Prima Zadok Sudeas sat in a large room with ornate carvings of golden dragons spiraling up onyx columns. The Prima, high priest of the whole Dragon Order, still didn't feel that the throne chair he had commissioned was comfortable. "Why can't those damn craftsmen make a single chair that feels right?" he grumbled, twisting and turning on the cushion.
"If the Dovari we questioned are to be believed, they say the spirit of Abrasax will prevent any but the chosen Kendov can sit upon the dragon throne," said an old monk before him.
"But this is not even the dragon throne! This is my throne, the throne of the Prima! It has no ties to those dead dragons or their legends."
The monk shrugged, "To the gods, would they really care which chair mortals chose to sit upon? I think the belief is more about whoever claims the title, must be worthy."
Prima Zadok fumed, "Are you saying I am unworthy to claim the throne that my ancestors have been preparing to hold generation after generation for over a thousand years?"
"I am saying that you may have gained power among the mortals, but without the blessing of the dragon gods, no human can hope to attain and hold the seat of power. Even the Royals still seek counsel from the Dovari Kendov at their coronation, and hold a seat of honor should the Kendov ever bless their palace with a visit," the monk said stoicly.
"A power and influence I too will wield. I am Prima after all," sneered Zadok.
"Perhaps in name only. You do not possess any of the holy relics that show the favor of the dragons."
"If that is all it takes to sway the simpletons running this kingdom, then it will be remedied shortly. Kerrigan returned to Jinstain last night."
"Do you really believe she will bring you the pendant of Celia?"
"If she doesn't, the Dragoon warriors will, and she will learn the consequences of disobedience. If that relic is all that stands between me, and my rightful place, Falok help whoever was dumb enough to hold on to it. As for Abrasax, What do you think this is, Agouties? Some costume jewlery?" Zadok thumped the pendant around his neck."
The intensity in Zadok's gaze was enough to melt steel, yet brother Agouties held his ground, meeting Zadok's gaze with unruffled calmness. The manacle around his leg still chafed, but he held still, avoiding unnecessary motion. "Be careful when you dismiss powers that have existed for over three millennia. You may have never seen Abrasax or Celia, but you claim to have heard the voice of Falok. I caution you to not allow such madness to cloud your judgment. As for the costume jewelry you were, it may fool simple minds, but not those who know the power it should hold."
SLAP! Brother Agouties felt his head rock as Zadok slapped him, but the pain did more to bolster his senses against the toxicants flowing through his veins than it did to hurt his pride.
"If I wanted to hear such talk, I would have kept the Dovari around. As it stands, only the one remains, and soon she shall pass her title to me."
"You still need a royal blessing to force a marriage with the Abrasax Dovari Kendov. She is a fierce woman in her own right, and while the dragon order may bow to you as Prima now, her followers are strong within the order of Dragoon warriors."
"Once the Order can share in the power of Falok and realizes what a true dragon god is, they will not be so taken with these dovari witches who think they can hold power over men just by possessing an old relic. Her follower will flock to my banner when they realize we can rule."
Brother Agouties frowned, but held his tongue. It would not do any good to dissuade Zadok of his delusions. Instead, he redirected, "If you believe so little in the wisdom of Celia, and the might of her warlord consort, Abrasax, why not just pursue a marriage will the princess Arisa? Surely the king would consider the Prima a worthy candidate."
Zadok slumped in his throne chair. "I am sure I could persuade the king. However, the royal families have been clever over the years and crafted ancient rites that limit such a union to those of royal birth OR the Dovari kendov. It seems that even a Prima does not have a say in their courts without the relics of blessing."
Brother Agouties smiled knowingly. So, the Prima had tried that route, and when it failed decided that the pendant of Celia was worth something after all. Agouties prayed that Celia would guard whoever the poor soul was who possessed her pendant. "Prima, on another note, I know you have been seeking more partnerships in Jinstain. I hear there is a Gala this weekend, and it might be a good opportunity to use Kerrigan's... Female charm, to try to woo the Benedict family. Such a gathering is sure to bring out the big players. Perhaps she would be able to expand our eyes there again."
Prima Zadok considered, "Hmm that is actually not a bad idea. Its short notice, but that just means she will not be able to plan any excuses. The Benedict family is one I need on my side to get to the king. Even if they are not true nobility, they are the next best thing in Bayan. I will see if I can send an invitation to meet with the Benedict Heir. His father is a cunning man but he still holds power on the kings counsel and at seat at the commerce hearings."
Prima Zadok twisted in the seat again, still uncomfortable, "If we sway the Benedicts, their power over the business world of Bayan province would bolster our own. Even the king would not be able to ignore such an alliance."