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[Azthor]

Send the Archon a letter confirming my presence and set off towards Castellum Fidelis at once, escorted by my personal guard.

[Sheb]

Roim knew he did the right thing. Could those simpletons really expect him to fall for their 'good priest, bad priest" tactic? You can't let blackmailer have it their way; if he acceded to Luthias demand, the Archon would just keep on asking for more and more, always finding excuse as for why his plans to get Aeverys back failed, and why he needed control over House Nova's roads, armies, guards, police...

It pained him, but he also knew Aeverys would agree with him. Ha, if only he had been the one sent to vengeance.

----

As he arrived in Delta-17 after a long, exhausting trip on some of the worse roads of the Empire, Roim was surprised (and, truth to be said, a bit relieved) not to see Azthor waiting for him, ready to ask question about the meeting. After a warm bath and a quick meal, when the wear and tear of the trip was finally left behind, he finally inquired about Azthor's whereabouts.

"What? He left for Castellum Fidelis on his own? Damn, I should have thunk about it. Playing divide and conquer, ain't we Luthias? Well, Azthor mays want our throne, but he doesn't want House Nova to fall into the Church's hand. I guess he won't do anything stupid..." thank Roim, then, turning to his secretary.

"I want you to ask Azthor to meet me as soon as he's back. I don't care if it's 3 a.m. and I'm sleeping, wake me up. We need to coordinate our actions and work together if we're to get House Nova out of this mess in one piece."

[Ardas]

Azhtor was ushered into Archon's office. It was modestly decorated place, with all of Garth's paintings and light decorations removed. In their place, busts of emperors, saints, religious paintings and bookshelfs lined up with theology, history and science books were placed.

"Azhtor of house Nova, I'm pleased to finally meet you. Welcome in the seat of diocese of Si'kar."

Luthias took a seat in his heavy chair behind his desk and offered a chair to Azhtor with a hand.

"I believe you would be interested in hearing about few things concerning both Averys and house Nova. It pains me to talk to you in these circumstances, but I was never given a chance to prove my friendship and trust in your house."

[Azthor]

((Yes, I know, 0% creativity rating, but my character's name really is Azthor))

Azthor offers the Archon his hand, in greeting, before taking the seat.

"It is an honor to meet you in person, Your Eminence, but you will have to forgive me if I sound a bit wary, such a trip is most tiring for one of my age; not that it'd ever stop me from attending to matters of the faith. What did you have in mind concerning House Nova, Archon Luthias?"

[Ardas]

"I am gravely concerned about your situation as a noble family and about the state of faith in your lands. I have spoken with Roim and was taken aback by his lack of faith, desire to fight with the diocese and by his total disregard for Averys. I know it sounds incredible, but when I offered to help him rescue her, he threatened me and called me a liar.

I am willing to forgive due to circumstances, but I want to ask if you believe that Averys chose the right man. I would hate to see your house condemned because of a materialistic barbarian. After all, aren't you his senior by the right of your blood? He is just a consort to the matriarch, he should not be able to doom your ancient family."

Luthias then changed his tone to a more decisive one.

"Now, since Roim is not interested in rescuing Averys, maybe you will be more inclined to help. I just need to arrange few things, provided you agree."

[Sheb]

((Ardas, I must say, you are playing your hand well. Now, I'll refrain from any more intervention until this discussion is over, so as not to influence it, but I really like your style. ))

[Dwarmin]

Avery's lay in her prison cell-en route to somewhere, she supposed-hand behind her head, staring at the patterns in the walls. To their credit, it was impressably bland.

She had little contact since the journey began-aside from a dour chaplain who helped her with morning prayers, she had no visitors. Tasteless food was dropped from a slot for her daily meals. For a woman was accustomed to the luxury of a Queen, it was disconcerting.

But, it didn't bother her overmuch. She found an odd sort of peace, facing certain imprisonment and death. It gave her time to think...to turn old memories over in her head.

~

The younger Avery's laughs, senses pleasantly blurred by drink-enough she can enjoy herself. It's been a good night-one of celebration, another of her Fathers victories...not, that Avery's needs an excuse to get drunk, lately. She's already a soldier-one of the Sikar Rangers-and one excuse is as good as the other. She has some lack of friends-even though, that abominable Rigos will pour down a few shots with her out of respect. Though, everyone knows she's also untouchable-out of reach. The outcast Daughter of royalty. Both opportunity and danger.

So they keep their distance, and Avery's often drinks alone. She is jealous of the attentions other women receive. But, is not quite so petty to voice them.

She feels the road spin now, but finds herself leaning up against Garth-they are both younger, less hardened.. They stagger down the road together, laughing. Odd chance, that. This younger Garth is as almost as High blooded as she. Surely, their futures are bright, destined for greater things...

"You know, Garth, one day I'm going to rule this world...and, and...my first law...will be to fix these damn roads. They're all spinny and improper." She says, giggling, motioning to the roiling ground, as if issuing royal edict.

Garth lets out a deep laugh at that, and it warms her like a hearth fire. Averys turns into him. They both hesitate at the closeness...but only for a moment. It's good. Averys feels something she likes. Something she can't quite understand-and won't, until she meets Roim one day long off. It's a force that might have turned this warrior into something entirely different...but, fate is never so kind.

The Dire-Wolves howl in the distance, the hunters inexorable and inescapable.

Avery's eyes snap open. She can hardly recall that person who she was. That person...might well have died along with Garth. In this, she can be content-that what's lost is never found...you really never can go home again. But, where is she now? What does she want?

She cannot decide.

[Azthor]

"Your Eminence,the question may not be wheter Aeverys chose the right man, but rather, wheter my father chose the right sibling; however, that is another matter altogether and one of no relevance to the issue at hand. Know that the Matriarch's safety, as that of every House Head before, is secondary to the lineage's longevity. Notwithstanding, if Aeverys is truly guilty of the charges placed against her, it is her duty to atone for the stain she has brought upon the House, not to mention her heretic behavior. Alas, while I know better than to question the Inquisition's judgement, it is not yet outside the realm of possibility that the Matriarch be, in fact, innocent, and for that alone am I willing to lend her aid, if only so that the House may both be spared the dishonor and remain true to the Pancrator's merciful ways. Name your terms and, provided that they are reasonable and I am given adequate assurance of which they will bring no harm the House nor to the true faithful, that which you ask for will be within your reach."

[Ardas]

"My terms are simple and reasonable. I seek nothing more than non-interference in the church matters and issues. All schools and temples and their incomes should remain with me and I would like for house Nova take note of my edicts, which are given out only in the interest of protection of faith. I may be able to possess wealth of my own, but diocese lives off whatever it can gain here. If there are no church lands or temples, there is no diocese. I don't have to spell out the rest of this equation to you.
I am also under Inquisition mandate and order to take care of the remaining bit of the planet that I have explored. I have issued Prohibitum Terra for that reason and would like it to be enforced. Any interference means problems for me and by extension for you. The Black Robes are only waiting for me to slip or for Roim to make a foolish mistake. He is already walking a fine line between an unruly child of church and a full-blown apostate, while I am closely watched.

I would also like to gain access to House Nova research team. I have already integrated them with my own scientists. They will help me with preparation of tools for Avery's rescue. She may have commited few errors, but I fully believe in her good heart and purity of intent.
In return I am more than willing to support your reunification efforts and give full planetary legitimacy to house Nova, which I will provide via the churches and schools. It comes nicely together, does it not? I also posess technology that may allow... well, that is a surprise if you accept.

And finally, I do not wish to meddle in politics of your family or make any announcements as of now, but please, keep an eye out for Roim. He is an outsider to your family an has not a drop of your blood in him. I saw the lust for power in his eyes and words. Don't let his hunger swallow this world. If my interests are endangered, I will be forced to denounce him. But that should not affect your family if you can distance yourself from him. After all, I am aware of your considerable sway within Nova military and household guard."

[Sheb]

((At this point I'd like to request a GM update of the loyalty and support figures. Those haven't been updated since I joined, so we don't know who is supported by who. I mean, my character was an NPC, so it made sense not to include him back then, but Roim must have somme support from the population, as well as support from the Army that was after all his.))

Having given orders for Azthor to meet him as soon as possible, Roim then asked for Trent to come to his office.

We may have a slight problem in our research program Trent. Luthias decided he could just come in and claim whatever he wanted, and decided to claim our scientists to work on his project. Now, I of course refused, but he might very well issue and edict, and with Aeverys in the Inquisition's hand we cannot afford to disregard Church Edicts, no matter what they are.

So here is what I think we should do. In the event of such an edict, you'll got with the scientists, and make sure no important research get done. Your blueprints will contain errors, your reports will get lost, whatever, just be totally unproductive. Make sure all the labs head are Nova loyalists and will continue to follow this "bad work" policy even if Luthias sent you back.

Now, I know you don't like the idea of not learning anything new. Well the Church got a lot of tech that we will need. While you're there, you'll have the perfect opportunity to learn as much as possible. We'll have that tech gap crossed in no time.

[adwarf]

Trent looked at Roim, and gave a questioning look as he spoke, "Do you really think this course of action to be wise, I mean I could just as easily help them with their research and bring back all my discoveries, and knowledge gained there which would benefit the House of Nova greater, but sadly I can't accept your plan even if you are king." Trent paused for a second, and his face turned to a smile as he spoke, "My first objective is to ensure the safety, and return of Aeverys above all else, even if I must betray you to do so, I'll keep your request in mind and my course of action will be determined by any discussions or edicts with the Archon. Anything further you wish to discuss, or problems with what I've said?"

[Sheb]

Roim burst over the desk, and grabbed Trent by his collar.

"Don't you dare insinuate this! I wanted to be taken instead of Aeverys, and would do it again. I gave an Empire to be by her side, and I'd gave my life to bring her back to safety. She's the reason I invaded a third of this planet, so that I'd be a suitable suitor for her. She's carrying my unborn child, the flesh of my flesh!

And you dare insinuate that I'd risk so much as an hair from her head for some stupid power struggle? I have killed men for less than that!"

Taking a deep breath, Roim return behind his desk.

No, the reason I want to be as much of a pain for Luthias as possible is exactly because it's the best way to bring Aeverys back. As long as bow to his blackmail, he has no interest in bringing her back. On the contrary, he will keep asking for more, making his best to keep her away, sinc this would be his master card.

No, the best way to get Aeverys back in to interced directly to the Inquisition. That mean we need to act as holier than the Church itself. It also mean we need to push Luthias to make mistake: He's a Reformist, and giving the Inquisition an opportunity to remove him would net us much favor with them.

Now, what you said make sense. Research is research, and the Pancreator knows we need it. But I pray you, if you found yourself summoned in the labs of Castellum Fidellis, do your best for House Nova. That mean learning as much as possible, and also think thorougly before deciding wheter to work in earnest on a project or sabotage it. Some will only benefit the Church.

[Ardas]

((Ah, the frantic moves of a desperate man. You continure to make this better and better for me Sheb... But overall nice RP, very much in character.))

[adwarf]

Trent quickly fixed his collar, and gave Roim a thoughtful glance before letting out a sigh, once again he found himself clutching his House symbol and he let go in hurry as if the thing had burned him. "I see, I figured Aeverys would chose a man like you, you may have been worthy in her eyes, but right now you are nearing a disgrace. Compose yourself, and act like a leader, at this time your people need you more then anything and you can't go losing your head over this matter." Trent paused, and took a second to think before continuing, "I will help you get Aeverys back, this I swear for it is my duty in life for being the Bearer of Sins, I will follow your plan where it furthers the House and Aeverys return. House Nova is teetering on the edge of destruction, and the pillar holding it up is Aeverys if she is lost this House will collapse and our say on this world will vanish, she is the destined ruler after all." With that he sighed again before pulling out an ancient looking token depicting a dire-wolf on the field of battle.

[Sheb]

((Thanks Ardas. I really wonder where this will lead us.  ))

We have an agreement then. Except if there is anything else you wish to discuss, you mlay go. I think I'll get some sleep, this whole situation is getting on my nerve.