The hot water eased the tension in Faust’s muscles as he lowered himself into the overly large bath, cracking his neck and letting out a relaxed sigh as the water reached his shoulders. He had dismissed the attendants and entertainment before disrobing, which was apparently uncharacteristic since some of them had appeared legitimately offended. Although he did not mind flaunting his newly acquired physical prowess on certain occasions, a year in Alma Terra had done little to dampen the modesty he had been taught on Earth. For this upcoming event he decided that a moment of solitude, shared only with Rod, would be the most beneficial course of action. There were important things for the two to discuss, and many plans to lay. This would be his first impression on the King, and the lords of the capital, so he would need to be at his best to gain their favor and the favor of the other heroes.

[i]Yes, and once you have proven yourself you will be poised at the King’s ear. An apt place for the two of us, an apt place indeed.[/i] Rod whispered.

“Christ, there’s no need to sound so ominous, Rod, we fight for the good of mankind,” he replied, applying soap to his unruly helmet-hair.

[i]You mention this name, Christ, as curse quite often. Was he such a tyrant to earn this ill repute?[/i]

“No, I suppose not. My land is simply a place characterized by irreverence, the pious actually call him their savior…now that I’m here in a world of magic, I wonder if he was?” The question was rhetorical, so Rod remained silent for a moment before returning to their original topic.

[i]Already your name has spread from Thirdain to Amaltas, and monuments rise in your honor. It will not be long before you have become the savior of mankind, if you remember patience and caution.[/i]

“Speaking plainly, as usual, but first we must deal with matters at hand. What has the King summoned us all here for? The realms we have risen to protect are left undefended while we attend a banquet,” Faust paused, his brow furrowing. “I cannot imagine he his name would be so respected if he were a man of whimsy, so there must be a dire need for our presence. The sooner we figure out what that is, the better prepared we will be.”

[i]Indeed.[/i] Rod whispered.

[center][b]At The Banquet Hall[/b][/center]

Once again striking a heroic pose, Faust stood on the other side of the central door and awaited its opening, as instructed. He hadn’t needed the clothing that had been provided for him, all of his finest attire had been aboard the wagons he had brought. So rather than the silken trappings of the nobility, he wore a suit of dazzling ceremonial armor, which was plated in silver, and sported a bejeweled gorget studded with sapphires. Belted on his left was a ceremonial, but functional, sword in a gilded scabbard with a jeweled pommel and fine leather wrappings on its hilt. Rod hung from the other side of his belt, appearing inconspicuous and austere in comparison to the sword. Just as he intended. Finally, he heard a muffled voice on the other side of his door. [i]It's about to begin,[/i] he and Rod thought simultaneously.

"Welcome lords and ladies to a most auspicious occasion. We have waited and our resolve has been answered. I give you...." The door in front of him swung open and he stepped forward into the banquet hall with dignified grace. "Mans strength. Our Heroes!" The applause was everything he had hoped it would be, he smiled and raised a hand to wave at the most influential and wealthy men in a kingdom. He also took a moment to see the other heroes after which he concluded that they were a strange bunch.

While some passed through the crowd without delay, Faust entered the mix with a charming smile. He shook hands, patted backs and shared a few words of encouragement and humor with the nobles he walked through, leaving a trail of nodding heads and laughter in his wake. When he made it through the nobles he found himself before the King.

"Your majesty, I am humbled by your invitation and honored to be in your presence," his shining armor clanked noisily as he knelt before the King, placing his left fist against the floor beneath and resting his right hand on his knee.