Vulcannus stood by the window, contemplating the view outside. As far as furnishings go, his room was extravagant. Plush chairs, a big, soft bed, and a white fox carpet. He has also requested a small nest for the baby ghast, Kiki. But he knew, the room which Pythus took over was much more luxurious.
He had not wanted this, but Pythus insisted on installing him here, with these surroundings. As much as his room would please the eye, Vulcannus knew himself to be a prisoner, who comes and goes as Pythus wishes. Gone were the days when they would splash together in the warm lava, when they made castles with the soul sand, when then chased ghasts together, tied them to strings and leashed them like how the overworlders played with kites. Everything changed when Pythus assumed the throne. Everything changed again when the Deathsinger came, practically begging him for an alliance.
Someone tapped a staff in the corridor. The tapping, along with a slow and steady footstep, came closer to his room. The door opened, and the person entered without invitation.
"Good to see you, brother." Vulcannus said calmly without turning around. "Always through desperation we meet. He who speaks little hears much, and he who watches from afar sees all. I've been waiting for you, Pythus."
"Turn around and face your king." Ordered the other. "You may be my kin, but I am still, and will always be, your king."
Vulcannus smiled. Always so arrogant. Always so overwhelming. Always so quick to impose himself upon others. Does he not realize, that it is exactly his impatience that is losing him the War?
"I said TURN AROUND!" Pythus pounded the floor with his axe, denting the fox carpet. Its softness deadened the sound.
Vulcannus shifted his gaze away from the inferno city below and fixed it on his brother. Casually, he leaned on the windowsill, sizing the other up.
"I assume you are in need of my services? Please elaborate the details of my work." He said calmly. There was not a ripple on his face.
"If you have indeed observed the situation so keenly, then you know it is dire."
"Hmph." Vulcannus grunted. "Your grip on the Overworld has grown weak, that much is clear. Perhaps it is a sign that you should not be here in the first place. The people of this world… resists ruling."
Pythus remained silent. Finally, making a heavy decision within himself, he spoke.
"Is it not every Netherking's duty to expand our kingdom? Our forefathers have done so. I will do the same. Only, I will be the first to expand our rule to another dimension."
Vulcannus looked at him quietly, waiting for his next words. Out of the corner of his vision, he noticed that Kiki had been sitting quietly and observing them with curious eyes.
"I cannot fight all our enemies alone." Pythus seemed to give in further. "You are the most powerful Netharan alive, with the exception of myself." Even now he did not forget to assert his position over everyone else."
"I am glad you see it that way, brother." Vulcannus shifted his legs over one another. "Would that be all? I am very busy… doing nothing in my room."
"You have proven yourself unpredictable, and that makes you dangerous." Pythus almost ingratiated.
"To whom?" Vulcannus taunted.
"To your enemies." Pythus snapped. "And that is why I am assigning you to lead the battle against the Enderknights. We have been enemies for centuries, and I believe that you should take up the mantel as the forefront of our war against the Ender armies."
Vulcannus smiled. "Thank you, brother. It will be my pleasure."
Pythus nodded and marched out the door.
"But beware," Vulcannus said under his breath, "who is my enemy."