Count Sestembar followed Highpriest Lathrox through the High Temple of Dralm's back entrance, into a small vestibule and down a long hall to a closed plank door. Lathrox rapped his knuckles three times in succession and the door squeaked open. Through the smoke and candlelight Sestembar could see a hands-count of priests in blue robes. "Follow me," Highpriest Lathrox said.
The Count was given a seat at the foot of the table, as Lathrox introduced him, "I will not give any names, but our emissary is highly placed at the Court of Great King Sopharar. He speaks for the Royal family."
Sestembar stood and bowed, then dropped a large saddlebag full of gold coins on the table. It landed with a resounding thud. "A small donation for the High Temple. Count Sestembar, at your service."
The clank of gold coins brought smiles all around the table, except upon the face of the Highpriest of the High Temple of Hos-Agrys, who Sestembar identified by the eight-pointed golden star he wore suspended on a thick gold chain around his neck.
The Highpriest pointed a finger at him, asking, "Why do you ask us to meet like thieves? If your Great King grants his support to Allfather Dralm, let him do so openly."
Sestembar groaned to himself. "Not all his princes share the Great King's belief in Allfather Dralm."
Highpriest Lathrox nodded piously, indicating these words were true.
Of course they were, Sestembar thought, all the princes of Hos-Zygros collected together couldn't agree on the color of the sky. "Many of them argue that the Ivory Throne of Hos-Zygros should support Archpriest Syclos and Styphon's House."
There was the hiss of indrawn breath. One highpriest began to cough.
Highpriest Lathrox added, "Highpriest Davros, I do not see Great King Demistophon attending services at the High Temple."
Davros frowned and started to speak.
Before any words were spoken that could not be taken back, Sestembar said, "Of course, my master does not intend to follow the false god, Styphon. "That got their attention. "His worry is that the Council of Dralm will prematurely support the Usurper Kalvan, who calls himself Great King of Hos-Hostigos."
"Why shouldn't we support Kalvan?" the elderly Highpriest asked.
"Kalvan shows proper piety and offerings toward the Allfather," another added.
Sestembar smiled to himself. "True, this Kalvan outwardly makes the proper motions of respect. But really, who is this man? I have heard he is a demi-god sent from the Cold Lands?"
He could tell from the tittering murmurs that he had hit a sensitive subject.
"How do we ascertain that this is true?" Sestembar shrugged his shoulders. "What if Kalvan were one of Hadron's demons, come to lead us astray with false promises and devotions?"
"Old Xentos has met Kalvan," a younger priest said. "Xentos tells us many good things about him; Kalvan has proper piety and shows respect for all people, not just the nobility."
"Wouldn't a demon in human form do such to disguise his true intentions? Styphon himself was said to be a Daemon sent from Hadron's Hall at the bidding of his snake-headed master. Where else could have Kalvan learned the fireseed formula, but in Hadron's Hall?"
Everyone at the table was talking now. Highpriest Davros pounded his fist on the table to demand quiet. "These questions of yours have no answers. We do not know what Dralm's will is concerning Kalvan. If he were a demi-god, I do think Dralm would have given us a sign or portent. Yet, I doubt that Kalvan is a devil. The Council must find out what he truly is before we declare him a demon, or pledge our support. Otherwise, we risk becoming Hadron's tool, may Dralm forgive us!" He quickly circled the eight-pointed white star on his chest, as did several of the other high-priests.
"What do we tell Xentos," the younger priest asked. "He has come to the High Temple requesting the aid of Council and the princes of Hos-Agrys for Great King Kalvan."
"Xentos is a pious priest, but-truth be known," Davros said, "he has never before been outside the small Princedom of Hostigos and still has straw in his mattress."
Several of the highpriests laughed out loud.
"Do not laugh. I have noticed that many of our simpler brethren, those who live in the provincial towns and villages, have great respect for his simple words and strong belief."
"This is true," the younger priest confirmed. "As do many who attend the Council."
"I have also noticed that as the moons have passed his protestations upon Kalvan's behalf have become fewer and fewer. I suggest we offer him a high post that he cannot in good conscience turn down and let him make our decision for us."
"What if he offers the Temple's support to his friend Kalvan?" Sestembar asked.
Highpriest Davros laughed. "Xentos is a good horse, when we lead him to the right grass he will chew it up, even if it cuts his tongue."
"This is good news," Sestembar said. "I would not like to see Allfather Dralm's Temple torn apart as Styphon's House has been by different factions. Although, Praise Dralm, it is good work to sow discord among the false god's supporters."
This time everyone nodded and circled their breasts.