March 1, 9 ATC

Chanel Castle, Duchy of Leporin, Kingdom of Crosshares

Inferno sat at the head of a long table, fingers steepled in contemplation. To her left, a Lancastrian officer stood, waiting for everyone to arrive. To her right, Jay rocked back and forth on his heels, scanning the noblemen who came in. Two empty seats remained at the table, the seats closest to Inferno.

"Excuse me, my Queen," High Priest Emlee, the leader of the Yurist Church in Crosshares, spoke up. "If I may ask, what are you waiting for? All the Crossharese and Pollinational lords are here. Why don't we begin?"

"Our guests are not all here," she cryptically replied. Emlee furrowed his brow and slouched in his seat.

"And who, may I ask, are we waiting on?" Duchess Kuma, her Regent, irritatedly asked. As she finished her sentence, the doors to the meeting hall opened. Scion Zissman and Jannis walked in, taking the empty seats nearest to Inferno.

"Ah, the Church," Emlee muttered.

"I hope we haven't kept you waiting," Zissman said calmly. Duchess Kuma opened her mouth to retort, but Inferno silenced her with a glare.

"It matters little. This meeting will be short, but it will be important. All of you, pay attention." She turned to the Lancastrian officer standing next to her. "Say your piece."

"Right, well." The officer swallowed. "Lancaster has been overrun by the forces of the Badaz League. About two weeks ago, they took the capital and our largest port city. We believe they are regrouping and preparing to launch an invasion across the inlet."

Murmurs from the table. A few months ago, Inferno's realm had seemed unassailable, and the Badaz League was a far-away threat. With Lancaster taken, Crosshares and Pollination were vulnerable.

"Enough!" Inferno barked, bringing the room back to silence. She beckoned to the Lancastrian to continue.

"I thought Lancaster was supposed to be a nation of soldiers," Jannis said contemptuously. "Please inform us how you failed so spectacularly."

"A few days before the invasion began," the officer said, "Our leader, Marshal Mastaof, was assassinated. We believe it was by agents of-"

"Coronam," Inferno muttered. She grit her teeth. "That underhanded bastard. Please, continue."

"Yes. Mastaof had announced no successor. In the ensuing power vacuum, the League began marching across our lands. With the government paralyzed, regional governors began pulling their soldiers back to their cities. League forces laid siege to the cities and marched across our lands unopposed."

"I must say, you are being very candid," Zissman said. "Don't you have any excuses to make?"

"No," the officer said. "I'm only a captain. If there's going to be punishment, it won't fall on my head."

Zissman chuckled. "I like this one. You should keep him around, Inferno."

"Perhaps," Inferno said. "I can't say the same for his commanders. But I can deal with that later. Jay, please escort him out." Jay nodded and beckoned for the officer to follow as they left the room.

"Now," Inferno said, addressing the assembly. "You may wonder why I have decided to let you hear his testimony. It is to let you know what we are up against." She uncorked a glass container of brandy and poured herself a cup.

"My friends, we must rally against this threat. I know most of you did not consider the League anything more than a far-away nuisance. I myself was guilty of this. But now, we must confront the fact of the matter: the Badaz League is the greatest threat to our regime we have faced thus far.

"Here in Heroa, they have raised mobs and insurrections. In Villainia, they fund rebelling lords in the south. In Rubia, their armies march against our loyalists, hoping to weed out our support there. And in Junipera, they have uprooted our most important ally." She threw back her glass of brandy and quickly refilled it.

"My friends, this rebellion is no longer a nuisance. It is a threat. We have seen their capabilities. They are well-armed and well-manned. They are duplicitous. They are skilled. They are ruthless. And most importantly, they are standing on our doorstep." She threw back her second glass and stood up.

"We must shore up our defenses. You must ready your retinues and fortify your lands. The League will attack with full force in an effort to destroy us, but they will not attack with swords alone. They have spies, informants and assassins everywhere. Be on your guard. Step up counterintelligence. Root out any dissenters or sympathizers you come across. We must fill all the gaps."

"It will be done, my liege," Duchess Kuma said. Murmurs of agreement. A few of the lords near the end of the table began standing to leave.

"I am not finished," Inferno said. She smiled a little as the lords in the back grimaced as they sat back down. "It has come to my attention that there is a growing divide in the people of my realm. Yurism has been the de facto religion in Crosshares for some time, and Pollination is undergoing a polytheistic revival. But there is a third group that is growing rapidly, a group that is not as accepted as Yurists or polytheists."

High Priest Emlee and Duchess Kuma exchanged worried glances. Inferno watched as Jannis opened his mouth to ask a question, but Zissman silenced him with a small wave of his hand.

"The Church of Thorns has grown immensely in our territory, both in Pollination and in Crosshares. We must not allow their people to feel alienated, lest the League take advantage of our division."

"My liege, what are you saying?" Emlee asked warily, and many of the lords worriedly glanced at Jannis and Zissman. Zissman's face contorted into a look of displeasure.

"I am making the Church of Thorns the official state church."

Zissman knit his hands together and shifted his gaze down to the table. The rest of the table instantly erupted in conversation, some confused, some alarmed, some outright defiant.

"My liege, what are you saying?" Emlee stood up, enraged. "You mean to say that you will shun centuries' worth of tradition and religion for this foreign hogwash?" Jannis grit his teeth, but Zissman's cold glare kept him glued to his seat.

"The unity of my people is more important to me than tradition," Inferno calmly explained. "They are not state-mandated, just state-sponsored."

"What's the difference?" Emlee shouted. "The only thing you're doing is handing them more influence! Taking it away from those who have supported our people for generations and handing it to these heretics!"

"How dare you!" Jannis shouted. Zissman contemplated stopping him, but decided against it.

"You sniveling worm," Jannis continued. "The Church has done nothing to hurt you or your countrymen. The only thing we've done is spread our message, and yet here we are greeted with the bigotry and ignorance of lesser men! You are nothing but a floundering parasite!"

"Jannis," Inferno tried to calm him. He paid her no attention.

"You sit here, growing fat on the donations of the faithful, preying on the defenseless and the innocent! You, all of you, have no right to talk down to us, not while you all sit here and stick your bloated hands where they don't belong. If you didn't want your people to convert to our way, you shouldn't have taken advantage of them." Jannis sat down, face still red from his intense sermon. "Hypocrites," he spat out, for good measure.

"Please, excuse my compatriot's outburst," Zissman said, standing to face the assembled lords. "But you must admit, he has a point. The Church has given hope to the people you swept aside. You have no right to look down on us.

"And there is no reason to," he continued, beginning to pace around the table. "The Church brings your nations many things. Not only have we unified a discordant people under our peaceful ways, we provide tithes for the good of the realm. We provide you spies, we provide you soldiers. And if Inferno sponsors our organization, we can provide you an obedient populace, free of the religious strife that has afflicted your realms for centuries. Or would you shun that on tradition as well?"

High Priest Emlee, seeing he was beat, grimaced and silently sat down. Zissman smiled, chuckled quietly, and returned to his seat.

"Well spoken, Scion," Inferno said, a rare hint of genuine gratitude entering her voice. "They have valid points. We cannot risk the League capitalizing on religious strife, especially not when we are so vulnerable. This will not be disputed. This will not be overridden. I have already made up my mind."

"Will the populace be told?" Duchess Kuma asked.

"Of course they will be told," Inferno scoffed, condescension in her voice. "I will do it tomorrow at noon. The people of the nearby city are mostly Church adherents. I am sure that this announcement will be far less divisive than you think." She leaned back in her chair and waved them away. "You are dismissed. If you have any questions, comments or concerns…" Inferno looked up, seeing that many of her subordinates had raised their hands. "You may see me tomorrow morning."

The lords got up and began chatting quietly, some casting accusative or suspicious glances at Jannis and Zissman. The Church representatives merely walked off in a dignified manner, disappearing into a side hallway that led to their chambers. Inferno listened as the lords talked amongst themselves.

"She's gone too far. This will make them more ambitious."

"This is treasonous! How could she give them what is our responsibility?"

"I don't know. The Church could make a useful ally… or a deadly enemy. I'm glad they're on our side."

Inferno sighed and poured yet another glass of brandy. As the lords finally dispersed, Jay returned, looking grim.

"I'm guessing it didn't go well," he said, pulling up a chair. Inferno laughed mirthlessly.

"You could say that." She threw back her glass. "But I had to do something. It was a gamble I needed to take."

"Do you think it will work?" Jay asked, doubt in his voice. Inferno soured at the sound of it.

"Not immediately, but in time. It will be a gradual process. The Church is a useful tool, Jay, but the bigger a sword, the harder it is to swing. We must blunt their edge a little."

"Do you think they realize what you're doing?"

Inferno sighed and scratched her cheek. "I certainly hope not. But we have bigger concerns right now."

Jay stroked his chin, leaning back in his chair. "Maybe," he said, trailing off. "Maybe."

Zissman sat down in his office chair and furrowed his brow. The meeting was like any other meeting with Inferno's vassals: loud and filled with hostility and quite a few pointless arguments. But her declaration worried him.

By the way Jannis was pacing, Zissman knew he was just as concerned. Jannis only paced when he was worried, and the brisk speed he was doing it at only worried Zissman more.

"Sit down, Jannis," he calmly commanded. Jannis sighed and took a seat, fiddling his hands as he looked out the window.

"Why?" Jannis asked. Zissman knit his fingers. That was the question, wasn't it? Why? They knew Inferno, for all her faults, was keenly aware of the dynamics of power. She must have known that the Church was her enemy just as much as it was her ally.

What was she planning?

Zissman stroked his beard. "She must know something we don't. We must be missing something."

Jannis leaned back in his chair and exhaled. "Maybe we aren't. Crosshares and Pollination have always butted heads. Maybe she did really intend to unite them in some way."

"Not with us, she wouldn't. The last thing she wants is to increase our power. So why is she?" Zissman stood and rubbed his hands together. "What does she gain from this?"

"Well, she's technically not mandating us," Jannis observed. "Just… sponsoring us, I think she said?"

"Sponsoring, sponsoring," Zissman chanted. "Language is important. What does it imply?" After a few seconds of silence, a smile crept over his face, and he began laughing bitterly. His laughter increased in volume, enough to alarm Jannis.

"Um, are you alright?" He asked. After a few seconds, Zissman calmed down and nodded.

"Oh, I get it now. It's a scheme fit for us. I'm disappointed I didn't realize it sooner." Zissman sat back down, leaving Jannis no less confused than before.

"She's legitimizing us," Jannis said, a sudden clarity appearing in his expression.

"Exactly. She's legitimizing us. Not anyone else. It's subtle, but it's strong. Inferno makes it look like she's the superior, like she's the one in command."

"And where does she go from here?" Jannis asked, drumming his fingers on the window sill.

"Over time, she'll probably try to absorb us into the power structure. If it looks to our supporters that she's the superior and we the inferior, then it may as well be true."

Zissman and Jannis sat in silence, contemplating their options.

"What do we do now?" Jannis asked. "We can't let her domineer us. But how do we remove her without losing our influence over the Subreddit?"

"We must move quickly," Zissman answered. "Inferno has to die; there is no way to outmaneuver her without eliminating her entirely. She has become too much of a nuisance." Zissman unrolled a map of Inferno's dominions and studied it for a bit.

"Jannis, look. Coronam and Austin will likely attack from Lancaster's ports. Inferno is going to stay at this fortress for a few more weeks, attending to her schemes and whatnot. It matters little." He traced a path with his finger from the shores across from Lancaster to a large patch of forests, and through the forests to the location of Castle Chanel. "This path is mostly inhabited by our followers, is it not?"

"I believe so," Jannis said. "But they're only civilians, not our militias."

"It doesn't matter. Tell them to send the local soldiers on a goose chase looking for League soldiers. Keep this path clear. If they encounter no resistance, Inferno can be eliminated within three weeks."

"That I can do," Jannis said. "But what happens afterward? With Inferno gone, our leverage disappears."

"We can fix that," Zissman mused. "It will take work, but I'm certain we can do it. Perhaps we can put a distant relative on the throne and puppet him? But we'd still have to contend with the other lords of the realm…" He stroked his beard, strategizing.

"What if we could bypass that?" Jannis asked. "Finding a successor takes research, and propping one up takes influence with the other lords we don't have. It's a precarious position, but I have an idea." Zissman nodded to him to continue.

"We could always… eliminate our rival lords. Not all of them dislike us. I'm sure some of the more opportunistic, or at least less traditionalistic ones realize that we could be a valuable ally. With their deceased queen's backing, we have legitimacy. With the legitimacy provided to us, we could set up a transition government after, ahem, 'League assassins' eliminate the rest of the lords." A wry grin crossed his face, and they both enjoyed the irony of it.

Zissman stroked his chin. "An excellent plan, Jannis. There's hope for you yet." He laughed lightly and patted Jannis on the shoulder. "That sounds like it could work. But for now, we must play the servant. Keep your pride in check and we will make it through intact."

Zissman opened a small cabinet on his bookshelf and produced a plate of bread, vegetables and cooked fish, setting it down on the table. Jannis pulled his chair closer to the table as Zissman found his utensils.

"Very well," Jannis grumbled. "I'll suffer the indignities as long as I get to gloat to Inferno before we leave her to the dogs." He grabbed a loaf of bread as Zissman poured them both a cup of beer.

"If you can find the time to, be my guest." Zissman lifted his glass. "A toast to the Goddess: thanksgiving for this meal, for our patience, and for Inferno's most gracious blessing."

"Indeed," Jannis said, and they both took a gulp.

Zissman chuckled to himself. To think that Inferno's bid for power would hand them the opportunity to rid themselves of her forever! He contemplated the delicious irony, and then finished his drink.

March 2, 9 ATC

City of Egestas, Duchy of Leporin, Kingdom of Crosshares

From a side balcony of the mayoral palace, Faker watched with amusement as the Crossharese citizens swarmed about in the plaza, excitedly chattering about what Inferno's announcement would be. The antics of the peasantry always amused him.

He heard someone walking behind him. Anti appeared, dressed in a plain black jacket, and took a seat next to him.

"Anti," Faker said. "So kind of you to join me. We've had so few opportunities to talk."

"I can't stay cooped up in my quarters forever," Anti said, "no matter how many tables and graphs I need to look over. Foodstuffs, finances, weaponry. Everything has its price, and Inferno's seen fit to saddle me with the state expenditures."

"I can send for one of my aides to pick up the slack," Faker offered. Anti smiled and waved him off.

"Tempting. But it's only temporary, until her steward gets better. He's ill with pneumonia."

"Pneumonia!" Faker exclaimed. "That's a pity. I hope he gets better." He paused. "Illness is such a mundane way to go. I hope I don't die that way."

"Well, with how the war is going, you may not have to," Anti remarked. "Now, shh. Inferno's about to start her speech."

Inferno had walked out onto the mayoral palace's balcony, arms outstretched in warm greeting, and had been met by the cheers of the peasants below. Faker had to admit, for such an unpleasant woman she knew how to work a crowd.

Scion Zissman and Jannis followed her out onto the balcony, taking a position on either side of her. Anti cocked her head, while Faker tapped his fingers restlessly.

"So it's true, then," he muttered. Anti gave him a quizzical look.

"What's true?" She asked.

"I've heard rumors that Inferno plans to make the Church a state-sponsored organization. If the Church is up there and not over here with us, then perhaps it's true." Anti and Faker watched Inferno as she went through her long-winded, subtly self-aggrandizing lead-in. The punch would be arriving soon.

"Tell me, what religion is dominant in this province?" Anti asked. Faker chewed his nails a bit.

"It used to be Yurism, but this place was one of the first major cities to adopt the Church. Most of its civilians are converts." He paused. "I don't know much about their religion, but they're certainly good at what they do."

"Perhaps there's some merit to it, then," Anti remarked. She marveled at the citizens, how they hung on every word. They knew what was coming, and they were buzzing with excitement. What did this sect have that others didn't?

Faker merely laughed. "Oh, don't get sentimental. It's all hodgepodge. Yurism, Straightism, Yaoism, the Church. All the same message, the same treatment, but with different packaging. The core is the same."

"Yes," Anti said, assuring herself. "I'm only offering an explanation. Understanding is the first step of preparation."

Faker nodded absentmindedly, watching Inferno. He pointed at her. "Now watch, Anti. I think she's getting to the good part."

"—and it is my privilege to announce that the Church of Thorns has been officially sponsored in the Kingdoms of Crosshares and Pollination!"

The crowd erupted in raucous cheers. Faker steepled his fingers and chuckled softly.

"Look at them," he said, gesturing to the jubilant throngs. "They're so excited. Now they can finally officially acknowledge their faith."

"I'd be happy too, if I were them," Anti said. Faker pointed at them again.

"But look at their eyes, Anti. The Church is their leader, but who is their hero? Inferno. Inferno, the gracious queen who granted them religious freedom. The pleasant lady who ventured all the way out to their little city to tell them first. The generous woman who let the Church operate freely." He tapped the side of his head.

"How do you know these things?" Anti asked. Faker smiled again, some maliciousness behind it.

"I am a ruler. It is my job to know these things." He paused. "Look, Zissman is going to speak."

Zissman had taken his place at the pulpit, and Inferno had stepped to the side. Anti noticed how she had not stepped back to where Zissman was standing, but pointedly stood beside him. She studied her, and she studied Zissman.

"Look at them," Anti directed, and Faker turned from the crowds to the leaders. "Look at where she stands. Next to him, not behind him. She wants them to know she is his equal, if not better."

"And Zissman. Look at his hands. Whenever he gestures with his left—" Zissman handily did so at that moment, extending an open hand to the people. "He keeps his hand open. But when he lifts his right hand, the hand at Inferno's side, it balls into a fist."

"And Jannis." Anti pointed at Jannis, watching as Faker scrutinized him along with her. "Watch how suspiciously he looks at her! And how concernedly he looks at his master. There has been a split between the Church and Inferno."

"Impressive," Faker remarked.

"It's my job to know these things," Anti echoed. Faker chuckled.

"As witty as you are observant. I wish I had ten of you working for me." He paused, and his expression darkened. "But what does this mean for us?"

Anti shrugged and crossed her arms worriedly. "I don't know. Likely some plotting. Likely a struggle. But when is a matter of their patience. Inferno seeks to control the Church. The Church likely wants her gone. We'd best be prepared."

"Hmm." Faker chewed his nails some more as he contemplated this. "Anti, what do you say to a pact?"

"A pact?" Anti asked. "You should know that I, of all people, do not enter contracts lightly."

"Don't think of this as a contract. Think of this as a… mutual agreement. The Church is ambitious, Anti, but so is Inferno. Sooner or later, we may find ourselves in a predicament much like this."

"And what do you propose?"

Faker stroked his chin. "I propose an alliance, for lack of a better word. If either one of them moves against each other, we stay neutral. Together. If they move against us, they we call on each other for support." He extended a gloved hand. "Sound good?"

Anti looked at his hand. Faker certainly wasn't trustworthy, but he was much more straightforward than the Church or Inferno. And with friends like those, any allies were better than none.

She looked over at Inferno and Zissman. Zissman had finished talking, and Inferno had taken his hand and lifted it, to the immense excitement of the crowds. Both of them cast a glance at where Anti and Faker were sitting before returning to the crowd.

"All right," she said uneasily, taking his hand. "I agree."

"Fantastic!" Faker exclaimed, and he shook her hand. As he did, the crowds again erupted in cheers, for their savior and their leader both.