For the third time this month, Zeke found himself in front of that very same building on the second layer. The city hall was the same as always, its white walls as sturdy as ever. However, he barely recognized it today. A somber atmosphere blanketed the usually lively plaza, seemingly infecting everyone.
People were huddled together in small circles, their hushed whispers and nervous glances a clear indication of their unease. At the very edge of the plaza, Zeke found Lara and Albert doing the same. Though Lara appeared relaxed, Zeke knew her well enough to spot the small differences. Her eyes were sharp and alert, and her body was tense — she was clearly on edge as well.
Even after spotting him, Lara only flashed a small smile as a greeting. If she was this pressed, something was most definitely going on. Zeke swallowed dryly as he led his group to the entrance. He couldn't help but imagine for what nefarious reasons the empire might have requested his presence.
"Aren't we going to greet Ms. Sonnenstrahl and Mr. Thorsten?" David asked.
"I don't think they would appreciate the interruption right now," Zeke replied. "They have larger concerns at the moment. It is going to be their two countries that are affected most by whatever the empire does today."
David's brows furrowed. "This couldn't have come as a surprise for either of them. Surely, they were prepared for this eventuality."
"I'm sure they are. My reports suggested as much, after all," Zeke said. "But knowing that a punch is coming and getting hit in the face are two different things."
For Zeke, who had little to no contacts here, there was no point staying on the plaza. Their group entered through the open gate. As they traversed the entrance, they came face to face with another group waiting in line.
The gaudy robes and emblems were something Zeke had gotten used to seeing. Those were the Arkanheim colors. Despite knowing that they would be here, he was still taken aback when coming face to face with them so suddenly.
"Oh my, what do my eyes spy? Isn't that little Ezekiel," a young man at the very back of the group exclaimed. "We called, and you came running — just like the good little dog you are."
Zeke's eyes sharpened. He hadn't recognized him in his stupor, but the man grinning at him was actually somebody he recognized — Alexander Feuerkranz. The older boy had changed in the months since Zeke had last seen him. His shoulder had widened considerably, and he was starting to resemble his father more and more. Also, there was an additional layer of confidence in the way he carried himself.
White-hot anger pushed away the surprise and instantly cleared Zeke's mind. "Better watch those manners, Feuerkranz. You are far from home, and your father won't be able to save you here."
"…and your mentor won't be able to save you anywhere, little boy," Alexander retorted easily. "Truly disgraceful how far the mighty von Hohenheim house has fallen. Instead of Maximilian, the family now has you!" He turned to the four Grand Mages following behind Zeke. "You all should be ashamed of yourself, taking orders from a child — laughable!"
A menacing look emerged on the faces of his guards with David first among them. Zeke could almost feel the rising tension. The air seemed to be still, like the calm before a storm. However, just as fast as it had risen, it was dispelled in the next moment.
"That's quite enough out of you," a calm voice interrupted. "You are here to listen, observe, and learn, nothing more."
Zeke recognized that voice. He had heard it once before and his heart fluttered at the implication of hearing it now. He turned his head slightly and came face to face with Otto Geistreich — chancellor of the empire and Sophia's uncle and mentor.
[Notice.]
Sophia Geistreich is not among them.
Zeke couldn't quite tell if he was happy or not to learn this. But the one thing he undoubtedly felt was relief — relief that he wouldn't have to face her today. Still, a different part of him had yearned to meet her. He wanted to hear her side of the story, at least. She had been one of his closest friends ever since becoming a Mage.
"Mr. Geistreich," Zeke greeted with a slight nod. Despite everything, his mentor had always spoken highly of the man, and Zeke wouldn't antagonize such a figure without good cause. "I didn't expect to see you here."
"I can't say the same," Otto replied with a twinkle in his eyes, "I have called for you, after all. I just wished it was under different circumstances."
"May I ask what you want with me?"
Otto's gaze turned serious. "Not yet, but all will be clear after the meeting. You will have to make a choice."
Zeke nodded thoughtfully, this was probably all he would learn for now. "May I ask where Sophia is? She told me you would be her mentor for the coming year, but I don't see her anywhere." For a fraction of a heartbeat, he noticed a change in Otto's eyes, but it was gone instantly. Zeke couldn't quite place the look, but this was most definitely ominous.
When the man replied, his voice had that same regal, detached tone as before. "She was indisposed, unfortunately. Circumstances made it impossible for her to follow me this time."
There was nothing Zeke could learn from studying the man's expression. Otto Geistreich was a blank canvas, not giving even the smallest hint as to his real thoughts. The same could not be said about the person beside him though. Alexander had a derisive sneer on his face. He could barely hold himself back from revealing whatever Otto was hiding.
Zeke's heart clenched. This didn't bode well for Sophia. What had happened to her? Was this a punishment of some sort? Was it because she had lied to protect him?
"…I see," Zeke said slowly. "Please, let her know I am thinking about her. And that she should take care of herself."
Otto nodded, giving nothing away. "I am sure she will be pleased to hear it." In the next moment, his eyes flitted to something behind Zeke.
"Step away, Geistreich," a deep voice demanded. "I'll not have you influence the boy with your poisonous tongue and foul Magic."
"And who are you to demand anything of me, Bloodsword?" Otto replied. "Or to speak for Ezekiel, for that matter. His house is of Arkanheim, not Valor."
Tristan stepped up next to Zeke, getting right into Otto's face. "…Yet his father hails from Valor, which makes him one of mine."
A look of surprise crossed the chancellor's face as he glanced at Zeke for confirmation. "Is this true?"
"Apparently so," Zeke admitted, causing Tristan's grin to widen.
"This might complicate things somewhat," Otto mused out loud, his brows furrowing. "…no matter, we will speak later, Ezekiel. And you, Bloodsword, I hope to meet on the field of battle soon."
"I wish for the same, Geistreich," Tristan replied, a feral grin on his face.
Zeke didn't know if this was mere bravado on his part or if the Bloodsword patriarch was being serious. He didn't think Tristan would win in a fight between the two, but that didn't have to mean much. There had to be a reason he was called the Berserker, after all.
"Friends of yours?" a raspy voice inquired from Zeke's other side. He whirled around, not having noticed the other person getting this close. There, Zeke found a woman he had never seen before. Except for her voice, her appearance was wholly unremarkable. Yet, there was something strange about her, and something told him that he knew this person.
[Notice.]
A scan of this person's body has resulted in an 83.5% match. Most likely identity: Devlin Formweaver.
"Devlin?" Zeke asked.
"Oh my," the woman rasped. "How did you know?"
"Shouldn't have come with Tristan," Zeke lied.
"So it was just a guess, then?" Devlin asked, his eyes boring into Zeke's.
"What else could it be?" He tried to appear oblivious. He could kick himself for talking without thinking. Devlin was already suspicious of him ever since he had learned that Zeke had been the source of the report about the empire. "Are you guys alone? No Odyr or Randell today?"
"It's just us," Tristan said, unwittingly saving Zeke from Devlins penetrating stare. "But why are you here, Ezekiel? I don't think your family has any business attending this meeting."
"I don't know either," Zeke said, holding up his invitation. "But the empire demanded my presence."
Tristan and Devlin exchanged a meaningful look. "You better watch out for yourself, kid," the woman said. "If that snake from the Geistreich family asked for you, then it can't be anything good."
"That's what I figured as well," Zeke said with a grimace. "Any idea what this could be about?"
Tristan shrugged. "Who can say? Maybe they learned that you gave away empire secrets and just wanted to give you a warning — or, something more sinister. You can never tell with those damn Mind Mages… No offense, boy."
Zeke nodded. The fact that those two looked worried only served to make him even more nervous. Tristan patted him on the shoulder, already in the process of leaving. "We can't stay any longer, but maybe we'll get a bit more time to talk when this is over." With those words, the two disappeared around a corner, leaving Zeke and his group alone once more.
"No point in lingering here either, young lord. Let's just find our spots and get this whole affair behind us," David suggested.
Zeke agreed, and their small group, led by David, continued their way inside. It didn't take them long to find their spot. They were assigned five seats at the very back and he was glad for it. Zeke had no intention of standing out today and merely hoped to come out relatively unscathed of whatever the empire was planning.
However, his mind was occupied with thoughts of what might have happened to Sophia, as well as thoughts of killing Alexander in a slow and painful manner. Their promised duel was most likely not going to happen anymore, and Zeke would have to rely on other means to get his justice.
Over the next hour, the relevant parties started to trickle in and take their seats. Zeke saw many he recognized as well as some he did not. Tristan and Devlin were here to represent Valor; Lara and Arlon were representing Equinox; Aurelia and Albert from Invocatia. But there were other nations here as well.
A group of shrouded figures sat off to one side in complete silence. From the chatter around, Zeke gathered that those were the seers of Seraven. He wasn't surprised to see them. This entire event was held because of their mysterious prophecy, after all.
He also recognized Malik Raja, who he had briefly met during his auction. The man sat together with what seemed to be an older version of himself. His father, maybe? Both were dressed in the same ornate robe and turban Zeke had seen him wear last time as well. The two were most likely sent to represent the interests of Korrovan here today. Zeke noticed that most people avoided that group. The slave country apparently didn't have the best of reputation, even among their allies.
Another group Zeke recognized was the delegation from Cosmoa. He had spoken to their leader before. As a rich country focused on trade, he had hoped they would be interested in his Gondola. However, after only a short few words, Zeke learned that the space Mages considered Airships a poor way to travel.
Zeke noticed with slight surprise that the Elves, Dwarfs, and Demi-humans were completely absent. Apparently, the other races were not at all concerned with whatever the prophecy predicted. Also, many of the human nations had only sent token representatives, as Zeke gathered from the lack of strong Mages among them.
In Zeke's estimation, it was only Equinox, Invocatia, and Valor who had arrived in full force. No wonder they were worried. Even put together, those three could not rival the empire in size. The confident expression on Otto Geistreich's face told Zeke everything he needed to know about how this event was going to go.
Just as the bell chimed for the final time, one last person entered the room. The figure was covered from head to toe in black silk, and Zeke instantly recognized who this person represented. This was a representative of the king.
"Greetings, everyone," the newcomer said in the same distorted voice Zeke remembered from his auction. He actually couldn't be certain if this was the same person or not. "Now that we have all gathered, let's begin."