“I want ice cream.”
The demand was simple. The execution was not. The Thantophor hadn’t seen real sunlight in two weeks and was begging that someone take him to Palaestra to buy ice cream. And since he refused to shift from his Rethan-like form, that meant the Rethavok members of his collection of guards had to take him.
Of course, there was the worry that the Thantophor might run, or that this was some sort of trick. The Thantophor though insisted that all he wanted was ice cream. “I am too drunk to orientate myself,” was his argument. “I can’t even handle a door right now.”
It took time to organise. Somehow, someone decided the best way to make sure that the Thantophor didn’t run was to chain him to Elkay, while Retvik led the way and Tenuk held the rear.
Thankfully, they didn’t have to walk far. The Allmaker had given them all special keys that allowed them to open a door from the Thantophor’s realm of imprisonment to any door on Palaestra. That was how they ended up outside Icy Isseer’s Ice Creamery.
The four Rethans stepped in, all of them glad that the place was empty. Elkay dragged the Thantophor to a table while Retvik and Tenuk went up to order. Someone, a bulky black-skinned Rethan with silver-trimmed armour, stood at the counter. Immediately, he recognized Retvik and Retvik recognised him.
“So that is why the 270th were all stationed here…” Isseer grunted.
“General Rethais moved you all?”
“He did. Mentioned something about a heavenly duty.”
Retvik lowered his head. “Captain Isseer, it is good to see you.”
“Good to see you too, I guess. Is that General Elkay?” Isseer nodded behind him.
“Yes.”
“Also on heavenly duties?”
“From the Allmaker herself.”
Isseer grunted again, then nodded towards Tenuk. “Dessaron Tenuk, it is an honour to meet you in person.”
“It is… Good to meet you too…” Tenuk hesitated. “I hate to be brief, but we would like to order some ice cream and get going.”
“I want to stay for a little bit!” the yellow and black Rethan suddenly spoke up.
Isseer glanced at Retvik and Tenuk. “Who is that?”
“Our guard target?”
“He looks…” Isseer leaned forward, whispering cautiously. “Evil…”
“I am not evil!” the yellow Rethan shouted. “I am just doing my damn job! Yisini is the evil one, she’s the one who makes fucking parasites that blind babies and diseases that cause your skin to rot! Can I get like 20 scoops of ice cream please? One of every flavour.”
Elkay tutted quietly, feeling rather embarrassed.
“And some sweetberry ice cream for Elkay. It won’t fix his ruined life but what else can I do?”
Isseer stared at Retvik.
“Our yellow companion is the Thantophor. He is currently… drugged and being watched over by the Dessaron, the Aofor and… well, Elkay and three others.”
“The Dessaron AND the Army of Four? Is that…”
“The only thing stopping him is us.”
“How?”
“We are not sure.”
Isseer grunted then started on the Thantophor’s order. He glanced back at the others several times, then decided to stop glancing over as he caught the Thantophor chewing on a menu, only to have Elkay smack it out of his mouth.
“I assume the other nine are in town?” Retvik asked. “I apologise for the lack of communication.”
“The 270th is off anyway. We would not be talking even if you were present, General.” Isseer placed the massive order on the counter, which Tenuk then took to the Thantophor.
Immediately, the Thantophor started eating, shovelling spoonfuls into his overly-toothed mouth. He managed to finish all 20 scoops in about a minute, then got up, waltzed to the counter and summoned 1800 Evra from thin air. “Can I just have, like, all of today’s stock please?”
Isseer blinked. “Uh, of course, Ser…”
“Arkadin. My name is Arkadin. Is that enough?”
“You have overpaid by-“
“I have infinite money.” Arkadin realised the others were all eyeing him. “I don’t mean any harm. I’m not well right now and this makes me feel better. It wasn’t my fault.”
Isseer shrugged, then reached down, opening a freezer cabinet. He hauled up a large, metal box and slid it and a large spoon over to Arkadin.
“Enjoy, Ser. Let me know when you want the next one.”
Arkadin grinned as he sat back down “Thank you ever so much.”
“Do you want anything, General?” Isseer asked, turning to the others. ” Because I believe you might be here a while…”