Captain Liehold was uncomfortable, and it wasn’t only due to the tight fitting and stiff formal uniform he was wearing. When the dinner invitation came two weeks ago from Council member Sevril of the Divine Council, he knew it for what it really was. The Aristocracy often held large parties, platforms from which they could display their wealth and power to the city. Humans were often invited, but only the highest ranked officials or the prominently placed citizens were important enough. As a captain, Liehold was rarely invited to these gatherings and that was the way he preferred it. Nothing seems as distasteful to him then spending time in a building of opulent luxury and gossip with people whom he disliked. On any given day, Liehold would rather be in the front lines with his troops.

But upon seeing the invitation, Liehold knew that something was different about it. The host for it was none other than Sevril, the Head of the council of the Divine, part of the true aristocracy. It was unheard of such a proud and prominent member of society would create such an event, and even more unusual that LIehold was invited. Liehold was intelligent enough to understand that such an invitation was not a request.

The party was held at the personal residence of Councilman Sevril, but Liehold doubted that a better building could have been found to host the event. Sevril’s residence was a huge palace near the center of the city. High walls and decorated ceilings gave off the effect of incalculable wealth, along with the fusion of light and crystal that hung from the building like moss. Each of the different floors in the palace illustrated different settings of glory. The bottom floor depicted wind and air with art and gems and sculptures to illustrate it. The second floor was decorated in the form of water, and the third was of fire and heat. The top floor was decorated in gold and light representing the power of Kami and his majesty above all of his creation.

Liehold stood alone in the crowd on the main floor, in awe of the beauty of the palace despite himself. All around him men and women were talking and laughing, each wearing their fancy uniforms and dress with an ease and familiarity Liehold did not have. Unlike Liehold, they seemed impervious to the splendors of palace, with the exception of the food provided. Long silver cords hung down from the ceiling, falling almost to waist level and supporting the trays balancing with different assortments of food and drink on them. Liehold had never seen such set up for food delivery before, much less the type of food provided.

Liehold felt overwhelmed when he first entered the palace and he thought for a moment that perhaps he had entered the temple instead. He had wanted to run and hide from the glory, but he had resisted the urge with force of will. Now Liehold endured the riches and the company with a scowl. He scowled at the atmosphere around him, he scowled at his own weakness, and he scowled at the drink he was holding. It was a red fruity drink he could not identify that left a pleasantly sweet aftertaste in his mouth. Despite his thirst, he could not help feeling that if he gave in and took a sip, he would be condoning this event.

Looking around again, Liehold beheld the lavish splendor of the room. Once he got over the blinding awesomeness of it, he was able to discern some of the details. There were precious gems and marble pillars majestically holding the roof up, there were dignified staircases connecting the levels to each other. There were lights and colors that astounded and attracted the eyes. But of all the wondrous decorations, Liehold knew the most impressive aspect of the room was the food and drinks available. The varied and fine dishes that were available displayed the favor that the host had with Kami.

Liehold looked at his drink again and then finished it with a quick gulp. He tried to savor the taste, but it was too rich for him. He wished again that night, that he was at his post.

Suddenly, a short and squat figure appeared before him and brought him in for a hug. “Liehold!” Captain Grisly exclaimed. “It is so good to see you! It has been months since we had last met!”

“A couple of years, to be precise.” Liehold responded doufully. He pushed away from Captain Grisly as if he was coated in filth.

Grisly did not lose a beat, “Either way it has been far too long, there is so much that has changed here since you took deployment on the front lines!” Grisly was merry and blossoming with energy, holding a drink in one hand and a plate of food in the other. Liehold wondered briefly how he was able to eat like that.

“It seems everything has changed.” Liehold responded, actually thinking that everything looked the same.

“Oh, you would not believe how much has happened around here. Why I was telling General-Commander Kielly just minutes ago about the recent happenings around here and he was most interested. Did you know what Captain Sceen accomplished last quarter? Truly remarkable it was, she was able to house a special event…”

Liehold did not hear what exactly Captain Sceen had done; he stopped listening to the silly and sweaty man before him, and wondered why he was being punished like this. People like Grisly had always annoyed him, the officers who took cozy domestic positions that required little effort. Like Grisly, those officers soon became entangled within the web of gossip and intrigue within the aristocracy. Some men like Grisly thrived off of it, others did not. Liehold had avoided domestic positions as much as he could.

Captain Grisly’s voice came into understanding again when the man grabbed Liehold’s shoulder in a friendly manner. The drink he had in it earlier was gone and he was saying, “And he didn’t think that the man was worth a blit of light, but he still managed to get the job done. I surely wouldn’t have offered him a second chance though, not after the mistake he had made. A captain can’t be too soft on his officers otherwise they will-.” His voice suddenly raised an octave and he grabbed the clothing of a young man passing by. “And here is my young Lieutenant Fallow who managed to secure an invitation to this party! Where have you been? You disappeared the moment we stepped in here together.” He dragged the lieutenant into view of Captain Liehold. “Fallow is one of my best officers, with him around I know I can relax. I understand that you two served together on your wilderness expeditions not too long ago.”

“It is true,” Liehold said in surprise. Fallow had on his formal uniform as well and he was wearing a forced smile in front of Grisly. “It’s good to see you again, lieutenant. I hope you are enjoying your post on the wall.”

Lieutenant Fallow brightened noticeably at the sight of his previous Captain, “Thank you sir. It is good to see you again as well. How are things at your post?”

“As fine as ever.” Liehold responded smiling, glad to have a man of similar values in the room with him. “How did you manage to get an invitation to Councilman Servil’s gathering?”

Grisly intervened before Fallow could respond, apparently ill at ease at not being part of the conversation. “I know, isn’t it strange? But apparently, all the lieutenants from the recent wilderness expedition were invited. Of course, most could not come, but I was able to drag Fallow here with me. I wouldn’t let him miss this event for the all the gold in Kami’s coffers! It is strange though, I must say, the whole thing is strange.”

“There have been a number of strange things happening lately.” Liehold said casually. Despite his distaste for Grisly, Liehold stayed in his good graces for a reason. Grisly might not be clever or deceptive, but his gossiping skills let him be one of the most unofficially informed humans in the city. Liehold was able to obtain a lot of information from the man.

“It is true!” Grisly exclaimed, glad to be the center of attention again. “I have never seen such disruption within the city before. Men are becoming mad! It all started the day Soul returned from the wilderness with you.” Fallow had been eyeing the different colored drinks nearby but his attention picked up at the name of his former commander. “I doubt such a big ruckus had ever been centered on a human before.”

“What ruckus?” Fallow inquired, carelessly taking the closest drink and returning to the conversation.

“You hadn’t heard?” Grisly asked inquired deliciously. “The council of the Divine demoted Soul and made him a Captain as punishment for returning early from the wilderness expedition. This outraged many of the high ups in the army; many had viewed Soul as some sort of savior. They have been up in arms since then.”

“Surely not in rebellion?” Fallow replied in horror. Girsly laughed at him.

“Of course not. But they have the ability to create trouble in their own way.” Grisly threw his arms wide theatrically. “It seems they are very serious about their beliefs!”

“And rightly so,” Liehold put in. “There is not a man in the city who can match up to General-Commander Sou-.”

“A man, maybe, but not the divine.” Grisly said easily. “And he is not a General-Commander anymore Liehold, just a captain now.” Grisly forgot to use Liehold’s title as captain, but Liehold ignored it. Grisly continued. “Many of the officials started protesting the council’s decision. There has been strife between the two for a long time now and they are using it as a platform to speak on. The restructuring of the forces in the city only adds to the problem. Many of the officers in the domestic forces have been put on operating status! Even my own division is on standby.”

“What?” Fallow said suddenly. “How come I wasn’t informed of this!”

Grisly laughed. “Oh, I forgot, you are one of my lieutenants. I had been keeping it a secret from you. But it’s on the table now! Yes, we have been put on standby status. But I do not think they would transfer us, not after my long years of service here.”

“But the men need to know of the possibility,” Fallow said angrily. “They need to prepare themselves! We must inform them when we get back-.“

Grisly hadn’t lost his good mood, “Lieutenant, Lieutenant. You need to learn to enjoy the moment. Those things can wait; we are at a party right now. That kind of talk can wait till later.”

Fallow looked mutinous so Liehold asked quickly, “What happened to the former General-Commander?”

“Yes, indeed,” Grisly said dramatically, getting back into it. Fallow was left simmering alone. “You see, nobody suspected that the council would act in such a manner, to think that the hero of Crushing Snake had fallen so low. Many of the mid and upper level officials were upset at the judgment; they believed it was too harsh for such a man. But you know,” he said now waving a fat finger before Liehold. “He is getting older now and he has that foreign priest by his side always. I never understood why he hung around such a creature, but now he is surely paying for it. He is simply not the man he used to be.”

“He is yet the most skilled commander in the city, Grisly,” Liehold said stately. “Even more so in his old age.”

Grisly held up his hands innocently. “All is the will of Kami,” he said. Liehold grunted softly and looked away. Grisly continued, “I understand your devotion to the man, but if he is as good as you say, he will still perform great service to Kami where he is.”

“Where has Captain Soul been placed, anyway?” Fallow asked, apparently suppressing his anger.

“He has been positioned on ground floor southern wall,” Liehold said almost bitterly.

“Really?” Fallow said, sounding intrigued. Liehold knew why. The southern gate that Captain Soul now oversaw was the same gate he issued out his forces, years ago, at the battle of Crushed Snake, breaking the siege. The enemy still held most of the territory outside the city, surrounding it, but that one gate and swath of land beyond was held by The Endless City, letting forces travel in an out of the territory. It was one of the most strategically important spots in the city.

“It is true,” Grisly said. “And interesting things are happening there as well, especially since the Defensive Mandate that was issued a couple months ago and the new restructuring. Thousands of soldiers have been redirected for gate and field defense. And did you know,” he said as if he held some delicious treat. “Captain Soul has been given elevated executive status over the forces there?”

“The Councilmen are too smart to waste away the talents of Captain Soul,” Liehold replied. “It only makes sense to give him executive authority over the causeway. Especially due to the increasing pressure put on by the enemy.”

“So, it is true then,” Fallow put in. “The enemy is preparing an attack? There are such rumors floating around the men.”

The two captain’s looked down at Fallow, and Liehold wondered what drove the lieutenant to ask that. Liehold answered, “The rumors of the soldiers are ever groundless, and you shouldn’t take heed of them. But it is true there have been increasing skirmishes and clashes along the causeway’s defensive perimeter. Extra divisions have been sent there to help reinforce it as part of the restructuring.”

“But such actions are groundless I say,” Grisly added. “Many of my friend’s forces have been sent away. Can you believe it? These officers have spent their lives in the domestic service of The Endless City and then they get sent to the front lines. Such cold orders! The defense of the city is ever secure in the Hands of Kami.”

Liehold shuddered a little thinking of all the captains just like Grisly being sent to the front lines and actually being expected to issue combat orders. He was glad that at least Grisly’s division hadn’t been sent to the front lines, at least for now. He watched Captain Grisly snag a passing treat off of a floating tray.

Fallow then asked something that surprised Liehold. “What would happen if the southern gate was lost?” he asked seriously.

Grisly looked back at Fallow as if he was looking at a foreign entity. “What are you saying boy? Why would we lose the southern gate?”

Fallow appeared confused, “The enemy forces are preparing to attack the gate area, or so the evidence suggests. Do you think otherwise?”

“Well certainly they can attack us,” Grisly said. “But we will defeat them in that fight. That is the only end I can see.”

“How can you say that?” Fallow asked. “The battle of Crushed Snake was taking back territory we had been defeated in already, doesn’t that mean that it is at least a possibility that the enemy forces could overrun ours this time?”

Liehold felt troubled at the words. “Where is your faith in Kami, boy?” Grisly asked, losing his cheesy smile for the first time. “Kami has ever been and will continue to be victorious in his battles against the enemy.”

Fallow opened his hands in a shrug as if it didn’t matter, but his tone betrayed his real emotions. “I guess I am simply confused. You say that Kami’s forces are invincible, but can’t you see that land stretched out before you from your post on top of the wall? Do you see the ruins of the old cities and countryside? That all used to be within the control of Kami, but now the enemy has it. That is all territory we have lost in the past. I have heard that long ago, there was even a time when Kami wasn’t even at war with the enemy.”

Grisly looked angry now and he walked up as close to Fallow as he could and got in his face. “I do not know where you have heard these stories, boy,” he said, in a voice that finally earned his name. “But you had best keep those ears shut. Those are the words of the faithless. People who believe such things live in dark holes of pain and filth, living outside the joy and light of Kami. Keep your faith in Kami, for all good things come from him.” Grisly stepped back and said, “Your talk has made me lose my appetite for this.” He tossed the treat he had in his hand onto the close tray and it vanished half eaten. “I am going to find something else.” He marched off in a huff.

Liehold thought that Fallow looked upset too. “I’ve never seen Captain Grisly lose his smile like that,” he said with a tight one of his own. “I think I actually enjoyed that.” Fallow looked up at the captain with an angry frown. “What is bothering you?” Liehold asked, “Besides this whole party.” Feeling comfortable all of a sudden, Liehold secured for himself another colored drink, a dark blue one this time.

“He insulted the Librarians,” Fallow glowered. “He said that they were worthless and filthy.”

“The librarians don’t believe in the infallibility of Kami?” Liehold asked, surprised. He took another sip of the drink.

Fallow appeared thoughtful for a moment, “I do not know what they believe, really.” he said, “But they are the keeper of the histories. They were sanctioned by Kami himself, how can they be considered not State approved? I find it difficult to believe that any group of priests could be heretical; the words in the library are truth. Isn’t that what the library is supposed to be?”

Liehold asked casually, “Do you visit the priests much?”

“Yes, I do,” Fallow nodded. “In fact, one of the reasons I actually came to this party was that it is close to Central Library. Hopefully I will be leaving here soon and heading over there.”

Liehold drained his drink, “I cannot say that I have great knowledge of the librarians. As a Captain, I was required to take several lessons under them, but I never got the impression they were any different than other priests I had encountered. You asked whether or not the library holds truth. It holds facts, certainly, but do not get that mixed up with truth. Truth is what is here and what is present. Kami exists here and are not his words truth? I will not let myself get tied up in the past, I would advise you do to also.”

Fallow didn’t appear to be appeased, “But sir, how is it that Grisly can say that Kami is invincible when the proof of its opposite stares at him every day at his post?”

Liehold shook his head. “You ask difficult questions. I am certain that Kami struggles on our behalf and that the Battle with the enemy will end with his victory. How he chooses to achieve that victory is for him to decide. I can only say this,” he looked back and winked at Liehold. “I am glad that reinforcements have been sent to the causeway, but I am also glad that Grisly wasn’t sent there as well.”

Despite his mood, Fallow smiled a bit at the jab, Liehold knew that Fallow did not have the highest respect for Captain grisly as well. “Well, I am afraid you will not be able to leave this party soon to visit your friends in the library. The host has yet to arrive and you will not be forgiven if you leave early.”

“It’s true sir,” Fallow said, looking around. “This really is a magnificent palace, certainly fit for a member of the council. I feel out of place here.”

“Then you can join me in feeling out of place.” Liehold said dryly. “And you can stop calling me sir, at least in here. I won’t have my only companion here saying that and making me look like I am forcing him here to keep me company.”

“Of course not,” Fallow replied, smiling. “What kind of drink is that anyway?” he asked looking at the drink he had had in his hand for a while now.

Liehold shook his head, “I have no idea.”

“When is Councilman Sevril supposed to arrive, anyway?” Fallow asked, looking around and taking a sip of the drink. Upon tasting it he sputtered and choked a little on it.

“He is late already, but then again, it is foolish to ever think that divine beings would ever be on time.” Liehold said, hitting Fallow on the back while he was coughing. “He will come when he feels like it, be it now or later.”

“Yes,” Fallow said gasping, his eyes watering.

The two officers walked through the party together, greeting acquaintances and admiring the palace. Many of the decorations and practical aspects of the palace displayed some form of novel sorcery, as if the host was doing his best to impress his guests. On the second level, there was an exquisite fountain of crystal that hung from the ceiling and reached down to the floor. In different areas, the water was flowing in designed paths of magic, more often than delicate physical curves and falls, governed the flow. Both of the officers spent a lot of time observing the structure and tracing the flow of water through it as it moved up and down and at impossible angles, defying physics.

There were many other instances of magic throughout the palace, items of curiosity and practical use. Even Captain Liehold who was used to seeing sorcery was impressed.

“It would take a whole squad of priests to uphold event the decorative magic,” Fallow exclaimed after observing a statue that twisted and moved in accordance to sound and light. “How could he use such power to decorate his home?”

Liehold explained calmly, “He operates this magic all on his own, most likely. He is not a member of the divine aristocracy for nothing. But I think he is putting a little extra effort into it tonight. I think he is planning something. If you haven’t noticed, Captain Soul is not here himself.”

“Is it true then, what Captain Grisly was saying?” Fallow asked. “About the discontent within the military? I haven’t noticed anything from where I am posted.”

“I am not surprised you haven’t, especially considering your captain won’t even tell his lieutenants that they have been put on standby status.” Fallow’s frown returned at the mention of it. “But you must understand that your positions have always remained on the edge of city and out of the real action. I stay on the outside as well, but being a Captain means I need to stay informed.” He sighed and leaned against the railing that was on the second floor.

“Yes, what he was saying is true, although Soul never spoke out against the Council’s decision; the human leaders in the Military are very upset. They have created movements against the council lately, seeking to obtain appeals to Kami. All of them should be here in fact, look.” He pointed towards a bald man with a large brown beard on the floor beneath them happily enjoying the company and the food. “That is General-Commander Huoli, he is in charge of resource planning and repositioning within the city. As an act of protest, he has been delaying his projects, causing real issues and delays in the Defensive Mandate. And that person.” He pointed to a woman with short red hair and a fiery temperament on the floor across from them. “That is Adjacent-General Deneuse, she has already submitted several appeal proposals to the temple legislator.” He turned back to face Fallow. “Most of the top military is currently working against the Council, stalling and resisting as much as they can. I suspect that this party is an attempt to appease them.”

Fallow didn’t respond and he looked deep in thought. He distractedly picked up a trinket he had noticed. It twirled and flashed with light in his hand in endless revolutions. He brought it to his eyes and said softly, “Fascinating…”

Liehold didn’t see what was so fascinating about it. To him, and to most humans he knew, sorcery was a mysterious and intimidating event, and no amount of experience with it ever took that away from them. The priests and divine authority knew that as well and as the two factions depended on each other more and more during the war, it was necessary for the aristocracy to maintain their position of power above the humans. It created anger between the two races. The flashing lights were intriguing, but deep in his heart, Liehold wished that such power didn’t exist; it created helplessness in the humans that could not be overcome.

There was a sudden commotion on the main level and Liehold looked back and said, “Ah, our host has arrived.” Fallow reluctantly put down the trinket and looked towards the noise as well.

Councilman Sevril had entered his palace from the main door and gust of wind and light came in with him. He was tall and thin with shoulder length black hair meticulously groomed. His skin was pale and his jet black eyes surveyed the world with seeming lifeless rationality and disdain. He wore robes of many dark colors and also many ornaments of silver, gold and other precious gems on his fingers and neck. He strode in with grace and authority. All eyes had turned to him the moment he arrived and the noise level rose in the building.

“An impressive entrance,” Liehold said grudgingly, but then he gasped suddenly, and the whole palace became still when they saw who the councilman came in with.

The new figure had the form of a human, but it could not be more clear even the most casual observer that it was not. To behold him was to see the very power of Kami directly and he reflected and the aura of Kami with his presence. He was even more eye catching than the councilman, clad in a simple white and gold tunic, contrasting with the dark and bold colors of the councilman. Its hair was golden and flowing like a lion’s mane about it and in him was light, the light of the god. It wore only sandals on its feet but in his face was power and glory.

As he looked around, the people saw his eyes were blank and white as if he was blind. But such strength was in the man that Liehold felt like a tiny insect before his eyes. The noise of the crowd within the palace had vanished for a moment when the new figure was seen, but then the palace buzzed with awe and dread. The two newcomers spoke with the guests, but they did not know how to respond to the presence. Liehold and Fallow on the floor above them could not hear what they were saying.

Fallow asked in wonder, “Who is that man with the councilman? I have never seen someone like that before.”

“It is one of Kami’s vessels,” Liehold responded in disbelief. “I have never seen one in person either, to think that Councilman Severil was able to attain its attendance at this event! Such presence is unheard of; they usually stay only within the temple of Kami. What does it mean, bringing him here?”

The vessel moved through the crowd, leaving the host behind him. The crowd parted before the man, as if his aura alone could hurt them. He gazed around calmly searching for something. His eyes settled upon a man nearby he walked to him without hesitation. General-Commander Huoli froze absurdly with crumbs on his beard as the vessel stopped before him, staring him down. The vessel then spoke in a soft voice that could still somehow be heard by everybody in the palace.

“General-Commander Houli,” it said with absolute calm. “You are in charge of the supplies and resource distribution in the city, are you not?” Houli, nodded pathetically and the vessel continued, “Kami is upset at your failures in performing your function effectively and efficiently. Delays will not be tolerated and purposeful misconduct will be considered as treason. The will of Kami is absolute, do you understand?” Houli nodded again, his face full of fear.

The vessel nodded himself, “I am glad that you understand.” It said with almost a voice with relief. He reached up with his hand and touched Houli’s left arm. There was a white light that emanated from the hand and suddenly the Houli screamed, in terror or pain, Liehold could not tell. The whole Palace shirked back in fear and when they looked again, Houli’s left arm had vanished, leaving only a bloody stump there. Houli looked down at it in horror, soft whimpering sounds coming from him.

The vessel spoke again, this time to the whole audience, “The council is the arm of Kami and I am the hand. Their orders are absolute and are to be fulfilled without hesitation or resistance. Never forget that we are at War! Against an enemy that seeks to destroy each and every one of us! Kami is fighting for us, how can you fight against him? Punishment for treason is death, but the mercy of Kami has spared this man’s life. I expect the city’s military to work effectively again. Any report I hear of it being otherwise will be dealt with personally by me.”

Without another sound, the vessel left the palace. Sevril bowed to him on the way out and he nodded in acknowledgement. Houli was carried away by some medics and the stained floor was getting cleaned by the servants. The party guests looked frightened and uncertain, and Sevril told them, “Please, enjoy the food.” He left with a bow.

“I understand now,” Liehold said to Fallow. “This wasn’t a party to appease the military; it was to force them into submission!” Fallow nodded and watched the retreating figure of Council member Sevril.