A Sacrifice for Ambition

"Bring me Takra 'Ravakrae," A moderately deep voice said, although it was tinged with heavy anger.
The Oath Warden Kejir 'Sehalai was nothing short of surprised when the Jiralhanae finished his proposal. The Sangheili's face was unseen due to the helmet he wore, but he knew that wouldn't fool Atriox. The Warmaster was the perceptive type, and in 'Sehalai's opinion, it added to his patron's brilliance. He showed no signs of reaction in his movement or voice, but Atriox had gathered that the Battlemaster's reputation still held weight, even if the majority of the Sangheili race regarded 'Ravakrae with nothing but contempt.
'Sehalai decided a quick moment would be sufficient for his response. Atriox had to only wait for mere seconds.
"This proposal of yours. It would earn me a great deal of fame and fortune. Additionally," he raised a hand for emphasis, "it shall earn me a permanent place at your side?" 
Atriox was seated upon a throne of sorts, designed to appear dominating and comfortable simultaneously. A smart choice, considering it was the shipmaster's chair for the bridge he and 'Sehalai were in. They were aboard one of Atriox's personal ships. 
He idly stroked his beard, never straying from eye contact with the Oath Warden. 
"Perhaps, but first you must earn my trust. I am familiar with your... recent history." 
"Warmaster, you talk with one of the most experienced members my order has in their possession. And while some of my kind disregard my honour, it is still there nonetheless." 'Sehalai raised his head up, bringing his arms to connect at his back. A gesture he had picked up from his interactions with humans.
"I have stated to you my reputation, something you already are aware of. There should not be room for any doubt." He added.
Another brief moment of silence. Atriox's hand came down into his lap, his gaze intensifying. He eventually nodded, leaning back.
"If you can kill one of the Arbiter's most trusted kaidons and evade capture, then perhaps you have a more likely chance of success. And your order has succeeded in the majority of its deals, so they, especially you, must be reliable." He said in a conceding tone. His face somewhat darkened, assuming this grim sort of quality as he said his next words.
"But we warned, 'Ravakrae is not to be trifled with. He was one of my best strategists and the most ruthless. Do what you must to capture him, but keep your life a priority." 
'Sehelai bowed his head, nodding. 
"The Battlemaster is brilliant, but his brilliance is tempered by his arrogance. He will fall like the giant he is." He said, deciding he would stay an extra moment to ask Atriox one more question.
"And do not worry, I will not not underestimate him. The brilliance I mentioned is something to be feared. He destroyed numerous human worlds during the war, helped you destroy the Infinity, and... he escaped ring-world. He was the first, then you came. How did you accomplish such a feat?" His tilted out of natural curiosity.
"Enough of this. Go and complete your mission. I have important business to attend to." The warmaster said. 
Atriox's face had grown stoic at this point, but 'Sehalai deduced something in the Jiralhanae's gaze. A new kind of emotion. The opposite of anger. He watched the brutish figure remove himself from the chair and turn away, approaching a holo-table out of sight. He knew when it was there when the light of a hologram activated. A conversation ensued between Atriox and one of his underlings. The Sangheili was already out the door but he walked slowly, wishing to hear the words being exchanged.
"Escharum has has passed away. It is time to select a new War Chief."
"This is madness. It seems those destined to serve as your hand are also fated for death at the most inconvenient time." 
"Is that some kind of insult?" 
"Not at all, Warmaster. But I urge you to choose someone who can not only outlive the rest, but destroy the gravest of threats -- such as the Master Chief." 
"...It will take some time to complete that process. But for now, we must wait. Give me a status report on the operation on Camber."
"Certainly. It is--"
The conversation went out of earshot as 'Sehalai exited the room and the door closed behind him. He walked by two Jiralhanae guards, a pair of regulars but apparently one of the best. They no longer mattered, even if they ignored the Warden's earlier questions and remarks whilst escorting him to Atriox. He wouldn't have worked his new client if he had known they were the Banished. 
On his return to the hangar he pondered the implications of what had just transpired.
I will be better than 'Ayomuu. Unlike him, I will never be fooled. Not again. I will make Atriox an ally and our order will prosper as a result.
It is my turn to become one of the greats.
Category:The Weekly