Gentleman’s Guide to Fantastic Beasts 46

Gentleman’s Guide to Fantastic Beasts 46

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Wordcount: 2500

Commissioned by Sivantic.

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I’ve never been one for politics.

My father in my old life was a businessman, and he considered working with them and knowing the functions of society as a matter of course. As I would learn of new medical practices and laws against certain procedures, he would do the same to effectively manage his business. Though he and I disagreed regarding many things, we agreed that it was best to only be lightly involved in such matters, especially in the presence of polite company.

His aims were to secure the rise of politicians that would be favorable to his business. His goal when supporting them was to make a return on his investment. Sometimes he backed a conservative party which espoused looser regulations, so that he might hire more people and bring the aboard for lower pay. Then, once he established himself, he’d may support a more progressive individual to bring ruin to those who overstretched themselves with their new workforce. Regardless of whatever else the politician in question did, so long as they fulfilled their promise to him, they had his backing so long as they kept their end of the bargain.

They were, to him, but another means to improve his industry and bring low his competitors.

Nothing more and nothing less.

Given my position as a physician, I had little need to interact with politicians and their ilk. It was a benefit born from the prestigious nature of our work, as well as the wealth the came with being a doctor. Our communities and fellowships exerted influence, and those we accepted in our ranks and followed the rules we abided by were protected by them in turn. The highest of us formed medical boards that advised governments themselves in regards to what is the best practice. An elected official making a fuss regarding physicians practicing in a city, trying to extort or rule over them with some policy or another, will be met with an organization intent on keeping their privileges.

However, in the end, I found myself embroiled in politics through the war that it spawned.

From my understanding of them from my previous life, I believe that whether one is elected or born into the role, a politician’s goal is to better their people’s standing along with themselves. The people that they may consider their own may be all the citizenry of their nation. It may only be the wealthy or their own private company. They seek to retain the power that they have, and expand them whenever possible, by currying favor with voters, with the wealthy, or even simply the military. Then, they use this power to seize land whether it be from individuals from far away or their neighbors, and use that land to gain more wealth and power in turn for themselves and those that they care for.

Kan’Is was one such leader, as was Lucien, the city controller. Kan’Is saw war as a method to secure the Great Desert and see it benefit the As’Kari people forevermore. Lucien ruled over his city and worked to protect it against outside threats. He saw a potential alliance with the As’Kari and moved to gain powerful warriors for the defense of his city. Both Kan’Is and Lucien saw me and tried their utmost to secure my power to their end. They would’ve offered me wealth, women, and even influence… but nothing contrary to their own goals.

Kan’Is would never falter in his desire for the As’Kari to hold the Great Desert.

Lucien would never compromise his base of power, the city under his control, and go to the defense of those beyond his reach.

I had to wonder if Lassandra would be the same as those two, or somehow be the first amenable to compromise.

…

“Several months ago, as I was helping several communities left behind, knights of this land came forth and demanded them to return to the fold.” I made my case concisely. “They are strong now, from training and feeding upon monsters, as well as trade with the As’Kari.”

Lassandra’s nodded at my words, but said nothing and offered nothing.

Less like a politician, she reminded me of my father at work. His was a silent domination, even if he stated that it was only to think, almost nearly always had me hesitate.

Nearly always had me make my price first to his advantage.

“Your nation is beset by monsters in every direction. Some portions of your land have seceded. Meanwhile, the system that upholds the massive tree of light is overworked.” I led into a statement of their situation as I understood it. I did not make any definitive claims, threats, or offers. However, Lassandra only continued to silently look my way and listen without so much as twitching. “I came here with only one definitive intention: to share with your lands the findings I have regarding the parasites that are controlling monsters, infesting adults, and stealing children. Lucien has already sent word, I believe?”

“Yes. He has.” Her words were deliberate and careful. She leaned back against her chair. Her eyes were steely. Her form in the dream was more beautiful and graceful. Sitting before me now was more of a veteran of the battle. Living in a royal court, according to history, was a life rife with intrigue and careful social maneuvering. Dens of people who all wished for more wealth and power than they already had. She is fifth in line for the throne, in a time of crises, where everyone’s survival is not guaranteed. “He elucidated that they desire dying children in exchange for their loyalty and the stopping of their attacks. He doesn’t believe that they’ll keep their word, but that with the ceasing of the coming assaults, we can get the time we need to smash apart the budding rebellions.”

Rebellions.

She chose that word on purpose.

“Rebellion. Is that what you consider what is happening in the lands your armies have abandoned” I almost let a tinge of anger fill my voice. But I smothered it. My father would admonish me for that. It was a sign of weakness. Lassandra already knew that I aimed to protect those left behind from my actions alone. It was already something that she could leverage. I could not give her more. “The lands functioning solely due to the survival of those left to die?”

“A rebellion in the present and a rebellion in the future remains two rebellions.” Lassandra stated evenly, leaning forward to rest her arms on the table. She made sure to move the papers with fresh ink on her table. “We intended to not defend those lands. We extracted power and people from those lands with the intention of reclaiming them in the future. When the long night passes, we would rebuild and regain what was lost.”

Off of the corpses of those that they left behind was left unsaid.

It did not need to be said.

I knew that had been their intention all along, but to hear it from them completely changed things.

Father would’ve bid me to compromise, to find some angle, and to get what I wished from these people.

But I could not.

“Disgusting. I will have nothing to do with you or your people.” I could not abide by these people. I took the scroll containing the information regarding the parasites and placed it on the table where the princess sat. She looked upon me with no surprise. I had a feeling that whatever sorcery she used to intrude upon my dreams went deeper. A greater violation of my secrets and mind than simply intriguing upon my slumber. I would not put it past such people. “I will lead them to safer lands. Reclaim it as you wish. I will take those abandoned and lead them elsewhere.”

To my surprise, as I said my peace and moved to leave, Lassandra decided to bargain.

“Ten days of your time, and I will give you a fully-provisioned flotilla that can take the ten thousand left behind in those lands to where the sun still shines. A thousand lives for every day of service you give onto me.” Lassandra spoke, and I levelled a glare at her. My mind was abuzz with anger, but I cooled my mind and analyzed the situation. I could hear my father laughing in my memories. He may as well have told me that this was her intention all along… or that she had no power to speak of in regards to allowing the lands they abandoned to not become theirs once again. “At the lands only, our largest ships could go to, past the continent great mountain ranges and the Great Desert, the sun and moon can still be seen. I will give the people you saved safe passage there.”

In the face of their immorality and callousness towards the lives they ruined and put at risk, they offer capital and assets.

Why would they not when it could so easily solve the problem that they have?

Revulsion crept up my stomach and threatened to me make retch. This was worse than having no answer and staying silent. In the face of even the most mediocre amount of justice, of finding their actions having a singular consequence that an unknown with power would not help them, they offered a bribe, so that they could overcome the consequences of their own actions through the treasure and strength that they retained by abandoning the people that they now offered to save.

“Those ships and those crews are funded and paid for by the lands you did not defend.” This was like robbing a man and killing his family, then when the thief finds themselves in dire straits and without help for their actions, they offer what was stolen back in exchange for help. “You only offer what you have taken now because you must.”

Lassandra did not flinch at my words.

“But you do not refuse.”

I grit my teeth at her words.

I could not refuse.

The crews and ships she offered were needed. It was a bribe, but in truth it was one that I could not refuse. These people intended on reclaiming all the lands they conceded and lost. They saw decades ahead at fomenting rebellions, not just the ones that they face now. How much blood will be spilled in the future if I do not accept this offer, especially as I’ve given the people who were left behind the knowledge needed to survive and grow strong in monster-infested lands?

How many countless waves soldiers will dauntlessly crumble and die for their rulers against the strengthened children of the people that I have saved?

A sting of pain brought me back to complete consciousness.

My nails had bitten into my palms.

“I do not. Ten days. No more and no less. I shall give it to you when those ships arrive and the people I have saved are taken to lands where they can be free from your people’s unconscionable methods.” Lassandra made no reaction to my insult, and neither did the head mage. They accepted it without a qualm, as if above morality itself. A deep revulsion filled my stomach. They reasoned themselves into thinking this is the only path. That this had to be done. That they are righteous and that I do not understand their methods and aims. What I did understand is that their people could’ve been all strong, like the As’Kari, but they withheld that knowledge and kept it for themselves. They crippled their people to make them more malleable and useful, taking the role of protectors, and then stole from them when they called for aid. “Only after they are safe and secure will you have my ten days at your command.”

Lassandra stood at my words.

“Very well. Let us make haste. Archmage with me.” She spoke and at the same time rang a bell. In a moment, armed knights came forth from the door along with a bevy of servants. Armor and trinkets that had a strange power to them were layered upon her, while the armored knights’ gazes fell upon me. One made the hairs on my neck stand. One that had a great, two-handed sword upon their back with height and size like D’Jet. “We will have need of ten ships, crew, and supplies for a six-month journey. They must all be well-manned and protected. Physician, once they are out of our lands whilst guarded, will that be enough?”

“I want to know where they will land. I will go to them after the ten days have passed on my steed.” My lack of reverence inspired heated glares. The largest of the knights almost stepped out of line towards me.

 Lassandra, however, sharply glared at her and barked a command.

“Bea! Comport yourself! You look upon someone a peer to my father in arcane might!” Those words seemed to send a shock through the room, and Lassandra took a moment to look my way. For the first time, she looked concerned. I see. These are her people. These are the people that have value to her. Those I saved are nothing to her. “I apologize on her behalf.”

I wanted nothing more than to wash my hands of these people.

“The bargain is all I care for, Lassandra, fifth in line of the throne of this land.” She gave a sharp nod at my words and was finished dressing. Over her was a multitude of layers of clothing. Each one faintly shimmering and alive. When I infused my gaze with the strength I gained once born in this place, I found her a shimmering tower of various protective walls. They gave her the same protections they would normally only place on their strongest castles. How much wealth and power did they take from their people that they could afford such things? How many towns could’ve been saved from monsters if they didn’t have such things. “I want nothing more from you and your people. Ever.”

The blonde young woman’s severe countenance was interrupted with a faint smile at my words.

Like a parent demeaning a child for their vapid declarations.

Or, perhaps, that was my own anger clouding my sight and my mind.

I breathed deep and calmed myself, ignoring the ostentatious display from the knights, to the servants, the furnishings, and the wealth. It was a bitter draught, a concoction most foul, but it was the treatment needed to save the people who I put under my protection.

The best course now was to make sure that I would never have need of them again.