Thursday, July 7, 1066 SE
Sir Sergeii joins the Second Crew for breakfast. He informs them that the entire crew has been invited to a gala hosted by House Volkov tonight, after the dress rehearsal. All of Konstantina’s elites are expected to be there, and Sir Sergeii believes this is a ripe opportunity to further promote Masha and the Bear. House Volkov is an ancient and rich family, whose most prominent member is Grand Duke Andriy Volkov. He served as the Regent of Sezja in 989 SE after overthrowing Queen Lyuba, a period remembered for military stability and the cautious rebuilding of the realm following foreign conflicts.
Mon asks if the crew will be expected to perform in costumes. Sir Sergeii suggests that perhaps costumes should be kept under wrap until tomorrow’s opening night performance.
Mon then suggests they contact Branna’s parents, and request new clothes, at least for the performers. This would be good advertisement for them, and would clothes the most important people. Message is dispatched through pageboy.
Mon thinks about the King’s upcoming
Branna reads the most recent copy of the Shredded Truth. Additional deployments around town.
She then ponders what events might have triggered the protests in St. Boris. Hennadii, who overhears the conversation, and he explains what has
The radicalization of the people in the St. Boris neighborhood is primarily driven by economic hardship, a perceived betrayal by the government, and the influence of a charismatic firebrand preacher at the St. Boris Basilica.
The key factors contributing to this situation include:
• The New Excise Tax: The most significant source of anger is a new Excise Tax that is reportedly "crippling local merchants" and "starving the poor". The working-class congregation, which includes dockworkers and small business owners, feels directly targeted by these financial burdens.
• Father Kostiantyn’s Oratory: The preacher at the St. Boris Basilica, Father Kostiantyn, acts as a primary catalyst for radicalization. He delivers populist, "firebrand" sermons that serve as a "dramatic confrontation with the city's corrupt powers". He openly rails against the "decadence and indifference" of the Royal court and the wealthy elite.
• Political Resentment and Military Presence: There is a widespread feeling among traditionalists and disenfranchised veterans that they have been betrayed by the current established order. This resentment is exacerbated by an "increased military presence" in Konstantina, which many perceive as a sign of looming conflict.
• Calls for Direct Action: The energy within St. Boris has become highly charged, with the preacher encouraging political resistance and a "devastating boycott" against the city. Observers have noted that the atmosphere during these gatherings feels like the "beginning of a riot," as the community is galvanized to oppose the government.
The St. Boris Basilica itself serves as the physical and ideological center of this movement, its imposing and dark Gothic structure providing a "rallying point" for those who feel marginalized by the crown’s policies.
Looking at a map, Branna and Marigold sketch possible scenarios as to what conspiracy is occurring. The potential for mischief is high, and the city is a powder keg.
Branna talks with Sir Sergeii about people in St. Boris and the resident crew. Marigold is brought in the conversation. Sir Sergeii will ask his contacts to assemble a small security force to monitor production, and he will speak with the city guard to see if a detail is available.
Mon considers a plan to embed Herald in a production at the Dirty Duchess, a small theater in St. Boris,
Mon visits the archives and is greeted by
confrontation with the secret police. Viktor.
and conduct research on two specific topics. First, he would like more information about the Cardinal, and how he ended up being exiled to Katarina. Second, he would also like to know the history of a local building, the South Gate Hotel. He’s looking for the history of previous owners, and any connections between the hotel and the Cardinal. He requests a copy for himself, a copy for Katiana, and one for the archives. Wanting to show him something in her office, she leads Mon to a series of rooms off the side of the main entrance. Closing the door behind her, she tells Mon that she tracked who last accessed the census record. Myron, the King’s Chamberlain, was the last one to access the records, 7 years ago, in 1059. She also warns him that if there is indeed a missing royal branch, it was hidden for a reason, and he should not go poking around.
Returning to the South Gate Hotel, Mon reports his encounter to Branna and Marigold. Katiana sent him copies before she was arrested. The edict against the Cardinal shows that he has been stripped of his office and should no longer hold power or conduct his campaign of moral terror against Katarina.
They speculate. Did the Cardinal arrive on Katarina before or after his exile was pronounced?
Mon will commune with the Raven Queen and see if he can identify what the Cardinal might have been doing to undermine her authority.
Armed with these precious documents, Marigold considers building a small wooden box to safely hide them.
Mon sends a message to Katiana, and he learns she is in a jail cell in the Palace and will not be able to attend the premiere tomorrow because of her current imprisonment. He then sends a message to Pavel asking him to check Katarina’s records to see the exact date of the Cardinal’s arrival on the island, and he also lets him know they found a few antique saws for him.
Branna’s father replies that he has enough outfits for the performers, but they will require small alterations. Dhuka is bored, They decide to head to St. Gleb after lunch to do the fitting.
They have lunch at the Singing Frog inn. Dhuka buys a strawberry tart. Dhuka spends the night in St. Gleb.
Herald is on time for once.
Back at the Opera, lots of people in attendance for the dress rehearsal.
Mon uses unfailing barding inspiration on the leads, so they do not fail their performance.
Sir Sergeii advises he has a four-person security detail, 10 city guards up front, and the guards will staff the upper city gates. If a large party comes from St. Boris, the gates will be closed.
The dress rehearsal is about to start ...
