Chapter II: Before the Throne

Selene and Jezran were dragged through countless intersecting tunnels and hallways. Outside of the bindings on their hands, they were left altogether unhindered. It was likely so the fish-men did not need to carry the two of them the entire way.

This allowed the two to process the path they took. Even if, due to the nondescript nature of the passage walls and the fact every ancient, massive hallway looked the exact same, it would be impossible to remember.

Still, probably worth counting the positives before we die, right? Selene thought dourly, Or whatever it is this Lendrig wants from us.

With this lull in action, Selene found herself going over the events leading up to their capture. The strange translation she received in particular, and then this random summons.

She then remembered Jezran's reaction to the same name when it was called out by the fish-men.

"Hey Jezran," Selene whispered.

Also lost in his thoughts, Jezran did not hear her. She had to nudge him as they came around a corner to get his attention.

"What, yes?" He said, looking around in confusion.

"Do you know who this Lendrig guy is? Sounded like you knew his name," Selene asked, trying to keep her voice down.

Jezran nodded, "Yes. He is an old figure in this city. I've found records of him in the little I've managed to translate here and there. He was a very powerful mage a long time ago. But I have no idea how he could still be alive."

Selene thought for a moment, then said, "I think it has something to do with that mural in that room we saw. When I collapsed, the words were translated in my head."

Jezran, in spite of their situation, could not hide his excitement at the thought of a translation, "Oh? What did they say?"

Selene told him as best she could. It came surprisingly easy, as if it had been burned into her memory.

Jezran listened intently, then said, "Strange. I think you're right. Whatever this 'Heart' is must be connected to it..."

His speech slowed as his eyes stared off into the distance. He was clearly considering something important. Important enough that Jezran forgot where they were. He began to slow his pace, causing the fish-man behind them to shove him into motion again as Jezran let out a small yip. "What if that creature below the city is that beast, the Igryss, from the inscription, Selene?"

Before Selene could respond, they were led into a massive chamber, similar in design to the temple, but this one appeared crafted from the rock as a facsimile. The room, despite the grand sweeping ceilings and ornate stone work, was barren of anything noteworthy. As Selene looked around, she realized it was only distinctive for the same enchanted lighting they found in that hidden room.

At first, Selene assumed the fish-men were lost, but then something strange occurred.

Water poured through grates strategically placed in the ceiling above. It rolled down the walls like a waterfall until it congealed in the center. As a small pool formed, it began to rise from the ground and took up for itself the design of a massive throne.

As the water flowed into the chair, it began to change. Clear water turned dark, it reminded Selene of the times she would sit aboard the Admare, watching the dark waters below as waves lapped at the sides. If she looked closely, she could almost see the faintest forms of movement beneath the water's surface. The forms were indecipherable from the inky blackness, but it reminded her of the Firstborn, which was enough to send a chill down her spine.

Eventually, the water from the ceiling stopped flowing. The room was silent, save the sound of waves. After a moment, two of the fish-men came from behind Jezran and Selene to shove them into the ground, as the rest prostrated themselves on the floor.

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Selene's head was forced down, but she could still see through the edges of her vision. A lone figure stepped out from within that strange water. Due to the angle, she could only see his lower half. She could see part of a fine robe, stained in a mixture of gold with hues of the waters from whence it appeared.

The figure appeared to pause for a moment as one of the fish-men called out, "You stand...before the throne...of the great Lord...of the Abyss..., Lendrig the Traitor."

The other fish-men then all cried out in unison, "All hail!"

Well, not exactly standing. Really more grovelling in the dirt if we want to be precise, Selene thought to herself.

A voice came unbidden into her mind. Be careful what you think in my presence, Malenai. Your continued existence depends on my favour.

Selene gulped. The voice was far less ancient than the Firstborn, but it held a gravitas and power that sent a shiver down her spine.

After a moment of silence, the figure sat upon his throne.

"You have done well, my servants," Lendrig declared in the minds of all in the room, "Do we have any status on the arrival of the Máni's progeny? I expected him to arrive with the rest."

"He...is...still at large..., my lord," the fish-man leader said, his eyes never leaving their spot on the floor. Selene could see the gills on its neck flare up in agitation, "We...believe...he escaped...with...the others."

Lendrig chewed on the news for a moment, then declared, "Very well. Continue the search. I know he is still in the maze. Find him, and bring him to me. The other two can be fed to the reborn Child. It will need to be brought up to full strength as soon as possible."

The fish-man leader nodded.

"As for these two," Lendrig said, delight dripping from his voice in their minds, "They will serve as my entertainment before I decide their fates."

"Yes, my lord!" The fish-men cried out.

"Good. Now leave us," Lendrig said, with a wave of his hand.

The fish-men kept their heads bowed and walked backwards out of the room, each one facing him for a final bow before leaving.

For a moment, the room was silent, as he stared at them on the floor.

"Selene the Malenai. Jezran the College Acolyte. Rise," he commanded, "Unlike those peons, you will have the honor to gaze at my countenance whilst we speak."

As he commanded them, they felt a power forcing their bodies to oblige. Lendrig did not allow room for disobedience.

The magic light now reflected behind the throne. Through the waters, it created a preternatural glow, seeming a mixture of violet and blue that danced and moved with the water within. As their eyes fell upon him, Selene noted he was one of the Sep'tha. His body appeared humanoid, but the face appeared an amalgam of squid and human features. What separated them were his eyes, glistening an abyssal blue, and the size of the tentacle appendages protruding from his face like a beard. They seemed longer and stronger than the ones on the Sep'tha she saw chasing them in the city.

His hands, resting comfortably upon the throne, were webbed.

As she looked closer at his clothes, she realized his robes showed no sign of dampness, neither from the waters of the throne nor the slick wetness that covered Lendrig's visible features.

He watched them coldly, his posture relaxed. Leaning into the throne comfortably, he studied the two before him. Selene had never knelt, let alone stood, before a king. Therefore, she did not know if the fear welling up in the pit of her stomach was from the overwhelming magnitude of royalty or if it was the fact she now faced the one the Firstborn feared.

Both. Probably both. Selene thought.

The silence continued for an uncomfortable duration. Confusion began to set in before he finally spoke.

Do you know why you are here? His voice echoed in their minds. The question was likely rhetorical, but she could not honestly understand his schemes.

Why was she here?

What could possibly be so special about her?

Apparently, Lendrig found her thoughts amusing. Though the body remained frozen, a chuckle echoed through her mind. You certainly play the part well, if nothing else.

Somehow, she knew this was something he had said for her ears only. She only wished she knew what it meant.

When neither responded, he spoke again to both of them.

You have trespassed on my domain. The reasons are obvious, as nothing you do escapes my notice. However, despite the knowledge, you are both worth my consideration. After my thorough examination, I will either add you to my plans or to my plate.

Jezran gulped audibly.

Selene stood frozen, held by his gaze.

Let us begin.