The Fire and The Storm - The Nexus of Kellaran #2 novel Chapter 93

Part 15

“The most important thing is to prevent injustice to the just, closely followed by maximizing our preparedness for war against the demons. The right of people to play the game outside Serminak does not exist except on our sufferance, and it’s a very low priority as far as I’m concerned.”

“Lord Regent Povon,” Fire formally began, “We would like to make a contribution to this project that is commensurate with our abilities. And, since this will be our first work in the outside world, its successful completion will inform the world of the magnitude of our capability.

“We would therefore appreciate it if you let us deal with the murderers, beyond letting us take a good Reading of you while you spend a moment psionicly listening for rule-breaking. I’m sure you’ve developed an excellent technique for doing so, and it would save us a bit of time if you would allow us to incorporate that technique into our solution.

“Dealing with the non-players who’ve been wronged by players is a far more subtle problem, and we’ll gladly leave that to the rest of you.”

“My, what a bold little thing you are for your age!” Gran chuckled.

“Yes, and they’re capable enough to justify their boldness.” Mark agreed, joining her chuckle. “By the way, Somonik; Speaker of the Ninety-Nine, and Grakonexikaldoron of the Ninety-Nine; our neighbor in Xervia, and Empress Honey; Monarch of The Swarm, and Sheramiv of the Atoned; First Minister of Hilia, I am very proud to formally introduce my daughter with Alilia; Princess Valentia Longstrider; known informally as Val, my son with Talia; Prince Markhan Reginus Longstrider the Sixth; known as Six, and my daughter with Talia; Princess Helemia Longstrider, known as Fire.

“They, along with Prince Karzog here who you met before the time-bubble and who’s known informally as Karz, are The Governors of Hiliani. Since the four of them are an inseparable team, we’ve taken to referring to them collectively and informally as The Governors. They were entirely responsible for the design and execution of the program for integrating the Hiliani Sylvan into our military efforts there, and I think the social system they’ve designed for young Sylvan is the best there is; allowing them a very fulfilling and enjoyable life while preventing them from killing each other. As far as I know, the system Zwak has in place in Serminak works, but the young Sylvan there don’t like it very much.”

Each of the four young stood and bowed as they were introduced.

“We are very glad and proud to meet you.” Somonik declared as he, Sheramiv, Honey, and Gran returned their bows with smiles.

“We’re extremely honored to meet you, Most Noble Somonik.” Six told him with another bow of great respect. “We’re honored to meet you all, including you gods, who truly need no introduction. But Fire and I are really your enthusiastic and devoted fans, Most Noble. Of all the people outside the time-bubble, you’re the one we most wanted to meet. We’ve studied your exploits with great interest, and it seems plain to us that of all the intelligent beings still living on Kellaran, mortal or divine, you are truly the most noble of character; the most just, the most determined, the bravest, the best. It’s our opinion that this fact isn’t as widely recognized as it should be, and we intend to correct that situation.”

“Well, I’m flattered and surprised, and I haven’t been surprised for a long time!” the ancient white dragon told him with a grin. “Thank you!”

“Don’t worry.” Fire giggled. “We intend that you’ll have legions of devoted fans, as you richly deserve, but we know you’re very busy so we’ll do all we can to prevent them from being an inconvenience to you.”