I Bring the Storm

[Esplandia]

Three women watched from atop the gate of the old stone fortress known as Sangemont Castle, the home of the Grand Duke of Kranznikot. A car approached, winding its way up the causeway. It flew the flag of the Molvadovan Grand Duke.

“Looks like they’re here,” Spoke the oldest women, Sasha. She turned to her two sisters. “Let’s go meet them.”

They reached the front of the manor house before the approaching car arrived. It pulled up in front of the steps and two men got out. One was an older man with graying blond hair and a well-trimmed beard. The other was younger and had a more roguish look with slightly unkempt brown hair and stubble that was at least a week old. The similarities between the two men though were striking, and it was obvious they were father and son.

They approached the steps and greeted the three women. “Doamna Sasha, it is good to see you well,” spoke the older man. “And these two must be Doamna Bethany and Doamna Gisella.” He nodded towards the other two women in turn as he said their names. They curtsied as he addressed them. “And how is the old Wyvern?” he asked.

“Our father is well, Duge Asachi,” Sasha answered. “He awaits us in his Solarium.”

The two men followed the women as they headed up the stairs. The younger man approached the youngest of the sisters and when she noticed him she slowed so they could trail behind.

“I had worried about you when I heard of the attack on Bravondy,” he said. “I’m glad to see you’re alright.”

“Thank you Razvan,” Gisella said. “I wasn’t in the city at the time. I had come home for my father’s birthday and was supposed to return the day after.”

“I’m just glad you’re safe,” Razvan said, smiling at her. She returned his smile.

They entered the castle solarium and found the Grand Duke Alvydas Dracoviak sitting in a wicker chair facing out the window. Two other chairs were situated to the side, facing out the windows as well. The three women each approached and kissed their father on the cheek. “Duke Kaspar and his son Razvan are here.”

“Thank you,” their father answered. “We’ll see you for lunch after.” He motioned for the two guests to take a seat and the three women left. Duke Kaspar took the closer seat and his son took the last chair.

They took a moment to exchange pleasantries, asking about each other’s families and their health. Alvydas continued to look ahead, his blind gaze transfixed on a point that he couldn’t see. After speaking of nothing for a while the conversation quieted and for a few moments silence fell between them.

“It is long past time that the Waiczyn should have been called,” Alvydas said, breaking the silence. “We should have been called following this attack, and now the kingdom seems to be run by Nikolas Valkiric and our lady King is tucked away somewhere under the control of the Azure Dawn.”

Kaspar coughed, clearing his throat. “Well, I agree. So do some of the other Lords Paramount. Whether or not it’s enough…” he trailed off and shrugged.


“Valeran Beckoncroft, Ryzard Saponariak, and Alexandru Sylvakro.” Alvydas stated. “With us, that’s five. Exactly half of us. We need one more. I had hoped for Augustincia Niktholva to join us, but he seemed unwilling to go against the Azure Dawn.”

“Did you approach the others?” Kaspar asked. “Oltvan won’t side against Valkiric, but what of Gaelen or Doz Komkat?”

“Gaelen will follow the King’s lead and she’s nowhere to be found. The Dryad would not even speak to me. I have no idea what he’s up to, but he seems unconcerned with events outside of his forests.”

“Sounds like a Dryad,” Razvan said. The two older men nodded.

“That leaves only one Paramount left to convince,” Kaspar stated. “Though whether or not he’ll want to get involved in Arrandal’s politics remains to be seen. Especially without the King’s support, or even knowledge that we’re calling the Waiczyn.”

Alvydas turned his sightless eyes towards his two guests. “We need to locate her. Talk to her and get her support. I’m sure Gaelen knows where she is, but he won’t tell any of us.” He shifted his blind gaze to the Molvadovan Duke’s son. “Do you know the Countess of Cenushal?”

“Not well,” he answered. “I’ve met her a few times. Why?”

“I was informed that she’s had tea with the King a few times since the attack. That means she knows where the Azure Dawn is keeping her. Perhaps you should pay the Countess a visit and see what she knows.”

Kaspar nodded to his son in approval. “We shouldn’t wait around to get her support. With just one more Lord Paramount we could call the Waiczyn anyway. I’ll travel to…”

“No,” Alvydas interrupted. “There’s one other thing that needs to be done and I cannot do it. That task is for you. I shall go speak to the Emperor.”

 

[Nogori]

In the royal palace in the capital of Stedimir, Martinus was in his study reading and listening to traditional Malorian classical music. What most would find boring Martinus found joy as in his old age he had learned to accept and enjoy a great many things and learned how to be thankful for them. Besides the music he also enjoyed to listen to the fire hiss and pop and snap every time the wood broke down from the extreme heat.

He continued reading on getting ever more sucked into his book like a black hole sucking in its surroundings. However as he was getting entrenched in his book he was startled from a sudden pop in the fire that was far louder than the other ones. He ignored it and kept on reading onward.

However as all good things must come to an end a guard knocked on his door in which he replied for them to come into the room. As soon as the guard walked in he immediately saluted in front of the Emperor and the Emperor waved his down as a sign for him to continue on with what he had to say. So Martinus then asked the guard.

“What is it?”

“Your grace we have news that a Arrandalian lord has arrived inside of Maloria.”

“Well who is it?”

“It is Lord Alvydas Dracoviak”

“Thank you, you are dismissed” said Martinus as the guard then saluted once more and marched back out to his post outside the door shutting it on his way out.

“Why would he come all the way to Maloria” he thought to himself but then it hit him. He wants to call a meeting of the Waiczyn and as a Lord Paramount of Arrandal they would need Martinus to attend. However it is strange that they wouldn’t let him know ahead of time unless the monarch didn’t know.

It all came to Martinus and he immediately got up from his seat and went over to his desk where he made a letter. He wasted no time making it and after he was done he summoned the guard in once more. And then did their little dance once more until Martinus gave him a set of orders.

“I want you to give this letter to Lord Dracoviak and no one but him do you understand me?”

“Yes sir”

“Also get a car ready I am going to Zamkova Rok.”

“It will be done your grace”
Then around ten minutes later Martinus got into his car and embarked on the ride to Zamkova Rock.

Spoiler: Letter to Lord Dracoviak

Lord Dracoviak you are hereby invited to the ancestral seat of House Severyn, Zamkova Rok. In order to gain entry please present this letter to the Imperial Guard at the gates. I am eager to finally meet you and I hope that you will find Zamkova Rok to your liking.

Signed
Martinus Wilhelmus Severyn, Emperor of Maloria

 

[Esplandia]

Jadzia sipped at the strong tea. Her guest hadn’t added anything to sweeten their own, and she had been abashed into not adding any to hers. The taste was bitter, filled with savory herbs. She had to force herself not to react to the taste, and hoped her guest didn’t notice her disgust.

Emma din Cenushal though was looking out over the Chapterhouse’s fish pond, watching the light twinkle gold and silver off of the scales of the large koi swimming about. It was a warm day, and the sun was overhead, shining down behind the walls reminding Jadzia how much she hated being trapped.

“I’ll be glad when I can return to Bravondy,” she mused. “At least seeing the city doesn’t make me feel like a prisoner.”

“Returning will likely be off the table for some time,” Emma said, looking away from the water and the fish below. “It seems the riots have gotten worse. Too many people remember the war, and for the last three years they’ve felt safe. Who wants to return to hard times.”

“I hate being here when I should be there, addressing my people, letting them know it’ll be alright.” She angrily finished her cup of tea, this time doing nothing to hide the grimace of disgust from the taste.

“There were two attempted assassinations against you, your grace,” Emma pointed out, “Everyone’s worried for your safety.”

“My safety doesn’t matter if this nation tears itself apart again. The Azure Dawn won’t let me leave. They don’t take orders from me and the Grand Marshal is ignoring my messages. Do I rule, or does my regency? I seem to remember being coroneted.”

Emma poured some more tea for the King and then added two scoops of sugar to the drink. “Have you ever met Domn Razvan Asachi?” she asked. Jadzia shook her head. “Well he came to visit me this morning, and seemed quite interested in meeting with you. Perhaps I can convince Valkiric to let you come to Cenushal for the day. It’s not too far from here, and is as well defended as any chapterhouse.”

---

After having an aid read the Emperor’s letter to him, Alvydas acquired a vehicle to take him to Zamkova Rok. He napped off and on during the trip, sometimes letting the air in but mostly just enjoying the down time.

As they got nearer his aid took the time to go over what they knew of the emperor. While Martinus was older than Alvydas by two decades, both men had fought in the Fascist War on the same side. Alvydas had been seventeen then and went off to fight the red menace in the name of their allies. He had lost his sight there when the transport plane he was on had been shot down only two weeks after his arrival to the front. Still he had seen one battle during his time there, and hoped the shared experience would help him convince the emperor to agree to call the Waiczyn.

Martinus was a wilily and shrewd man. He likely had guessed the reason for Alvydas’ visit. Especially if they were meeting this far out away from the capital. Better for no one to overhear or to know that he was even in Maloria.

The car came to a stop and his aid climbed out and ran around to the other side and helped Alvydas climb out. The aid handed the Grand Duke his cane, but Alvydas just held it loosely at his side while taking the arm of his aid, who would lead the way.

He heard footsteps approaching over the driveway and his aid said, “Here comes the Emperor.”

 

[Nogori]

Martinus was on the battlements sitting in a chair smoking his cigar and drinking his Juniper Wine he had also had a chair ready for whenever his guest joined him. This was one of Martinus’s favorite things to do when he went to Zamkova Rok, he liked to stay at the battlements and stare out onto the distance admiring the beautiful scenery and take in the fresh air as God knows Maloria needs it. However as he was soaking in the riches that Zamkova Rok had he heard a door pull up the pathway and he immediately sprang to his feet and sat his wine down on the glass table knowing exactly who it could be.

He walked to the courtyard where he saw Lord Dracoviak, the Wyvern of Arrandal. He could tell they could hear him coming as they did not move and waited for him to approach them. So he made his way over to them and started to speak with a welcoming tone.

“Lord Dracoviak, it is an honor to meet you, I have heard so much about you.” He then looked at the aid “It is also a pleasure to meet you as well. But this isn’t the place for us to talk. Follow me if you would kindly” He said as he then escorted them both up to the battlements where he had been sitting.

“So before we talk about the reason you have came all this way to see me have a drink of our famous Juniper Wine and take a seat” he said as he sat back down in his seat pouring a glass for Lord Dracoviak.

 

[Esplandia]

Alvydas greeted the Malorian emperor and thanked him for meeting with him. Then he let his aid lead him along as the emperor lead them away from the car. They climbed a set of stone stairs and at the top Alvydas knew they were likely on the wall by the way the air moved freely around them.

He soon found himself seated with a glass of wine in his hand. He sniffed it, taking in the rich smell of the wine, then sipped it and proclaimed it excellent. There hadn't been much wine made in Arrandal recently because the vineyards had been destroyed in the war, so he truly took a minute to enjoy the taste.

He took a second sip, then placed the glass down next to him. "I suppose you've guessed at the reason for my trip to see you," Alvydas stated. "I am here to ask for your support in calling the Waiczyn. It has yet to be formally reinstated since the end of the war, and it's high time I think for the Azure Dawn to return to their true duties, instead of policing Arrandal. I believe Grand Marshal Valkiric has overstepped his mandate and threatens to turn our nation into a police state. I know it's not intentional, but the order has become part of every level of government. It's not a military presence we need now, but a strong government representative of the people, who can show Arrandians that things can get better."

Alvydas picked up his wine glass and finished off his drink while he waited for the emperor's reply.

 

[Nogori]

Alexander continued to drink his wine as he listened to the lord. He was however intrigued that the lord didn’t mention the king whatsoever as he spoke against the Azure Dawn. Which in his mind only proved that the monarch had no clue that Dracoviak planned to call the Waiczyn.

Alexander paused for a minute taking another sip of his wine. Juniper was after all his favorite wine and he so little time to fully enjoy it. If there was one thing that Malorians knew better than oil and trade is was wine.

He sat his wine down and said in a strong Malorian accent “so tell me Lord Dracoviak, what does her majesty think about this. I am sure that she would’ve been most interested in you calling the Waiczyn. I find it strange that after all of your slander against the Azure Dawn and you did not mention her. After all this is her realm we’re talking about and before I make any major decisions I would like to hear her opinion.”

He then picked up his glass drinking it once more. He looked to the aid and said “you’re welcome to help yourself as well, after all you are my guests.” He then filled his glass back up waiting for the lord’s response.

(OOC: I have made several changes to Maloria so Martinus has been renamed as Alexander.)

 

[Esplandia]

“I meant no slander against the Azure Dawn, nor even Grand Marshal Valkiric,” Alvydas retorted as his aid sampled the wine. “If not for their diligence and military strength Arrandal would not be here today. I believe that it is time though for the nation to move beyond this current militarized state of affairs and allow true legislation and representation for the people to recommence.

“I had spoken to the King before the Bravondy attack, and she, as well as Chancellor Artois were behind us on calling the Waiczyn to assemble. We had agreed to do so following the trial of the Black Duchess. Now though my requests to meet with her have been denied by Valkiric who has once again taken up full power as acting regent, despite the King’s coronation a year ago.

“I understand their need to keep her safe, and after the attack they don’t know who to trust. But as a Lord Paramount I am guaranteed an audience with the King, or at least a response from her on my concerns. Both of which have been denied me, as well as the majority of the other Lords Paramount. This is why we wish to call the Waiczyn, who can override Valkiric and demand he release the King to our protection, so that we as a nation can decide the course of our future instead of the Azure Dawn who’s mandate does not include dictating rule over Arrandal.”

Alvydas picked up his glass and finished what wine was left, before pouring himself a second glass.

 

[Nogori]

Alexander inspected his wine glass before taking drink. He perfectly understood the feeling to protect one’s homeland as he had done a great many things for his own nation. May it be from supporting the terrible authoritarian regime that plagued his nation so long ago to killing thousands for the liberation of his people he understood.

“I completely understand you wanting to do good for your nation. I have been in that boat a great many times and each time I tried to choose the best outcome for my people for whom I love dearly as I am sure you do as well. Not a great many people understand the duty one has for his native country but I do. I have bled, fought, and even killed for this country so that my people can know a better future. So my lord you have my support in calling the Waiczyn.”

Alexander said as he poured himself another glass and then preceded to look out over the farmland and mountains that surrounded the ancient ancestral seat of House Sokolov.

 

[Esplandia]

They sat in silence as a few moments passed. Alvydas began to reminisce as he thought back to the time he'd fought to protect his home. It was a bond the two men shared, fighting in the same war, though their nations had not fought it at the same time.

"The last time I was in Maloria was after having been wounded at the Kanadian front in '55. I rested in a hospital in some town in the north that I can't remember the name of." Alvydas laughed. "My last sight of this world was of Malorian countryside as I waited for the transport plane that would carry me back to the front. I never made it. The plane went down and I lost my sight in the crash. I can still remember vividly the trees and farms, a little house and a barn on the far side of the landing strip. A sunny spring day. Other memories have faded but not those last minutes."

The old duke let the scene play before his eyes, feeling for a second like the young man he had been, fighting the valiant fight against the communist aggression. And for a moment he was back there, a young man eager to return to the fight and make his father proud.

 

[Esplandia]

It took a couple days to convince Valkiric that Jadzia would be safe at Cenushal, and he really only agreed once Gaelen Marishkov intervened on her behalf and promised to have his own personel guards oversee security. Countess Emily agreed and with the aid of the Duke’s Security Chief they had the castle ready for the King’s visit. Jadzia was flown from Putna to Cenushal by helicopter; a short flight of twenty minutes. She was escorted by three veteran Dawnguard and they arrived without incident.

Cenushal was a feat of construction, built atop a rocky promontory that stood apart from the craggy hills of the eastern Halkensfels. It was a single stone structure, partially carved from the rocky spire, with a grand hall and towering keep built atop. A single bridge connected the castle over a seventy meter expanse.

The castle was cozy with small rooms and low ceilings, yet it was decorated with bright paintings and colorful flowers, and the sunlight shone through large windows. They had tea in a solarium off the south side of the castle and here Countess Emma introduced the King to Domn Razvan Asachi.

The Domn was quite charming, and was quite eager to converse with the King. “I’m sure Putna is not as inviting as Tolstaf Manor,” he said as they sat down to their tea. “I don’t suppose most Azure Dawn chapterhouses are built with comfort in mind.”

“I’ve lived in much worse places,” Jadzia answered. Razvan looked at her and seemed a little taken aback by her response.

“My apologies,” Razvan answered. “I forget you were at Shepsfels and that you have seen more fighting then I have.” He then changed the subject and started to talk about the coming harvest in Molvadova, and that it was large enough to keep the nation fed, and with the influx of foreign trade, that the coming winter would be the best one yet.

Jadzia enjoyed the company and found Razvan to be an interesting man. He was very knowledgeable about agriculture and took great pride in spending what days he could working in one field or another. As he talked Jadzia got the distinct impression he was trying to lead the conversation to the a certain subject. He’d mention the return to stable rule, or talk about the eventual restoration of the Waiczyn, and then he spoke about the day when there would be no need to for the Regency at all.

“Why are you here, Domn Razvan?” she asked him as he mentioned Valkiric and his actions to protect the citizens of Bravondy. “There’s obviously something you wanted to say to me.”

He was silent for a moment, and then answered, “My father intends to call the Waiczyn. Duke Alvydas was in Maloria and has convinced the Emperor to support us. It’s time for Arrandal to return to representative rule and we hope to have your blessing. We hope to hold elections before the end of the year.”

Jadzia was happy about this. She had wanted Valkiric and her chancellor to call the Waiczyn earlier in the year, but there had always been one pressing matter or another that had kept them from doing so. It was good that the Paramounts had decided to do so on their own. But she also knew that they would call for Valkiric’s resignation as regent once the Waiczyn met. He had overstepped his authority and kept them from being able to meet with her.

For a second she considered what would happen if she didn’t give her blessing. Would the Paramounts march on Bravondy and force Valkiric to surrender? It would be very likely, and Arrandal didn’t need more division.

She stood up and smiled at Domn Razvan. “You’ll have my blessing, and I promise to attend the very first meeting of the restored Waiczyn.”

 

[Esplandia]

Grand Marshal Valkiric had spent the morning traveling around Bravondy inspecting the repairs of many of the city’s landmarks which had been damaged in the attack. In the afternoon he arrived at the Sepulcher of Anastasias. He entered the chapel and decided to say a prayer before the altar. It was quiet in here. The repair crews wouldn’t get to the sepulcher for at least two more weeks. Most of the windows had been knocked out and part of the roof had collapsed. The debris had been cleaned up and the hole covered over, but the scars were still visible.

He prayed for the people of the city, and for the people of the nation. This attack had shaken everyone, and there was a lot of unrest and plenty of anger. He’d managed to keep the peace so far, but he was afraid that things could get ugly fast. He prayed to Azulnais, to the Redeemer, and to the Father for strength and guidance.

He heard footsteps approaching from behind, echoing through the great cathedral. He took a few moments to finish his prayer and then stood up. He had expected to see his aid approaching with some new pressing matter, but that was not who he saw.

An old man approached, walking carefully across the cracked floor. Like Valkiric he wore the colors of the Azure Dawn, but instead of the uniform of the Dawnguard he wore flowing robes, and the mantle of the Grand Master of the Order.

Valkiric dropped to one knee and greeted the old man. “Grand Master Kurzon, I was not informed you were in the city.”

“I arrived less than an hour ago,” he said stopping before the Grand Marshal. He motioned for Valkiric to stand. “We have an important business to discuss. Walk with me.”

Kurzon began walking among the pillars of the cathedral, studying the damage to the building. Valkiric followed a pace behind and to the side.

“The Lords Paramount will call the Waiczyn within the next few days,” the Grand Master said. Valkiric was shocked by the news but did not speak. “The Lord of Molvadova informed me of such. He presented a case that by using your powers as Regent, and hiding the King away despite her having taken up office over a year ago, you have overstepped your duties.”

“I only sought to protect Arrandal, to make sure the peace we’ve worked for doesn’t fall apart,” Valkiric answered.

“I know your reasons,” Kurzon answered. “But by doing so you have overstepped your authority as regent and your mandate as a Knight of the Azure Dawn.”

Valkiric remained silent again. The Grand Master spoke the truth. He had hoped the council of the order would understand why he had done so.

The Grand Master stopped walking and turned to face Valkiric. “The Azure Dawn would have been content to let you continue in your actions, but now that the Lords Paramount intend to restore the government we can no longer allow you to follow this course. You will resign as Regent and give your blessing to the new government. You will do so before the Waiczyn gathers.”

Valkiric nodded in abashed agreement, but the Grand Master continued to speak. “Furthermore you are forbidden to interfere in the politics of Arrandal. The Azure Dawn will no longer act in the capacity of a military arm of the kingdom. I will inform the King of this immediately. We will continue to provide defense for the time being, but we will no longer allow ourselves to be entangled in the affairs of Arrandal. The war is over, but the fight against the vampires is not.”

 

[Esplandia]

It was a rainy day in Arrandal when the Lords Paramount arrived at Putna to address the King. It had been a welcome surprise when Nikolas Valkiric had agreed to allow them to see the King and made known his attention to step down as regent following the upcoming elections. Kaspar Asachi's visit to the Grand Master of the Azure Dawn had been far more successful than they'd hoped for.

The five Arrandi nobles and the Emperor of Maloria entered the chantry of the chapterhouse, where the king had set up a make shift throne room, and presented her with a signed letter, expressing their intention to call the Waiczyn and their reasons for doing so. Each bowed before her as they came forward with the exception of the Emperor; the king stood and welcomed him to her realm.

Upon her left stood her Chancellor Peter Artois, and on her right (still bandaged from his fight with the Black Duchess an with his arm in a sling) stood Gaelen Marishkov.

Jadzia accepted the letter and read through it, and when she was satisfied she placed her stamp on it.

She addressed the men present, "Emperor Alexander of Maloria and friend of Arrandal, my subjects Grand Duke Alvydas, Grand Duke Kaspar, Duke Valeran, Viscount Ryzard, and Count Alexandru your intentions are just and right and fall under the rights of the law. The Waiczyn will be assembled. Elections will be held in each principality and county on the fifteenth of December. Until such a time as elections are held the Waiczyn shall be filled with representatives appointed by the Lords Paramount and the duties of Waiczkanclerz shall be held interim by my loyal servant, Duke Gaelen. Long Live Arrandal! Long Live the Realm! Eu jet aduc szturm!"