The Summons

The multitudes of the diet had begun pouring into the Sable Hall as the sun was still rising over St. Helena. With the inclusion of two new states in the Empire, the hall had become more crowded: and more diverse. Aerali’i, Latin, and whatever Devil tongue the former men of the Gankands and Sadalen spoke churned together into a cacophony of sound.

Perhaps if they had been more focused on their surroundings and less on their own schemes, the absence of the Diet Guard might have been notable. Yet among the throngs, what was one more odd uniform? And so the Vernal Priests were paid no mind in their sentries post. What was notable however, was the Council of Wisdom and the Empress herself, seated comfortably in the presiding seat of the main chambers. Murmurs swirled through the chamber. Some of anger. Some of awe. Most of confusion. Those who rose to leave found doors barred by the guards they had overlooked.

The Archbishop arose from his seat, slamming his crook against the marble slabs for attention. Bemused, he spoke. “Your Ephemeral Majesty. Councilors. I don’t recall this body extending you an invitation to attend the diet this morning. By what authority have you presumed to break imperial law?” Jeers rose from the crowd at his remark.

Retorus spoke first from his seat among the council. “Article I. Clause IV of the Divinian Constitution allows for the Archduke of St. Helena to preside over the Diet. Article I, Clause III gives the Empress primacy over the discussion. I think you’ll find, given there is no empress consort, and you have failed to elect a new Archduke, that Her Majesty fills both roles.”

With that, Catherine stood to yell above the din. She held in front of her a single sheet of paper. “Two hundred and forty-six”. Silence.

“Two hundred and forty-six of the ministers in this body would attempt to tear this Federation apart and enact treason against the State. I was ordained by God, and chosen by the people to lead our Empire. And yet, they have broken faith with me. I have secured an alliance for the good of the people. And yet, they have broken faith with the people. I have made my choice of spouse, as is my God given right. And yet, they have broken faith with God Himself!” Ministers from among the lower classes rose from their seats at this.

“Names! Justice! Send them to the Aera!” The council rose as one silencing the voices again before the druids saw fit to use force to do so.

“These men have fallen victim to the vicious slander and spear waving of our enemies without. Men who attempt to use our strengths, our disparate states, against one another. I cannot condemn these foreigners for acting in defense of their own nation. But my own ministers? The punishment for the crimes of these nobles right ought to be death.”

With shaking hands, she held the paper aloft in front of her, and gripping the edges, tore it bit by bit.

“But we are not to be broken. God does not dominate, and neither shall they! Change must come for us to stand firm. In front of the most distinguished gentlemen of the house of nobles, lies their clemency. They will give their fief troops over to the Royal Army of their state. Refusal will result in your trial and, I am assured, painful death. Divinium will no longer be a purse for the nations of the world to draw their wealth from. United under the protection of my Imperial splendor, all states shall be assured of impartial security from within and without.”

As she turned to leave, one final barb stuck in the woman’s mind. She spoke quietly. “Until the numbers of the 246 have relinquished the control of their men to me, this diet is on moratorium. That will be all.” The councilors and the Empress did not wait to hear the resulting row that followed, though she did smirk at the sound of what appeared to be someone’s head cracking against stone. Perhaps she should thank the men of the West. They had taught her a valuable lesson.