Interlude 44: Meanwhile on Solemnace

"I truly feel sorry for certain people. They have utterly failed to uphold our noble traditions, treating honor as though it were nothing, actually imprisoning a defeated commander and his army within a stasis field! The title of noble is a disgrace upon them, a disgrace! But do not worry, I am unlike those uncouth fellows. Old Zahndrekh never mistreats or looks down upon prisoners, after all, defeat is merely part of war. Now, have a drink, young man!"

Amid the glimmering green light, a metal skeleton elegantly waved his right hand and nodded at a human seated at his dining table. The latter remained completely unmoved, merely sitting in his chair with his teeth clenched.

His behavior drew the attention of a guard standing behind the skeleton. Judging by appearances, he was much larger than the Necron calling himself Zahndrekh—upon noticing his gaze, the human finally and reluctantly picked up the wine cup at his side.

Yet only a few seconds later, he stared into the empty golden goblet and spoke stiffly.

"It's empty."

"What?" The skeleton leaned back in surprise. "That is a grave discourtesy!"

He turned and called loudly to his guard. "Obyron! Would you do me a favor? Go have a look in the kitchens and see what those layabouts are up to again! How could they be so careless?"

His guard gave a slight bow, then turned and strode away. The skeleton calling himself Zahndrekh rose with a mutter and began pacing around his banquet hall.

The place was built largely from green and silver, with many enormous windows set into its ceiling and walls. From every angle, they refracted light beyond anything ordinary people could imagine.

At the center of the circular long table floated a great spherical orb, formed from countless precious gemstones