La Façade des Plumes

Chapter XXI - Allied

June 19th, 9:15 am

The morning ran its normal course. Food was served. Children attended their studies. Soldiers trained, growing stronger, faster both body and mind. Still, everyone remained on their toes. Those on different sides, stared skittishly at everyone, unsure who to trust. Yet, they all were in silent agreement, to not pay attention to the fourth floor, the Grandmaster's Suite. The Grandmaster stood behind the balcony doors, peering over the yard. Corvus still hasn't returned.

The Grandmaster's breath trembled while he nervously twiddled his thumbs. For days, he waited for Corvus to step foot inside the House, waiting to set his plans in motion. The dark circles under his eyes turned to bags. From dusk till dawn, he remained awake staring at the carpeted floor in the middle of the room. Now, he aims to avoid that part of the room entirely.

He tapped the ash from his cigar in the glass ashtray before he drew a puff. He held his breath, letting the smoke burn his lungs. "You know you can't beat him," she spoke. The Grandmaster exhaled, turning away from the balcony doors, "And what makes you say that?"

She stood in the middle of the room. She wore silk, white robes that pooled around her feet, and a scarf of the same material around her neck. "You always undermine his intelligence, which has always led to your downfall. The only reason you have Corax on your side is because he wishes for nothing but bloodshed."

"And you say Corvus doesn't also find pleasure in bloodshed? Walking around with his hands dripping red like that's the reward itself?"

"You perverted our cause, twisting the minds of those who once strived for peace by convincing them the only way to obtain that goal is through war. Corvus is still one of the few who sees through you. You know they're other ways to peace, you just want power."

The Grandmaster chuckled, walking around his desk toward the center of the room. "Oh, Sypha, after all this time you still believe Corvus will succeed me. Haven't you read the room? No one is on his side! Sure not everyone shares my beliefs, but now they're distrusting of Corvus. I mean, come on, who wouldn't turn on a guy who takes on a contract to kill the one who represents everything you stand for?"

"But who's to say they're not still plotting against you as we speak?"

"They have no leader, Sypha! They've lost! After Corvus is eliminated, Corax will take his place and I and the adversaries will appoint a new Corax."

Sypha tilted her head, softening her face, "You're scared." The Grandmaster shook his head, "I don't know what you mean by that, my dear."

"Look at you, shaking, starving, sleep-deprived. Ruining yourself because you fear your succession." The Grandmaster scoffed, "He can't touch me here in the suite."

"I thought the same once."

The phone loudly rang, shaking his desk. He stood still, staring into her sad eyes, digging his nails into his palms. The phone rang again before he snatched the phone from the handset, slowly raising it to his ear, "Yes?"

"He has arrived, sir," Corax whispered. The Grandmaster kept his eyes on Sypha's face, breathing heavily. "Sir?" Corax spoke again. "You know what to do," the Grandmaster replied.

Corvus stood before the front door, dreading to open it. Though clouds were overhead, the heat was still unbearable. However, for a moment, a cool breeze drifted by. He closed his eyes, feeling the cool air seep into his suit. War awaited him on the other side of the door. Was he welcomed? Is he now a trespasser? Is Corax waiting on the other side? Questions kept filling his mind, but the decision to open the door was made for him when a maid greeted him with a frightened smile. She stood aside, inviting him in. Silently, he entered.