102

Atl saluted the Tlatoani and walked to the door of the mess hall. The Tlatoani angled his way out of the bench and followed a few steps behind Atl.

As they emerged out into the mid-morning sunlight Atl heard the Tlatoani, most powerful of the casters, inhale deeply behind him.

"What do you think of the air on this continent? Does it remind you of home? There's something about it I think, a crispness that gives it a different feel."

"I..."

"At least to me it does, I can feel it's power though, and maybe that's not the air, maybe it's our ancestors here that I can feel. Their presence, but something else, some looseness, a space that I have trouble describing to someone who doesn't cast."

Atl walked beside the Tlatoani and across the open square towards the main keep. The air was still cool but one could no longer see one's breath in the air. Atl pause for a moment as a horse drawing a cart full of hay towards stores to be held for the castle animals during the coming winter. As they paused the Tlatoani smiled and looked around him.

"Isn't this all fascinating?" He said with a laugh. "Oh and thank you for agreeing to take me. I needed someone who had nothing to gain, unless you'r a spy." Atl must have looked at the Tlatoani too quickly as the man grinned and laughed. "Not that I think you are though. It's just hard coming to these things late. Too many currents for me. I like to see things with all of the mist and intrigued removed, plus it ensures that those who revel in the games have a more difficult time predicting my decisions." The Tlatoani stopped Atl with a hand on the man's shoulder.

"Tlatoani?"

"Although I guess that means that I'm playing games as well. Hmm maybe I am just as bad as everyone else."

"A game to end games maybe."

"Yes! I like that. A game to end games. Now to the dungeon umm what is your name soldier."

"Atl Tlatoani."

"Ah a nice name that, meaningful. Now as I said, to the dungeon!"