Journey's End

By Steven Lake

Having conquered the Great Sea, Simon's team continues on their journey westward, through the Wendrock Mountains, and into the incredible dangers of the fifth hextant. But these are not the kind of dangers that one might expect. They are instead dangers of temptation, planted there to ensnare Simon and his team, and prevent them from continuing on. Will they be able to overcome these temptations, or will that land successfully trap them there forever? It's a struggle to the end, with freedom, victory, and a chance to return home to Earth awaiting them at the top of Black Mountain.

• Language: English
• Publisher: Steven Lake
• Release date: Dec 9, 2021
• ISBN: 9781005374570

Steven Lake

Steven Lake is a prolific author of many, many books, stories, articles, and other literature spanning a period of over twenty years. He began his long writing career in 1992 while serving in the US Army and has worked continuously to improve his craft to the great art it is today.

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The Offworld Chronicles

Journey's End

By Steven Lake

Copyright 2021 by Steven Lake

Smashwords Edition

Author's Note:

This book is the seventh, and final entry in my fun and exciting Offworld Chronicles Series. I really hope you've enjoyed reading this series as much as I've enjoyed writing it. If you have, then stay tuned in the future for a brand new series that takes place in another part of this world, on the planet of Ember, and which carries over many of your favorite characters from this series that you love and cherish. I'm also planning several stand alone books to go alongside this series that will highlight various parts of both Offworld, and the upcoming novel series called Planetfall. If you've enjoyed this series, please consider heading over to realmsofimagination.net to see a wider selection of the other novels, short stories, and pocket guides that I have written. And, as always, enjoy the story.

Prologue

17 Years Earlier...

A young man, in his early twenties, blinked in confusion as he sat quietly on a wooden chair in a small, narrow room and stared at a battleship gray metal wall in front of him. He looked around in confusion as he tried to make sense of what'd just happened, and where exactly he was. One moment he was sitting in his accounting class listening to a lecture, and the next, he was here. Well, wherever here was. As he was pondering this, he looked down at his body and realized that he was now wearing an unusual looking brown outfit, not unlike a pair of Carhartts, instead of his previous t-shirt and khaki shorts. This new outfit certainly wasn't as comfortable as those had been, as it felt like they were made of heavy canvas. To his right he spotted a narrow metal door, as though he were sitting in a prison cell. Just then, the door to the room hissed open to reveal two strong, gray skinned men standing outside. Their bodies were humanoid, but their faces were twisted, hateful and evil looking. They soon grabbed him by the arms and violently yanked him out of the chair he was sitting in. The young man tried to fight against them, but was unable to as he felt like he was a small child fighting against giants. As he continued to struggle, the two men dragged him down a long, battleship gray hallway towards a large, black door at the end.

Hey, what are you-- he said.

Shut up, worm, growled one of the men in a dark, almost demonic voice.

As soon as they reached the large black door, it hissed open to reveal another room behind it. The two gray-skinned men then shoved the young man through the door, which hissed shut behind him. Another gray-skinned man near the door grabbed him roughly, and shoved him towards a line of people standing in front of a tall desk on the other side of the room.

Get in line, growled the gray-skinned man in a deep, demonic voice.

The young man had absolutely no idea where he was, or even how he'd gotten there. All he knew was that, either this was the wildest, most vivid dream he'd ever had, or this Dorthy wasn't in Kansas anymore. The longer he stood in line, however, the more he felt that the second option was the more likely one. Fifteen minutes later he found himself shoved out of the reception center, backpack, supplies, and unbelievable confusion in hand. Looking around the area he soon spotted several rows of what appeared to be picnic tables, up to as many as two dozen, scattered randomly across a small meadow like field in front of him. He soon realized that there were many others, like himself, gathered there as well, some of whom were just as scared and confused as he was, while others looked as though they were ready to take on the world, regardless of what challenges lay ahead of them. Looking towards the sky above, he was surprised to see not one, not two, but three moons hanging overhead. Off in the distance, a brilliant yellow sun rose over a placid and tranquil forest that surrounded a large meadow which stood in front of the reception center where racers prepared themselves to begin their journey; a journey that he too would soon become a part of.

Great mother of God, where am I? he asked in a light British accent.

Wherever this was, it definitely wasn't home, and it definitely wasn't a dream. In many ways he wished, right now, that it was the latter. He then continued to scan the area, and take in the world around him with both fear and wonder. Not far away, near the edge of the meadow, he spotted what looked to be large pine trees, very similar in shape, and appearance, to those commonly found in North America. Even the flowers, that filled the field around him, looked surprisingly Earth like; even though they clearly were not. He then got the strange feeling that he was being watched. He looked all around to see who might be staring at him, but saw nobody doing so. His eyes then turned to the large tower behind him that stretched upward from the middle of the Reception Center. Several stories above him, standing in front of a large, plate glass window on the side of that tower, were two slender, blue-skinned men who stared down at him with vile hatred and contempt. He would have to make sure he never crossed paths with them, whoever they were.

Hey there, chief, came a voice to his right.

The young man turned in surprise to see another young man, much like himself, standing next to him. It was clear that he too had recently come from the Reception Center, and was just as equally confused as he was.

Greetings, mate, what's your name? said the young man.

I'm Patrick Macros. What's yours? said the newcomer.

Rupert Wendle of Leeds, replied the young man.

Patrick perked up at this.

Oh, so you're British! he exclaimed happily.

Rupert shrugged slightly.

Only half so. My father is American. He moved to the UK with my mother only a few years ago. Before that we lived in America, moving from state to state as his job required.

Was he military? asked Patrick.

Rupert furrowed his brow at this.

Surprisingly, no. Although, his job did require us to move quite regularly from place to place. We're only living in the UK, at this time, because of my father's job. As such, I suspect we'll only be there another year or two before we return to the States. However, even such things as that are questionable. Even so, since we are there, I'm taking the opportunity to study at the University in Leeds, which is a great blessing, as I've always wanted to study abroad. So my parents felt that this was the perfect opportunity for me to do so.

Awe, dude, that's super cool, man. I'm actually working part time for my dad. He's a building contractor that helps construct new homes.

Ah, interesting. Does he build the actual homes themselves? asked Rupert.

Nah, he focuses more on the specialty things that go into the house. So he ends up working for all the local guys who actually build the houses. They put up the frame, slap a shell on it, and he goes inside and does the really weird and crazy stuff that people special order when designing their homes. Myself, I spend most of my day mixing and humping mortar, carrying wire spools, and that kinda stuff. In short, I'm his glorified coolie, if you get my meaning, said Patrick.

Rupert furrowed his brow slightly as he grinned in reply.

There's nothing wrong with that, if it's honest work.

Oh yeah, it's honest work. I don't get paid much, but I'm learning a lot. So, why exactly are we here, and what are we supposed to be doing?

Rupert scratched thoughtfully at his chin.

That...I'm not exactly certain of, mate. But I suspect that we'll find out if we read the book that they gave us, before they cast us out here like contemptible dogs.

Patrick chuckled.

So you're saying that we need to read the manual so we can learn about all the dumb ways we can die out here, right?

Rupert frowned incredulously.

I would hope that dying would not be your preferred method of solving your problems on this planet...or, wherever we are.

Patrick chuckled as he shook his head.

Nah, man, I ain't planning on dying anytime soon. But, without a guide, or someone who knows more about surviving in the wild than just rubbing two sticks together, we don't really have a chance, to be completely honest.

Um, I might be able to help with that, came a voice to their side.

The two young men turned and spotted another young man who looked every bit like a high school line backer. His hair was a light, frosty brown, and appeared to grow wildly from his head, like a patch of invasive weeds that had a mind of their own.

Greetings, chap. And who might you be? asked Rupert.

I'm Clifford Pitts. I couldn't help but overhear you talking about needing someone with survival experience. I might be able to provide that for you, he said.

Both Rupert and Patrick furrowed their brows in interest.

And how might you do that? asked Rupert.

Clifford shrugged.

My dad is a forester, my uncle is a game warden, and I'm a former Eagle Scout. As such, I've got a fair amount of training on how to live and survive in the woods. So, if you guys don't have that kind of training, I could go with you, and teach you a few things along the way.

Rupert and Patrick looked at each other briefly, as they jointly furrowed their brows in interest before looking back at Clifford.

Would you be opposed to traveling with us? We don't really have a 'team' as of yet, but I'm not contrary to joining with both of you on this journey, if such is agreeable with you, said Rupert.

Clifford shrugged.

Sounds like a plan to me, man. I mean, I can't go this alone. So, even if you two don't have any woodland experience, the three of us joining up together will certainly increase our chances of surviving this...thing, whatever it is, and...kinda not dying along the way. At least that's my end goal for all of this, he said.

Patrick grinned.

Well, that's good enough for me, as my only real plan for this adventure is to do exactly that. Namely, not die. At least not easily. So, if you can help with that, then I'm game too.

Rupert nodded.

As am I. Welcome to the team, both of you.

Chapter 1

Present Day...

Simon climbed the stairs from the passenger level, to the main deck of the airship, something that the passengers were allowed to do once they were underway, and looked out across the land around him. As the wind blew gently through his beard, and yanked at the hat that was on his head, it caused him to put a hand on it to hold it in place. It wasn't long before Trevor, Aria, Birash and Yurg ascended the stairs behind him, and were soon equally awestruck at what they saw. All around them, nearly a thousand feet below, and growing further away as the ship continued to climb higher, were fields, orchards, houses and people in every direction, both farming the land, and going about their daily lives in the shadow of the Giant Mountains. Nearby them, on the main deck, were a number of crewmen who were working diligently to ensure that the gigantic hot air balloons, which helped the ship get off the ground, and fly, were constantly being monitored and looked after. The small coal stoves that sat below each balloon, and filled them with hot air, were stoked regularly, and pumped full of fresh air from fans that were located beneath them, which blew through the holes at their centers, sending the hot air they generated upward through tapered metal pipes and into the balloons. Simon's team found this fascinating. As the others looked at this in curiosity, Trevor soon turned and walked over to the side of the ship, and looked down. What he saw below them surprised him.

Um, Simon? I think you need to come see this, he said.

Upon hearing Trevor's call, Simon walked over to where the young man was standing and soon saw what'd so surprised the young man. Protruding out the side of the ship, one fore, and one aft, on each side of the vessel, were large, bulbous engines, identical to the kind that the controllers used on their autonomous cargo and personnel transport shuttles. Seeing such engines on a ship like this was becoming a rare sight on Offworld of late. This was because the shuttles, from which the engines came, weren't used as often by the controllers anymore, unlike how they had been in the past. This was because they were only used anymore to transport specialized cargo that was too dangerous or delicate to deliver via transporter. It was from these shuttles, which had a rather unfortunate habit of crashing, much to the chagrin of the controllers, that technology, such as these engines, found their way into the hands of the residents of Offworld. Curious to what he was looking at, Simon tapped the green dot on his wrist, summoned a holographic display in front of himself, and then began analyzing the engines as they hummed away beneath them, both lifting the ship increasingly higher, and faster, as the ship drew closer to the Giant Mountains. As Simon continued researching them, he took blocks of information, schematics and other details about the engines, and their connected power plants, that were displayed on the screens, and pushed them out into their own screens with a level of skill and expertise that surprised Trevor, and somewhat made him jealous.

Dude, how in the world did you learn to do that so quickly!? he asked in amazement.

Simon laughed.

It wasn't hard at all. I mean, we've had over six months to master these systems. Well, I have, anyways. You still haven't learned to crawl yet. Although, that may be a good thing, as these systems are so powerful that I'm still only scratching the surface of what they can do.

Yeah, I get that. But still, from all you've told me about them, I'm completely shocked that you've mastered them so fast.

Simon laughed again.

I wouldn't exactly consider what I've done as achieving any kind of mastery.

Yeah, but still, you've already gone from zero, to flinging those screens around like you own the place. How did you do that? I mean, that's just mind blowing to me, said Trevor.

Simon grinned.

Well, part of it comes from my working with the resource nodes, and part of it from the time I spent back home working with VR systems at my day job, of which these systems share a lot of similarities. So, once you understand the basics of a Virtual Reality UI, the rest becomes pretty easy to master. That's probably why it didn't take me long to wrap my mind around how they work, as well as what they can do, replied Simon.

Trevor furrowed his brow incredulously.

So now you've gone from survival geek to computer geek, eh? he asked with bemusement.

Simon laughed.

I've always been a computer geek. Well, for the past twenty years, anyways. I just happen to have extra skills beyond that which have really come in handy, he replied.

Trevor grinned.

So basically you're a human Swiss Army Knife.

Simon shrugged.

Well, yeah, kinda, I guess. But you are too. I mean, look at all the cool stuff you can do! he smiled in return.

Trevor shrugged.

Yeah, maybe. I mean, I do have some pretty dope skills. But nothing like you.

Simon grinned.

I don't think that what I have is all that much better than yours, honestly. I think, really, the biggest difference between us is the amount of experience we each have, and where each of our unique skills are found to be most useful. I mean, your skills with maps makes mine look like a two year old with crayons.

Trevor laughed at this.

"Come on, you're not that bad! But, yeah, I get your point," he replied with a grin.

Simon then returned to studying his displays as Trevor looked down at the controller shuttle engines with continued curiosity. It wasn't long after this before Aria, Birash and Yurg took notice of what Simon was doing, and soon joined him along the railing of the ship. They too soon spotted the controller engines protruding out of the side of the ship and were just as equally surprised to see them, and a little troubled as well.

Simon, what are we looking at? asked Aria as she pointed at them.

Simon perused the informational displays in front of himself and tried to find the best way to summarize what he was seeing.

Well, I think the cliff notes version of what we're seeing is that this blimp is more or less a hybrid airship. It's powered by, from what I can tell, a group of four controller designed gravimetric propulsion engines, and two quantum power plants, salvaged from at least one, if not several crashed controller shuttles. It's kinda the same thing that Captain Weiss had back in Subton. However, this ship is heavy enough that those four engines aren't quite powerful enough to get it into the air. So, as a compromise, they attached some hot air balloons to the ship to give it extra lift, which appears to be just enough to make up the difference.

So basically, by themselves, neither one is enough to lift the ship. But together, they'll do the job just fine, right? asked Trevor.

More or less. And I have to admit that it's pretty ingenious, no matter how you look at it.

That may be true, but where did they acquire such technology? It is not likely that my masters gave up such things easily, nor willingly, said Yurg.

Simon dismissed the holographic displays in front of him, and then scratched at his beard as he thought about this.

I'm not really sure. I mean, there could be a hundred possible answers, he said.

Such as..maybe...the guy who owns this boat is buddies with the controllers? replied Trevor.

Simon pondered this briefly.

Possibly. Although, given all that I've seen, that's kinda unlikely. Plus, as Yurg said, the controllers don't give out their technology to just anyone on this planet without a very, very good reason for doing so. As such, I don't think this came directly from them, as I doubt they would count this as a good enough reason to give away something like this, as it helps too many people. There's also the fact that, so far, the only ones we've seen who have use of controller technology like this, are those who've salvaged it from crashed vehicles, or abandoned facilities.

So they, like, just leave this kinda stuff laying around for anyone to take?

I wouldn't call it just leaving stuff lying around. It's more or less just everyday people going out and doing what amounts to dumpster diving; salvaging what they can from the things which the controllers throw away, leave behind or openly abandon. Subton was one example of that, and apparently so is this ship.

That's dope, yo. I hope we can get lucky like that too, replied Trevor happily.

But, to his surprise, Simon frowned.

To be honest, I hope we don't. We're already taking too much of a risk as it is with the technology that Fallon recently unlocked for us. So I'd like to avoid raising our risk factor any higher than we already have. Given all that we've been through, I think you'd agree that it's best if we keep as far under the radar as possible, said Simon.

Trevor pondered this briefly as he mulled this over before nodding.

Alright, I can go for that as it actually makes sense, he replied.

Aria, while listening to the others talk, looked over and watched as the men, who were manning the balloons, walked from one balloon to the next, testing the tension on the lines, and stoking the fires that burned in each of the stoves. She was intrigued at this, but even more so the balloons that were helping lift the ship. Each one was anchored securely to the ship, and held firmly in place by four tall, thin stay poles which rose up from the deck, and to which a rope like mesh was tied, giving the balloons some small degree of rigidity when they were not filled, and stability when they were, so that they wouldn't flop around and rub up against each other in the stiff upper level winds that they were now entering. As she continued to study the balloons in fascination, Birash leaned over the side of the ship and studied the land below. He soon noticed that they were approaching the massive, thick, formidable wall that they'd seen before, which stretched out across the land from horizon to horizon, and surrounded the Giant Mountains like a powerful, protective barrier. However, the way the soldiers below, who were guarding the wall, were standing on its parapets, it made the wall look more like it was meant to keep something in, rather than out.

Simon, you should come look at this, said Birash.

Upon hearing this, the other four team members walked over to where Birash was standing, and looked in the direction he was pointing.

What do you make of that? asked Birash.

Simon raised his binoculars, which he'd brought up to the main deck with him, and studied the wall with curiosity. On top of it were at least a garrison or more of soldiers, stationed at equal intervals along the length of the wall, as well as catapults, gigantic crossbows, and other oversized weapons that seemed disproportional to the need to defend the wall against an opposing army. Whoever they were defending against, they had to be big. Very big. After a bit Simon lowered his binoculars and summoned an informational display. However, it didn't give him anything about the wall, or the area, other than its location, and that it existed. Clearly, the controllers weren't all that interested in the goings on in the area, or they'd have included more detailed information in their system about it. Seeing that he was getting nowhere, he dismissed the display.

I'm not entirely sure what that's all about, he said.

Just then Edias approached them from behind.

Greetings, travelers! Enjoying your journey? he asked excitedly.

The entire team turned and looked at him curiously.

Yes, we are. However, what's that gigantic wall down there for? said Simon.

Edias cocked his eyebrows in intrigued incredulity.

Have you never come this way before? he asked.

Simon shook his head.

No, we haven't. This is our first time in the area.

Edias grinned slyly upon hearing this and threw a finger in the air as he stood magnanimously, as though ready to make a proclamation of biblical importance.

Then you know nothing of the Giant Mountains, I take it? he asked with great charisma.

The entire team shook their heads, much to the intrigue of Edias. He grinned at them euphorically, knowing that he had new passengers before him who knew nothing about the lands they were now entering. This made him happy because he enjoyed telling newcomers about things like this, and now was no exception. However, before he could say anything, Yurg spoke up.

There is a meaning to their name. The mountains, I mean, he said.

You would be correct, my good sir! The Giant Mountains aren't just called that because they are big. They are called that because they are home to many a tribe of giants! Great giants! Giants that can eat an entire elephant all their own and still be hungry, said Edias exuberantly.

Simon's team grimaced in disgust at the mere mention of this.

So these things are really big, eh? asked Trevor.

Oh, easily ten to fifteen feet tall, if not more! Why, just one of them could eat a man whole and treat it as an appetizer! exclaimed Edias euphorically.

Simon cocked an eyebrow at this, wondering if Edias was simply exaggerating for the entertainment of his guests, or if he was telling the truth. Given the look on Aria's face, Simon surmised that the latter was true. And, if it was, it made him glad that they'd chosen to go over the mountains, and yet a little apprehensive about that as well.

That would explain the wall, said Birash, a hint of concern in his voice.

Oh, very much so! Before the wall, the giants would raid these lands with impunity, killing men and cattle in great numbers, and lay waste to all they encountered. But, with the construction of the wall, we are now able to contain them within the mountains, and protect our lands from their malevolent destruction! exclaimed Edias far too joyfully.

Upon hearing this, Trevor frowned in dismay.

Well, I see we've gotten ourselves in yet another messy situation, he groaned.

It's not messy yet, replied Simon.

Maybe not, but it's probably not gonna stay that way for long. Not with our luck, anyways.

Oh, you need not fear, my friends! My airship is the safest way to travel over, or around, the Giant Mountains! Our trips are always safe, and we have never had an issue, even one single time! he exclaimed with great charisma.

Trevor frowned.

There's always a first for everything, he quietly muttered.

Edias then excused himself, and returned to his duties as captain of the ship, as Simon's team returned to their study of the countryside. However, as they did, Sheobaal stood on the very top of one of the supporting stay poles that held the hot air balloons in place and looked down at Simon's team in loathsome disdain.

Zek sat quietly in his chambers and pondered the course of recent events. While not everything had gone exactly as he'd hoped, he'd also somewhat expected that, and had planned accordingly. No plan was ever entirely foolproof, and thus his best plans were also those that were the most flexible. And flexible he'd been. The trick now was to begin putting the next part of his plans into motion, but do it in a way that wouldn't either be too far ahead of the game, nor too exposed. Even though every rumor and report he'd heard said the Brotherhood, and even Section 17 to some degree, was falling apart from within, Zek wasn't foolish enough to poke a wounded animal if he didn't have to. It was always best not to interfere with an enemy who was in the process of destroying themselves. Just then Fallon appeared in front of him in a flash of light. Zek saw this and smiled as he dismissed his displays to get a better look at the little dragon.

Greetings, young one. What have you to report? he asked happily.

Everything is working exactly as you've desired, Great Elder, replied Fallon.

Zek furrowed his brow and grinned slyly.

And how might that be? he asked.

Despon is dead, and his kingdom, even now, is crumbling in his absence. In its place, Grootwand is growing in strength, and doing much to destroy the remnants of the pirate kingdom. They are having especially good luck with their use of the Invictus Maneo, and are even considering taking the sizable gift that I have given them, and us it to build a second, identical ship. With that they should, hopefully, be able to take control of the Great Sea, and bring the entire expanse of its waters to a state of peace for the first time in ages. I am also happy to report that the kingdom of Kaspar is gone; defeated and humiliated by Despon's forces, and then subsequently exterminated by the controllers in vengeance, bringing peace and safety to the western half of the White Mountains. Just as you've planned, the enemies of freedom in this world are slowly being removed, and replaced with their kinder, nobler counterparts. We have even made the likes of one Maul Ratinar, a controller, and former Chief Director, very pleased with what we have achieved.

Zek grinned. That hadn't actually been a part of his plan. But he wasn't about to cast aside a gift so lovely as this. Originally, all he'd wanted was to see Simon's team make it safely to the other side of the Great Sea. The rest of what he'd gained through all of this was merely a bonus, and one he'd gladly take, and use to his advantage.

"Indeed, young one. Such is good news. And what of Simon and his friends?" he then asked.

They are safely on the other side of the Great Sea, and are, even now, passing through the Giant Mountains on their way towards the kingdom of Terifall, replied Fallon.

A slight expression of concern grew across his face.

They're not entering the mountains on their own, are they? he asked.

Fallon shook his head.

They have employed the services of one Edias Carbuckle, and his fabulous flying airship. They will be quite safe with him up among the clouds.

Zek gave a sigh of relief, although he didn't show it outwardly.

Very good. I wish for you to continue monitoring them. I need to ensure that they reach the other side safely. However, once they have entered Terifall, I would ask that you do all that you can to forestall them in those lands until winter has passed.

Fallon cocked an eyebrow at this.

For what purpose? he asked, a hint of confusion in his voice.

It is too dangerous for them to cross the mountains of the kingdom, and pass into the fifth hextant, at this time. If they enter that land prematurely, and are forced to winter over in that place, I fear that they may become entrapped by its enticing snares, and unable to continue on ever again, as has been the fate of so many others before them. Therefore, it is better if we delay them for a season, than risk them being ensnared by the innumerable, corrupting pleasures that are found in bountiful measure within that hextant.

Fallon perked up at this. Now he understood his grandfather's request.

Understood, Great Elder. I shall do my best to forestall them there, in the kingdom of Terifall, until it is once again Spring. Is there anything else you would have me do?

That is all for now, said Zek kindly with a smile.

Fallon bowed slightly.

As you wish.

He soon vanished in a flash of light, and was gone. After this, Zek sat quietly and pondered his situation as he contemplated what he would do next. Just then a thought crossed his mind. There was someone he needed to speak with, and do so in utmost privacy. So he closed his eyes and activated the special communication device given to him by the Chief Director. A moment later he found himself in complete darkness, bathed in a column of light, and once again both young, and considerably smaller than his actual size. A moment later a red dot appeared in the darkness and began pulsing, as though the person he was calling was momentarily unable to answer. This blinked for some time before another column of light appeared, inside of which was Maul Ratinar. He stared curiously at the elder dragon, uncertain of what to make of this.

Where is this place, and how did you bring me here? he asked.

The specifics of how such a thing is possible, I cannot say. I can only reveal that it was a gift to me by the Chief Director. I can, however, assure you that it's four walls, although unseen, are secure and protected in every way from the prying eyes of anyone who may wish to eavesdrop on our little conversation, replied Zek.

Maul studied Zek curiously, and then noticed that he couldn't feel the weight of his body. He soon looked down and blinked in surprise as he realized that, not only was he dressed in a strange toga like outfit, he also couldn't see his legs. His body seemed to simply taper off into nothingness past the waist. He again looked up at Zek, crossed his arms, and stared at the elder dragon in intrigue. Out of all the things Zek had done before, this had to be the wildest and most unique of them all.

Alright, since you obviously have something important to say to me, and my former student is apparently okay with this, you have my full and undivided attention, replied Maul as he crossed his arms, and stared at the elder dragon through narrow, slotted eyes.

Actually, he is completely unaware of our meeting, even though he has given me the means by which we may conduct such things.

Maul found himself even more intrigued than before.

"Alright, I can accept