Medical science was at a loss, the primitive herbal treatments of the Doctors being virtually useless against Skate. As things were shaping up, it appeared that over a third of the world's population would soon die.

The High Lord Sanctifier, anointed master of the faith, holy servant of the One True God, convened a meeting of all Hierarchic leaders. The various heads of state, along with their most educated advisors and administrators, were all called into attendance to contemplate the full ramifications of the plague.

The great fortress of Sanctification, home of the High Lord Sanctifier, sat upon an isolated island in the center of Leshik’s central ocean. A thousand miles from the nearest shore and situated on the equator, the million acre island was scattered with monasteries and temples, all sustained for the glory of the One True God, under the strict administration of God’s humble servant, the High Lord Sanctifier.

The granite walls of the Sanctifier’s fortress had been built in ancient times, by a tribe whose name had long been forgotten. Remnants of their structures littered the landscape of several continents, though nowhere else had their quality workmanship remained in tact. Here, the perfectly cut blocks of stone, locked in place by bronze anchor pins, looked as solid as ever, despite untold centuries of wear.

The austere leaders of Leshik’s eight major countries arrived en-masse, and they took their seats at the marble table in the center of the High Lord’s spacious meeting hall. Only the Regents sat at the table, while their aides and underlings remained standing, littering the walls.

"I find it to be in poor taste for the High Lord to be late for this meeting, after having summoned us from such great distances," the Regent of Mensaka grouched, rubbing silver medals hanging from his ostentatiously broad lapels.

"Piero, know your place," chided a dark-scaled female, the Regent of Upper Rudar.

"My place is governing my people, Mynah, not attending the High Lord whenever a plague breaks out," Piero complained.

"Easy for you to say, Mensikan," said Rosknin, the Regent of Valisken. "The Skate has hardly reached your shores. The rest of us are looking at the worst epidemic in recorded history."

Stepping into the room from a side doorway, an aged man in regal robes shouted, "I will have order in the chamber!" The Regents recognized him as the High Lord's Prime Adjutant. "His Lordship was momentarily delayed with spiritual affairs, but is preparing to attend you as we speak."

"Does he believe that the One True God will answer his prayers and deliver us from plague at his behest?" asked the broad-shouldered figure near the head of the table.

"Regent Mackelton of United Lazzeriach, how brave of you to speak so impudently in the High Lord's own chambers," the Adjutant said with a disrespectful hiss. "Do not think that the power of your nation will permit the disrespect of the true faith."

"I respect the faith, fully, Lord's Adjutant," Mackelton replied with a brazen tone. "However, I am not certain your Lord does. His faith is one of convenience, for the purposes of maintaining order and his luxurious post."

The creak of rusty hinges echoed into the chamber, as a hefty door opened at the back of the room, and the High Lord Sanctifier entered the chamber. Dressed in thick robes of white cloth, the High Lord slid his muscular body across the floor, and took his seat at the head of the table.

"Ah, High Lord, so good of you to join us," Mackelton said.

"Stow it, Mackelton," The High Lord said, waving the back of his reddish hand at the larger man. "I am not deaf to your heresy. If one of your own citizens were to speak such disrespect for the Hierarchy, you would most certainly see them put to death."

"I avoid it as much as possible, Lord," Mackelton said. "United Lazzeriach is not so strict as your interpretation of the faith would demand."

"And as such, your country grows more chaotic and disorderly by the day," the High Lord chided.

"My nation leads the world in technological advancements and scientific research."

"Yours is a land of heresy and rebellion," the High Lord cursed. "If you did not still obey my dictates, I would authorize your removal. Fortunate for you, I am a true believer of the faith, and as such am bound by our religious commandments to support your Regency until which time as you openly betray the faith, which you have thus managed to avoid."

"I do not betray the faith, Lord, I uphold it. The only difference between us is a matter of scriptural interpretation."