Deathstalker 05 - Deathstalker Destiny

historical, or political pressure group."
    "It's nothing to do with the ceremony as such," said Chantelle smoothly. "This is more to do with your safety, and Constance's."
    "If it's another anonymous death threat, let the Elves deal with it," Robert growled. "That's what they're here for."
    "Oh, there's nothing anonymous about this threat," said Brendan. "We know who's behind this one."
    "We are," said Chantelle. "We, being Blue Block."
    Robert looked at her sharply. "You're Blue Block? I know about Brendan, but…"
    "Some of us are more open about it than others. And some of us hide in plain sight, so constantly visible we become invisible. Suffice to say I'm rather higher up the scale of things than the Cardinal here. I'm talking openly with you now to make sure you understand how important you are to us."
    Robert scowled. "I know. I'm one of the Hundred Hands. One of your precious preprogrammed assassins. But the minute I'm officially King, I'm going to have the Elves go through my mind with a fine-tooth comb, and rip out everything they find that doesn't belong there. I'll be no one's puppet. Blue Block's days of power and influence are as good as over. Once I make public what you people did to me, and how you intended to use me, people will make your name a curse and hunt you down in the streets."
    "Ah, Robert," said Brendan sadly. "I really hoped you'd be more sensible than that. You can't stand against Blue Block. No one can."
    "Watch me," said Robert.
    "No," said Chantelle. "I don't think so."
    The door opened behind Robert, and Kit SummerIsle came in. He nodded to Chantelle, and then locked the door behind him. He looked at Robert, and then stood with his back to the door, his arms folded across his chest, making it clear that anyone who tried to leave would have to go through him. And in defiance of all tradition and orders, Kid Death had his sword strapped to his hip. Robert glared at him, and then at Chantelle.
    "What the hell is that madman doing here? And who gave him a sword?"
    "Kid Death works for us now," said Brendan. "And he's here to make sure you take what we're about to say very seriously. We take you and Constance very seriously. You just might pose a serious threat to Blue Block's plans, perhaps even its very existence, if you really put your minds to it. And we can't allow that. So; you're going to agree to follow Blue Block's orders in all things, or the SummerIsle will go from here right now, and kill your beloved Constance."
    For a moment, Robert couldn't get his breath. His heart felt as though a cold
    fist had closed around it. He had no doubt that the Cardinal was utterly serious, and that his threat was very real. It's happening again. My bride is going to die again. He looked from Brendan to Kid Death, and then to Chantelle.
    His breath rasped in his chest like razor blades.
    "You'd never get away with it," he said hoarsely.
    "Of course we will," said Chantelle. "We're Blue Block. We have a long tradition of getting away with all kinds of things. No one will see the SummerIsle. He's had experience in getting past all kinds of security; even the Elves. The killing will take place in private. Very quietly, very professional. And afterwards, we'll find someone to blame it on. Shub perhaps, or some anti-Royalist terrorist faction. Very sad, very regrettable, but these things happen. You know we can do this, Robert."
    "Constance doesn't have to die," Brendan said reasonably. "All you have to do is agree to return to Blue Block, to the Black College and the Red Church, to complete your conditioning. Then you'll be one of us, and you won't want to fight us anymore. You'll even bring Constance to us, so she can be conditioned too. It won't be nearly as bad as you think. You'll see. Now; agree to all this, and Constance is safe. Refuse, and…"
    "I could lie to you."
    "No you couldn't," said Chantelle. "Your existing conditioning won't let you.
    Once you've given your word to us, you'll be compelled to follow through. You'll have no choice. Now tell me you agree, or Kid Death's smiling face will be the last thing Constance ever sees."
    "Bullshit," said Kit SummerIsle, and everyone turned sharply to look at him. He was still leaning back against the closed door, one hand resting on his swordbelt, but now his disturbing smile was aimed entirely at Chantelle. "This
    whole business is too ugly, even for me. I'm not going to kill Constance, or anyone else, on Blue Block's say-so. I've decided I'm