“High Priest Usharra, the fearsome knights patrol the region all around the hill,” said the smallish lizardman with orange and red scales along with a trio of horns, one to each side of his neck, and the last from the base of his skull. “We cannot penetrate their formation without being detected and all of our warriors are dead, the assault is impossible. We must retreat back to the ships and hope that Great Sakatha guides us home.”
Usharra waved a dismissive hand at the young acolyte and said, “Force was never our objective, young one. The loss of the warriors is a blessing from Sakatha and not a hindrance. After the horsemen patrols move on we will find the path to the Staff of Sakatha clear. Chusarausea has revealed all to me in my dreams. The Toxic One is unfettered now and able to aid us completely. The staff shall be ours, we shall raise Great Sakatha, and he shall lead us.”
“Yes, Master Usharra,” said the acolyte with a deep bow, “your wisdom is without peer and our people will owe you a debt of gratitude that cannot be repaid. Great Sakatha shall reward you with eternal life in his golden reign. The Old Empire will rise; the humans and the Usurper reborn will feel our wrath. Praise Sakatha, praise Usharra.”
The high priest nodded his head and again waved the acolyte away, “Go now, alert the other acolytes to keep close watch on the knights and prepare to cross into the mountains at a moment’s notice.”
The acolyte bowed again and slowly backed out of the room as he whispered words of worship to the high priest.