“Mortis, you need to control yourself!” Taldry exclaimed.

“I’m doing my best.”

“That whole scene was your best!”

Mortis rolled his eyes, “We’re having this meeting, aren’t we? And Nilowin is unharmed.”

“Hah! You could never harm me, Mortis!” Nilowin let out

Once again, the disciples found themselves in the small open amphitheater. Each Race had taken their seats accordingly. The tenebrage next to the entrance, the caetum and geodine flanked the sides of the fulgcere at the head.

Mortis gave a dangerous smile, “Do you really believe that? You should think more before challenging me. Let’s see how confident you are without those wings.”

Nilowin gave a devious glare, “If you think I am no more than my wings than you are quite mistaken.”

“Is that…”

Cere stood up, “You are all acting childish, and I grow tired of it.” She spoke nonchalantly, “Please keep respect while in this chamber. I’m sure I can trust you all to do that. Morta?”

Morta had been in a trance, glancing at the vacant spot on the other side of the entrance. At the disciple of lightnings words she nearly jumped out of her skin, “Oh…I’m sorry.”

Cere gave a sigh and sat back down, “I trust we can all wait for the others without any outrage.”

All was silent until Nilowin started to eye Geb on the other side of the fulgcere. She silently stared at him while bitting her nails, as if she was struggling to contain herself.

“No.” Geb said sternly.

“No?” Nilowin said playfully, “You didn’t even know what I was going to ask.”

“You ask the same thing everytime we meet.” Geb avoided her eyes.

“Really? And what is that?”

“I’m not giving you weapons Nilowin.”

“Ahh, but why?” she said mockingly.

“The same reason as always. Did you think anything would change?”

“I just thought that in the midst of all your oldest friends you would get a little nostalgic, maybe remember the kindnesses you’ve done the caetum in the past.”

Geb looked over to her with a contained fury in his eyes, “That was before you became a warmongering tyrant!”

Nilowin whistled lightly, “That’s a heavy accusation. I only do what has to be done.”

Geb clenched his fist, “Like raid geodine land,” he spoke in a subdued tone.

Nilowin gave a yawn, “Our lands aren’t very fertile as you know. I have to provide for my people.”

“At the cost of geodine lives?”

“The price they pay for your races refusal assist us in our efforts.”

Small rocks on the ground started to rattle, “Just because we won’t make you weapons…that’s just pettiness.”

“I call it justice.”

Geb’s eyes widened and Cere’s rolled. Taldry made a start and called upon Morta. Immediately, a wall of darkness sprouted between the two disciples, also separating Taldry and Cere.

Nilowin began to laugh a hearty laugh, “Who are you protecting who from Morta!”

“That’s for you to decide.”

Nilowin motioned to the wall and knocked on it a few times. It remained unchanging, a sold black mass, “How pathetic. You can’t even fight your own battles Geb. Your weak just like your people.”

Mortis couldn’t help but smile, “Bold words. Even for you. As far as I see it you're standing on his domain at the moment.”

Nilowin waved her hand and went back to her seat, “Ahh, yes, I am, but he won’t do anything. You have all this power Geb, but I don’t think any of us have seen you use it since the old days. In other words…you’ve grown complacent,” She turned to Cere who watched her with an insightful gaze, “Wouldn’t you agree Cere?”

Cere rested her head on her hand as she began to speak as if Nilowin was a child, “Strength does not just come from the power to destroy. The geodine’s innovation is their strength. Isn’t that why you want them to make you weapons?

Nilowin bit her tongue and kept quiet at that comment and went quiet.

“Well, it seems like we missed quite a bit, haven’t we.” An amused voice emerged from the entry way.

Prince Aldamon walked into the amphitheater along with the Healer, “I apologize if you had to wait long.” Isn’t voice contained no hint of sincerity. He spread his hand out to all the disciple’s,”I haven’t seen you all in so long, especially not in one place.”

He looked to Nilowin, “Well my good Healer, let me introduce you. This is Lady Nilowin, Disciple of Justice, and Patron of Retribution. We coincidently met each other on the way here.”

Mortis' glare deepened at the lie.

The prince continued as he gestured to the fulgcere, “Lord Taldry, Disciple of knowledge and Patron of Journeys. I haven’t seen you since the peace meetings.” He said the last part almost mockingly.

Taldry shifted awkwardly in his seat, “Yes, it is good to see you also. I trust you have been well?”

Aldaman gave a fast nod, “Yes, just trying to stave off tenebrage invaders. War does take a toll on the mind. Like a pest it just simply refuses to leave.”

Mortis seemed to make a start, but Cere cut him off, “Yes. Yes…and how has Lord Soluriel, Disciple of Light and Patron of Loyalty been?”

Aldaman gave a fake frown, “Unfortunatly the war as not been kind to him. The suffering of his people weighs heavy on him. He goes days without eating or sleeping. He hopes to bring an end to this war as soon as possible.”

Mortis gave a deep laugh, “Oh, our Soluriel must be suffering so! If he’s that eager to be done with it, I’m open to a surrender. Maybe next time he won’t be eager to send troops into my land during a peace!”

Prince Aldaman slowly turned his head to Mortis in utter disgust, “Lord Mortis, Disciple of Soul and Patron of Learning. Last time I saw you…you were ravaging Fotos with your plague.”

“I’ll gladly do it again if my message wasn’t received.”

Prince Aldamon grinded his teeth in subdued rage as he looked towards Morta. She held her heart as she hung her head low, “Lady Morta, Disciple of Darkness and Patron of Motherhood. You were running away from Fotos last time we were close. To this day I don’t know what you were running from, but it seems that you’re still running.”

“Why are you here Aldaman.” Geb said.

The prince turned to him with a smile, “Last but not least, Lord Geb, Disciple of Earth and Patron of Home. To answer your question, I believe it is only fair that all races are present during a conference, wouldn’t you agree? Lady Nilowin surely did.”

“Is that why you brought the Healer along?” asked Lord Taldry.

Taldry sighed and looked to Geb, “Geb the empty space next to yours, please engrave a water droplet.”

Geb nodded and it was so.

Senka made his way to the empty space and took a seat.

Aldamon gave a self-satisfied nod, and Mortis protested, “This place has only ever been occupied by Disciples. To allow those that do not have our blessing listen to the business of Disciples is insanity.”

Cere shook her head, “What we will discuss today will not only effect the Disciples, so it is only fair that all races get a chance to voice their opinions.”

Nilowin’s face soured, “Despite all that, the Disciples of Caetum were not invited to this meeting.”

Cere was unfazed by thin, “Is it really a mystery why you were not invited?” Taldry seemed to recoil at the statement, but Cere continued, “Geb please engrave a flame across from the Healer.”

Geb nodded and it was done.

Taldry practically jumped out of his skin at that and Mortis jumped to his feet, his eyes wide with anger.

Despite that, Cere continued, “The caetum, fulgcere, geodine, hydrin, luxcians, and tenebrage, are present. Hopefully the ignal will be able to join one day, but at the moment it is just us. With that I call this meeting to begin.”

“You think you can just mention the ignal like that! What exactly have you learned from that vault!”

“What are you angry about Mortis. That we know about the last world or that you and Morta aren’t the only ones that knew?” Cere said curtly.

Mortis bit his tongue and sat back down.

This tale has been unlawfully lifted from Royal Road. If you spot it on Amazon, please report it.

Cere turned her attention to Senka, “The Ignal and Hydrin relations have improved since your banishment if you would like to know.”

Senka’s eyes popped open, “How do you…”

“We know many things.”

Taldry was nearly dying at this point, “Cere what are you…”

Cere’s glance silenced him, “I never had any reservations about sharing what we knew to others, but after your slip up with Mortis, it’s useless to hide anymore.”

Taldry gulped at the authority in her voice.

Aldamon raised his hand, “I’m so glad this topic has come up so soon. I would like to know about a certain something you see..”

Geb spoke up, “That is all well and good, but we should take this opportunity to sort out grievances.”

Taldry wiped sweat from his brow, “Yes…I think that is a good idea. Would you like to go first?”

“I ask that the caetum cease raiding our lands at once!”

All eyes went to Lady Nilowin who was picking at her teeth, “Like I said, it’s a necessity. When our crop yields are low, we have to make due.”

“Neccecity?” Geb spoke as if there were sand in his mouth, “If you really needed food then you would have attempted to raid Avayev.”

Mortis gave a loud laugh, “I would like to see them try!”

Nilowin gave a dumb nod to Mortis, “The tenebrage are a little more…resistant than your people.”

Geb’s face turned to stone, but before he could say anything, Prince Aldamon spoke up, “If you would like the luxcians can provide some of their surplus crops to Maelstrand in its time of need.”

Nilowin gave a smile, “Thank you.”

Geb bit is lip, “There are still other things that Erdem is considered about. Some of your recent actions in particular.”

Nilowin waved his concerns away, “You have nothing to be worried about Geb. You can have faith that your people will be safe,” She gave a wide grin, “You trust me, don’t you?”

Geb gave an uneasy glance back, but was otherwise silent.

Taldry gave a hesitant clap, “Now that’s settled, we can move on to the tenebrage and Luxcian war.”

Aldamon gave a prideful smile, “My people would be willing to negotiate a peace deal…”

Mortis crossed his arms, “I will not be negotiating a peace with a boy. I will only consider such a thing if Soluriel drags himself out of his keep and confronts me face to face.”

“What would happen then?” Cere asked.

Mortis shrugged, “I might kill him or we’ll make peace who’s to say.”

The room went uncomfortably quiet. Until Taldry spoke in a weak voice, “So no peace deal.”

“No” The two races replied.

Taldry cleared his throat and continued, “Now for the three that were not here earlier. The fulgcere have asked the Diciples of Tenebrage and Geodine to lift this city into the sky. Any objections to that?”

Nilowin stretched her beautiful black wings, “Other than it being cowardly, no. However, you do realize that the sky is Caetum’s territory.”

“We are well aware.”

“Just making sure.”

Taldry turned to Senka and Prince Aldamon, “Any objections?”

Senka shook his head, “None on my part.”

Aldamon gave an unassuming smile, “I have no objections,” his voice suddenly darkened, “However, it is of the luxcains opinion that you shouldn’t leave until we have properly examined that vault.”

“That will not be possible.” Cere said bluntly.

“And why is that?”

“It is of the fulgcere’s opinion that only disciples are able to enter that vault, and you are not a disciple.”

Aldamon took on a bitter countenance, “To my knowledge you aren’t one either, Lady Cere.”

Cere stared at the prince inquisitively, “Why is it that you desire to see inside the vault?”

Prince Aldamon took a deep breath and stuck out his chest, “As you all know, my race has been plagued by an illness that Lord Mortis infected us with during his invasion of Fotos that lead to the beginning of this current war. My father, Lord Soluriel, is also infected. I believe a cure might exist in this vault of yours.”

Cere scoffed, “How can you have an idea of what the vault might even contain.”

“When I went to meet with the survivors of the village that was assailed by those barbarous Hounds, one told me that he overheard Lady Morta talking about a mysterious vault that contained all kinds of secrets.”

Morta bit her tongue and mumbled a few curses.

Taldry scratched his head, “Why would you think that it holds a cure?”

Aldamon shrugged, “I don’t, but we’ve searched all of Ankown so far and have found nothing. The vault seems like a good place to look next.”

Cere crossed her arms, “You’re going to have to look somewhere else.”

A glint seemed to appear in the prince’s eye, “I don’t believe you understand. I wasn’t asking.”

All the disciples in the room, including Nilowin, widened their eyes. Senka scratched the back of his neck, looking out of place. For a brief moment all was still. A calm before the storm.

A purple energy started to consume Mortis, and lightning crackled in the air. However, the prince was unfazed.

“My, aren’t you all a serious bunch!”

Prince Aldamon’s once calm demenor vanished as a chill went up his spine. Mortis gritted his teeth at the entrance. Cere’s face immediately brightened while Taldry’s looked irritated. Senka and Geb looked up curiously at the entrance.

Cere was the first to speak, “I’m glad you could make it Mura.”

The giant purple bird rested upon the open ceiling of the amphitheater, “I wouldn’t miss this for the world,” he looked around at his audience and stopped upon Aldamon, “I see your keeping that seat warm.”

“What..what does that mean.”

Mura gave a laugh and turned his attention to Nilowin, “Ahh if it isn’t Atmos’s favorite.”

Milowin furrowed her brow, “What do you want bird. You’ve been in my skys more often as of late.”

“They aren’t yours, girl, they are Caetum’s, and I’ve been going to talk to Atmos much more of late.”

Mortis continued to glare at the beast, “And what have you beast been conspiring.”

“Just because you violated the covenant to Tenebrage multiple times and Murshiel hates you now, doesn’t mean you have to take it out on the other beast.”

Mortis bit his lip, “You still haven’t answered my question.”

Mura gave what sounded like a sigh, “Mortis, look around you at this world of ours. Then remember your first life. Don’t you think things are…well to put it lightly…off.”

Mortis’ eyes widened and he fell back into his seat.

Mura clicked his beak, “Well that was not the reaction I was expecting. Anyway, I am simply an observer in this, so don’t mind me.”

Cere smiled with a nod, “Your presence is much appreciated.”

Taldry crossed his arms and muttered something to himself with a sour expression.

Nilowin spoke up, “Back to the original point, I believe that the vault should be examined.”

Cere responded, “It’s fine if you go in…”

“No…I think luxcians should be able to go in also.”

“No,” Cere said curtly, “Only disciples.”

Nilowin’s gaze darkened, “Them maybe we just need to seize it by force.”

Geb was the first to protest, “The fulgcere can do as they please with the vault. It is there’s not ours.”

Taldry nodded along with Geb, “Yes, you cannot just seize the vault. You may be rash Nilowin, but I never thought you could be so foolish.”

Nilowin flew to the center of the amphitheater right above the pink trapezoidal structure, Fulgcere, “You fulgcere have no right to criticize me! You sit here all day and simply watch everyone else as if it’s a game of chess! You never once interfered in anyone elses affairs. Not to save, not to protect, not to seek justice, nothing! You just sit here all day and watch! That is all your race does! So, damn it all! I’m going to break through that vault and you all will watch just like you always do…”

“No, you won’t” Mura appeared as if he was smiling if birds could do that.

“What!” Nilowin looked to Mura, brandishing fangs.

“I see your future. You will not do such a thing.”

Emotion seemed to flush out of Nilowin’s countenance, “What?”

“I see your future. Time is laid out in front of me and I see it all. What I don’t see is you going into the vault by force, so you won’t. It’s quite simple.”

Nilowin hung her head as she slowly flew back towards her seat. Her face in her hands for the duration of the meeting.

Senka awkwardly held up his hand and Taldry looked to him, “Yes?”

“I’m not a disciple. I don’t even think I am a good representation of my race. You would have to go across the sea to find one but…but I feel like one thing that I can say is that if opening this vault gives us a chance at discovering a miracle medicine, it should be opened. That is the hydrin’s position.”

Taldry ran his hand down his face, “That’s good in all, but you are not a disciple, so you can’t go in.”

“I don’t fully see the reason why not…”

“Because many things in that vault need to be kept a secret. The information could ruin those who come across it. Not to mention its defenses. So no, you cannot go in the vault. There will be no negotiation on that front.”

Senka went quiet. Taldry turned to the tenebrage, “What is your two’s opinion on the vault.”

“It shouldn’t even be here in the first place,” Mortis remarked, “It should be destroyed, much less be opened to luxcians.”

“It should never be opened again,” Morta agreed softly.

Prince Aldamon spread his arms out wide, “Lord Mortis is the one who created the disease, so his vote should be null.”

“And you're the one who brought a army to our doorstep,” Taldry shrieked

“It’s for my protection.”

Taldry waved his hand, “Of course,” The old fulgcere got up from his seat, “This meeting is adjourned. We’re getting nowhere with this.”

Geb and Mortis nodded along. Nilowin hadn’t moved since and Aldamon held his tongue.

Cere also stood up, “We will reconvene tomorrow, but until then there will be a banquet tonight. Hopefully it will help some of us resolve our differences before then.”

Prince Aldamon grimaced then marched out of the room with great pride. Senka followed awkwardly, still looking out of place. Geb got up, nodding at the fulgcere as he left. Mortis furrowed his brow at Mura, then followed out with Morta.

Nilowin seemed to not notice everyone elses departure.

“Nilowin?” Taldry called out.

At the sound of her name, her wings spread out and with one great flap she was expelled from the amphitheater with a sound like thunder.

In the empty amphitheater Taldry clutched his temple, “That went better than expected.”

“Yes, yes it did,” Cere said dreamily.

Taldry turned to Mura, “Does it really happen tonight.”

Mura gave a short but eager nod.

“Do we really have to go through with it?”

“You wouldn’t want to disappoint her, would you?”

Taldry hung his head low.

Cere looked back at him, “It will be interesting to see how it goes. We need to watch and see. We need to have faith in them.”

Taldry threw his hands in the air, “Mura already knows what’s going to happen, so why have faith!”

“He is wrong sometimes.”

Mura puffed out his chest, “One in a billion.”

“Yes, sometimes.”

Taldry still didn’t look convinced.

Cere started for the exit, “Who knows, if things go differently, we might not have to lift this city into the sky.”