Meeting of Rulers

Any moment now, High Queen Hera thought to herself as she sat on the bed in her chambers. In the days following the incident with the Red Tower, she had worked tirelessly to arrange the rarest of gatherings. A meeting with all Abnormal Tribal leaders. I wonder, when was the last time such an event occurred? I believe it was when I was just a child, all those hundreds of winters ago.

She looked around her bedroom, a room fit for the queen she was. It was spacious, large enough to fit a cottage inside. It was made of the finest cobblestone in Ocrad; crimson curtains covered the three sets of stained windows depicting art of dragons reveling in their glory. Tapestries of various colors depicting previous Sintar rulers decorated the walls. To the left corner was a black writing desk made of solid oak. On it was leather-bound books, parchment, ink, and quills. A large fireplace was in the back of the room, the roaring fire heating the room.

An ivory door to the left of the fireplace led into Hera’s private bathhouse. In front of the fire were two plush red velvet chairs with a black solid oak end table beside them. Lining the walls were cabinets that held various bottles of expensive liquor and wardrobes. The plush bed was covered with fine silk sheets, warm crimson blankets, and plump white pillows. The stone floors were covered in crimson carpet. Two bookshelves with various texts were on both sides of the bed. A knock at the ivory bedroom door caused Hera to start for a second.

“ Enter,” she called, folding her hands in her lap. The door opened to reveal a short blonde haired maid; her head bowed so that her eyes were looking at the floor. For a lowly maid to look the Sintar High Queen in the eye was punishable by death.

“ Your Immortal Highnesses, may your reign last this era and the next. It is my honor to inform you the Lords and Ladies of the other tribes have arrived and await your presence.”

“ Are they being seen to?” Hera asked, rising to her feet.

“ Yes, my queen.”

“ Good. See that we are not disturbed,” Hera commanded as she walked towards the door. The maid hurried out of the way, head still bowed.

“ Will Lord Zeus be joining you as well?“ she dared to ask. Hera hesitated in the doorway and looked at her, eyes narrow. This maid isn’t forgetting her station, is she? Daring to ask me questions she need not know the answer to. Her left hand curled into a fist. It would be easy to conjure water hot enough to melt the maid. But that would be such a mess! A mess that would stain the carpet.

“ I’m afraid Lord Zeus is feeling under the weather,” she said in a tone that invited no further discussion. The maid backed away while bowing, deciding it would be best to make herself scarce. Hera left her room and began to walk down a hallway. As she walked past paintings of past glories of her people, she began to reflect on what had led her to this day. Lots of planning and even more planning when things had gone wrong. By the gods, l feel as if I had been scheming ever since I emerged from my egg to get to this day!

Torches lit her way as she reached a set of ivory doors. Two armored guards bowed at the waist as she walked by, pushing the doors open. When she stepped inside, she was greeted by the faces of her nine guests still at a round stone table in gray stone thrones. At the center was a brazier with a fire heating the room. A large bronze globe of the world was next to the table, nine blades weapons embedded in it.

Bulky braziers encompassing each of the ten soapstone columns lit up every part of the room and mantled the hall in warm yellows. Relatively modest chandeliers hung from the oblique ceiling danced in the flickering light while statues and carved images of great dragons of the past looked down upon the teak floor of this august hall.

A turquoise rug covered the stone floor matching the color of the rectangular banners that decorated the walls. Extensive, stained glass windows of intricate mosaics were enclosed by veils colored the same turquoise as the banners. The curtains had been adorned with intricate embroidery and decorated tips. Hera marched to the stone table in the middle of the room to the one empty throne, drawing the sword on her hip. Taking a moment to look each guest in the eye, she plunged the blade into the large bronze globe.

“ Lords and Ladies, I bid you welcome to my humble castle,” Hera said, her voice smooth as silk. “ At this time, I ask we each claim our respective tribe and title. As the hostess of this council, I shall begin.” She bowed at the waist to each guest. “ I am known as Zeta Hera of the Sintar- Iras village. High Queen of the Sintar Dragon Tribe. Hailing from the Sintar village of Iras, fourth eldest child of Zorvun and Sintar. Second mate of High King Zeus.” Hera sat down on the empty throne and watched as her guests followed her lead.

They were Empress Zelta Xing’cai of the Eterna Phoenix Tribe, Arch Sentinel Sigma Godiva of the Raithea Siren Tribe, Prime Chieftain Zelta Taragai of the Mazoga Orc Tribe, High Paladin Sigma Taog of the Syrink Griffin Tribe, Matriarch Zelta Kinashi of the Rudoka Kitsune Tribe, Sultan Sigma Ah-Pekku of the Azrez Naga Tribe, Over-Governor Sigma Theffanie of the Ivaura Hydra Tribe, Imperial Justicar Zelta Haurun of the Koame Anansi Tribe, and Jarl Sigma Ingulfrid of the Augar Giant Tribe.

Once introductions were out of the way, Hera stood up again, waiting for all eyes to be on her. “ I thank you for accepting my invitation to join me here today. It is a matter of the utmost importance.”

“ Isit now?” Came a gruff voice. It came from the one known as Prime Chieftain Zelta Taragi. He was not an old man; in fact, he had just reached his sixtieth winter. Young to be part of government, much less the leader of an entire Abnormal tribe. However, his appearance was far more aged than the rest of the tribal leaders. He was big and burly like all orcs. He had ash-gray skin, long black hair he had tied into a topknot. He had golden eyes with scars that stretched over both of them.

He had a rugged and unkempt beard that hid many scars that lined his wrinkled round face. Two weathered and beaten tusks, the only part from an Orc’s true form that carried to their mortal one, protruded from his lower jaw. For clothing, he wore solid bronze armor that gleamed in the light of the torches. Hera let out a disdainful sniff when she looked at it. You’d think he’d at least have the decency to wash and polish it! Honestly! What dignitary wears armor to a council?!

“ Honestly, when was th’ las time we ever bothered meetin’ ey? ‘Fore my lifetime, it was.” His accent made him sound like he was eating glass and rocks. It was all Hera could do not to give him a death glare. At least have the courtesy to speak properly!

“ Oh Taragi, do everyone a favor and speak like a man befitting your station, will you dear? You’re not at the Steppes anymore,” said the most elegant person at the gathering. She was tall and slender and had an air of gracefulness around her. Her long scarlet hair reached her shoulders; her piercing blue eyes had an amused light in them. Despite haven seen well over three thousand winters, there wasn’t a single wrinkle on her face, which made Hera seethe with envy.

The woman wore a scarlet gown unlike any Hera had seen before. It was covered in gold and gemstones of every variety. On her shoulders was a peacock plume that resembled peacock feathers. On her head was a silver crown. Just looking at her made Hers feel inadequate, which led to her despising the woman.

“ Never been one for airs and graces, Xing’Cai,” Taragi gruffed. “ And I don’ see a need for em. How one talks don’ matter. Rather the tongue of a miner than a serpent.”

“ Have a problem with serpents, do we?” Asked a man. He wore a black and silver silk robe with a hood and a veil. His Naga accent made every vowel he uttered sound like the letter A. The only notable characteristic could make out were his pale green eyes.

“ You knew what I meant, Ah- Pekku. Don’ be takin’ meanin’ from my words that don’ exist.”

“ Wouldn’t dream of it,” Ah-Pekku said, his voice smooth like velvet but held a slight twinge of malice. “ Just be more careful of your words, friend. I'd hate to act in a fit of rage due to an accidental slight of the tongue.” Taragi narrowed his eyes at the unspoken threat, but before he could say anything, the elegant woman spoke.

“ If you two would be so kind as to focus? We all have tribes to run, and I for one, don’t like to be away from my people for long. So, High Queen Hera, do be a dear and tell us why you have summoned us here.” Hera set her jaw at her tone. How dare she condescend to me! She forced a smile and addressed the gathering of leaders.

“ Once again, I thank you all for joining me here. However, I fear our assembly is not for good reasons. I have come across terrifying information.” She paused and looked each of her guests in the eyes before continuing. “ I’m afraid, the Ishtar wish to revive The Paragon.” Loud objections sounded from everyone at once.

“ Have they taken leave of their senses? Has the sun melted their brains?!” Asked a woman small in stature with olive-colored skin. Her orange eyes were widened in terror. On her face, with claw-like markings, She wore a white gown lined with gold. Her arms were adjourned with golden bracelets. Her Kitsune accent made her words have a song-like quality.

“ I do not know what they’re thinking, Kinashi. But I believe the Ishtar wish to use the complete control they’d have over the Paragon for three days and three nights to subjugate the entire world,” Hera said. Even more, shouts and objections filed the room. Every dignitary spoke at once, preventing anything from being heard. Kinashi shouted above the chatter for everyone to quiet down. After a few moments, she spoke again.

“ I do not need to inform any of you what this means for us. Our entire world faces ruin. We have no choice but to move against the Ishtar.” Uproar met her words, some in favor, some vehemently against.

“ Surely you jest Kinashi!” Ah-Pekku said. “ There is no way we could take on the Ishtar. Their military might is greater than any individual tribe! The only way we could factor is we all formed an alliance, and the only time the tribes have banned together is during the time of the Paragon.”

“ And would you have us do? Grovel at their feet? You honestly believe your people will be spared because you kiss the Ishtar’s backside?!”

“ Yes,” Ah-Pekku said calmly. “ Ever since my tribe became allied-“

“ Subservient,” Interrupted another of the tribal leaders. Ah-Pekku elected to ignore it and continued.

“ Ever since we became allied with the Ishtar, my people have wanted for nothing. For hundreds of winters, we have been content, a testament I know High Queen Hera can agree with.” The queen of the Sintar gave each member of the delegation a friendly smile when they looked at her, but inside she was angry. Does no one here know how to hold their tongue?!

“ While it is true the Ishtar and my people have had dealings in the last, I wouldn’t say we are allies,” Hera said soothingly. “ While I can’t deny being in their good graces has been advantageous for my people, I will not stand idly by and let the Ishtar destroy everything our respective tribes have worked so hard to achieve. And while we could temporarily unify, that would result in too many casualties. However, I have found a solution. As we all know, the Ishtar needs a Half-Breed to mantle into The Paragon. Which is why, friends, I urge all of you to eliminate all Half-Breeds in your tribes.” Silence met her words, all eyes on Hera unblinking. Hera has been expecting some outrage from a few leaders. Somehow that reaction would have been better.

“ I cannot accept that,” came a gruff voice sounding like a knife scraping stone. It came from a grizzled man. He had long silver spikey hair that reached the small of his back. His weathered brown skin was covered in scars and wrinkles. His pale blue eyes looked at Hera sharply. He wore a red and black breastplate with a black cape attached. He wore a pair of delicate white trousers and black leather boots.

“ Xetherbloods have just as right to life as any of us. I will not abide by their senseless slaughter when they already face bigotry from all of you.” Hera cleared her throat, trying to hide her annoyance.

“ I don’t think you understand High Paladin Taog-“

“ Forgive the interruption, but it is you who does not understand,” The griffin said. He looked around the assembly, eyes narrowed. “ The Xetherbloods have been subjected to endless torment by those who are supposed to be their comrades for centuries. They have endured what no one should be made to endure. And now you wish for us to punish them further. Why? Merely because they have human blood? How are they supposed to control who their parents are?”

“ No self-respecting Abnormal would ever mate with a human, let alone have offspring with them,” Ah-Pekku said.

“ Says the whore of the Ishtar,” Taog responded, giving him a look sharper than flint. Although his face was not visible, by the look in his eyes, Hera could tell Ah-Pekku hadn’t been fond of that remark. A whirlwind of light erupted around him as he stood.

“ Say that again,” Ah-Pekku threatened. Refusing to back down, Taog stood as well, a whirlwind of orange particles surrounding him. Hera blinked and stepped back. If these two fools fight, my plan will never succeed! I need to convince as many as I can!

“ Children, children, let’s play nice, shall we?” Xing’Cai said slowly, rising to her feet. Although her demeanor was friendly, an unmistakable threat hung in the air, causing both men to pause. Of all the Abnormal leaders, Xing’Cai was the most powerful, a fact none were ready to challenge. It was stated the Phoenix Empress had fought the dragon Caelus to a draw. In her thousands of winters as ruler of the Phoenixes, none had dared to attempt to overthrow her. Both men looked at her then back at each other before powering down and taking their seats.

Xing’Cai flashed Hera a slightly smug look that caused the dragon queen to not the inside of her cheek. Insufferable toad!

“ I can’ believe I’m about to say this,” Taragi said, looking at the Griffin leader. “ But I agree wit Taog.” Everyone looked at him in shock. The Orcs and Griffins had never agreed on anything before. Their rivalry went back tens of winters; both had made the other bleed many times.

“ Don’ get me wrong. I don’ like ya, and I don’ trust ya as far as I can throw ya Taog. And I look forward to the day I can run my blade through yer gullet. But,” Taragi had a look on his face as if he might be sick. “ Ye got a point. The Xetherbloods don’ deserve killin’.”

“ You’re both as dimwitted as you look,” Kinashi said, glaring at them. “ The Half-Breeds have their fingerprints in every war that has occurred in our lands since the beginning of time itself. They are the subject of our scorn because their forefathers' actions have earned them scorn. Nearly every villain in our history has been a Half-Breed. They hold the taint of The Paragon, all of them.”

“ I concur, Kinashi,” Xing’Cai said smoothly, causing audible gasping. The rivalry between the Orcs and Griffins was non-existent in comparison to the blood feud between the Phoenixes and Kitsunes. For centuries the two tribes had raged war after war against each other. The hatred was older than the rule of Xing’Cai, perhaps stretching back as far as the founder of their respective tribes, Rudoka and Eterna. Even Kinashi gaped at her.

“ Half-Breeds are quite detestable. Sooner or later, they all go bad,” Xing’Cai continued as if she had said nothing out of the ordinary. “ Of course, they can’t help it, the poor dears. It’s only in their nature to be troublesome pests. I dare say we should have gotten rid of them moons ago.”

“ My people have already been doing that,” Ah-Pekku, unmistakable pride in his voice. “ Our gods are fond of Half-Breed tributes; they reward us richly for each one we sacrifice.”

“ Still, we are talking about mass extermination here,” put in a voice that had not yet spoken. It was quiet and soft, her accent making her words sound like a tumbling brook. It came from a diminutive woman with pale white skin, long light blonde hair, and lavender eyes. Along her face with rainbow-colored fish scales. However, it was still alluring, as if her face were casting a spell, particularly to the males in the room.

She wore a long flowing white gown with white gloves that reached her elbows. On her forehead was a crown of seashells lined with gemstones.

“ Surely, there is a better way. I’d rather not have to kill mass amounts of my own kind of I can help it.”

“ Why, Arch Sentential Godiva. I must say I’m surprised to see you out of any of us defending the Xetherbloods,” Taog said, narrowing his eyes. “ You who treat yours with the most contempt and disdain of all tribes.”

“ Those under my rule come under no harm if I can help it!” Godiva hissed, her eyes flashing. “ Do any of you say I am unfit to rule? If so, let the challenge be known!”

“ I make no such accusation,” Taog said evenly. “ I was merely commenting how odd it was you are siding with Prime Chieftain Zelta Taragi and myself. Everybody knows the Xetherbloods from your tribes are exiled from society as soon as they can walk.”

“ They are taken care of! They-“

“ Taken care of?” A thick and harsh voice interrupted. It came from a lean yet burly woman fixing her with a glare. She had ebony skin, short black hair with three braids hanging at either side of her head. Her orange left eye was ablaze with anger. She wore a silver chainmail breastplate and a chain metal skirt with leather boots. A scar ran over her right eye, sealing it shut.

“ Taken care of?! I’ve seen the deplorable conditions you have your Xetherbloods live in. The term slum would be a compliment! ” Godiva stood to her feet, hate blazing in her eye as she stared at the woman.

“ Watch your tongue, Over-Governor Sigma Theffanie! I’ll not stand here and allow a hydra of all beings talk down to me and how I handle my affairs.” Godiva said Hydra as if she had tasted the foulest food in the world. Hera was both surprised and disappointed the two women hadn’t come to blows yet. The Sirens and Hydras had recently been at war for the last five winters with no end in sight. Godiva had slain the previous Over-Governor, Theffanie’s father, in the most recent battle.

Theffanie’s eye looked to where each leader had stabbed the globe with their weapons. After a moment, she did the unthinkable, lunging for her spear. Hera blinked; I’ll, what fun! She thought, forgetting her desire to keep the peace long enough to gain the others’ agreement. Her merriment was interrupted when Theffanie’s left hand was frozen to her sword handle by black ice.

“ Now, Theffanie. It would seem you not only inherited your father’s habit of causing trouble, but it would seem you also inherited that nasty temper of his.” A soft and melodic voice told her. Another woman, this one having long brown hair in a braid and yellow eyes, stood up. Her face was scrunched up in a seemingly permanent look of disdain. She looked as though she spent all her time looking down her nose at others.

She wore a dress of animal furs and brown leather boots. On her arms were runes that faintly flowed black. She didn’t look formidable in any way. In fact, Hera was sure she hadn’t done a hard day’s work in her life. Theffanie growled but lowered her head in submission.

“ Forgive me. I forgot myself,” she said. The black ice melted away, and Theffanie slowly pulled her hand away. She looked at the globe as if she would make another grab for her weapon but decided against it, returning to her seat. The woman looked around the assembly and spoke in a voice that said she thought herself superior to all.

“ I shouldn’t have to say this, but Half-Breeds are the most detestable sort. More trouble than they’re worth. We get rid of all other forms of disposable waste, do we not? Why should Half-Breeds be any exception?” A low chuckle sounded from the only one who hadn’t yet spoken. He was tall and lanky, wearing a turban and veil as well as a dark blue high collared armored robe as well as sandals. Like Ah-Pekku, the only part about him was his blood-red eyes.

“ Jarl Sigma Ingulfrid, have you forgotten your own children are Half-Breeds? If we all agree to this, they will face down the ax. Are you really willing to subject them to such pain?” The woman gave him a look that could curl milk fresh from the cow.

“ I don’t recall giving you permission to speak to me, Imperial Justicar Zelta Haurun,” she started, disdain heavy in her voice. “ But-“

“ And I wasn’t aware I needed your permission,” Haurun said, narrowing his red eyes at her. His accent made his voice crisp and rhythmic. “ Furthermore, I wasn’t finished speaking.”

“ Well, you can wait your time until I have finished!” Ingulfrid snapped. “ I had many more things I wish to discuss. Such as how I demand the rest of you give my tribe hunting rights in your lands! Furthermore-“

“ This isn’ the bloody time Tumble-Tower,” Taragi growled. “ We’re here for one issue, and frankly, we’ve been talking too bloody long ‘bout it.”

“ How dare you call me that you uncultured, mutant swine?!” Ingulfrid shrieked. “ The needs of my people outshine the reason for this ridiculous meeting! Therefore I will be presenting them now, and they will be met!” The other leaders leaped to their feet and loudly argued with Ingulfrid, vortexes of various elements exploding around them. The building began to shake violently, and debris began to fall from the ceiling.

“ ALL OF YOU WILL HOLD YOUR TONGUES!” Hera shouted at the top of her lungs. Everyone paused as they looked at the dragon queen, all pretense of hiding her frustration having gone. Hera took a few deep breaths to calm herself. Once she had, she spoke again, her voice quivering with the effort to speak evenly.

“ I say we conclude everything with a vote. I will call on each of you individually to decide. This will serve as your final chance to say what you feel needs to be said. Remember, our very futures rely on it. Jarl Sigma Ingulfrid, you may go first.” The Augar Giant leader smirked, and after a long speech about all the needs of her people, she voiced her vote in favor. Next was Haurun, who took several moments before speaking.

“ I cannot deny the points of those who spoke in favor of the Half-Breeds. It’s commendable, truly. While I will take no joy in spilling the blood of my own people, I would slay my own kin if it meant keeping my tribe safe. It doesn’t matter if it is my mate, my father, my mother, my siblings, or my own children. Nothing will prevent me from protecting my people. I vote in favor,” he said, looking each leader in the eye. “ I urge all of you to consider the consequences before you vote.”

Along with him, Godiva voted in favor, albeit reluctantly. Xing’Cai, Ah-Pekku, and Kinashi took little time in deliberating before voting in favor as well. Theffanie glared at them when it was her turn and slammed her fist on the table.

“ By the sun and moon, will you listen to yourselves?! You’re approving of a genocide! Think about what our descendants will say about us! We will go down in history as tyrants, who willingly sacrificed the lives of the very ones we swore to protect as our own children! There must be another way! I refuse to take part in this!” Taragi nodded his head in approval at her words.

“ You all know she’s right. I stand with her in votin not in favor. Taog. What say you?” The Griffin leader slowly nodded his head.

“ To commit such an act would be unforgivable, even for an Abnormal. I’m sure I’d never sleep again if I were to go through with it. I’ll be voting not in favor.”

“ Then that just leaves me,” Hera said.

“ Hold now!” Taragi growled. “ This isn’t a choice you can make alone. This is a choice for High King Zeus!”

“ I am acting on my mate’s behalf; therefore, I am permitted to make the choice,” Hera told him in a voice that invited no argument. She glared at the assembly of leaders, daring anyone to speak against her. When no one did, she continued.

“ My friends. I wouldn't dream of asking any of you to do something I wouldn’t be willing to do myself. Which is why all Half-Breeds in my tribe have already been eradicated.” A collective gasp came from the other leaders, a reaction Hera took great satisfaction in. She addressed the three leaders who had voted not in favor.

“ You are free to govern your tribes as you wish. But I urge you to reconsider. After all,” her voice became threatening. “ This is the future for all Abnormals we must think of. It would be a shame if the issue was pushed.”

“ Is that a threat, High Queen Hera?” Taog asked, narrowing his eyes. Hera shook her head.

“ Not a threat. Merely a precaution. A precaution I would treat with the utmost severity. For the sake of every member of your tribes.” She then bowed at the waist, a smile tugging at her lips. “ This council is adjourned. I bid you all farewell.”

Later that night, Hera stood in a crypt watching a man fight for life. Once, he has been handsome, with perfect white windswept hair and well-kept beard, and jovial gray eyes, the embodiment of healthy and lively. Now, he was frail and weak, more skeleton than man. The sickness he had been battling for moons was finally winning. Hera looked down at him, disgust clear on her face. She could feel his fear and agony as if it were her own.

Zeus. You always were a fool. Do not worry; you will not die in vain this night. For I shall be the leader you never could be. Hera carefully placed an empty bottle underneath her skirts and whirled on her heel, stalking out of the crypt. Due to the bond shared by Abnormal mates, she would know precisely when Zeus had died. Hera would then see to it that some troublesome noble was framed and executed for the crime of poisoning the king. Hera would play the part of a grieving mate who had been forced to assume the throne until the Sintar Dragon Tribe accepted her as their sovereign ruler.

Hera thought as she walked down a dark corridor of what would soon be her castle. High Queen Hera. Sovereign ruler of the Sintar Dragon Tribe. Future empress of all the sun and moon gaze upon. Truly, there has been no finer title ever bestowed.