To the Serpent's Crest

The rest of the journey to the top of the Serpents Crest passed in a haze. The new Lord Admiral’s thoughts had returned to the business awaiting them atop dark cliffs of volcanic rock that pierced the sky before them. Nikolas found himself awed by the impressive structure. As was it’s purpose he realized a little too late feeling slightly foolish. The knowledge that he is supposed to present an imperial countenance now still sometimes conflicts with the young man who - as much as he hated to admit - was far in over his head. It is one thing to cow a young priestess and have his senechal threaten her master, another entirely for the task of walking into a room with the leaders of the greatest naval power in the world. Then to have them looking at him.

Sofia had moved ahead to get the lords and courtiers in order prior to his arrival. That left Nikolas a couple moments to wander the old passages and back corridors of the Crest. The passages were as old as the first settlement on the crest but carefully expanded and maintained throughout the years. The matte black of the rock refelcted so little torchlight that the staff barely recognized each other let along the new lord. It was exactly as he had hoped. A method to approach the throne without alerting the admirals that they were no longer alone. Channels carved for airflow also carried voices echoing from the great hall ahead.

“He’s more imperial than islander at this point!” That grating chalky voice had to be Admiral Galston. The whining high pitched voice next to him would be no other than his son. Karl Galston, a conniving coward and snake. Their hatred of each other was one of Nikolas’s earliest memories. Nikolas paused before opening the hidden entry into the great hall and let the discussion continue.

Other families came to his house’s defense. Not his, but the houses. They called for calm and that Nikolas be given the opportunity to prove his worth. It was good to know there were still some with honor, not all of the families were treacherous self-serving fools. He turned to the young priestess by his side.

“This is not the mainland priestess.” Nicolas’s hardening expression. “The lords there are deferential pets. - Here, Those men have no loyalty to me past what I can give to the islands. If your or your order want their respect then know that the soft charity that won your order affection on the mainland will not earn you our respect. Come, you will observe how things work here.” He straightened his long coat and with a deep sigh pushed open the hidden entrance and strode with as commanding a presence as he could muster, into the chambers for his first council.

The meeting on the crest could have gone far worse. It could have gone far better as well. The Admiralty was in a tenuous position, but no worse than expected. Rival families like the Galstons and Flaehern circled like sharks positioning their loyal officers throughout the islands. Politics of the isles were a bit more blatant than on the mainland. Every lord was a captain and a veteran of defending the isles. There was no room for lords who could not command the respect of their crews nor serve in defense of the islands.

Defense of the islands was the core of their council as well. The corsairs of the southern seas were far more active than past seasons. Their raids more frequent and of late more fierce. They seemed no longer content with taking a cut of the supplies along the trade routes but now outright burning of ships and well, the best fate the sailors could ask for was ****.

The court dispersed without fanfare. When it was just the three of them Baelin approached the throne.

“My Lord Admiral, a moment to be… frank if I could.” Baelin bowed. That in itself was unusual and set an awkward tone for the conversation to come.

“Of course. If you cannot speak freely with me, then we truly are in trouble.” Nikolas smiled warmly trying to set the elder statesman at ease. Baelin nodded towards the young priestess then beckoned the young admiral follow him walking to the balcony and tossing open the doors, stepping into the late spring breeze.

“Much better. I suppose I will just get to the point my lord. Have you given thought to matters of securing your line? You are your fathers only son and were something to happen the elder Galston - he spat the word - would be the presumptive Lord Admiral. So to be blunt sir; an heir. And while the priestess inside is… ample, she is not fit for you.” Balin stepped back placing his arms behind him deferentially.

“I..She’s not. I…” Nikolas’s mind reeled behind a face **** into neutrality. He had forgotten that he had not dismissed her and Baelin’s choice to bring it to his attention was deliberate. There would no doubt be gossip that a priestess of the Order was in a council of the isles meeting. More to the point his only experiences with women were quick trysts while at the academy or in port at foreign towns. Courtly experiences with women nearly equal in power and stature were foreign and made him pause. Baelin waited a moment before pulling the young lord from the depths of his thoughts. The normally stern man waiting with an understanding, almost fatherly countenance. Nikolas’ posture relaxed.

“Baelin I know nothing of courtly love or of what is expected of me.” Nikolas admitted.

“Pah! Courtly love is a notion for fools. They’re looking for the political gains to be made for their families. They know that this is their place in life. If I might be crass; choose one, court her father, then fuck her and produce an heir. Maybe you will grow to love each other but do not be fooled, that is not what this is about.” Baelin paused looking for some reaction in his lords face but found only thoughtful silence.

“I.. Yes of course. Thank you Baelin.” Nikolas gazed over the island letting his thoughts wander.

“He continued. “First we need to discuss the possibilities befitting your station. Your mother was the exception, rather than the rule. Your father did much and was secure in his power that he was allowed the luxury of marriage for love. You are not. Of course you understand mi’lord that your hand is a political tool. Therefore any serious offers need to be politically significant. With that in mind I have a few candidates you should make an effort to meet.” Balin gestured back in doors waiting for Nikolas to take the hint and followed him back inside. “We can discuss but we should do something with your young guest” Baelin pointedly glancing at Calliea registered his lord’s attention.

The Lord Admiral and Baelin entered the dark granite halls, collecting Calliea, and proceeded deeper into halls. The Serpent’s Crest is built upon the volcanic ridge that formed Logos and the isles and the chain of buildings atop the ridge also had foundations that ran a labyrinth of rooms, tunnels, and passages throughout. They walked in relative silence until entering a small study at which point Nikolas turned to regard the young priestess.

“Calliea, I have had a room prepared and I would request that you remain on the Crest tonight. Your previous master has already been informed. Lyn will take you to your chambers.” It was immediately clear that there was no request in that request and Calliea for the first time noticed the lithe elf with ebon skin who stood silently to the side in maids clothes. “I apologize for the abruptness of cutting our conversation short but my advisers must meet. You will be summoned for dinner shortly.” With that the elf sprang into motion silently appearing behind the priestess and guiding her towards the door.