Daily Short: Charlotte 02

Charlotte stepped through the sanctuary door with a deep frown on her face. The assembled nobles, clergy, guards, and others didn’t fail to note the lack of Eve’s presence. Mustering her composure Charlotte said, “It appears my father has been assassinated. They didn’t even spare the body. Nothing but ashes remained. With a heavy heart, I will take my place as Duchess within the week.”

When fighting in the political theater, one most valuable things was the ability to lie with a straight face. No one could call her out on her lies because if they did, they questioned the ascension of a rising star of the nobility. Even if it halted her steps for a moment, doing something like that was equivalent to social suicide.

Iantha and Bennie stepped out of the sanctuary as she finished speaking. Charlotte saw the eyes of those around her light up at the chance to pose awkward questions. However, she was no chick new to the nest. Before another voice could speak, Charlotte said, “These are two associates of my handmaiden, Eve. She teleported them to assist me as she pursued the assassin’s trail.”

There was a heavy gulp from the surrounding crowd. Teleportation was the mark of a superior spellcaster. Once a mage was freed from the mundane constraints of travel, they were a vicious threat. Anyone with designs on such a mage had best make sure the first attack was lethal. There were tales of that every noble learned at the dinner table. Of assassinations that failed, of mages that fled only to return. The shattered castles and broken knight squads surrounding those stories lent them fatal credibility.

Charlotte let the crowd recover for a brief moment before she gestured to the guards and said, “Take everyone into custody. While I do not believe anyone is guilty, I must question everyone separately.”

Already her mind was flowing with ideas on how to use the Seer. The ability to peek ahead of the current chessboard was invaluable. Iantha could locate potential pitfalls and smooth her path forward, but that was merely the least of her abilities. Charlotte had already realized one of her truly incredible values.

The ability to tell horse manure from the truth.

Additionally, Iantha could see the lies as they were being constructed!

Can you hear me? Charlotte sent it as a test to the Seer. Using her mind to talk was something new that she still hadn’t mastered.

I can hear you, child. Eve uses enchanted items, to speak, but my abilities are far superior to mere runes. I was considered one of the most powerful psychics in my home world. Iantha responded with amusement. Speaking like this is nothing more than average for me.

Charlotte smiled beatifically at the crowd. She had been wondering how to keep things running without the brilliant advantage of mental communication. Knowing that Iantha could easily handle it was a relief.

Iantha was valuable, but Bennie was still a puzzle to Charlotte. She had a bolt from the skies as she directed the guards to allocate where the guests should be placed for interrogation, depending on their status. The weight of the Geas that kept the guards loyal settled on her with iron-clad assurance. That disruption in her thoughts provided insight into the puzzle of Bennie’s existence.

Can you connect me to Bennie? Charlotte asked briskly.

I can. Iantha said. A moment later, the sensation of another individual connected.

Bennie, do you want to preach the benefits of your great one? Charlotte asked with a glint in her eyes. She’d never heard of a priest or priestess that would pass on the chance to preach.

Oh, yes! That would be wonderful. Bennie said as her eyes turned up into crescents.

If the Church gives you any problems, will you be able to handle them? Charlotte said.

Most assuredly. I have excellent diplomatic skills. Benne replied.