132 Secret Alliance (1/2)
When they rushed past the guards of the inner city gates, Fadelio found Inri ready and waiting for them. With crossed arms, Fadelio's sister stood across the road, to keep an unobstructed view of the gate. Of course, the girl had changed quite a bit since they had last met. Gone was the practical, martial style of robe. Now she wore a more feminine type of dress. Otherwise she wouldn't be allowed inside the inner city. How could a woman be allowed to dress in such scandalous fashion, after all?
Really, Fadelio was glad about his sister's change. If nothing else, her clothing showed that she had been reintegrated into noble society. After half a year of hardship, his family's exile was over. As soon as her eyes met her big brother's, she became all action. As a smile spread over her face she rushed towards them.
”Good evening, brother. Welcome back!” In spite of Inri's words, her tone was formal. Out of habit, she might have still been worried about strangers listening in, but time was of the essence. Fadelio only nodded, before he moved on to more important issues.
”What is going on? What happened in the palace?” he asked. Refocused on the essentials, Inri began to frown.
”We should talk while we walk. I will explain on the way to the palace.”
”I would like to know about thee happenings in the palace as well,” Brym added after they had started to move. ”Not to belay the point, but I still don't know a thing. Fadelio wouldn't tell me anything beyond 'trouble at the palace'.”
”Well, the message didn't tell me much anyways. All it says is that Pacha and Amautu have combined forces in the palace,” the warrior excused his actions.
”King Pacha has called an exceptional Triumvirate meeting,” Inri smothered their quarrel before it could begin.
”Wait, what? I thought the Triumvirate only met every ten days?” Since he had arrived in Arguna only four days ago, Brym still wasn't accustomed to all the rules of Medalan court politics.
”No, that's only a formality. In theory, any king or his representative can schedule a new meeting whenever he wants, so long as he holds first seat and there's support from one further king.”
”So if the meeting is normal, why call it an exception? How come anyone was surprised by it?”
”The kings are not supposed to meet like this,” Inri answered. ”Under normal circumstances, a king or representative will respect all fellow kings. There is an implicit rule of conduct to schedule long in advance and inform all kings, out of courtesy. This meeting has been announced on very short notice, and brother has not been informed at all. Though I am sure that King Pacha's forces would tell us later that they tried, and failed, to reach us.”
”Setting the meeting when we were out of the inner city wasn't a coincidence.” Brym added. Good, even if he wasn't used to Medalan politics, the kid was a fast learner as always.
”So what's the meeting about then? Your letter didn't say.” Fadelio asked his sister.
”I'm sorry, brother. I really do not know. The palace is not our territory and ever since the fiasco during the succession, security in the silver palace has been increased even further. All we know is that a meeting is about to start. Unless we want to be blindsided by the results, we should at least be present.”
”And by 'we' you mean me, right? You're not tying to get into the palace, are you?” The warrior raised a single brow.
Although she looked unwilling, Inri took half a step back. ”The palace is no place for a girl, even less so an unmarried one.” She might have been headstrong, but his sister wasn't stupid. They would have to play by the rules of Arguna, and beat their enemies at their own game. Anything else would only harm their king.
”So what about me?” Brym asked, as he looked back and forth between the silent conflict between the siblings.
”You?” Fadelio stared back with a growing grin, ”Brym, you still remember how to do protocol, right?”
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As soon as he burst into the triumvirate hall, Fadelio knew something was wrong. Although they still sat on their individual sides of the table, the two siblings Pacha and Amautu had moved much closer than before. While Amautu held his constant smile, Pacha talked in a friendly manner. At least the two minute takers to their sides gave Fadelio some hope. They were still careful around each other, so at least they hadn't entered into a full-blown alliance yet.
Even better, as soon as Amautu spotted them walk in, he bowed to his uncle Pacha and stood to meet them halfway. Like a shadow, Amautu's massive minute taker followed. Like so often in these past months, Fadelio was impressed by Amautu's adaptability. After his own first use of a personal stenographer, the other kings had brought their own the very next meeting. However, only Amautu had been smart enough to have his minute taker double up as a body guard. It was a good move, as for the northern king, the silver palace was was as much enemy territory as it was for Fadelio.
”Official Fadelio! This king is joyful official managed to appear on time for the meeting,” Amautu said, his smile still stuck on his face. Although he didn't want to admit it, Amautu really was the most suitable successor to Chaupic among all the princes. Of course he would never consider him more suitable than Corco as Emperor. In terms of vision and insight, a world of knowledge separated them.
”It is indeed, King Amautu. King can imagine this official's surprise after he heard of this exceptional meeting. Though it is strange that this official was not informed. It seems like the messenger must have gotten lost.”
”Ahaha, that must be the case.” Only Amautu's voice laughed.
”Further, this official must congratulate King Amautu on this joyous occasion. King seems to have reconciled with his brother.” For the fraction of a second, he could see Amautu's mouth twitch. Soon however, the prince's face returned back to its waxen state.