Imperial Arcadia #2: The Circling Of Vultures

The Circling Of Vultures

"You and I have a date with destiny, it would seem. But so it is with assassins and emperors, hmm? Yes, I must die. And you must deliver the blow. It is simply the way it is. But I wonder... would you suffer an old man a few more words before the deed is done?"  Emperor Titus Flāvius Caesar Vespasiānus Augustus to this killer.

15 June 1500

Elias sat in his favorite chair in front of the fireplace. The flames dance illuminated a once jovial and youthful emperor now a haggard and weary old man. Beside him rested his faithful hound and a sword. The last ten years had been trying to say the least.

He shook the drowsiness from his body as he waited his visitor. His mind began reliving the events that shaped him and his empire. The catalyst of this darkening had been Leland's death. His miracle child born to him and his mistress. Leland had been playing with the other noble's children as he always did during long court sessions. This particular court was about replacing the late Lionel Payne as Superior Commander of the Army. Many names had been put forth and the nobles wanted each on interviewed. Knowing this would take all day long, he promised Leland that they would share dinner and he would read to him.

Elias' eye began welling up as he continued thinking about the past. The dog licked her master's hand. He patted her head lovingly in return. She took this as reassurance and continued relaxing.

He remembered how during the middle of one of the interviews the guards rushed in with word that he collapsed. Despite, the urgency of his choice, rhe raced to Leland's side. The guards had a hard time following their frantic leader. The decision was put off for two weeks. That was how long it took Leland to die. The best doctors were summoned from the corners of the empire to treat the prince. No expanse was spared. But the best the doctors could do was theorize that what ever affliction or malady the late empress suffered from now afflicts the prince. Despite the advancements in the field they were unable to help him. In the days before his death, Leland slipped in and out of consciousness. And each time he awoke to Elias beside him. Elias recounted the tale of Duncan Buchanan, the king of the Highlands, their first royal ancestor. It was Leland's favorite story. As he reached the part of the tale where Duncan slew the immortal witch Margaret, the maiden of the plains and how he used her bones to make our family unbrakable, Leland regained conciousness one final time.

"Father?" he asked between taking sips from the latest concoction of the doctors, "if I die. Can my ones be used to make the castle of Duncan stronger."

Elias knew it was a request made of insanity. But even if it was, it was also his dying request. Sobbing Elias declared, "I promise." His death came shortly afterward.

Elias picked up a cup and took a drink. Placing it down he scratched behind the hound's ear. She wagged her tail in appreciation.

The first to pressure the emperor about naming an heir was the clergy. The clergy had thrived in Arcadia has many of the Arcadia's rulers were devout Catholics. Many of them feared the fiercely secular Lancaster would claim the throne. Or France would take advance of the lack of ruler to attack. So employing Bishop Nathaniel Buchanan, the third cousin to the emperor and court chaplain, to other counsel on the matter. Using the guise of a humble game of chess he gained an audience. The game was going for well Nathaniel. Elias had been good at chess but Nathaniel was a prodigy. With a smile, Nathaniel dove in feet first.

"You need to name an heir, Elias," Nathaniel declared moving his rook to take Elias' bishop. Elias countered with a pawn. "I do not wish to discuss this matter further, cousin."

Nathaniel returned his attention back to the game. After making his move he began again, "House Buchanan needs you to. Your niece Mary recently had a son. Upton. A sweet child."

"How many times must I say? I do not wish to talk about this." Elias screamed smacking the chess pieces into the fire. Angrily Nathaniel rose, "Then when?" He asked pointing at Elias, "Then when?"

"Thread this path carefully."

"You miss him I understand that. But you are an emperor with a successor. Our family's legacy; all the hard work, suffering, and planning. Your grief threatens to undo it all." Nathaniel walked closer to Elias. Elias was a clear foot taller than Nathaniel.

"If feuding nobles or politicking clergy doesn't undo our legacy then a foreign power will." Elias stood silent. For a moment Nathaniel thought he finally got through to his cousin. At least until Elias punched him.

"Guards," Elias screamed at the top of his lungs. Two guards entered and surveyed the scene. Elias violently gestured to heap of Nathaniel.

"Get him out of my sight," he barked. They collected Nathaniel and stood him up.

"What do you us to do with him?"

"I don't care. Toss him into a cell and forget the key."

He regretted his actions after he calmed down and to this day he wished he would have handled the situation better. If he was not stubborn then that cousin would be alive. He was unsure how death claimed him but when Elias ordered him released they found him dead. As contrition he commissioned a church to be constructed in the Highlands in both Leland's and Nathaniel's honor. The trouble with Brittney began shortly after that.

The hound shot up and her attention focused on the window. She started snarling in that direction. Elias smirked, "Easy. Easy." He placed his hands on his sword.

The young Duke had began overstepping his station. Believing that age had made the Emperor weak, Duke Dreux refused commands and edicts directly to him. After naming Upton his successor did the Duke's actions turn treasonous. France had conspired with Brittney against Burgundy. For aid and troops, France would help them secure their independence. War loomed until Austria entered the picture.

The emperor of the Holy Roman Empire himself requested the alliance. To be honest Elias was shocked when he received the alliance proposal. He considered the Holy Roman Emperor and the empire a rival that one day would have to be destroyed or pacified. Not allied with. While Arcadia had be friends with Flanders since freeing them from Burgundy and with Gelre since defending them from Denmark, that was the extent of his interaction with the Holy Roman Empire. But he had no idea they put forward a formal alliance with the emperor.

With France paralyzed by the Arcadian-Austrian alliance, Elias focused his attention on punishing the fool. While Duke Dreux may keep his life and his title, Brittney would not survive. They will become another part of the empire and fade from the map all together. It was these event that lead Elias to this point.

Elias stood up. "Assassin come out now." A figured emerged from the shadows. Elias took a deep breath and the hound began growl. "I am feeling generous tell me the name of your employer and leave."

The assassin took weapon from behind his back and raced at him. Elias sighed and prepared to defend himself.

The nobles were assembled in Great Hall. There were a few noble that were prepared for the announcement of the emperor's death and their impending appointment to the regent council. TheIr joy and elation reached new heights when the guard entered. He marched with a sense of urgency and up the elevated step. He turned to the assembled nobles as if to deliver news. However, when Elias strolled into the Great Hall as he has done everyday since his coronation, the noble casted worried looks to each other. Some glared angry at one while a few moved away hastily. Nothing was said by anyone. Elias ascended the steps to the throne and sat quietly.

"Bring that filth in," the guard called out. The assassin was dragged in with chains. His clothes were cut in places and dried blood in others. "Last night, his majesty was visited by this assassin. He sought to murder him. He failed." The guard walked down the steps slowly.

"The emperor has promise leniency. If you name your employer or employers. He will not have you executed. You will be exiled to the colonies," he finished as he reached the bottom step.

"If any of you confess, you will receive exile instead of death. Your family will be allowed to remain nobles and keep their dignity. However, if the assassin names you. You will be put to death. Your family titles, fortunes, and lands will be seized and they will be exiled to the colonies."

The nobles exchanged confused glances but remained silent. The guard and the emperor smiled. "Very well. Assassin do you accept the emperor's terms?"

"Yes," was the reply.

Imperial Arcadia #1: Arcadia of My Youth

Arcadia of My Youth​

“At the end of their lives, all men look back and think that their youth was Arcadia.” Johnathan Harlock, Captain of Imperial Flagship "The Arcadia"​

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1 March 1490

The streets of the capital of Kent was abuzz with activity. In two days the emperor's sixty-first birthday and the lavish festival was to held in his honor. The average citizens was working hard to prepare. The servants of the nobles worked hard preparing for either the Grand Celebration at the Palace of Perlsea or their own private celebrations especially for those not important enough to receive invitations.

The Perlsea Palace not without activity. Servants decorated and prepared simple menus for the steward to approve of. Game was brought in and prepared, while wine was brought in by the barrel load.

The crown prince watched quietly as Elihu Anderson ground up a few herbs with his mortar and pestle. He turned away to look inside his book. He looked around the room and sighed.

"Young master Leland, would you please hand me those pink petals on the shelf there?" He asked as grinding up more. Leland turned and walked over to the shelf. After a second or two he returned with the petals.

"These?"

"Yes my Lord. Thank you." He gentle took them from his hand and place them inside to be ground up as well.

"What are you making?" Leland asked as Elihu poured the powder into a small boiling pot and fanned the flames lightly.

"Your father has be having headaches lately. While I believe it is only the matter of his growing trepidation of France's desire for Brittney, he asked me to prepare him a draught to help him."

"Can I have some?" the young prince asked. Elihu smiled pouring the mixture into a bottle and sealed it.

"It should be harmless enough. Though I must warn you, young master, the taste is quite bitter." He said finding a cup and pouring a bit in it. He handed him the cup.

Leland blew on the liquid first then took a drink. He immediately put the cup down and slowly shallowed. Elihu chuckled as he walked over to the boy. "How was it, young master?"

"Bitter," he declared as Elihu lead him out of the room. Elihu laughed as the prince swiped at his tongue.

The pair walked through the palace, Elihu, a man of science and learning, explained many thing to the young prince. To be honest, he hoped that the prince would be like his father, a scholar and not a religious zealot for the papacy. Though he knew he would never live to see the boy's ascension to the throne.

"Oh heavens where is he?" A voice screamed out from behind a column. Elihu looked down at the prince who frozen and started speeding up.

"Has anyone seen master Elihu? The prince is usually with him." Elihu tried to hold it in. He really did. But the sheepish look on the young prince's face was too much for him. He began to snicker by after a few he broke out into laughter. "Master Elihu is that you?"

An attendant ran up to them, "Master Elihu have you seen the little prince?"

Elihu nodded and looked around saying, "He and I were about...where did he go?" Elihu suddenly realized that he was missing his young companion.

"I must find him before he causes trouble," the attendant sighed as she raced off in a random direction. Elihu continued snickering as he made his way through the palace. He walked by the throne room but stopped when he saw the guards in attendance.

"Master Anderson," One of the guards proclaimed.

"Ah yes hello. I trust his majesty is in the throne room," he said scratching at his long white beard. The guard nodded. Elihu walked in.

Elias I sat on the throne with listening to several ministers and nobles alike. He looked haggard they continued to drone on in a cacophony of voices. He loudly proclaimed, "Silience." His voice echoed slightly but the ministers and nobles quieted down. "Now one at a time. Emissary from Brittney explain why the good Duke isn't bring this matter to me himself."

The emissary knelt before his lord's liege. "Your majesty your humble servant the good Duke Henri de Dreux send his regrets that he will not be able to attend your birthday celebration. However border tension with the French forces require his attention."

"Enough ceremony. Please get to the heart of the matter."

"Yes, your majesty. Duke de Dreux would like you to send a portion of the imperial navy to safeguard the land from assault."

Elias turned to one the ministers at his side, "Reuchlin Bowie tell me what is the status of the navy."

Reuchlin nodded, "My lord the 3rd Fleet consisting of three carracks and six galleys could be spared. I will select a suitable admiral to command them."

"Very well. When you return to the Duke you will return with nine of the empire's finest sailing beside you," Elias declared. The emissary rose happily, "Thank you your majesty. I wished I could replay you aid."

"Continued loyalty to Arcadia. That is what I ask of you."

"My emperor need not ask for something he already possesses." The emissary returned to the assembled nobles.

"My lord is far too kind. We, your vassals, do not deserve it." a noble spoke out.

"I know that voice. Come now cousin leave not in suspense." A man emerged from the assembled noblity. "If it isn't the good Duke Henry Lancaster." Elias arose from his throne to greet his distant cousin properly. Duke Henry emerged from the crowd. The two embraced as family does.

"I am sorry for an deception but you know I can't do anything simple," Henry said laughing.

"I am pleased you made it. I was hoping you would to be honest." Elias looked around before whispering into Henry, "A party isn't a party unless my partner-in-crime is here." Henry started laughing.

"Come now your majesty. You are far too old to be getting into any youthful shenanigans," he said aloud. Some of the older ministers and nobles cringed knowing that the royal pranksters were going to be up to no good. Despite it being almost decades since they did anything the memories of dyed wigs and foul odors coming from priest vestments returned. It was Josephine's order, the late empress and Elias' mother, that Henry not be permitted to attend all but the most formal of ceremonies at Perlsea Palace. Even after he had taken up the title of Duke from his father, she demanded that the two boys be seperated by at least two halberds length at all times. And her personal guards go with Duke Henry at all times to ensure he obeyed her command. Though there were times when they pair found a way to meet up and cause trouble. Quite a few guards were reprimanded by the empress. However, when Elias became Emperor and sending many invitations to him, Henry always feared some secret order from the late empress existed. That and the french threat along his borders. But your sixty-first birthday was important to both House Buchanan and House Lancaster. Elias, under the pretext of a formal visit, had made it for his sixty-first birthday celebration seven years ago. Henry wouldn't miss it for the world. A few began thinking of plausible excuses to why they couldn't leave their manors and homes until the celebration. Everyone else braced themselves for a long week.

"Meet me at in the Library. We can discuss how to make your birthday more festive." Henry returned to the crowd of nobles and Elias to his throne. He glared sinisterly at one of the nobles that had earned the emperor's ire lately and there was a collective sigh from everyone else. The noble in question received a few 'better you then me' looks from people and a few 'good luck you will need it' looks from others. Even Duke Henry had to pat the unluck person on the back and gave him a look that screamed 'my condolence but I not going easy on you.' 

The noble in question resended himself to a horrible fate which would very likely consist of public embarassment. He would have to pray to God for deliverance. That or someone else to present themselves much better target.

Elihu stayed in the back. He had been serving the imperial family for fifteen years now. Though he was only thirty-seven at the time. He remembered the day of Elias coronation. It was just three weeks after his forty-five birthday. The empress seemed like the picture of health. Despite a few complains of indigestion it was rather sudden. She had collapsed while performing her morning prayers and became bedridden in the same afternoon. Several bishops began planning for a funeral and a coronation in the same afternoon. Elias never left his mother's side. He was there with her up to the end. Two days later he was crowned Emperor. While few believe anything sinister happened even few would believe Elias had a hand in her death. Elias valued loyalty above all else. Loyalty to the land and her people was the first thoughts of Elias'. Loyalty to family and friends were second. Then loyalty to one's enemies. Promises were kept despite difficult and Elias was smart enough to make promises he could not keep. If he said he would send aid. You would receive it. If he promise to darken the earth with your blood. He best believe he would do it. Despite all the tragedy of surrounding his mother death, the real tragedy was the empress never met Prince Leland born only four short years later.

A messenger entered the throne eluding a great sense of urgency. The assembly turned toward him, he hurried toward the throne. Elias joined the other ministers as the messenger approached. "My lord...I bring...I bring news from the colon...colony."

"Someone fetch this man a drink of water," Elias barked looking around him. A cup was prepared and given to the man. He greedily drank it down. Regaining his composure and catching his breath some the messenger continued, "Thank you my liege. I bring urgent news from the colony of Alsus."

"Out with it man," Duke Henry said smirking. Elias shot him a serious glance and he nodded and desisted.

"Continue," the emperor said gesturing with his hand.

"The colonial governor Timothy Kearney has launched an attack force against the savages of Pillhilder. The battle was going in his favor. However, he savages gained aid from another tribe. He is requesting aid."

Lionel Payne, a shrewd ex-career soldier now turn advisor, stepped forward. "Your majesty may I be bold to make a suggestion."

"Your council on martial matters has always been acceptable. Please speak."

"We recently devised a new variation of the cannon. While we have tested the weapon in the countryside against motionless wooden soldiers and barns, I am eager to test them on moving targets and stone walls. If my lord permission I want to accompany them and see them firsthand."

Elias looked that Lionel before speaking, "While I would rather have you here in case of French assault, our ventures abroad are equally important. I grant you leave to go."

"At once. Sire I will take the fast ship in the fleet and make haste." He bowed before the emperor then turned to the messenger. "You there come tell me everything about the savages, their tactics, and their allies. I want a formalized plan by the time I arrive,"

Lionel listened to the messenger explain all the details he required as he departed.