A man stepped out of a large arch, face shrouded in shadows. The brief glimpse of a vast white city with red-tiled roofs was seen in the arch before it closed again. His steps echoed across the hall as he approached a round table in the center. Taking his place around the table, the sealing of the great domed hall lit up with millions upon millions of stars.
“How kind of you to join us, Athanasius. It is not like the families have anything of more importance than to wait upon your illustrious self.”
A soul-sucking chill suddenly exploded in the room. Primal as the predator taking down prey, terrifying like great beasts lurking in the ocean's depths, crushing with the weight of the mighty mountain. The promise of sudden and absolute violence and destruction was felt by everyone in the hall. A few faces blenching at the sudden power blanketing them.
“Test me today, Sangarinus, and find your family short its head.” There was nothing human in the voice. It was a statement of cold fact. The voice of a being who had long since passed any pretense of having emotions understood by mortals.
A third voice suddenly chimed in. “Now, now Sangarinus. I know you and Athanasius have had your… differences, but considering the circumstances of his ward's trial being meddled with. I don't think this is the time to throw insults, no matter how sugar-coated.” The melodious voice of the speaker lessened the promise of violence and death that blanketed the room. There was an audible intake of breaths at her words.
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“My apologies Athanasius. I did not know,” Sangarinus said, his voice turned from taunting to sincere. “I wish I could express something to lessen your burden. None among us wishes the child… The young man anything but the best.” A deep chuckle escaped his throat before he continued, “If any scion can make the most of it and come back hale and stronger, it's that one. I almost feel sorry for the calamities facing him. I, for one, will welcome him to the table when the time comes.” A chorus of agreement from the round table followed his statement.
“Thank you Sangarinus. Your words are welcome. I can only hope we have prepared him enough.” The room now felt less like a slaughter about to happen and more like a storm ready to be released.
“Enough of my personal problems. Thank you all for your well wishes in these trying times.”
A voice, deep and calm, chimes in, “We have all been part of his upbringing and teaching, for better or worse. Fear not, brother. He is strong. He will not break. He will return, and a new chair will be at the table. Thus we grow stronger.”
Clearing his throat, he resumes in a stronger voice. “Now, back to the reason for this gathering. The discipline of the Camillan Empire. How many wishes to join in on the transit. Already seven fortresses are ready to set sail."