Hilda
It had been several weeks since System-lord Peder Frost dispensed justice to several of her people. She couldn’t and wouldn’t blame the man. She would have done worse if it was her family. SHe had thought that perhaps that would have ruined all her plans, but the day had finally come. She had been sure that it never would. With so many involved she never let herself believe they would reach their end goal.
Even Edward Keyes had come through. Just as King Oswald had told her he would. She would hate to have to admit she was wrong, but the intelligence his network on Isca had been able to get her were invaluable to her.
She didn’t know of he or the Order did it, but how ever it was, they were good.
Hilda had tracked down over a hundred member of the cult within the task force. Each one watched by those loyal to her. She allowed Edward to have his fun so long as he followed orders, and came through. So far he had.
The shuttle from the Jade Grip was somber and reflected in no way the fact that they were all head for the biggest feast on the planet.
Orders had gone out to those involved, and feasting and drinking was not their goal. If all went well, they would have control of the world by morning. Without a shot fired, or life taken. While everyone slept off a hangover.
King Oswald had made it clear to her that she was in command, but Edward Keyes had his trust. She was ordered to follow his lead but in private he had stood her to follow her instincts and do what must be done.
Hilda didn’t know the details, but she had come to learn of the larger operation throughout the Commonwealth to remove rebels, traitors, and other foes.
Hilda had the sense that this operation that she had taken part in was something on a grand scale across multiple systems. She couldn’t prove it, but something was going on that she didn’t understand, and she hated it.
She had given orders for those with clearance to know about the operation to enjoy no more then two drinks. SHe had also had them and herself posted for the morning shift to give enough reason.
The rest of the men and women of the task force on world would be free to drink to their hearts content. Hilda had even made sure to stack some of her staff with those who would be free to drink to keep up appearances.
Edward Keyes was included in her party. She still needed him. He had ensured the king that the order had the means to block the A.I. of the Furse.
It wasn’t good enough for Hilda. She had pushed and pushed and tried to get the information out until the boarded the shuttle.
All King Oswald and Edward Keyes would tell her was that it was a holy object of the Fabians. As a member of the church, Edward Keyes was granted permission to use it from the holy father himself.
Six hours and it wouldn’t matter. Hilda would have the System-lord in her custody, along with his family, and several important lords.
They were welcomed to the ancient city of Stonehill by Lord Frost and his wife. A large following waited with him as shuttles landed and departed to bring more to the city from the world itself and the many ships in orbit.
Hilda was introduced to them. They make their way through the ancient city that lazy a ruin since the Fabian Conquest of Drala.
The System-lord spoke with pride about how far along Stonehill Hold had come since he and his family had arrived and made it their home.
Stonehold Hold took up less then a quarter of the old city it was rebuilding. Hilda admired the passion of the Lord. He had every right to be proud she thought to herself.
“Stonehill Hold is a home for all tribes.” Lord Frost had said.
Throughout the people celebrated through the streets.
Enjoy it she thought.
