After days of travel, the floating island carrying the High Priest and his followers reached the capital city of the Empire of Mythoria. The grand city stretched out before them, its towering spires gleaming in the sunlight, but it was not the architecture that captured the attention of the citizens—it was the massive, floating island hovering high above the imperial palace.
People in the streets stopped and stared, pointing at the island in awe and confusion. Word spread quickly, and soon the entire city was buzzing with rumors and speculation.
"Is it a sign from the gods?" one citizen whispered.
"Is it a threat?" another asked, fear creeping into their voice.
As the floating island came to a halt above the palace gates, a group of soldiers gathered below, their weapons drawn and their faces filled with suspicion. The sight of the Primordial Eagles—Astralis and Celestaris—circling above only heightened the tension.
From atop the island, the High Priest looked down, calm and composed. "It is time," he said quietly to his followers. "We must meet with the emperor."
With a wave of his hand, the High Priest signaled the Primordial Eagles to descend. He and five of his followers mounted the backs of the majestic creatures, their psychic energy shimmering faintly around them as they prepared for the descent.
As they flew down from the floating island, the soldiers at the gates tensed, gripping their weapons tightly. The sight of strangers arriving on the backs of such powerful, divine creatures was both intimidating and unsettling.
The High Priest and his followers landed gracefully before the palace gates, the eagles bowing their heads respectfully as they touched the ground. Immediately, they were met with hostility. The captain of the guard stepped forward, his voice sharp and authoritative.
"Who are you?" he demanded. "What business do you have in the capital? And what is that… thing?" He gestured to the floating island with a mixture of confusion and anger.
The High Priest remained calm, his gaze steady as he addressed the captain. "We are messengers of the Primordial Flame. We come in peace to deliver an invitation to the empire." His voice was measured, respectful, and unwavering, but he deliberately avoided mentioning the name of their god—Aetherion—for now.
Before the captain could respond, a deep voice interrupted from behind. "Enough."
The crowd parted as the emperor himself appeared at the gates, flanked by his personal guard. His eyes, sharp and calculating, scanned the scene before him—the floating island above, the majestic eagles, and the strange, calm figures standing at his gate.
The emperor was a tall, imposing figure, dressed in royal robes that denoted his status as the ruler of the most powerful empire in the land. His expression was one of curiosity, but also caution.
"What is going on here?" he asked, his gaze locking onto the High Priest.
The High Priest stepped forward, bowing respectfully. "Your Majesty, we are messengers of the Primordial Flame, sent to invite you and your people to learn about our faith. We seek only to share our knowledge and to extend an invitation."
The emperor raised an eyebrow, intrigued but wary. "You arrive with floating islands and divine creatures," he said, gesturing to the eagles. "Forgive me if I am cautious. Who are you, and why should I trust you?"
The High Priest remained composed, choosing his words carefully. "We are servants of the flame, Your Majesty. We do not seek to impose, only to share. The Primordial Flame is a force of creation and power, and it burns for all who are willing to listen."
He paused, sensing the emperor's hesitation. "We extend an invitation to your Religious Studies class at the Sky Walk Academy to visit our sanctuary and learn more about our faith. Additionally, we invite you and your royal family to join us in understanding the flame's power."
The emperor studied the High Priest for a long moment, weighing his words. The idea of a new faith entering his empire was not something he took lightly, and the appearance of such mysterious messengers raised more questions than it answered.
"You speak of your faith with confidence," the emperor said slowly, "but why should I allow this when I know nothing of you?"
The High Priest smiled gently. "That is precisely why we invite you, Your Majesty—to learn. Our flame burns brightly, but it is not for destruction. It is for enlightenment. Let us show you what we offer."
After a moment of hesitation, the emperor finally nodded. "Very well. You may enter." He gestured for his guards to stand down, though their eyes remained watchful. "Follow me to the throne room."
The High Priest and his followers exchanged glances before nodding in unison. They followed the emperor through the palace gates, the guards leading them to the grand throne room. As they walked, the High Priest remained calm, his faith unwavering, while his followers walked with silent reverence.
Upon entering the throne room, they were met with a sight of grandeur. The royal family was gathered—the queen, two princes, and three princesses—along with several high-ranking nobles and advisors. The room was filled with wealth and power, and the atmosphere was thick with tension.
The emperor took his seat on the throne, his gaze fixed on the High Priest. "You now stand before the most powerful people in the empire. Speak carefully."
The High Priest bowed deeply before the emperor, then turned his attention to the assembled royal family and nobles. His voice was steady, but filled with conviction. "I come not as a conqueror or a threat. I come as a servant of the Primordial Flame, here to invite you to witness its light for yourselves."
He looked around the room, his gaze passing over the princes, princesses, and nobles. "The Primordial Flame is a force that binds creation together. It offers wisdom, strength, and power to those who seek it. We extend this invitation to the Religious Studies class at the Sky Walk Academy, that they may come to our sanctuary and learn the truth of our faith."
The queen exchanged a glance with one of the nobles, uncertainty flickering in her eyes. The eldest prince, however, seemed intrigued, leaning forward in his seat.
The High Priest continued, sensing an opportunity. "This invitation is also extended to the imperial family and all who are gathered here. You are welcome to visit our sanctuary and see the flame for yourselves. We wish only to share its light."
The room was silent as the High Priest finished speaking. The emperor leaned back in his throne, his expression unreadable as he considered the offer. The other members of the royal family watched closely, some clearly intrigued, while others remained skeptical.
Finally, the emperor spoke. "You offeran intriguing proposition, High Priest. A new faith, a new flame… and you have come directly to my gates." He paused, looking toward his queen and children, then back at the High Priest. "You speak of wisdom and power, yet I know nothing of your order, nor your god."
The High Priest, still composed, nodded respectfully. "Your Majesty, the Primordial Flame is not tied to one name or one being. It is an eternal force, offering enlightenment and strength to those who are open to its light. We do not ask for blind faith, only for the opportunity to share our truth. See the flame for yourself, and judge it with your own eyes."
The eldest prince, intrigued by the offer, finally spoke up. "Father, if their flame is truly as powerful as they say, perhaps it would be wise to investigate. Knowledge is always valuable, especially in these uncertain times."
The emperor's gaze shifted toward his son, thoughtful. He knew the prince's words were sound, though he remained cautious. Finally, he nodded. "Very well. We will allow your Religious Studies class to visit your sanctuary. As for the imperial family and the nobles, we will… consider your invitation."
The High Priest bowed deeply, gratitude filling his voice. "Thank you, Your Majesty. We will await your decision and the arrival of the academy's scholars. The Primordial Flame welcomes all who seek its light."
With that, the emperor stood, signaling the end of the audience. "You are dismissed. Leave the details with my advisors, and we will make arrangements."
As the High Priest and his followers turned to leave, there was a sense of quiet triumph in the air. Their message had been delivered, and the flame's light was beginning to spread.