The group of heroes reluctantly leaves the cultist with the burning cow, before the crowd grows even more unruly, and starts to throw things.
Kyrah nods at the group with a smile, and starts to write one one of her many scrolls, moistening the tip with her mouth before dipping the quill into a small vial of ink.
"Good choice. You might be the prophesied ones after all".
The guards lead the party closer to the castle, the crowds parting at the approach of the well armed military men. Soon the high walls of the castle come into view. The soldiers lead the group up over a lowered drawbridge, and through some massive main gates. Other guards step aside as the heroes presence is known, and soon the guards lead you into the castle proper.
The once-great Estorian Palace looms high over the city. Large windows let in copious amounts of sunlight, which fails to chase away the gloom that has settled in the palace. As you walk the halls, you notice evidence of the court’s past glory in the form of precious artifacts dating back to the First War. Extravagant tapestries show tales of Estoria’s history and King Pythor’s grand adventures, though more recent events are nowhere to be seen on the hangings.
You hear cries of anguish followed by peals of laughter from behind a final door.
"This is not going to end well."
Mateo gives a confident wink to Kyrah as she murmurs her approval, nodding for the guards to lead on. Despite the sudden tension with the crowd and having failed to prevent the sacrifice, the half-elf seemed to be in pretty high spirits. He turns around and walks backwards, talking to the group as he does.
"That was an insightful encounter, I believe. The Cult of Sydon's grip here is stronger than expected, likely seizing upon the desperation and fear of the populace. The king, a mighty god, is absent and leaves the people without a strong leader as well. It is a recipe for a revolt." It made sense though; Estoria was a city that had survived a hundred sieges and came out triumphant each time. No enemy had ever successfully breached the walls to any great amount. This military strength was incredible. Yet if you could convince the people to overthrow, have them open the gates on the inside? No city could survive that. "If this subversion is the tactic and goal of the cult, I must applaud them to some degree. They are far more clever than the bastards at the Oracle's temple would suggest."
Following the guards, he stays close to Lysander who keeps any bottles or rotten fruit and vegetables from colliding with his head. It was less of a hero's welcome than he was expecting but who said that the journey would be anything close to resembling easy. Ahead of them laid the mighty palace of the God of War. Yet there was no celebration, no air of military superiority, or even courtiers travelling through the halls. A shadow clung to this place and it made the smile upon his face weaken as they drew closer to the final door.
"Kaia, I find mmyself agreeing with you. Just...try to keep your...affections...for the Gods to a minimum, yeah?" The last thing that they needed from an upset, drunk, and confused God of War was an angry, upset, drunk, and confused God of War. He nodded to the guard to open the door and prepared himself for the worst.
The crowd's behavior adds more examples of why Coronus dislikes cities, like this one. If you don't like where you are, just go - was a common enough centaur expression. Yet, these people built their own prison that they did not want to leave.
He appreciated Lysander's and Mateo's good humor. Surely they will need it here. The obvious presence of this god, king almost makes it worse, because the people of the city cannot take their fate into their own hands. They have an actual god here as their king who should be leading and protecting them.
Coronus cannot imagine what is behind this door.
When the heroes arrive in the throne room, Pythor is drunk and attempting to fight the statues of the Five Gods, which line the hall. As the Oracle’s chosen arrive, his attendants withdraw, whispering nervously among themselves. This leaves only the king to speak with the heroes.
Once the room has emptied and the chamber doors are shut, the King tosses away his spear and sits heavily upon his throne, holding his head in his hands. He beckons you to come closer. “You are the Oracle's Chosen, yes? Let me tell you of my woes...”
Kyrah Speaks Up
Before Pythor can continue, Kyrah brashly interrupts him. “Brother whatever your ‘woes’ may be, drowning yourself in wine will not solve them,” she scolds. “You have a duty to serve your people in these dark times! This wallowing does no one any good.”
King Pythor hangs his head at her harsh words. “That may be true, but what can be done? The Oath of Peace binds my hands. And now, the Titans conspire to steal away my precious daughter, Anora.” “But perhaps… perhaps you heroes can aid me.”
Pythor will tell the heroes of the problems that face him. Several weeks ago, the Order of Sydon sent a detachment of warriors to Estoria with demands from the Lord of Storms. The Titan demanded that Pythor’s daughter Anora should be chained to the Rock of Estor amid the rushing waters of the Arkelon River, and left there overnight as an offering to Sydon.
Princess Anora
Anora is Pythor’s only child by his last mortal wife, a woman he dearly loved. Years ago, Anora’s mother was carried away to the Forgotten Sea by the evil dragon, Hexia.
The Army of Sydon
If this sacrifice is not accomplished by the next full moon (Three weeks from now), then all the gathered tribes of the centaurs will descend upon Estoria and raze the city to the ground. Sydon has already starved the city with this latest drought, and he always makes good on his threats. If Pythor doesn’t comply and sacrifice his daughter, it will mean the deaths of thousands.
The Rock of Sacrifice
To be chained to the Rock is to be devoured by the beasts of the river. Princess Anora is resigned to her fate as she will do anything to protect her city. Knowing this, Pythor has locked her away in the dungeons to prevent her from leaving the palace.
The King then begins to focus on the heroes and starts when he sees Lysander. "Wait. Are you not one of mine? It is your sister that is in danger... surely you must help her". Tears then well up in his eyes as he recounts. "Your mother... she was taken by that cursed green dragon Hexia, who now lairs somewhere in the forgotten sea. Come my son. Have a drink with me to lament our losses".
"Sorry to interrupt" Aristeides claims. He bows before the deity. "Your majesty." He talks then to Kyrah, though clearly with the intention of being heard by everyone. "When is exactly the Oath of Peace ending? And which were the terms of the Oath? I'm sure you must have that written somewhere, dear Kyrah."
"It seems pretty simple to me. You just have to chain her to the rock overnight. He said nothing about not killing anything that gets too close to her."
As the servant offers Lysander a goblet of wine, the big man shoos them away. Throughout his life, Lysander hadn't been truly convinced of his relationship to the God of Battle. But being in the god's presence, the centurion could not ignore their resemblance.
How he wises he could.
Ager and frustration seethes in the centurion. "This dragon, Hexia, who stole away my mother, Ophea- someone famed to have been a true love of yours...this dragon stole away another of your wives? How many? How many times has this dragon stolen away those you love while the God of Battle does nothing on his throne but drown in his cups?"
Lysander turns a quick and scathing glare at Kyrah lest she berate him for his outburst.
"Not standing against Sydon during the Oath of Peace, I understand," Lysander turns back to Pythor. "But not rising to challenge those who have wronged you and your family is pathetic. I will save my sister- for her sake, not yours. But you. You will provide for any of our needs in this labor. And when I return with Anora- you and I will have our comeuppance. You will answer to me as a father to his son. You owe Ophea that much."
Astreides seemed to have a plan forming in that educated mind of his and Mateo was ready to listen. It wasn't till Kaia spoke up that he turned to say something at first and then stopped, really listening to the direct woman's words. A surprised look spread across his face before he gave a nod.
"That...that is actually a good point Kaia. Pythor himself cannot intervene but we are not beholden to any such action. We should be able to protect her. If he gives her up for that whole night, then Pythor did what he was supposed to. Sydon would be the one breaking his word for not giving rainfall then, right?" Looking excitedly towards Kyrah and the wizard, he would give a nod. "Please tell me that I am not wrong and Kaia was struck with a moment of absolute brilliance?"
Mateo could feel the anger seething from his friend's side, a rage usually reserved for battle or mourning. Mateo grew quiet for that moment, listening to his friend give his father exactly what was needed to be said.
The centaur watched the god and his son. Quiet in the court of men. He listens intently to his companions. Then, he assumes their course is set, and it is just a matter of how, Coronus turns to the goddess in the room: "Kyrah, two questions for you:"
"First, could you tell us more about the beasts of the river who would visit the Rock of Sacrifice, so that we may best prepare?"
"Second, three weeks. What consequences would there be if we delay our tasks as set by the Oracle by three weeks?"
@Aristeides>>: "Let's see. Unless I've missed a day it would be exactly one year from where I first met you in the Sour Vintage... and to summarize the treaty... no open warfare... ya da ya da ya da....Sydon and Lutheria swore not to take vengeance upon the mortals of Thylea for a period of 500 years, provided that daily sacrifices to the Titans should resume, and that their temples should be maintained and honored. ya da ya da ya da... basically don't directly attack each other for half a millennium".
@ Kaia>> Prythor stops and thinks for a minute. "Perhaps that would work. It would not be easy as the beasts that lurk there are fearsome... but I can't take action directly. Perhaps if there was a brave group of heroes willing to put their life on the line... He then smiles and moves closer to her. "Say you're not so hard on the eyes. A bit rough around the edges... but I like the spice of variety. Perhaps we could meet up later".
@Lysander Everyone winces when Lysander begins his loud angry tirade. "You! You dare criticize me when you know nothing! And who are you to speak of shirking duty! I don't see you here taking on the duties of the dutiful son... no your off playing soldier where you have the advantages passed on by your divine blood"! He then rares back and slings his half full cup of wine at the warrior, missing by a long shot. He then breaks down holds his head in his hands and laments. "You know so little. You speak as though you have all the answers... but you don't even know the questions". He then grows silent, walks up to Lysander and stands right in his face flush with righteous anger. "You will never question my love for Ophea nor for our daughter Anora or my wrath shall know no bounds. I am not bound by an Oath of Peace to you".
Kiara approaches and pulls her brother aside. "Please Prythor. He is your son, so you cannot hold his inherited temper against him. His arrival is prophesied as well as his companions, so fighting among ourselves serves no purpose but that of the Titans".
He steps back and looks at his sister, then speaks in a tired voice. "You are right Kyrah. You should look up our father the dwarf Volkan who runs the local smithy. Perhaps he can offer some assistance".
@Mateo>> Kyrah speaks up at his questioning. "That is indeed a noble and suicidal plan... but it just might work for Heroes such as yourselves. I am much more in favor of negotiation over brute force, but it is not my decision to make. I would approach the order of Sydon, and see if they can be reasoned with". Prythor jumps in at this point "I doubt they will listen, and intend to torment me with the loss of my daughter, but I'm willing to part with 50-oxen if this deal can be made... or some other deal".
[i]@Coronus>>[/b]: Kyrah carefully considers the centaurs questions. "I'm not sure what the beasts are but they are large, and first turn the person to stone before devouring them with their powerful jaws. My fear is that if they are defeated their might be even more dangerous foes to take their place. As far as the tasks... that is again your decision. I would think that you would have time to conclude at least one of the tasks before you have to deal with this problem, and perhaps that shall give you further insight or additional resources". She then looks the warrior up and down. "Your people are servants of the Titans, and very prideful. Perhaps if one of you bested their leader in one-on-one combat they might be shamed into dispersal". She then lapses into a fit of laughter. "That of course is assuming that one of you had a fools chance in Hades of surviving that encounter".
Prythor walks back to pick up his thrown mug and refills it from an urn on a nearby table. He then sits back on a pile of cushions and looks back at the group. "Well. What say ye"? Kyrah for once remains silent awaiting your answers.
Kaia doesn't say anything at Prythor's offer, but instead bristles with barely contained insane rage; instead, she let's Lysander rage at his father instead.
"So... sacrifices are to be perpetuaued, according to the Oath... then our only chance is brute force." When Kyrah mentions negotiation, Aristeides moves his head side to side. "No, I don't think they will accept. Actually, I think they're pushing the limits on purpouse, see if they can force us to break the Oath. This is not gonna end up just here."
It's a tough choice, since whatever they do, Sydon's mobs are going to come back for more.
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Lysander does not blink at his father's tirade. "I dare, Father. Because you would not." Slowly he unbuckles the strap to his breastplate. "I know nothing, Father, except that Ophea mourned you every day of my life as if you'd died because you abandoned her the day I was born." He unbuckles the other strap revealing a long, old scar on the centurion's chest. "I know nothing, Father because when the dragon took away your great love and slaughtered a cohort of your devout centurions trying to save her, it left an eight year old boy alone alive among them with this" he gestures to the scar, "to remember the loss of his only parent for the rest of his days."
Lysander tosses one of his normal spears on the ground. "I know nothing Father, because I was raised to fight your battles for you- slaughtering your enemies and those of Mytros by the scores while the God of Battle doesn't wage war against the creature that took it's great love, instead allowing it to take another. So yes, I know nothing Father. Nothing of why my divine blood was enough that great men wouldn't let me die in service to them, but instead sacrificed their lives around me. I know nothing, Father. Just as you know nothing of me."
"So I dare, Father. And I will continue to dare. I will save my sister, because it must be so. And I will help my comrades achieve their labors as the Oracle has ordained. And then I will do what the God of Battle is too small to do: I will slaughter Hexia in its lair. And I will help someone I consider a friend slaughter another dragon to have her revenge on the Kathandrax. And I will continue. I will make a sport of killing dragons because the God of Battle would not make war."
Lysander looks the god straight in the eyes. "I will fight the wars for the God of Battle because you no longer inspire that in me. You only make me want to drink. If your wrath is so great, then you take up that spear and become the God of Battle again. Until then, I will not be a doting son. Because I have no father."
Lysander turns on his heel leaving his father and the spear behind. "Come my friends, we've my sister to save." as he walks from the great hall.
Kyrah rushes after the group as they depart. "I will not make choices for you... but keep in mind that much of what my brother says has it's basis in fact. You really do not know the whole story... so tread your own path, but keep in mind that it is folly to commit yourselves to a path without knowing its destination".
Lysander gives a sidelong grin to his aunt as leaving the hall has dispersed his ire. "I'm well aware that I know little of the actions and the intent of the gods, least of all my father, Theia. But if my demands of him help to force him to rise up and become the God of Battle again, Estoria would no longer suffer as a result of his malfeasance." The big centurion shrugs with "I'm smarter than I look" oozing off of him.
"Besides, my continued presence in his hall would do little for our plans. Which are what, then? Seek out your father to find some kind of weapon against the monsters Anora would be sacrificed to? Volkan is the Great Creator, right? God of the Forge?"
He turns to Kaia for a moment. "And I meant what I said. I will help you seek out and destroy the dragon Kathandrax," he pledges. "And Hexia and any other dragon that casts a dark shadow across the land and harms its peoples until one of them finally kills me if needs be."
This went worst than expected.
The fight and anger between the two divine beings was intense and almost to the point of being uncomfortable. Both of them had their points; Lysander had no idea what it was like to be the God of War, to be the king and deal with his responsibilities. Prythor had no idea what it was like to have been abandoned as a child and only know his father from stories told by the legionnaires. It ended with the godblooded storming out of the hall, a sigh escaping Mateo's lips as he ran a hand through his hair.
"This is going to be messier than I thought it'd be." He thought to himself, giving a glare to the king before jogging after his comrade but not before picking up Lysander's spear along the way. He would exit out of the room, calling out.
"Lysander! Lysander, wait!" Mateo would make his way beside his friend, taking a moment to catch his breath. He was about to speak when Kyrah offered her last bit of advice; the story here was not known so they needed to tread carefully. He nodded in understanding but frowned nonetheless; they chose warriors for the job of diplomats, it seemed.
"Breathe my friend, breathe. He is not in this room anymore and you and I need to use what little remains of our intelligence to pull together, yeah?" Mateo said, a soft smile appearing on his face as he clasped his friend's shoulder and gave a gentle squeeze. He waited for the others to join him or to ask further questions, unwilling to leave his distraught friend alone.
Kaia pats Lysander on the back and says "I'll help you. We'll capture that dragon, then skin him alive and wear his skin in front of him before he dies."
Kaia then follows Lysander out without looking back.
As Kyrah starts talking about destinations, Kaia says "No mortal knows where a path will lead before they trod upon it. WE can only do the best we can."
Impressed as he is by Lysander's speech, Aristeides doesn't follow when the centurion leaves. He stands his ground, instead, and confronts the mighty God of War.
"You are right, Pythor, we miss information. And we've much to learn, for we are young and mortal." He tries to project a tone of true attonement. "So, please... if we're to help Estoria in this situation we have... Why don't you tell us the background of the problem? Maybe if we understand, then we could better act on your behalf. And probably you'll teach us a lesson we truly deserve." His humble inflections can't hide his lust for learning, as this is what a proper philosopher would do - listen, observe and learn, then applying this learning to his actions and reasoning.
Coronus winces at the tantrum displayed and watches as his brothers in arms depart. He pauses when the scholar stays and confronts the god. They need to know more about what's going on, so he stays to hear the reply.
Group with Kyrah
Kyrah turns to Lysander and pauses for a moment. When she sees that he's not slowing down she hurries to catch up.
"You are correct that staying would probably have only made things worse. You have you're fathers temper. And you are right that he needs to step up and take responsibility again... however in his current state little will sate his melancholy". She continues to rush to keep up with Lysander's long angry strides. "Perhaps it is best to cool down a bit, and visiting father Volkan usually accomplishes that. Are you going to wait on the magician, and the Cleric"?
She then falls back to walk with Mateo and Kaia. "Your friendship will be vital to helping Lysander. Prythor never accepted friendship, only people to pander to him... and you are right Kaia as well... but I might add that not even the gods know where the path will eventually lead... and we can only do our best... please keep that in mind when you feel frustration. We are not omnipotent".
When the conversation turns to slaying dragons, she only giggles under her breath as they journey onward.
Group with Prythor
As Lysander storms from the room Prythor peers after his departing form with a hint of sadness behind the more obvious frustration.
He then turns to address Aristiedes and Coronus. "The twice damned Order of Sydon has sent a missive to me. Their cursed leader in Estonia Kromwel insists that Anora, my cherished daughter be sacrificed to the Lord of Storms. If not they threaten that an army of Centaurs and Cyclopes will descend upon Estoria and slaughter all the people of the city. As I am bound by the Oath of Peace I cannot take up arms against the Titans until the oath ends. I feel helpless".
"They have demanded that she should be chained to the Rock of Estor amid the rushing waters of the Arkelon River, and left there overnight as an offering to Sydon. I would show you the missive, however I burned it to ash in anger".
He then tries to pour a tankard of wine, but the urn is empty, and he dashes it against the wall. He bellows before collapsing to sit upon a stack of cushions.
"Anora is braver than me. She'll do anything to protect the city. I had to lock her in the dungeons to prevent her from leaving the palace and fulfilling the demands. Must I choose between my city, and my daughter".
"But... aren't the Titans bound by the same Oath? I mean..." Aristeides tries to explain, truly curious about the strange situation, "they can't just ask for an unreasonable thing and attack you if they're Oathbound, can they?"
"Is Estonia Kromwel bound by the Oath?"
"Why can't you threaten him and the Order of Sydon? Declare war on them (not Sydon himself) if you see or hear of an army of centaurs and cyclops... threatening Estoria. I'm sure as God of War and Battle, you should be able to handle them pretty easily, no?"
Kaia doesn't react to the admonishment from Kyrah, she instead just finds a wall to lean up against while she waits for the others inside to finish.
Lysander nods. "Agreed. Seeing Volkan does seem sensible. You say your grandfather can be a tempering sort? I've no knowledge of Estoria to lead us to him. But I'd like to go now rather than tally and wait on the others. If we could find a messenger, we could let them know where to find us."
"Group with Prythor
"You do not see Sydon leading the battle do you. The oath keeps us from being directly involved... not from sending our minions. And their forces greatly overpower mine. Unless you've got a few Dragonlords hidden away somewhere. They are what turned the battle last time and led us to a truce... but they are no more. You've seen how divided the people are. If I do not meet the cults demands I lose not only my daughter, but perhaps the lives of many of my people. I'm not ready to forsake them. He then sighs in relief as a fresh urn of wine is delivered. "Unless you prophesied heroes can think of something".
"And while I'm sure if I broke the truce and involved myself directly I could take a good many with me...eventually they would outnumber me and I would fall as well".
Group with Kyrah
You could certainly find a messenger if you wished to leave now and wait for the others to join you.
"Why don't you give them a minute? Knowing Prythor he'll either pass out drunk or tire of their questions quickly.
NOTE: Unless you have other ideas, I'll advance to meeting Volkan.
"I agree with my friend here. Seeing Father Volkan would be wise and it would be best to arm ourselves as best as possible. We've only begun to piece together the situation here in the city; victory could come from any avenue." He clasps Lysander on the shoulder, giving him a reassuring smile. Listening to Kyrah, Mateo only nods softly. The Gods were never meant to be the providers of endless miracles, bringing their people unlimited kindness and prosperity. No one could do that. It would be up to them to save or damn this city, one way or another. "It sounds like they're nearly done in there. We'll wait for them and make our way to Volkan."
Aristeides nods while the God is talking. When he finishes, he scratches his head a bit.
"I see... it's a difficult situation, indeed it is. We will have to actually do something about it." He doesn't know what, but this si a matter to discuss with the others. Before leaving, there's one more thing to be done, though.
"Now, on the matter of Sydon's followerrs growing... You might want to stop giving them a good reason." The scholar crosses his arms as if he was scolding a small child. "Many of your people look up to you and what do they see? A man, a mere mortal, defeated and lost, sinking his defeat in wine. They don't see the powerful Pythor anymore. If battle arrives... no, when battle arrives, your soldiers and folks need to be inpired, and you need as many by your side as possible. If I were you, I would try to stop being the King of Cups and become once again the King of Swords, leaving my sadness for private."
He bows in respect, for he doesn't want to push too far with the reprimand, and asks permission to leave. If he wants the War God ready and proud again, he should start treating him as a Deity once more.
"Sydon has his Order. His tools to do his biding. Where are yours?"
"Where is the Order of Pythor? Who is the high priest of Pythor to tell your followers that you have a plan that is NOT to sulk in your wine, even if that plan is to defend until your last follower."
"You should give your followers hope, so they can give you faith." Centaur feels the end of this conversation. And politely retreats with the scholar.
"Group with Prythor
It's pretty obvious that Prythor is through talking with you, and that inciting his anger by continuing to lecture him is becoming more dangerous by the minute... however Coronus last comment does invoke one final comment. "After this meeting I too question where my order is. [b]"Perhaps you don't know...
The others are capable of slowing Lysander down enough to wait for Aristeides and Corouns... who quickly appear almost running from the door following an outburst from Prythor.
As you are leaving the palace you find a group of two soldiers dressed like the previous cult of Sydon soldiers you had encountered in the temple of the Oracle. They are talking and laughing, and enter a door on the opposite side of the palace from Prythor. Through the opening door you can see several others dressed in this uniform, though they seem to be officers of a higher rank milling about the room eating from silver platters, and drinking from Silver goblets. The door closes before you can make out any faces.
The group then lets Kyrah lead them to Volkan's Hall. As you approach the building you encounter a group of dust covered Dwarves heading into a place called "The Dragon's Tooth". Some of them appear to be old enough to have been alive for centuries, and the talk and laugh among themselves, ready to let off some steam from a long day's work somewhere.
Near the center of town is a large building with fortified stone walls and a shingle roof. A sign hangs from the building’s heavy, bronze-banded doors. It reads, Volkan’s Hall. Inside the hall, you are greeted by the warm glow of embers and blasts of hot air. The room is decorated with a variety of bronze armors, weapons, and farming tools. A weathered-looking dwarf works at an anvil near the blistering forge at the back of the hall. He wipes the sweat from his brow and greets you.
Kyrah! Daughter! Is that you... and you've brought friends".
On their way out, the centaur asks to the scholar, "We're his Order? What did he mean by that? We should ask Kyrah. Why would he claim us as His. I mean I serve Chiron, not Pythor. And what about Kyrah?"
================================
When they catch up to Kyrah, Coronos says, "Hey Kyrah. When I asked Pythor where his equivalent Order of Sydon was. He said we were His Order. Why would he claim all of us as his order? What about the other gods, like you?"
When asked by the centaur, Aristeides shrugs. "The Gods know many things we mortals don't. Perhaps he meant we were supposed to boost his power, just as Sydon's Order is doing for the old Titan. Prythor probably has a cult, but this cult seems to be totally powerless. In the past, he relied on the Dragonlords, and now he relies on us." He smiles. "But that's just a philosopher's talking, you know..."
Lysander hadn't considered what he expected his father's father, Volkan to look like. Whatever it was, a dwarf was nowhere near the top of the list.
Still, unlike the encounter with his sire which was filled with unopened baggage, the centurion was able to put away his ire from meeting Prythor, and takes a knee immediately in Volkan's presence, addressing him with all reverence.
"Hail, honored Pappous," he begins before Kyrah could introduce them. "I am Lysander. And Theia Kyrah has nothing but kind words for you, sir."
Mateo was curious to hear more from the others when they had finally joined up with them but it seemed that they had more questions themselves for the goddess of artistry and trickery. He would listen closely as they approached where Volkan dwell, the heat of the forges even being felt from this far away. Volkan's Hall appeared and a tightness of excitement gripped at Mateo's chest. How many gods and goddesses would he meet on his quest to survive? Even if he failed, it would at least be an interesting journey.
It was good to see his friend recover from the anger of his meeting with his father and when Lysander took a knee, Mateo would quickly follow suit behind him. He would raise his eyes to meet the dwarf, a shimmer of emotion behind them.
"Hail Volkan, I am Mateo Nikas. It is an honor to meet you." His voice wavers for a moment before he continues to speak. "Th-thank you. For the gifts." When he was still growing up within the Nikas household, loathed and watched constantly, he was deprived of his childhood. No toys, no friends, nothing to keep him company. Yet every Winter Solstice, a few simple but beautiful toys ended up in his room. There could only be one who would be so quiet to observe his notice and bring such kind gifts.
@Coronus>> "I'm pretty sure he was speaking about you being the chosen of the gods... not the leader of any personal cult. I'm not sure why you all keep trying to find someone else to fulfill your destiny for you. The Oracle might have been wrong for the first time ever".
@Aristeides>> "Well they did teach you something in that college. You are right. The Order of Sydon's influence helps all the Titans in the struggle, not just Sydon".
@Lysander>>: "Stand up my boy. No need to take a knee to me. I'm simply a humble...well maybe not so humble Blacksmith. My you have a lot of your father in your looks". The Dwarf steps closer placing some spectacles on before looking up at the Demi-God.
@Mateo>>: "Well met Mateo NIkas". He then turns his head at the mention of gifts then simply shrugs and continues with the introductions. "Please. Let's step into the courtyard where it is cooler. Where's that lazy Theo when I need him? Theo! Theo where are you. We have guests who require refreshment".
As if on que the front door opens to reveal a gangly teenager with a large bundle wrapped in his arms. "Here master Volkan. I'm sorry. Prythor summoned me to the castle to pick up a package to deliver here. I'll go get some wine now". He then looks around the room looking for somewhere to lay his burden. Volkan steps forward and takes it. There is a roughly scribbled note attached to it reading For my Son
Without a word Volkan hands the package over to Lysander. "Hmmm a gift from the gods. That won't have any strings attached".
To my Son Lysander
I know I am a disappointment to you, and to the people who worship me. I am tired and worried. Please accept this gift. It served me greatly, and I'm sure with a little help from your grandfather it will serve you... and the people of Thylea as well.
A small grin crosses Lysander's face. For just a moment, he sees that his harsh words to Prythor might have made a dent in the god's armor. "You are undoubtedly right, Pappous."
Without their familial connection, Lysander has to admit that he would like the dwarf before him. "My father's missive says that whatever is within will be something that would serve me well, with your help."
Lysander opens the package with some fervor. He is not used to presents.
Coronus shook his head at Kyrah's reply. So disappointing were these gods in person. No wonder that they were conquered by Sydon before the dragonlords arrived. They don't even have the imagination to match Sydon's tactics to get around the Oath of Peace. They don't just need a handful of Chosen of the Gods. They also need a whole Order of the Gods made up of regular people who's lives will be destroyed when Sydon gains the upper hand. How obvious is that?
The centaur then starts wondering about Chiron. The god of war who sired his race. Was he really a god? Was he Sydon himself, because most of centaurs follow him and his ways? While Coronus is meeting his third god in as many weeks, he wonders if it would be a good idea for him to meet Chiron. What happens if he is another drunken inept fool? Or, what if he is another charismatic inept fool? Maybe be should stop trying to find Chiron. Then, he won't be disappointed. Gods are supposed to be awe inspiring.
Coronus politely picks his way through the human and dwarf sized room avoiding crashing into anything. He approaches the third god and tries his luck. They say that the third time is the charm.
The centaur extends his hand in greeting to Volkan and says, "It is a genuine pleasure to meet you, sir. My name is Coronus, and I've a burning question in my heart. What can you tell me of Chiron, the god of war who sired the centaurs?"
Aristeides arrives last, and since Lysander is unwrapping something, he bows deeply to Volkan, eyes down, but says nothing to not break the drama of the moment.
Lysander is disappointed as the rusty warhammer with a loose head, rotted handle, and dented surface emerges from the cloth. It seems to be weighted very well, but would probably fall apart hitting a sponge. Volkan shakes his head and grumbles under his breath.
"Such a shame. This was once a mighty weapon carried into many heroic battles by the God of Battle himself. I myself have forged many mighty magical items with it and look at it now. I thought it lost to the ages. Maybe it should have been".
He looks down the handle, and scratches the patina of the head, tasting it for content. "Still, it has good bones. With a proper forge it could be reforged and made a worthy weapon again".
@Coronus>> "I know nothing of this god named Chrion, but I don't usually concern myself with that kind of thing. If I'd ever made him or her a weapon I'd remember... but I know little of the gods of the Centaur folk".
He then takes a moment, and walks around holding the hammer before turning to the gathered friends. "There is a place where many weapons including this one were forged many years ago. If we could strike the fires of The Mithril Forge once again, then I would be disposed to meet you there and re-forge this legendary weapon. The fires have been out for ages, and I fear unfriendly forces might inhabit it, but if the fires could be stoked once again, then weapons chould be forged again. Would you undertake this task"?
He then looks around the room as if searching for something. "Say weren't there more of you. Tales have it that there were also two females among your group, I see none but my daughter, and she is unable to act direcdtly".
Aristeides finally speaks. "Venerable Vulkan, father of the Gods. We were told by the Oracle that you would forge the Weapons of the Dragonlords at the Mithral Forge, once we recover then from Telamok." He lets the old man sink into it. "If we manage to retrieve them, would you be kind enough to do that for us?"
Coronus smiles and nods at the god.
Turning away his smile melts in disappointment. How do gods not know other gods? Three for three. No wait. He did not ask the drunk if he knew Chiron. So, two for two. But what's the likelihood that he knows? Maybe the drunk IS Chiron? What's worse? A disappointing drunk for a god, OR a megalomaniac titan who commands an army of centaurs?
He steps away from the gift giving and conversation wondering about his faith in an awful choice.
Mateo listens in quietly now as the others talk, watching each of them with careful observation. The god did bring up a point, Kaia was now gone and he could not place where she had went. Was she another victim of being kidnapped? Did she see something he did not?
He quietly let himself replay the events of just a little while ago as the others spoke to Volkan about the weapons of the Dragonlords.
@Aristeides>> "Why certainly I would. These old hands yearn to feel the power from the Mithral Forge again create weapons. But you have one of the Weapons here with you now. Clear the forge and I can start with the Hammer of Prythor. It's spilled much of the blood of Titansspawn in it's time". He then looks at Coronus "No offense".
"But enough about that. Why did you come to see me"?
Coronus looks up at the god's comment with only curiosity in his face and voice, no offense taken. "So, centaurs are Titanspawn? Not the progeny of Chiron, a God of War?"
Coronus looks up at the god's comment with only curiosity in his face and voice, no offense taken. "So, centaurs are Titanspawn? Not the progeny of Chiron, a God of War?"
"Well every one I've ever encountered has been a servant of Sydon, but anything's possible... I guess. Sorry I've never heard of your Chiron, but if you believe in him, and he gives your faith reward, I wouldn't over-worry".
Well, I bet you know about the sacrifice..." Aristeides starts. "We might need some help with that" he shrugs.
Novyn