The room was heavy with anticipation as the high-ranking member of the Children of Eden took his place at the head of the table. The figure's face, as always, was concealed by a smooth, silver mask, reflecting the light from the grand fresco above. The leader's true identity had never been revealed, but their influence within the cult was unquestioned. Kaal sat in silent awe, his mind buzzing with curiosity about what news was about to be shared.
"Brothers and sisters," the masked figure began, their voice a smooth, resonant whisper that somehow filled the entire room, "the time we have long awaited is approaching. We have received valuable information from our sleeper agents within the ranks of Eden's army."
There was a collective murmur of excitement and anticipation around the table. The Children of Eden had been working for years to infiltrate key parts of Eden's military and political structures, but this was the first time in recent memory that news of such significance had been shared openly.
"The Supreme Leader," the masked figure continued, "is mobilizing entire battalions of elite Seeker soldiers. They are being sent to the remote northern kingdom of Westeros."
Kaal's heart skipped a beat. Westeros? It was a distant land, far removed from the power plays of Essos and Eden's growing trade empire. Why would the Supreme Leader send Eden's finest soldiers there? His mind raced with questions, but he remained silent, knowing that the full picture would be revealed in time.
"According to our agents," the leader went on, "the battalions are not merely conducting a mission. They are building a fortress on the remote island of Skagos."
A hushed ripple of astonishment moved through the cult members seated around the table. Skagos was a wild, isolated island in the North, notorious for its brutal winters and savage inhabitants. It was the last place anyone would expect Eden to focus its military might.
"How did they manage this?" one of the other members asked, a sharp-eyed woman sitting across from Kaal. "The Northern lords are not known for welcoming outsiders, especially not foreign armies."
The masked leader tilted their head slightly, as if smiling beneath the mask. "Ah, but that's where our agents have outdone themselves. The Supreme Leader's diplomats struck a deal with House Stark, the ruling family of the North. In exchange for a consistent supply of grain from Eden, the Starks have allowed our forces to construct a base on Skagos."
Kaal felt a surge of pride as the details sank in. Eden's power was expanding, its reach growing longer with each passing day. The Children of Eden had always believed that Mark Lantrun's vision for the city extended far beyond its borders, and this was proof. The Supreme Leader wasn't just content with Eden's perfection; he sought to shape the world beyond it.
Another cult member, an older man with graying hair, leaned forward, his eyes glinting with excitement. "What of the court of the king in the South? We heard rumors that diplomats have been sent there as well."
"Yes," the masked leader confirmed, "diplomats have been dispatched to the court of the drunken king in King's Landing. They carry with them tributes—lavish gifts meant to win the favor of the crown. However, despite our best efforts, we have been unable to infiltrate the ranks of those diplomats. The Supreme Leader has kept a tight hold on that mission."
Kaal tensed at the mention of their failure to infiltrate the diplomatic mission. It was rare for the Children of Eden to be outmaneuvered, but this was a reminder that even they were not infallible. The Supreme Leader's inner circle was notoriously difficult to penetrate, and the diplomats sent to Westeros had been handpicked for their loyalty.
"But fear not," the leader said, sensing the unease in the room. "While we have not managed to place our agents among the diplomats, we have successfully infiltrated the ranks of the Seeker battalions sent to the North. Our agents embedded within the army report that construction of the fortress on Skagos is proceeding rapidly. The fortress will serve as a key outpost for Eden's influence in Westeros."
The news was met with a chorus of approving murmurs. The Seeker battalions were Eden's most elite soldiers, trained to execute the Supreme Leader's will without question. Their presence in the North, under the protection of House Stark, was a clear sign that Eden was preparing for something much larger.
"This," the masked leader declared, "is the moment we have been waiting for. The Supreme Leader is finally moving, taking Eden's destiny into his own hands. And we, the Children of Eden, must do everything in our power to support this move. It is our duty to ensure that the world outside of Eden bends to our will."
Kaal felt a swell of fervor in his chest, his mind racing with possibilities. The cult had been waiting for this—waiting for the Supreme Leader to take decisive action beyond Eden's borders. Now, the time had come. Eden's military might was expanding, and the Children of Eden would be there to support it every step of the way.
Another cult member stood, their voice filled with reverence. "This is a sign from the gods. Mark Lantrun is truly divine, leading us toward our rightful place as rulers of this world."
"Hail Lantrun," someone else whispered, and the rest of the cult members echoed the words, their voices reverberating through the grand chamber.
"Hail Lantrun!" Kaal joined in, raising his hand in the customary salute. The room seemed to buzz with energy as the members of the Children of Eden chanted their devotion to the Supreme Leader, their faith unwavering.
The masked leader remained silent for a moment, allowing the fervor to build before speaking again. "Brothers and sisters, our role is clear. We must use our influence within Eden to ensure that the Supreme Leader's plans proceed without interference. This is the beginning of a new era, one in which Eden will finally take its rightful place as the guiding light of the world."
As the meeting continued, Kaal's mind raced with the implications of what he had just heard. The Children of Eden were about to become more powerful than ever, their influence spreading even beyond the borders of the city. And he, Kaal, was ready to play his part in that future.
The Supreme Leader's will was divine, and Kaal would stop at nothing to ensure that it was fulfilled. Eden's destiny was unfolding, and he was proud to be at the center of it.