Part VII: The Twin Towers Conspiracy
Chapter 3: The Shadow Cabal
Timeline: AO 298
The goal was in sight – Baldur was about to fall – although the king didn’t know it yet, those who plotted his downfall did. Let’s look in on one of their final meetings, just prior to ‘the event’ taking place…
In a dimly lit underground chamber, one never included on any of the official Kroniklz maps, the conspirators among the Drokka who were part of The Priory of the Myz gathered for a rare face-to-face meeting. Flickering candlelight cast long shadows on the stone walls as Hecla took her place at the head of the table – in spite of her position at the board, the princess was saavy enough to know that she was in that role merely for appearances sake. Even Lord Aric is but a pawn, Hecla surmised, her eyes sharp and calculating as she surveyed the other attendees. There are those more powerful still who never emerge from the shadows. We serve them whether we like it or not.
It was a small motley crew who sat at this traitorous table. Lord Aric, always pretending to be at ease amongst those he considered ‘lesser than,’ leaned back in his chair, his fingers steepled as he sat in thought. Hylra Klyzntz, the ruthless political creature who was the power behind her husband Byl, shifted her ever-growing girth uncomfortably in her chair as she flashed a fake smile at the group – trying hard to make herself accepted by them. The face of Malchior Der Naves was severe and unreadable, as always. The courtiers Byryk and Mykk Boma repeatedly exchanged glances, pretending to know more than they did. Finally, Chaney Busz rounded out the group – the elderly Drokka on hand to make sure that even though the Busz clan was agreeing to sell out Baldur (whose Derkillez family was from the Busz line) the clan’s long-term interests would still benefit. These then were the conspirators who were about to partner with their Derkka ‘rivals’ to assassinate their leader.
And Hecla could not have been happier!
Although her brother Hacktor was aware of a plot to unseat his father, she’d kept him largely in the dark on the details, for Hecla knew that Hacktor hated ‘conspiracies’ and he would been appalled at the thought of conspiring with the cursed Derkka. The means doesn’t justify ends in his mind, Hecla knew. But no matter, Hacktor will get what he wants – and I will be the one to give it to him.
“We are on the brink of something extraordinary,” Hecla addressed her fellow conspirators, trying to keep her excitement muted by keeping her voice low and steady. “Our efforts are bearing fruit. The time is now.”
Aric nodded, a slow smile spreading across his face. Although Hecla didn’t know everything about the mysterious Rukstinz clan, she knew enough to know that Lord Aric, like his father Thane, and their father’s fathers back through time immemorial were driven by a singular desire for wealth, power, and influence. Although the largely shunned the spotlight, the controlled who entered the spheres of power. Hecla knew that Aric’s influence was immeasurable – for he alone could block or subvert policies that could strengthen or weaken Baldur’s rule as his family deemed fit. She watched as Aric lifted a finger towards Chaney Busz.
The older Drokka pursed his lips at the younger Aric’s ‘direction’ – for Chaney didn’t consider his family to be any ‘lesser’ than the Rukstinz. Although he stayed out of the limelight like Aric’s father, Chaney was an elder in the Busz clan and he’d oft partnered with Thane Rukstinz on on various ‘kingdom driving’ issues over the decades – to include the former ‘installation’ of Kon-Herr Baldur. With a round, well-fed belly that spoke of a life lived in comfort and excess as a royal in Kel-de-Kaba, Chaney’s face was framed by a thick, luxurious beard that flowed down to his chest, the strands a mix of white and silver, giving him an almost regal air. Chaney’s hair, matching the silver of his beard, was thick and wavy, falling to his shoulders and often tied back with a simple yet elegant band. His sapphire eyes, deep-set and surrounded by crinkled lines, twinkled with a mix of cunning and wisdom, for they held the knowledge of many decades spent navigating the treacherous waters of Drokka politics.
Though he appeared affable when she first met him some months ago, Hecla had come to learn there was a sharpness to his gaze that hinted at the calculating mind beneath the surface, she was eager to hear what he had to say for Chaney’s knowledge of the kingdom’s inner workings was unparalleled, and his ability to manipulate and influence others made him an invaluable asset to the conspirators. It didn’t hurt that Chaney commanded a vast network of spies and informants.
The elder Busz leaned forward in his chair. Clad in rich, dark robes adorned with intricate embroidery, Chaney exuded an air of authority and opulence. His robes were tailored to his broad frame, the fabric of the highest quality, and the patterns woven into them depicted scenes of Drokka lore and heritage. Around his neck hung a heavy chain with a medallion bearing the crest of his clan, a symbol of his high standing and the respect he commanded. He spoke in measured tones, his words laced with the wisdom of age and the cold calculation of a seasoned strategist. “The princess is correct. Our informants report that Baldur’s loyalists are growing increasingly paranoid. They suspect each other more than the foreign terrorists that our Kon-Herr has allowed inside the nest.”
What Chaney didn’t say, but which those at the table well knew, was that Chaney’s agents oversaw covert operations intended undermine Baldur’s authority, including spreading false rumors, inciting unrest, and sabotaging military efforts.
Hylra Klyntz eyes lit with satisfaction. “The public is turning against Baldur. Our propaganda is working. They see him as a weak and ineffective ruler.”
Hecla didn’t like Hylra – not just because she was a female rival, for Hylra was old, fat, and downright ugly – but instead because Hecla didn’t trust Hylra. The princess had been to the lavish gatherings that the Hylra and her husband bill had given at their estates for the high society of the kingdom. Those events always saw Hylra filling the air with laughing and clinking glasses in toasts. Yet Hecla quickly learned that behind Hylra’s facade of revelry the Drokkina was far from friendly. It quickly became clear that Hylra was driven by a desire to reshape Drokka society according to her vision of order and control.
Over time Hecla grew to understand that the Klyntz and Boma’s were secretly aligned with one another and that those two clans were partnering with the Gaatz to ‘position’ themselves against the Rukz and Busz should new ‘opportunities’ present themselves. Hecla was sure that Aric and Chaney knew this as well, and she was initially surprised when those two saavy conspirators invited Hylra to join their secret cabal, but the princess later concluded that it was for a purpose. Hylra often used her social standing to influence public opinion, organizing salons and gatherings where the elite discussed and spread what amounted to anti-Baldur sentiments. And through Monty Redstone, Hylra oversaw a covert propaganda campaign – having the Coinmaster’s agent disseminate subversive literature and art that subtly undermined Baldur’s legitimacy.
“And our rituals at Gaza are strengthening our hold over the elites at large.” Said Byryk Boma.
“The royals are committed to our cause.” Byryk’s partner Mykk added.
Although the rest of the group nodded satisfactorily at the Boma’s input, Hecla worked hard to hide a frown. She didn’t like the the former Kon-Herr Byryk who’d been removed from power by the Ruks and Busz yet somehow still held onto a political life. Although well past his prime, Byryk was still a shrew orator who could inspire others and Hecla had initially been taken in my his words when she’d first met him, but when it became clear that Byryk – like all those of his clan – truly did love the Derkka more than his own Drokka people, Hecla grew to despise Byryk and his cross-dressing ‘wife’ Mykk. Why they were part of the cabal was a mystery to Hecla – she could only conclude that it was for the same reasons as Hylra.
Meanwhile, the rituals the Boma’s referred to were conducted at Gaza by the priest Malchior Der Naves with the blessing of Mirkir The Wyze and with the knowledge of the cabal. The Boma’s thought they were recruiting the royals of the kingdom to their cause and gave these events for the upper echelons of Drokka society – as well as using the benefits of their city – a portion of which was on the outside of the mountains and geographically far away from Rhokki Pass – to secretly invite various upper level members of the Derkka’s society. Together those groups participated with the Boma’s in various cliche Priory rituals. In reality, Lord Aric and Chaney Busz allowed the Boma’s the do this in order to keep them occupied and away from the real secrets of the cabal – which had nothing to do with elevating the Bomas to power again.
Although Hecla looked at Malchoir to see if he would participate in the meeting, as usually the stern priest kept a stoic face. When asked for his input at various time, he gave singular answers, but didn’t contribute much in the way of strategy. Yet because he was the representative of Mirkir and that high priest was integral to the final strategy to take down Baldur, Malchior was an important member of Hecla’s group.
Lord Aric broke character during the meeting and actually joked, “If Fukbyl, Thork, or Monty were here, they’d surely advise that economic instability is pushing the commoners to the brink. They’re desperate, and desperate people want change.” Then waving a hand, he chuckled, “But alas for Monty and his mates, they haven’t jumped enough levels yet to be invite to our group, neh?”
Hecla smiled at Aric’s dig at the Gaatz’s clan absence from the cabal, as well as the underhanded insult at the Kylnz (for Monty Redstone was of their clan). She took joy at seeing Hylra and the Boma’s try to hide their squirms at the Rukstinz’ very real threat clearly intended at their families.
Aric waited for a reply, almost daring his rivals to speak, yet it was the elder at the table – Chaney Busz who refocused the group. Against the wall behind his chair, Helca spied the old dwarf’s staff – she knew Chaney carried that staff not so much for support, but as a symbol of his office and a reminder of his power. The staff was made of blackwood, polished to a sheen, and capped with a gem that glowed faintly with an inner light, signified his role as Busz clan leader. In spite of his grandfatherly appearance, Hecla had seen numerous example of Chaney having the heart of a ruthless manipulator and a brilliant tactician. She wasn’t suprised when he calmly said. “Our operatives are in place. When the time comes, they will strike with precision.”
Those at the table knew they were on the brink – events would happen quickly now. The conspirators exchanged nods, a silent agreement passing between them. Despite their mutual wariness, they understood the necessity of their alliance (at least for now) as they’d created a web of mutual dependency that strengthened their conspiracy.
Hecla looked around the table, trying to make her gaze piercing. “We must remain vigilant. Our success depends on our unity and secrecy.”
As the meeting concluded and the conspirators dispersed, Hecla allowed herself a moment of satisfaction. The pieces were in place, and the fall of Baldur’s reign was imminent. The cabal’s schemes were weaving together into a tapestry of deception and betrayal, and soon, the kingdom would be theirs (nay hers!) to rule – even if Hacktor had other plans…
The Apocrypha of Azazel 