Gentlemen's dispute

Story by srcoyote on SoFurry

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#6 of Writers Group Challenge

Hello, this week ComidaComida proposed the theme of the prompt, which is: "Two forces vie for control of influence over something in an evenly matched tug-of-war". I decided to divert the subject a little and focus purely on the conflict.

Enjoy it, and as always, any criticism is welcome.


The stunning evening in the palace had gathered all kinds of guests. Almost all the knights of the kingdom were present, Viscount Nelson, Duke Arthur, Baron William among others. But the dance between delicate brocades and exquisite wines, a dark plot was woven among the minor figures. The empire was preparing to deal with the next blow to the colonies of the Iberian empire, and its next objectives were shared among the party's revelry.

In a corner, next to a window, a refined gentleman tasted a red wine, moving the glass after each sip. The fox barely reached his thirties and was dressed in a white suit full of lace and a white wig that matched part of his fur, a distinctive ring of an important noble house shone on his finger.

"Good evening, Lord Ostwitch, what a beautiful evening we have been invited by our majesty, don't you think?" the lupine told him, sketching a wicked smile as he served wine in his glass.

The fox raised an eyebrow and set his glass on the table, showing some displeasure with the presence of the wolf, "Lord Windsor ... there was no other more appropriate table on which to rest his welcome nothing presence?" he asked contemptuously.

"Oh! But what are you saying, Lord Ostwitch ... Are you still angry about the incident on the island of Las Palmeras?" the lupine asked playfully.

"Eight months destabilizing the government of the colony, setting fire to its economy, preparing a revolutionary army and agreeing on a future pact with our graceful majesty, all so that a jester destroys a ship and unexpectedly begins the war that I had been planning so much ... no, of course, I'm not angry about it, why would I be? " The fox replied, tapping his delicate glass with his fingernails.

"Wonderful! Because, thanks to my magnificent work in Las Palmeras, our majesty has assigned me a new mission in the new world. A mission in which I would love to have your ability to poison the hearts of the poor men who want freedom, without know yet ... "said the wolf, passing the sealed letter.

The fox took the letter and looked closely at the imperial shield on the seal and then looked back at Lord Windsor. "I don't understand why my presence would be necessary for someone who enjoys playing with spontaneity and uncontrolled chaos."

The wolf licked his lips, watching the other nobleman with lasciviousness in his eyes as if it were prey. "Obviously I am a man of resources, but it is always much simpler to work on an aversion basis and debased spirits ... besides, I am sure that your family would be more than happy if this time your last name appears in the reports."

"It clearly sounds like you have already arranged everything, Lord Windsor, and I would not be surprised if my name is already in this letter. I will assist you in all that I can but on the condition that the report to his majesty is reviewed and sealed by me before sending it," the fox clarified.

"Of course, a more than acceptable guarantee. We set sail in two days," the lupine replied, then bowed and, without hiding a smile full of joy, withdrew from the party.

Lord Ostwitch watched as that despicable man left, then he did pour himself another glass of wine. While he drank, his mind reflected on what had just happened. It was clear that this treacherous lupine wanted to make fun of him again, but he could not refuse that invitation. Perhaps he could use this opportunity to return the play, but being on the same mission would make him suspect of any unexpected event that could affect Lord Windsor. Unless...

HMS Barkinton set sail to the new world a few days later, carrying both gentlemen on board, along with a large crew of strong men willing to do anything. The trip would take about two months to reach the colony on which they had to 'work'. The captain of the ship was a veteran navigator of the Royal Navy and no privateer would dare to risk against the force of more than a hundred canyons, security was guaranteed. In addition, the winery was full of items for the mission: poisons, gems, counterfeit passages, books, and explosives, everything needed to destroy a little and weak government.

One particular night, a few days after leaving the empire, the moon was shining above the water, lightly illuminating the two nobles who were talking on deck.

"Enjoying the evening, Lord Ostwitch?" the wolf asked.

"I was ... enjoying the fresh air, while I can." The fox replied in an anguished tone.

"As long as you can?" Lord Windsor asked intrigued.

The fox approached the ship's rail and, leaning on the wood, stared at the moon. "I am not a fool, Windsor. I have seen how your guards observed me, like a hindrance that they will soon get rid of."

The recoil of the firing pin of a gun was heard behind Ostwitch, "It is a pity. I thought you would leave this world without realizing it. A little carelessness on my part, I will solve it with my own hands ..."

"Don't worry, Windsor. I know it's just business. In fact, I was thinking of doing just that when we arrived at the New World." The fox responded, still turning his back on the wolf.

"Haha! I knew the opportunity was going to tempt you!" Lord Windsor exclaimed gladly.

"I had even got a special wine to celebrate your death ..." The fox said calmly.

"Don't worry, I'll enjoy it for you," the wolf replied smiling.

An explosion killed the silence of the night, followed by the sound of a body falling into the water. No one of the crew responded to the shoot, because they knew it was a personal situation among the nobles and nobody wanted to put their noses in the quarrels of those men.

Lord Windsor entered his cabin and took a seat at his desk. He had ordered all of Ostwitch's belongings brought to his room. The deceased's luggage was scarce, a few books, changes of clothes, a saber, a musket and a bottle of liquor.

The wolf took in his hand the bottle of liquor, next to cork there was a small label that said: 'My Victory'. Windsor smiled, open the alcohol and poured himself into a glass. "Well, Ostwitch, it seems that this was my victory and not yours," said the wolf, mocking as he raised the cup. After a moment of silence, he gave the liquor a long drink.

The taste was smooth but its power was noticeable from the burning that the wolf began to feel instantly through his entire throat ... a burning that quickly transformed into pain, going down to his stomach, becoming more acute, as if it had swallowed a handful of metal chips. Windsor fell to his knees on the floor, holding his belly with both hands, with a thread of blood gushing from his snout.

"No ... I won't accept this as a tie ... Ostwitch ... I ... I killed you first." He murmured the wolf before giving a strong spasm and dying.