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From: "Paradox116" <paradox116@comcast.net>
NNTP-Posting-Date: Wed, 20 Aug 2003 01:31:04 GMT
Subject: {ASSM} Kindred part 5: Politics     (nosex)
Date: Wed, 20 Aug 2003 02:10:03 -0400
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This story is fiction, obviously. It will include violence and sex. It will
include death, torture and murder. If you find these things objectionable,
please don't read it. If I manage to do this right, it will also include
romance, lust and love. I also wish to thank the fine people at White Wolf
Publishing , who have the copyright to Vampire: The Masquerade and other RPG
products for the initial inspiration for this story, and hope they don't
object to the use of the Clan names I shall use. I also thank the RPG guild
The Camarilla from AOL way back in 1996 for teaching me role-playing and the
way of the Vampire. Feedback is strongly desired!


"My Lord?"


The voice brought me back from my memories. Cara and Cali were rinsing my
hair when I opened my eyes, and Cara quickly wiped my brow to keep the water
from running into them. I looked at the foot of the bath and acknowledged my
Chamberlain, Vincent.


Seeing he had my attention, Vincent spoke again. "My Lord, The Earl of Derry
requests an audience with you. And he is accompanied by a Royal Courier."
Vincent didn't seem thrilled with this particular fact. I knew how he felt.
I strongly suspected why Tomas was here.


"Escort the Earl and his associate to the Green Room. Explain that I will
attend them within twenty minutes. Also instruct Kaylene to join us. And
provide a bottle of the Bordeaux from two years ago for refreshment. I know
the Earl has enjoyed that one."


Vincent bowed slightly. "Aye, M'Lord. I shall see to it. Umm, is Kaylene
summoned to . er. entertain the Courier, or is she Your Attendant?" We both
knew what he meant. Sometimes I would have one of my Maidens use her charms
to distract an unwelcome guest, and allow me the opportunity to speak freely
with others. But more often, I summoned them for their insight and opinions,
and to have someone to discuss the problem with after my guests had
departed.


"Inform her I need her Attendance this evening. Ask her to bring a scribe,
as well."


"Yes, m'Lord." Vincent took his leave to see to the Earl, and summon
Kaylene.


I stood in the tub and let Cara wrap a towel around my shoulders, then
stepped from the water. I stepped down from the platform and Cali began to
briskly dry my lower body, as Cara quickly dried and combed my hair. My hair
hangs to my shoulders, and Cara quickly wrapped it in a warrior's braid,
then tied it together with a gold chain. Meanwhile, Cali finished her
ministrations with a gentle kiss to my groin. I chuckled and gave her a
gentle swat for her cheekiness, and she looked up with a teasing grin. Then
she stepped back and went to fetch my garments.


I was quickly dressed in a soft cotton shirt of dark red, and leather
breaches. A pair of good boots and a thick leather belt finished my attire.
Then I strode through the halls of my home to the Green Room. On my way
Kaylene caught up with me and looped her arm through mine. I looked behind
her and saw the scribe hurrying to catch up. As I expected, it was Kaylene's
12-year-old sister Lydia. I slowed down slightly to let her catch up. "Good
eve Lydia. I see your sister has decided to put you to work."


Kaylene just grinned, but Lydia spoke up. "Aye, M'Lord. She said she wanted
the best, and I know who that is." She may have been teasing her sister, but
the fact was that Lydia was a very fast and accurate scribe. I'd seen her
attend a Ducal court and her record had been more correct then the official
Court Scribe. Of course, I hadn't told that to either of them.


As we stopped before the Green Room door, Kaylene let go of my arm and
stepped back to her "proper" place, and her sister took her place behind
her. Then the doorman opened the door and announced us. "His Highness, Duke
Alexander of Warrington, Lady Kaylene and Young Lady Lydia."


As we entered the two men waiting within stood. The younger man bowed, the
much older one merely dipped his head with a smile. "Good eve, My Lord Duke.
Thank you for meeting with us," Earl Tomas said. Then he did bow slightly to
the ladies as they both curtsied to him. "Lady Kaylene, you are looking as
lovely as ever. I don't believe I've had the pleasure of Lady Lydia's
acquaintance. I do suspect a family connection, though."


Lydia blushed slightly at the older man's courtesy. And the resemblance was
actually very pronounced. Though Kaylene was almost nine years older then
her sister, they both had the same pale brown complexion, sparkling brown
eyes and upturned nose. Lydia's was slightly off center though, due to a too
rough game of ragball, and a goalkeeper that used her face that morning
several years ago. (Goddess, I adored tomboys) They both shared hair that
was a lustrous black, Kaylene's flowing over her shoulders and down her
back, Lydia's cut very short.


"The Ladies are sisters, as I doubt not you suspected," I said with a smile.
"So, Tomas, what brings you out here to Caradine Castle?"


"His Majesty, King Garret, has a problem that he hopes you will be able to
assist him with."


At his words, the Royal courier spoke for the first time. "My Lord Earl,
this is hardly a matter to be discussed before a pair of gossipy females! I
think it would be best if the 'Ladies,'" and I could hear the sneer in his
voice, "Made their departure and allowed the Gentlemen to speak freely."


Earl Tomas had the good manners to be embarrassed by his companion's
outburst. I now knew why Garret had sent this particular courier, though. He
needed to have his head ripped out of his ass and presented to him on a
platter. And Garret knew I would not hesitate to oblige. Kaylene and Lydia
just settled back to watch the explosion that was about to rip an uppity
Court functionary apart.


"And you are, good sir?" I asked with polished aplomb.


"Francis, son of Albrecht. Baronet of Siddoway."


"Ahh, Siddoway. You are one of Marquise Eleanor's vassals, then. I'll have
to invite her to visit me again soon. A lovely woman, and very intelligent.
Wouldn't you agree, Baronet Francis?"


Then I leaned toward him with eyes flashing like an angry dragon. "Or do you
believe your Liege Lady to be a gossipy female with no business in the
affairs of men? Answer quickly, m'Lord, we wouldn't want you to spare the
feelings of these Ladies. Lydia, take notes, and make them retroactive." She
looked at me and swallowed in surprise. This was something I'd never done to
her. But I knew she had every word that had been spoken so far memorized.
And she would have no difficulty transcribing every syllable.


I turned back to the courier as the scratch of quill against parchment began
behind me. "Do you truly believe that the Marquise hasn't been informed of
what we are to discuss? His Majesty trusts her as fully as he relies on Earl
Tomas and myself. In fact, the only reason the Marquise isn't here now, is
because the problem is too close at hand for her to go traveling."


I reached toward the Baronet and almost chuckled when he flinched back.
Apparently, he knew my reputation even from Siddoway. Good. He should be
praying to the goddess that I didn't show him what I was really like. I
brushed an imaginary hair from his collar. "Now, Lydia, please read me your
transcription." As she read it back to us, her voice carried every
inflection and pause of our conversation. "Thank you Lydia." I turned and
smiled at her while the courier looked confused.


"Now, Kaylene, if you would. Fetch the good Baronet's documents from him.
Let's see what His Majesty has to say."


The Baronet foolishly chose to be stubborn. "NO! His Majesty instructed me
to place these documents only in your hands when I thought it safe to do
 so!"


"Kaylene, don't injure the good Baronet. But feel free to hurt him. Oh, and
Baronet Francis? Feel free to defend yourself as you see fit."


The baronet leapt to his feet and drew his dagger. "Fine, M'Lord Duke. I had
heard you were a champion of the fairer sex. It will be a pleasure to make
this one bleed for your folly." Then he attacked. I admit I was surprised to
note that the good Baronet was actually quite skilled with the blade. It
took Kaylene a full minute to disarm him, sprain his shoulder and knee, and
hand me the documents he carried. I'd have bet on thirty seconds.  So I
leaned over him and patted his face like I would a foolish child. "Never
insult a member of my Household. If I bring someone into a room, it should
indicate to you that a.) I require them to be there. And b.) That they are
trusted for whatever matters will be discussed. Keep this in mind. Next
time, I'll simply turn them loose on you, and apologize to your liege over
your corpse. Lydia, open the door, please." When she did, I summoned the
doorman. "Summon two slaves to escort the Baronet to the Outer Hallway to
await Earl Tomas' departure. Oh, and if his groans disturb you, you may, if
you choose, summon the priest."


"Now, to business, Tomas," I said when the four of us were alone. "It is as
I expected. Count Terrence of Gaiford is causing problems for his father. He
is demanding additional tributes from his vassals in all categories.
Especially men at arms. His Majesty suspects that he intends to usurp the
Marquise Eleanor. And the Marquise won't defend herself against him out of
loyalty to his father." I stood in a fury. "Goddess curse the man! You know
I love Garret, but why can't the man keep his cock out of the Nobility's
pussy!?!"


Lydia blushed at my words, but Kaylene only chuckled. "The problem, M'Lord,
isn't who he ravishes. It's the fact he is so damned fertile. And then so
stupidly guilt ridden. It would be easier if he would settle for a  series
of baronetcies. Or even better, knighthoods. But no, he has to acknowledge
each bastard with a major holding and title. But that is neither here nor
there at the moment. What does His Majesty require of you, besides advice?"


Tomas spoke up. "His Majesty wishes the Duke to visit his son. To advise him
that his intentions are in fact known, and if necessary, steps will be taken
to calm the matter. And His majesty would prefer a non-military solution to
the problem."


"In other words, we don't want a  civil war inside the Kingdom. Instead, if
it proves necessary, I am to use my skills in negotiation to end the problem
as I see fit." We all knew that meant an assassination. This wasn't the
first time Garret had requested these services of my Dukedom. But this was
the first time a civil matter had caused such a decision.


"His Majesty understands that these are desperate options. But he advises me
to explain that the intelligence he has accrued would indicate that the
Count's success will endanger the Duchy of Warrington. Apparently, the count
has no love for you or your progressive ideas." He looked at the sisters
when he said this, and I knew what he meant.


"So, because I believe a woman to have merit beyond her cunt and tits, he
fears me." Lydia again looked shocked at my words, but I suspected it was
more my phrasing then my sentiment. "And I suppose he has allies that feel
similarly? Good. It will put all their nuts in the crusher when I appoint a
woman as Countess of Gaiford. Well, when Garret appoints her." They all knew
I was more honest the first time. "So does Terrence have any sisters we can
prepare for the post?"


"No, but he reportedly has a bastard daughter that he treats ill. I believe
she is four. Intelligence states she lives within his castle, the daughter
of a formerly favored concubine. I believe the concubine had a fatal
accident shortly after giving birth."


"I see. All right, M'Lord Tomas, this is what I need from Garret. Have His
Majesty inform his son, Count Terrence that I will be visiting him six weeks
from Sunday. That a force of arms consisting of twenty each light, medium
and heavy horse, and thirty footmen will accompany me. Oh and also the usual
accompaniment of camp followers and ladies of ease." Here the good Earl's
eyebrows raised slightly, but he said nothing. "Also, Garret is to request
and require that the girl child.hmm, find out her name, please Tomas;
anyway, that the girl child will be presented to me so I may determine her
good health for His Majesty and possibly extend an invitation to attend my
Court until she reaches her majority."


"That will twist Terrence's codpiece." The earl said with a smile. "I like
it, to be honest. And what happens if you are forced to attend to matters
best left unspoken?"


"Then a regency will be put in place until the girl reaches her majority.
And the people of Count Gaiford will get used to a female ruler."

-- 
Pursuant to the Berne Convention, this work is copyright with all rights
reserved by its author unless explicitly indicated.
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