04 – The cult is rebranding

“Ambassador Archdrew,” mayor Orzo proclaimed, beaming at the man with hungry pride, “represents both the Punic League and the Puny cult.

⠀⠀Tell us, Ambassador, what can you offer us?”

“So first of all,” Archdrew began, standing up and taking a short staff in his hands that appeared from nowhere, “the Puny cult is rebranding.

⠀⠀The moniker ‘Puny cult’ was a nice pun on our weakness and our alleged” –Archdrew’s eyes narrowed– “Phoenic loyalty. It suited us when we were trying to inconspicuous. But now that we’re giving protection to numerous coastal cities including Genoa” –Farfal and Dolmades gasped– “we need a name that inspires confidence in our strength.”

“So what should we call you now?” Count Montefel chuckled,

“It’s not yet decided,” the ambassador replied, reaching for his cup to take a sip of wine. “We will choose our new name at the next synod. I’m sure you know how slow those things are” –No. No-one but Archdrew had any experience– “but I’ll consider it my responsibility to make sure that you don’t make anyone important cranky by referring to the ‘Puny cult’.”

“Could I suggest ‘the Dreamers’ or ‘Cult of Angels’?” asked Tessera softly, his eyes lighting up a little.

The ambassador’s head whipped round to face Tessera and his eyes narrowed. “I currently intend to honour the terms of parley,” he snapped, “but if you sabotage my meeting with these men I swear I will hunt you down.” That last half-sentence was filled with gravel and menace, almost a growl. Paul shivered.

Surprisingly, Tessera submitted. Few free men would accept such treatment without retort –even from a king– but Tessera fell back like a servant shrinking from his master. “Understood,” he breathed, his voice like a whisper in the wind. And his eyes became dull as olives as he retreated further into himself.