Chapter 165: Side Story 7: Induction and The Gift to God

Issac looked around confused at why his father had told him to come here. He gently knocked on the door of the room and hearing it unlock he saw inside the most powerful people of the Empire all standing around. William looked over at his son and smiled before turning back to Esmond and continuing his conversation. He was confused and walked over towards his father.

"What is going on Father? It’s strange to see everyone gathered in one place. Especially him being here." Pointing over to Anton who sat alone reading documents he couldn’t help but wonder the need. There was no official event planned and he knew that everyone here had many duties that couldn’t be pushed off for long.

William grabbed Issac’s shoulder and smiled. It didn’t help his confusion and seeing the strange smile on Esmond’s face made him lost. "You will understand d when His and Her Majesty arrive. It’s a shame Charles couldn’t be here, but he had delayed his matters for too long after Raven’s death. But he has already been made aware."

William just looked at his son’s confused expression and laughed. He didn’t elaborate and it wasn’t a long wait before Alfred, Isra, Edward, and Chris arrived. Before he could give a bow, William stopped him and shook his head. It was strange as he knew that things like that were to be upheld, especially when so many people were present.

Isra walked over to Catherine, pushing Edward’s chair. He watched as Alfred walked to the head of the room with a soft smile and his eyes focused intensely on him. The room was quite down of chatter and everyone turned to face Alfred. Even Anton who drowned himself in work made sure to pay attention.

"My friends." Alfred started with a happy voice and it got smiles from the people around. "Today is a special day. I still remember all those years ago vividly. When Charles, William, and Raven made a pact. A pact to guide the future of the Kingdom to new heights. Today we are no longer the Kingdom but the Empire, and our little pact has grown beyond the four of us."

Alfred turned to face Issac. "This room holds those who I know I can trust. Who have outstanding ability or are necessary for the runnings of our Empire. Whilst we have suffered great losses and our little circle has shrunk we can not remain stagnant. We are not immortal beings and new blood must be introduced."

The members all nodded in agreement and Issac could only look around confused. "Issac Flanders." Alfred’s voice echoed throughout the room and Issac felt his back straighten from it. "Your abilities, loyalty, and drive to see the Empire’s glorious future have all been acknowledged. You have proven yourself to be a piece that cannot be overshadowed. That is why I offer you a place. A place in the true ruling council of the Empire."

Alfred walked forward. His eyes never left Issac’s and despite being at eye level, Issac felt small in the overwhelming power coming from Alfred’s body, his neck shrinking slightly. Reaching out his hand Alfred held it in front of him. "If you agree, take my hand. When you do, no longer will you be under the illusion that your actions are yours. The false power of the nobility will vanish and in its place, you will no longer be a piece on the board but a player who controls the fate of the Empire."

Issac looked down at the outstretched hand in front of him. That voice held the seductive power of the devil and Issac could feel the pressure that would come if he took that hand. He knew that Alfred must have had something in place that was separate from the official council that he had. It wouldn’t make sense how he was able to take an immeasurable power for himself, away from the nobility, even with his purges.

He had assumed it was only his father, Esmond, and Raven at first. Raven was a fanatic whilst he was alive and his house had dedicated their dynasty to the Lindonfalls, whilst the Underwells were the Lindonfall’s shadows. But seeing Anton, the creator of the Golden Bank, and Catherine, the head of the entire navy in the room he saw the depths of Alfred’s power. Every aspect of power that the Empire all had one goal: The Empire’s future.

His lips curled. It was a hand that offered true power. Would let him finally stand on an equal level to his father. His hand shook but he stopped it and reached out taking Alfred’s. The pressure disappeared as he did and he felt a weight on his back lessen.

He saw his father’s smile in the background before looking at Alfred’s. "Good." Alfred’s smile vanished after saying that. His eyes went cold for a minute as he stared at Issac. "Know this. Your life is the Empire’s now. If you dare betray the trust of me and your fellows here. I will bring down a vengeance on you that rivals Sol’s grace. Do not disappoint me, Issac."

Issac gulped and gave a small nod. He saw the others look at him with knowing eyes. He didn’t know what they had all been told when they took that hand, but he was sure that they all understood it wasn’t an empty threat. It made him confused as he turned around after letting go of Alfred’s hand. He looked at Anton, a man who moved for money. It was his God and he wondered how Alfred could trust a man like that.

-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

The cold wind was brutal. Pulling up the wool mask, Ivar walked over the small hill and looked at the distant town. Its wooden walls which used to be so intimidating to him now made him chuckle. He had seen the stone castles which were unbreakable. He had seen ships that towered so high they blocked out the sun. Now the primitive things the people of home sued were just pitiful in his eyes.

That being said he had a job. His God counted on him and it was his job to follow her orders. Taking out the telescope he had stolen during the Great Raid he looked deep into the fort. He saw warriors all eating and drinking, oblivious to their fate. He saw how lax the defences were and sighed putting away the telescope. He had too much faith in the Jarls of his land. The new world had opened his eyes and deepened his faith in Helga. Only she could civilize their people.

Walking back Ivar’s feet sunk into the snow. He struggled with each step but was determined. He walked for an hour before he arrived back at his people’s camp. Making his way to a tent that screamed of luxury the two guards looked at him with cold eyes, but allowed him through.

Taking a step in, he knelt quickly and lowered his head deeply. "I have returned after finishing your order." Ivar’s voice was full of respect and worship and Helga looked up at him with joy. She didn’t speak and waited. "They are oblivious and the defense is lax." Ivar dared to look at his eyes radiated an immense power. "Please let me offer this to you. They are too lowly to dare see your presence."

Helga chuckled at his words and got up. He didn’t have a handsome appearance that she liked, but his eyes showed nothing but the respect that she deserved. Reaching down she grabbed his face, her thumb gliding along his eyes.’Even when I touch him he doesn’t get foolish thoughts.’She thought of that beast Frode and her eyes quickly went cold. But thinking of his pitiful death was enough to make her happy.

"Can you truly offer this for me? You are not even a Jarl." His name wasn’t even in her mind. He was a no-name scout who was useful he stole useful equipment during the Great Raid. It amused her that he had such confidence.

Ivar took no offense. He felt Helga’s thumb continuously glide over his eye. It was a mystical feeling to feel the touch of the gods but he didn’t let it consume him. "I dare not lie in front of the Gods. And I have yet to offer a gift to them. Let me give this to you. All I ask is for the men to do it."

Helga removed her hand. Walking back to her chair she took her seat again and looked down at him. "What is your name?" She was intrigued.

"Ivar." He spoke with conviction and Helga smiled.

"Give me my gift." She spoke arrogantly and Ivar nodded. "But if you fail, just know the Gods will not welcome you. To lie to them is the gravest sin of all."

Ivar nodded once more. he slowly rose, but made sure to keep his head lower than Helga’s, something which pleased her greatly. "Leave. To make the preparations. Your gift shall be the start of the new age I bring to our people." Helga watched his back leave her tent and her smile deepened when he left.

Her eyes seemed to see through her tent flaps at the snowy outdoors. She could already see it. Her homeland under her rule. Her home finally back under the God’s feet.