A Moment's Pause

The light knock on Alexandros’ door roused him from his thoughts, pulling himself back from the streams of possible futures. He sighed, closed his eyes, sat up in his chair and called out. “Come in.” The door opened carefully and Theoderaf walked in, closing it behind him. Alexandros put on a sympathetic smile.

“Brother, welcome. I must say I am surprised that it’s you who is visiting me, I expected one of our more… vocal brothers.” Alexandros laughed a little, but Theoderaf did not return the warmth. Alexandros took a closer look at him, studying his face and his eyes. He looked older than Alexandros had ever seen him, and no longer radiated the golden light that reminded all so much of the Emperor. His eyes, normally glowing with the fires of passion, were dull and were like embers on the edge of going out.

“Alexandros, I am sorry to disturb you at this late hour, particularly after so long a day. May I sit?” Alexandros inclined his head, and Theoderaf lowered himself into the comfortable chair opposite Alexandros. He let out a long sigh as he was seated, taking Alexandros by surprise.

*Things must be bad for Theoderaf to display this level of fatigue around me.* Thought Alexandros.

“So, brother, what brings you here? Is there something I can do for you?”

Theoderaf looked down at his hands and took a breath.

“I have come to talk, Alex. You withheld from stating your positions in the Conclave today, and it is unusual for you to withhold from stating an opinion.” Alexandros let the barb slide, letting him continue. “There is something on my mind that I must share with someone, and our other brothers’ emotions are running a little hot today.”

Alexandros smiled. “Strong emotions have never been something you have avoided before.” Theoderaf looked up, and Alexandros let his smile fall. “Of course you can talk to me, what is on your mind?”

“The Conclave today. That performance that Araphel put on, and the calls of the vultures to rip pieces off of the Imperium. It is disgusting how people seek to destroy the Imperium while He is away.” The word he caught in Theoderaf’s throat a little, and Theoderaf dropped his eyes again.

“Yes, the amount of disunity in the Conclave is disheartening. In this time of crisis, we should be all working together to keep the Imperium working.” Alexandros stood up, walked over to his wine cabinet and poured two glasses. He handed one to Theoderaf. “However, I sense there is more to your feelings than simple politics.”

“The Emperor.” Alexandros felt the words hit him in the chest, understanding why Theoderaf was here now. “His absence is weighing heavily on me this past year. And now we are to have a regent to steward the Imperium, and how can anyone hope to match up to Him?” Alexandros sat in the chair next to Theoderaf, taking a sip of his wine as he considered his next words.

“I do not think we can, brother. None of us can hope to match him, so all we can do is hope to keep the Imperium going until he returns. That is why we are all here.”

“Not even all of us working together can do it. And by today’s activities, I highly doubt that some of our brothers will be able to. As much as Araphel is my sworn brother and the validity of his point, his act today will cause divisions.”

Alexandros nodded in agreement, careful not to give too much of his own thoughts away. “Well we managed to bury our feud for the sake of the Imperium, I hope our brothers can do the same. Since it looks like the Councilmen will be defeated and a Regency will occur, it will fall to the Regent to keep the peace.”

Theoderaf grunted, taking another long drink of wine. His brow furrowed, and he leaned forward. “The Regent. Who will it be? Will it be Malcador?”

“No, Malcador has decided it should be one of us, and is refusing to interfere in the decision. There will be a vote and we shall choose.”

Theoderaf stroked his beard, putting his drink down. “One of us? To manage the whole Imperium? Who will it be? Have you seen who it is with your...” He wiggled his hand in front of his face. “Gifts?”

Alexandros laughed, “Brother, there are some things I cannot foresee. The future is clouded around this event, with too many possible futures for any one vision to be clear. All I can tell is that whatever is decided will be extremely important.” Alexandros leaned back in his chair, observing Theoderaf. “You did not support the idea of a regent. Will you vote for someone for the Regent?”

Theoderaf did not answer, closing his eyes as he considered the options. “Certainly none of the Councilmen. Absalom, Araphel and Rang are pushing too hard for the position, and others such as Kubwa have no wish to be the one. The most important goal for the Regent should be finding the Emperor and keeping the Imperium stable until he returns.”

“And you are sure he will return?” Alexandros asked tentatively.

“He will. The Emperor shall return and we will continue the Crusade.” Stated Theoderaf with force, his eyes flaring with red. “If this Conclave is to be a turning point for the Imperium, then I shall involve myself more in the discussion, to safeguard the Emperor’s vision.” He rose to his feet, his eyes keeping their fire. Alexandros rose with him, smiling at the vigour with which Theoderaf spoke.

“Thank you, Alexandros. I hope that our working relationship can continue like this.” He gripped Alexandros’ shoulder, and then bowed his head and left the room in rapid strides. Alexandros waited for the door to close, and then massaged his temple with his fingers.

*Theoderaf certainly has not gotten any less dramatic. Just what this Conclave means, more drama.*