Snippet #935814

“Kethadria is enjoying a precedent time of peace and prosperity. Our people are happy and one of the most innovative virtuous empires in the world lingers just beneath our heels. We rule an empire with endless possibilities, an empire that the gods themselves wouldn’t dare trifle with. The sky weeps and bows to our prominence... and bellows a thunderous song at our enemies. The Symphony of life has never been in a more joyous state. However... the Myceneans threaten our way of life. The balance we have so ruthlessly fought for will be disrupted if we do not take immediate action. War is imminent. While our defenses stand impeccable, that does not keep dark clouds from gathering. I impose the 41st division, comprised of the largest fleet ever to be assembled. We cannot take chances. If we do not double up on our protection to the North, this will be just one more advantage the Myceneans will seize, exploiting our weaknesses at every turn. Our allies around the globe, I pray you will join me in this precaution... the waters in which my goddess so valiantly protects is the only thing that stands between us and them. They will not gain passage.” The room was engulfed in silence, and a cold eerie tinge was sent spiraling up the spines of everyone who sat so notoriously in their seats – now slouching a bit and losing an ounce of certainty in their king’s sanity. From highly ranked generals, admirals, to captains and simple members of the council, they all shared the same bewildered expression as they began to glance at one another. Even the warm steamy froth they bathed in was beginning to go cold, but just as all hope seemed to be lost, one of the admirals impulsively let a loud chuckle echo throughout the large hall. King Minos shared in the laughter, the jolly aging man trying to lighten the mood some – which the royal bath house had failed to do. He knew the diversionary maneuver was a radical decision, so he had invited the members of his cabinet and war council to the warm waters of his private chamber, trying to loosen them up and force them to budge.

The rest of the room still sharing looks of unease, they all wryly smiled at one another in order to join in on the fun – not wanting to be left out. All of them sufficing a mocking chortle, the room finally clamored down as one of the admirals began to break the ice. "Oh my king, you're never too light on the jokes. But really, why have you called us here? Surely there must be many more pressing matters than the Myceneans..." Unable to even finish the last trailing words, another chuckle escaped the man's lips before he could finish. "They are a primitive existence, a civilization of barbarians and pirates. They would stand no chance against our armada nonetheless the defenses that surround our waters. A small fraction of our forces could easy dismant-." Before he could finish, the king scolded the man, grimacing and rudely interrupting him. "This is not a suggestion admiral! It is a direct order from your king. I do not care what power the Myceneans possess. I will not let my kingdom be trampled by mindless beasts when I turn my back but for a second."

"I think what the admiral means is that it would be a waste to dispense our strongest fleet when they are better served guarding our borders. The Myceneans are no more a threat to us than your average street rat on the prowl. Our defenses alone are enough to fight off anyone that tries to land on our shores. You waste your words my king. I'd be more worried about treason and heresy than a senseless war." One of the generals spoke out in response, one of the very few to now question King Minos. Everyone else only shared faint murmurs, words not meant for prying ears. Reluctantly, at last, a high-up member of the council found his voice. "Sire, I'm inclined to agree. We do not need to be engaging in a war; especially one that offers no advantage but death and wide-swept fear. Myceneans have yet to attack us or even make an attempt, and if we set up such boundaries at their expense, it would make our allies and the rest of the world get suspicious at its intent. We are no tyrants and if anything, we need to gain trust not lose it. War is the least of our problems. What we should be focusing our attention on is Egypt. She is our most beloved ally but Ramses has unfortunately... been experiencing a decline in health. He is quite old and the gods only know how much he has left to offer. But to the point, he has yet to find a suitable heir. If we were to risk relations with Egypt, that could been catastrophe for our way of life."

"I suppose you are right... damn Ramses - getting old on me so soon. Where have the years gone... ? Even looking at myself in the mirror I'm sickened by how I'm cursed to see my face marred by such lines (wrinkles). Even though all of you present me with plausible claims, I will stand by my decision. The order is to be executed without delay. I expect MY armada to be shipped out at dawn... and admiral; I want you to lead it." His words following a smirk painted over his features, he winked pompously before going on about business. "I would like to meet with the ambassador for Egypt to talk terms of Ramses finding a reliable successor. The future of both of our empires hangs on a fine line not yet drawn to precision." Everyone only nodded and grunted in unison, agreeing with the - outrageous - whims of their king.

The sound of glasses clanging together and boasts being made, the doors swung open fiercely as King Minos' most loyal advisor briskly burst through. Narrowing eyes, the king found himself seeping out from the lukewarm water, his body bare as he eyed Zerek menacingly. "And what is the meaning of this intrusion Zerek? You know it is not proper nor your place to be here." King Minos said with some hostility to the tone of his voice. Usually he wouldn't mind so much, however due to the circumstances of the vital meeting he was hosting, he didn't want any unneeded distractions. "Please forgive me my lord..." The man stuttered, clearly drawn of breath and drained as he leaned against the wall, a hand clutching his chest as he tried to recollect himself and gain control over his lungs. "There is word from Simin. The temple has been set ablaze... the damage is currently minor but extinguishing the flames has proved to be difficult. Some sort of enchantment has made water literally useless. Simin is currently trying to take care of the problem as well as discover who is at fault." Snarling and spitting on the floor as a sign of distaste, King Minos pulled his robe off one of the nearby chairs - where it had been hanging. Slipping it on, he swiftly spun around to face Zerek again. "Gifted! Blessed by the gods? I don't think so. Should have had them slaughtered the moment they stepped from from the labyrinth. All they do is cause trouble. Didn't I put them in the hands of Simin to keep these sorts of things from happening?" Fire burning in the king's eyes, his fingers curled inward to form fists, containing his impatience.

"I want whoever is responsible found! Better yet, send the royal guard themselves spilling into the streets. We're not so much looking for a person, but a pair of eyes." It was obvious that a gifted was solely to blame, and wherever they were, their eyes were a key feature in separating them from the general population. "I shall make preparations presently. Do you wish for me to send word to Simin?" Stroking his beard and lost in his sea of thoughts, the king hummed softly, considering the course of action he was going to take. "Better yet, I wish to speak to Simin directly. Summon her and tell her not to keep me waiting. The person who caused such a commotion will be dealt with in time, but as far as I can tell, Simin should be equally implicated. Our friendship is the only thing that has stilled my tongue thus long. Besides, this dilemma is not the only thing I wish to discuss with her; so, I require solitude. No guards or servants are to attend. Have the throne room cleared before I arrive."

"As is your will my lord..." Zerek respectfully bowing, he turned his back to King Minos and was sent darting back the way he came, making his way to the main hall to make arrangements.