A Fool's Blade

Chapter 41 - To Kill an Empire

"Stop right there. The tower is off limits until further notice." Commander Maro was standing between Jade an the Emperor. His voice strong and firm, but Jade could see that his eyes were red and puffy, as if he'd been crying.

Jade handed him the Gourmet's Writ of Passage, and he snatched it up. "What's this now? ...order of his eminence... ...possessor of these papers... the Gourmet...By Azura. The Gourmet! I...I'm sorry! I didn't realize! We...we had no idea who to expect, you understand. Your clothes... of course... I should have realized..." He rambled, commenting on Jade's white dress and muffin shaped hat. "But please, don't let me keep you. Proceed to the kitchens straight away. Gianna, the castle chef, has been eagerly awaiting your arrival."

She nodded, and headed inside. She had been here several times on jobs for the Guild, so finding the kitchen wasn't hard. An Imperial woman was stirring a large pot. She groaned as she looked up, "Not another delivery. I told you people, our stocks are fine. Now put whatever you have over there, then get out!"

"You misunderstand. For I am...the Gourmet!" Jade stated with a dramatic curtsy.

"The...Gourmet? Oh! Finally! When I heard the Gourmet was being brought in to cook for the Emperor, I could hardy believe it. It's just..."

"Yes?"

"You're a Nord! I never would have guessed it! But where in the world did you learn to cook like that? Here in Skyrim? Or maybe somewhere less..."

"Enough! The Gourmet is here to cook, not talk! Let us begin."

"Oh! Yes, but of course." She cleared her throat, "The Emperor has requested your signature dish - the Potage le Magnifique. I've taken the liberty of getting it started. But the cookbook only says so much, and everyone makes the Potage differently. I would be honored if we could make it... the Gourmet's special way. The base broth is already boiled. We can get started right now. So... which ingredient should I add next?"

"A sweetroll."

"Ooohh...how decadent. I never would have guessed it." She grabbed a fresh pastry and tossed it into the pot, "What next?"

"Now you must add a splash of mead."

Gianna poured in a small amount of mead.

"We shall now add..." Jade scanned the room, "a giant's toe!"

Gianna looked up from her pot and stared. "A...giant's toe? You're...sure about that?"

"I said a giant's toe! Do not question the Gourmet!" She said as seriously as she could, trying not to laugh.

"Of course! I...I'm sorry," She threw in the toe, "One giant's toe. There. What, um...What next?"

"You must add... a septim."

"A Septim? As in... a gold coin? Really? Ah, I see now. That would give the Potage le Magnifique a slightly metallic - but delicious - aftertaste. Simply brilliant. I have to say, the stew seems done."

"There is one final ingredient. Here, add this." Jade handed her the jarrin root.

"You'll gain unrestricted access to the kitchens, and then the Emperor. You're posing as a chef, so you'll be able to poison his meal rather easily." Astrid said, turning down the hall to her room. Jade following suit.

"Which poison should I use? "

Astrid tossed her a small plant.

"Canis Root?"

"Not exactly, my dear. Jarrin Root. It has much more potent effect. All it takes is one taste, and the effects are quite immediate. The Emperor will be serving Sithis before he even knows he's dead."

"Oh? What is this, some kind of herb? Are you sure? The Potage tastes perfect as it is. Any other ingredient might..."

"Now, now, Gianna. Who's the Gourmet here?"

She laughed nervously, "Heh, I'm sorry. Of course. It's your most famous recipe, after all. All right then," She dropped the root into the stew, "your secret ingredient's been added. And if I may say so... it has been an honor, getting a chance to prepare a meal with, well... the best chef in the entire Empire. I'll carry the stew pot, and lead the way up to the dining room. I'm sure the Emperor and his guests are dying to meet you."

Ginna grabbed the pot and Jade followed her up to the palace's dining room. She listened into the conversation as they came closer.

"You mean the wedding? My cousin's apparent murder? An unfortunate misunderstanding, no more. Cold mead, hot tempers... these things happen."

"Quite. Yet that recent business with the young officer. Maro, was it? How dreadful. The son of your commander, plotting your assassination."

"Yes, an unfortunate turn of events, that. But an isolated incident. And I have been assured that the fault was with the man's son alone."

Gianna stopped right in front of the door. "Here we are. Gods, I'm nervous. We'll go in in just a moment. Please, I'll serve. You just stand there and...be amazing." She pushed open the door.