Schism of Blood and Stone (The Starfield Theory Book 1)

by Brian Frederico

  As much as he tried to subdue his personal emotions, his thoughts reflected back on the limited time he had spent with his brother outside of politics. They had spent many hours romping around the palace as children, getting into mischief, before maturing on the road to adulthood. They struggled to balance their lives as the upright Commonwealth royalty that was always under observation by the media and as young men eager to begin their lives. Until their mid twenties, Archduke Haakon had not declared an heir. When his father skipped over him in favor of his younger brother he could not help, but sulk for years in the Goteborg Duchy, angry and bitter towards Haakon and Peter. He had no official duties until Peter took the throne and even then he was only de facto heir until Peter produced offspring.

  He could still remember the day their father died. Archduke Haakon Sten's ship was leaving Magdeborg, jumping out of the zenith Azuren Station, never to be seen again. After months of searching, House Sørensen declared Haakon dead, and proclaimed Peter as Archduke. Because Peter was childless at the time, Damien was the heir to the throne again.

  The two brothers were placed in an awkward situation when Arthur Sten was born and Damien was squeezed out of the picture entirely. He felt as if his banishment was not longer only physical, but personal as well. However, Arthur only lived for six years, killed by a bullet meant for his father during a parade. The killing brought the Sten siblings together for the first time in a decade, but no announcement towards Damien's status was ever made. He and Salena had supported Peter, even in his most dire of circumstances, oblivious to rank and propriety for at least a little while. Some tragedies were so horrible, the bickering of politics was put aside temporarily. There was still a bond between them then, something that linked them together as family that trumped politics. Where would that go?

  Eleven years ago they were brought together again, Salena massively pregnant at the time with her youngest daughter, when Ciara, Peter's wife, the Archduchess, distraught over the loss of their son, took her own life on Anarrk. Peter had seen both of his closest family taken from him. Every family gathering on Magdeborg had been in the wake of a tragedy. That was the last time Damien saw his brother alive.

  Now, once again, he had been called back home to oversee the death of a family member. He'd heard some whisperings that his branch of the Sten family tree was cursed. Haakon's disappearance, Ciara's suicide and Arthur and Peter both falling victim to an assassin.

  But Peter wasn't done yet, apparently. Even beyond the grave, he still influenced the course of the Commonwealth. The twins had been kept secret from the Commonwealth people, and from his siblings. He wondered how Peter had managed such a feat. Damien shook his head, softly. The twins. His orders had been clear. Aaron was to apprehend the duo wherever they had gone and keep them under guard until further notice. He had to protect them from Salena who, he was sure, would try to have them murdered.

  The other reason for his inability to focus stemmed from the possibility Salena would have him arrested as soon as he stepped off the ship. In his mind's eye he could see her agents tightening a bag over his head and dragging him off to some remote location, possibly to be tortured before finally being executed. He had stared for many hours into the fire in his stateroom on the Crimson Lady during the two week to Magdeborg, considering all the possible scenarios. The flickering flame had jumped and hissed unpredictably, allowing him to focus on the infinite possibilities of fate that awaited him on Magdeborg. He watched until the fire burned itself to nothing and the flames, struggling to resist its inevitable fate just like any human being, finally succumbed and died. The Theorists had equations for predicting the future. He didn't believe their accuracy, but he didn't need to be a Theorist to know his was bleak. Was it wise to return?

  Damien stroked his chin thoughtfully. If Salena didn't have him killed, he had to use this time to gather intelligence, to test the water and find Salena's weak points. The Conclave was the logical place to start, but his presence there would raise red flags. He wondered just how tightly she had the Sten's vassals wrapped around her finger.

  Is the Conclave afraid that Salena could crush them as she crushed the Sørensens?

  He'd seen the reports. The Sørensens had been slaughtered almost to the man. Only a few had escaped and set up a resistance movement. It might be possible to feel them out and determine their strength. If they were powerful enough they might be useful allies. If they were weak and Magnus Teton-Sten had them in hand they might doom him instead.

  The shuttle slowed and veered as it neared the spaceport. He could see the spiderweb of landing platforms, access tunnels and power conduits below. In the distance he could just make out the Magdeborg palace and the city that surrounded it. The shuttle slipped below the limits of the spaceport and the pilots expertly set it on a pad. Damien stepped quickly to the ramp that would discharge him. He carefully and precisely straightened his uniform. His own personal retinue's dress uniform was colored medium gray with yellow piping along the collar, wrists and ankles. His general's insignia was freshly polished and clipped to his collar. On his left bicep was the Commonwealth's sword and book sigil set on a white circular field. He also wore the his sword at his left hip tied in place by a sash colored white and blue. He was determined to play the part of the loyal Commonwealth general, even if all that awaited him was Salena's firing squad. He would die a warrior.

  He steeled himself for the worst.

  The shuttle's two doors slid open and a wave of cheering and brass band music nearly overwhelmed him. He stiffened instantly in pure shock. Slowly, his eyes scanned the sight before him. Thousands, no tens of thousands of people packed the spaceport. They were all cheering and yelling, waving flags and waving at him. The pure sound of it hit him like a shock wave. Directly in front of him was a platform. Two rows of smartly arrayed soldiers flanked a great blue carpet adorned with the Sten crest. Three other figured stood at the end of the rows, facing him, apparently waiting for him to approach. Off to the side, a band was playing the Commonwealth national anthem.

  Oh, Salena. You have once again caught me unaware.

  As Damien stepped onto the platform, the rows of soldiers saluted, as did the three figures at the end. Immediately, he recognized Richard Teton, Salena's husband. He stood a few centimeters taller than Damien, dressed in the colors of House Teton. On either side were two of Salena's three children. Magnus, the eldest, and Cassandra, the middle child. Each wore the primary gray and blue with white trim typical of House Sten, but with a splash of Teton gold indicating their mixed ancestry.

  Once Damien had closed the distance, Richard Teton extended a hand and shook warmly. He was smiling broadly and so convincingly that Damien wondered if it was genuine.

  “This is quite a reception,” he shouted over the crowd

  “These are tough times. Sometimes we must satisfy the public's need to cheer something. Welcome home, brother!” Richard shouted back.

  The Teton duke had never called him brother before. They were Salena's twisted words coming from his own mouth.

  Richard stepped aside and took in the crowd with his arm. It roared, more loudly, and frighteningly than any guns Damien had ever faced. Salena had been working quickly to wrap them around her finger. A hero's welcome. She is far more dangerous than I ever imagined. This is not the Salena of old.

  Damien waved, trying to appear as if he had prepared for this occasion. He was the Commonwealth's general, the hero staving off the Dominion despite the death of his Archduke and brother. At least that was the role Salena had chosen for him for today. The crowd was meant to empathize with him, he realized suddenly. He mouthed “thank you” to the crowds and the cameras which huddled like a tiny herd of metal pack rats, trying to show his appreciation for their welcome.

  Quickly, the Teton-Sten children flanked him and gently guided him to the platform's stairs. He looked away from the crowd to the waiting limousine. At the foot of the stairs was pure evil in flesh. Dmitri Filipov, Salena's minion and de
mented mastermind, waited patiently while watching Damien's reaction. He knew instantly that he had engineered this entire event which probably explained Salena's recent new tactics. He probably had his secret police cruising the crowds, stirring up excitement and urging participation. He ignored Filipov as best as he was able as he passed by. Any sour looks in his direction would give him cause to report the incident to Salena and create unnecessary suspicion. Damien would not allow him the pleasure.

  Damien and Richard stepped into the limousine, while the two Teton-Sten children found another vehicle. Richard signaled the driver and the the convoy began rolling through the crowds. Damien shifted uncomfortably, his formal uniform not quite suited for the leisure of royalty. He would have preferred a military transport.

  “It's been some time since we last saw you, Damien,” Richard began by way of pleasantries.

  Damien nodded. “Not since Ciara's passing.”

  Keep it light, he reminded himself. Learn Richard's agenda.

  “I noticed your youngest was not present. Remind me where she's been,” Damien suggested.

  Richard seemed to brighten, eager to speak of the exploits of his royal children. “Isarla is training to be an Averion on Johans, researching Precursor ruins and studying the Akora. She's taken quite an interest in the subject, perhaps to an unusual extent for nobility, but we encourage her curiosity. Azuren friendship is is a powerful ally and proof that our path is one with Amrah.”

  “Training to be an Averion? I don't believe our family has had any in their honored ranks,” Damien said, hiding his disgust. He knew Richard was lying. Isarla had been the trade Salena made with the Azuren to save her precious son's mangled arm.

  Richard shook his head. “No, though the Tetons shared better relations with the Azuren than the Stens did, certainly. Isarla has been working with them for a few years now. It's rare that we get to see her, but we're so proud of what she's done. Have you children of your own, yet?”

  Richard knew better. Damien almost chuckled, but instead offered a friendly grin. “No, I'm afraid not. Border protection leaves little time for such experiences.”

  Richard nodded sagely. “I understand. I tell you, my life changed forever when Magnus came along. It had only been a year since I met Salena, that is, a purely political marriage of course, but Magnus changed that. I had something worth my life then. I hung up my sword, and stepped back into a political role. No more fighting for this knight, not anymore.”

  Damien arced an eyebrow, trying to hide the shock on his face. “You haven't seen combat since Magnus was born?”

  The nobility retained their military positions their whole lives unless wounds or political considerations necessitated their discharge. Even Peter kept up on his skills in simulators at the very least all during his reign as Archduke. Was it cowardice then? Or was Salena pulling the strings?

  “There were a few border raids by the Treth, but that was the end of my military career. I suppose partially it was Salena's wish. It'd do no good to have the children growing up without a strong male influence you know,” Richard explained.

  Damien doubted the strength of that influence. It seems as though Salena has this man completely wrapped around her fingers. I wonder if he has a thought that she hasn't personally authorized.

  “Magnus has shown a considerable military aptitude,” Damien said carefully.

  “Oh, yes. He planned and led the assault to remove the Sørensens from power himself. We worry for him of course, every time he goes into combat. He is very eager, almost too eager to fight. I hope that desire is tempered when he marries Kendra Mason. She is a lovely lady, very intelligent and loves Magnus dearly. Maybe when he has something important to lose he will not be so eager to throw his life away.”

  “Sometimes having something to fight for makes us fight all the harder,” Damien said before he could stop himself.

  “I suppose there is some truth to that as well. You are invited to the wedding of course. It won't be for another year or so, but I do hope you'll join Sal and I at the ceremony.”

  Richard made a clicking noise with his tongue as if he'd just remembered something important. “Salena also sends her regrets for being unable to attend your arrival personally. She is quite busy as I'm sure you understand.”

  The union between Mason and Teton-Sten is very concerning. Once they are wed, they will form a potent power bloc in the Conclave. Their armies will cement Salena in power. So much for staying on safe ground. Let's probe a bit.

  “Of course. I suppose she has much work to do in the Conclave.”

  Richard narrowed his brow. “How so?”

  “The legality of succession without a chosen heir is rather tricky,” Damien tossed out the bait to gauge Richard's reaction. How much does he know about Kristoffer?

  Richard cleared his throat. “Indeed. With Peter childless, I realize that you were the most likely candidate for the throne, but the Sørensens acted so swiftly.”

  He has no idea! Damien realized with a start. Salena never told him about the twins!

  “Who knew what the Sørensens had been planning or how long they've been doing it. I knew Dietrich was crafty, but this? Anyway, Erik Sørensen is handling the clean up of his house.”

  “Erik Sørensen?”

  “Ah yes, a relatively younger man. One of Thaddeus' grandchildren, or great grandchildren or something. Apparently he was aware of Dietrich's schemes and has taken over as House Master. He will rebuild his family.”

  “Perhaps you could explain the situation for me. News travels slowly on the border,” Damien lied.

  “Of course. You were at the meeting with the Sørensens at Remmington so you know about their nonsense looking for a suitable replacement in the family trees. Salena saw right through it as a Sørensen plot to take the throne for themselves. Surely you saw the same thing?”

  Damien hedged and feigned surprise. “I had not detected such a plot.”

  Richard grunted in solidarity. “You were not alone,” he said with great sympathy. “Anyway, Dietrich was maneuvering in the Conclave to get their backing for his coup. Fortunately, we seem to have intervened before Dietrich could become too entrenched in his position. Magnus' offensive was swift and managed to crush the Sørensens in less than a day! It might even rival some of your own great victories if you don't mind the comparison,” Richard gloated, beaming broadly.

  In fact, Damien did mind the comparison.

  “After routing the Sørensen forces,” he continued, “Salena declared her ascension. Lord Dietrich himself and several others blocked her entrance to the throne room and he was subsequently arrested.”

  “I hope no one was injured.”

  Richard shook his head, laughing. “Not badly, no. Lord Dietrich was quite liberal with the use of his cane, I believe, but he and his cohorts are resting comfortably in custody.”

  Damien's heart leaped into his throat as, for the briefest of moments, he actually wondered if Dietrich was capable of taking the throne for himself. Had Dietrich been lying about the twins and had Salena actually managed to detect some sort of plot? Were the twins merely random lowborns to distract he and Salena while he masterminded a take over?

  He took a deep breath and tried to calm himself. No, Dietrich would never attempt a usurpation. It had simply never been done by any Sørensen in a thousand years and Dietrich had presided over the passing of two other Archdukes and never once shown any intention of not releasing power back to the Stens. Why would this time be any different? More likely Salena, with Filipov's help, had framed the Sørensens and stormed the palace, not to save the Commonwealth, but to steal it.

  “Has there been resistance?” Damien asked the obvious, but not so innocent question.

  Richard cleared his throat, choosing his words more carefully. “There are some groups, terrorists more likely, who went to ground and have been launching attacks on convoys and civilian centers. We believe they're led by rebel Sørensens, probably Odin and Astrid. Magnu
s will have them cleaned up shortly.”

  Damien nodded, wondering how deep the resistance went. The Sørensens had protected Magdeborg for centuries and he knew they had reserve shelters and caches of weapons and money hidden across the planet. Damien had seen some of them personally. If there ever was an invasion of Magdeborg, the Sørensens had enough equipment to last them several years.

  “Is there anything I could do to be of assistance?”

  Richard thought for a moment, pensive, then looked out the window at the passing trees, the lights from the motorcade flashing off his forehead. Finally, he lowered the pitch of his voice and spoke almost to the floor. “The situation is unstable. Salena needs your support, Damien. I fear for her. Peter's assassin is still on the loose. There are still Sørensens out there plotting another coup. I couldn't bear to see her suffer the same fate as Peter. You will help her, won't you? Your family has already suffered too much and Salena is dear to me. If anything were to happen to her...and my children...”

  Suddenly, Damien realized that this was not part of Salena's plan. Richard's not even supposed to be here! Salena had sent her children to receive him then leave him to travel alone in the limousine. Richard had tagged along and decided to accompany him on the ride. He wanted a private moment between brothers-in-law.