God Rising: Battle of Atela 84 Chapter 19 Greed and the thirst for power

"it's been almost a year ever since your brother left. You said you hired a killer, but we haven't heard from him till date."

Unlike Klaus, Vincent was completely sure, and certain his brother wouldn't come back alive "No need to worry. That idiot of a brother I have won't last long out there. We have to bear with the assassin. It wouldn't be easy to trace him, but I pray he'd see him before he returns and spoils my new plans." 

Klaus cocked his head "New plans?" Before Vincent could speak, the sudden knocks on the door interrupted him. The two beastmen exchanged looks before they both asked who was at the door.

Klaus wondered if someone was eavesdropping on their conversation, but a part of him considered the difficulties of doing so. The walls of the castle didn't favour such, so chances it wasn't a confrontation were high. 

"Sir Edmund Fairburne has arrived" Monica announced before the Demigod's aide pranced in. Vincent smiled as he got up, "Just in time Sir Firburne" The two beastmen shook hands before taking their seats. 

They waited for Monica to serve them wine and started talking once she left. 

"I haven't told you this Uncle, but it's important you know Sir Fairburne will work with us."

"You've agreed to the plan of coup?" Klaus wondered when and why the lad had changed his mind.

"After our discussion some months ago, I sat down to think about the obstacles in our way. I didn't want to accept it, but my father was one of them. I think it's best for me if I wiped them all out, rule the clan, and also strive to become demigod. I spent most of my time paying and convincing people to help us. Luckily, Mr Firburne was convinced because I was willing to change the system the way he wanted." 

"Tell me more"

Edmund cleared his throat. He wanted to explain things to Edmund from his own perspective "You see, Lord Marcellus's reign will soon be over. To make things easier for me, so I can act as the substitute demigod, I need him dead. I would reign for two years before the next games begin, and I'll be able to embezzle all I need. But that's not what my prime target is.  What I really want is to aid Sir Vincent in his revolution. His vision of creating a world of the wolf clan's tyranny is one I've desired for years. It's about time we show the other races that the wolf blood is superior." 

Klaus was speechless. He drank his wine as his mind pondered about the sudden change of events. His eyes darted to Edmund's, then he quickly turned to a different direction. 

Edmund was someone Marcellus trusted with his life, but the former was doing something no one would have expected of him. "What a back stabber" he murmured to himself. A part of him didn't want to trust his brother's aide, but since Vincent was the Mastermind of the plans, there was nothing he could do but play his part 

"Very well, then. We've all agreed to this mission, and we're all aware of the risks right?" 

"Everything will go well, Uncle Klaus." Vincent was certain because he knew how many people he recruited to take part of the coup, and he'd give each and everyone of them a handsome reward  if they came back alive. 

The three beastmen seated around the table knew quite well it won't be easy, that's why Vincent had to make extra preparations while being cautious. All that was left to do was decide when and how the attack would start. Once they'd concluded, Darren would inform his fighters days ahead to reduce the chances of failing.

"There's a general Senate house meeting coming up soon. I believe that's the best time to attack." 

"Won't it be faster to know something isn't right with the demigod if he of all people didn't show up on time for a meeting?" Klaus countered Edmund's idea, but the latter was still keen on his idea, and so was Vincent. He sided with Edmund, and Klaus crossed his arms at the situation he was in.

"Think about it Uncle, things might actually work out better if we corner him on the day of his meeting." 

"And then what?"

"We claim he has gone missing. But the problem that just came to my mind is how he'd be mocked and ridiculed for being defeated by proclaimed bandits." 

"How is that a problem?" Klaus asked, and Edmund used the chance to answer him. 

"People would think he's a fake or some kind of cheat. The demigod is supposed to be stronger than mere bandits, that's what they'll say, and it would lead back to suspicions. Thus, I will be questioned thoroughly. Despite it all, I have a solution to all our problems. I've drafted out all the possible scenarios that will happen, and I thought of how we can escape problems while doing so. We have to stage the type of murder it is." 

"Go on" Klaus was interested in what he had to say. 

"We have to leave behind the marks of a magic seal, that way, they'll know it compressed his magic. The more the seals, the more it gets hard for him to fight. We have a total of five S class mages ready, Archers with poisoned arrows, and a couple of swordsmen that can serve as a shield to buy us time. What's important is that we should blame this on a terrorist group, leave behind a false message about their ideals, and also say it wasn't easy killing Lord Marcellus."

"Although a lot of questions would be raised, and there'd be a lot of investigations, but evidence of our plans will not be left behind. It would be a cold case, and then I'd rule for the rest of his tenure. And Sir Vincent will control the affairs of the clan."

Klaus smiled, he had plans of his own, and they were all in his favor. The other two in his midst were just stepping stones he would use to achieve what he'd always wanted. 

 "Let's all make a toast to our victory."  

They rose from their seats and their glasses clicked against another. They drank to their contempt, then smashed the wineglass on the floor.

"Gentle beastmen, let's call it a day" Darren shook hands with his allies, and accompanied them out of his study. Once they'd gone, he turned back for his arm-chair close to a furnace. 

With Darren and Marcellus gone, that would make his adoptive mother the last of the deceased demigod's household. 'should I kill her or should I just let her go?' He contemplated in silence whilst he kept his eyes peeled on the flames. 'I believe whenever the time comes, I'll make a final decision about her.' 

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Preview:- 

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"Edmund, where are we?" he asked level headedly.

"I told you my Lord, we're going to the council house to meet some senates to discuss some growing matters they need you to address," Edmund replied smoothly, never glancing up from his notes.

Random part II

Standing off a few feet in front of him next to the horse was Edmund, holding a dagger that was obviously in his gut a few moments ago.

"Why?"

Random part III

"You're not needed anymore, father. For us to get what we desire, we have to put you to eternal rest. Do not hate us father, we fight to claim territories, this is the beastman nature."

Random Part IV

"Impossible!" Two of the mages let out in a synchronized voice.

"How can he still move? That spell is powerful enough to hold down 200 men!"

The formerly confident Mages nearby started exchanging nervous glances that made it clear that they were second guessing the feasibility of their plan to overwhelm Marcellus with numbers.

Random Part V

Vincent saw it as an opportunity and took it. He made a beeline for his father and thrust his weapon forward. Marcellus moved just in time to stop the blade with his nondominant hand. This earned him a deep cut in his palm, but spared him an otherwise fatal blow. The Demigod yanked the sword out of Vincent's hand and swung the hilt at the beastman. It connected and sent Vincent sprawling across the ground.

Random Part VI 

Klaus grimaced and drew his weapons; a sword in one hand and a dagger in the other. He should have known that it wouldn't be that easy, even with more numbers. His comrades followed suit and pulled out a variety of weapons. The assassins looked like a small army ready to take on a dragon - ready but scared to death.

And finally -

Marcellus took an Archer by his waist and flung him at Klaus. He dodged as quickly as he could to avoid the body. However, he didn't notice Marcellus's blade flying straight at him.

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Chapter end