It had been mere weeks since the Hybonian prince had landed on Desmonia and while his training and war tactics advisory with Hawk had been going well he did not expect the sudden change and shifting of plans. At least not this soon in the excursion, I mean he had not even met the other two involved in the chosen triumvirate. He followed Cog and Noggin as they lead him to their destination, a place to which he was not yet privy.
The rounded a bin and opened two enormous double oaken doors. Inside, a small crowd gathered inside rooms chambers. The prince knew little of what was going on but he knew enough of the decorum of politics to stand silent unless you are called upon so that is what he did. Cog and Noggin led him to one of the rooms corners and there the three of them stood, resolute until called upon.
Kyjus entered the chambers a few minutes after the prince, although he knew not of the prince yet nor where he was stationed within the chambers. He did, however, recognize a few of the citizens gathered, there were a few council members including Council Leader Czelak, his Dwarven bodyguards Rallos and Baldor, and of course Princess Kelsee whom he admittedly was a little excited to see at this moment.
He followed Syrus over to the Council Leader who briefly smiled at him then pulled Syrus aside for a brief discussion. There was concern on Syrus' face that much Kyjus could see; he could not however make out any of the conversation try as he might.
"It's not polite to eavesdrop into other folks conversation you know", the princess said as she walked up behind Kyjus almost startling him.
"Uh well um I'm sorry but it looked like an important conversation and well I just really wanted to know what was going on", was Kyjus' response.
"Well, Ok I know why you did it, but the real question is, did you hear anything that was said", the princess asked?
"No sorry I was not able to …., hey wait a minute I thought you said that eavesdropping on others conversations was not polite. Now you want me to tell you what I eavesdropped."
"Well, I am not saying it's not necessary as sometime the situation calls for it. I think you need to loosen up," she said as she giggled.
The next part of what Kyjus said toward her was mostly incoherent something about meeting a kettle???? At any rate the princess thought it best to leave the matter lie.
With his conversation at end Syrus made his way back over to where he and the princess where standing. "Prince Skarnum has arrived, all of the chosen are in one place. We can now begin to prepare you for your quest for which you will soon embark. It will be glorious for that you can be sure," Syrus said with all of the fervor he could manage.
"Soon we will embark??? I had rather hoped for quite a bit more training Syrus. So far, I am adept at making food and water and I can levitate a little bit but my spell book is still empty and I can't very well throw the food and bread at the Dylonian's whilst I hover around now can I," Kyjus responded a tad louder than he had anticipated.
"Shhhh", both Syrus and the princess responded at the same time.
"Please keep your voice down", the princess said to Kyjus in a hushed tone. "I am sure there is a reason for our early departure, and I am sure Syrus will explain," she finished as she looked to Syrus for an answer.
"Well actually there is a very good reason for this and yes, I will update you as to the mission status but unfortunately….,"
"Let me guess it will have to wait," Kyjus finished for him. Syrus nodded.
"What is it with this universe and its sincere lack of communication, you would think I am trying to uncover some kind of governmental top secret or something", Kyjus said, drawing perplexed looks from both Syrus and Kelsee.
"Never mind", he said to deter their line of questioning.
As if by universal design, to cover up the now awkward silence between the three, the council leaders gavel wrapped upon her large desk at the end of the chamber room. The Council Leader Czelak stepped over to the pedestal and called for attention.
"Folks if we could quiet down for just a second, please I have a few things to say", she said as she gestured with her hands for everyone to remain silent.
As the crowd slowly began to quiet down, she continued speaking, "this has been a long and very trying couple of weeks or months depending on your involvement. And certainly, this is a very big deal that the entire chosen are now involved just as the prophecy foretold us they would, but I must say again that we still have a mammoth task ahead of us in the training of the chosen. Of course, some are more advanced than others in their training but to everyone's credit those chosen that have been here", she said as she nodded toward the princess and the young mage, "have being working very hard indeed."
"I guess what I am trying to say is keep this thought close to your heart and should you think of anything that will help the cause please mention it to either myself or Syrus. I would like to formerly welcome the three of you to Desmonia on behalf of the council, if the three of you could make your way to the podium it would be appreciated.
Kyjus followed the princess to the podium and watched silently as a large almost bull humanoid type creature moved with grace that bellied his size to stand on the other side of the princess. He presumed this was Prince Skarnum, he was definitely an intimidating being to look at. He could tell from the looks that he and the princess received that the sentiment was not returned.
The young mage turned from the Rock-hyb and turned his attention back toward the speaker. "Tomorrow we will hold a brief to discuss the strategies and plans for the chosen's future. Is this clear to everyone", the council leader asked.
With nods from the crowd, she turned to focus on the party that that stood proudly at the top of the stairs.
Kyjus watched admittedly somewhat more nervous than he had anticipated when he was instructed that he was to return to the council chambers today. Slowly the party emerged upon the platform of the stairs. Five creatures of small but solid build entered the council chambers. One had a scroll; this creature stopped in front of the council leader and read the scroll. Folks were no longer silent, and the creature was not speaking loudly so it was difficult to understand what was being said between the two. At the end the creature with the scroll bowed and entered returned to his fellow countrymen. They all stood perfectly still in a rounded arch. Two to the left and two to the right with a small gap in the middle. The middle left MouHyb then turned and nodded to something or someone that could not be seen from Kyjus' vantage point.
With that Syrus bent down to talk to Kyjus, "Hybonia is a somewhat a different sort of realm in that it has two distinct species of humanoids, vastly different yet bound by the same creator and thus are the same. The four that entered the platform first were created from the mountain region, they are highly intelligent and for this they are respected. They are commonly referred to as the MouHyb. They are almost as strong as an average human with skin that is quite a bit tougher, a formidable foe in hand-to-hand combat I assure you, although they enter this reluctantly preferring to negotiate and use their intellect whenever possible", Syrus asked of the young mage.
Kyjus listened intently.
Syrus continued, "The second species made by the creator descended from the flat or rocky regions of Hybonia, they are called RockHybs. These creatures typically are of low intelligence but are as strong as a small elephant or large oxen; their skin is as their name indicates is very tough indeed and capable of withstanding normal weaponry almost on its own. They are very large by human standards and as you may guess negotiate mostly by bullying or other less then diplomatic means. I will say that I have heard that the Prince is more like his mother in that for a rock-hyb he is more patient and understanding then most of his counterparts. I guess we shall see though".
As Syrus finished the very large creature opposite the princess, walked directly and purposely over to Council Leader Czelak. He bowed, they spoke briefly and then made his way back to where the Princess and Kyjus now stood.
Silently he stood now in front of them again it seemed as if he were measuring their character. Finally, he spoke, "so I am to be your protector it seems" he said drawing more than a few concerned looks from those standing in the chambers.
Both now had concerned looks for the situation, but Kyjus managed to speak. "We know not what part you play in this quest but only that you are one of the chosen, we welcome you to our chaos", he said bowing to the Prince.
With that the Prince began a deep bellied laugh. "So welcome to the chaos it is", the Prince retuned a bow to both Kyjus and the princess. Excusing himself, the council leader led him from the chamber room and down a secluded corridor toward with the appearance of heading in the general direction of his room.
The young prince could read or rather sense the concern in the council leaders demeanor, and he spoke to her, intending to put those issues to rest. "Relax Counselor Czelak, I am not my father. I am a bit spirited I will say that, but I understand that power is often from within. I do not feel that I am the only chosen of consequence but rather I am but a pawn to be used in this game. I will do my job as I must and will protect those two with my life. This you should know", the Prince said to the council leader when they were out of earshot of everyone else.
"I am glad to hear you say that", she responded.
"If I may," he continued. "What news did the MouHyb council bring to you? It must have been of great import as they would not have made this journey lightly, nor would the council agree to change the plans of the chosen so lightly."
"Regrettably young prince I may not divulge that information just yet but know this soon you will know of the information and the plan that accompanies it" was her reply.
He nodded his understanding and although hid did not like it he was quite smart for his age and his species; he had heard the stories of the Plutarian leader, and he knew full well he was not willing to be on the other side of that temper unless the cause was dire.
They continued with some light conversation until they were at the door to the princes apartment. The council leader dismissed herself and left, encouraging the prince to get some rest for she knew the days to come would be taxing.