The Conclave hall was anything but a place where those receiving an audience could feel at ease.

It almost like an arena more than one of the most sacred places of the cult of Gaia, a circular pit in which the guest was constantly kept under observation, not only by the Statue of Gaia at the foot of which stood the Pope's throne, but also by all the Cardinals leaning out from the balustrade.

Sylvie had never been in that room, and though she had heard rumors of how small and helpless one felt inside, the sense of awe she felt was terrible.

But she would not let herself be influenced, nor would she allow these men, whom she respected, to intimidate her.

"Archbishop Valera, of the Diocese of Faria," said Chamberlain Calvados, speaking on behalf of the Pope. "The Holy Father and the Conclave have granted your request for a meeting. You are permitted to speak."

Sylvie closed her eyes and took a deep breath, then began to speak: "Venerable and devoted servants of Gaia. I come before you in this sacred place filled with respect. I understand the anxieties that trouble your soul, since in your place I myself would feel the same. But the things I have seen in the last sixteen months, since my path crossed Lord Haselworth's, are such that my heart and soul are now free from fear. Daemon Haselworth is a noble man in spirit, and a devoted servant of Gaia like all of us. The progress he has brought to our world is there for all to see."

"He has brought nothing but destruction to our world," said one of the Cardinals

"That's true. The cannons, the firearms. Not even during the Holy Wars have we seen such bloodshed. With him, the battles have become massacres."

Not everyone seemed to be on the same page, however; one of the Cardinals, the youngest, interjected: "You all forget that, apart from the rebellion that started the Revolution, Daemon Haselworth has never shed first blood. Others have done so, and what is worse, they have often claimed to act in the name of Gaia."

"The Free State was an excommunicated nation, and combating heresy is the duty of every devout servant of Gaia. Lady Valera here has administered sacraments and held sacred services despite His Holiness's prohibition. She deserves at the very least to have her status as Archbishop disavowed."

"Well said! I would burn her to the stake!"

"The excommunication was unjust and pretentious!" Sylvie intervened vehemently. "Daemon Haselworth never renounced his faith in Gaia and the Divine Trinity. He simply established the right of everyone to follow the religion of their choice, and that no one can persecute another person just because they follow a different faith."

"You are blinded by the infidel's charisma, and your ears are filled with his hissing lies."

"I have lived alongside him for many months. I have met those of other faiths. Elves, Jormen, monsters. But nevertheless my faith is as strong and firm as ever."

The young Cardinal spoke again: "The venerable Pyndra, devoted servant and illustrious Archbishop, did not hesitate to enter the temples of the Old Gods and the sacred circles of the elves to preach the words of Gaia to all who would listen."

"Are you perhaps insinuating that this young girl is the equal of one of the most esteemed martyrs of the faith?"

"I am but a humble servant of the people of Eirinn. Lord Daemon and Lady Montgomery look to me for advice and help, and never once have they shown any disrespect for my opinions. Even when I disagree with them."

"And yet you said nothing when your Lord Daemon established that obscene separation of powers. In fact, you even swore on his Constitution to uphold this decree, which goes against the laws sanctioned by the Circle."

Sylvie knew that what she was about to say would raise a hornets' nest, but the fear was behind her at that point: "I would like to point out to this Conclave that the Book of Gaia does not say anywhere that Archbishops should arrogate to themselves the right to impose their decisions on a ruler to whom they are theoretically subject. On the contrary, Gaia teaches us that virtuous men should abstain from anything that could lead them to evil, which in my view also includes wanting to discuss politics."

And in fact the hornet's nest promptly arrived.

"This is an unheard of outrage! - It is unacceptable that a simple Archbishop dares to speak like this! - We are on the verge of heresy!"

But that was just the beginning, because Sylvie had no intention of ending it there: "The Conclave claims that the closeness between a ruler and his Archbishop serves to guarantee peace. If that is so, why has no one ever ordered the destruction of the Spear of Gaia?"

"You are the last person who can talk about peace! Not only do you accompany that warmonger, but you even put your magic at his disposal without asking the Holy Father's approval!"

"Instead of being scandalized by this, we should discuss why the Archbishop was forced to do such a thing," the young Cardinal intervened. "Anyone who is not in bad faith must admit that she is right."

"That was only the result of the wretched conduct of some traitorous Cardinals!" Calvados attempted to reply. "The Conclave never knew of the existence of a second instrument to control the Spear, and once we learned of it we took all necessary measures."

"This charade only makes you ridiculous, venerable Chamberlain. I myself only joined the Conclave following the removal of one of the many Cardinals who knew everything and remained silent."

"These were only deviant elements who allowed themselves to be corrupted by the Montgomery money and failed in their sacred duties. In any case, His Holiness was never implicated in this unfortunate affair."

"Your Holiness," Sylvie said at that point, speaking from the heart. "I beg you. I assure you. Daemon Haselworth has nothing against the Circle. Even the enlightened Emperor Ademar has recognized that he has no desire to undermine or threaten Gaia's servants. He preaches universal freedom, and the end of all that has brought our world to division and conflict. Is this not the noblest and most just of ideals? Is this not what Gaia expects from her children?

What in fact was the most absolute nobility of soul seemed only impudence to most, and it seemed that pandemonium would break out once again. But before that could happen, the Holy Father raised his arm, ordering silence.

"Archbishop Valera. I believe that as laudable as your intentions are, you have been blinded like many others by the menacing light of Daemon Haselworth. The upheavals he has brought and intends to bring to this world are of such magnitude that the Circle cannot remain indifferent. This sacred office that I represent has sworn to fight for the peace and safety of Erthea at all times. And while the excommunication that hung over the Free State and all who supported it has been lifted, our judgment of Daemon Haselworth has not changed, and things will not change until his arrogant and disrespectful attitude toward the Circle and its laws changes. However, as long as we have no well-founded suspicion that he is acting with the express purpose of harming the Circle, we will take no further action against him. And that is the most you can expect to get from us. That's all."

At that point the Pope took his leave, decreeing the end of the audience and shortly thereafter urging the Cardinals to do the same.

Sylvie was left staring alone and dejectedly at the floor of the room, scolding herself for wanting to place so much hope in that meeting.

"Every time I see things like this, I wonder how these men can think of themselves as sacred," said the young Cardinal, walking toward her. "I'm sorry, I suppose you'll be disappointed."

"I had hoped to persuade them. But as Lord Daemon always says, fear and ignorance are sometimes worse misfortunes than war. But I am grateful for your speaking up for me."

"It seemed natural. Praiseworthy people like you have become a rarity in the Circle, especially among the Archbishops."

"I don't think I know you."

"Sorry for not introducing myself. My name is Henry. Henry Lestshire."

"Lestshire? So you are from the cadet branch of the royal family."

"I am the son of the Duchess of Kenneth, sister of the late Prince. And if we were to believe some people, one of the candidates for the succession."

Although Sylvie had been away from Connelly for some years, she had always kept herself informed about the political situation in her country, and she knew the general feeling towards both the Count of Marton and Princess Elizabeth. But she had not imagined that the situation was so delicate as to have pushed a part of the nobility to go in search of another potential heir to the throne.

"I don't mean to sound disrespectful, but you don't seem enthusiastic about becoming the new Prince Ruler."

"I consider myself a man of peace, and I joined the Circle because I wanted to serve Gaia devotedly. Therefore, I don't think I'm what Connelly needs at this time, not to mention that I would have to abandon my calling. On the other hand, if they were to elect me, I would have no choice but to obey."

In a world full of people willing to do anything to get as high up the ladder of power as possible, it was rare to see someone who could aspire to a throne but didn't seem at all attracted to the idea.

"I have heard of you, and I am very impressed by your faith in Daemon Haselworth. He must be a very special person as they say."

"I have never had sympathy for those who abuse their power. But Daemon Haselworth is different. Despite having practically unlimited power in his hands, he has never done anything to make me think he was acting only for himself. On the contrary, his actions have always been directed at the good of his people. I had hoped that His Holiness and the Cardinals would understand this, but instead-"

"The fear of change is the greatest of all. Daemon Haselworth has brought our world into a new era that excites many, but also terrifies those who have built their power on this old order. And as much as I hate to admit it, I fear there are many here who will do anything to save the old order."

The tone in which the Cardinal spoke those words was enough to arouse the darkest thoughts in Sylvie: "What do you mean?"

Henry looked around cautiously, then whispered in her ear: "I heard voices. Besides, the Chamberlain has only returned to the audiences since last week, after having disappeared for almost two months. When I tried to ask for an explanation, I was told to mind my own business. I fear something very serious is brewing. You should tell Mister Haselworth to prepare for the worst."



At the foot of the giant flag in the audience hall of the royal palace were three thrones, each intended for a different member of the Royal Family.

The one in the center, the largest and most decorated, was intended for the reigning Prince or Princess, the one on the right for the spouse, and finally the third for the designated heir.

With a few exceptions, all the members of the Council of Nobles had wanted to attend the hearing. After all, who would have missed the opportunity to finally see in person the man who in a few months had turned the entire world upside down?

The Count of Marton stood in front of all the other attendees, surrounded by the members of his government, which for eight years had changed its name to the Regency Council.

While waiting for the Princess to arrive, Daemon and Aria, who had also been joined by Xylla, looked around to intercept through body language the moods and thoughts of the other nobles.

Some, starting with the members of the Count's government, were well-known faces, such as Montesol, the Minister of Finance Armist and the Minister of War and supreme commander of the Principality's army, General Illente.

Any court was a land of gossip, and Aria and Daemon had only to strain their ears to get a fairly clear idea of which sides were in play.

The Marquis Roda and the Duke of Derry were the leaders of the opponents of the Count and his government, a motley group of nobles guided by the most diverse feelings and ideals, from loyalty to the Circle to mere opposition to Marton and his politics; and at the moment they could count on a slim majority.

The loyalists, excluding members of the government, were led by Duke Watford, Marton's political mentor and distant relative.

Finally, there were the many non-aligned around Countess Arendelle, who were mostly not too well-disposed toward Marton, although their support for Elizabeth as the successor did not seem to be in doubt.

Among the members of the Council of Nobles there were also a good number of prelates among Bishops and Cardinals, and among them stood out the elderly Cardinal Monroy, who had deserted the audience with Sylvie precisely to participate in the one that was about to begin. Despite his position he was not considered a fanatic, and indeed many opponents of the Count who nevertheless seemed intent on respecting the will of the deceased Prince regarding the succession saw him as a leader.

"What happened to you two?" Aria had asked when Daemon and Xylla had arrived at the hearing, considerably late.

"We had some things to discuss with the Count. How's going here?"

"This place makes me miss the Senate hearings. At least it's easier to tell friend from foe over there. Here, it seems like everyone is ready to go their separate ways at any time."

"The appointment of an heir is the only truly official occasion where even non-government nobles can make their influence felt. And with the current situation, it's easy to understand why everyone is so tense."

"Look at them. They distrust each other. Are we sure that Marton will be able to get the appointment approved?"

"I honestly don't know. The current balance of power suggests so, but I fear it would take nothing to overturn everything in the blink of an eye. We'll have to make sure nothing happens."

"Silence, gentlemen! Her Highness, the Crown Princess of Connelly, is entering!"

Everyone stood up and bowed respectfully, something only Aria could avoid due to her status, and wearing one of the most beautiful dresses imaginable, Elizabeth sat on the smallest of the three thrones, always with her faithful Taka at her side.

The Princess's grace and regal bearing struck Aria and Daemon, but no one was speechless as much as Xylla, who could barely recognize the painting-worthy young woman as the same person she had met a few hours earlier.

"Welcome, noble ambassadors," she said in a tone worthy of a queen. "It is a pleasure for me to make your acquaintance."

"The honor is ours, Your Highness." said Aria "On behalf of the people of the Free State of Eirinn, I beg you to accept these modest gifts."

It was hard to talk about gifts when etiquette dictated that one should never appear before a ruler or heir to the Principality empty-handed. Overall, it was a small price to pay to get a diplomatic relationship off to a good start.

Daemon then gestured behind him, and three servants placed containers of various shapes and sizes at the foot of the throne.

"Here you are. An embroidered tapestry of silk and velvet. Five goblets of blown glass and edged with gold. And finally, a sword forged by our finest craftsmen. That they may be the first act of a future collaboration in the name of friendship and peace between our nations."

Of course, the gifts had not been chosen at random; both Daemon and Aria knew that there was no better way to impress foreign rulers and their advisors than to show off the capabilities of one's own nation and its industrial apparatus.

"Your gifts are most welcome, Your Excellency," Marton said. "And we trust that they are the beginning of peaceful and lasting diplomatic relations."

"We are pleased to hear that, Mr. Prime Minister."

Xylla was confused, and not only because Elizabeth seemed almost a stranger to her.

All that polished talk, that empty ceremony, made her head spin.

She had never tolerated formal occasions, which she always tried to avoid at all costs, but this was testing her resistance.

It was as if someone was spreading some substance or spell in the room that seemed to be affecting only her, making her increasingly detached from her surroundings.

She felt tired, her eyes hurt, and she felt like she was going to fall to the floor at any moment.

A very violent rumble of thunder brought her back, erasing all those sensations like dirt swept away by water.

She was no longer where she had been a moment before.

She was in a small room, perhaps a study; and it was night, a stormy night, the wind and rain were beating furiously on the glass of the windows making it shake.

As a harpy, she could see little or nothing in the dark, so she couldn't have a clear idea of what was around her. But she could sense that unmistakable smell.

The smell of blood.

The same blood that stained her claws and dripped from her feathers, ticking like a macabre clock on the marble floor.

A very strong flash tore through the darkness, illuminating the body that lay horribly disfigured at her feet; it was the body of a thin and elegant old man, with a goatee and gray hair.

She couldn't understand.

She instinctively took a few steps back, unable to understand what had happened to her.

Suddenly, the door behind her opened violently, and Daemon appeared before her with wide eyes and full of incredulous dismay.

"Xylla. What have you done!?"