So the Chancellor has insisted Teren come and talk with him privately. What does Dresden Rearder have up his sleeve....This chapter may be on the wordier side and still need a bit of work. Trying to cut it to tighten/increase tension but I will be very curious to hear what you think about it.

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Teren

When they reached the large wood door, Rearder held it open for him graciously and Teren had no choice but to enter the man's chambers. In spite of the tension he felt with Rearder blocking his only exit, Teren could not help but be impressed by his surroundings. 

The Chancellor's study was spacious, lavishly fitted with carved chestnut fixtures. Bookshelves lined the sides of the room, filled with leather bound tomes much like in the King's own chambers, though of course the scale of his collection was somewhat smaller. Behind a large wooden desk two picture windows looked out onto the palace gardens. 

Everything in the room was abnormally polished and clean. Rearder had a reputation for his fastidious nature and his chambers did not disappoint. The level of opulence the man possessed to furnish his apartments so royally was clear. That Henry allowed the man such accommodations within the palace walls was a clear nod to the Chancellor's status within the Empire.

"Please, take a seat," the Chancellor said. Teren obeyed, attempting to affect as much confidence as possible to mask the sense of foreboding building in his mind. The anger he had felt only moments before in the receiving hall seemed a distant memory, now sufficiently dampened enough for Teren to feel the full, frightening reality of the situation. He heard Rearder speaking to his man at the door.

"You may leave now, Mathew," he said. "Please see to it that we are not disturbed. I will except no interruption short of a request from his Majesty himself." Teren heard the man's assent and the creak before the door of the study closed with a heavy thud.

"Teren Mather," Rearder said, turning his attention back towards him. Teren watched the man closely as he crossed the room to sit across from him at the desk.

"I am glad to finally speak with you in private."

 Rearder leaned forward, elbows resting on his desk, his fingers steepled, leaning against his lips in thought. Teren stared at him trying desperately to imagine what the man might be plotting. The Chancellor had already implied that had the means to destroy him. If that was so, why did he not simply have him arrested? What could possibly be gained from their speaking now?

"I do hope we can be candid with each other," The Chancellor said after a moment. "I believe that there have been some misunderstandings between the two of us and I wish to rectify this. That is why I asked you here."

Teren was incredulous. "Forgive me, Chancellor, I do not remember responding to any sort of invitation at your behest."

Rearder smiled. "Ah, there it is," he said. "This is the sort of frank conversation I wish to have. Please, do not hold back." He paused. 

"I know you might have been unaware of my invitation, but I did take considerable pains to send it. I came myself to call on your wife this morning after all. I knew that you would not be able to avoid Salam palace after such visit."

"Yes," Teren agreed, working to keep his voice even, "it seems you were right. When a man threatens my home I can do nothing but act."

The Chancellor's smile did not abate. "Please, Commissioner, I did not intend my visit to be interpreted as a threat. Merely a call to motivate you to action."

Rearder's casual, patronizing tone was infuriating and Teren could feel the anger stealthily replacing his fear once again. The man was holding him against his will. There must already be an order for his detainment and if there was, this strange pretense of friendly discourse was entirely demeaning. The Chancellor was toying with him as a cat with a mouse, binding time for amusement before making the kill.

"Teren," Rearder continued, ignoring the frustration Teren knew must be obvious in his expression. "May I call you Teren? I wish to do away with this unfortunate formality between us. You, of course, may call me Dresden. I have asked you here because I truly wish that we might form an alliance you and I."

Teren stared at the man in shock. What was this trick? A final mockery before the end? Surely any chance he'd once had to pledge himself to the man was already past. He apparently wished to gloat. 

"Chancellor Rearder," Teren answered, in a surge of bravery. "You asked me to be candid so let me tell you quite candidly that I cannot imagine something I desire less than a friendship between us." He knew the audacity in his words was unforgivable, but he refused to act the part of the coward.

Dresden's raised an eyebrow in response.

 "Would you prefer to find yourself in a cell awaiting trial for treason along with that worthless boy?" he asked. "I would imagine that this would be far less desirable. I should tell you, I have seen men convicted with far less evidence than I currently possess pertaining to your questionable acts." Reader paused. "But please. I do not wish to threaten. I am aware that I have a certain, reputation that I suspect makes you hesitant to accept my friendship."

Teren looked at the man with loathing. Rearder had all he needed to bring him down and had said as much. Was it not enough that he would see him dead? This cruel game was too much, and Teren had no intention of playing it. 

"You have a reputation of being ruthless and brutal," he answered fearlessly. "Most importantly, your reputation holds that those who align with you have a habit of meeting highly unfortunate ends."

"Yes," the Chancellor replied, a touch of an amused smile on his lips. "That is exactly the reputation to which I refer." He paused "It is true that many of those I have held in my acquaintance have met with unfortunate fates but I assure you that fault did not lie with me."

"Of course," Teren said, unable to mask his contempt, "That you have denounced, convicted, and executed every one of them was no doubt happenstance."

At his sarcasm, Dresden's composed expression faltered for a moment, his eyes narrowing. "Commissioner, I do believe you misconstrue the facts ever so slightly," he said. "I do not now, nor have I ever had the power to do such things as you suggest. I would not insult your intelligence. It is no coincidence that my acquaintances have a high mortality rate, but the reason is perhaps different than you might imagine."

"I imagine your friends die because you unequivocally betray them. Because you sacrificed their lives for your own."

The Chancellor seemed entirely unperturbed by his accusation. "As I said," the man replied, "the reason is different than you believe it to be." Dresden leaned back in his chair. "Teren, why have you not approached me before? When you finally broke through the shame of your family name, re-entered proper society with a respectable position and land and titles to match. Why did you not ask for my friendship? You must have known that I was very influential within Henry's court and that an alliance between us could provide you an endless supply of power and wealth?"

Teren responded with a stony silence.

"Please answer the question."

"I was not suicidal."

Rearder nodded. "Exactly," he said. "You were not willing to risk your life, the lives of your wife and daughter, and the honor you had worked so hard to earn, by engaging in perilous political games. This is why I can assure you that from me, you have nothing to fear."

Teren stared at the Chancellor with confusion unable to comprehend his words. Nothing to fear? Had Rearder not already stated his intention to see Teren convicted of treason? "I'm afraid I do not understand," he answered.

"Let me explain it another way," the Chancellor said. "When I first met you I did indeed wish to see you destroyed. Seeing a man such as yourself, of a formerly wealthy and proud family line, a man with something to prove, I grow uneasy. Such men often feel wronged by history and, greedy for more, they feel entitled to quickly obtain as much wealth and power as they can to blot out any shame of their family's past. Their entitlement makes them impetuous in their quest and are thus hard to predict and control. Moreover, they tend to see themselves as competitors for my position."

Teren reminded quiet as the Chancellor's eyes narrowed slightly, not daring to interrupt.

"You see, given my own family history, many imagine that they might emulate my success," Rearder continued. "These "friends" I acquire, wonder how I have been able to maintain my position in times of turmoil. They see it as a magic trick perhaps. Some have even accused me of wizardry, gathering close so they can learn from a master. In truth however, my survival in the upper echelons of society is really quite simple. I keep my ears and eyes open. I follow the changing moods of Erestia and keep my vision clear for new opportunities," he sighed. "But my reputation precedes me and lackeys still seek to gain my favor in the hopes that my luck will transfer to them. Even more hope to steal my secrets and take my place."

"That was certainly never my intent," Teren answered, somewhat caught off guard by the Chancellor's veiled accusation. Teren had done everything in his power to avoid offending those of the court or infringing on their positions. He'd been even more cautious in his dealings with the High Chancellor. Had all that effort been for naught?

Rearder shook his head at Teren's response. "Indeed I know that now," he said. "You, Teren Mather, lack that level of ambition."

"Now just a moment." Teren felt the ire rise again but Rearder held up a hand cutting him off mid-sentence.

"That was not intended as an insult, merely an observation."

"Why would you tell me any of this?" Teren asked, his frustration and fear finally replaced by true curiosity.

The Chancellor smiled. "I thought that was clear. To gain your trust Teren. I want to show you that I can be trusted."

"By explaining your desire to see me brought down?"

"Former desire," he answered. "I am revealing these things to you to prove the sincerity of my wish for a bond of trust to be formed between us."

"Forgive me Chancellor but revealing past treachery is hardly the basis for trust."

"Perhaps not," Rearder agreed, but I assure you, I no longer wish to harm you in any way and formally recant any past action I have taken against your person. You sought to redeem your name, to bring your family into proper society, but no more. I understand that now. This is why I say to you that the unfortunate demise of my former associates should not concern you. It was ambition that destroyed them. Each and every one. They could not be contented, always foolishly looking for more. In the end, it brought them to ruin."

Teren stared at Rearder with incredulity. He wondered if the man really believed any of what he said or thought Teren foolish enough to do so.

"There are those who believe I am no different," the Chancellor continued. "That I too am a man of unrelenting greed, a man always in search of more power, never satisfied. They are wrong. They do not see the truth of my career. I have given up and regained my positions, my lands, my possessions, more times than I care to remember.

Everything in this level of society is a constant flow of give and take. One must let go of some things in order to gain others. This is what my former friends were unable to understand. For their mistake they, regrettably, they paid the ultimate price " He paused, forcing Teren's gaze. "But you Teren are quite different," he continued. "A man with simple desires. One I can trust to work only within his means. Moreover, I have come to see in you what I Henry did when he fought with you on the field of battle. You are ultimately a soldier. Loyal and dependable. I would very much like to see you maintain your current titles and position on the lesser council. Truly, I hope that you might one day soon rise to gain a place within Henry's inner circle. Perhaps a seat on the privy council?"

"Why?" Teren asked, his mind still unable to believe the words of the duplicitous Chancellor.

Reader smiled. "Because it suits my purposes," he replied.

"And how exactly is that?"

"For now, it is none of your concern. Suffice it to say that I like to have allies within the official workings of the Empire. You had the King's love and might yet again. That is a valuable thing." Teren eyed him suspiciously and the Chancellor sighed.

"I am extending my hand, Lord Mather," he said. "Whether you wish to take it is up to you. I will not try to force you to accept my friendship here today. You already know that I could if I chose to do so." He leaned back, crossing his legs, folding his hands and resting them in his lap. "For now that is enough."

"Then if I choose to leave this very moment, I am at liberty to do so?"

Rearder waved a dismissive hand. "If you wish. I will not stop you. But Teren," he paused staring at him, lips pursing slightly in resolve, "I will not allow you to see the King."

Teren opened his mouth to protest, but the Chancellor stopped him.

"I am only intervening because I am in the position to see what you cannot. Your behavior as of late has been questionable. You believe that Henry was fully committed to your plan of attack at the House of Lords, but after the unmitigated disaster last evening, I assure you, he has had a change in his sentiment on the matter. It will not be difficult to convince him that it was your intention all along to mislead our troops and leave his Majesty vulnerable to attack.

"Though I reaffirm my pledge that I do not intend to act against you myself, surely you realize how many enemies you have. Henry is in a foul mood and your presence will not help sooth his anger, providing fodder for those who wish to see you fall. Moreover, if you approach the King now on behalf of the boy, as I suspect you intended, you will decisively add proof of your questionable sympathies towards a convicted traitor. I assure you no good will come of it. Your behavior in the questioning chamber was already concerning enough."

Teren stared at the man in shock. How had he guessed his intent to speak on Hill's behalf? Of the incident in the prison?

"Lord Rearder, I believe my business is my own," Teren said, hiding his surprise the man's knowledge. "You were not present when the boy was questioned after all."

"Unfortunately you are mistaken on both matters. To your second assertion, just because I was not physically present last night in the prison, do not assume for a moment that I was not there. Remember this well Teren. I am everywhere."

The knot in Teren's stomach was beginning to form again.

"And as to your first proclamation, that your business is your own? Well, I'm afraid that too is inaccurate. Perhaps you have not spent enough time in true high society to realize, but no one's business is entirely their own. If I was able to ascertain the details of what happened in the questioning chamber I assure you others have as well. I have taken interest in your survival Teren Mather and I am concerned that your current track may be more perilous than you realize.

"You served loyally under Henry in battle. I think you may even consider him a friend." He paused looking Teren straight in the eye "You must be more careful around him. Our ruler, King Henry Philip Bastario is your Sovereign, he is your master, your Lord. He is all those things before he is your friend."

"I know my place," Teren replied.

"Do you?" Rearder pressed. "You laid hands on him Teren. In front of others. I'm not sure you even begin to grasp the significance of such action. The King has been extremely paranoid as of late. The rising successes of the Vox Populi has set him on edge and he has been betrayed by his closest friend once before. After last night it will not be a far leap for him to conclude that you, like Dirham, have sought to destroy him all along."

Teren knew he could not deny the truth in the Chancellor's words.

"I am no longer young," Rearder said with a small sigh."I do not possess the stamina for complex intrigues and plotting as I once did. I have come to see you as a potential ally. Someone I can trust. Men like that are hard to find. I suppose it is a selfish motive that draws me to act on your behalf and protect you from yourself. For that purpose, I offer this advice. Forget Seleb Hill. Let the matter resolve itself in two days time and live to fight another day. Perhaps someday you will have power enough to change such things. For now, you do not."

Teren felt the weight of total defeat upon his shoulders. He had failed to help Seleb, he had failed to avoid the Chancellor's clutches. Whether or not he officially pledged his allegiance here today mattered little. The man had made it clear that he owned him already. At yet in his despair, a new realization came to Teren's mind.

"I may not have that power," he said, "But you do."

Rearder shook his head sadly. "You are mistaken," he answered. "The King has made his decision."

Teren refused to believe it. Perhaps he had failed utterly. Failed at protecting the King, his own family, the Empire. He might even deserve this punishment, to be shackled to the evil man that had now laid claim to his life, but Teren had to salvage something from his loss.

"Lord Rearder," he said, "you are second only to Henry himself. You have the influence to stop a grave injustice. I swear to you that Seleb Hill stands falsely accused. He does not deserve the end to which he is condemned."

Rearder's face remained unchanged. "If this is true, it is indeed unfortunate, but nonetheless I must insist you drop this ridiculous obsession with your former informant. The boy has been sentenced. He will die. He is not worth your life and certainly not worth the lives of your innocent wife and child. As I mentioned before, the key to survival at court is letting things go. Hill is one of those things."

Teren shook his head. "I can not accept that."

"You are a general, sir. Would it not be ludicrous to sacrifice an entire regiment to save one man?"

"I would never simply leave a loyal solider behind," Teren answered with frustration. He took a deep breath. "You claim to desire my friendship. Consider this an act of good faith to that purpose. Speak with Henry on Hill's behalf. Even if all you can do is spare him the pain of such a gruesome death I would be grateful." Teren watched Rearder's face. Trying to find some tell in his expression but saw none.

"Unfortunately you are in no position to negotiate," Rearder answered. "I am already giving you your life. That is my sign of good faith."

Teren's heart sank.

"Still," the man continued. "I recognize that this misplaced loyalty to your informant, however foolish, is the same loyalty that has led me to see you as an asset." He paused, considering. "Alright," he said. "Agree to an alliance between us and I will hear your request and agree to speak with Henry in your stead. You and your family will be entirely protected and I will make a plea on behalf of the boy, though I make no promises as to what the result may be."

Teren stared into his eyes trying to somehow discern the veracity of his words. 

"But Lord Mather," Rearder said, cutting through Teren's momentary victory. "If I do this thing for you and were to find that you have approached the King yourself, or indeed attempted to intervene with the execution in any other way I shall be very disappointed. To put it simply, I cannot work with men I cannot trust. Should you cross me now, after I have put my neck out on your behalf, I will personally ensure that you are destroyed in the most painful manner I can devise. I believe you know how very creative I can be."

"How can I have assurance that you have indeed spoken to the King?" Teren asked, ignoring the clear threat. "That you have made any attempt to act on Seleb Hill's behalf?" If he agreed to the Chancellor's offer, he would be forced to relinquish chance to speak with Henry himself. His family and Hill would be entirely at the Chancellor's mercy, and Teren would have to trust that, for whatever reason, the man truly did wish to protect him. Moreover, in officially accepting Rearder's help, he would be irrevocably bound to the man in debt for his aid.

Rearder's lip curled in a half smile. "You will just have to maintain faith that I am a man of my word," he said. "It will be an excellent test of our new alliance. You will trust me to follow through with my pledge to speak with Henry, and I will trust that you can follow my orders."

Teren wanted to protest. The man had ultimately promised nothing and yet expected his unfailing obedience.

"Go home to your family Teren," Rearder said, cutting in on his thoughts. Be grateful that you and they are still safe. Forget the boy. You have done all that you could for him, and far more than was necessary. Do not attend the execution if you wish. I will make an excuse for you absence, ensure you are not penalized."

"No," Teren answered quickly. "If he cannot be saved, I will be there at his end. I owe him that much at least for the part I played in his demise."

Rearder nodded. "I make no promises, but I will work to the best of my ability to lighten his sentence though I remind you, the ultimate result will be entirely out of my control."

Teren could think of no response.

"You are a strong man Teren," Rearder said. "I hope that you can use that strength for both our benefits and not allow your morals to destroy everything that you might gain." The Chancellor rose and Teren followed insuit, excepting the hand that Rearder proffered. "Remember your part of the agreement Commissioner," Rearder said, his hand tightening around Teren's. "You are to in no way approach the King. You are to take no more action for the boy."

"I keep my promises, Chancellor," Teren said.

Dresden's steely eyes fixed on his. "As do I. All of them." He held Teren's hand for a moment, the two staring into each other's eyes like mediums trying to discern the future before they released their hold. Teren bowed respectfully.

"Chancellor."

Dresden nodded his head in reply.  "Commissioner General."

As Teren left he could feel the man's eyes on his back still, making the hairs on nape of his neck stand on edge. He cursed his helplessness. He cursed Rearder, and perhaps for the first time, some part of him deep inside cursed Henry as well.

dun dun dunnnn... So Teren and Dresden in an unholy alliance. That certainly changes things. Will the Chancellor keep his word? What will that mean for Teren and his family? For Seleb? One more chapter before we get back to Fiona and Alex. I assume you are all wondering where they've been? You'll find out soon enough:-)