As the sun climbed to its zenith, at the brightest hour of the day, the Theocracy’s delegation arrived at Derwen Hold. It was an impressive sight of over a hundred armed troops, higher ranking members of the Church and the ambassador herself, accompanied by her aides. Their banners, carrying the insignia of the church billowed in the howling wind.

  Watching them from the balcony above, Midhir’s lips curled down. It was an impressive force – their troops were well armed and were clad in knight’s armour. Even from this far up, he could hear the metallic creaks and clinks of their gear filling the silence.

  Adorned carriages each drawn by four horses finally came to a stop. Their doors creaked open, and the higher ranking officials of the church state stepped out into the courtyard.

  Moira stepped forth. She looked impressive in her official uniform – clad in white and crimson, with her cloak fluttering behind her back. “Ambassador, I welcome you to the Empire of Eldoria.” Her voice echoed in the courtyard. She commanded respect – not to herself alone, but to the whole of Eldoria. They were in foreign lands, and her cold, yet polite voice reminded them of that.

  One of the women who stepped out of the carriages approached the Enforcer. “We greatly appreciate the Empire’s hospitality,” she said with a beaming smile. Her blonde hair glimmered under the bright rays of sunlight. Her simple white dress was quite the contrast to the darker robes of her companions.

  “Please follow me,” Moira said after nodding once. “The Emperor wishes to welcome you personally.”

  That was their cue. Midhir stepped away from the balcony and headed down the narrow set of stairs. They led him to the back of the Obsidian Halls. As he stepped in, A few gazes turned on him. “Enforcer Aoidh is escorting the Ambassador here,” he quickly informed his father.

  The Emperor was sat upon his throne, leaning back as his gaze lingered on the doors. Midhir quickly took his place next to him, halfway up the steps leading to the throne. At the foot of the steps stood the Enforcers – Cait, the Castor brothers, and a woman Midhir didn’t know very well – all he knew about her was that she was one of the few skilled crystals staff users in the Empire.

  A few steps away from the Enforcers stood Alistair, Willow, and the nobles that served and resided in and around Derwen Hold. Each dressed in their family’s official attire, they looked quite impressive. Their family crests embossed onto their cloaks with golden thread glimmered brightly as the flames of the braziers danced behind them.

  Then there was the honour guard – the most elite forces of the Imperial army, clad in black uniform. They stood in silence, their gazes fixed in front, hands joined behind their back, and expressions as emotionless as they could be.

  Before long, the heavy doors opened. A cold, piercing breeze pulled at his cloak and hair.

  The Ambassador and her entourage followed Moira inside. Their boots and high heeled shoes clicked on the smoothed obsidian floor, their cloak fluttered behind them, and the Ambassador’s long, white dress swept the floor as she approached the Obsidian Throne.

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  “Presenting her excellency, Ambassador Eliora Yvonne, High Priestess of the Church of the Daughter of the Sun, Lady of the Three Lakes, here to stand before His Imperial Majesty Emperor Eamon Ardagh, third of his name, Bearer of the Ring of Stone, Sovereign of the Eldorian Empire!” Moria’s clear voice rang in the Obsidian Halls. She bowed, then stepped aside to stand with Cait and the other Enforcers.

  The Ambassador was a tall woman, with flowing golden hair, and captivating pink eyes. Her fair skin was almost unnaturally smooth. The dress she chose was hardly one Midhir would have expected for formal occasions – it wrapped around her chest and waist tightly, leaving her back and shoulders exposed. A slit on the side nearly reached her thighs.

  “I welcome you, Ambassador Yvonne.” The Emperor’s voice boomed. “Rest here, after your long journey, before you set off once more for An’Larion.”

  The Ambassador bowed her head ever so slightly. “You have my thanks, your majesty.” Her lips curled up. “Your hospitality warms my heart.” She pressed her palm against her chest. “We have indeed journeyed long, and my people are tired.”

  The Emperor glanced at Captain Marr, who immediately stepped forward. “Quarters have been prepared for all. Allow me to show you to them.” Her voice was polite, though cold. She walked towards the doors and waited there as the Ambassador’s entourage nervously glanced at their envoy.

  “Thank you,” She pushed a lock of hair behind her ear, and before lowering her hand, waved with her fingers. Her aides, and the knights accompanying her bowed, then began making their way to Captain Marr. “I myself have had an easy journey, your majesty.” The Priestess continued nonchalantly. “I would ask a few moments of your time.”

  As her aides and knights left the obsidian hall, Midhir shot a quick glance at his father. His expression was cold as stone, though his gaze did momentarily shift towards the Honour guard, the nobles and the enforcers. His hand resting on the armrest of the throne lifted ever so slightly, his fingers pointing at the door for only a split second.

  The Honour Guard bowed, while most of them headed for the entrance, a few whispered at the nobles, making sure they understood they were dismissed as well. The Enforcers stepped back, circling behind the throne. Whether they had remained within earshot, or left the Obsidian Halls through the narrow hallways hidden in the shadow was unclear.

  Only a single knight remained with the Ambassador, and Midhir remained with his father.

  “Thank you, your majesty.” Her gaze shifted towards Midhir. Her eyes narrowed, and her lips visibly curled down. “First of all,” she turned her gaze back towards the emperor. “Allow me to thank you personally for allowing the construction of our places of worship within your Empire. Our faith welcomes all, and it is heartwarming to see it is welcomed by all here as well.”

  “Eldoria houses many faiths, ambassador.” The Emperor’s voice was cold. “We welcome all, so long as they cause no harm.”

  The Ambassador raised her chin. “Indeed, I see that. Forgive me, the Sunlit Summits are a place of harmony and peace, unity and shared faith. This is the first time I come across one… affected by such different power.”

  “And you will come across many – some who share your faith, some who believe in the Gods of old, and some who pray to the sands of Calador. I suggest you keep an open mind, Ambassador Yvonne, if you wish to understand our way of life as you mentioned in your letter.” The Emperor gestured towards Midhir. “Our nations have not had communication through proper channels in decades, so it is likely you’re not aware of many things. Midhir, my son, will assist you during your stay here.”

  Her polite expression turned into disgust in an instant. Her voice cut through the silence. “I would rather he not.”