Tying Up Loose Ends
Everything was falling into place. Months of worming his way through the ranks both in Sheffield and among Romulus’ warriors, and Leon was finally receiving the payoff. Control of the city, power over the Earth Crystal, favor from the Shadow Man, and adoration and fear from the populace. A nearly perfect end to his trials.
Of course, there were a few kinks to work out, but there always would be.
Turning to his allies within the mining city, he smiled triumphantly and proudly. He still had appearances to keep up, after all. They were still useful and necessary even if most of this victory could be pinned on himself. More allies meant more power and influence overall. Allies were a tyrant’s secret weapons.
“Congratulations,” he said as he leaned against his desk and crossed his arms. “We have successfully taken over Sheffield and the Earth Crystal. We should celebrate later, but the alcohol and women....or men for Lady Claire, can wait. Right now, we have a tournament to prepare for and a few lingering problems to take care of.”
Taking out a notepad, he turned to each of his comrades and started giving out orders like a general to his trusted lieutenants, a situation he had found himself in before and knew well. After all, they all were under him for now.
“Lord DeRosso, your fighting prowess and intelligence is quite extraordinary. I admire it greatly. I wish for you to help me rule the city. You don’t have to be public if you don’t wish to, but I may need help in making executive decisions. This isn’t the first time I’ve been in charge of a broken nation...”
Shuddering for a moment, he continued. “Kunsel, you will, of course, be in charge of the military. Sadly, I have many new obligations, so you’ll have to take my place training the troops and keeping the prison ordered and efficient. I had zero tolerance for cruelty to citizens and prisoners alike, and I hope you continue that. Thankfully, the tainted crystal is keeping the monsters at bay, but now more than ever, thieves will be rampant. Keep vigilant.”
“Lady Claire, I have a special mission for you to carry out. As it turns out, our dear Princess Ashe has turned traitor. I want you to hunt her down. You will have your own unit of spies and soldiers if you should need them. I also suggest defaming her, making her infamous, offering a reward for information about her. Then find her and bring her back here. I want her alive, but I won’t be upset if she happens to die before she arrives here. Use your fire wisely.”
“Other than that, the Quartier and her heroes have become enemies of the state. If you see one, detain them immediately. Anyone caught harboring or aiding them will also be arrested. No exceptions. If they find one weak link, they will destroy us completely. Other Quartiers and heroes are not to be arrested, but regard them with high suspicion.”
“As for the tournament, it should bring in much needed revenue for the reconstruction and boost the world’s morale, which is why I’m allowing it. I have even fronted much of the cost personally. The true reason for it.... I’m sorry, but with Ashe’s betrayal, I feel I shouldn’t spoil the surprise. Just know that Romulus and I have a wonderful prize planned.”
Closing the notepad, Leon smiled again, this grin laced with arrogance and mischief. Each one of them was looked in the eye once more before Leon placed the notepad on his desk and nodded.
“I will be happy to answer any of your questions. Otherwise, thank you for your cooperation. This world is one step closer to being ours.”
