Chapter 39

Emon walked along a narrow corridor, covered with thin vines choking the bricks, the walls threatening to close him in.

At last he reached the end and opened the door there.

"Ah, Emon!" Lord Stone said merrily, "I trust that everything is in order?"

Emon bowed his bald head as he shut the door behind him, "It is my Lord."

"Excellent." He replied.

Four Lords were seated at a table, one whom we already know is Lord Stone, another is Lord Gaul, and the last two are the Lords Damien and Hoffman.

Emon remained where he was, by the door, as he watched the men plan the coup d'état.

"What about Hadok, the eunuchs could be of great help to us, any news?" Lord Gaul asked.

Lord Stone shook his head, "Hadok is the most loyal man I've ever met and he has a soft spot for her majesty, he would not help us."

Lord Gaul nodded as he continued to think.

"Tomorrow you will be with the Sovereign?" Lord Hoffman asked Emon.

"Yes, my Lord." Emon nodded and he retrieved something from his pocket, "The sedative is here, I will have it administered at the correct time."

The Lord nodded.

"And what of the Queen's request? It was a noble one." Asked Lord Damien.

"Indeed it was, though she may not be loyal to the Sovereign, from what I overheard of their conversation a week ago, and from what we know of the morning after their Union, they are bound by it. If he is killed she must be killed also." Stated Lord Stone.

Lord Damien nodded feeling conflicted, the Sovereign did not deserve to reign but did he deserve death? And the Queen was so young and full of life, her request had been a kind and gracious one for the people of Cadarama. He sighed and stood.

"I will have nothing further to do with this." He said and left.

"Weak." Muttered Lord Gaul once he had left.

"He may not have had the stomach to do it, but that leaves it up to just the three of us. Tomorrow the Sovereign will pay for his deeds and actions during his reign." Said Lord Stone strongly as he slammed his fist on the table.

"Indeed, the leaders of Viskogorny backing out is disappointing but it will not hinder us." Spoke Lord Hoffman.

"Mathuba will stand by us and so will Bobian, Selva says that they will not stop us and will continue trade with us." Said Lord Gaul proudly.

During the Union preparations Lord Mercer Gaul had had the opportunity to speak with the leaders of each neighbouring country's leaders and to discover their thoughts toward the Sovereign. Mathuba despised him and they were very happy with the idea of seeing him go. Bobian was happy to see him go but would do nothing to help. Viskogorny on the other hand wanted nothing to do with an unstable country and pulled their trading and support. Selva was a tricky one; they did not like the coup, but would not fight against it.

"And what of Membentuk?" Asked Lord Stone.

Lord Gaul's face twisted in annoyance, "They have close ties with him, when he was younger he often sailed there and the officials are all very fond of him."

"I see." Lord Stone responded, "Where will it begin?"

Lord Gaul opened his mouth and spoke, "General Krayt has ordered soldiers to be stationed along the front of the palace, in the courtyard, along the docks and at all exits and entrances. Crossbows have been readied and will be placed in all towers."

"The Primals have blessed this endeavour and shall be with us." Announced Lord Hoffman.

Lord Stone sighed happily, "This, gentlemen, is a historic day. I propose a toast."

Emon stepped forward and finding a decanter poured each of the men drinks.

"To a new Cadarama." Said Lord Stone.

"To a new Cadarama!" The Lords proclaimed with the clinking of glasses. And they all drank merrily to it.

~~~~~~~~

Lord Damien walked through the narrow passage a tortured feeling in his heart.

He felt as though he should warn someone.

Walking away from Lord Stone's dwelling he walked along the street intending to return home.

He stopped in his steps when he recalled what Lord Stone had said about Hadok.

Retreating in his original plan he turned his steps to the palace.

Knocking on the door of the eunuchs' chambers he waited for a reply.

The slot in the door opened and a man looked out, observing that it was a Lord, he let him enter.

"I would speak to Hadok." Lord Damien said as he turned to the young man.

The man bowed and left.

Hadok appeared around the corner and bowed his greeting to the Lord.

"Lord Damien, may I know the reason of your visit?" Hadok asked.

Lord Damien cleared his throat, "Ah, yes. It concerns the horses that are currently at the eunuch stables." He said with an awkward tone. He was the Lord over agriculture and livestock so it was the best he could come up with.

Hadok narrowed his dark eyes at the man, "I see. Shall we speak at the stables?"

Lord Damien nodded, "Yes, that would be best."

Hadok walked and led the Lord to where the stables were, "Leave." He commanded the few eunuchs that were grooming the horses.

They hurriedly left casting a few looks at the pair.

"Speak." Hadok said, his arms crossed over his chest watching the Lord with a suspicious glint in his eyes.

Lord Damien fidgeted for a few seconds, glancing over his shoulder then blowing a breath he spoke, "There is currently being planned a coup against the Sovereign."

Hadok's arms left his chest and he looked at the Lord in shock.

"I am only telling you this in hopes that you can save the Sovereign and Queen tomorrow." Olivier Damien said.

Hadok watched the man, "How do you know of this?"

Olivier looked down, feeling ashamed, "I feel as though the Sovereign is not fit to lead, but I do not believe he, or the Queen, deserves death. Lord Stone does."

"Lord Stone is in charge of this?"

"Yes. He and Lord Gaul and Hoffman, they are going to kill him and the Queen tomorrow night." Olivier explained.

"How?"

"I'm sorry?"

"How are they planning to kill them?" Hadok clarified.

Lord Damien glanced over his shoulder once more, "Emon is to spend his day with the Sovereign, and then once he is done all of his duties Emon is going to administer a sedative."

Hadok nodded, his face unclear. Turning he walked from the stables without another word.

"All I can do now, is hope." Muttered the Lord as he turned and walked from the stables just as an arrow pierced his heart.