Chapter 84 84: the imperial court II

Power stones... power stones... what I want are your opinions on the story so far and what you want to see. If we reach 20 comments, considering all the power stones I received today, I'll give you another chapter. You have five hours from the time this chapter is posted. If we reach the goal, the next chapter will be posted in eight hours. ------------------------------ If there are spelling mistakes, please let me know. Leave a comment; support is always appreciated. I remind you to leave your ideas or what you would like to see. ------------------------------- Sommerzeit-4,2489 IC "I'm glad to hear that such a horrible situation was avoided thanks to the presence of the honorable members of the Cult of Sigmar... I don't know what I would have done without you," I said, shaking my head. "It is our duty to protect the Empire from such threats, so your gratitude is unnecessary, Baron. However, there is something I have wanted to discuss with you for some time," said the Archlector, staring at me intently. "If you believe it can be discussed here, I have all the time in the world to listen, honorable servant of our Lord Sigmar," I responded with a smile. "It is about the situation with the witch hunters in your city. The current arrangement was accepted only because the local lector interceded on your behalf, and considering the reward for your help in clearing the forests infested with mutants and beastmen, especially for the benefit of the Cult, we cannot force a noble to establish permanent witch hunter quarters without clear evidence of heresy. But this situation requires firm and determined action. One never knows what might occur in a city like yours. Therefore, it is necessary to return all the powers to the witch hunters so they can do their duty. This time we have sent veterans of the Cult, not just fresh graduates. To guarantee the security of Reinsfeld, we need your approval," said the Archlector in a solemn tone. "I understand the need, but Archlector... also understand that some of yours have a rather fanatical view of our Lord Sigmar. For some, even the slightest transgression must be paid with purifying fire," I responded, scratching my head. "It is necessary, Baron. The situation warrants it. The Grand Theogonist could send the petition directly to the Emperor to authorize the entry of the witch hunters with all their powers, without your approval. But, in consideration of your proximity to the Cult, we come to request your consent... temporarily," the Archlector explained. "And how temporary is this 'temporary'?" I asked, tilting my head. "Two months should suffice to eliminate any trace of corruption," he replied firmly. "May I at least request that burnings without evidence be avoided and that I be given reports of what they do? I do not want executions to start based on mere suspicion. There is already enough unrest in my city due to the restrictions imposed. I have worked hard to ensure that all the Empire's children, regardless of their origin, feel part of a single people. If neighbors begin accusing one another, it could trigger chaos," I said, lowering my head slightly. The Archlector paused for a few seconds, contemplating. "Given the circumstances... what you suggest is a real possibility. I will inform the Cult of this conversation. The witch hunters will have to provide evidence before executing any sentence, and they will not be allowed to burn anyone without it. The scenario you mentioned could easily happen, and we must avoid it," he said, nodding his head. "Thank you very much, Archlector... if everything goes as it should, this will be a great step toward uniting all imperial cultures as one in defense of the Empire," I responded gratefully. "Without a doubt, someone as devoted as you, and clearly favored by our Lord, cannot be wrong. Especially when it was one of his dreams of the Twin-Tailed Comet that guided you," said the Archlector, staring at me once again. "I'm curious... how was the Bretonnian campaign? I understand that almost no one has details about what goes on in those pagan lands," he asked with genuine interest. "Ah... of course. As you know, we managed to defeat the armies of the Duke of Montfort just outside his fortress. And when they temporarily ceded leadership to me, I was able to negotiate the surrender of the garrison. Though, it seems it was some sort of trap, as part of their forces faced us after we took control. Once we had Montfort... with Sigmar's guidance in my dreams, I clearly saw where the Bretonnian armies preparing the counterattack were located. And following his advice, I struck first, defeating three more ducal armies before I was replaced," I responded calmly. "Three ducal armies? That information hadn't reached us yet... Did many of those false Grail idols fall?" the Archlector asked, with enthusiasm he didn't try to hide. "Six, to be exact. One escaped. It was a Bretonnian duke who managed to flee before we killed him... but he was pulled off the field by his own men. He was gravely wounded," I replied with a more serene tone, noticing that the Sigmarite servant was really interested in what had happened in Bretonnia. "It would have been grand to land such a blow... having one of the Bretonnian dukes under our control," said the Archlector. "We have the Duke of Montfort as a prisoner. I captured him in a duel, though I don't know what will be done with him and his family. If the Empire wishes to retain the fortress, it's likely that he will no longer be in this world," I replied. "A successful campaign, by what I hear. Do you think the pagans of Bretonnia will open their eyes to our Lord Sigmar, god of humanity, instead of that false idol, the Lady?" the Archlector asked. "I hope so. The Bretonnian peasant lives like trash in their society... that's why they must be so susceptible to vampirism or Chaos, as the information from our collaborator stated. In fact, I brought with me about fifty thousand Bretonnian peasants that I plan to put to work and test exactly what it says: that if our priests can open their eyes to that false deity, we could create a new city. I hope to have the Emperor's support for that enterprise," I said with a smile. "A noble wager that the Cult would be happy to finance. In fact, when I speak with the Grand Theogonist, after his meetings with other members of the clergy, I will request funds to support that project. A good deed need not go ignored," said the Archlector. "I don't know what to say... thank you very much," I replied, clearly surprised by how easily I was securing financial backing from the Cult. "Oh, I almost forgot... the Grand Theogonist asked me to ask you if you could help with a small matter. It is known that the von Reinsfeld family has the gift of detecting beastmen. In an attempt to reduce their presence in the Drakwald forests, and in coordination with the Ar-Ulric, it is planned to send clerical forces to carry out a cleansing near Carroburg. If you were the one sent, considering your fearsome reputation as a hunter, it would help ease tensions with the followers of Ulric. Your presence and that of your veterans would be of great help in cleaning the area," the Archlector explained. "Ah... really? I was planning to do the same until they called me to go to Bretonnia," I said, scratching my head with a finger. "It must be the will of our Lord Sigmar then... the desires of the Cult always present themselves in your actions, Baron," said the Archlector just as the palace doors opened. "Archlector, the Emperor requests that you enter immediately. Baron von Reinsfeld, you will have to wait a little longer," said a member of the Reiksguard. "Of course... we will speak of this later, Baron," said the Archlector, walking into the room. The doors closed, and I was left alone again, relaxing after the harrowing experience of being interrogated by both a wizard and a high-ranking member of the Cult of Sigmar. "What a pleasant guy the Archlector is, don't you think?" I said, looking at my guards, who nodded immediately, probably thinking the same as I did: how rare it is to find a member of the clergy so easy to talk to. So I waited a few more minutes until the doors finally opened. "Baron, enter. Your audience begins," said the member of the Reiksguard. I took a deep breath and entered the Volkshalle. Immediately, I saw the large number of Reiksguard members surrounding the area. The room was circular, like a parliament, surrounding the Emperor's throne, with each sector representing some of the electoral seats. Many were empty, but those from Middenland, Nordland, and Ostermark were filled with nobles in their respective places, surrounding the Emperor to his left and right. Behind the throne were multiple members of the Sigmarite clergy. In chairs at the center of the room, there were two Elector Counts sitting: one with the white wolf heraldry of Ulric and the other with a ship, which I assumed were the Elector Counts of Middenland and Norland. And in the center of it all, on his elevated throne, was Emperor Luitpold, with Ghal Maraz resting on a pedestal at his side. Although I understood that hammer was fake... or could I be mistaken? I continued walking towards the center of the room until one of the Reiksguard guards signaled me to stop. I stopped and knelt, lowering my head. "Who do I have before me now?" I heard an imposing voice ask in front of me. "The Baron of Reinsfeld, and lord of the city of Reinsfeld," someone replied. "Ah, yes, I remember now... the one with whom I signed the treaty for the Grey Mountains, whose son killed a Grail Knight," said the voice of the Emperor. I heard footsteps approaching the throne, and someone took place next to him. "Indeed... so the expedition was his son... I see... Albrecht von Reinsfeld, raise your head," said the Emperor. I obeyed, and as I looked up, I saw someone whispering to the Emperor. It was a tall man, with dark hair, well-defined features, and a carefully groomed beard. He was staring at me intently. "Let me understand... are you twelve summers old?" asked the Emperor, raising an eyebrow. The two Counts also raised their eyebrows, visibly surprised. "Yes, Your Imperial Majesty," I responded courteously. "Can you explain how you managed to take control of the Imperial army? I always thought that when they referred to the Baron of Reinsfeld, they were talking about your father," said the Emperor, placing a hand under his chin. "The general avoided bringing many powerful nobles to avoid having to deal with disputes over command. So, as the noble who brought the most troops, I financed new contracts for the mercenaries and gained the support of the regiment captains. The other nobles accepted. Especially when I defeated Duke Montfort in a duel, no one wanted to face me," I replied firmly. The Counts looked at each other, then at the Emperor, who seemed thoughtful. "Well... this changes nothing. Albrecht, for your actions in times of need and your successful capture of Montfort, opening the gates for the Imperial advance in Bretonnia to eradicate the corruption of those lands, I, Luitpold, Emperor of the Holy Empire of Man, Prince of Altdorf, and Elector Count of Reikland, grant you the feudal estate of Merxheim and all the lands surrounding it. Additionally, I grant you the title of Graf and an annual income of three thousand crowns to finance the forces of your House. Considering that you already possess a runic sword, I will ask our friends from the mountains to forge you a plate armor with major runes... make sure it's done and you will be exempt from paying taxes for the next decade so that you can fill your coffers after such military effort and construction," said the Emperor, looking at the man who had been whispering to him. "I will inform our zoo that, in case any griffon hatches, it will be prepared immediately for you, young Albrecht," added the Emperor while watching me. "Thank you, my Emperor..." I said, lowering my head again, wishing that it would all end soon, as so many eyes — and so many priests — staring at me were making me extremely nervous. "Ah, and one more thing," said the Emperor, standing up and drawing a sword that emitted a glow. "We cannot forget that a victorious general of the Empire should be part of the knightly circles," said the Emperor as he approached. He struck my right shoulder with the sword. "Receive this blow, which marks your entry into the Order of Knights. As proof of your honor, bravery, and loyalty to the Empire, I knight you." Then he struck my left shoulder. "I knight you to defend justice, protect the innocent, and follow the paths of virtue that our Lord Sigmar has shown us." "Rise, knight," said the Emperor, and I obeyed. "Let all know that the Empire has a new sword protecting it," exclaimed the Emperor, spinning around and observing all the present before returning to his throne. "Graf Albrecht you are formally invited to a banquet that will be held this evening in your honor... you may leave," concluded the Emperor. Without saying a word, I began to leave the Volkshalle. Although when the doors closed, I started jumping with joy in front of my guards' gaze, celebrating that I wouldn't have to pay taxes for 10 years. ------------------------------ If there are spelling mistakes, please let me know. Leave a comment; support is always appreciated. I remind you to leave your ideas or what you would like to see. -------------------------------