224 The Conclave

THE NEXT DAY IN THE MOUNTAIN BORDERS OF VIERME AND NETHER

The war have started inevitably. With the dark healer in motion by the borders of the Vierme and Nether, almost half of Vierme's fleet of sand soliders have succumbed to petrification from the wrath of the wraiths. It was a devious dirty strategy King Galen imposed to sweep the enemy. Impressed. King Galen find it cunningly cruel.

Before the crack of the dawn, Ottis was ordered by Stellan on his first mission as a knight of Hesam. Without complains, he was bound to meet the King of Vierme for a private conclave. Armed with faith, he snuck out through the borders and bravely headed to the palace of the sands with no escorts. He had traipsed his way on the vast lands of hot sand for almost two days until he reached the heart oasis of Vierme.

With only his eyes visible in a headdress covering his face, Ottis tried as much to blend in the crowd. He was told to find the royal castle, which acquires a golden tone as the sunlight hits its towers and walls that it almost look like gold. Being his first time in an arid land covered by sand, Ottis could just hiss on the immense heat that envelopes Vierme, wishing to go back in Nether quickly and alive in one piece.

Ottis knew the risks of accepting Stellan's command of duty. His mission is to deliver an important message to Vierme, with a possible cost that his life would be on the line if he accepts. With nothing to lose, he agreed.

The palm trees seemed to grow nicely amidst the sands, that its rich green foliage give life to the dull sandy colored flat roof and dome-like structures that make the capital city of Vierme. Unafraid with not only his blades but also his guts to cross beyond the enemy lines, Ottis finally arrived in the oasis of King Desmun. It was a feast in his eyes to see buxom ladies in provocative vibrant clothes waving by the arched windows. He called Atrius one lucky bastard, and stupid enough to abandon his seat as crown prince.

As he spot the King's dome castle, the arched iron doors wih decorative ornaments suddenly opened as if he was expected to arrive. Instantly, he was welcomed with curved blades held by men in white robes and linen head dress as he enter Alhambra, the fortress of King Desmun. Without flinching, Ottis squinted his eyes at the two sand soldiers holding him at the tip of their blades. Another man whistled a tune that made them lower their weapons. "Let him go, he's the King's guest", he was then ushered by the two men as they unsheathed back their swords.

The Alhambra is unbelievably cool inside, inspite the sweltering heat outside. Its sprightly interior is far more looking better than what it is outside with all the vivid and electric colors beyond imagination there is. He was led through a hall of golden twisted columns, as he carefully trudge on the shiny blue white checkered floor, with sun shaped circles. Just right past a fountain sitting in the middle of the room, Ottis was brought up on the long wide staircase built of unadorned clay. They passed by the hallway with series of large open-arched windows showing a generous view of the city. He then realized that all along, he has been spotted as soon as he entered the oasis.

As they go further, Ottis winced at the patterned ceiling shimmering with all the crystals that shone upon his eyes. He suddenly thought of Atrius, wondering if the ceiling is a little over the top for him too. They then entered a narrow hallway that opened to a large ornate bell-like room with several wide-open arched windows. The warm breeze blew in there that the sunny yellow and green silk drapes hanging all over flutter smoothly. The outbursts of the wind almost made Ottis weave as the strong scent of oud with a hint of opulent aroma of tobacco and honey seeped through the fabric that covers half of his face, stinging his nose. He didn't find it enjoyable, saving his every breath until the unique scent have subsided.

Suddenly, he felt chills as if there are eyes pinned on him. His eyes wandered, counting how many soldiers are lurking around. On his count, there were ten… which includes the ones guarding visibly right by the handpainted oriental walls, and the others hiding subtly almost in every corner of the vibrant carpetted room.

Ottis shifted his gaze, and focused on the middle-aged man in black silk robe with a touch of gold on the edges, sitting casually on the cushioned geometric lounge that circled the entire room. Surrounded with sultry four ladies in light colorful dresses and adorned with jewelries made of gold and precious stones, the man seemed to enjoy his luxury being fed with fine grapes and served with good wine.

Ottis was about to proceed forward as he descend a couple of steps, when a large man with dark skin and complete beard held him back with a pair of curved blades drawn in front of him. "la ya 'ahmaq!", his deep voice thundered, with a pained expression on his face. Ottis could tell that this man in dark brocade robe, and matching baggy trousers with thick mustard linen belt, has position of influence, seeing the greatness that exudes from his bearing and the gold swords the man just drew against his face.

The man on the lounge jolted as he wipe his mouth with his bare hand. "Is that him? The Paladin? Strange… I was expecting someone with greater physique and somewhat taller", he said. As he stood up, the lofty man was shrouded with simplicity. No crown, no jewels… just very fine clothes like Atrius.

"No, I am no paladin.", Ottis removed the cover on his face. "I am Ottis, a knight from Hesam . I bring you an important message".

"It's King Desmun, pay respects", the dark man's eyes was blazing as he stare down at the lone knight of Nether.