"I'm still trying to figure something out!!" Said Celestial.
"By what name shall I announce you, sir!?" Repeated the young man.
"Uhhhhh..... I'm...."
"Emiir Barzin!!! It's good to see you made it!!" Called a male voice.
Storm turned in that direction and saw someone approaching that he certainly didn't expect to see again.
His former arena rival Tempus Stormcaller approaching with his arms open in a welcoming gesture.
Storm was especially confused because the last time he met him, he was using magic to make him look like someone else.
As a result Tempus should not have been able to recognize him now.
Tempus walked over and shook Storm's hand.
"I trust the 'Crimson Prince' had no trouble on the roads?" Asked Tempus.
"None. How about you Tempus?" Asked Storm.
"Few people would risk the ire of a Magi instructor!! It tends to make long journeys uneventful!! And this must be your betrothed, Aurelia?" Asked Tempus.
Aurora bowed slightly.
"I am indeed!! I've heard good things about you Stormcaller!!" Replied Aurora.
Tempus looked at the young man as if he only just saw him now.
"Can we help you, young man?" Asked Tempus with a hint of irritation.
I-i n-need a n-name!?" Stated the youth.
"Let me give you some life advice, boy. Emiir isn't the kind of prince that is known for his patience, especially when it comes to events like this."
You have a name and title. You may announce the lady as 'Aurelia Barzin' That's all you need."
The youth scrambled away without saying another word.
"Now presenting!!! Emiir Barzin!! Crown Prince of The Empire of Sand!! The Crimson Prince!! With his wife Aurelia Barzin!! And accompanying him is Tempus Stormcaller!! Master Mage from the Haradin Magi's Tower."
"That's our cue, 'Hawthorne'... find me on the second floor balcony... we need talk." Whispered Tempus.
Now Storm was even more concerned. It shouldn't have been possible for Tempus to sniff him out so easily, and yet he knew exactly who he was.
He may have helped them now, but Storm suspected that this help was probably going to come with a hefty price tag.
"Tell me everything you can about Tempus Stormcaller as well as this 'Emiir' I'm supposed to be masquerading as!" Ordered Storm.
"I've never actually met Emiir, very few people have, but I know of him by reputation alone. He's the firstborn of Harad's current ruler and the commander of Crimson Guard. An elite group of warriors tasked with the safety of the entire royal family.
Relatively bloodthirsty, he only cares about combat against worthy foes and training, and has little patience for politics. " Explained Celestial.
"I see, and Tempus?" Asked Storm.
"A highly skilled and influential member of the Magi's Tower and arguably the best electromancer and hydromancer on the continent, which is a controversial choice considering they stay in a desert.
He has the Sultan's ear however and is often sent to fulfill the diplomatic and political duties Prince Emiir can't be bothered with. " Explained Celestial.
"Then why would he help us now!!?" Asked Storm.
"Chances are, he sees an opportunity to use you for something and so he decided to help you now. Or maybe he's just looking to recruit you?
The Empire has something of a rivalry with Arcadia. Both are competing to be registered as the Mages Capitol. From what I hear, your activities in Arcadia had a significant effect in the balance of power in that regard.
Maybe he sees potential in recruiting you permanently for the Empire? I'd play along with him for now, he's a crafty sort and he has you in a choke hold for now." Explained Celestial.
"What can you tell me about the Empire of Sand?" Asked Storm.
"They're highly skilled in magic. Sometimes even exceeding Arcadia. Especially in enchantment magic, and their sword wielders are legendary.
They have some infamy because they're the only nation that still summons and uses elementals. The practice fell out of favor with magic users after the elemental rebellion and the creation of the Djinn Conclave.
Not much else I'm afraid... they're a very mysterious nation. Very few travel there due to the vast desert that the empire is built in. Only a few large settlements built around oasis's in the region are worth visiting.
They're also strangely tolerant of non humans, as long as you obey the rules, they don't care whether you're human or dragon. If you break the rules however, you get a visit from the Crimson Guard... maybe even the Prince himself..." Explained Celestial.
Storm and Aurora walked through the large gathering while occasionally stopping to exchange a few words with a fellow partygoer.
Celestial recognized many of the people Storm was forced to converse with and mentally relayed their names and accomplishments to Storm.
Finally Storm managed to tear himself free of the curious blue bloods that were constantly pestering him and made his way to the balcony where Tempus had told them to meet.
Storm and Aurora found him leaning over the balcony staring at the grounds below. Currently no one else was on the balcony with them.
"It's quite beautiful here, isn't it? One can almost forget the corruption slumbering beneath it all." Stated Tempus.
He turned around to face Storm.
"It's good to see you again, Hawthorne. Or is it 'Calamity ' ?" Asked Tempus.
"It's clear that you know me! So why would you help me?!" Asked Storm.
"Because we share a common cause and a common enemy. We're both trying to build a safe haven for the non human, and The Order's a threat to that goal."
Storm watched his adversary closely, a human wouldn't care about their fate, so that had to mean Tempus wasn't human. But what was he then?
"Only a few different races are skilled shape shifters you're clearly not Kitsune or Nogitsune! And I would smell a fellow dragon. There is only one other race that is as skilled at infiltrating human society! The Djinn!" Stated Storm.
Tempus Stormcaller seemed pleased by Storm's knowledge.
"Your instincts lead you well, dragon. Though I'd be careful who you confronted with that knowledge, not all my kind are as understanding as I." Stated Tempus.
"So... the Djinni have infiltrated the Empire? Are you the only one? Or are there...
"We didn't 'infiltrate' the Empire of Sand, Calamity. We built it. All those in positions of power in the empire are Djinni.
Including the person who's name you currently carry. As well as the entire royal family, of course." Explained Tempus.