With his crimson cape trailing behind him, Gendros spun swiftly around and started back indoors. Without another word, Lothrak and Kathonir followed him, travelling down the sweet-smelling corridor, their claws clicking against the stone as they walked. No-one passed them, save for occasional Sirthon sweeping the floor, whose work conspicuously grew more vigorous whenever the Xan-Klar passed by.

Before long, they came to a small alcove, lit by crimson light streaming in through two clear glass windows. But Lothrak knew that they weren't alone. Approaching the sunlit area, he sensed a presence up ahead through the Graxir even before the figure came into sight. As the three knights drew closer, the figure turned, the light from the nearby revealing her face and her body.

But Lothrak didn't focus upon either. Instead, his eyes flew straight to the figure's horns. Unlike the Xan-Klar of the Wardens, whose horns arced up above their heads into a spiky crest, hers curved backwards and downwards like those of a mountain ram.

She was a female!

Lothrak's nerves went haywire, and the woman's gaze snapped to him as she sensed his fear. He only just got himself under control, his blood cool and easy, as he came to meet her. She stood proud and resplendent before Gendros and the two Karugens, her tail held aloft and her back poised and straight. Her polished azure scales shimmered like the Tratkalothan sea, and her orange eyes burned like hot embers, full of dedication and pride. A magnificent beauty, to be sure.

"My lady..." Gendros said, a smile on his face.

The female Xan-Klar returned his gaze. "Master Gendros..." she addressed him before turning to Lothrak and Kathonir. "And who might you be?"

Gulping, Loth took a tentative pace forward, keep his tail low. "I am Lothrak Karugen, my lady." Following the rules of Xan-Klar etiquette, he introduced himself first, letting his name and title be known to his superior.

"I am Taneera Lasethri." The female said in response, smiling slightly as she gazed. "I hear it is your day of ascension, young knight. Congratulations." 

Something pulsed in Lothrak's chest. "Oh, um... thank you, Lady Taneera."

"No need. Always a pleasure to meet a fellow blue-scale." The woman replied. "And who might this one be?"

Lothrak turned to see Kath step forward. "Kathonir Karugen, my lady."

Taneera inclined her head. "A pleasure."

Lothrak scratched his palms nervously, the tips of his talons pressing into his scales. The title of Lasethri meant 'city governor', and was a female rank worthy of great respect amongst the Xan-Klar nobility. She was not the governor of Kenostros, for that title belonged to another female, Iskara Lasethri. Where her domain was, he did not know, but he knew better than to offend her.

Taneera looked at the three Wardens. "My apologies for interrupting your festivities, knights, but I have come to you on a matter of great importance... from the Emperor himself."

Lothrak's heart skipped a beat. "The Emperor?" he stammered, shock gripping him like a vice.

Lady Taneera eyed him. "Indeed. But first, I have a question for you, warriors." The female turned her body slightly, but her eyes never left Lothrak and Kathonir. "How long have you been here on Sirtha Prime?"

"Four weeks." Kathonir replied immediately.

The female blue-scale nodded her head, her green eyes shining like stars. "And you, Lothrak-kir?"

Blood flushed Lothrak's horns, making him feel heavy-headed. "Three days." Lothrak muttered, hush with embarrassment.

Taneera's mouth angled downwards, the glow in her eyes fading. She seemed unimpressed. "I see. Well, I assume, then, that you know of the aliens we have been forced to share this world with?"

Kathonir scoffed. "Of course. Every Xan-Klar has heard of this 'temporary occupation', or whatever the cream-skins call it."

His words seemed to pique the female's interest. "You disapprove, Kathonir-kir?" she said with a smile.

Lothrak's best friend tilted his head up and smirked. "The Xan-Klar storm the Sirthon capital, crush the defenders and claim justice for the fallen of all species... and this League repays us by claiming the spoils of war as their own?! While they might call it peacemaking, I call it betrayal! Sirtha Prime is ours, and if it is not surrendered to us, I say we wrest it from these alien traitors by force!"

The Graxir flared warm as Lady Taneera smiled. "The words of a true patriot..." she remarked admiringly. In the background, Lothrak rolled his eyes. If only she knew what Kathonir had said about the Emperor earlier...

"And what of you, Lothrak-kir?"

Her words gripped the blue-scale and dragged him back to reality. "Pardon?" he stuttered.

"What do you think of this situation between the Empire and the Galactic League?"

Lothrak stood speechless, his heart rate increasing as he knew no-one would voice his thoughts for him. Another rule of noble Xan-Klar etiquette; never speak on someone else's behalf if they are present. To do so was extremely rude, for it implied that the individual you spoke for was weak, as being too cowardly to speak for yourself denoted.

But Lothrak was no coward, and would not bring shame to his brother by failing to speak.

"My opinion is my own, but it concurs with Kathonir. This world belongs to the Xan-Klar. We have conquered it, and it should be ours."

"Patriots two, it seems. But sadly, this is not to be the case. Wary of a threat we do not fully understand, the Emperor has not yet agreed to declare war upon the League. Instead, I have been sent here from Tratkaloth to represent the Empire at an agreed meeting with the Humans here in Kenostros. They have something they would like to show us... something they call an 'embassy.'"

"What in Nokrahn is that?" Kathonir retorted, snorting with contempt as he spat the name of the afterlife.

"I am uncertain." Taneera replied. "Apparently, it's some sort of diplomatic structure where, thanks to His Majesty's prerogative, there will be a representative of the Human Union of Worlds in Kenostros. This will give us a political position to relay the Emperor's demands to the Galactic League, and interrogate them upon any Human activity that may be threat to our people."

Lothrak grew excited, enticed by being part of a political discussion. "What exactly will the Empire be negotiating for?"

"His Majesty has demanded the handing over of any Sirthon refugees in alien territory, the affirmation of our borders as being unopen to alien interlopers... and ensuring the League no longer interferes with our affairs."

Alarm flecked Lothrak's mind. "Have they been interfering?" he asked.

The female nodded. "Aye. Sirthon rebels have taking refuge in League territories, both in space and here on Sirtha Prime, and have been waging attacks on Xan-Klar civilians from across the borders, where we are forbidden from pursuing them. If these alien governments continue to grant terrorists asylum, we will have no choice but to deal with it ourselves. Aggressively, if needs be." Taneera paused to let the information sink in. "Meanwhile, the Humans and the Nalyr have been incessantly questioning us on our standpoint against the Kropen Commongood, one of the other nations they seem to have allied with against the Sirthon Menace."

Kathonir scoffed. "I have heard of these Kropen." he said. "I thought for a moment that such beings might deserve respect for their strength, but they seem more concerned with sitting around on their tailless rear ends all day."

"Quite." Taneera replied. "The knuckle-walkers seem a complacent species indeed. But while I and other officials have stated multiple times that we have no qualms with the Commongood, the humans and Nalyr do not seem to believe our words..."

Lothrak tilted his head slightly. "Truly? We have no quarrel with these aliens?" he asked.

The lady looked him in the eye. "Not yet. However, if they ever prove a threat to our people, make no mistake - they will be destroyed."

The firmness in her voice quelled any further questions Lothrak might have had, and he turned sheepishly silent, mind dull and empty.

"Anyway, bringing the Emperor's demands to fruition is my responsibility, and mine alone. However, given the danger of Sirthon terrorists and the importance of this meeting for our people's future, I will undoubtedly require some bodyguards. And I can think of no better guardians than Wardens." She said, humming with pride as her mind recalled the order's legacy.

Once again, Kathonir was next to speak. But he did not address Taneera. Instead, he turned to Gendros, bowing his head and shutting his eyes.
"Kazoran, I will volunteer for this mission, if you will permit me." he said.

The master of the sanctuary inclined his horns. "You are permitted," before slowly turning his gaze to Lothrak. "What of you, Lothrak Karugen? Will you undertake this task as your first mission?"

Lothrak's mind and heart burst into glow so bright it made Sirtha Prime's star look dim by comparison. If his first mission would aid the Empire so much, he would start as he meant to go on; doing what was right.

"Undoubtedly!" he replied enthusiastically, but then stammered to regain his composure. "O-of course, if you will permit me, master..." he said with a bowed head.

"Permission granted, Karugen."

Lothrak looked up. "And what of you, master? Will you be joining us?"

Gendros shook his head in a tranquil manner. "I am afraid not, brother. I have important duties to oversee here at the sanctuary, and Grand Master Vermixar may wish to contact me any day now. Instead, I will send Qolvar Karugen to join you." He then swung his head to gaze at Taneera. "Will three Wardens suffice, lady?"

His question was met with a contented nod. "Certainly." The female blue-scale then looked to the two Karugens. "Convene with me upon the D-7 landing platform at daybreak, noon after next. The meeting will take place there."

Kathonir smiled. "Better polish up my armour, then," he muttered sarcastically. He then started to chuckle, but the laughter died down when Lothrak asked a serious question.

"Will any Sirthon be present at this meeting?" he inquired.

"It is unknown for certain, but I would hope not. If the humans plan to broker for peace, the first step would be to keep those mass-murdering slugs out of their affairs."

Kathonir nodded. "Aye."

"However, there is one who will be there for sure..." she said. "Kormac Telgaiur."

"Kormac Telgaiur?" Lothrak inquired, breathing sharply. "You mean... the unborn brother?"
"Indeed..." Lady Taneera remarked. "The Emperor demanded it be so. I will represent the Empire, and Kormac Telgaiur will represent the humans."

Kathonir chuckled. "Then at least we know that the human ambassador will have earned his place, and will hear our demands with honour in his heart."

Lady Taneera flexed her jaw, her polished teeth glistening like a knife rack between her scaly lips and pink gums "We can only hope that humans do not lose what courage they have come war's end..." she said, her voice sounding wary and suspicious.

The room was silent just long enough to produce unease.

"Now, if that is all, knights, I will return to my quarters in Kenostros Palace" Taneera said, taking two steps back and lowering her tail. "Your acquaintance has humbled me."

Without a second thought between them, Gendros, Lothrak and Kathonir all clenched their fists and slammed them against their breastplates. "And you have humbled us." They said in echoing unison. "To know you was our honour alone."

The lady smiled warmly. "It is true what they say about you Wardens; paragons of our time." Her gaze then fell upon the Kazoran. "Master Gendros, would you be so kind as to escort me from this sanctuary?"

Gendros nodded. "It would be a pleasure, Lasethri..."

Maiden and master soon parted company with the Lothrak and Kathonir, leaving the young knights standing in the alcove while they calmly strode off, speaking openly. As the feel of their minds disappeared down a flight of stairs, Kath's mind fired up with excitement.

Yes!" he hissed. "Our first mission together!" His exclamations rung through the hallway.

Lothrak smiled. "It's as if it was meant to be..."

"Now, let's get back to the feast. I heard Skorag boasting that no other Warden could drink an entire barrel of Zakri's reserve, and I intend to prove him wrong!"

"Alright, big brother, you do that..." Lothrak replied.

Once more, Kathonir was confused. "You're not coming with me?! It's your celebration, Loth!"

"I will. I just need a moment." The blue-scale rolled his shoulders. "Being the centre of attention can really take it out of you..."

Kathonir smiled. "Alright, I'll see you down there, brother!"

Lothrak rolled his eyes. "You mean, you'll see me if you've not already passed out!" he jeered loudly.

Laughing heartily, Kathonir waved to his friend before disappearing down the hall. Looking to the sky, Lothrak made a silent prayer to Klaros that Kathonir didn't get too drunk. After all, they now had a duty to fulfil together.

The black-scale had been his friend since both their hatchings, standing by each other no matter what. And Lothrak didn't want to face his first mission without Kath. He couldn't do it alone.

But then, one of Gendros' phrases of wisdom came to him, echoing against his eardrums. 'A Warden is never alone.'

Standing by the alcove, Lothrak's claws snaked up his chest, slid between his chainmail and his breastplate, and slowly came to rest over his heart. Pressing his hand onto the riveted steel links, a slight singe flared upon his skin, making him wince. The brand was still fresh, and it would be there forever. A mark that bonded him to the Wardens. To the brotherhood. To his family.

He gazed out of the window and spied Kenostros Palace in the distance, the towering domes and entwined spires of polished marbon glittering like red gemstones. They reminded him of the Imperial Palace back home of Tratkaloth... but they weren't quite as splendid.

He had gazed at that palace all his life from the windows of his hatchery, dreaming of the day when he might serve the Empire...

And that day had finally come. His oaths had been taken. His duty called.