>>5896695You stifle your anger as it begins to show its head. Had this really been a trap all along? What was the Count doing in Zanado? A part of you thinks to run, or to lash out and attack before Hoff could pull whatever trick he had in his sleeve. But you came here to get answers, and you’d wring them from him if need be. You step further into the room, taking a seat across from the desk.
“You as well.” Hoff says with a warm smile to Anemone. “I’ve heard tales about you, but I’m grateful to be given the chance to meet in person. An Agarthan with the blood of the Goddess’ children running through her veins. Magnificent! Your very existence is proof that the possibility of cooperation between the races is possible.”
“I’m glad you seem to think so.” Anemone says. She tensely walks over but refuses to take a seat. The woman seems on the edge of lashing out ay any second. “Many of your kin have spared no effort in trying to drive me and my people extinct.”
“Yes, the follies of Shambhala are well-known to me and my lord.” Hoff acquiesces. “But we do not share such sentiments. We believe yours is an existence worth celebrating. It is through you that the legacy of Agartha will survive.”
>“Hoff…” You growl. “What is the meaning of this? Did you know we’d be coming here?”“I did.” Hoff nods. “After the Javelins of Light were fired, we knew that the Church’s top priority would be securing the Agarthium used to create them. But with Shambhala’s location revealed, they’d delegate the job to someone else. Someone with ties to the land…and a rich history of hunting and slaying Agarthans. It was all as my lord, Anacharsis, predicted.”
>“Well then why is the Count…Anacharsis… not here to see me himself?”“He would have loved to lay his eyes on you once more, my dear. But time is of the essence. My lord is to be at the head of a great unveiling in Zanado. One that will shape the very future of our people. He asked me to remain here and speak with you. To explain what will transpire. And to hopefully find reason with you, so that you will not think to pursue him in that dreaded waste. That is why I sit before you now. That is why I will be unable to witness the grand miracle that will soon unfold. Out of the love he has for you.”
>“Speak plainly!” You snap. “I’ve been to Zanado before. It’s nothing but a barren wasteland. Why is Bennett summoning a legion of fools there? To what end?”“Bennett believes Zanado will be the place the Goddess descends. Once enough true believers have been gathered, she will take them all in her hands, bringing them up above to the heavens, to live forever with her in peace. Those left behind, both heretics and Agarthans, will be destroyed, taken by an endless void. It’s a nice picture.” Hoff smiles. “But Sothis is already here. And the only gods that will be arriving are our own.”
