(Castle Cidaris, Duchy of Cidaris, Kingdom of Cidaris, Northern Kingdoms, The Continent, Witcher-Verse)
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(King Aethan I Jaenerys of Cidaris POV)
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Aethan was in his Castle, watching the city and Harbor below him. Cidaris was largely peaceful right now, and he had taken the opportunity to arrange a meeting with Crach an Craite, and King Bran. It was March right now, and he had till June when everything kicked off. Meaning he had exactly two months to spare on a pilgrimage to Skellige. He would've liked to make the trip by sea, but that would take him a month he simply did not have. Thus he'd be making the trip by Portal.
It'd been arranged that he'd arrive at Kaer Trolde with his Sorceress, a portion of his elite guard, but Adda would be left behind. She was his voice in the Kingdom, and she would be entrusted to the Priestesses of Freya for the remainder of her pregnancy and as soon as the war began, she and the children would be sheltered by the Priestesses.
Or such was his hope.
He doubted they'd deny him, outside of Skellige he was the only King who openly practiced his faith in Freya. That gave the Priestesses and Druids a place of refuge from the wider superstitious North. And the High Priestess had come to his wedding to provide blessings and form an official branch of their clergy within Cidaris.
But as much as the Pilgrimage was his primary reason for going to Skellige, he needed to appraise an Craite and Tuirseach of the coming War, meet with the Priestesses, and ask them to care for his wife and protect her during wartime. Only after that, could he do a Pilgrimage to Freya's Temple and Garden. He'd be able to tackle meeting the priestesses and his Pilgrimage to Freya's temple in one visit probably. The Garden was another matter altogether.
He didn't know whether or not Morkvarg was there or not. If he was there, he'd give the Priestesses a prophecy. Basically what that prophecy would be is the destruction of a village, a forest flattened with a cataclysm following, and a Sorceress and a Witcher seeking entry to the Garden. The Witcher would be the one destined to lift Morkvarg's curse. Either with the help of the only raider disgusted by his captain's actions or the priestesses.
''So deep in thought are?'' He heard the Voice of Keira Metz ask him as she entered wearing a lovely dress that seemed more filled out than usual. And by filled out, he meant it was likely adjusted to be more suited to the coming temperatures to be encountered in Skellige. Of All the Northern Kingdoms, those with the harshest winters were Skellige, Cidaris, Hengfors, Lyria, and Rivia, Mahakam, and Kaedwen. Actually, it was fairer to say that Kaedwen and Lyria, and Rivia had the harsher winters the closer or deeper the territory in the hills or mountains that one was. Otherwise, they were relatively mild. Hengfors had the same deal.
''Visualizing what I need to do. I'm going for a pilgrimage, yet my goal is sidelined by the need to apprise Crach an Craite and King Bran.'' Says Aethan.
''Don't fret darling, it will all be over quickly. After that, we can get you to that Pilgrimage you seem so intent on doing.'' Says Keira soothingly.
''Don't let Adda hear you call me that, she's naturally jealous of Zaoirya already. Though that is to be expected.'' Says Aethan with a chuckle.
''That's to be expected, Temerian's don't like to share.'' Says Keira.
''I thought that was women in general.'' Aethan says.
''That too…up until a point.'' Keira admits.
''Well, either way, is everything ready?'' He asks her.
''Yes, you need only finalize the investiture of your Authority.'' Says Keira.
''Then let's get it over with.'' Aethan decides.
''After you.'' Keira says.
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Although he'd invested his Authority into Adda as ruler in his absence, her pregnancy necessitated checks and balances. Thus Lucia was appointed Adda's Regent for when the Council felt her pregnancy was too much of a weight for her to put up with and be his Regent.
Vissegard's boy was made her shadow and Vissegard himself was named the acting Lord-Constable as the current one would be accompanying him to Skellige. Vissegard was placed in charge of the Castle Guards as well. Dagored was also appointed a Regent with Duke Agloval as well. The two of them plus Lady Lucia would form a triumvirate regency if Adda's pregnancy became too much to bear in addition to her role as the sole ruler in his absence.
Aethan had said his goodbyes to Adda and was simply waiting for Keira to activate the portal to Skellige.
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(POV Shift: Crach an Craite)
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He could count on one hand the number of times a foreign monarch had come to their shores without the intention of waging war on them. Now it seemed that that small number would be increased to three.
He knew not why King Aethan had called for a meeting between him and Bran, but King Aethan had done so and after talking to Bran about it the two had collectively agreed to meet with the Northern Monarch. They'd hold a feast to honor him, and when everyone else was drunk enough they'd meet. Crach had been unable to attend the young king's Wedding, something that he was regretting as the High Priestess had scolded him for ''ignoring the opportunity in favor of feuding with Lugos''. He'd have tried to explain that it was Lugos who started the feud back up, but it'd have fallen on deaf ears. That and the High Priestess could argue like no other, she always had a rebuke prepared and had the lungs needed to outlast even Lugos himself.
So he was forced to mumble his apologies and pay a small penance to appease her.
He still didn't understand just what the fuss had been about.
''Jarl an Craite, the Hierophant, received word. The King, his escort, and his Sorceress will be arriving shortly.'' His musings were interrupted by one of the Druids under Ermion.
''Send word to King Bran, I'll greet King Aethan myself.'' He informs the druid.
''His Highness already knows and awaits you at the meeting place.'' The druid responds.
''Blast, tell him I'm on my way. Arnvald, prepare my horse for travel immediately.'' He instructed his loyal steward. He would not be shaming anyone by being the last to arrive.
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(POV Shift: Konung Bran an Tuirseach of Skellige)
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Bran had a few ideas about why Aethan of Cidaris had reached out. There were a couple of options, he could be looking to expand trade into Skellige, a Concubine, or far more likely was that he could be coming to talk about Nilfgaard.
The First War with Nilfgaard had never really been settled properly, for either side. And his heart still ached for Eist. They'd never really gotten justice for his death. Then there was Cirilla. He'd only met her the one time, but Crach had sworn a vow to Calanthe and his nephew would do everything in his power to honor that vow.
It was his honor that haunted his Nephew. Calanthe's plan to renege on the law of surprise invocation and Eist agreeing to it had led to Crach returning to the Isles angrily. To Crach's shame, he'd never been able to have a chance of reconciliation as Cintra fell a few weeks later and Calanthe and Eist's deaths had robbed him of the chance.
If King Aethan was coming here to discuss Nilfgaard, it could be that a plan had been hatched and Aethan was taking the opportunity to apprise them. Which made welcoming in the best possible way a crucial matter.
If only Crach was on time.
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(POV Shift: King Aethan I Jaenerys of Cidaris)
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Portals were simple in purpose, but complex in nature, which meant that although creating one seemed simple, it wasn't in practice. At least his journey to Skellige had been a short one. It meant as much as he didn't want to, he had time to kill.
As soon as he stepped through the portal, he was greeted by King Bran and Crach an Craite, each accompanied by at least ten warriors. That was twenty strong men against his twelve if a fight broke out. His men were too disciplined to cause an incident. Ever since the Storm of Cidaris - as the peasants came to call it - his elite guard had been given a new task, from the best and brightest in the unit a new elite was born. This Unit would be one that would never be openly acknowledged, one whose purpose was to watch the watchers and serve as the shadow army of the Kingdom of Cidaris.
These individuals would be the Glaive of which their King used to combat his greatest enemies. Where the Witchers would serve the people, the Internal Security Bureau and other intelligence Services would protect the realm, this unit would be tasked with protecting the Royal Family from threats before they get within striking distance.
They would be the invisible shield wall…
The birds by the window…
The shadows within shadows...
The dagger in the sleeve...
The Glaive of Kings…
The Kingsglaive.
And his twelve men with him…were the first members selected from the best.
The training was modeled after what little he knew of special forces training in the real world, with intelligence training, and other key disciplines taught to his best troops. When his heir was born, it would be the Glaive and others who would train with him. Familiarising each other and creating trust. He'd have his own hand in it, of course, his heir needed a firm but fair hand. He'd train him as well, but the bulk of his training would fall under the duties of the Glaive and others.
But for now, he had a far more important matter to attend to.
''Welcome to Skellige King Aethan, allow me to introduce King Bran an Tuirseach. Konung of Skellige and monarch of these Isles.'' Crach introduces him.
''Greetings King an Tuirseach, thank you for meeting with me.'' Says Aethan.
''Bran, and I could hardly afford not to, you're a king of equal rank.'' Says Tuirseach.
''True, but I would ask that we take this meeting inside the castle. Specifically to a room with guaranteed privacy. What I have to say…will become a reality in two months.'' Says Aethan.
''So be it. Bjorn, provide King Aethan and his people some mounts, we have an hour before the Jarls start trickling in, best make the most of it and not waste any time walking.'' Crach orders one of Bjorn's men.
''Konung?'' The one apparently named Bjorn asked of King Bran.
''These are not our lands Bjorn, an Craite rules here. Do as he says.'' Bran orders.
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Entering Crach's chambers, Aethan, Keira, Bran, Crach, and Captain Leif stood before the table as Aethan laid out a map with troop deployments marked.
''You'll have to appraise the other Jarl's of the situation, this was a courtesy on an already planned trip. Shortly after my wedding, I called a meeting at the Hagge. It did not go the way I hoped, but it went about how I expected. Meve and I were the only ones who disagreed with the kill order. Everything else not so much.'' Says Aethan.
''A kill order? On who?'' Asked Crach.
''Cirilla. She's my cousin, second cousin true, but she's my blood. Even indirectly, I won't become a kinslayer. Meve and I agreed that if either of us found her before everyone else...we'd ferry her here to Kaer Trolde in secret. But that's only part of the reason I'm here. And by here I mean this part of Skellige specifically. The war never ended conclusively, and my neighbors are weakening us. We - that is to say, the Northern Kings - have decided that an attack will be staged and blamed on Nilfgaard. The thing is though I expect Nilfgaard will find out about it. I'm not fond of the idea, but I believe that Cintra must be reclaimed from Nilfgaard. So, my request is simple: support us and cover us. And while we're at war, I ask you to provide shelter to my family from harm. I hope to sequester them in the Temple of Freya with the Priestesses.'' Aethan says.
''Bring her here, we'll hide her.'' Says Crach quickly.
''And as for your family, arrangements can be made.'' Bran adds.
''I thank you both. But that's not the only issue for why I'm here. There's also the matter of the wider war. The other monarchs are hoping you specifically Jarl an Craite will raid the coastline to cover my fleet. I ask that you also distribute supplies to Lyria and Rivia and my eventually beleaguered cities and castles. As for me, my main focus will be taking my naval forces from my ports here, here, and here, and splitting them to ferry Temerian, Redanian, and Kaedweni Forces to the mouth of the Yaruga and Adalatte rivers and ferrying them to fortify the borders of Cintra-Verden, Sodden-Rivia-Toussaint, and Lyria-Angren. My troops meanwhile will be focused on sustaining a siege war, before relying upon the uniting of both Verden and Kerack, from there they will smash the Nilfgaardians from behind as we open the gates and charge them. Eventually, though, we will abandon our homes and blend into the population. Wage a guerilla war against the Nilf's when they inevitably recover and are resupplied. My Elite Forces will be distributed to target supply lines and support campaigns. When the black guts are at their weakest, all my forces will converge and we will strike at them. I expect Foltest to send a detachment of troops and perhaps his Blue Stripes to support me, but the larger parts of the fighting will fall to Temeria, Redania, Kaedwen, Aedirn, and Lyria and Rivia.'' Says Aethan as he points out the various points on the map as Captain Leif places the figures on the map to showcase his point.
''You can speak for the other kings on the Dragon Coast?'' Says Bran.
''They either fall in line or I'll make them. We need to retake Cintra, the symbolic victory would galvanize our forces and raise morale through the roof. After that, it's a simple matter of striking further into Nilfgaardian territories and weakening their efforts to retake Cintra. Even if we do lose it, simply taking it back will be a significant boost to our bargaining power when we force them to the peace table. There's also the matter of the Mages, Lady Keira has assured me there is significant support for overturning Vilgefortz faction and supporting our war efforts. However, we may need to ask the druids to utilize their vaedermakar's abilities.'' Says Aethan.
''That might be a problem, vaedermakar's are sworn to aid people in their greatest need, but never to inflict harm.'' Says Bran.
''I'm not asking for a lightning storm, I'm asking for a thick fog and maybe a heavy mist.'' Says Aethan.
''Can you promise that will never change?'' Crach asks.
''I can promise if I ever ask it'll be because we have used all other options.'' Says Aethan.
''I'll talk to the Hierophant.'' Crach decides.
''And I'll call the other Jarl's.'' Bran adds.
''Thank you, I mean it.'' Says Aethan as he dismisses Keira and Leif.
''This can't be all of it.'' Bran realizes. ''You're here for something else.''
''When the war ends, I'd be open to opening trade with Skellige and Clan an Craite specifically, but the true reason I'm here is for a pilgrimage.'' Says Aethan.
''You do follow our goddess.'' Crach says.
''I do, shame this was my first stop. But I had no choice. I'll see you on the battlefield.'' Says Aethan as he leaves the room.
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(POV Shift: Queen Adda ''The Red'' Dezmoiden of Cidaris)
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Cidaris felt empty.
Her husband had left to take a pilgrimage and inform the Skelligers of the coming Conflict. Aethan had prepared his - their - Kingdom well. But with Lucia's aid, she would help him in his absence. She couldn't do a lot, but what she could do she would. Aethan had invested in her his authority, she'd use that to improve his efforts of preparation.
Starting with the merchants Aethan spared at her request all those months ago. Their lot in life had taken a severe hit, but they hadn't lost too much that they'd be unlikely to ally with her. She had few allies at court, many were loyal to her husband, and while they followed her out of respect for him, they did not respect her. As the currently sole ruler of Cidaris, she needed to quickly identify her detractors and forge friendships.
This was a pivotal moment for her marriage.
She would either strengthen the position of her and her husband, or she would fail and weaken him. He'd invested too much time, effort and care for her for him to ever accept an ideal outcome. Aethan chose her, not Lyria and Rivia, not Aedirn, Kaedwen, or any other Kingdom's princess. He chose her, and he'd bothered to take time out of his day to help her learn and improve.
He did not have to do that.
She owed him, and she would repay him by proving herself with this chance afforded to her.
''My Queen, they're here.'' Lucia said, and Adda turned to face the Spymaster. Lucia was similar enough in appearance to her. The crucial difference between them lay in the difference in their appearance, not in their station. Lucia was a commoner, raised to the position of Royal Spymaster by Aethan the second he was crowned King.
She'd had trouble defining the relationship between them, she suspected Lucia loved her husband, but it was not the love that she needed to worry about. She didn't know their full history, just that Aethan trusted her implicitly and told Adda he saw Lucia as an older sister.
''Walk with me.'' Adda said, leading Lucia out of the tower Aethan loved to look at the city and harbor below from. ''How hard was it for you to f-find them?'' She asked, keeping her voice low, as Aethan and Lucia had taught her.
''Wasn't easy, but they were easy to locate. You should know my Queen, that I do not believe that they will be so eager to help us, but with the proper promises and favors, we may be able to smooth things over. But you will need to convince Antso Garrin the most. Get him on board and the few who don't fall in line will be inconsequential.'' Lucia tells her.
''Do you t-think he'll agree to it?'' Adda asks, a moment of insecurity slipping through.
''Antso Garrin has always been ambitious, but his ambition has always been tempered by his generosity, temperance, and loyalty to friends and allies. More than that he's charismatic and shrewd. So long as you treat with him respectfully, but remain stalwart in decisions, and yet remain open to compromise…I do believe he'll listen.'' Says Lucia.
''But it's up to me to convince him?'' Adda asks, a hint of a knowing smile on her lips.
''Indeed, my queen.'' Lucia says smiling.
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(POV Shift: Antso Garrin)
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Four months, two weeks, and five days.
That's how long it'd been since he'd been tried by King Aethan. He'd been able to skirt around the trading ban on him by appointing his nephew as acting leader of his merchant business. Giovanni had proven himself a suitable enough temporary replacement.
And yet, he now had been summoned by the Queen Regent to the Castle. He was unsure if this was a good omen or a bad one.
King Aethan's punishment had been kinder than expected, but it was nevertheless a harsh one. The trading bans had damaged his reputation and that of his business. Placing Giovanni in charge had been a stopgap measure to avoid further profit losses. He doubted the Queen had summoned him with good news, but he had little choice but to go.
She was the Queen of Cidaris, and if the rumors were true… she would soon be a mother. That could be an advantage or disadvantage for him depending on why Queen Adda had called for him.
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(POV Shift: Queen Adda ''The Red'' Dezmoiden of Cidaris)
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''I summoned you here because I am in need of someone who understands the cost of defiance, and the benefits of loyalty.'' Adda said.
''Meaning what?'' Asks Antso.
''You were found guilty of economic sabotage, but my husband was lenient - at my request - I'm prepared to offer you and whichever of your former co-conspirators you can bring to the table a Royal Pardon.'' Adda said, and she'd be lying if the reaction that Antso gave did not give her extra confidence.
It was subtle, imperceptible even, but she still caught it.
''And what is the cost of this Royal Pardon?'' Antso says swallowing heavily.
''My husband believes that war is on the Horizon. He's arranging shelter for the families who wish to be protected and he needs a reliable network of suppliers to help feed his troops.'' Says Adda, and although Antso does not react angrily, he's not as enthusiastic as she'd hoped he would have been.
''A royal pardon? That helps my reputation, not my business.'' Says Antso carefully.
''One's reputation is an integral part of their success in business though, is it not? We're aware you have been skirting the trade ban by having your nephew lead your former business. You've covered your tracks well, but our tax collectors and clerical staff have been paying close attention to the taxes of yourself and your former co-conspirators. You are the only one to have taken the softest hit financially.''Says Adda, and Antso pales slightly, to which Adda decides to press on. ''Legally speaking we cannot charge you, but your nephew? That's another matter. He knowingly provided coin from trade income proceeds to someone who has been banned from participating in or profiting from trade. That's a hefty fine and half a year in prison. I'm prepared to overlook this infraction, however. All you need to do is help me help my husband and I will provide you and any who help you a Royal pardon. That can include your nephew if you so wish.'' Adda tells him.
''As generous as that all is, your husband is the one who put me in my current situation. Even for a pardon and return in status, while should I help you at all? Even for a pardon?'' Asks Antso.
''Because I'm not specifically asking you to help my husband. I'm asking you to help me. A queen's favor would be good for your business no? And with my husband now in charge of the very league that nearly put you out of business, I would be prepared to talk my husband into agreeing for any who help me be rewarded, either with entry to the Trade League or access to and permission to sell their goods. Something you'll never have without access to a royal pardon.'' Adda says, driving the point home.
''You still haven't offered me the necessary incentive. A royal pardon and access to the Trade League benefits me in the short term. In the Long-term, it may take a bit more for me to recover.'' Says Antso.
''My husband has a long memory, it takes a lot for him to f-forgive, and longer to forget, however he can be persuaded, and perhaps he might be willing to grant you a title for services rendered. It will be a minor title, but prove yourself, and you could see yourself with more territory and an increase in title.'' Says Adda.
''How minor?'' Antso asks.
''A barony.'' Adda decides after a few moments of thought. ''I can't say he'll be fond of it, but prove your commitment, and I'll ensure all who help are suitably rewarded.'' Adda admits, before schooling her expression. ''And I will remember those who did not.'' She adds her face blank and tone as neutral as she can make it.
''I'd like some time to think this other.'' Antso decides.
''You have two days, my husband is expected to return within the next two weeks. I wish to surprise him, I hope I won't be given disappointed.'' Adda says smiling, as she departs.
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(POV Shift: Antso Garrin)
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Antso had much to ponder.
A pardon that would automatically lift his trading ban and a promise of access to the goods of the Trade League if not outright membership. Plus a barony. That would give him a significant jump in his station. More importantly, it gave him a place where he could reliably store goods and supplies without having to pay exorbitant sums of coin to guards he had little trust in.
It would also mean his children would be nobility. He'd need to look into potential opportunities as a Baron before he accepted any deals, as well as the legalities of what he and his nephew had over their heads. He'd never be able to look his sister in the eye again if he inadvertently got his nephew fined by any great sum and jailed for any stretch of time.
But there were more benefits than what could be seen.
If it was true she'd convinced King Aethan to spare his life and those who survived, then the promise of a pardon, access to trade league goods and possible membership, and a barony gained more validity. Moreover, it gave the favor Queen Adda could bestow greater prestige. So long as she had her husband's ear and could convince him, the value of her patronage was high. Additionally, it meant the rewards he could reap from being supportive of a generous Queen were greater than just potential and promises. They were all but a sure thing. And Antso by his own principles, did not believe in a sure thing because to be a successful merchant, he could ill afford to stake anything significant of value on what people called a sure thing because nine times out of ten they were either trying to rob you or they hadn't done the proper research.
He'd speak to the others first though, weigh the benefits against the risks, then he'd speak to his wife, and after that, he'd do his research. He wanted consensus and research to guide him.
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(POV Shift: King Aethan I Jaenerys of Cidaris)
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The feast prepared for him was a grand one, he was seated at the high table with Bran, Crach, and the other Jarls. To his left was Keira, to his right was Crach. He had Keira to his left primarily because she was his ticket home if shit hit the fan, his and his best guards. Captain Leif was an asset he could hardly afford to lose, out of all his guards, Leif was the brightest and strongest. Enough that Aethan directly got involved in the boy's training and education.
Aethan was training him to be the leader of the Kingsglaive, and as such wanted to be hands-on in how the man was trained to think. The Values he wished to instill in his glaives were versatility, pragmatism, loyalty, resolve, curiosity, adaptability, perception, and duty. Leif was simply the most suitable candidate for using those values as the first template.
He needed operatives who were not limited in their uses, were able to adapt to any situation, and were capable of perceiving threats be they clear or perceived as an opportunity to become threats or allies. Operatives who wouldn't break under extreme duress and were loyal not only to each other but to the King and his family, while staying true to their duty to the King and his people. Leif had been born with nothing, and Aethan changed that. Gave him what he needed to live, and the tools to thrive. The fact that Leif also passed every test put in front of him using means that were not obvious or were the first thing one would expect to come to a candidates mind had been enough for Aethan to test him more specifically and thoroughly.
But there was also the matter of the deal Philippa Eilhart had offered him. No, it was more of an understanding really. Though both had their own goals, she wanted his help to deal with the Nilfgaardian mages at the next conclave of mages, since Djikstra was a person whose stake in the the matter would always be about the future and glory of Redania and - by virtue of the current situation - the wider northern realms as well. There was the fact that she believed he saw a future where Magic had a greater grip on the way the world should be run, and truthfully he did.
Magic was one of this world's lifebloods, the Elder Blood was a magical power made into blood, bone, and flesh. However, Aethan also had more faith in the ability of Sorceresses than their male counterparts. He could cite several examples, primarily Sabrina Glevisseg, Yennefer of Vengerberg, Francesca Findabair, and Philippa herself. All powerful in their own right, key players in the greater game of politics, influential and renowned for more than just something as misleading and superficial as beauty, and most importantly when they speak, men tended to listen.
He had agreed to assist her and Djikstra in their Thanedd Coup because it suddenly became apparent who it was that initiated the partnership. Philippa Eilhart had long been Vizimir's advisor, and predated Djikstra's ascension to the head of the Redanian Intelligence Service. So reasonably one could assume that either Djikstra had managed to slip his damning report into a pile of messages sent by Philippa or the far more likely was that Philippa made sure that Djikstra's report made it onto Vizimir's desk because Eilhart saw the opportunity presented in a patriot like Djikstra who was not blinded by fervent loyalty to his King.
Yet his price was clear to Philippa, he would aid her however he could in whatever way so long as she never acted against or supported action against his family. She had argued she could make no such promise, to which he countered by telling her a secret…she would be made a fool of and to cover her mistake she would destroy the house of cats. She mocked his prophecy, but it would come true. And when it did, and she called him after the destruction, he would ask her how the House of Cats was when she visited Stygga, if only to see that look of realization in her eyes.
There was a risk she would remember it when it absolutely mattered to her, but Philippa tended to focus on logic, pragmatism, and realism. She only paid attention to prophecies if she had to for some task of import or another or pure curiosity.
But he covered that by revealing that he had crucial information about Vilggefortz. He refused to tell her where and how he got that information, but it would be enough to have him executed and would possibly even go so far as to make both Nilfgaardian and Northern Mages unite to kill him. His sole caveat for this information was that they must choose Cirilla to be the one to damn Vilgefortz.
This was a move that he had to make to set the tone and could very easily end up with him dead. His rules were simple in that Vilgefortz must be placed into an augury and three questions, three very specific questions would be asked. Questions that would only be revealed on the day of her coup by Keira
Question Number One: How did Princess Pavetta die?
Question Number Two: What does Vilgefortz plan to do to Ciri?
Question Number Three: How Long has Vilgefortz been in League with Nilfgaard's Emperor?
He hoped Keira would be true to her role as his Court Mage, and ensure that was all that was asked because it should be all that was needed. Especially when he dropped the news to Eilhart that Duny and Emhyr were one and the same.
He would never reveal how he knew it, nor would he reveal the truth of his knowledge until after his death. But Aethan knew that if he had any real shot at weakening the Nilfgaardian war effort early on, it would be through the Thanedd Coup.
''Crach, tell me about the Sedna Abyss.'' He says to Crach quietly.
''The Abyss is haunted, by force most unnatural.'' Says Crach
''You have no idea how right you are.'' He says with dark amusement.
''What do you mean?'' Asks Crach seriously.
''It's magic, belonging to a traitor within the leadership of the mages. He conspired with the emperor you see to secretly take Duny, Pavetta, and Ciri to Nilfgard. But only Duny made it. For what good it did him. I plan to oust this traitor in the coming months. How would you like his head?'' Asks Aethan.
''I'd rather take it myself.'' Crach growls.
''Easy, Crach.'' Bran says calmly.
''I think that can be arranged. Keira, would Philippa be opposed to a little extra muscle with the party we're planning?'' Asks Aethan.
''I'd have to ask her, but my guess is no.'' Says Keira evenly.
''In that case Crach, I suggest a few druids with Ermion and a couple of your best warriors.'' Says Aethan.
''You'll have us when you need it.'' Crach vows.
''Thank you Crach. Now then, let's earn us some respect.'' Aethan says banging his tankard on the table, getting the room to grow silent and turn to the high table.
''I'll be honest, I ain't here hospitality. I'm for three reasons, first to tell all of you the time has come, to fuck Nilfgaard back into the sun! Finally, vengeance for my Aunt Calanthe, and your warrior, your brother, your Jarl Eist Tuirseach is at hand! Second a Pilgrimage. I aim to go to Hindjarsfall and meet with the Priestess and pray and the temple. And the Third Reason? I want to see how good you Jarls are at fighting. I don't know about the rest of you, but I don't think they have it in them to fight me fist against fist and win.'' Says Aethan, as pompous and smug as fucking Horst Borsodi.
Where at first the crowd roared their approval at the chance for Nilfgaardian blood beneath their boots, they were now booing him.
''Easy lads, King Aethan…do I detect a challenge in your tone?'' Bran asks standing up.
''Aye, I'll even put a wager on the line. Do you see this sword at my hip? There are exactly two of these kinds of blades in existence. The value of it could net a man a duchy and a king's daughter for his bride. But let's be real, in terms of value being equated to high-quality mead and ale? It could fill the cellars of every house on Hindjarsfall, Faroe, Undvikk, Spikeroog, and Ard Skellige ten times over! So, who wants to try to make that kind of possibility a reality?'' Asks Aethan.
''Take your fancy toothpick and shove it up yer arse! Let's just start walloping this continental!'' Says a mad voice.
''Lugos, I will have no such assault. If you wish to engage him in a brawl, do so honorably.
''That demands on what this fancy fuck considers honorable.'' Holger Blackhand cuts in and says.
''Tell you fat fuckers what, I'll face both of you at once, with one of my ones locked at my waist. Is that hard enough for you or should I use smaller words?'' Asks Aethan.
''Where Lugos is concerned? The smaller the better!'' Says Crach and a roar of laughter follows.
''Qiuet Crach! Don't know about you Holger, but I want to see him try and beat the two of us with only one arm.'' Says Lugos.
''Fuck it! You're on boy, just don't cry when you beat you black and blue!'' Says Holger.
''Clear the benches, there's to be some gobsmacking!'' Lugos yells.
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(POV Shift: Queen Adda ''The Red'' Dezmoiden of Cidaris)
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Antso Garrin was but the first person she sought to find an ally in, of the survivors her husband sentenced, be they the ones he let live, imprisoned, or executed, Garrin was the most rich and the most powerful overall. Which was why she chose him for the purpose of being her…banker as it were. In her faction, her circle of trust, she hoped that Antso would be the banker. But she also would need people who could fill the roles of fixers, informants, guardians, and other vital roles.
Once those roles were filled she could focus on the roles where she would need to eventually appoint someone as a guard-captain for her personal guard, for which someone would need to recruit suitable candidates. Aethan had both a personal guard and a royal guard. His personal guard was selected from the best swordsmen of the royal guard, why should she not be afforded the same? She would need a suitable candidate to fill the role of Guard-Captain, this individual would be one of her guardians. She'd asked Lucia for three capable and loyal individuals, but ones who still fit her criteria. Father had taught her that taking those who's careers or lives had been blocked, sabotaged, or effectively ended and given them new opportunities all but guaranteed loyalty. He'd cited Reynard Odo as an example, he'd said treasonous statements against King Reginald of Rivia, which although true, got him a death sentence. King Reginald however had heard of the sentence and intervened, asking the man to repeat everything that had been said about him. When it was over, King Reginald decided the man had been right, and commuted the sentence, asking him to serve him and advise him so that the mistakes that led to Odo voicing those treasonous statements never happened again.
Father said that from that day onward, Odo was loyal to Reginald and his wife Queen Meve, and after Reginald's passing, remained loyal to Queen Meve. She imagined it was comforting for Aethan to know such a loyal man would be advising his future nephews and nieces.
That was why she wished for such men to be by her side, she'd take an up-and-coming officer who was effectively without a future and make his future brighter.
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(POV Shift: Sergeant Clarisse de chilile)
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It wasn't easy being a woman in any army, you had it better in Cidaris than the likes of Redania or gods forbid Kaedwen. King Ethain had relaxed the restrictions on women serving in the army or navy, and King Aethan had removed them entirely. She'd joined under King Ethain, and received good opportunities only to serve under a sexist commander before the battle of Sodden Hill. When she confronted him on his sexism, he had her drawn up on insubordination and a litany of other charges. She'd avoided the rope and less respectable punishments only because the then-prince Aethan had joined up with the main force and the officers accompanying him were more open-minded and also outranked her commander.
Her Commander however, had enough favors and pull to get her career ended, she went from a distinguished Lieutenant to a sergeant tasked with guarding Cidaris poorest district in the ass end of Vole. She dealt with pirates, scoundrels, thieves, bounty hunters, smugglers, and all manner of low-lifes on a daily basis now. Her men respected her though, she was a veteran of the First War, even as a woman, that fact carried a lot of weight, and as such the recruits and the soldiers respected her.
Her job had never been glamorous even before her demotion, but she had a reputation for protecting the people around her. Perhaps this was why she got sent the worst of the army. Or rather, what the biased, sexist, and corrupt junior officers under King Ethain considered the worst. Some of her boys had done things so minor, it at most deserved a pay dockage. Hell, one of her boys had simply walked past a general and accidentally kicked mud onto his boots. That had been enough to send him here.
There was some hope though, there was a lot of talk going around that King Aethan had been quietly and quickly restructuring the Army and was changing how things were done. Already there was talk of four new elite units answerable directly to King Aethan. These units had been attached to a few old commanders, including her old one. A few months later… and they had quietly retired.
Now it seemed there was a shift in the way the wind was blowing, she'd seen a hell of a lot more activity in the last few months. Supplies were being transported under heavy guard and stockpiled, and also the fact that King Aethan was fortifying towns, temples, castles, and villages. That meant only one thing.
War was on the horizon.
It was just the question of who they'd be fighting. Verden and Kerack were warring with the Dryads, so they were a very real option considering that Brokilon also bordered against Cidaris. In more ways than one considering that Queen Adda's dowry included Gors Velen, which also bordered Brokilon, and Gors Velen was part of the dowry agreement for Queen Adda. However having said that, it was also a very real possibility of King Aethan fighting against Verden and Kerack. She'd heard talk from some of the Kerackian Army on the border that King Aethan had warned King Viraxus to stop his war. Strangely that sentiment was shared by the Kerackians she'd heard it from. Seemed that not all of the army was in favor of a race war.
Either way, it was nothing to do with her, it was just her job to manage her part of Vole. Nothing more, and nothing less, it was just the question of how much shit she'd have to deal with while doing it. She wasn't squeamish by any means, but she didn't like getting her hands dirtier than she had to.
The paperwork was bad enough without any extra and unnecessary hassle.
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Author's Note:
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So I've decided that I'll be beginning a massive arc that will cover the development of the characters of Adda, Atthis, Stennis, Margaery, Anseis, Eilliana, Zaoirya, and Villem. I came to this decision while writing this chapter so that's why I hit 7k+ in words. It's also why this chapter was largely focused on Adda more than the others. It seems fitting I open with Adda in the next chapter no? Whatever happens will happen, in the end we'll see what happens. But I'm looking forward to developing these characters more and more.
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Thanks to Lewis Wilson, Mitchell Howard, David Martinez, ROGUE505 Saver, Morgan Sinn, Mathew T Linderman, Luck George, Kyle Diano, D3EATH707, Julien, and Duy for their support on P-atreon.
And also a big thank you to Cody, Luci Alarra, TJ Cruz, Beastmode2003, Kunta, Availon90, Gavin Barclay, Dragonslayer29, Jacarya Robinson, Nathan Just, Francisco J Guzman, Axlii, Reece Hutton, Ken Harris, and Zeldris Wrath for their past support on Patreon.
The next Chapter is currently available on my relaunched and rebuilt P-atreon, to access simply search the following link, but without the dash between the P and A, Two tiers with the same benefits but different contexts. The chapters on P-atreon will be published when the chapters following them are done and dusted and ready to publish over here on this site.
p-atreon.com/TheRagFromTheCragCorner22