51 Claim to the Throne (1/2)
”We need to finish up the reflectors right away. I can't know what my brothers have planned for the banquet, but I guarantee you we'll need these by tonight.”
After he had spent the night at the Saqartu mansion, Corco had gone on a shopping spree in the outer city all morning. After all, tonight's banquet promised nothing but trouble, and he needed to prepare for all eventualities. If nothing else, the prince could at least guess a few hurdles his brothers might make him jump on his return. Of course, he could not prepare for everything, especially not with what little time they had left him with. Since the 'evening banquet' would, in true Medala fashion, actually start around noon and run long into the night, he would have to delegate the work he couldn't finish up before. Of course, he had already decided to keep Fadelio out of the line of fire, so his attendant would be in charge of the final preparations.
However, as they turned into the Saqartu mansion's courtyard, he realized that even his remaining time would be cut short. A surprise guest had appeared at his uncle's mansion, one who would take up all of his attention.
”Grandfather!” A smile all over his face, Corco ran towards the old man who had waited for them at the Saqartu mansion's entrance. Of course, Elder Caelestis Viribus Pluritac looked nothing like an 'old man'. Despite being over eighty years old, the elder looked like a handsome man in his fifties, with his tall, upright stature and the grayed temples to accentuate his raven-black hair. Once again, Corco was reminded of the miraculous powers of the Pluritac cultivation technique.
”Wawalaqhis. I'm glad you are back safe!” As Corco walked up to his grandfather, the old man adressed the prince by his childhood nickname, while he stepped up to meet his descendant half-way. Back in Corco's youth, the elder had been the first to call him by the name, which translated to small raven in the Yakua language. Back when he had asked him, Caelestis had told Corco that he thought of the name because the crown prince had been small, dark-skinned and clever, just like the raven in the old stories.
”Obviously I am. How could I not be safe?” Corco grinned to relieve his grandfather's worries.
”Please come in and have a seat. Lord Saqartu was so accommodating as to provide me with a guest room. On my trip to the western plains, I managed to acquire a quality tea as well. We should have a taste together.”
”Sure, Grandfather. Fadelio!” Corco turned to his attendant.
”Yes, Master.”
”Sorry about this, but you'll have to go out to the camp and finish up our work by yourself. Oh, and get one of uncle's messengers to tell Primus that he'll be working as my attendant today. Since you'll be indisposed and all.”
”Yes master. Of course, I will also inform Lord Petrocilius,” Fadelio reminded his master.
”I doubt he would mind, but we probably should just in case. Good luck.” Once he had arranged everything for the evening and freed up his schedule, Corco followed his grandfather inside.
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After the two Pluritacs had sat down on their chairs, two servants brought out the prepared tea and filled two cups. While the servants were still busy setting the table, Caelestis opened the conversation.
”I heard what happened two nights ago. How is your arm?” the elder asked with a frown. Within the confines of the palace, the only people who had ever worried about Corco had been his mother, his father and his grandfather Caelestis. Unlike every other northerner, the elder had always treated him as equal to his brothers. Now that both of his parents were dead, Caelestis was the only firm ally Corco had left in his father's family.
”It's just a scratch. The wound should heal nicely.” Corco lifted his arm to show that he was fine, although he refused to mention that he had his stitches redone just yesterday.
”If only I had been there. Those traitors would not dare!” The old man hit the table and spilled the precious tea before they could taste it. With an awkward grin he looked down at the little puddle, before he took up the cup for his first sip of what was left of the expensive brew. Patient beyond what he would afford others, Corco waited until Caelestis had recovered his composure.
”Do you know who did it?” the old man asked.
”Been investigating it yesterday, but the trail is already cold. Someone is very diligent with the cover-up,” Corco said with a sneer. A tired sigh escaped the elder in response, his face slack and tired.
”Haaah... Maybe it is for the best. Another fight in the palace would only lead to more instability.”
”Well, I'm not the one starting the fights. Just watch out for that farce of a banquet later on. They'll jump me like a dog in heat.”
In response to Corco's vitriol, Caelestis sighed again.
”I hoped you could get along with your brothers. This is the second reason I am here now, before the start of the banquet.” Even though his grandson had always been obedient in his presence, Caelestis shifted around on his seat and turned his cup in his hand. It took a long time before he continued. ”These are the times we live in. Things have become so complicated that an old man cannot even visit his grandson anymore without a deeper purpose.”
Even though the elder had come for more than a family visit, Corco sipped his tea and waited for Caelestis to continue.
*Bitter and way too spicy,* was his honest evaluation.
”First we have to make sure you won't stumble tonight. How is your wardrobe? If you want to avoid an incident, every aspect of your appearance will need to be meticulous.”