The Eulogy & The Keeper Chapter 3 part A

I split this chapter is half so that it is more readable than the last one. A bit more is explained in this chapter about the different worlds, so this should satisfy anyone still reading:

Chapter 3

They sat in the office of the Emperor Maghnus, the ruler of the free worlds. The three men that made up the Council of these free worlds, three worlds in all, were in stern contemplation over the wars of the clans, amongst other things.

Three men; one being the emperor, and the leader, Maghnus the Wonderful. Tall, dark-skinned, in his mid-forties, Maghnus sat quietly, listening to the second and third men of the Council; the grand-priest of all of Terra, Lugh, and the emperor’s own son, Sean. Both father and son were listening intently as Lugh delivered the news that had been reported to him earlier that morning.

“There is no doubt,” Lugh began quietly, fingering his drink. “The clans are far from finished. Already, the Tynan and the Ruarc are starting to move their men again, marching further into Adair territory. The Lunn are the only clan that have yet to do anything, but there are rumors spread across the land that they are sharpening their weapons as well. The Adair are remaining neutral in conflict so far, but they’re facing both the Tynan and the Ruarc on their lands.”

“So the Adair are facing two clans at once,” Maghnus said, resting his chin on his fist. “This is not a good situation.”

“No worse than the Rebellion twenty years ago,” Lugh countered.

“The Rebellion,” Maghnus rolled his eyes. “is nothing compared to the problems we face now. The clans are just a symptom of the true essence of trouble that is in the wind.”

Lugh and Sean both exchanged looks before regarding Maghunus. The emperor had a special gift in his life; not exactly precognition, but something along those lines. He could sense things in the air, he could feel things in the objects he touched. Maghnus was like no man that lived. That was the reason that he had been able to defeat and ban the Traitorous Eight who had tried to take over the free worlds.

That war was indeed one that the Council had never seen coming. Eight good men, all true rulers of the free worlds; four kings, and their right hand men, and they all had turned on the Council and tried to ravage and destroy all that was good. Men were murdered or disappeared in the night, women were raped and burned, young boys were taken and used as recruits for the Eight’s armies. The list of tragedies and injustices seemed to have no end as to what the Traitorous Eight did during their failed attempt at usurping rule from Maghnus.

Seeing both his son and his friend stare at him, Maghnus smiled. “Make no mistake,” he said. “We’re on the brink of a deadly war that will once again force us to reveal our true strengths. And before this war ends, men will die on both sides, and much sadness will be wrought out of all of our hearts. But with the darkness, light always follows afterwards.”

Lugh bit his lip. “You’re not speaking about the clans…” he said after a moment, realizing the true intent of Maghnus’ words.

Maghnus shook his head. “No, I am not.” Sean bowed his head slightly, his eyes studying the carpet.

Lugh raised the glass to his lips and took a sip before saying, “Belenus no doubt still harbors a grudge for his punishment, but I don’t think he has the strength yet to invade us.”

“You’re a fool if that’s what you believe,” both Maghnus and Lugh blinked as Sean spoke for the first time. He lifted his head, his bright, piercing blue eyes drilling Lugh. “Belenus is the only king that remains of the Eight. They made a vow to destroy the Council and all of the free worlds, or die trying. As long as he breathes, he will not stop. The clans are nothing compared to him.”

“Belenus is not ready for an invasion!” Lugh said, exasperated. “With all due respect, my lord,” he bowed his head to Maghnus. “but we are overreacting. The Tynan and the Lunn are threats we can deal with. Belenus is not. He cannot even reach these worlds yet. He does not know how to break through the portals.”

“Not yet,” Maghnus agreed. “But he will find out soon. Those portals are kept only by small groups of armed guards. They cannot fend off an entire army.”

“But they are not just any soldiers, my lord,” Lugh persisted. “They are your soldiers. They are your special guard.”

“Belenus has his own special guard as well,” Sean leaned forward, his arms on his knees. “The Dubaltach. Have you seen them, Lugh? I have. Skeleton frames clothed in robes. Their bones are colored, and they feel no pain, nor fear.”

“What is your point, Master Sean?” Lugh said impatiently.

“My point, dear priest,” Sean replied calmly. “Is that whatever advantage we have, Belenus has a different one for him. We are equal with him, and without the Eight, Belenus is even more powerful. You remember how he always was the loudest one of the Eight, and he was also the strongest ruler of them. The rest of them stood behind him, because they knew if they tried to face him, they stood no chance. However, they also kept him within the boundaries of human mortality. They ensured that he controlled himself. Without the Eight, Belenus can do what he wills, and there is no one now to keep him in check.”

Lugh threw up his hands. “If I cannot dissuade you, then I will say nothing. What are your plans, lord?” he inquired of Maghnus.

Sean also looked to his father. Maghnus regarded them both quickly. “We must have men patrolling the portals, every hour of every day. We cannot afford it should Belenus break free.”

“And what of the clans, my lord?” Lugh said. “What shall we do about them?”

“Leave them to me,” Sean once again had both older mens’ eyes on him. He smiled. “I shall arrange a meeting with the leaders of all four clans, and have them gather to me. I shall offer a truce which they will not refuse. Once they know that there is a greater enemy to face than each other, they will unite like they did in the past.” Sean caught Lugh’s eye. “And let us not forget; while it was my father that cast the Eight into the Void, it was the clans that were the turning point of the war. They held the Eight in the caves north, when we could not afford to give any further ground. Thousands of clan warriors died to ensure that the free worlds survived. We owe them more than we have given them.”

“The clans,” Lugh said carefully, hesitating for a moment. “are not what they used to be. They once were true men, pure and good. But they have now forgotten our laws, and the wisdom of our lord and emperor. I have heard often rumors that two or three of the clans have given into pagan rituals of sacrifice and worship of gods that do not exist.”

Maghnus glared at Lugh. “My priest,” he said. “Surely you are not dragging your feet? Sean will ensure that they will fight for us. Don’t you trust his judgement?”

“My lord, hear me fully,” Lugh begged him. “These clans are not the ones we once knew; they do not love you anymore. They will kill your son, should he dare show his face on their lands. There is a reason free world armies are ordered not to enter clan territory. The clans can no longer be trusted to fight for good.”

“I shall be the judge of that,” Maghnus said. “In the meantime, Lugh, I require your help with other things. I believe we all have important work to do now, so unless there is something else that is important for discussion, this meeting is adjourned.”

Neither Lugh or Sean spoke, and Maghnus nodded. “Agreed. Go with peace, gentlemen. Let us deal with the day as it comes on.”