The Magnaura

[OverKnight]

Aleksios stands as the Patriarch speaks. As soon as he sees the dagger pointed at the Patriarchal escort he springs into action.

Guards! Seize them!

Varangians, weapons drawn, surround and subdue the escort. At the same time, obviously prearranged, Varangians flank and subdue Aleksander ek Kallipoleos. After the men are all taken, Aleksios speaks again.

Remove the hoods of the Patriarch's escort.

It is done. As they are unmasked, the Basileus looks at the Patriarch for confirmation, who points at one of the men. The Basileus speaks to the man.

Welcome to the Magnaura. . .Symeon.

The Basileus turns to speak to the Senate.

I apologize for the ruse, but the Patriarch and I thought it necessary to bring the Organization and their Master out into the light. For you see, they are the true threat to the Empire: Whispers in ears, knives in the dark and foul treachery. They eat away at Church and State. Only together, acting in secret with a public face of acrimony, could the Patriarch and I lure them into a trap. I can assure you that there is no true conflict between myself and his Eminence.

If paying very close attention, one would think Aleksios sounded a bit glib with that last statement.

In fact, the position of Patriarch of Constantinople is still open. I can now announce that the Synod has chosen a new Patriarch, Nicholas III himself. Having completed his service to Alexandria, I welcome him back to his old position.

The Basileus dips his head to the Patriarch.

When I called this Emergency Session, I said there were matters of Justice to attend to, the removal of the Organization from the Empire is one of them. Therefore I propose the following:

Edict E2.1: The Secret Society know as the Organization is to be destroyed in accordance with the Patriarchal Proclamation of 1125. Aleksander ek Kallipoleos will be exiled from the Empire. Veronica ek Kallipoleos and her children will be given Imperial protection or funds enough to sustain themselves outside the Empire if they so choose. All other agents are to be killed.

Proposed: Basileus Aleksios and Patriarch Nicholas III

With this Edict, and with what the Patriarch and I have discovered about the Organization, we can crush them. Aleksander has served me, perhaps not as he envisioned, but for this he will be spared. Lady Veronica and her children I will protect as part of a promise I made. Other agents, past or present, of the Organization will be killed. It is time to root out and destroy this Secret Society.

Patriarch Nicholas has my deepest thanks for his aid in this matter.

The Basileus resumes his seat on the Throne.