Chapter 43: Appointment
(Double Release)
Tyrion was one of the biggest crime lords on Feluc, often overlooked by the authorities due to the nature of his crimes. He created a small criminal empire, controlling many gangs and preventing them from going rampant in the streets. He mainly acted as a mercenary commander, having his forces take part as defense forces for smaller towns that were further away from the major cities or to act as quick responses to beast attacks.
Tyrion also smuggled certain goods that various governors and mayors outlawed in their territories but were legal in others. This was not a major issue to Baldur and most of his council as the goods were not fully banned on Feluc such as drugs or military-grade weapons.
The main issue was that Tyrion's group was illegal due to its size, composing of several hundred members when they were supposed to be limited to 75 at most. This was a mandate issued in order to prevent rebellions.
So as Tyrion was being brought into the palace, he figured that his time was finally up. Even though he was not in handcuffs, Tyrion knew that someone of his station and with his accomplishments hadn't done anything to warrant him being granted an audience with the Queen Dowager.
As Tyrion entered the throne room, he saw that there were 4 other individuals present, each one was a powerhouse on the planet and someone's whose name was well known.
Sir Thomas Saunders was a Knight who had fought side by side with the king after defending a town from a bandit invasion numbering over 5,000 strong. He stood at the forefront with his Knights and the city guard, keeping those 5,000 out of the city and the civilians safe for a week with only 400 men and women.
Elizabeth Phillips was a famous merchant from one of the other planets in the Feluc System, being one the few people not of noble birth to be granted over 100 audiences with the royal families of the various systems. She was able to find a rare resource on one of the Dead Worlds, which allowed Baldur to start building a fleet of Dragons that could be sent out to the various fleets.
Luke Hunt was from a Knight Household, his brother becoming an Imperial Knight with many ancestors before him taking up that place. Luke was rare as he was the first son and the one to inherit the position but he gave up the position. Instead, he went on to become a professor at the Military Academy and becoming the Head Teacher of the 5th Years and helping many graduates who were struggling.
Xavier Lewis was from an Earl Household, not being from a large house at all. But he was a champion of the Hunt, taking 2nd Place in one of them and helping his group overtake many larger and more powerful groups. His martial prowess comparable to an Astartes, even as a normal human.
The others heard the footsteps behind them and when Tyrion stood next to them, they were all confused even more. They didn't know why they were there but they had heard of the others.
Each was a prominent figure but none had any real interactions with the others. Adding Tyrion into the mix who none of them knew, that only added further questions into the minds of those present but none dared to ask those aloud. Except for one man.
"Queen Dowager," Tyrion got down on a single knee and greeted Jendi. "May I ask if am to be executed?" Several knights were about to go and restrain him but Jendi held up her hand to stop them.
Jendi lips curled slightly, unnerving all in the throne room.
"Sir Thomas Saunders, Elizabeth Phillips, Sir Luke Hunt, Earl Xavier Lewis, and Tyrion," Jendi called out each of their names as they stood in a row. "You have all been called for a single reason."
Jendi raised her hand and the maids at the sides of the room walked forward, each with a tray that was covered. Each maid stood before one of the individuals whose names were called and lifted the top of the tray, revealing a long piece of paper along with a quill and ink.
'Warrant of Trade,' Tyrion read the words across the top of the paper, feeling confused. He had never heard of such a thing before.
"Warrants of Trades are an ancient custom that has not been used since the Age of Strife caused all worlds to be separated. I have only read tales of them from the most ancient texts within the Royal Library," Jendi began to explain what the paper before them meant. "By signing this Warrant, you are given your own household and title.
In exchange, you are expected to conquer worlds in the name of the Imperium, reclaim lost worlds, give a show of the Imperium's prestige for worlds that look like they are disobedient, conduct military operations, and whatever else is listed on that paper.
You are basically merchants that have authority similar to the Inquisitors that must have heard about by now, though yours is lower than theirs. You can even conscript armies and navies to fight for you. Most will obey since you all come from a Primarch's System but know that there are also many that will try to worm their way out of it.
But with these, you will be given freedom unlike anything that you can receive in the Feluc System. While there is the occasional work you have to do, you are able to freely explore planets, even those of the Xenos variety, build crews of whoever you wish, and wage wars if you want to, as long as it is not against the Imperium," Jendi explained then winked. "Unless you don't get caught that is."
"Pretty much your only limits is not building empires, working with Xenos that are considered hostile, or going against the Imperium."
The 5 in the room couldn't believe what they were being offered. It was not only a noble title that was equal to that of a Duke but the freedom it gave was something they had never dreamed of. But the issue with it was, they were loyal men and women of Feluc.
"We cannot accept, Your Majesty!" all 5 said at the same time
Jendi smiled at them, glad that they had picked out the correct people.
"Do not fret," Jendi said calmly. "Those are normal Rogue Traders. We of Feluc will not be slaves of the Imperium. We shall use their own rules against them and we wish for you all to help gather allies of other Knight Households outside Feluc. On paper, you would be loyal to the Imperium. But your king, queen, and I know that you will always be loyal to Feluc in your hearts and that you shall raise your children as you have been."
The others felt reassured. Their loyalty was only to be given to the king that had built up their homes and given them all the opportunities in their lives that made their names known. Not some Emperor that came from a far-off place and did nothing for their people.
"Why me?" Tyrion asked. "I am the simple leader of illegal mercenary company and a smuggler. Surely, there are those that are more qualified."
Jendi nodded when she heard his words. She asked her son the same question and made the same points. So she told Tyrion exactly what Baldur had told her.
"Because you know your limits. You operate outside the law but nothing overt. You put your life on the line for a few small things that don't net you much profit. But it also doesn't seem like it is about the thrill for you either.
Neither greedy or a daredevil. Which means that it can only be one thing that makes you take in all those children and bring those illegal goods to various cities," she paused for a moment, letting the suspense hang in the air. "You are a good man who simply hasn't had the opportunities that you need. So my son personally put your name on the list and put you as number one."
Tyrion could not believe that the king had paid attention to him.
'I had always thought that I got away with what I did because I was someone who was unseen by those above. But the king himself has noticed my actions,' Tyrion couldn't help but laugh when he thought about it.
Tyrion picked up the quill and signed his name across the line.
'Fine, your majesty! Since you trust me, let me show you that your faith in me has not been misplaced!'
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