“King Ver, what an unexpected surprise!”
The High General paraded up to the recently landed ship, a small legion of Rethan soldiers clearing the way for him and his subjects. Trailing behind the antlered leader were two servants, one wearing heavy golden chains.
“Ver, what brings you to the central city of the Rethavok?” Kenon demanded to know, his arms held wide in a vaguely welcoming manner. The rather basic ship slowly emptied, as the Vrekan King stepped out of it, flanked by the Myst, the most elite of all Vrekan soldiers. None of the Vrekans were extravagantly dressed, particularly not King Ver himself.
“Um… you invited me…” Ver straightened himself out, having not enjoyed the flight from his homelands. “You called me and immediately requested my presence, giving no further information. So I put everything to one side and came to meet you…”
“Oh yes, so I did!” Kenon seemed completely unfazed by Ver’s uneasiness. “Vaxavius informed me that there was a tradition that needed to be upheld and you wished to discuss it.”
A somewhat skinny but still threatening Rethan, one of the ones that had followed the High General out of the building, stepped to one side, appearing in view. The other Rethan, chained up and coated in red and gold armour, their few defining features barely visible, remained silently in place.
“Ah yes, Vaxavius, please tell Ver what you told me.”
Vaxavius cleared his throat. “King Ver, I wanted to remind you about the Leaders’ Gatherings that we… formerly used to plan around this time of the year.”
Ver smiled slightly. “Ah yes. I was only just beginning to make arrangements. Due to your… changes in leadership, I was waiting for the best time to ask. We do not wish to hassle you while you reorganize, so I was planning a new location to host the event.”
“Nonsense!” the High General clapped his hands, exclaiming loudly. “Of course we can host the event! That is what we always do, is it not, Vaxavius?”
Vaxavius nodded, pausing to glance back at Kenon’s other servant. “If you give us a few days to prepare, we can have everything arranged for the 7th. Not a traditional date, but close enough.”
“Exactly the same as previous years? Same venue, same places to stay, all of that?” Ver questioned.
The High General glanced down at Vaxavius. Vaxavius nodded calmly. While Kenon may not have been completely aware of external affairs and international discussions, Vaxavius had worked hard to at least give the idea that Rethan relations with other races were intact.
“As close to being exactly the same as I can manage. We will have it organized.”
“With some additional extravagance as well!” Kenon added. “After all, we have access to more resources now. We will all have a wonderful time.”
Ver crossed his arms. “And you will invite everyone?”
“Of course!” Kenon beamed.
“One last query…” Ver hesitated. He smiled somewhat cheekily. “While I am here, would it be possible to get some breakfast for myself and my loyal soldiers? It has been a long, unpleasant day and I think my soldiers deserve a treat.”
The High General threw a heavy arm around Ver. “Of course, my little friend! Come along now and we shall have a feast fit for a king!”
“Um, I am a king…” Ver muttered, then shrugged. “No worries. I get what you mean. I appreciate your generosity…”