The Rise - Chapter 74

On TV screens across the nation, media outlets covered the events that took place. The nation watched on the streets, in their homes, at gatherings – everything stopped as they held their breath watching everything unfold.

One popular news outlet, spoke after the events began to clear up. The news anchor stood solemnly addressing the nation. Her dark blonde hair brushed to on side, reaching the side of her shoulders. Wearing a long black skirt and a loose white t-shirt. Holding her hands in front of her, she began her segment.

“The nation has been shaken by a series of unprecedented events. Our sources tell us that the loved Crown Prince Thomas Vinzent has been conspiring against the Democratic Government to usurp power for himself. His aim was to establish an absolute monarchy and we are hearing that he has brought a foreign army onto our soil in order to force his rule. The whereabouts of the Prime Minister Theodore is unknown, however we are told that opposition leaders Alexander Lapuzi and Jessica Cottonwood are in the custody of Thomas. The Emperor has, for the first time in two hundred years, given up the power that has been given to him by the parliament. In a televised address to the nation, we all watched the Emperor officially hand the throne to Leon Lapuzi – the only son of the opposition leaders.”

The news anchor, steps to the side to look at another camera angle and continues talking.

“This move was done by the Emperor as he cannot hold on to power, for in case of his death, his grandson Thomas will be a direct heir. Thus the Emperor chose the son of two politically active leaders, arguing that the New Emperor Leon is the closest person to a democratically elected leader. The nation has supported and voted for the Cottonwoods for several years and many analysts are arguing that Leon Lapuzi, after winning the prestigious election at Unitare High School, was well on his way to becoming a Prime Minister. Given his name and family, the support and his upbringing, it was only a matter of time before the nation trusted him to lead them. However, many opponents state that he is still a child and that we should not be fooled into accepting a non-Democratic system with such feeble arguments. That is why in his first address to the nation, Emperor Leon Lapuzi made it clear that his time in power is temporary, that he will return everything to its normal state – but only after the threat of Thomas and his puppets in parliament are dealt with. That is why, his first order of action, is to place a warrant of arrest on Thomas Vinzent and his aide, Bethany Garner. The nation is under a state of emergency. Emperor Lapuzi asks that we stay home, to be careful who we talk to and to keep a stern eye out for foreigners. This has been Tiffany Arokoski, and this has been your morning news report.”

said the news anchor concluding her report to the nation.

______________

Meanwhile, for the first time in several years, Gideon Faraday called for an Inquist – a meeting between the most influential and powerful individuals in the Shadow Council. In the room sat thirty-four men and women. Most of them didn’t care for politics, they did as Hilda told them and Hilda took care of their industries, monopolies and businesses. Their influence was necessary to keep power in Hilda’s hand. Gideon must make sure that they are not rattled by Hilda’s capture, he must comfort them that everything will continue as has previously.

The meeting hall was supposed to hold fifty-six people, however the missing powerful Shadow Council members were absent because of their support of Thomas. A foreign army would never be enough to keep power, Thomas needed and had the support of almost half of the Shadow Council’s most important members. Now that Gideon knows who they are, they cannot pretend to be indifferent – they must choose a side or face the consequences.

Leon sat next to Gideon. Leon was dressed up in the royal purple – wearing a crystal-like necklace that was the equivalent of a royal Crown. By virtue of his new black and purple attire, Leon looked much older, more in power – but nevertheless he was simply decoration – Gideon’s puppet.

“I’m sure you all need to get back to more important matters, so I shall aim to keep this Inquist brief. It is simply to let you know, that I have assumed Hilda’s position and I expect the nation to continue operating as usual. We have lost a great deal of members, which only means when we capture and trial the traitors, there will be spoils of war. The industries and businesses of treacherous members will be distributed among you – the loyal supporters of the Shadow Council.”

The members remained quite as Gideon’s deep voice echoed heavily across room. They were far more interested in Leon, sizing him up, trying to get a feel for him – perhaps even waiting to hear his first words. Leon remained silent.

“And are we to believe that both Hilda and her daughter were so easily caught – but you escaped with ease by mere coincidence?” said one of the members, stroking his beard suspiciously.

Murmurs in the room broke out as the members started whispering to each other. It was the thought that was on all their minds but either didn’t care to mention it or were too afraid to speak.

“When Thomas realized our plan of action as soon as we took the Emperor from the palace, he knew that Hilda wouldn’t give power to anyone but her own blood. Thus, she and her lineage were top priority – I simply wasn’t enough of a threat to Thomas for him to waste his limited resources trying to catch me.” replied Gideon

“Yet her grandson, conveniently young and naive, sits here unharmed. Are you playing us the fool, the boy is clearly your puppet” said another member

“Leon was under my protection long before Bethany stormed the parliament. He was Hilda’s plan B. Thomas was looking for Leon as vigorously as he was looking for Leon’s mother and grandmother, but we were a step ahead – Leon was already hidden. We were able to easily move him since he wasn’t a target before we took the Emperor. Hilda and Jessica were heavily watched and any movements from them would be clear as day.” replied Gideon with a confident smile.

The members kept silent. The story, though untrue, seemed plausible. But these men were no fools, they built empires in their own industries, fought their own wars and battles. They were, like Gideon, masters of the political mind – they understood and saw things normal men and women could not.

“Gideon Faraday. Head of the secret service, commander of the nation’s concealed army and now, the supreme leader of the shadow council. It’s clear where the power lies, Gideon. If you wanted power, you might as well come out and say it. Instead of trying to spin tall tales to us like we were children.” said another member calmly sitting in the back.

“Perhaps he’s afraid we will not listen to him, he’s afraid of our loyalty to Hilda. How can a coward lead the shadow council? It’s clear now why Hilda kept you as her second in command for so long. You’re not fit to rule.” said another

Gideon’s smile was wiped away at the words of the last member. He tried his best to hold any facial signs of discomfort, but on the inside his heart wrenched at the words ‘second in command’.

One of Gideon’s powerful supports stood up, her dark red hair was her most prominent feature.

“Let us not forget the name Gideon Faraday, what it means, what it built and what it is capable of.” she said coldly and harshly. “Let this circus end. You’ve all had your fun and digs. Now, if any of you truly have any other objections, I advise you leave this Inquist prepared to follow Gideon as the Council’s undisputed leader.” she continued.

Gideon looked at her from afar, quietly awaiting the response of the council.

After a long silence, Gideon stood up taking this silence as acceptance of his rule. Without saying another word, he leaves with Leon following behind him.

________

That very night, Leon was getting changed in his room. He was in a hideout with Gideon and his men, safe and guarded from any outside attacks or infiltration. Leon found himself looking in the mirror in front of him. Staring blankly, his eyes began to blur and his face distorted in front of him. His heart slowed down and breathing almost stopped as he focused on his eyes. Suddenly there was a knock at the door. Leon suspiciously looks at the door, the knocks only came if it was time for food – but Leon already had dinner.

He slowly opened the door. In front of him was a tall man, standing with perfect posture, wearing secret service attire. Leon couldn’t quite figure it out, but the man in front of him looked familiar.

“Master Leon.” said the man.

Before he could finish his sentence, Leon pieced together who the man in front of him was. Remembering back from when he first visited his Grandmother, it became clear the man was Hilda Cottonwood’s butler.