The Coronation Arc Begins

“You will certainly not die if you eat the forbidden fruit,” the serpent said to Eve.

~Genesis 3:1-5.

***

Far off, a secret conference was under way in an undisclosed location. Selected individuals crowded a long table. Some faces were covered with hoods and masks, while others were shadowed. Regardless of the secrecy and covertness, the chatter was loud.

"What? We lost El Medalla? How could this happen?"

"Years of hard work and investments ruined? Shame!"

"What were the mercenaries doing? Did the Red Marauders give up?"

"Dagon has never failed us before! Does that dog's leash need to be tightened?"

"How dare the Prince of Petra launch a war against us? Who told him about El Medalla in the first place?"

"We must retaliate! We have no other alternative!"

A man sat at the head of the conference table, paying no attention to the rabble. He looked engaged in deep meditation or profound thought. Suddenly, he stirred, his eyes turning to the side.