ARC ONE: Mansion Lowblom - Part 1: Setting the course.

They sat in a new carriage. The royal one to be exact. One of the perks of having the Queen be their leader was that this massive construct of wood was now theirs instead of Tolfin’s. Made from dark wood and only the finest pieces of metal, cloth and leather this carriage was drawn by two enormous war horses. It was the duty and honour of any smith and craftsman to check up on the carriage during their journey, free of charge. This insured that they wouldn’t run into too many problems on their journey.

The carriage was big enough on the inside for the four of them to sit comfortably while also having a sizeable table standing in between them, which was connected to the carriage in order to not move around during bumpier parts of the road. Well, they would be four in the carriage if Reiline hadn’t been banned outside to take the reins.

Lacos, Stef and Sarine were currently looking at a map that was pinned to the table. “So what is our first target going to be?” the knight asked, still eyeing up the black splinter that Sarine held in her palm. “A good question. I have gotten several requests to visit nobles.” Lacos looked at the several markers that located more and less important manors all over the country. “It doesn’t much matter which we choose second or third, or even any after that. But who will you visit first, princess.”

Sarine frowned. “It is Queen now, Lacos.” The medic shrugged. “Sorry, but until you wear the crown you aren’t that queenly to me. Gonna keep to princess.” Stef growled at the drakonoid but Sarine but a hand on his arm. “It’s fine. After all Alxer himself seemingly agrees.” She turned the splinter between her fingers. “Back to the question at hand. Any suggestions?”

“If you want to keep peace with the Regent it seems to be wise to visit one of his friends first.” Stef said and pointed to the manor of Lord Hazurg, whose wife had been on the birthday festivities. Lacos shook his head. “But that makes you look weak in comparison. I suggest you visit somebody that you think you can pull to your side and establish a solid base.” He pointed to the estate of a Lord Tremk, a noble not quite powerful enough to have been at the coronation but very close to it.

Sarine smiled. “I hear both of you. Yet I have different plans entirely.” “Why even ask then?” Lacos wanted to know. “Because I like to know the opinions of my subjects. We will ride for Mansion Lowblom.” Sarine pointed at a small estate far removed from the core of the country. At the southern-western border, where Forest, mountain, desert and ocean met was a small city overseen by the family Lowblom.

They were a relatively young family, having been in power for merely fifty year and the second generation just had taken over. Many wondered if the twenty-year-old Lord could keep control of the border region but so far nothing had happened.

Lacos chuckled and Stef breathed in through his teeth, producing a sharp noise. “My Queen, I hardly advise against it.” He said. The reason for that was simply. The family Lowblom was one of the few that was rumoured to still hold on to the magical technology that had, in part, caused the great war. Visiting such a person first, even going out of their way to not stop at any other noble’s homes on the way, of which there were plenty, was a dangerous move.

“It would sent a signal throughout the nation. The people would be shocked.” “Exactly.” Sarine said. “They will be shocked. At the moment it looks like I am playing Tolfin’s game and I am sure he is already manipulating views in the capital to strengthen that view. I need to do something that no one can interpret as me following his will. I also need those items.”

“For what?” Stef asked, dumbfounded. “To use them, Stef.” Lacos giggled. “What else could there be?” “The use of them will turn the other nations against us.” The knight shouted “Will it though?” Lacos asked with a wave of his hand. “The Arcans Republic is where the eyes of the world rest right now. Also without Duskath, the godless nation, around the others will have much less reasons to attack Falbrein.”

Sarine nodded. “I am more cautious though. They will surely put an eye on my actions once this becomes public knowledge. However if I want to be seen as more than a figurehead I need to act brazenly right now.” Stef grit his teeth so hard the noise could be heard all throughout the carriage. “Fine.” He finally spat out. “But let it be known that I disagree with this course of action.”