"Tell those of your court, the Prominants, if you will, but never is it to be repeated to you, for on that day when that request is done, so should it be the end of your rule in Pomperaque." Manguino remembered and he told Orren about it, but Orren didn't believe in Jessuum Benitar's words. "As long as I do not hear the prophets' words again, all will be well, and since I will not ask it to be read to me, I shall be safe." promised Manguino. "Do you believe in a prophesy that may have no merit and dispel that which your most trusted servant, and others, have seen?" Orren was angered and spoke in a booming voice. Manguino bobbed in the water and Orren just stood there. Both were quiet until Manguino came out of the water and wrapped a robe about himself. "How did you see the Mons? Single, coupled, regimented?" Manguino requested to him to tell more of his vision. "There were four separate apparitions, great one. Each was a knight of his own colour -- black, red, white and ashen. Each rode on a horse of their same colour. They came from behind thin clouds, and made their way towards the city and its heart. Yet, as they reached the roof tops of the city, they vanished." The account assured Manguino that nothing was amiss. He knew, as well as anyone, that doom only came if the Mons were seen to ride through the main streets of the doomed city. He told Orren not to worry about the Mons, ensuring him that everything would be fine. "We are safe, as long as we don't become stupid, Orren." Manguino calmed down. "Could I be granted the privilege to study that prophesy that Jessuum gave to you? he made a small plea to Manguino and was to do so under the condition that he doesn't read the prophesy aloud! Orren also asked Manguino for his permission to mobilize the Phoridene Army, as a precaution, but this he wasn't given to do because of Manguino's belief that they were under no threat of overthrow. Orren left Manguino to continue his obligation with Eckma, and he was more disillusioned now, with Manguino's attitude, than what he was when he saw the Mons. He never went to sleep that night. He had all his Generals meet with him in his own chamber, and with them, he decided to have the armies in battle-ready status, as a precaution. Orren had never proceeded against Manguino's orders and better judgement, but this time it was unanimously agreed between his men that, to be safe, they should pay heed to the Angels of Mons. The next morning was beautifully sunny and warm. Lloyd and Boyce had walked for about two hours, from Gothal, before reaching the northern gates of Pomperaque. Pomperaque was truly different than they remembered it to be when they left it, some eleven years ago. There were hardly any horses and carts in the city. Most of the transportation was made up of large cumbersome cars, with wheels, that ran along metal tracks.