“AVERAN.”
Sandorn emptied the bucket, the contents washing over those sleeping. His brother’s bed consisted of himself and his two lady friends. Sandorn didn’t recognise them, though he never did. The two girls woke rather abruptly once the icy water hit them but Averan didn’t stir.
“Sorry Ladies, I wish to speak with my brother alone. Dress on the way out if you please. I am sure my brother was more than generous with you last night, just think of this as all part of my brother’s package.”
Sandorn waited until the Ladies had gotten themselves out of the bed, ignoring their mumbled protests.
He turned to the guards behind him.
“Make sure they leave out somewhere unseen. And keep the street clear until they are out of sight. We are supposed to be creating mystery around us.”
Facing back to Averan he threw the empty bucket hard at his brother’s head. This was finally enough to wake him.
“Uhhhh, Sandorn brother wait. Wait brother. A minute or two. Just a minute. My head is pounding.”
“Mine does too, though not because of reckless drinking but because of your actions. You killed the Clan Leader of Daroch? Why the hell would you do that? I told you to be coy about things. At least until we had got everything settled.”
Averan only snorted in reply, Sandorn knew it was pointless talking to him now but his anger kept him speaking.
“Why must I always be the one to clean up your mess? You know you almost killed a man last night at the bar too? Some member of Clan Urron. Do you live to cause problems Averan? Is that it? I’m not your Father Averan.”
Sandorn had to dodge nimbly as the bucket came flying back at him. Averan sat up and looked at him with groggy, drunken eyes.
“What problems? Almost killed. Almost. And old Ru had it coming, no one could fault me there.”
Averan wiped a hand across his face and sighed deeply.
“Without me causing problems we’d have 100s more. I keep people in line Sandorn. Whether you see it or not. You are not my Father, and I don’t want you to be. Don’t lecture me.”
Averan picked up a beaker from his bed, checking to make sure something was left inside of it he drank deeply.
Satisfied he wiped his mouth and looked at Sandorn again, this time with a smile on his face.
“Now, to make things even for the bucket and water I suggest you go get them two girls back. Find me one more and maybe I’ll even admit I was wrong. Do we have a deal brother?”
“Get up Averan. We need to talk. Have an ice bath and sober up. We have work to do. Real work.”
Sandorn did not return his brother’s smile. Finally understanding that this was not some minor work that needed to be addressed Averan stumbled out of bed. He grabbed his head, stretched and rolled his shoulders.
“An Ice Bath and a hot brew and I’ll be good to go. I wasn''t actually out too late really.”
Sandorn sighed, “Don’t be too long. I’ll be in the Gallery.”
The window replaced Sandorn had already decided that the old Amata had the right idea making the Gallery his primary meeting room. The view it afforded of the city was rather majestic, overlooking most of the Outer Ring and almost all of that which was theirs to rule.
He waited there for Averan, the cacophony of noise as he ate and bathed rising and falling as he stumbled about.
Sandorn pressed his hands to his temple. He enjoyed drinking, but Averan always took it to an extreme level. He takes everything to an extreme level.
He considered bringing up the topic but thought better of it, he was already seen as controlling, and Averan did not seem in the mood to be pushed in any direction at the moment. Later, I’ll deal with his vices later.
It took him an hour or so to get ready and meet with him, Averan strode into the gallery, clearly awake and energised after his dip and breakfast. Sandorn would have shared in his enthusiasm had it been several hours earlier. He’d been up since Dawn.
“You have news Brother? From the Inner Ring I take it? Is it good?”
“It is Averan. I….”
Averan had already pulled out a dagger, Sandorn clenched his fist.
“AVERAN.”
He looked up shocked, “What?”
“Not this table. The dining room fine, anywhere else fine. But not here.”
Averan raised his hands high above him.
“Alright, Gods it is only a table.”
“Only a table which I like. I don’t want any writing, any marks, anything on it.”
Averan shrugged, “Fair enough. I’ll honor your request.”
If you stumble upon this narrative on Amazon, be aware that it has been stolen from Royal Road. Please report it.He leaned forward and looked at him expectantly, “So, go on then what news is there?”
Sandorn sat down opposite him. He pulled at a loose strand of hair.
I really should say something.
“Look Averan you know I don’t mind you drinking but-”
“Oh no, no. That is not why I am here Brother. I told you.”
“I know, I know,” Sandorn put a hand on Averan’s arm as he made to get up.
“Just be a little more careful is all. For all we know those women could have been spies. Or assassins. You let them into the Manor without any thought or care Brother. They could have killed us both and ruined our plans forever.”
Averan banged his head hard on the table, “The two girls from last night? Sandorn Brother I love you but you sound like Mother. Are we to live our lives as hermits? Trapped away from all fun and joy? I know both of those girls for years. It isn’t the first time I ended up in bed with them.”
“No? I could not place them.”
“Of course not. All girls look the same to you. If they aren’t Lady Miana you don’t pay them any mind.”
Sandorn drummed his fingers on the table, “Yes, yes ok let’s not talk about her now eh. And it is a relief you knew those girls.”
He raised a brow, “If you hadn’t of known them would have you brought them back?”
“Hmm? Oh no, no, no what? That would be too risky, noo Brother, only those I know and trust can get into my bed. Luckily the two last night just happened to be ones I could trust.”
“Right yes. Well anyways, it does seem like you got away with killing the Ru, one of his heirs seems well pleased to be finally allowed take control. Might just be you done him a favor.”
Averan leaned back in his chair, “I would not have killed the old man if I hadn’t thought it through, I knew about that heir wanting to take his place. It was an easy task to goade him into insulting me. I am just glad my plan worked out.”
“Your plan?” Sandorn felt like banging his own head against the table. “Right yes your plan, well congratulations on that. And so far the Quarters have been quiet. Each one giving their tribute and swearing fealty to us. I think the appearance of your Beast might have helped us there too. Although it is going to be harder to keep our powers quiet now.”
“So? Sandorn you do see where you are sitting now right? This is our Manor, our underground. The Clans answer to us. Why should we keep our Powers quiet now? Don’t you think it’s time enough we actually made full use of them. Think of how people will adore us, the only true Blood of the Chimera living amongst them down here in the Outer Rings. We’ll be even more famous than we are now, gain even more followers.”
“Yes and even more enemies along with it. This,” Sandorn waved a hand about the room, “This is nice Averan but remember what our Family once had. Our aim is to retake what is ours, I don’t care how many Manors or homes we take, we have to maintain our focus if we want to succeed.”
“And do we?”
“What?”
“Do we still want to succeed? Is it what you want Sandorn? Truly? Look at us, we’ve risen from street urchins to small time gang leaders and now to being the Lords of the Underground. Outside of the Inner Rings we are amongst the most powerful people in Gorias. We have a manor we could have only dreamed of before, we’ll have a 100 if not 200 of our own men once we’ve finished recruiting and we can call on another 300 more if we order the Quarters to fight with us. We are rich and hold influence over city affairs down here. Do we need to keep fighting for more? Who’s dream are we following? Our own or someone else’s.”
Sandorn nodded, Averan asked the same questions he did. He understood what his Brother said. And saw the value and truth in it. However.
“We have a duty beyond ourselves Averan. You know that as well as I. I feel just as you do even if I do not always show it. Sometimes when I look at what we’ve already done I wonder if we are tempting faith by looking for more. But look at us, we, us two alone carry more blood of the Chimera in us than any one of the Forty Houses. We built Gorias, our family. If we are content to stay Lords of the Underground then we go back on all our ancestors accomplished. And we forget all the wrongs done to us by the very ones who should have shown us the most loyalty. I know deep down that nothing less than what we are due will satisfy us, and I know that you feel that too. Our Mother kept us alive for that very reason. Our family have ran, hid and cowered for seventy-two years since King Avern fell. We have an opportunity to right that wrong Brother. Together we will make things right. Together.”
Averan crossed his arms and looked at him, frowning.
“Why are you always right? Ahhhhh I know we would grow tired of this. We were destined for greater things you and I. And an Aureate should be on the throne. We should rule. Gorias would be better off for it. I do know it, I just don’t want us to become emotionless you know. We have to celebrate our successes when they do come. Gods know we have worked hard enough for them.”
“Wise words Averan, and if I am right on some things then so too are you, I do forget myself sometimes. I will keep what you said in mind.”
Averan reached over to grab him by the head and pulled him in close.
“Nobody will stop us Sandorn. Together we will bring our House back to its former Glory.” Averan stretched, “Now then, what is this news you had for me?”
Sandorn got up and strode over to gaze out the window.
“Wendon has sent word. He wants a meeting. Says its urgent. Apparently, our rise has sent waves through the City Guard. We were brought up at their last Convocation. It seems we pose a threat to the established ways.”
Avern whistled through his teeth, “Mentioned in a Commander’s meeting? Oh yes. We really are big time now Brother. But I still don’t see why Wendon finds it urgent. We keep on bribing like the old Amata did we shouldn’t have any problems. Should we? He can vouch for us surely.”
Sandorn shook his head, “Within reason. He’s already helped us a lot, we need to make sure he doesn’t leave himself exposed in case we lose our man on the inside. He’s got to choose when and how he vouches for us. There can no sign of favoritism. And as for whether or not this poses a problem. Well Wendon wouldn’t have requested meeting outside of the usual times if it wasn’t serious. We’re seeing him tonight. By Forgeon Alley.”
“Right, I’ll let Fenadorn know, we’ll take a few good men to cover us just in case, I''ll get Tharv, Lear, Savrth and Grend, that''s enough to face off anything.”
“Agreed” Sandorn nodded, “Now go, catch up on your sleep. You’ll need it for the days ahead. We might not have much time for it coming up.”
Averan got up and came around to clap him on the shoulder, “Don’t worry brother, I’m fine. And whatever it is Wendon’s worried about we’ll be fine. Who would dare stand against us eh? One look at me and you and they’ll see the Kings of Old Gorias before them. Even a Dragonkin would be foolish to try us.”
With that he bounded out, Sandorn watched him go, shaking his head but laughing to himself. With Averan beside him he did not fear any man or beast. Whatever lay ahead they would face it together. That was enough to give him comfort.