The guards return

Rising from the mists, surreal in creation, a wall peaks through the trees. Cresting the hyperion forest it flickers in and out of vision along the ridge. No matter how you approached, a mirage of magnificent forestry enveloped in the mists meets ones gaze. But underneath the projected imagery, a 40ft thick wall of Tremacite resided. A material so durable, the strongest earthquakes couldn’t destroy them. Three thousand miles in circumference, it houses the majority of the military might of the greatest civilization known to Samura. Farmlands, waterways, towns…all of them leading to the jeweled city; Trizanthia. The crowning achievement of the werewolf race, Trizanthia has remained hidden in these mountains for centuries. Within the palace grounds one being sits upon a gilded seat. Fur covered fingers coated in warm chocolate icing reach down for another piece of cake.

“Now that my guard has been released to assassinate the traitors, I will finally be seen as the proper choice for the next Emperor.”

In aggressive joy, pieces of partially devoured chocolate cake crumble down a tediously braided beard. Licking the remnants from his manicured claws, the hand flexes before gripping the golden ball on the chairs arm. Sitting, confident and mischievous, Carcin Nocvarro reveled in the absurdity of his plan. The Grand priest of Fenrir, he felt it was his right to rule upon the queens dismissal; something else he had been working on accomplishing.

“Sir, the guard have returned.”

Excited he motioned for them to be shown in, reaching for another piece of cake.

Upon entering they bowed before the captain stepped forward.

“Sir we are here to report on mission Epsilon.” Pausing the captain gulped. He could see Carcin’s excitement at what he thought would be a successful report. He also knew what happened when reports did not go the way he expected.

“Sir they escaped.”

A deep guttural growl began emanating from the Grand Priest. The guard continued his report, “We think they found a vessel…” A single paw raise silenced the room. Carcin, dusting his hands of cake crumbs, rose. Crossing the room he leaned so close his snout was right next to the Captain’s ear.

“How many noticed this…vessel?”

“I believe only those before you saw the actual vessel and their escape, sir.”

A sinister grin crept across Carcin’s muzzle. His fangs flashing in feigned acceptance.

“So you allowed not only your targets, but an item of possible significant religious and military importance just, get away. “

Strolling around the captain Carcin placed a hand on his shoulder.

“We must ensure we set a proper example for our soldiers…isn’t that right captain?” The captain nodded his agreement.

“We must make sure that each and every mission is carried out with success. That is how we became the nation we are today. If we had allowed those wretched Vamps to continue their reign of tyranny, where would we be?”

Grandiosely he waved towards a mural depicting the reclamation of these forests from the Vampire Nations.

“If we had not found ways to stave off the Orc invaders, we would not be the thriving country we are today.”

Again, he waved towards another to the many conquest murals across the temple walls.

“So, tell me again, how you not only failed your mission to assassinate the princess, but also found AND LOST…” his voice momentarily boomed in frustration before returning to its more deceitful tones, “…what could possibly have been a new vessel of the gods.”

The captain’s head dropped; he knew that coming back empty handed was just as dishonorable as abandoning the mission. He had hoped his track record would save him. Glancing at the grand priests claws and their proximity, that assumption may have failed him.

“But sir, I…”

Gripping his muzzle shut, Carcin stared daggers into his eyes.

“You will tell me exactly what you saw,” stopping he pointed towards the remaining 6 standing in attention behind the captain, “all of you will recount your experience.”

Returning to his seat, each guard in turn expounded on their experience.

Listening to each he sank deeper and deeper into his chair. Thoughts raced of which god it may have contained. Where they might have been transported. What they may be learning.

A few moments of silence passed before Carcin stood once again.

“Very well. I thank you all for your reports. But your services will no longer be required today.” In the blink of an eye he now stood at the exit of the room, nearly 20 feet away. Grabbing a small bell he rang it daintily.

“Primo. Please tidy this mess.”

From the shadows of the chair a rather large, hungry looking werewolf lurched. And as Carcin closed the door behind him, the heads of each guard fell.