It was always a mess for security whenever the leaders of the Maza races were invited to join in on Maza Circle meetings, but for a change, things had gone swimmingly. No complications, no messed up schedules, everything had gone as planned. A heat wave though meant that everyone was taking regular breaks. No one was enjoying the hot, sweaty weather.
On the observation deck, both High General and Vice General were discussing what had gone on. Despite the plans made in the last Maza Circle, there had been no progress, and it was clear some beings weren’t carrying their own weight.
“I really don’t think they will leave!” Elkay repeated for the third time. “They have nothing to gain from leaving apart from economic stress and uncertainty. Maybe you are just lacking faith in the Cassids?”
Photeianos tutted, rolling his eyes. “It doesn’t matter. There is an anti-Maza sentiment among the Cassids, like something has poisoned their air, even before that damned plague. They don’t care if it means economic ruin, they will strike out on their own if there is the will to.”
Behind the two generals, their Ksa listened on, while keeping notice of everything else that was going on around them.
“I get that they are in a passionate mood now, makes a change, but the Cassids are being passionate about all the wrong things. Their trade relies mostly on convenience, Cassids want what is easy while the rest of us are willing to rough things out. They leave and distance themselves, no one is usi- What are you doing?”
Elkay noticed that all the Ksa present had drawn their weapons. Their eyes were locked on the centre of the Hall of Cooperation.
“Sers, could you step away from the windows please?” Thitavee-En asked as he tugged at Photeianos’s arm. Elkay immediately moved to the back of the room, while Photeianos hesitated. He wanted to see what was going on.
Below them, Banikan guards had entered the Hall. They were encircling a strange creature that looked like no known local race. The being stood at about 3m tall, heavily armoured in black, blue, green and red, with large, square antlers sticking out of its head. It appeared to be armed with some sort of large crossbow.
“Where have all the Lanex gone?” Elkay heard one of his Ksa whispering behind him. They were right, all the Lanex who had been present had mysteriously vanished.
The Banikans below were all also armed, but their weapons were currently lowered. They knew not to threaten the being.
“Who are you, unusual being, and what is your reason for coming here?” the leader of the guards asked, trying his best to not sound menacing.
The creature looked at the Banikans. It seemed to smile.
“One moment. I must have all of your attentions.” There were many odd glances, but also a sigh of relief that the being understood Panglish. “Now I have them. I come with a message.”
“A threatening message?” one of the Bayvak, who had been hiding at the top of the hall, asked. “Or one of peace?”
“Neither!” The creature’s voice was booming, as if it was both speaking and firing its words into the minds of everyone present. “I come with a challenge. One of curiosity, not harm. I have little interest with your silly mortal antics, your wars of religion, your invasions and expansions, your rebellions, your economies, your plagues. I summon your Deitoktons, your Fighters of Truth, your Silverbloods, your Soultorn, your Dessaron. Your Mechanical Slayers of Gods. I summon them to challenge me, so I may test their strength and their courage. Do not fret, no harm will come to any of you. All I wish to do is learn from your kind. Tavrans. Sangens. Raptai. Anarkex. Retha. Humans. Send me your four blessed godkillers. Bring them here, to the place where I stand, and I shall test them. And if you do not… your kind will continue along the Cycle, forgotten and lost.”
The creature finished speaking and bowed. As it did so, it faded away, leaving a large, glowing purple portal.
Immediately, the room erupted into panicked discussions, many of which were somewhat angry that this new being had only acknowledged the existence of the Rethans, while others started shouting at what the other words meant. But up in the observation deck, there was an unexpected silence. Elkay and Photeianos looked at each other, neither of them knowing what to say.
“Well, Arkay’s gonna be pissed…” one of Elkay’s Ksa suddenly blurted, ruining the silence.
Photeianos sighed, knowing what had to be done. “Elkay, go get your little brother and bring him here. My Ksa and I will fetch the rest of the Dessaron.”