"Come along, Kerrigan, Dear," sneered Prima Zadok Sudeas, the newly appointed high priest of the Dragon Thunder.
Kerrigan Lokir slogged along in his wake, glowering at his tone. Before his ascension three years ago, Kerrigan was favored by all of the servants and monks any time she was in the temple of Abrasax. Somehow, this prick of a man had wormed his way to the top of all dragon worship from the dregs of Pinon Province of all places. Kerrigan cringed at the memories of Zadok all the way back when he was still a lowly priest, and she, just a small girl, orphaned at six.
"Tell me, Kerrigan. How goes the search for the dragon soul stone? You should have made good progress by now right?" Prima Zadok continued, sweeping down the corridor.
"The hunt continues. It's likely in Bayan Province."
The Prima paused, and glared at her, "Likely in Bayan prov-..., Kerrigan it was likely in Bayan Province four years ago when the harlot who carried it was dealt with. You told me you could find it which is why I permitted you to go. Are you telling me that all of these trips to Jinstain have been for nothing?"
"Zadok, I will remind you that you don't permit me to do anything. I am the President of Dragon Corporation, and I conduct business when and where I please. As for Jinstain, I was also expanding Dragon Corporation's holdings and business ties, so yes, it was profitable," Kerrigan fired back.
Prima Zadok steepled his fingers and sneered before continuing his walk. "Your incessant disobedience is a small matter that shall be remedied soon. Don't forget, CHILD, it was I who cared for you when the world rejected you. Even your own family could not protect you, yet I did. It was I who sheltered you here in the temple. And never forget, it was you who awoke Abrasax early, causing untold damage to the soul within the stone. Though perhaps we should thank you for that little incident, as misguided as it was. We may never have known about the lustful nature of Rania. As for Dragon Corporation, the business managers will be up to speed shortly and will relieve you. Then you can take up your place at my side as a good wife should. Remember, in the future, a proper wife will be seen, not heard."
Kerrigan fumed, "You can't just take my company away from me. You don't own it, nor do you have any legal control of it. Only the blessed of the Dragons can run Dragon Corporation."
"Again, a matter soon to be fixed. Once we are wed, your assets are mine to control, as a husband should be in control of the property anyway. And don't forget my young pet, I am prima, so of course, I am blessed by the dragons."
Kerrigan sneered, "You are assuming I even agree to any of this, and the blessing of the dragons is not some title you can just claim with no proof."
"The temple Elders have decided. It's simply the best option for the people. You by my side makes sense. And as for the dragon blessing, I seem to recall you sneaking in and stealing the sacred pendant of Abrasax. Don't think I haven't forgotten your little rebellions. If you do, I might as well sell you off to the Benedict Heir. I hear he has some creative ways of breaking his females."
"But I am the bearer of Abrasax. Does that stand for nothing these days?"
"Sure, it makes you valuable enough to be my bride, but only just. I may not be able to rip it from your head until after we wed, but should I remind the people that you stole it, well... I am sure your popularity will render your word pointless. Outside that, those old relics are only good for controlling the loyalty of the populous and the royals when they get out of line. If you really want to test me, I believe Kelan Benedict can find a place for you in his mines. He seems quite fond of working girls."
"You are a real piece of work you know that? You are not going to get away with this." Kerrigan said, turning to retreat down the hall.
"Miss Lokir, you forget. I already have. And your power within this temple wanes more each day."
Kerrigan snorted and disappeared down a hall towards her chambers.
A small seedy man slid out of an alcove. "Prima, why do you tolerate her insolence like this?"
"Let her have her petty tantrum, Meyer. Once we wed, she will learn her place. The Kingdom has no need to hear her voice once they have me to tell them how to think."
"Is there anything to fear from her loyal followers? She does carry the holy relic," commented Meyer.
"Gah, that old necklace. There has not been a medallion in the temple of Falak for over a thousand years, yet we still follow his commands. An old piece of costume jewelry is nothing more than a way for those priestesses to hold power over the temple and over the royals. They simply didn't want to spread their legs to accomplish the same thing. It's all about power. Even if there was truth to it, the dragons of those temples are long since gone, and hold no ability to stop us. The dragons will fall in line and follow the order of the Prima, one way or another," said Prima Zadok.
"And the relic of Celia?"
"Go ahead and send a team of our Falak Dragoons to Jinstain. See if they can trace Kerigan's path. She may have found more than she is letting on. While I don't give much credence to these relics, there is no denying the power they have over the simple-minded. Controlling Celia's talisman will only solidify my position."
"Do they have any restrictions?"
"No, if they find anyone in possession, they can consider it a cleansing operation. Retrieve the artifact at all costs. If they need resources, they can reach out to Kelan Benedict. He should be willing to assist them."
"What if Miss Lokir tries to interfere again?"
"She will learn her place, and the consequences of disobedience."