[RP] We all live in a house of fire

- « Evrard, dites-moi que vous savez où se trouve la sortie… ? »

Le mots - bien que faible du au craquement des poutres - lui parvenait suffisamment clair pour ne pas le faire répéter. Il ne répondit que par un hochement de tête affirmatif car il n'était qu'à quelque pas avant d'aller les chercher. Son armure le cuisait de plus en plus et il posa Anya une seconde afin de se débarrasser de ses gantelets et repart de plus belle après l'avoir soulever de nouveau. Evrard entendait également le bruit du tissu qui chauffe et commence à se rétracter sur lui même, fort heureusement pour lui sous sa cuirasse c'est un uniforme dans une matière qui ne chauffe qu'à très haute température et il aura le temps de tout retirer avant que ce soit collé à sa peau.


- « Vous êtes certains que c’est par là… Anya ? Tu vas bien… ?»

Oui j'en viens.

- « Si jamais… sauve-là. »

Le jeune ne tiendra pas compte en totalité de sa phrase, car son devoir n'était pas de sauver qu'une personne - ou deux dans le cas d'Anya - mais bien tout ceux qu'il prenait en charge. En plus la Comtesse risquerait de lui couper les doigts s'il laissait son mari se perdre.

- « Vite ! Ça va tomber ! »

Il n'entendit que le début de la phrase car une poutre tomba juste après leur passage lâchant un souffle d'air brulant ainsi que quelque gerbe de flamme leur chatouillant le dos. Si le Chambellan n'était pas plus rapide ils resterait coincé tous les trois ce qui était inconcevable pour Evrard.

A GAUCHE!

Un cri afin d'indiquer une porte donnant sur la cour, bien que l'encadrement de bois allait céder c'était leur seul espoir de retrouver leur famille et amis.
Soufflant rapidement à cause de l'effort il se permit un saut épaule devant tête baissé au dessus de celle d'Anya pour protéger son visage. Quelque mèches de cheveux était roussi encore fumantes. Sans prendre le temps de poser la jeune femme le Chevalier vérifia qu'Enzo était derrière lui.
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Evrard de Melchir, marié à Myosoti!

[An endless fall into a bottomless night, that's what hell is*]
Victor Hugo.


Leaning on his cane, staggering , the Emperor was going ahead, in this endless corridor, in this death row. Around him, the flames ravaged the walls and the tapestries, like a hungry ogre. Ceilings were cracking and collapsing one by one. And the smoke became thicker and darker with every step, burning his lungs and his throat, making him dizzy. There were only two kind of people able to sink into such furnace : crazy people, or unconscious people. But since the collapse of the stairs, the Emperor had lost consciousness. He wanted to find his daughter whatever the costs. He would not abandon her. He would leave the palace, without the certainty that she was safe. Members of the imperial escort joined him , and he only repeated the sentence he repeated to himself, since his eyes had crossed the bread in the kitchen.

"My daughter ... We must find my daughter ..."

He paused a moment to rest, gathering strength, while his guards scattered around him, searching Luisa in the surrounding rooms. He could not breathe any more : he was getting overheated. Some drops of sweat ran down his forehead to his eyes, disturbing his sight. He untied the scarf around his neck, and leaned a moment to find breathable air. His mouth was getting dehydrated. But despite his suffering, he resumed his walk to the bedroom of his daughter.

At this point, he didn't seem to the Emperor he used to be, any more. He was a man ; a man like others, who just sought to preserve the most important part of his life : his family. He was walking to the bedroom, as he could... Until his cane broke. He fell to the ground. And he had no strength to get up. Around him there was only chaos ; such chaos against which he fought all his whole life ; such chaos he loathed. Such chaos was making things clearer. For months, he had thought himself above human laws and above God. But he was an old man, a weak man. A man made ​​of flesh and bone, vulnerable, as everyone. And he was tired. Truly tired. All his life he fought... His whole being was tired. He wanted to rest, now. He closed his eyes. It was the end.

It was the end ... Until he heard a voice, in his mind. A familiar voice. Was it a dream ? Was it a cry ? Or was it really his daughter who was calling him ? Luisa ... He opened his eyes. Luisa ... He rolled onto his stomach, and coughed to clear his lungs. It was her. He was sure. She was here... close to him... So close ... He leaned on his arms, and sat up straight in a plaintive roar. Her bedroom was there ... just there ... With the help of the wall, he stood up. Once standing, he felt his legs falling, but his fingers caught a candlestick to stand still.

"Luisa .... I'm h ..."

A cough interrupted him. He had never felt so low. However, her daughter had never needed him so much. He wandered to the princely room. The door was open. He put his arm against it, and scanned the room carefully. Amid the smoke, a blond hair kept him attention. She was here. Thanks to God she was here. Distraught. Scared. But alive. A huge sense of relief ran through his body.

"Don't be afraid, Luisa. I'm coming for you."

Step by step, he approached her, invaded by beautiful images and memories. Luisa was his daughter. She was his heart, and his blood. He never would have left the palace without her. She was the most precious part of his life, in the world ; and he would have gladly have removed his crown to save her life. His eyes met hers, and despite his suffering, he sent her a reassuring smile. Even though she was shaking, even though she was paralyzed, he took her in his arms.

"Everything's fine. I'm here."

A new cracking sounds. And the ceiling collapsed on them.
Dark. Only dark. No more noise. No more fire. Just dark. Just nothing...
Except a whisper that echoed in his mind : "Don't be afraid, child. I'm here."


...
...
...





[Castel of Hayange – Thirteen years ago]


Screams had stopped, giving way to a heavy silence. Agitation had faded, and now an uneasy calm was prevailing in the castle. The Viscount of Hayange and future Emperor was waiting there, sitting on his chair. He could no longer endure this long wait. Silence was toring his heart. Much more than the screams of his wife. He would have done his life to find out what was happening in the bedroom.

Finally, a door opened and a nurse came out, holding in her arms, wrapped in swaddling clothes, a drowsy baby. Sure, he had already tormented his parents ; and doubtless, he would torment them again, in the coming days, months and years. But the relief of the Viscount was real, and urged him to jump from his chair to approach. The nurse said a word.

"It's a girl, my lord."

He took her in his arms, and his eyes fell on her little face. His heart lurched. He didn't find words to describe her. She was so beautiful. She was her creation ; her masterpiece. She represented the most wonderful part of his life. At this point, he promised to cherish and protect her every day that God would make. He would ensure her happiness. He would educate her, and see her grow up until she starts a family ; until she survives him. It was the logical course of life.
Her all life would be happy, and filled with love.

"We'll call her Luisa."

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[Une chute sans fin dans une nuit sans fond, Voilà l'enfer*]
Victor Hugo.


Appuyé sur sa canne, chancelant, l'Empereur poursuivait son chemin, dans ce couloir sans fin ; dans ce couloir de la mort. Autour de lui, les flammes ravageaient les murs et les meubles, tel un ogre affamé. Les plafonds craquaient et s'effondraient un à un. Et la fumée plus épaisse et plus sombre à chaque pas qu'il faisait, ravageait ses poumons, le prenant à la gorge, lui faisant tourner la tête. Il fallait être fou, ou inconscient pour s'enfoncer dans cette fournaise. Mais depuis l'effondrement de l'escalier, l'Empereur avait perdu toute conscience. Il voulait retrouver sa fille, coûte que coûte. Il ne partirait pas sans elle. Il était hors de question qu'il coûte le palais sans avoir la certitude qu'elle était saine et sauve. Bientôt, des membres de l'escorte impériale vinrent se joindre à lui, et il ne fit que répéter, la phrase qu'il se répétait à lui même, depuis que ses yeux avaient croisé le morceau de pain, dans la cuisine.

« Ma fille... Trouvez ma fille... »

Il s'arrêta un instant pour reprendre des forces, tandis que les gardes de l'escorte se dispersaient autour de lui, pour fouiller les pièces avoisinantes. Il n'arrivait plus à respirer. Il avait chaud, trop chaud. Des goûtes de sueur coulaient le long de son front jusqu'à ses yeux, troublant sa vue. Il défit le foulard qui entourait son cou, et se pencha quelques instants, pour trouver de l'air. Sa bouche était desséchée. Son souffle était faible. Mais en dépit de ses souffrances, il reprit sa marche, jusqu'à la chambre de sa fille...

A cet instant, il n'avait plus rien de l'Empereur que l'on connaissait. Il était un homme, un homme comme les autres, qui cherchait à préserver ce qu'il avait de plus précieux au monde : sa famille. La porte de la chambre était proche... Elle semblait s'approcher lentement... Jusqu'à ce que sa canne se brise. Il s'effondra au sol. Il n'avait plus de force, pour se relever. Autour de lui, il n'y avait que le chaos. Ce chaos contre lequel il avait lutter toute sa vie. Ce chaos qu'il conspuait. Il s'imposait à lui, comme une évidence. Durant des mois, il s'était cru au dessus des lois humaines, au-dessus de Dieu. Mais il n'était qu'un vieillard, faible, fait de chair et d'os ; vulnérable, comme l'était ses semblables. Il était fatigué. Toute sa vie, il avait lutté, il s'était battu. Il était fatigué... Tout son être était fatigué, et n'appelait plus qu'au repos. Il ferma les yeux. Tout était fini.

Tout était fini... Jusqu'à ce qu'une voix retentisse, dans son esprit. Une voix qu'il connaissait. Était-ce un songe ? Était-ce un cri ? Ou était-ce réellement sa fille qui l'appelait ? Luisa... Il rouvrit ses yeux. Luisa... Il roula sur le ventre, et toussa encore pour libérer ses poumons. C'était elle, il en était persuadé. Elle était là, tout près... Si près... Il s'appuya sur ses bras, et se redressa piteusement, dans un rugissement plaintif. Sa chambre était là... Juste là... S'aidant du mur, il se releva. Une fois debout, ses jambes manquèrent de se dérober. Mais ses doigts parvinrent à s'accrocher à un chandelier, avant qu'il ne chute à nouveau.

« Luisa....Je suis l...»

Une toux grasse le coupa. Il n'avait jamais été aussi faible. Et pourtant, jamais sa fille avait eu autant besoin de lui, à cet instant précis. Vaille que vaille, il déambula jusqu'à la chambre princière. La porte était ouverte. Il s'appuya contre celle-ci, et scruta attentivement la pièce. Au milieu de la fumée, des cheveux blonds retinrent son attention. Elle était là. Grâce à Dieu, elle était là. Affolée. Effrayée. Mais vivante. Un immense sentiment de soulagement le parcourut.

« N'aie pas peur, Luisa. Je viens te chercher. »

Pas à pas, il s'approcha d'elle ; envahi d'images et de souvenirs bienheureux. Luisa était sa fille. Mais plus que sa fille, était son cœur, et son sang. Jamais, il ne l'aurait abandonné. Elle était ce qu'il avait de plus précieux au monde, et il aurait volontiers abandonné sa couronne, pour sauvegarder sa vie. Leurs regards se croisèrent ; et en dépit son état, il ne put s'empêcher de lui adresser un sourire rassurant. Quand bien même elle tremblait, quand bien même elle était tétanisée, il la prit dans ses bras.

« Tout va bien. Je suis là. »

Un nouveau craquement retentit ; et le plafond de la chambre s'effondra sur eux.
Il n'y avait plus rien. Plus de bruit. Plus de feu. Il n'y avait plus que le noir.
Et un murmure, qui résonnait dans sa mémoire : « N'aie pas peur, mon enfant. Je suis là. ».


...
...
...





[Château d'Hayange – Treize ans plus tôt]


Les cris avaient cessé, pour laisser place à un silence pesant. L'agitation s'était estompée, et un calme précaire régnait désormais dans le château. Le Vicomte d'Hayange, et futur Empereur, attendait là, assis sur sa chaise. Il ne supportait plus l'attente. Elle lui déchirait le cœur. Bien plus que les cris de son épouse. Il aurait fait son possible, pour savoir ce qu'il se passait, dans la chambre d'à côté.

Finalement, une porte s'ouvrit, et une nourrice en sortit, tenant dans ses bras, enveloppé dans ses langes, un petit être assoupi. Celui-ci avait causé bien des tourments à ses parents. Nul doute qu'il en causerait bien d'autres avec le temps. Mais le soulagement fut tel, que le Vicomte bondit de sa chaise, pour s'approcher. La nourrice annonça la bonne nouvelle.

« C'est une fille, Monseigneur. »

Il la prit dans ses bras ; et son regard se posa sur son petit visage. Son cœur vacilla. Il ne sût trouver les mots pour la décrire, tant elle était magnifique. Elle était sa création, à lui. Son chef d’œuvre, à lui. Elle était ce qu'il avait fait de mieux, dans cette vie. A cet instant, il se promit de la chérir et de la protéger, chaque jour que Dieu ferait. Il veillerait à son bonheur. Il l'éduquerait et la regarderait grandir, jusqu'à ce qu'elle trace son propre chemin ; jusqu'à ce qu'elle fonde à son tour une famille ; jusqu'à ce qu'elle lui survive, car tel était le cours logique des choses.
Sa vie entière serait faite d'amour et de bonheur.

« Nous l’appellerons Luisa. »

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No, the night did not last long. Already , the bells rang to announce… to announce what, exactly? A new alarm tone ? Perhaps somebody had found the people of the Palace in too good mood, and he had therefore decided to kill it with a morning din. What a stupid idea. What do griping the princess who was just beginning to realize that she had fallen asleep. In what context was? Oh , yes, Nicolas. The Rosifiage, well. Princely hands sought to confirm the memory by slipping on the sheets, in search of precious work. Bad memory? A yawn, some slow stretches, and feet, in turn, began to move to reach the dear Rosifiage . Fingers on the lock to a rattling and eyes to delve into the truth. Nothing. Merdà, said the heart. And here he is excited.

If there was something that should not be forgotten...

Calm down, it cannot be gone, usually, books don’t know to travel. Your memory fails, that's all. Age and tiredness with it... That's turning thirteen. How horrible it is, you're old, again, again, again, and die. Finally , fortunately the Lord is angry against you and he will take you soon The question is the same since a lot of years. Who will be next? If someone finds your confessions, the question does not arise... Unless cruelty is required and you prefer to lock you in a convent, for real this time. Maybe died would be...
Who cries...? Running? You feel the excitement and the panic rising? You smell the smoke that already slipped under your door? This heat comes slowly to you? Whatever. You will not be able to do anything until you have found it. And isn’t your only memory of Kaëlig? Think of everything you have admitted there, if someone finds it, you're lost.

And if there is something that should not be forgotten...

And the blonde flying in every direction, the pace of research in impulsive slender cabinets, fabric hair, chests... More book is hidden more smoke come into the room, more the princess had trouble breathing, coughing more the more it chokes, and the less it is able to search.
Should she put her life in danger to review her priorities? The princess could see her chamber grey to understand that if she had dropped her book, nobody could ever read it unless we learn to recompose pages ash.

You can not see anything now. You only feel that aggressive burning smell that has crept into your throat . This taste bothers you, it prevents you from focusing , right? Get him out, out of you. Shout. Higher. Perhaps we will get you if you scream. And at least this taste repulsed. Open your door, we hear you further. You see the flames coming towards you? We'll have to close it. Leave it open to scream, but then it will take.

DADDYYYY ! DAAAAAAAD !

Who else? Is it not the strongest man in the Empire and the world?
The taste remained. Maybe it will go away in tears. No. We have to find something to do, Luisa. Quickly.

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Non, la nuit n'avait pas duré longtemps. Déjà, les cloches sonnaient pour annoncer...Pour annoncer quoi, au juste ? Une nouvelle tonalité de réveil ? Peut-être avait-on trouvé les gens du Palais de trop bonne humeur, et avait-on décidé en conséquence de massacrer cette dernière grâce à un vacarme matinal. Quelle idée. De quoi faire ronchonner la princesse qui se commençait à peine à se rendre compte d'avoir sombré dans le sommeil. Dans quel contexte, déjà ? Ah, oui, Nicolas. Le Rosifiage, voilà. Les mains princières cherchaient à confirmer le souvenir en se glissant sur les draps, à la recherche du précieux ouvrage. Mauvaise mémoire ? Un bâillement, quelques étirements lents, et les pieds, à leur tour, se mirent en mouvement pour atteindre le coffre à Rosifiage. Les doigts sur le cadenas pour un cliquetis et les yeux pour plonger dans la vérité. Rien. Merdà, dit le coeur. Et le voilà qui s'excite.

S'il y avait bien quelque chose qu'il ne fallait pas perdre...

Calme-toi, il ne peut pas s'en être allé, aux dernières nouvelles, les livres ne savent que faire voyager. Ta mémoire défaille, c'est tout. L'âge, et avec ça la fatigue...C'est ça d'avoir treize ans. Quelle horreur, tu vas vieillir, encore, encore, encore, et mourir. Finalement, heureusement que le Très-Haut est en colère contre toi et qu'il te prendra plus tôt. La question reste la même depuis des années. Qui sera le prochain? Si quelqu'un découvre tes confessions, la question ne se pose même pas...Sauf si la cruauté est de mise et qu'on préfère t'enfermer au couvent, pour de vrai, cette fois. À y penser peut-être que mourir serait plus...
...Qui crie? Qui court? Tu sens cette agitation et cette panique qui monte? Tu sens cette fumée qui se glisse déjà sous ta porte? Cette chaleur qui vient sournoisement vers toi? Peu importe. Tu ne pourras rien faire avant de l'avoir trouvé. Et puis, n'est-ce pas ton seul souvenir de Kaëlig? Pense à tout ce que tu as avoué là-dedans, si quelqu'un le trouve, tu es perdue.

Et s'il y a bien quelque chose qu'il ne faut pas perdre...

Et les cheveux blonds de voler dans tous les sens, au rythme des impulsives élancées de recherche dans les armoires, les tissus, les coffres...Plus le livre se cache, plus la fumée entre, plus la princesse respire mal, plus elle tousse, plus elle s'étouffe, et moins elle est capable de chercher.
Faut-il mettre sa vie en danger pour revoir ses priorités? Il le fallut pour que la princesse voie sa chambre se griser, pour se rendre compte que si elle avait abandonné son livre, personne n'aurait jamais pu le lire à moins que l'on apprenne à recomposer des pages de cendres.

Tu ne vois plus rien, maintenant. Tu ne sens plus qu'une agressive odeur de brûlé qui s'est immiscée jusque dans ta gorge. Ce goût te dérange, il t'empêche de te concentrer, c'est cela? Fais le sortir, hors de toi. Crie. Fort. Peut-être même qu'on viendra te chercher, si tu cries. Et au moins, ce goût se repoussé. Ouvre ta porte, qu'on t'entende plus loin. Tu vois les flammes venir vers toi? Il va falloir la refermer. Laisse-la ouverte pour crier, mais après, il va falloir.

PAPAAAA! PAPAAAAAAAAAAAA!

Qui d'autre? N'est-ce pas l'homme le plus fort d'Empire et du monde?
Le goût est resté. Peut-être qu'il s'en ira dans les larmes. Non. Il va falloir trouver quelque chose à faire, Luisa. Rapidement, ou alors...

Avant l'incendie

Lothar s'ennuyait. Il était venu traîner dans le coin, son précepteur lui ayant laissé une journée de récréation. Malheureusement, son garde était occupé, et Simone n'avait pas le temps de jouer avec lui. Il avait cherché Lorenz, mais introuvable aussi. Embêter le jardinier ? Non, sinon il n'aurait plus droit de manger directement les fruits qu'il cueillait sans passer par la case cuisine. Les palefreniers ? Surtout pas, ils pourraient se venger sur Monsieur... Monsieur quoi déjà ? Mince, avec Cira, ils avaient trouvé un prénom génial pour son demi-poney, et impossible de s'en souvenir ! Alors son deuxième prénom c'était Charlemagne, ça, c'était sûr. Il y avait aussi un truc avec épi... Zut de zut ! Il lui redemanderait.
Bref. Lothar avait donc traîné toute la journée. Et ce soir, il traînait encore. Cela dit, il avait dîné entre autres avec sa soeur, et une petite idée lui était venue à l'esprit. En l'observant - non pas en l'espionnant ! Ou si peu... - Lothar avait remarqué qu'elle conservait précieusement un livre. Elle le cachait et tout, ça voulait forcément dire que c'était important. Une fois, il en avait parlé à Simone. La vieille gouvernante lui avait répondu que c'était un journal de l'intimité. Le garçonnet ne s'y était pas plus intéressé, considérant qu'il s'agissait là d'un truc de filles, bien inutile. Mais ce soir, l'ennui prenait le pas sur le désintérêt...

Lothar passa le palais au crible. Pas de Luisa en vue. Parfait, elle était sans doute en taverne. Alors qu'il se dirigeait vers la porte de sa soeur, il fut interrompu.

- Votre Altesse ! Au lit !

Zut, Simone l'avait vu. Sagement, il la suivit, se laissa déshabiller, et se coucha sans rechigner. Rapidement, il fit semblant de dormir, émettant même un léger ronflement, sans aucun doute semblable à celui d'un porcelet. La gouvernante le croyant endormi, elle quitta les lieux. Il attendit encore un quart d'heure, puis se releva, enfila une paire de poulaines et une cape. Discrètement, il ouvrit sa porte. Elle grinça et il grimaça. Heureusement, le couloir était vide. Sur la pointe des pieds, il rejoignit la chambre de sa soeur adorée. Il poussa également la porte et se figea un instant. Elle était là. Bon, il pourrait toujours dire qu'il voulait un câlin. Il s'avança quelque peu. Elle ne bougeait pas. Elle dormait ! Parfait. Lothar s'avança davantage, et faillit pousser un cri de joie. Les livres, les fameux livres étaient là, juste devant elle ! Délicatement, il s'en saisit, et repartit aussi doucement qu'il était arrivé, son précieux paquet sous le bras. Où pourrait-il aller pour ne pas être interrompu ? Dans le jardin du palais ! Sous les arbres, personne ne le verrait, et Luisa ne penserait pas à le chercher là. Sitôt pensé sitôt fait, Lothar s'installa confortablement en cette nuit qui commençait à être fraîche sous un arbre du jardin.

Il ouvrit les précieux manuscrits, et se mit à lire ce qui semblait le plus récent. Ses yeux s'ouvrirent grand. Elle avait embrassé quelqu'un ! Honte à ce garçon ! Il irait le provoquer en duel ! Il s'arrêta de suite. Finalement, mieux valait commencer par le plus ancien pour tout comprendre. Lothar se mit donc à lire, lire, lire... Et comme il était tard, le petit garçon dodelina de la tête, avant de s'endormir sur le journal intime de sa soeur, caché par un arbre, éloigné du palais...




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Before the fire

Lothar bored . He came to hang out in the corner with his tutor gave him a day of recreation . Unfortunately, the guard was busy, and Simone did not have time to play with him. He had sought Lorenz , but also found . Teasing the gardener ? No, otherwise he would not have the right to eat the fruit he picked directly without going through the kitchen box. Grooms ? Certainly not , they could take revenge on Mr. ... Sir what already ? Damned, with Cira , they found a great name for his half- pony, and impossible to remember ! Then his middle name was Charlemagne , it was safe . There was also something with ear ... Heck of damn ! It redemanderait him.
Brief. Lothar had then dragged all day. And tonight, he still lingered . That said, he had dinner with his sister among others , and an idea came to mind . By observing - not the spying ! Little or ... - Lothar had noticed that she treasured book . She hid it and everything, it would necessarily mean that it was important. Once he had spoken to Simone . The old housekeeper had told him it was a journal of intimacy. The boy was not there no more interested , considering that it was a girl thing , useless . But tonight , boredom took precedence over lack of interest ...

Lothar passed the palace screened. No Luisa in sight. Okay, it was probably tavern. As he headed toward the door of his sister, he was interrupted .

  - Your Highness ! Time to bed

Damn, Simone had seen . Wisely, he followed , is left undressed and went to bed without a fuss. Quickly, he pretended to be asleep , even emitting a slight hum , no doubt similar to that of a pig. The housekeeper believers asleep, she left the scene. He waited a quarter of an hour, then got up , pulled on a pair of poulaines and a cape . Quietly, he opened his door. She groaned and grimaced . Fortunately, the hall was empty. On tiptoe , he joined the chamber of his beloved sister . It also opened the door and froze for a moment. She was there . Well, he could always say he wanted a hug. He walked a little. She did not move . She slept ! Perfect . Lothar walked more, and almost cry with joy. Books, famous books were there, right in front of her! Gently , he seized it and left as quietly as he had arrived , her precious bundle under his arm. Where could he go not to be interrupted ? In the garden of the palace ! Under the trees , nobody would see , and Luisa did not think to look there. Sooner thought than done , Lothar himself comfortable on this night that began to be cool under a tree in the garden .

He opened his precious manuscripts , and began to read what seemed the most recent. His eyes opened wide . She kissed someone ! Shame on this guy ! It would be a duel ! He stopped on. Finally, it was better to start with the oldest to understand everything. Lothar therefore began to read , read, read ... And as it was late, the boy nodded his head before falling asleep on the diary of her sister , hidden by a tree, away from the palace ...
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Unable to anything herself she watched what Fin did, still she was afraid, it was dangerous and the flames seem to get closer and closer.
He managed it with a lot of efforts to pull up the bar underneath Salome was burried. She made it out still pulling the scrolls close to her heart, as if they were her baby or something that she wants to protect.
Getting up and taking a breath all began to swirl around her. The colors of red and yellow vanished and all turned to black around the Imperial chancellor when she fainted.
_________________

When Salome had freed herself from her prison, Findecano dropped the heavy wooden parts that once made up the ceiling. He turned to Salome to ask her if she was all right, but she collapsed and he was only barely able to catch her with one arm behind her back to prevent her head from hitting the floor hard. With his other arm behind her knees he lifted her up in his arms, the scrolls she was carrying still in her arms.

Ashes and embers were coming down around them. They had to hurry. There was no time and there was no other choice. He had no hopes of bringing her back to consciousness: he had to carry her out, but would he make it? The Chancellor was not heavy, in fact she was quite light. However, carrying someone through smoke and fire would be very hard and tiresome. Yet he could not give up. Their fates were tied as soon as he had found her in the corridor. If she survived, he would live too, but if she would die, he would die trying to save her.

Slowly, but with certain steps, Findecano started his way back. With Salome in his arms he walked through the corridor from which he came. He retraced his steps through the heavy smoke and he knew that he had not much time before he would collapse himself. The smoke was not the only problem, though. The fire had reached them and the wall on one of their sides was engulfed by flames. Pieces of the ceiling came down in front and behind them. As he made the turn at a intersection and walked into the corridor leading towards the great hall and entrance, there was a loud roar and with the rapid cracking of wood the ceiling and God knows what more came crashing done before his eyes. He turned around, ready to run, afraid that the rest of the wing would squash them both, but it seemed to hold for now. The inner wooden and stone parts were giving way, but the outer thick and strong walls were not to be broken so easily.

Back at the intersection he looked at the rubble and he felt desperate. The way was shut, he would have to take a detour to get out now. Tears came in his eyes, not only because of the dust and thick smoke due to the collapse, but he felt panic. Pure panic raced through his mind and body, battling his will and strength to go on. He was sure now that this would be the end. He would collapse and they would both die, burned to ashes or less by the flames. Johanna would be left alone, there would be no marriage. Their bright future was ended by even brighter flames. And who knows about the future of the person whose life he was holding in his arms?

The ongoing battle in his body and soul between strength and failure was raging, but the outcome was determined by God. He prayed and the answer was given to him. For the sake of his beloved and of Salome: he could not give up. He could not just collapse, for he was still needed. His role in this world was not yet completed.

With renewed strength and fervour he continued. He took a different path, not sure where it would take them, but he had to do it. He was a knight and with the aid of God he could fulfil his purpose. He would bring Salome safely outside and he would live to marry his beloved.

The final struggle began, as he carried Salome through the corridors in a fast pace, but his arms were growing tired and numb. He had to shift her position multiple times as he was careful not to drop her. Again he did not know where he was or where he was going. Seconds felt like minutes and minutes like hours. The palace seemed bigger than ever, even though normally one would have found his or her way through it.

His awareness of his surroundings began to fade away, but finally, he reached the big hall where he could find the exit. His senses were blurred. He could not hear what was around him, nor could he see any details that were not lost in the smoke. Miraculously he had found the entrance by which he entered this Hell in the first place.

With Salome tightly in his arms, he walked outside, unaware of any people that were there. He was in a bad shape, his clothes were burned and the unprotected parts of his face and hands were burned and hurt by splinters. His lungs had been full of smoke for too long and his whole body was exhausted.

Once he had walked some distance outside, where he could feel the cold and fresh air, he could feel that Salome was taken from his arms by someone. Then his legs gave way, he lost consciousness. He fell on his knees first, and then face-flat on the ground.
_________________

[~*~] Je vivroie liement, douce creature, se vous savies vraiement qu'en vous fust parfaitement ma cure [~*~]

I know, it's a stupid question but... do you have something useful to bring you some water?

Violante made a little smile to that question. Maybe she was still shocked, maybe she was mad or, simply, tired and hurt. But that question, that simple and kind question, made her smile. She can't think to what can happen to her sister or other minister, she had to think to something else...that is the reason for her little smile

We need these stupid questions, as you said. We have to think that everything will be fine. Thanks my dear for your help but, now, I think it's my turn to wash my face.

Another little smile and she stood up. She arrived at the fountain near them, she put her hands inside the crystalline water and start to wash them. The soot, second after second, disappeared from her hands showing again her pale skin. She continue to wash them for few minutes like erase the last events: the fire, the smoke, their escape, her fear, her tears...
Then she looked the woman reflected in the water: that image has nothing of the young woman who presiding the Imperial Diet. The woman in the image was worried, dirty, disordered: her hair, first gathered in a long side braid, vaguely remembered a beautiful braid. Her eyes were big, full of terror and fear but, at the same time, were also sad or dead, the light always inside them was...was simply off by that fire.
And her dress...oh her beautiful dress was dark and dirty like her, was ruined, burned in some points, was a symbol of that terrible night.
But that image showed her also another thing: her pregnancy. She was alive, her baby was alive, she hadn't pains and it was a good signal.
With a new force she washed her face and tried to fix the hair with a quick ponytail and return to Eriti.

Thank you to bring me outside that hell...I have not been very cooperative, and I'm sorry for that. I'm not a doctor, I know nothing about medicine or herbs but, maybe, we can help. We're Imperial Minister maybe we must lead by example or...we can search our friends. I can't wait here doing nothing, waiting for...what?

Another explosion, she can't remember how many explosions there had been that night, too much to remember. She looked around: fire, smoke, noises, shouts, wounded and survivors and, as background, the imperial palace still engulfed in flames.
_________________

Findecano looked from side to side. The Chancellor was trapped, but how could he rescue her from her position? The beam had to be lifted from her, so she could get up. He tried to lift it himself, but he was unable to move it. The wooden bar was stuck somewhere else in the rubble and he started to push away pieces of it. Hopefully now it was possible to raise the Chancellor's imprisoning piece of wood from her.
He took a plank and shoved it beneath the beam. He felt wooden splinters drive into the flesh of his hands while he was applying pressure on the wood, but the beam started to move upwards and it seemed to him that the young duchess was now free. His hands were hurting and the beam was heavy, he did not know how long he could lift it up...
"Hurry!" was all he grunted.
_________________

[~*~] Je vivroie liement, douce creature, se vous savies vraiement qu'en vous fust parfaitement ma cure [~*~]

Simone was awakened by the smoke and the noises at the Palace.
When he understood the problem, started breathing to calm his heart and ran downstair to organize the help for the people inside the Palace.
He collected the men of his staff and took several chest full of water to stop isolated little fires: the goal was to free the way of exits from the various rooms.
He saw Violante and Eriti and ordered to his people to help them to exit the Palace and be safe.
Then he screamed:

"Come on now, let's go to the first floor to help other possible survivors.
First priority to the Emperor and his family"
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[Français]


Le feu était semblable à un démon affamé, insatiable, une faim inextinguible lui étreignant son estomac brûlant. Le feu rongeait tout, dévorait sans distinction bois et chair.

Alors qu'il poursuivait son périple dans les couloirs, Zeiss ne trouvait plus personne. Et alors que la chaleur se faisait de plus en plus implacable et que sa manche d'uniforme peinait à protéger son visage, il se dit qu'il était temps de rebrousser chemin. Mais voilà, alors que ses pas le menaient vers les couloirs qu'il avait emprunté plus tôt, il put constater que les flammes avaient soigné leur travail destructeur. Il fallait qu'il se débrouille autrement, il fallait qu'il trouve une autre chemin, et ce sans connaître le palais. Il errait donc à la recherche d'une possible sortie, évitant le feu au possible mais plus il avançait, plus il se rendait à l'évidence: Les flammes l'avaient encerclé plus efficacement que n'aurait pu le faire une armée de mille hommes.

Le Commandeur avançait toujours, mais sans trop d'espoir de survie, pensant déjà à quelque trait qu'il pourrait lancer à la faucheuse qui viendrait le chercher. Puis il vit une porte, fermée. Il l'ouvrit et finit dans une chambre, encore épargnée par le brasier. Mais plus pour longtemps. Ses choix étaient restreints. Mourir par le feu ou sauter par la fenêtre et... advienne que pourra. Zeiss se précipita sur la fenêtre et l'ouvrit pour s'y pencher. Premier étage... Il pouvait clairement sauter et rester en vie, mais dans quel état? Le Commandeur baisse un peu plus la tête et... Un tas de foin! C'en était difficile à croire, c'était une chose qu'il croyait voir uniquement dans les histoires de héros que l'on racontait aux enfants.

Le tas de foin et l'incendie lui chauffant de plus en plus le dos eurent raison de ses hésitations, et Zeiss sauta. Et le voilà qu'il atterrit dans la paille accompagné d'un bruit sourd. Car oui, même si ça avait amortit la chute, c'était loin d'être suffisant pour retenir un homme tombant de cette hauteur.
Zeiss surgit du tas de paille, la mine mauvaise et grognant pléthore de jurons exprimant ses pensées sur cet amas de foin beaucoup trop fin à son goût ainsi que sur les douleurs lui parcourant désormais le corps.

Désormais, il fallait faire fi de sa chute et retrouver ses frères.


[English]


The fire was like an insatiable hungry demon , an unquenchable hunger hugging his burning stomach. The fire devoured everything indiscriminately devouring wood and flesh.

Then he continued his journey through the corridors, Zeiss could not find anyone. And while the heat was more relentless and his uniform sleeve struggled to protect his face, he said it was time to turn back. But now, while his walk led to the corridors he had followed earlier, he could see that the flames had kept their destructive work. He must be doing otherwise , he had to find another way , without knowing the palace. So he wandered in search of a possible exit , avoiding the fire as possible but the more he progressed, he went to the obvious: The flames had surrounded him more effectively than could have done a thousand army men.

The Commander continued to advance , but without much hope of survival, already thinking about some feature that could launch the mower that would get him. Then he saw a door closed. He opened it and ends up in a room, still untouched by the blaze. But not for long . His choices were limited. Die by fire or jump out the window and ... come what may. Zeiss rushed to the window and opened it to look . First floor ... He could clearly jump and stay alive , but in what condition? The Commander drops a little more head and ... A haystack ! It was hard to believe, it was something he thought he saw only in the hero stories that were told to children.

The hay and fire heating him more back overcame his hesitation, and Zeiss jumped . And now he landed in the straw along with a thud. Because yes , even if it had cushions the fall , it was not nearly enough to hold a man falling from that height .
Zeiss emerges from piles of straw , poor mine and growling plethora of expletives expressing his thoughts on this pile of hay too thin for his taste as well as the pain now browsing his body.

Now he had to ignore his fall and find his brothers.
_________________

Français :

J’allais descendre l’escalier en trombe, suivant les instructions de Louis et serrant la main de Liz C’est en passant devant la porte du prince que l’idée de jeter un œil par preccotion me prit..

Votre grâsce, ne bougez pas, votre fils..j’vais le reveiller

Le blond ronflait comme un bien heureux. Il dormait,insouciant, une odeur de distillerie qui flottait dans l’air..La soirée avait été bien arrosée, nul doute.

Altesse ! Le feu ! Réveillez- vous ?

A croire que lejeune était devenu sourd.
Je tirais sur les draps, dénudant ainsi le dormeur. Mince, il dormait sans rien !

Alt..P’tain Lorenz bouges-toi !Ca crame !

Le temps était compté et j’en oubliais les formes,il y avait d’autres chats à fouetter.
Une claque tonitruante vint s’abattre sur les fesses du prince.

T’vas bouger ton impérial fion et plus vite qu’ça ! Faut r’trouver ta sœur et ton frère !

Je pris au hasart de la penderie, la première chemise que je trouvais et l’aidais àl’enfiler tant bien que mal.

Sans attendre son avis, je le pris fermement par le bras et l’entraînais à ma suite, le soutenant à moitié. Faut dire que le jeune futur empereur n’avait pas le pas très assuré, ce matin-là.

Lorenz, fais un effort, quoi ! On va finir rôtis !

La fumée commenceait à envahir la pièce et je fus pris d’une quinte de toux.
Je le poussais en avant, attrapant l’impératrice par la taille.

En avant ! Il faut sortir d’ici !

J’enlevais mon foulard, le mettant contre la bouche de Liz.


English :

I went down the stairs with a bang, following the instructions of Louis and shaking hands with Liz It is through the front door of the prince that the idea to take a look by preccotion took me ..

"Your grâsce, do not move, your son .. I'm gonna wake up"

The blond was snoring like a happy well. He slept, carefree, smell distillery in the air .. The evening was well watered, no doubt.

"Highness! Fire! Wake up?"

To believe that lejeune became deaf.
I pulled on the sheets, and stripping the sleeper. Slim, he slept without!

"Alt .. Excrement Lorenz dives up! Crame It!"

Time was running out and I forgot forms, there were other fish to fry.
A loud slap alighted on the buttocks Prince.

"You move your ass and faster ! Found be your sister and your brother!"

I caught Hasart of the closet, the first shirt I found and helped put somehow.
Without waiting for his advice, I took it firmly by the arm and entraînais after me, supporting the half. Must say that the young future emperor was not not very sure, that morning

"Lorenz, make an effort, what! We will finish roasts!"

Smoke began to invade the corridors and I was seized with a fit of coughing.
I pushed forward, grabbing the Empress by size

"Forward! We must get out of here!"

I took off my scarf, putting it against the mouth of Liz

Les cuisines, le but de la course de Sarah. Les couloirs étaient envahis de fumée et Sarah toussait, déchirant un bout de ses jupons pour se le nouer autour du visage. Elle devait se dépêcher, le palais devenait un peu plus chaque minute un chateau de cartes branlant. Plusieurs chemins finissaient en cul de sac : flammes dévorant les tapisseries, poutres effondrées, meubles en feu... Sarah devait revenir en arrière plus d'une fois et quand elle parvint enfin aux portes de la cuisine son visage se figea. Pas de Luisa mais Louis et l'empereur étaient là.

La pièce prenait déjà feu en plusieurs endroits. Sarah poussa un grondement de frustration, elle ne pouvait rentrer avec ses jupons, elle prendrait feu comme une torche. Les deux hommes cherchaient Luisa, mais nulle trace. A la porte de la cuisine, Sarah réfléchit un moment et soudain, prit le seul choix se présentant à elle. Au diable la bienséance, des vies étaient en danger. Les jupons tombèrent en corrole au sol et la jeune femme en braies de coton blanc pénétra dans la salle pour aider à la recherche de la princesse aidant Louis à dégager les ustensiles en bataille dans la cuisine entre les poutres que retirait Louis.

Luisa??? Où est tu? Réponds nous? Louis, votre Majesté, êtes vous surs que la princesse est toujours ici?

--------------------------------------------------------
--------------------------------------------------------



Kitchens, the purpose of the race of Sarah. The corridors were crowded with smoke and Sarah coughed, tearing a piece of her petticoats to tie it around the face. She had to hurry, the palace became a little more each minute a house of cards shaky. Several roads dead-ended: flames devouring tapestries, beams collapsed, furniture on fire ... Sarah had to go back more than once, and when she finally reached the door of the kitchen his face froze. No Luisa but Louis and the emperor were there.

The room already caught fire in several places. Sarah let out a roar of frustration, she could not go with her petticoats, she would fire like a torch. Both men sought Luisa, but no trace. At the door of the kitchen, Sarah thought for a moment and suddenly took the only choice with her. To hell with propriety, lives were in danger. Petticoats fell in corrole on the ground and the young woman in white cotton trousers entered the room to help the search for the princess, helping Louis to clear the utensils in the kitchen battle between the beams that withdrawing Louis.

Luisa?? Where are you? Hear us? Louis, your Majesty? Are you sure that the Princess is still here?
_________________

[ Quelque part, dans des appartements ]

Strasbourg. Il n’aurait pas dû y être, normalement, mais un rapport à amener à l’Empereur, concernant Genève l’avait fait bouger au Palais Impérial. Ayant toute confiance en sa femme et son bras droit pour exécuter les tâches durant son absence, il était parti seulement accompagné de quelques gardes et d’Anya, officiellement écuyère du Comte, mais qui, en vérité était bien plus que cela. Des appartements lui avaient été attribués pour la durée de sa présence au Palais, qui serait de toute manière de courte durée, étant donné ses impératifs à Genève. Il avait toutefois promis une visite de Strasbourg à la blonde contre laquelle il dormait, actuellement, tête confortablement calée contre ses seins. C’est donc pour cette raison, que le jeune homme n’avait pas cherché à repartir au plus vite du Palais pour rejoindre Genève sur le champ. Et assoupi, le jeune homme ne se doutait pas encore du drame qui allait se produire jusqu’à ce que les cloches se mettent bruyamment à sonner et créer la panique dans le palais. Sursautant presque, le Montbray-Sempère sauta du lit, attrapant ses braies qu’il enfila de suite avant de se rendre à la porte qu’il ouvrit, pour comprendre ce qui se passait.

- « Merdà ! »

C’est une vague de fumée qui l’accueillit, et un garde qui hurla quelque chose dans une langue qu’il ne comprenait pas. Toussant, Enzo se précipita vers la couche, attrapant sa chemise puis sa besace ainsi que son épée.

- « Anya ! Rhabille-toi et vite ! Le Palais est en flammes, nous devons sortir d’ici et vite ! »

Il enfila sa chemise et sortit de la pièce pour se retrouver dans le couloir, tentant d’y voir mieux concernant la situation. Il ne connaissait personne au Palais, et Enzo n’avait aucune idée de comment rejoindre seul la sortie. Et surtout, quels étaient les endroits ravagés par les flammes. Attachant son épée à la hanche, le jeune homme se tourna vers l’entrée des appartements qu’il venait de quitter et attrapa la main d’Anya. L’Empereur allait-il bien ? Était-il déjà évacué ? Enzo n’en savait rien, mais lui… Il devait trouver un moyen de sortir d’ici vivant. Et éviter de regarder les corps laissés derrière. Le feu, il avait connu dans cette cathédrale, à Montpellier. Feu qui lui avait laissé le triste souvenir d’une femme et son enfant décédé, ainsi qu’une marque à l’épaule. Feu dans lequel il se souvenait avoir sauvé le jeune et téméraire Kaelig. Il serra la main de la blonde.

- « Nous devons évacuer, Anya. Tout ira bien, ne panique pas… Je vais nous sortir d’ici. »

Il n’en savait rien, mais la panique n’arrangerait pas leurs affaires. Il entraina donc la jeune blonde dans un couloir, n’ayant aucune idée d'où ce dernier menait.

- « Surtout, avance. Toujours. Et mets ta main devant ta bouche… La fumée. Viens ! »

Et dans la tête d’Enzo un « Putain où est la sortie… » est hurlé, tandis que la main se crispe plus fort dans celle d’Anya. Une pensée pour Gabrielle qui est à Genève. Son épouse légitime. Celle qui devrait être là, à la place de la blonde. Définitivement...Du mouvement !

- « Hey ! »
_____________________

Translation in english on the way.
_________________

Lestad nodded to Comyr. He knew, if he had discussed with him he lost to much time. But he was the regent. And he is an imperial Guard. His order is to safe the Majesty, his family and his council. And he could think himself, thatn was the bodyguard of the majesty and many other AI in the fire. And he is the first important Person he met. So he followed him.

"Your Highness. Ok. But if it will be to dangerous, i bring you outside the building, if you want or not. The people follow humans and not papers."
_________________

Leonardo si stava avvicinando ad Aislinn e Pippa quando il crollo, che era stato pesante, aveva provocato uno spostamento d'aria sbattendolo in una stanza... che era quella della dieta imperiale. Quando si rialzò, si ritrovò davanti tre figure femminili: Ranian, Aislinn e Pippa.

***

Leonardo was approaching Aislinn and Pippa when the collapse, which was heavy, had caused a displacement of air slamming into a room ... which was that of the imperial diet. When he stood up, he found himself in front of three women: Ranian, Aislinn and Pippa.

_________________

Sofia walked beside the corridors which lead to the West wing of the Imperial Palace when a servant, who ran in the opposite direction, stopped her and said.

"Excellency, we must find another way to went out from the Palace. There were lots of explosions in the West Wing. Please, follow me, I know safe way to leave the palace."

She looked at the end of the corridor, her sister was there.

"I can't, my sister... the president of the Imperial Diet was in her office. I must find her."

The servant, who were looking around, took her hand and began to throw her toward the exit.

"We must go Excellency, You'll see, she will be out with most of the ministers."

Sofia nodded to the servant before following him to the garden outside the Palace.
_________________

Cavaliere dell' Ordo Equitum Immortalium - Grazie Croci *.*

Schlauron just arrived with his fiancee Petra and tried to get some overview about what is going on here. He follewed her and hoped to find his Captain.
_________________

Il entend appeler, la voix, celle qu'il redoutait d'entendre. Comment se faisait-il qu'il n'était pas hors des murs ? Sans attendre, il fonce, autant que possible, parmi les décombres, jusqu'à se retrouver nez à nez avec l'Empereur.

Majesté... il faut évacuer... venez...

Et il lui donne le bras, l'observant, avant de porter la main vers la tête de l'empereur, sans oser le toucher pour autant, s'inquiétant de l'allure de celui qu'il sert.

Votre majesté est blessée, venez... j'ai pu trouver une sortie...

Pas vraiment en grande forme, mais il se doutait que l'empereur aurait deviné que sa fille était sans doute par là, quelque part, à manger un morceau lorsque le feu s'était déclaré. Il n'avait pas un instant songé que le père qu'était l'empereur pouvait se laisser emmener sans savoir sa famille à l'abri. Il observe, les débris, tente de trouver de l'air dans la fumée qui s'épaissit, et sort un foulard de sa poche, celui qui lui sert habituellement pour ses cheveux, mais pas le temps de faire le difficile, il le tend à Ludwig.

Majesté, mettez ceci sur votre nez, et votre bouche pour éviter les fumées...

De nouveau, il jette un regard vers les cuisines.

Votre fille est forcément ici... Nous allons la trouver, si vous êtes d'accord.

Et il se met à déplacer les poutres qui bloquent leur passage vers l'autre partie de la cuisine, celle où se trouve les réserves. Sous l'effort, il halète, ses yeux le brulent, la fumée lui pique les poumons, mais il continue, tout en appelant.

Luisa ? Altesse ???

Vous êtes là ?

Apercevant les deux soldats pas loin, il se dirige vers eux, pour leur porter secours, laissant un instant Sa Majesté Impériale seule, pour les sortir des lieux, en les faisant glisser sur le sol, les trainant pour les faire passer par le passage qui donne sur la cour.





He intends to call , voice, that he dreaded to hear . How was it that he was not out of the walls ? Without waiting , he charges as much as possible among the rubble to find himself face to face with the Emperor.

Majesty ... must be evacuated ... come on ...

And he gave her his arm , watching , before bringing the hand to the head of the emperor, not daring to touch it much , worrying about the appearance of the one he serves .

Your majesty is injured , come ... I could find a way out ...

Not really in great shape, but he suspected that the Emperor would have guessed that her daughter was doubtless there somewhere to grab a bite when the fire started . He did not for a moment thought that the father that was the emperor could be led away without knowing his family safe . He observes , debris, trying to find the air in the smoke thickens, and a scarf out of his pocket , who usually serves him for his hair, but no time to do the hard , he tends Ludwig .

Majesty , put this on your nose and mouth to avoid fumes ...

Again, it looks to the kitchen .

Your daughter is always here ... We will find , if you agree .

And he began to move the beams that block their passage to the other side of the kitchen, where the reserves . Under stress, he gasps , his eyes burn , smoke stings his lungs , but he continues, while calling .

Luisa ? Highness ? ?

Are you there?

Seeing the two soldiers not far away, he goes to them for their assistance, leaving a moment His Imperial Majesty alone to leave the premises by dragging them on the ground, dragging them to pass through the passage overlooks the courtyard.

Quando l'infermeria e i reparti furono completamente evacuati, Lucrezia prese la sua mantella e la mise davanti alla bocca, ormai il fumo aveva invaso ogni angolo del castello.
Fortunatamente riuscì a trovare subito la strada che la portava nel cortile.

Si ritrovò davante ad una scena degna di quelle descritte dal sommo poeta, una bolgia infernale dove sullo sfondo si stagliavano alte fiamme e davanti a lei un brulicare di persone armate di secchi.

Si rimboccò le maniche e si portò accanto a uomini e donne che tentavano il tutto per tutto.




When the infirmary and departments were completely evacuated, Lucrezia took his cloak and put it to his mouth, now the smoke had invaded every corner of the castle.
Fortunately he managed to find just the road that brought her into the courtyard.

He found himself before him to a scene worthy of those described by the poet, a hellish pit where the background loomed high flames in front of her and a swarm of people armed with buckets.

He rolled up his sleeves and put next to men and women who were trying to go for broke.
_________________

Mentre correvano insieme a Ranian, Aislinn pregava in silenzio: Ti prego non crollare ora, resisti. Permettimi di salvare mia sorella.
Guardava il fuoco che era ovunque e continuava a correre


-------------


As they ran along with Ranian, Aislinn prayed silently: Please do not fall now, hold on. Let me save my sister.
She watched the fire that was everywhere and continued to run
_________________

Guy was working in his office when he heard the alarm bell and the palace waking up. When he came out off his office he heard that there was a fire and all he thought off was the artwork in the palace. He ordered his people to get it out and save it from the flames. He went out to look for his cousin and Johanna. When he looked out of the window he saw a line being formed to start taming the flames and Johanna was in the line helping. He ran true the hallways of the palace and saw his man take down paintings, transport statues to save them.

He saw his cousin running true the corridors and helping people. Guy yelled at him. Can I help cousin? My men are busy with the artwork but I can help if needed. In the chaos Guy thought of the art that woudn't be saved, and the lifes that could be lost.
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More people had joined the line to help to hand the buckets from the water to the palace. Johanna was now nearer at the palace. She could hear the stones tremble and the wood break when a part of the palace collapsed. Johanna had to stop to handle the buckets. Her hands hurt too much. She went up the line and saw a woman who tried to establish a medical area. “Excuse me…” she says to Christin_Marie. “Where can I help? I know how to handle with small burnings.” She explained.

Johanna risked a short glance towards the palace and the people in front of it. She couldn’t see her fiancé. She knew that he would be in the palace. It’s his duty. She looked to the fire burning high in the night sky. Red and orange, black smoke… She had to turn away and find something to do. Otherwise she would going to go mad thinking about Findecano.

_________________

Sarah avait été bousculée par l'impératrice mais elle ne s'en formula guère. D'une part l'instant était à l'urgence et d'autre part, il s'agissait d'une femme et d'une mère qui s'inquiétait pour sa famille. Cela seule suffisait à Sarah pour ne pas tenir compte de l'embardée. Au contraire, elle acquiesça d'un regard aux ordres du capitaine et après un signe de tête se tourna rapidement vers Audric qui déjà se dirigeait vers les chambres des enfants impériaux.

Je te laisse les chambres, Lothar doit être couché à cette heure ci, je file aux cuisines. C'est leur du dernier gouter de Luisa, elle devrait s'y trouver. Pour Lorenz, à cette heure ci, prions qu'il soit encore de sortie s'il n'est pas dans ses appartements!

Attendant une confirmation de son collègue de l'Escorte, Sarah partit ensuite au pas de course vers les cuisines du chateau en priant que le feu ne s'y soit pas encore propagé pour veiller sur son amie. En cet instant, elle maudissait sa robe qu'elle se devait de porter lors de ses charges d'ambassadrices, priant pour avoir plutôt était de garde à l'Escorte et pouvoir crapahuter sereinement en braies. Le fracas de poutres qui s'écroulent se fit entendre dans le couloir où s'étaient précipité l'impératrice, mais Louis et Lestat étaient à sa suite, et elle devait se concentrer sur sa mission : trouver Luisa dans toute cette fournaise et la mettre au plus tôt en sécurité...

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Sarah was jostled by the Empress, but she did little formula. On the one hand was the moment the emergency and secondly, it was a woman and a mother who was worried about her family. That alone was enough for Sarah to ignore yaw. Instead, she nodded with a look to the captain's orders and after a nod quickly turned Audric already headed for the rooms of the imperial children.

I leave you the bedrooms, Lothar must be lying this hour, I go to the kitchen. This is the time of the last "taste" of Luisa, she should be there. For Lorenz, to this hour, pray he is still output if he is not in his apartment!

Pending confirmation of his colleague of the Escort, Sarah then went on the run to the kitchen of the castle praying that the fire did not spread it is to look after her friend. At that moment, she cursed her dress she was wearing during her charges of ambassador, begging for more was to guard and escort to trudge serenely breeches. The roar of collapsing beams was heard in the corridor where the Empress had precipitated, but Louis and Lestat were after her, and she had to concentrate on her mission to find Luisa throughout the furnace and put at the earliest safely ...
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Il pensiero di Leonardo era rivolto a Philippa e ad Aislinn.
Se gli fosse accaduto qualcosa, non se lo sarebbe mai perdonato.
Così tra urla e spinte di gente che correva impazzita, corse verso di loro.
Il suo viso era sudato e sporco, ma non era quello il momento di fermarsi!

***

The thought of Leonardo was addressed to Philippa and Aislinn.
If something had happened to them, he would never forgive himself.
So between screams and thrusts of people running crazy, he ran toward them.
His face was sweaty and dirty, but that was not the time to stop!

_________________

If she's a girl call her Giada

A big and strong hug and Ranian disappeared into the smoke and the fire. Violante tried to call her, but the smoke prevented her almost to breathe, much less talk, she can only thought that, later, they'll see outside that hell safe and sound.
She looked for other few second in the direction where Ranian disappeared than, with Eriti near her and two guards, start to walk and find a way out.
Smoke, smoke everywhere, and fire, a scary fire that everything devoured: furniture, tends, dresses, scrolls and everything that was on its way.
That wing of the castle was engulfed in flames and smoke-filled, she can't see her feet and she tried difficult to control the two guards in front of her.
Her eyes were full of tears: fear for her life, terror to lost her children, her sister or a friend in that fire, fear to can't see again her husband.
Behind her some explosions broke many windows shaking up pieces of glass and wood. They start to run and, after few minutes, they were outside, in the garden.
She dropped to the ground, kneeling and trying to fill her lungs with oxygen: how much it hurt!
She coughed to expel all that smoke inside her and left her tears down her face dirty of soot.
Some nurses and guards helped her to her feet making sure she was all right

Excellency, are You ok? Are You wound? Excellency please answer me!

With a nod of her head she could answer, the voice is not coming out of her and when she saw that majestic palace enveloped in flames began to feel sick thinking about how many were still in there: the Emperor and his family, her friends, her sister...
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Violante, we must go. Now.

That were the only words Eriti said after greeted Giada.
She held the hand of the other woman accompanied her to the exit.

After a while she started to cough due the smoke.
Looking around she noticed a pot on a table along the corridor. She stopped and get close it. She removed the flowers from the pot and, taking the handkerchief in the pocket, wet it.

She turned back to Violante and cut in two the handkerchief with the knife in her bag.

Take this. Put it above the mouth and nose, and breath through it. It will help you to don't breath too much smoke.

Then she put the other piece on her mouth and nose, and continued to the exit with Violante at her side.
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Se la gente ti critica lo fa per due motivi: o non sa come impiegare il tempo o vorrebbe essere dannatamente come te.

Contrairement à ce que pensait la Ranian que le Capitaine de l'Escorte Impériale détestait toujours autant, Louis était sur les talons de l'Impératrice.

Mais revenons donc aux appartements impériaux, parce que certains vont trop vite en besogne ! Louis était donc avec le Lieutenant Lestat, Audric et Sarah, les escorteurs impériaux de garde dans les appartements de Leurs Majestés, et Liz venait de tenter de leur échapper.

C'était sans compter sur leur présence d'esprits à ces mercenaires. Ils connaissent la famille impériale par coeur depuis le temps qu'ils se fréquentent et ça avait commencé bien avant que Ludwig soit désigné Empereur. Louis avait donc donné ses instructions.

Sarah, Audric, direction les cuisines trouvez-moi les enfants. Lestat, avec moi.

Et il avait couru dans les couloirs, bousculant les personnes qui tentaient de lui barrer le passage. Vu sa corpulence, en général ils s'écartaient. L'avantage d'être de garde, c'est qu'on est en uniforme plutôt pratique, alors que Sa Majesté porte une robe, et toutes les dentelles qui vont de pair. C'est donc en quelques enjambées qu'il l'avait rattrapée, et vu qu'elle s'apprétait de nouveau à lui faire faux-bond, il la plaque contre le mur en l'attrapant par un bras. D'instinct en entendant l'explosion décrite par Ranian, et qui doit être en fait une poutre ou un éboulement quelque part dans le palais, il fait rempart de son corps pour protéger Liz.

Majesté ! Vous êtes folle ?

Vu son regard, il est prêt à la gifler pour qu'elle se reprenne.

Votre famille aura besoin de vous alors vous allez avec Lestat.

Il jette un regard vers Lestat, et lui murmure : à la roulotte, personne ne les cherchera là.

Je vais vous ramener votre famille, Majesté, mais pour le moment, vous sortez d'ici avec Lestat ! Pas de discussions !

Mettant le bras de sa Majesté dans la main de Lestat, il informe son Lieutenant.

Je vais chercher les autres. A cette heure, on sait tous où ils sont !

Et hop, il se tourne, assez tôt pour entendre vaguement Ranian dire quelque chose avant de la voir aller vers le bureau de l'empereur, c'est à dire ? Dans la direction opposée de celle que prend Louis, qui se dirige vers les cuisines. L'en-cas du soir de Luisa est comme une pendule, réglé comme un coucou suisse la petite, et connaissant l'instinct paternel de l'empereur, il penche pour un repas en tête à tête père-fille dans les cuisines désertées.

Toussant, il s'approche, et une nouvelle explosion lui bouche la sortie, il ne s'en inquiète pas du tout, vu qu'il connait le palais comme sa poche, les sous-sols et les ouvertures discrètes faites par certains serviteurs qui se moquent pas mal de sécurité... Il sait par où il pourra sortir des cuisines, le tout étant d'y arriver.

Une nouvelle toux... Mais cette fois, ce n'est pas la sienne, il s'approche à grands pas, toujours en direction des cuisines. Plus qu'à espérer que ce ne soit pas celui qu'il croit que c'est.







Contrary to the thought that Captain Ranian the Imperial Escort always hated as Louis was on the heels of the Empress.

But let's go back to the imperial apartments , because some go too fast ! Louis was therefore with Lieutenant Lestat , Audric and Sarah , imperial guard escorts in the apartments of Their Majesties , and Liz had to try to escape .

This was without counting on the presence of their minds to these mercenaries. They know by heart the imperial family from the time they attend and it started long before Ludwig was appointed emperor. Louis had thus given his instructions.

Sarah Audric , directions kitchens find me children. Lestat with me .

And he ran into the corridors , knocking people who tried to block his way . Given his size , usually they parted . The advantage of being on call is that is rather uniform practice , while Her Majesty is wearing a dress , lace and all that go . So in a few strides he had caught , and saw she was going back to false leap , he 's against the wall by catching him by the arm . Instinctively he heard the explosion described by Ranian , and must be made ​​a beam or a cave somewhere in the palace , he rampart of his body to protect Liz .

Majesty ! Are you crazy ?

Saw his eyes , he is ready to slap it to resume .

Your family will need you then you go with Lestat .

He looks to Lestat , and whispers : the trailer, no one will look there.

I'll bring your family , your Majesty , but for now , you leave here with Lestat ! No discussions !

Putting the arms of his Majesty 's hand Lestat , he informs his Lieutenant.

I'll get the others . At this time , we all know where they are !

And presto, he turns early to hear vaguely Ranian say something before seeing it go to the office of the emperor, ie ? In the opposite direction to that taken by Louis, who goes to the kitchen. The snacks in the evening Luisa is like a pendulum , set as a Swiss cuckoo clock early , and knowing the paternal instinct of the emperor, he looks for a meal head to head father and daughter in the kitchen deserted .

Coughing , he approached , and a new explosion mouth him out , he did not worry at all , since he knows the palace as his pocket , basements and discreet overtures made by some servants not a lot of fun safety ... He knows where he can get out of the kitchen , the whole being to get there.

A new cough ... But this time it is not his, he is approaching , always in the direction of the kitchens . Only hope that it is not that he thinks it is .

Katamazai era arrivato nella piazza d'armi dove due fila di persone composte da Guardie e popolazione stavano facendo il passa mano il più veloce possible perchè i secchi pieni d'acqua giungessero a destino per spegnere l'incendio.
Il suo stato d'animo non era dei migliori dopo quanto aveva sentito dirsi ma gli ordini sono ordini e lavatosi la faccia con dell'acqua fresca si bagno le vesti per resistere il più possibile al calore e decise di tornare dentro l'ala ovest, sapeva che il suo Generale sarebbe accorso a controllare che l'Imperatore fosse stato messo in salvo dalla scorta personale anche rischiando la sua vita.
Nel mentre si avviava a ripercorrere le scale per rientrare in quell'inferno vide entrare nella piazza il Capitano Findecano e cercò di chiamarlo, ma un gran boato lo fece voltare bdi scatto e vide una perte del tetto dell'ala ovest crollare.
A quel punto ogni via era sbarrata e per raggiungere l'ala ovest c'era una sola via passare dall'ala Est e quella Nord ed entrare in quello che restava dell'ala Ovest, per cui corse dietro al Capitano chiamandolo a gran voce con tutto il fiato che aveva in gola:

CAPITANO FINDECANOOOO CAPITANOOOO CAPITANOOOO ASPETTATE

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English version


Katamazai had arrived on the parade ground where two rows of people made up cops and people were doing the hand passes the fastest possible because the buckets full of water might reach destiny to extinguish the fire.
His mood was not the best after what she had said but orders are orders and washed my face with cool water bath robes is to resist as much as possible to the heat and decided to go back inside the west wing, he knew that his General would come to check that the Emperor had been rescued by the escort staff also risking his life.
In as he started to retrace the steps to get back into the inferno saw Captain Findecano enter the square and tried to call him, but a great roar made him turn bdi shooting and saw a perte collapse of the roof of the west wing.
At that point, every street was blocked and to reach the west wing there was only one way to pass from the wing and the North East and enter into what was left West Wing, so he hurried after the captain calling with a loud vocecon all the breath in his throat:

CAPTAIN FINDECANOOOO CAPTAINNNN CAPTAINNNN WAIT
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[Corridoio Ala Ovest - Palazzo Imperiale di Strasburgo - Notte del 30 settembre al 1 Ottobre, 1461]

Era giunta nel corridoio dell'ala ovest, dove l'incendio si era propagato maggiormente, il fumo non lasciava una degna visuale così più volte Ranian si era trovata a scontrarsi con chi preso dal panico scappava verso le scale. Vide le sue guardie prestare soccorso a chi era presente in quell'area del castello, così si fece spazio tra loro e continuò la sua corsa, controllando sempre che non ci fosse qualcuno che avesse bisogno di aiuto. Si imbattè in Elein e Eriti, erano ancora tra quel fumo in quel maledetto corridoio, si avvicinò a loro nel mentre Elein diceva alla guardia di andare alla ricerca della sorella

Elein! Eriti! Presto dovete lasciare quest'ala del castello...Elein tranquilla, ci penserò io a ritrovare tua sorella, stavo appunto raggiungendo la fine di quest'ala per immettermi nell'ala nord, lasciate che le due guardie vi aiutino, il fumo ormai ha invaso tutto il corridoio e nelle tue condizioni meglio che fanno da apri folla

abbracciò le sue amiche, come se potesse essere l'ultima volta che si sarebbero viste, Ranian sapeva di andare verso un gran pericolo e non sapeva se mai le avrebbe riviste, stava riprendendo la sua corsa ma si fermò, guardò il ventre di Elein e strizzandole l'occhio le disse

Se è femmina chiamala Giada

le sorrise e proseguì, doveva raggiungere l'ufficio dell'Imperatore e essere sicura che fosse stato messo in salvo, per poi andare nell'ala nord dove vi erano gli uffici dei diplomatici. Durante la sua corsa intravide la scorta imperiale, con loro vi era l'Imperatrice, non si fermò, sicura che almeno uno della famiglia imperiale stava per essere messo in salvo. Man mano che correva il fumo le ostruiva le vie respiratorie, provocando colpi di tosse, anche gli occhi ne risentivano e spesso doveva chiuderli per diminuire il bruciore. Ad un tratto della sua corsa senti un rumore, legna che si rompeva, alzò gli occhi al cielo e vide le fiamme che avvolgevano il soffitto. Il suo sguardo si spostò dal corridoio al soffito, doveva farcela, doveva correre più veloce possibile prima che il soffitto cadesse bloccando la via.

Non fermerai la mia corsa

disse al soffitto come se esso fosse una persona, ma qualcosa la trattenne, qualcuno stava correndo verso la sua direzione, si voltò per vedere chi era. Vide l'Imperatrice, non poteva crederci, l'aveva vista al sicuro tra le mani della scorta imperiale e ora era la. Un'altro scoppio, stavolta più forte di quello di prima, ora non ce l'avrebbe fatta di sicuro ad arrivare verso l'ufficio dell'imperatore, il soffitto sarebbe caduto a momenti, così non le restò da fare che una cosa, corse incontro all'Imperatrice bloccandola con entrambi le mani

Vostra Altezza! Ferma! E' Pericoloso...

un forte boato si udì alle sue spalle e si sentiva forte il calore delle fiamme, si voltò e vide parte del soffitto crollato ancora in fiamme che bloccava la via




[ Corridor West Wing - Imperial Palace in Strasbourg - Night of September 30 to October 1, 1461 ]

Had arrived in the corridor of the West Wing, where the fire had spread further, the smoke left a worthy vision so repeatedly Ranian had found with those who panicked escaping towards the stairs. She saw his guards give succor to those who were present in that area of the Castle, so did the gap between them and continued his run, always checking that there was someone who needed help. Came across Elein and Erites , were still among the smoke in the damn hallway , approached them in while Elein said the guard to go in search of his sister.

Elein ! Eriti ! Soon you must leave this wing of the castle ... Elein quiet , I will manage to find your sister , I was just reaching the end of this wing by putting them in the north , let the two guards will help you , the smoke has now invaded the hall and in your condition better than they do from open crowd

hugged her friends , as if it could be the last time that would have minded, Ranian knew to go to great danger and did not know if I ever would have seen again , was recovering his race but he stopped , looked at the belly Elein winking at her and told her

If she's a girl call her Giada

She smiled and continued, had reach the Emperor's Office and be sure that it had been saved, then go north wing where there were diplomatic offices. During her run saw the Imperial escort, with them was the Empress, did not stop, sure that at least one of the imperial family was about to be rescued. As she ran the smoke obstructing the respiratory system , causing coughing, even the eyes were not good and often had to close them to reduce the burning sensation. All of a sudden of its run she felt a noise, wood that broke , she looked up to heaven and saw the flames that enveloped the ceiling. Her eyes moved from the hallway to the ceiling , she had to do , had to run as fast as you can before the roof fell blocking the way.

Not going to stop my ride!

said to the ceiling as if it were a person, but something held her back , someone was running towards his direction , turned to see who it was. She saw the Empress, could not believe it , he had seen her safe in the hands of the imperial escort and now she was there . Another explosion , this time stronger than before, now not going to make it for sure arriving to the office of the Emperor, the ceiling would fall times , so the one thing that remained to be done, ran toward the Empress and lock it with both hands

Your Highness ! Stop! Is Dangerous ...

a loud roar was heard behind her and felt strong heat of the flames, turned and saw part of the ceiling fallen still in flames blocking the way
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As every night, Aislinn was in the stables and was arranging her horse.
Even before she heared the screams and the acrid smell of smoke, she saw the horse rearing and kicking. She knew without a doubt that something was going on.
A quick look on the upper floors and she understood with horror the amount of the tragedy they were experiencing.
She opened the door and let go out of the stables her horse, followed by all the others.
Then she took a bucket of water and she overthrew it on herself. Maybe this would be enough to protect her from the flames, or maybe not, but she hadn't much time to reflect and acted on instinct.
Then Aislinn ran up the stairs at breakneck speed. She saw that other guards were warning His Majesty and the other nobles present on the upper floors, then ran straight to the door of her sister, opened it and entered calling loudly Pippa.

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Come tutte le sere, Aislinn era nelle scuderie e stava sistemando il suo cavallo.
Ancora prima di sentire le urla e l'odore acre del fumo, vide il cavallo impennarsi e scalciare. Sapeva senza ombra di dubbio che stava succedendo qualcosa.
Una breve occhiata ai piani superiori e comprese con orrore l'entità del dramma che stavano vivendo.
Aprì la porta delle scuderie e fece uscire il suo cavallo, seguito da tutti gli altri.
Poi prese un secchio d'acqua e se lo rovesciò addosso. Forse questo sarebbe bastato a proteggerla dalle fiamme, o forse no, ma non aveva molto tempo a disposizione per riflettere ed agiva d'istinto.
Poi corse a perdifiato su per le scale. Vide che altre guardie stavano avvertendo Sua Maestà e gli altri nobili presenti ai piani superiori, quindi corse direttamente alla porta di sua sorella, l'aprì di scatto ed entrò chiamando ad alta voce Pippa.
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She did not pay too much attention to Katamazai and to his speech and she was not sure that he was him! Her only thought was find her sister, advise her of the danger and above all, know that she was safe.
Then arrived the Imperial spokesperson Eriti and, with her phrase, she managed to wrest a smile to Violante

Yes Eriti, I'm ok thanks but...I have to find my sister but the Imperial Chancellery is not so near
Excellency You have to think to Your baby

Massimo was right: Violante could not stay too long in the smoke that had almost completely invaded her office. She thought very fast and said

Massimo, take those files over my desk. We can't loose them - then she spoke to a young guard - YOU! Go to the Imperial Chancellery and find my sister Francesca Sofia, she is the Vice Chancellor: help her and the Imperial Chancellor Salome. Don't leave them alone! Me and Eriti can escape even with a single guard, we're not so silly. What do you think?

Looking at Eriti she prepared herself to run away from her office
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Le chevalier s'étira, une main vint frotter sa nuque endolorie puis en fit de même sur ses yeux. Elle referma les dossiers d'un mouvement las, ce serait suffisant pour ce soir. De toute façon, veillez plus n'y changerait rien.

A peine avait-elle refermé la porte du bureau, qu'elle entendit des cris. Elle pressa le pas pour sortir de l'aile du palais et s'arrêta, figée sur place, quand elle vit les flammes et la fumée sortir par les premières fenêtres du corps principal du batiment.

Un incendie ! Elle se précipita et croisa l'escorte impériale qui se chargeait d'évacuer la famille impériale. Son pas se transforma en course pour rejoindre les Lames et le reste de la Garde Impériale qui s'activait déjà à faire parvenir de l'eau pour lutter contre le feu.

Les mains en porte voix pour lutter contre le brouhaha de la foule qui commençait à sortir par toutes les portes, elle interpella les chevaliers qu'elle voyait à quelques mètres d'elle. Les gens criaient, pleuraient, toussaient, il fallait les prendre en charge et s'assurer que personne n'était blessé.

Zeiss ! Liam ! Essayez de faire le tour et vérifiez que personne n'a besoin d'aide pour sortir du batiment !

Une jeune femme en larmes trébucha devant elle, sans doute une dame de compagnie du palais, et elle l'emmena un peu à l'écart pour la laisser reprendre son souffle.
Combien de personnes se trouvaient encore coincées dans le palais ? Combien de morts allait faire cet incendie ? Où était l'Empereur ? ...

==========
The knight stretched her, a hand came rubbing her aching neck and did the same in her eyes. She closed the records of a las motion, it would be enough for tonight. Anyway, watch more would not change anything.

No sooner had she closed the office door, she heard screams. She pressed her step to leave the wing of the palace and stopped, frozen in place when she saw flames and smoke coming from the top windows of the main body of the building.

Fire! She ran and crossed the imperial escort who was in charge of evacuating the imperial family. Her steps turned into a race to join the Blades and the rest of the Imperial Guard who are already activated to send water to fight against the fire.

Hands as megaphone to fight against the hubbub of the crowd that began to get through all the doors, she called the knights she saw a few feet away from her. People were screaming, were crying, were coughing, it was necessary to take charge and to make sure that no one was injured.

Zeiss! Liam! Try to shop around and make sure nobody needs help to get out of the building!

A young woman stumbled in tears in front of her, probably a lady of the palace, and she took her a little aside to let her catch her breath. How many people were still trapped in the palace? How many deaths would make the fire? Where was the Emperor? ...
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Grand Maitre de l'ODL , Chevalier Imperial de Colmar

Figée au milieu de la pièce, l’oreille tendue vers les cloches qui se faisaient assourdissantes, elle était sur le point de courir en direction de la grande fenêtre, voyant soudain les murs des bâtiments en face se teinter en orange et rouge, mais elle n’en eut pas le temps. La porte s’ouvrit à la volée, laissant passer le Capitaine de l’Escorte, Lestat sur les talons et suivit de près par Sarah. Sans lui laisser le temps de protester, il la recouvrit de sa cape tout en tentant de l’entraîner vers le couloir.

Le feu pourrait gagner rapidement, Majesté. Il vous faut sortir.

Le feu. Il avait dit le feu ? C’était donc cela, cette odeur âcre qui se faisait plus présente à chaque seconde ?

Sortir ?

Hâtez-vous, Majesté... Où se trouve votre époux ? Toujours à son bureau ?

Ou… oui… Je l’avais fait mander, mais… .. mon dieu.. faites que quelqu’un l’ait prévenu.. et les enfants... je ne sais pas où ils sont… Luisa doit être dans sa chambre…

La panique commençait à la gagner, voyant qu’une épaisse fumée envahissait petit à petit le large couloir, alors que les cris de ceux qui commençaient à fuir résonnaient dans les couloirs, couvrant ceux qui montaient depuis la rue.

Mais.. nous ne pouvons pas partir.. pas sans mon époux et mes enfants. Il faut aller le chercher… trouver mes enfants… et …

L’air lui manquait, mais elle se dégagea d’un coup d’épaule, la voix proche de l’hystérie. Comment pouvaient-ils seulement imaginer une seule seconde qu’elle se laisserait docilement emmener à l’abri du danger ?

Il faut que je trouve l’Empereur… Je ne ferai pas un pas de plus sans mon époux … Vous m’entendez ??

Et elle se lança dans le couloir enfumé, bousculant Sarah au passage, en direction du bureau impérial.

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Planted in the middle of the room, the ear stretched out towards the bells which becoming deafening, she was about to run in the direction of the big window, seeing suddenly the walls of buildings being tinged in orange and red, but she did not have time for. The door opened, letting the Captain of the Escort in, Lestat on heels and followed closely by Sarah. Without letting her the time to protest, he covered her with his cape while trying to pull her towards the corridor.

Fire could win quickly , Majesty . You must get out.

The fire. He had said the fire? That was it, this bitter smell which was more present every second?

Out of here?

Hasten , Majesty ... Where is your husband? Always in his office ?

Yes.. yes … I had made him summon, but .. my God… Make that somebody warned him and… I don't know where are my children… I do not know where they are … Luisa should be in her room …

The panic began to gain her, seeing that a thick smoke invaded little by little the wide corridor, while the shouts of those who began to run away resounded, covering those which rose from outside.

But we cannot leave without my husband and my children. It is necessary to fetch him… to find my children and …

The air missed her, but she got free with a sudden movement of shoulder, the voice close to the hysteria. How could they only imagine a single second that she would docilely follow them out of danger?

I have to find the Emperor … I will not make one more step without my husband … Do you hear me??

And she dashed into the smoky corridor, pushing aside Sarah, in the direction of the imperial office.
_________________

A part pour les cérémonie Evrard n'était que peut présent au Palais, maintenant qu'il était Chevalier il se devait d'être présent la plus souvent afin de répondre à l'appel de l'Empereur quelque soit l'heure. Ce soir la il traversait les couloirs sans but vraiment précis, se posant encore et encore la même question dans sa caboche qui risquait d'exploser. Il s'arrêta devant des gardes afin de discuter un peut, savoir s'il n'y avait rien d’inhabituel. Le jeune homme ne devait pas oublier qu'il était également membre des Lames et ainsi pourvoir à la sécurité de l'Empereur.
Alors que les gardes répondaient par la négation un son de cloche se fit entendre au loin, pensant qu'il s'agissait d'une cloche de village le Chambellan s'en retourna afin de voir si une aide pouvait leur être apporté. Bien loin de se douter de ce qui arrivait il allongeait le pas sentant déjà l'odeur acre de la fumée et le son de cloche de plus en plus proche. Tout à coup il réalisa en voyant les domestiques s’affairant en tout sens vers les points d'eau avec des seaux ou autre récipient.
Il ne marchait plus mais courrait afin d'atteindre les appartements de l'Empereur quand il aperçu ses camarades. Le Chevalier mit deux foulés de plus pour les rejoindre. Les ordres étaient clair et le jeune homme s'empressa de retenir un jeune homme se dirigeant vers le feu et le rediriger vers les portes.
Evrard appela deux gardes afin de l'accompagner pour que l'évacuation soit plus rapide.
_________________
Evrard de Melchir, marié à Myosoti!

[Français]


Les yeux en l'air et l'oreille tendue, Zeiss finit par se retourner en entendant des pas arriver jusqu'à lui.

Alors c'est bien un feu. Non, je ne sais pas où elle est, j'étais là par hasard et...

L'homme s'arrêta de parler en voyant sa soeur plus loin, qui finit par les interpeller. D'un vif signe de tête, il signifia qu'il avait compris.

Liam, va par là, je m'occupe de ce côté!

Sur ces mots, le Commandeur se lança dans les couloirs, arrêtant sa course lorsqu'il croisait des gens qui semblaient perdus. Un domestique apeuré par ici, un cuisinier affolé par là, une femme de chambre paniquée autre part... Il fallait faire vite.

You can't stay here, the fire progresses quickly. Run in this direction, you will find the exit.

Maudit palais impérial, le Cavalier était forcé de parler anglais pour être sûr qu'on le comprenne. Normalement, tout le monde pouvait comprendre ses mots emprunt d'un léger accent français. Et si ça ne suffisait pas, ses gestes étaient clairs.

Plus il progressait dans les couloirs, plus il sentait une chaleur étouffante l'accabler. Il fallait qu'il soit sûr que personne ne s'était perdu.
Il finit par apercevoir plus loin un groupe de domestiques qui semblaient perdus.

Come on! Run over there! Dit-il en montrant la direction par de grand gestes. Il n'était même pas certains de l'exactitude de ses phrases anglophones...


[English]


The eyes in the air and stretched ear, Zeiss turned round at hearing footsteps reach him.

So it is a fire. No, I do not know where she is, I was there by chance ...

The man stopped talking when he saw his sister away, which ends by challenging them. With a quick nod, he meant that he understood.

Liam, goes by there I take care of this side.

With these words, the Commander embarked in the corridors, stopping the race when he was crossing people who seemed lost. A frightened household here, a distraught cook there, a maid panicked other hand ... He had to act quickly.

You can't stay here, the fire progresses quickly. Run in this direction, you will find the exit.

Damn Imperial Palace, the Cavalier was forced to speak English to be sure we understood him. Normally, everyone could understand his words tinged by a slight French accent. And if that was not enough, his actions were clear.

The more he was progressing in the hallways, the more he felt the sweltering heat overwhelming him. He had to be sure no one was lost.
He eventually see later a group of servants who seemed lost.

Come on! Run over there! He said, pointing to the direction with big gestures. It was not even certain of the accuracy of his English sentences ...
_________________

Lestad noded to Findecano. He would answered him, but in this moment the Captain from the Dutch ran into the Building.
"Soldier Christin_Marie. arrange a hospital for the people who come out of the palace. Find doctor. All Men who are not ill, have to take buckets with water and fight against the fire. All women who are not ill, have to help you to care the ill people."

Then Lestad began to followed Findecano. It is not good, that he ran alone into the building with fire. "Findecano, we have to find the emporer and his family"
_________________

In the night of the 31. September on the 1st October
In the streets around the Imperial Palace

“Stay here.”, mumbled Johanna and thought of her fiancé. It hadn’t been an order, but it was his wish. A wish she really would like to follow. She stood fully dressed at her window, looking outside. The tavern wasn’t far from the Imperial Palace to give Findecano the chance to do his daily duty in a short time. Outside the window she saw this Imperial Palace. And above it a dark cloud of smoke an yellow and red lights. She heard the bell and the shouts of the men and women who ran scared away or moved to the palace to look.

She stared out the window. A second. A minute. Then she moved, she left her room and run down the stairs, through the door of the tavern and out on the streets towards the palace. She had to help. She wasn’t married with Findecano yet. She didn’t have to follow his orders already. He would be angry with her. She knew. It would be the first time he would be angry. But she couldn’t resist. She really had to help. Two streets away from the palace she met a line of people moving buckets from one to another. She joined the line. She helped to move one bucket full of water nearer to the palace and empty ones down to the river.

Soon her hands hurt. But she stayed in the line. Sweat dripped down her forehead into her eyes. She wiped it away with the back of her hands before she handed again one bucket up and one down the line. One bucket after the other…
_________________

Il Luogotenente si trovava di guardia presso il palazzo imperiale.
Camminava lungo i corridoi impugnando la spada nel fodero.
La sua attenzione non si abbassava mai, sebbene dopo la guerra, pensieri più piacevoli affolllavano, ora, la sua mente: presto sarebbe tornato nella sua Pisa dove avrebbe aperto una taverna a nome delle Aquilae Imperatoris, per aiutare il reclutamento in questo importante corpo elitario. Pensava che il lavoro per rendere grande l'Impero non aveva pause.

Così, mentre quei piacevoli pensieri avevano preso spazio nella sua testa, qualcuno aveva gridato all'allarme...

...cosa stava succedendo?

***

The Lieutenant stood guard at the imperial palace.
He walked along the corridors and holding the sword in its sheath.
His attention never lowered, although after the war, more pleasant thoughts were, now, in his mind: he would soon be back in his Pisa where he opened a tavern on behalf of the Aquilae Imperatoris, to help the recruitment in this important etilist body. He thought that the work to make the great Empire had no breaks.

So while those pleasant thoughts had taken place in his head, someone had shouted the alarm ...

what was going on ...?

_________________

Sarah who went to see her colleagues of the Escort was stopped by the Toscin and when Lieutenant Lestat walked past her, shouting her name, she did not take the time to think and followed him at high speed. She eventually catch up to the imperial apartments where Louis was already present to remove the imperial family like the Escorts had to in such moments. She quickly listened to instructions. Apparently the children were not in their apartments. It was not yet the time to procrastinate, fires took and always spread faster when they were launched. Lestat already offered to take over the search kitchens. Good guess knowing the greed of the princess. Sarah on the other hand turned to the Empress to make sure all was well and seek information.

Your Highness would have an idea of ??where we can find your children now? Once we have been able to locate, we will arrange to evacuate. You need to find shelter as quickly as possible.


-------------------------------
-------------------------------




Sarah qui passait voir ses collègues de l'Escorte avait été interpelée par le toscin et lorsque le lieutenant Lestat passa devant elle en criant son nom, elle ne prit pas le temps de réfléchir et lui emboita le pas à vive allure. Elle finit par le rattraper devant les appartements impériaux où se trouvait déjà Louis, présent pour évacuer la famille impériale comme se devait l'Escorte dans de tels moments. Elle écouta rapidement les consignes. Visiblement les enfants n'étaient pas dans leurs appartements. Il n'était pourtant pas le temps de tergiverser, les feux prenaient et se répandaient toujours vite quand ils étaient lancés. Lestat déjà proposait de prendre en charge la fouille des cuisines. Bonne supposition connaissant la gourmandise de la princesse. Sarah pour sa part se tourna vers l'impératrice pour s'assurer que tout allait bien et lui demander des renseignements.

Votre altesse auriez vous une idée d'où peuvent se trouver vos enfants à l'heure actuelle? Dès que nous aurons pu les localisez, nous nous occuperons de les évacuer. Vous devez vous mettre à l'abri au plus vite.
_________________

Palazzo Imperiale, Uffici della Dieta Imperiale e alloggi dei Ministri imperiali,notte tra il 30 Settembre ed il 1 Ottobre 1461[color=red]

Katamazai stava percorrendo i corridoi dell'ala ovest dove si trovavano gli Uffici della dieta Imperiale e gli alloggi dei Ministri Imperiali e del Reggente, nell'avanzare il funo si faceva sempre più intenso e per respirare ed avere una migliore visibilità con la sua mazza di legno rompeva ogni finestra che trovava nel suo camino per permettere al fumo di uscire fuori.
Giunto nella zona della Dieta Imperiale iniziò ad aprire le porte degli uffici per vedere se i vari ministri e consiglieri fossero ancora lì e ne trovò alcuni in preda al panico e alla confusione.
La prima fu il Portavoce Imperiale Eriti che nella stanza piena di fumo stava cercando di mettere in salvo le pergamene con i vari editti tradotti, Katamazai rotta la finestra per far uscire il fumo prese per un braccio la Madama, in questi casi il galateo non era consigliato se si voleva vivere, e le disse:

Perdonatemi Eccellenza per il modo brusco ma la situazione è pericolosa un incendio nell'ala ovest sta distruggendo tutto lasciate stare le pergamene ne abbiamo copie nello scriptorium e seguite la guardia che vi porterà al sicuro.

e con un cenno del capo fece capire alla guardia di occuparsi del Portavoce e di non sbagliare altrimenti lo avrebbe fatto correre per giorni .
Lsciata Eriti con la guardia si affacciò alla porta aperta dell'ufficio del Presidente della dieta Imperiale e vide Elein in difficoltà che non sapeva cosa fare aiutata dal suo servitore Massimo entrò nella stanza e rivolgendosi ad Elein disse:

Eccellenza rimanete calma vista la vostra situazione di maternità e ascoltate il vostro aiutante Massimo vi metto a disposizione due guardie perchè vi aiutino ad uscire fuori in un luogo più sicuro, seguiteli e fidatevi di me e di loro e nessuno si farà male se cercate qualcuno sarà mia precisa disposizione di farlo rintracciare e portare in sicuro.

con una pacca sulla spalla destra di Massimo per rassicurarlo gli fece cenno di seguire le guardie e di curare con attenzione la sua paesana Elein anche se sapeva che non ce ne era bisogno.
Uscito dalla stanza passò a quella seguente dove trovò sua Eccellenza Arezus e avvicinandogli gli disse:

Eccellenza vi prego di seguire la guardia che vi metto a disposizione vi condurrà in un liogo sicuro le fiamme hanno ormai preso possesso dell'ala ovest e il pericolo si fa sempre più evidente come il fumo che piena questa stanza, vi prego di seguirlo e tutto andrà per il meglio

Assegnati gli ordini alla guardia continuò a cercare ma ormai il fumo aveva avvolto tutto rendendo la visibilità mediocre per cui a tentoni con un fazzoletto bagnato sulla bocca e sul naso avanzò in ogni stanza rompendo i vetri per far uscire il fumo e rendere maggiore la visibilità.
Le stanze degli uffici era terminate ma aveva lasciato alcune guardie a controllare che ancora ci fosse qualcuno e entrò nella zona degli alloggi delle Eccelenze quando vide un servo che batteva forte ad una porta mezzo soffocato dal fumo, si precipitò da lui chiedendogli chi ci fosse nella stanza:

Chi siete e chi c'è nella stanza?

La risposta fu come un pugno in faccia era ernest il maggiordomo del Reggente sua Eccellenza Comyr, fece portare via il maggiordomo e si mise a picchiare con la mazza di legno sulla porta, porta robusta ma anche il bastone lo era e dopo un po un asse cedette e riuscì ad aprire la porta ed entrare.
Sua Eccellenza stava domerdo nonostante la confusione ed il fumo per cui gli si avvicinò e lo scosse con delicatezza ma non ricevendo nessuna risposta pensando fosse svenuto prese la brocca d'acqua sul comodino e la rovesciò sul volto di sua Eccellenza che fece un salto e guardandolo male disse qualcosa di incomprensibile, ma Katamazai non si fece problemi e glin disse:

Mi scuso per il gesto Eccellenza ma un incendio sta distruggendo l'ala ovest e non avevo tempo per essere più cortese vi prego vestitevi velocemente che una guardia vi attende per portarvi in sicuro dove già è stato portato il vostro servo Ernest.


Lasciato il Reggente nelle mani di due guardie per farlo portare in salvo passò alla camera della consulente dell'Imperatore Pippa, bussò alla sua porta con tutta la forza che aveva e dopo alcuni minuti vide la porta aprirsi quanto basta per poter parlare senza intravedere nulla e l'Eccellenza alquanto ancora stordita dal sonno chiese cosa stesse succedendo e cosa fosse quel fumo e Katamazai le spiego :

Vostra Eccellenza un incendio sta distruggendo l'ala ovest mi scuso per l'avervi disturbato ma il tempo stringe ele fiamme stanno arrivando come potete intuire dal fumo vi prego di vestirvi velocemente e di seguire le guardie che vi accompagneranno in un luogo sicuro, vi lascio nelle loro mani io devo continuare a cercare alcune persone che non ho ancora trovato.

Lasciò due guardie fuori dalla porta di Pippa e continuo a bussare alle porte sperando di avere risposte celeri.



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English version


Imperial Palace, the Offices of the Imperial Diet and accommodation of Ministers imperial night between September 30 and October 1, 1461


Katamazai was walking the halls of the west wing where they were the offices of the Imperial Diet and the lodgings of the Imperial ministers and the Regent, in advancing the smoke grew more and more intense and breathe and have better visibility with his bat Wood broke every window that was in his chimney to allow the smoke to get out.
Arrived in the area of ​​the Imperial Diet began to open the doors of the offices to see if the various ministers and advisers were still there and he found some in a panic and confusion.
The first was the Speaker Imperial Eriti that in the smoke-filled room was trying to rescue the scrolls with various edicts translated, Katamazai broken the window to let out the smoke caught his arm Excellence, in these cases the etiquette is not was recommended if you want to live, and said:

Forgive Excellence for the abrupt way the situation is dangerous, but a fire in the west wing is destroying all let alone the scrolls we have copies in the scriptorium and follow the guard that will take you to safety.

and with a nod of his head made him realize the guard to take care of the Spokesperson and not to make mistakes otherwise he would run for days.
Eriti left with the guard appeared at the open door of the office of President of the Imperial Diet and saw Elein in trouble he did not know what to do aided by his servant Massimo entered the room and addressing Elein said:

Excellency stay calm view your situation maternity and listen to your aide Massimo available I put two guards because they will help you to come out in a safer place, follow them and trust me and them and nobody gets hurt if someone will try my particular provision of track and bring it in safely.

with a pat on his right shoulder to reassure him by Massimo motioned for him to follow the guards and to pay attention to his peasant Elein even though he knew there was not need.
Passed out of the room to the next one where he found his Excellency Arezus and approaching him said:

Your Excellency please follow the guard that I put at the disposal will take you to a safe place, the flames have now taken possession of the west wing and the danger becomes more and more evident as the smoke that filled this room, please follow him and everything will be fine

Orders assigned to the guard kept trying but now the smoke had wrapped around making visibility poor so fumble with a wet handkerchief over his mouth and nose stepped in every room smashing the windows to let the smoke out and make greater visibility.
The rooms of the offices was completed but had left some guards to check that there was still someone entered the housing area of ​​excellences when he saw a servant who was pounding on a door half-suffocated by the smoke, rushed to him asking who was there in the room:

Who are you and who is in the room?

The answer was like a punch in the face was ernest Butler Regent His Excellency Comyr, brought by the butler and began to beat with a wooden mallet on the door, but the door sturdy stick and after a while it was an axis gave way and he managed to open the door and enter.
His Excellency was dormedo despite the confusion and the smoke that went up to him and shook him gently but getting no answer thinking he fainted took the jug of water on the bedside table and poured on the face of his Excellency that jumped and looking evil said something unintelligible, but felt that she could not Katamazai and said:

I apologize for the gesture Excellency, but a fire is destroying the west wing and I had no time to be more polite please get dressed faster than a guard is waiting to take you safely where it has already been brought your servant Ernest.


Left the Regent into the hands of two guards to do to rescue the Emperor went to the room of the consultant Pippa, knocked on his door with all the strength he had, and a few minutes later saw the door open just enough to be able to speak without a glimpse of anything and Excellence at the still dazed from sleep wondered what was going on and what it was that smoke and Katamazai I'll explain:

Your Excellency a fire is destroying the west wing I apologize for having disturbed but time is running ele flames are coming as you can guess from the smoke please get dressed quickly and followed the guards who will accompany you in a safe place , I leave in their hands I have to keep looking for some people who have not yet found.

He left two guards outside the door of Pippa and I keep knocking on doors hoping to get speedy answers.
_________________

Le capitaine était grognon, enervé, sous pression et c’était pas le moment de le faire caguer.
Le crissement de la plume qui frotte contre le parchemin, maniée par une main rageuse et crispée me faisait grincer des dents.

Il me tendit ses missives à la hâte et discrètement j’avais emprunté un peu de cire pour les cacheter.

Des cloches…

Comme une odeur de roussi…Mon sang ne fit qu’un tour

Je rangeais les lettres dans ma besace et suivit Louis à travers le couloir.,un léger détour par le bureau de garde

Audric, Sarah le feu ! venez !

Je repartis au pas de course derrière le capitaine. Faut dire que le géant était rapide et qu’ilme fallait mettre les bouchées doubles pour le rattraper

Je fis irruption dans l’appartement impérial et tandis que le brun s’occupait de l’impératrice, je cherchais du regard les enfants. C’est toujours fourré dans les jambes un gosse, sauf bien sûr quand on le cherche.

Altesse,ou sont les enfants ? Vous savez ou le feu a pris ?

Je respirais un grand coup

Louis ,faut qu’on s’sépare, J’vais faire un tour aux cuisines.



The captain was grumpy, pissed under pressure and it was not the time to do caguer.
The crunch of the pen that rubs against the parchment, wielded by an angry clenched hand and made ​​me cringe.

He handed me his letters hastily and quietly I borrowed a little wax for sealing.

Bells ...

As a smell of burning ... My blood ran cold

I was putting the letters in my bag and followed Louis through the corridor., A slight detour to the office guard

Audric, Sarah fire! come on!

I returned at a run behind the captain. Must say that the giant was quick and qu'ilme had to work extra hard to catch
 
I burst into the apartment and imperial brown while taking care of the Empress, I looked around for the kids. It is always filled in the legs a kid, except of course when we look for.

Highness, or are the children?

I breathed a big hit

Louis, we have to s'separed, I'll take a ride in the kitchen
_________________

Some servants were very clear: the Imperial Palace was burning. That Palace, symbol of power, work, Empire...was burning.
What did she do? She tried to think how act or where she had to escape but...nothing. She can't act, she can't think, not when the fire took possession of the Palace.
She saw many Imperial guards run through the corridors. Only Massimo can catch her attention

Excellency please, we have to leave the office. It's not safe for You and for Your baby

With a spontaneous gesture, Violante put her hands around her baby, that little creature still inside her, as a protection of that hell. Her eyes were open as never in her life and full of terror

I can't leave. I have to find my sister. And the other Ministers? The Emperor? No no I have to find Sofia. In Savoy narrowly I lost her, it can't happen again

She had friends in the Councillors and even in the guards: she hoped that they were all alive and well
_________________

Liam à la demande du grand maitre pénétrait dans le palais impérial.
Apostrophant un garde il lui demanda de lui indiquer l'endroit où se trouvait les membres de l'Ordre des Lames.
C'est d'un pas décidé qu'il s'engagea dans l'escalier lorsqu'il entendit des cris puis la cloche alertant d'un feu.
Lorsqu'il atteint le couloir, il se dirigea avec rapidité vers la salle que lui avait indiqué le garde.
C'est alors qu'il aperçut le Commandeur Zeiss, il le rejoignit en quelques enjambées.
Bonsoir Commandeur, il semblerait qu'un feu se soit déclaré dans quelque endroit.
Savez vous où est le grand Maitre ?

§§§§§§§§§§§§§§§§§§§§§§§§§§§§§§§§§§§§§§§§§§§§§§§§§§§§§§§§§§§§§§§§§§

Liam at the request of Grand Master entered the imperial palace.
Apostrophizing a guard asked him to tell him the whereabouts of the members of the Order of Blades.
He climbed the stairs with a determined when he heard screams and then the bell alerting a fire.
When he reached the hallway, he walked quickly to the room that had been told the guard.
That's when he saw the Zeiss Commander, he joined in a few strides.
Hi Commander, it seems that a fire is declared in any place.
Do you know where the great master?
_________________
[img*]http://img.xooimage.com/files97/c/2/5/liam-3f8011b.png[/img]
[img*]http://nsa27.casimages.com/img/2011/10/02/111002060510512595.jpg[/img][Signature trop grande, BF]

Palazzo Imperiale notte tra il 30 Settembre ed il 1 Ottobre 1461

Katamazai ricevuti gli ordini da Ranian muovendosi di corsa si recò subito nella sala delle guardie per controllare se vi era ancora qualcuno in giro e trovò 5 guardie nella sala intente a parlare e con modo autoritario gli diede gli ordini:

Guardie presto correte in piazza d'armi e mettetevi a disposizione del primo ufficiale che troverete c'è da spegnere un incendio.
Forza correte non avete sentito la campana d'allarme?
Muoversi


dopo di che si diresse sempre di corsa verso gli alloggi delle guardie Imperiali e appena giuntovi sbattendo con forza sulle porte con una mazza di legno iniziò a gridare:

SVEGLIA GUARDIE ADUNATA IN PIAZZA D'ARMI E METTETEVI A DISPOSIZIONE DEL PRIMO UFFICIALE CHE VI DARA' ORDINI VI VIGLIO FUORI DALLE STANZE PRONTI ALL'AZIONE FUORIIIIIIII
CHI NON E' USCITO LASCIANDO LA PORTA APERTA COME SEGNO DELLA RISPOSTA ALL'ADUNATA VERRA' PUNITO .



Le porte iniziarono ad aprirsi dietro di lui una dopo l'altra e lasciati gli ordini al primo sottoufficiale che si era presentato prosegui la sua corsa verso le stanze dei ministri Imperiali.

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ENGLISH VERSION

Imperial Palace night between September 30 and October 1, 1461


Katamazai received orders from Ranian moving race went immediately to the guardroom to see if there was still someone around and found 5 guards in the room intent on talking with an authoritarian manner and gave him orders:

Guards run early in the parade and make yourself available to the first officer that you will find there is to put out a fire.
Come run you have not heard the alarm bell?
Move


after which he went on the run to the quarters of the Imperial guards and reached it just banging hard on the door with a wooden club began to shout:

ALARM GATHERING GUARDS IN PLACE OF WEAPONS AND CONTACT AVAILABLE TO THE FIRST OFFICIAL THAT WILL GIVE 'ORDER I WANT OUT OF THE ROOMS ARE READY TO' ACTION, ALL OUT
WHO IS NOT 'OUT NOW LEAVING THE DOOR OPEN AS A SIGN OF RESPONSE WILL MUSTER PUNISHED.



The doors began to open up behind him one after the other and left orders to the first non-commissioned officer who had introduced himself continued its slide into the rooms of the Imperial ministers.
_________________

Lucrezia era nell'ala riservata all'infermeria e al suo ufficio medico.

Come ogni sera, prima di smontare e andare a ritrovare lo sposo per condividere la cena e poi ritirarsi per il meritato riposo, faceva l'ultimo giro di visite presso i pazienti che erano affidati alle sue cure.
Entrò nella stanza e li trovò quasi tutti addormentati e sereni, tastò loro la fronte per vedere se erano febbricitanti ma con soddisfazione notò che erano ormai tutti in via di guarigione.

Uscì dalla stanza e si recò nel suo ufficio per redigere il rapporto giornaliero.

-------------

Lucrezia was in the wing reserved for the infirmary and his medical office.

Like every night before going to disassemble and find the groom to share dinner and then retire for a well earned rest, it was the last round of visits to patients who were entrusted to his care.
He entered the room and found them almost all asleep and serene, felt their forehead to see if they were feverish but noted with satisfaction that they were now all on the mend.

He left the room and went to his office to prepare the daily report.
_________________

Gustavo quel giorno aveva ottenuto un permesso speciale per poter uscire e divertirsi, aveva sperato in favolosi incontri con qualche bella dama, ma tutto ciò che aveva ottenuto era stata un birra gratis da un anziano che gli aveva raccontato tutta la sua vita, così vista la serata sfortunata con un pò di rabbia decise di rientrare al castello. Tutte le fiaccole che di solito illuminavano la strada erano già state spente e lui camminava a capo chino e calciava sassi ogni volta che ne sentiva uno vicino ai piedi. Stava calciando un altro sasso ma c'era qualcosa di strano, lui vedeva quel sasso, qualcosa faceva luce alla strada, così alzò gli occhi e il terrore si manifestò in lui, da una delle ale del castello enormi fiamme si alzavano al cielo, così iniziò a correre, giunse ai cancelli del castello e subito di corsa spalancò il portone. Come un matto correva per il corridoio e in contemporanea gridava

AL FUOCO!....AL FUOCO!...IL PALAZZO STA BRUCIANDO...AL FUOCO! AL FUOCO!



Gustavo that day had gotten special permission to go out and have fun, had hoped in fabulous meetings with some nice lady, but everything he got was a free beer from an elder who had told him his whole life, so given the unfortunate evening with a little anger decided to return to the Castle. All torches which illuminated the street usually were already off and he walked head bowed and calciava stones whenever he felt one near the foot. Was kicking another stone but there was something strange, he saw that rock, something was light the road, lifted up his eyes and terror manifested in him, from one of the castle's enormous wings flames lifted up to heaven, so he started to run, arrived at the gates of the Castle and immediately threw open the door travel. Like crazy ran to the hallway and screamed at the same

FIRE! ....FIRE! ...THE BUILDING IS BURNING ...FIRE!... FIRE!

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George era nella sua stanza da letto seduto sulla sua poltrona preferita cercando di rilassarsi, dopo la lunga giornata trascorsa di guardia e prima di andare a riposare, quando iniziò a sentire il suono delle campane che lo misero in allarme.


-- google translator --

George was in his bedroom sitting in his favorite chair trying to relax after a long day of guard and before going to sleep, when he began to hear the sound of the bells that put him in alarm.
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Français


Le temps avait continué sa course inlassable, et le temps qu'il arrive, il faisait déjà nuit. Zeiss avait mis à l'épreuve l'endurance de sa monture, souhaitant arriver de jour, mais le trajet fut plus long que prévu. De plus, il avait dû subir de contretemps. Tout d'abord, ces deux brigands qui, dans leur folie commune, crurent pouvoir le détrousser. Qui sait si leurs corps décoraient encore le bord de la route, ou si celle-ci avait été nettoyée.
Ensuite, eh bien une victime des mécréants précédemment cités et désormais morts, qui tentait de rallier la capitale à pied et sans provisions. Zeiss avait accepté de l'amener avec lui, mais cela avait considérablement ralentit son allure.

Après avoir confier Néron à un palefrenier, accompagné des avertissements habituels, Zeiss était enfin devant les portes du palais impérial. Il leva la tête, et put observer les étoiles dans le ciel. Il grogna quelques jurons dans sa barbe. Il était bien trop tard, il ne pouvait pas s'amuser à aller réveiller la Princesse impériale à cette heure.
Pourtant, il fallait qu'il la voit. Il désirait discuter de sa fille avec elle. Et vu l'anorexie flagrante de sa bourse, il ne pourrait pas se permettre une quelconque auberge. Il décida donc de tenter le palais.

Dans les couloirs du palais, le Commandeur cherchait un domestique, ou encore mieux, quelqu'un ayant une quelconque autorité en ce lieu. Si il expliquait suffisamment bien sa situation, on trouverait bien un endroit où passer la nuit pour un membre de l'Ordre des Lames.
Mais sa recherche fut interrompue, par le son d'une cloche. Selon la logique, cela indiquait probablement une chose.

Un feu.


English


The time had continued his tireless running, and the time it happens, it was already dark. Zeiss had tested the endurance of his horse, wishing to arrive during the day, but the trip took longer than expected. In addition, he had to suffer setbacks. First, the two robbers, in their common madness, believed to rob him. Who knows if their bodies still decorated the side of the road, or if it had been cleaned.
Then, well, a victim of the aforementioned and now dead miscreants, who was trying to reach the city on foot and without provisions. Zeiss had agreed to bring the man with him, but it was significantly slowed her pace.

After Nero entrusted to a groom, with the usual warnings, Zeiss was finally at the gates of the imperial palace. He looked up and could see the stars in the sky. He grunted a few curses under his breath. It was too late, he could not have fun to wake the Imperial Princess at this time.
Yet he had to see her. He wanted to discuss her daughter with her. And given the blatant Anorexia his purse, he could not afford any inn. So he decided to tempt the palate.

In the corridors of the palace, the Commander looking for a home, or even better, someone with any authority in this place. When he explained the situation well enough, we would find a good place to spend the night with a member of the Order of the Blades.
But his research was interrupted by the sound of a bell. According to the logic, it probably showed something.

A fire.
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[Stable - Imperial Palace of Strasbourg - Night of September 30 to October 1, 1461]

Daario had been sent in the stable, he was not an Imperial Guard from a lot of time so he was obliged to do much to achieve all the other soldiers with more experience.
he had groomed some horses in the main barn and he had lying some new hay to feed them.

I finally finished the job and I can rest, he said

While he was taking his things, closing the barn door, Daario heard a bell sound come not far from there. A strange glow lit up the night of Strasbourg .... the palace was burned.
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[Ufficio del Maresciallo Imperiale - Palazzo Imperiale di Strasburgo - Notte del 30 settembre al 1 Ottobre, 1461]

Le campane continuavano a suonare sempre più forte e sempre più insistenti, seguì la voce di un uomo che gridava al fuoco. La tazza rotta in mille pezzi sul tavolo lasciò fuoriuscire il liquido ambrato bagnando i vari congedi. Ranian intimò al silenzio l'ufficiale che aveva iniziato a dare di matto mentre la porta si spalancò all'improvviso lasciando entrare sua sorella Magda prima e Katamazai dopo. Entrambi le comunicarono la terribile notizia, un incendio era divampato presso l'ala delle stanze imperiali. La donna doveva decidere in fretta, vi erano persone da salvare e l'incendio da domare

Magda!

rivolgendosi alla sorella

Corri presso gli alloggi dei servi, fatti aiutare da costui

indicò l'ufficiale che era nella stanza con loro

Svegliateli e correte tutti presso le stalle a prendere i secchi, bisogna spegnere l'incendio, se siete pochi chiama anche altre guardie, ma prima passa da Lucrezia, nell'infermeria vi erano alcuni abitanti del castello che erano malati, aiutatela a portarli fuori. Vai!

dettato gli ordini alla sorella rivolse lo sguardo verso Katamazai

Katamazai! Tu chiama tutte le altre guardie, correte presso le stanze dei ministri e portateli fuori dal palazzo e se qualcuno non apre.....sfondate pure la porta

Katamazai stava già correndo fuori

Ah! Kata! Anche se possono essere comodi, non usate i passaggi segreti, possono essere terribili luoghi di morte in casi come questo..

le due guardie imperiali lasciarono l'ufficio per adempiere ciò che gli era stato ordinato, anche Ranian corse fuori dal suo ufficio recandosi verso il lato ovest del palazzo



[Office of the Imperial Marshal - Imperial Palace of Strasbourg - Night of September 30 to October 1, 1461]

The bells kept ringing louder and louder and more insistent, following the voice of a man who cried fire. The Cup broke into a thousand pieces on the table left out the amber liquid wetting the leaves. Ranian ordered to silence the officer who had begun to give crazy while the door opened suddenly letting in her sister Magda before and Katamazai after. Both informed the terrible news, a fire was started at the Imperial room wing. The woman had to decide quickly, there were people to be saved and the fire from taming

Magda!

turning to her sister

Run at servite housing, get help from him

pointed to the officer who was in the room with them

Wake them up and run them all at the stables to take buckets, you have to put out the fire, if you just call other guards, but first passes from Lucrezia, in the infirmary there were some inhabitants of the castle that were sick, help her to take them out. Go!

dictated orders to her sister turned her gaze towards Katamazai

Katamazai! You call any other imperial guards, run at the rooms of Ministers and take them out of the building and if someone does not open ... well the door broken

Katamazai was already running out

Ah! Kata! Although they can be comfortable, don't use the secret passages can be terrible places of death in cases like this ...

the two imperial guards left the office to fulfill what had been ordered, even Ranian ran out from her office by going to the West side of the building
_________________

[Office of the President of the Imperial Diet - Imperial Palace of Strasbourg - Night of September 30 to October 1, 1461]

It was night, there was silence and the office of Violante was illuminated by many candles and the lively fireplace. She was set near the fireplace, a little table in front of her full of documents, a pitcher of water and an empty cup. After her evening tea, she enjoyed the tranquility before returning on the sheets in front of her. She loved autumn but she loved, even more, winter: she loved the snow, the silence, the fireplace and the whole atmosphere of that season.
She looked out the window and, with a sigh, she returned to documents. She called her secretary, Massimo

I have some work for you Massimo
But Excellency, it's night...it's late...
I know Massimo but, for today, we haven't finish, not yet. So, now I pass you some scrolls, put them into different collectors: this parchment is for the Imperial Marshal, these two scrolls for the Imperial Chancellor and those...

Violante heard a bell ring and some noise outside her office

It's not a good sign...what is happening?

She left her office and tried to find someone who could explain her everything
_________________

It was late, very late but the work asked for it. With difficulty she keeps her eyes open to fill her list of notes still to do. It seems
it never is empty. Even her candle is almost without light, so she realise it is time to go to sleep. Far in the hallway she hears
footsteps and she knows where they are going. Soon she will go the same way to pick up her belongings and to move on.

The thought of the house, left to her by Grumio gives her a little smile. A place to call home in her beloved Italy warms her heart in
these difficult times. A deep sighs escapes her and the candlelight dances by it. Shadows on the wall, like in her head.
She shakes her head to urge the shadows to leave. Find the good memories of her times in Styria.

The chair is resolute pushed back and she knows it is time to go to sleep, this night in the bed in the corner of her office.
Tomorrow will be a lot of work again. After a fast extinguishes of the candlelight, her nightgown on, she goes to sleep.
Dreaming of a wonderful future.

[Office of the Emperor - Imperial Palace of Strasbourg - Night of September 30 to October 1, 1461]


It was a night like any other. A beautiful night. Such kind of night that the Emperor used to spend, working, concerned to solve all the cases submitted to the imperial crown. Sitting at his desk, looking serious and concentrated, he filled various scrolls, while two of his officers were waiting for his orders. Tonight, the Emperor had to decide on the betrayal of the Imperial Duchess of Speyer who had brought publicly her support for her husband, the traitor and criminal Adam Fugger. His answer was unequivocal : the Duchess would be stripped of all her fiefs, and prosecuted by the Imperial Minister of Justice. He became convinced that the Fugger family was a bad seed which must be eradicated. Mala malus mala mala dat.

The Emperor had always been adamant towards those who insulted him, or disobeyed his orders. Few nobles had suffered his wrath. Some thought they could do what they wanted. It was high time to show that no one could challenge his authority, without paying the price. Once the letter be completed and signed, he rested his pen and rolled the scroll, before giving it to one of his officers.

"Well, send this letter to the Imperial King of Arms, and make sure that the imperial fiefs of Duchess Anakonda Fugger be confiscated, quickly. No matter what she did for the Empire, before, we can't accept such a betrayal."

The officer looked at him and executed his order, leaving the office to deliver his message ; certainly eager to find his bed and his wife. Business was far from over. Emperor Ludwig asked to bring him a new scroll. Now, it was to formalize the appointment of two new imperial generals : General Lorenzo " Stiglitz " della Gherardesca, from Florence, and General Samantha Asburgo d'Argovia from Siena. Both appointments were designed to strengthen the influence of the imperial crown in the South of the Empire, and ensure that no thief and no enemy would never lead an attack against his territory. Indeed, he distrusted the Kingdom of the Two Sicilies, and the permanent incursions of its citizens. He picked up his pen.

"New folder : the composition of the Imperial War Council. Given our recent decisions, four people will enter. First, the Grand Master of Nemesis - Semper Fidelis, Count Guglielmo VIII degli Aleramici del Monferrato, and the Prince "Pigreco" Hohenstaufen de Souabe, Prince of the Priory of Sion. Moreover, knowing that it is important to ensure the stability and the protection of the South of our Empire, General Lorenzo " Stiglitz " della Gherardesca and General Samantha Asburgo d'Argovia will become Generals of the Empire."

He affixed his signature. Then, he took a small pot of wax, and spilled it carefully on the scroll, before sealing it. The announcement was ready to be published. He looked at the last officer, and was going to hand him the parchment, when someone knocked at the door. An imperial guard entered and bowed.

"- Your Imperial Majesty, the Empress asks for your presence.
- Tell her that we'll arrive soon.
- It will be done, Majesty."

The Imperial Guard retired, leaving the Emperor alone in his office with his officer. He remained pensive for a moment, and spoke again, when his eyes met the scroll he held in his hands.

"- Bring this document to Imperial Marshal Giada " Ranian " Dei Cristallo. Then publish the announcement so that every imperial subject can be informed of these appointments.
- Well, your Majesty."

The last officer left the office. The evening came to an end, and the Emperor fell back in his seat. Alone in his office, he was finally able to breathe. At the end of each day, he used to pull off some cords of his shirt, in order to reduce the pressure on his neck and his body. It was time to retire to his quarters. He grabbed his cane and leaned over it to get up. A new day ended . A day that seemed ordinary ... until he decided to open the door ... He heard the bells ringing. The same bells which announced the escape of Adam Fugger. The same bells which announced that the Imperial Palace was burning.


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[Bureau de l'Empereur - Palais Impérial de Strasbourg – Nuit du 30 Septembre au 1er Octobre 1461]


C'était une nuit comme les autres. Une nuit magnifique. Ce genre de soirée où l'Empereur ne voyait guère le temps passer, s'affairant à résoudre les différentes affaires qu'on lui soumettait. Assis devant son bureau, l'air sérieux et concentré, il remplissait divers parchemins, tandis que deux de ses officiers attendaient de recevoir leurs ordres pour disposer. Ce soir, l'Empereur devait notamment apporter une réponse à la trahison de la Duchesse Impériale de Speyer qui venait d'apporter son soutien public à son époux, le traître et criminel Adam Fugger. Sa réponse était sans appel : la Duchesse serait destituée, sur le champs, tandis qu'un procès pour trahison serait lancé par le Ministre Impérial de la Justice. Il était connu que la famille Fugger était une mauvaise graine qu'il fallait éradiquer. Mala malus mala mala dat.

L'Empereur avait toujours été intransigeant envers ceux qui l'avaient insulté, ou désobéi. Rares étaient les nobles qui avaient pu subir sa colère. Certains pensaient qu'ils pouvaient faire ce qu'ils voulaient. Il était donc temps de montrer qu'on ne pouvait contester son autorité, sans en payer le prix. La lettre terminée et signée, l'Empereur reposa sa plume, et roula le parchemin pour le tendre à un de ses officiers.

« Bien, faites parvenir cette lettre au Roi d'Armes Impérial, et veillez à ce que les fiefs impériaux de la Duchesse Anakonda Fugger lui soient confisqués, rapidement. Peu importe ce qu'elle a pu faire précédemment, l'Empire ne peut accepter une telle trahison. »

L'officier le regarda et s'exécuta sur le champ, impatient sans doute de délivrer son message, pour mieux retrouver sa couche, et son épouse. Les affaires étaient loin d'être terminées. L'Empereur Ludwig demanda à ce qu'on lui apporte un nouveau parchemin. Cette fois, il s'agissait d'officialiser la nomination de deux nouveaux généraux impériaux : le Général Lorenzo "Stigliz" della Gherardesca, de Florence ; et le Général Samantha Asburgo d'Argovia, de Sienne. Ces deux nominations visaient à renforcer l'influence de la Couronne impériale, dans le Sud de son Empire, et de veiller à ce qu'aucun brigand ni aucun ennemi n'ait jamais en tête d'attaquer son territoire. Il se méfiait de la République des Deux Siciles, et des incursions permanentes de chacun de ses citoyens. Il reprit sa plume.

« Nouveau dossier : la composition du Conseil de Guerre Impérial. Compte tenu de nos dernières décisions, quatre personnes feront leur entrée. En premier lieu, le Grand Maître de Nemesis – Semper Fidelis, le Comte Guglielmo VIII degli Aleramici del Monferrato ; et le Prince "Pigreco" Hohenstaufen de Souabe, Prince souverain du Prieuré de Sion. En outre, il est important d'assurer la stabilité et la protection du Sud de l'Empire. Par conséquent, le Général Lorenzo "Stigliz" della Gherardesca, et le Général Samantha Asburgo d'Argovia, deviennent Généraux de l'Empire. »

Nouvelle signature. Cette fois, il prit un petit pot de cire, et le renversa soigneusement sur le parchemin, avant d'y apposer le sceau de l'Empire. L'annonce était prête à être publiée. Il regarda alors le dernier officier, et s'apprêta à lui tendre le parchemin, lorsqu'on frappa à la porte. Un garde impérial entra et s'inclina.

« - Votre Majesté Impériale, l'Impératrice réclame votre présence.
- Dites-lui que nous arrivons bientôt.
- Il en sera fait, selon votre volonté. »

Le garde impérial se retira aussitôt, laissant l'Empereur seul dans son bureau, avec son officier. Il resta songeur quelques instants, et il fallut que son regard croise de nouveau le parchemin qu'il tenait entre ses mains pour qu'il daigne enfin le transmettre.

« - Apportez ce document au Maréchal Impérial, Giada "Ranian" Dei Cristallo. Puis, publiez l'annonce afin que chaque sujet impérial soit informé de ces nominations.
- Bien, votre Majesté. »

Le dernier officier quitta le bureau. La soirée venait de se terminer, et l'Empereur se laissa retomber dans son siège. Seul dans son bureau, il pouvait enfin respirer. A chaque fin de journée, il avait pris pour habitude de détacher quelques liens de sa chemise, ce qu'il s'empressa de faire, afin de diminuer d'en pression sur un embonpoint somme toute assez coutumier des souverains de son époque. Il était l'heure de se retirer dans ses appartements. Il attrapa sa canne et s'appuya dessus pour se relever difficilement. Une nouvelle journée, venait de se terminer. Une journée qui semblait bien ordinaire... jusqu'à ce qu'il se décide à ouvrir la porte... et qu'il entende les cloches sonner. Les mêmes cloches qui avaient annoncé l'évasion d'Adam Fugger. Les mêmes cloches qui avaient annoncé que le Palais Impérial de Strasbourg était en feu.
_________________

~Imperial Chancellery East Wing of the Imperial Palace~

It was late as usual, reading through the scrolls, reports and documents piling on her desks, she spent hours to get everything done that was necessary. There would never be a day, the young imperial Duchess was able to say "Everything is done", since there was always something you could do. There was always a plan one could make, an event in the world that happened and something that needed her focus and work. It was what her heart was burning for, the challanges of her profession as Imperial Chancellor. Any day at any time there were events that forced her to react, that made it impossible to plan the daily life.

She sat in her cosy chair, the reports of Styria made her thinking of possible consequences, not only for the internal affairs but as well for foreign relations. Her mind was telling her that a never ending story just wrote a new chapter of the very same story. A story of a Duchy who thought that only they were working and acting right. A story of a Duchy who is always demanding the spotlight but she was aware that not the whole Duchy was like that, only those who had managed it for quite a maybe too long time to run and reign it. Those people who demanded to be different and free, those who were convinced that they found the right way to act and to behave. But while looking at fact and looking at the history, one only heard the very same song over and over again. Demanding, that was what they could do best. Demanding that others understand them, talking of intolerance by ignoring the fact that tolerance is a two-sided medal, just like any other relation everything has two sides, every story has it ups and downs and at least to Salome as a diplomat Styria was not able to make any compromises.
So what made the council and the Duke better compared to the other provinces of the Empire? Are they really that different, that free? Salome was convinced that they only told themselves a fairy, that they wanted to believe in that badly that they forget about anything else around them.

She got lost in her thoughts and finally took a sip of wine taking out another parchment and a feather. Just a few lines, nothing special but maybe it would force those responsible in Rome to finally sign what might cause huge changes for the whole Empire.
The Darkblond was aware, that Ludwig and her wrote history, a document of importance that would be known even in years and probably even longer.

"Please make sure such letter will be received quickly in Rome, it takes them already to long in Our eyes"

She passed the letter sealed to one of the servants, they were used to be in charge for a lot of such letters daily, all of them official all of them important and almost all of them urgent.

Her mind was still thinking as the bells started to ring, irritated she stood in her office. Alerted but she was not really able to see what was going on, she left her office to the corridors of the Palace, asking the servants what was going on.
_________________

_________________

_________________

In the fury of the fire, she headed up, blind, following Lestat who pulled her behind him, until they where stopped in front of a door which was opened under the push of the Escorter. Of a jump, this one made the man laying on the bed get up of a masterful slap on a buttock. Lorenz! Almost, she would have embraced him of relief, but she had only the time to stammer some words.

Lorenz...your father...your sister...they are still somewhere in here...

Useless. Staggering, he was covered with a shirt and pushed towards the corridor by the Escorter. Of an arm, Lestat surrounded the Empress and since the hour was not to protests, it was firmly stuck to his side that their flight got on again, a piece of tissue sticks on the face. Whereas her eyebrows turned russet under the influence of the fire which caught up them and soon would surround them from everywhere.

Nevertheless, she was cut between moment of survival and moment of wife and mother. How could she only go out of this hell without having made sure that her husband had gone out of it by another exit, that he had find Luisa. And Lothar? She sent a fast prayer to the Highest so that her younger son broke one more time and so that he had escaped off the stupid thing far, very far from there.

But Lestat didn't left her the time to think and pushed them again and again, lungs on fire, avoiding the fall of beams, giving kicks here and to clear the way.

They were going to die, she knew it. The heat became such as it felt wasting away. If flames burned her the skin, the air burned her the inside of the body, she felt her end arriving. But it was without counting the last surge of will that suddenly crossed her. She could not die here, not now, they needed her, as much as she needed them. And then they were, very close by, just outside, waiting that she reaches the outside, she has to go out safe, out of the ruins of the Palace.

She had to bring her out of here, to reassure them, to say them how much sheloved them, how much she had been afraid for them.

She had to say to them...


_____________________________________





Dans la fureur de l'incendie, elle avanet, aveugle, suivant Lestat qui l'entrainait derrit lui au pas de charge, jusqu'ee qu'ils s'arr'nt devant une porte qui s'ouvrit a vol sous la poussà lde l'Escorteur. D'un bond, celui-ci fit sortir l'homme endormi dans son lit d'une claque magistrale sur une fesse. Lorenz! Pour un peu, elle l'aurait pris dans ses bras de soulagement, mais elle n'eut que le temps de balbutier quelques mots.

Lorenz.. ton ph... ta s>ur.. ils sont restes derriu...

Inutile. Titubant, il fut recouvert d'une chemise et poussuui aussi vers le couloir par l'Escorteur. D'un bras, Lestat entoura la taille de l Impttrice et l'heure nlent pas aux protestations, ce fut plaquafermement contre son flanc que leur fuite repris, un pan de tissu collrur le visage, tandis que ses sourcils roussissaient sous l'effet du brasier qui les rattrapait et bientdes entourerait de toutes parts.

Malgrtout, elle it partagbentre instinct de survie et instinct dpause et de me. Comment pouvait-elle sortir de cet enfer sans sree assurnque son tux en sit sorti par une autre issue, qu'il avait retrouvouisa. Et Lothar? Elle adressa une rapide pri au TrrHaut pour que son fils cadet ait une fois de plus drbèreet qu'il avait oappq la surveillance de sa fidf gouvernante, et qu'il soit en train de faire une bvse... loin, tr loin de lu

Mais Lestat ne lui laissait pas le temps de rtrir et les faisait avancer encore et encore, suffocants et les poumons en feu, ftant la chute des poutres, donnant des coups de pied ici et la pour dmger le passage.

Ils allaient mourir, elle le savait. La chaleur devenait telle qu'elle se sentait se consumer. Si les flammes lui brsnt la peau, l'air lui bri ltinteeur du corps, elle sentait sa fin arriver. Mais ce fut sans compter le dernier sursaut de volontiui soudain la traversa. Elle ne pouvait pas mourir ici, pas maintenant, les siens avaient besoin d'elle, autant qu'elle avait besoin d'eux. Et puis ils iient lmtout prn juste la dehors, nttendre qu'elle parvienne 'on tour a sortir a peu prEsaine et sauve des ruines du Palais.

Elle devait sortir de lnpour les rassurer, pour leur dire combien elle les aimaient, combien elle avait eu peur pour eux.
Il fallait qu'elle leur dise...

_________________

Sarah had followed from afar the emperor headed resolutely toward the rooms, refusing to leave, despite the danger to rescue the treasure of his life. Sarah had always been impressed by the love that the emperor had for his daughter. Despite its costs, despite the constant travels and war to Geneva, he had always done his best to keep time for his children and especially for Luisa, his beloved daughter. Then she understood the distress that could embrace the growing life also in the flesh. So she ran after him for support as needed, and especially watch over him again and again. Because he was the emperor, as she was his escort, and as she admired the man behind the load.

Thus, in coming to the room she heard the sound of the fatal ceiling collapse. The crunch drew from her a scream while silhouettes of Ludwig and Luisa collapsed in rubble and plaster. Do not think, adrenaline invaded her body and gave her the determination and boldness necessary. Fortunately, she was stripped of her skirts. Ripping a curtain still almost intact, she wrapped herself her hands so as not to burn them to charred and tenacity cleared the piles of wood and plaster to release the two people below. The emperor and his daughter were there. Sarah tore the bandages to make sure everything was fine and turned pale sitting for a moment in the monstrous fact. Luisa, her friend, was no more. The collapse of the roof had been fatal to the girl and Sarah remained prostrate for a moment under the terrible news.

Luisa... My god...

A sudden crack in the nearby room suddenly made her realize that she had not yet too delay. Sarah closed her eyes of her friend, took her medallion of Aristotle to place it on her and prayed for a moment to the repose of her soul. Coughing, she then checked the pulse and respiration of the emperor. He was alive, injured, but alive. And he was the Empire. So the woman took the bodie from the rubble and taking a board not far, settled there as she could with bed sheets. The man was too heavy for her to wear it but it could take thus. She stared well a sheet to the board, tensed under stress and began to move with her strange hitch in the corridors of the palace to join the only way she could hope to take in such a situation.

At few pieces of there, an unlikely yet providential outcome, the dumbwaiter to the imperial chamber. When no legs ... The young woman came to install the Emperor and climbed after him, using the rappel down to the ground floor. Once there, the hitch was replaced and Sarah eventually appear in a side window, coughing, her face covered with soot, before screaming for someone to come to their rescue, before collapsing from exhaustion , lungs flooded with smoke.

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Sarah avait suivi de loin l'empereur qui se dirigeait rllument vers les chambres, refusant de sortir malgr e danger pour porter secours au tr_r de sa vie. Sarah avait toujours it impressionn par l'amour que l'empereur .ouvait pour sa fille. Malgr>es charges, malgr es voyages incessants et la guerre avec Gent, il avait toujours fait son possible pour garder un moment pour ses enfants et tout particulilment pour Luisa, sa fille bien aima Alors elle comprenait la dvesse qui pouvait l'ieindre la vie grandissant pour elle aussi dans sa chair. Elle courait donc apralui pour l'é luler au besoin, et surtout veiller sur lui encore et toujours. Car il it l'empereur, car elle it son Escorte, et car elle admirait l'homme derrit la charge.

C'est ainsi qu'en arrivant en vue de la chambre elle entendit le bruit funeste du plafond qui s'effondre. Le craquement lui arracha un hurlement alors que les silhouettes de Ludwig et Luisa s' oulaient dans les gravas et le plle. Ne pas rcair, l'adraline envahissait son corps et lui donnaient la drrmination et la t rit /ssaire. Heureusement, elle s'ait darrass de ses jupons. Deirant un rideau encore eu prtintact, elle s'emmitoufla les mains pour ne pas trop les bruler aux dlis calcineet avec ttcit dgea les monceaux de bois et de plae pour drger les deux personnes en dessous. L'empereur et sa fille aient l Sarah arracha ses bandages pour s'assurer que tout allait bien et pHt, s'asseyant un instant sous le constat monstrueux. Luisa, son amie, n' it plus. L'effondrement du toit avait o fatale a jeune fille et Sarah resta prostruun moment sous la nouvelle terrible.

Luisa... Doux ia...

Un craquement soudain dans la pio toute proche lui fit soudain riiser qu'il ne fallait pourtant pas trop tarder. Sarah referma les paupils de son amie, retira son mnillon d'Aristote pour le deser sur elle, pria un instant pour le repos de son s. Toussant, elle vgfia ensuite le pouls et la respiration de l'empereur. Il it en vie, blesssmais vivant. Et il /it l'Empire. Alors, la jeune femme tira le corps des dimbres et prenant une planche non loin, l'y fixa comme elle put avec des draps du lit. L'homme rit trop lourd pour qu'elle le porte mais elle pourrait le tirer ainsi. Elle fixa ainsi un drap ea planche, s'arcbouta sous l'effort et commen. rogresser avec son fange attelage dans les couloirs du palais pour rejoindre la seule issue qu'elle pouvait espEr emprunter dans une telle situation.

A quelques piss de leune issue improbable et pourtant providentielle, le monte plat de la chambre impeale. Quand on a pas les jambes... La jeune femme vint y installer l'empereur et grimpa na suite, usant de la corde de rappel pour descendre au rez-de-chaussr Une fois sur place, l'attelage fut remis en place et Sarah finit par apparaitre lne fenee latlle, toussant, le visage couvert de suie, avant de hurler pour qu'on vienne qeur secours, avant de s'eouler d'misement, les poumons envahis de fum,
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..
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Ils sient dans la cuisine, L'Empereur et le Capitaine de l'Escorte Imp8ale. Deux hommes, qui recherchaient la fille du premier. Deux pps, et si le Capitaine n'"it pas noble, n'sit qu'un simple gueux, il n'en demeurait pas moins qu'il 5it un pa.

Lorsque l'empereur d8de de prendre une autre condition, il continue d'appeler...

Luisa ? Altesse ?

Il tousse, oout de souffle quasiment, et se retourne, cherchant l'Empereur du regard. Mais celui-ci a disparu. Il se dirige alors vers la seule issue possible que Ludwig a pu prendre, l'appelle.

Majestd Senher Ludwig ?

En cet instant, il se souvient, de Montpellier, de la petite Luisa, de Liz, et il ferme les yeux, s'arrint un instant pour reprendre son souffle, entre deux quintes de toux, avant de poursuivre.

Majest Altesse ?

Enfin, il les d uvre, Sarah pr/d'eux. Il les regarde, et le visage de Luisa qu'il devine blanchae malgrpa suie l'attire, il s'approche d'elle, cherche un souffle de vie, et se reli hurlant, tout en poussant la poutre sur le cl:

NON ! NON ! NON ! Luisa !!! Princesse !!!

Les forces lui sont dnple et il la retire de lula prenant dans les bras, s'asseyant par terre.

Luisa... Princesse...

Difficile eire si c'est la fuma la toux, ou l'rtion qui fait couler les larmes sur les joues du Capitaine. Lentement, il se l , gardant Luisa dans ses bras, et s'approche de l'Empereur. Il dlutit et regarde l'homme, ce pp dont il n'imagine que de trfloin la douleur, mr s'il sait ce que c'est lorsque l'on vous arrache un enfant, vu que deux des siens sont trlloin de lui.

Majestr. Il faut que l'on sorte...

La petite est... morte. La petite princesse... Celle dont son fils lui rab>ait les oreilles, la princesse Luisa, l'espiie Luisa qu'il avait connu enfant. D catement, il la porte dans ses bras, apr>avoir oseui diser un baiser sur le front, et remis sa robe comme il fallait pour ne pas laisser de parcelles de peau visibles.






They were in the kitchen, The Emperor and the Captain of the Imperial Escort . Two men, who were looking for the girl first . Two fathers, and if the Captain was not noble , was a mere beggar, he nevertheless remained that he was a father.

When the emperor decided to take another condition, he continues to call ...

Luisa ? Highness ?

He coughs , almost breathless , and turned , seeking the Emperor 's eyes. But it has disappeared. He then heads to the only possible way that Ludwig was able to take the call .

Majesty ? Senher Ludwig ?

At that moment, he remembers , Montpellier , small Luisa , Liz , and he closes his eyes , pausing for a moment to catch her breath between coughing before continuing .

Majesty ? Highness ?

Finally, he discovers Sarah near them. He looks , and face Luisa guess that despite the white soot draws , he approached her , looking for a breath of life and rises screaming while pushing the beam on the side :

NO! NO! NO! Luisa ! Princess !

Forces him tenfold and he withdrew from there , taking her in his arms, sitting on the floor.

Luisa ... Princess ...

Hard to say if it is the smoke , coughing, or emotion that makes the tears on the cheeks of Captain . Slowly he rises , keeping Luisa in her arms, and near the Emperor. He swallowed and looks at the man , the father which he imagines that by far the pain, even though he knows what it is when you tear a child , as two of his are far from it.

Majesty ... We need you so ...




The smallest is ... dead. The little princess ... That which his son harped his ears , Princess Luisa Luisa mischievous child he had known . Gently , he carries in his arms, after daring him a kiss on the forehead and handed her dress as he had to leave no visible skin patches .

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Boom ... Boom ... Boom ... Blood flow pulsating painfully temples.
Keuf ... Keuf ... Fumes that irritate the throat and ablaze lungs.
kchhhhh ... kchhhhh ... Breathing in distress from lack of oxygen.
Hummmmm ... The hoarse moan to the sensation of returning stomach cramps.


First sounds of a little woman trying to emerge from the toxicity of fumes of carbon and burns caused to her airway . The doctor who had come to support the strapping in order to clean the airway without her risk of injury, struggling under the sensation of drowning due to water in her nose. It was, however, evacuate as soon soot in her nose and throat so she found a calm breathing and second point concerned the practitioner was to have recognized the slight belly bulge characteristic of the young woman when someone undressed her burned clothes to check the status of her burns and put on her a clean shirt. The patient had inhaled a lot of harmful gases, and obviously had pushed her beyond reasonable resistance to reach her goal of removing the man with her. She would have to announce the terrible news to the young woman gently saw her current state of weakness. But for the situation was really no hope to consider.



The hours pass and finally ... A cry of pain, Sarah doubles over in bed and wakes up the lost look. Coughing hoarse tearing her throat quickly overtaken by a new cramp pain spin her belly. A woman in a blouse runs to her side and took her hand for a moment, trying to offer her an anchor to regain control.

Lady ... you managed to get the flames ... We believe that you will leave you ... But ... I'm afraid you ... Your pain will continue as your body must evacuate ... your ...

The doctor bites her lip. How to announce it?

I'm sorry ... Be brave ...

Sarah stares into the doctor's. She would be lulled into illusion but the pain is brutal and explicit. Then a long sob escapes her throat. Even that has robbed her. There will be nothing more to her. Her body trembled in shock and a new cough through it. But she nods clenching her teeth so they do not collide. Hot liquid and moist suddenly spot the bottom of her dress. Too many horror that day, too many deaths. Let's be done with this and be helped to sleep ...

A few hours later, a young woman with a deadly pallor resting on a clean bench. The sheets are clean, white and virginal dress that covers blends with her complexion and extreme fairness of her hair. She rests, finally, almost disturbing of innocence and peace. Yet it is only the effect of drugs administered to her by her practitioner. This one looks after her patient. She thought a moment lose her patient at the same time as the rest of it was so weakened by the toxic fumes. But this one seems much more solid than her appearance suggests. Then she searched her belongings and is send a letter to the person she found a letter.

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Boum... Boum... Boum... Le flux du sang qui pulse douloureusement aux tempes.
Keuf... Keuf... Les fums qui irritent la gorge et embrasent les poumons.
kchhhhh...kchhhhh... La respiration en pleine dtesse par manque d'oxygh.
Hummmmm... Le gissement rauque ra sensation des crampes qui retournent l'estomac.


Premiers sons d'un petit bout de femme qui tentent d'_rger de la toxicit_es fum_ de carbone et des brulures occasionn_ _es voies respiratoires. Le mbcin qui l'avait prise en charge avait fini par la sangler pour pouvoir nettoyer ses voies respiratoires sans qu'elle ne risque de se blesser en se d

Les heures passent et finalement... Un cri de douleur, Sarah se plie en deux dans son lit et s'eille, le regard perdu. Une quinte de toux rauque lui d ire la gorge vite rattrapopar une nouvelle crampe de douleur qui vrille son ventre. Une femme en blouse accourt ees cotset lui prend la main un instant, tentant de lui offrir un point d'ancrage pour retrouver son contrt

Dame... vous avez r si vortir des flammes... Nous pensons que vous vous en sortirez... Mais... Je crains que vous ... Vos douleurs vont continuer car votre corps doit pcuer... votre...

Le micin se mord la lse. Comment annoncer cela?

Je suis dall.. Soyez courageuse...

Sarah plonge son regard dans celui du mncin. Elle voudrait se bercer d'illusion mais la douleur est l brutale et explicite. Alors un long sanglot s'uappe de sa gorge. Ml cela, on lui aura doblIl ne lui restera plus rien. Son corps tremble sous le choc et une nouvelle quinte de toux la traverse. Mais elle acquiesce en serrant les dents pour ne pas qu'elles s'entrechoquent. Un liquide chaud et moite tache soudain le bas de sa chaisne. Trop d'horreur en ce jour, trop de morts. Qu'on en finisse avec tout cela et qu'on l'aide sormir...

Quelques heures plus tard, c'est une jeune femme d'une pour mortiff qui repose sur une paillasse nettoy Les draps sont propres, la chaisne blanche et virginale qui la recouvre s'harmonise oa carnation et ra blondeur extrp de sa chevelure. Elle repose, enfin, presque dtngeante d'innocence et de paix. Pourtant ce ne sont que l'effet des drogues que lui a administr" sa praticienne. Celle ci veille sur sa patiente. Elle a un moment pens>erdre sa patiente en m" temps que le reste tellement elle nit affaiblie par les fumd toxiques. Mais celle ci semble bien plus solide que son aspect le laisse supposer. Alors elle fouille ses affaires et fait adresser un courrier a personne dont elle a trouven courrier.

All was black, there was absolutely nothing. No light, no sound, no feeling, no memory, not cold, not warm.

Then there was a sound, he heard talking. It was close to him, familiar voices. One soothing -almost angelic-, the other of a comrade-in-arms.

Almost immediately he coughed. His throat and lungs were hurting, but he finally started to come to his senses and felt that his whole body hurt. He slowly opened his eyes and tried to think. Where was he and how did he end up here? Why was he in pain? He looked up and saw his beloved, treating Comyr.

With a wavering voice, he asked: Hanna? Wha-.. What happened?
In all the months he knew her, he had never called her this way, but now he had done it without realizing it.
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[~*~] Je vivroie liement, douce creature, se vous savies vraiement qu'en vous fust parfaitement ma cure [~*~]

The practitioner was notified of the arrival of the Duke whom she had sent a letter to the young "white lady" as everyone called here. She asked what to do next at the head of this one. When he arrived she told him softly as Sarah lay in her bed. Her skin was opalescent, her hair was done since little less dull, but several broad strands were burned, and hair frissotaient in places, signs of heat it had endured. Some traces of burns differed on the visible parts of your skin. She slept, drawn, yet so calm face in abandoning the rest.

Your Grasce, I'm glad you came. I think your vassal will need support after such an ordeal. She needs to be surrounded and occupied to regain contact with his life. Since being here she has spoken a few words and has not cried, which is very rare in this kind of ... position. She seemed happy that we contacted you and asked for you after each of her revivals. I leave you with her, I have to go see my other patients. We have many people to take charge due to this tragedy, the time that families can pick them up.

The practitioner then left the Duke of Piedmont at the bedside of his vassal . After long minutes , eyelids lady blonde finally open with heaviness , the name of Charles escaping her lips as the doctor had predicted . When Sarah saw that Charles was present , her amber eyes so sad and weary grows suddenly and she finally dared to indulge in her first sob, forgetting all decorum to straighten and curl up against the chest of one who has always represented a pillar in her life. There had been too much death , too much horror. Luisa was dead, he had been taught that the emperor despite all the efforts of the Escort was very ill . It was too much for her frail shoulders , too many losses ... For a moment, in the comforting arms circle of her overlord, she allowed herself to become frail and helpless of running tensions and accumulated sorrows , without false modesty , without attempting to show strong. Then slowly, she sat up, wiping the tears piteously on her cheeks and looked at Charles with infinite gratitude.

Thank you ... Charles thank you for coming. I think I will not be useful here. I failed to preserve the integrity of the Emperor ... And Luisa ...

Holding a groan of pain at the thought of his deceased friend, she stood up to give countenance and seem stronger than it was.

I heard that the ban was lifted in Savoy. I can always help protect walls. Bring me down there with you ... Please.

Tentatively, she held out her hand for him to sort all this, it is no longer obliged to stay and elongated to rehash it all, to think about what she had lost and the letter he be drafted to prevent that loss of this right.

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La praticienne fut prenue de la venue du duc mui elle avait adress.ne missive pour la jeune dame blanche comme tous l'appelaient ici. Elle demanda e qu'on le fasse venir au chevet de celle ci. Quand il arriva elle lui parla ioix basse car Sarah reposait dans son lit. Sa peau nit opalescente, sa chevelure se faisait depuis peu moins terne, mais plusieurs larges m es avaient s brul visage si calme pourtant, dans l'abandon du repos.

Votre Grasce, je suis heureuse que vous soyez venu. Je pense que votre vassale aura besoin de soutien suite ane telle aeuve. Elle a besoin d'ee entouroet occup pour retrouver contact avec sa vie. Depuis qu'elle est ici elle n'a prononclue peu de mots et n'a pas encore pleurdce qui est fort rare dans ce genre de ... situation. Elle a semblaeureuse de savoir que nous vous avions contact_t demande depuis apr_vous _hacun de ses r_ils. Je vous laisse avec elle, je dois aller voir mes autres patients. Nous avons de nombreuses personnes rendre en charge suite pe drame, le temps que les familles puissent venir les chercher.

La praticienne laissa alors le duc du Pient au chevet de sa vassale. apr de longues minutes, les paupies de la blonde dame s'ouvrir enfin avec lourdeur, le nom de charles s' appant de ses laes comme l'avait pret le macin. quand Sarah vit que Charles mit bien pr,nt, son regard ambrgi triste et las s'agrandit soudain et enfin elle osa se laisser aller son premier sanglot, oubliant toute biensuce pour se redresser et se blottir contre le torse de celui qui reprsntait depuis toujours un pilier dans sa vie. Il y avait eu trop de mort, trop d'horreur. Luisa /it morte, on lui avait appris que l'empereur malgroous les efforts de l'Escorte rit au plus mal. C'zit bien trop pour ses fres aules, trop de pertes... Pendant un instant, dans le cercle r nfortant des bras de son suzerain, elle se permit de redevenir fra et sans dinse, de laisser couler les tensions et les chagrins accumulp sans fausse pudeur, sans tenter de se montrer forte. Puis doucement, elle se redressa, essuyant piteusement les larmes sur ses joues et regarda Charles avec une infinie reconnaissance.

Merci... Merci Charles d' e venue. Je crois que je ne serai plus utile ici. J'ai mou prtrver l'inteitfe l'empereur... Et Luisa...

Retenant un grssement de douleur oa pensdde son amie d nte, elle se redressa pour se donner contenance et paraitre plus forte qu'elle ne l''it.

J'ai entendu que le ban avait i lev n Savoie. Je pourrai toujours aider rotir les remparts. Ramenez moi lbas auprrde vous... Je vous en prie.

Timidement, elle tendit sa main pour qu'il la sorte de tout cela, qu'elle ne soit plus obligede rester ainsi allongo ressasser tout cela, vonger e qu'elle avait perdu et ta lettre qu'il lui faudrait rrger pour pranir qui de droit de cette perte.
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He listened to Johanna and thought about what had happened. He felt worthless laying there, but did as she asked of him. He felt himself slowly returning to the world. His memories were coming back to him: bright images of fire, feelings of despair, but he made had it. Or was this heaven, he wondered jokingly.

Johanna asked him if he was in pain. ''No, I am not in pain.'' He said to her, even though he actually was, but he did not want to pay any attention to it, so she could help others who would need her care a lot more than him. ''Thank you and good luck, milady...'' Were his words before she left.

So he had saved the young Imperial Chancellor from the burning palace. But why did he have to faint..?

He cleared his mind and looked at Comyr. ''We meet again friend, were it that I wished it would be on better terms.'' It was a coincidence that the two of them were brought together here. They had fought side by side, both hoping not to be injured. Now both of them were here...
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[~*~] Je vivroie liement, douce creature, se vous savies vraiement qu'en vous fust parfaitement ma cure [~*~]