LUGNET News : ~1112/Fantasy/Blackford


Matt Hein / Fantasy / Blackford

Anachronistic Skies, Part One

Part one of a three part chapter. This selection has been inserted for purely acrhival purpose, and pictoral versions are to follow sometime in the near future. Remain vigilant for updates!

Stepping into the conciliate chamber, its reaches a testimony to the wealth and imminent political power of the regime and a potential sleeping dragon of Albatross, Dash’s party approached the center of the hall.

Continuing from its brilliantly decorated jaded doors, their facets pressed in a fresh relief of the imperial logo of Faiye, the proud feathered falcon stood, its wings gallantly spread. Clasping a bundle of arrows in one talon, and a parchment scroll in the other, Dash thought it to be a peculiar symbol of devout military prowess. Midway in flight, piercing fiery eyes almost alive, he thought its sole purpose was none other than to impress delegates from foreign lands, or stab imminent fear into the heart of any enemy who set their eyes upon it.

Leading the party, Ludan Arthur Lockeheed was donning his crisp black suit and tie as he seemed to cast an aura of brilliance upon the hall, heading forwards towards the central alter in a subtle gait.

Dash and party following, Sergei remained in the back to secure the doors and to perhaps converse with palace guards on wayward subjects.

Even about the reaches of the very hall itself, the shadows from the flickering candles of the chandeliers overhead danced about the senators, delegates and statesmen.

Crisp and astute, as though they had been trained all their lives in etiquette, Dash could not shrug off the odd sense of autonomous diligence about them, some writing with their quill pens, amongst others conversing quietly about the recent plight of the Conciliate.

Skye seemed equally enthralled as well, although she could not help but notice the hall was rather extravagant for her own tastes.

A large imperial flag sat stretched across the relief wall behind the central row of seats, as two angelic statues flanked it from each side, their stone bodies clad in armor. Looking towards the ceiling, Scorpio could only imagine to the extent of the brilliant matrix of woodworks supporting it, vines of emerald ivy coiling about the nearly concealed marble fresco above him, twisting and clawing away at it like some sort of beautiful, foreign creature.

As Skye cast a glance towards Argent, she noticed he remained stoic as usual, as he shrugged off any presence of amazement rather defiantly looking from beyond his crystal shades. Approaching the central alter slowly, the crimson cape fluttering about the breeze and each step from his leather boots clasping against the rug, senators from all angles of the room tried to capture a glance at the man whom they had not so affably named ‘the red scorpion’.

Perhaps to some of the statesmen, Dash thought, Argent’s sword represented that of the mandible of a fierce insect or the piercing fangs of a raptor. Whatever the cause, Dash was mystified as well to why Argent would grace these halls after his exile of enigmatic circumstance.

Kimiahn, the artifacer, seemed oddly used to the inquisitive gazes of the onlookers, as she followed Ludan. Dash, still dressed in his badly scuffed militant garb followed as well, although he found subtle interest in his environs.

Several statesmen, humbled by his presence turned their heads perhaps just to get a glimpse of the mysterious swordsman who had created so much commotion about the conciliate hall in the last few days. His feather like vermillion hair and draconic tattoo rather mystifying, as several of them rushed to meet the lad, just to get an eye of him. A majority of them spoke under their breath, attempting not to stir up an altercation.

“So...there he is...that deacon. This is that man who had arisen so much controversy?”

“What about him...why is he traveling with Rinehart’s daughter?”

“He looks very rugged, tired even...do you see the dirt and scuff marks over his equipment? What an appearance...”

Stepping past the congregation, he could only wonder if most of these comments were true. Looking towards Kimiahn, she could only smile and whisper to him ever encouragingly to ignore the attacks.

Walking ahead of the others, Scorpio seemed pleased that a crowd had not formed around him, perhaps due to his reasons of preserving a low profile. Slipping through the small crowd of friendly senators which appeared before Dash to greet his party, he easily found a vacant spot and disappeared. Dash could easily tell Scorpio had a few issues of his own, but decided to leave it at that. Perhaps it wasn’t always the best idea to bother with the problems of others, as it only resulted in frayed emotion and animosity, two particular aspects that never had generated promising results for him.

Taking a seat towards one of the semi circular mahogany desks towards the front, Scorpio kicked his feet onto the desk, pushing several of the manila file folders aside as several statesmen flashed a quick unappreciative glare towards him the eastern dark skinned merchant.

As some music from the classical orchestra above the hall ebbed about their environs, Dash exchanged pleasantries with some of the senators, then took a seat as well, wondering why they were so divisive over him.

“Why do they continue to lionize me, while the rest ostracize my existence?”

Finding a few empty spots, Dash took a seat close to Skye and Kimiahn, although Argent never cared to join them. He had no idea where the mercenary had went off to, but frankly, he didn’t care. Argent could take care of himself...

Posted at the front panel of the conciliate, a curved row of stained and carved oak desks, eight members of Ludan’s discussion panel sat, as a small seat in its center stood empty, possibly for Ludan himself. A particular observation Dash took notice to right away was that the patrons of the forum were all in their middle age or far more elderly than he would expect of statesmen.

Approaching the center seat and pulling out the small leather chair from behind it as he set his quill into its ink well, the president breathed a sigh of relief and closed his eyes, taking a seat. Rapping his cane several times against his desk, he motioned for quiet and quickly received it.

And like one large creature, the conciliate hall slowly died down, the congregation now completely hushed, as Ludan opened his amber eyes and began to speak with a commanding tone.

“Ah, I welcome you all back yet again to the Congressional Conciliate of Faiye. As we approach yet another important session of our noble council, I must first off apologize for any inconvenience I may have caused you by way of summons, due to the fact you all have important duties with your peoples and such, matters that demand every ounce of your integrity, and rightly so.”

Ludan spoke, as he looked about the room, a casual expression of about his face, his audience dead silent and attentive. From that point, he continued his message.

“As you may all know already, I have summoned you all here to discuss an urgent matter which needs discussion. The untimely death of our beloved FIN member Sensei Talon Rinehart, and the ascension of LaGuardia into a mind set of militancy.”

As he looked ahead, and motioned towards his panel member, an older man clad in a brown military uniform laced with badges and a skull cap, the man stood up, organized a few papers, and took over.

“Ahem…allow me to introduce myself, if you do not know me already.” He spoke deeply.

“You may know me as Colonel Frederik Poyle, an ex member of the FIN myself and war hero of the ten year LaGuardian conflict, which occurred twenty years ago. Some of my fellow senators may remember, although to the younger generation, it is so distant a memory.”

He spoke gravely, as the hall remained darkly silent, the old man continuing in his speech.

“At the moment, an illegitimate leader has stepped up to control the province of LaGuardia, ascending the ranks through a trail of blood and deception. Over the last forty eight hours, he has constructed what we believe to be an elaborate war machine, from what our intelligence has learned from overseas sources.”

As he paused, he took a deep breath, continuing.

“I have seen many situations such as these through my years of leading troops. But this on its own, is a terrible scenario. We cannot stand by, whilst this ‘leader’ attempts to wage war against us. At this very moment we know this fact. Jade Norbert Maxwell has deferred from our parliament!”

Without warning, the entire Conciliate suddenly erupted out into full commotion, a considerable number of statesmen surprised that Jade would turn to such tendencies, much less betray his very people.

“You cannot be serious? Jade; administrator of a war machine, an illegitimate ruler? Clarify on this!” One of them shouted rather loudly, while another asked a similar question.

One senator clad in a smoke gray suit and a tailored hat spoke, standing up against the crowd of delegates as several others followed his suit.

“Jade would never stoop to such atrocities! Do you have proof to your word, Colonel Poyle?” Another asked, as Poyle suddenly grew slightly nervous, as even his own panel of assistants looked at him, expecting some tangible reply.

“Conferring with Ludan, we do have proof, Senator Fordham.”

“You may not take my word for it, but perhaps I shall let my delegates speak on the subject…Miss Kimiahn Serpentius? Would you please step forward?”

Ludan asked, as he closed his yellow eyes for just a second, Kimiahn rising from her leather seat as she headed towards Ludan’s Desk.

Looking towards her, Poyle, the president, and the seven other assistants awaited, senator Fordham now seated as he awaited his due response.

“Tell us about your journey. I understand you bore witness to the atrocities that occurred within the province of LaGuardia, am I correct?” Frederik Poyle asked, as she responded in a confident manner.

“Yes, I recall being assigned to LaGuardia…What do you wish to know?”

“About any suspicious actions you might have experienced within the last week. Would you care to tell us about the Mercenary corps? As an agent, you were placed to gather intelligence for our committee. What did you find?”

“I was placed in a situation of trust, Frederik! I really don’t wish to compromise our relations.”

“I may seem intrusive, but we can hold you in contempt for false statements, Kimiahn. I urge you to tell us the truth now.” Frederik demanded, as the artifacer continued her explanation.

“Yes...very well...as an agent of the FIN, I was forced to siphon intelligence...I found that the LaGuardia military was poorly equipped and in no way could pose a tangible military threat.”

“According to our intelligence, your observations seem falsified. Kimiahn, I’m surprised at you.”

“As a personal director of the forces, I believe my statements are accurate, sir. Perhaps you should reaffirm your sources.”

“My sources have been verified. Now, Kimiahn, tell us about Jade.”

“He seemed very ambitious, resolute. I only spoke to him on several occasions, but during our last encounter, he had changed greatly.”

“And your access to Kalin...how did you gain entry?”

“My access to Kalin was easily granted by finding and intercepting the deacon. I’m sorry Dash...I was never the personal assistant sent by Skye to procure you...”

“You simply used me...as a pawn for entry?” Dash asked, as she nodded apologetically. To himself, he couldn’t tell whether he was hurt more by her deception, or his own credence to believe her.

“But why? Kimiahn...I thought I could trust you?” Skye remarked, as a rather tearful Kimiahn replied.

“I’m so sorry I violated your trust, Skye...I did not intend harm! I was just performing my paid duty. He was my only ticket within the city, so I was forced to do so...it was to preserve our relations in the long run.”

“Still, regardless of intent, deception constitutes an unforgivable act, Kimiahn. I’m sorry...but I can’t...”

“No, please don’t...Skye.”

“Friends or not, Kimiahn, you are expected to recount on your duty. Is this all?”

“No, upon inspection, Dash had a shard on him…”

“Wait a moment; Shard? Tell me more…”

“Sir, leave that to Dash to explain!” Kimiahn spoke, as several senators erupted into a hushed discussion.

“Ah, so this very swordsman, this Deacon, is with you, then, correct?” Frederik asked, as she nodded.

“Yes; what about him?”

“Nothing; nothing at all.” Poyle replied, as another panel member spoke.

“Did you fulfill your assigned duties, Kimiahn? They were to deliver a message on behalf of Ludan, regarding the possibility of dissent from within his own council!”

“No…I was attacked outside of the city…look, aside from being saved by Dash, I wish not to talk about this…”

“You lost the message, then? It was recorded in our charter agreement that you must do everything in your power to ensure passage of the message!”

Senator Fordham spoke gravely, as he stepped downward, approaching the lady.

“Don’t you recall the very oath you took upon your duty, to protect and serve the interests of the Conciliate? Did you not take this oath?” He barked, as Kimiahn looked at him darkly.

“I did so, and I intended to honor my word…” She replied, as the man smiled.

“Very well, you failed to uphold the sacred code of honor of the Conciliate! If you would have succeeded, this turn of events would have never occurred. Are you trying to start a war?!”

“Sire! Even if I would have alerted Rinehart, do you honestly think he would have believed my word? Dash saw Jade kill him with his own eyes…”

“Is this true, Sir Dash?”

“Yes sir, I can affirm Kimiahn’s statements. At approximately several hours before we abandoned the city, I happened to see Jade kill Rinehart with a dagger, after expressing anger that he could never possibly ascend the ranks to become a potentate…”

“Ah, but this is hearsay, no doubt? Even though you hold quite a burden on your very word, I still question this so called ‘truth’. It is In the best interests of the conciliate that we scrutinize over your account. Could it not be possible that one of Kimiahn’s own team took action to kill Rinehart? Think about it!” Fordham pleaded with the onlookers.

“My father…would have never settled for this…even from a fellow senator…would you please listen to reason for once?” Skye asked, as she looked towards Dash.

“Dash Dracon is an trustworthy fellow who wouldn’t subject himself to such malfeasance. He saved my life from Jade as well, and for that, I...and ever thankful. Argent is the same, beneath his scaly personality, he is truly an honorable man at heart the same with Kiraryu Lambast, even though he…is a tad eccentric…as for Kimiahn, I cannot tell..”

“How very naive. Tell me, did your father teach you to place your trust in the hands of others without just thought? The discretion you utilize in selecting your allies is rather fallacious! Why doesn’t this generation learn from their elders? Your father died because he had too much trust in others, and you turn the other cheek! Shame!” Fordham spoke as the colonel looked up from beyond his spectacles, only for Ludan to speak.

“Calm down would you, sir?! We have ladies in our presence!”

“You contradicted your statement. Saying Rinehart had too much trust could easily imply that Jade deceived him.” Ludan spoke.

“Ludan! If Jade had indeed had planned to commit such utterly vile act, don’t you believe he would have done so sooner?”

“Perhaps he was biding his time…waiting for the right moment to strike…”

“Complete nonsense! I shall not hear of it!”

He spoke with a tone of finality, as he took a seat towards the front, Frederik Poyle writing on his parchment scroll with a quill.

“Sire Ludan…however much I hate to agree with Fordham, this would probably not have happened if Kimiahn had not failed in her duties…” Sergei spoke, as he arrived before Ludan.

“A moment please; condemning the actions of another won’t get us any further!”

“We can override your decision, sir. Look, you can make this easy on yourself now.”

“I’m not going to voice my opinion…this is pointless discussion.” Poyle remarked, several of the other council members in disagreement.

“Sir! She did breach the contract!”

“I don’t care! Look, this is not in our line of discussion right now! We have to discuss our diplomatic strategy to avert this conflict. This is senseless!”

“No, you’re lacking in sense, Colonel! I prefer to think of this as a remedial action! Do you want to see more members of our cause dissent?”

“Sir, you’re mistaken, I…”

“Cease such nonsense!” Ludan spoke, as the harsh discussion quelled.

“Look, I’m in agreement with Poyle. Let’s forget the demerits and just…”

“Instead of fulfilling her duties, she instead frolicked about with this swordsman…’tis regretful! And Kimiahn, she failed outright to warn Rinehart. We have a massive intelligence failure on our part and I propose action.” Sergei shouted, as he faced Ludan.

“I propose an override…”

Another of the council members spoke, as Kimiahn’s face was suddenly thrown into a state of shock.

“We shall hereby, take matters into our jurisdiction…who here supports the demerit order?” Sergei asked, as a show of hands rose throughout the assembly, Sergei grinning happily.

“Very well…” Frederik Poyle spoke sadly, as one of the councilmen slammed his gavel upon his desk, the resonance of it sending shock through Dash’s entourage.

“Sire! Aren’t you being a bit rash! This is not acceptable.”

Kimaihn yelled, as she stood by herself, only for Dash to join her.

“Perhaps she did not have the best intentions, but at heart, she performed to the best of her duty. If she had delivered the message, Jade would have accomplished his goals in one way or another through deception.”

“Why are you defending me?” Kimiahn whispered to him, as Dash replied quietly.

“I have my reasons, Kimiahn. I know that at heart, you resented what you were forced to do...”

“And yet, you would condemn the actions of your fellow brethren in a time of trial? ‘Tis errant! The sacred duty of a noble, is to protect your kin, like that of the bird, sheltering its chicks from imminent danger! And yet, you cast her off these branches to plummet to the ground. Saddening, to say the least!” He spoke with passion, as Ludan joined to her aid.

“Listen to the swordsman’s wisdom. Can you not see this eminent truth? Whether or not Miss Serpentius had in fact delivered this message would have had little effect on the overall situation…Jade would have achieved his goal…he was simply biding his time!”

“However, she did break the code of honor!”

“Perhaps so, ‘tis little reason to demerit, though! Listen to yourself! With the help of Miss Serpentius, Skye Talonia Rinehart was able to escape from Jade’s Jurisdiction! We should commend her for that!”

The council member closed his eyes as he sighed, and then spoke once again, after concurring with several of his associates.

“Very well, Ludan…your word is eminent…however, we cannot turn an override! My apologies.”

The council member spoke, as he looked towards Kimiahn.

“You’re stripping me of my rank?”

“The punishment for such actions could be much worse, Miss Kimiahn. You should be pleased the state is not persecuting you for other alleged complaints we have received earlier.”

“What crimes?”

“There is no doubt we have evidence that you have been working with machinery as well, a pagan crime. Consider yourself lucky we haven’t summoned the theocratic heresy examiner. He would be quite interested…”

“Heresy?” Dash asked, as he stepped up, the council man eyeing him darkly, as the baritone voice or Argent shouted across the room from one of the heightened balconies.

“Hmmph…that’s bold of you…tell me…do you have any evidence to your claim, or are you action on so called ‘hearsay’?”

“Argent…you dare to question the authority of the conciliate?” The councilman asked, as Ludan looked at him oddly with perplexed glance, only for Argent to reply instinctively.

“Yes, I do question the very ’authority’ of the conciliate. Since when have you based you so called ‘idealistic’ reasoning on theocratic theory? It’s damned intrusive, to say the least! You cannot continue to manipulate your very people whilst you sit on your cushions of resent and the common man is left the fend against the baring fangs of the wolves of poverty!” Argent shouted, as he stood tall against the conciliate, his eyes baring a deep fiery crimson. Taking off his glasses, and sneering at the councilman from across the balcony, he propped his boot against the reining and crossed his arms, his cape thrown over his shouler.

“And yet, you continue to leave it at that, basing yourself as a superior, justly due to rank! What is ‘rank’, Hmm?! Is it a very definitive label used to separate those who are ’destined’ for affluence, and those who are bound for nothing more than the oblivion of ‘reality’! It is sickening to see a traitorous dog to your people, such as you, sitting upon this crown of despair and sorrow! I shall not look into your eyes, for they reflect upon nothing more than hatred and arrogance!”

“That is enough, Argent! Saddening enough return from a twenty year exile to ‘grace’ our halls once again with your insulting anti-nobility propaganda! Hypocrisy is not the answer, Argent, being that you are a noble yourself! It is rather ironic to say the least you would relinquish extravagance to ‘make a difference’ in the world! Status quo must never be changed, for if this were to occur, anarchy would arise and shed its bloody fangs upon our very existence! Your idealism is flawed!”

“How ‘honorable’ of you to judge one’s character. I thought you were nothing more than a mediator?” Dash asked, as Argent joined in.

“And label me a dissident? Difference in opinions does not constitute treason! I believe your logic is justly erroneous!”

“And which you describe as ‘erroneous’, is only difference in philosophy. The conciliate in itself, holds an opinion no different than the secular state of Dragonia. To yourself question the very policies of the Conciliate, is to question to holy authority of the order of Kai Ne’Hr itself, of Akael Me’Han, Ti’Ahmat and Kil’ahne! Heretic propaganda shall not be heard within the sanctity of these fine walls!”

Fordham spoke with a harsh and biting tone, as he stood tall against his fellow councilmen and spoke once again, a vehement tinge in his voice.

“Argent, it resounds as purely dismal that a man of your ‘stature’ would subject yourself to such vile tendencies. Do you not possess a shred of integrity within your scaly persona, or are you too arrogant to accept such a fact, hmm? The very prospect a fellow follower of the three gods of the theology would turn against everything he ever knew just to fight so defined ‘justice’ is completely preposterous!” Another councilman of Ludan’s panel joined as he eyed Argent.

“And the very prospect the conciliate subjects themselves to such errant hypocrisy does little to surprise me. I don’t care about your blasphemous religion, as I set my beliefs in the one true lord, Jesus Christ!” Argent retaliated, as the conciliate erupted in absolute surprise, some of them rather distraught at such a revelation. Leaping forth as a hush emitted from the crowd, Dash landed to the rug below him with ease, now at his knees, eyeing the senator darkly.

“You really believe a dissent in opine coincides with heresy? Ironic, I might add, that only a decade ago, the secular state had been absent from the Conciliate our agenda had been similar! All of this dogmatic nonsense has corrupted the mindset of the Conciliate! The people have an inherent right to voice their opinions, and should never be subjected to such bigotry and arrogance from an ‘established’ government such as your own.” Argent shouted, as he was interrupted by the councilman.

“Argent! I order you to cease this incessant ranting!”

“…In addition to that, I might interject that the house of commoners is nothing more than a puppet entity! Does anyone here believe that the true religion of Kai Ne’hr has been completely bastardized? I think so…”

“That is enough! Such statements as these should be outlawed! A heretic voice is invalid, I tell you! Someone summon the heresy Examiner!” The councilman shouted, as he faced Argent.

“It is no wonder they call you the ‘Red Scorpion’ as you stab forth your vile, venomous propaganda into the heart of the truth, and the order of our state! Have you no shame? Or has arrogance and ill fated idealism clouded your sense of judgment?”

“What? You dare insult my integrity?!” Argent shouted as he drew forth his blade, throwing his cape back, as Fordham laughed at him, smiling.

“Heh, violence will get you nowhere, Argent...If you really believe lashing at me with your venom will justify your ways, you are quite naive and mislead. Sheath your sword, knave...” Senator Fordham spoke, as Argent stood facing him, hishands trembling at his blade.

“Hah...I thought so...you’re just bluffing...” Senator Fordham laughed as he walked towards the central aisle of the ornate crimson rugged stairs leading to the entryway of the conciliate hall, turning around to meet eye to eye with Ludan.

“Your excellency! I bid you adieu…” He spoke, as he left the Conciliate, a sudden commotion arousing from the convocation of delegates, as he headed for the door, Ludan calling to him loudly.

“Senator Fordham! Wait!”

“If you are to allow such belligerent ranting within these sacred walls, I shall no longer serve on the council of regents. Ludan, my farewells…” The senator replied, as he left the chamber, the jaded doors closing once again with a loud click that echoed about the walls of gold and ivory.

As Argent stood in the center of the hall, all eyes on him, he sheathed his sword and walked away into the distance to ponder his actions as he grunted roughly for a second.

“Hmmph...”

Ludan standing towards the center of the hall, his eyes closed, as the congregation looked towards him, and Argent took a seat, his shaded once again concealing his dark eye, as Colonel Frederik Poyle stood up, and spoke.

“Let us not rant forward on such trivial issues! We have policy and inherent military stratagems to discuss. Such frivolities as politics can bide their ample time, I say.”

“Frederik is right! We must remain progressive and ready ourselves for the future. It is futile to debate the past…can we not any longer hold sanctity in our trust? I plead to all of you, let us come together, regardless of rank and work as one nation…this is the truth of Kai Ne’Hr…” Skye spoke passionately, as Dash joined in.

“Skye’s statements ring truely. Why must we continue to fight and bicker amongst ourselves, when at the eleventh hour the aggressor readies his talons?” Dash asked, as Scorpio and Kimiahn stood up and joined in.

“The conciliate was meant nothing more than a gathering hall where any citizen could gather and proliferate his view. Let us not forsake the wisdom of our forefathers.” Kimiahn spoke, Scorpio joining in.

“Yeah, let’s get this together, y’know! We cannot remain at odds with each other any longer. Did we in all of these years lose our vision amongst the path to prosperity? This trail once laden in trust, has, itself, become the embodiment equal to the jagged shores of disdain and tyranny.” Scorpio concluded, as the Ludan looked up with awe in his eyes, and took a seat at his post.

“The delegates have spoken…let us forget about this. We should have a toast!” Ludan spoke as he lifted his quill, other senators sporadically following suit.

“To the preservation of a stable state!” A shout came upon the conciliate in unison, as Skye looked towards Frederik, himself returning the favour.

The conciliate session long over, Dash sat seated near the central hall of the republic of Faiye, the dining room alive and bustling with activity. As suited waiters walked about the ornate green rugged room with trays in hand, and waitresses poured drinks to patrons, the central table sat towards the center of the room, adjacent the liquor bar.

Its shelves entirely stocked with glass and alabaster vessels, their contents pure spiritual bliss to the republic, champagne bottles popping about the room, and spirits flowing smoothly from the tap, the wafting scent of cinnamon and fine gourmet floating about the air, as Ludan looked up from his position at the head of the table, a look of satisfaction on his face, as he wrote on his yellowed parchment sheet with an ink quill.

The room itself had been quite a sight, the reflective gray Marble columns covered in emerald green ivy, its leaves Coiling about the side, the balconies from countless stories overhead looking downwards towards the dining hall, suited soldiers and patrons looking downwards from the higher balconies, the lifelike statues of past senators positioned about the room, near the large marble fountain in the center, the crystalline water trickling about, as several delegates sat on its reflective edge, admiring the floral arrangements and finely manicured bonsai plants, their clumps of leaves cut into distinguishable designs of animals and mythological creatures, each one uniform, yet wild and free in its stance.

Even the ornately armoured guards, positioned about the entrance to the main hall enjoyed themselves, as they congregated about the entrance of the dining hall, speaking about the latest rumours, as they greeted incoming patrons with candor, other guards themselves enjoying some late reading, as they stood about the small library near the bar, its walls laced with scrolls and hear bound books, as they lounged about, amongst the finely detailed busts of past senators, their faces astute and sharp, their eyes almost alive, as though they, themselves, trough their marble eyes, watched over the conciliate with their vigilance, as the fine oil lamps to the side of the library flickered about the wafting breeze of the hall, the doors opened, chandeliers brightly illuminating the white marble dining hall from the balconies overhead.

Dash, sitting adjacent to Ludan, Skye on one side, and Ludan on the other, looked across for his eyes to meet those of Kimiahn as she smiled gently, Scorpio, to her side lounging on a chair, and Argent, looking towards the liquor bar, perhaps for some solace from such trivial matters, the other delegates waiting for the main course to be served, as Ludan continued writing upon his yellowed parchment paper with his white feathered quill.

“Ah, sir Dash, it is so generous of you to grace our table on such short notice. Tell me, how does the grandeur of the fine republic of Faiye appeal to you?”

“Yes, it is a grand city, quite intricate on Ludan’s part. Equally intriguing how such a fine city could operate under such political distress…” Dash replied as he looked up from his reading, a quill in hand, as Frederik closed his eyes and looked towards the balcony ahead.

“Ah, of course…even when in trial, the conciliate tries its best to retain some level of integrity…’tis why Ludan was elected governor of Faiye…or head regent, you could formally say.

“I see…tell me, If I am correct, Ludan Lockeheed was the chief architect of this palace as well….he seems to be all the connoisseur…” Dash spoke as Frederik assented. “I see you’ve taken the liberty yourself to read up on some of our history…did, by any chance, Clarence mention that to you?”

“No, when I had a spare moment, I managed to read up on one of Faiye’s history chronicles from the congressional library…interesting scriptures, I might say…Ludan was quite the congressman in his earlier days…”

“Yes, and for twenty years, he has been head regent of Faiye. I believe upon succession, he drew up plans for a more Imposing conciliate palace…now, the tip of the castle nearly pierces the clouds. One hundred and ten stories in length, top be precise…quite a testimony to our architectural prowess, but then again, the people of Faiye has been known to be renowned in mathematical artistry, don’t you think, Kimiahn?” Frederik asked, as she looked back and replied.

“Oh, of course…didn’t the original board of Regents a century ago construct the first weights and measures system as well?”

“More politicking as usual, I might add?” Ludan spoke, as Frederik,, Kylie and Dash looked over to see him look up From his studies.

“Let us not discuss such matters as of now…Sire Dash and Miss Skye are our respective guests, and for that, we should cast such frivolities aside for the moment…”

He spoke, as his council (eight others minus the distraught councilman who had conferred with Argent earlier) raised their crystal goblets and toasted to Ludan, the main chef of the republic present, flanked by several assistants, as they presented the main dish, what appeared to be crimson lobster on rice, parsley and citrus to its side, with just a hint of spice, and red wine, sparkling from its crystal glass, a ruby red glow cast upon it from the table’s centerpiece, an intricately carved crystal tiger, its eloquence surrounded by fine wax candles, their flames flickering about as they sat upon the sequined linen, silver and bronze glinting as well.

“A question, Ludan. What might this gourmet be, by any chance?” Dash asked, as Ludan looked up to answer.

“Quite a delicacy in this region, actually. It happens to be Crimson Gunfish with a side of curry and spike tooth thistle, my personal favourite actually.”

Ludan spoke, as Kimiahn received her plate, taking a napkin into hand.

“Ah, yes, as I spoke before…I wished to confer to you about your journey…tell me, swordsman, I hear you hail from the holy city of Lucaria. I can’t help but ponder if your revelations are true?”

Ludan asked, as several eyes one the table turned to Dash, himself clad in a nicely pressed onyx black suit, complete with red tie, handkerchief and dress slacks.

“I see news travels fast about this region…” Dash started, as Frederik looked up from his reading, a look of mystique in his eyes, as he awaited Dash’s response.

“Yes, I do hail from the city of Lucaria…but…still to an extent…I am unsure if your allegations are true…I’ve thought much about this in the last few days, and still to no avail. Some of these answers are twisted upon themselves… as though my reality had never existed…yet the reality described about this city conflicts my very existence…the very integrity of my statements…”

“I see…” Ludan replied, as he looked towards Dash oddly.

“And though you would say the reality would conflict your very existence…would you please clarify that?”

“I had been a member of the Lucarian Elite Forces Sect DRAKEN for several years prior to today…and yet, that very fateful night, almost as though it were yesterday, I could still remember the city as though I was really there…yet, how is this possible, If Lucaria, had in fact, been destroyed two thousand years ago, during the year 2023? Is it true that this year is 2023? If true...than…no…”

“Look, let’s not bother to get into specifics. We’re here to dine, not talk about technical nonsense...” Skye spoke, as the others looked at her oddly from their seats, as Kimiahn looked towards Dash.

“Everything is true then…think about it…the sacred prophecies of the council of elders of Dragonia… the legend of the Deacon…Dash’s own recollections speak the truth…and he mentioned DRAKEN. Perhaps he meant Drak’En, the sacred order? This… is all too familiar…as though I had seen this before…as though…fate had dictated his presence… as though he were meant to reveal the truth…” Skye spoke, as Ludan looked on, the other councilmen following suit.

“Don’t you believe some mention of proof is warranted? There has been much rumour and speculation since his arrival upon the sacred shored of LaGuardia province…” Fredreik spoke, as Skye spoke once again.

“Dash? Might you show them your tattoo? Of the dragon?”

“Of course…being an elitist within the Draken Syndicate, this mark had been tattooed on my right arm, as a symbol of my heritage…part human, part Antipode…”

Dash spoke, as he took off his onyx black top, and revealed an intricate design tattooed to his right arm muscle, a large rendition of a dragon coiling around two swords, its teeth bared and wings sinisterly spread, as it breathed a steady stream of fire, the initials of the Draken written out finely around the tattoo, and a small numeric code imprinted below it.

“The holy mark…” Frederik spoke in awe, as several other councilmen took a closer look, the dragon on his arm, its ruby eyes burning with a fiery glare, coiling about the sword like some wicked, mythological creature, its very essence instilling and commanding a sort of inherent respect into all that laid their eyes upon it.

“So, your recollections, ‘tis true…then the legend of the destruction of the holy city is true as well…by a weapon with the power of a thousand suns…machines, to be precise…” Frederik spoke, as he went back to his reading, picking off from where he left, his reading spectacles donned, as he tenaciously commenced his studies into the depths of ancient Feyrian lore.

“Hmm…” Ludan spoke, as Dash donned his onyx suit top once again, his bandanna still blowing about in the light breeze from the hallyway, as several more patrons entered, the guards watching the doors casually. “I was going to ask you Sir Dash…about Lucaria…”

Ludan started, as he was interrupted by one of his assistants.

? Ntuu Korein ille yara mehn shynn?

The young assistant asked, herself clad in a dark suit and skirt, as she handed Ludan a small scroll typed in a foreign script, as he rose from his plate, his dinner not touched, apologizing for the inconvenience and abruptly caused. Hurrying off towards his chamber, seven of his others following suit and summoned Skye to follow as well. leaving Dash, Kimiahn, Scorpio and Argent in the dark of the situation. As the doors closed once again, the guards resumed their positions and the hall once again crowded with much commotion, surprisingly, this time, none of it political in content.

“Well, what was all that about?!” Scorpio asked, as Kimiahn gave him an unforgiving glance, Argent, himself, headed for the liquor bar to perhaps procure for himself several small bottles of Faiye’s famous distillery liquors, or for once attain a sense of euphoria, and revel in his earlier days when he had once been a conciliate member himself.

?Innhe myhe akire rishe?

Kimiahn asked, as Dash once again gave her a perplexed look, and made a note to himself to study runic on his free time.

“Hmm?” Dash asked, as she replied with candor.

“Look...I’m sorry about what I said earlier...about my deception...If I can apologize in any way...”

“Duty generates resent, Kimiahn...it’s just a truth of life, but I appreciate your apology. I’ll gladly accept it.”

“Do you forgive me then? Are we...still...”

“Of course, Kimiahn...”

“Thank you so much for understanding...” She replied as she kissed him on the cheek, Dash rather surprised.

“You’re jovial tonight...” He spoke, as he took a deep breath, took a sip of his ale and looked into her eyes.

“What were you saying earlier?”

“I was inquiring whether peace will ever grace this volatile country.”

She spoke, as the classical music from the royal orchestra continued to ebb from the background, commotion still saturating the room, although partially empty at its center.

“There never seems to be a free moment, does there?” Dash asked as he noticed that Scorpio, ever the sly dog, had lined himself up with a partner for the night, a younger woman, possibly a dignitary, smartly dressed in military uniform. She has a sort of professional mystique about her, but Kimiahn seemed far more attractive to him.

Listening to their conversation, he paused for the moment.

“They’re initiating a meeting with all military personnel… several officers of the Imperial Navy spotted several foreign vessels off into the distance…can you believe this?” She asked, as Scorpio looked towards her, in agreement.

“So, off to war, are we? I thought Ludan was against intervention?” Scorpio replied with candor, as Dash left the room towards the hall, Kimiahn looking towards Scorpio, with a look of outright suspicion, like that of a fox.

“The governess of Allercus? Well, Scorpio had really outdone himself. Frankly to say the least, I am quite surprised…” Kimiahn replied, as Dash, himself, closed his eyes and thought back to his past.

Argent left the bar as he headed for the balcony, his crimson cape fluttering about the wine. As he headed into the drafty reaches of the outer halls, his sword hung across his waist.

As the jaded doors to the hall closed once again, Ludan’s table now stood completely empty, save the crystal tiger, who sat solitarily on the linen, her fiery ruby eyes quite revealing in their nature.

And yet, Dash stood solitary in the hall now, both Scorpio and Kimiahn absent from the scene, as he headed towards the bar to procure some sort of relief, eyeing a small alabaster vile of vermouth spirits.

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