Pythus paced in the throne room of Crown Peak. He had scarcely finished his breakfast when the news at Meridian reached his ears. They cannot afford to lose land, especially the capitals. If those pesky Ardoni take control of even one, then they can control the beacons, and then…
"Curse them all!" He slammed the shaft of his axe into the ground, sending fresh cracks jittering across the crumbling marble floor. "I will enslave every last one of them! How is it that our greatest forces are unable to quell this pathetic rebellion?!"
"With all due respect, Your Majesty," A tall and solid Netheran, with slanting brows and a square face, his markings glowing a crimson orange, spoke. He stood on the left side of the throne, opposite the Angel of Death.
"Our Nether forces are spread too thin. They cannot survive in this world." His muscles hid themselves as he bowed to his king.
"You are right, Skorch." Pythus thought for a minute. "Well, send them some reinforcements!" He yelled at the Angel. "And where is Ingressus?" He shouted at Skorch.
"The Deathsinger did not feel inclined to walk all the way down here… to the throne room." Skorch replied meekly. "He says you can come to, uh, him if needed."
Ingressus walked out of his room in Sulliman's mansion. As part of their deal, he has taken this residence instead of living with the Netherans in the palace. After going though his morning routines, he found Sulliman lying on a chair on his sundeck as usual.
"Sometimes when I sit here, I ask myself "what did it take to be so successful?" I have only one answer." Sulliman gloated as the Ardoni approached, "and that's to do whatever it takes, make any sacrifice. When people are calling you crazy you've just gotta show them otherwise."
Ingressus stood behind the human, wondering when, if ever, did he manage his business when he's lying here doing photosynthesis all day. Rolling his eyes over this ungrateful human, he spoke.
"I am glad you chose to give up the Prime Song, and it has certainly garnered you success. However, I would not take pride in your deed, Sulliman." He drew out his parchment. "Now, I have…"
"Ah, but that is exactly what I am talking about." Sulliman took a sip from his wine glass. "Pride, honor, respect, they're just words." He said without opening his eyes. "But this house, my wealth, and the fact that I'm the last human living freely in the kingdoms, that is something I treasure."
"Your success has saved you thus far, but be careful who you betray, Sulliman." Warned Ingressus gently. "Not everyone is as heartless as yourself."
"Now, returning to…" But Sulliman had already fallen asleep, snoring gently with a red hue on his face from the wine. Ingressus sighed. He put away his documents and returned to the over decorated living room.
"Ingressus!" Pythus pounded on the mansion door. "The Knights of Ardonia are attacking Meridian!"
"I know." The Ardoni drawled as he opened the door. "I heard your shouting from way up here."
Pythus turned even redder than usual, and he was almost scarlet to begin with. "Don't you mock me, Ingressus!" He boomed. "This concerns you as well!"
"What concerns me is that your forces, including a Wither, were unable to defend against a single band of rebels." The Ardoni countered calmly. "The resistance is growing in strength and yet you do nothing. I am hesitant to support a lost cause."
"The Knights of Ardonia and the Prime Songs were meant to be your responsibility!" Pythus thundered.
"Ah, but keeping control over the cities are yours." Ingressus replied. "So if the Knights of Ardonia are rebelling, should they not be your responsibility then?"
"I knew speaking with you was going to be a waste of time." Pythus turned away and started down the hill. "I'll deal with Meridian myself."
Tygren walked up. "With your permission, chief," He bowed to Ingressus, "I wish to join the fight at Meridian."
"For what purpose?"
"For another opportunity to strike at the Knights of Ardonia of course." Tygren replied. "I have yet to draw blood with that champion's sword." He drew Thalleous's diamond blade. "We can't allow the Nether to have all the fun, I'd like to kill a few of the leading Knights myself."
"Very well, you may join."
"Finally, a Voltaris with some sense." Pythus nodded approvingly. "Perhaps this one should become your chief instead of you, Ingressus."
In the plaza, they stood before the beacon. "Fly to Meridian and open the beacon conduit long enough for our forces to pass." He ordered the Angel of Death. "And you, Skorch, go to Feldon to oversee our defenses there."
"Of course, my king." Skorch bowed. The Angel flew off southward towards Meridian.
"And you, Voltaris," Pythus addressed Tygren, "Prepare to lead the Nether forces once the beacon opens. This nuisance of a rebellion ends now."