Aiduels sin, p.11
Aiduel's Sin, page 11
Arion observed as Duke Condarr leaned back in his chair and folded his arms, following which the small duke glanced towards Jarrett Berun.
Inneos continued speaking, his voice still raised. ‘The Archlaw’s letter to me, this ultimatum, has brought to a head a matter I’ve been considering for three years now. That I’ve been thinking about and preparing for, for all of that time. I was dissuaded by honestly given counsel the last time I considered this, two years ago. But no more.
‘I’ll no longer answer to the whims of the Archlaw, the High Council and the Holy Church in Dei Magnus. This country will no longer be beholden to an institution which is in the pocket of Elannis and Dei Magnus, and which has an interest in seeing Andar decline and fail.
‘Therefore, I’m proud to declare my ruling that, as of Seventh-Day this week, the Holy Church of Andar will no longer recognise the authority of Sen Aiduel. Or the High Council. Or the Archlaw. As of Seventh-Day, the Holy Church of Andar is to become a separate institut-’
‘That’s sacrilege!’ bellowed Duke Condarr, as he stood up. ‘You have no authority to do-’
‘Silence, Orlen!’ Inneos shouted in response, as he also lurched to his feet and slammed his fist down onto the table. ‘Shut your fucking mouth and sit down! I have every authority. The Holy Church of Andar is to become a separate institution. Archprime Amnar will become the senior religious figure within that Holy Church, and the new Head of that church shall be whomsoever reigns as the monarch of Andar.’
‘You appoint yourself to this role?’ asked Condarr. ‘You’d make yourself Archlaw as well as a king?’
The small duke’s tone was derisive as he said these words. Arion’s heart was beating fast as he waited for the next explosive outburst from Inneos.
Lord preserve us! It feels like there’s going to be violence here!
‘Your Majesty, is there no hope of reconciliation with the Holy Church?’ said Gerrion suddenly, before Inneos could react to Duke Condarr’s insulting tone. ‘No route through this which might secure peace, like we achieved two years ago?’
Inneos focused his eyes towards Gerrion, but the monarch then shook his head, his tone more conciliatory. ‘I’m beyond words of reconciliation and peace, Duke Gerrion. We’ve tried that, and in return they’ve abused our goodwill, yet again. If not for your brother here, our Hero of Moss Ford, we could’ve lost Canasar already. But he proved to us that every Andar man is worth three of the enemy! Shall we choose this moment now, after crushing the Elannis armies, to show strength? Or shall we meekly bow our heads and await the countless humiliations which will follow? Shall we allow them to make us too weak to resist, when the crucial moment comes?’
There was silence in response, until Duke Rednar spoke up, his manner equally conciliatory. ‘Your Majesty, I’m a simple man, with simple pursuits. I’m not an expert on religious matters, and I know little about the intricacies of holy scripture. Perhaps Archprime Amnar could explain to us her views on this, to clarify matters while we all adjust ourselves to this… surprising news. How such a thing as breaking off from Sen Aiduel might practically work, and what it might mean for our eternal souls?’
Queen Mariess nodded, then said, ‘Yes, that sounds like a very good idea, Duke Kalion.’ She again reached a hand out, and gently placed it over her husband’s right forearm. ‘Why don’t we all listen to what Amnar has to say about this?’
The king flinched, then glanced across at his wife with an annoyed expression on his face. However, after a moment he stated, ‘Very well, Amnar. Proceed.’
—
In the hour that followed, Archprime Amnar gave her views on the king’s intentions, and she answered numerous questions from around the table. During this time, Amnar provided a number of explanations about the religious consequences of what they were doing. Arion noted that her stated opinions were generally consistent with what she had expressed two years earlier in this same room, at the meeting which Duke Conran had led. However, she withheld some of the stronger objections which she had shared then.
It was obvious to Arion that the dukes of Condarr and Berun were the most visibly upset by Inneos’s plan. The comments of houses Sepian, Rednar, Cendun and Rowarth indicated that they were not openly opposed to the prospect, although none of them voiced support. The duke of House Dunark was silent throughout.
‘And so, that’s the ceremony we’ll hold this coming Seventh-Day,’ stated Amnar, as she concluded her final explanation of the expected process. Arion could hear a tremor in the woman’s voice, and she appeared on the edge of tears. ‘The monarch shall be appointed and recognised as head of this new Holy Church of Andar. Andar’s institution of the Church shall thereafter no longer be subject to the instructions and orders from Sen Aiduel.’
There was silence for a number of seconds, before Jarrett Berun spoke up.
‘I’ve heard all of Archprime Amnar’s words,’ said the giant duke. ‘And I thank her for the detailed explanations that she’s given. But – and I say this without disrespect to her venerable position – her words feel to me like they’re just that. Hollow words. Her own opinions. Opinions, to cast off centuries of recognition of the Archlaw and Sen Aiduel. In my view, an equally valid opinion is that we’ll all be excommunicated if we do this. That we’ll be cut-off from the Holy Church, from The Lord Aiduel and from heaven. From Aiduel’s Holy Light.’
Arion noted that there was no heat in the large duke’s voice, just a trace of fear which seemed genuine.
‘Amnar already covered that,’ replied King Inneos. ‘Our eternal souls are protected, Duke Berun. We’re not turning our backs on or being cut-off from Aiduel or from heaven. We’re merely removing ourselves from subservience to the High Council and in particular to the Archlaw. We’ll not bow our necks to him any longer.’
‘So you say, Your Majesty,’ answered Duke Condarr, calmly. ‘But it will be a personal decision for everyone in this room as to whether they accept Amnar’s interpretation. And there will be uproar in the land. This is a terrible decision. A terrible decision. You must see that, surely? It will make this country a target for Elannis and Dei Magnus, and for anyone else who wants to take up arms for the Holy Church. Paulius will excommunicate us all and will declare a crusade against us. This decision will ruin every man and woman in this room. This country will fall. I beg you, King Inneos, please reconsider.’
‘I second that. This should not happen,’ stated Jarrett Berun, the crease of a frown on his forehead. He then looked around the table, his dark eyes focusing in turn upon Duke Rednar and Gerrion. ‘We would be committing an awful sin against The Lord Aiduel. If others agree, then speak up now, please. Or let your silence forever rot within your conscience.’
Arion glanced towards Gerrion as Berun was making this statement, and he saw his brother make a small, almost imperceptible, nod.
By the Lord, just what is Inneos unleashing here?
However, before Gerrion or anyone else could object further, the monarch shouted, ‘I didn’t ask for a vote on this! I didn’t ask for your opinions, or for your permission! I am your king, and you’ve all sworn fealty to me! I am talking to you to tell you what’s been decided. You will all attend the Cathedral of Andarron on Seventh-Day, and you will all watch and support me as I’m anointed as the Head of the Holy Church of Andar.
‘If Elannis rises up in response, then we’ll smash them as we’ve already smashed them! One man of Andar is worth three of them! And then we’ll be free of the Archlaw’s malign influence, once and for all. And if any man here doesn’t give me his support, he’ll find himself rotting in a dungeon before I let him speak against me further!’
The king’s face was red, and as the ruler said these last words his eyes were locked on Duke Orlen Condarr.
The small duke held the monarch’s stare for a handful of seconds, but then merely bowed his head and said, ‘Very well, Your Majesty. I’ve shared my views, and I’ll state them no more. As a loyal subject of Andar and of the crown, I’ll be there to witness your… ceremony, on Seventh-Day.’
This declaration set off a series of concurring statements from around the table, including from Gerrion and Jarrett Berun. As this was happening, Arion glanced across at Archprime Amnar.
This time, he noted that there was indeed a tear forming in her left eye.
—
After the meeting had ended, and the participants were beginning to disperse, Arion sought out Sendar Pavil.
Sendar’s expression was as grim as it had been prior to the meeting, but the blonde-haired prince forced a smile onto his face as Arion drew near. He placed a hand onto Arion’s upper arm, steering them both away from the other parties around them.
Sendar glanced towards the king, who was leaving the room, and then commented quietly, ‘Not the outcome any of us were hoping for today, other than my father. If the intention of the Archlaw’s letter and threat was to goad Father into taking reckless action, then it worked completely.’
‘You think this is a mistake, too?’
‘By the Lord, Arion, everyone around that table considers it a mistake. It’s a disaster. Senneos and Father are barely speaking, and Mother and I had a heated argument with him last night, trying to dissuade him from this course. This will bring war, and worse. We’ll lose Angloss’s support, and there’s so much that’s uncertain now. How quickly will the Archlaw and the Emperor move against us? Will we just be fighting Elannis, or will Dei Magnus join in too?’ He then leaned in close to Arion, and while looking towards the dukes of Condarr and Berun, he whispered, ‘And after today, can we even be sure that every noble house of Andar will stay loyal to the crown?’
‘Really?’ said Arion. ‘I know I’ve made comments about Jarrett in the past, but do you really think that-’
‘Who knows? But let’s not voice further accusations in this room. However, we must all prepare for war, now. Father has made damn sure of that.’
Arion had never seen Sendar looking so agitated, and it made him even more uncomfortable about discussing his dream from the night before. However, the vision had suggested a potential threat against the two royal princes, and Arion knew that he must mention it.
‘Sendar, where’s your brother, Prince Senneos?’
Sendar’s eyes narrowed. ‘He’s away from the city. He left following an argument with Father. Why do you ask?’
Arion blushed. ‘I’m just worried. With these decisions being taken. That there could be threats against… the royal family.’
Sendar stared at him. ‘There might always be threats against us. Do you have some specific information about a threat against us, Arion?’
‘No. No, nothing specific. Just, with what just happened in here, you know.’
Arion felt frustrated; he could not talk about the particular details of the threat with Sendar, without mentioning that the source was his dream.
‘Arion, I know you well, and I trust you. But you’re lying to me right now. I can tell, because you’re a very bad liar. You are aware of a specific threat against us. What is it?’
Arion was silent for a few seconds, considering. He could not in good conscience keep his knowledge to himself, but how could he explain it to Sendar without appearing crazy?
‘You’re right,’ he said. ‘There is something. But if I tell you, I need your promise that it stays between us. Please?’
‘Unless I have to disclose it for the good of the kingdom, then yes, you have my word.’
‘Well, do you remember at Moss Ford, how I anticipated the enemy’s action?’
‘Of course, yes, I do. Father has mentioned it multiple times in just the last few days.’
‘I didn’t just anticipate it. I dreamt it. In advance.’
Lord preserve us, I sound ridiculous.
Sendar had a look of incredulity on his face. ‘Is this a joke, Arion?’
‘No, no joke. If you doubt me, ask Gerrion. I told him, a few days before the battle. I sometimes have visions – dreams – of events, which happen in the future.’
Sendar’s expression softened. ‘Visions? Very well. Say I believe you, or just want to humour you. What exactly have you dreamt?’
Arion proceeded to tell his friend about the dream, including the details of the dead guards and the sounds of battle from the royal bedroom.
At the end of this, Sendar looked ill-at-ease, and said, ‘And you say that this feels like the other dream? The battle at the ford?’
‘Yes. Exactly the same.’
‘And it means that you’ll be here, when it happens?’
‘I think so, yes, but I can’t be sure. Me telling you this might even change how events are going to occur, or it might never happen. But look, please just indulge me on this. Double the guards on your corridor. Bolt your door. Keep your weapon near to yourself. Be alert. Please, do all of this for me.’
‘And you say that my door was open, but that the fighting was in Senneos’s room?’
‘Yes, it was. At least, I think so.’
‘Well, if that’s the case, then we at least have some time before this threat might manifest itself. Senneos will be away in the country for at least a few weeks. And Arion?’
‘Yes?’
‘I’m still not sure whether I fully believe this. Therefore, please keep this between us, lest anyone thinks we’ve both gone mad. But I’ll do the things you ask, and I’ll warn my brother when he returns. If someone does decide to come for me and Senneos, then they’ll not find us easy targets.’
—
Later that week, on Seventh-Day, Arion was amongst the throng of important nobles, clergymen, dignitaries and soldiers gathered inside the vast Cathedral of Andarron. Within the walls of that magnificent location, he bore witness to the elaborate ceremony which formally broke the country of Andar away from the religious dominion of the Holy Church in Sen Aiduel.
Throughout the ceremony, King Inneos sat on a throne in front of the ornate main altar, with rays of coloured light shining down upon him through towering stained-glass windows. A massive and ornate statue of The Lord Aiduel On The Tree sat on the altar directly behind the throne, and from a distance the king’s chair and the statue seemed to merge into one.
Queen Mariess and Prince Sendar were standing near to the monarch, but the royal heir Prince Senneos did not appear to be in attendance. Archprime Amnar led the formal rites, her voice more confident and authoritative in this setting than Arion had previously witnessed.
At the end of the ceremony, Inneos left his chair and knelt before the Archprime, in front of the altar. The king loudly reaffirmed his devotion to Aiduel, and repeated his oaths of rulership over Andar.
After the monarch had concluded, Amnar stated, ‘Before The Lord Aiduel, I proclaim you Head and Protector of the Holy Church of Andar. May you lead us wisely, in the Grace of Aiduel.’
The Archprime finally placed a golden statue of The Lord Aiduel On The Tree on the monarch’s neck, completing the ceremony. Coinciding with this action, a choir of voices at the front of the cathedral soared into song, proclaiming the completion of the momentous event.
As this happened, Gerrion leaned across to Arion, and whispered, ‘Mark this moment, brother. Father will be turning in his grave, right now. We’ll all be paying for Inneos’s mistake, for years to come.’
Arion felt queasy inside after hearing these words, for he knew them to be true. Messengers would be riding forth from Andarron today, heading in all directions across the land, and spreading word of the deed. Eventually, that news would pass beyond Andar’s borders, and would reach Elannis and Dei Magnus.
And after that, Arion felt certain, there would be a response.
6
Leanna
—
Year of Our Lord,
After Ascension, 769AA
In the aftermath of the Archlaw’s letter, Leanna soon became aware that there was much consternation within the city of Arlais. The message of the Archlaw’s Herald had been repeated to the crowds in the town square, and the announcement had also been posted onto a number of public buildings. Within a matter of hours, the words of the Archlaw were known to almost every citizen of the city. In response, there was a buzz of agitation across Arlais, as people discussed the meaning and the potential threat within those words.
The herald had also approached Leanna after the Seventh-Day service, and had given her a separate letter, adding briefly, ‘This is intended just for you.’
The letter had read:
Dear Priestess Leanna, Angel of Arlais,
May Aiduel’s Love be with you.
I shall be arriving in Arlais in the early hours of Fifth-Day, accompanied by no more than ten Guardsmen. I wish to arrive unnoticed and without fanfare, and to meet you at Arlais Cathedral at eighth hour that morning.
Please rest assured of my goodwill and good faith in our coming meeting. To start, I will want to discuss with you the arrangements for the peaceful entry to the city of the thousand Aiduel’s Guards who will be travelling from Boralais. As part of which, I intend to outline the expected process for the reclamation of their property from any vigilante elements.
Following this, I would like to share more details about the great honours which the Archlaw wishes to bestow upon you, and to make arrangements for your journey with me to Sen Aiduel. After our meeting concludes, I will be returning to the camp of Aiduel’s Guards, which by then will be on the south-east approaches to the city. I intend to give you time after the meeting to contemplate what we have discussed, so please do not worry that I will be requiring you to depart with me immediately. I will not insist upon that.
Please do not fear our meeting, Priestess Leanna, but if it puts you at ease, feel free to also be accompanied by ten armed guards. I think that our discussions will be more productive if conducted without the spectacle of crowds outside, so I would also ask for your discretion in sharing the details of the time of our meeting. Acting High Priest El’Patriere will be aware of these arrangements, and shall host the meeting for us within the sacred walls of the cathedral.
