Chapter 37: Councilors and Kings
The King's private chambers,
Mithat, Nyrond
"It is good to see you again Prometheus." King Hadrian of Nyrond said cordially as the young man guided Prometheus into his suite of rooms. "I hadn't expected to see you again so soon."
Prometheus smiled as he took a moment to examine the teenager with a critical eye. The last time they had met the boy had been depressed and overly stressed due to the heavy responsibilities thrust upon him by the ruling council of Nyrond. His tutors had attempted to train the inexperienced young man and mold him into a proper king but a few scant years was hardly enough. Upon ascending to the throne of his own free will, his youthful arrogance assuring him he was prepared for what lay ahead of him, the boy had found himself woefully underequipped to handle the multitude of problems waiting for him due to the invasion of Iuz's forces and the devastation they had wrought. Prometheus had been able to bolster the man's flagging confidence and had even shown him a brief glimpse of his full power and knowledge to assure the young man of his true form. The boy that stood before him now was still a bit worn around the edges but hardly the rebellious teenager he had been before. The young man stood straight and tall in his fine clothes of burgundy and royal blue as he ushered the Emperor in.
"Would you care for something to eat or drink?" Hadrian asked.
"No thank you Hadrian." Prometheus declined gracefully. "But I may accept your offer later if our meeting lasts longer than we expect."
Hadrian nodded before offering the Emperor a seat, allowing his guest to sit before sitting down on the opposite couch.
Prometheus smiled. "I see you have been working hard with your tutors in many matters since I last visited."
"Courtesy and etiquette foremost among them." The young man replied with a hint of embarrassment, recalling his undignified treatment of Prometheus the first time the Emperor had visited.
Prometheus merely chuckled quietly at this. "Always important to know; it is why I have a council of men and women I trust around me. One person cannot know and do everything."
Hadrian nodded. "True enough." He admitted.
"How are you Hadrian?" Prometheus asked gently, looking at him with fatherly concern.
The young king smiled slightly at the Emperor's question, his eyes tired. "I am doing well enough I suppose; better than when you first saw me, at least. But the burdens don't get lighter with time, they only get heavier."
Prometheus nodded in understanding. "That they do my young friend. It pains me to tell you this but I fear I must burden you further, though I have no wish to do so."
Hadrian sighed quietly, letting his head fall back onto the back of the couch before looking wearily at the Dragon. "Let's hear it then."
Prometheus gazed at him a bit sadly as he collected his thoughts before he spoke. "As you may or may not know, Iuz and his hordes were blessed by the gods of darkness, specifically Hextor the god of war and Vecna the lich lord. Ivid and Iuz made use of Vecna's knowledge of secret arts and Hextor's power to create the army that ravaged your lands. That army was defeated by the combined armies of the west along with the power of Rao and Pelor wielded by the ArchCleric Hazen. But the dark gods refused to admit defeat. Once again they seek to make war upon this land and bring the mortal world under their control."
Hadrian rubbed his eyes before looking at Prometheus in grim resignation. "Then Nyrond is doomed." He stated gloomily.
Prometheus blinked at the young man's stark statement. "Surely your armies…" He began in gentle protest.
"What armies?" Hadrian asked with a hint of scorn. "We are just now getting back on our feet even with the aid you provided us and the lower prices of the Darmen trade empire. It has been several months, true, but our people are just now beginning to prosper; we still hang by a narrow thread! If I attempted to raise an army now the people would revolt no matter what the cause!"
"Even to preserve their lives and livelihoods?" Prometheus asked quietly. "For that is what is at stake here."
Hadrian simply snorted. "It always is with war, especially when it comes to your own lands."
Prometheus shook his head. "The creatures the dark gods seek to use against us are not normal men or even intelligent undead but rather the very demons of hell itself."
Hadrian stared at him in shock for a moment before letting his head fall into his hands in despair. "I've heard rumors of their powers…no army could stand against such foes. If what you say is true, this is the end of everything."
Prometheus stood and sat down next to the disconsolate king, resting a hand on his shoulder. "All is not yet lost." He murmured. "You are my ally and I do not abandon my allies when it is inconvenient. Utopia and other kingdoms will no doubt bear the brunt of the attacks but your people must be willing to fight so that they can survive. I will be sending some of my own troops to the other kingdoms to aid them but there will be a large amount of troops to defend my empire nearby and I will send you as much aid as I can."
"That still leaves me with a ragtag army at best." Hadrian mumbled despondently. "We've been putting all our energy into making sure our people are fed and clothed. We have no reserves and few fortresses to speak of."
"It will be hard, I know." Prometheus murmured. "Hopefully the dark gods will focus on Utopia as I have been the biggest thorn in their side. We will be the bait that keeps them away from your lands. Have faith, Hadrian." He implored softly. "I know things appear dark now and I will not lie, there will be terrible days ahead. But the gods have not abandoned us."
Prometheus wrapped his arm around the young man's shoulders comfortingly. "We are here Hadrian and we will not forsake you." He murmured.
Unthinkingly the boy wrapped his arms around Prometheus's chest, hugging him tightly, his body shivering in fear. Prometheus held him close, allowing the young king his moment of weakness in compassionate silence. After several moments Hadrian slowly pulled away, looking up at Prometheus with sorrowful eyes.
"F-forgive me I…" He began awkwardly.
Prometheus smiled tenderly at him. "There is nothing to forgive Hadrian, we all need someone to steady us sometimes and I am humbled that you take such comfort in me. Take a few moments to compose yourself and then we will discuss what we must do to ensure the safety of your people."
The city of Mitrik, Veluna…
Aurelius leisurely made his way up the large suspended causeway that spanned one of the smaller waterways which ran into the great Fals River to the west of the city. He had spent the remainder of the night in one of the nicer inns before making his way through the large marketplace in the center of the city north of the residential district, cobbling together a simple breakfast as he went. The scent of fresh water and warm air made him smile as he gazed about at the clean ancient stones that made up the walkways and buildings. Below him small barges plowed through the water, ferrying goods and people to and from the various docks built along the river's edge. Nearby a young paladin waved at him, the crest of Rao on his chest declaring him a member of the god's knightly order. Aurelius waved back easily, put quite at ease with the surroundings he found himself in.
"Almost as grand as Utopia itself." He murmured happily. "The city obviously had an influence on his Eminence when he lived here. How I wish I did not have to bring distressing news to such a well-mannered city."
Striding across the last of the causeway he entered the large northern tip of the city where the temple of Rao, the various colleges, and the government made their home. Making his way to the large temple he found himself being stopped at the entrance by a pair of armored guards.
"Name yourself and your business here." One of them stated firmly but calmly. "None may enter without approval."
"I am Aurelius Besart, emissary to the Dragon Emperor of Utopia." Aurelius proclaimed haughtily. "I must speak with the ArchCleric on a matter of great urgency."
The two men glanced at each other with amused smiles.
"Forgive us emissary but the Canon is an extremely busy man as I'm sure you are aware." One of them said with a slightly condescending tone. "One does not simply walk in and demand an audience with his Venerable Reverence. I'm sure you understand."
Aurelius frowned slightly at the man's tone but nodded brusquely. "Then perhaps I should speak with someone slightly less busy who has an open ear to hear the news I bear?"
"Allow us to summon a servant who can assist you." The man said agreeably. Stepping inside, Aurelius waited for several moments before a middle-aged liveried man appeared at the door with the guard.
"How might I assist sir?" The man asked deferentially.
"You might assist by first allowing me in." Aurelius stated with a clipped tone. "I dislike being made to wait on the doorstep for someone to attend me."
The man bobbed his head. "Of course good sir my apologies. Please step inside."
Aurelius quickly entered, the door closing behind him. The main foyer was several stories high and surrounded by tall, thin windows, allowing in the morning sunlight. The hall was constructed of white stone with royal purple hangings with a large emblem of Rao suspended from the ceiling and a few armored guards stationed around the room. The man turned to gaze at Aurelius speculatively for a moment before he spoke.
"Will you be willing to submit to a truth spell to ensure you are who you say you are? I do apologize but any man can dress as a paladin and declare himself falsely as I'm sure you are aware."
Aurelius nodded. "I have nothing to hide."
The man smiled. "Splendid. This will just take a moment and then I will speak with his Venerable Reverence and the council to see if they can spare you a moment of their time."
"I'm afraid that will not be possible." A pompous voice stated from nearby as a tall, thin man with a sharp face, dressed in rich purple and gold robes swept in from one of the nearby doorways. "His Reverence has a great deal to do today and the council's schedule is already full."
The servant bowed upon seeing the man. "Councilor Grayington! Good morning my Lord!"
The man casually walked over to study Aurelius, his greying black hair and eyebrows giving his sharp face a rather severe look in combination with his cool blue eyes. "Tell me paladin, why are you not at the barracks for training?"
Aurelius frowned at the man's forwardness. "I think, sir, you are under a misapprehension. I am not a member of Veluna's holy order but rather the servant of another master. Whom am I addressing?"
The man's thin lips quirked slightly. "I am Lord Grayington, one of the 14 Councilors of the Order of the Celestial Moons, the governing council of Veluna. And yourself?"
"I am Aurelius Besart, paladin of Bahamut and servant to the Dragon Emperor of Utopia." Aurelius stated.
The councilor raised an eyebrow upon hearing this. "An unusual combination of titles." He stated. "I would not think the Lord of Dragons would accept a normal man into His ranks, assuming you are who you say you are."
Aurelius's frown deepened but held his tongue as he recalled Prometheus's commands. "Be that as it may, I have news that his Venerable Reverence must hear."
"So says everyone else who comes through those doors." The man replied in an amused tone. "If it is important as you say then I and the other councilors will need to hear it as well; we are the secular rulers of the ArchClericy as I'm sure you are aware."
"That is acceptable." Aurelius replied. "Lead me to the council chambers and I will speak to you and them."
The man laughed quietly at this. "Oh my, you are new to this aren't you?" He teased. "You must wait your turn sir; many applicants have already come before you, begging some of our time. We cannot make them wait longer simply for your sake." He smirked.
The Dragon ground his teeth quietly at the man's arrogance. "And how long will I need to wait before I am seen?" He asked in quiet frustration.
The man appeared to think on it, pressing a fingertip against his cheek. "Given the number of applicants and the amount of time we allow each to present their case…I would say within a week or two perhaps?" He suggested with a haughty smile.
Aurelius's fists clenched, smoke nearly coming from his nostrils in anger. "You dare much to delay one such as me like this!" He hissed.
The man's countenance immediately became hostile. "And you dare much to speak to me in such a manner! I think perhaps it will take you at least a month to see the council at this point. Now begone! I have no more time for naive paladins this morning, no matter how amusing." He ordered, before turning his back on Aurelius and striding across the room towards the opposite door.
"LORD GRAYINGTON!" Aurelius bellowed, his voice suddenly taking on a deeper, more draconic tone even as the volume seemingly increased by an order of magnitude, making it echo loudly in the high room.
Barely able to keep himself from jumping at Aurelius's shout, the councilor slowly turned to look back before his eyes widened in shock. Before him sat a 15 foot golden Dragon where the paladin had previously stood, his gaze blazing with anger and white smoke curling from his snout while the servant shivered in silent fear nearby. The guards around the room quickly drew their swords.
"Strike me at your peril!" He told the guards imperiously. "I did not come here to sow violence nor do I intend any now. I am certain the council will want to speak with one such as I."Aurelius stated firmly as he looked at Lord Grayington, his gaze challenging and his tone brooking no argument.
Taking several seconds to collect his nerves the man slowly walked back to Aurelius, looking him up and down before turning to the servant. "Fetch one of the court mages, quickly." He ordered.
The man bowed before running from the room. Firmly in control of himself, Grayington gazed into the Dragon's eyes. "I hope for your sake this is not some illusion or spell to try and force my hand." He growled. "If it is I will see you languishing in our dungeons for this!"
Aurelius snorted. "That will not be a problem. When I pass your test I expect to be shown to the council chamber immediately where I can present my case not only to you and the other council members, but the Canon as well."
Grayington considered the creature in front of him for a moment before nodding. "If you are truly what I see before me then it will not be an issue."
"Good." Aurelius stated pointedly. "I would also advise your guards not to speak of what they have seen. To do so might very well invite disaster upon Mitrik itself, though it would not come from me or my master."
"I will consider it." Grayington replied levelly.
A few moments later the servant returned with an elderly man dressed in rich silver and blue robes that stopped short in surprise at seeing Aurelius, though he made no move to cast a spell. The councilor walked over and murmured to the mage quietly while nodding at Aurelius before stepping back.
The man began gesturing at Aurelius while muttering arcane words and his hand began to glow orange. Stepping forward, he placed his hand on Aurelius's flank. The orange light engulfed the Dragon's form before fading away, leaving him unchanged.
The mage's eyes widened at this. "He is genuine!" He whispered in shock. "A true golden Dragon! Never did I dare to think I would see one!"
The councilor looked at the man in surprise before turning back to the Dragon who appeared to be sporting a very superior and amused look.
"Shall we?" Aurelius asked loftily.
Grayington swallowed audibly at this before nodding. "I…think it would be better for you to return to your…prior form. The hallways you see, they are not made for someone of your…size." He explained haltingly.
Aurelius nodded before his body shrunk and changed until the paladin stood before him once more. Greyington turned to the men nearby who had begun to sheath their weapons.
"Speak not a word of what you have seen here today or I will have your tongues cut from your head in retribution!" He ordered them firmly. "Do not think I will not find out if you have!"
The guards and the mage quickly nodded or murmured in agreement. Gesturing for both the mage and Aurelius to follow him, the councilor quickly led them through the various hallways that ran through the temple before coming to a large antechamber lit by various skylights. A large number of people dressed in various types of finery looked over in curiosity at the new arrivals, most looking away a moment later though a few continued to gaze speculatively as they made their way to the large and intricately carved wooden doors, the heraldry of Veluna emblazoned on them. Throwing open the doors, Grayington marched into the room with the others following after him. The room was large and square with rich wood paneling and white marble flooring in abundance. A long purple carpet with silver trim ran down the center of the room, bisecting it. At the head of the room sat a massive ornate desk in the shape of a horseshoe behind which sat the other 13 members of the Order of the Celestial Moons, ensconced in throne-like chairs of gold and rich red padding. Behind the group sat a large white and silver throne on an elevated dais. Conversation ceased as Grayington led the pair up the carpeted walkway until they stood before the others.
"My Lords, forgive the interruption in our schedule but I believe this to be most urgent." Grayington stated.
One of the older men with a trim grey beard and balding head spoke up with a hint of annoyance. "Who is this you have brought before us with such dramatics Lord Grayington?"
"If I may be so bold, Lord Whitehale, a creature out of legend." Grayington stated with a hint of reverence. "One of the court mages has confirmed his authenticity." The man stated, gesturing to the mage briefly.
The men looked at each other questioningly before Whitehale spoke again. "And where is this creature Lord Grayington? I see naught but you, the mage, and one of our paladins here."
Aurelius stepped forward. "I am the 'creature' you speak of. I am no paladin of the realm but an emissary from the Dragon Emperor."
Whitehale looked mildly intrigued at his statement. "Are you indeed? I know his Venerable Reverence has spoken with the Emperor of Utopia on one or two occasions and his trading with us has been most beneficial…"
"Forgive me Councilor but I have come with a most urgent matter that concerns not only yourselves but the Canon as well." Aurelius interrupted briskly. "Will you allow me an audience with him?"
"You ask for much." One of the other councilors stated. "It is given to very few to see the Canon except by specific invitation." The man then turned his attention to Grayington. "You say he is a creature of legend yet he appears as an ordinary man to me. Perhaps he should show us what he truly is?"
Aurelius looked at Grayington and the mage, beckoning them backwards before Aurelius began to shift his form once again. The members of the council gasped in quiet awe as a golden Dragon appeared before them.
"You say this is no trick?" Whitehale asked softly as he leaned forward, his eyes drinking in the sight before him.
The mage shook his head. "The revealing spell I cast was one specially commissioned by order of the Canon to the Arcane College; it removes all glamors and illusions no matter how powerful and alerts me of any magical item one might have on their person. He bears no such objects and I have already seen him shift into this form once already; no mage could cast such a spell a second time so quickly nor did he use any incantation or gesture."
"Incredible!" Whitehale stated softly as he slowly stood and began walking around the table until he came to Aurelius. Looking up at the Dragon he hesitantly stretched out a hand before pausing, looking to the Dragon for permission. Aurelius nodded briefly and the man's wizened hand slowly pressed against the Dragon's cool scales. The man gasped quietly in astonishment as he ran his palm over Aurelius's upper arm, feeling his muscles clench slightly under his armored skin.
"Like a perfect suit of armor." The man murmured to himself, his eyes slowly taking in the creature before him before stepping back a pace or two and gazing up at Aurelius's face. "I am truly speechless. Never in my wildest dreams did I ever imagine I would be able to touch one such as you!"
Aurelius raised an eyeridge at the man before speaking in a carefully measured tone. "I trust your curiosity has been satisfied? I would rather not repeat such an experience with each of the council."
The man blinked and seemed to come back to himself. "Oh! Yes, of course! No need to…ah sully your scales with our hands." He smiled uneasily.
Aurelius nodded. "Please ask the Canon to join us. Your time is valuable as is mine and I do not wish to waste any more of either."
"I assure you, you do not waste our time." One of the men said. "But you are correct." Turning to the mage, he beckoned him. "I believe your presence is no longer required. Please inform the Canon that he is needed in the council chamber immediately."
The man inclined his head in respect and quickly left leaving the others to sit in awkward silence for several moments with a Dragon in the middle of the room. Finally one of them cleared his throat softly.
"Might I approach, golden one?" He asked.
Aurelius smiled slightly at their unease, silently pleased with their careful deference. "You may all approach but please do not manhandle me. I would rather not be petted like an animal."
Nodding in agreement the men removed themselves from their seats and quickly surrounded the Dragon, gazing in amazement at him. Aurelius drunk in the awe being directed to him; here was the adoration he and his kind deserved!
"Might we know your true name golden one?" One of the men asked.
"I am Aurelius Ironheart, paladin of Bahamut, Lord of all Metallic Dragons." He stated proudly with a smile.
"You spoke of the Dragon Emperor before." Another suggested. "Are you a resident of Utopia in Aerdi?"
"I am, in fact, kin to the Dragon Emperor himself." Aurelius replied with a hint of relish, seeing their eyes widen even further. "He has chosen me as his emissary to speak his words where he cannot."
"And a greater emissary there could not be, of that I have no doubt." A voice from the far end of the room stated.
The group turned and everyone except Aurelius immediately bowed before the figure of ArchCleric Harfell as the man entered the room at a stately pace. The bespectacled, round-faced man wore a rich robe of silver that shimmered like chrome with a shawl of royal purple around his shoulders. The top of his bald head was covered with a golden cloth cap and he wore a signet ring with the symbol of Rao on his finger.
Aurelius inclined his head briefly in respect. "I am grateful to meet with you, Most Venerable. You are a man after the Emperor's own heart. He has spoken most highly of you."
"Has he indeed?" Harfell asked as he came to stand before the Dragon. "I had feared our last meeting had soured his opinion of me when I made a rather significant gaffe regarding his person. I am glad to see he still holds me in high regard."
Aurelius smiled. "The Emperor is a very forgiving Dragon, he does not allow such small slights to color his opinions for long and the work you do for the good of all far outweighs such concerns."
"I am very glad to hear it." Harfell said warmly. "But come, you said your matter was urgent and I would not waste anyone's time by having it delayed. Guards, seal the doors, I have a feeling this matter is best kept private for now."
The council members returned to their seats with Harfell ascending the pyramid steps of the dais until he seated himself in the throne while the guards near the door barred them with a thud.
"May the blessing of Rao, god of reason, enlightenment, and peace guide our minds and hearts this day as we deliberate upon the words of the Dragon Emperor's servant." Harfell intoned, raising his hand in benediction as it began to glow with cool silver light before beckoning to Aurelius.
The Dragon inclined his head in thanks before he began to speak.
"I thank you ArchCleric for the benediction and your time as well as the time of the council. In times past, Iuz, the dark necromancer of which you are all familiar, waged war against the kingdoms of this land. To accomplish his goals he not only called upon the dark creatures within the lands he controlled but he also colluded with the dark gods Hextor and Nerull to create an army of intelligent undead. It is only by the aid of the former Canon Hazen and the former General Walters of Veluna that this threat to all life was stopped at Radigast. Unfortunately the news I bear today may be even direr. The dark gods have not been idle in the years since Iuz's defeat. They have met in secret and it was only by the grace of the gods of light and their spy in the heavenly realms that we were able to receive advance notice of their plans at all. Hextor, the Lord of War, Nerull, Hater of All Life, and Tiamet, Bahamut's most accursed foe, have formed an unholy alliance against us and the gods. In their desperate desire to conquer all or destroy that which the gods have made they have violated the ancient pacts made long ago in the mists of creation. Because of the diligence and strength of my Lord, the Dragon Emperor, they have decided to send supernatural foes against him and all who stand with him to oppose them. At this very moment they make pacts with creatures of unspeakable evil: the Arch-Dukes of the Nine Hells of Baator! Their intention is to summon an army powerful and vast enough to cover all the lands in eternal darkness and torment with themselves as overlords. Indeed, it is very possible that their desire to control will extend to the heavenly realms themselves should they succeed in their endeavors! War is coming to this world again and we must be prepared to defend against the tide, no matter how great!"
The room was silent for several moments as the group of men stared at Aurelius in shock. Finally Whitehale spoke. "Are you suggesting that the dark gods are going to send a demonic army against us?" He asked in dread astonishment.
"I do not suggest." Aurelius replied grimly. "That is precisely what they intend to do."
The men looked at each in grave silence, the looks of fear plain on their faces.
"You are not alone in this fight." Aurelius assured them. "Already the Dragon Emperor prepares his own army to march where it is needed and he has forces at his disposal you are not aware of."
"You speak of the machine men." Harfell stated quietly. "The terminators."
Aurelius blinked in surprise. "You know of them?"
Harfell smiled ruefully. "No, but Hazen left many notes in his private files, one of which was a conversation he had with Baron Asher Walters and his aide-de-camp, Davis Arnold. A man, who it turns out, was not a man at all, but rather an intelligent machine far surpassing any magical golem or artifact. After I came to power as ArchCleric I reviewed all of the reports Hazen kept on the Iuz wars in case such a thing were to happen again. Several of the reports mentioned men of great power with bodies like armor that could not be defeated with a simple sword thrust but upon being damaged by ballista would become consumed as if by a mage's fireball. I learned that Arnold had become the adviser to your Dragon Emperor so it seemed logical to assume that he still had access to those forces. I must remind everyone here that what I have said is considered a state secret; do not let it fall into the ears of any, even those you trust implicitly." He instructed the council intently.
Aurelius nodded. "My Emperor will indeed be using them in this conflict. But know this; he does not have a large enough army to protect all of the kingdoms at once. What he has he will give to you but we cannot win this fight by using them alone. You cannot rely on the Emperor to be your shield."
"And we do not intend to." The Canon replied firmly. "Powerful though they may be we will not sit in our fortresses while we wait for the Dragon Emperor to save us. Our paladins and clerics have fought evils such as these before; we shall ensure that our part is done."
Aurelius nodded. "Good. Muster your armies and prepare. According to my master we have some time yet for their armies are still being gathered. However we do not know when or where the hammer strike will fall. So be ready." He warned sternly.
The men nodded silently as the Canon stood. "I would speak with our guest alone for a few moments. If you will excuse us…"
Saying this he pressed a hand against a certain section of the wall behind him and a previously hidden doorway opened in it. Aurelius quickly transformed back into his human form before joining the Canon. The pair entered the suite behind the council chamber with the door shutting behind them a moment later. The room was richly decorated with muted colors of dark brown wood and forest green carpeting edged with gold. A lamp provided sufficient soft light and a small bookcase sat against one wall, a painting of the city on another. On either side of the lamp's table there sat two comfortable chairs. The room was a bit closed in for Aurelius's taste but still comfortable.
"Please sit." The Canon stated as he sat himself in one of the chairs, Aurelius doing the same a moment later.
"This room has been warded with every holy seal of the good gods we could squeeze into the walls." He stated. "If there is any true privacy to be found in the realm, it is here."
Aurelius quirked an eyebrow at the man. "You do not trust your council?"
Harfell smiled slightly. "Them, I trust. That room is warded as well but there is still a chance the information could be overheard. Here, if you or your master has any words for my ears alone, you may speak them in confidence."
Aurelius shook his head. "His Eminence did not give me any special instructions or secret messages for you."
Harfell nodded silently, his face thoughtful for a few moments before he refocused on Aurelius. "How bad does he think it will get?" He asked quietly.
Aurelius frowned pensively. "He has a gift of understatement as you know." He muttered. "When he says there will be dark days ahead…he tries to shield the horror of it behind gentle words and assurances of aid but this war consumes almost his every thought."
"It will be terrible then." Harfell concluded dismally. "I do not know him well but when such a creature of light as that dare not tell you the full truth of the matter…"
Aurelius nodded in silent agreement.
"When will he be sending his terminators to us?" Harfell asked.
Aurelius shook his head. "I know he is preparing to transport them here. When he intends to do so, he has not told me but I expect it will be soon. He does not wish to be caught unprepared."
Harfell nodded. "I will muster every cleric and paladin I can to guard my cities as well as they are able in addition to the regular army. Stockpiles will need to be filled and the people must be armed. Will you be delivering this news to King Thrommel of Furyondy as well?"
Aurelius shook his head. "He has given me no instructions in that matter. In truth this is the first time I have ever been made to deliver such news."
"You have done your work well, then, for I know the council believed you and I certainly do." The Canon replied. "Return to your master and report your success. I will do what is needed here."
Aurelius nodded. "Thank you, Most Venerable Reverence."
Mithat, Nyrond
Upon the large table sat a scale map of Nyrond's lands as the King and Emperor examined it, a pair of plates laden with food nearby along with glasses of wine.
"The fortress of Apolled and Castle Bloodcrystal were completely overrun when Iuz's armies invaded." Hadrian stated, resting a fingertip against the south-eastern edge of the map before tracing a diagonal line northwest about 20 miles. "Castle Von Flessern to the north of Apolled was thankfully too far away to be bothered with considering their intention to sack Rel Mord as quickly as possible before moving on to Radigast."
"A great deal of farm land and smaller towns lay between them." Prometheus muttered.
Hadrian nodded. "All of them burned and butchered to a man." He replied soberly. "Silverwat, southwest of Bloodcrystal, was also put to the torch before they moved on to Rel Mord."
"That is where the kingdom's army met them." Prometheus muttered. "I heard half the army was slain before the remainder of those forces made their way to Trigot and Mowbrenn to the northwest."
"Fortunately Mowbrenn was too out of the way for them to bother with." Hadrian replied. "They apparently skirted Trigot even though it was in their path and the army dared not put up a fight to nip at their heels."
"I do not blame them." Prometheus replied. "Far better that they be living men rather than unholy servants of that army."
Hadrian nodded. "After that they passed into Urnst."
Prometheus nodded. "So then, Mithat." He mused, pressing a finger against the point on the map on the edge of the large Relmor Bay that bordered the kingdom to the south. "And the fortress of Blazebane nearby…"
Hadrian nodded. "Blazebane will be our main point of defense. Mithat is fortified of course but Blazebane is a true citadel. We will stockpile as much as we can there, of course, but it will be lean."
"We do what we can." Prometheus stated. "Mowbrenn is still a possible place of defense as is the fortress of Onyxgate, south of where Silverwat once stood. Flessern is also a possibility."
Hadrian nodded thoughtfully. "I will have the citizens in those areas stockpile what we can. This news will have to be broken carefully; hopefully it will not break their spirits, or gods forbid, spur them into open rebellion."
"The fact that you are attempting to prepare as best you are able should keep them from doing so." Prometheus commented. "A king who is quick to deal with threats to his people is usually received much better than one who hides and does nothing."
Hadrian smiled wryly for a moment before turning serious once again. "You have given me a foundation to start with, at least; my advisers should be able to assist me with the minutiae. I will let you know when I have news, good or ill."
Prometheus nodded, moving around the table before placing his hands on the young man's shoulders. "The Radiant Lord bestows wisdom on those who seek it." He murmured as his palms began to glow with light. "His brightness banishes the dark and illuminates that which is veiled. May He grant you and yours the wisdom to persevere in the days ahead and may you be a beacon to all those who have no hope for yours is the strength of youth, perseverance, and majesty. May they serve you well with Pelor's blessing."
The young king felt warmth and confidence fill him as Prometheus's power suffused him. Standing a bit straighter he nodded to the Emperor firmly. "Until we meet again my friend."
Prometheus smiled. "Until then Hadrian." He agreed before taking his leave.
Mitrik, several hours later…
The thin, reedy man in plain clothes slipped into the warm, cozy tavern adjacent to the residential district of the city's wealthier citizens. Unlike other such establishments scattered about this city the wood floor was polished and without flaw, the chairs were padded heavily, and the food was always exquisite. Soft light from the various chandeliers gave the large room a warm ambiance and white table cloths covered each table. Near the back of the room in a small private nook sat a middle-aged man dressed in silver chasing and rich blue, his grey hair and lined chiseled face creating the appearance of a man who had gained his position through trials and perseverance.
The thin man approached carefully, bowing in respect. "Forgive me for disturbing you my Lord." He murmured deferentially.
The man's sharp blue eyes glanced up at the waiting servant before motioning him to sit.
"My Lord is too kind." The man murmured before carefully seating himself opposite the man.
"Tell me." The finely dressed man stated simply.
"I have just come from the house of Lord Rothechilde. He had gone to the temple today to speak with the council when he saw something quite incredible."
"Go on." The man prompted quietly, his face placid.
"Lord Grayington, one of the court wizards, and an unknown paladin interrupted the council session this morning. I do not know what was said but that is not why I am here. Lord Rothechilde was only able to get a brief glimpse before the council doors were shut but he is certain the paladin transformed into a Dragon!"
The man frowned at this, his gaze sharpening. "You have no doubts of this at all?"
The servant shook his head quickly. "No, my Lord! He told his family the story when he returned home that afternoon! Fortunately I was able to overhear it. He was astounded by what he had seen and as you know Lord Rothechilde is not given to flights of fancy!"
"No indeed; the man is singularly unimaginative." The other man mused, resting his chin against his fist contemplatively. After a moment or two he refocused on the servant. "You have done well in bringing this to me."
Reaching into an inner pocket of his vestments he withdrew a small gem and placed it on the table. "If one were to take that to the jeweler on Market Street and ask for its value in 'robles' they would find it would fetch a nice price in the ArchClericy's currency."
The thin man smiled in appreciation as he quickly scooped up the gem. Standing, he bowed deeply to the man before making his way out of the tavern. The nobleman immediately stood and walked out of the main dining area towards the rear of the inn where several private rooms stood open. Selecting one, he shut the door, sealing the room closed. Reaching into his pants pocket, he withdrew a small glass orb. Muttering a series of specific words the orb began to glow softly.
"Speak!" A dark, sinister voice ordered seemingly from within it.
"The Dragon Emperor has begun to wake his kin." The man murmured. "Even now he sends them as his emissaries. He knows something is afoot."
"Annoying but not unexpected." The voice rasped. "Continue to report as you have done. When our Master and his allies claim this world as our own you will be richly rewarded."
"As you say." The man stated before the orb became dim once again.
On the other side of the continent, a man in blood red and black hissed in annoyance, replacing his own orb in a secret pocket within his robes before turning to another in similar attire.
"Inform the Heart that we and the others will need to accelerate our plans. The Dragon is moving to gather allies and rally support; the gateways must be prepared before his forces are in place. In the meantime, have all of the Fingers reach out to our contacts in the various kingdoms. They must do whatever they can to impede him and his servants!"
"Your words are my actions, Thought of Vecna." The other figure intoned before departing, leaving the high-ranking priest alone to contemplate the future and the actions of the Lich Lord's cult.
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