(Synn)<br/><br/>As the dragon horde reached the outskirts of the Empire in Exile, they thundered their battle cry and started their decent. The people residing in the outlying farming communities shrieked in terror and ran for their very lives as the fire spat from the demons mouths, torching their homes and precious crops. Village archers let their arrows fly into the night sky and even though some of them hit the dragons head on, it did not halt their reign of horror. Many men, women, and children lay on the ground, burnt alive by the beasts while others were ripped in half or torn asunder once the dragons landed to indulge in a midnight meal. Blood dripped from their mouths as they snarled, sniffing out the few that might have managed to escape. The blaze from the devastated villages lit up the night sky, alerting the Empire in Exile that Tekatus was coming.<br/><br/>The night watchmen that resided in their lofty towers sounded their battle horns, awaking the Empire in Exile’s army once they spotted the carnage in the valleys. Archers lined the castle walls in rows, armed and ready as the infantry scurried to prepare for the incoming combat. They had not discovered what had destroyed their villages yet so it was natural that they assume it was an army of humans, not dragons. The gates to the castle slammed shut and braced with steel bars as the majority of the castle’s occupants raced to the underground safe houses, frightened of the approaching disaster.<br/><br/><br/>The Dark Mage took the glass of wine from the Queen that was handed to her, thus taking the first drink to taste to see if poison was swirling within. She waited a moment, but could not taste any abnormalities. She had an excellent palate and had built up an immunity to all known poisons across the land. She smiled at Anthony and then handed the glass back to the Queen so that she could enjoy it.<br/><br/><br/>“This little soiree is magnificent. I commend you on such taste and preparation” the Queen beamed as she in turn sipped her wine and enjoyed it rolling off of her tongue. When Anthony showed the superb piece of jewelry to the Queen, her eyes lit up like a girl receiving her first doll. She picked it up out of his hands and admired the craftsmanship. “How beautiful. Thank you” she said as she handed it to Azurine for her to place it on her neck.<br/><br/>Azurine held it for a moment, attempting to sense any hidden magic that might have been attached to the piece while she kept her dark green eyes upon his, probing for any deception. The Queen nudged the Dark Mage teasingly, motioning for her to hurry up and place it on her neck. Azurine smiled as she stepped behind the Queen and laced the beautiful necklace around her sun kissed neck, hooking the clasp so that it would stay in place.<br/><br/><br/>“Simply gorgeous my Queen” Azurine said as she moved over to the left of the Queen once more. The Queen touched the necklace, caressing it as I t lay across her chest.<br/><br/>“Yes it is” the Queen admired. “If you’ll excuse me Anthony, I have another guest I need to speak with” she smiled as she glanced over to Oscar who was watching from a distance. She stepped away from the conversation and left Anthony and Azurine alone together.<br/><br/><br/>Azurine tilted her head and smiled softly, placing her hands in front of her dress, clasping them together. “Aren’t we the charmer Anthony, or should I say….Zion” she whispered as she leaned in closer to him so no one could hear what she was saying. “Don’t worry love, your secret is safe with me…for now” she grinned as she stepped back once more to admire him. “Sorceress 3 to King 4, check mate. You’re move” she said before she turned to walk away, almost sauntering.<br/><br/><br/>The Goddess whispered in Anthony’s ear, “Be careful with that one Zion, she is not to be trifled with.” She placed her hands on his shoulders to sooth his nerves. No one else could see the interaction, but Anthony. She placed a loving kiss on his cheek and whispered again, “But you need to find out what her plans are and who she has held by puppet strings besides Oscar and the Queen. I don’t doubt there are darker forces than her behind this madness.”