First Interlude - The Power Behind the Throne

The Sardipan Throne Room was different from most Throne Rooms in that it had three thrones. Two were noticeably more ornate and were set back from the floor. They were made of gold and satin, the thrones of King and Queen of Sardipa; figureheads with no more power than a rural peasant. They technically had a great fortune, but were restricted from using it, designating the wealth as an important relic, much like the crown jewels. Closer and lower to the audience chamber sat another throne, this one made of silver and carved ebony--the Throne of the Imperator. On the Western wall was a balcony with seats reserved for the Supreme Administrator and the Chief Consul.

Of the five seats of honor, only two represented any real power. The Supreme Administrator was an impressive title with an extravagant wage that had no actual duties--the position existed so that the ruling Imperator had a position to use as a reward to those who had helped him to achieve power. Due to the relatively rapid overturn of the Imperator's office, this kept the entire system of government from collapsing.

The Chief Consul, however, was the second-highest ranking position in the Sardipan government. He acted as the Imperator's right hand and chief advisor, and only the Imperator could veto his orders. Of the five seats, only the Chief Consul's chair was currently filled.

Nathan Cross, Chief Consul to Imperator Michael Meadows, was accustomed to working nights. Meadows had been fiercely intelligent when he'd come to power fourteen years ago, but had since been worn down by his experiences and was rapidly losing his touch. Meadows was seventy-four years old, and Cross, himself a mere forty-two, was growing increasingly concerned that the old man would die soon, by assassination or no.

Gradually, Cross had taken control of most of the Sardipan government, much to the chagrin of Grand Marshall Victor Holland, head of the Sardipan Army and the number three man in Sardipa.

"I believe I've worked it out." said Cross to his secretary. The secretary looked tired. "The economic slump continues, but I believe I can fix it. All we need is something to create a demand for anything we can manufacture--tools, housing, weapons, it doesn't matter. Anything to increase demand on Sardipan goods will get the money flowing again, and bring the economy back where it belongs."

"Yes, sir, I'm sure it will." sighed the secretary.

"A war will be the easiest way." Cross continued. "A quick one that we can win easily, ideally against one of the Broken Kingdoms...the trick will be to invent a reason that seems justified, so the other Kingdoms won't retaliate."

The secretary yawned. The bell tower of the Stronghold struck two.

"Very well." said Cross, looking at his exhausted secondary. "I suppose I must continue along this train of thought tomorrow. You may go."

"Thank you, sir." said the secretary, shuffling off.

Cross leaned back for a moment, considering the possibilities. The Savant Viggo Helmsman had been sent to Bellaraphon recently...perhaps securing an alliance with a few Broken Kingdoms before instigating a war would give Sardipa the edge it needed to frighten the rest of the Kingdoms into inaction. The last thing Cross needed was to start a full-blown war--no doubt the Palosian devils would take action against Sardipa if that was allowed to happen.

No, he'd have to be more subtle...