Kingdom of Hallos, City of Beswind, Present day.
The meeting room that they were to occupy during their negotiations was beyond what Sara had expected.
The room was set at the top of a very large tower. Glass windows and a glass ceiling surrounded them. Sunlight beamed in, bringing everything to life. A large circular table at the center, large chairs placed at almost every side.
Sara lost herself in the images painted into the glass. Small black figures that resembled bards with lutes, surrounding them were waves of music notes and birds. This was the moment that it all came to. This is where she would deliver justice to the guilty. It felt like a dream, hazy and sounds muffled. It was just as she pictured it in some of her dreams, but her dreams never went farther than this. Now it was up to her to fashion the ending.
"Introducing King Alvion, ruler of Hallos and the owner of the Sovereign Tower, the room in which you all occupy." The frail minister stood at King Alvion's side. "Please stand from your seats and give a bow to your host."
Sara obliged, as did the other members in the room.
The pudding king giggled at he tapped his belly. "You all honor me." He pulled on the minister's light violet robe. "Enough of me, do your duties and introduce the rest so we may begin." He grinned before taking a handful of nuts from a bowl in front of him and stuffing his mouth. The only member with food at the table.
Sara's eyes followed the minister as he walked behind the seat of each member.
"Now introducing, Prince Lanace Kainyst, Heir to the Ara'koh throne," said the minister, reading from an open scroll.
Lanace gave a slight bow and pulled on the drawstrings at his collar before showing his customary pompous smile. "Honored to be here."
All other members, including Sara, applauded, as was expected.
"Now introducing, King Ered, King of Loradel."
Sara clapped as she eyed her target. Surprisingly, the man was not what she had expected. He was frail and aged. His head invited the baldness that came with time. The hair he did have was light brown mixed with sections of white.
"You all honor me," he said in a low voice as he gave a quick wave.
This man was weak, it was displayed openly, it was no surprise why his nation's men run rampant. He was an old shepherd, watching over wolves rather than lambs.
The minister extended his hand to girl that stood beside Ered. "At his side, acting as temporary King's Shield, Rebecca Orvein, Knightess of Loradel's Demon-Hunt; Direwolf, rank Captain."
The girl had short ashen hair, and a small face. She appeared harmless. It was hard to believe such a small thing was to be his shield. She wouldn't be hard to kill if she ended up getting in the way.
Sara smiled inwardly. Such fragile things, it would be beyond easy to meet her goal.
"Honored to be here," said Rebecca. Her voice was soft, as expected.
Sara glanced over to the remaining unnamed men. Which of you is the vile dog that killed my people? Which of you would jump to aid Zuria in killing me? She was told by Alvion before the meeting that the man responsible would attend. That he was a commander of a Demon-Hunt unit as well; Direwolf.
The minister wet his lips. "Next I introduce General Taloz, The overseer of Loradel's northern border Demon-Hunt outpost."
General Taloz had a sizable gut that countered his otherwise threatening look. A black headband decorated his brow. "Greetings lords and ladies. You honor me."
Sara gave another counterfeit applaud, devoid of respect. These were the men they depended on for killing demons? It was no wonder why their kingdom stood on straw stilts.
"At his side is Commander Kyone Iska, leader of the Demon-Hunt unit; Iron Grail." The minister for once showed a modicum of emotion. His eyes widened a bit as he kept his distance from the immense kasaber, his height and mass could only be matched by Myn.
The silver-furred kasaber wore a deep black coat with bits of armor around his shoulders and knees. He bowed. "Thank you for allowing me here." His voice was deep, it sounded more like a growl than anything.
Sara looked to Myn. Perhaps that's how his voice would have sounded if not for…She shook the thought from her mind, it was time to focus, not reminisce. Her eyes landed on the last member. It was him, it had to be him. He was the one that murdered her men. He almost looked familiar. Young, brown hair, stiffened features, black armor. Details she had seen before.
"Lastly, I present Commander Xeto Alcazar, leader of the Demon-Hunt unit; Direwolf."
Sara kept her hands to her side as everyone applauded. Her palms grew warm as seeing him make her stomach roil. He wasn't even worthy of an ill-formed false ovation.
"I appreciate you all having me," his voice was stern, it carried a sense of irritation.
Sara did little to hide her discomfort towards him. She balled her fists. Xeto Alcazar. Coward. Murderer. Mongrel. Butcher. You son of a bitch, I've finally found you.