The Nova Chronicles

[Trakaton Kalkoran]

((originally posted by Sovernus Nova))

**An anonymous spy’s correspondence to Targen Marth concerning infiltrating House Nova, and a retelling of his dreadful experience with Sovernus Nova.**

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Councillor Targen Marth,

You’ve requested a full detailed report on my experience last night and the reasons as to my plea to be reallocated to another assignment. Anything that would remove me from any intelligence operation against House Nova. I hope that you will take my long years of servitude, and my capacity as a spy and informant, to be taken into consideration.

For recollection purposes, I was assigned to infiltrate House Nova. Through this I took initiative to gain the family’s confidence and trust in me. Yet as all have urged me severely, I should not at all be within Lord Azarain Nova’s “gaze”, as his reputation has often pronounced his image as one who could even teach the most deceptive of politicians how to scheme. A living devil himself.

Hence to undermine and subvert House Nova, I’ve taken it upon myself to infiltrate my way through his offspring. From all intelligence report, Sovernus Nova appears to bear resemblance to his father, but lacks the sheer authoritative coldness that would have made him into a feared figure. From my personal initial impressions, he seemed distant but also longing for some measure of warmth of trusted company.

It was here I decided that he was the weak link.

Spoiler: The Mystery Visit

I’ve sought to gain his trust and confidence over the years, since my youthful exuberance affords me a level of fondness.

I’ve began building his trust for me as an independent contractor to his endeavors from the Morgis Array acquisition, which inevitably allowed me to be part of Sovernus’s personal inner circle of sorts.

Councillor, I’ve kept informing my superior in the espionage division about the young master’s movements, meetings and plots as well as analysis on other people in his personal inner circle. As you may recall from the notes on that report, I’ve often suspected that I was not the only spy within Sovernus’s circle.

There was a young lady, Allerie whose fairness and elegance reminded me of a similar person I had seen in the company of Theros Frol, a vassal to House Osteris, there were rumours that they were lovers and she could possibly be working secretly on their behalf. Another was a bearded man, Jenor that had been, verified by my informants, to have visited the Neon East club that is controlled by the underworld leader Davron. Perhaps he was sent there by orders of the young master himself, but I could not be certain. I had begun to think myself paranoid when I found myself doubting the sincere loyalty of all those in his circle.

Yesterday morning, I received an invitation to dine with the young master along with all the other members of the circle. Based on my own paranoia, I’ve dispatched one of my informants, to watch over the Nova Estate and report back anything unusual. Just before dinner, he had returned and informed me of what he had witnessed.

A scraggly bearded man with a constant nervous tick wearing the finest cloth that Arkania could provide had been given entrance to the estate, and had stayed there for some time. When he left, my informant saw his face in full detail- it was Professor Gaulfre Dolfet, an infamous mad scientist under Lord Azarain Nova’s employ. The informant dug deeper and confirmed that the scientist convened with Sovernus, and had supplied him with questionable vials that morning.

He had come to the same conclusion as I did. The young master had procured himself some form of advance toxin. Rumours of the mad scientist’s experiments on viruses and unethical biological compounds had echoed in the past few months, an untraceable and odorless poison no doubt. It could not be a coincidence especially with the invitation of dinner.

As your esteem self can imagine, I inevitably came to dinner waiting for any eventuality.

Spoiler: Let The Charades Begin

All of the eight members within Sovernus’s circle were in attendance, and I’ve observed that all were slightly agitated if not apprehensive.

Naturally I thought to myself, I had nestled in within a cradle of spies and all of them had in some measure or form knew of the young master’s meeting with the infamous mad scientist. Not to mention the information about the vials, as it could prove itself as a deciding factor whether we live or die. It was just as likely that others were simply concerned by the young master’s curious invitation, or merely adopted unconsciously the tense disposition of their fellow, better informed peers.

Sovernus Nova however was starkly contrasting, he was in a radiant mood of generosity and festivity and soon had relaxed all the members to be at ease. When the clock had struck nine, we were all ushered into the estate’s dining hall where the magnificent feast had been laid out.

And what a delicious array of feast it was! Honeyed fruits imported from the Colonies, fragrant stews that had an exotic aroma, roasts of delicacies- and the beverages were sublime in its diversity to suit each course of meal. As tantalizing and tempting it was, it occurred to me that in such a flooded mix of spices and flavours, a discreet poison would be virtually undetectable.

Throughout the meal, I maintained the illusion of savouring all the delicacies and drinking all the finest alcohol, but I was cautious and swallowed nothing. I’ve been trained and prepared for such a façade from being part of Intelligence instilled within me for years, carefully moving in such a way as to be part of an eating masquerade.

Yet curiously, I felt a sudden anxious sensation that overwhelmed the feeling of preparedness earlier. As though I felt the shifting of tides the moment Sovernus had suddenly became silent amidst the festivity.

As time passed by, the servants of the Nova Estate had cleared all the cuisines and placed a new glass in front of all the members. A rather large jug filled with wine was placed in front of the young master, after which they retired from the dining hall and had closed the doors rather swiftly.

I’ve always prided myself in my senses. And within that moment, I knew there was a resounding click that told me all the doors had been locked securely. Even the windows I realized had been shut off completely.

Something within me churned. And I became more anxious by the second.

Nothing could have prepared me for this.

“Young master Sovernus, it was a magnificent feast” said Jenor, the bearded man. His eyes were flickering in between the young Nova and the jug. “But I simply cannot take in any more.”

“Sovernus,” I added, feigning a tone of friendliness and slight intoxication. “You know that all of us has served you dutifully, and we would gladly give our lives for the prosperity of House Nova, but is it necessary to gorge ourselves to death?”

The others merely agreed with appreciative groans, allowing their gestures to mirror how full they seemingly were. Even I was doubtful that some of them had truly took part in the dinner. I was anxious that all eight of us mirrored one another in the sentiment.

Sovernus merely smiled. And I swear to you, Councillor, even you have never seen a smile such as this one.

“Truly the irony is astounding. For you see, Gaulfre Dolfet a pioneer in the fields of toxicology- who some of you doubtless know had visited me today. He has shown me the wonders of an advance toxin and the method to create its antidote. A viciously potent poison, that no other cure will aid you once you’ve ingested it. Only the compound solution in this jug in front of me will save you from certain death.” He paused, as a though he was stricken by a desire to hold down his amusement. “And truly what a death it shall be, from what I’ve heard. No amount of words could truly express how eager I am to see if the effects is all that Gaulfre had promised. Truly words fail to describe how excrutiating it is for the afflicted, but I assure you all it will be quite entertaining.”

No one had said a single word. I could feel my heart beating in anxious drums against my chest.

“…Yo-young master Sovernus,” said Allerie, the young lady I suspected to be a spy for House Osteris. “Ha-have you poisoned someone at this table?”

“You are astute, Allerie,” Sovernus paused, drifting his gaze towards each and every member with such scrutiny. “It is no wonder I value your counsel. Truly I value all in this very dining hall. Perhaps it would be far easier for me to say who I haven’t poisoned.”

“Then…Who haven’t you poisoned?” spoke Farel, a mild-mannered man, who out of all the others- seems to be the most untrustworthy in the circle from my own speculations. “Surely it would put some of us at ease, those you did not poison- naturally.”

“I have not poisoned anyone who’s allegiance to me is sincere. I have not poisoned anyone who’s loyalty to House Nova is genuine. All those who are secretly serving another falls into the…alternative category.” His words were spoken vaguely with a flair of elegance, but his eyes…His eyes were grinning in sick anticipation.

Sovernus looked directly at me on his last words. I know that in certainty. My face is practiced at keeping my thoughts from showing, but I immediately thought of every secret meeting I’ve had, every coded message sent to you and House Marth. What could he know? What could he, even without knowing suspect?

Spoiler: Deceptive Outplay

I felt my heart beating ever faster, and there was a sudden aching feeling. Was it fear, or poison? I couldn’t speak, certain that if I do, my words would betray my calm façade.

It became apparent when I saw the others, they must be feeling the same sensation. Allerie’s lips were subtly quivering, something she has not corrected quickly. Maybe she was unaware that her own nerves had finally broken her. What if I myself had not realized that I was showing obvious signs of my own.

“Thi-this is absurd.” Jenor spoke as he raised himself from his seat. “How could you be certain that those who are truly loyal to you is unaffected whilst the ones that are not has indeed ingested it?”

From there I managed to salvage some measure of calmness. I had to remind myself that I had not partaken in the feast, that all I did was maintain the illusion of such. I cannot say the same for the others, since they may not be as well practiced as I have in pretending. But it did little in depriving me of this anxiety that had burdened my spine.

“Those who are -truly- loyal, dear Jenor,” Sovernus spoke with a hint of emphasis. As though he knew of Jenor’s true allegiance. Even Jenor’s façade was breaking the moment the words went out. But it was all uncertain when it was contrasted to the next words he spoke. “Would certainly be wondering how can I be certain that the poison had been ingested by the ones disloyal. Is it possible that the guilty members were suspicious and merely pretended to eat and drink tonight?”

I felt my heart sank deep beneath. It was at this moment; the young master drifted his entire gaze upon me. I had to dispel any suspicions upon me. I had to assert that I suspected such as well.

“Of course, young master.” I managed to speak, I was uncertain whether the words were without falter or stutter but I had to press on. “I am of the same mind, it’s definitely possible that the guilty ones could have easily maintained the illusion of eating the food and drinks.”

“While that is certainly true,” Sovernus began, and as he did the indescribable smile had latched itself on him once more. “But even the craftiest of pretenders would have to raise his glass to his or her lips and put empty forks or spoons in their mouths to play the charade. The food you see, was not poisoned. The cups and cutlery were. It allowed me to specifically pinpoint who the targets are. If you did not partake out of fear, you’re poisoned just the same, and sadly…missed an excellent feast. Perhaps even your last meal ever.”

Spoiler: Ultimatum

Sweat beaded on my face and I could no longer truly maintained a complete façade.

My lips were quivering but I forcibly pierced my hand with my nail to use pain as a way to maintain my façade. All members on the table were frozen. Some were visibly shaking; some were trembling but all were pale from the realization. Three of us were already gripping against the side of the table silently and two of us were frozen within our seats. While the rest managed to remain without suspicion despite their paler complexion.

I could not help but think then, could the entire circle have been comprised of nothing but spies? Was there even a single person at the table that was loyal? And then I thought, what if I were not a spy myself, would I trust Sovernus to know that? Could a loyalist be poisoned because of a not-so-innocent misjudgment?

It dawned upon me that I felt shriveled in a sense. Throat started to feel a certain dryness that was hard to describe. Sweating profusely than ever before till my own clothes were lightly drenched. This isn’t natural, something is happening to my body and I could not be certain whether it is purely out of fear or something sinister has gradually taken root in my body.

While my mind whirled, I could hear the young master’s voice, addressing all who assembled. “I’ve calculated all eventualities and the timing itself. The poison will act soon within a minute from now, and then there will be death at the table. If you are disloyal, these are the last words you will hear, so listen carefully.” He spoke coldly as he gestured to the wine, “Consider this an act of mercy, take the antidote and live. However due note that there is only enough for -two- only. I only require people of decisive will and initiative within my ranks.”

Spoiler: Applause To The Victors

All of us stared at the jug with such an utter fixation. Even I was estimating the volume of it.

Is there truly enough for only two? What if one needed to drink the entirety of it for the cure to work? What if one miscalculated the volume needed to drink it? Could I even trust him? I thought of what I knew of Sovernus and his character.

Would he kill a self-confessed spy in his circle, or would he rather send the vanquished back to their masters? There was also the possibility of him sparing the guilty to become a double agent or something to exploit their usefulness. The young master was ruthless, but he was not truly his father, any possibility was within his manner.

This whole theatricality was meant to be a presentation to instill fear. It was effective, it showed the depth of his capabilities to both his allies and his enemies. What would my ancestors say if I joined them, eventually dying from the poison I had ingested? What would they say if I took the antidote, confessing my allegiance to House Marth but was still summarily executed? And I admit, I had thought what you would do to me, Councilor if I was sent back after having been spared.

I had grown so light-headed and filled with my own thoughts that I did not see Jenor frantically jumping onto the table and filling his glass with the wine. As he did, two others leaped from their seats and darted towards the jug, yet they had clash halfway and started viciously pushing the other one away.

Farel was scrambling for the jug that was left behind Jenor, and Allerie was desperately tugging and pulling onto his cloth fighting for the last fill, but with a strong push he had finally freed himself off of her and summarily drank the rest inside the jug. Those who had expressively went after the antidote looked on in desperation as their final hopes withered away down into Farel’s throat.

Allerie was quivering in abject horror and fear, she seemed like a disheveled creature starkly contrasting to her normal elegance. She threw herself down onto Sovernus’s feet begging in desperation. Even I too was ready to desperately make a plea to him, but I was captured and frozen in trembling fear.

“Please…” Allerie’s voice was cracking, her eyes were in glistening tears. “I co-confess, I secretly serve House Osteris. Theros Frol is my lover- I am w-with his child. Please…The child is innocent…”

Even I was hardpressed to witness all this without emotional turmoil clogging my throat. But what Sovernus said next was indescribable and made me realise he was truly his father’s son.

“…I am willing to let your child die and wither inside of you, if that is what is required. Let death be a warning to all who dares attempt to undermine House Nova.”

The room fell silent.

Allerie’s sunken eyes were bleak and grim, as though in that one instance the essence of her life was drained from her, leaving an empty husk of herself to stare blankly with dried tears.

“Farel.” Sovernus had utterly broken the pensive silence. As though he was the only one capable of such. “You’ve spent time stealing correspondence and sending it off to your masters. House Vergan I presume?”

“Observant. You are correct. I confess that I am serving House Vergan.” Farel spoke allowing himself a measure of ease. Sovernus merely nodded in confirmation as he drifted his gaze towards the bearded man.

“Jenor.” Sovernus mused. “You’ve associated yourself with the underworld, especially in the Neon East club. I take it you serve Davron?”

“You didn’t know?” Jenor laughed sourly. “Why would I serve Davron? I report to the remnants of House Werlon. You poisoned me because you thought I was working with some shady damnable scum like Davron?”

“You’re half right…” Sovernus began, admitting his own mistake as he used a hankerchief to wipe the sweat that culminated on his forehead. “I was unable to ascertain who you truly worked for. However, you are incorrect. For you see, I had not poisoned you... But you certainly poisoned yourself the moment you drank that wine.”

Spoiler: Speechless Outcome

Councillor…

You do not need to hear how Jenor and Farel met their demise. Truly it was indescribable and nerve shattering. I know you have seen much over the many, many years of your life, but you truly do not want to know. I wish I could erase the memory of their agonies from my mind.

Allerie in her broken state had succumbed to the young master’s will and she was driven to such fear that I do not think she would ever be capable of thinking about betrayal. The circle was dismissed shortly thereafter. I do not know if Sovernus knows or suspects I too am a spy. I do not know how many of us were close to desperation to drinking from that jug of wine.

I only know that if Sovernus does not suspect me now…He will. It is an inevitability. It has always been when it comes to him. I cannot win at the games that House Nova had long mastered since the dawn of time. And I beg of you, Councillor not to see this as an act of my unwillingness to continue under your service or even cowardice- but a warning should you continue to send others to pursue in this endeavor.

I summarily and officially request with a heavy heart, please dismiss your loyal servant from this operation. I beg of you.

Best regards,

*Name is illegible, as though to protect the identity*