Terminus Part I: The Journey There (Draft)

Chapter 47: The Emerald City

 The group arrived at the entrance of the city, amazed that they had come this far. In front of them, a large emerald gate was guarded by a short man wearing glasses.

"The Empress has been expecting you. In the column to your left, you will find your green-tinted goggles. If you wish to enter the city, please put them on immediately," said the man.

The group complied, each fastening the goggles to their face and then waiting for the gates to open. Once they had all donned the required eyewear, the large structure before them began to shift. Through the newly opened gates they could see the entire city. The green tint of their goggles made everything shine green, to the point where it was impossible to tell what was actually green in the city, and what was not.

They followed instructions as they were led by a different short man wearing glasses. James thought it was odd, but did not say anything. The group continued walking until arriving in a large banquet hall, where they were instructed to sit.

As everyone sat at the table, a man made of tin and silver entered the room, hands outstretched to greet them.

"Greetings, Godspawn. I am the Minister of Compassion here in the Emerald City, and my name is Nicholas Copper. Some of my duties include advising the Empress on matters of the heart, keeping the peace among worlds, and being a goodwill ambassador of this great city," said the tin and silver man.

"Do you always introduce yourself like this?" asked Patricia.

"Only to esteemed guests such as yourselves, who may not be familiar with who I am."

"I'm familiar with you. I know about everyone here, in fact," said Bluebeard. "Of course, I've been here for a while."

"Ah, yes, the time-stopper. You have been quite elusive. It is great to finally have you here in the city, though. Let's hope you can be forthcoming."

"I don't have much of a choice, do I?"

Nicholas thought about it for a moment. "I guess you don't." He then realised the weight of his words. "Forgive me, it is not personal. The Empress... she gets what she wants."

Nicholas took a seat at the table, and it was at this time, James noticed that three seats at the front were empty. The tin and silver man clarified that the rest of the ministry would be here soon. The former silently wondered if all of the ministers would be as odd as the one he had just met.

He did not have to wait long to receive an answer to that thought, as a living scarecrow walked into the room.

"Salutations, good fellows. My name is Sinclair Crowe, and I am the Minister of Philosophy. My core duties involve strategy, business, teaching, and intelligence," said the scarecrow.

Almost as if he had been waiting for the scarecrow to finish, a lion leapt down from the ceiling and then stood upright. He outstretched his fore legs, laughing as if he were reuniting with old friends.

"Alright! My name is Cowherd Lee-Lyons, and sorry if I scared any of y'all, but that's just how I roll. Anyway, I'm the Minister of Defence, and my duties involve keeping this city safe. So don't go causing trouble now, ya here?" said the lion.

The three ministers were now seated, and the only empty seat was right at the head of the table.

"Let me guess... the Empress is coming?" asked James.

Cowherd began to ask James how he knew, but he also expected this question, and so interjected with his answer.

"Nicholas mentioned an Empress."