Dragon Heartstone > Chapter 17–New Masters

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Viperious sniffed the icy air that carried hints of smoke and the distant clang of metal. He looked up at the gates of Wolfbern. Crudely designed and built, the barbarians of Cazidor showed none of the finesse and artistic sense of their southern counterparts. Nevertheless, the walls appeared solid, the country pleasant though cold, and the people suitably reticent. They did not seem too demonstrative, which would work in favor of carrying out the plan to its fullest extent.

Dathon cleared his throat, and Viperious turned to look at the man. “Yes,” he said tersely. “What do you want?”

“I want to make it clear how the government in Cazidor works. The Council of Elders serves … “

“Yes, you’ve told me this before,” he snapped. “They serve at the discretion of Alric and, by and large, do what he asks.”

Dathon pursed his lips. “Not just that, but they also will determine who ascends to the throne. Therefore, we must get the Council on our side before we move. We must not move too soon. Alric is popular; removing him will throw the country into turmoil, and trying to influence the Council at that point will be difficult.”

“I have no worries about that,” he shot back. “The Council will do what they are told if they wish to stay alive. It is rather simple; don’t overcomplicate things, Denton.”

“Dathon,” the Magus corrected with ill-disguised annoyance. “You can do what you suggest, but I don’t recommend it; the risk of creating a schism in the government is great if you don’t get the Council on our side.”

“And what would you suggest?” he replied, allowing his voice to rise an octave.

Dathon waved a hand at their surroundings. “Promise them anything as long as they go along with the plan. Once Brecc is King, they will be instrumental in securing parts of Cazidor that may resist his authority.”

Viperious stared at him. “Do you think they will? After all, what alternative do they have?”

“We do not know the whereabouts of Alric’s daughter, Britta. As such, we cannot risk alienating the Cazidorans. Otherwise, the risk of civil war will become highly probable if she shows up.”

“You are cringing at shadows, Brother Dathon. If she shows up, we will deal with her how you should have dealt with her when you had the chance.”

Dathon’s face darkened. “My arrangement allowed the Council to take control of Cazidor.”

Viperious laughed. “While also losing control of Bretagne.”

“Alric betrayed us through that delegate of his, Gall,” Dathon growled out, giving him the side-eye.

“A fundamental mistake. You know better to trust those who don’t owe allegiance to the Council.”

Dathon gripped his reins as his face reddened. “The opportunity was there, and I took it. I have already taken responsibility for what happened. If you don’t believe I have the wherewithal to carry out this plan, I will request the Council replace me since I do not have your confidence.”

Viperious’ mouth felt dry. He might have overstepped. Despite Dathon’s failure, the Magus was essential to his plan. “That is not necessary. You are to carry out the plan as agreed upon. While we recognize that mistakes have been made, we also recognize the need to move on.” It’s time to end this line of discussion. “How much of this plan have you shared with Brecc?”

“Only what he needs to know. Don’t worry. He understands who pulls his strings.”

“As for Alric’s daughter, where is she?”

“She was last seen near Citadel of the Crescent Moon but is not with Alric. If she does turn up, we will eliminate her.”

“What about Gall? Has he been seen?”

“No,” Dathon replied. “His whereabouts are unknown as well. However, I have directed the Brotherhood to discover his whereabouts and Britta’s.”

Viperious nodded. “Good. Perhaps having the Brotherhood as allies will serve us well, I think.” He ignored the look Dathon returned.

* * *

The Magus looked away as well. Dragging the Brotherhood into their plans was a mistake. Their loyalties lie elsewhere. As long as their interests align with ours, we will be fine. If not, this latest effort might be a disaster. The walls of the inner city of Wolfbern loomed before them. Still, Dathon led them away from the road leading to the Royal Palace toward the Blue Dragon Inn. In time, they would be going through the Royal Gates, but now was not the time.