Legend of Altair

Element 2 - Gossip

Windhof prides itself as the capital city of the kingdom as well as the center of the world. This colossal city is home to millions of people alongside numerous houses, structures, and several other political and business compounds. There is, however, only one that is well respected among the several buildings and monuments that exist - that is the Stoned Castle, the house of the king, nobles, and royalty. This most renowned alcazar is planted in the city's northernmost portion, elevated to a point where it overlooks the entire metropolis at its massive gates. 

Compared to the dome infrastructures of Surallah, much of the edifice roofs in Windhof are pointy and triangular - a belief that such a symbol can channel the powers of heaven and distribute it to the land.

Expensive, glorious, luxurious, and elegant are the decors, items, equipment, and materials that the castle is abundant and overflowing with. These goods and commodities are either made from superior craftsmen of various origins or are imported from various countries across the world. Only the throne, to where the Majesty is seated is considered most sacred above all. The seat of the king is centered, and the path that leads it requires several steps on a red high-priced carpet to be undertaken.

"Your Majesty", a young man clad in powerful armor kneels down on one knee facing the king whose figure is purposefully obstructed by a tall curtain from the ceiling to the ground. "I have come to deliver a report from the Basilica's Paladin Academy."

There is silence.

"Hurry up and utter the news at once, boy!" Seats in front of the curtain are taken by two old men dressed in white robes positioned horizontally apart from each other. Not much of their facial appearance is viewable, save for their utterly senile voice. "Get to the point."

"M-my sincerest apologies, Ministers." The man lowers his head and nervously coughs. "We, the Paladins of the Basilica have received a written report from the Nightcrawler's Western Academy that several children have allegedly been used as a sacrifice by an unknown cult group."

The Minister of the Left replies, "The Nightcrawler Academy? Is this one of their antics again? I do not trust such people for they are simply fabricators and perjurers of stories to get what they want, even endangering citizens. In addition to that, their criminality and villainy know no end. Such classes should and must never be trusted." 

"Indeed. What if this is another one of their trickery to steal money and vendibles from us?" The Minister of the Right added.

"But your excellencies, this time, the letter bears the authentic signature of Sultana..."

"Silence this instant! Sultana, you say? They should have known by now that the only sovereign of Altair, this world, is King Tristan!" The Minister of the Right complains. "By persisting on using such ancient titles, they should even be deemed rebels."

"Quiet!!" A majestic voice from behind the curtain roars, its tone echoing throughout the room catching everyone off-guard. "I want to hear more about these children sacrifices you speak of." 

The Paladin's eyes widen in utter shock and awe. "Y-yes, your Highness! According to the letter, it says that many children have been sacrificed and their corpses were proliferating and rotting in a basement of a neglected edifice near Surallah.

"The cultists are yet to be identified including their motives. However, there is an initial theory that they are planning on reviving The Adversary based on collected evidence."

"Nonsense!!" The Ministers gasps in total disbelief. "This ridiculous story has to end your Highness!" 

"Paladin!" The King continues talking from behind the curtain. "What is your belief regarding the fate of The Adversary?"