"Silence." A voice roared as the gravel met the anvil and silenced the room of the family of ancients.
The whole room was abuzz with chatter.
They had all heard of Darion's claims and they were perplexed.
"How was this possible?" One asked.
"The war god has been silent for several years." Another commented.
"He could be lying."
"He is definitely hiding something." Another said.
Tobias remained silent in his seat as the chatter around him continued.
How had Darion gotten to be in the favour of the war god?
Something just didn't add up.
"I'm sure we all know why we are here." The eldest of the family of ancients addressed the room from his place at the head of the table.
"Is it true?" Someone asked.
"I'm afraid it is." The elder affirmed and the room broke out in gasps and loud chatter.
"Darion is under the favour of the war god. What does that mean to us?" Someone asked and everyone quieted down.
They were all intrigued, they wanted to know how this would affect them and their families.
"Nothing for now. He hasn't made a move to defy any of the laws, he merely declared himself. Now we just need to wait and see what he plans to do with his new found position." Another elder explained.
Tobias scowled. He might not have made a move against the family of ancients but Darion had disrupted the order of things within his family. He encouraged his granddaughter in her rebellion and thus had inevitably made himself an enemy rather than an ally. He would sprout into a thorn if he wasn't nipped off now.
Tobias had to find a way to rid himself of the man before he found his footing.
"Why would the war god even extend his favour to Darion of all people?" Someone asked.
"For now we know very little. Darion has been tight-lipped about everything." Another elder replied with a shrug.
Tobias scanned all the faces at the table, some friends and some foes. If he hoped to get rid of Darion he would need their help, he would need to get them on his side.
"For now we encourage you all to welcome him into your circles. We will observe him and decide if he is an ally to be trusted or a foe to this city." The head elder announced and several heads bobbed in agreement.
"Meeting adjourned." The gravel met the anvil in finality and the meeting was closed.
Tobias stood from his chair, smoothening the creases on his suit.
"A word Tobias." The head elder called out to him and Tobias momentarily froze. With a blank expression he followed after the short old man, ignoring the curious eyes which followed his movements as he passed by them.
They no doubt wanted in on the private conversation he was about to have with the head of the family of ancients.
"Your empire has grown into something great. You must be very proud of your achievements." The man spoke in preamble. Tobias stared at him for a moment and wondered where he was headed.
"I am. I've put my sweat and blood into that empire." Warmth spread within Tobias' as his chest puffed with pride.
"I heard your granddaughter is also trying to make her mark." The man commented and Tobias scowled.
"She is also an extension of our family empire of course." Tobias clarified and the man chuckled. Tobias couldn't understand what could possibly be funny but he remained silent.
"And if I recall correctly she is married to Darion?" The man posed it as a question but Tobias was sure he already knew the answer to his question.
"Yes for three years." He replied.
"Here's the thing Tobias." The old man turned to face him with a grave expression on his face.
"We need someone on the inside. Someone close to observe Darion as best as possible, we can't let him roam freely without first determining what his goal is." The man explained and understanding dawned on Tobias.
The man wanted Tobias to get as much information about Darion as he possibly could...this just might actually work in his favour.
"What are you proposing?" Tobias asked slowly. He had long learned that in their world in order to command power you had to wait for others to come to you, rather than offering.
"I want you to discreetly find out as much about him as you possibly can. How he obtained the favour of the war god." The man admitted and Tobias'lips twitched.
He had the old man right where he wanted him.
"The Voltron industry." Tobias announced and the man looked at Tobias in confusion.
"I want to take over the Voltron industry and you are going to help me make it happen if you require my assistance." Tobias clarified and the man's features slowly morphed in rage.
"The Marcelo's own that company. Are you trying to start a war?" The old man scowled at Tobias but he was unperturbed.
"That company should have rightfully been mine and you all know it. It's a simple business transaction, you need my help and I require something in exchange." Tobias shrugged.
This was how the game of politics was played. Everything always came at a cost.
"I will not help you disrupt the peace in this city." The man sneered.
"Then I regret to inform you I cannot help you in what you seek." Tobias replied calmly.
The man didn't need to know he already planned on watching Darion closely. The corners of his lips tipped up and he knew the man would get desperate and reach out to him.
"You know where to find me." Tobias called out and without another word, he turned on his heels and left the room.