The Blade in the Sea

[helldiving 5793]

 

15th of Snow’s Maiden, 1739

The Mother landing on the icebergs of Morsgrad

 

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A stormy night fell over the mountain of Morsgrad, thunder echoing through the icy crevasse as an otherwise noiseless night continued on, until a hooded rider approached the gates, torch in hand as he dismounted. As he did so, within the icy seas to the north of Morsgrad, a ship gets as close as possible without sinking. A small rowboat was detached from the ship, as two men began rowing ashore to Morsgrad. Upon reaching the frigid land, the two men took off their hoods, revealing themselves to be the true sons of Martius Horen, Augustus and Antonius Vilac. The pirates of the Pertinax made their way through the unknown snowy tundra, as the rider had now arrived within Morsgrad. The rider made way to the tavern with a small missive hidden within his cloak. The man, obviously terrified, began attempting to take the edge off of the situation - tension certainly overwhelming his thoughts. He had known this day would come since the day he proclaimed himself patriarch. Yet, it had come too soon nevertheless.

 

The legitimate children of Martius began their entrance into the city, meaning to greet their cousins and new brothers in arms. Upon the brother’s entrance into the city proper, the hooded rider made himself known to the two, clutching the letter they had sent him announcing their arrival. However, to them, he was no hooded stranger. The man was Janos Jrent, now Janos Vilac; the self-proclaimed bastard patriarch of the house of Vilac. In one hand Janos grasped the letter, and in the other, he grasped his nigh empty tankard of ale. He took the last swig of the drink, throwing it down onto the ground as he finished. Behind him stood the ever-burning Ashtree, his gaze locking upon the brothers as they entered the city. Janos took his glaive from off of his back, preparing to face the two corsairs in combat. He knew what he did, he had murdered Georgius; one of the legitimate sons of Martius. 

 

The two brothers drew arms, Augustus drawing a saber, and Antonius a parrying dagger with a serrated edge.

 

“No more running, Johannes,” proclaimed Antonius- his arm gesturing for the man to face his fate. Janos began retreating, tears welling in his eyes as he continued backpedalling toward the palace. 

 

Upon entering the throne room they simply watched him shiver and continue to retreat, his glaive aimed at them while he moved. Janos lost his footing upon ascending the stairs of the throne room. He dropped his glaive, sending it clattering down the stairs as the brothers continued advancing on Janos. Seeing that his fate was now inevitable, the man began to beg. “Please… I don’t want to die.” He said, now sniffling as mucus began to fill his nostrils in panic. The coward had one last idea, however. He proclaimed, with bated breath, “I was wrong! I never should have taken the house…” He sobbed, before carrying on. “I declare you patriarch, Antón!” He said, beginning to wail. “Just… Please.” 

 

Janos had begun crawling backwards in fear of his half-brothers, eventually reaching a ledge leading straight down the mountain. However, the brothers had only obtained half of what they arrived in hopes to do. The two siblings continued advancing, Janos continuing to beg for his life as he cried. Janos knew there was only one way out of this situation, as he grappled with what he had to do. He took a small dagger out, plunging it into his chest as his final act. 

 

Augustus looked up into the sky, solemnly. “I am so sorry we could not do more, Borsa. We will meet again in the seven skies, Georgius.” He said, lamenting over his brother that Janos had slain.

 

Upon looking down to the now lifeless body of Janos, the hidden missive had begun to peek its way out of his cloak. Antonius bent down and unfolded the parchment to begin reading.

 

Antonius,

 

I know things have not been civil between the two of us. However, I believe it is time for me to finally do right by my family. I have decided to abdicate my seat as the patriarch of House Vilac. I, Janos Vilac, hereby pass all my titles to my half-brother, Antonius Vilac. I am truly sorry for what I have done, and I can only hope you will forgive me for what I’ve done.

 

Janos Vilac

13th of Snow’s Maiden, 1739

 

 

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[BardMainHere 310]

Augustus Vilac nods to the new patriarch of House Vilac.

[rukio 8924]

Marlow's face is solemn upon hearing the news. 

 

"Leave me be." She murmers as she walks out of town and down the road, departing on a long walk to forget memories the event had stirred. 

[MarkFoundGOD 602]

Janos Jrent would be welcomed by two of his half brothers, Martinus and Georgius, where then Janos knew, they’d have some peace.

[Draeris 3124]

“Okay then.” Reinhard would state, reading the news “A bit unnecessarily melodramatic.”

[ComicD 226]

cool

 

[Vermy 1484]

Sulraell wonders if the infamous bridge had survived the storm...

[sophiaa 778]

The Duchess of Morsgrad proudly shakes the hands of Antonius and Augustus Vilac, speaking with them briefly before departing to draft their Ducal Letters of Invitation. With more of her people having arrived, she’s made comfortable by the welcoming warmth of pride, allowing out an almost relieved sigh as she settles within her desk chair, knowing her cousins would do well in the name of the State.