Chapter 102 — Aftermath

“To have rooted out so many of Revant’s spies and given us a pretext for invasion, your plan was quite the success, my dear nephew,” Aunt Asara praised him as she handed over a surviving flute of wine blessed by the evening’s event. “In particular, adjusting the grounds’ abjuration to only prevent certain outgoing spatial magic was an inspired idea. I’ve always thought that you would have made a better head for House Novidus and a better leader for Crysellia’s High Council than Presius and was disappointed when High Councilor Ulvari removed you from the line of succession. Lately though, I must acknowledge the wisdom in having Presius as the public face while allowing you the freedom to support the family from the shadows.”

Hulle let his gaze wander around the destroyed hall. The blood spilled by the battle had already been magicked away, and skilled mages arranged ahead of time were beginning the process of restoring the hall back to its original condition.

“I can’t help but blush at the compliments you lavish upon my undeserving mien, dear aunt,” Hulle accepted, allowing a small smile to grace his lips as he sampled the deep flavors of the fermented rift fruit.

His aunt’s rise to power wasn’t anything as simple as competence and talent. He hadn’t confirmed it yet but was fairly certain that the minor House of Vorshan was in reality the public face of one of the Hidden Houses. They were just too connected to the inner workings of power. Whether Iori had been initiated into the secret was an open question. He strongly doubted that Ria’s friend Keira had—though as the official heir, it was only a matter of time.

But while his gamble had indeed been somewhat successful and had cemented his favor with his aunt and uncle, in truth, he was frustrated that a careless oversight prevented his plot from being a complete success.

For Phaelys Vesali to have been the weak link… He should have anticipated that a sheltered boy with no real life and death experience would be overcome by the sudden and unexpected danger. He had overestimated the younger boy. But to think that Phaelys’ instinctive actions to keep Ria safe would have also prevented Ria from defending herself! A colossally stupid oversight.

That both Ria and Phaelys had fallen so early in the attack was also the reason that the guests ended up in danger. Distracted by the effort to bring the pair to safety and stabilize their conditions, they had allowed the enemy to run amok for much too long. That one of Ria’s invited guests numbered among the ones killed was a complication that further put his role in the affair in a more difficult light.

The injury and death of important guests also meant that he couldn’t claim responsibility for the gains from his plot, and it gave Martina leverage over him. Should Ria find out, not only would it hurt their relationship, but his ability to leverage her and her connection with the Vesali would surely be strained.

He let out a sigh. “The quality from our vineyards in Cuerva has improved more than I expected.”

“I agree. Hopefully, increased demand will allow us to offset the increase in cost,” Aunt Asara cheerily concurred and sampled another sip as she pretended to survey the repairs to the estate’s grand hall. “Is there anything you want me to convey to your grandfather on your behalf?”

“Hmm… There is no need to rush into this war. I doubt Revant’s situation will improve in the short or long term. Taking the time to temper our strength and properly prepare the means to govern will better ensure our people can hold and gain advantage from the new lands. We should consider using the new land to repair our relationship with the Vesali.”

Aunt Asara gave him a long evaluating look before asking, “You sure you don’t want credit? It could be worth a significant future favor.”

With Ria emotionally committed to helping him with his own vengeance, it was only right that he help her seek hers. Well, assuming High Priestess Elora and Researcher Shadwich’s efforts would prove sufficient to undo the damage the assassin’s poison had done to her bloodline. If not, then… there were other paths to power.

Hulle gave a wry smile. “There’s no need. Perhaps, I’ve come to enjoy my role in the shadows.”

Aunt Asara laughed and finished the rest of her flute, placing it on the tray of a waiting servant. Hulle did likewise and bid his aunt goodnight.

There was much work left to do before he could rest.

Some time later, Crysellia’s most powerful men and women were gathered in the august chambers set aside for meetings of the nation’s High Council.

Ulvari Novidus leveled his eyes at his other council members. “Regarding the matter of the girl carrying Revant’s royal orichalcum bloodline, it seems we have been too lax in ensuring her safety. Not only was the bloodline almost lost, but a promising youth of House Vesali was gravely injured in the attack. A further assault was made on prominent guests from a great many of our Houses while under the hospitality of House Novidus. House Novidus’ view is that this incident cannot be brushed away as an ‘internal matter’ of Revant or simply overlooked for reasons of expediency.”

“This whole matter has been handled far too recklessly!” Lineah Ravelle objected. “Not just the long-sought orichalcum bloodline was at stake! Did you ever plan to tell the Council that Ria of Shadewood is a result of Researcher Ervryn’s dragon bloodline project? Has anyone even bothered to confirm whether or not she’s also inherited Luventi’s mithril dragon bloodline or the dwarven princess’ adamantium dragon bloodline? It’s catastrophic enough that her siblings have already fallen into Revant hands! For Revant to be the sole beneficiary of seventy years of our effort—when Luventi sacrificed so much to seal the deep rift and save the dwarven princess—is unthinkable!”

“No doubt this is another of the Fateweaver’s schemes,” Chadrick Benathi sighed out. “Probably has all of us dancing to his whims like marionettes as he plucks our threads.”

Karin Blackmarsh rolled her eyes at the representative from House Benathi. “The Fateweaver’s involvement or not. The matter at hand is Revant’s direct acts within our capital city bringing intentional harm to nobles of the Greater Houses. Though the resulting exposure and demolishing of their agent network in Vesali City is significantly to our benefit, a response is required.”

Agreed muttering rounded the table.

“It’s a clear act of war is what it is,” Loth Mendan stated plainly.

“The quantity of voidstone used in the attack does seem to confirm a state actor. Or the Cartography Society,” Venni Astacio contributed. “Yet I doubt even the Cartography Society has access to the number of enchanted orichalcum weapons used by attackers. That, and the presence of a prominent member of House Emberstill does make it hard to believe the King of Revant’s hand wasn’t directly involved in the attack.”

More grunts of agreement and some resigned sighs.

Jeria Emberflow nodded her agreement as well. “I too find it unlikely House Emberstill would be involved without a direct order from the crown.”

“So, war then,” Thentis Hammerfell stated gravely, his deep voice bringing a momentary silence to the table.

Ulvari took in the expressions of the representatives of the other Greater Houses. Normally, he would give the appearance of impartiality by letting the others debate the merits of a proposed course of action, but sensing the moment was right, he chose to state House Novidus’ position first, “House Novidus is in agreement, but understands that Houses Benathi, Ravelle, and Emberflow have counseled caution and restraint at prior meetings, and though we propose agreeing to a determination of war now, in the interest of unity, we also propose tasking General Alexander with preparing further proposals on the specifics of the action to be undertaken, its preparations, timetables, and related matters, each to be taken up at the next meeting.”

His counter-proposal was met with looks of surprise followed by thoughtful expressions. There was one notable exception that looked rather displeased with him.

“Someone cynical enough might be of the mind that Ria of Shadewood was left exposed in the hopes of encouraging such an attack just for this very purpose,” Lineah Ravelle chided. “I don’t like having my hand forced, and I particularly dislike being forced into actions according to someone’s scheme, but Revant’s blatant provocation leaves little choice but for House Ravelle to also vote yes.”

Ulvari bowed his head in gratitude to the Ravelle representative. With Ravelle’s vote secured, the others quickly agreed. After all, if House Novidus who suffered the brunt of the attack were willing to take a slow approach, what standing did they have to press for an immediate response?

“You have House Novidus’ thanks in this matter,” Ulvari offered and, after a pause, leaned forward to rest his elbows on the table and interlace his fingers. “Now, with the matter of war decided and the details tabled until the next meeting, what does the Council advise on the matter of Ria of Shadewood’s safety?”

There was no doubt that the opinions on this second matter would be more heated. Care would be needed to steer the others toward the true goal of House Novidus’ proposal to delay the war—an opportunity surprisingly earned by the girl herself and his grandson who was mentoring her, a once in a century opportunity to mend the rift that had divided the republic since the fall of the monarchy.

“With her name now likely relayed by the agents and information brokers present at her debut and the availability of holocubes of her Divinesday arena performance, any previous anonymity she had is surely gone,” Cresta Sorrel advised. “Assuming any Revant agents remain, it is only a matter of time before they locate her current place of residence in the city. And Revant might not be the only risk to her safety at this point. She represents the potential addition of another powerful bloodline to our military might.”

Agreeing nods met Cresta’s analysis.

“Simplest would be to have her placed in the care of the Inquisitors and one of the hidden Houses. She already has a relationship with House Vorshan,” Zell Vestra suggested.

Lineah Ravelle grimaced. “She might view such actions negatively, perhaps even as imprisonment. I would propose we consider the benefits of an alternate course. She seems to enjoy testing her strength in battle arenas, and that combined with her current access to the resources of the Grand Academy has resulted in a rapid growth of her capability. There’s a good chance she could become a powerful military asset for us in the war and in the future. Particularly, she has sworn herself to Crysellia and is a direct descendant of Revant’s crown prince. If we tie her further to our republic, placing her on the throne of Revant could allow us to grant a Crysellian noble House legally recognized control of Revant.”

The representatives for House Benathi and Vestra jumped to their feet in outrage.

“You just want to further empower House Ravelle!”

“House Vestra is against allowing any Greater House exclusive access to the orichalcum bloodline, much less control of the entirety of Revant’s territory! It could destroy the council’s balance!”

“Is House Bethathi even interested in her non-human bloodline? Are you just denying the rest of us because of your own short-sighted choices?” Lineah shot back, her face reddening and a smell of a coming storm beginning to fill the room.

“Much as I hate to agree with House Ravelle…” Loch Modan added. Others were also grumbling.

Ulvari held up his hands for silence, and the heated outbursts petered out, all eyes turning his way with suspicion. Feeling the weight of history in those gazes, he carefully kept his expression neutral and committed to the greatest gambit of his tenure.

“We could use this opportunity to raise a worthy House to the council.”

Further frowning faces warily traded suspicious glares around the table. Having one’s vassal house promoted would mean two votes rather than one.

“House Vesali,” Venni Astacio realized.

Karin Blackmarsh leaned her head back with a smirk of understanding directed his way. “The Vesali boy who protected her…”

Thought-filled silence settled upon the deliberation chamber.

Eventually, Chadrick spoke up, “Even if House Benathi agrees to attempt such a long-term plan, clearly, she cannot continue to reside at the poorly-protected Vorshan Estate.”

The path had been set out, and he could see the growing acceptance in the expressions of his fellow representatives. Knowing that retirement was no longer an option and that he would have to see the course through, Ulvari solemnly nodded. “Agreed.”

Surrounded and oppressed on all sides by the pressure of Master Yeriliel’s towering aura, Jarrel swung the idea of sharpness at the spiritual wood again, barely scratching it—barely more progress than after his initial breakthrough.

His mind went back to the swing of his sharpness that cut a noble in half from a distance. It wasn’t something planned, but in that moment, he had focused all his sense of self into that one cut. And it had reached across the distance as something absolute.

Even so, that didn’t change the fact that he had failed Ria again, and almost failed his mission. This had again driven home more deeply the certainty that a sword was not a shield and he would need to rely on others to protect Ria.

Though he had spent the years in Revant denying it, he was a sword. A sword was a weapon for killing. The question for him was whether he should be a hidden blade that strikes from the shadows or a brandished blade that deters others with the promise of death.

He certainly wasn’t a knight. His path in life to this point had taught him that. Always a hunter, a spy, and when his path stagnated, a woodsman. Was there an in between where he could be sometimes in the shadows and sometimes visible? Or maybe if he presented a dangerous enough presence, the mystery of his strength could be enough deterrence?

At this point, he could only pray that the choice wouldn’t be taken from his hands.

Jarrel still believed that receiving the Divine Spiritbinding of Secrets rather than directly joining the ranks of the Inquisitors had been a good move for his career. It had opened up opportunities for him, and he owed Lord Vorshan for suggesting and arranging it. There was utility in being privy to Inquisitor secrets, able to handle Inquisitor jobs, and able to clean up Inquisitor messes, all while being able to truthfully say he wasn’t an Inquisitor.

That was what allowed him to be chosen for missions into Revant itself.

He wasn’t sure he trusted House Novidus’ intentions, but House Vor’shan would keep them from doing anything to directly harm Ria. Luventi’s descendants would not allow a fellow draconic line like Ria’s be lost or wasted. He still found the House name itself unbelievably risky with Vor’Shan meaning ‘true silver’ in draconic, just as Revant’s royal House of Vor’Daarryn meant ‘true metal’ or for some readings: true gold.

Of course, House Vorshan was just the latest public front for the larger hidden house that controlled much of Crystellia behind the scenes. They still had their branch family of Astacio with the degraded but still valuable silver version of their mithril bloodline.

One thing was certain, now that House Vor’Daaryn had found and made clear their intentions against Ria, there was no need to keep things secret from the girl. He would tell her the truth—to the extent that his binding allowed.

Reforging and recommitting his determination, Jarrel continued to swing his sharpness.