to face Stela. He wanted the battle to end quickly. If Edmund were defeated, the war would be over.
“I understand. I will not raise my sword to any but Stela. I have heard rumors of the Benedictus’ armies supporting Hulsteria. If this is true, my armies may not even reach Hulsteria.” Edmund’s spies had reported the activity on Carpathia.
“I will deal with the Benedictus’ armies. You will reach the shores of Jascaessau, but you are not to attack any of the other kingdoms.” Braynard knew the armies of the Church were prepared and would easily stop Edmund, but he could stop the ships from intercepting the Xashan armies.
“Why are you helping me?” Edmund asked.
“This battle must happen to cement the future of Hulsteria and Saaveth. The victor in this battle will reach great heights and lead the four realms toward unification. There is a threat rising in the undiscovered regions of Saaveth. The realms must unite if they wish to defeat what is coming.” Braynard thought of Diana, knowing she would be a difficult foe. “I do this for the people of the four realms.”
“I will be victorious and rule the four realms?” Edmund’s voice was high with excitement. The thought of ruling all the realms was more than he could imagine.
“I do not know who will win, but both paths lead to the same point. This battle will be easy compared to the two wars to follow,” Braynard said as he left Edmund.
“Two wars? You cannot leave now. What is coming?” Edmund called out but there was no answer. He placed the sword and shield by the hearth. He opened the door inviting Lady Adele back into his chambers to continue their tryst.
****
Sofia returned with Charity and Tripp, joining the Lyon women in the grand hall. She had explained to Charity she wanted her to be at Frostmoor with Stela.
“Empress Consort Renee, allow me to present Imperial Archduchess Charity Emery of Welshpool,” Sofia introduced the two women.
“Imperial Majesty, it is an honor to meet you.” Charity bowed as she greeted Renee. “I understand you will be taking my son and me to Frostmoor.”
“It is a pleasure to meet you, Imperial Highness. I do not know how we have never met before now. Who are your parents?” Renee was from Jascaessau and knew most Imperials who called the realm home.
“I am a Dorman by birth. Imperial Grand Duke, Jason Dorman of Helmsley was my father,” Charity responded.
“I knew the Grand Duke well, we were cousins. Well, distant cousins, both being descendants of Declan Dorman. You must have been born after I left Jascaessau for Savien,” Renee smiled.
“Yes, Majesty. I was born shortly after you were named Empress Consort. My father spoke of you often.” Charity remembered her father’s stories of Renee’s family. Renee was married to the Emperor of Savien, and her sister’s daughter was Empress Consort of Xasha. “Allow me to introduce my son, Tripp.” She presented her son to Renee.
“Greetings, Tripp.” Renee nodded toward the boy, who shyly responded in turn. “This is my daughter, Amanda, Imperial Princess Royal of Savien.”
“It is a pleasure to meet you both,” Amanda gave a slight curtsy, to her mother’s disapproval.
“If we are ready, I think we should head to Frostmoor. Sofia, I have had some trunks sent from Savien. When they arrive could you please see they reach Frostmoor?” Renee was not able to bring items, so she had them shipped from her homeland.
“Of course, Majesty. I will send them along with Charity’s things.” Sofia curtsied as the women prepared to leave.
Renee instructed them to hold hands, and they would be at Frostmoor in only moments.
Thomasine entered the hall, joining Sofia. “Imperial Princess, I fear all these newly gifted Imperials are proving harder to contain than we had imagined.” Thomasine had been working with other Magisters to train the Imperials as their gifts unlocked. “We cannot continue to hold all the Magisters here. It leaves the rest of the realm vulnerable.”
“Perhaps you are right. I think I will allow the Imperials to return to their homes. Do you think they can protect themselves should Xashan armies attack?” Sofia did not want to admit she had tired of all the Imperials that had taken up residence in the palace and neighboring estates. If they were not staying at the palace, they spent all day wandering about.
“I think they will be fine. Also, returning the Magisters to their kingdoms would allow them to work with the Imperials and provide added protection.” Thomasine had heard the complaints of the Magisters who had to leave their families to come serve the Imperials. The Magisters of the Scientia knew their purpose was to serve but never as this.
“You do not have to worry about the Imperials in the other kingdoms. Edmund will not attack the kingdoms, he is only coming for Jascaessau.” Braynard joined the two. “I think we need to allow them to return to their homes. More than enough Imperials call Jascaessau home to provide assistance when Edmund’s armies attack.”
“Master,” Thomasine bowed as Braynard made his entrance. “The Scientia are unhappy about being called to Jascaessau. They long to return to their families.”
<
br /> “They shall, Thomasine. Sofia, give the order that everyone may return to their homes,” Braynard instructed.
“How do you know Edmund will not attack the other kingdoms? Do you think the kingdoms will just wait for Hulsteria to fall under Xashan rule?” Sofia was concerned the kingdoms would be unprepared should Edmund attack them.
“Sofia, have you not learned yet? Braynard has us all in his pocket. He plays us like a chess board.” Madeline joined the three. “He has maneuvered every move that has been made, even before your sister took the throne.”
“Madeline, it is good to see you again. If you like I can help you back to your previous accommodations,” Braynard whispered to her.
“Thomasine, please go tell the Scientia to return to their homes,” Braynard commanded. Thomasine took her leave.
“Do what you like with me, I cannot stop you. I will no longer sit silently as you destroy my family.” Madeline had grown tired of seeing Braynard play her family. “He knows Edmund will not attack the other kingdoms because he has ordered him to only attack Jascaessau.”
“Is this true, Braynard? Have you been communicating with Edmund?” Sofia was surprised by the accusation.
“Your mother believes I am working against your family. In truth, I am working to help your family. If I had not spoken with Edmund, he would have attacked before your sister was ready to face him.” Braynard gave Madeline a stare that told her to remain silent.
“Why not just stop him from attacking? It seems you are able to bend the will of others.” Sofia was confused, not knowing who to believe.
“I cannot stop him. He is destined to face your sister. Your sister must face him and defeat him. It is her destiny. You will come to understand in time.” Braynard tried to explain why all had transpired without exposing how involved he was in the events leading up to this point.
“Why must my sister face him? I do not see how it will help her, to kill the man she once loved, if not still does,” Sofia questioned, pushing for more answers.
“Your sister was unprepared for the role of Empress. Your grandfather believed she was strong enough to rule, but she was not ready for all that was to come. When she faces Edmund, she will learn of her true strength. She will no longer be the easily weakened woman she was when she learned of Edmund’s betrayal, your betrayal.” Braynard watched as Sofia’s face became red at the mention of her infidelity with her brother-in-law.
“Strength does not make a good ruler, Braynard,” Madeline added. “My daughter does not need this to be a great leader. Her heart makes her a great leader. She cares deeply for the people of Hulsteria.”
“I do not doubt that she cares for the people, I pray that she cares as deeply as you claim. You have not seen what I have seen. What lies ahead for Stela requires a strength that she possesses but refuses to acknowledge. Facing Edmund will bring that strength to the surface and allow her to face the challenges before her,” Braynard explained. “Madeline, I know you do not trust me. I have given you no cause to but know that I mean your daughter no harm. I have seen the greatness she will achieve. That greatness will only be achieved by facing all that comes, including Edmund.”
“Have you told Edmund that he will fall before Stelaphina?” Madeline asked, knowing if he had made the facts known to Edmund he would not be risking his life.
“He knows that he must face Stela. I have not told him he will die at her hand. I could not. He would never agree to face her if he believed he would die,” Braynard admitted.
“How do we know you are not telling us lies the same as you have Edmund?” Sofia asked.
“You do not. You need to trust me. You need to know that I am only helping Stela to achieve her destiny.” Braynard knew he could easily end the conversation but believed the women had a right to know as much as he could share.
“You want me to trust you? Have you forgotten our history?” Madeline accused.
“Madeline, what you did, you did to help Stela reach her destiny. Had you decided to ignore my requests, the outcome would have been the same but not handled as gracefully.” Braynard did not need Madeline to kill George or influence Frederick, but it made the tasks easier. “I thank you for taking care of the tasks assigned and I believe I have repaid you for those tasks.”
“Repaid me? You made me ruin many lives. You made me believe that if I did not do as you asked, my daughter’s life would be in danger.” Madeline could feel the tears starting to form, but she refused to let him see her shed a tear.
“What is he talking about mother? What did you do for him? What lives have you ruined?” Sofia asked her mother.
“You might as well tell her, Madeline. You could have lived happily if you just learned to keep your mouth shut but please confess and return to the dungeon.” Braynard smiled as he condemned Madeline.
“The Master Scientia convinced me to kill your father,” Madeline admitted, the words getting stuck in her throat. “He also convinced me to make an enemy of the Benedictus. Your grandfather and I had your brother’s family killed and blamed on the Benedictus. I fabricated a horrible story about the Benedictus and Roderick’s grandmother. You see this man cannot be trusted, Sofia.” Madeline looked at her daughter, not sure how the information would be received.
“Father died when he was ill. You had no hand in his death,” Sofia remembered her father being ill and not recovering. “Roderick’s family died from illness as well. Why would you admit to such things?”
“Your father was ill, but he was to recover. He planned to name Roderick his heir when your grandfather died and he took the throne.” Madeline could not look at her daughter.
“You did not do this for Stela or Braynard. You did this for you. You wanted station. If Roderick had been named heir, you would be nothing. You would have lost your title upon father’s death.” Sofia could feel her anger growing. “I cannot believe you would be this selfish. Do not blame Braynard for your actions. He simply put the ideas in your head. He did not force your hand. Or did he?” Sofia looked to Braynard.
“Sofia, I have never forced anyone to do anything. I simply let them know what should be done. The decision is theirs. Your mother was more than happy to take on all tasks.” Braynard looked at Madeline.
“Have you inspired others to commit such acts?” Sofia asked.
“Sofia, everything I have done, it has always been for Stela,” Braynard answered.
“What else have you influenced?” Sofia pushed.
“You do not want to know, Sofia. Some things are best left unknown.” Braynard could have left, but if the girl insisted on pushing the subject. He would tell her what she did not want to know.
“What else have you done, Scientia?” she yelled.
“Edmund came to you upon my request. I told him, your child might sit upon the four thrones of Saaveth. I needed him to betray Stela. His betrayal would serve Stela.” Braynard told her what she did not want to hear.
“You ruined my marriage and fractured my relationship with Stela to make her stronger? Why me? Why did it have to be me?” Sofia could not believe what the man was saying. She was a pawn to yet another man’s ambition.
“I only convinced Edmund. You allowed yourself to be swayed. So, no I did not ruin your marriage. That decision was yours. It had to be you because again, Stela needed to suffer the pain. She needed to learn to protect her heart. You will never understand the reasons for my actions but know that all was done for Stela and Saaveth.” Braynard stood staring at the girl, waiting for more to come.
“Did you have a hand in his decision to take his brother’s life? I know Edmund loved his brother. I often wondered what made him take his life,” Sofia pushed.
“I explained to Edmund that for his child to sit upon the four thrones, he needed to start by removing his brother. He needed to sit upon the throne of Xasha. I instructed him to then attempt to take the throne of Hulsteria, hoping he would fail. If I am to be completely honest, his child will sit upon the four thrones i
f Stela is victorious, but it is not the child you share. His oldest, Joseph, will unite the realms. Megdalina of Xasha is pregnant with Victor’s child, but the child will not reach the age of naming. With Edmund gone, Joseph will ascend the throne of Xasha, under the regency of Harris Morrison. Stela will realize her destiny and Joseph will sit upon the throne of Hulsteria. He will wed the daughter of Imperial Princess Angelique of Savien, giving him the throne of Savien. His brother will be named Benedictus and will use his armies to secure the throne of Trokha for Joseph. Joseph will be a great leader. He will save the four realms from the Goddess of the old religion. If Stela is not properly prepared, the future for Saaveth is dark. If Edmund should best her, he will plunge the four realms into war. His thirst for power will bring the realms to the brink of destruction. The armies will not be prepared for the Goddess and her followers and the realms will fall before Diana, a fate you do not wish to experience.” Braynard shared all he knew of what was to come.
“You lied to get him to seduce me, knowing it was not our child that would fulfill your visions? Is Stela aware of all you have done? Is there more? Why would Stela name Harris Joseph’s regent?” Sofia’s anger was becoming difficult to contain.
“Stela has no knowledge that I was behind Edmund’s infidelity. She is aware of her son’s future and the role that Harris will play in that future; I only recently shared that with her but not in such detail.” Braynard did not fear Sofia or her anger but was relieved to share his actions with someone. “Your cousin’s death was also orchestrated by me. I convinced Samuel that he would never be happy while Rupert lived. I convinced his fiancé to leave him by sharing with her the stories of their love. This was enough to force his hand to take Rupert’s life.”
Sofia broke down into tears upon hearing the man had caused Rupert’s death. While the two were not fond of one another, she mourned his death. “How can you stand there and confess to your crimes so indifferently? Do you have no conscience?” She looked up at the man. Her hatred for him had reached its peak. Suddenly a large iron chandelier flew across the room toward Braynard.
