Shattered Sanity

(Meanwhile, The White Castle, Drew Dawnriver’s POV)

”We caught two more today trying to infiltrate White Castle.”

Archimedes reported, as Drew alternated his gaze between the old librarian and Ronan, the head of his palace guards, who stood respectfully before his desk.

Of all the men serving House Dawnriver, these two were among the few who understood the true extent of the family’s political ambitions and the preparations currently underway within the Eastern territories.

”Two more? That brings the total to what, twelve?”

Drew asked, leaning back against his chair as Ronan stepped forward to answer.

”Fourteen, Your Grace. We captured eight alive, while the remaining six were killed after attempting to resist arrest. The two we apprehended today were carrying Imperial identification seals concealed within their spatial rings.”

Ronan reported, placing a small leather pouch upon the Duke’s desk.

Drew opened it and examined the seals briefly, before letting out an amused chuckle and tossing them back onto the table.

”The Emperor isn’t even trying to hide it anymore, is he? He knows we are preparing for conflict, and he is sparing no expense trying to discover what we have planned.”

Drew muttered, shaking his head as a broad smile gradually spread across his face.

”Although, for all the spies he keeps sending into my home, I doubt he has the slightest idea of what is actually waiting for him.”

The Duke turned towards Archimedes, who returned his smile with a knowing expression.

”Wouldn’t you agree, old friend?”

”Indeed, Your Grace.

Right now, I’m pretty sure that the Emperor will be focused on securing the support of the other Great Ducal houses...”

Archimedes replied, stroking his beard thoughtfully before continuing.

”However, I genuinely suspect that he will ever figure out that the Great Ascendant Sects have started to turn against him.”

Drew nodded, appearing particularly pleased by that assessment.

”After all, the Emperor has spent his entire life treating those sects as independent institutions that prefer remaining uninvolved in Imperial politics. He has little reason to suspect that their leaders have been discussing military cooperation with House Dawnriver.”

Archimedes explained, although his expression remained composed as he considered the potential consequences.

”And by the time he realizes the extent of their involvement, I suspect it will already be too late for him to prevent the alliance from taking shape.”

”Precisely.”

Drew replied, before turning his attention towards Ronan once more.

”That will be all for now, Ronan. You’ve done well capturing those infiltrators, and I want you to maintain the same level of vigilance throughout the coming days.”

”Of course, Your Grace.”

”Keep the castle on high alert, especially during the night. I’m certain the Emperor will send more of his little rats before long, and I would prefer that none of them manage to get anywhere near my private chambers.”

Drew instructed, as Ronan bowed respectfully.

”Understood, Your Grace. I’ll personally oversee the patrol arrangements and ensure that every entrance remains properly guarded.”

With his instructions received, Ronan turned and departed, closing the heavy wooden doors behind him as Drew waited until the sound of his footsteps had completely faded.

Only then did the Duke’s expression become considerably more serious, as he turned towards Archimedes and lowered his voice.

”Now then, regarding the other matter we discussed. Did you take care of Lucius as I instructed?”

Archimedes nodded without hesitation.

”The hypnotist has been dealt with.

I personally snuffed out his life.”

Drew studied the old man’s expression for a moment before giving a satisfied nod.

”Good. It was about time that we eliminated that loose link.

The boy’s identity can never come under question.”

Drew muttered, as Archimedes nodded in agreement.

”Indeed. With Lucius gone, the only people who know the truth about Riven’s origins are you and me now.”

Archimedes replied, as Drew nodded appreciatively before rubbing his hands with excitement.

”You know, Archimedes, when we first decided to make that boy my heir, I never imagined he would become quite so valuable to us.”

Drew admitted, as a strange sparkle entered his eyes.

”He is too squirmy for my liking.

But I must admit he’s done good.

He’s started the flames of war, and now, the greatest Storm Ascendant of our generation wants to establish ties with House Dawnriver, all because he’s interested in taking that brat as his personal disciple.”

Drew muttered, as he could hardly believe his own luck.

”To be fair, I was quite surprised when we received Kremeth’s letter.

But I guess, it’s for the best.”

Archimedes replied, as Drew nodded in agreement.

”Indeed. We’ve already finalized the arrangement with the Heavenly Ascendancy Sect. Regardless of how the public hearing concludes, Riven is to be sent to their headquarters immediately afterward.”

Drew explained, although Archimedes was already familiar with the agreement.

”And in exchange for allowing their First Elder to take the boy as his personal disciple, they’ve agreed to stand alongside House Dawnriver if our disagreements with the Emperor develop into an open conflict.”

”Which is precisely the kind of support we need right now.”

Archimedes remarked, his expression growing serious.

”The Heavenly Ascendancy Sect has remained outside Imperial politics for generations. Diomande will have no reason to suspect that they’ve already chosen a side.”

”And they’re hardly the only ones.”

Drew continued, a faint smile appearing upon his face.

”The other two major Ascendant sects within our Eastern territories have also promised their support. Three powerful sects, Archimedes, all willing to stand against the Imperial throne if war breaks out.”

”That changes things considerably, my lord.”

Archimedes replied, stroking his beard thoughtfully.

”The Emperor might possess the support of the other Great Dukes, but even their combined armies would have considerable difficulty invading the East with so many powerful Ascendants defending our territories.”

”Precisely. And the best part is that Diomande doesn’t know a damn thing about any of it.”

Drew muttered, his expression hardening.

”He’s probably convinced himself that this will be another war decided by the strength of noble armies. By the time he realizes how many Ascendants have aligned themselves with us, it’ll be too late for him to change his plans.”

Archimedes nodded slowly, although he remained careful not to underestimate the Emperor’s resources.

”Still, three sects alone won’t guarantee victory, old friend. They’ll make the East considerably harder to conquer, but bringing the war to the Imperial capital will be another matter entirely.”

”I know.”

Drew replied, clasping his hands together before interlocking his fingers.

”However, old friend, what could truly tip the scales is if Alaric Ironveil chooses to join me.”

Archimedes regarded him for a moment.

”Aren’t you supposed to be meeting him today?”

”I am.”

Drew replied, rising slowly from his chair.

”I’ll let you know how it goes. But if that meeting goes well, Archimedes, then we might just find a way to unseat that damned Emperor from his throne.”