Fathomless Fortunes [slash]

Chapter 1 - An unexpected assignment

Part 1: Tide of Darkness

"Gentlemen of Fortune [...] usually trust little among themselves, and right they are, you may lay to it."

Long John Silver in Treasure Island

Chapter 1 - An unexpected assignment

He wasn't belonging here. This place just felt wrong.

For the third or fourth time, Lieutenant Nicolas Gordon wiped some more or less imaginary traces of dust from the embroidered sleeve of his blue ceremonial uniform. He had to look immaculate for his audience with his empress, Valory I., ruler of the Empire of Albia, if he wanted to or not. For more than two hours, he had been kept waiting in one of the countless antechambers of the palace, and the opulence of the interior was making him feel more out of place by the minute. He hadn't even dared to sit down in one of the gilded, dainty chairs with their soft velvet upholstering for fear of damaging the furniture. There was a crystal pitcher of wine and a few perfectly carved glasses on a small table, but he also hadn't touched them because he needed a clear head, and the rich, dark color of the wine indicated an old and strong vintage.

So there he was, wearing an extremely uncomfortable ceremonial uniform, with nothing to do except walk the length of the room back and forth, listening for any sound like footsteps that might indicate he would be put out of his misery soon.

"Don't worry, my lad," Admiral Barus Morton had said this morning. "I'll see to it that you get your audience in no time. This is an important matter, after all. We can't afford to waste any more time."

Nicolas felt the sudden urge to stuff those words right back into Morton's mouth. Her Majesty was a busy woman with a full time table, of course, but if this really was as important as Morton had said, why was it taking so long?

Nicolas turned around. The door on the far side of the room opened, and a servant in livery appeared. He bowed deeply. "Sir, Her Majesty will see you now. Please follow me."

Nicolas followed the servant through another antechamber until one last door finally admitted him to the throne room.

Nicolas had seen countless pictures of Her Majesty: leaflets and paintings, and of course her sharp profile on each golden rial coin. But none of them compared to the young woman sitting on the throne. She was just twenty years old, slender and fine-featured, her thin frame broadened by a heavily embroidered dress and a voluminous overcoat made of fine furs. Her brown hair was elaborately coiled and coiffed, decorated with pearls and a fine golden tiara. Around her neck, she was wearing a heavy golden chain with a huge sapphire pendant surrounded by diamonds. Her eyes, as deep and glittering as the blue gem, seemed to belong to a much older person.

Three young court ladies in bright dresses were standing next to her throne, whispering behind their painted fans. On the other side, Admiral Morton and a ceremonial guard had taken their place. Morton made a tiny gesture with his finger to remind Nicolas what to do next.

But it wasn't necessary. Nicolas made a deep bow, took his hat off and waved it in a gesture that he had practiced a hundred times. He stopped in this uncomfortable position, head bowed, until he heard a rather deep female voice.

"You may stand at ease."

Nicolas stood straight again and withstood the empress' gaze.

"Your Majesty, this is my protege, Nicolas Gordon," Admiral Morton said. "He served under my command since he was a twelve-year-old cadet, and has risen through the ranks until he is now second lieutenant on your Majesty's flag ship that I have the honor to command. I assure you that he is the perfect candidate for this mission."