[MOC] Nexo Knights -- Axl's Audience Chamber

Grey Magistrate · November 7, 2020

Queen Macy's crusaders are on the verge of assaulting Axl's fortified position in the ruins of the old capital, Knightonia. Once comrades and friends, the two had a falling out after Axl ousted Macy's parents in an accidental coup d'etat, precipitating the destruction of the city and the loss of King Halbert to the terrifying brickpile. Only one slim hope for peace remains: Macy's mother, Hama, has crossed enemy lines to plead for reconciliation.

Hama arrives in the reconstituted palace, escorted by two bots, and walks alongside flowing rivers of energy crystals. She allows herself a moment of optimism. Maybe Axl has not been corrupted by power, his years of isolation, and his forbidden research. Maybe he is not the mad scientist that the rumors claim.

Or maybe he is.

Hama takes a deep breath and approaches the yellow throne. She was once a queen herself, after all.

But to her surprise, Axl prostrates himself before her. He insists is still a loyal subject of the true queen -- Queen Hama.

Axl orders his bots to bring a table of food, and Hama immediately launches into a plea for peace. Her daughter, Queen Macy, is going to attack unless Axl recognizes Macy's authority and halts his forbidden research.

Axl may look like a brute but he is a smooth diplomat. He refers to Queen Macy simply as "your daughter", calls Hama "my queen", and refers to her lost husband as "the king". Axl says that he believes King Halbert is still alive, still trapped inside the brickpile. Axl says he is working with Captain Robin to use vampirate technology to rescue the king.

Could the king yet live? For a moment, Hama forgets herself, and her mission. Her mind reels. Perhaps Axl is just playing for time, as Macy suspects. Or maybe Axl really is the key to rescuing her husband.

Axl is all smiles and reassurance. Confident and calm, he says he is certain all can be peaceably resolved with Macy, so long as Axl retains control of the capital and may continue his research. Hama is all smiles as well, glossing over that these were the two non-negotiables when Macy dictated terms.

Two of Axl's bots volunteer to escort Hama back to Macy's crusader camp, which inspires Axl to observe that science is perfectly reliable, unlike religion. Prayers may or may not work, but technology will never betray you.

Will Macy agree to further talks? Will Axl find out how to rescue Halbert? As they walk along a quiet and isolated corridor, Hama considers her options.

The bots consider their options too. In a sudden dash, Hama is thrown into a nearby cell.

Axl's bots will return and claim that Hama arrived safely. Macy's bots will return and say Axl kidnapped the queen. The bots' true chief has no interest in peace.

The Fall of Knighton:

#1 -- Ava's Stone Embassy

#2 -- Lance's Lava Mine

#3 -- Macy's Fortified Chapel

#4 -- Jestro's Pandora Gate

#5 -- Axl's Spider Foundry

#6 -- King Halbert's Last Stand

#7 -- Aaron's Club Absinthe

#8 -- Robin's Vampirate Ship

#9 -- Clay's Chapterhouse Vigil

Spellbreaker:

#1 -- Lance's Lava Train