Synopsis: Differel Squared Part 2

Continued from Part 1

The majordomo and the senior staff meet with Differel to go over their list of untrustworthies after lunch. Differel would prefer to fire all hirelings, but they assure her there are those whom they consider loyal. The problem is the family staff. The contracts with the previous Knight guarantee they cannot be let go without just cause, and while legally she is not bound by them, it would cause unrest if she simply set them aside. Besides, as family an attempt should be made to rehabilitate them, or to give them the opportunity to leave on their own. They finalize a list of people to fire with severance as a cost-saving measure, when they hear a horn being blown. The captain announces that there is an attack at the main gate. He goes to order his men to defend the gate while the majordomo states that the staff has trained to assemble in the entry rotunda to exit out whatever gate is clear. Differel orders the guard recalled from defending the gate and into the rotunda, with the front doors sealed. She then orders them to get the staff out. The captain objects, saying she is likely the target of the act, not them, but she orders him to obey and stays behind with the ghouls to confront the attackers. As the guards escort the staff out the stable gate, the attackers break down the door and Differel and the ghouls attack. There are too many, however, and they retreat up the stairs to the second level. There three guards appear and try to drag her away, but one is killed by an arrow. Differel sees Sunny with her archers covering Eile and her swordsmen and Saighlíne and her retainers as they attack the brigands from behind. Victor appears on the second level balcony and kills a second guard as the third attacks Differel. She cuts him down, then she and Victor must confront the brigands who made it up the stairs. The spider crashes into them and scatters them, and Medb and her Danann mercenaries drop down from the third level. Those brigands not killed take their own lives; only one survives, because he was knocked unconscious.

The ghouls and the Danann do a sweep of the mansion to make sure it is clear, then the staff is brought back. Differel oversees the removal of the bodies, searching each one for any clue as to who hired them, but all she finds is a piece of paper with a strange symbol on it. She then interrogates the prisoner. She is more careful this time, and uses psychological methods, namely the threat of Ney and his ghouls. Unfortunately, he can tell little. He tells how he was recruited in a town south of Celephais by the brigand leader, who is now dead; he doesn't know who backed their hire. He can only reveal one tidbit: xxxxxxx. She turns him over to Saighlíne, who leaves with the girls and Medb. Differel asks Victor to stay.

She then calls a meeting of her staff. She begins by telling them that three attempts have been made on her life by their colleagues. Not knowing who she can trust, she suspects them all. It would be safest for her to replace them all, but she doesn't have time to train a whole group. She would rather keep them and familiarize them with how she wants things done. As such, she will offer the following deal. She will keep their salaries, benefits, and other perks in place, with no changes or eliminations, and she won't fire anyone. In exchange, she will do away with their contracts and institute a loyalty oath. As long as they are loyal to her, she will be loyal to them. Infractions will be punished as follows: minor ones will result in a temporary reduction in pay and suspension of benefits, plus forfeiture of the next bonus; major ones with demotion, a permanent reduction in pay and benefits, and cancellation of future bonuses; and critical ones with termination of employment with no severance. No action will be taken against an offense without a full hearing by herself and the senior staff, with proper documentation, and the procedure for termination will be followed, but she wants the freedom to send anyone packing whom she cannot trust, whether family or hireling. Anyone who wishes to leave may do so within the next five days without prejudice and with full severance, but all who stay past that will undergo a probationary period of 30 days, at the end of which time they will either be kept on or let go. If they chose to stay, nothing will change for them, except that she will be assured of their loyalty, but future infractions will be dealt with harshly, as befits a betrayal of trust.

She then dismisses them, except for the seniors. She explains that they are not exempt, however, because of her experience so far, she plans to shorten their probation to five days, since she will need them to manage things while she is away. She then asks the majordomo to accompany her and Victor to her study. There she expresses regret that she had to be that harsh, but she would rather lay everything on the table so there is no uncertainty or anxiety. Also, she could not exempt the seniors, even though she has no question about their loyalty, without causing dissension. After they have been passed early, it can be made known that the probation period can be cut short if a person clearly demonstrates his or her loyalty. As for why she didn't fire the suspected untrustworthies, she has come to the conclusion that those who betrayed her did so on the spur of the moment, for whatever reason, rather than as part of a conspiracy. As such, she is willing to gamble that the others will see that it is in their best interests to cooperate rather than enact whatever schemes they may be hatching on their own or have become involved in. As well, while she didn't say anything to the rest, she wants him to know that she rewards loyalty just as she punishes disloyalty, and she will make that obvious in short order. Finally, while technically he is on probation as well, she wanted to assure him that she has never doubted his loyalty, hence unless he leaves on his own accord, his status is guaranteed. He tells her that he believes she did the right thing, that while there may be some initial resentment, once they all have a chance to think about it, they will see she is dealing with them quite fairly under the circumstances. And she wasn't harsh, but firm; classic carrot-and-stick approach. She had to lay down the law, but as long as she sticks to her word, they will remain loyal. Finally, he states that while he cannot guarantee it, he doubts anyone will leave, and while he cannot be certain of anyone's motives, a few may have nefarious plans, he believes the vast majority will stay because they are impressed by the fact that she was willing to risk her own life to ensure their safety. That is almost unprecedented. Most Knights are kindly, but few have ever been that selfless. As such, while she can talk all she wants, it is her actions that have been most convincing. He does, however, suggest that she remain in her private quarters for the rest of the evening, to give the staff time to sort this all out. Victor volunteers to stay with her, so she agrees. Before he leaves, the majordomo tells her that an auction has been scheduled for mid-morning the next day.

The senior staff meet to discuss Differel's announcement. They are grateful that she is neither a pushover nor a martinet, and that she is a traditionalist but also progressive enough to keep their needs and concerns in mind. They are, however, concerned about her recklessness. As much as they appreciated her putting herself in harm's way for their sake, they would prefer she had a little cowardice, just enough to make her more prudent. In any event, they decide they like her and want to keep her around.

The conspirators meet to discuss the failed assassination attempts. Now that Differel is on her guard, they feel the coup cannot succeed. They want to lay low, at least until she awakens, but the privy council lady insists that they proceed. They can deal with Differel once Kuranes has been eliminated.

35 days left

The next morning at breakfast, the majordomo asks Differel to attend a meeting afterwards. There she is shown designs for the crest, new uniforms, the décor of her private rooms, and the Ghouls' den in the basement, which she approves. The accountant goes over the investments made so far, reporting that after the auction, they should have enough money to make enough investments to cover for the loss after the previous Knight's death, though it will be several months before returns start coming in. Finally they surprise her with her version of the new uniform design. They had worked feverishly to have it done before the auction, her first official event. It consists of a shirt and trousers, a waistcoat, and an overcoat. It has a belt for carrying Caliburn and three pistols, and a sash that will display her honors. Starting at just below the left shoulder will be the badge for her Order of Cornwall, followed by the George Cross, the badge signifying her as a Knight of Celephais, the badge naming her Spider-Friend, and the badge of Defender of Hazuth-Kleg. The medal that establishes her as a Citizen of Ooth-Nargai will hang off the end under her right arm. The silver Ankh given to her by the Ghouls is hung from the right breast pocket of the overcoat, which was designed to hold her cigarillos rather than a handkerchief. The amulet indicating her rank as a Paladin of Karchedon is hung from a copper chain from the left pocket of her waistcoat. The gold chain and gorget that indicates her status as a Lord Marshall is hung from the shoulder epaulettes. However, as a token of Differel's status as a Dreamer, her uniform is augmented with an ascot, secured with a pin made from the cameo indicating Feline Patronage, and a beret, both of which no one else will have. Differel is speechless, but at Victor's urging, she tries it on. It will need some adjustment, but otherwise fits fairly well. She asks him to escort her to the auction, and he agrees. The captain escorts them with an honor guard of six. Outside they encounter Eile and Sunny with an escort, and Medb with some of her Danann mercenaries. They all go to the auction together.

Differel is amazed at how many people are attending, even though it was short notice, but decides that news travels fast in Celephais. She has to endure numerous nobility coming up to her and introducing themselves as they try to ingratiate themselves, but one in particular catches her attention: the Privy Council member named as a conspirator in the plot against her and Kuranes. She invites Differel to afternoon tea after the auction. Kuranes makes a surprise entry with Yang Cheng, and the auction begins. During one break, Differel informs Victor, the girls, and Medb of the invitation. They advise her to refuse, but she decides to take the risk; she hopes she might learn something important. During another break, Kuranes informs her that in three days she will need to attend a special ceremony in which her position as heir presumptive will be made official. She has that long to decide whether she will abdicate.

After the auction, she and her honor guard accompany the council member back to her estate. The guard is entertained as she follows the councilor into the house. During tea they banter back and forth, as they both probe for information. At some point, however, Differel realizes she's been drugged, but before she can get away the council member reveals herself to be Aunt Mandy and she prevents her escape. Differel collapses unconscious.

The guards are poisoned, but the captain refused to drink. He is attacked, but though wounded he manages to get away and hide on the street.

Differel awakens to find herself strapped to a rack. Mandy appears, and has the windlass tightened just enough to keep her immobile and uncomfortable without actually causing pain or injury. Mandy taunts her, explaining that the purpose of torture is to break a person's will using pain and degradation, and make them susceptible to behavior modification. She would rather use more sophisticated methods, but they are not available here; however, sometimes the old methods work best. She expresses curiosity as to what it would take to break Differel, and speculates that anger rather than fear would be the key, but she has no time to experiment. Instead she steps away, and a black, indistinct, bat-like creature drops down from the ceiling. It covers Differel's face and torso, penetrates her, and begins to rape her. Differel fights to maintain control, but as her body responds and an orgasm ripples through her, she feels the creature penetrate her mind. After her orgasm subsides, the creature rises up, flies over to Mandy, and wraps itself around her. It then shifts its appearance and forms itself into the appearance of Differel. The real Differel passes out from shock and exhaustion.

The cats find the wounded captain and tell the girls, who get him back to Differel's manor. Even as the majordomo assembles the rest of the guards for a rescue mission, Differel(M) reappears, explaining that she escaped. The girls are suspicious, but the majordomo is relieved, until he sees that the burn mark on her hand is missing. However, with no other proof, he says nothing. Differel(M) retires, and he meets with the senior staff and Ney to voice his suspicions.

34 days left

Differel(M) meets with Victor, Medb, and the girls to explain that the council member wishes to turn in her conspirators in exchange for leniency. She will be meeting with her over the next couple of days to work out a deal. They offer to help, but she explains the councilor will deal with no one but her. The girls also notice the missing burn mark, and afterwards tell Medb and Victor.

Differel(M) returns to the councilor's estate. The creature has another session with Differel. She manages to resist longer this time, but she finally succumbs and the creature scans more of her mind.

Victor, Medb, and the girls meet with the majordomo, the senior staff, and Ney. They agree something is wrong, and decide that this Differel is probably an imposter. They agree to catch her and force her to reveal herself, using whatever means necessary.

Differel(M) returns to the estate. Even as the others are prepared to sequester her, they notice the burn mark has returned. Uncertain as to what's going on, they decide not to proceed. However, Ney reports she doesn't smell right, and Victor, Medb, and the girls all notice minor personality changes. Victor volunteers to investigate further. That night he makes love with her.

33 days left

Victor declares that he is certain this is not the real Differel. However, before they can act, Differel(M) returns to the councilor's estate. There the creature has a third and last session with Differel, extracting the final aspects of her mind. Differel(M) orders Differel killed, but after she is released she surprises them and gets away. Pursued, she has no choice but to drop down a well into the sewer. Differel(M) orders her people to go after her, since as long as she is alive, she cannot command Caliburn.

Differel(M) returns to the estate. Ney reports she smells fine, all the previous personality quirks are gone, and even Medb cannot tell the difference. However, no one buys it. Unfortunately, without definitive proof, any actions against her at this time could be misconstrued as treason. They realize they may have waited too long, and now the only place to get proof would be the estate of the councilor.

Differel is severely weakened after her experience and her only weapon is Caliburn. Mandy's guards chase after her, but they are picked off by Wamps and other creatures. However she becomes lost in the maze of sewers under the city.

While the majordomo keeps Differel(M) busy, the girls and Morgiana break into the house while Medb and Victor create a distraction. They discover that despite appearances, the house is in disarray. The guards put up a fight, but are soon defeated. The servants surrender and explain that their mistress was usurped by Aunt Mandy some time ago. The girls realize Mandy must have been playing a long con, working to take over Celephais even as she created her chigger army. The servants confirm she had held Differel captive, but they heard she had escaped into the sewers. The girls realize Mandy must be seeking to kill Kuranes and frame Differel, and she'll probably act during the ceremony the next day. The only way to prove it is to find Differel.

Differel(M) realizes that the majordomo is on to her and slips out of the house. She goes to the councilor's estate and discovers that the girls, Medb, and Victor have been there. She summons up a monster and releases it into the sewers to find and kill Differel.

The girls, Victor, Medb, and Morgiana return to Differel's estate and go with Ney and the ghouls into the sewers. Their exploration of the sewers gives them a good idea of where to look.

Differel(M) meets with the other conspirators and organizes their plans for the attack during the ceremony.

Differel is trapped in a cul-de-sac by a group of Wamps, when the monster attacks. She dispatches it, but is gravely wounded. Two ghouls and Sunny find her. As Sunny and one ghoul carry back to the estate, the other goes to round up the others.

Back at the estate, the physician attends to her with Sunny's help as the others arrive. He says she will recover, but only if she has complete bed rest for a week. Unfortunately, that puts them in a blind. Without Differel, they cannot stop the ceremony. the only thing they can do is try to be ready for an attack. They go back to the girl's estate to make a plan, but Victor stays to tend to Differel.

32 days left

Differel(M) realizes Differel is still alive when she is unable to summon Caliburn. Instead, she creates a replica, as well as a counterfeit George Cross, for the ceremony.

Differel awakens and Victor explains to her what is going on. She insists upon trying to stop Mandy, even though her physician warns her that if she goes, may have a relapse from which she will not recover. Victor helps her dress, and as soon as she puts on her sash, the George Cross envelops her in light and cures her injuries. Differel goes to the captain of her guard and uses the GC to cure him as well. She then has him assemble the entire guard and team with Victor's guards, and follow her to the Palace of Seventy Delights.

She expects to have trouble getting into the palace, and she hopes she won't have to use her own troops to fight her way in, but the palace guard never challenges her, and she assumes it was due to Victor. He leaves her at the door to the royal hall to join their forces. When she enters, she sees Differel(M) standing before the dais. Kuranes is giving a speech while Saighlíne stands beside him, Ubasti behind him, and the girls flank him. Differel strides into the hall and challenges Differel(M), calling her an imposter. Differel(M) throws the charge back at her. The assembled nobles are uncertain how to resolve the issue, when Yang Cheng offers a suggestion: trial by combat. Only the true Differel can wield Caliburn, the sword no one can resist, and command the George Cross, that protects from harm. They agree and strip down to shirts and trousers, wearing the Crosses around their necks. The duel is savage, but neither seems to gain the upper hand until Differel(M) causes her counterfeit Cross to flash, temporarily blinding everyone. She then turns and charges the dais, to attack Kuranes. However, as she reaches him, he changes form to Ssas'sashu'ra, who then blasts her.

Differel(M) calls out, and attackers come out of the crowd. Saighlíne and the girls throw off their robes to reveal weapons and move in with Ubasti and Ssas'sashu'ra to engage them, as Medb and her mercenaries appear along with Victor and the guardsmen. Differel(M) tries to get away, but Differel intercepts her and they renew their duel. Victor is knocked unconscious, but his spider retainer stands over him to protect him, despite receiving wounds. Sunny and Eile close in on the Differels to help the real one, but in the confusion they have lost track of who's who. Yang Cheng tells Sunny to shoot both; it's the only way to be sure. As she takes aim at one, she sees the Cross glowing, so she shoots the other in the side. Differel(M) shrieks, then the bat-like creature leaps from her body and tries to fly off. Sunny shoots it again and it falls dead. Aunt Mandy is revealed, and as she presses the attack, Sunny shoots her in the neck. Differel runs Caliburn through her heart, then cuts her in half through the midriff.

With Mandy dead, her fellow conspirators try to flee but are rounded up. Yang Cheng then reveals himself to be Kuranes in disguise, which surprises even the girls. Apparently, when Medb and Saighlíne went to warn him of the plot, they cooked up the plan to have Ssas'sashu'ra impersonate him to try to draw the conspirators out. The wounded are taken to spare rooms in the residential wing, and Differel stays with Victor until he awakens. She then accepts his proposal of marriage. When Differel goes to report to Kuranes what she knows about the conspiracy, she tells him she will accept the position of heir presumptive.

Kuranes meets with the Atullian ambassador. With the Privy Council in disarray, he is free to release him and extend an invitation for diplomatic relations. The ambassador agrees to escort a delegation back to Atullia to confer with his leaders.

31 days left

The following day the ceremony is repeated and Differel is confirmed as heir presumptive. At the same time, her engagement to Victor is announced. During the reception, Kuranes tells them that the Atullian ambassador will be ready to leave in three days. Saighlíne will escort him back in her cloud barge, and Differel may choose her negotiating staff. She asks the girls and Medb to come. Medb declines, but suggests Morgiana in her place, and the girls agree without hesitation.

Back at her estate, Differel is gratified none of her senior staff wish to resign, and she confirms their continued employment. Though the probation period will continue in her absence, she gives them the authority to confirm anyone they believe is deserving. She tells the majordomo she intends to marry Victor, but they haven't discussed living arrangements yet.

The girls get excited planning Differel's marriage, and Medb and Saighlíne keep reigning them in to prevent them from blowing it all out of proportion.

The Atullian ambassador receives a message from his government. They welcome Kuranes's delegation, in the hopes that an alliance with Ooth-Nargai will help them against their mortal enemy.

Deep in the Forbidden Lands, at her fortress lair, Aunt Mandy meets with her sponsor. It expresses displeasure at the failure of her latest plan, but she assures it that this was all part of her grand plan, and everything is working out perfectly.

Epilog

Dracula asks how much longer the drug will last. Medb estimates a little over four hours. However, their adventures are not over yet.