Of all the influential people in the world, it was those that sat around the shadowy chairs that dominated it. Their unknown influence struck the world as just their name alone is spread throughout. Everyone associates its name differently, and yet most don't question it. The thought that someone of great power was behind it never occurred to most. As to them, the church of the Hero, Fintan, was one that they loved and cherished. The church helped in many ways, even to those that didn't support the hero. The church would support small communities, gathering various funds to help them survive in the name of Fintan.
And yet, the ones that met up irregularly, would be considered the most dangerous in the world.
Gabriel was at the head of the table, he never dared to sit elsewhere, and people didn't dare to take his seat.
Sitting around were the others. Some were his followers, some were his friends and even some were his enemies.
But at the current moment, they all put their differences aside, as one member, young-faced Mata, had called a meeting.
One that included many faces Fishy would recognise, primarily Kane, a demi-human. Half-dog, half-human.
His rough face looked around at those beside him, his eyes shifting around as he panted quietly to himself, trying to sit still in the uncomfortable chairs.
And opposite him, was one fallen from royalty, yet still holding onto the throne, King Dean. Despite his situation, King Dean was still alive. Forced to be kept alive by Mata who controlled his every will. All the king had was his own thoughts, he couldn't scream to stop them, and he couldn't think of anything else.
"Are we going to start yet?" The puppet master that sat beside King Dean, Mata, said.
"Rusur isn't here," Gabriel spoke.
"Leave her… she's probably busy…"
"Very well," Gabriel rose from his chair, almost as if it was all too much for him and he didn't desire the stares from those around him.
All eyes were on him, waiting for his words.
His demands.
His orders.
And then he spoke…
"It appears there is a little city trying to oppose us."
He reached down beside him, pulling out a large map of the continent they rested on.
One large island green island trails off into a northern desert, wrapping around the east side. Whilst several islands of all shapes and sizes were dotted around. The map was marked with the most relevant information. But, it didn't show their current location, as this was a map for the main continent, not the forgotten ones.
"The city is situated to the west of Va, and also a short distance away from the Druids and Rynad," Gabriel said as he pointed to the lower half of the map. "It's size is nothing to boast about."
"And neither is its strength." Mata interrupted.
"You say that, but lost to one of them? Woof!" Kane barked.
"I didn't lose, she ran away. Which means, it was a win by default."
"And yet Vogef lives." Gabriel's words sent shiver's into King Dean's spine, even though there was little he could do.
"Don't worry, I'll deal with him and the city," Mata said as he kicked his feet up onto the table, looking over to Gabriel who was deep in thought, wondering what to do.
"No," He said, "We'll leave the city alone."
"What? Why?" Mata almost bit his lips in retaliation.
"Because we aren't ready to start a war," Gabriel announced. "You already went behind my back once, Mata, with the bombing and I won't have you do it again."
"But they deserved it!" Mata whinged like the child he looked like.
"There are certain politics to the matter. This city had grown a reputation, and if it was suddenly to be attacked by the church, it would damage us more than them."
"Because they don't affiliate themselves with us?" Kane asked.
"Yes. Their allies are the druids, who worship the celestials. And the country itself has no religion. We already have strange eyes on us from the Ira Crysla, if anything, they may be another ally to the city."
"So what do we do?" Mata asked as he sat back down in his chair, sinking lower.
"We wait." Gabriel said, "Currently, the city has made enemies with Tanba, but more importantly, the leaders and kings will all be meeting one another. And I hope he is smart enough to come along."