36 Good and Evil Deal
"Coup?" asked Gilbert Anselm.
The man, who was Jaelys Anselm's younger brother, certainly did not expect their arrival at Quentin's invitation to discuss the coup plan.
Neither did Rolf, although the possibility remained for him to take the reins of House Murdheim. Ashel was an only son, and he was physically disabled.
"To prevent bloodshed, this plan is the only thing you can do," Quentin replied.
"Is there no other plan? Can you talk to Jaelys Anselm and Ashel Murdheim about this?" asked Rolf.
"It's impossible. Their hatred is already built up from their shattered pride. They will defect to me even if I promise them a lot," Quentin insisted.
"And it will be troublesome for me. I have a lot of work to do," Quentin added.
The bottle of alcohol typical of the village had arrived earlier. Quentin helped pour the drink into three wooden glasses neatly stored on the table.
After pouring the drink, Quentin handed it to Gilbert and Rolf, one glass for each.
They accepted the drink and tasted it, the best alcoholic drink in the tavern. Quentin did the same. The flavour was very strong, with a mostly bitter taste; the drink had a soda sensation.
For Quentin, who is used to drinking good quality wine at Calden Castle, the drink's taste in his current glass could not fulfil his craving. One glass was enough for Quentin, but not Gilbert and Rolf.
Those familiar with this type of wine had no hesitation in continuing to enjoy it. The two men seemed to like it despite the occasional frown on their faces as the bitter taste of alcohol filled their mouths.
"There's no way we're taking the reins from our brother," declared Gilbert.
"Neither can I. The people will think of us as traitors," Rolf countered.
"You don't have to show your true plans in public. I will work out some plans to help you," Quentin explained.
"Your main task, if you're willing to accept my orders, is to get together with your trusted people and create a bad rumour about Jaelys and Ashel's rule," Quentin said.
"You're their close relatives; you know more about them than I do. I will help put pressure on Jaelys and Ashel, putting pressure on them so that their minds are frantic and unable to think properly," Quentin explained.
"Chaos will be created in those two cities. The resulting pressure from the chaos will cause Jaelys and Ashel to be forced by their own people to leave the throne of Anselm and Murdheim," Quentin continued.
Gilbert and Rolf were stunned. Their eyes darted around with their hearts pounding, their pupils dilated as if they were staring at Quentin with concern and seriousness.
"So, this is the true nature of Lord Quentin?" asked Gilbert.
"If you don't like it, you can return to House Anselm. Tell your cowardly brother that Quentin is planning a coup against his rule," Quentin replied sarcastically.
"After that, you just wait for the 50,000 combined troops from Helferich and the alliance houses in Lanercoast to destroy every house, slaughter every man, rape your mother and every woman there, then cut Jaelys' cock off in front of his dead people!" threatened Quentin.
"Don't forget, I will drag Jaelys and every House Anselm family member to every city. I will make sure you are thrown with shit and stones until your flag is used as a rag to wipe the shit off the people of the Lanercoast!" Quentin continued.
Gilbert widened his eyes, his face turning pale as his right hand, clutching the wooden glass, slowly lowered to place the glass on the table.
Not only did Gilbert, who gasped in shock, fill his heart with fear, but Rolf was the same. He suspected Quentin would do the same to Murdheim if they refused Quentin's order.
"I already said it to you. I hate traitors. I don't mess around with my threats!" Quentin challenged.
"Our House will be gone if we refuse your request," Gilbert explained.
"Still, but only as a flag used to wipe the shits of all Lanercoast folks. That's all the pride you'll have if you refuse my orders," Quentin said.
Gilbert fell silent again, looking to the side at Rolf, who sat with his hands shaking. The conversation in the tavern was an important one that would determine the fate of their House's future.
After a long silence as they looked at the water in their glasses. Gilbert and Rolf finally made up their minds. They would carry out Quentin's order to coup Jaelys and Ashel's positions.
"We will do it!" said Gilbert, having no other choice.
"Good. Start gathering people who support you and spread the bad news about Lord Jaelys and Lord Ashel throughout the city," revealed Quentin.
"I will carry out my own plan, of course, to help you take over from Jaelys and Ashel," Quentin explained.
"Once we have captured the positions of Lord Jaelys and Lord Ashel, what should we do?" asked Rolf.
"Come to Calden Castle with your men, bring your flag and meet me. Swear your allegiance to Helferich, and I will let you live long and happily as leaders of your house," Quentin explained.
"Fine. We will do as you say," stated Gilbert.
Quentin cleared his throat. He stood up from his sitting position while putting down the wooden cup that had been empty of any drink.
The man said goodbye to Gilbert and Rolf, telling them there was a big event for Quentin to attend tomorrow.
"I will be leaving. You can return to your cities tonight or tomorrow!"
***
Hallen River.
Lanercoast.
That morning, Quentin had already arrived at the west bank of the Hallen River, waiting for someone from Archibald's side to come meet him.
From a distance, Quentin could clearly see the encampment of Archibald's army set up not far from the location of the Hallen River, with the green flag bearing the symbol of the white wolf fluttering in the wind in the morning ambience.
"Should we go back first?" asked one of the soldiers, holding the flag as he asked Quentin.
"Then let them wait for us? That's not good. Not good for Norman's mood," Quentin explained.
"We will wait," replied Quentin, assuring his soldiers.
After about fifteen minutes of waiting on the riverbank, their eyes still straight at Archibald's army encampment. The flow of Hallen's river was not so heavy that morning since it had not rained in the region since that morning and the night before.
In the distance, Quentin could see a group of troops waving the green flag of the white wolf, a sign that Norman Archibald was approaching the banks of the Hallen River.
Norman returned riding his mighty black horse, his scarred face and muscular body giving him an authoritative look.
"Lord Quentin," called Norman Archibald.
Quentin bowed his head slightly, then lifted his eyes to look forward, staring at the leader of House Archibald.
"Do you know the whereabouts of Prince Alexander?" asked Norman, asking something different from what Quentin expected.
"Prince Alexander? I do not know his whereabouts, Lord Archibald," Quentin explained.
"Edmund's attack on Northcrest was based on the suspicion that Prince Alexander was imprisoned by us. However, Alexander is not at Wintercrest," Norman replied.
"Is it possible Prince Alexander was imprisoned by another house? Then that house accuses you of doing it, Lord Archibald," Quentin said.
"I have not yet called the House in the southern region of Northcrest. They are still fighting fiercely against Telmarath's forces," Norman explained, turning his face spontaneously to look far to the south of the place.
"A truce must be called immediately so that Lord Archibald can investigate the whereabouts of Prince Alexander," Quentin explained.
Norman nodded. He didn't seem to be as arrogant as before. His face looked flat as if it no longer showed any plans to intimidate Quentin.
"Then what about our deal? We have prepared workers to build a bridge connecting the two lands," Quentin stated.
Norman was silent, then smiled and laughed out loud. He dismounted and stood at attention close to the Hallen River. Norman's eyes met Quentin's for a moment.
"Lord Edgar has expected this. One day, Oakenport will tax every merchant who passes through. That would cost Northcrest dearly," Norman explained.
"He proposed building a bridge, and I didn't expect the idea to come back and be proposed again by his nephew, Quentin Reingard," Norman said.
"If I approve this proposal, you must keep all your promises; no taxes on merchants, goods from Northcrest merchants bought by Helferich, and ensure the safety of merchants when trading," Norman pleaded.
Quentin smiled. It was an easy promise to keep as long as his men who would later work here did not play dirty by extorting money.
"Sure. You have my word," Quentin replied.
"Prepare the canoes!" said Norman.
The soldiers from Archibald began carrying a wooden canoe for Norman to use across the river. Quentin chose to wait on the other side of the place, ready to shake hands to make a deal with House Archibald.
Norman got into the canoe, with two soldiers seen paddling up to the logs. It was not difficult to cross the river, especially since the flow was calm in the morning.
Finally, Norman Archibald set foot on Lanercoast land, face to face with Quentin, who greeted Norman's arrival with a nod of his head.
"I have certain proposals. I would like to marry my first son and Heir of House Archibald, Geoffrey Archibald, to one of Edgar Helferich's daughters," Norman declared, pointing to his son, standing with the other members.
Quentin stretched his hand forward, drawing Norman Archibald's attention to shake Quentin's hand, signalling the legitimacy of the agreement between House Helferich and House Archibald.
"Allow me to escort you to meet the Helferich family members. We are bringing them here," Quentin invited.
"What about my safety?" asked Norman.
"Since we have agreed, the lands of Lanercoast can be walked on by Archibald and the men of Northcrest," replied Quentin.
"You may invite Lord Geoffrey and your guards to come with us."
