"Then we shall meet this threat decisively," the Emperor declared, his decision crystallizing in the silence that followed General Pellidar's report.
"We need to take care of them as quickly as we can. Make it paramount that we nip the bud before it has a chance to bloom into a full-blown crisis." The Emperor's eyes flashed with determination as he issued orders for immediate action to be taken against the impending threat.
"I want the generals to deal with this matter and mobilise the strongest forces, and I want reports of what's happening in the depths."
The officials nodded, and they got up, bowing to the emperor.
Within hours, imperial couriers raced across the realm's vast network of roads, bearing the Emperor's seal and the urgent command for deployment.
***
In the tallest tower of the Sandornen estate of the Kaezhlar clan, Patriarch Caelum stood alone, gazing through the arched window at the gilded city below.
