by Frank David
“Astrid, stop this. Stela had nothing to do with your father’s death. It was Edmund,” the voice bellowed through the hall.
Astrid saw the man materialize in front of her. The rodents ran off in all directions upon seeing him.
“Why, why did he do it?” Astrid asked through the tears.
“He wants to keep Stela from the other realms. He knows he cannot win if she has the support of Savien and Trokha. Emperor Lyon has also been murdered.” Braynard acknowledged both murders.
“Why did you not stop it? Why did you allow him to do this?” Stela asked approaching him.
“It is not my place to stop him,” Braynard answered coldly. “I have grown tired of all of this. I am ready for you and Edmund to face one another and bring this all to an end.” The man vanished.
“I am sorry, Stela, I should have known you would not have done such a thing. I hope you can forgive me.” Astrid looked at her. “There are no bites on you. How did you withstand their teeth? I was sure they would have torn you apart.”
“You have no reason to apologize. It seems we are all trying to figure out who can be trusted.” Stela reached out to comfort Astrid. “I do not know how I am unaffected by your pets. I could feel their teeth, but there are no marks.” Stela looked at her arm.
“I must return home, Stela. I must be with my family.” Astrid hugged her cousin. “I do hope you are able to make Edmund pay for all that he has done.”
“Safe travels, cousin. If there is anything you or your sister need, Hulsteria is here for you, as long as I am Empress.” Stela returned the hug.
“Astrid, please be careful on your journey home. I fear that all of us are now targets. It would seem Edmund could attack any of us at any time.” Charity gave Astrid a hug.
“Thank you, I will be sure to have friends accompany me,” Astrid bowed and left to gather her things and leave Jascaessau.
****
The carriage entered the gates of Tarmlan. Daniella rushed from the carriage. She found her mother sitting in the library.
“Gather what you can for you and father. We need to leave, we are returning to Norland,” Daniella was frantic.
“Why are we leaving, Daniella?” Casey asked.
“There is no time, I will explain later.” Daniella ran upstairs to begin packing. Her mother followed. “Where is father? Tell him we must leave.”
“I knew this would happen. Your desire to right the wrongs of a century ago have caught up with you.” Casey had feared this would happen, knowing her family’s ambition would only bring them trouble.
Stephen was sitting in his room reading when Daniella entered. He could sense his daughter’s distress. “What is wrong, Daniella?”
“We need to leave and return to Norland,” she responded as she tore through their clothes.
“I thought the Scientia was helping you?” Stephen walked over to try to calm his daughter.
“He has turned on us. Stela knows my plan. She knows I killed Malcolm’s mother. If we stay, I am sure she will have us arrested. We are guilty of treason father.” Daniella stopped momentarily to tell her father of what happened.
“Do you think you will find safety in Norland? The kingdom is under the Empress’ reign. She could arrest you there just as easily.” Stephen helped his daughter pack their things.
“Braynard told me to go to Norland. He said the followers of Diana would protect us. He is upset that we participated in the blood ritual binding us to Diana.” Daniella had no idea how she would find the followers, but Braynard was sure she would.
“We did it to help you prepare for taking the throne.” Stephen had decided to dedicate his two youngest children to Diana in an attempt to give them some power that would help them take what was theirs. “It was necessary. Diana has watched over you both all these years, kept you safe. She had led you to this point.”
“No, father, Braynard led me to this point. He was the one that told me Malcolm would be coming to Norland. He told me Malcolm would help to raise my station. Now that he knows the truth about Diana, his assistance is gone.” Daniella was becoming angry.
“I told you this was a mistake, Stephen,” Casey interrupted. “You have pushed them both too far with your dreams of seeing a Gallagher on the throne. You have brought this on us all.”
“Our birthright was stolen from us. The Empress sits upon a throne that is not rightfully hers. The crown should be on Elliot’s head, not hers,” Stephen argued.
“Stephen, had Archibald ascended the throne, these children would not be here. You would not be here. Can you not just be happy with the family you have? You are a successful business man. We are not poverty stricken. We always have food to eat, have always had a roof over our heads. We are better off than many. Is that not enough for you?” Casey made a valid point, and Stephen knew it. His father was a commoner, as were his grandfather and great grandfather. Had Archibald been Emperor his family would have been different, children of Imperials, not commoners.
“You are right, Casey. I am sorry that my ambition has brought this curse upon us. Now, let us finish packing and leave before we are arrested.” Stephen carried the chest down to the carriage. He sent Luke up to bring the other.
The four sat in the carriage as it began its journey to port. “We should leave from the western shores. If we use an eastern port, we could run into any Imperial guards Stela may have sent,” Daniella observed.
“You are right. We should head to Cathcart because it is a small city. We should be able to find a ship without bringing too much notice to ourselves. I have ships that dock there regularly,” Stephen added.
“I do not think we can risk boarding one of your ships father, that is what they would expect.” Daniella worried her father’s ships would be monitored by Royal or Imperial guards. She had no way of knowing Stela’s plans now that she had lost favor with Braynard.
“I agree, father, your ships would be too dangerous,” Luke said. “Do we even need to run, sister? Are we both not powerful enough to handle any guards that might attempt to apprehend us?”
“I do not wish to spend the rest of my life fighting for my freedom. We will return to Norland, find these followers, and live our lives among them. Braynard said if Diana wanted me to have the throne, she would offer assistance.” Daniella believed Braynard still wanted to see her upon the throne but could no longer be involved because of the goddess.
****
Sofia stood on the tower looking out on the northern sea. She could see the Benedictus’ fleet, waiting for the raising of the flag; the signal for them to begin their assignment of defending Hulsteria from Edmund and Xasha. The view made her nervous. She feared the death that was about to take hold of the realms. The voices had been driving her mad. This was a place where she did not have to hear them. After the deaths of Emperor Sebastian and Emperor Alvaro, the cries of those who mourned their loss was almost too much for her to bear.
Felicia approached her. She came from behind and embraced Sofia, knowing how she has been suffering. “Are you alright, my love?”
“Why is this all happening? I do not understand. The realms have been at peace for so long. Why would Edmund want to damage that peace?” Sofia placed her hands upon Felicia’s.
“Why do men do most things they do? Men have a need to conquer, whether it be women or realms it makes no difference.” Felicia kissed Sofia on the top of her head. “Edmund must have felt less of a man, taking orders from his wife. I mean no disrespect, but I do not believe Stelaphina saw him as an equal. I had heard the staff whispering of different occasions when Stelaphina issued orders that may have made him feel impotent. I have seen how men react when they are meant to feel powerless. Edmund is no different. He had power, he just needed to take it. Now, he wants to make Stelaphina feel as he did during their marriage.”
Sofia turned to look at her. “But why did he have to kill the other Emperors? They had nothing to do with his issues with Stela.”
“They had
given their support to her. This was another case of his power being questioned.” Felicia was not supporting Edmund’s actions, but she understood his drive. “I have faced many men who were trying to show their power to helpless women. They were furious when I bested them. I am sure, if they could, they would find me and try to kill me. As women, we will never truly understand the fragile nature of men.” She could see a ship approaching in the distance, the flag of Carpathia atop its sails. “I believe the Benedictus has returned to Hulsteria.”
“We should go meet him. I am sure he is upset after hearing about Roderick. I don’t understand why Braynard would do that to him.” Sofia reached for Felicia’s hand to lead her down from the tower.
“Another example of a man exhibiting his power against those who are weaker, or who question him.” Felicia followed her down.
Sofia entered the nursery, checking on the children before meeting the Benedictus at the docks. “Lady Felicia and I will be going to greet the Benedictus. Please watch over the children in our absence,” Sofia instructed the nannies. She spent most of her days in the nursery with the children, afraid if she left them something might happen. She picked Layla up and kissed her. The girl immediately smiled at her mother’s affection. She knew that Stela’s children would not be labeled the children of a traitor, but Layla may have to bear that title, as well as bastard. Her heart ached for her daughter.
Joseph approached her. He had grown so much in the past year. She could hardly believe he was seven already. “Aunt Sofia, why does father wish to kill mother?” he asked.
Sofia tried to fight the tears but was unsuccessful. The child should not have to deal with such realities. “Your father is confused, Joseph. He thinks your mother is a bad person, but we both know that is not true.” She pulled him close and hugged him.
“Will I ever see them both again?” he asked. His aunt’s tears made him realize just how bad the situation was.
“I do not know, Joseph. Let us pray that you do,” Sofia said between her tears. “I know this is of no comfort to you, but I do believe one of them will survive whatever lies ahead.” She knew the boy would lose at least one of his parents and she prayed it was Edmund. “I must go meet the Benedictus. You mind the nannies. Help them with your brothers and sister and cousins.” She leaned down and kissed him on his head.
Sofia and Felicia arrived at the docks as Antonio’s ship was docking. Sofia had always feared the Benedictus and was sure he would be unpleased with the course of events and the state of his grandson.
She watched as Antonio was assisted from the ship. He appeared weak, not the strong man she knew. Has this all been too much for him?
“Benedictus,” Sofia curtsied as the man approached. “We have come to escort you to Rothmar.”
“Is that where my grandson is?” his voice was soft. The man was shaking. “I want to be with my grandson.”
“He is at Frostmoor, excellency,” Felicia answered. “We will see you are with him soon. We must return to Rothmar but will allow you to continue to Frostmoor after we arrive at the palace.”
“Thank you, Lady Felicia,” Antonio managed a smile. “I have heard word that you and the Imperial Princess Royal are a couple.”
“We are,” Sofia responded. “Please, this is not the time to focus on the rules of the Church. We need to get you to Roderick.”
“I am not here to pass judgment. I realize how great a gift love is. If you are both happy, I will not condemn that. I think your sister was right, God loves all; though sometimes he has an odd way of showing that love.” The two helped Antonio into the carriage and one of his men joined them. “We must not waste any more time. Please get me to Roderick.”
“Of course, we will have you there shortly,” Sofia said as the carriage moved on toward Rothmar.
The carriage arrived at Rothmar just after sun down. “Excellency, I think it best that you stay at Rothmar tonight. The roads can be dangerous at night,” Sofia suggested.
“I need to be with my grandson,” Antonio was insistent.
“I understand, but you can leave in the morning, at first light,” Felicia said, helping the old man exit.
“Very well. I am tired but please have the carriage ready so I might leave as soon as the sun appears.” Antonio struggled to exit the carriage. His guard led him into the palace.
Thirty-One
Edmund woke early, the sun barely over the horizon. He could sense the man standing in his room, watching him. He sat up.
“You have done as I commanded, and the Emperors are dead. Your assassins did not do a good job of convincing their victims they were from Hulsteria. The Imperial families of Trokha and Savien know it was your hand that led to the deaths.” Braynard moved from the dark corner of the room.
“They were not my allies to begin with. They supported Stela. It is no loss to me. However, while they rush to fill the vacancies, they are unable to assist Hulsteria. The playing field again is balanced.” Edmund stretched as he stood from his bed. “When am I to initiate my attack on Stela? I have waited patiently for your approval, but I fear it is not coming.”
“You have but one more task. Once it is completed, you are free to let loose your wrath on Hulsteria,” Braynard approached him. “You need to murder the families of Kirsch and Pfister. They cannot be allowed to return home. You must tie up loose ends here before you set your sights on Hulsteria and Stela.”
“I gave my word, if they succeeded in their task, their families would be spared. I cannot go back on that promise.” Edmund did not want to take the lives of the families. He saw it as senseless killing.
“All the murders have been senseless, Edmund. You will kill their families. Only then can you leave to seek your revenge against Stela,” Braynard’s words were stern. “Here, give them this,” Braynard handed Edmund a vial.
“What is this?” Edmund took the vial. It was filled with a dark green liquid.
“A mixture of herbs. It will bring death. Put it in their water. A few drops for each should be enough to bring them to an end. It will be a painful but quick death. The poison leaves no evidence, allowing you to kill them without being tied to the deaths.” Braynard turned. “If you cannot kill these people, how do you think you will fare against Stela?”
“Those people are innocent!” Edmund yelled. “Stela, she is not. She is guilty of blasphemy. The Church has turned a blind eye to the laws she has instituted. She seeks to bring an end to those in power. She believes all people are equal. Our blood makes us superior. She is a fool to believe those people are the same as us.”
“I think your anger is less about her treatment of the poor and more about her treatment of you?” Braynard could feel Edmund’s anger growing.
“Yes, she treated me as if I were simply one of her subjects. I was her husband. I deserved to be her equal, no, her superior. She refused to see me as the man I was,” Edmund admitted his feelings. These feelings allowed Braynard to manipulate the man, take him down the path he was currently traveling.
“Your anger for her is great. Kill your prisoners, so that you might extract your revenge against the woman who took your masculinity. The woman who made you grovel at her feet. The woman who refused your affections and forced you to her sister’s bed.” Braynard pushed the man to the edge.
“Valet!” Edmund summoned his man servant. “I will have my man take the vial to the kitchen. I will not be witness to their deaths.”
“I do not require you to watch them suffer. However, you will need to kill your valet as he too will be a loose end.” Braynard advised coldly.
“Kill my valet? He has served my family well, I cannot take his life. He would not turn against me. He would not confess that I provided him the poison,” Edmund pleaded.
“Regent, you called for me?” The valet entered the room.
“I need you to take this to the kitchen.” He handed the man the vial. “Have them put a few drops in the water for the families of Kirsch and Pfister. It is a mixt
ure that will help them to forget what has happened. Tell no one that I gave you this.”
“As you wish, Regent.” The man took the vial and left.
“It was smart to lie to the man, though it will not protect him, or you. He will still need to die, but I leave the decision to you.” Braynard knew Edmund would not take the man’s life, but it was of little consequence to him. “The prisoners should die shortly after their morning meal. Gather your troops and prepare to depart Xasha. Once word of their death has reached you, you are free to set sail for Hulsteria. Remember, you will only attack Jascaessau. You will only face Stela. Allow your men to deal with the townspeople and Imperials.”
“I understand, Braynard. I will only seek Stela. Will I be victorious when I face her?” Edmund knew the man saw what lay ahead.
“I cannot tell you. The answer is still unclear. All I can say is stay strong in your anger, it will be your greatest ally.” Braynard bowed before Edmund then was gone.
****
Antonio was up before the sun, anxious to reach Roderick. He arrived at Frostmoor just after dawn. The palace was quiet. The guards allowed him to enter, unannounced. They showed him to Roderick’s room. He entered to find Stela sitting by his bed. She was surprised to see him.
“Benedictus, I was not made aware of your arrival. Please forgive me for not greeting you.” Stela stood and curtsied as the old man made his way across the room.
“No need to apologize, my dear,” he reached for her hand. She offered him her seat and stood next to him. “I arrived late yesterday. Your sister and Lady Felicia met me at the docks. They were most gracious hosts.” Antonio looked at Roderick, lying silently and motionless in the bed. “I believe I have misjudged you, Stelaphina.”
“What do you mean, Excellency?” Stela was curious.
“I thought you were not suitable to rule Hulsteria. I see now I was wrong.” Antonio looked at her. “You still believe that God loves his people?”
