Argor Constantine's page

As they walk, and Sophiel makes her request about trees, Argor replies ”An interesting request. I suspect you are interested in their acquisition for use of inter-plantary travel?” a smirk forming on his lips at the, in his mind, clever play on words. ”Unfortunately, Druidic magics are not something commonly sought for in the largest city in Avistan. Druids are typically not fond of spending much time here. As such, it can be difficult to find something that specific. I do maintain a greenhouse of exotic plants, but they are typically of the type for arcane reagents. Some divine works, as well.”

He looks to Sophiel and asks ”Correct me if I am wrong, but don’t most practitioners of Druidism usually use such a spell to jump from biome to biome, where tree species cohabitate, in order to cross such distances? A crude method of teleportation, requiring multiple castings, but a functional divine alternative. However, as to your initial request, I do have a small selection of seeds from fruit bearing trees around Avistan. Nothing overly exotic in nature, though exotic to individuals not from those regions.”

Argor smiles, a very practiced smile, and says ”If you are in need of resupply, then fortune, it would seem, continues to smile upon you! Come with me, and I shall lead you to my Sanctum. It is the foremost location in the city for spell casting paraphernalia, artifacts, and reagents. Located in the neighboring Wise District as well, so you won’t need to travel far.”

”And rest is important. I can see that you are suitably accommodated. Individuals willing to give up the sort of power you had at your disposal for the sake of the greater good deserve nothing less than a fine meal and a nice rest, at the very least. Once your business is settled, I will see to it that you are treated like royalty at the Golden Raven, free of charge.”

Argor’s eyes narrow as the adventurers try and haggle on the Vault assuming the cost of the magic at hand. ’Master Dwarf, I understand your position on this, but there are many other facets to take into consideration. The continued cost to properly store and secure an item of this magnitude, for one. Though, as I said, it is possible we can destroy it. Furthermore…”

Jostlin places a hand gently on Argor’s arm causing him to pause. ”They are right, Lord Constantine,” she says but turns a concerned eye your direction, ”But I am the most capable priestess in the Temple, and even I do not have the capability to behoove the Master of the Vault for direct intervention in the form of miracles.”

Argor raises an eyebrow and interjects ”Perhaps another arrangement can be made. Keeper, if I may?” as he gestures for the pair to have a private conversation. She nods and the two walk off to a side office.

Bor grumbles ”I can’t stand that man…”

After twenty minutes of talking, the two return. ”The Vice Primarch has offered to donate the diamond necessary for him to perform one of the spells to return the kobold’s vision after the gem is removed, if that is what we are doing?” she asks, looking to the Kobold chieftain.

Argor turns his eyes towards Sophiel for a bit, but soon enough he turns back towards the Ipmeek.

"ஓக்குலஸ் தாங்கி, நீங்கள் என்ன சொல்கிறீர்கள்? இவை அனைத்திற்கும் நீங்கள் அமைதியாக இருந்தீர்கள். அவள் உங்களுக்காக பேசுகிறாளா, அல்லது கையில் உள்ள விஷயத்தை நீங்கள் எடைபோட விரும்புகிறீர்களா?"

Argor smirks. ”As a matter of fact, I am capable of fulfilling wishes,” he says casually as he folds his arms across his chest. ”But, the reagents are expensive. Judging by the strength of the magic auras about you from your enchanted items, I have concerns as to your ability to acquire them…”

”Your deductions are sound, but incomplete. There are, in fact, at least four of these, one for each of the Four Horsemen of the Apocalypse. One has been destroyed. Another known to be located and secured. Another still missing. And now, this one,” he says as he steps closer. ”I theorize this one having been crafted by the Horseman of Death, Charon.”

He leans in close and looks straight into Ipmeek’s lone eye, narrowing his own as he makes his observations. After a long moment, he is seemingly satisfied and stands and turns to Jostlin. ”It is good you sent for me. Had this artifacts primary function not been expended, this gemstone could have easily eradicated nearly the entire city, had this kobold desired it.”

He turns back to you all and says ”Where you go from here, however, is quite a moral dilemma. The gemstone can be removed from his skull simply by mundane means. It will be painful, and leave him blind and scarred. Those can be remedied, of course, but will require powerful Magic’s to accomplish, as part of the items curse renders the vacated orbit no longer viable for normal means of healing one would normally be inclined to use to alleviate blindness, such as regeneration. It will require nothing short of a miracle or a wish to safely return a normal eye to the socket. Another to return both of his original eyes.”

He folds his arms behind his back and adds ”Then there is the matter of its destruction. A comparatively simple matter, the kobold could crush it with Bor’s hammer there, and it would be done, so long as it was done before his blindness was remedied.”

”However, I do believe it should be said that, so long as this kobold is not predisposed to the typical nature of its species, the gems more elaborate powers will not be able to function. It only works for those who are willing to commit malevolent deeds. While it does possess a limited and hateful intellect, it is not capable of communicating to or compelling it’s wearer in any way. But it will not function except for those willing to do such acts. So,” he paused and looks at Chief Sootscale, ”If you are able to be trusted that, for the rest of your days, you can refrain from such villainy, then the item is neutralized so long as it remains in your skull. But, should you perish or the item forcibly taken from you, then it has the potential to be used again to its full effect…”

Argor gives Sophiel a small part of his attention as she speaks, but his focus is quite clearly directed at Ipmeek’s eye.

”And what is your current working hypothesis as to the nature of this artifact?” he asks.

Uncertain if he had heard a lingering fragment of Cladissa’s psyche or his mind was working overtime, he sighed and turned to begin traversing the manor towards where he had led everyone to believe his private office resided.

Argor’s face also became a stoic mask, despite being in the presence of a furious goddess. He extended his arm and his staff floated to his hand. He looked her in the eyes and let out a breath before commenting ”Then this truly is goodbye, then.”

He turns and faces the fireplace once more. Without looking back he adds ”Just because you have ascended to divinity does not give you the ability to impose your will on a mortal. And the actions I took were in part on behalf of the people of this city-state. But you are correct, a large part of it was my friendship to you. And I do not regret those actions in the slightest.”

Argor tightens the belt of his robe himself as he answers ”The Raven dared attempt an assassination of me. He only succeeded in the destruction of a valuable asset and raising my ire. His punishment is a direct result of that action. As for Lord Carmoste, I have enacted no retribution against him in your name. I did, in action on behalf of the nation and people of Absalom, cease all trade with the nation of Galt due to their continued desire to maintain instability. If they can prove themselves stable and reliable, then those trade agreements can be reinvestigated.”

Argor sat up at the outburst in his mind. Seeing Cladissa across the room, fully clothed and a sudden demeanor directly opposed to what they had just shared, caused Argor to be quite aware of his own nakedness and with a wave of his hand his robes began flowing around him as he stood.

Uncertain as to what she was saying, he narrowed his eyes and asked ”Precisely to what transgression are you referring?”

Likewise, Argor loses himself in the moment, the passion, and her body. He focuses on nothing else as he uses both his body and his magics to make this moment as amazing for the both of them as possible.

Argor’s lips and hands continue to wander for several moments before he is arms slide behind Cladissa. He scoops her up with surprisingly little effort despite his small frame. He lays her down on the black fur rug beside the fire. His eyes lock with hers as his hands begin unlacing her dress.

”Good,” the usually verbose Argor pants as he leans into her more earnestly, pressing her back into the loveseat, his lips moving to her neck as his hands drift to her waist and ribs.

Argor closed his eyes with the kiss. He had long wished for this moment. But now it was like grasping at air. ”Perhaps once. But now we both seem to be ensnared by our destinies.”

He looks her in the eyes and brings a hand up gently to the side of her face, pulling her in for another kiss, this one more passionate than the last.

”It is fine. And you are not at fault,” Argor replies sadly. ”I long ago accepted my fate of solitude.”

Argor falls silent for a few minutes.

Argor shakes his head. ”No. I too have made regretful choices and sacrifices,” he replies as his mind drifts to consider his own choices he had made through life. ”So,” he adds with a coy smile ”are you saying that, had Fate not dictated otherwise, you’d have chosen differently?”

Argor looks at her before replying ”And what would you wish to talk about?”

If I wish it...

Argor turned and smiled a weak, defeated smile, and nodded. He sat in the loveseat by the fire, the same one he had sat many nights in beside Eleanir. ”I am going to miss having you around on this world. There are few in existence that I regard as an equal and peer. Even fewer that I would have to admit transcended my expectations.”

”Yes, that much is obvious. My inquiry was more in line with how long the deities would continue to allow you to directly manifest here during your ascension. There is very good reason why the gods act through messengers and intermediaries rather than appear on the Material Plane directly...” he replies.

His eyes now turned on the fire, Argor calls out somberly over his shoulder ”Can you tell how much longer you have?”

Argor turns his head slightly and nods. With a wave of his hand the various wards are dispelled.

Argor had moved to the small fireplace opposite the balcony. A wave of his hand as he approached ignited the flames into a comfortable roar. He stood there with his back to the balcony, hands resting on the back of the sitting chair next to the fire as his eyes watched the flames dance within the marble pit.

After all these years, it is official. You have lost her. You are destined to be alone.

Argor shakes his head ”The fault is not yours to bear. I spent millennia trying to convince myself of the best way to tell you, came up with 5,472,918 different scenarios, none of which I felt satisfied with. I should have...should have done so many things different,” he says as his eyes turn to the yard beneath his balcony. His eyes fall on Cai’nan and Arturro standing together watching the immense powers at play in the distance with awe in their eyes. Another wave of failure washes over Cladissa as he turns away from them to face her once more. ”I suppose if the Goddess of Failure needed a champion, I would be a decent candidate,” he says as he walks past her and into his private chambers.

Argor sighs and looks to the floor. ”Not so different from mortality, then...”

He sighs and turns away from her, looking toward the Ascendant Court and the changing structures as the new cathedral is manifested. Tell her, Argor. This is literally your last chance.

”I had hoped that we would be able to spend an eternity with one another. I just...I just didn’t expect it to be like this...”

Argor’s posture began to relax a bit.

If this was truly Auronee, she would have dispatched me by now. Perhaps this isn’t a trick...

Argor let out a sigh. ”So...a goddess then. I...I suppose this is goodbye?”

Argor raises a hand to shield his eyes from the aura that was blinding him. He curses under his breath and weaves a spell that disenchanted his own enhanced eyesight for the first time in...in he doesn’t know how long. His eyes blinked as they adjusted, the blue energy fading from them. When it had all finally faded, his eyes shifting to their unnatural golden color. He stands straight and blinks as he takes in the sight before him as the voice, her voice, speaks in his head.

”Let us assume I believe you. Tell me what happened. How are you here when you failed the test, murdered by her hand?”

Argor’s eyes remained narrowed, still uncertain given the powers at play. ”You realize, I am certain, how impossible it is for me to trust anything given the circumstances. I saw Cladissa’s name on the Shrine of Failed Testers, and given omnipotence you could very well be abusing my own mind against me.”

Argor turns towards the voice, his eyes narrowing at the sheer strength of auras around the form near him. Is this a trick? Auronee still relying on subterfuge given her newfound power?

”First you see to her death, then you lack the compassion or respect of a mortal by assuming her form?” he asks in reply, his tone cold and guarded.

Argor turned and watched as his rambunctious ward shattered the paltry shell that enclosed the Cathedral and entered the structure herself. He turned and continued on.

Her fate is her own then.

He returns to Verde Heights in silence, and as he passed his butler he stated ”Gather everyone of the staff into the rear courtyard. Have them there promptly in 4 minutes.”

At the allotted time, Argor made his way to the flowered garden and began weaving a powerful incantation. A moment later a shimmering portal appeared that depicted a serene small town with the ruined remains of what appeared to be a lighthouse in the background. ”Go. Take everyone through and find sanctuary in the small town of Sandpoint. It is out of the way and small enough that it may be overlooked for a time. If everything turns out to be alright, I shall return you to the manor promptly.”

Reginald approached and asked nervously ”My Lord, is everything alright?”

Argor grew frustrated with the delays. ”If it were, I wouldn’t be taking these measures. But hopefully things will work out in the end. Now go! No more delays!”

His staff, painfully slow in his mind, began filing through the portal. Once all were clear, he closed it and began the real work. He vanished in a flash, and an instant later he and about 2 dozen copies of himself appeared within the quiet walls of Verde Heights and began weaving wards and enchantments to protect the manor. Powerful symbols were transcribed in important passageways and doorways. Various structures were animated to life and remained vigil but still as potential ambushes. Golems were manifested and marched into areas large enough to house their bulk and give them room to engage.

Even Nightwing was prepared for combat. An enchantment was placed upon the black Pseudodragon to transform it into a Huge version of himself, and he was stationed at the rear courtyard as a guardian there. Enchantment after enchantment was placed on the manor before the collection of Arcanists vanished again...
__________
Demiplane:

Argor stood before 24 identical copies of himself. Their gear all was similar, but varied depending on the task they had been assigned.

Argor let out a breath and said ”If the worst is to come, then we have taken what measures we can to thwart it before it is too late. Our combined might may not be enough to thwart the power of an ascending deity, but if Auronee is in fact successful in her mission to become a god, we are likely the world’s only hope of preventing it from fully coming to fruition. You all have been given your instructed spell memorizations and instructions. You know the signal. Remain here until you see the signal,” as he points to a mirror on the wall that showed himself talking to them. ”It is attuned to me, and will show you my actions as if you were present, despite the timeless nature of this sanctuary.”

”Master,” Number 2 stated as it stepped forward, ”I still believe it should be one of us who risks initial contact.”

Argor shakes his head. ”As a growing Godling, Auronee will easily be able to see through the deception of your existences. The only hope is to catch her growing omnipotence off guard with the sudden appearance of so many of you while she is engaged with me.”
__________
Golarion, Verde Heights:

Argor emerged from his study and onto the balcony once more. The skies above the Cathedral had only grown in intensity, but he stood their vigilantly watching as he awaited the ultimate result...

Argor notes the activity at the shrine for failed souls. He turns and makes his way that direction, his staff clicking on the pavement with every step. But a mob if eager, curious citizens had already gathered.

He clenches his teeth at the insolence of the citizens around him hampering his advance. For a moment he considered turning the entire court to ash, but it was only a flicker of a previous life. Instead, he brings his staff up slightly before tapping it firmly against the ground, the sound resonating far louder than it reasonably should. The sudden boom garnered him the attention he needed for the crowd to part and let him and the Kailani girls through.

Once at the front, he took a deep breath and looked at the shrine, his eyes falling inevitably to the name he dreaded seeing on its surface.

He stared at it for a long moment before he turned and walked away, calling to the girls ”Come along, children. I need to see you to safety.”

Argor was watching the activity at the Starstone Cathedral from his balcony at his study when he watched Cole make his announcement to the Kailani wards. He narrowed his eyes and turned back to the manor and stepped inside.

He whisked away in a flash of light before reaching the hidden chamber containing a glowing portal. He stepped inside...
__________
...as Number 13 made his way through the manor that comprised the demiplane of his Master, he removed his various accoutrement and deposited them in their designated place alongside the several other identical copies of them. He then proceeded towards the central hub, passing by other simulacra busy at various tasks. One was weaving some enchantments over items in the process of being crafted. Another was performing some alchemy over a churning cauldron. A third seemed to be having an in-depth interrogation of what appeared to be a spear with a large dragon tooth as the spearhead.

He eventually made his way to the central hub of the enclave, where a massive dragon raised it’s head lazily to study his approach and an automaton lurched to life to be prepared if needed. Number 13 stated the elaborate pass phrase that was in a seemingly random assortment of languages, resulting in the guardians relaxing and allowing him to pass. As he entered the double doors into the private sanctum of his Master, he stood patiently at the side until Lord Constantine acknowledged his presence.

Argor appeared quite disheveled, his hair unbrushed, his face thick with stubble and untrimmed beard growth. He continued pouring over the various tomes and documents on his desk for another three or four hours before leaning back with a sigh and turning to Number 13. He studied him in frustration and finally said ’Speak.”

”Master. It would appear that two individuals are attempting the Trial of the Starstone,” Number 13 replied.

”Interesting. I was not aware that more than one subject could partake in the test simultaneously,”. Argor said as he leaned back.

”There is more,” Thirteen continued. ”One of the subjects is Lady Velorryan.”

Argor arched his eyebrows in confusion. That does not make sense. She does not seem the type to have any interest in divinity. He narrowed his eyes and said ”Elaborate.”

Thirteen nodded. ”Her familiar just arrived in the courtyard and stated that Cladissa was in danger and requested your presence.”

Argor did not flinch. He rested his chin against his steepled fingers as he thought on the situation at hand. ”Thank you for the report. Wait for me outside for instruction.”

Thirteen bowed and departed the chamber, closing the door behind him before taking up a post outside the doors as instructed. Roughly three weeks passed before the doors opened again. Argor made his way from his lair, dressed in his most potent magical effects and fully cleansed and shaved. He turned his eyes to Thirteen and said ”Remain here. Instruct the others to remain as well. I shall return shortly.”

He heads outside of the manor and steps through the portal...
___________
Argor steps back through window to his balcony that overlooked the Ascendant Court. He studied the churning skies seriously before looking down as he watched the Kailani girls dart away.

He turned back inside and conjured up Adrenia. ”So you are aware of this?” he asked.

”All the planes are aware. Tests of the Starstone are taken very seriously on the Outer Planes,” she replied.

”Then you know who it is inside,” he stated in reply.

”Yes. It is Auronee and Cladissa. It...it’s not good Argor,” Adrenia says somberly.

Argor sighs and nods in understanding. ”Come. We have work to do,” he says before stepping near her and tapping his staff on the floor before stating an incantation, and the pair vanish in a crimson flash of light.
__________
As Honey was beginning to weave her own incantation, a flash of crimson light erupts behind her. ”Do not waste your time with further magics to intercede,” he commanded, not even looking at the girls as his eyes focused on the Cathedral. He hovered there casually as he absorbed the information he was receiving on the auras at play. ”These magics are beyond anything a mortal can command. If you wish to be of use, join me on the city side of the chasm. We have other work to do.“

He then hovers across the chasm, Adrenia at his side, and lands on the paved stone courtyard before turning back to the Cathedral to watch in silence. Adrenia however remained vigilant and kept her eyes sweeping the crowd.

Not even an hour had passed since Cladissa departed Galt. Lord Daveren Carmoste sat behind the desk in what was once the throne room, reviewing documents left behind by the “Queen” alongside Citizen Alric when an attendant entered the chambers.

”Lord Carmoste,” the man said quietly, ”A Lord Argor Constantine, of Absalom, here to see you sir.”

”Who?” Daveren asked sincerely.

Alric grated at the name, but answered ”A mage from Absalom. One of “Her Highness’” former teammates.”

”Ah. Well then. Perhaps you should give us some privacy, Citizen Alric? But do not go too far?” Daveren added in reply.

”I shall take the side chambers out,” Alric said, turning to leer at the attendant until they departed before turning to Daveren and nodding before fading from sight.

A few moments later, Argor entered the chamber, his staff thumping stoically across the floor as he took in the man at the desk with a studious eye. Once a respectful distance away, he came to a halt and bowed politely. ”Lord Carmoste.”

Daveren neglected to rise. ”Yes?”

Argor’s eyes narrowed at the lack of decorum this man was showing him. ”My name is Lord Argor Constantine, High Councilman and Fourth Spell Lord of Absalom.”

Daveren folded his hands across the desk. ”And to what do I owe the honor of such an entitled guest?”

Argor folded his arms, letting his staff rest casually in the crook of his elbow. ”I have come to speak with you in regards to the transition of power here in Galt and the ramifications they may have abroad.”

Daveren smirks ”Concerned that another nation being ruled by the people may continue to spread, eventually reaching the City at the Center of the World?”

Argor chuckles, ”Not quite. However, certain insta-“

He is interrupted by a hand over his mouth and a dagger at his throat! Alric appears directly behind him and has a vengeful look in his eyes. ”We know where your loyalties lie, Mage! Your kind are no longer welcome here! And just so you know, I have waited a long time for this!” he says before thrusting the blade into Argor’s throat and sliding it forcefully across!

A wide eyed Argor slowly slumped to his knees, clutching at his throat, before falling forward. When he hits the floor, his body and crumbles around his clothes and personal effects into shards of ice and snow!

”What...what sorcery is this Alric?” Daveren asks anxiously.

Alric kneels down beside the “remains,” uncertain what just happened.

Suddenly, a flash of light appears in the corner of the room! Before either can react, Argor weaves a spell and Alric is transformed into a sloth! At Argor’s side is a fully armed and ready to strike Adrenia, glowering at the man at the desk.

Argor begins walking forward towards the sloth, remaining well out of its reach. ”Alric. How petty of you to bear a grudge for so long. Adrenia, take him in hand, if you would?”

Adrenia nods and steps over and restrains the sloth as Argor turns his attentions fully to Daveren, who is now stepping away from the wizard. ”Know this,” Argor says sternly, ”if I wanted you dead, there wouldn’t be a power on Golarion that could see it prevented. So do not waste our time calling for guards. I am here simply to inform you of the grave error you have committed. And I do not refer to the pathetic attempt to assassinate me.”

He stops on the opposite side of the desk and stands calmly, his hand tightly wrapped around his staff. ”The best hope for your people was to have faith in your Queen. Instead your meager, pathetic minds could not let go of your Revolutionary lifestyle. As such, I am here to inform you that all trade between Galt and Absalom is to cease henceforth, as dealings with unstable nations is a risk Absalom is not interested in undertaking at this time. That was the limit of the message my ward was here to deliver, but now...” Argor says as he looks over his shoulder at the lost simulacrum. He pauses and turns to look back at Daveren. ”for this slight against me personally, I am inclined to inform you that I will see to it that trade with your neighbors will prove far more difficult. I have established many trade alliances in my enterprises, and more than a few owe me hefty favors. I will be calling them in, and they will not be to the benefit of your rebellious people.”

He then steps calmly around the desk to stand directly in the man’s face before adding ”Know this. I have been watching the goings on in this nation very intently from afar. I have pondered longer on its fate than anyone living today. I know such concepts are lost on a simple mind such as yours, but know that you have cast out the one shining hope this nation had for stability and peace.”

He clenches his teeth and adds ”And, for breaking her heart, know this. Your days of peaceful rest are over. There shall never again be a night that you sleep without all the horrors of your deepest fears gnawing at your soul. Every time your eyes flutter closed from exhaustion, you will have to deal with the existential dread of your most horrific thoughts. And, I hope to all the gods that some of them are me. Because if you haven’t come to the realization yet, there isn’t a person on this realm you should fear more.”

He reaches over and holds out a hand. Alric’s dagger floats across the room and into his grasp as Argor never breaks eye contact with Daveren. He places the blade in his palm and makes a small cut, a thin line of blood appearing and trickling down the surface. ”And now you know that these words came from me, personally.”

He tucks the blade into his robe and steps over to Adrenia’s side. Alric the sloth takes a swipe at Argor, but Adrenia easily pulls him away. Argor turns back to Daveren and glares at him before teleporting away.
__________
One week later:

Argor sat quietly in his study, watching as his two daughters played with the new pet a Argor was keeping in the study. They took turns feeding worms to the lovely raven in the cage. A raven with blood red feathers.

Argor nods. ”Indeed, something dire has befallen them. I believe I must go and meet with the other members of the Sihedron Council. And promptly,” his eyes narrow and his jaw clenches before he adds ”I believe Cai’nan has elected to return to the wilds again, seeing as his chamber was empty and he was not at the ceremony. I do not believe he will be joining you on your return venture. If you would like, I can take you with me back as far as Magnimar. I assume you will want to be checking in with your families and learning of their conditions, yes?” he asks.

”There are plenty of places to secret oneself away in the First Keep,” he replies, ignoring her insult. He gives quiet verbal directions guiding the group through the massive structure until they reach a large but secluded sitting room.

He then appears, his face very serious. ”Based on what I heard as I approached, I take it some sort of contact was made to some of you, correct? What were you appraised in regards to the situation?”

”There is no need for that,” Argor’s disembodied voice speaks from behind Aurealia. Turning that direction does not reveal him, but a firm hand on the girls shoulder reinforces his presence nonetheless. ”Let us go somewhere more discreet to talk.”

Looking around, you see Argor talking to some delegates in the center of the room, seemingly unaware of the current conversation taking place among your group. ”Don’t mind them,” his voice says once again, ”I’ve put measures in place to allow me to maintain the illusion of a presence here while tending to this matter. Let us not waste time.”

As Cai’nan and Jaya leave the manor, arms locked, Argor watched from the balcony at his office. His facial features remained emotionless, but his knuckles were white from the grip he had on the railing in front of him. Nightfang cowered down at the senses emotion coming from his Master.

He utters a spell and suddenly a Ghaele azata appears at his side. He says sternly ”Follow them. Remain unseen. I want a full report.”

Bound to the conjurer, the outsider nods and vanished from sight...

Argor turns back to Kallie with a smile. ”I will make arrangements for you to all be in an adequate location for the ceremonies, as valued guests of my family.”

He then turns to Cai’nan and says ”Perhaps you should show your companions around. Let them feel comfortable, and find them suitable guest lodgings here in the manor. For your stay, Verde Heights is your home. Please make yourselves comfortable. I’m certain Bethania will be thrilled to have house guests, and Arturro will likely love to speak with you on what you’ve done and found. He is quite fond of hearing of adventure and the relics found while on them.”

He seems sincere.

Argor hardly seem to register Kallie’s comment, at least outwardly. His eyes remained focused on Jaya for the moment. After a brief uncomfortable silence, Argor stands and walks over to Jaya. Cai’nan reflexively takes a few steps closer to the woman in a protective manner.

Once before her, he reaches down and takes Jaya’s hand and gives it a gentle kiss on the back of it. ”Miss Farwynd, a pleasure to make your acquaintance.”

Argor turns his gaze to the silent woman of the group, studying her features a moment before replying ”I would be inclined to agree with your assessment, if either of those were facets I intended to use should I ever need to defend myself against or act out aggressively towards another of their ilk. Brute force is such a predictable tact that it is often easily thwarted. Also, I am the first to confess I have pride in my accomplishments, but they are backed by years of study, practice, planning, and layers of defenses so thick that even those closest to me can not comprehend their scope,” he concludes. ”My apologies, but I do not believe you have introduced yourself, Miss...?”

The wine is of a caliber none of you have ever experienced. It is likely well beyond the reach of any of your wallets, unless you were willing to spend nearly all of your liquid assets to simply acquire it.

Argor raises his glass at the rudimentary toast offered by his guest.

When Kallie mentions she is a wizard, the Spell Lord turns his head a bit inquisitively towards her. ”Truly? I must say I have not encountered many centaurian wizards before. What school of arcana do you consider your speciality?” he asks rhetorically. ”Judging by the aura’s and capabilities of that lash,” he says with a point of his glass at your whip on your belt, ”I would venture a theory that you consider yourself an enchanter?”

At Galatea’s mention of the Thassilonian’s, Argor waves the comment off with a dismissive gesture. ”The old Runelords fret me little. Two have already fallen, and a third is in hiding. If they were as skilled in the Arts as their legend would lead everyone to believe, then they’d have not every one been such failures at returning to the world in a timely fashion after Earthfall. The ones that have recently just begun to return...” Argor shrugs and says with a smirk ”have found their skill in the Arts quiet wanting in comparison to their modern counterparts.”

A middle aged man enters the room and bows. ”My Lord, pardon my intrusion. The High Priest of the Vault is here to see you regarding the wording of a contract.”

”Tell him I am occupied with guests, and that I will summon him at my earliest convenience,” the mage replied.

”Certainly, My Lord,” the footman answers before turning and stepping out once more.

Argor turns his head to his son. ”So. Cai’nan. I trust your presence here means you and your associates will remain in town long enough for the ceremony?”

Cai’nan shrugs and says ”I dunno. Maybe.”

Argor’s eyes narrow at the callous answer. ”I see,” he says before turning to the rest of you. ”Do you have other pressing matters requiring your attention?”

”Yes. That sounds like him. He always had a knack for finding his way into trouble,” Argor said with what, eerily, is a playful smile.

”Would any of you like some wine?” Argor asked as he held up a hand and signaled at the door, where a waiting butler entered carrying a chilled bottle of wine. The man began pouring glasses, handing one out to each of you before bringing one to Argor.

Argor paused at the door when she called out to him, turning his head to hear her request. He simply nodded slightly and offered back a weak smile. The look on his face revealed years of stress for a brief moment, before he turned and made his way out of the throne room.
__________
Meanwhile:

Cai’nan had remained alongside Lucius and Atraxis had continued meeting with dignitaries and ambassadors, Cai’nan taking care to stay at their side. He had watched somewhat jealously as Honey had ran off to play with some other children, but Lucius had made certain to keep him close.

A few more minutes passed, and as they mingled through the crowd, they had made their way outside into the open garden of the Palais. There, Cai’nan spotted a group of young boys sparring with toy weapons, and his eyes widened with excitement and desire to join them. He felt a nudge on his shoulder and looked up to see Atraxis smiling down at him. ”Go ahead, lad.”

Lucius turned to the guard captain and said ”Captain...won’t Lord Constantine be upset?”

Atraxis shrugged. ”Most likely,” he said as Cai’nan ran off to join in the fun. ”But the boy needs time to be a boy. Especially after his mother passed.”

Lucius countered ”Even so...you know how he feels about encouraging Cai’nan’s physical pursuits over his book studies.”

Atraxis paid the scholar no mind, watching the boy with a proud look in his eyes.

Cai’nan, for his part, took part in the play fighting with ease! He had often sparred in secret with Atraxis, the guard captain even showing him a few tricks with a wooden glaive sized for him. As Cai’nan approached, he had picked up a toy spear and waited to be invited in, which happened in short order. In this sort of game, there was always room for one more.

In short order, Cai’nan had proven himself quite skilled, and eventually bested even a couple boys a few years older than him! He turned around to see if Atraxis was watching with a beaming smile on his face.

...And saw his father, standing there glaring his blue eyes that seemed to burn right through the boy. Atraxis and Lucius were trying to placate the mage, but he clearly was not hearing their words.

”Gather Valos and our things, Captain, we are leaving. Now. Lucius...see if you can accomplish one task I ask of you this night, and go square our accounts with the Innkeep. Pay it in full. But we will be returning home, now.” he said quietly through clenched teeth.

His subordinates gave up their attempts to protest to the Spell Lord, and as they left, Atraxis gave Cai’nan a sympathetic look that was tempering his underlying fury.

”Cai’nan! Come!” Argor said as he turned and walked away from the coronation.

Cai’nan dropped his toy spear and followed along at his father’s side. He waited for his father to say something. Anything. But he simply walked in silence out of the palace and to a quiet street, where he waited for the others to arrive. Once collected, he immediately began working a spell and in a flash, they were all back within Verde Heights.

”Leave us. NOW!’ Argor said sternly, at which all those gathered began to disperse.

”Father...I’m sorry...” Cai’nan babbled.

”Do not lie to me, boy. You repeatedly disobeyed my instruction, clearly caring little for the educational opportunity that you were presented with! All to partake in childish pursuits!” Argor scolded the child loudly as they walked through the manor.

”I...I just...I saw the other boys...and they were allowed to play...I thought it was okay...” Cai’nan said back.

”Then you should not think! Clearly it is a weak point in your development!” Argor snapped back. ”From now on, I will not tolerate you spending any further time on your play sparring sessions with the Guard Captain. Your book studies will be doubled. You will not leave this manor until you have proven you have enough sense to act as is expected of someone born to your station!”

Cai’nan’s eyes were filled with tears as his father berated him, but he eventually stopped walking alongside him and stood still in the hall, his hands balled into tiny fists. He then said ”I wish it was you.”

”What was that?” Argor snapped back as he turned to face the child.

”I WISH IT WAS YOU THAT DIED!” Cai’nan shouted at him! ”You don’t care about me! Or Arturro! You only care about your books and your title! You never loved us! You never loved anybo-“

The slap of the back of his father’s hand ceased Cai’nan’s tirade and sent him tumbling to the ground! Argor floated above the child glowering down at him angrily. ”You will go to your room. Now. And come morning, you will remain there until Master Lucius comes for your lesson,” he said emotionlessly before he turned and floated off through the manor alone.

Cai’nan just looked at him from the marble floor.

I wish it was you.

They don’t have to be. We could escape for a day. A year. A century. And no one would be the wiser...

”It might be best if I allowed the other delegations time to pay their respects, Your Highness. Perhaps another time, when things have settled more for you here in your new nation,” Argor says with a small, practiced smile.

::The burdens of authority leave little room for informality, unfortunately.::

He bows and turns to take his leave.

”Perhaps that day will come sooner than later. I would consider it an honor to serve as host for your visit, should you deem to grant such an honor upon my House,” Argor replies.

::Neither of us were ever destined for simple lives. It is the burden those of us with the power to wield to lead and guide those incapable of such. But, we do not have to do it alone. We can delegate much of the lesser responsibilities to subordinates, and it seems like you are moving along that path with ease. You were born for this, Your Majesty.::

Argor stands motionless in the center of the empty throne room, clutching his staff firmly in his left hand. Though his mind was in turmoil, his posture and expression remained statuesque.

”Indeed, it is just the beginning. You will need to surround yourself with advisors and subordinates who will perform tasks on your behalf. Given the situation, it may not even be the most ideal of courts you can assemble. You might even have to put your trust in someone undeserving of it, if they are the best suited to the task at hand. You cannot do everything yourself, Your Highness. If you try, you will not survive, and in so doing, neither would Galt. Take a few days to settle into the enormity of the task at hand, and then begin appointing your court as best you can.”

Argor was about to actually point out a longstanding trade agreement he had uncovered in his studies between the city and the nation, but then Cladissa mentioned Eleanir’s passing. He immediately went from a posture that was JUST starting to relax to his normal, formal stance. ”She did, yes. And the children survived, both of them. Twin girls.”

When the time comes for the delegations to meet with the Queen in private, Argor turns to his retinue and says ”I shall return shortly.”

As he turns to walk away, he pauses and looks to Cai’nan and says pointedly ”Keep out of trouble.”
__________
There is a knock on the throne room door and an aide announces ”Lord Argor of House Constantine, High Councilman and Fourth Spell Lord of Absalom.”

Argor walks in and offers a deep bow to Cladissa.

You are alone. In the present and in life. Tell her.

”Your Majesty,” he begins as he approaches but stops a respectful and appropriate distance short of the throne. ”Absalom congratulates you on your resolution of the Revolution, and bringing peace to the land of Galt. The Primarch hopes that this could be the beginning of a glorious time in the region, and looks forward to establishing a strong working relationship with your newly restored nation.”