The Rebellion

[so_far_fallen]

Whilst Cael lay unconscious he was dressed in traditional High Priest robes and adorned with the jewels of his station. He was laid out on the bed of a cosy chamber, a roaring fire alight in the grate, and the door wide open leading to a large dining room

Comments

[illioundersky]

Cael rose with a lurch and a cry of alarm that quickly turned to confusion. He sat up, bent over, face flushed, his eyes glassy. The raiments of the High Priest felt heavy and unfamiliar. It had been a long time since he'd worn the full dress, and it felt more like a web of heavy iron chains. Even the crackling fire was strange and unfamiliar

[so_far_fallen]

As Cael entered the blonde haired woman stood up. "Your Grace," she greeted,  "Please sit,  have something to eat,  something to drink. And allow me to apologise for your rough treatment,  it was an unfortunate necessity,  but rest assured you are safe here and will not be harmed."

She pulled out the empty chair and gestured for Cael to take a seat.

"We are the Children of the Sand,  your Grace,  and we have been waiting a long time for your arrival. Your rescue has been planned for many months."

[illioundersky]

Cael approached the table cautiously, his eyes flicking around the room, to the soldiers, the food, the women at the head of the table. He sat down on the edge of the chair, the hair on his neck seeming to stand on end.

"You rescued me from my own home?" He asked softly, eyes going up to the woman's face. "That makes no sense."

[so_far_fallen]

"Pardon, your Grace, but the palace is not your home, it is your prison. Your loveless marriage to the false king is the worst kept secret in the kingdom, and we have all heard the stories of how you are treated."

She poured Cael a cup of wine and then returned to her seat.

"We sought to bring you back here among your own people, good Rasedi of faith. You are the High Priest, not too long ago that meant something, not long ago your word would be law. Now what are you but a pawn in the fish king's games? This land is yours by rights, High Priest Cael, and we wish to help you take it back. We follow and serve you."

[illioundersky]

Cael wrapped both of his hands around the glass of wine and pulled it slowly towards him on the table, watching the women carefully, not drinking tonight yet, trying to figure out what arms the soldiers were carrying. Not that it would matter.

He wished Ban was here.

"You aren't priests." He said softly. "You're just.. Devotees? I have known for some time that the people weren't happy but-" He glanced up sharply. "You threatened children."

[so_far_fallen]

"Mongrel children. Half creatures, " the woman in the red cloak said, quickly.

The blonde gave her a warning look and she fell silent.

"We are trying to protect our children. There aren't resources enough here for the population. The Mer take food, water, and homes that we don't have to give. I was here for the invasion, I can promise you that our children were certainly not spared then. They are savages. Crime and godlessness in this city is worse than it has ever been. Innocent Rasedi die on the streets while Mer do as they please. They could go to the sea, they could fish and help this city but they choose to use brute strength to take what they want instead. Undersky did nothing and your husband does nothing. "

[illioundersky]

Cael listened intently, his fingertips tapping lightly against the goblet of wine. He could feel the trembling going out of his body, replaced by a sinking feeling in the pit of his stomach.

"What is your intention with me, then?" He asks, sitting up slightly. "Do you have word of my family? My parents? My sisters? Are they involved in this?" Somehow he hoped they were. It would at least give him some indication that his family had noticed his unhappiness, had worked to relieve it, even if the outcome was disasterous.

[so_far_fallen]

"Your family support the rebellion, yes. Your family home has been one of many dwellings used as a shelter by many of our number in times of need. There are more in Verdimond that believe in the return of power to the High Priest's throne than you can imagine. We have the numbers and we have Rased on our side, once we are properly prepared we will triumph with ease. "

[illioundersky]

Cael nodded, dropping his chin and lifting the goblet to his lips. If his family was involved at least he could trust that he wouldn't be poisoned. And even if he was, maybe that was for the best, then he couldn't be used against Ban.

"Who are you?" He asked after taking a sip.

[so_far_fallen]

"My name is Cadence, I am one of the leaders of the Children of the Sand. This is Harlia, my right hand and my wife."

Harlia bowed her head respectfully and smiled.
"At your service, your Grace."

Cadence gestured to the still and silent cloaked figures around the perimeter of the room. "These are just some of your soldiers."

[illioundersky]

"H-hello." He managed a smile for the soldiers. It couldnt be their fault that all of this that had happened.

"Your names. They are very traditional, from the songs and hymns." He took another sip of wine.

"What do you need from me?"

[so_far_fallen]

"Nothing, your Grace. Just your faith in us," Cadence answered, "We will prepare everything, we will return you to your rightful place. But in the meantime we will ensure that you are kept safe here."

[illioundersky]

"Is that why you attacked the castle, then? To retrieve me? Or was that meant to be the attack when you took over the capital?"

[so_far_fallen]

"To retrieve you and to drive the false king out. The fighting continues but rest assured that all that stands between us and victory is time. The palace was ill prepared for an attack and many have already fled. "

[illioundersky]

The wine glass let out a soft thunk as Cael set it back down on the table.

"I wish to say first that I appreciate all that you've done. your devotion honors me, and through me, Rased." He says in a small voice, "But- I'm afraid this, all of this- it isn't right."

[so_far_fallen]

"Not right? " Harlia said, immediately. "What is not right is that eel usurper turning our High Priest as a pawn to play political games. Does he think we're stupid? That we don't know what he's doing? And then he has the gall to try to make a whore of you! All the while that scaled mer bitch lives under the palace roof, your roof, with their bastard child. How is it that this doesn't anger you? Do you know who you are and what you should be? That palace is yours, this city is yours, these lands are yours. It is Bantan who should be at your heel, doing as you bid. "
"Peace, " Cadence said, firmly. "There is no need to tell His Grace what has been lost or what is rightfully his, he must know all too well. "