Deep deep underground, the creatures quickly walked through the temple catacombs. Dank dark walls, covered in millennium of moss growth, dripped with the slime of ages. The long talons on their feet scraped across the floor, leaving not a scratch on the strange yellow stone. The chamber had not been used in quite some time, but the need now was too dire to ignore. Thirteen elders, gathering in a meeting for what was to become the greatest war the universe had ever seen. Trillions of lives counted on their decisions, but the decisions would be a heavy burden on all concerned.

Passing through the last arch, they entered the gaze of the Watcher's Eye. Huge and glorified, its walls latticed with crystals that glowed and ebbed with the ancient power that these 'Equines' now sought. Colossal walls covered in the smooth glass, spiraling up, twisting till they met at the pinnacle of the ceiling. Razor-thin shards hung from the top, layered and forming a red crystal rose, the namesake of their order. The chamber was circular, with steps descending down to an even smaller circle-base; this was the place of council, The Temple of God. Twelve pedestals bordered the edge of the gathering area, adorned with lavish cushions; In the centre was a metal plaque, worn with the eons of High-priests' feet shaping it. Beams of light surged through small holes high above, providing light for them to see by.

Thirteen robed figures; one carrying a long sceptre, adorned with the looped cross, representing his power; quickly assembled in to their designated spots. The twelve all sat on their respective pedestals, crossing their legs, while the priest stood on his position. Utter silence overcame the chamber as the hundreds of onlookers in the shadows remained perfectly still...

The priest brushed his hood back, revealing his face. A long array of teeth protruded from his mouth, eyes of glowing fire burned with power. He scratched his leathery cheek with one of the long talons on his hand, and waited...

His neck snapped up, his gaze casted straight into the centre of the rose high above. A beam of fire surged abruptly from the crystal- then gently covered him, igniting his staff. The flames danced around the floor, like a liquid, flowing around the pedestals, filling the depression and only stopping just before the top of the twelve pedestals. The priests eyes dimmed slightly, before he replaced the hood, holding his staff close.

the council removed their hood simultaneously, revealing their faces as well. The same teeth arrangement, but their eyes were normal, not showing a single trace of light. One spoke, his voice booming with the influence of ancient wisdom.

"What does the architect say... that we must do... to avert this disaster?!"

another spoke, replying to his question.

"Imagine the consequence if man does succeed!"

"All life in the universe will suffer in chains and fear"

"They will spread... like a virus... through time and space... filthy lords of violence and dominance... The Equines..."

"We must not let them obtain it! \What does the architect say priest! Tell us, we demand it-"

One of the other councilors began to talk over the other. "God has done nothing to indicate a plan- we must act on our own accord-" The interrupting councilor stopped with a choke. The priest extended his staff out, pointing at the startled setian. "Do not speak the architects name, you fool. your right does not permit it, no matter how distinguished!" He lowered his staff, slowly. The councilor gasped as his breathing returned to normal, almost falling back into the liquid fire.

There was a silence, no-one dared to speak.

"He is right." boomed the first councilor "If the architect... does not respond... to our pleas... we must find... our own salvation... from the coming storm..." Far above, the rose seemed to emanate with thunder, ringing out across the now startled crowd. Some cowered, and a baby began to cry.

The priest flew from his trance, gliding across the ground without a sound and into the darkened throng. He found the baby, swadled in cloth, held tight to the chest of its mother. His eyes light up the darkness, glowing now with teal-green. He extended his clawed hand, waiting for the mother to give up her child. She did so without question. He cradled the child, his gahstly figure seeming to comfort the newborn, gently humming a sad, loamy tune. There was some time before the child finally went to sleep. the priest presented the infant boy back to his mother, before gliding back to the centre of the room.

His eyes turned back to their normal red, and he slumped over his staff, seeming now to be exauhsted.

"HUSH, all. The Priest sees the future."

The liquid surged, flowing back up to the rose,and enveloping it in a fiery mantle of light. the priests eyes now streamed with the power kept long in his body. surging now as he was granted the future. His jaw opened wide, his throat glowed like a furnace.

"I can see clear... Pain... Death and pain are coming... They will commit such foul deeds- MASSACRE" Molten-metal spewed from his maw, flowing freely across his feet. "their thirst for universal conquest... has brought them here. They seek the EYE! WE MUST NOT LET THEM TAKE IT- The galaxies cower in fear... WE MUST ACT NOW BEFORE IT IS TOO LATE- We must accept this to be true, for it cannot be averted... They will come in millions, and of the children- only ten thousand will remain!"

From thin air, a huge Tome appeared, held in the priest hand. His mouth closed, and began to open it, flicking through the pages. He stopped, a page caught his attention. He quickly snapped the book shut, it disappeared.

"They will be Clouded..."