Ch. 22 – Invictus (VIII) (Patreon)

Melanie looked between the two, “She’s the one you were with?”

Roy nodded and walked towards the armored woman, “How have you been?”

“I never expected to see you again,” she replied. Felix could tell she wanted to hug him, but something held her back. She gestured to the seats at the far end of the table, “You are with the Versewalker?”

Roy nodded and took a seat, guiding Melanie to one as well. Felix and Tinuriel took other seats as Jeremiah cleared his throat. “Well, you know Roxanna Highsword, the Grand General. Let me introduce the others.” He gestured to a young man with stark white hair, extremely pale skin, and pink eyes – an albino. “This is Cowler Fent, our Master of Intelligence.” He moved down the seats, introducing each person in turn, and whilst Felix memorized each name as best he could, Cowler stood out the most. Not because of his appearance, but rather the way he stared at Felix. His eyes boring into his soul and seemingly dug around inside.

“It’s good to meet you all,” Felix said. “Why ask us to this meeting?”

Jeremiah gestured to Cowler, and the Master of Intelligence stood up, throwing several sets of gloves onto the table. “These were recovered from a hidden lair under Furca Scriptorium. A den of assassins, all slain.”

Felix shrugged, “Could have been anyone.”

Cowler pinched the bridge of his nose and sighed, “We were using them in an operation.” He gestured to Melanie, “The emperor demanded that we forge an alliance with Tier one. I suppose with the rightful heir to the Remarda throne in front of us, we should look at another option.”

Felix pulled out the communication amulet and chucked it onto the table, “Is this yours then?”

Cowler reached over and grabbed it, nodding, “Yes. I gave this to the assassins stationed here on Invictus. Which means that you are the person who put them out of business…for now.” He pulled out a matching amulet and held it up to his mouth, “The contract is off. Go back to whatever hole you crawled out of.” He set the amulets on the table.

“You set the assassins on her?” Roy growled.

Cowler nodded, “Her uncle made a very convincing offer. But, with the rightful heir present, we can instead look at other options.” He looked at Melanie who sat there, terrified. “I assure you; I mean you no ill will. I was just following orders to the best of my ability.”

“Did you kill my father?” she asked quietly.

“No. That was your uncle’s doing.”

I watched a Shakespearean production on this in the Recreation Room.

Felix cleared his throat, “What do you propose?”

He looked at Felix with his calculating gaze, “Versewalkers solve Crises. You solved ours, perhaps you can work for us for a while. If you go up to Tier one and slay Lady Remarda’s uncle, then she can take control of the throne as is her right.” He grinned, “Then, we can ally as per our emperor’s orders.”

Melanie cleared her throat gently, “I accept the proposal. But I require certain conditions.”

She spent several long, laborious minutes listing out a whole bunch of political jargon that Felix couldn’t follow. During that lengthy time, Roy and Roxanna stepped out into the hallway for a few minutes. Tinuriel reached down and grabbed Felix’s hand under the table, running her fingers along his.

Roy and Roxanna came back into the room, the Grand General with a look of concentration on her face as she took her seat once more. Cowler gestured to one of the scribes who ran over with a sheaf of parchment, “These terms are acceptable, Lady Remarda.” Cowler stood up and brought the parchment to her, “I will have a copy made once you approve it, and then we will put our seals to it.”

Melanie looked over the paper with a ludicrous speed and nodded curtly before Cowler bowed and left the room. Jeremiah cleared his throat once more, “Well, now that that unpleasant business has been dealt with, on to more celebratory matters. First, thank you, Roy, for bringing the emperor’s gift from Ashigura Ashiyoko on Ryūganaru.” He tossed a sack of coins on the table, “Here is the agreed-upon compensation. A black jade statue for ten thousand coins.”

Roy took the bag and handed it to Felix, “Neither Melanie nor I need the money. And without you and Tinuriel, we wouldn’t have gotten this far.”

[Loot Obtained]

·         Local Currency: Converted to 10,000 VC

“Thank you,” Felix replied. “So, what’s the plan?”

Jeremiah smiled, “Since the collapse was canceled, the emperor’s birthday celebration is still set for two days from now. We would be delighted to have the rightful heir of the Remarda throne and a Versewalker in attendance – along with their allies.”

Felix glanced between his allies. Roy was stony-faced, Melanie looked relieved, and Tinuriel looked bored. “What do you all think?”

Getting to be treated like royalty for a bit is nice.

Roy looked at Felix, “I don’t mind staying around.” Melanie nodded her head in agreement.

Tinuriel squeezed his hand and leaned over to whisper, “If you want. But I expect you to do that thing again.”

Felix looked to Jeremiah, “We’d be honored to attend.”

A page ran into the room from the hallway and bowed, “M’lords, M’ladies. The emperor is ready.”

The council stood as one, “Please, follow me,” Jeremiah said.

The throne room of emperor Lothar Longsword III was the same architectural style as the rest of the palace, but the walls were covered with tapestries depicting scenes of battle and courtly nobility. The floors were covered in lush carpets, and there was a total of five thrones. The most enormous was sat upon by a man with slightly tapered ears, a head of golden hair, and a long beard and mustache. His stern eyes glinted green. A half-elf, Lucifer informed. On his left were two fraternal twins who took after the man and whose ears were slightly less pointed. On his right was a mature human woman with greying hair and a calm, relaxed demeanor. On her lap was a young boy – a toddler – who had dark hair and slightly pointed ears.

“My lord, I introduce Felix Winters, Versewalker, and savior of Invictus. His party, Tinuriel of Avelion, Roy Stromson of Invictus, and Melanie Parslia Ventorus Remarda IV, of Ethdellin.”

The emperor gestured for the group to approach. “You have done us a great service, Verswalker. I am Lothar Longsword III.” He gestured to the fraternal twins, “My children, Lionel and Lessira,” then gestured to the other side, “My wife Levana, and my third child Sylas.” Each nodded their head slightly in turn. The emperor stood up and descended the dais, walking up to Felix and offering his hand. Felix took it and they shook for a moment. Lothar’s demeanor brightened, “You truly are sent from the Heavenly Realms to save us. We have heard of your Angelic wings, and tales of your heroic deed are spreading.”

Felix smiled, “It really was our pleasure.”

Lothar nodded and went over to Melanie, bowing deeply in front of her. “And you, my lady, are most welcome. Cowler has apprised me of…the delicate situation we find ourselves in. But it appears that you two came to an accord.”

Melanie’s voice became regal and stern, a huge behavior shift from anything Felix or the others had seen thus far. “Emperor Lothar, you, and your council have done a grave disservice in attempting to kill me through your contracted killers. I fully intend to retake my throne with the assistance of the Versewalker and his party. When that happens, I intend to rule with grace. I will be willing to work towards an accord. But I believe compensation is due as agreed upon.”

The emperor nodded, “Yes. Roxanna will escort your party to the royal vaults later. First, we must prepare for the upcoming festivities.” The emperor returned to his throne and took his seat. “We will provide you with guest quarters here in the palace, and you are more than welcome to explore the capital of Hearthstone at your leisure. The best of the Invictus Empire is here; the best chefs, smiths, tailors…anything you could desire.”

The fraternal male – Lionel – stood up, “Father, I would like to accompany them for their stay in the city.”

The emperor gestured and Lionel approached Felix. His green eyes were slightly lighter than his father’s, and he was lithe with a rapier strapped to his waist. “Versewalker. Please, come with me.” He gestured to Felix’s allies, “All of you, please.”

The emperor stood and exited to the council room, followed by his daughter. The wife and toddler went in another direction, and very rapidly Felix’s group was escorted by Lionel and Roxanna down a series of tunnels. Roy tugged on Felix’s arm, whispering in his ear. “I told Roxanna about what I am and my intentions.”

Felix shot a glance back at him, “Why would you do that?”

Revealing his hand like that was an idiot play.

Roy frowned, “I had an idea. Just go with me on this. Please.”

The group arrived in front of an enormous vault with two guards that appeared extremely bored, coming to attention as Roxanna came around the corner. “You two, leave us.” They bowed and ran off as she produced a large key, inserted it into the lock, and threw open the vault door. She turned to the party and gestured, “The emperor has agreed to provide each of you with an item from his royal vault. There are magical artifacts of power within.”

Lionel went inside with them, “Roxanna, please stay outside for a moment.” She nodded and put herself into the gap of the vault door. Lionel looked at the group, “This way, I’m trapped in here with you. Now, we can talk.” He pointed to Roy, “Roxanna told me about you, Dark Lord.”

Roy muttered a curse and cast a glance at Roxanna, who sheepishly looked away. “So, you know who I am. What do you intend?”

Lionel leaned against a very expensive-looking, golden statue, “I am all for dismantling the system as it stands. My sister agrees with me on this matter. There are whisperings and stirrings of the Dark Lord’s return, and despite the very obscured history on the matter, I was able to learn about the true history of your past life.”

“Hold on,” Felix interrupted. “You support his plan? Equality for all?”

Lionel nodded, “The empire is a relic of a bygone era. I’ve seen how people are treated.” He pointed at Tinuriel, “I’ve seen how the elves are treated. I’ve seen how those who are disabled and disfigured are treated.” He shook his head, “I just wanted to let you know that when the Dark Lord makes his move, I will be working alongside him.”

Roy smirked, “Let me guess, Roxanna and you will perform a coup.”

Lionel nodded, “Cowler works for me. My father is a good man, but he’s also a relic of the past. We need change. We’ve been stagnant for too long. The higher Tiers have knowledge and artifice that we don’t, and they guard it jealously.”

Tinuriel frowned and shook her head, “Some Tiers will not cooperate. I know my people will resist being treated as equals to others.”

Roy looked at Tinuriel, “I can always stop my conquest for equality. Limnalia is as far as I will go. I doubt that I can keep a handle on anything larger than nine Tiers.”

She nodded and her frown shifted to a neutral look, “Then I do not mind.”

Lionel grinned, “Excellent. So, now that you know you have allies on Invictus…feel free to select what you desire.”

Felix focused his will on finding the most powerful items in the vault. Detect Object.

The golden lines traced out to four items. A pair of bracers, a spiked gorget, an old-looking pair of gloves, and a gilded rose. He took his time using Detect Properties on each.

[Item Description: Warding Bracers]

[Prevents Powers/Magic from affecting the user if less than 10 Anima is used (or equivalent).]

[Item Description: Berserker Collar]

[Turns damage suffered into damage amplification for the user.]

[Item Description: Gloves of the Ledgermain]

[Enables the use of Thieves Tools, pick pocketing, and other roguish actions at thirty feet.]

[Item Description: Soul Rose]

[When given from one person to another, connects their souls, ensuring they will find each other after death.]

He said one item apiece. Decisions, decisions. Glancing around, Felix saw his allies choosing various items off the walls. He went over to Tinuriel, “Those bracers will protect you from minor Magic/Powers, the collar turns pain into strength, and that rose connects souls.”

Tinuriel’s eyes shot between the three items he subtly pointed out. “Hey, Melanie.” She waved the princess over and pointed out the rose. “Grab that, give it to Roy. Trust me.”

Melanie did so, and Roy took it as confusion was writ across his face for a moment. Then, both their eyes widened, and they smiled at each other gently as the rose faded into nothingness. They shared a passionate kiss.

Tinuriel turned to Felix, “I should take the collar. My weapon heals me when I hit things, and so it would be a good pairing.” She reached out, grabbed the gorget, and put it on. The color contrasted against her armor, but she made it look good – and intimidating.

Felix looked between the gloves and the bracers. “I’m not sure,” he muttered.

Tinuriel grabbed the bracers and handed them to him, “I want you alive.”

Felix nodded, “Fair point,” and pulled up his armored sleeves before latching the bracers on.

Lionel looked at them, coughing slightly. “Roy, make up your mind.”

Roy looked around and grabbed an enormous crystal ball, “This will do. A scrying orb is always valuable.” He put it into a satchel and the group left the vault. Roxanna locked it behind them and called for the guards who had gone just around the corner. They resumed their posts, and the group made their way upstairs. When they reached the main floor of the palace, Lionel bowed. “Enjoy the capital. Enjoy the guest quarters.” He stood up and shook Roy’s hand, “And you have my and Roxanna’s support when you make your move.” Lionel and Roxanna departed.

Felix turned to his allies, “Shall we explore the city?”

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