Chapter 29: Delicacies, Dalliance, and Duels POV: Lady Rhonda Aarark Lady Rhonda Aarark stood tall and proud next to her husband as the shuttles came down and saturated the landing pads. Her makeup was pristine and her new dress perfectly tailored. "Cornelius, you're sweating. Calm down." She hissed as she produced a silk handkerchief and leaned over to dab his forehead. "Sorry dear, you know how I get around VIPs." He whispered back as he fidgeted with his collar and leaned on his ornate cane. The personal guard from the lead shuttles emerged in their ornate armor and house heraldry. Rhonda cringed slightly as she compared the quality of gear their guards sported to those of House Drakios. That emotion didn't last long as the largest of the shuttles opened its doors and multiple squads of armored Astartes marched out. They had seen Astartes before, usually individuals or the small cadre the Inquisitor that had visited previously had with him. There were at least a dozen and considering they were acting like guards there were more to come. "Never mind, you're allowed to sweat, husband." she said as she swallowed and did her best to steel her expression. Some ranks of Skitarii joined the guards in formation before the man of the hour emerged from the lead shuttle. Lord Drakios moved with a graceful poised walk as one of the guards shifted and pulled out a loud hailer. "Announcing! His Lordship, Rogue Trader Arken Drakios! Scion of the Drakios Dynasty. Captain of the Argent Drake! Hail! Hail! Hail!" Rhonda smoothly curtsied and bowed low. "Lower Cornelius." she reminded her husband as he bowed as well. Cornelius nearly slipped as he adjusted his footing on the smooth polished marble tiles. She wanted to slap him upside the head for having the staff polish exterior tiles. "We are honored by your presence, Lord Drakios, and we hope that the hospitality of Ur-Haven and the Aarark household is not found lacking." She said politely as she discreetly elbowed Cornelius who introduced them. Lord Drakios just gave a nod of acknowledgment to them and stood patiently as the next slew of individuals emerged. "Introducing Archmagos Akellonon Doll hailing from the Great Lathes!" The hulking figure that scuttled slowly down on metal legs drew Rhonda's gaze. She had met their local Magos; this individual had an entirely different sense of authority and presence. "Introducing Captain Bolaar Silvershield of the Star Dragons 9th company!" The figure that emerged from the large Astartes shuttle was massive and clad in some form of ancient artifice armor. Rhonda blanched as the individual strode forward with loud steps at a pace that didn't match the size and weight of the individual. "Accompanying them are the following! Arianwyn Drakios, grandchild of Lord Drakios and daughter of the Heir Apparent! The Magi of the Levelist faction, Venatorii Magos Lord Xor-XXVII, and their apprentices! Matriarch Cavalerio! The Star Dragons 9th company first squad veterans! Fortunus Alfred Kantor III, High Factotum and Seneschal of the Drakios House!" As the crier continued Rhonda used her implant to send her husband a message. "Matriarch who? That wasn't on the list you sent me! If they were announced they're important." "I don't know! I haven't heard of that house either! I can't pull out the data pad and check it's back in my office." He replied slightly panicked. "Do you see that Astartes? He's terrifying!" "Stay calm and politely inquire later. If we seated them incorrectly we can make adjustments as needed. The armor and weapons that Astartes is wearing are probably worth more than our estate." Rhonda could run damage control later. There were many introductions to be made as more people exited the shuttles; the number of Mechanicus individuals with gold robes and Omnissian Axes was startling. The number of guards also increased; one of them seemed to have two automata following them. The petite one with the automata and odd-looking Skitarii was the disciple of the Archmagos. The young lady dressed up in a wonderfully bold outfit near the disciple was the grandchild. They certainly didn't skimp on the number of guards they even had an Astartes following her around. She felt less concerned about having them in the secondary chamber with that level of protection. Rhonda did her best to identify individuals and match them to names but she didn't see the unknown Matriarch anywhere yet. Once the first set of introductions and welcomes were done they led the massive procession inside and the staff leaped into action to help lead the various individuals to their designated locations for the meal before the areas opened up for socialization. Rhonda managed to keep a friendly smile on her face as the local noble vultures and harpies began to spew pleasantries at the guests of honor. —--------------------------------------------------------- I glance around excitedly as we enter the spire admiring the architecture and design choices. Before I can get too enthusiastic I get a message in the Magi group chat. "Nicole, I know their digital protections are merely adequate. Please refrain from breaking them. We are all aware you could if you wanted to do so. Please refrain from hacking or altering the implants or items of other guests as well." I feel slightly offended for a moment before realizing that, yes, that is something I would have done if I got bored and left unchecked. "Yes, Master Doll. Am I allowed to watch stuff from the security feeds if I can get into them without breaking them?" "... Yes." Doll replies and I sense amusement through the feed from the other Magi for a brief moment. One of the staff approaches me, giving a bow and looking at my attire and gear for a moment with a puzzled expression "Pardon me, Disciple Cavalerio? Lady Drakios?" I nod and he looks relieved "If you could please follow me you will be dining in the Solar Hall. Your requested shared table is ready." The amount of bowing and scraping the staff are doing seems excessive to me but Arianwyn doesn't bat an eye. Our table is in the second Hall but it's at the primary seat and when I see the massive windows with a great view of the hive I find myself a lot less bothered by the slight of not sitting at the main table. "What a lovely view." I say as I sit and our guards politely fan out and step back behind us. "Yeah, It is pretty nice." Arianwyn replies as we sit. I can feel eyes peering at me as other nobles are sat down, the hall swiftly filling up. "Is anyone else joining us at this table?" I ask Arianwyn since I hadn't bothered checking. She smirks a little and giggles "No. This is a status thing. Technically you should be at the main table but your designation of Master Doll's apprentice likely appeared first and threw off their checks. Given your list of titles, it's kind of funny they missed it." "That's fine hanging out with you means I have good company." I reply, getting a pleased look from Arianwyn. "After the meal, we'll likely get swamped with people trying to approach us." Arianwyn says with a sigh. "Approach you, you mean, they probably don't know who I am other than a member of the Mechanicus." I say with a giggle. Arianwyn scans the room and hums "They have a proctor over there. They're neutral individuals who officiate duels from the Adeptus Terra. Grandfather said dueling was popular but I didn't think it'd be that popular." "I don't know the rules… I'll see if I can find them in the noosphere." I reply as I probe the local network for a copy of the official legal dueling codes. There are a lot of them and some of the rules are as old as the hive city or refer to old Terran rules. I start to skim the basics while having a nice chat with Arianwyn asking her about certain things I spot amongst the nobles and out the window. Once everyone is seated an announcement from the Great Hall declares the start of the feast. The food is quite good, and the fresh local ingredients are nice and flavorful. I have to take off my helmet to eat but I keep my hood up with my back facing the majority of the room. The only complaint I had was that the meal was almost a dozen courses long so the portions for each were fairly small. "I think my favorite was the fish." I mutter around my spoon as I finish the strange creamy little dessert cake. "It was quite good. The planet has a small ocean which provides a nice way to supplement their food stock from the agri world." Arianwyn agrees as she finishes her dessert as well. "So, what now?" I ask expectantly. "Now we sit here and relax for a bit while the lesser nobles get up to mingle. Someone might approach us eventually. They should greet the individual of the lowest status at the table first, if they are acknowledged they move to greet the next person, and so on. The lowest between us is me so this is going to be amusing." Arianwyn said with a small grin. "Do I need to do anything?" I ask softly with a small grin of my own. "Nah just totally ignore the first few that try and if they get bolder you can tell them off." Arianwyn says as she scans the crowd. "Alright if you say so." I say as I relax in my chair. I take the opportunity to slip my helmet back on and get back to reading the dueling rules. It takes nearly ten minutes before someone grows the nerve to approach our table. Arianwyn puts on a polite expression and looks at them pointedly as I ignore them utterly. —------------------------------------------------------- POV: Secretary Bethany Bethany was acting as staff in the Solar Hall and something was amiss. Dinner had gone well and she overheard Lady Arianwyn and Disciple Nicole compliment the fish in particular when she was collecting dishes. The social maneuvering had started and so far Nicole had blatantly ignored anyone who approached her. The other nobles were growing confused and a few of the younger impulsive ones were slowly growing upset. Lady Arianwyn hadn't corrected Disciple Nicole on her behavior nor had any of their retinue, the Lady looked composed but Bethany could tell Lady Arianwyn was struggling to contain her mirth. She just didn't know how or why. Disciple Nicole was small, her back was almost entirely hidden by the rear of the chair hiding the insignias on her robes well. She pulled out her dataslate and looked for her guest list. Just as she found Nicole's entry an individual strode forth "Excuse you, Tech Priest, just because you appear to be unfamiliar with noble etiquette allow me, Elion Blunderstead, to educate you! You are supposed to greet individuals who approach so we may in turn go greet the Lady." Nicole appeared to be ignoring him like all the rest. Elion's face was steadily getting redder. "Did you hear me!?" He yelled. "It would appear your last name is quite apt. You are the one who continues to blunder. I can hear you quite well. I simply do not feel the need to consort with lesser individuals. Do you feel shame in knowing that your behavior is an embarrassment to the term 'noble'?" Nicole replied coldly, gesturing to the small gaggle of people standing supportively behind Elion. "You!? You dare!? I challenge you to a duel for this slight!" He snarled "To the death!" Bethany was freaking out, her hands began to tremble. She realized the mistake they had made and now things had escalated dangerously. —---------------------------------------------------------- As the pompous twit challenged me to a duel I perked up. I almost got out of my chair but Lael stepped forward and bowed. "My Lady, if you would not mind please champion me in your stead." Lael asked politely. Brother Silverwalker looked ready to step in but I discreetly told him to stay back for the moment. "Only nobles can participate in these duels! So send your guard dog back to their corner." Elion snapped from behind me. I checked his claim and found that was the case. "Is that true?" I turned and asked the proctor who had approached. The proctor nodded "It is, My Lady" "Oh… In that case, Arianwyn?" I say with a soft purr. "Yes?" Arianwyn asked, her eyes twinkling with delight. "Please bear witness. Lael, please kneel." I say as I grab my Omnissian Axe. Once Lael kneels I rest the flat of the blade on her shoulder. "Lael Zyne, do you pledge to continue to honorably and faithfully serve my house?" I ask. "I do, My Lady," Lael says proudly. "Then I, Nicole Cavalerio, Matriarch and Princeps of House Cavalerio, bestow upon Lael Zyne the noble rank of Master Tactician. Rise, Lael Zyne Cavalerio first of your name!" I declare as Lael stands. I turn to Arianwyn who is grinning "I, Arianwyn Drakios hereby witness the ascension of Lady Lael Zyne." She politely claps while the rest of the room stands stunned. "Now that Lael outranks you, there was something about a duel to the death?" I say in a chipper tone. The proctor adjusts his spectacles but nods. "Lady Lael may now serve as champion to Matriarch Cavalerio. The challenger chose to duel to the death. Would Lady Lael prefer pistols or blades?" "What qualifies as a blade?" Lael asks tentatively. "Any melee weapon that can be wielded in one or two hands qualifies in a duel of blades." The proctor explains with a huff. "A duel by melee combat is a more proper term, but the title of the category remains. You may only carry one weapon onto the field. Armor is allowed as are personal protective fields. The duel starts on my signal." "I choose blades." Lael says as she unslings her las rifle, the thermal lance, and her pistol, passing them to Delta-A3 before also giving him her chainsword. On his way over Elion undoes the clasp of his cloak and passes it to one of his fellows. Once in the place designated by the proctor, he unsheathes a thin rapier-like power blade with a flourish. Lael reaches behind her and reveals her Thunder Hammer. There are a few gasps of surprise from the crowd as she gives it a twirl and hefts it up to rest the Aquila embossed head over her shoulder. "Let this death be sacred to the Emperor!" Elion called out, getting cheers from his fellows. I narrow my eyes suspiciously at the man. The narrative has been taken without permission. Report any sightings. In response to the declaration Lael's body language shifts from relaxed to ready. "You think you're good enough to die for him? You're not good enough to even speak to My Lady." Lael growls. "Duelists, are you ready?" The proctor asks as he holds up a gloved hand. Once he gets nods from both he cuts down with his arm. "Begin!" Elion moves towards Lael and uses quick flashy slashes and thrusts. His movements are more akin to a dance than anything else. Moving in and out, twirling and flourishing. In complete contrast, Lael's movements are quick and short. Minimal movement blocking the dangerous strikes with the head or shaft of her hammer. Her movements are just enough for her armor to deflect the rest of the attacks. The strange sight continues for a minute before Elion overextends and Lael nearly slips a fist into his gut, but the strike is blocked by a small refractor field. Lael takes a step back to adjust her two-handed grip on the Thunder Hammer. Lael thumbs the activation stud on the handle and the head starts to glow and flicker with small discharges of blue electricity. Elion rushes forward in an attempt to strike at Lael. Lael steps into his charge and pivots using her entire body to swing the hammer around, and as she does a full rotation he gets a small gash on her arm for her trouble, but the glowing blue thunder hammer's head smashes into Elion's chest. The protective field tries and fails to stop the blow which carries on and vaporizes most of his upper torso and head with a loud thunderous crack and a flash of blue light. Elion's corpse flops to the ground, blood and some organs spilling onto the pristine tiles as the Proctor calmly proclaims. "Lady Lael is the victor." "Excuse me?" Lael turns to Bethany "Could we get a servitor to come clean up some trash?" she asks politely. Bethany nods and scurries off to go get one. Lael turns to the fuming friends and family members of Elion as she wipes the head of the hammer off on his silk pants "So. Who's next?" —------------------------------------------------ POV: Cannoness Sabrynn Pyre She arrived a little late for the initial bout. However, she was in time to watch the blessed candidate mercilessly put down two more duelists in brutal and lethal melee exchanges before one of them got the bright idea to challenge Lady Arianwyn to a duel. To her surprise and the surprise of everyone there, Lady Arianwyn calmly accepted and declined to use a champion. Now she was standing with her sword in hand in front of Elion's brother, Rike. Sabrynn kept an eye on the match but made her way over to Lael who was tending to a few of the small gashes that had gotten through her armor. "May I assist you with that?" She asked politely. Lael seemed surprised but nodded and allowed her to apply first aid. Something she was more than familiar with, it reminded her of when she used to work as a Hospitaller. "Lady Lael, my name is Cannoness Sabrynn Pyre. I am a… friend of Abbot Keel. I was hoping to speak with you to invite you to the local abbey at some point during your stay." Lael looked hesitant but nodded. "If My Lady permits me I can make time for a visit." "That is all I ask. Thank you." Sabrynn looked over and blinked in surprise as Lady Arianwyn stood in the dueling arena with her sword buried in her opponent's chest and a look of utter confusion on her face. —------------------------------------------------ Watching Arianwyn almost lazily destroy her opponent was deeply gratifying. When she came back to the table looking confused I was puzzled. "I don't understand… Why was he so bad? His technique was terrible!" Arianwyn complained loudly. "Really? I couldn't tell." I admit with a shrug. "It just looked like you were better from here." "He had so many openings! Grandpa never gives me any in his lessons. I've only managed to draw Grandpa once, I mostly lose so I don't understand. I was expecting to have to use my shield." Arianwyn admits. I blink slowly "Arianwyn, you managed to draw with your Grandfather?" "The same Grandfather that is a recognized and titled Blademaster?" I ask slowly. "Yes…?" She admits with a small blush. "Yeah, I see why you won now." I say with a sagely nod. "Good news is we're almost out of idiots." I say gesturing to the last individual who is glaring at me. "I challenge you to a duel of pistols!" He declares, clearly expecting me to use Lael again. Lael is about to get up but I wave her back into her seat where the Sister of Battle is tending her wounds. "I've got this one." I look at the proctor "Can I only use one weapon?" "In a pistol duel, you can use as many pistols as you like. They must be pistol-class weapons. Digital weapons count as pistols. Most weapons that can be fired single-handedly can be argued for. You will start with no weapons drawn, and you will draw and fire on my mark. If you both remain standing after the initial exchange you will take aim and fire on the second mark until one of you forfeits or is killed." The proctor explains calmly. "Alright, hey… uhh… whatever your name is." I look at the sputtering and furious noble who challenged me. "Just so you're aware, even the weakest pistol I have is going to punch through that weak refractor field you're wearing, and still kill you." I squint as he pushes his cape aside to expose the holster for his pistol. Seeing a plasma pistol I notice right away it's a Kronos Mk III but one that has been illegally modified with Star Flare Vents. I can already sense the spirit of the weapon is distressed. "You're going to draw your pistol, fire it and die." I tell the man softly as I stand across from him in the dueling arena. The proctor calls out "Ready! Draw!" I make no move to do anything, I simply stare at the man as he snap-draws the pistol setting it to Maximal. "You are a fool." I tell him as he squeezes the trigger and the pistol instantly overheats. The weakened plasma containment vessel vents a stream of hot plasma along the path of least resistance, out the back of the device and right into his face. He manages to scream for a few seconds before he is cut off as his face melts away entirely leaving a hole the size of a fist straight through his head. As he slumps to the ground dead I calmly walk over and use my Mechatendril to pick up the pistol. "I am confiscating this in the name of the Mechanicus. This pistol has an illegal modification that has defaced the wondrous artifice of the Omnissiah." Several individuals are looking over confused and shocked at what just happened. Some are more pensive and hesitant. I turn and walk back, passing off the pistol to one of the Scyllax. "This farce has gone on long enough." The deep voice of Brother Silverwalker declares. "I, Harval Silverwalker shall tolerate no more challenges to Lady Cavalerio or Lady Drakios. Those who face me will die." —----------------------------------------------------- POV: Lady Rhonda Aarark Dinner was going surprisingly well by all accounts. The food was well received and the chair they had prepared for Captain Bolaar hadn't exploded when he sat down. Lord Drakios and even the Archmagos were engaging in conversation that flowed from one topic to the next. It was only after dinner had concluded that she found the opening she had been waiting for. "Lord Drakios, the announcer mentioned the house of Cavalerio. I am afraid I am unfamiliar with them, could you share a little about them?" "House Drakios has just recently formalized a house alliance with House Cavalerio. I am a little surprised the Matriarch is not seated with us. Though it's an awfully easy mistake to make." Lord Drakios said with an amused expression. "What… level of alliance Lord Drakios?" Her husband asked. "Total." Drakios swirled his wine ignoring the way Rhonda blanched. "This wine is quite good." "Thank you, it's made at our vineyard estate near the equatorial region on the other side of Ur-Haven. I will get some more of the vintages sent over for you to peruse." Cornelius said with a small smile. "Could you elaborate on why it's an easy mistake, Lord Drakios?" Rhonda asked tentatively. "Because the Matriarch is Master Doll's disciple." Those words immediately set off some red flags in Rhonda's mind. "Indeed." The Archmagos stated as he turned his head "It seems someone has foolishly challenged my disciple to a duel." "Do we need to intervene?" Captain Bolaar asked calmly. "Negative. Though the House in question, Blunderstead, may require investigation… Ah, the duel has concluded. There is a second challenger." Doll continued to narrate the results in the other hall as Lael obliterated the three nobles back to back. Rhonda was trying to flag down a member of the staff to invite Nicole and Arianwyn back to the main hall when it was announced that Arianwyn had received a challenge. Lord Drakios rather than look upset just slowly smiled wide enough to show his pearly white teeth. "Did they? To blades? Foolish of them. Did you know little Arianwyn managed to recently duel me to a draw? Just once, but she managed." "Were you holding back?" Bolaar inquired. "Maybe a little but she's been doing me proud in her lessons. A little blooding will be good for her. However, I will need a dossier on this House Blunderstead." He looked at Rhonda and Cornelius pointedly. "Of course, we will get it to you immediately. It is dearly unfortunate their house has grown so eccentric recently. We can only offer our apologies." Rhonda said with a bow. 'Good riddance.' she thought not at all opposed should the troublesome family end up purged. "Arianwyn is victorious. Nicole has been challenged again. She has chosen to participate herself in a duel of pistols." Doll explained as he watched through Delta-A3's feed. "Our little Princeps does like to collect her pistols." Bolaar said with a nod. "Unfortunately her opponent was using an illegally modified plasma pistol. He self-terminated." Doll said, sounding disappointed. "Summon them both here. Five deaths is an adequate number for this kind of a party but too many would be gauche." Drakios decided. Bolaar checked in with Brother Silverwalker. "Brother Silverwalker has stepped forward to stop the challenges and serve as their champion they will be here shortly… I stand corrected, one individual has challenged him." Bolaar sounded both amused and confused that someone would so willingly commit death by Astartes. While their table was waiting for their little band of duelists to come over one of the individuals approached their table greeting Rhonda first who gracefully introduced him to the table. "Lords, this is Captain Morgen Cook, he owns the Carrak-class docked at the Halo. He is a local merchantman trader." "My Lords, my Lady, I do hope you'll forgive me for the interruption but I could not let this opportunity pass me by. I have been lingering in orbit for some time now and my staff and some of the local reliquaries have elected to arrange for an auction. I have managed to procure a modest selection of rare goods and items from around the Scarus sector on my recent trip to the subsector capital of Sarum from another enterprising Rogue Trader." Cook bowed and spoke politely. "An auction? I do enjoy a good auction. You're sure your inventory ranks high enough for such a thing?" Lord Drakios asked as he leaned forward. "I do, My Lord Rogue Trader!" Cook said confidently "We even have a diverse complement of minor Archeotech items, some from as far away as Segmentum Solar!" Doll perked up at the word Archeotech "I believe my Disciple would enjoy experiencing such an event. I will attend." "I concur, I will attend along with Arianwyn" Drakios spoke just as the girl in question walked over. "What are we doing, Grandpa?" She asked as she leaned over against his shoulder "Did you hear? I won a duel!" "I did, dear, well done. Captain Cook is arranging a rare item auction. We figured you and Nicole might like to attend." Drakios explained as he praised the preening Arianwyn. "Did you remember to clean your blade after?" "Yes, Grandpa," Arianwyn replied with a small huff. "An auction sounds fun." The little red-robed individual walked over, which drew Rhonda's gaze. "I shall pass, however, I will not keep my brothers from attending should they wish." Bolaar told Cook who nodded. "Of course, Lord Astartes, they will be welcome. I will arrange formal invitations and arrange to host it in a week. I look forward to your August patronage. The Emperor protects!" Cook said as he bowed and withdrew, making the sign of the Aquila as he walked away smiling. "Master Xor, I brought you this illegally modified plasma pistol." Nicole said as Rhonda watched the little Matriarch boldly walk right over to the Venatorii Magos. "Thank you, Nicole. I will see to it that it is treated properly. You have done the Omnissiah's work punishing the individual involved." Xor told her as he took the weapon and inspected it. "I didn't do much. The pistol was ready to overheat and kill him even before I asked the weapon's machine spirit to do so. The modification work is poorly done. What a waste defacing a device of the Omnissiah's divine wrath." Nicole said, shaking her head. Rhonda reached under the table to squeeze her husband's thigh firmly. She tried to direct his gaze to the rank insignias stitched into the collar on the child matriarch's robes. She shared a sidelong glance with her husband, he shot her a 'please help me' look. "Will you be remaining planet-side? We have an entire spire prepared for you if you would prefer to remain on the surface." Rhonda asked politely. ᴛhis chapter is ᴜpdated by N0v3l.Fiɾe.net "I believe the majority will stay for a few days at least." Drakios replied. "Before we retire for the evening we need to discuss the issue of the rift, Gellar field projectors, and potentially installing them around the city." Doll said as Rhonda winced, such a project sounded expensive.