Chapter 115: Water Mother
Between the missing Tidelord and Windkeep Tower's new rulers, Wavecrest Saurnalia spirits were at an all time low. Of course, the clan would persist to celebrate. On top of that, it had started to rain, and the downpour had not stopped since the festivities had begun. However, to not partake in an elemental festival would be proof that Windkeep Tower had truly fallen, and there was no way Quartz would allow his birth flight to go uncelebrated.
"What do you mean we aren't at full capacity?" Quartz growled at Milo, Windkeep Tower's event coordinator. The king had invited the usually energetic pearlcatcher to a meeting to discuss Saturnalia proceedings, and was now pacing the room angrily. Milo, drooping, hardly knew how to respond.
"It's just a bad time for tourists." Milo said carefully, trying to soothe the furious king.
"A bad time for tourists?" Quartz asked with a laugh. "What is that supposed to mean? As far as I know, Windkeep Tower has never had a bad time for tourists!"
"Well, your majesty," Milo dipped into a quick bow of respect, "You see, well, some dragons may find your army a little- how shall I put this- off-putting."
"Off-putting? That army is what is keeping our clan safe." Quartz reminded him. "If you have any complaints about how I run this clan-"
"No, of course not, your majesty." Milo added quickly. "I'm just trying to provide an outside perspective. Perhaps we will have better luck in the Riot of Rot."
"I know know you are known for your wit and humor, but I do not appreciate your jibes." Quartz said, turning his eyes to Milo in a calm anger. His tongue flicking was the only indication of aggravation within the coatl. "I need you to do everything in your power to make this festival the biggest and best Sornieth has ever seen. We certainly have the budget for it."
"Of course, your majesty." Milo bowed again, and after a flick of the tail to dismiss the events coordinator, the pearlcatcher quickly left.
Quartz sighed. Ruling a clan was a lot more work than he expected. He had to be angry to get the job done. He hated being angry. He much preferred achieving his goals through smooth talking and cunning manipulation, but with everything that needed to be done to keep the clan afloat, there simply wasn't the time. It was hard enough running the clan, let alone propelling it into the powerful empire he wanted it to be. Thankfully, he had Banella on his side, she knew how to get things done quickly, and she excelled at fear tactics. He couldn't help but admit she was keeping the whole operation alive far more than he was. After all, this whole thing had been her idea, her dream, her desire for power and a legacy.
Quartz replayed his conversation with Milo over in his head. The pearlcatcher had been right. The royal guard was offputting. Once again, Banella's idea, but they even gave him the shivers. Perhaps there was something that could be done about that. Running to his desk, he scribbled a note, summoned a portal, and slipped it to its destination. Moments later, a shadowy portal opened up and Kaladin stepped through.
"You called, your majesty?" Kaladin asked, brushing a few magic sparks off of his shawl. Unlike Milo, the pearlcatcher did not bother to bow.
"Yes, I wanted to discuss your creations." Quartz said, taking a seat on an ornate chair embedded with rose quartz.
"What about them?" Kaladin asked, growing defensive.
"I was wondering if there was any way to make them a little less off-putting. They are scaring away tourists and as you know, that is Windkeep Tower's main source of revenue." Quartz explained.
"There is a way." Kaladin responded tersely. "But that would require returning the soul to the body, which I was strictly ordered against doing. If you and Queen Banella have changed your minds, I would be more than happy to change my methods. After all, it expends more power to keep the army animated than it does to transfer souls into their proper bodies."
"No, we can't have that." Quartz shook his head. "If they were to have their souls, their loyalty would not be absolute."
"That is what I thought." Kaladin responded. "There is nothing more I can do then."
"Very well. You are dismissed." Quartz sighed as the parlcatcher summoned another portal and disappeared through it. He was back to square one.
Just as he was entering another period of contemplation, the door swung open and Banella strutted in.
"Ah, my dearest, it is good to see you!" Quartz said, rising to his feet to embrace his new wife. Despite appearances, neither were truly in love with the other, their partnership was purely political and strategic, though Quartz had to admit they made a pretty good team. What they could not achieve separately, the had succeeded at together. Between his wealth and charm, and her tenacity and powerful personality, the two were unstoppable.
"Have you worked out the Wavecrest Saturnalia yet?" Banella asked, caressing his shoulder.
"Almost." Quartz lied. "We just need a few more dragons."
"You know, I've spent most of my life dealing with entertainment and drawing in crowds." Banella reminded him. "If you want my help-"
"No, I've got this." Quartz said quickly.
"You just need something big, something no other clan has." Banella offered, ignoring her husband's refusal. "Then dragons will come from far and wide to see it regardless of the weather."
"Thank you." Quartz flicked his tongue begrudgingly. He was still adjusting to sharing his power. "Is there any other reason you came to see me, dearest?"
"As a matter of fact, there is!" Banella's eyes gleamed with rare excitement. "Come with me."
Quartz followed her out of his study and into their large sitting room. She escorted him to the corner of the room, by the entrance to a balcony. There, in an ornate basket, cushioned by expensive linens, sat three round, polished eggs.
"Are those-" Quartz said, his breath taken away by such perfection.
"We are going to have an heir." Banella grinned, turning to at Quartz with bright, sparkling eyes. "Our lineage is beginning."
"What of Rubywing?" Quartz asked, in surprise.
"Her contribution to our reign is to be commended, but I don't trust her. She turned on you before, why would she not turn on you again?" Banella reminded him.
"She will not turn. I have made sure of that." Quartz's gaze hardened at hearing such accusations thrown at his daughter. "I have told her what is to come if she betrays me again."
"Regardless, her past is too tainted, her previous loyalties were too strong. What's to say she won't destroy all our work and return things to the way they were before as soon as we are gone?" Banella pointed out. "Besides, she is much too plain to hold such a regal position."
"Of course, dearest." Quartz said, relenting. He had to admit it was pretty exciting. Heirs, true heirs, without the weak blood that Querida had given their children. These children would be strong, and would be more than fit to rule once he and Banella's rule came to an end. With Banella as a mother, they would be sure to to be powerful dragons, unswerving in their loyalty to the cause.
And now, a look at the happy couple themselves!
You know, it's interesting to look back, now that my lore is over a year old. At Wavecrest last year, Querida, Pyrite and Dremasul had just gotten out of the Scarred Wasteland and were very close to arriving home. How far Windkeep Tower has come in a year!
Congrats on reaching another year of lore! It's always fun to see how far writers and their characters have come, and I'm looking forward to reading more about your clan's amazing adventures. Here's to another great year ahead!
