Another letter to the King~

His Imperial Highness, Glorious and Dutiful, Courageous and True; I once more send tidings to your seat.

Forgive my temerity, the situation in Verona is becoming increasingly dire.

My allies and I were in pursuit of the supposed ring-leader of the uprising in the jewel of your crown. We had learned at great pain and at great cost the identity of the masked figure scouting around town at night time. Once finally cornered, upon his death we learned the far more disturbing truth. Ario – or ‘ChaoticAtomBomb’ was another member of the Verona Watch. Tragically, this is the second Watchman that we have found whose name was listed upon those who saw to attack the Crown. The Count had more luck and through tenacity, daring and wisdom uncovered one of the true servants of the enemy and put paid to THAT wretch.

I have been discussing with the remainder of House Capulet what to make of this situation. It’s clear to us now that the Watch are in allegiance with the enemy faction. Whilst I do expect Capulet forces to continue to make snipe attacks against my men, Montague is solely concerned with eliminating the barbaric threat from within the town. Should we finally put down the rebellion, I have no qualms in offering succour to the remainder of House Capulet. I bear them no ill will having thusly learned they were manipulated. I pray that that they would not seek to pursue a conflict that can end only in bloodshed and suffering for all. Perhaps it is foolish of me to have hope that they will honour their word, but I will honour mine and not knowingly strike down a Capulet while these ‘citizens’ still live.

I am concerned for the Count’s safety. Ere the previous eve was done, the man I had assigned as a personal bodyguard was assassinated. We have spoken of our concerns to one another. We believe that our enemy has learned that we are on their trail and have laboured with underhanded means to defeat us. You have more kin in Verona than Count Paris – though I do not know his regal title, Daniel, has also privately been corresponding with the Count and myself.

Daniel is an excellent boxer, a man of impeccable taste in wines and fine foods, and a gentleman. Over the last few evenings, he has been dining at House Montague, and escorting my daughter Lucy. If it pleases His Highness, I would gladly offer my daughter up to Daniel as his wife. My daughter is infatuated with him and the many risks he has taken to bring peace to this town. I know she will honour him and you with every breath she draws, should you give her permission to wed.

Privately, I am concerned about my safety and that of the Count. I am old. My death would not gravely affect Verona. I have assigned my apothecary to watch a sword for hire, Leo, who will be acting at the Count’s behalf to remove threats to the Crown, as the Watch cannot be trusted to act in your stead. Should brave, courageous Luke be cut down though, I would weep endlessly – for he has risked much for us all. However if news should reach you of my death, then I must fear for the Count. As the last vestige of your name in Verona, he will be the natural target.

Should the unthinkable happen and – I scarcely have the courage to write such unthinkable words – even our Count Paris, then…

Surely not.

My liege, I have just had a terrible, black thought.

We know now that His Highness and the indomitable forces that do enforce your will with steel are on their way here. And rightly so! For I am but one man and though my spirit is willing, I am outnumbered and at every turn beset by dogs and traitors and blackguards. Though I would gladly meet my end while placing twelve inches of my finest steel through the hearts of every one of those sons of Perdition, an old man like me canst’ honestly compare against so vile a thing. We, the defenders of your valour, won’t ever give up. However…could this have been their plan? Our enemy surely knew that the actions they have taken would have brought down the righteous justice of the Crown. They should not have done so lightly, for they must know that your arms and armaments are like the mighty claws of the eagle; swooping down from the heavens to strike without warning. Surely, they are weasels and vermin among men, they should meet the same fitting end – cut off and silenced forever without hope of recourse, taken into swift annihilation and torn asunder without hesitation.

If they knew this – could it be that they planned all along to draw you here? If they dared rise arms against our Prince, could they…

No. I cannot write it. The thought is so vile and twisted, I cannot entertain the thought long enough to pen it.

I will end it here. The Count calls for me. Both of us think that our time is short in this world, so we have set our affairs in order and will meet our ends bravely, if that is the fate that we are destined to join. However I intend to pull a few more teeth of the dragon before I am consumed.

Holy Emperor, unto this day I have not yet heard a response or orders. I fear that your messages have been intercepted. Should you have written your plans to me, I must counsel you to keep them secret from this day forth. For our enemy has likely learned of your presence and is plotting –

I hear sounds in the next room. I must go.

Lord Montague