Chapter 6 Part 14

Serpent Blackheart sat brooding on his throne. He was angry.

Everything had gone wrong. He had put forth a lot of effort to get the strangers here. And, in spite of the best efforts of his people and himself, they had eluded him time and time again. Now they were lost near Gly-ou-vogue.

His brother had strained his powers to the point of personal injury to help them escape that trap that Tyson had called a siege spell. Tyson himself had not wasted any time in helping to cover Morteous' absence. In fact, Serpent had a chance to get to know Tyson and he found that he really liked the mage. Yes, Serpent had plans for Tyson.

"Still brooding I see," Miguel said. Serpent had canceled all his appointments for the last few days. Only Miguel had the gumption to intrude.

"We have failed," Serpent grumbled.

"Nonsense," Miguel replied. "Our campaign in the west has started and King Rigel has mobilized his forces in High Branch to oppose us."

"But we did not reap the power we set out to."

"I think we have all that is necessary. Are you not the most powerful man in the world? You can do the task ahead."

Serpent laughed. "Your faith in me is most reassuring," he said.

"Faith can move mountains," Miguel said. "But it can not slay gods." Miguel gestured at the black sword. "Reaper can."

"My other ministers fear the appearance of Liberator." "If Liberator surfaces again, it could become a factor, but the wielder was killed and the blade undoubtedly was lost again," Miguel reassured his father. "It is not a sword that just anyone can pick up."

"You mentioned our campaign in the west."

Miguel smiled. "As per our agreement with the Ice Kingdom, Her Majesty's Ice Fleet has set out in force and gained control of the northern passage thus cutting off the western lands from the eastern lands. There is still the overland routes, but it takes over a year to travel that way. We have them divided."

"And the king?"

"King Rigel has sent a royal decree ordering you to cease your martial endeavors on threat of economic blockade and military siege. He also sent a private letter to you." Miguel held out the scroll. Serpent took the message and verified the royal seal had not been broken. He opened the seal and quickly scanned the contents.

Serpents face grew dark as he read the message. "It seems the king does indeed have a backbone," Serpent said. "He regrets to inform me that I am in violation of the Pact and therefore have forfeited my title and holdings. He claims that House Blackheart is stripped of its power and status as ruler of Aspberg." Serpent wadded the paper and flung it to the floor. "Does he really think that will stop us?"

Miguel retrieved the paper. "We have reports of the Royal Army garrisoned in High Branch mobilizing. The Dukes of Hell are preparing to meet them in the plains of Eborn north of Seron. Freonian pirates have set sail to blockade Kesron and our own troops are rallying to set siege to Kesron by land."

Serpent stood and smiled. "By the gods we will set the world ablaze with the fires of war," he declared. "Our plan will succeed!"