Galgarroth had come to sit in the empty war room so he could be alone, deep in thought over the future and the past. Long ago in the citadel, when he was merely a friend and adviser, and managing armies was unnecessary, and knighthood was an honorary title, Galgarroth never thought he'd be doing this without him. Though his last acts in life didn't show it, Lord Darigan was a great leader. He however never named a successor, he never saw a need for it. As lord and founder of the citadel, he created a council to govern it, so that it would not fall into the draconian rule of a monarchy. Darigan had led this council without opposition for so long that his government had never tested itself without him until now.

The position of leader had remained empty after Darigan's demise in the battle for Meridel. Without its leader, the council was directionless and slowed in any decision it could not make unanimously. It wasn't necessary for the council to have a leader by design, but the members were too divided. Every council member would jump at the chance to seize that much power, but none could actually hold the support of the rest of the council to actually do it.

Except, of course for General Kass. The military's rising star. He solidified his popularity with the people as a war hero, but there was something in him that seemed so irrevocably set on higher goals. It was no secret he'd been rallying for war. Even though the citadel was still bearing the repercussions of its last campaign, Kass was expertly praying on that, spurring for more. Many of the council members were not immune to his persuasion or coercion.

Galgarroth was certain the only one he could truly trust not to betray him now was Vex. Warden Vex was also a seasoned member of the council himself, and a meticulous thinker, only hindered by his own hubris. An invaluable ally, they had banned together to oppose Kass. They knew what unchecked power could do to someone, They had both seen it first hand. But it seemed they were losing traction. Some of the council had switched to supporting Kass quite suddenly. At the present moment, Galgarroth felt it was just him and Vex holding back disaster. He contemplated his their next move while looking over the the strategic map and markers that should have been collecting dust in their drawer. Clearly a bad omen.

The heavy doors of the war room swung open, snapping Galgarroth out of his thoughts. Kass, with an imposing stature, even for an eyrie, entered. Back straight and staring down his beak at Galgarroth as he spoke "Fitting I'd find you here."

"To what do I owe this intrusion? you seem to be in cocky spirits. " Galgarroth sniped back.

Kass smiled and said, "I will keep this simple. You will pledge your loyalty to me as the new lord of the citadel, and show public support for me by denouncing Darigan as a fool and a monster, and I'll consider giving you a pardon for your treason against him."

"That is ridiculous!" Galgarroth scoffed, "You alone don't have the power to charge people with treason or issue pardons that is-"

"Up to the judge and the sheriff to decide." Kass interrupted. "Oh I know. The judge and sheriff have decided it is best if the military handles the issue. As I am now the highest ranking general because of your treason-"

"You scumbag!" Galgarroth rose from his seat.

"-It is now my right to do so." Kass was staring Galgarroth down from across the table.

"You would turn my knights against me," Galagarroth growled.

"Knights?" Kass said with mocked confusion, "Those aren't knights, they're soldiers, and what use are they when all we do is cower up here when there is a world below that is righteously ours for the taking!" He said as he gesterd over the strategic map of Meridel on the table.

"I will not let the citadel suffer another war. We hardly have resources now. Without Meridel's help, the citadel would starve."

"Help? help! Ha, that is rich. None of this would even be necessary if it weren't for them." Kass angrily swept the meridel markers off the table, sending them skittering across the room.

"It is not necessary! Listen to reason. This war path you're on will not fix anything. It will only hurt our people further. There is no reason to fight."

"Revenge on Meridel is reason enough"

Galgarroth dug his claws into the table as he stared Kass down. "That battle was already fought Kass"

"And as the rightful victors of that war, what spoils did we win? Nothing! No orb, no land, not even reparations, and why is that? Because cowards like you retreated from victory when your supposedly precious lord fell. By your own hands no less." Kass's anger gave way to a smug laugh. "You truly are a traitor"

Those words cut through Galgarroth's heart with a flurry of regret and guilt, "You would lead people to their death just for something so childish as petty revenge."

Kass's smile faded. "If you had an ounce of pride, you would understand."

"All I feel is ashamed of you."

"That doesn't really matter now. You're the last stray thread. Everyone else has been taken care of. Just surrender, I already knew you wouldn't submit."

Finally, Galgarroth released his rage. He hurled the large table he'd been griping directly towards Kass. Kass darted upwards with his wings over the table and drew his sword as he descended on Galgarroth. Galgarroth caught the sword in his teeth with terrifying force. As the sword struggled between his teeth, he realized his mistake. Had parried with his own sword, he would not have been left so vulnerable. Kass struck him in the throat this his fist, sending him reeling back as Kass's bent sword clattered to the ground. Galgarroth grabbed for his own sword, but it was now pointed at him. Kass took it in a second during their struggle. Kass's men were already rushing in weapons drawn from the commotion.

"Do you think this will end here Kass! You will be stopped!" Galgarroth shouted.

Galgarroth rose as the guards surrounded him. At their approach, he lashed his tail and spun to strike with it at Kass. Kass let it hit him as it was the perfect time to grab it. With his movement now stopped, it was easy for the guards to dog pile Galgarroth. They pinned him as they shackled his hands behind his back.

Kass strolled around to face Galgarroth again. "There is no one left to stop me. Face it, you've gone soft. While you we're mincing your little hand over how best to keep peace with that fat old king, I have already taken the actions to ensure the future of my citadel."

"Should we throw him in a cell, General Kass?" Asked a guard pinning Galgarrot's head down as they placed a metal cage on his mouth.

"It's Lord Kass now! and No, I can't have him scheming against me with that vexing warden. I will hold a very public banishment for this traitor at the west city wall." Kass leaned in close to Galgarroth with a smile as the lock snapped shut. "Oh, and remind me, can grarrls fly?"