Hector hadn't realized just how good it would be to see everyone again. He and Garovel had only met Roman and the Queen briefly on that chaotic day in Sescoria, barely even two months ago now, but after everything that happened to him and everything that he knew had happened to them, it was like seeing his oldest friends again. And in a way, he supposed they actually were. They'd been in his thoughts so frequently, and of course, it helped that he'd been able to correspond with them over the phone as well.
Burning with embarrassment, he was still thrilled to shake hands with everyone.
"You look well," said the Queen, her smile much warmer than Hector would have imagined.
"Ah--you--um... ah--"
'You too, Your Majesty,' laughed Garovel. 'Hector is so glad to see you that he can't even put it into words.'
She looked different than he remembered. But then again, the last time he saw her, she'd been having a rather rough day. Here and now, she was nearly restored to that regal form that he'd seen in papers and television, the only difference being her commoner's attire and general lack of cosmetics.
Voreese seemed the most pleased of anyone to be back. 'So I hear you two have really been giving Abolish the middle finger lately. I require juicy details.'
'Seconded,' added Mehlsanz.
Garovel only laughed harder.
Hector found himself confronted with Roman next. "Ah--uh, Mr. Roman, I can't... I can't thank you enough for all your help. I mean, your motorcycles and facilities and, uh..."
"Oh yeah," said Roman, as if he'd forgotten. "No problem. Thanks for looking out for Gina while I was gone."
"Oh, no, she was the one looking out for me," said Hector. "I mean, I would've... I would've been screwed without her help."
Gina smacked him on the shoulder. "Continue."
Hector had to laugh.
Roman seemed different, too, though Hector hadn't really gotten all that good of a look at him during their previous encounter. Roman was wearing his glasses now, and combined with his silky black tie and blood red waistcoat, the man had an air of prominence about him that Hector hadn't noticed before.
"It's a shame I couldn't meet this other friend of yours," said Roman. "Colt, right?"
Hector bobbed his head to the side. "Heh, uh... You probably wouldn't have liked him very much, anyway."
"Oh? Why do you say that?"
"Because I don't like him very much," said Hector, still with a smile.
"Ha. That just makes me even more curious."
Roman and Gina both went to have a word with the pilot, who looked rather shaken up and out of place. Hector guessed that the poor man had probably gotten more than he bargained for with this trip, but Roman was reassuring him that there would be handsome compensation for his trouble.
Harper was next, and he looked rather less formal than Hector had been imagining. "I heard the others mention your name," said Harper. "Hector, right?"
"Ah--yes, sir."
"You look younger than I was expecting."
After having wandered off a little with Voreese and Mehlsanz, Garovel floated closer to Hector again. 'Harper Norez, correct?'
'Indeed. And I'm Darsihm.'
Four glowing skeletons in one place, all with scythes and black shrouds. Hector supposed the number didn't seem like much to anyone else here, but this was the first time he'd seen so many without there being at least one who wanted him dead. It was a nice change of pace.
'I'm Garovel, by the way. Roman said you two were with the Vanguard?'
"That's right," said Harper.
'If you don't mind my asking, what's your rank?' said Garovel.
'Harper is a Lt. General,' said Darsihm.
'What the--?' Garovel looked over at Roman, who was just joining them again. 'Why didn't you tell us earlier that he was a freaking Lt. General?'
"Oh, I assumed you already knew," said Roman. "Voreese and Mehlsanz already did."
Hector eyed Garovel, not wanting to ask his question aloud. 'Uh, is that, er... how high up is that, exactly?'
'The Vanguard is split into three divisions,' said Garovel privately. 'Army, navy, and air. Lieutenant General is an army ranking, and there are only four ranks above it: General, Captain General, Field Marshal, and then the High Commander, which is Sermung's official title.'
'Uh... whoa...'
'There are equivalent rankings in the air and naval forces which would also be considered "higher up" than Lt. General, but you get the idea,' said Garovel.
'Yeah,' said Hector.
As the salutations concluded, a certain tension began to fill the air. Everyone knew there was still dangerous work ahead of them. And just like that, it was already time for goodbyes again.
Gina gave a last hug to Roman. She had one for Hector, too, which caught him by surprise. "Look out for each other, yeah?"
"Of course," said Roman, to which Hector added a nod.
Another round of handshakes and reluctant words for the King, and then he and Gina took their leave. Only the servants and reapers now remained, making their way toward the next set of vehicles.
Voreese started them off. 'So we only know that the enemy will be passing through the Carthrace Nature Reserve. That's a lot of ground to scout with just the eight of us, but we know that they have to cross the border into Rendon, so I say we keep a line formation.'
'They won't be difficult to spot,' said Mehlsanz. 'They're taking a whole platoon of soldiers with them, so scouting shouldn't be too much of a problem, especially considering we also have the element of surprise.'
'It's still four against seven,' said Garovel. 'Much of the burden will fall upon Harper. The rest of us should form up around him as soon as possible and support his position.'
"Let's get underway," said Harper. "The four of you can discuss details while we're en route."
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David couldn't sleep. He knew too much about what would transpire tomorrow for that to be possible. It was the sense of powerlessness that really got to him. Hector hadn't messaged him back. Admittedly, that was the smartest decision. Strictly speaking, David didn't need to know how or even if Hector planned to respond to Abolish's actions. It would've been a needless operational risk. David still would've appreciated it, though.
Draped in a soft bathrobe, he shuffled into his kitchen, looking for something to calm his nerves.
He cut a big slice of chocolate cake for himself, poured a tall glass of milk, and then made his way into the den. He flicked the fireplace on with a remote control and sat down to enjoy his treat in silence, but scarcely more than two bites in, his doorbell echoed throughout the house.
David eyed the clock on the mantelpiece. It was barely past three in the morning. And as he'd dismissed his butler over a week ago, suspecting Nola would take the poor man's head, David had to answer the door himself. He looked through the peephole first and was surprised to see Meriwether's face there. He opened the door.
"I apologize for the hour of my visit," said Meriwether.
"It's fine. I was unable to sleep, anyway." He invited his brother in and offered him some wine. Meriwether requested something stronger. David poured the man a glass of brandy. "So what brings you here so late?" he asked, returning to his own glass of milk for a sip.
"Um... David, please just tell me... do you know who really killed Nathaniel?"
David gave the man a sidelong stare. His brother did not seem in the finest state at the moment. Bags under his eyes, hair in a mess, clothes unpressed. Granted, it was extremely late at night, but even still.
"I have been looking into his death," Meriwether went on. "I cannot help but feel something is wrong with Luther's story, but I have been unable to find any kind of evidence which contradicts it."
"I see." As David suspected, Luther had been thorough.
"But you always seem to know more than you let on," said Meriwether. "So please--"
The doorbell rang again.
David looked at Meriwether heavily and then stood to go answer it again.
It was Luther this time.
David's hand lingered on the door handle as he raced through the scenarios in his head. It seemed highly coincidental that Luther would visit now, just as Meriwether was making inquiries into him. But even if David assumed that Luther somehow knew about this discussion, what purpose would Luther have in interrupting it? Surely, if Luther wanted Meriwether dead, then there were more timely ways in which to do it.
Moreover, Luther should have no reason to suspect that David knew he had lied about Nathaniel's demise, so perhaps this late night encounter truly was a coincidence. But still, David mistrusted coincidences, as any rational person would, so before he committed himself to anything else, he fished for more information. He opened the door a crack and peeked through.
"Luther?" he said. "What are you doing here so late?"
"Please invite me in."
"Why?"
"I need to speak with you."
"Then speak here and do it quickly. I am tired."
Luther tilted his head with a knowing smile. "I would also like to speak with Meriwether."
So much for coincidence. There was little point in refusing the man entry now. He allowed Luther in and rejoined Meriwether in the den.
Meriwether only looked confused by the new arrival.
"Allow me to forego pleasantries," said Luther, taking a seat. "The Abolishers have left the city. Mr. Conall Learen was kind enough to share their plans with me earlier this evening. They will be gone for most of the day today. I have therefore decided to take advantage of the opportunity that their absence presents."
"Take advantage how?" said Meriwether.
"Their names and faces are already known to the police and the military, and come morning, word of their many misdeeds will finally make the national news--at which time, they will also receive credit for a few extra murders."
David's expression flickered.
Meriwether blinked. "What are you talking about?"
"A handful of select individuals," said Luther. "Ones who might have otherwise become obstacles to our objective."
"What objective?" said Meriwether.
Luther ignored him, instead looking at David. "Abolish will not be upset by this move. They are already enemies of the state and intend to leave Atreya as soon as war with Rendon is triggered."
Meriwether scowled. "Has there not been enough bloodshed already? You intend to have even more people killed?"
"Oh, Meriwether. You simple fool. I do not intend to have them killed. I already have. You honestly think I would be telling you such sensitive information if it was not already decided?"
It took everything David had to keep the disgust from his face. "Why are you telling us, then?"
"Well, you see," said Luther, reaching into his coat, "my men were supposed to kill Meriwether earlier tonight." He pulled out a small handgun.
David and Meriwether both stiffened in their seats.
"Imagine my surprise when I received word that Meriwether was not at home and had come here, instead. Now I am left to wonder if killing him is truly necessary."
"It surely isn't," David said hastily, ignoring his increased heartbeat. "Meri is on our side. Why would you even think it necessary to kill him in the first place?"
"One must be meticulous," said Luther. For a long moment, his gaze held on Meriwether, whose return expression was not one of fright or worry but of anger and defiance. "I did not think Meriwether would understand, especially when he learned that Gabriel, Charles, and Martin are all dead as well."
Meriwether stood. "WHAT?!"
Luther pointed the gun at him now. "You see? So easy to read, this one."
It was all going wrong. David knew he had to think of something, but nothing came to mind. "Luther, please don't do anything rash. Let us speak reasonably on this matter. Meri, sit down. Meri."
Slowly, Meriwether sat.
"David will soon receive word of their deaths," said Luther, "and as he is now the oldest, emergency power will fall to him." He glanced at David. "I would appreciate it if you did not accept your new responsibility and instead passed it on to me."
"Of course," said David. His mind was racing again. If Luther's only objective was to obtain emergency power, then killing Meriwether would not be strictly needed, as Meriwether was younger. Perhaps one brother's life could yet be saved here. "But please don't harm Meri. If you have any affection for me at all, Luther, then allow me this one favor."
"You are fond of him?" said Luther. "I do not see why. He only seems like a needless complication to me."
David tried not to grimace. He hadn't seen this coming. And he should have. He had left himself exposed to this assault, despite already knowing that Abolish would not be here to protect him. Which was the strangest bit of irony here--as volatile and dangerous as the Abolishers were, they had also been serving as guards for the princes up to now. Nola had made sport of terrorizing anyone else David hired to protect him, and he knew that she was not the only one to act as such.
If only he'd realized that Luther also had access to Abolish's plans. It was sloppy to presume otherwise. He'd been so preoccupied with worrying about the attack on Rendon that he'd forgotten about the more immediate threats.
There was no time to be upset with himself, however. The situation required his full attention.
"How about this?" said Luther. "If Meriwether can convince me that he is not a threat, then I will not kill him."
David clenched his jaw, struggling to think and failing. The pressure was getting to him. He didn't know what to do. He wasn't prepared for this at all, and he hated himself for it.
"I have a better idea," said Meriwether. "Put down the gun now, and I will attempt to prevent you from being executed."
Luther seemed amused. At first. But as he stared at his younger brother's unflinching expression, Luther's smile began to wane. "Bluffing will not help you," he said.
"Last chance," was all Meriwether said.
And Luther blinked at him, visibly uncertain.
David was perhaps even more confused, looking to Meriwether for an explanation, but the man was too busy staring Luther down. To David's utter astonishment, Luther did decide to put the gun down on the table in front of him.
Meriwether picked it up and trained it on Luther now, who raised his arms.
David's mouth hung open slightly. "...What just happened here? Meri, what--?"
"I am not entirely sure myself," said Meriwether.
"So you were bluffing," growled Luther.
"No, I was not. You already know that I am a terrible liar. You made the correct choice."
David still required answers. "Meri, please explain--"
"Not in front of him."
"What now, then?" said Luther.
"We wait."
Not more than thirty seconds later, a group of soldiers in tactical gear kicked down the front door and stormed into the room. The one at the head of the troupe called through a black helmet, "Lord David, sir! Are you alright?!"
"And who are THEY?!" said David. "Someone explain what is happening!"
Meriwether lowered his weapon. "Everything is fine," he told the armed men. "Please take Luther into custody now on suspicion of treason and murder."
The lead soldier hesitated. "I'm sorry, Lord Meriwether, but we do not take orders from you."
"Right." Meriwether looked over at David. "If you would be so kind."
David was incredulous. "Uh--please do as Meri says?"
"Yes, sir!"
David watched a pair of soldiers emerge from the crowd and haul Luther away. He was still waiting for his explanation as Meriwether addressed the apparent guard captain.
"Is she on her way?"
"Yes, sir."
And from that small exchange, David began to understand, though the details still eluded him. "These are Duchess Jezebel's men?"
"Yes," said Meriwether. "I knew she had someone observing your residence. Luther could not have had more than a handful of men waiting outside, so I knew it would only be a matter of time until the duchess' watchers called in enough reinforcements to completely overwhelm them."
David stared at him. "Tell me honestly. Are you really Meriwether? Are you now going to pull your face off and reveal that you are actually someone else?"
The man snorted a laugh. "I have only been working with the duchess for a few days. She told me to keep my involvement a secret from you. I have been thinking about telling you anyway. That was one of the reasons I came here tonight, in fact."
David sighed. "I thought I had earned her trust." He supposed it was good that he hadn't, though.
Jezebel soon arrived, also in a robe over her pajamas. Her face spoke of weary relief when she saw them. "I am glad to see you are both unhurt."
David frowned at her. "Could you not have at least warned me about this plan to trap Luther?"
"I must agree," said Meriwether. "This whole situation could have gone terribly awry. I should have liked to be let in on the plan as well."
"You darling boys," she said, smiling sympathetically. "This was no plan of mine."
"What?" said David.
She returned a frown of her own now. "Gabriel, Charles, and Martin are dead. And so too would Meriwether be if he had not come here when he did. Honestly, I thought this was somehow your mad plan."
The brothers exchanged looks.
"I was only having David watched as a precautionary measure," she said. "Ostensibly, I did it for your protection, but frankly, I wanted to be sure you were not pulling one over on me."
David narrowed his eyes. "You also planted bugs in here, didn't you?"
"My apologies," she said with a nod.
"No need for that," said David. "Your distrust has apparently saved my brother's life, if not also my own."
She tilted her head a little. "It would seem that we have all deceived each other so thoroughly that not one of us has any idea what we are accomplishing anymore."
David rubbed his forehead. "This. This is why politics terrifies me..."