Confronted with reality

A pair of guards lead you through the palace, a building that you’re realizing must be quite extensive. This time, you’re led through areas where people are passing through, though they hardly spare you a glance, intent as they are on their own tasks. In a way, it reminds you of home, although here the machinery of state is in service of the wrong side.

Finally, you’re led into a large room, mostly empty but for a large throne covered in purple cloth, and a table. Seated at the table are three people, one of which you see is Victoria. The other two must be the other leaders of the Order, one on either side of her, and both very different.

One is a dark skinned woman with black, curly haired, who doesn’t seem to notice your arrival. She doesn’t look up from the various trinkets in front of her, items that at first glance appear to be toys. As you’re led closer, however, you realize that they’re actually fantastically detailed clockwork figures. You assume this must be the technomage you’ve heard about. She seems uninterested in what’s happening, her eyes focused on the tiny gears she’s fiddling with.

The other figure is more of an enigma, and far more unnerving. Completely shrouded in robes, you’re unable to tell anything about them. Their simple presence still somehow gives off an unnatural aura, as if they simply shouldn’t exist. Though you can’t see into the shadows of their hood, you feel their intense stare regardless.

The guards stop, pushing you a step in front of them. Victoria stares at you for a moment, then sighs. “Well, Nicholas, here we are. I suppose I can introduce my fellow leaders. This is Kaeli, though I doubt she’ll participate here. And this is Niran, who unfortunately for you, definitely will.”

The shrouded man, Niran apparently, nods, speaking in a raspy voice. “Yes. Quite unfortunately indeed. Although it doesn’t have to be unpleasant. That’s up to you.”

Victoria nods. “Right. So, from what the guards tell me of your…activities, you’re plenty well enough to handle this.”

You speak up. “This? And what is this? An interview? A **** session? What is it you want from me?”

There’s a dry chuckle from Niran. “It could be either of those things, depending upon how forthcoming you are.”

Victoria sighs. “I’d rather not see you hurt. I have no stomach for unnecessary cruelty.”

You shake your head. “Don’t lie to me. I’ve seen the prison ships. I’ve spoken with refugees. I know how you rule. Just because you keep your hands clean personally doesn’t absolve your guilt!”

Your outburst actually causes Kaeli to look up for a moment, and you can see curiosity in her eyes. At the same time, Victoria slams a fist down onto the table. Angrily, she shakes her head.

“You have no idea what we do! Without the Order, this world is lost! Petty warlords and mages, wars and plagues. Without us, who could placate the insane old god we keep restrained? None of this is possible without what we do! Not that you would know, living behind the barrier.”

She shakes her head. “This is not whatever idyllic paradise you imagine. This is reality, and sometimes reality is cruel and harsh. And it seems you need a taste of reality, boy. Niran. Show him.”