Chapter 13: Pilgrimage to Skellige, Part 2
(Royal Council of Cidaris Chamber, Castle Cidaris, County of Cidaris, Duchy of Cidaris, Kingdom of Cidaris, The Dragon Coast, The North, Witcher-Verse)
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(Queen Adda ''The Red'' Dezmoiden of Cidaris POV)
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Sitting in the Royal Council of Cidaris Chamber, Adda was reviewing the reports Lucia had given her. Clarisse de Chille was an excellent candidate to start with, and her resume was a good indication of what to expect. But that wasn't what drew her eye, Clarisse de Chille was drawn up on Insubordination charges by Colonel Julio Grotelul. She didn't know the full story, but he was just one of a handful of people Aethan sent into early retirement for what was officially listed as battlefield fatigue and war wariness.
But she, like everyone else, had heard the whispers in the court, she knew that in truth they'd been retired for bigotry and sexism. More than half of the generals who had served King Ethain were retired for this reason. Their replacements were younger and hungrier for the validation of why Aethan's trust and favor were granted to them. She expected most to lose their first battles. She knew that it would be in their explanation of why and how they lost that the question of validation would be answered.
Aethan was weird like that, he cared very little for the failure itself as opposed to how one failed and how they interpreted it and their subsequent explanation. Everything would be tested and examined before the ones who bore the blame for the failure would be called to account, her husband liked to have the facts before any one opinion was seen as the truth, it let him make an informed decision when dealing with someone who was content laying their failure at another's feet. Which was why she was calling on Cantarella.
She had heard stories passed around her father's court of the legendary Nilfgaardian Spy, including the fact she'd one day just vanished. As both the Queen and the acting ruler of Cidaris, one of Aethan's mandates was that she be apprised of all active intelligence agents and operations currently active within Cidarian borders. Cantarella, known as Nightshade within the Cidarian NIS, was an officer within the Cidarian Intelligence Service who answered directly to her husband, not Lucia. But with Aethan on a Pilgrimage, Cantarella answered to her now.
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(POV Shift: Carthia ''Cantarella'' Van Carten)
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Queen Adda was a curious woman.
Or rather the Queen was both a curiosity and naturally curious herself. Many within Cidaris and beyond assumed that Aethan married Adda for the politics or the alliance gains. Yet just as was the case with King Esterad, Aethan did not have separate chambers for the two of them. He seemed to genuinely care for his Queen.
He cared enough that he sought to help his wife in her studies and healing process and also enable her growth. Carthia's job now was to keep a close watch on the Queen and report back to King Aethan. Unbeknownst to the Queen, Aethan was aware of her plans and did not oppose it. But he did not actively support her either. As much as he'd been helping her already, his decision was clear, as were her orders.
'Keep my Adda safe, but do not make things easy for her unless it will destabilize the regency'. Those had been his orders to her and Madam Lucia.
He wanted her to make her own way in court, Lucia would aid her as was the Madam's duty as the Royal Spymistress. But Carthia's duty was less clear. She was to report back to King Aethan regularly, but she was also to only aid the queen if the regency was at risk. As it stood, things were stable right now. But Adda was already making moves. The Queen was trying to build a faction. Her starting point had been offering a royal pardon and the promise of a title to Antso Garrin. Something that although technically within her power as King Aethan's Regent, could only be acknowledged and ratified by King Aethan upon his return.
She'd relayed this to King Aethan, but as annoyed by it as he was, he had not ordered her to intervene. He told her to wait and see what came of it. That in itself said enough that though he was far from happy with offering the traitor's royal pardons and the promise of a title, he was willing to wait to see what Adda did in the end. But it was curious, the Queen was seeking to meet her. It could be any number of things, but hopefully it proved somewhat exciting. Her assignments of late were less exciting after the extraction of the General's family.
She understood it of course, she was outed as a rogue operative and now had a death mark to her name in her own country. Even if Nilfgaard wasn't technically the country of her birth. She was born from a mother of Vicovaro and of a father from Nazair, yet she was born and raised within the borders of Metinna. She later traveled to the Imperial Academy of Nilfgaard and was scouted personally by Vattier's predecessor. She longed to see her homeland free of Nilfgaard.
Once that would have been a foreign idea to her.
But Aethan had given her a different outlook.
''The Queen awaits you inside.'' Her escort informed her.
''My thanks.'' She offered the guardsman.
Time to see what the Red Queen wanted.
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(POV Shift: King Aethan I Jaenerys of Cidaris)
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That wife of his…
She promised the people he tried and convicted a pardon for aid and services rendered. He could live with that. The promise of a title however was somewhat of an issue.
The promising of a title, although technically within Adda's authority, was a problem because there were only two available titles currently free; Ebeltoft and Marstal.
Marstal would never be governed by anyone outside his line. And Ebeltoft was promised to General Aider and his family. This meant that a Barony was the only title Antso Garrin would get, unless of course he truly proved himself worthy if something more and tone of neighboring families ended, then perhaps a county would be in order.
It depended on how vital Antso Garrin was to his Adda's success. Kind of like how mutual respect was vital for the Jarls of Skellige to function peacefully.
Speaking of which…
''By all the Gods! I've never been smacked that hard before. Feel like I've given birth!'' Lugos bemoans.
''Beaten by an Outsider? Shameful, but beaten by a superior and more skilled fighter? Nay, no shame in that.'' Donar adds breathlessly as he nurses a drink for his own wounds.
''That movement though? Never seen a man move like that.'' Holger says, his face black and blue.
He had little trouble dispatching Holger Blackhand, Madman Lugos, and Donar an Hindar because he utilized a variety of martial arts against them, which coupled with his Cat School training that focused on mobility and versatility proved enough for him to defeat the three Jarls. That in turn had led to Harald Houndsnout and Crach getting into the fighting. They were a lot harder to fight off, but he'd done it. He'd only conceded defeat to King Bran.
He'd not expected Bran to get into it, so he'd gotten pretty gassed trying to avoid grappling with Crach. The issue with his Cat School training was that he was taught to blitz an opponent and take them out quickly. But Crach despite whatever his physical appearance implied, actually had a lot of Stamina. So by the time he'd dispatched Houndsnout, Crach was onto him and his style.
Bran gave him enough trouble that even though it appeared he was winning, he was forced to admit defeat because he was losing too much energy and wasn't recovering it fast enough. Plus Bran was even more deceptively strong than Crach was.
More than that, it was one thing beating the Jarls black and blue, it would be received far more poorly to beat up the King.
''I'll be honest, that was tougher than I expected.'' Aethan admits, even as Keira cleans some of the blood from his face and casts a healing spell on his joints and knuckles.
''I've done what I can, but I'm no expert healer. Such a task is best left to the priestesses or a physician.'' Keira tells him.
''Thank you, Keira.'' Says Aethan, as he takes an offered mug from one of Crach's servants. ''Well, I'm glad that if nothing else a bit of the blood got pumping. But the hour is late, and I would like to get some rest while I'm able to do so of my own recognizance.''Says Aethan.
''Of course, Cerys can show you to your rooms.'' Crach says, motioning his daughter over. Aethan - who has always had a weakness for redheads - resists his urges to take her to bed. He was married, and he hadn't slept with Amryn since the wedding, or anyone for that matter. Besides looking at her now? She couldn't have been more than fifteen, much too young for him to even consider bedding her. Oh she matched his type well enough, but the truth was she was not old enough. If fifteen was too young for childbirth, it was certainly too young for a tumble between the sheets.
''My thanks.'' Aethan says, before nodding to Keira, the message was clear to her for what it was.
''My King.'' She said dutifully, before moving on to set up a communication link to Cidaris. He'd told her before they left that he wanted to speak to Adda at some point before he fell asleep in Skellige. He also needed to speak with Lucia, Carthia, and Philippa at some point. Hmm, actually he'd speak with Adda last. ''Keira, I'll take Philippa first.'' He whispers to her as she passes.
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''I'm surprised, I expected you to speak with your wife first.'' Philippa said over the megascope.
''I was planning on it, but this was more important, or rather it was more pressing. Did you look into what I told you about? The assistant and the abyss?'' He asked Eilhart.
''I did, but it wasn't easy. The Sedna Abyss is clearly a magical anomaly. As for Vilgefortz Assistant I had a new apprentice try out a revelation spell designed to disrupt glamours and enchantments. She reacted quickly, but I saw signs of experimentation easily enough. You were right, but whether or not your correct about Vilgefortz remains to be seen.'' Says Philippa.
''I expect Yennefer to eventually calm the Sedna, and as for Vilgefortz, do not rely on her witnesses' visions. Place Vilgefortz himself into an Augury as I instructed. As long as you word it so that you seek to see whether he can prove to not be the aggressor or aiding those who are, you should be able to get him to agree to it. On to another matter, the war will soon happen, you should begin to accelerate your preparations. We will need that Redanian Cavalry, not to mention the grain and supplies, I can only get so much on my own.'' Says Aethan.
''You were proactive, before your meeting, King Vizimir was too focused on rooting out the discontent and the treasonous. Preparing for war was an afterthought.'' Philippa replied.
''Even so, I highly doubt that you and Djikstra haven't made some preparations. Philippa, I am attempting to form an agreement with Clan's Tuirseach and an Craite. I was hoping to recruit Tuirseach shipwrights to provide last minute improvements to my fleets. But I foresee some difficulties. In the event that I am unable to forge that agreement, we may be forced to rely on sell sails… and that would be a serious security risk.'' Says Aethan.
''I sense you have a proposal for an alternative. What would you ask of me?'' Philippa asks.
''Not you specifically, but I've an idea that I believe would solve both our supply dilemma and allow the Dragon Coast to be even more effective in its defense. If we utilize portals we could use them to pass critical supplies and men to fronts about to fall. Obviously this cannot be our go to solution, but if we use it with the Intelligence Services and Special Forces, we should be able to do a lot of damage in a very short amount of time. I also ask for you to have Djikstra arrange for a meeting with myself and Thaler on neutral ground. The Passiflora in Novigrad has a secret room that was used by Falka. Seems appropriate.'' Says Aethan.
''The idea has merit, I'll speak to some other like-minded sorceresses, see what we can do. As for Djikstra, I'll see what he has to say.'' Says Philippa.
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(POV Shift: Philippa Eilhart)
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Closing her call with King Aethan, Philippa held her chin thoughtfully. Shipwrights, portals, and a meeting.
Skellige was famous for two things insofar as their economy was concerned. Their shipwrights - specifically those of Clan Tuirseach - were famous for their long traditions of shipbuilding. It was an art form to Clan Tuirseach. Centuries of tried and true shipbuilding knowledge built up and improved throughout the generations. The other thing was their sword and armor smiths, with Clan Tordarroch being particularly well-known for them.
For the moment this was an acceptable action. Eventually however, she would need to turn on her ally…for Redania as much as it would be about her ultimate goal of a Magical Kingdom. It would need not be anything explosive, but she would need to halt or at least slow the progress of Cidaris.
They weren't expanding their territory, but they were quickly beginning to outperform the likes of Hengfors and Brugge in terms of their industrial profile. They made a lot of coins in luxury goods, and they also exported fish and pearls, and they'd begun to boost their farming efforts.
Another industry they were starting to dominate was the metallurgy industry. Of late, Cidarian Armor and Steel was of exceptional quality, and the most exceptional works came with Runes that ensured that their weapons never dulled and the edges stayed sharp, while the armor was afforded Runes that deflected arrows. They could charge a Kings Ransom for that kind of thing, and they were.
''Why so thoughtful, Phil?'' She heard Djikstra's rough but sophisticated voice ask.
''I'm considering the Cidaris situation.'' She responded curtly.
''Huh, I have as well. King Aethan has made a lot of moves of late, Vizimir's instructions were to not antagonize him. I'm starting to see why.'' Djikstra admits.
''You admire him?'' Asks Philippa, letting a hint of mockery into her tone.
''Not so much the man himself as the actions he's taken that have reaped such rewards. He's very smart, and he's proactive. Everything Radovid is not. I know you have seen the boy for what he is, weak-willed, pliable. Vizimir for all his greatness is a poor father.'' Says Djikstra.
'' Careful Sigi, your words border on treason.'' She says.
''But am I wrong?'' Djikstra presses her.
She considers her response for but a moment, before replying honestly.
''No, you're not wrong. But we're hardly in a position to intervene. To do so without Vizimir asking us to would not only be an abuse of power, it could see everything we're working towards destroyed.'' She admits before offering her ally words of caution. Sooner or later she may have to send Assassins after Djikstra, because as much of a patriot as he was, he was also quite ambitious. He'd likely never turn against Vizimir unless Vizimir turned against him first.
''I Know, but I am allowed to have an opinion.'' Says Djikstra.
''One of the few people who's allowed one.'' She notes.
''Ah the benefits of having the King's ear and being the head of Redanian intelligence.'' Djikstra responds smugly.
''How much of that conversation did you hear?'' Asks Philippa eventually.
''Just the tail end of it, I'll see to it that Thaler gets the message. We'll meet with King Aethan at Novigrad as planned, I'll let you communicate that to him.'' Djikstra tells her.
''What about the other matter? Are your men ready?'' Philippa asks.
''Aye, I'll be joining you as well, this is too important to leave to anyone else. Not that I don't trust you Philippa, but… Oh wait, that's right… I don't trust anyone.'' Says Djikstra.
''Good.'' She responds simply.
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(POV Shift: King Aethan I Jaenerys of Cidaris)
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Aethan was speaking with Lucia and Carthia via megascope.
''Have the guards doubled, the men who were to spend a year in Captivity will be bitter. I doubt that they would strike at my wife, but you never know. I would also ask for you to prepare our agents within Kerack, Verden and the neighboring territories. The war will soon be upon us. With Atthis in Lyria and Rivia, I want Elliana and Margaery sent away here to Skellige with Adda. Have them protected by the priestesses. There is another matter that I want to bring up. Before I return, begin quietly raising our forces. Increase our presence at sea and also begin increasing strictness in our crackdown on violations of laws against corruption, ribery, and with war in the air I want even less of a black market than there already is.'' Says Aethan.
''That puts our alliance with the Smugglers alliance at risk.'' Lucia warns.
''Then only target corruption, if the Black Market can't survive without corrupting our officials then they aren't worth keeping in office and the Alliance isn't worth keeping. Remind the leaders that our alliance was dependent on their versatility, adaptability, and their ability to provide useful information. Tell them that when it happens, their contributions will be essential to protecting Cidarian interests, and will determine how they're rewarded.'' Aethan tells her pointedly.
''There's also the matter of the Queen, she's released Hanz Grell and Lucien Feld.'' Says Cantarella.
''I should have expected that. Alright, then. Have them watched at all times by the ISB, and also have a guard on Adda at all times. These men were sentenced to five years imprisonment and hefty fines. I do not doubt that one of them will try something.'' Says Aethan.
''As you say, Queen Adda already has them watched, but not too thoroughly. I believe she's trying to build something and is giving her recruits a great deal of latitude.'' Says Lucia.
''Then place the files of certain individuals on my desk. Make the insinuation that she ought to look at my desk. It'll be interesting to find out whether or not she is willing to go through my personal desk to find that help.'' Says Aethan before pausing. ''I want her protected at all costs, triple the guards around her, but please make them hidden. Do not forget, she carries the future heir to Cidaris.'' He reminds them.
''Yes, King Aethan.'' Cantarella responds dutifully.
''Lucia?'' Aethan presses.
''I understand my king.'' She responded.
''Good, I would speak to my wife now. Send for her.'' Aethan informs them.
''Right away, my king.'' Lucia responds.
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(POV Shift: Queen Adda ''The Red'' Dezmoiden of Cidaris)
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Aethan had contacted her via megascope.
It was delightful being able to speak to him again, she had questions for him and wished to tell him some things. But she also wished to ask his opinion on a few things.
''Adda, you look tired. Are you getting enough sleep? It's not just you that you have to worry about now.'' He says chidingly.
''I know that…'' She says, puffing out her cheeks. ''But I've so much to tell you.'' Adda says excitedly.
''Then tell me everything.'' Says Aethan.
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(POV Shift: Hanz Grell)
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The fucking audacity in Queen Adda.
She offers him early release in exchange for aiding her husband? Even though said husband put him in a cell and sentenced him to five years imprisonment?
Those six months in the prison had caused him pain and suffering that he did not deserve.
But he was in no position to take Vengeance. Lucien wanted to take a shot at the Queen, let King Aethan get a taste of his pain. Lucien's wife annulled their marriage to spare herself and their children the shame of being related to him. But that connection still followed them, and she ultimately committed suicide, and as a result of that, his children were street orphans now. Hanz however knew he would never survive long enough to enjoy King Aethan's pain.
And history already saw echoes of King Aethan's vengeance. Being sealed into a sepulcher and tossed into the Sedna Abyss was a death sentence unlike any other. No, Hanz would much rather play the long game.
He'd use the Queen to regain the wealth and respect he once enjoyed, and when the time was right, he'd burn the worlds of King Aethan and Queen Adda to ashes.
Such would be his vengeance, such would be his justice.
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(POV Shift: Vrernar Aep Gwelydh)
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A lowly member of the Military Intelligence Brigade. That was his position, despite the fact he was Vrernar Aep Gwelydh, of the Gwelydh family. The Gwelydh family had been the loyal retainers of the var Emreis family for over a century, they were the only family to offer the Emperor shelter despite the usurper's reprisals. Even after his grandfather's execution, his father remained loyal.
But Viscount Vattier de Rideaux, had called on him. This could be a chance to bring greatness to his family, but more importantly, it could be used as a platform for his advancement. Maybe then his father would get off his back. Viscount Ferran Aep Gwelydh, his ''esteemed and noble father'' was fixated on improving both the standing of the family and advancing ever closer to the Emperor's inner circle.
It was ironic.
For all his father was intent on achieving, his father had done little to counter their loss of influence. They'd faced a hiccup as the nordlings would say. His mother, for all that he loved her, had done more long-term harm to their family than they gained in the short term. As a reward for their loyalty, the Emperor gave them three rewards for the three losses they'd suffered. The Usurper killed his grandfather for his defiance, he partitioned his family's land to their vassals and then gave said vassals to their more powerful neighbors, and he forced Vrernar's aunts into the priesthood. Thus depriving his family of any immediate chance of reclaiming some measure of power and influence via marriage, this also meant that the arrangements for his aunts they had in place for marriage were annulled.
The three rewards his father asked for and received were the return of their status, rank and territory. Followed by the transference of power from their neighbors, who subsequently became their vassals. The third thing he asked for and received was a powerful match to a powerful family. That third thing was where his father had erred. The woman who became his mother and the mother of his siblings belonged to an old and influential family it was true, and yes they were related to the Royal Family of Vicovaro and Ducal Family of Toussaint, but they were far from the Gwelydh family's heart.
It would've made greater sense for his father to marry closer to home, to a more affluent vassal now returned to them. Secure a powerful alliance within their realm of influence and prevent the very situation his family now faced. Their more powerful vassals were vying not only for their regained positions but they were all united in some way or another. The most powerful vassal against them was the Ricaer Family. Which was ironic in itself, because the Ricaer Family was new blood. They were a military family raised to the nobility in recognition of exemplary military service in the last war.
He viewed them as especially dangerous in no small part because they were in a precarious position. Emperor Emhyr held the family patriarch responsible for losing Princess Cirilla. Why his Imperial Radiance placed such import on the Princess was neither his business nor his concern. But it had ensured that the Ricaer family was desperate to regain his favor, and where once they were joined by loyalty to his radiance, they were divided now by his family's desperation to retain power, and the Ricaer family's desperation to gain it.
The Gwelydh family was in an ever more precarious position because the Ricaer family had not targeted them directly, but rather their allies. Specifically, his cousins on his mother's side had fallen from grace and imperial favor. Rendering the value in the alliance between his paternal and maternal lines worthless.
His brothers and sisters had been forced into lackluster alliances and positions to stave off the threat to his family. Now it seemed it fell to him to do the same.
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(POV Shift: Viscount Vattier de Rideaux)
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His sphere of power and influence was on a dangerous precipice. His wit and his cunning had won him his position, his ruthlessness had secured it. But certain opponents in his chess game were proving exceptionally difficult to combat.
Hence the reason he'd called upon Second Lieutenant Vrernar Aep Gwelydh.
''Can I offer you a drink?'' He offered the young man.
''I don't drink on duty, sir. I prefer to be clear of mind when it matters most, which in my - our - line of work is every waking moment of our lives.'' Vattier hummed thoughtfully at the man's answer.
''Hmm, good answer. I called you to me because there is an issue. The North plans a subterfuge to reignite hostilities, they hope to pin their subtle labors on us. I have given orders to be fully prepared to counter this offensive and the Generals and I are in agreement. But that is not why I called you to me. Some of the players are proving exceptionally difficult, and the way they are acting and reacting is more troubling than annoying. We traced the riots to the Cidarian Intelligence service. That was a prelude, and with the news of this planned renewal of hostilities I cannot help but wonder if the riots were a prelude to more than just a kidnapping of an agents family.'' Says Vattier thoughtfully.
''Sir, forgive me, but I fail to see why this has anything to do with me. My orders are to ensure operational security within Metinna. The nordlings are outside of my sphere of operations.'' Responded Gwelydh.
''I'm getting there.'' Vattier responded gruffly. ''Out of necessity, I had our caches and archives checked. The riots and kidnapping were just a cover. Critical information was stolen from our archives while we focused on quelling the riots and preventing the kidnapping of General Aider's family. I want you to recover that information.'' Sys Vattier.
''Not to sound ungrateful, but why me? Surely there are more qualified operatives for this task?'' Gwelydh asks.
''There are, but they lack the motivation you would have. I'm aware of the position your family is in. The Ricaer Family is positioned to take everything. Succeed in your mission, and I will supply you with the information your father requires to either ruin the Ricaer family or force them to stand down.'' Says Vattier.
''That could also result in a civil war, something his Imperial Radiance does not need.'' Gwelydh notes.
''True, but do not forget, his Imperial Radiance has both little love for the Ricaer family, and he has a policy of non-interference. He values vassals who can solve their problems on their own and in ways that make their enemies look like fools. If the Ricaer family steps out of line to attack your kin, they will be breaking the Emperor's rules of no internal conflict. He will have the excuse he requires to wipe them off the annals of Nilfgaardian history, something you would do well to remind the Ricaer family if it comes that far.'' Vattier replies.
''Ignoring the fact this is my duty, both to my family and to my country, I have no choice here. I accept Viscount, where does the empire require me?'' Asks Gweldyh, causing Vattier to smile beneath his beard.
''As I said, we traced the riots to Cidaris, and we also know Cantarella has turned on us, her last assignment would have led to an encounter with the current King, so it's not improbable she turned on us in favor of King Aethan. Your first assignment will take you to the Cintran-Verden border. You will be attached to a diplomatic party sent to Verden to negotiate with King Ervyll, your task initially is to set up a secret dialogue with King Ervyll to determine whether or not he is amenable to siding with us. If he is, accommodate him until you hear otherwise, eventually, when we begin our counter-offensive you will serve as a point of contact between us and him. However, your primary objective will be to use King Ervyll to gain entry to Cidaris. Once there you will be tasked with finding disgruntled nobles or men of influence and use them to determine how King Aethan is getting his information and how he's reacting to it. We have some allies in Cidaris, most were executed, some were imprisoned, and others were spared. You must determine whether or not those spared are willing to continue their cooperation with us and if possible arrange for those imprisoned to be silenced. I detest loose ends.'' Vattier instructs. ''If possible, try and facilitate a dialogue with King Aethan. We know General Aider was executed, so tread carefully. The Security around Cidaris as far as any intelligence service is concerned is impenetrable at best, and a death sentence at worst. The Emperor prefers not to dispossess his enemies, so we need to know firstly whether King Aethan is open to a conversation, and secondly just how much he's willing to negotiate. If we can convince him to side with us as well as King Ervyll, Kerack will have no choice but to fall in line, and Temeria will likely follow. Securing us a large portion of the Northern Kingdoms to deliver to his Imperial Radiance.'' Vattier adds, before taking a breath and continuing. ''Something else to consider, of all the Northern Kings, his Imperial Radiance is paying particularly close attention to how King Aethan is dealt with, if the negotiations go well enough, King Aethan could very easily be our man in the Northern Kingdoms.'' That was a telling piece of information given the fact that the Emperor preferred not to dispossess lands from a conquered royal family. A policy that had served the empire quite well.
''I understand sir. When do you need more to leave?'' Gweldyh asks.
''Ideally, you'd leave now, however, there are other things you'll need to be made aware of. So it'll take a couple of days. You will need to speak with Ambassador Glader, and see to it your properly outfitted as well.'' Vattier informs his agent.
''I'll do that now sir, at your leave?''
''Go, and do this as much for the Empire as you do your family.'' Vattier reminds the young man.
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(POV Shift: King Aethan I Jaenerys of Cidaris)
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Aethan had arrived on Hindarsfjall, the trip had taken a few days because he'd traveled with Jarl Donar an Hindar at King Bran's request. Of course, he was quite exhausted because he'd insisted on helping the oarsmen row, even so, he was grateful for the workout. Since being crowned he'd had so very few opportunities to actually push his body with any significance.
And the respect he'd earned from Clan Heymaey would serve his Pilgrimage well. All that was left for him to do was to journey to Freya's temple and meet with the priestesses.
Donar had invited him to a small feast and the promise of a hunt. Aethan had readily accepted, he was a prolific and eager hunter after all. And he'd never say no to a good meal and a strong drink. Besides, it'd do him no favors to insult Clan Heymaey by declining their hospitality immediately after his arrival to their island after taking one of their ships to said island.
But one thing was for certain.
The games did not do the Isles justice…
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(Author's Note:)
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And with that ladies and gentlemen, the Pilgrimage is almost over. I didn't focus as much on Adda's development in this chapter because I wanted to explore some of the characters participating in said development before I wrapped up Aethan's Pilgrimage.
I figure one or two more chapters for the Pilgrimage, but we're a long way off from closing up Adda's development arc. However I am pleased to see that I finally debuted Sigismund Djikstra in my story. One thing I can promise you is that he'll have a pov next chapter.
Another thing I'd like to bring up is that I hope to begin slowing down on my use of OC's just a little bit for this story since the amount is getting quite hard to remember. I'm actually having to go back to previous chapters just to remember who is an OC. That's not so much an issue on its own, but as it starts to stack up it's frustrating. So I'll try and wrap up the involvement of a few OC's quickly, but for now I have a chapter for Kellian Ordo to write.
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