Spawn of the Outworlder

Chapter 16-I Feel It On the Inside, Twisting and Contorting

Luna Rucervus sat in silence, as the Goldbeams, particularly Hosea, began to burst in anger at her suggestion of allowing the man Amos to attempt assassination on his spouse. Hosea pounded upon the table, his drink spilling across the wood. "Why in the HEL would I do that?"

"You say the man plans to threaten our lives and you expect us to allow him?" asked Lillian, breaking her motherly facade to show genuine offense at the accusation.

I've forgotten to account for my upbringing, thought Luna. Become too accustomed to the common sense of the Capital. Those not raised in the politics of the Empire are unlikely to see beyond the immediate result of actions. I shall have to explain to them how they will be in no real danger, as well as how the long term effects will work towards their overall goal. If successful, I will have gained powerful allies within this small town. Although, that will depend upon how reasonable these two are.

"I do not say this carelessly," Luna began. "I understand that placing yourselves in danger can seem frightening–"

"FRIGHTENING?!" They shouted back in unison.

"BUT!!" Luna spoke, knowing that they would never allow her to finish if she did not. "You misunderstand my strategy. I have no intention of allowing you or anyone in this village to come to harm. Amos will be given the opportunity to attempt the assassination, yes." As she spoke, Luna stood out of her chair, ensuring that their focus would remain on her, rather than each other. "But, obviously, my brother and I shall stop him before he is successful."

"But why shouldn't we just kill the bastard now and save our own hides?" asked Hosea, his exhaustion fueling his anger.

"You may, but it would only be a temporary solution," answered Luna. "Afterwards, once we've disposed of the drake and our work is done here, the Columnus Kingdom would be free to send another infiltrator to sow dissent among your community."

"That won't happen," protested Lillian. "We'd take better care of knowing who came to our town and sus out any agents." She placed her hands upon the arms of her chair, threatening to rise from her seat. Can't have that.

"Oh, like you sussed out Amos?" Luna shot back, venomously. Lillian processed her words, and sat back down, ashamed. Regrettable, but necessary.

Hosea glared at Luna, anger in his stare for the disrespect shown to his spouse. "So, tell us then. How does yer grand plan stop them, huh?"

"My brother and I have experience in coercing others. As I assume you've begun to suspect from the events earlier today." Hosea said nothing at her accusation, but a simple tightening of the eyes and shuffling of the shoulders told Luna all she needed to know.

"Once we have stopped Amos," she continued, "we will coerce him to admit to his role in this settlement's sabotage. Upon doing so, you will be given an opportunity to rally the town together. This town seems to bear resentment towards the Empire, and knowing those in power plot to remove them would no doubt fuel those feelings.

"After doing so, word will spread that the Columnus Kingdom attempted to force you from this land. The Kingdom will no doubt use their intelligence agents to cripple these claims, but word will reach those who matter, including the Inquisitors. Once it has, any action taken against this settlement will bring unwanted scrutiny towards Busiris and his Kingdom. He will not be able to act again without drawing the ire of the Inquisitors, and risk facing the Laws of Deception. He will most likely determine that this settlement is no longer worth the political capital he stands to gain, should he take it. He shall move to undermine other sources that threaten him and you will be free to maintain this land for as long as possible."