They arrived at a staircase going up to the first step of the pyramid. There was a whole city around it. Stores and people, children.

Many had stopped to watch the carriages, as anyone in any city would do. Kurt wasn't sure how well-known their visit was. He was sure that at least the appearance of the Minotaurs was causing a lot more of the watchers.

There must have been rumors.

Kurt was right as when the Kitsune exited there was a bit of commotion.

But the Minotaur Guard seemed to be respected by everyone. An elf versus a Minotaur was not something an elf would invite. Kurt was worried about the strength but it seemed a guard for a Kitsune was more than expected.

Then came to the staircase. And there seemed to be people to greet on the first floor. Stacy had gotten a bit closer to Kurt.

"Something's wrong," said Stacy, "they shouldn't be meeting us on the first step, we should have had to go to the top, or at least the one before."

Kurt looked back at Stacy, but she continued, "Don't make a big deal, but you should be more on your guard."

Kurt nodded back and came up next to Talia. "Hey, make sure you use your eyes, don't be too obvious about it. If something goes wrong grab the closer of Stacy or Jacob, I'll grab the other."

"So Carson," said Kurt as they made their way to the staircase.

"Yes, sir."

"Is there any significance to the steps? I'm afraid I don't know anything about it."

"Yes, sir," said Carson, "the bottom and largest is dedicated to the service of gods, our foundation. It is actually mostly a social area. The second step is dedicated to crops and food, it's a market mostly. The third step is towards crafting, the fourth step is toward magic, and the last step is the Kingdom."

"Strange in our culture I think it would be the reverse."

"The reverse?"

"We would put God at the highest point, and the clan at the lowest point I would think.

"I see," said Carson. "That would be different."

"I think you put more emphasis on the space, and support and we put more on the height, and how far you can get. But I can see the strategic value of your way."

"It seems strange to me to put so many gods in one altar and that you wouldn't immediately have access to them."

"I understand that," said Kurt, "it's much more logical your way. There is generally only one god in our culture."

"Hmm," said Carson, "I suppose if we had only one God putting a temple at the top would make a bit more sense. I can see how that would influence a culture."

"I like it though, like you have to walk up all the steps to get the kingdom. It is not completely unusable to have the leader at the top regardless."

"Yes, that would be a way to say it," said Carson with a chuckle, "not quite like we would."

"Blame the translation spell."

"Of course my lord."

They walked up the steps to the first step, the one of the gods. Carson had arranged with the goblins to cast a translation spell on the King and his party, so everyone could speak. After that bit.

"King James of Sylvain may I present, Lord Kurt and Lady Talia of Wellspring", said Carson.

The elven king wore an overly large robe. With a White Trim and a Purple main. He wasn't particularly tall for an elf, but still taller than Kurt. There were a few elves around him as well.

"It is a pleasure, your majesty," said Kurt, bowing but only slightly, while Talia gave a curtsy.

"As for me as well," said King James. There is something I would like to show you."

"This is very strange," whispered Stacy.

"And who is that with you," said King James.

Stacy turned towards King James and got down on one knee and turned her head down.

"Are you going to tell me or not," said King James, "I give you permission to say your name to me."

"My name is Stacy, the banished."

"So what were you telling him?"

"She doesn't have to answer that," said Kurt. "And stand up, and come behind me. My people answer to me. You will not be asking that of her again."

"Of course," said King James. "That was a bit rude of me, I apologize. But I can't expect to enjoy whispers in our discussions from a rival clan."

"These situations make me uncomfortable as well."

"Prefer to be on the battlefield?"

"Home, in my lab, or with my wife. Not necessarily in that order."

"Yes, this healing paste," said King James. "I have heard some tales."

"They are not tales, the effectiveness is apparent, it won't grow back a leg but it will stop one from having to come off."

"Some would call that better."

"Thank you."

They were walking to a place on the first step not toward a staircase. And they came to a small altar, and there was a young elf half there. He was kneeling but translucent.

"Do you know what this is?"

"No," said Kurt.

"It's an altar of Horus," said King James.

Maliki stepped closer to the young elf. "He was attempting to take a trial."

"Yes, a simple one mind you, not a real trial. I know of no elf to ever die from it, or end up like this until now." The king looked up at the top of the pyramid and his face turned a bit sour then he turned back. "But many strange things have occurred."

"I believe I can help this one," said Maliki, looking at the young elf.

"What do you think happened?" said James.

"The trial couldn't be completed for some reason."

"Like he failed?"

"No, like he was missing a qualification halfway through, it is rare, but with Hydrona if your heart changes drastically upon entry from some pain or other reason."

"There should be no qualifications like that for this trial, it's not even a real trial. All you do is just kneel, stand up, and touch the altar. There is a bit of weight there, but it's more of an age thing."

"That's not what happened," said Kurt.

"Then what happened?"

"Horus died."

"Horus died?"

"Yes."

"And how do you know this?"

"I saw it happen."

"Are you saying you…"

"No, his enemy got to him. The True Sorcerer, you may not be aware."

"After all this time."

"Yes."

Maliki had already started his process of chants and was able to pull the young elf out of his translucent state. And he came back almost normal. He turned to see King James and bowed.

"Go home to your mother, she's been worried sick."

The boy then ran off presumably home.

Kurt hopes this was the reason for the greeting that Stacy had said was odd. But he felt it wasn't.

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