On the night of the 10th, outside Abadi's gates, the Beastmen Royal Court army's main camp was ablaze with light despite the late hour, its honored guests filling every seat.
In the open space at the center of the camp, a Beast God's Favored that looked part pig, part wolf sat in the seat of honor.
To his left sat High-Rank Priest Rudolf Schultz of the Temple of Wealth, Panita White Wolf of the Temple of Life, and Neracheri, the Centaur priest of the Temple of Abundance.
Behind the three High-Rank priests stood nine Beast God's Favored, all prominent figures from the three cities.
To the Favored's right sat a giant Scorch Wolf and a giant Forest Cat. Beside them sat Archmage Rosef Vishidno Gallop, with representatives of the Basin's Favored behind him.
Though lavish food and fine wine had been laid out before everyone, the great pig in the host's seat wore a foul expression, and none of the guests dared touch a thing.
"Esteemed priests, esteemed Favored," the great pig called out once he saw that most had arrived.
"I have come on behalf of the Royal Court to help our local Hindukush tribes defeat Gallop Plains. Three hundred years ago, when the Royal Court captured Night-Kirin City, only forty Favored took part, yet they defeated hundreds of Archmages and several Legendaries within the city.
"Now, our Basin alone has more than fifty Favored, while Night-Kirin City does not even have a single Legendary. Wouldn't taking it be as easy as turning over one's hand?"
The more the great pig spoke, the more worked up he became, his tune rising ever higher as though victory were already within arm's reach. Yet the many priests and beasts before him kept their mouths shut, merely watching his performance.
Before long,