Chamberlain's Struggles

Chapter 22

The next day, Ekt had to bring the Gourmand down to the meeting spot to show him why he had been avoiding him lately. Ekt had told him the Chamberlain was back and that he had a precious secret and why he was helping him not just to bring SkekLach down.

"Chamberlain." Ekt called out.

Sil heard his name and went to see who it was, leaving Ka and Lil behind for their own safety.

"I'm not seeing him, SkekEkt." Ayuk said.

"Hmmm. Ekt? You brought Ayuk down here?" Sil asked.

"Yes, Lord Chamberlain. I had to tell him you were back. He kept on asking me where I was." The Ornamentalist said.

"So, what's the big secret, Chamberlain?" Ayuk asked.

"We are bringing the Collector down."

"No, your other secret. I know of that already. I know Lach needs to be taken out of the Emperor's favor."

Sil glared at Ekt. "You told him?"

"Just that it was a surprise you have with you. Nothing else." Ekt replied.

The Gourmand had a doubtful look on his face. "So, what is it?"

"Since you were also part of my group of supporters, it best you know too. Hold on." Sil said and left.

He returned with the sling over himself again. Ayuk saw something in the bundle.

"Know it's against the rules, but this is what me and La have created." Sil said as he peeled back the sling, revealing the twins.

The Gourmand couldn't believe his eyes.

"We need you to help look out for them. I need the extra food to feed myself and them." Sil said.

"How long have you been hiding them?" Ayuk asked.

"Since I got back a few days ago. I carried them all the time I was gone." Sil said. "Didn't know it until much later. La never knew about it till I returned."

"The Emperor will find out."

"I plan to let him know after Lach has been dealt with. For now, too dangerous for them up there." Sil said. "Please, Gourmand. Help us."

"I can provide the food, but not much else. Not much of baby watcher." Ayuk said.

"Thank you. But don't tell any of the others about them either." Sil said.

Ayuk promised.

Chamberlain was glad he was getting his old allies on his side again. Now La wouldn't have to keep on bringing scraps, but she would probably continue to do that anyway. He wouldn't mind though, as he knew she loved him.

As it turned out, getting Ayuk on his side again did help a lot more. He did bring him some tasty foods from the kitchens after meals were over.

Sil knew the twins were certainly eating well with this arrangement.
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The meetings were at night in the lower corridors to bring up the final plan, even if some of it was a lie, and some was the truth. Even Tek was there. But Sil and La were making sure that he didn't know about Ka and Lil yet. They knew what he was capable of doing.

La confirmed with the others what she had seen Lach doing as well and had drawn the picture. She showed it to them all.

Tek confirmed it was exactly what had happened at that time. This had to work. The plan was set into motion tomorrow. For now, they all knew they needed a good night's sleep first.
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