[hider=Prolouge] "Well no, I prefer the ones from Dusslein, the city is quite nice this time of year." The two men had been talking for the past hour now, riding through the densely forested countryside, the clatter of hooves coming from their trotting saddled horses, which were in quite pristine health. One was white, Krugel's favorite, which he seldom ever exposed to war or anywhere densely populated, as if protecting some ideal of innocence while riding it with exceptional control and upright posture. The other, a brown one, was rode by Miller whom- despite his experience with his friend -didn't quite understand or give a damn about stables or the specifications of mounts and was all too eager to get Krugel away from his obsession over horses and calvary. Miller didn't even want to be here, for several months he had rested in a hospital, weak and half-awake while carefully monitored by nurses and doctors from some of the biggest cities and richest fiefdoms. There was exceptional care in their exposure to him, only walking into the same white-tiled room in their makeshift biohazard suits, taking his temperature and changing the IV bag hooked into his arm. Miller had contracted a unique and unknown disease, as well as breaking both his legs after being dropped from great height- from a massive flying beast no less! He had wanted pelts from the most dangerous wolves and instead found himself lost in the open plains being pecked at from beasts with wingspans larger than his body. Thankfully, his entourage of hunters had found him before further damage could be done, loud cracks of gunfire echoing through those vast plains...But it was all so far away now, loud gunshots fading even has he went through the memory. It seemed even farther away now, fully healed, having spent months in that high-tech hospital. Despite finally outside again, he wasn't given absolute freedom- with insistence from his family, Miller remained under the watch of Krugel, friend and mentor on horse riding. He was to observe Miller in case any symptoms from the disease come back, as well to make sure he'd be able to walk normally and that his bones fully healed. Krugel continued "I mean, Dusslein just has everything ever imagined! Wide streets, canals, houses colored from top to bottom in bright colors and really nice peasantry. I've thought about joining Julius for a parade when the holidays start up again. A shame you missed it, you wouldn't believe the spices they use from those new colonies in-" "I'd prefer Berttendam." Miller interrupted suddenly, hoping the conversation would end. "Oh, well Berttendam is great!" Krugel cheerfully replied "Its a coastal village with history you wouldn't believe, did you know they caught a massive beast there? Straight from the deepest parts of the ocean! I mean, even the king was there to congratulate-" Miller groaned, rubbing the temples of his forehead as they kept strolling on through the countryside. They had ended up in a open field now, passing the tree line and making their way towards the sparsely inhabited rural areas surrounding Krugel's personal mansion, which sat on top of a great hill, walled off and gated and extending high into the sky as well as being wide enough to cover a small hamlet. It was as ornate as every other noble mansion, overlooking the rural inhabitants and even intimidating casting it's shadow in over the landscape during the afternoon. However, before either could finish their ride, an automobile began to speed towards them, all jet black in color and small in size. Instinctively the two men would have their mounts trot off to the side of the rode to provide room but, the car came to an abrupt halt right in front of them, kicking up dust, pebbles and dirt. The car doors flew open, two men with orange eyes in black suits with black ties instantly exited the vehicle, with a simple statement. "The king demands audience, all nobles are to attend. This is not a request sires." To which Miller and Krugel then looked at each other with great concern. [/hider] ------------- [center][b]"Everyone just stay calm!"[/b][/center] A long red carpet, outlined in a golden yellow had recently unrolled itself toward a large, ornate and ancient seat, which was the very place in the throne room where the king would be sitting if he had not been late. But the rest of the room was completely packed from wall to wall, they were in a midst of both curiosity and a bit of panic, with those closely connected to the monarch standing high on steps leading to the throne. These men, so recognizable in their appearance, commanded with great authority for the most loudest and unruly to stay calm- giving disapprovingly glares and keeping a firm grip on their hilts. Some carried swords, other carried guns, while a few royal soldiers standing beside them in complete silence, the only non-nobles in the room, obediently listening for any orders to be given by their commanders. The other nobility however were far from as loyal or calm as them, endlessly chattering and talking to each other, if not straight up yelling in an anxious fear that something had gone horribly, [i]horribly[/i] wrong. Nobility, which crowded every inch of the room like a sea of strange uniforms all bustling about in their curiosity, dressed in elaborate business suits belonging to the most powerful economists, exotic dresses from the richest families, holy clothes only worn in the most important of cathedrals, and golden armor that was made by the victorious warriors. Some had strange, tight suits with different clothes layered over them, as if a combination of the once sacred past belonging to the old colony, while also combining the new cloth that resembled ancient Earth. Some, coming from warmer climates, just wore elaborately colored togas and tunics. Everyone was equally as uninformed as to what exactly had transpired. Flashing lights, strange happenings, perhaps ancient or alien technology. This lack of understanding alone would've been enough to cause a stir, but the king's lateness made gossip all the more engrossing and in some cases, fear-inducing. "You think he died?" One of the men stated, looking towards the closed throne room door, past Miller, Krugel and Julius. The three men were as equally ornately dressed as the next, though Julius wore ancient plated armor and stood at an astounding height compared to everyone else in the room. The three also all looked towards the man with disgust, confusion and disapproval. "Oh well, I just, you know, strange things and old age, maybe he had a heart attack or-" "Be quiet." Julius coldly stated, standing upright with his hands behind his back. The man shrugged in response and then looked elsewhere, all while the three remained quietly waiting for the king's arrival, standing next to each other as if patiently waiting in line. Just as the room had reached a fever pitch in chatter, with even the royal guards and incredibly notoriously nobility staring at each other in confusion of what to do next, the throne room door would loudly creak open...a silence falling upon the room as all heads turned towards the slowly opening door. The king stood their, pale skinned and with dark black hair, even in his middling age the man had an astounding figure of youth and strength, yet as well as age to his face. But none of that could be seen beneath his armor and cloth, as well as elaborate cape...strangely dressed more so for battle or an emergency than a meeting. He had a madmans look to his face, eyes staring forth right towards the throne as if speaking directly to no one yet simultaneously everyone before him. People made room, exposing the bright red carpet on the floor that lead to his seat of power, yet...He did not move. [b]"Its the Gateways."[/b] He said, loudly. He did not care for gasps or quiet whispers, few would understand what he meant...but those that did, those standing beside the throne and on the steps to it, those who knew the secrets of the past, incredibly quiet among the crowd, horror taking to their faces as sweat rolled down their foreheads. Augustillia wasn't ready. [b]"The Gateways have opened."[/b]