Chapter 183: By Any Means

"So no holding back anymore," Alfred smirked at Esmond’s words as he felt a weight leave his shoulders. It was a storage feeling despite knowing the danger level had increased tremendously, it also meant he could finally unleash the old man on the church’s forces. "I’m sure you have plans already on how to deal with things. Just don’t go overboard. If the Bishops start dying then the Church will be forced to intervene,"

"Of course Your Majesty. Also, what do you want me to do with those ones you have singled out."

"Give them a hard time. Don’t overstep your boundaries but make their stay as unpleasant as you can."

"By any means?" Esmond asked slyly and it got Alfred to smile happily.

"Any means Esmond. I won’t let the Church have its way." The man smiled getting the response as Alfred stood up. "I must leave you, I need to meet William." Esmond gave a bow and followed him out going the opposite way as Alfred walked two doors down and let himself in.

He saw his old general drinking whiskey as he smoked a pipe. In his hands was the book written by Mother. It made him annoyed whenever he saw it, remembering his dearly departed friend, but he couldn’t bring himself to destroy every copy of it. It was that important of a book for the future of the world when he was gone.

"I can’t help but wonder if she was mad or truly brilliant when I read it." William put the book down and turned to face the man giving a friendly smile that was returned.

Alfred took a seat sighing. "She was early." He said mysteriously, Willaim not understanding. "Enough about that. How have you been?"

"Good. My daughter seems to want to spend a few more years at the University it seems which is quite sad but other than that I couldn’t be happier." Looking at Alfred he could see that his eyes begin to form dark circles. "What about yourself?"

With an exhausted sigh, he let his body loosen up. It was a display he would only show to those closest to him. "The situation with the church has officially begun. it will be a tiring affair but when has my workload ever been small." William chuckled lightly at his reply and lifted his glass in acknowledgment before sinking its contents.

"I will begin the preparations on my side then."

"Be careful. The truce between Esmond has been broken." William nodded at his words with Alfred continuing. "How is Marcus coming along?"

Grabbing his forehead an equally tired expression formed. "It was a good thing for him to be sent away to deal with this after what you told. Catherine seems to be grooming him well for his future mission on the sea but it’s those under me who have become a headache."

"Are you still set on him taking over despite everything?"

"Of course." He answered quickly. "Those other guys, Issac included, are good don’t get me wrong, but they lack the qualities needed to inherit my position. Factions have formed under my stronger commanders as things stand, but Marcus still holds great sway as my right hand."

"I don’t like him. You know that right?"

Once more he laughed. "I would be blind if I didn’t see that. But the fact he wasn’t executed means he still holds value for you. Doesn’t it?" His words got a smile from Alfred.

"You’re right. We both know it would have made my life easier if I did as well." He paused. His thoughts drifted to his situation with the church. Using Marcus as a scapegoat for Raven’s death would have made things so much easier for him. But he shook those away "I understand what you mean, however. As much as I hate to say it, none of the other guys under you gave me a feeling of a natural general as much as Marcus."

"I’m glad even you can see it."

"Back to the problems you face. You already know of mine and Isra’s plans with the people governments we wish to set up. Have those who are more annoying for you sent to areas where conflicts are more likely."

"It’s dangerous," William said taking a puff of his pipe. "If they handle everything thrown at them then it will only build their standing."

Alfred chuckled at his words. "You need to drop your obvious bias a little. If they can handle dealing with the nobles and common people whilst also keeping my name clean then it just shows their ability."

"Perhaps. Despite this, that will take time to implement. Who’s in charge of it anyway." Although he knew of the plan, he only knew the details of it, not the ones leading it.

"Isra mainly. She seems quite passionate."

"How is she?" William cut in asking.

"It’s also a good distraction for her." He stopped wearing a bitter smile. Her mind had been preoccupied with Edward for too long and whilst she didn’t neglect taking care of him, it couldn’t be her sole focus. "She has been strong for too long. She needs distractions now."

"That’s good then. I guess her sword lesson could only do so much." Waving his hand he carried one. "Back on topic, that man, Gregor, is helping her, as well as a few others, but she mainly keeps things close to her heart. People can’t catch on too quickly about the flaws we want to create after all."

"Good. We need you to be focused on the church for now. That takes priority." Alfred nodded his fist clenching.

"There a couple William. Their dangerous." Alfred could still see Blackwood’s gentle smile and a few others caculating eyes. "They want to reverse everything I can tell, and if they does, I’m quite scared of what will happen." William raised his eyebrow confused. "What is the policy on how to deal with heathens?" Alfred asked.

"It depends on who leads it. The Inquisition is easy, death. But the clergy should be guiding them back to Sol. Am I wrong?"

"No. But I wonder, if the church retakes its standing in my Empire will it allow the Followers to remain? It was already an embarrassment on their part that things turned out this way and I wonder if they will try and make up for it." It was a horrid thought in Alfred’s mind who knew his old world.

How many massacres and genocides have been carried out by organizations under the guise of reclaiming lost pride? How many religious denominations had been wiped out because of the smallest difference in teachings? He grabbed his temples pushing the thought away.

’No. Surely they wouldn’t do something like that.’It was an empty comfort he gave himself, but Alfred knew it was entirely possible.’If things go that far, I will stop it. No matter the cost.’

"You worry too much. Even the Church knows its limits."

"You’re probably right." He could still remember Blackwood’s question that made him think like that. "Even then I don’t plan on letting things get that far."

"Maybe you should have a little rest. Thinking like that helps no one."

"I’ll try. I don’t think I will be getting much sleep in the future. It would be best to catch up on it now." Alfred got up placing his hand on Williams’s shoulder as he walked passed. "Thank you, my friend."

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Sven stood with his arms crossed as watched his son kneel before an altar next to a brown-haired woman. He could only sigh at the sight.’Forgive me Harek, But we will finish the feud with this.’

"Before the Gods, do you swear eternity to each other?" A man in robes shouted out as the kneeling couple lowered their heads lower.

"We swear." They spoke in unison and the man nodded in acknowledgment.

"Stick out your hands." The two did as ordered and a small dagger cut a small wound on each. "When you take each other’s hands, you will be bound by blood. Your ties will be acknowledged by the Gods and your lives one." Harek hesitated for only a second but took the woman’s hand staring deep into her eyes.

Loud cheers cried out and the two were lifted up by numerous men and carried off to a tent. "You must be filled with immense joy over this." A playful voice spoke from behind Sven that made him feel nothing but hate. Yet pushing aside his feelings he turned and smiled at Leif.

"What father wouldn’t be."

"I wouldn’t know. I have no children for you to kill after all." Leif smiled after saying that getting amused by Sven clenching and unclenching his fists. Wrapping his arm around him he leaned in closer. "I still don’t trust you, Sven. But, it is fun to watch you from so close. I never get to see my enemies’ reactions for so long."

"Likewise." Sven looked up at the lanky man and grinned. "Be careful in the battles to come Leif."

"Your concern touches my heart." He playfully said once more releasing his hold on Sven. "Come, Oluf calls us."