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Nero Walker, Book 2 Ch.20 (52)
🕑 Added 2023-12-15 23:30:00 +0000 UTCLord Heleema Cosgrave was drinking her third cup of coffee while listening to her aide organize the throne room for the pledge ceremony. Almost every noble in the city was going to be in attendance. Normally, an event like this wasn’t such a grand spectacle. But Lord Walker’s impact on the city was well known to the nobles, and nobody wanted to miss their chance to see the source of so many rumors in person.
She had only managed to get three hours of sleep the night before, and the previous few days with limited sleep were starting to wear on her. Her morning had started early with a request for a private meeting from General Branson. The last time he had asked for a meeting, it was prelude to a Noble War, so she had made sure to be awake and attend.
Arch-mage Jennnings had surprised them both when he teleported into the office they had been using. As neither she nor General Branson had invited him, they greeted him with scolding looks. Jennings had teleported through a privacy screen, a feat that Lord Cosgrave hadn’t known was possible. He had ignored their stares, and told them to go on with their meeting, he was just curious about the subject they were discussing.
With some reluctance, General Branson had outlined his plan for Lord Walker to complete his ‘service’ and ‘combat’ trials while training with the army. While she had agreed that it was a good idea, she didn’t think Vera Salvatore would allow it. Surprisingly, Jennings had said that it wouldn’t be an issue. Without saying anything more, Jennings offered a sly smile and teleported away before they could have responded.
Grimacing at the memory, Lord Heleema Cosgrave forced herself to let it go. Getting angry at an arch-mage was an exercise in futility. The man would do what he wanted. She just had to limit his impact on her rule. The players change, but the game stays the same.
“Do we know if Lord Walker will be offering a city pledge, or a house pledge?” Ms. Chandler asked.
Her aide’s question forced Lord Cosgrave from her thoughts. Looking up, she saw Ms. Chandler, along with several nobles, waiting for her response.
Adopting a mask of calm, she responded, “We do not. However, considering the actions of my son, I’d be very surprised if he offered a pledge to House Cosgrave rather than Dorchester. We’ll just have to see what happens. Rest assured, I’m confident Vera Salvatore has prepared Lord Walker adequately.”
Nodding, Ms. Chandler turned away and returned to her discussions with the nobles and staff in the throne room.
Moving off to the side of the room, Lord Cosgrave waved for Head Guard Dalton to attend her. The man said something to the men he was standing with, and then made his way over to her.
“Yes, m’lord,” he said in greeting.
Lord Cosgrave whispered, “Any word from my son’s caravan?”
Dalton replied quietly, “Yes, this morning found them well away from the city. Nothing went wrong with the departure, and they are on schedule. Their next scheduled check-in is tomorrow. I’m sorry to report that the young master is still angry. In fact, he was heard saying that his house will bear the colors orange and white.”
Lord Cosgrave’s eyes narrowed in anger. “Orange and white. You’re sure?”
Nodding, he replied, “Yes, but Guard Stephens said he was sure your son wasn’t serious. He felt he had to report it, but believed your son was just speaking in anger.”
Lips pursed, Lord Cosgrave said, “If my son decides to follow through with choosing colors in direct opposition to House Cosgrave's, I want you to tell Stephens that ‘clean slate’ is a go. I will not allow a future threat to my house. If he wants to be an enemy, he’ll be treated as one. Am I understood?”
With a grave nod, Head Guard Dalton replied, “Yes, m’lord. It will be as you say.”
“Good. Now have you selected your guards to implant with the army’s training program? I was only able to secure 5 slots, but we need those to be our eyes and ears. They must be capable, loyal, and above all, they must be discreet,” she whispered.
Dalton nodded once, “I chose 5 solid recruits with houses aligned with ours. They will do what we ask without question. Are you sure you don’t want them to try and arrange an accident? I’m sure they could find an opportunity out in the wilds.”
Shaking her head quickly, she snapped, “No. Absolutely not. If he survives the attempt, it would be a disaster. I just want them to watch and report. How many different ways do I have to explain that he isn’t a threat until we make him one. Just make sure they know their orders. I do not want someone thinking that they can take independent action. The general, and I’m sure the arch-mage, both know that they are our men. Their actions will be our responsibility. I already lost a son to stupidity and I don’t want to have to purge a house because my orders were ignored. Am I understood?”
Head Guard Dalton replied with a tightness in his voice, “Yes, m’lord. I will ensure your orders are accurately relayed personally.”
Lord Cosgrave softened her voice and said, “Look, I understand that many people are intimidated by his display in the arena. But we already knew he was dangerous. Being capable doesn’t make him a threat, opposing interests make someone a threat. Threatening his life makes us a threat to him. Our stance must be hands off. Now go, I don’t want any surprises for at least a few hours.”
With a slight bow, Head Guard Dalton headed off to ensure the pledging ceremony wouldn’t be interrupted.
‘Once again, mother was right. ‘The obstacles in our path are often put there by people trying to help.’ It makes sense that the world views ‘listening’ and ‘hearing’ as two separate skills,’ she thought as she returned to her coffee and reflection.
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Nero was sitting in a plush chair, with his feet crossed on the coffee table, enjoying his coffee. The room was large enough to have several areas that were arranged for people to sit in groups. Considering the entire room was empty, save for Nero, the silence was deafening. The tall ceiling had several chandeliers with glowing balls of essence providing the whole room with a warm glow. Heavy curtains were tied open with golden ropes, allowing the morning light to add to the room’s beauty.
None of the grandeur made an impression on Nero, except for the coffee. The artisanal blend was robust and had a hint of chocolate. If there was one thing that made Nero aware of the nobility of his surroundings, it was the coffee. Everything else seemed wasteful and tacky. He even thought the fancy pastries provided were a little too sweet.
While waiting for someone to collect him, Nero used the link in his pocket to review the information packets Vera had sent him. She had created files for the trials of nobility, brief explanations of how they came to be, and what they entailed. Nero was thoroughly enjoying his copy of ‘Nobility for Dummies’ when he heard the doors open.
Disconnecting from his link, he stood up to see the city lord’s aide, Ms. Chandler, enter the room. Behind her were two people Nero didn’t recognize.
With a polite smile, she said, “Lord Walker, the city lord will see you now.”
Finishing his coffee, Nero returned the smile, and replied, “Cool beans. I’m ready when you are.”
He followed her out into the expansive hallway, and her attendants took their places behind him.
As Ms. Chandler led him to the throne room, she asked, “Do you have any questions concerning your part of the ceremony?”
“Nope. I read the instructions you guys sent. Vera was nice enough to edit it for me, so I could understand it. I’ll keep to the script, don’t worry,” he replied.
Leaning in a little as they walked, she whispered, “I know it’s not my place to say anything, but I thought you should know that Lord Cosgrave understands why you are pledging to Dorchester rather than to House Cosgrave. I was the one who alerted her to Master Cosgrave’s actions, and I can assure you that he was acting on his own. House Cosgrave wasn’t aware of his plans.”
Nero gave her a side eye along with a smirk, replying, “Sure. I understand completely. If you remember, I met ‘Master Cosgrave’ a couple days ago during the recent noble war. He didn’t strike me as a deep thinker. It’s too bad that he went off to start his own house. I’m sure he has an explanation for allowing someone to try and kill the guy who almost died saving him. In the future, when I see him, I’ll be sure to ask him about it.”
Ms. Chandler offered a polite smile, “I’m sure you will. I just wanted to let you know House Cosgrave’s position. Perhaps you can think of today as a fresh start between House Walker and House Cosgrave. Together, I’m sure you will both help Dorchester thrive.”
Not seeing a reason to reply, Nero just nodded and kept up his ‘party smile’. It was the smile he wore when he was at work. It projected courtesy and friendliness and was based off celebrities on the red carpet. He found that it demonstrated his helpful, but distant, attitude while selling phones at his old job. Everyone who saw him knew that he was there to help them if needed, but people should try not to need help.
As their little group approached the giant doors to the throne room, Nero felt the two attendants peel off to go do whatever they were supposed to do. Leading Nero onto a light blue large carpet, Ms. Chandler’s link lit up.
Turning to Nero she said, “You’ll be announced, then just walk down the carpet. I’m told you can use your link without making it obvious, so if you have any questions, feel free to ask me. I’ll be ready to guide you if needed.”
Nero could tell that she was nervous. He assumed that after their bungling of the assassination attempt, everyone in the keep wanted to look like they knew what they were doing. Nero couldn’t help but smile. For some reason, even with all the splendor of the keep, he was perfectly calm. Perhaps life and death situations really did desensitize a person to public speaking.
A deep baritone voice rang out, “Offering a pledge to Dorchester, our newest noble, Lord Walker of House Walker approaches the court of Dorchester.”
Nero used his link to bring up the step by step instructions Vera was kind enough to provide. He walked in calmly and without showing any stress. His ‘party smile’ was on full display, Nero felt like he was channeling Ryan Gosling at a movie premier.
The throne room was so large that it looked like the inside of a cathedral. Large pillars ran along the sides, and the ceiling arched majestically. There were beautiful murals, along with floating lights which were dancing across the struts. The people lining the sides were all whispering to each other. Considering how nice their robes were, Nero figured they were all nobles. There must have been hundreds of them. A balcony wrapped around the walls, and even more people were packed shoulder to shoulder, looking down on the proceedings.
At the end of the room was a large throne where Lord Cosgrave was sitting. Along her sides were her attendants and guards, all of which were standing at attention. The room was so long that Nero could barely recognize anyone from where he entered.
Walking at a normal pace, it took Nero an uncomfortable amount of time before he finally got to where he judged was the right place. He could see Vera off to the side, and she was discreetly pointing at where she wanted him to stop. Offering her a nod, he stopped around 20 paces from the throne.
Following the script she had sent him, he projected loudly and clearly, “I come before the seat of Dorchester to offer my pledge. I am Lord Walker, and my house seeks a place to grow.”
Lord Cosgrave stood from her throne and took two steps forward to stand at the edge of the raised platform where her entourage overlooked the throne room.
“Approach and be recognized. Dorchester welcomes you,” she said with an essence infused, regal tone.
Nero went forward to the foot of the steps leading up to the throne and knelt.
“My house has no home. I will offer a pledge in return for the safety of your walls. Does Dorchester have room for us to grow?” Nero asked as he knelt and looked up at Lord Cosgrave.
With light steps, she descended the stairs to stand right above Nero.
“Dorchester’s walls are high, and its soil fertile. As the city’s lord and protector, I speak for the Council of Leadership. As Lord Heleema Cosgrave, I welcome you. The houses of Dorchester would welcome you to join us. Speak your pledge Lord Walker,” she said.
“I, Lord Nero Walker, pledge my house to Dorchester. I pledge my sword and magic to the defense of its walls. I pledge my assets to aid in the city’s growth. I pledge my service to the people. I pledge to follow the laws of the land, and to root out all who break them. As my house rises, so shall Dorchester,” Nero spoke his pledge with solemnity and didn’t show a hint of his inner cringe.
“The seat of Dorchester hears your pledge. The council hears your pledge. The people of Dorchester hear your pledge. We as a people accept you among us. Within these walls, may we grow together in common purpose. For Dorchester,” said Lord Cosgrave.
“FOR DORCHESTER!” the entire room erupted in one voice. There were so many people, the room shook in response.
He couldn’t help it, Nero got a little caught up in the moment. Feeling his heart rate rise in response to the room’s unified purpose, Nero's spine seemed to firm up a little.
He rose to his full height and gave a deep bow to Lord Cosgrave.
Following the script, he turned to address the crowd.
He spoke loudly and projected his voice as best as could, “My house now has a home. May House Walker grow well in Dorchester’s soil. May House Walker be one of the pillars that allows our walls to hold back the wilds.”
Nero raised his fist and shouted with all his heart, “For Dorchester!”
The crowd’s response, “FOR DORCHESTER!” was deafening. It was quickly followed by cheers and cries of “HOUSE WALKER!”, and “FOR OGLIVARCH!”
Nero’s heart was pumping as he felt the room shake with the excitement in the air. He even felt the essence swirl in response to the strong emotions. He strode down the carpet at a much faster pace on the way out. His stride was long and his posture rigid. Nero felt like he was going to war, and the people were cheering for his upcoming victory.
As the gigantic doors closed behind him, Nero was nearly panting. ‘That was INSANE!’ he thought.
He was well aware of the power of indoctrination. Countless stories and television shows have demonstrated the effect of group-think, and mob mentality. But Nero had never really understood the feeling. He raised his hand to his chest to feel his pounding heart, while trying to calm himself down.
Standing in the hallway, he saw the guards smiling, and he couldn’t help but return one of his own. Ms. Chandler was waiting to lead him somewhere, and her smile was one of understanding and patience. She must have seen this before.
Nero finally understood football hooligans. He took a full minute to close his eyes and force some perspective back into his mind. This was theater, he couldn’t afford to be caught up in it. Taking deep breaths, he mastered himself.
Opening his eyes, his ‘party smile’ returned and he looked to Ms. Chandler. “Thank you for waiting. I wasn’t prepared for that. Lead on,” he gestured with his hand for her to lead the way to their next destination.
