Evalyce: Worldshaper Vol. 3 Empress of Wolves

The Praetorian Guard

Argoth, 10000 ft above the Aryth Ocean, Year of the Mythril Serpent, 2014 CE

    It was the Kujata who greeted the travelers once more and it was the Admiral himself who flagged the ship. Kalla had no doubt the strike fighters, circling at a greater distance than usual, had warned the flagship of their approach. Who else might be traveling with wyvern, after all?

    “This is Admiral Karlgraffsson, of the Imperial Flagship Kujata. The borders to Argoth are currently closed. Please bring your ship into the Kujata.”

    Kalla shook her head with a feeling of deja vu and wondered at the Admiral's formality.

    “Acknowledged,” she responded, replacing the radio as Aleister guided the ship into the same bay they had occupied before. He snugged it in place as the wyvern landed, hanging back by the hanger doors.  Kasai joined them. The hawk was tense and watchful, clearly considering this enemy territory and Kalla couldn't say she blamed him. An aide scurried up. His worried gaze took in the extra people, focusing on Vander's robes.

   “Greetings, Lady kyl'Solidor. Lord kyl'Solidor,” he said with a bow. He led them to the same great-room that Ventaal had seen them in on their previous visit. Once more the Admiral waited within and, as before, waited until the aide was gone before losing the formalities.

    “You've changed,” Ventaal said as he hugged her. “What's with the new look?”

    Kalla laughed. “That is a long story, Ventaal. A very, very long story. But tell me, what is going on? What news of Argoth?” she asked. The Admiral heaved a sigh.

    “That, too, is a long story. Shall we trade then?” he asked. He eyed the rings she and Aleister wore with a sly grin, as if he suspected what they were. “And who are your companions?”

    “Aahh, yes. Admiral Karlgraffsson, this is Vander kyl'Solidor and Magister Inaba Kasai.

   “Vander, meet the master of the Kujata, Admiral Ventaal Karlgraffsson. Ventaal also happens to be an old friend.”

    “I am honored, Admiral,” Vander said, inclining his head politely. Kasai echoed him, still tense and watchful.

    “The pleasure is all mine,” Ventaal said. “I welcome you both to my demesne, such as it is.”

    The Admiral invited them to sit at the great burnished oak table dominating the room, then called the aide back in and asked for refreshments to be brought. They passed the time until the aide returned in idle conversation. After he left, Kalla delved into her tale in earnest, telling Ventaal everything, beginning with her last trip to Argoth and ending with the group's stay in Dashmar. When she finished the Admiral ran a hand through his greying hair. Tired eyes the color of well-aged ale regarded her with an assessing look.

   “That's an awful lot to take in all at once,” he said after a time. “Hard to believe as well, though I can hardly deny that something has healed the land.

    “Shards, Kalla! Waking Divinity and Empress of Dashmar? What have you gotten yourself into? But if you've truly done all of that, then maybe there is hope for us yet. Sykes does indeed seem under some sort of otherworldly influence. He is not acting himself. Hence the formality. Entry into Argoth is still severely limited. Glad I am that you approached from Zinlin. I don't think the other Admirals would have been as accommodating, especially our nearest neighbors. The Admiral of the Barghast has become increasing surly of late. Kosten would have turned you away, magi or not.”