Chapter 396: Horace and Bardas Meet

It had been a long time since the council of the Severian Empire gathered. For a long time, all decisions were made by Theodosius and Cato, but with the Eunuch gone and pressure from Julius, Theodosius was forced to host them.

Multiple men walked in, including Bardas and Julius, and took a seat at the long table. Theodosius looked at the men and frowned. He could see what Julius wanted to do. "Let us begin," Julius spoke first, getting a glare from Theosodius. A civil mask covered half his face, and despite his real looks being hideous, the mask added an air of mystery around him. With the handsome half of his face showing, his platinum hair and singular Emerald eye showing, he looked otherworldly.

"First thing we must discuss is the death of General Albus." Julius didn’t give his father a chance to talk and brought up the discussion points. "We already know that Magnus must have had a hand in the affair, and I have Bardas taking over Cato’s investigation. However, we need a replacement quickly. Magnus is moving quickly, and with Cassius on his side, he will get the support of some of the forces."

"If I may, Your Highness." An old man spoke respectfully to Julius. Peeking at Theodosius, he had to suppress his laugh, seeing his dark face. They had all been treated as nothing by Theodosisu, even when they ran his Empire for him. Although they didn’t make decisions, they were the machine that ran its bureaucracy. It felt good to see him being the one left out.

Julius nodded to the old man, letting him continue, "Octavius, I believe, would be the best candidate. I understand his family is powerful, but at this time, we need to make some concessions. He is beloved by his men, has strong connections to the nobility and is a faithful servant of the Lord." The last part caught Julius’s attention more than the rest.

"I disagree." Theodosius said coldly, "Octavius is young, unfit to lead. If anything, we should ch...."

"Will Octavius stay loyal to the crown?" Julius cut his father off before he could make his pick. He heard his teeth grinding and shot a glare at him. Theodosisus stared back with hate, but took a deep breath to suppress his anger. He knew the balance of power shifted when Julius returned. He just had to buy his time and wait for Julius to self-destruct. When that happened, he would swoop in.

"Octavius is fine." Bardas said bluntly, "For the most part, he keeps a clean life, trying to avoid controversy. He apparently remains faithful to his wife even when he leaves for war and regularly donates to the Church. Honestly, he is too good."

"Not everyone’s soul is as black as your Bardas," Julius said jokingly, getting a few of the men around the table to chuckle. "Summon Octavius. We can’t risk delaying."

"Is that wise?" Theodosius challenged, "To make a decision so quickly. These things require thought."

"I understand your worries, Father, but we don’t have the luxury to sit on matters and think about them. So if no one else has any complaints, summon Octavius." Looking around, none of the men argued. "Good, onto the next matter...."

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Horace looked around the Antlia. He could only shake his head when comparing it to Brookhaven. The city was magnificent, double the size of Brookhaven. Buildings that would be sights of attraction in the Empire were littered all over. Horace knew it was unfair to compare the two. It was the ancient capital of the Severian Empire, older than the Ammary Empire itself.

Yet Horace and Halfdan kept their gazes low, not trying to stand out. Walking through the streets they slowly made their way closer to the palace. The houses became larger, with fewer people on the streets. More guards patrolled the streets, and whilst they got a few strange glances, their clothing was of high enough quality to blend in with the other nobility and wealthy upper class that lived in the area.

"Do you know what manor he lives in?" Halfdan asked quietly.

"Yeah, but it’s incredibly close to the Palace." The two walked in silence for a couple of minutes. The closer they got to the Palace, the larger the manors became. It didn’t take long for them to find the place they were looking for, the two large gates bearing Bardas’s family insignia on the front. The guards at its entrance stopped the two from getting closer.

"Leave." Their voices were stern, and Horace could see that they would cut them down without hesitation.

"Forgive me, gentleman." The two guards frowned at Horace’s strange accent. "I am not bold enough to ask for entrance into Lord Ammorian’s house, but I hope you will pass on a message for me." Horace reached into his pocket, getting the two guards to raise their weapons. Putting one of his hands up to show he was a threat, he carefully pulled out the insignia of the Underwell family along with a small note and handed it to one of the guards.

"I know this is bold of me, but I’m sure your lord will appreciate it if you gave this to him." Horace turned with Halfdan and walked off.

"Are you sure they will hand it to him?" Halfdan questioned, looking back at the guards. They analyse the insignia and letter, looking between them and the two.

"They won’t tell him about what I said, but will definitely report a strange man who approached the gate. That’s all we need to get his attention. If he comes and meets us is another question, however." Horace shrugged. It was a gamble to see if it would get Bardas’ attention, but from what Magnus had recorded about the man, he was sure it would be enough.

The two made their way through the city, arriving at a high-class restaurant. Paying for a seat that overlooked where they planned to meet Bardas, they sat watching. The workers watched with confused faces at why the two weren’t getting kicked out after a few hours, only ordering once.

"Hello, gentlemen." A relaxed voice called out to the two as Bardas pulled a chair and sat with them. The sun had started to set, and only a few customers remained, mainly couples enjoying a romantic meal.

Horace looked at Bardas and smiled," You found us." Taking a sip of his drink, Bardas chuckled.

"It wasn’t hard. You two were the only ones who stayed way past a normal meal." Looking around, he indicated to the people, "And at this time, men don’t dine together in public." Bardas handed back the Underwell ingnia to Horace. "I must say, you are a strange guest to get in Severia."

"His Majesty has plans here. I am simply here to execute them." The two spoke with relaxed tones. It should never have happened, the two empires being enemies.

"Well, I didn’t expect an Underwell to be in the Empire. I can’t believe my informants didn’t get this back to me." Bardas paused and signalled a waiter over. Ordering a drink, he leaned on his hand and stared at Horace. "So, where have you been hiding?"

"Maximus." Bardas’s smile vanished. "I brought him the bastard and promised him we would help him claim the throne."

"So why have you come to me?" Bardas spoke coldly, his eyes sharp like daggers. "Are you here to beg that I don’t get involved?"

"I don’t beg." Horace replied with an equal coldness, "No. That was the plan we told him, but I have something else in mind." Horace leaned in closer to Bardas and took the insignia out of his pocket that he had seen through his clothing. "It really is a beautiful design, a shame it has no eyes." Horace ignored Bardas’ angry glare and held it up, "But a dragon that doesn’t sit on the throne. That is strange." Holding it between his fingers, he looked into his eyes, "I could help you change that."

Bardas’ glare became dangerous as he snatched his family’s insignia back. Carefully pocketing it, he slowly stood up, "I am a loyal servant of the crown. A loyal servant to my father."

"Enough with the lies. I’m sitting here being truthful, can’t you offer me the same respect?" Bardas looked down and slowly retook his seat. "Good. I know you have your own plans, as do I. But I can help you have the throne."

Bardas stayed silent and watched Horace. "My brother has already offered me a place in his court."

"You trust him." After coming to the city, Horace learnt of Julius’ miracle, and whilst he knew it was fake, he couldn’t help but admire the boldness of the plan.

"Of course not. He will get rid of me eventually." Bardas sighed and tapped the table. The waiter came over with his drink and quickly left, sensing the tense atmosphere. "I have made him powerful at this moment. And my father still lives. Eventually, he will reclaim the power Julius took from him."

Horace nodded and fell into thought. "So Theodosius and Julius have to go." Clicking his tongue, he felt it was an impossible task.

"Father will be easy. The fat prick could die of a heart attack, and no one would bat an eye. Julius however. Right now, if he died, faith in the crown would completely shatter, and Magnus would easily be able to place his puppet on the Throne. He must live for a while."

Horace smiled, "What do you want me to do?"

"Why should I let you help me. If you forgot, we are enemies." Bardas didn’t get swept into Horace’s mood and asked.

Sighing, Horace leaned back. "Truthfully, I don’t care who sits on the throne. My job is to simply keep Severia’s gaze away from the Empire. The reality is that I will help you become Emperor, just as I have helped Magnus. I will play both sides until it becomes clear and then vanish, like I was never here." He spoke truthfully, and Bardas knew that.

"Not good enough." Bardas countered, "I will happily let you help me, but me alone." His eyes burned with ambition. Horace saw it and closed his eyes, weighing up the choices. Whilst Bardas was a snake, he was also hated by many in the Empire. If he became Emperor, chaos would follow.

"Fine." Horace agreed and held his hand out, "I’ll help you. To show I mean it, give me a name and I will kill them."

Bardas looked at the hand and smiled, carefully taking it. Pulling Horace in closer, he sinisterly smiled, "Valeria Maximus."

Horace took a deep breath but coldly nodded. It was a hard task, and with Ash around the woman, he was sure it would be nearly impossible. But Horace didn’t care if he couldn’t complete the task; he wouldn’t do it. Bardas wasn’t Alfred; he had no reason to keep his promises or follow his orders.