While Pampir was captured by the curious women, his two former companions found themselves standing before His Imperial Majesty. Majesty Ken sat tall and worried on his throne with his eyebrows knitted tightly together. His hands gripped the front of his hefty throne and he studied the two gods in front of him with a sharp look.

“Are you telling me the barrier nearly collapsed, and it was all because of a dog crafted from some powerful and unknown magic?” he questioned the pair.

Eastwei inclined his head. “Yes.”

Majesty Ken slammed one fisted hand against the top of the chair arm. “These are grave matters to hear! Why did you not come to inform me sooner?”

“Lord Eastwei required some time to think over the details of what he witnessed, Your Majesty,” Yushir explained.

“I expect these matters to come to my attention immediately,” the king insisted.

Yushir bowed his head. “Our sincerest apologies, Your Majesty. It will not happen again.”

Majesty Ken fell against the rest of his chair and his fury slumped into worry. “Now that that is understood, how do you intend to deal with this issue should it arise again?”

“We have asked Lady Wuhel to increase the strength of the spell and perhaps provide us with a reason for its diminished state,” Yushir informed him. “We hope she will have a solution forthwith but it may take some time. As you know, the spell was cast quite some time ago and has only been used once.”

“How could anyone forget the battle with those hideous fiends?” the king countered as he balled both hands into fists. “His treachery and the creature he aided caused the death of my father and grandfather. I would gladly sacrifice myself if the same happened again but for the sake of my people I hope that does not come to pass.”

“The barrier is replenished,” Eastwei spoke up as he lifted his chin slightly. “We have been given time to prepare for when the spell wears too thin to contain the creature.”

The king shot up and frowned. “Too thin? Will this happen soon?”

“We will delay the collapse for as long as we can, Your Majesty,” Yushir promised as he nodded at his compatriot. “In the meantime, I have faith that Lord Eastwei will keep his promise and preserve the barrier for as long as possible.”

His Majesty pursed his lips and the depths of his eyes revealed his concern. “These are grave tidings. Grave tidings indeed. Such dire circumstances require the utmost care. No one among the heavens shall know what you know. Do you understand?”

Yushir bowed his head. “Of course, Your Majesty. We will keep a low profile and tell no one of what transpired down there.”

His Majesty tapped the fingers of one hand against the top of the chair arm. “On the contrary, you will be telling several people.”

Yushir jerked his head up and furrowed his brow. “I fail to understand you, Your Majesty.”

“I will call a meeting of all the leaders of all the clans and those who rule the other realms of the world.”

Yushir started back and his eyes widened. “Even the demons, Your Majesty?”

“Them most of all,” he answered as he stood and clasped his hands behind his back. “They have been our enemies in the past but they were more affected by what transpired during the fight many millennia ago. That will make them more willing to offer their services should they be needed and why they must be summoned to the meeting.”

“And you desire that all the clans should come? Even the turtle clan?” Yushir inquired.

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“All of them. There will be no exceptions that will cause a rift in this alliance,” His Majesty confirmed.

Yushir toyed with his ring. “This is a grave undertaking, Your Majesty. Who will you place in charge of such an important task?”

“You.”

The prince froze mid-twirl and his mouth fell open. He choked on spittle before he was able to reply. “M-me, Your Majesty?”

“You are known throughout the realms and clans as one of a fair mind and mild temperament,” Ken pointed out as he studied his nephew. “Unlike many of my subjects, you also have a great deal of knowledge of the geography of the land realm which will assist you in tracing the locations of all the clans. This task requires all these skills to succeed.”

Yushir’s shoulders slumped a little but he bowed low at the waist. “As you wish, Your Majesty. I accept the task and will perform it with all my skills.”

“Excellent,” His Majesty answered before he turned his attention to Eastwei. “And you will hopefully have a report for me from Lady Wuhel soon?”

“That is what is hoped,” Eastwei replied.

“Good. I hope to hear from both of you very soon with success.” He strode from the room as Yushir bowed again.

The prince waited for the monarch’s steps to fade before he let out a heavy sigh. “I have certainly walked into this mess.” He straightened and noticed he now stood alone in the center of the room. Yushir spun in a circle and caught his friend’s back retreating through the front door. “Hey!”

Yushir scurried after Eastwei and caught him halfway down the imposing stairs. Eastwei faced ahead but there was something amiss with his posture and his features. They were too stiff, too sallow.

Yushir lifted an eyebrow at his friend. “Are you well? You appear to be quite pale.”

“I am fine,” Dadan insisted as they reached the bottom of the steps and strode down the street which was lined with pillars.

“You hardly look it,” Yushir countered as he looked him over. “Is something the matter?”

“No.”

His words fell flat when he stumbled to one side and fell against one of the columns that lined the path to the palace.

“Dadan!” Yushir shouted as he grabbed his friend’s arm. “What is it?”

Dadan’s eyes were shut tightly and he gritted his teeth. He clutched his chest with one hand while the other supported his trembling body.

Yushir looked on with worry accented by fear. “You are not well! Allow me to call Lady Miansha!”

Dadan took a deep, shuddered breath and opened his eyes. He pushed off from the pillar and shook his head. “There is no need.”

“No need?” Yushir balked as he nodded at his friend’s stiff form. “You almost collapse and then you tell me there is no need for you to be examined? You must think me a fool for-”

He was cut off when Dadan clapped a hand on his shoulder. The elder god stared ahead and spoke in a low voice. “Do not tell anyone about this.”

Yushir knitted his eyebrows together. “What is happening, Dadan? What are you not telling me?”

“Swear you will tell no one.”

The prince pressed his lips together before he nodded. “Very well. You have my word.”

Dadan slipped his hand off his friend’s shoulder and a faint bitter smile appeared on his face. “Thank you.”

Dadan continued forward but Yushir lingered for a moment watching his friend put on a brave face. “When will you learn not to keep this burden to yourself?”

He sighed and followed his old friend.