The city was beautiful, she could not deny it, the streets lay wide, and spacious enough for two carriages to easily pass. The streets were spotless, cleaned daily by those in service to the Milesian Empire, willingly or otherwise. The buildings themselves were like none seen elsewhere in Aileann, at least not until recently. The Milesians had gone to great lengths to bring in the white limestone found at Coneemar for their city. Compared to Gorias, Concani or even Morbhaile the city was not so big but it was ever increasing and developing. It was not more than 70 Years since the first Milesian Traders had established the modest settlement once known as Dubhlia for their own purposes, yet already it was a hub of commerce and activity, barracks, offices and public buildings were everywhere and work was now beginning on a second ring wall Saoirse could not fail to notice. All of which was good news for the Milesians and their allies, less so for anyone else. For all that beauty and architecture around her Saoirse’s temper was not the better for it. Her mood had been foul since she arrived in the city late last night and she had awoken with it still hanging heavy around her. It was not like to change anytime soon, though she would have to hide it once more.
“Silks from Hinob, jade from Myanra, ebony from Iveance, ivory from Cotedivoe, whatever about their morals and principles one cannot denounce the Milesians when it comes to style.”
Aoife, sitting beside her, seemed the only one of their party enthused by their visit to Carthaga.
“Style?” Care seemed rather less impressed. Every city is the same with the Milesians, they lack character, diversity, once you’ve been to one then you’ve been to them all. Member that tour we did for your 16th name day Saoirse? Pontar, Sifore, Abla, they’re all wonderful yes, but all terribly similar. Give me Gorias or Morbhaile over them anyday.”
Aoife pulled herself from the window to give Cara a dismissive look, “Your talking about style wearing that? Aren’t dresses intended to cover up our nakedness, not accessorise it.”
Saoirse laughed despite herself, Cara was not one for subtlety with her dress choices.
Cara feigned insult, “I have a woman’s body, when you get one you’ll understand.”
“I have a woman’s body.” Aoife insisted, “I’d just rather keep it to myself and those which truly love me.”
Cara scoffed. “As do I, not my fault that everyone loves me.”
“Enough, Gods enough.” Saoirse intervened laughing as the carriage pulled up outside Carthaga’s keep, Praetoria, the seat of Milesia's power in Aileann.
“Let’s pause this conversation until after, much as I’m sure Hortensia would love to discuss nakedness with both of you I doubt it is foremost of the reasons why he’s called me here today.”
The carriage door opened and Saoirse allowed one of the 30 household guards she had brought with her to escort her to the smooth pavement in front of the towering keep. An extravagant red Yenetiar carpet had been laid out to guide her to the entrance, flanked on either side by rows of Milesian soldiers. Saoirse steeled herself for what was to come and began to make her way up the steps diligently, Aoife and Cara followed close behind along with the four guards she had chosen to accompany her today. Shane, Earla, Finn and Niamh, all sturdy, skilled warriors, all specifically chosen by Tomás after she had insisted he remain behind. Despite Tomás’ objections and protests to the contrary she was glad to have him back in Arann, his presence would serve to dissuade any of those which sought to cause trouble in her absence.
At the door they were greeted none too welcomingly by one of Hortensia’s Brutari. Wordlessly he ushered them in and urged them to follow his lead, Saoirse looked to Cara oddly but decided to follow on. Rather than being brought to the throne room as expected they were taken instead around it through a series of sprawling hallways until at last they stopped outside what appeared to be a Council room door. As the guard on duty went to open it he was almost bowled over as Earl Deirfuar came stomping through, slamming the door behind him. He had almost barged past Saoirse before his eyes flickered in recognition. He stopped in his tracks, “Earl Ni Chonaill” he proclaimed distractedly, “forgive me I did not see you, my mind was…..elsewhere.”
“There is nothing to forgive Earl Deirfuar, in a place such as this it would be a rare Aileanner indeed who’s mind did not wander.”
He nodded gravely, “I believe they are awaiting your presence. I only hope you fare better with them than I did.”
Leaning in close with the pretence of a farewell embrace he brought his voice to a whisper, “I would speak to you privately, away from walls such as these, be careful young one.”
With that he marched off his men hurrying after him. Earl Deirfuar, the Old Stoat her father used to call him, he had been a fast friend of her fathers and though he was now an older man than most he still retained the respect and esteem granted to those who have ruled their Earldom for so long and so successfully. The stoat, his sigil, had been a familiar sight in Arann during her youth.
He had been the last to recognise Milesia's rule and had delayed sending any of his men to Belvoir more than any other Earl. He is a good man, and no friend to Brandubh, Harfrigh or Milesia. I would do well to keep him as an ally and confidant.
The Brutar grunted at her gruffly and motioned for her to enter the Council Room. Cara stepped forward furiously but Saoirse caught her arm before she could make any heedless move. Her rashness was the last thing needed here. “Not now Cara, now is not the time for such actions, do not allow them vex you so.”
The Brutar smiled seemingly amused at the outburst, he opened the door for her. When the others made to follow her he snapped his heavy axe down forcefully, “Only you, no other.”
Saoirse tensed as her guards reacted and brought their hands to their own weapons at its aggression. When it looked like the situation might escalate the voice of Hortensia, distinct and sickeningly smooth cut through the tension as he appeared arms outstretched, “Restrain yourselves all of you. This is no place for violence, we are all allies, each one of us joined in the glory of the Empire, and we must behave as such.”
He turned to Saoirse, “My Lady, if you would be so kind as to join me, your companions will be well treated, do not fret, but what we discuss we would discuss alone.”
Saoirse looked back towards the others, “You speak wisely, I do wonder however how many guards you have in the room? Whatever the number I would match it, so as to keep the balance.”
A flicker of annoyance passed over Hortensia but he quickly shrugged it away smiling amicably, “Very well. For the sake of balance then, you are permitted to bring two of your party with you.”
Saoirse nodded in thanks, facing back to Cara and Aoife, “You two go with Finn and Shane, I will speak with you after.”
“But I…”
Saoirse’s hard look cut off Cara. “After.”
Dusting herself down Saoirse strode into the room welcomed by Hortensia’s curt bow, Niamh and Earla took up position behind her.
Apart from her and her guards there was also Hortensia and two of his Brutari, and another figure was by a table at the end of the room, his large frame facing away from her. When he turned her face nearly dropped, Harfrigh. She had not been aware he was here nor that he would be present. He came grinning stupidly as he offered her a cup of wine, “M’Lady, it’s a red Fovara, I am sure it will be to your liking.”
Saoirse forced out a smile, “A welcome surprise, it is not a wine oft seen on Aileann’s shores.”
Harfrigh pulled out a chair beside the General across from her, she felt as if she was being interrogated, perhaps no accident. Hortensia raised a finger, “My Lady, I trust your journey was a pleasant one? I and Earl Harfrigh are most appreciative of you coming here to meet and speak with us. There is much for us to discuss and it is best we solve it here and now as to have a clear plan for the future. Harfrigh himself insisted he make himself available in person such is the esteem he holds for Arann. Why he even removed himself from the assault on the Druaidíi leaving the command instead to Brandubh and Maximo.”
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Harfrigh smacked his lips, “I did. I view me being here for our discussion as a matter of personal pride. I rode out with 4 of my swiftest riders just to be present. You will be glad to know that we have uncovered the Druaidíi’s home, they will soon fall to our swords.”
Saoirse nodded slowly keeping her gaze directed towards Hortensia, “Yes. I know well Earl Harfrigh’s feelings for Arann, he has shown a great interest in its affairs these past years.”
Harfrigh eyed her dubiously, “Indeed I have, for if Aileann is to prosper then Arann must do likewise, and for a land to thrive and flourish it needs stability.”
“Which it fortunately has, by my and my supporters' own doing, I am certain that if left to the task Arann will thrive and flourish as it has done under my rule these last three years.”
Harfrigh looked to Hortensia expectantly, the General cleared his throat, “You have ruled well yes, a fact no one could deny, however….neither can you or I deny that there is yet elements of unrest regarding the rulership of Arann, three years is a short time for such a civil conflict as happened between you and your late fathers brothers.”
Saoirse raised her brow. “Those which conspired to remove me of my birthright? They caused me some problems in the past it is true, but they are problems that have and will continue to be dealt with, not matters which will trouble Arann again.”
Hortensia grimaced, “That is all very well but words alone are easy to come by, we need hard evidence and results, those which fought so vehemently to see you displaced will not have disappeared entirely, some perhaps but not all.”
Saoirse did not like at all the tone Hortensia was using nor the implications in his words.
“What then are you proposing? I have agreed to allow your men a garrison within Morbhaile and you have my allegiance. What then is there to further discuss?”
“Not my men, Our men, we are all Milesia now Earl Ni Chonaill, do not forget.” Hortensia maintained the composure in his voice keeping any irritation aside. “Fortunately we believe we have found a solution, one that allows you to remain in power whilst also satisfying those which would continue to resist you.”
Saoirse raised her brow questioningly, “A solution?”
Hortensia gestured for Harfrigh, the newly anointed High Consulate coughed, “Yes, a solution,” he proclaimed proudly. “A marriage to be precise.”
“A marriage to who exactly?”
“You are of an age now are you not? You will be looking I’m sure but I and Hortensia have discussed the matter at length and have reached our own conclusion.”
Saoirse didn’t fail to notice the apparent joy in which Harfrigh was speaking to her, like one that knew more than they should.
He leaned back languidly in his chair, “It just so happens that my brother, the renowned warrior Catled, is also of an age for marriage.”
Saoirse kept the stony expression on her face, she knew little but enough of Catled, he was most definitely of an age to marry, and had been for some time now. There were many rumours as to why he remained yet unmarried, none of them good. A fine warrior he might be but husband material he was not. Dagda would have laughed if he had heard such a proposal. She would have too, had she not been in such a delicate and perilous position.
She flashed a smile and focused her eyes on Hortensia. It was him she needed.
“Whilst I am sure that Catled is undoubtedly a good and worthy proposal, I am less sure however that he is a man fit to rule in Aileann.”
“Your doubts are not without reason,” Harfrigh interjected. “There has long been a ridiculous, illogical tension to Clair and Arann. But as Aileann moves into a new age, a new time, so too must we. What better way to unite and squash old grievances than a marriage between our two proud lands.”
What better way to wrest control over Arann you mean.
“And you have a cousin too I believe, Driamad I believe yes, he must be given a suitable match also, something which I will see to myself. He will have a match that recognises his position as next in line to Arann’s seat.”
Saoirse pursed her lips, “What my cousin does or does not do does not concern me, marry him off if you wish, he has no place nor love in Arann.”
Harfigh laughed, “You would do well to accept my help Earl Ni Chonaill, many would view you as fortunate to have such a friend.”
Saoirse ignored Harfrigh’s words, “General you yourself spoke of the conflicts Arann has experienced in the not so distant past, and you claim to be seeking to soothe those which would cause trouble and unrest. Any marriage of mine to an outsider such as Catled may be seen kindly by a small few, but it will be viewed far less kindly by many more. I am not in power in Arann without good reason. It is not only due to my birthright, what I have I have earned, by my and my large number of supporters' actions.” She paused allowing her words to seep in.
“What do you believe will happen if I am pushed into an unfavourable marriage? Trouble and unrest, and at a time when Aileann’s lacks stability. Why who knows what it may lead or cause to happen?”
Hortensia’s eyes narrowed, “Some know I am sure.”
He regarded her with curious eyes, they needed her still, otherwise they wouldn't have called her to Carthaga at all but merely proceeded with or without her.
Harfrigh sat up sharply, “Place Catled in Arann and I can personally guarantee any trouble will be quickly stomped out. He’ll have my men to aid him if need be.”
Hortensia gave him a sideways glance, he raised his hand. “Earl, while you have power in Aileann that is no guarantee, personal or otherwise that you can keep. Words are easy, keeping peace is not.”
Hortensia had a very low opinion of words for one so adept with them.
He turned to Saoirse, “What then is it that you propose Earl Ni Chonaill?” he probed, an eager look on his face, it is all a test, a game for him. So long as he has control it matters not who rules Aileann’s regions.
“Give me three months, any of those you speak of which do not believe in my ability to rule shall be dealt with, one way or another. I will report to you personally on my progress and keep you informed on all which happens in Arann. Then after three months we may meet again, you and I General, to discuss further Arann’s future.”
Hortensia smiled and for once it seemed to reach his eyes. “Earl Ni Chonaill your words have both impressed and given me pause for thought, I accept your offer. Though rest assured that I am well informed already of all that transpires in Arann. I hope too that you will not forget the generosity being shown to you when Milesia calls on you to serve, whenever or however that may be.”
“General I fear that I must insist on-”
“I fear not Earl, not now. I have made a decision on behalf of Milesia, and it is final. She has three months.”
Harfrigh looked as if he was about to speak further but was stopped by another shared glance with Hortensia which seemed to calm him. He smiled rejectedly, “Very well then, three months is not so long a time, Catled will be waiting patiently.”
That is all he will ever do.
“Three months is all it shall take for Arann to be wiped clean and my naysayers removed.”
She glanced back towards the door, “If that is all…”
Hortensia stood up, Harfrigh did likewise, albeit with far less haste.
“That is all indeed, your presence here is greatly appreciated today, as is your continued loyalty. I bid you farewell and leave you safe in the knowledge we shall meet again soon. He bowed to her elegantly as she departed, again Harfrigh mirrored him, though the look of barely contained disdain did not leave his face. She gave a final curtsy and smiling brightly made her exit, Finn and Niamh trailing behind. As the door closed and she made her way down the hallways once more. She breathed a sigh of relief, she had three months, less than she desired but more than she had expected. A lot could change in three months. A lot would change in three months.