I Am The Truth II

Chapter XLII: A Revolution At Home

Only a day later, and everyone was shocked to see the sharp u-turn. Hubris had been so adamant yesterday that many had imagined this would take a lot longer. The effect was so profound that even Thalleous was skeptical.

"Why the sudden change?" He asked, a frown upon his face. "Did you not say only yesterday that you would never set eyes on the Mobids?"

"I did," Hubris responded. "But she changed my mind."

For once, all eyes turned to Val. It felt strange knowing that everyone acknowledged her presence in the room. Thalleous eyes her suspiciously, his eyes scanning her.

"For your assurance," He began slowly. "The Masters will be there with us, so no armed personnel will try to detain any of us. The Mobids have surprisingly agreed to our request, having confirmed our meeting a week from today."

To that, Hubris and Val both looked at each other silently. Their only assurance now rested on the outcome of that meeting.

"Attention!" The doot called.

The door to the massive room slowly opened, the Masters leading the company inside. The tactical police units remained stationed outside, guarding several miles around the area in hidden locations. The only ones visibly not present were Val, Eryn, Abbigail and a few others, for girls still in their youth were strictly forbidden from such councils. Ria's involvement in the last meeting between the Knights and the Mobids had caused enough friction. Abbigail's company was also not present, for this meeting was strictly reserved for Ardoni. 

On the opposite end of the long stone table were dozens upon dozens of elderly Ardoni, all of whom stared down upon the surviving Knights with distaste. They were all standing, their hands clasped behind them. The leader of the Mobids, a Sendaris, stood at the very end of the table furthest away from the Knights. An ominous silence followed as both parties sized each other up, the Masters backing off to either side of the room. It was clear to all by now that they were afraid. Even Master Rubius Voltaris, who placed much trust in Ingressus, knew what these elderly Ardoni could do. After all, in a semi-theocracy of this size, the Mobids commanded just about everything.

The Knights and any others in their group had all been forced to leave any weapons, Songs, or other dangerous possessions back at Aurelius' cave to comply with the Mobids' conditions for meeting. There was no obvious way the Mobids could foresee their advantage being lost.

"Thalleous Sendaris," The elderly Sendaris finally greeted, his head bent downwards just enough that his gaze was even more ominous.

"Lord Taures," Thalleous responded. "Allow us to explain-"

"No, allow us to explain," Lord Taures interrupted. "In a manner I know you will understand."

He pointed to all of the gathered Knights.

"You asked for a meeting with us, and so you will commit to a meeting on our terms," He said. "First, you will not threaten any of us, be it in rage or deliberation. Second, no girls will be allowed to partake in what happens here-"

He briefly scanned the opposing party, making sure there were none.

"And finally, you speak when any of us have finished. Is that clear?"

Thalleous and the others looked among themselves.

"Or else I will most certainly hand you over to be arrested and extradited right now."

"We agree to your terms," Hubris said firmly, to Thalleous' surprise.

"Good."

Lord Taures leaned over the table, staring upon the stone surface for a few minutes as he processed what he would say.