Gifted

18

"My friends, the time for action has come," the Chief of House Dominus declared to the room. "Due to a series of unfortunate circumstances, House Bellator has gained knowledge of our plans to rule the City under our own regime."

The small group of lords, House members, oligarchs and generals muttered in discontent. In the corner of the room, Ansel Maddox stood quietly. The Chief waved a massive hand to quiet to quiet his audience.

"Although this development is undesirable, it does not spell the end for our plans providing we act quickly. House Bellator has already sent envoys to the Palace to gain their support against us, and our own representatives can only stall them for so long before they realise our treachery and move to destroy us. Although Commander Stahl here has made sure the Royals no longer control the Watchmen," the Chief said, nodding to a man in military uniform, "they still have the loyalty of the Sentinels. As few as they may be, they are not a force we wish to see on the field of battle."

The lords grumbled their firm agreement. The Sentinels, the elite Royal guard, were widely considered as the deadliest fighting force in existence.

"So we need to perform this ritual as soon as possible, yes?" a perfumed lord said. "What else do we need to perform it besides the amulet and the runes we've already collected?"

"The last thing we need is a sacrifice. A human sacrifice."

The room fell silent.

"Any human?" someone said at length.

"No. It has to be someone with the Kingsblood."

"A Royal then?"

"Actually, no. The Royal bloodline has been heavily diluted over the centuries since its founding. The Kingsblood in their veins is not pure enough for the ritual to be successful. Fortunately, a deputy of mine, Mr Maddox, has located someone outside of the Royal family with Kingsblood pure enough for the ritual to work."

"How's that possible?" someone asked.

"It's no secret that the Royal family has a knack for whelping bastards," the Chief smiled. "It appears two of these bastard lines have converged to birth a child with Kingsblood purer than that of the Royals."

"And who is this person? Where are they now?"

"The person in question is a young girl who has just been taken on as an apprentice in the House of Bellator. She is being held there now to keep her out of our reach"

The room rumbled with discontent.

"So we have to storm House Bellator?" someone said sceptically.

"Yes," the Chief nodded. "We must take House Bellator."

"And who's apprentice is she?"

The Chief hesitated for a moment. "She is apprentice to Isaiah James."

The room erupted into a cacophony of protests and objections.

"My lords, my lords, there is no reason to be alarmed," the Chief shouted. "Isaiah James is but one man. To fear him when we command as much combined power as we do would be foolish."

At length the gathered lords calmed themselves and order was restored.

"Is there no alternative to taking the girl by force?" Commander Stahl said.

"There is no other way," the Chief said. "Bellator will never hand her over now that they know her value, particularly as she's one of their own."

"Then when do we attack?"

"Dawn," the Chief said firmly. "I will command our forces personally. By first light I want all the fighters you can muster assembled here in House Dominus. With the combined strength of Dominus, Vigilate, the Watchmen and any private mercenaries on our payrolls, House Bellator will surely fall."