Valkyrie's Shadow

Birthright: Act 5, Chapter 18

Birthright: Act 5, Chapter 18

Chapter 18

Out of the corner of her vision, Ludmila watched Campbell Fassett look around himself in half a stupor before going to one knee. The campfire crackled in the silence as Lady Shalltear swept her gaze over the camp. She turned towards the town and inhaled deeply.

“It appears that you’ve started the fun without me,” her voice chimed lightly.

“My lady?” Ludmila was unsure of what she spoke of.

“The scent of blood is thick on the wind,” she replied. “Unless mass bloodletting is some sort of recreational activity around here, many have died violently this evening…though I suppose you have just returned from the south.”

“My lady is well informed.” Ludmila glanced up at her liege.

“Well, I have been keeping an eye on you this entire time,” Lady Shalltear smiled mysteriously. “You may all rise.”

Glancing around them, Ludmila wondered how they were being watched. Now that she was aware of Lady Shalltear’s surveillance, she noticed several small black bats flittering around in the night. More could be seen in the shadows of the carriages and trees, a few with glowing red eyes that gleamed in her direction. Bats were a common sight everywhere in the duchy; it seemed a dozen or more of Lady Shalltear’s Household had infiltrated themselves into the local population.

“Thank you for your kind concern, my lady,” Ludmila nodded her head. “If the scent of blood on the wind, it should be due to Campbell’s attack on Jacqueline’s manor. I’m unsure of her fate, but the two Shadow Demons I sent to investigate might be able to find and secure her if she has survived.”

“There should be a third, yes?” Lady Shalltear said, “My escorts have already secured this camp. Send it with the others to find out.”

“At once, my lady.”

Ludmila turned away to look around the camp. Spotting the patrolling Shadow Demon, she issued new instructions.

“I’m innocent, I swear it!”

A pleading voice sounded over the gathering as they turned to walk back over to the campfire. The young nobleman had risen from his kneeling position, stumbling forward Lady Shalltear with a desperate look.

“I never had a chance to prove myself,” he begged. “This isn’t fair!”

“So noisy,” Lady Shalltear said as her crimson eyes flared.

Campbell Fassett’s wide-eyed expression faded and transformed into one of dull-eyed adulation. A silly smile appeared on his sallow face.

“Return to your seat,” Lady Shalltear said. “Do not speak unless you have my leave to do so.”

The nobleman quietly returned to his log and sat back down.

“Much better,” Lady Shalltear said without looking in his direction. “Now then, what mischief has this fellow been up to?”

Her carefree tone resulted in a few seconds of silence before Clara realized that she should answer.

“Oh, ehm…” She turned her head, “Wagner, our report should be on the table in the pavilion, should it not?”

“Yes, Lady Corelyn.” Liane nodded, “I’ll retrieve it immediately.”

While she was away, the Shadow Demon returned.

“Jacqueline Fassett is no more,” it reported. “We have slain her slayers.”

Charmed as he was, Campbell Fassett did not even react to the news that his sister had perished.

“Going by what remained to guard Campbell’s manor,” Ludmila said, “there should have been nearly an entire mercenary company. Did you get them all?”

“Several dozen have fled into the surrounding countryside,” the Shadow Demon said. “We are currently pursuing them.”

“I see,” she frowned. “Head back out to help finish the work there then.”

Lady Shalltear shifted slightly beside Ludmila.

“I must apologize, my lady,” Ludmila turned to lower her head. “I have failed to secure the other party in this dispute.”

Liane returned from the pavilion, offering the report that had been compiled from what they had discovered over the past few days. Ludmila thought she saw a dismayed look briefly cross over Lady Shalltear’s face – it was no surprise: the binder must have been more than ten centimetres thick.

“We’ll discuss that at length later,” her liege said as she reached out to take the report.

Lady Shalltear frowned warily at the thick binder, testing its weight as if she suspected it was some sort of illusion. Even with her own participation in the investigation, Ludmila was still shocked that such a damning record could be put together for a single noble house in such a short time.

“There is a summary for this, I hope,” Lady Shalltear said.

“Yes, my lady,” replied Clara. “An index has been included for the convenience of the Royal Court.”

Lady Shalltear opened the cover and frowned down at the contents, flipping through the pages.

“...this index is twenty pages long,” she said.

They waited expectantly in the following silence, and Lady Shalltear sighed.

“Alright then…” she turned to Count Fassett, “Count Campbell Fassett. You will answer my questions truthfully. A simple yes or no will suffice where appropriate.”

The young nobleman did not lose his besotted expression as he looked up in response.

“Yes, mistress,” he said. “It would be my pleasure.”

Lady Shalltear cleared her throat before speaking, frowning down at the open binder held in front of her.

“Are you complicit in the underground slave markets of this county, and in the trafficking of slaves to other territories and the nations beyond?”

“Yes, mistress,” he said happily, “I am.”

His response was immediate, and a low murmur rose from the surroundings.

“Does House Fassett coordinate the illegal cultivation and harvest of Laira crops across the border, for refinement into Laira Powder to export from your demesne?”

“Yes, mistress, we do!”

“Has House Fassett effectively licensed criminal groups by employing a schedule of affordable fines and light punishments that are ineffective at deterrence?”

“Yes, mistress, we have.”

“Do you use the proceeds from this scheme to both enrich yourselves and subsidize groups of brigands posing as mercenaries throughout your territory, to be employed against your enemies both within your demesne and beyond?”

“Yes, mistress.”

For many minutes Lady Shalltear went down the long list of subjects outlined in the index of the report, with Count Fassett confirming the truth to each. The air had been abuzz when the questioning had started but, by the time she finished, only the sounds of the campfire and rustle of the wind through the grass could be heard.

“If I may, my lady,” Ludmila said, “I would like to ask one more question of him.”

Lady Shalltear nodded regally, and Ludmila turned to address Count Fassett.

“After reconsolidating the county court following the resolution of this succession dispute,” she asked. “Did you intend on continuing this behaviour – regardless of whether it was the will of your liege?”

Count Fassett furrowed his brow at her question, and looked at Lady Shalltear.

“Is this true?” Lady Shalltear prompted.

“Yes, mistress,” he grinned, “it is true. The power and wealth of my lord father is now mine to use as I see fit, and with it I will build a legacy to surpass all others.”

Lady Shalltear snapped the binder shut in her hand, and the besotted smile fell off of Count Fassett’s face. He blinked several times before a low moan of despair rose from him. He bent forward in his seat, cradling his head in his hands.

“See?” Lady Shalltear turned to look up at Ludmila with a brilliant smile, “I told you it was a silly law. It should be changed, yes?”

“I see the benefits to its use,” Ludmila replied evenly, “but it’s still dangerous if misused. If its implementation were up to me…at best it would be an amendment to the laws that would allow the licensing of officers that can be trusted to wield it appropriately for investigative purposes.”

“So you propose that an amendment be made,” Lady Shalltear mused, “allowing only trusted servants the use of domination magic on the citizens? I’ll be sure to let Albedo know that the House of Lords might be open to supporting this measure. She’ll be thrilled that these powers would remain the sole purview of the courts. It’s good that you’ve come around on this matter.”

Lady Shalltear’s gaze rested on each of the noblewomen’s faces around the campfire for several moments before speaking again.

“Now that all has been laid bare,” she said, “I suppose your work is done here. There are still a few weeks until the coming events surrounding our new relationship with the Empire, so I’m certain you’d like to return to your territories to ensure that your preparations are sufficient. Ready yourselves to leave as soon as possible. Except for Lady Zahradnik: she and I still have much to do.”

“We do, my lady?” Ludmila said.

“Why of course,” Lady Shalltear replied. “We will need to discuss your actions but, in the end, the results have not changed. After the Royal Court is through with them, Count Fassett – as well as House Fassett’s closest lackeys – have a permanent reservation awaiting their pleasure. It’s a shame that we couldn’t make this a family trip, but I suppose we can’t make everyone happy all the time.”

“The Royal Court...” Clara swallowed.

“Hm?”

“What will the Royal Court do?” Clara asked, “Everything we’ve done here – we did it not only because we thought it was the best course of action, but also because the House of Lords fears the repercussions of House Fassett’s…deviancy. Is…is everything we’ve done here enough to convince the Royal Court that the remaining members of the nobility can be trusted to continue their administrative duties? Or has all of our effort been for naught?”

“On the contrary,” Lady Shalltear said, “I believe much has been gained here. You have compiled a substantial amount of knowledge – knowledge that others unfamiliar with these silly Human games will learn so that they may apply themselves more effectively in His Majesty’s service. If the servants of the Sorcerer King can learn lessons from this knowledge that will prepare them for similar problems in the future…then rather than fearing punishment, should it not a reward be in order for those that have worked to deliver this result?”

“Then the laws…” Clara seemed hesitant to ask.

“The laws are always subject to change,” Lady Shalltear said, “or change will have them eventually become obsolete and useless. However, I highly doubt any of your immediate fears will come to pass after your efforts here. After you ensure that this report is suitable for presentation, the three of you should submit it personally to the Royal Court. The Prime Minister will surely be delighted to see such a…weighty article. As I said before, His Majesty’s servants will benefit from this knowledge, and Albedo will surely incorporate it in the future to better equip the administration for their tasks.”

Clara’s eyes went to Ludmila; Lady Shalltear did not miss her meaning.

“You need not worry about Lady Zahradnik,” she said, “she is my vassal – my responsibility. There are other lessons she must learn before we leave…though I suppose that you ladies should at least learn this next one as well.”

Lady Shalltear turned to walk towards the overlook; the four noblewomen exchanged glances before following. The servants dispersed to break camp and prepare for the return trip to the capital.

“You seem to believe that securing Jacqueline Fassett was a condition for success,” Lady Shalltear turned to face them again as she spoke to Ludmila. “Did you believe that by capturing both parties in this dispute, an appropriate resolution would be attained?”

“Yes, my lady,” Ludmila replied. “In addition to rounding up their respective courts and key members of their leadership in other areas.”

“I see,” she said. “Then as your liege, I have the responsibility to correct this misconception.”

Looking at each noblewoman in turn, Lady Shalltear spoke after she appeared satisfied that they were giving her their complete attention.

“The Will of Ainz Ooal Gown is paramount,” she said, “not only in the Sorcerous Kingdom, but in every place where His Majesty’s servants may find themselves – it matters not where that may be. It is our duty as servants of His Majesty to see the realization of His Will to the utmost of our capabilities. As nobles, you are responsible for administering many and, through your leadership, your territories will grow and flourish should you rule wisely and well.

“Yet, by this same token, you appear to believe that everything can be solved by simply removing the head of every problem you come across. The report you have written suggests that every facet of civilian life here has been infected with the corruption that House Fassett has long harboured in its demesne. In the index alone, there were mentions of shopkeepers and militia, farmers and woodsmen. All complicit in these activities that go against His Majesty’s desires.”

“My lady,” Ludmila asked, “do you mean to say that making an example out of their leadership is not enough to change the ways of the people?”

“Change their ways?” Lady Shalltear said, “You misunderstand me. Even after being recipients of His Majesty’s Grace, they have opposed His Majesty’s Will: thus they must answer for their defiance.”

“But it’s not their fault!” Clara protested, “It is a path set before them through generations of mismanagement by House Fassett. If they had better leaders; if they had real opportunities…the future of the Sorcerous Kingdom offers so much – did His Majesty not offer this future to all of his subjects?”

“Indeed,” Lady Shalltear said, “and those that would bring harm to what is His shall be granted no quarter. I do not care for their reasons: only that they did, and what it means. You are all nobles – all eminently capable, if what I have heard is to be believed – so it should not be so hard to understand. Now tell me: in regard to His Majesty’s Will, how many have crossed the line in the town you see before us?”

Clara fell silent and she struggled to keep a frown from forming on her lips. She visibly swallowed, and a tear trickled down her cheek.

“All of them,” Liane said.

“Liane!” Florine cried.

“All of them,” Liane repeated herself firmly. “Every field that they plowed, every tree that they felled; every coin that they turned – all of it ultimately went to feed the corrupt beast that House Fassett grew into.”

“But the children…” Florine’s voice trailed off.

Liane’s eyes flashed angrily at her mention.

“Have you seen children like that before, Florine?” She asked, “In your own demesne? In mine? You have seen how eager they are. They are like a pack of bloodthirsty hounds, trained by their handler to sniff out and steal whatever they can find that seems useful. They would even kill if we offered them but a single gold coin; they already place a price on that which is not their own to take. How many more of them are there in that town? Viciously competing with one another to get by, and for what? They strive to become the harlots, thugs and brigands that serve the dregs of this county, or the next handler that raises the next generation that will grow up to be just like them.”

Florine glared furiously at her friend – it was the first time Ludmila had seen them at such odds. Liane’s expression softened somewhat, her voice turning conciliatory.

“We cannot be children any more, Florine; nor can we answer as children. We cannot even answer according to our personal preferences – Lady Shalltear asked us as nobles. As nobles, we cannot fix every problem; we cannot right every wrong. We cannot reach out and save every man, woman and child on a whim. We cannot mend every wound and remove every scar. We cannot go into the past and reverse everything that has been done…and we cannot allow what has taken root here to spread.

“Whether our subjects bless us or curse us, it is our duty to lead and administer our territories in the best ways that we know. The decisions that we make; the paths that we take, determine the future for our people. When House Fassett chose to take this cursed path…they damned all of their people as well.”

Liane’s voice started to break as she finished speaking, and she drew a handkerchief out of a pocket to dry her eyes. Lady Shalltear’s voice rose from in front of them again.

“You should understand that what is being done is not simply because it is easy or convenient,” she told them. “His Majesty’s Will applies to all of His subjects: from the meanest dwellings in the furthest lands, to the highest hall of the Sorcerous Kingdom. Race and creed; friends and family: these bonds exist by the grace of Ainz Ooal Gown. Even we who stand closest to His Majesty are not above the Will of the Supreme One. If it was known that the Guardian Overseer herself sought to undermine Lord Ainz’s Will, the rest of us would set upon her without hesitation and render her into nothingness: only the disgraceful memory of her treason would remain.”

Lady Shalltear’s bright crimson gaze went to each noblewoman, as if she could fix her words in their minds. After a long moment, she turned around and walked to the edge of the cliff. The mournful wind pulled at the silken frills of her black ballroom gown, as if pleading with her to stay her hand.

“As above,” her declaration resounded through the air, “so below.”

Raising her slight arm, Lady Shalltear stretched a pale palm towards the jeweled canopy of the night.

“?Triplet Widen Magic – Storm of Vengeance?!”

Tall clouds blotted out the sky over Fassett Town, roiling ever wider until they loomed over the entire settlement. As soon as their expansion ceased, the landscape turned brighter than day as massive flashes of lightning illuminated the sky. Several heartbeats later, a tremendous peal of thunder rolled over the ridge. Horses screamed and panicked in its wake, as did the men and women working to break camp. The noblewomen did not act to calm their servants, however; the storm had just begun its onslaught.

A sickly green rain began to fall upon the town and, after its buildings were completely inundated with the deluge, rooftops sloughed off like melting wax as the liquid pooled in the streets. Bolts of lightning struck the tallest, most resilient buildings: shattering stone and setting wooden frames alight. As the thunder continued to roll over them, Ludmila saw tiny flecks of white falling from the clouds, reminiscent of a winter flurry.

One of them struck a larger building, collapsing an entire wall: to see them from this distance, they must have been hailstones the size of wagons. Before their eyes, the entire town was being pounded into rubble. The smouldering manor overlooking the town finally collapsed, debris sliding down the hill and smashing into the remains of the broken buildings below.

In just a single minute since the spell was cast, the storm subsided and the clouds vanished as if they had never been. Laid below the women standing on the overlook was a steaming lake; within it, the remains of the town: burning even as the rubble slowly receded beneath the surface.

Lady Shalltear turned back to address them once again.

“This lesson is now concluded,” she said to the row of ashen faces. “Return to your homes. Lady Zahradnik: retrieve your equipment – the rest of Fassett County awaits us.”