The day was shaping up to be another slog as Tayla walked the winding path to the hideaway. She had sent word to prepare for the coming diplomats, it would be a nightmare keeping the peace between the Cabal and the Court. While there were peace treaties that prevented things from getting bloody, that didn’t stop the two groups from bickering and goading one another.
There was about an hour before the Cabal arrived, followed by breakfast with the representatives, and finally topped off with the great hunt.
She took a moment to catch her breath as she tapped into the Tranquility, a plume of frost escaped from her lips as she exhaled slowly. Hoarfrost spread from her boots as it crept across the steel plates below.
In an instant there was clarity.
Tayla continued her path as she began organizing a plan to tackle each issue individually. Each problem was a puzzle to be solved, an equation to dissect.
She soon found herself outside the Hideaway, the hidden chamber that the triplets had snuck off to as children and continued to use as their haven when they needed privacy.
Tayla entered the small chamber, the room had some basic furniture, a wardrobe for when they needed each other's help to decide on an outfit, and a bookshelf. The contents of which ranged from historical books of their peoples legends, to the many editions of the Adventure of Kardaak. That particular collection of books had taken years to find in secret.
Fel and Alnur were already in the room, preparing for the coming day. Fel was hard at work inspecting their armor as they laid out the many pieces on a small table. They gave a slight nod to Tayla as they continued their ritual.
Looking like a proud father, Alnur was clutching a cup of coffee like a newborn as he tried to gather his wits. He sent a grunt through the link as a greeting.
Walking to the bookshelf, Tayla grabbed a tome about the various sects of the Cabal and their sordid history. She quickly flicked through it as she tried to refresh her memory.
Humanities' journey from the old world to their current planet had been so horrific that most accounts tried their best to avoid any direct mention of the key events. The long and short of it was that their world had advanced to the pinnacle of science and reason, a utopia of progress where marvels of technology danced the thin line between science and magic. That was until they had discovered the method of harnessing real magic, and with it they had doomed their whole world.
In less than a decade humanity had to flee their dying world as they crossed the stars in hopes of finding a new planet to support life. Millions fled, while billions more were left to wither and die.
Along the way humans found the Celestial gods, who in turn took mortal form with the help of the saints. They used the genetic blueprints of the lifeweaver and his various variant human designs to forge the Celestial Court and its children.
The Cabal were descended from the survivors of the old world, the lucky few that had managed to secure a seat for the journey. Though after being frozen cryogenically for the trip and waking up on their current planet were horrified to find out that most of the best and brightest minds had been lost on the trip. Along with most of the terraforming equipment and ships.
These poor souls slept for centuries, only to wake up and be thrown back into their ancient history as they regressed back to farming and feudal states.
Tayla clicked her tongue, the book conveniently left out the parts of the Cabal’s history that turned them from ordinary folks into mutant sects of god-hating warbands who waged a war that almost brought the new world to ruins.
It didn’t matter how or why it happened, not today. Though Tayla had hoped to parse more information that she could use in the coming days to make peace with the foreign nations. She wasn’t sure what had caused them to travel across the Empire to the Black Coast, but she couldn’t let such a unique opportunity pass her by either.
Alnur sat his empty cup down as he tapped his finger against the ceramic. “So. Today is going to suck.” He said.
Fel scoffed as they nodded in agreement.
With a groan, Tayla threw the book back on the shelf as she walked over to the table and placed her revolvers on the opposite side from Fel. Fetching her pouch of tools to service the weapons. “That’s one way to put it. I know we had a setback last night with the talks, but I really felt like we were winning them over.”
“It was a good speech.” Fel said as they oiled a joint. “Though it won’t pass the high court.”
“We have to try. Tens of thousands of lives depend on it.”
“I agree. That doesn’t change the fact that the gods won’t change their minds. Even if it passes the low court, and the high court; the All Mother could still veto the proposal.”
Alnur leaned back in his chair. “You think she would do that? Personally get involved?”
Fel stopped their work as they looked off into the distance. “For this, absolutely.” They said.
“Well. I think we continue with the plan.” Alnur said, “We butter the Court up for the week, and send an envoy to the capital afterwards to plead our case before the Minstella.”
“Who did you have in mind for this duty? Uncle Cyrus?” Tayla said.
“No. I think it should be me.”
Fel and Tayla shared a look.
“You’re the king Alnur, your place is here overseeing the Coast.” Fel said.
Tayla added, “Who would oversee your duties in your absence?”
“I thought you could.” Alnur said as he stared at Tayla.
She dropped her screwdriver as her mouth hung open. “What? Me?! I couldn’t- I’m just your shadow.” She stammered.
This time it was Alnur and Fel that shared a look.
“We both know that father could have picked either one of us to bear the crown. The shadow is basically a second ruler in all but name.” Alnur said, “Besides you handle most of the day to day needs already.”
There was truth to what her brother was saying. Tayla had taken the role of shadow a bit further than most did historically, but she enjoyed having her brother be the face of the nation. She could prepare and plan, but she didn’t want the spotlight itself, she was content with being second fiddle.
Fel turned to Alnur. “You know you don’t have to be the one to save the world right? I agree we send an envoy, but if anything it should be Tayla.”
“Is that because you don’t want me to go where you can’t watch over me?” Alnur said, there was a hint of bitterness that seemed to surprise even himself as he looked away.
The three sat in uncomfortable silence for a long moment before each placed a hand in the center of the table over top of each other.
“Three as one. One as three.” They said in unison.
It was an embarrassing thing to say out loud, but the triplets had come up with the saying as children. They often used it when they bickered as a way of settling arguments and trying to focus their efforts on the real issues.
“Let’s put aside the envoy idea for now.” Alnur said as he stood from his seat to open the wardrobe. “How do we want to handle our guests and the hunt?” He grabbed a box of jewelry along with a brush as he walked behind Fel and presented the box.
Fel pointed at the one Tayla was worried they would pick out. The iron sun. Alnur proceeded to brush Fel’s extraordinarily long white hair as he began the lengthy process of braiding it into a tighter form that wouldn’t get in the way during the hunt itself.
To others it might seem odd to have their brother do their hair, even odder still to have it be their king doing it, but that was just how it was in their family.
Tayla finished working on her guns as she pulled out her long rifle next, then her shotgun, until finally checking the cells that were charging in a nearby alcove. She hoped she wouldn’t need to use her special fallback plan, but she had a few shots with it just in case.
After finishing with their armor, Fel began to clean and oil Alnur’s sword. The three enjoyed the quiet moments where they worked together in silence, away from the demands of their station.
It made Tayla feel like they were a normal family.
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Alnur wove metal pieces in between the braids as he finally slipped the iron sun into the center of the woven strands to hold the whole thing together. The result was a bun with massive spikes of black iron stabbing through like rays of sunlight, the rest of Fel’s hair hung to their waist; ending in a ball of iron that in a pinch could be used as a weapon.
Tayla wanted them to seem warm and welcoming to their guests, Fel had different ideas apparently, wanting instead to seem like an angry god that was prepared to strike down any that crossed them.
Fel raised an eyebrow as they glanced at Alnur. “Any word from your fiance?” They said, prodding a sore spot for fun.
Grumbling under his breath, Alnur seemed to weigh his options, hoping perhaps to change the subject. Tayla let her own curiosity show as she stared at her brother.
“We’re taking a break.” He said.
Fel turned slowly, “How did you fuck it up? Lillian is perfect for you!”
“Whose idea was it to go ‘on a break’?” Tayla pressed.
Alnur turned away.
“It was you!?” Tayla said as she placed her head in her hands. “Why? You two have been head over heels for each other since we were kids. Hells, uncle Cyrus and dad used to joke that it was only a matter of time.”
“I can’t really explain it, I just need to focus on other things right now.” Alnur said, “It's complicated.” The look on his face made it clear that it hadn’t been an easy choice to make; truthfully Tayla kind of understood her brother’s reasoning. He had been trying for years to make his relationship with Lillian official, only to be met with one excuse or another.
With their father’s passing Alnur had been chosen to take up the crown, leaving him with little time for young love; and the two were in love, but it seemed like the universe was hard at work to prevent them from being together.
Fel and Tayla knew better than to push the subject further, instead turning their attention back to the day at hand.
The three completed their preparations, donning their hunting outfits of leathers and hardened shell plates.
A knock at the door told them that it was time. Their guests had arrived.
Tayla opened the door, letting light spill into the pitch darkness of the hallway. The shadows swirled hungerly, impenetrable even to her advanced eyesight.
“Abigail, how are the preparations for the hunt?” Tayla asked the darkness.
The darkness replied in kind. A wisp of shadow arose, wrapped in a flowing cloth that hung around a body that wasn’t there. A whisper like the last breath of a cadaver echoed in the emptiness. “All is well, m’lady. The House of Whispers will send its best to observe. The House of Demons will be ready as well.” Tayla hoped that there wouldn’t be a need for the Demons to make themselves known.
“Very well. I will go meet our guests.”
“There is a slight hiccup m’lady. The Shipmasters are assembling at the great hall for breakfast, they seem upset at being left in the dark.”
Those sly eels. Tayla thought to herself. The Shipmasters were nobles in the eyes of the Coast, and like any noble, they were a dramatic bunch.
Alnur approached the doorway. “Tayla, take Fel with you to meet our new guests. I’ll head to the great hall to appease the Shipmasters; I’m sure Broadson put them up to this little display.” He turned to the darkness. “Abigail, I need a word with you regarding our uncle.” He looked at Tayla and motioned for her to get going.
Tayla nodded as she and Fel made their way to the hold. She hoped this time she would go better than the day before. At least this time if someone started to scream in her face Fel would be there to ‘politely’ rebuke them.
It didn’t take long for Tayla and Fel to make their way to the main hold, where a group of several oddly dressed folks of various shapes and sizes were marveling at the Keel’s interior. The Court valued carrying themselves in a prim and proper fashion, each culture trying to capture a fraction of their maker's grace.
The Cabal on the other hand were brutal and efficient. Not dirty, or unclean, but their clothing and appearance had an edge, a humanity that spoke to their long heritage. These were not the children of Celestial gods, these were the imperfect last vestiges of the old world.
While the Celestials owed their powers and gifts to the gods, the Cabal had been normal humans until their rebellion several hundred years ago. Through some unknown process they found themselves twisted and transformed into new forms that rivaled the power of the gods.
The Cabals had sent representatives from each of their major sects, and to Tayla’s surprise they were joined by an envoy of the free kingdom of Seru. Behind them was an iron casket, chains wrapped tightly around it. The diplomats wore furs and leathers, adorned with bones and effigies. The woman from Seru was wearing enough fine clothing and jewelry to purchase a small castle; her eyes glowing that telltale blue that spoke of her lineage.
Upon seeing Tayla and Fel they each made distinct signs of respect. Before she had a chance to greet them in return, one of the guests strode forward staring at Fel. He was dressed in a loose silk robe, his dull red skin covered in scales, curled horns raised above his jet black long hair, braided over one shoulder. When he spoke you could make out his jagged fanged teeth. If Tayla remembered correctly the man was something called a Wyrmblood.
“Well shit, you must be the most handsome woman, or the most beautiful man I have ever laid my eyes on. Regardless of what you have between those sweet legs, you’re just my type.” His voice oozed smarm.
Tayla’s jaw dropped as she tried to unpack what she had just heard.
Before she had a chance to act, Fel looked down at the man with a bored expression. “If I had a type, you wouldn’t be it.”
The man blinked in surprise. “Normally this is the part where someone punches me.”
Tayla stepped forward. “I mean, if you insist. I could be convinced.”
A large hand wrapped around the Wyrmblood’s head from behind. Forcing him to a knee. “We have been here for not five minutes and you would see us banished? Mind your tongue before I remove it for you.” The hand belonged to a giant of a woman, if Fel was tall and toned, this woman was just pure muscle. Her arms and chest were covered in bands of white porous material. It took a moment for Tayla to realize it was bone; a moment later still she realized the bones were growing out of the woman’s skin. She must have been a Marrowhound.
“I do so love some good pillow talk.” The grinning man said, “Can’t say I’ve heard that line, but I’m into it.” The Wrymblood had an air that made one want to hit him, it was almost uncontrollable.
Tayla sighed. “I would like to welcome you all to the Black Coast, I am Tayla Ebontide. My brother the king wishes he could have been here to greet you but I’m sure by now you’ve all noticed the carriages outside.” She watched the representatives' faces to see their reactions, and to their credit they managed to hide any anger or annoyance with the presence of the Court. “Time is short I’m afraid, as we are currently preparing for our yearly hunt as part of our festival.
“Our staff will see to your belongings, if you’ll follow me I will take you to the gathering hall where we can discuss your stay.” Tayla said.
The Wyrmblood to his credit brushed aside the hand holding him and rose, stooping into a bow. “My heartfelt apologies your highness, I, Vauhn Brimrock, am glad to be here. My actions were most unbecoming.” He turned to Fel and offered another bow.
The other guests bowed as well, offering their greetings in return.
The casket began to shake. “Might I ask as to the contents? As it seems to be shaking.” Tayla said.
Vauhn sat on the casket's lid, quieting the rustling. “That would be my traveling companion. It is my bodyguard, in the unlikely event I require it, for obvious safety reasons, it has to be kept sealed as such.” His voice made it seem like common sense.
“There is a person in there?! Why would you treat them so cruelly?”
Fel grimaced, staring at the casket, their eyes seeming to see past the casket at what hid inside. “It’s a hybrid isn’t it?” The Wyrmblood gave a nod, causing Tayla to raise her hand to her mouth.
“Before you get upset, it isn’t very stable. This casket is lined with arcane glyphs to keep it in a state of sleep.” Vauhn laid a tender hand on the lid, his voice sounding forlorn. “It is the best I can do for my little brother.”
Tayla felt sorry for whomever was inside of the coffin, though she could understand the reasoning behind the horrible act. Hybrids were extremely dangerous. Despite the Cabal’s transformation not being related to the Celestial gods, they still suffered the same ill fate in the case of mixed bloodlines. While some managed to keep their minds intact, many others weren’t so lucky.
“With your permission, we’ll have your brother brought to your room for the time being. He will be handled with the utmost care.” Tayla said as she gestured to the waiting staff. “For now, how would you all like to enjoy a warm meal after a long journey?”
The representatives began following Tayla towards the gathering hall, while Fel stayed behind for a moment. Their eyes locked on the casket, and the poor soul inside. Under their breath they muttered to themselves. “I know that feeling all too well.” Before turning and continuing on their way.
Tayla opened the doors to the gathering hall, finding it to be as silent as a crypt. Two long tables were arranged with a slight gap between them. The Court’s representatives were already sitting at their table to the left, while the Cabal’s table was in the process of being laid out.
The source of the awkward silence was made clear at a glance. Alnur sat on the far wall in his wooden chair; the closest thing they had to a throne. While beside him sat the Shipmasters in a line. The tension between the king and the great houses was enough to cow the entire chamber as they sat next to one another fuming politely.
Tayla snapped the link open. What happened? She sent.
Her brother’s thoughts came across as a great inferno as he muttered curse after curse before regaining his composure. They were offended we did not invite them to dinner, now they demand to be involved in the discussions for the coming day.
Wonderful, let me guess. Broadson said something to get under your skin?
More or less. Alnur sent.
The Cabal were shown to their seats, garnering a slew of stares from the Celestials across from them. The two groups seemed to be playing nice, for now.
Tayla took her seat beside Alnur, pausing for a moment to find Thoren in the crowd before turning her attention back to the matter at hand. Fel made their way to Alnur’s opposite side where they could stand at attention. Broadson clicked his tongue as he spoke under his breath. “Must you bring that thing here? You shame our people by showcasing our greatest mistake before our guests.”
Alnur smiled without it reaching his eyes. “If you speak about my sibling like that again, I’ll have Phi strip the flesh from your bones.”
“Now now, let's leave the bickering for later.” One of the other nobles said as they leaned closer. “When were you planning on involving us in these negotiations?”
“I had hoped.” Alnur said, “That I could trust you all to watch over the harvest during the last few days of the festival. We can’t afford to leave the fieldwork unsupervised.”
Tayla continued as she pointed with her chin to the Celestial’s. “We had thought it best to lay the groundwork for our trade plan before introducing the person we wanted to oversee it.”
Broadson nodded despite himself. “A fair thought, and have you decided who you’ll choose?” The old bastard rubbed his beard, trying his best to sound uninterested.
Alnur met Broadson’s cold eyes. “We decided it should be you.”
“Finally saw sense for once. I’m glad.”
“For the record I was outvoted.” Alnur said as he pointed with his thumb to Fel.
The old Shipmaster did well to hide his disgust as he looked up at the towering Fel. “Why the hells would you vote for me?”
Fel shrugged. “You’re the best man for the job. Simple as that.”
“Now that we’ve covered that.” Tayla said, “Can we please focus on the problems at hand? We had to divert labor away from the fields so we could properly care for all these guests. At this rate we’ll be behind on our harvest.”
“What do you suggest, m'lady?” One of the other Shipmasters said as they leaned back in their seat.
Tayla smiled as she glanced at Thoren one last time. “We put them to work.”
