roccoschili DT4 - Chapter 39
DT4 - Chapter 39
DT4 - Chapter 39
“Do you know how Gero became one of our allies?”
Taking another bite of chicken, Ryn shook her head.
“The reason she became our ally is simple,” Garrett said. “She gained access to a particular kind of power. You've been to Dreamer's Rest, and you've seen the VIP area, but there's another place beyond that, for those who serve the Dreamer on the throne. Gero had the opportunity to become one of the Dreamer's chosen, allowing her to wield a limited amount of his power. As she grows in ability, the amount of power she can access will grow as well. Additionally, it allows for those of us who serve the Dreamer to interact in a more regular way."
"So what do these Chosen do?" Ryn asked, her eyes narrowing.
"As of yet, nothing really," Garrett admitted. "But I was curious if you would be interested in the role."
"That's one I'd have to think about," Ryn said. "I do value my freedom, but I'm also always interested in more power." She put the drumstick down and held out her hand, flexing her fingers. "I never understood the allure before, but ever since I was awakened, I admit I've grown quite addicted to the feeling."
"I know exactly what you mean," Garrett said. "Once you begin taking up power, it's very hard not to strive for more.”
“Will there be other Chosen? I mean beyond just Gero and me if I choose to take the position."
"There will," Garrett said. "In fact, I have a particular person in mind."
"Let me guess, you're not going to tell me who."
"No, I think I'll leave it for a surprise."
Rolling her eyes, Ryn took another bite of chicken and put the now-empty bone on the plate. "Why me?" She asked, licking her fingers.
"For two reasons, really," Garrett said. "First, you're exceptional, and I can't see where the limit of your growth is going to be, though it's exceptionally unlikely that you'll ever be more powerful than I am. Your soul spark continues to grow stronger, even when you don't do anything, which tells me that I want to keep you as close as possible. Second, at some point, probably in the next year, you're going to Port Reverie, and this will give you an added layer of protection."
Tucking her hair behind her ear, Ryn slowly smiled.
"You know, I always knew that picking you up out of the gutter was a good idea. I'm touched that you care for me. I honestly didn't know if you cared about anybody."
"I do have a tendency to be rather detached, don't I?" Garrett said with a smile.
"That is an understatement, Garrett. A criminal understatement. You know what? Yes, let's do it. I'm already in the family, so I might as well go all the way, right? What do I need to do?"
"Nothing," Garrett said. Reaching into the air, his wrist twisted, and he seemed to pull a golden mask from nothing. "You can use this one instead of your black one," he said, sliding it across the desk.
Picking it up, Ryn gave Garrett a long look as she turned the mask over in her hands.
"Does anybody else know?" She asked.
"Know what?"
"That you're the Dreamer on the throne."
Considering for a moment, Garrett shook his head.
"No," he said. "No one else knows, and I intend to keep it that way. You'll have to bear the burden of being my anchor all by yourself."
Since they were a bit early, Garrett had Ryn push him around the black market to see if he could find anything interesting. A surprising amount of the goods were things he recognized, as they had come through the tunnels controlled by the Klein family. There were other, more exotic items, however, scattered throughout the market that Garret found quite interesting. These included colorful feathers that were hard as steel, savage-looking weapons made from natural materials that carried some sort of enchantment, making them nearly impossible to break, and texts in unknown languages.
What Garret found rather surprising was the relative lack of mysterious artifacts. Though, on further reflection, it made some sense, as few individuals wanted to handle such dangerous objects. The mysterious artifacts he did identify were all hidden in and among the other items, and as they strolled around, Garret instructed Obe to purchase them.
By the time the other members of the Ten Seats had gathered, Garret had a nice little haul, including a blue and red feather that weighed almost three pounds and clanked like metal whenever he tapped on it, an old bronze key, and a silver cup that happened to have the same motif as the plate Isabelle currently possessed.
Garret didn't actually know what the three mysterious artifacts did, or what was special about them. He could just feel the power of the dream that infused them. So he bought them, intending to explore their use later. Rather than carry them around directly, he took out the small box he carried, and with a thought, infused a little bit of power into it. The box shook slightly, and the three mysterious artifacts disappeared, sucked into it.
Hold these for me. Make sure they don't go crazy.
Though the Warden couldn't reply directly, Garret felt Kabod's Maze shake slightly, indicating the spirit's agreement. Putting Kabod's Maze away, Garret and Ryn made their way up to the central platform, where the other members of the Ten Seats were beginning to gather. One by one, they took their places, with Garret transferring himself from his wheelchair into the large, straight-backed chair that bore the symbol of his guild, which had been made for him after his successful election to the Council.
Thomas was the last to arrive, looking much refreshed, no doubt having taken a nap that afternoon. Apart from Garret, everyone else was standing, and once Thomas had taken his place, they all sat down together.
"Welcome, and thank you all for coming on such short notice," Thomas said. "Rather than begin with the normal preamble, I think it only appropriate that I turn the floor over to those who called this meeting. Chief among them, Louise."
Leaning back in his chair, Thomas gestured towards the leader of Silver Song.
"Why don't you go ahead and get us started," he said.
With a nod towards Thomas, Louise stood up and looked around the table, her gaze hesitating ever so slightly when she reached Garret, before passing on to Henry Janus, who was next to him.
"As Thomas said, thank you all so much for coming. I know that this meeting was probably disruptive to your schedules, but it is an exceptionally important topic. We are about to enter a new era, and it only behooves us to meet and decide what it is we're going to do."
"Just cut to the chase, Louise," Garret snapped from across the table, flashing a not-so friendly smile.
Louise nodded.
"Fine. Our network has uncovered three major factions vying for political power in the city, all centered around the coming inauguration of Princess Louise."
"The princess is being crowned? Why hadn't I heard of this?" Arthur Tellson asked.
"The information is brand new," Louise replied, "but it poses a significant problem for us. On the heels of such an event, it's likely that the city guard will crack down on illegal activity in order to show the power of the new monarch. However, I think there are a few ways to get around this. First is probably the worst option. We can lay low. And when I say we, I mean all of us. If we can reduce our activity for the next six months, it's likely that we'll be able to resume normal operations without any major repercussions."
"Six months is a long time to be operating at half-profit," Jonathan Moran said.
"I know, which is why I say it's the worst option," Louise replied.
"You mentioned a few factions," Thomas chimed in, leaning forward. "Who are they?"
"Three different groups of nobles," Louise said, holding up three fingers. "The first supports the princess. Unfortunately, allying ourselves with them means practically shutting down for the next six months. The second group supports Duke Arkov to remain as regent, even after the princess is made queen. The third supports a clean break from the monarchy. And you can imagine what joining them will entail."
Many of the eyes at the table glanced towards Thomas Gelavin, causing him to chuckle and hold up his hands.
"Don't look at me," he said. "I'm not part of any of those groups. My loyalties lie here with all of you."
Nobody believed that for a single second, but that didn't bother Thomas one bit. Looking around the table again, Louise smiled, clearly pleased with the effect she had created, and then sat down, intending to let everyone else argue about their course of action.