Chapter 3 and 4 respectively:  Teatime Talk
 
 

The royal carriage of Lord Makai moved through the dingy streets of the Kobold District of Two River. Makai was on his way to a meeting. He not only had to inform Ridley of his new plan to finally get rid of that cursed rebel leader who's name wasn't even known (and thus everyone referred to as HIM because they were too lazy to think of anything else), but he also had been hearing reports of yet another crazy fanatic dubbed The Visionary. Fortunately, unlike HIM, "The Visionary" was nice enough to give Two River a name to call him by. The carriage finally came to rest at the front of the Wizen Estate, a grand house, quite unlike the rest of the tent filled District. Makai stepped out.

“Thank you James.” Said Makai. The driver, David smiled and nodded. He’d given up trying to correct Makai ages ago.

Makai left David and walked through the gardens in front of the Wizen Estate, and knocked on the front door A young, gold furred Kobold opened the door.

“Ah, the butler.” Makai said. He brushed passed the Kobold, and gave him his royal coat.

“Ah, actually, Lord Makai,” The Kobold replied. “I’m Captain Boris Wizen…Of the 34th Brigade. I’m General Ridley’s son.”

“Oh, yes, very well.” Makai said hurriedly. “Then call the real butler. I need to speak with the General.”

Makai did not see Boris roll his eyes. “Very well, Lord Makai. I’ll get the General and the butler. The Living room is down the hallway to the left, third door on the right.”

“Very well.” Makai walked briskly down the hall. Boris closed the door, and went up the stairs.
 
 
 

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Ridley, surprisingly enough, was in his office when Boris knocked on the door.

“What?” Came the gruff reply.

“Lord Makai is here to see you, father.” Boris called. “I directed him to the Living Room.”

“Get Marcus to make some tea.” Ridley responded. “I’ll be down in a minute.”

Boris sighed and left to get Marcus.
 
 
 

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Makai was getting impatient. It had been almost a whole five minutes! How dare they keep the Patriarch of Two River waiting for so long!

Finally, footsteps could be heard coming down the hall. The door opened and Ridley walked in.

“About time!” Makai said angrily. “I have important things to do with my time and-“

A Winger entered the room with a tray with teacups on it. He walked over to Makai. “Tea, Lord Makai sir?”

Makai took a cup. “Go away now, Winger.”

Marcus smiled, and turned to leave. Ridley took a cup of tea from Marcus’ tray as he left. “Thank you Marcus. That will be all.” He said.

“Yes sir.”

Ridley directed Makai to a seat. Makai sat down and Ridley sat down across from him. “So, Lord Makai, what is it that you wished to talk with me about?”

“What is the status on The Visionary?” Makai asked, cutting quickly to the chase.

Ridley was silent. “Well, we know that The Visionary is a Demi-Human of some kind, because all of his victims have been humans, and ones quite outspoken against Demi-Humans, like Lorinda Yalewood, his first victim. His trademark way of killing is to break his victim’s neck. Recently, The Visionary killed Lord Magnum Polas. He was a lord who enjoyed the Kobold fights at the Coliseum, I believe. We think it’s only a matter of time before The Visionary targets you as his victim.”

Makai went several shades paler. Ridley suppressed a smile. “But we have taken the necessary precautions. We have platoons out every night, including one stationed in front of the palace. Besides, don’t you have Lenya to protect you?”

“I…suppose so, General Ridley. Now on to more pressing matters. About HIM.”

Ridley blinked. “HIM? Now really Lord Makai, HE is just a child’s myth. I wouldn’t pay so much attention to it.”

Makai grew stern. “I don’t recall asking for your opinion on the matter, General.”

“Forgive me, Lord Makai.”

“Hmph.” Makai said. “Anyway, a Dwarven Winger-“ At this, Ridley raised an eyebrow but said nothing. “A Dwarven Winger named Bunjeebunj recently came to me. He told me how to catch HIM. We set up a false show at the Coliseum, Wingers against Kobolds. HE won’t be able to resist coming. The Wingers are really human solders, and the Kobolds are your men. We stage the fight, HE shows up, and we capture him! Then all we have to do is capture The Visionary and we’ll be all set. What do you think?”

There was a pause as Ridley set his teacup down on the table. “Have General Forceps and General Trisch been informed of this?”

“They’d never stoop so low to command filthy Kobolds.” Said Makai disgustedly. Ridley closed his eyes. “No, General, I need you to command the Kobolds.”

“Very well, my Lord. I will do as you command.”

“Excellent General. I knew I could always count on you. We will stage the false event soon.” He rose. “Well, I must be going. Keep on top of everything, and keep me informed on this Visionary crisis. I won’t have mass murderers in my town.”

Makai and Ridley walked back to the front hall of the Estate. Marcus Rook, Ridley’s butler gave Makai his coat, and Makai left the Estate, got back in his carriage and rode off. Ridley sighed.

“Idiot.” He muttered as he climbed the stairs back to his office. “HIM...Dwarven Wingers...He must be mad.”
 
 
 

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Makai’s carriage moved down the streets of the Human District. It was still a few hours before dark would fall, and the Palace was looming nearer and nearer.

Suddenly, a cry echoed throughout the street. Makai looked out, and saw a figure running along the tops of the buildings next to the carriage. The figure was dressed entirely in black, his face hid by a cowl, but it was obviously a Kobold.

The Carriage stopped at an intersection, and the figure took a crossbow out from behind his back and fired it at the carriage. Makai screamed and pulled his head back in. There was a dull thud as the arrow hit the wall of the carriage. The figure on the roofs pulled back his sleeve, and touched something on his arm and vanished.

Makai tentatively reached out and took the arrow. A sheet of parchment was wrapped around it. Makai took it off the arrow, and read it, horror dawning on his eyes.

My dear Lord Makai,

For as long as I can remember, you and the elite of Two River have feasted well. Feasted on food made at the expense of the Demi-humans of the town. Your feast is at an end. The Vision is nigh.

Yours truly, The Visionary

Makai gave a small whimper and fell back in his seat, and fainted.