The North PacificBoard

Carolus straightened his tie, the only splash of colour in his pitch black ensemble save for the gold Elysium Federation pin on his lapel. Federation soldiers flanked him as he strode down the corridor towards the tribal council chambers, staring straight ahead as he adjusted his cufflinks. He could hear the council members chattering amongst themselves through the open doors at the end of the hall, arguing like the useless old men that they were. Carolus snapped his fingers, the massive Federation signet ring on his left hand sparkling in the dim light of the hallway as he did. Two of the soldiers stopped outside the doors, standing guard as the other 4 followed Carolus into the room, closing the doors behind them.

The councilman fell silent, observing their Warchieftain as he slowly walked towards them, his arms behind his back as he approached. "What is the meaning of this?" the Sandhorn councilman hissed, slamming his palm down on the table as Carolus approached. Carolus held his hand up, silencing the incredulous councilman, stunning the others. "I have had to abide by your moronic rulings for years, forced to push your will upon my people, while you propped me up as a figurehead. It's time we had a conversation about the way things are run." Carolus remarked, pacing in front of the crescent shaped council table. The council members sat silently, glaring at their Warchieftain, believing him to be no more than a mere puppet. "What makes you believe you have the right to tell us what to do? Who do you think you are?!" the Sandhorn councilman roared, springing to his feet. Carolus charged forward, ripping the table away so he could stand face to face with the councilman. The councilman suddenly seemed far less courageous as Carolus rested his hand palm up on his shoulder, his gaze icey and unwavering, but calm in its nature.

"I am Carolus Ironhorse, son of Masaris Ironhorse, grandson of Ko'tari Ironhorse, descended all the way from Abominox Ironhorse, the first of his name. I am the harbinger of the Gravetide, keeper of the ledger of the cult of nature. In a way, you could say I'm God, your God, at least, the only God that happens to be listening right now, and as your God, you will obey." Carolus said quietly, ending almost as a whisper as he moved his hand closer to the back of the councilman's neck. The terrified old Sawtooth looked into the cold dead eyes of the monster before him, trembling ever so slightly. As the councilman began to speak, Carolus slapped his other hand over the councilman's mouth, seizing the back of his head with the other, and effortlessly snapping the Sandhorn's neck. The muffled series of pops as the head turned 180 degrees causing the other council members to recoil in horror. Carolus let the Sandhorn's body fall to the floor as he sighed deeply, staring straight ahead. "It was not up for discussion." he mused aloud, turning his attention to the other members of the council.

"Gentlemen, I hope we have an understanding." Carolus said quietly, adjusting his tie. "You will never get away with this! This council has kept these people safe for thousands of years!" the Whitemaw councillor shouted, shakily trying to sound intimidating. Carolus stopped, pulling a strange silver coin from his pocket, turning it over in his hand before he threw it to the Whitemaw. The councillor caught the coin, glancing down at it. "Call someone who cares, councilman." Carolus mocked him as he left the room, the Federation soldiers staying behind, shouldering their weapons as Carolus left the room. The Whitemaw clutched the coin in his hand as he braced to accept his fate. The Federation soldiers opened fire, spraying the council members with gunfire, firing until their magazines were empty.

Carolus listened to the gunfire from down the hall, watching the office workers in the building poking their heads out of their offices and cubicles, looking down towards the source of the noise. Carolus continued down the hallway, lighting a cigarette, as he bumped into a small redheaded woman who had wandered out of her office to see what the commotion was. She looked at the cigarette in Carolus' hand, and began to scold him. "Sir! You cant smoke...in…..here…" she trailed off as she realized who she had just ran into, dropping her armful of paperwork. Carolus looked down at her, before reaching forward, and pulling the pencil out of her tight bun hairdo, letting her hair fall around her shoulders. The woman froze with fear as he next removed her glasses. Carolus let out an audible "Hm" as he examined her, before holding his arm out for her to take. "Come with me, please. Miss?" he said, asking her name. "Mina. Mina Briar." the woman said shakily, taking Carolus' arm. "Mina Briar, do you like wine?" Carolus asked her, pushing through the front doors of the building, emerging onto the streets of Grendelwald, which were swarming with Federation soldiers. "I..I do.." Mina replied shakily as Carolus held the door of a waiting limousine open for her, climbing inside. Carolus stood in the door of the limo, turning back to face the nearest group of soldiers, he whistled and pointed towards the building. The response was immediate, with soldiers swarming the building.

The limo made its way out of Grendelwald, the streets becoming more and more fortified as they moved towards the outskirts. Carolus poured two glasses of cabernet, handing one to Mina as the car trundled along. "Miss Briar, have you ever been to Brightstone?" Carolus asked, leaning back in his seat, taking a small sip of the wine. Mina nodded nervously, unsure of why the Warchieftain had dragged her along with him. "Mm, my dear, please, relax." Carolus mused, staring out the window as he swirled the wine in his glass. "We'll learn to appreciate each other's company." he continued coldly. Mina gripped her glass with both hands, looking down at the floor. She understood now.