Page 73 of Captive
"Convene all noble houses," he commanded as they followed. "Not exclusively our bloodline, but every aligned family. Ashborne. Silvervessel. Even Ironheart, regardless of past disagreements."
Dominic inclined his head, analytical systems already formulating communication strategies. "What justification shall I provide, Father?"
"Inform them Sebastian has been abducted by orcs and subjected to corrupting primitive rituals that compromise his enhanced systems." Cornelius moved deliberately toward the grand doorway. "Emphasize this extends beyond recovering my heir. It concerns safeguarding our entire civilization. Everything we established as alternatives to unconstrained chaos."
He paused momentarily, atmospheric indicators swirling aroundhim in patterns revealing calculations exceeding simple tactical considerations.
"This declaration means that we will go to war," he stated quietly, ensuring only his sons could hear. "But recognize this truth: whatever the orcs have activated within Sebastian endangers more than our household. It threatens the fundamental choices made when our ancestors rejected raw potential for structured advancement. When we embraced technological superiority over unpredictable natural abilities."
"And should retrieval prove impossible?" Dominic inquired, his perfectly modulated voice revealing nothing despite the question's gravity.
Cornelius turned, his expression showing a cold determination that made even his enhanced sons step back instinctively.
"Then we ensure he remains beyond anyone else's possession." These words emerged unfiltered by technological modulation. Without calculated precision. Pure, unprocessed certainty that unsettled even his extensively modified sons. "Regardless of methods required, Sebastian returns to his lineage. To the future I designed for him centuries ago."
The grand chamber lapsed into silence broken only by the systematic operation of the massive mechanisms that regulated the citadel's functions. That maintained the disciplined order House de la Sang had selected over uncontrolled power.
"How soon can we mobilize?" Cornelius asked, his gaze returning to the map table.
"Three days for our house forces," Dominic replied. "Perhaps two weeks for the allied houses to fully commit."
"And what of the orcs?" Zarek's damaged jaw produced a sound like grinding metal. "If Sebastian has truly shared our weaknesses?"
"They'll be preparing defenses," Cornelius said. "Perhaps seeking alliance with the dwarves or desert tribes. Which is why we cannot afford delay."
His fingers drummed against the map table. "If Sebastian has begun to resist sunlight, if his transformation allows him to influence others with a touch of the old mental arts..." He left the thought unfinished, but his meaning was clear.
"The loss of the child is unfortunate," Dominic added. "Lady Elisandra will not be pleased that her wedding gift was taken."
"Elisandra's disappointment is the least of our concerns," Cornelius dismissed. "Sebastian is our priority. My son will not become the instrument of our destruction." His voice hardened with cold determination. "Prepare the houses for mobilization. This ends now."
Zarek and Dominic exchanged glances, recognizing the declaration for what it was a commitment to unprecedented conflict with their ancient enemies. Not merely to recover an heir, but to preserve everything they had willingly sacrificed in pursuit of absolute control.
THE END