Friday 2 January 2009

Night



The crowd has arrived .Men muffled in cloaks against the cold night air throng the illuminated great hall of the desolate country house. They represent the upper strata of Saschen -Vindow society - yet many are conspicuous by their absence. Those gathered have a unifying dislike,distrust or historic grudge against Duke Peter. They are not vast in number but their influence is immeasurable...

At last the waiting is over - a figure enters,black wig removed and the Duchess stands before them...

"Gentlemen thank you for coming to this place under the cover of the night. I bring you news for a new year. The future begins today! I offer you a new order in Saschen-Vindow . I offer you myself upon the Ducal throne with my Consort the new King of Stagonia at my side..."

The crowd remain silent and exchange embarrassed glances - this is not what they had hoped for. The Duchess continues working herself into a frenzy of hate aimed at Duke Peter. One by one those at the back of the crowd drift out into the night heads shaking and disappointed , worried about others knowing they were present this night. Eventually only a few remain too terrified to move...

5 comments:

abdul666 said...

Clumsy: too brutal for the audience.
Disappointing, really disappointing...

Louys

Bluebear Jeff said...

If the Duchess thinks that she can control the monster on the Vile Throne, we fear that she has a rude awakening in store. There are whispered rumors that his appetites are vicious and demonic.

The Duchess had best beware of "Mad Ludwig of Nochtswan" . . . his dungeons are said to be full of those he's driven beyond the bonds of sanity.

Capt Bill said...

Scandalous, scandalous I say...Bill

Frankfurter said...

And how long before one the newly disenchanted takes the opportunity of fully informing the duke or his fool?
Would be a good time to make a profit and to reposition one's self closer to the tyrant ...

abdul666 said...

What is the Duchess' first (I don't dare to write 'christian') name?

So far it is kept as secret as that of the Grande Duchesse of Gerolstein: is in some European Courts some superstition about the magical (bewitching-allowing)'power of true name' at least on those of noble blood?