Who Killed Mr. Moonlight

“You mockery of an old… mockery. State your business and run.”

Crown prince Wernher Gauss, future emperor and deity to the powerful race of Gamezohan dragons, stood defiantly in one of the smaller palace reading rooms. His tear-streaked face had already dried and he was facing his mentor, his teacher, a man who was more than even the young dragon could begin to fathom.

Grand Councilor Moebius.

“I’m here to remind your highness you have to pass the Eighteenth Trial.”

“Ah yes, the joy of birthdays.”

“Indeed, sire. Indeed.”

As Gauss left to his armory to gear up for the Trial, Moebius chanted through clenched teeth.

“Rex sedet in vertice, caveat ruinam! Nam sub axe legimus Hecubam reginam…”

“Poetry to my ears, councilor,” a deep voice wafted from behind a set of bookshelves.

“I thought you might enjoy it, Kwambula.”

Klot stepped around the corner. His skin was the dark void, his eyes practically shining on his face. As he walked, black rose petals fell seemingly from nowhere behind him, landing slowly and softly on the carpet, “Tell me, councilor, truly you are not vulnerable to fortune?”

“Of course not,” Moebius said, rolling his staff between his fingers, “He who leaves his destiny to chance may not live to see it fulfilled. But I would dare not give away the ending so soon. Give me your report.”

Klot bowed slightly, “The leaders within the Seraphic Order have sent the paladin as you desired. He is indeed a vital lynchpin within the Order, and his absence will make it easier for the coming storm to consume the Council of the Five Wounds.”

Moebius smiled, “What fools these mortals be. How amusing, their ignorance. It’s almost offensive to think that narrow-minded crusader would play a part in my plan.”

“He is but a mere pawn, sir,” Klot responded. The rose petals were gathering in a ring around his feet now.

“All the same, continue to monitor his movements, Klot. The time will come—and you will know—when he will play host to a more powerful entity. This I have foreseen.”

“And the prince?”

Moebius sighed, appearing bored, “He will be transported to his trial shortly. I have a suitable challenge awaiting his arrival. He will succeed, of course. But you are aware that our true intentions will play out closer to home,” the councilor smiled and he stepped over to the globe of Gamezoha Prime. The planetary map floated over its base, rotating slowly until the councilor placed his hand upon it and casually pulled his fingers across its surface, causing the model to spin rapidly.

“Inform our commanders of our imminent action and await further orders.”

Klot’s posture straightened and he saluted, “All shall fall,” the Silberwyrmritter spoke before turning and disappearing into the shadows of the tall bookcases.

“Yes,” Moebius said as he brought his hand down on the spinning globe, bringing it to a halt. The capitol city, Kubrik, shown like a diamond on the projected surface.

“All shall fall.”

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