Chapter 25: The Great Conference of the Dukes I

Godefroi adjusted his shirt as he addressed the table of well established gentlemen. Standing at attention, 13 of the finest men in France stood readily awaiting his command.

"The first topic of tonight will be the Dark Prince, a menace that has descended upon France of late, do any of you have any info on his whereabouts or his identity?" Godefroi questioned.

THere was no response. THe table of gentlemen looked from person to person, trying to find anyone who had heard of Prince before the incident.

Godefroi looked around the room searching for any signs of hesitation or doubt. From the corner of his eye he saw Silvio break eye contact with him for a moment.

"Prince…" Silvio thought "What is your connection to Godefroi?"

"Silvo!" Godefroi exclaimed "Why is it you are so quiet? It is unlike you to not have input on every topic, is something bothering you?"

"Well.." Silvio said hesitating "I'm not sure it is the time or place for such remarks so I remained quiet," He said gritting his teeth.

"If you have something, anything at all, please share it," Godefroi exclaimed.

"Well, this Dark Prince fellow…"

"Yes Silvio, " Godefroi said, getting impatient.

"Well he's quite handsome isn't he?" Silvio said, scratching his chin.

The silent room was instantly filled with the laughs and roars of the dukes surrounding the table. As the table shook from the rambunctious laughter Silvio had caused, Godefroi gritted his teeth in angst.

"Good one Silvio!" A fat man sitting beside Silvio said, slapping him on the back. A drop of sweat ran down his bald head dripping onto his crusty, unkept beard. "Way to break the ice!"

Silvio grabbed his back, wincing in pain from the large man's slap. As he looked up at the gargling fat man's eyes, he couldn't help but be disgusted at how awful looking he was.

"Tsk," He said catching his breath "At this rate your going to break my spine with those obese hands of yours! Who the hell made you the Duke of Bourbon?"

"Now Silvio that's no way to treat James, Your provinces are basically right next to each other, your practically neighbors, in fact I often mistake you for James on occasion, you two are just so similar looking." A cunning man with a mustache said. He rested his hands on his chin strap beard, laughing softly at the two.

"Ahh yes, William de Frank, the Duke of Champagne, the man who throws the most lavish parties and never cares to invite me." Silvio said "I often get your mustache confused as a caterpillar meandering across your face, so I guess I can understand the sentiment" Silvio said shrugging his shoulders.

"You bastard!" William cried.

"Can you believe these wild animals?" A man with glasses said sipping his wine. "I'm telling you the new Duc's are an embarrassment to the crown, We need to return to the old regime"

"Heh, that's fine with me" A man who was covered in jewelry replied. "Less hands in the pot means bigger shares for the holders." He said grinning.

"Archbishop Clay, and Bishop Frank of Langres" A man with a top hat said from across the table. "I know a newly appointed peer such as myself has no right to say this, but there is one among us who does great respect to the crown." The man said

"Yes Phillip you are right...There is him," The man with glasses said looking towards a blond haired boy. "The shining sun of France, I'm surprised he's been quiet so long."

"Gentlemen!" A young blond haired boy said rising up from the table. As he rose it was like the sun was reflecting off the waters of his bright blue eyes. "Your King has addressed you! There is a treacherous rebel running around, terrorizing the kingdom of France! Is this really the time for childish banter? You should be ashamed of yourselves! Why does it take a man half your ages to correct your behavior!"

"He, your balls haven't even dropped yet!" A huge man said slamming down the table. "Who Do you think you are directing the table! You've been a duke for less than a year boy!" He growled

SPLASH!

The vibration from the table caused a glass of wine to spill onto the shirt of a man dressed in all black. His bright red hair drooped over his eyes, temporarily covering his expression.

"OHH SHIT He's done it now! The duke of Guyenne is a total nut!" Silvio whispered to James.

The man in all black whipped out a dagger as fast as lightning and threw it at the huge man who had shook the table.

Woosh!

Coming out of nowhere, Weisheng jumped over the table intercepting the blade with his fingers with the slightest of ease.

Within moments the entire table was surrounded by Godfroi's 13 swords, each holding a dagger to the necks of the men sitting at the table.

"Gentlemen, I would ask that you not be so rowdy at this table, It's wood is made from Pink Ivory, imported from the shores of Africa. I'd hate to muddle such a delicacy with blood." Godefroi said. A murderous fever radiated from his eyes as he looked over them men.

The Dukes relaxed themselves, returning to orderly conduct, and with a snap of Godefroi's fingers, all 13 blades disappeared.

"Gentlemen, you are well acquainted with the 13 swords, they are my weapon, an unstoppable force that pierces my enemies. You, are my 13 dukes, the 13 shields of mine, the unmovable objects who protect all that I stand for. Shields mustn't bump into each other during formation, it is important that they come together to form a wall and protect their king. Do I make myself clear?" Godefroi said.

The men nodded in a silent unison, each too terrified of Godefroi and the powers of the swords at his disposal.

"Good, now then, let's begin our talk again, We are going to detail the downfall of our dark haired adversary."

(Back at the Den of Wolves.)

"Alright it's time for phase two of the plan." Prince said walking into the Den of Wolves.

"Remember you promised me whores!" Marlin said.

"Don't worry Marlin" Prince laughed "Lets just hope our whore upstairs can hold out that long."

Back in Lindors room Meri continued her dance for the perverted man.

"Prince!" Meri grunted under her breath. "I hate you!"