Chapter 6 Part 5

"It was a very powerful attempt," Morteous said. "Someone tried to mass teleport from the far west to Tycho." He nodded to Tyson. "Thanks to Tyson's suggestion," he told Miguel as they sat in the private chambers of the head of House Blackheart, "I had a barrier erected near the Orkons to prevent something like that."

"Are you certain it was them?" Miguel asked. "Long distance teleporting to major cities is not unheard of."

"There is no way to be certain," Morteous agreed. "Since they have learned to conceal their magic it is difficult to trace them, but while long distance teleporting is not uncommon, mass telepoting is." The warlock clasped his hands and leaned on the desk. "I think that we can be reasonably sure that it was them."

"The timing would be appropriate," Miguel said. "My father has revealed that some events are occurring in the far west that the gods have taken notice of. He didn’t say what as it was, this private business of the gods, but it’s fairly clear that someone has done something unusual."

"That sounds like their style," Tyson said. "Whatever they were after, you can be sure that they have it. When they get home, and find our little surprise, they’re going to be quite peeved."

"Surprise?" Miguel asked.

Morteous laughed. Miguel had not been in on the plan about that part. "We asked our Doyr allies to set a perimeter about that cabin and to kill anyone who tries to enter it."

"Uncle," Miguel said disapprovingly. "I really don't think that you are giving them enough credit. From our past experiences, it would take a virtual army to kill that bunch."

Tyson grinned. "Precisely. The Doyr don't exactly have an army. When they attack the cabin, our enemies will annihilate them and track them back to their lair where they’ll assume the woman and the boy have been taken. They’ll more than likely clean the place out killing everyone including the fake male heir of House Blackheart before it’s even born. The goddess of motherhood has kept her part of the bargain and we have the real heir occupying the druid's womb."

"What of the demon who rules the Doyr?" Miguel asked. "She by herself can fight like a small army, and she has the option of calling upon her brethren."

"Either the Doyr will rid us of some pesky enemies, or those pesky enemies will rid us of the problem with the Doyr. It is a no lose situation," Morteous beamed proudly.

"It is indeed," Miguel agreed. "Who is the mastermind behind this?"

"Master Tyson is the architect of that plan," Morteous praised. "We may have to elevate his status to that of Assistant Master of Assassins. Earlrich will be pleased to have such an agent at his side."

"My lord," Tyson addressed the younger Blackheart, "what is the status with the druid?"
Miguel crossed his legs. "She is aware that something has happened, but she does not know what. Darwina, my companion is attending her as a house servant. She keeps me informed of the woman's plans and state of mind. Darwina has her convinced that she is a lowly waif who hates my guts."

"Does she suspect what has happened to her child?"

"At first she knew something was wrong, but Darwina told her that she had had children before and that it was a normal feeling. She thinks the druid believes her."

"What news from Keron?" Miguel asked gesturing towards a scroll that lay on the desk. It had arrived that morning and bore the king's seal.

"His majesty is beginning to feel the pressure that your father and my brother now wields," Morteous informed his nephew. "The council has urged him to reinstate House Blackheart. But Rigel is a stubborn man. He demands that I step down as the head of our clan. The council has agreed to accept you as the heir if you will cease to actively practice your priesthood."

Miguel's face turned dark. "I cannot deny my god," he argued.

"Of course not," Morteous replied. "But you must cease to lead ceremonies and sacrifices nor may you practice divination in the name of Ragnera."

Miguel was about to protest, but Morteous continued. "That does not, however prevent you from conversing with your father and even the council is not about to forbid a god's right to aid his son should he wish to."

Miguel smiled. "Then I will accept the Mantle of the House's sovereign."

Morteous grinned as did Tyson. "I do so love politics," Tyson laughed.