The Tale of a Garason Meister Part III

By Bram Roding

Returned from the Laedenna Championships and reviewing the events of the terrorist attack that ended it abruptly, the meisters agree that uncovering the identity of the attackers and the secrets of the cubes is paramount.

But when the past catches up with one of the meisters and soon their own meister system seems to turn against them, Reidara and his comrades brace themselves for dark times ahead. The meisters of Garason are faced with doubt and insecurities of themselves and their title as meister while everything they ever did is thoroughly investigated upon suspicions of corruption.

• Language: English
• Publisher: Lulu.com
• Release date: Nov 8, 2015
• ISBN: 9781326472597

Book preview

The Tale of a Garason Meister

Part III

Corruption

The Tale of a Garason Meister

Corruption

Bram Roding

Schrijver: Bram Roding

Coverontwerp: Bram Roding

© Bram Roding

This book is dedicated to those people who have given me all the inspiration.

Craig

Susan

Allecia

Amanda

Lynn

Grant

John

Sisa

Kevin

And to my mother, Marijke, who passed away from illness during its creation.

A tower stood on a lonely island surrounded by waves that crashed against the cliffs. They flew high, flying upwards several meters and violent, as if the gods themselves were angered. No ship could sail these waters without danger. No vessel would survive it. The metallic spire on the small chunk of rock erected high and the mighty dragonhawk upon which Venus rode, safely touched on the flat roof, unhindered by the strong winds.

The shaen’il meister was greeted in silence. Men and women, obscured in black robes and hoods that shadowed their faces, walked with the shaen’il down the staircase and into the corridors of the tower. The smell of corroded stone and the salt swimming the air was heavy. Venus’ footsteps echoed clearly as the sound bounced off the stone walls. The heels of her boots grinded with the tiny grains of stone scattered across the floor. Not a word was said towards the meister, nor did Venus feel the need to say anything. But the cloaked individuals stuck with her like bears to honey. They seemed to be put into unrest by the shaen’il, yet she intrigued them as well.

Venus walked through half of the outer ring of the tower until she came upon the steel gates that led her deeper inside. The inner area of the tower contained more space. The ceiling was high and the room was as large as the hall of the Meister Mansion. In the middle of the room was a floor of steel bars. On the ceiling was the same. Soft drizzle of oceanic water fell down all the way to the bottom. It made the place moist and uncomfortable. Venus rubbed her fingers together and felt the bits of salt on her skin. The sense of darkness did not go by unnoticed either. She expected it. The Iron Pillar was known for its connection to creatures and happenings that were not of this world.

The shaen’il meister stood at the edge of the trap floor and glanced down into the deep shaft with her callous crimson eyes. A pair of glimmering greenish eyes stared back at her from the darkness. Then a dark chuckle sounded, coarse and hazy.

‘Venus.’ A pause came and went. ‘Enjoying the view?’ asked the damaged voice. Not a word was uttered by the shaen’il meister.

~ Chapter One ~

Identifying Threats

‘At the start of the summer, my entire world was upside down. What I knew to be my life was long gone and I felt the start of a new one. I still remember that moment in the arena---that moment where the crowd went frantic after my battle with Oberon Graves. Although I was out of it pretty quickly, I could hear the cheers echo. Regretfully the tournament had to be cancelled due to the macabre incident involving that masked guy and the Three-Eyed Raven clan. But I got what I came for.

I remember my conversation with Arron about winning respect from the people of Garason and how my participation in the Laedenna Tournament might have the very opposite effect. The fact that I tried so hard might give the people a message saying something like ‘Respect me, dammit!’ thus they’ll ignore me. At first I didn’t agree, but I saw the logic in the end. Nevertheless… despite the outcome for the people of Garason, I have gained a significant boost in both mental and physical aspects. And… about the people of Garason… well, you should have seen the homecoming we received upon returning. People went ballistic. We’ve been at peace since then. Still recovering from the madness in Laedenna, but also preparing for something bigger. Now that autumn is upon us, Garason is preparing for one of the oldest festivals in history. And Garason has been chosen as its host…’

A bird soared through the sky. It gently brushed the low clouds and flapped its wings only a few times. It was a glider, a bird that hardly ever had to give itself a boost to remain in flight. The creature simply ventured forward while the world beneath it peacefully passed by. The perfect circumstances for the bird were there, hardly a breeze of wind and the sun shone at the fullest.

A bird soared through the sky. It gently brushed the low clouds and flapped its wings only a few times. It was a glider, a bird that hardly ever had to give itself a boost to remain in flight. The creature simply ventured forward while the world beneath it peacefully passed by. The perfect circumstances for the bird were there, hardly a breeze of wind and the sun shone at the fullest.

It suddenly started its descent. Far to its right, into the vastness of its gaze, a stretch of mountains was seen and to its left the bird could glance upon the coast. It approached the dense green forest as it descended quicker by the second. The bird gracefully coiled in circles, going down in a spiral. It screeched and gently brushed the leaves as it dropped itself into the forest. It touched down onto the branch and scanned its surroundings for a few moments. There was no sound for several moments, but in the distance approached a faint booming sound. It became more rapid but had a steady rhythm. Four rapid muffled thuds with a pause in between each. The bird moved its tiny head from right to left more quickly as the thuds came closer. It hopped in a 180 degree circle and suddenly flinched as an auburn colored horse rushed past.

Upon it sat an aeran dressed in simple clothes, armed with bow and quiver bearing the Garason flower symbol. His spikey hair wavered in the winds while he scanned the area around him. The path moved upwards but the horse had no trouble scaling it at the speed it ran. At the top the creature quickly came to a stop. One step further and both the horse and the aeran would’ve tumbled down the steep rocks into the small river below, which was far too shallow to save them from a painful death. The young aeran scanned the area beneath the cliff and beckoned his horse to remain as still as possible. He listened closely to the ambience around. That’s when he heard the sound. Reidara chuckled.

‘She’s close, Lily. We’d better hurry. C’mon, down the cliff, girl! Hyaah!’ The young aeran pulled the reins and the auburn colored horse quickly galloped towards the path that led down the steep cliff. The horse maneuvered over the rocks and through the density of trees. With a loud thud they came down onto the path below and approached the small pond with the waterfall at the far end. The aeran jumped off his horse and scanned the area. While the horse immediately threw its head into the river of thirst, Reidara wandered around and looked as if he was trying to find something hanging from the trees. He took the bow from his back and drew an arrow along with it while keeping his glance on the top of the trees when he suddenly froze. Reidara looked straight at a mannequin hidden between the leaves. He quickly nocked the arrow but then heard an arrow fly past his head and landing straight into the mannequin’s face. It fell down onto the rough dirt and shattered into a dozen pieces.

Reidara quickly turned around while lowering his bow and sighed with disapproval.

‘I won---again.’ said Amisa, still sitting on horseback, lowering her bow.

‘Just barely. Had you arrived a second later….’ Reidara tilted his head suggesting the obvious.

‘Yes---had I arrived a second later…’ Amisa said smirking and dismounted her horse. ‘but I didn’t.’ she added ‘You used to be better at this, as I recall.’

‘Rub it in, why don’t you.’ muttered Reidara as he strapped his equipment onto his horse. Amisa walked passed them both and kneeled at the riverbed. She brushed the surface of the water with the tips of her fingers.

‘Frisky.’ she said joyful. Immediately Amisa dropped herself on her bottom and took off her boots. Amisa stuck her feet deep into the pond and started wiggling her feet back and forth. Reidara came sitting beside her and had a lot more trouble pulling his boots from his feet than his counterpart. He didn’t first feel the temperature of the water and immediately stuck his feet into the pond to which the aeran tensed up while instantly wanting to pull his feet straight out again.

‘T-T-That’s cold!’

‘Well, duh… summer’s nearly at an end. The glaciers have already let go of their iciest water---which is now here, in this pond.’

‘I can tell… feels kind of nice after a few seconds.’ Reidara glanced around him. At the trees, the waterfall and listened to the ambience of the forest. He closed his eyes for a moment and let himself be engulfed with the serenity that was surrounding him. ‘I’m surprised we don’t come here more often. This place reminds me of Aeraenas.’ said Reidara.

‘That’s why, I think.’ said Amisa.

‘What do you mean?’

‘This place reminds me of Aeraenas as well, which is why I was afraid it might’ve had the same effect on you---and I know how you feel about Aeraenas.’ Amisa ended with a melancholic tone and looked away towards the water. Reidara gently placed a hand upon Amisa’s shoulder and made her look at him again.

‘Not anymore.’ said Reidara with a smile. ‘Aeraenas is no longer darkness to me, thanks to Venus.’

‘I’m glad.’ said Amisa nodding. She gazed around the small grove and smiled. ‘Whenever I come here it’s as if time is of no importance. No one to bug you, no responsibilities… just the calm of the forest.’ Amisa dropped herself into the grass and put her hands behind her head. Only a few moments later Reidara dropped beside her.

‘Too bad we’re meisters.’ he chuckled. ‘Sooner or later we’ll have to get back or someone’s going to freak out.’

‘Guess who that might be…’ Amisa muttered. The two aerans met with each other’s eyes and said ‘Athena!’ simultaneously. For the next few minutes they just laid there, in the grass, looking up towards the sky while their view was surrounded by green leaves. In the distance they heard the screeching of birds and the sound of the waterfall.

‘Do you ever think about the future?’ Amisa asked Reidara.

‘In what sense?’

‘Well---you know, how will things be in ten years?’ Reidara exhaled bewilderedly.

‘Gee, I wouldn’t know. I guess I’ve been so busy with the present I haven’t had time for that.’

‘Well, I do. Quite often, in fact.’ A pause fell in the conversation.

‘What do you think about?’ Reidara asked Amisa.

‘Simple life questions like: where I’ll be, what will I be doing, who do I have around me, things like that.’ Amisa paused for a moment and then turned her head towards Reidara. ‘Will I have children someday?’ Reidara kept his eyes upwards towards the sky and chuckled softly. He kept quiet and started to imagine himself raising a child. There was something about it that didn’t feel right.

‘In ten years we’ll still be younger than the older meisters are now.’ Reidara mumbled and faced Amisa. ‘Why don’t Athena and Quasar have children, hm? Did they ever tell you that?’

‘I don’t think our status allows us the time to raise a family… or perhaps they just didn’t want any.’ Amisa paused for a moment and then chuckled silently. ‘I suppose we’re their children now!’ said Amisa laughing.

‘I wouldn’t be surprised if they actually see it that way.’ said Reidara calmly. ‘The way Athena is all protective of us and Quasar trying to keep us in line.’

‘—while Athena keeps Quasar in line.’ Amisa added.  They both laughed. The two aerans looked as if they didn’t want to ever move from their spot, still with their feet paddling in the pond, lying with their backs on the grass. Like a couple of young children they enjoyed the ambience of their surroundings. Suddenly Amisa pulled her feet out of the water and hopped in a straight up position. Meanwhile Reidara laid eyes closed and opened one to see what she was up to. He was just in time to dodge her foot about to brush his face.

‘Wake up, I want to show you something.’

‘I am awake, silly.’ mumbled Reidara while Amisa marched towards her horse.

Without first putting on her boots again, Amisa mounted her horse and had not the patience to wait for Reidara. He muttered in a complaining tone while rushing towards his own horse in an attempt to catch up with her, even though she was going at a walking pace.

The two followed the path in a casual pace towards a brighter part of the forest, it seemed.

‘What do you want to show me?’

‘You’ll see.’ said Amisa bearing a smirk on her face. Reidara witnessed it and felt slightly patronized. Nonetheless, he silently let himself be led as both aerans were hit by the radiance of the sun. The density of the forest reduced substantially and within mere minutes their surrounding transformed from forest to wide plains. They immediately felt a frisk breeze brushing against their cheeks.

‘Over there, do you see them?’ Amisa asked as she pointed towards the horizon. Reidara followed her finger but did not see anything at first. Then, seconds later, he saw small glimpses of rocks between the grassy plains, but they were shaped like men. As they came closer Reidara identified them as statues. Stones shaped into soldiers holding their blades up high, wearing armor as if they were in battle. Reidara scanned the area and noticed there were dozens more.

‘What are these?’ Reidara asked Amisa

‘The fallen.’ she replied.

‘Fallen?’

‘Soldiers who’ve died defending that structure over there.’ Amisa pointed towards the far end of the plain, towards the towers of Garason Castle erected into the sky. ‘They are honored this way. You’ll find a lot more on the other side of the road towards the castle.’

‘They’re only in the grass?’

‘That’s right. Nobody died on the road. All battles for the castle were fought on these plains, hence the statues being placed here.’ Reidara dismounted his horse and circled around one of the works of art.

‘They are quite detailed.’ Reidara commented despite the fact it was overgrown with moss. He brushed some of it off and noticed the stone had already corroded quite a bit. ‘Who made them, do you know?’ Reidara asked.

‘Not exactly.’ answered Amisa. ‘Quasar thinks they’ve been placed by one of the first kings, perhaps even Gilroy himself.’

‘That would explain the corrosion.’ Reidara said as he brushed more of the moss off the face of the statue. Amisa smiled upon his interest in the structures when she noticed rapid tweeting above her. She looked straight up and saw a hummingbird twirling above her.

‘Oh boy…’ she muttered and then turned towards Reidara. ‘Reid, we’re being missed.’ she said. When Reidara looked at her Amisa nodded her head upwards, signaling towards the bird above her. When Reidara witnessed the rare creature he immediately knew what it meant.

‘Right.’ uttered the aeran and instantly strode towards his horse.

When the two entered the city’s main streets they entered a world of ordered chaos. As usual, people were crossing the streets without even looking; yet nothing happened. As the two meisters glanced around them they were constantly greeted by the townsfolk. Amisa gave each and every one a friendly wave while Reidara made a solemn bow each time. The meisters noticed how all fronts of the shops were being decorated by their owners. Ribbons, banners, even a new paintjob wasn’t too much. The vibes within the city betrayed the festival that was on its doorstep. It forced the two meisters to wander forward at a most casual pace. They maneuvered through the dark and dirty gaps between the buildings all the way through towards the square of the city.

There they had to leave behind their majestic transport inside the stables. While crossing the square, passing the statue of Gilroy along the way, both Amisa and Reidara watched how a group of workers lifted poles all the way up their wooden construction. The screeching of the trolleys and wringing of the ropes was not nearly as loud as the nails being hammered into place. The square had turned into a large construction site, all for the sake of that one event.

Almost in silence did Reidara and Amisa enter the mansion and moved towards the center of the hall, glancing around, trying to figure out if anyone was even here. Then the doors towards the kitchen opened and Arron marched through them, carrying a tray with cups and a bottle of wine.

‘Ah, there you two are. Quickly, into the hall, we’re about to start.’ he said and nearly pulled both aerans with him. As they entered the dining hall Reidara and Amisa were surprised to see everyone here. Even Quasar was already present and sat at the head of the table.

‘Good, you’re here.’ he said. ‘Quickly sit down, we have a lot to discuss.’ Reidara quickly took his usual seat behind the table. There were no names on any of the chairs, but for some odd reason everyone always took the same seat. Even if the entire hall was empty, Reidara would probably still take that one seat near the middle of the table, and Amisa on the opposite side.

‘Welcome back. Where have you been all this time?’ murmured Reidara to Venus, who sat next to him. She met with his eyes and beckoned Reidara to be patient.

‘Welcome everyone,’ Quasar began. ‘beforehand I wanted to let you know that I’ve already spoken with Venus at the moment of her return. So I already know some of the details of her journey, so that there’s no confusion here.’ The head meister softly chuckled. Then his demeanor changed as fast as clouds shifted in front of the sun. ‘None of us here, save you three youngsters,’ said Quasar as he swept his glance past Reidara, Amisa and Shrottie. ‘like to talk about Continuum. Least of all me. But before we act recklessly, fueled by our own fears, I wanted to make sure who this masked character was that attacked us and what he’s up to. Now, I’m sorry about the secrecy of Venus’ trip but I didn’t want to raise any concerns until we’re able to make some proper conclusions. So, thanks to Venus I can tell you all, with relief, that Sumnara Synrad and his clan are still imprisoned. He is not the man with the mask.’ Sighs of relief but also confused glances appeared on the meister’s faces. ‘Venus…’ said Quasar suggestively and beckoned her to continue.

‘I returned to Laedenna first so as to coordinate with Tanner and their meisters. They took responsibility over their own lands while I made the suggestion to rule out certain possibilities, just as we discussed here. Thus I travelled beyond the wall to confirm if the upper echelon of Continuum was still imprisoned. As Quasar said, they are. With that knowledge, I thought it best to seek out signs of the masked man’s presence elsewhere. This took me towards the Three-Eyed Ravens, they were the only logical connection to follow. However, they are no longer a presence in Torsaf Pike nor in its surrounding establishments.’

‘Come again?’ Haydes asked surprised.

‘They’ve moved their base of operations elsewhere. I’ve spent eight days and seven hours venturing through the skies of eastern Gorondir, seeking out the larger settlements. There was no trace of the Three-Eyed Ravens to be found.’

‘I don’t like this…’ remarked Shrottie.

‘Aye.’ Trent added. ‘I’m glad Continuum is still behind bars, but… who then is that masked guy? We’ve no single clue, do we? Not to mention we lost our strongest lead now.’

‘Perhaps not.’ Arron commented. ‘But ruling out Sumnara and his closest allies is a significant step in the right direction. Having said that, the masked man wielded one of those cubes like it was a weapon he mastered. Whoever he is and for whatever he fights, that is dangerous enough on itself. Something, I believe we should be prepared for. Truth is, in my opinion, we know far too little about these objects to properly defend ourselves. What happened in the Laedenna Arena should be proof enough of that.’

‘I agree with Arron.’ said Quasar. ‘With little to go on, chasing after those terrorists seems to me like a pointless and folly effort. Instead we should put our attentions elsewhere.’ The head meister glanced down on a small stack of parchments and inhaled sharply. ‘Not that we have much of a choice.’ His tone lightened up. ‘We have a festival coming upon us. A LOT still needs to be done. I have a few things I want to address on this. Due to the Nova Lumen festival, this year’s edition of the Games will not be held. A week ago, I ordered the Garason Watch to spread the word of the preparations and have the citizens do whatever they want to do to their homes in order to join in on the festivities. Also, the clan districts will receive a fixed funding for the activities they are required the host, plus more if they so wish.’

Quasar paused for a moment and then glanced at Venus, sitting near him.

‘Due to your absence, though, nothing has yet been calculated. How fares the treasury at this moment?’

The shaen’il meister sat straight and opened a thick tome she had placed on the table in front of her.

‘I am unable to---how do you say---sugarcoat it?’ By her tone Quasar felt an ominous foreboding and met with his comrade’s scarlet eyes. ‘I was able to make a rough estimate in the short time you gave me.’

Quasar felt like he receive a sharp poke in the chest, even if Venus didn’t mean it that way.

‘The festival will definitely put a strain on the city’s finances. A significant portion of the funding will have to be spent on the security, considering the guests we will have.’ Venus paused. Quasar still had his eyes on her and like the rest he listened diligently to her words. ‘The real strain comes from the entertainment program. The fees for the entertainers stack up considerably.’

‘Is it feasible?’ Quasar asked. Venus nodded carefully.

‘In theory, yes. But I need to put through a more detailed calculation and set up the balances. The expected income from the festival itself should be enough to cover the expenses. Do not---how do you say---take my word for it?  Expectations and predictions always leave room for unforeseen costs. As of yet, I have not found room for those in the current budget.’

‘Right.’ said Quasar doubtfully. He threw a glance upon the pages within the tome. His eyes were already beginning to spin from the countless of numbers and figures the shaen’il meister had drawn.

‘I’ll leave you to puzzle with all of that for the time being.’ said Quasar exhausted. He took a big gulp from his goblet and then directed himself to the rest of the meisters.

‘I’ve already spoken to Starly, Kranjax, Absor and Fraesoun about matters of preparation and security. We’re dividing these tasks evenly among the clans, each to take care of its own district. They’ll have extra guards should they deem it necessary. Now---you all know why I’m being so frantic about security. This is a continent-wide event and we’re the official host. Rulers of Ocennia, Gorondir, Laedenna… they will all be here during the week of Nova Lumen. It would be an embarrassment of immense proportions if we are not able to guarantee their safety.’ Quasar swung his arms in a wide bow, adding to the dramatic effect of his statement.

‘Surely, the nobilities themselves will bring security of their own?’ Haydes asked.

‘I’m certain that they will.’ replied Quasar. ‘…Which will be beneficial to the overall effect. But we cannot rely on them alone. Our buffed security, the clans and their security should prevent anything from happening.’ Quasar paused. He leaned back into the chair and emptied his goblet in one go. ‘All of you will not be part of it. As meisters of this city it is our job to be the hosts, all ten of us. Of course, we’ll keep an eye out, as we always do; but it is not our primary task. This is a festival, not a championship. I will not let the events of the Laedenna Arena repeat themselves. I will not let my city be the stage for some terroristic strike!’

Quasar spoke the words with fury and passion. He meant it. At first he seemed angry he had to take such measures, but at the same time the head meister was determined to prove that protection was guaranteed. A silence covered the hall. Quasar fiddled around with his empty goblet for a few moments, trying to find the right words, it seemed.

‘Arron brought up a valid point earlier. We know too little of the weapon that was used against us. It’s magnificent that we will have such a powerful security force, but if one man can freeze an arena full of people… well, you get the point.’

‘What do you suggest?’ Trent asked.

‘We need information.’ Quasar replied resolute. ‘Anything on Continuum will be terrific, but our priority should be those cubes. Haydes, Trent, why don’t you two ask around in our little social circle on the black market? Perhaps someone has heard a whisper of Continuum’s ‘return or a merchant knowing something about those damned things, like Redfort did. Anything. Sound like an idea?’

‘Little social circle is exaggerating it.’ muttered Trent.

‘Will do.’ said Haydes.

‘Tisiphone, you once told me about you having some friends in the Yamira cult, am I right?’ Quasar asked the shimarian lady.

‘Yeeeees…?’ Tisiphone replied with great skepticism. She kept looking at Quasar with a nervous foreboding.

‘Mind getting into contact with them for me?’ Quasar asked with a mischievous smile. Tisiphone leaned forward and placed her arms on the long table.

‘You want to involve them in this?’

‘Yes and no.’ replied Quasar quickly. ‘Perhaps they know something we don’t… about any of this.’ The head meister paused and stood up straight, pushing his chair back. He took a slow circle around it and moved towards an end table behind him. On top of it was a small strongbox. ‘I said earlier we need to widen the scale of our research if we’re ever going to stay ahead of the facts.’ Quasar pried the lock with a tiny key and when he opened the box a cyan glow beamed in his face. He picked up the cube inside the box and turned around, letting all meisters gaze at the mysterious object that has caused them much trouble already. Then the head meister sat back into his chair and gently placed the cube on a cloth on the table. He met with Tisiphone’s eyes.

‘If there’s anyone that might know what this is, it is the Yamira.’

‘I don’t suppose you want me show them that thing and ask if they’ve seen it before?’ Tisiphone asked, Quasar chuckled.

‘No, I don’t want that indeed. Don’t tell--.’

‘---them anything directly, I got it. I’ll have to use my irresistible charm.’ Tisiphone used an overly excessive seductive tone and pushed her hair away so everyone could glance at her beauty.

‘Great, but the Yamira won’t be our only lead.’ Quasar turned his eyes towards Reidara. While the aeran still glanced at the cube, he somehow felt the gaze of the head meister on him, like a presence one might feel in the dark of the night. You don’t see it, but you know it is there. Their eyes met.

‘Reidara, I want you to take this,’ Quasar tapped the cube with the tip of his index finger several times. ‘and travel to Adaman tower, north of Omarra.’

‘I see, you want to involve the Damans in this?’ Reidara asked in return.

‘I’m surprised you haven’t done that sooner.’ Shrottie added.

‘I deliberately didn’t. As much as I trust the Damans, this business with the cube is highly sensitive. Telling anyone outside this room, no matter how much you trust them, exposes the intelligence. Thus an opportunity arises for those who might want to do wrong with these things, as we now know can, in fact, be done.’ Quasar paused a moment and took a glance at the beaming object. ‘Don’t get me wrong, I wish I could’ve kept them out of the loop. But we need information and we need it fast.’ He aimed his eyes at Reidara again. ‘As soon as you’re able, I want you to travel there and talk to Ythix Idirras. Only to him!’

‘I understand.’

‘Are you sure you want to do this?’ Quasar suddenly asked. Sounding almost as if he was about to apologize for something.

‘Why wouldn’t I? I’m as fired up as you about finding out about those things.’

‘Well, we’ve only been back for a while, you’ve been back for a while---after being gone for three whole cycles!’ Quasar paused and scoffed when he realized a most peculiar fact. ‘Reidara, in your time as meister, you’ve spent more time out of the city than in, do you realize that?’ Reidara looked away for a moment and scratched his head.

‘Yes, I’m aware. But it was for a good cause---right?’

‘You’re turning into me.’ said Arron with a warm smile. ‘A significantly smaller me.’ Reidara beamed skepticism.

‘Anyhow, It’s just----I can imagine you’ll want to spend some time among the people.’ said Quasar.

‘I’ll have enough when I return, I want to help. Staying in the city won’t do this any good.’ replied Reidara.

Amisa scoffed loudly. ‘Right… you just don’t want to help prep the festival!’ Reidara gave her an immediate indignant glance while Quasar chuckled. ‘In that case!’ Amisa continued. ‘I’m going with him.’

‘What?!’ cried Reidara. ‘How is that any different?’

Quasar switched between the two, trying to imagine them acting like this the entire road up to Adaman tower, and that wasn’t too difficult, even for him.

‘Al---right, I suppose. Can you spare the hands, hun?’ he asked Athena.

‘Barely, but I’d feel better if Reid travelled with some company.’

‘Any objections, Reid?’ Quasar asked as he attempted to get between the bickering. Reidara gave up pretty quickly and shrugged.

‘Sure, why not…’ he muttered, trying to appear callous about it.

‘Very well. I suggest you two travel in commoners’ clothes, just simple cloaks, baring no symbols of our city. I understand if this seems a bit paranoid, but I’d rather not have the flower symbol function as a big hit mark for the enemy to aim at, catch my drift?’ Amisa and Reidara gave a firm nod in silent accord.

‘The Six!’ Haydes exclaimed, startling the company around the table. ‘I might have something that could lead to Continuum.’ said Black-Haired Inferno. ‘It’s a bit farfetched but worth looking into nonetheless.’

‘What is it?’ asked Trent.

‘A possible alliance between the Crimson Scorpions clan and the Libra clan.’

‘The Zodiac clans?’

‘The very same.’

‘What makes you think we can find Continuum through them?’ Quasar asked. The shimarian leaned forward onto his elbows and scanned all the meisters at the table.

‘When I was in Torsaf Pike, my contact told me about the rumors of a possible alliance between them. Not long after… I learned that Araila, leader of the Scorpions, was already working together with Armachillian. In fact, they both confronted me about it.’

‘Yes, you’ve told me about this…’ Quasar muttered.

While the younger meisters glanced at Haydes, they seemed less interested than the older ones. Especially Venus, Trent and Arron were keen to hear what Haydes had to say. All three of them sat arms folded in their chairs, although Venus was the only one sitting with her back straightened. The rest were slouching in more ways than one.

‘There is no doubt Armachillian orchestrated the massacre in Laedenna.’

‘You said they were there to ‘take care’ of the southern faction of the Three Eyed Ravens, correct?’ Athena asked.

‘Correct. Now---I don’t know how that masked figure fits into all of this, but if he’s connected to Continuum than Continuum is connected to Armachillian thus to Araila and the Scorpions.’

‘You’re right----that does sound farfetched.’ said Trent paired with a chuckle. Haydes gave him an acknowledging nod and then looked towards Quasar.

‘As I said. Yet it is worth looking into. The fact that the Libra’s and the Scorpions might form an alliance is alarming enough on its own. Two hostile clans joining hands---that can only lead to bad things, don’t you all agree?’

The company mumbled and hummed a bit, all nodding their heads. Quasar rubbed his chin slowly. His hand running against the tiny stubbles on his face and it sounded as if he was rubbing sandpaper on the wall.

‘I agree, but only due to the connection with Continuum----as farfetched as it may be. The alliance between the clans is not really our business. That’s for the King of Ocennia to deal with, who I should meet soon anyway.’

‘You’re not going to send someone all the way up north, are you?’ asked Athena with a worried tone. Quasar met with her a moment but then turned his head towards Arron.

‘Do you think you can do it?’ Quasar asked. ‘Go north, investigate and come back within three months?’

‘That depends if I’m able to find something.’ said Arron. His deep voice nearly made the table tremble.

‘If you’re unsure about it, then it’ll have to wait. I want us all here for the festival.’

‘No, I can pull it off. Besides, you just said we need all the information we can get. If this is anything---it’s worth looking into. For that, I will travel as fast as I can.’

Athena’s demeanor betrayed her disagreement. Yet, she trusted Arron. He was the meister who travelled more than any other.

‘Very well, then it’s settled.’ exclaimed Quasar. Venus dives into the books, Haydes and Trent will look into black market trades, go to any place it may lead you. Tisiphone will pry the Yamira clan, Reidara and Amisa will travel to Adaman tower with the cube and Arron will go north. The rest of us will have plenty to do within the city.’ Quasar glanced at the already exhausted face of Shrottie and the rather enthusiastic look of his wife, Athena. ‘I’ll visit Starly later today, perhaps she has a couple of men to spare to assist us.’

Quasar stood once more and put his hands down on the table. ‘That concludes this meeting. Good luck everyone.’ Slowly but steadily everyone raised themselves from their chairs and walked towards the exit of the hall. Quasar carefully wrapped the cube into the cloth he had placed it upon. The cyan glow beamed straight through it which made Quasar think how silly of a cover it actually was. He held it up in front of his eyes when feeling the gentle touch of Athena on his shoulder.

‘Q.’

‘Yes?’

‘Have you spoken to Reidara yet, about his abilities?’

‘About his abilities? I do not follow you.’

Athena sighed in response. While Tisiphone was the last to leave the hall, Athena pulled her husband towards her with a firm grip that surprised the head meister a bit.

‘He yields great power now, like you, like Trent, like Haydes…’

‘And?’

‘Reidara still misses one skill that all of you already have. Restraint!’

‘Restraint… oh, I see.’ Quasar murmured, slightly oblivious.

‘Great Six, Quasar. I told you weeks ago to have a word with him. I’ve had this talk with all of you. You possess great powers but using them uncontrolled will eventually do you more harm than good. Your body simply can’t handle it, not in the long term anyway. Reidara needs to learn restraint. He now wields a power as great as ours, perhaps even greater, but in there lies a danger. You, Haydes, Venus---you all know using your maari to the max is hurtful to yourself. Reidara doesn’t know that yet. I’m afraid  he might continue to use such excessive force in the future, outside the arena. This could harm him and others around him.’

Quasar smiled fatherly and placed his hands on Athena’s shoulders. He looked her in the eyes.

‘You know how he is,’ Athena continued. ‘he looks up to you. I’m sure he’ll take your word for it without argument. Whereas if I would try to tell him this…’

‘He’ll end up acting like a rebellious teenager?’ Quasar laughed. ‘Don’t worry, I’ll talk to him before he leaves.’

Reidara pulled his wardrobe open and took a firm glance inside. He folded his arms and for the next minute he silently studied the contents that hung in front of him. A deep hum was uttered after which Reidara started to dig between the pieces of clothing.

‘No, no, no.’ he murmured softly while occasionally throwing something on the floor. Deeper and deeper he went, like a miner going into his mine. It was almost as if he was about to get lost between his own clothes, until the aeran suddenly jumped back out of the wardrobe. A deep sigh came out of his mouth and Reidara turned around.

‘I feel filthy wealthy now.’ he muttered. ‘I don’t have commoner clothes.’

Reidara strode through the hallway towards the main hall of the mansion. As he moved beside the balustrades, the young meister looked down to see if anyone was on the main floor. The mansion kept silent. As if everyone had suddenly left, Reidara heard nothing around him. He marched all the way towards the opposite wing, the female wing and for a moment he hesitated about stepping into the hall. Reidara tip-toed towards the wall and like some spy he slithered along the wood and moved his head around the corner just so he could barely see what was there.

‘Looking for someone?’ said a female voice. Reidara nearly jumped a hole in the roof and quickly grabbed onto his heart. In front of him stood Venus looking straight at Reidara with an impassive glance. She had a cat lying on her arm which purred without pause while the shaen’il petted it gently. For a moment Reidara couldn’t help but imagine her as some evil vixen.

‘W-w-what’s with the cat?’ he stammered.

‘It’s Shrottie’s. I found it wandering about in the study.’

‘Maika! There you are!’ Shrottie ran past Reidara, nearly pushing him aside and quickly took the cat from Venus’ arms. It just surrendered to her, lying flat, not moving a muscle like it didn’t care. ‘Thanks, Venus. I was looking for this rascal everywhere.’

‘Right.’ muttered Reidara awkward as Shrottie hopped back to her room.

‘Well?’ Venus sounded impatient.

‘Oh, right… I was looking for---well, clothes actually. I don’t have commoner clothes.’ Reidara frowned and looked away for a moment. ‘Gosh, I feel like a spoiled noblemen saying that.’

‘You should take a look up in the attic. There are several wardrobes filled with miscellaneous items. I’m certain there are some common clothes for you there.’

‘The relics bunker, eh?’ Reidara said with a smirk. An infamous place it was, the attic. Storage of items long due for destruction but have survived only because of silly attachments from certain meisters, believing the dusty cloths might still have value. ‘Alright, thanks.’ Reidara quickly moved passed Venus towards the staircase.

As he walked up the creaky old stairs he already heard voices coming from the attic. The old wooden door left a small gap and in between Reidara saw the figure of person wavering with what looked like old rags. The aeran marched up the last stairs and quickly moved through the doorway.

‘What---you’re already here?’ asked Reidara as he laid eyes on Athena and Amisa, already sorting out what was apparently the wardrobe with old clothes.

‘I guess you don’t have the clothes you need as well?’ Amisa asked.

‘No, I don’t.’ he said while moving further into the room. The young aeran glanced at the pile next to Amisa and had a sudden reluctant feeling about all this. He watched how Amisa and Athena went through the pieces still hanging in the wardrobe as if they had hopes that there’d be something good looking in there somewhere. Athena held one of the dresses up, although it looked more like an old rag with some stitches in it. ‘What about this one?’

‘That looks decent.’ said Amisa and took a closer look. At the same time Reidara sneezed three times in a row from all the dust flying off the pile of clothes he was digging through. The meister picked up shirts and looked at them one by one. The ones he liked he set aside and the others he threw onto another stack behind him. Suddenly the aeran froze as his eyes fixed onto a furry creature near the door. A cat, brushing its tail over the floor from left to the right, glared at Reidara and made him feel like he was being watched by a supervisor but continued looking through the pile of rags. As he pulled out the ones with holes all over them he noticed in the corner of his eye, a big yawn from the cat.

‘Oh look, Shrottie forgot to close her door again.’ commented Amisa and approached the feline creature. ‘Here, here.’ Amisa smooched a few times and held out her hand. ‘Come, Nymeria, come.’

‘You know her name?’ Athena asked surprised.

‘Sure I do. I know all their names.’

‘But there are so many!’ Athena turned towards Reidara and when their eyes met they both shrugged. The cat suddenly jumped up and skittishly moved away from the door. No surprise there. The uncontrolled and loud footsteps of Quasar were heard from far away.

‘What are you all doing up here? Is it time for the annual clean up already?’ he asked with a chuckle.

‘You said we should wear commoner clothes.’ Reidara said as he looked at yet another shirt. ‘But, neither Amisa nor I have those in our own wardrobe.’

‘You don’t?’ asked Quasar surprised. He let a few seconds of silence pass and then laughed. ‘I’m sorry, that was mean. Anyway, I wanted to speak to you Reidara, but now that you’re here too, Amisa, I guess I can hit two birds at once.’

‘What is it?’ Reidara asked as he raised himself from the floor.

‘First of all----this.’ Quasar removed the cube, tied up in a cloth, from his belt and handed it to Reidara. ‘Keep it very close to you, but most of all---out of sight when you’re travelling.’

‘Got it.’ Reidara figured Quasar would say something like this. He felt this was all rather obvious but didn’t want to be rude and interrupt him.

‘The second thing is for you alone, Reid.’ Quasar paused and gave Athena a suggestive glance while he took two steps sideway and circled a bit around Reidara. ‘I--It’s a piece of advice we’ve all had to deal with, at least most of us did.’

‘You’re making me curious.’ said Reidara.

‘It’s about your newfound powers. They pose a danger---to you. There’s only so much a human, or in your case, aeran body can take. Maari like you used in the Championships is pushing your body to the limit. Haydes, Trent… myself, we’ve had to undergo this as well… but we found out by trial and error. Only the orcs and the shaen’il are able to take a lot more than we can.’ Quasar leaned forward towards Reidara’s ear. ‘That’s what makes Venus so scary sometimes, but don’t tell her I said that.’ Reidara chuckled amused.

‘I understand. I will take better care of myself then.’ Reidara nodded acknowledging. He didn’t seem too disappointed about the advice.

‘Look, I don’t want to sound like some nagging father telling you what to do, but I suggest you restrain yourself unless you face life threatening situations. You’ll have to find some middle ground in your abilities, but that’s a matter of learning. It’ll take some time.’ Quasar placed his hand on Reidara’s shoulder and directed him towards Amisa and Athena…. and the pile of clothes.

‘I’ll be frank with you two, I fear I’m painting a target on both your backs by sending you out there with that thing. You two be careful, alright?’

‘Don’t worry about it, Q. I’m sure we can handle ourselves.’ said Reidara.

‘Well, I can---I’m not so sure about you.’ said Amisa teasingly. ‘But don’t worry, I can handle Reidara as well.’ Quasar chuckled and met with Athena’s glance.

‘You remind me of someone.’

‘I guess you’ll be heading out tomorrow?’ Athena asked Amisa.

‘Yes, I don’t see any reason not to.’

‘Remember, once you get to Adaman, talk to Idirras. He’s one of the Arch-Daman. I’ll write a letter of credit, just to be sure. I can imagine they’re not so keen on letting you in when you arrive in these----well, I’m not sure if they can be called clothes.’

‘I guess we’ll head to Omarra first and get ourselves a place to stay there. From there it’s not that far to the tower, am I wrong?’

‘That’s right. You should be able to hop back and forth in a day from Omarra. Good thinking.’ Quasar approached the creaky door. ‘Well, have fun picking out some… ‘clothes’. I’ll be at the cathedral if you need anything else.’

~ Chapter  Two ~

Flight of the Meisters

A sack of potatoes, various baskets with fruits and a whole bunch of cut wheat. The man in his dirty robes all threw them onto the carriage while also complaining about his sore back. As he was nearly finished, the man turned around for a moment and lit up his pipe. He inhaled firmly and stepped onto an empty box to get a better view of the harbor. In the distance he saw a large vessel departing and more slowly drifting into the harbor. The place was vivid. Citizens had come by to trade with the stands that surrounded the marketplace near the road. The dockworkers were going at it without pause, making sure every vessel was loaded before their departure.

The husky tradesman who had just loaded his carriage, stepped down the box while at that same moment a hooded figure tapped him on the shoulder.

‘Excuse me,’

‘Oi. You shouldn’t sneak up on people like that, might get ya killed. Especially with that over your head.’

‘D’you ride for the city?’ asked a soft female voice from under the hood.

‘I am, what of it?’

‘Would you mind if I rode with you?’

‘I’m a trader, not a transport!’ Before the man finished his short rant he witnessed a hand full of coins appear from under the cloak. ‘Buuut even I can make exceptions. Use the back, and keep quiet.’ The hooded woman gracefully climbed onto the carriage and sat between the potatoes and wheat.

Reidara threw the saddle over his horse and tied the straps tightly onto the creature. The horse didn’t bother with what was happening to him, he enjoyed himself, feasting on a bowl of fruits. A few meters away Amisa did the same. Both aerans were dressed as normally as possible and could blend in with the rest of the city no problem. Reidara picked up his blade he had set against the wall. Before he strapped it onto his horse, beneath the rest of his baggage, the aeran unsheathed it slightly and glimpsed at the blade. The reflection of light shone right in his face and from what he could see, the blade had never been sharper before. A small proud smile painted on his face as he hid the sword away. Reidara noticed Amisa tying down a sword to her own horse, although judging by the size it looked more like an oversized dagger. 

Reidara remembered the fact that Amisa never took a liking to blades. Even when they were younger she’d refuse to use one if she didn’t have to. A moment flashed by where Reidara was swinging away at some tall grass with a tiny blade, hardly longer than his own arm, and Amisa coming by and preaching him about the dangers of such tools, which is probably why she didn’t bother to stay for her Proof of Graduation back in Aeraenas. The Fauro Sword Reidara received is a gift given to all whom leave the academy. An item of great value that every Aeran would be honored to receive. Reidara figured Amisa would’ve liked to get something, but it was a sword. The image of Amisa’s disappointment made Reidara chuckle a bit but he also felt guilty at the same time.

‘I trust you know the way.’ said Amisa, shaking Reidara out of his daydream.

‘Shouldn’t be too difficult. Just head north and follow the signs.’

‘If it were only that easy.’ muttered Amisa as she finished preparing her horse for the journey. She grabbed hold of the reins and guided the creature towards the crowded streets when Reidara quickly followed and moved up beside her.

‘Have you been there before? In Adaman?’ Reidara asked Amisa.

‘Me? No, I wish. From what I hear the place has quite the magnificent architecture.’

‘So I’ve heard as well. I thought you might have gone there on your travels.’

‘My travels?’ Amisa asked confused.

‘Yes, I’d expect you would’ve have visited places such as Adaman during those.’

‘B--But I---oh, right, right! Those travels! Yes---no, I didn’t pass Adaman on those.’ Amisa wavered with her hand and acted slightly flustered as she chuckled at her own forgetfulness.

‘Then where did you go, if not there?’

‘Oh, you know… tons of places. Did you know there’s a giant lake on the other side of the mountains, east of here?’ Reidara painted an odd look on his face as he found the question a bit strange.

‘Yes, Meer Lake. The largest in existence.’ he said with a slight confused tone.

‘I’ve been around there. The plains over there are the greenest you’ll ever see. Even greener than those in Aeraenia!’

Amisa nearly cried it out loud, even her horse moved away from her a bit.

‘I believe you.’ said Reidara surprised by Amisa’s enthusiasm. ‘So you’ve been east. Have you been north of the mountain wall, too?’

‘No, afraid not. When I replied to Quasar’s call I promised him I’d be in Garason within a certain period of time. I could never have made that promise had I travelled north.’ Reidara nodded and agreed in silence.

They continued to stride through the streets with their horses beside them. It was a curious thing but they weren’t recognized as frequently as before. Reidara noticed this and was surprised the change of clothes actually had some effect. There were some that did notice though. One of which had just climbed down a carriage. The gaze from her crimson eyes was only just visible from under her hood. With those eyes she followed the two aerans as they approached the northern gate of the city where Quasar was awaiting their arrival. He scanned both his meisters and couldn’t prevent his mouth to form a tiny smile.

‘You two look-----dashing.’ said Quasar dry.

‘I’m sure we do.’ replied Reidara with a bored tone.

‘Well, at least you tried to get the best----of the worst.’

‘Yes, we get it.’ complained Amisa as she approached Quasar. The head meister couldn’t resist a soft chuckle. A moment later his demeanor changed nonetheless and pulled a rolled piece of parchment out of his jacket.

‘This is the letter of credit I told you about. It has Garason’s seal on it, so best keep that hidden as well.’ Reidara took it gently from Quasar’s hands and tucked the paper away between his ragged clothes.

‘Take the time you need, alright? There’s no rush. Adaman is an impressive place. I can understand if you want a tour once you take a look upon the tower. Ask Idirras anything you’d like. He’s a humble and hospitable man.’

‘We’ll keep that in mind.’ said Reidara gruntingly as he climbed onto his horse.

‘Stay safe out there. I hope they can tell you something.’ said Quasar fatherly. Reidara nodded with a smile and said,

‘So do we.’

He whipped the reins and so he and Amisa moved forward. The meisters both tilted backwards as they walked out of the city to give Quasar one more wave of goodbye.

Meanwhile Shrottie went by the marketplace and purchased a whole bunch of parchments rolls and quickly headed back to the mansion. Inside, the dwarf entered the lounge and littered the floor with the paper. She dropped herself on the carpet and rolled one of the scrolls open, putting two pots of ink on the top corners and keeping her feet on the bottom. She froze and put her arm beneath her chin. A silent gaze was put upon the white surface and occasionally Shrottie would bend forward, about to write the first word but then she stopped and sat straight again. Her expression beamed difficulty and frustration while the surroundings are expected to radiate some sense of inspiration. The fire in the hearth, little bit light from the outside and a scent of old books and freshly cut wood. After several minutes Shrottie picked one of the empty scroll up and walked away.

Like some poet on one of his daily strolls in search for inspiration, Shrottie wandered through the mansion glancing upon the blank scroll, with the inked quill in her hand, carelessly waving it around. She found herself walking back and forth through the main hall when Venus entered the mansion with a thick tome under her arm.

‘This----is tough.’ complained Shrottie while the shaen’il spotted her. She remained silent and glanced upon Shrottie impassively. ‘Have you ever written formal letters, Venus?’ Shrottie asked. She nodded, but in a way as if it was the most normal thing in the world.

‘I have, yes.’ she replied dryly.

‘Can you help me? I need to write the invitations for the nobles around the continent.’

‘I have a task myself, Shrottie.’

‘Please! It won’t take long. Just one or two, so I can get the hang of it?’

‘I fear I cannot be of assistance.’ Venus was about to walk towards to the stairs but Shrottie leaped onto her feet and skittishly moved in front of the shaen’il meister. She spread her arms, forming a blockade.

‘Just a few, Vee. It will only take a couple of minutes. Your boring numbers in that book aren’t going anywhere. Please?’

Venus met with Shrottie’s eyes and tilted her head slightly. Shrottie smiled sanctimoniously but was also a bit afraid of what Venus was about to say…. or do.

‘I cannot deny that logic.’ said Venus to Shrottie’s great surprise. ‘Very well. Into the lounge we go.’ Venus took a direct turn and in a robotic manner she strode towards the lounge door with Shrottie behind her, who made a silent victorious gesture.

Inside, Shrottie insisted they sat on the ground by the light of a candle. For the sake of logic and comfort, Venus placed the tome on the ground. It created a curious sight to behold. The otherwise so formal Venus who’d sit straight on anything that is normally used for sitting, now sat next to Shrottie on the ground, sideways with her legs to the right, leaning on her left arm and looking over Shrottie’s shoulder as she explained what she was trying to do, like an older sister helping out her younger sibling.

‘The easiest part of a formal letter is that, no matter to whom it is written, it can always start the same. All you have to change is the name.’ Venus opened her hand and gestured Shrottie to hand her the quill. She gently placed it in the pink shaded hands of the shaen’il meister and watched carefully how she started to write on the parchment with the utmost grace.

‘From Shrottie Ironfist on behalf of the Meisters of Garason, Wardens of the South and Sentinels of Equality, to…’

‘Who shall we address first?’ Venus asked Shrottie.

‘How about---Mizuna?’ Venus silently moved the quill back upon the parchment and carefully shaped the letters.

‘…Mira Mizuna, High Lady of the Mizuna Cluster. Regarding the official invitation for the celebration of the Nova Lumen festival....’

‘And you continue you from there.’ said Venus and handed the quill back to Shrottie.

‘But how? What do I write?’

‘Tell her we would be delighted to have her present during the festival thus we are writing this invitation. Use---how do you say---expensive words?’

‘Ah---right.’

‘She already knows she is invited, but write the letter pretending she doesn’t.’

‘Yes, yes. I think I get it now.’

‘Will you be able to continue from here?’ Shrottie smiled at Venus and nodded spiritedly.

‘I will be, thank you very much.’ Venus raised herself from the floor.

‘You’re welcome. I will be leaving now.’

‘That’s fine. Have fun with those numbers!’ Without uttering another word, Venus took the tome under her arm again and left the room in silence while Shrottie started scribbling furiously onto the scroll of paper.   

From an open and spacious square, one of meisters took a path leading directly to the Alprona district which had a completely different view. Fronts of homes that beamed those who lived there had a coin to spend. That was, however, no secret. The Alprona district is the home to many of Garason’s noble families. The bald headed but bearded meister marched towards the district clan hall and was welcomed more warmly than any other meister has ever been there.

‘I must say, I’m surprised.’ said Fraesoun as he and Arron walked into the main hall of the clan, filled with a long dining table, much like the one in the Meister Mansion. ‘You rarely visit, Arron. It’s a real shame. I had hoped you would remember your old home a bit more.’

‘You need not worry about me remembering where I come from, old friend.’ Both men took a seat at the table and poured themselves a goblet of wine.

‘What brings you here now? I have some serious doubts about it being a social call.’

‘Half. I require some information that you might or might not have. Besides that, I am curious how Alprona fares these days.’

‘Recently, quite well. We’ve had an increase in members but more importantly, those who showed potential have grown. You’ve always taught me to create a perfect balance between quantity and quality.’

‘Indeed I did.’ said Arron smirking and toasted with his old friend.

‘I have been trying to keep the amounts of incidents in this district to a minimum. May it be that only the guards can tell me if that is going as well