Tale of Eldramir

Gerome and Naeri were silent as they walked through the Alkena manor. Gerome was just making a quick stop to pick up Garrad from the training room before heading back to their Guild hall.

Naeri, wishing to further discuss some additional plans and news, was accompanying him for the time being.

A pair of guards had been summoned to escort them out. Mostly out of courtesy, as were utterly useless if either Gerome or Naeri decided to become violent, and neither Allon nor Sherra were able to see them off. Something that they both understood, as they too were surprised by today’s events.

The conditions laid out by Warren were understandable, but Ezekiel’s capabilities, even though he isn’t a proper mage, made them both rethink their plans moving forward.

Opening the doors to the training hall, Gerome plastered a great big smile on his face as he entered.

“Garrad! Are you done playing with the children?” Gerome called out loudly, taking in the scene happening in the sparring ring of the training room.

Garrad and Brucey were both standing in the center of the ring, eyes glowing bright with their mana. Both of them were defending themselves from the elements as everyone in the room, barring Ezekiel, Wendy, Ellen, and Peni, was doing their best to break through the two’s defenses and land a clean blow on either one of them.

Neither one of them was moving as stone shields floated around them, blocking any magic fired their way, and pushing back anyone who got close to them. The only thing that even appeared to be affecting them was the ruffling of their hair as sharp gusts of wind were broken up by the flying rocks and turned into soft breezes that blew against them.

Neither one even looked tired, but none of their opponents looked disappointed. They were having the time of their lives, pulling out all the stops to try and land a hit on someone much more powerful, and far more experienced, than any one of them.

“Ah! Yes boss. I’m done.” Gerome stated as he saw Gerome and Naeri standing by the door.

Raising one foot into the air, he slammed it back down, letting out a rolling shockwave that threw everyone in the ring to the ground.

The only one that managed to stay on his feet was Stephen, who had the awareness to jump over the wave of earth the moment he saw Garrad raise his foot.

Garrad raised an eyebrow at that. Not really expecting anyone to manage to avoid that.

“You’ve seen this move before?” Garrad asked as the rest of the kids pulled themselves up off the ground.

“Yes. It’s a standard technique taught to Cavern Mages at the Academy.” Stephen explained.

“Huh. Didn’t know that.” Garrad said, holding his chin in thought. “Well, it’s a good area control move, so I guess that’s just to be expected.”

Drew, catching onto Garrad’s lack of knowledge regarding Academy techniques, immediately latched on to ask a question.

“Did you not go to the Academy, Executive Mountloch?” Drew asked. “I thought almost all Guilds recruited from the Academy.”

Everyone looked interested as they listened in.

“The fact that we’ve recruited your friend, who didn’t even go to the cathedral school, means that you should already know that that isn’t true.” Garrad said as Drew and the rest turned sheepish at this overlooked fact. “But to be honest, my entire family had been part of the Wandering Titans. My great grandfather was one of the founding leaders. We also hold open recruitments, so anyone from laymen commoners to fallen nobles is able to try and join us. They just have to meet certain requirements for whatever Tier they’re at when they apply.”

“Well, what are the requirements?” Drew asked excitedly.

“Be Tier two, for one thing.” Garrad stated, dashing Drew’s hopes before they had a chance to grow. “Although, there’s an exception being made to bring in prospective members who manage to bond with a Spirit in the coming weeks. Other than that, they must be within a certain age range and display a minimum amount of skill both magically and martially.”

Drew and Riley both perked up at that. Drew, because it meant that he still had a chance to join a Guild in the coming weeks, and Riley because she was looking forward to matching up against other people. She hoped to join the city guard much like her own parents had and testing herself against others her own age was something that excited her, as well as the possibility of bonding to a Spirit.

Yennifrey and Shari were more subdued, as neither of their goals for the future involved going into battle. Shari planned to take over for her father as head of the Alkena Auction House, and Yennifrey was still hoping to get an apprenticeship with Evelyn to become an Enchanter Seamstress.

“Garrad! Let’s go!” Gerome called out again.

“Alright, I’m coming.” Garrad called back. “One last thing, kids.”

He said as he addressed the children in front of him.

“I can’t help all of you, but Shari, the most important thing for a Cavern Mage is to be as tough as the stones we shape and carve. Our duty is to defend others to the best of our abilities, and so our defense should be our strongest attribute. As well as our ability to stand firm.” Garrad said as he looked at Shari before turning to look at Drew and Stephen. “For Tempest Mages, it’s the opposite. Never stop moving, a still wind is a dead wind. Nothing should be able to touch you as you move around the battlefield. In fact, your feet should be spending more time off the ground than on it, just from how much you should be moving.”

Drew nodded emphatically, taking in everything Garrad said as if it were gospel. Stephen just gave a curt nod of acknowledgement, having already been told this during his classes at the Academy.

“That said, I’m off. Ezekiel!” Garrad called out once more, to Ezekiel this time, who perked up at the mention of his name. “You have just under a month to prepare. Be ready.”

Ezekiel just nodded his head as he watched Garrad and Brucey leave the training room with Gerome and Naeri.

They were all quiet as they walked through the manor, not wanting any conversation between them to be overheard and passed on by the guards that were accompanying them. As soon as they left the Alkena’s property, Gerome started asking questions.

“So how were they?” Gerome started off with. “From what little I saw; they all seem quite advanced for their age. I know for a fact that many of the things they were doing are not taught in the basic classes they teach at the school.”

“They were all quite skilled, more martially than magically. Garrad explained. “But I think that’s due to the fact that the Church’s schools don’t emphasize battle magic and focus more on control and meditation. Likely in the hopes that their students can reach Tier two early enough to enter an Academy that will teach them the skill they need to survive the Cruor.”

Naeri sniffed and did her best to ignore the small dig at the school’s teaching, as she was not in charge of that area of the Church’s structure and organization.

“Children should not be forced into battles this early.” Naeri stated as the party continued walking down the street towards the Grand Cathedral.

“That’s incredibly hypocritical of you, given you approved of Ezekiel joining our next expedition.” Gerome pointed out.

“That’s different.” Naeri said to defend herself. “You know as well as I that messages left by the Ancient Void cannot be ignored. Far too many tragedies have happened in the past for the Church to allow such missteps to be taken.”

“Missteps taken because the Church continues to keep important knowledge hidden.” Gerome said back. “Are the things you said to that poor family even true, or was it just a snake oil you provided for a wound you don’t know how to heal?”

Naeri glared at Gerome, who stared right back, not breaking eye contact as they both stopped in the middle of the street. Garrad looked on nervously as his grandfather and boss stared down one of Harkem city’s Church of Ten’s strongest Scholars.

“Perhaps we should deal with this out here in the open.” Garrad muttered as he started walking forward again.

The small ferret hiding in Gerome’s sleeves popped its head out to nuzzle Gerome’s neck to encourage him to keep walking. Gerome sighed in exasperation as he moved forward again, Naeri walking in step with him.

“... I did not lie once during our meeting. For good or for bad, everything I said was the truth, and you know full well that there are elements that wouldn’t care about the truth, so long as they could remove Void Mages from this world. Regardless of the consequences of doing so.” Naeri explained.

“Such foolishness is why the war is still ongoing, even if things have cooled down from the active warfare from fifty years ago.” Gerome said with a tired voice.

“Such fools are blinded by the light of their leaders into believing they are right.” Naeri said.

Gerome fell silent for a moment as he mulled over Naeri’s words.

“So, it’s confirmed then. The Cult of Light has a Tier four Radiant Mage capable of hypnotic suggestion.” Gerome stated with disgust and hatred tinting his voice. “I had hoped that it was just a coincidence that Warren was bringing it up, but it seems like things must be really bad, if a retired Guild executive can figure this out after becoming a simple city Guard Captain.”

“Yes. From the number of people being arrested for disturbing the peace and attacking Void Mages, there’s been more than enough people for us to test.” Naeri told him. “Although, you’re wrong if you think Warren and Evelyn are merely retired hunters and Guild members.”

“Oh, you know something?” Gerome asked. “Care to share? I’ll be babysitting their son for two months at least, after all.”

“It’s not my secret to share, but you won’t have to worry about it. There’s nothing going on right now that will cause their past to come rearing its ugly head in your direction.” Naeri said.

Garrad had begun to grow tense at the mention of secrets, and the almost casual mentions of brainwashing said by his grandfather had disturbed him.

“Garrad, do you have something to share?” Gerome asked, having noticed the almost perfectly concealed tension in his grandson’s shoulders.

“... They kid is keeping secrets from his friends. Big ones from what I could tell from his heart rate.” Garrad said after a moment's thought. “He also seems like he’s trying to keep them at arm’s length. I’m certain he knows that the Alkena girl has a crush on him, but he’s not acting like a kid his age should act with that kind of information.”

Gerome and Naeri shared a look as they both thought back to the conversation they just had with Ezekiel’s parents.

“How so?” Gerome asked.

“Well... It’s like he’s afraid of letting her get close to him, emotionally.” Garrad tried to explain. “They were talking about secrets, and how the girl wanted to be like their parents were, and not keep things from each other. Ezekiel clearly got the subtext, but just ignored it and trampled on, ignoring her feelings and lying through his teeth about telling her his secrets when he felt he could.”

Gerome and Naeri stared at Garrad as he scratched his head in confusion.

“I get that everyone has secrets they want to keep, but this was almost like he was terrified. Terrified and guilty, but he’s only ten. What could he be so afraid and guilty of?” Garrad pondered.

For a while, no one said anything as they reached the border to the Grand Cathedral. The Tier fours both had an idea, having just spoken to Warren and Evelyn about Ezekiel having additional memories, but it wasn’t a good idea to talk about such things here and now. Coming to a stop, Naeri turned to Gerome and Garrad to say one last thing before leaving for the night.

“I think that that boy will be of interest to many parties moving forward.” Naeri said. “So, I would advise we keep an eye on him as best we can, as I would hate to see such potential wasted because a young man can’t keep his head on straight.”

“Agreed. I’ll keep an eye out when we leave. Maybe we’ll even find out whatever it is he’s keeping secret.” Gerome said.

“Hmm. Well, who better to keep someone grounded than a Hunter who’s as stubborn as a mountain and buried up to his neck in dirt.” Naeri said before turning around and heading into the cathedral. “We might need a little more help than that, however. It’ll be hard, but I’ll start reaching out to the Duke. We’ll see what he says when I personally give him news regarding what’s going on in his city.”

“Boss...?” Garrad was confused as Naeri walked away. He felt like he was missing something but wasn’t sure if he should ask about it.

“Just keep prepping for the expedition, Garrad. We have enough on our plate with just that right now.” Gerome stated as he began walking off in the direction of the Guild District. “Come along, let’s get a carriage. I’d rather not force these old bones to walk all the way across the city in a single night.”

Garrad said nothing as he did his best to focus on the preparations he’d have to make for the expedition. He’d likely have to go to multiple businesses in order to get enough supplies. Given that the Alkena’s were still doing repairs after that business with the nobles that tore up their rooms.

‘It might be a good idea to commission some armor for the kid as well.’ Garrad thought to himself as he followed after Gerome, sighing in frustration. As much as he wanted to know more about what was going on, he knew full well that he wasn’t ready for whatever was happening behind the scenes.

Perhaps, if he managed to break through sometime soon, he’d be able to help his grandfather face whatever it was that had him so worked up.

“Speaking of preparations.” Garrad called out as he moved to catch up with Gerome. “Do we actually intend on recruiting anyone from the schoolkids that will be taking the trials next week?”

“No. Leave that nonsense to the lower Tiered Guilds. There’s no need for us to be involved beyond acting as witnesses.” Gerome said. “While we may disagree on a few things, my fellow Wandering Titan leaders have no desire to recruit Children that haven’t even finished their basic school studies. Even if it is only as trainees.”

“And if the Roaring Ruins or Reaching Spires try to recruit Ezekiel's friends?” Garrad asked. “The Spires might not have seen their faces, but it wouldn’t be hard for them to find out who Ezekiel is friends with. I can easily see them being used against him.”

This was a possibility that Gerome had considered but chose to put aside. He knew it might be heartless to seemingly not worry, but he figured he knew the other Guilds well enough to safely assume that they would not deliberately harm children just for some petty revenge. Except for Kameira. She was a wretched enough person to do that, but her fellow Reaching Spires leaders were not, so she would likely be held back.

“I’m aware. But we can’t protect everyone, Garrad. You know that. Better to focus on one child, one that we actually have a chance at keeping safe, than to spread ourselves too thin, and lose everything instead.” Gerome explained. His bonded Spirit nuzzled against him, giving him some comfort as he knew Gerome didn’t like this decision any more than Garrad did. “Besides, while we argue more often than not, the other Guilds aren’t that monstrous. Now, focus on the expedition. I and the other Guild leaders will determine who will oversee the school trials.”

“Understood.” Garrad said as he nodded his head in acceptance. He didn’t like the fact that he was forced to ignore the politics happening between the Guilds, but he understood that there was only so much he, and by extension his Guild, could actually do right now.

They were already bending a number of rules to take a Tier zero Void Mage kid on an expedition with them. It set a dangerous precedent that might open doors in the future that would be better left closed. Garrad could feel the mental exhaustion creeping into his soul already.

All-in-all today had been a long day, for all parties, but he already knew that the up-and-coming months were just going to get longer.

Later that night, far away from the Alkena Auction House, but still within the city of Harkem, a meeting was taking place. Seven figures sat in a semicircle: their features hidden by blinding lights of different colors. They were looking down on a woman who knelt before them. Her own features were hidden by a robe that concealed her entire body.

One of the lights was gold in color, and the figure beneath this light sat at the center of the table.

“What news do you have?” The apparent leader asked the woman kneeling before them.

“The information received from our spy in the Church of Ten has been confirmed. He had witnessed and confirmed the new information regarding Void mana, and its usage by a Void Mage.” The kneeling figure spoke. “I have also confirmed the boy’s abilities. My daughter personally witnessed them, and can confirm that the Void Mage named Ezekiel, has capabilities beyond what a non-Tiered Void Mage should be capable of, and that he has been making progress to naturally breakthrough to Tier 1.”

The figure on the ground fell silent, waiting for further instructions as the figures seated at the table silently deliberated with one another.

“This news is disturbing. For a Void Mage to rise above its place on the ground is not good.” One of the figures, the one under a green light, finally said. “Worse yet is the fact that he is going to be protected by a Tier four Hunter. The oldest one in the city at that.”

“That is unimportant. We simply need to remove the boy before he can leave.” The figure under a red light stated. “If the boy dies before Gerome can leave the city with him, the city won’t even lose a Tier four Hunter, as the Covenant won’t be broken.”

“But suspicions will be raised, and we have already overreached one too many times this past year. This past month alone has led to many of our followers being arrested.” The figure in the blue light said. “If it wasn’t for Forret, there might have been executions.”

“A small number compared to the amount we have convinced to join us.” The figure under the violet light said. “At this point I do not think that it will matter if a few more are captured.”

“It will matter if Duke Harkem is given reason to return sooner than expected.” The figure under the orange light said. “Only one of us is in the city after all, and the Guild leaders will be forced to join his side, as rightful ruler of Harkem, if a conflict is apparent. As will the Church.”

The figures all fell silent once more.

“Feel free to harass him until he leaves, but we shall kill the boy within the Ruins.” The gold lit figure said. “It is the best way for us to deal with this foolishness. While the loss of Gerome as a Hunter will be great, his grandson is almost ready to take over his position. Some Light assistance from us will ensure that he reaches Tier four the proper way, as ordained by the True Ancient of Light.”

“Agreed!” The figures all said in unison.

“And you, loyal acolyte.” The gold lit figure spoke as the kneeling figure perked up. “Continue your efforts. We will ensure that your daughter does well in the upcoming trials. She will have her chance to bond with a Spirit, and even if she fails, we have many means to ensure that she becomes great.”

The figure on their knees bowed their head deeper.

“Thank you, Radiant one. I will not let you down, and neither will my daughter.” They said before moving to stand up.

“Also,” the golden figure said, causing the kneeling figure to freeze, “send a message to our agent in the Church of Ten. There is something we need to pass on to the young nuisance of a Void Mage. I can think of no better way to give it to the boy than through him.”

“Yes, Radiant one. May the Radiant Light shine upon us.” The kneeling figure said as they left the room with the figures cast in light.

“That will be all for this week. Attend to your respective cities, and do not allow the mistakes that have happened in Harkem to occur under your oversight.” The golden figure instructed.

The lights then faded out, one by one, until only two remained. The gray figure and the gold figure.

“... You are having doubts, aren’t you?” The gold figure stated as they addressed the gray figure.

“Harkem is not my city to oversee, but it still rests on the border between the Empire and the Desolate Lands. If we lose Gerome, either because he dies or he loses his bond, and it is revealed that we had anything to do with it, that’s three Tier four Hunters that will abandon this city out of spite.” The gray figure stated. “The Church will do its best to provide aid, but they have always held their gospel over the facts that lay in front of them.”

“So, we should simply let this Void Mage do as he wishes? To bring an end to society as we know it?” The golden figure demands. “That cannot be allowed to happen. Only the light can bring a stop to the Cruor, and the Void is anathema to all.”

“Yet it was the Ancient Void that sealed the Broods during the Age of Chaos!” The gray figure nearly shouted.

“Information from that Age has never been confirmed!” The gold figure refuted. “Even if it was, the Void is the element of the Beginning and the End. This world Began millennia ago, and so long as the Light remains, we will not permit it to End. Or do you intend to ignore the fact that only Void Mages can become Broodlords, the ones prophesized to be the key to releasing the Broods from their prison?”

The gray figure didn’t say anything, having nothing to use to argue with the gold figure.

“Harden your heart. Once the boy is dead, the natural order of the world will be able to regain its balance once again.” The gold figure commanded with a tone of finality. “Do not breach this topic again. Once Count Harkem is elevated to Tier four, he will be able to take proper command of Harkem city, even if his brother does return. Once that happens, we can properly purge the city of the Void filth and ensure that Cruor will lose their closest source of Void Mages to turn against humanity.”

“... Understood, Radiant one.” the gray figure muttered before he too disappeared from the room, leaving only the golden figure alone in the dark meeting room.

“Why is it so hard to understand, that all we do is for the light, and the betterment of humanity.” The golden figure said before they too faded away, leaving nothing but a darkened room in a far-off corner of the city.