Pablo stared out through the stained glass window. He was always amazed how small the city looked from up here. How fragile the stability of the city was. Now there was news of an zapojin having been spotted at the city market. He suspected many would try to group up to cover more ground and increase their likelihood of finding the boy. Even if fifty men claimed the prize the gold could last three generations.

The don walked his way through the familiar stone halls of the king. On each side were 3 stained windows that told the story of the founding of the city. Pablo wondered how much of the story was true. The history that the commoners were taught told a much different story. The main thing was the mentioning of magic and talking-stone heads. If he did not bear witness to the horrific ceremony on the day he earned his title as Don then he would not be a believer in magic.

No. It was more like witchcraft than anything else. Don Pablo thought.

Don Pablo took each step with a heavy toll. As the light from the outside world faded the light from the pillar flames grew. Yet the room was cold. It was like hell froze over and he was journeying through each layer without a winter coat. He opened the large wooden doors and caught the glares of his fellow dons.

“About damn time. You have some nerve calling all of us here. And be the last one to arrive, no less.” Said Don Mateo.

Don Pablo lifted a brow. “You believe I'm the one who summoned you? I knew you for an idiot but I hoped you would be smarter than this.”

Don Mateo landed his fist onto the table. “Why you little brat! I should cut you down where—”

A low voice came from the corner of the table. “Peace Mateo. We shouldn't be fighting amongst ourselves.”

A high pitch chuckle echoed from the middle of the long wooden table across Don Mateo. Don Pablo closed his eyes and let out a low sigh. He knew far too well who that chuckle belonged to.

“Kakakaka, how the mighty has fallen eh Don Mateo? You're getting too old for this.”

Don Mateo flicked his fingers, launching a tiny pebble towards the chuckling don. There was a sharp whistle followed by the sound of bone cracking. In a split second the pebble had pierced through the don's skull and into the wall behind him.

Don Pablo shook his head. “You really shouldn't indulge Don Nufro like that, Don Mateo. You know he enjoys it.”

“At least he's dead for the time being. I could use the silence.” Said Don Mateo as he crossed his arms.

“Any idea how long until he arrives?” Don Pablo asked the quiet don from earlier.

The man rubbed his beard. “He should be arriving any minute. You know he enjoys keeping us waiting. Though he did summon us using your sigil to seal the letters, Don Pablo”

“That's why Mateo assumed I summoned you all? That man sure loves to fool around doesn't he, Don Brahen?”

Don Brahen smiled. “He sure does. Any ideas as to why Lord Ephidel would call such a meeting?”

“I do.” Said Don Pablo “I believe he wants to talk to us about the recent zapojin sighting.”

The room erupted in a frenzy. One by one Don Pablo saw each don talk with one another over the news. Words like, an zapojin sighted? They should be extinct. Or like, why didn't we hear about this sooner? Don Pablo mustered up the strength to repel his smile. He found it amusing seeing the council murmur amongst themselves over news as easily acquired if they only had ears to listen. They had gotten used to living the high life. They were so comfortable in their positions that they lost the ability to play the game.

Don Brahen jumped to his feet. “Don Pablo, when was the zapojin sighted?” The other dons quieted down as they awaited an answer.

The corner of his lips spasmed. Underneath his shaven skin lay a smile. One that he did not wish to reveal so soon. Don Pablo grabbed the tip of his chin and glanced upwards as if to think. The room began to heat up from the anticipation of the dons. Pablo was enjoying his game. The power he had over the dons filled him with a rush like no other.

“About a day ago.” Don Pablo finally answered.

Don Brahen and the others all glanced at each other. Ignoring the pool of blood spilling off Don Nufro’s head.

“Come now my dons. I expected much more from each of you.” A voice drifted from the wooden door behind Don Pablo.

In an instant the room had turned cold for everyone. The burning candles did nothing but spew freezing air as the dons waited for the mysterious voice to open the door. Don Pablo was the first to remove his hat and bow towards the door. The rest followed suit.

The wooden door opened and out came a tall man dressed in all black and adorned with gold on the seams of his robe and cane.

“My, my, I seem to be missing my own party. Wouldn't you agree my friend?”

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“It would seem so my lord.” A deep voice much harsher than Don Brahan’s came from the juggernaut who walked besides the man in black.

“It is an honor to be in your presence—” All the Dons said in unison. All except Don Nufro who still lay dead on the table. His skin had turned pale by the lack of blood.

“Lord Ephidel.”

Ephidel smiled at everyone. “Don Pablo, Don Brahen, Don Mateo, Don Borredan, Don Mendo, Don Ruberte, Don Gil, Don Lucas, Don Galla, Don Alfonso, Don Nicolas, Don Pablo and—” Everyone turned to Don Nufro.

The sound of cackling wood came from Don Nufro's body as it snapped upwards like a marionette being pulled by its strings. When it had stopped Don Nufro's head moved upwards and life had returned to the man as he smiled and bowed before Ephidel.

“Don Nufro. I see the gift I gave you has evolved since last time.” Ephidel said with a smile.

“Kakakakaka, But of course Lord Ephidel. I would not waste my talents. Not if it hindered your progression.”

“Please tell me you've been listening this entire time.” Don Mateo growled at Don Sufro.

“Kakakaka, I have.” Don Nufro said as he turned to Don Pablo. “And I've heard of the zapojin's sightings hours ago.” Don Nufro glanced at Don Pablo as if unimpressed by his knowledge of the zapojin

Don Pablo closed his eyes. Refusing to entertain Nufro.

“I see at least two of my dons are able to keep up with the happenings in my city.”

“Forgive us Lord Ephidel. It will not happen again.” Said Don Brahen.

“Do not fret my friends. I did not come here to reprimand you over such trivial news. But do be more vigilant next time, would you?” Ephidel said with a smile.

Pablo Understood the real words behind the lies and that fake smile. If the other dons disappoint Ephidel then they would die. Pablo wondered how long they had left.

“Let's start the meeting. Can anyone guess why I have summoned you all here?” Ephidel asked.

“Was it not to discuss about the zapojin, my lord?” Don Mateo asked.

Ephidel shook his head. The long smile was not soothing for the dons. They all knew their lives were on the line when Ephidel had a smile on his face.. The dons glanced at each other with worry on their faces.

“You probably want to discuss the outsider, don't you, my lord?” Pablo asked. Even Nufro was taken aback by his words.

A crescent moon had formed on Lord Ephidel's face as he heard Pablo's response. “Very good Don Pablo. As always you seem to be one step ahead of everyone else. Even without a gift you proved most useful.”

Pablo bowed. “Thank you my lord.”

“Indeed. The news of the zapojin boy is troublesome. For many years we have kept their filth from the city. But the boy will be found shortly. My concern is over our visitor.” Said Ephidel.

“You mean someone from outside the walls had managed to find their way to your city my lord?” Don Galla asked.

“Indeed Don Galla.” Ephidel started

Pablo glanced over to one of the dons who had instinctively slammed their hands onto the table as they stood with a concerned look.

“But why are we concerning ourselves over such things like a visitor? We get the occasional visitor every year and not once do we ever hold a council meeting over such matters. We should be focusing on the zapojin's capture.”

Don Pablo braced himself for what may come. Ephidel had gone silent. Don Nufro was the second to notice the change in Lord Ephidel. Followed by Don Mateo and Don Brahen. Don Galla had her eyes closed and out of all the dons, she was the hardest for Don Pablo to read. He wondered if her ability to keep herself from being read was what caught Lord Ephidel's attention. That, and the obvious fact that she came from a rich family like the others.

The juggernaut, who this entire time had stood behind Ephidel, took his first step forward but froze in place.

“Tell me Don Gil. What would you have us do?” Ephidel asked. His smile had faded.

The moment Don Gil opened his mouth and before any sound could be made, Don Gil's head flew off towards the wall behind him. Blood decorated the gray stone colored room. The sound of rushing air came from Don Gil's neck. They were the words he was going to speak.

“Scum.” Said Ephidel softly. Don Pablo could feel the rage behind Ephidel's soft spoken words.

When moments passed Don Pablo had stopped breathing. Too afraid to do anything that might offend Ephidel.

“Now I want each of you to find the visitor and bring him to me alive. Do you understand?” Ephidel’s usual high pitched voice grew mellow and dark.

None of them said a word. Like a group of stage actors who had rehearsed their lines before a big show, they nodded in unison. Even Don Pablo couldn’t help but nod. In his mind he was the most useful of the group but knew that Ephidel would ignore that fact, and kill him if angered any further.

Ephidel smiled at his dons. “Oh and remember to go wild. Our visitor won't come quietly.”

Don Nufro's eyes widened. “Do you mean—”

“Yes Don Nufro. You all have my permission to let loose. Just ignore the zapojin boy. I already made arrangements for his capture.”

The other dons looked on in shock at their lord's words. All except Don Nufro who was yelling in excitement.

Don Pablo glanced at Ephidel. He couldn't shake the feeling that there was something he was hiding from them. It was rare for him to let his dons let loose on someone. Not unless they were a threat to him personally. Pablo mentally shook his head. It was close but that wasn't the full picture either. Why was this visitor of such importance? So much that he would have his dons ignore the zapojin boy?

Either way this worked out in his favor.

As Don Pablo readied himself to leave the table Ephidel eyed him down and smiled. Pablo’s nerves shivered at the sight. Without realizing he had stopped breathing as he made his way out the door and down the hall. When he was alone he took his first breath.

That's what he couldn't shake off earlier. The feeling that this mission was going to lead them all to their deaths. Don Pablo slammed his hand against the wall.

Not him. He thought. He was going to survive. But not only survive. But take over this city.