Chapter Two Hundred and Eighty-Seven - Political Ramblings and Rumblings

Chapter Two Hundred and Eighty-Seven - Political Ramblings and Rumblings

Chapter Two Hundred and Eighty-Seven - Political Ramblings and Rumblings

Our first step--if we really were going to duel Francisco and his buddies--was to find Caprica.

The princess would know a lot more about the local duelling scene and all the laws and such surrounding that kind of thing. Amaryllis probably knew her fair share too, but we didnt know if the rules from the Harpy Mountains would apply in Slyphfree, and Amaryllis insisted on making sure that it was a proper duel, not just a brawl.

I... wasnt sure what to think about things as they were.

On the one hand, Francisco was about as rude as a person could be. On the other, that wasn't enough to make me want to fight him.

I think that Awen caught on to my current mood. She bumped shoulders with me as we walked over to the palace. Isnt this the same as that tournament you participated in, the one in Rosenbell? she asked.

I shrugged. I guess its not all that different. Will it be all three of us against all three of them?

I hope not, Amaryllis said. I want to face off against Francisco all on my own.

She sounded just a pinch too bloodthirsty there. I patted her on the back. I know youre angry at him, but I think you might be, ah, overreacting just a little, teeny tiny bit? Hes rude, sure, but rudeness shouldnt be answered with violence.

And how would you respond to the sort of rudeness that might very well end with thousands of lives lost to bolster a puffed up hawks ego? Amaryllis asked.

Well, first Id write a very strongly worded letter to Franciscos mom.

Awen choked on nothing, then giggled between coughs. Broccoli! You cant!

Why not? I asked. Hes not that old, so maybe his parents still have time to teach him some manners. And besides, if I was Franciscos mom, Id want to know if my son was about to start a war just to make himself feel more important. Obviously he didnt get enough hugs growing up, but theres always time to rectify that kind of misstep.

Thats... actually a fantastic idea, Amaryllis said.

I blinked. It is? I was pretty much positive she was going to dismiss the idea out of hand.

Oh, yes. A public letter, sent to the capital and to Fort Sylphrot, denouncing Fransicos behaviour and childish actions and the threat they both pose to the nation as a whole. Maybe a few public criers to read it aloud on street corners.

Thats sounding a lot more like blackmail than what I had in mind, I said.

Yes. I took your idea and improved it.

I dont know if Id call that an improvement at all.

Awen giggled some more. But can you imagine his face when he finds out? she asked.

I pouted at her too. You have a mean streak in you too, I said.

Awen shook her head, but she didnt quite deny it. I just think that... ah, I guess theres more than one way to fight someone. If we lose here, Broccoli, then a lot of others will be losing too. Were having fun, and its another big adventure, but the stakes are pretty high. Whether you want it or not, Francisco is on the other side. She crossed her arms, smile dying off as we walked into the shadow cast by a tall mansion-like home right next to the road. My mom... wasnt a very nice person, but she did make sure that I learned a few things.

What sorts of things? I asked.

I didnt like the lessons, she said. So I cant say I took them to heart. But I did listen. Mostly she talked a lot about how a woman should defeat her opponents and such. I think I like shooting people with a crossbow more than using the methods she spoke about. Its more honest.

Amaryllis snorted. Yes, some people do prefer intrigue and rumours over a proper talon-on-talon fight. The Albatrosses arent like that though.

I nodded, in full agreement.

So, what brings you here? Caprica asked. And would you like some tea while we talk, or is it a little more urgent?

Its certainly delicate, and not something we can afford to wait on for too long, Amaryllis said. But I dont think its quite urgent.

Do tell, Caprica said. She gestured to the side, and I almost jumped when a maid bowed back and hurried off. I hadnt seen the maid at all. Did they have a skill that made them sneaky?

Amaryllis shifted in her seat. We met with the harpies that arrived last night. The meeting... could have gone better. Though, honestly, with the quality of the harpy in question, I doubt it.

Theyre adversarial? Caprica asked.

You could say that, Amaryllis said. Though that would make it an understatement. Francisco Hawk, of the illustrious, boisterous, and full of itself Hawk clan. Theyre very much on the pro-war side of things. They want to try and match arms with the sylph, despite all common sense saying that its a poor idea.

Caprica frowned. Thats unfortunate. Who has more seniority between yourself and this Francisco and his companions?

He does, though only barely, Amaryllis said. I managed to maneuver things so that we would duel for the right to represent the Harpy Mountains.

Truly? Caprica asked.

I glanced at Amaryllis. Maneuver was a big word to describe what had happened.

Yes. Which is why were here. We want this to be a proper duel, not some street brawl. Francisco is the sort who would easily ignore a deal made. Even one that was won in a duel. I think the only way to make him keep his word is to put too much pressure on him for him to weasel his way out.

Caprica considered it for a moment, then nodded. Well arrange something, then. When is this duel supposed to take place?

This afternoon, Amaryllis said.

Youre certainly not giving us much time to prepare, Caprica said. Still, I think we can figure something out.

Can I come? To watch, Gabrielle said.

Caprica glanced at her sister, considered it, then nodded. Sure.

Gabrielle blinked. Wait, really?

Oh yes. You being present will attract all sorts of attention, Caprica said. Half the available suitors in the city will rush to attend as well. Itll make up for the lack of time to set up something proper. And have rumours spread.

Capri! Gabrielle said, her cheeks were glowing. You cant just use me like that.

Youre the one that wanted to attend, Caprica said. You'll be able to enjoy yourself, leave the palace for a moment, and I wont have to work as hard to get a crowd of nobles to oversee the happenings. Two harpies with one stone. Ah... forgive the expression.

Amaryllis waved it off. Its fine. We have a few similarly uncouth expressions ourselves.

I can imagine, Caprica said. So, do you think youll win this duel? I would hardly appreciate backing a loser.

Oh, dont worry on our account, Amaryllis said. In fact, this will just be a lot of fun, I think.

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