[centre][b]Octavius[/centre][/b]

Octavius’ fingers fell on the hilt of his scimitar as the Ashtoken soldiers formed swiftly around their liege. Any of them that strayed within striking distance of King Osmodeus would soon find their lifeblood spilling from their guts. He raised his guard in the subtlest way possible, so as to not unnerve the First Star in the event the movement of his guard wasn’t an act of aggression. His eyes darted from one guard to another, to their eyes then their weapons.

He soon saw there was no cause for alarm. It appeared the men were encircling the Voice as a sort of protective wall. Octavius couldn’t help feeling a sense of admiration for the discipline and efficiency of these warriors. [i]Kammeth have mercy on those who face them in battle.[/i]

Nevertheless, the captain kept his sword hand poised and ready. The Ashishians had induced a feeling of disquiet in Octavius and his fellow guard who scattered around their king watching the city, palace and Gori Lamillur’s men. Who knew who could be watching them in this foreign city, waiting to pounce as soon as their breaches were down.

It was then Captain Octavius detected the onlooker behind one of the palace windows. He was careful not to look directly at the figure as he studied them in his peripheral vision. 

The enhanced visual acuity of the Nomadii came in handy in situations such as this. With his yellow gaze, Octavius could discern the mystery spectator held no weapon to assassinate either of the two lords with. He was a young man and seemed to be chewing on his fingernails. From this distance, it was all the captain could make out. He would continue to covertly observe the young man until they entered the palace.

The words of Gori Lamillur piqued his interest. [i]I too have felt it. Sinister tides stir in the wake of winter.[/i] The Alabasti were an overly sensitive people to all matters involving the Black Continent. Histories often spoke of times when ungodly beings trespassed on Elyden soil, slaughtering men like pigs as they carved a warpath through the land. Oracles in the capital often preached of the coming of a great army from the Black Continent sweeping across the sea and wreaking havoc upon mankind. The part they left unsaid was Alabast would likely be their first port of call.

The question was, how would his king respond to the First Star’s grave tidings? King Osmodeus was a realist, Octavius knew, far more concerned with fact and current affairs than fantasy and speculation. This was not to say he did not consider the many paths of the future, however; his value of Nana Obara’s counsel was testament to that, but the sands of days to come shifted often; were not fixed. King Osmodeus had little patience for untruth, as much divination turned out to be. He would likely be sceptical of the Voice of Ashtoken, but quietly. Everything was quiet with King Osmodeus Marrow.

To Octavius’ surprise, his king leaned into the First Star and whispered something in his ear. He then stepped back and held up his index and middle finger together and pressed them to his heart, a sign of kinship. Delivering a curt nod, the king proceeded to the entrance to the palace, followed closely by the Skeleton Guard. Octavius kept the corner of his eye fixed on the window which now seemed to be vacant.

They entered the palace.