Richter
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Post by Richter on Nov 28, 2015 22:53:43 GMT -6
The noble clearly had a lot to think about, and if anything, he looked a little surprised. This man spoke bold words, and risked much even in giving them voice in this kind of environment. But most interestingly, he seemed sincere in the motivation as well. Faith could convince men to do strange things, Victor had never put much stock in those kinds of practices and beliefs before, but he was seeing it now very clearly in James. Indeed, it was easy to see how he reached his position.
"You're taking a risk in doing this, you know. Convincing vassals to abandon their liege, might be seen as treason. You are brave, I'll give you that, and commend you for it. True bravery is a rarity. Conviction? Rarer still."
He reached out and accepted the stone, turning it over in his fingers, letting them course over the polished surface. "I'll keep your words in mind, you can be sure of that. Still. I would recommend you to talk to the dukes yourself, and not just princes like myself and the fellow beside us. Even if you eroded their support to where they could not swing swords, they could still plant daggers, and start a conflict all the same. 'Where there's a will, there's a way', that doesn't just apply to good men."
Around that point Arawn stepped back into his conversation, and he tilted his head to glance at him.
"I have goals, of course. That isn't evil, how one fulfills them is. Still. I have a prestigious title, a family that makes men quake in fear to even speak of, and devilish good looks. How much more can a man strive for without being greedy?" Victor asked, shooting him quite the smirk. "What about you, Sir, what do you reach for? It's rude to make it all about me."
The way he spoke implied that he didn't actually take offense, but was still all the happier to be able to have some ammo to flip back onto his peer.
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To say nothing else, the Duke was happy to hear that the Empire would not be a problem for awhile. He looked visibly relieved, the furrow of his brow relaxing so that he looked to be less scowling, and more neutral. Pursed lips and hard eyes still, all the same. He nodded intently while the Margrave gave his analysis, waiting for an apt moment to reply. "Let's hope your predictions are correct. Now would be the best time to strike at the Kingdom in decades, if they were so inclined. Let us hope that news doesn't reach them too quickly, it might tempt certain elements of their government into action."
The rest of the talk, he was silent for. It sounded like Uthyr was going to remain neutral, but it was hard to be sure. A lot rode on this man's decision, driving it home would be crucial. Inoculate him against whatever propaganda Byrius planned to infect him with, and he was sure that the opposing duke would. It was just his style. As well, he made sure to laugh when Uthyr pointed out that he wasn't any different than the other scheming nobles. Internally, he was much less pleased, but he forced himself to smile and not make a sour look at being compared to the bickering lot just a few doors down.
"Come now, Uthry, I'm better than that. My family has maintained these lands for generations, no other family has provided stewards to House Luna as many times as we have. The commoners and burghers are happier than ever with our leadership, and families say that they can feel safe here. I'd say we're rather content with our lot, don't you?" Lamarck started to butter him up now, subtly. Playing himself up as a good man compared to Byrius's checkered reputation, and hinting at his clan's popularity amongst the commoners, and in the rest of the nation. Which was true on most accounts, to be fair. Lamarck's lands held more than their fair share of the lowborn, giving them numbers over Byrius, if not quality. Alan Lamarck himself was an astute businessman who had brought the Duchy's economy to grow, and made significant inroads with the merchant class.
He folded his arms, looking down at his boots and the marbled floor, which he tapped his toes on a few times. "I'm in a tough position, Margrave. As you are too. We both have our parts to play, and I envy you for yours. You can hold back your hand, I cannot."
"I think our realm will face many dangers in the days to come, Margrave. Not just from outside, either, but it would be wise to keep your eyes peeled to them. Too much introspection will leave our doors open, the Empire has sent spies and saboteurs before." While good advise, Lamarck was also lightly playing at the fact that Utyhr should not get involved, and keep to his family's ancestral posting. Although it wasn't delivered as a threat, directly, it could possibly be construed as one. Partially by design. But again, it was also true, if Margrave Clarice sent his forces into battle in the city, they'd be defenseless against the without. He was trying to play up the gravity of the situation, hoping he'd not want to take the risk at all even if he was more inclined to support Byrius.
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Post by Pitman on Nov 29, 2015 21:39:39 GMT -6
He pocketed the item he was given by as he talked to Victor he soon replies, "For me? My own Ambition, I have none except to prove myself to my father. Though... there is one thing and its quite silly, simply to see everything about our world, and why things the way they are. Childish yes, after all the world we live has always been this way."
He revealed his own childhood dream, but now older it looked like a fallacy. Now Arawn main goal is simply prove himself to his father and another part of him hoped his mother and father would stop being separated now.
"Enough about this I guess we should try to enjoy ourselves yes?", Arawn soon suggested.
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Uthyr soon listened to the Duke stated with him soon adding, "Many Stewards have come from House Lamarck yes, it has been this way for many generations."
Though on listening to the next part of what was stated the way the Duke talked it almost, almost felt like a threat if only slightly. To hold one's hand that is always a good thing, but the Duke unable to do that sounded like something was going to occur soon in his own mind.
"To stay one's hand is a blessing. As well there is always enemies within and outside our eyes. For now I will do that I always done since I became Margrave, that I can promise you for a fact Duke Lamarck. Only know this, whoever is trying to stir too much trouble and threatens our existence us as a nation. I will show no mercy to the perpetrator regardless who they are and eradicate them from this realm utterly. Just like I done during the Black Wyvern Revolt if anyone tries to allow this nation to fall apart, House Clarice always stands to stop it; either me or any of my House.", Uthyr soon stated though he was not even threatening the Duke, but giving him a reaffirmation of his stance on the current matter, still it could still make the Duke Wonder. What would happen if Duke Byrius manages to control Uthyr or if he wishes to do so, use this to his own advantage. For now House Clarice neutrality stands, for now.
"I believe that should suffice Duke Lamarck? You after all wanted to know my position in the current matter. Just both you and Duke Byrius please do not get carried away and remember, though I gave us a year's time remember we have enemies who would jump against us at a moment's notice.", Uthyr did a slight bow, both giving the end of the talk between them and give the Duke Lamarck's thought on the matter good concern. Of course this was set to lead the nation into a better place however, unforeseen circumstances would mark this as the last meeting between Duke Lamarck and Margrave Clarice as friends; as the looming prospect of war would become an unavoidable confrontation. It would all begin.... as tip of a blade of a dagger.
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Rabite
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Emperor of H
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Post by Rabite on Nov 29, 2015 22:05:20 GMT -6
"Indeed it would be wise to make contact with those that are actually leading the conflicts, thank you for your advice. Now perhaps it would be better if I return before anyone noticed our meeting. May your life be one that is gracious and just, that when looked back at your choices, you would be confident and proud at what you have achieved."
Seeing that Florina has also finished with her conversation, James holds his scepter before his chest and bows to Victor, giving him the same prayer that Florina has done for Arawn before heading back to his own table with her.
"Fine noblemen, don't you think?"
"Yes they are, hopefully their lords have minds that are as fine as their vassals. But James, are you really going to go ahead with the plan?"
"Of course, it would be the best for everyone, helping to reduce the levels of conflicts in the Kingdom."
Florina did not say anything in reply, although what he is saying is true, she is a bit worried about what the Cult might choose to do. The chaos is exactly what they hope for, if James work to stop it, who knows what kind of plans might they have in order to change the situation. Understanding her worries, he takes her hand into his own, and looks at her in the eyes.
"Don't worry, I won't fall to my knees just because of a bit of weight. Even if it is the entire Kingdom on my shoulders I will take it for all the lives of our people... especially for you, as long as you're by my side then I'll be able to deal with anything that comes at us.... anything, even the two Dukes, and even the Gods of Babel and Gomorrah."
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Richter
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Post by Richter on Nov 29, 2015 22:27:05 GMT -6
"Confidence and pride are two things I'm never short on. You and the lady take care." Victor said as the two of them drifted back to their tables. He watched them go, giving another glance to the stone he was holding before tucking it into a pocket for safe keeping. Then the focus shifted back to Arawn, that conversation also winding down.
"I know how you feel there, buddy, trying to prove yourself. I have a huge legacy to live up to. Sometimes I worry I won't make it, but hell with it. They're our lives and our histories, and I'm not going to let anyone else write it for me. You shouldn't either, that's my advice for you. Don't waste your life hunting for anyone's approval, that's a trap the big boys set out to catch people like you and I. Get us to do what they want for scraps of recognition. I don't have any religion to back it up, but that's my experience. Tip I always lived by."
He gave Arawn a final nod and left it at that, heading back to his own family for him to consider the wisdom he had tossed out. The guy was new to this court thing, Victor was not. He learned the ins-and-outs early, but that poor bastard was just now getting off the cart. Maybe giving him something to think about could stir things up just a little.
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His father didn't look up when he slid back into his seat, but he was quick to comment on how it went. "Looks like you made some friends."
"You could say that."
"How'd it go?"
Prince Tzympenos had to struggle for words, and eventually decided on "interesting".
"I trust you know who that man was?"
"He made it pretty clear, even if he didn't intend to."
Dragos grunted in agreement. His wife broke in afterwards, on cue.
"Sounds like we have a lot to talk about when we get home." Sofia said, suggesting that they begin to wrap things up. Her eyes moved to a door leading out of the feast chamber, Uthyr came out of it. A reasonable amount of time later, Lamarck did as well. Many sets of eyes at the Duke's table noticed this.
"Sooner rather than later, I think." Dragos agreed.
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"Few would benefit from Chaos, Margrave. And you can be sure I don't wish to see the nation that I, and my family, helped build reduced to ashes and anarchy. The trouble is that others might not agree. But we shall see in the days to come." The duke said, reaffirming his own stance in hoping to avoid outright conflict. But in his mind he knew that it was a very unlikely scenario that they'd be coming out of this crisis with no blood spilled.
When asked if that was all he wanted, Lamarck nodded quickly, and gave the noble a wave of dismissal. "Yes of course, that will be all. Thank you for coming to speak with me. Tell your wife and child I send my regards, as well." If Uthyr turned back to look at Lamarck, he would no longer be facing him. Instead he had turned on a heel and strode to the windows looking out over the city, hands balled into fists and placed on his hips. He looked like an appraiser, judging every facet of a jewel or trinket brought before him, only now rendering such judgements over an entire city. It was a serious, somber look. Perhaps, if they saw him like this, so stoic and powerful, they would not think Alan Lamarck to be the cowardly merchant that Byrius painted him to be.
If there was to be a fight, he would go into it swinging.
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Post by Pitman on Nov 29, 2015 22:54:46 GMT -6
"Will do Duke.", Uthyr soon finished as he left the room. He would soon head back out of the hall way and soon came up to one of his attendant to tell he was heading back early and that Arawn could stay a bit longer. Soon he would leave the premises and head towards his own mansion back at the March of Clarice, in the carriage.
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Arawn would continue to drink and look at the very nobles and even noted on some would "disappear" for a time which made him wonder if some sort of deals were done in closed doors. When the attendant told him that his father had already left he only stayed for a time before he too had gotten bored of this so called party. Entering a carriage it would soon begin taking him back towards the March in a bit slow pace then usual. A lot was on his mind as he was riding alone in the carriage wondering a lot that was stated to him early. He soon was fully sobered for the most part, he would continue to look out into the city as the carriage continued to take home. As the time when they were half way back he soon managed to look out again which he soon noticed no one around and it was quite dark. What was stranger was the area he was being taken through.
"Wait... this is not the way...", Arawn soon noticed as he soon knocked on the peep hole for the driver.
"Driver this is not the way to March of Clarice, where are we?", Arawn soon stated, but no answer.
Instead the carriage stopped and the man who was driving body fell to the ground. Arawn was soon on alert as he put his hand on the hilt of his rapier as he slowly opened the carriage open to inspect the man's body on the ground. When he noticed was the man's body was cold to the bone who looked like he has been dead for hours.
"What the...", Arawn soon stated only to pull out his rapier.
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Richter
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Post by Richter on Nov 29, 2015 23:03:50 GMT -6
The carriage had taken Arawn to one of the poorer districts in town, a warren for the workers. Apartment buildings spanning multiple stories rose up to flank both sides of the road, and tiny alleys and side streets stretched into blackness between their respective walls where the street lights did not reach. He couldn't recognize the area out of hand, but he had to be somewhere near the border between the two duchies. That area was host to a large amount of urban sprawl from the early days when the two colonies had joined together, and fighting from the resulting scuffles had made the place undesirable to live in. The kind of people who called it home were the destitute, and desperate. A bad combination, alone and at night.
Arawn would get the impression that he was being watched the entire time, but from where, he couldn't tell. The streets were empty. The faint sounds of footsteps behind him would be all the warning he'd get.
As a knife tumbled end over end towards his back, maybe he'd be fast enough to avoid it?
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Post by Pitman on Nov 29, 2015 23:25:19 GMT -6
Arawn was looking around as the area looked very poor then the usual places he has been. Only an eerily silence spoke to him which put him even more on edge, in his training he knew if someone wished to get rid of anyone they would do so when there is no witnesses. Then he heard it footsteps from behind he soon moved quickly only for the dagger to embed into his arm as he used it to take the hit when he knew he couldn't dodge it in time.
"Oh? Trying to get me well I was alone?", Arawn soon stated as a fact and not a question as he quickly used his rapier's pommel to knock the man's hand off the hilt of the dagger then did a quick strike with his rapier as blood came out of his arm.
"Now I wondered what was going on... who the hell are you?", Arawn soon demanded.
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Richter
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Post by Richter on Nov 29, 2015 23:32:05 GMT -6
The man was dressed in dark browns, with a hooded cloak over his upper body and concealing the face. A classic, but for good reason. After throwing one knife he had already went for another, this one a little longer. Just shy of a true blooded sword, it was thin and wickedly pointed to where even some forms of armor wouldn't be able to defend against it. Namely leather or chain, the kind someone would mostly likely try to wear on the down-low to a party. Whoever this guy, or his boss, were, they planned ahead.
He went in for another strike but Arawn's rapier thrust made him abort it and drop into a defense, using the guard at the base of the blade to deflect his own steel.
"An agent, here to collect some insurance." The assassin replied, giving a crooked smile that was more yellow than white.
Then he moved in close, getting in under the reach of the knight's blade. He feinted with a swipe at the stomach, but instead aimed to punch him in the nose with a brass-knuckled fist.
The attacker moved with speed and experienced movements, this was no run-of-the-mill thug.
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Post by Pitman on Nov 29, 2015 23:53:47 GMT -6
"Insurance? Great... I fear your mistaken on that regard, I don't do that kind of business.", Arawn soon remarked as a joke as he didn't deal with insurance companies.
Though the pain on his arm was there he shrugged it off, like it was nothing as he was dealing with likely is someone out for him. The next attack was coming on simply made a calm face, to keep the enemy out of their own reach he would keep his distanced and use his rapier to keep the enemy at bay. He deflected the incoming strike from the enemies weapon only for a fist to come at his face which he pushed himself back to avoid it if only barely as he felt the heat of the fist graze his face.
"My... your no normal thug, even if you look at part by the way you need to clean your teeth a bit more.", Arawn soon replied with a smirked as he got back into position with his foot as he began his assault on the enemy more more.
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Richter
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Post by Richter on Nov 29, 2015 23:58:40 GMT -6
The assassin parried the strikes as they came in, he handled himself well, not even crying out when the tip of his rapier sliced a wide fissure down the man's forearm. Red blood ran down his blade, coating it like fresh paint and making it stink of copper. He let Arawn keep on the offensive for awhile, waiting to him to overextend himself in a thrust, and when he did, he rolled to the side, lowered a shoulder, and rammed it hard into his side - making sure to hit the wounded arm, hoping to stun him with pain.
"Buy me a new set with the money I get from you, I will." The assassin jeered, his eyes not as jovial as his words; slitted and beady like an animal's.
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Post by Pitman on Nov 30, 2015 0:04:58 GMT -6
"Oh? That sounds so in character for a 'thug'," Arawn soon remarked as he soon was his on his wounded arm though any normal person would be in pain.
Arawn simply took the attack feeling nothing, like he simply ignored all register for pain. The man slamming would think it would stun him but in fact would be greeted as he would push back the man as he brought his rapier back to strike at the man. Blood continue to come down from his left arm and was still being used, anyone would now wonder how he was doing this but it was simply on how he was trained.
"Who hired you? Answer and I will make your death quick.", Arawn soon stated as a fact as his face was quite serious.
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Richter
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Post by Richter on Nov 30, 2015 0:16:38 GMT -6
"Expert thug." The man corrected, just in time to get caught by Arawn's blade. It was almost shot straight through the gut, but he twisted at the last moment so that it only stabbed him through the side. Blood poured from the wound, and he clasped a hand on his side reflexively, snarling in pain. He leaped back, and pedaled out of sword's reach.
"I'm not as fool as you think I am, boy."
Another assassin had taken up position on one of the roofs above them, lining up a shot. Which he took, a crack of combusting powder rending air as lead flew downwind towards Arawn. The first assassin used this time to bail out, seeing that the knight was apparently stronger than he had anticipated. No amount of cash was worth dying for. While running, he took a sphere into his hand and dropped it behind him as he ran down one of the alleys, where it'd be impossible to avoid it if he were pursued. Sparks shot from the tip.
"And here's my insurance! Tell your old man to keep to his little plot of land and don't get in our way, or he'll lose more than just his marriage!" His voice came back as an echoing, reverberating off the walls.
The gunman retreated as well, after giving a quick glance to see how badly his shot had wounded Arawn. He aimed to wound and not to kill...though the man being shot wouldn't know that.
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Post by Pitman on Nov 30, 2015 0:39:24 GMT -6
"Hey wait right there! ARGH!", Arawn soon shouted only be hit in the leg by a musket shot from up and above.
"What the... another enemy!! And using musket in here?! Are they crazy?", Arawn soon stated as he moved to cover thinking he just literally dodged a bullet.
Hearing what the man stated Arawn cursed as he looked around where the shot came hoping to see something. After a brief moment he waited there in his own bleeding wounds and now began to take a look around hoping the person with the musket was not around.
'Expert Thug? Lose more then his marriage? Stay out of it? What the hell was that man...' Arawn soon thought as he was trying to piece things together his adrenaline was finally leaving and pain on both his body on where he was shot. He soon took out the knife out of his arm looking at it, he soon got a cloth to clean it then put it on his belt. He then tried to bandage himself on the leg and arm though with his nice clothing on it would look quite bad.
"Alright... alright... lets see if there is anyone else here.", Arawn muttered to see above but so far no shots could be heard.
"Well, their gone... I think.", Arawn soon stated to himself as he now began to investigate around where the enemy would be.
He walked where the would be 'expert thug' ran to and began to look around.
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Richter
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Post by Richter on Nov 30, 2015 1:07:31 GMT -6
The sphere dropped was a smokebomb, but by the time Arawn went to check the alley the cloud had mostly dispersed. Even so the trace vapors stung his eyes just enough to be annoying. Blood trickled down the corridor before abruptly stopping, likely the man had hastily bandaged the shots he'd taken. About halfway down the path he had dropped his knife to do that, the handle was covered in the owner's blood and it laid abandoned on the pavement.
Both it and the knife had a maker's stamp on them pommels, and though he wouldn't know the maker out of hand, if investigated later it'd turn out to be from a smith in the employe of one of Lamarck's vassals.
As was stated this was a bad neighborhood, with fights over land and valuables between bandits ending up to be very common. He could see some people sneaking glances out of windows, but no one dared to help him for an agonizing 8 minutes, when two men dressed as soldiers showed up to look into the gunshots. They scanned the area with harsh glares, hands on their swords to draw quickly if needed. When they saw Arawn, however, they let their arms go and rushed to his side.
"Sir, sir! Are you alright?" The first, and taller of the two, rushed to his side and stopped him after waving to get his attention.
"He's bleeding pretty bad." The second said to his friend.
"You're right." He agreed, first looking at his wounds, and then his face. "This is a bad area, practically lawless. We're from a nearby County, come with us and we can get you looked at."
"Who attacked you?" The second asked, drawing his weapon this time and taking a few steps away from the pair to make a perimeter.
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Post by Pitman on Nov 30, 2015 1:47:07 GMT -6
Arawn soon went up to the dagger and took a good look at it noticing it was stamped with a specific brand which he didn't recognize. His eyes were stinging from the smoke but continued to take a look. Around he would notices faces from nearby windows which meant there was witnesses.
"Well this is just dandy...", Arawn managed to say only to hear voices from the commotion.
Turning he soon turned to see two guards which he started to see double for a second. Asking him a question he simply replies, "I am alright, was simply attacked. I do not know who attacked only that.."
Arawn soon began to feel a bit dizzy suddenly and soon to began to notice the amount of blood he has been losing since the battle and notice a very good trail leading to him.
'Fuck I lost... too much... blood!', Arawn soon thought as he soon began to lose his balance.
"Need... need to get march to Clarice.... need to warn fathe-", Arawn managed to say only to fall to the ground blacking out.
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'Who was he...? Why would I be attacked? Father is in danger... I must... must...", Arawn soon thought, as he felt more pain.
Suddenly he relaxed and felt some warm, losing the concept of time he soon opened his eyes a bit slowly. Looking around he could hear some record playing music in the background as he saw the ceiling before him.
"What...", Arawn managed to say as he began to look around noticing one of the maids quickly getting up shouting about he was awake.
"How... how did I end up back in my bed?", Arawn managed to say as he looked around he soon felt a jolt of pain at both his leg and arm.
"GAHH that... that stings!!", Arawn managed to scream out at himself as he pushed himself up now fully know where he was.
Suddenly the door opened quickly as he recognized Marshal Rido rushing into his room.
"My Lord, your awake!!", the Marshal soon shouted as a few maids and butlers came inside as well.
"Marshal... Marshal Rido..? How... how did I get here?", Arawn soon asked a bit bewildered.
"You boy are just like your father, made of some tough stuff it seems. Of course thanks to Count Gristo's guards managed to find you and get you here.", Rido said with a bit smile which Arawn soon nodded.
"How... how long was I out?", Arawn soon asked.
"I say around six days now... your lucky my lord and your father was quite furious on finding out what happened. He personally went and questioned all witnesses. Its quite a sight I never seen the MArgrave like this... well never since when the Knight Princess... err never mind.", Rido soon stated stopping himself about talking about 'that'.
"Father did...", Arawn thought until a jolt of remembrance hit him with him then shouting,"Wait... Marshal Rido where is my father? A Warning!! No dangerous for our House I must speak with my father right away!!"
Arawn soon tried to get himself up quickly as possible with all the maids and butlers moving quickly to stop him from moving.
"Hold it my lord!! You just woke up and your wounds have not healed!!", Rido soon stated as he too tried to keep Arawn down.
"Its life or death Marshal!! The men who targeted me they very well be from one of the Dukes or their supporters!! The way they gave the warning, the way they acted! They specifically stated not to interfere which meant only one thing!!", Arawn soon shouted now knowing the danger.
"Hold it!! Hold it boy!!", Rido soon stated trying to slow the young knight down.
"But Marshal, my father might as well be in danger!!", Arawn shouted back.
"Well you been out your father has already taken care of the situation. As I said he did the investigation himself and already found the culprits!", Rido soon stated with a smirk.
"What...?", Arawn soon asked.
"Right now your father is addressing the entire court of all nobles. All Lords have been called for an emergency meeting and he himself is there now!", Rido informed Arawn who suddenly stopped.
'Wait.. what?!!', Arawn soon internally shouted.
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Before the entire court of the House of Lords of Selardia, every head of the families or their representatives were present. But something was occurring that no one even anticipated.
"My Lords with this evidence I shown you will prove to you that the assassination attempt on my son was no other carried out by the orders of Duke Lamarck!! Showing his true colors I hereby announce my support for Duke Byrius as King of Selardia!! Duke Lamarck who has shown his true colors and how willing to use underhanded tactics to derail our nation!! Let us use this time not a time of reflection but as a time to heal!! Duke Byrius is not only the true heir to the throne but the only choice!!", Uthyr soon addressed with a great ruckus was shouted from both sides of the building.
Thus the curtain rises to the War of the Wyverns.
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