Chapter 6

Just when the holograms of the feudal lords began to appear, all nervousness disappeared. They all looked so shocked to see me instead of Jonas that I nearly burst out laughing. I addressed them bowing slightly, "My lords, firstly I assure you that Duke Jonas is safe. So, please hear me out. I have something that will prove Jonas as the Grand Vizier's murderer without fail. Captain Charles Lemurne of the Castle Guards, I call you as a witness."

Lemure stepped forward and told them that he had seen Jonas kill the Grand Vizier and why he had not revealed the truth. He activated an audio device in which he had recorded Jonas speaking of disposing of me to the Grand Vizier whose laboured breathing could be clearly heard. Then he sent a copy of the recording to each lord.

I spoke, "My lords, you can check the recording for any fabrication at your leisure but you will find none. The commoners and now his own men are rebelling against Jonas. I hope this is justification enough that he is not a good ruler. For now, all I ask is that we are granted the authority to remove Duke Jonas Heylain from power."

After a five-minute conversation where the audio was splayed again, I received the royal seals to remove Jonas from power. Assembling them into a UFLA arrest warrant, I left the room under the care of some of my Knights. Lemure, Cassandra, and the rest followed me.

*****

"The mech is wonderful, Duke Heylain. I couldn't help but notice that it is of foreign make. Where did you find this amazing weapon, my lord?" I heard the voice I hated even more than that of Jonas ask.

Signalling Lemure to keep the audio recorder switched on, I heard Jonas, obviously drunk; answer von Steinus, "I bought it from the Communist Confederation of Russia!"

"The CCR?! Unforgivable! How could you buy weapons from our sworn enemies? Especially when it is forbidden by the Feudal Council?" A soldier wearing the colours of the duchy of Los Anglenz asked stupefied.

Before Jonas could answer, I stepped away from the shadows answering "Because my brother is a traitor." Turning to him, I pulled out the arrest warrant, "Duke Jonas Heylain, I put you under arrest by the order of the Feudal Council!"

Jonas looked at me bemused, then turned to von Steinus "Captain Markus, I offer you two thousand gold pieces and this mech as payment. Kill my brother and fulfill your contract!"

We were badly outnumbered. So, Cassandra tried to even the odds. Before I could stop her, she ripped off her veil and snapped at the Los Anglenz soldier, "I, Cassandra Fernandèz confirm the validity of this warrant and order you to fight with us in the name of the Feudal Council."

As she was speaking I saw a mercenary take aim at Cassandra and without thinking I leapt in front of her. The laser slammed into my left arm. And all hell broke loose.