The delegation moved through the stone palace and Taiga found it all abysmal. There wasn't enough wide-open space here. Every turn was narrow stone, heavily fortified. Taiga was used to silk screens and delicate wood enclosures.<br/><br/>This is what I get for traveling, Taiga thought, his black fox ears flicking in disdain.<br/><br/>He was brought to a vaulted entry hall, with rough-hewn wood tables and straw tossed on the floor.<br/><br/>The iron collar around his neck held his star balls, holding his powers hostage.<br/><br/>The slavers bowed to the man on the throne and Taiga did too. Meeting a ruler of any place disrespectfully was liable to get your head cut off.<br/><br/>A herald announced their entrance. Taiga looked around with a disdainful eye for details.