by Sam Ryan
“I am Sir Madilyn Whittlemore,” Madilyn introduced, placing a hand on her chest and bowing her head respectively. She hid a glance over at his Majesty to see if he had recognized who she was yet.
It did not look like he had but his knight escort had recognized her instantly, and Madilyn had recognized him. His name was Sir Reginald, and she had been his squire once upon a time. He had been a hard lord and had made no secret about his disdain that Madilyn had been allowed to become a squire. But he was a fair and honorable man. While he may have hated the idea of Madilyn being allowed to be a knight, he still treated her fairly, if not a bit more harshly than normal.
“I have heard that the Eternal Empire allows women into their military,” the Primary Representative stated. “I suppose it should come as no surprise that they have women knights as well. Especially considering those women who so rudely escorted us out of our conference room.”
“They were more than courteous,” Allora corrected with a flat yet still somehow smug smile. “And while I may allow women to serve in my military, Sir Madilyn is not one of them. Her loyalty is and always will be to her king and homeland. She is merely here acting as extra security as well as acting as my personal escort. She is also to act as my translator as your language is still a little strange to me.” Allora gave Madilyn a nod and a faint smile.
Madilyn returned the nod with appreciation. It was a slightly hollow gesture on Allora’s part as she spoke the language better than any of them.
“Before we proceed to the conference room,” Madilyn said, looking at all of them. “I must ask that you surrender any and all weapons to me. Ceremonial or not.” Madilyn brought her hands out from behind her back and held them out in front of her, palms up. “Do not worry, this also applies to myself and her Majesty. You will get them back when the meeting has concluded.”
“You expect us to surrender our weapons while aboard a pirate ship?” Sir Reginald asked, stepping forward. “You are asking us to leave our charges unprotected.”
“You are hundreds of meters in the air, aboard a ship crewed by over a hundred people,” Madilyn pointed out, looking at the weathered man. “You think a few swords and pistols are really going to help you?” She let that thought sink in for a moment. “This is a precaution to help protect you from each other. We do not want tempers to get the better of your judgment and for any of you to do something we will all regret.”
Sir Reginald chewed it over for a moment, turning it over in his mind. Finally, he reached down and unclasped his saber and placed it in Madilyn’s waiting hand. He then reached behind him and pulled out a single shot pistol and handed it over as well.
Madilyn shifted the saber and pistol to one hand. “And the derringer in your sleeve, if you don’t mind,” Madilyn said, holding out her free hand.
Reginald pursed his lips together, then reached inside his coat sleeve and pulled out a small pistol that he had tucked away in there.
“Thank you,” Madilyn said, taking the pistol and gripping it in the hand with the rest.
She then turned and faced the other guard holding out her hand to him. After a brief moment of reluctance, he undid his saber from his belt as well. Madilyn did not even have ask before he bent over and produced a knife from his boot. Flipping it in his hand, he slapped the handle into her open palm.
“Forgive me Prime Representative, but I will need your gentleman’s cane as well.” The old man frowned, suddenly becoming very defensive. “If you wish, I can provide you with a substitute cane for the time being. But many have made it their profession to find ways to hide weapons inside of such common things.”
“It’s fine,” he assured, handing her the cane and straightening his back.
Madilyn did not say anything regarding the fact that he seemed to be trying so hard before to convince everyone that he needed his cane but now seemed fine. And given the heft of the cane, she was sure if she inspected it closer she would find something hidden inside.
“If that is all taken care of,” Allora said. “Let us proceed.”
Madilyn let Allora guide the others as she went to stow the confiscated weapons. Once she was sure they were secured, she hurried to catch up with the others. She was able to reach the conference room just as the others began taking their seats.
His majesty and the Prime Representative sat across from one another, while Allora sat at the head of the small table. Madilyn sealed the door behind them and took her spot behind Allora. The other guards doing the same for their own charges.
“I would like it made clear,” the Prime Representative said, glancing coldly at Allora. “I do not appreciate you corralling us here like you did.”
“I tend to agree,” his Majesty said, tapping his gloved finger against the table.
“Then you are already in an agreement about something,” Allora smiled. “That is a good start. But we are here to discuss your relations with each other. Not about my treatment of you. If you wish for some sort of reparations once peace has been made, I will listen then.”
“We have been in negotiation with his Majesty of Lear in good faith for over a year now,” the Representative stated, glaring at his Majesty. “And he uses that good faith to send his men into our lands and attack us.”
His Majesty tensed up at the accusation and Madilyn could tell he was forcing himself not to look at her. It would seem that at some point he had either recognized her or Sir Reginald had told him who she was. He knew he had to watch what he said. He knew that with her being there, Allora could easily call him out on any lie.
“Yes, about that,” Allora spoke up instead. “I am curious. How did you know that the men sent into your land were from Lear and not from any number of nations who might want to investigate your use of dangerous ancient artifacts?” Even though she already knew exactly how and who had told them.
“I do not have to reveal my sources,” the Representative said, leaning back in his chair slightly.
“That’s alright,” Allora assured. “I already know.”
Both men turned their heads to look at Allora.
“Tell me Representative Blake.” Allora placed her hands on the table, weaving her fingers together. “What is Stella’s official position in your government?”
The Representative took a deep breath as he carefully picked his next words. “Lady Stella is the head of our Weapons and Development branch. She has been crucial in developing our electric generators as well as building our radio devices, among other key advancements.”
“For the past thirty years or so,” Allora said. It was not a question.
“Correct.” He nodded.
His Majesty frowned, not sure what this had to do with how Trevelia had found out about their mission to investigate the Relic. But the Repre-sentative’s answer meant that he knew what Stella was and likely knew about Allora as well.
“And I am assuming that with these advancements she has provided, that you in turn have given her large sums of money for funding and have also not given her much in the way of oversight,” Allora stated.
“The workings of my government are not her Majesty’s concern,” the Representative said with a bit of a growl.
“That’s alright.” Allora nodded. “Your response was all the answer that I needed.”
At that moment there was a knock at the door. Everyone but Allora and Madilyn turned as the door opened and Sophia walked through. Madilyn doing her best not to smile simply knowing that Sophia was right next to her.
“Sorry to intrude,” Sophia said, stepping into the room. Her outfit was riddled with holes and covered in dried blood. Madilyn knew that Sophia was immortal and was fine but that did not stop her from cringing in worry upon the sight of her.
“I take it your mission was a success,” Allora said.
“It was.” Sophia nodded. “We have dealt with the soldiers that attacked the conference building, just as you requested.”
“What is the meaning of this!” his Majesty shouted, jumpi
ng to his feet and slamming his fist on the table. “You dare betray us?”
“Don’t you dare blame me for you own treachery,” the Representative bellowed. He did not rise to his feet, but he did sit up to his full height, glaring his Majesty down with an angry, cold stare of his own. “I should have known you would try something.”
“Both of you sit down,” Allora ordered, her voice soft but carrying with it a forcefulness that cut through the rising anger.
Both gave each other a lingering look of mistrust, before his Majesty took his seat once more. His char screeching against the floor as he pulled it forward.
“The men that attacked the conference building were the Lightning Brigade,” Sophia stated, moving passed Allora and closer to the table.
“Impossible,” the Representative gasped.
His Majesty looked like he was about to say something but Allora stopped him with a cold glare.
Sophia reached inside her pocket and pulled out a dozen or so patches with lightning bolts on them and tossed them down on the center of the table. The Representative looked on in horror as he reached out and touched the bloodied patches.
Madilyn smiled as she looked at them. Knowing that the soldiers would likely not wear any kind of markings, Jezebel, Clem and Yates had all spent the better part of the night making those patches for this very moment. It made things easier than trying to explain how it was they actually knew they were from the Lightning Brigade.
“Representative Blake.” Allora glared at the older man. “Who other than you would have the authority to mobilize the Lighting Brigade?”
“Lady Stella,” he admitted weakly. “Given her unique circumstance, I thought it prudent to also give her indirect authority over the brigade. They are her personal unit, to command at her discretion. She stated she needed an elite military unit to guard her research and did not want to be constantly fighting other officers or politicians on their use.”
His Majesty frowned, not sure what was happening but he held his tongue and waiting to see what happened next.
“I fear that Stella has tricked you,” Allora stated. “That she has tricked us all.” She glanced up at Sophia. “We are not yet sure what she is planning, but we do know it has something to do with the Legendary Relic that she found. Do you know what she is planning on using it for?”
“I don’t.” He shook his head. “She only told me that she needed the raw power that only a relic could produce to complete her work. Said that it would change the world. Normally I would ask for more details, but I felt she had earned my trust after all she had done for Trevelia.”
“And the explosion outside of New Dentin?” Allora pressed.
“That was her activating it.” He nodded, clinching his fist as anger started to boil inside of him. “Why would she do this?” he whispered. “I trusted her.”
“So did I,” Allora said. “And I still am not sure as to why she would wish this conference to fail. It is possible that I was her target and used this conference to draw me out, knowing that here I would be at my most vulnerable. But I am sure of one thing. Whatever she is planning, it will affect us all.” She gave each of them a firm stare. “I think it in all of our best interest to work together to stop her. At least for the time being.”
“And how do I know that, whatever this is.” His Majesty leaned back in his chair, bringing his hands to his lap. “That it will affect me or my king-dom? This sounds more like a problem between your two nations. How is it my concern that your elected officials betray you?”
“It will affect you,” Madilyn assured, looking her king square in the eye. “Greatly. I swear to you on my honor as a knight.”
His Majesty licked his lips nervously as he shifted his weight in his chair. Sir Reginald, who was still standing behind the king, took a step forward and placed a hand on the king’s shoulder. He leaned over and whispered something into his ear. Pulling away he glanced over at Madilyn, giving her a nod.
“Alright,” his Majesty said, if not a little reluctantly. “But I think it best if you return me to my ship so I can return to Rouen. From there, I can better coordinate however you need me.”
“If that is your wish.” Allora gave a nod of agreement. “However Representative Blake.” She turned her head to look at the older man. “I would advise that you to remain here on the Iron Rose for the time being. Until we know the extent of Stella’s influence, and until we figure out what she is planning, you could be in danger aboard your vessel.”
The Representative pursed his lips together, but he eventually nodded in agreement.
“Then your Majesty.” Allora turned back to the king. “If you would give the captain a bearing to your vessel, we will take you there post haste. In fact, why not all of us head up to the bridge? If we stay together than we can be sure no secret plots are being made behind each other’s backs.”
“That sounds like a wonderful plan,” the Representative said, rising to his feet.
Allora and his Majesty were quick to follow, and in a long procession, they all filed out of the room. Madilyn and Sophia followed after them, however they made sure to stay a few steps behind.
“You alright?” Madilyn whispered, trying to make sure the others in front could not overhear.
“I’m fine,” Sophia smiled. “If I’m being honest, it actually felt kind of good going all out like that. I haven’t done that in centuries. How about you? Everything going alright with…” She gestured her chin at his Majesty.
“It’s definitely a strange feeling.” Madilyn nodded. She reached out and found Sophia’s hand and gave it a squeeze. “But I’ll be fine.”
“I know you’ll be.” Sophia returned the squeeze before letting go.
***
“We should be approaching the Valiant now,” the helmsman reported.
“Finally,” Jezebel grumbled, dropping her arms to her side. She did not like having so many people on the bridge, and she liked even less having so many nobles. “Send the signal his Majesty gave us,” she ordered, glancing behind her at his Majesty who was standing back with the Prime Representative and their respective guards.
Sophia was standing next to Madilyn on the other side of the bridge, along with Elena, Allora, and Tara. Jezebel and Yates stood at their post in the center, separating the two groups.
“The Valiant should be hiding in the forest alongside that mountain,” his Majesty stated, pointing at the dense forest covered mountain in front of them.
There was a clanking sound as the person standing next to the window opened and closed the shutters, signaling the Lear cruiser the RAS Valiant. It was an older ship in the navy, and one that would not be missed if it was sent on assignment for several weeks.
At least that was what Madilyn had told Sophia anyway.
“You not going to go change?” Madilyn asked, tugging on the cuff of Sophia’s sleeve.
Sophia looked down at her torn, bloodstained clothing. She had taken her fair share of shots during their little scuffle back in New Albion. She had to hand it to the Lightning Brigade, they had put up a valiant fight.
“In a hurry to get me undressed.” Sophia smiled up at her.
Madilyn rolled her eyes, but her cheeks had turned red and she refused to look in her direction. Sophia could not help but smile, playfully bumping into her with her hip.
“I’ll change latter,” Sophia said. “I think it helps remind them the stakes that we are playing.” She looked over at the king and Prime Representative.
She then glanced over at Elena and Tara standing next to her. Both of them had been shot as well but, aside from a few tears in their clothes, it was hard to notice. The black cloth they wore hiding most of the bloodstains.
“We are getting a response signal,” the crewman said as several white flashes appeared in the distance. Sophia could not see any vessel as it was obscured by the foliage of the trees “They are telling us to hove to so they can board.”
Jezebel let out a grumble as she lea
ned forward, grabbing onto the railing.
“Something wrong?” his Majesty asked.
“No.” Jezebel sighed. “It’s only that I would prefer if they were the ones to come to a stop and let us board them. Old habits of being a pirate I guess.” She let out a breath as she pushed off the railing. “All stop. Show them out port.”
But Sophia saw the look on Jezebel’s face. There was something that was bothering her, but it seemed like she was not sure herself what that thing was. Else she would likely have voiced her concerns already.
“Signal the Valiant,” Jezebel order. “Tell them.” She took a breath as she thought of the appropriate words. “To come in slow.”
“Aye,” the man replied, flapping the shutters.
The Iron Rose began slowing down as it turned away from the direction that the white light was flashing from.
“Wait.” Jezebel narrowed her gaze, turning her body so she could follow the light as the Iron Rose turned. “Your Majesty.” She reached out her hand behind her and snapped her fingers at the king to get his attention.
Sir Reginald tensed up, angry that someone would be so disrespectful to his Majesty and Madilyn looked like she shared his feelings. But his Majesty held out a hand, calming the man and looked over at Jezebel.
“What is it, Captain?” he asked.
“Your vessels still use oil based lighting, correct?” Jezebel asked as the Iron Rose finished its turn, coming to a complete stop.
“Correct.” He nodded.
“And oil light is yellow isn’t it?” Jezebel asked, though it was more to herself.
Sophia cursed as she realized what the problem was. Oil gave off a yellow light. The light they were seeing was white. That came from the electric lights that Trevelia and the Eternal Empire used.
“All ahead full!” Jezebel ordered. “All hands, battle stations! This is a trap.”
“Don’t be absurd,” his Majesty said. “I’m not setting any kind of trap.”
There was a loud crashing sound as the forest fell away and a dozen small attack Galleys rose from beneath the trees. Sophia could not help but curse again as she saw the lightning bolt insignia on the side of the airships. The Galleys began firing as soon as they were high enough to hit them. The Iron Rose having come to a complete stop was a sitting duck as the cannon fire struck the hull. With every hit the cannon balls exploded, shaking the ship and flinging them about.