Grand Sovereign Maximillian Cromwell glanced down at his pocket watch as he strode to the Lesser Council’s chamber. The Grand Sovereign wore form-fitting black coat. The sleeve’s cuffs were huge and were folded back on his long arms.
The grey iron corridor was filled with windows which overlooked the city of Greater Tretious. The Grand Sovereign squinted at the light that was reflected off of the thousands of iron buildings, platforms, and roadways. There were no citizens in sight, for they were all at work in the mines or shops. The clouds covered the sun, and Greater Tretious sat in silence and dimness as it always had.
The Grand Sovereign frowned as the door to the Lesser Council’s chamber opened with a hiss of steam. The Lesser Council greeted him with surprise.
“Oh! Grand Sovereign! I was just on my way to…”
The Grand Sovereign grasped the small man by his coat’s collar. “It can wait. I need to talk to you.”
The Lesser Council was released and hurried to tidy a spot off of his book-strewn couch. “Perhaps the Greater Council could be of more use, Grand Sovereign. I’m sure he’s better able to handle upper affairs of your concern.” The Lesser Council was terrified, and rightly so. The Grand Sovereign had never paid him a personal visit in his chambers before.
The Grand Sovereign glanced at the couch. “I’ll stand. And don’t worry about the Greater Council. If what you have to tell me about the war bodes well, he won’t be troubling you any longer.”
The Lesser Council licked his lips. “Well, sir. We’ve had a report. A man in strange clothing was spotted near the eastern bluffs. He’s been installed in a family just outside the city. And he has a box, Grand Sovereign.” At this the Grand Sovereign leaned forward, a hungry look in his eye. “It matches your descriptions.”
The Grand Sovereign stood immediately. “Good work, Mr. Gitinni. If you can apprehend him, I can see a long and profitable future for you, Greater Council.”
The newly appointed Greater Council lit up. He stumbled to the door and over the clutter of his office. “Th-thank you, Grand Sovereign. I will not fail.”
The Grand Sovereign turned to look the small man in eyes. “I should hope not.” He stalked out of the chambers, and only after the doors closed did Mr. Gitinni plop onto his couch and sighed deeply.