On Telana

[Killerish221]

Barnabas began to look at the room around him and studied the bars carefully

"Now the door branded with bronze must be the result of the combination and the fire must be the fires of a forge so really all I have to do is find the two metals that go to make bronze."

Barnabas then picked up the tin and set it into one of the slots. To him it seemed like a perfect fit but you can never be sure of these things. He then set out to collect the bar of copper and set it into the last slot

"Well let's hope I was right with this" he said as he let go of the block

[ballerscuba]

As Nathan walked through the door, he found another large fire, burning brightly, seemingly without any fuel. The man appeared again. "You have chosen well, Initiate," he said deeply. "You will be given the option of one of the following three rewards."

The fire then changed, revealing the image of a hand-to-hand warrior, facing multiple enemies. With the power and speed of a tiger, the warrior attacked his opponents with claws seeming to come out of his fists.

The fire then changed again. There was a man with a bottle in his hand. He seemed wobbly, but he picked up an improvised weapon, a chair it would seem, and used it to deflect the spears of his opponents before smashing them over the head with it, defeating them in his less-than-pristine state.

The fire changed a third time. The hand-to-hand warrior launched several light attacks at his opponents, causing them to reel back from the overall pressure of his blows.

The man appeared in the fire once more. "Speak your answer," he said. "You can only have one." The exit to the temple could be seen behind the fire.

***

As Baron pressed the button, the door slid upwards, revealing another fire. The fire revealed the image of the same man as earlier. "You have done well, Initiate," he said in his deep voice. "You have earned the reward that will be presented to you, now."

The fire changed. It showed a suave man stood, some kind of machine in his hand on his shoulder. He wore a gold vest over a white turtleneck shirt. He wore black leather pants and black shoes. He held out his other hand, motioning to come closer.

The fire changed again. The picture showed the woman with the rabbit ears again. She was posed in a battle position, her right arm outstretched. In the distance, an explosion of fire could be seen.

The fire changed for a third time. The picture showed a teenage girl. The girl was wearing a tight blue outfit with gold along the sides. The outfit stopped half way to her knees. She wore brown boots that went up to her knees. She was holding a staff. There seemed to be something white that came out of the staff as she pointed it toward other people who were battling.

The man appeared in the fire once more. "Speak your answer," he said. "You can only have one." The exit to the temple could be seen behind the fire.

***

As Kaane pressed the button, the door in the back of the room slid open upward, revealing another bonfire, one that seemed to burn without fuel. The same man appeared in the fire again. "You have done well, Initiate," he said. "You have earned the reward that is presented to you now. You may choose one."

The fire changed. Inside the fire, there was a picture of the teenager on the symbol outside. He was jumping up in the air. As he flew down, he seemed to create fire as he thrusted toward his opponent.

The fire changed again. There was a young boy with gray hair and a blue vest and outfit. He seemed to summon a large blade out of the air. As the blade crashed down, it created a circle that seemed to create lightning out of the ground.

The fire changed a third time. There was an image of a young blonde girl with a white robe on with blue lining. She seemed to summon a star-like object in the air. The star-like object exploded into several hammers that landed on her opponents.

The man appeared in the fire once more. "Speak your answer," he said. "You can only have one." The exit to the temple could be seen behind the fire.

***

The stones under Caterina easily held her weight as she crossed. As she walked through the door that opened upon her pressing the button, she found a large bonfire. The same man appeared in the bonfire again. "You have done well, Initiate. You have earned one of the powers that will be revealed to you now."

The fire changed. In the fire, there was a woman with bright blue armor and a white helmet with white feathers sticking out by the temples. Underneath, she wore a long white dress with gold trim. She was holding a bow, fully drawn. She was using four fingers to draw the string back, three arrows held between them. As she let go, all three arrows fired simultaneously.

The fire changed again. There was a blonde man in a red top and green pants. He was carrying a long, pointed sword. There was an opponent standing far in the distance, easily 20 yards away. The man lunged forward, stabbing his opponent through the chest.

The fire changed a third time. An archer stood with his bow drawn. As he fired the bow, the sky seemed to darken around the arrow. As it landed, the enemies seemed to be lost in the darkness that surrounded them.

The man appeared in the fire once more. "Speak your answer," he said. "You can only have one." The exit to the temple could be seen behind the fire.

***

As Alatar slid the last block into place, the door opened, revealing a large bonfire that seemed to burn without fuel. The same man appeared in the fire again. "You have done well, Initiate." He said. "You have earned one of the rewards that will be presented to you now."

The fire changed. In the fire, there was a man extending his hand into the background. Out of a wand pointing from his hand came a giant explosion.

The fire changed again. There was a man holding a staff horizontally. The staff was surrounded by lightning, which was then shot out of both ends of the staff.

The fire changed a third time. There was a man waving his hand. In the distance, a man was flying in the same direction as the man's wave.

The man appeared in the fire once more. "Speak your answer," he said. "You can only have one." The exit to the temple could be seen behind the fire.

***

As Eliana pressed the button, the door in the back of the room opened, revealing a sun that seemed to burn on the side of the wall. The same man appeared in the sun. "You have done well, Initiate," he said. "You have earned one of the rewards presented to you now."

The sun changed. In it, a small man could be seen, facing a small army. The small army was under siege by a circle of lightning.

The sun changed again. There was a small man standing next to a giant cliff. On top of the cliff, there was an image of the same man, as if he had somehow come up the cliff.

The sun changed a third time. There was a small group of warriors bunched up in a fight. A few steps behind the fray stood a young woman. Out of her hand, a green beam could be seen, ending at the warriors.

The man appeared in the fire once more. "Speak your answer," he said. "You can only have one." The exit to the temple could be seen behind the fire.

***

As Barnabas slid the copper into place, the door slid open upward, revealing a bonfire that seemed to burn without fuel. The same man appeared in the fire again. "You have done well, Initiate," the man said in his deep voice. "You have earned one of the rewards that will be presented to you now."

The fire changed. In it, there was a picture of a four-pointed throwing weapon. The four points seemed to be very sharp and the hole in the middle made it easy to grip and throw.

The fire changed again. There was a picture of several small throwing knives. They were sharp, long, and jagged. They appeared very well-balanced with small handles.

The fire changed a third time. The black picture beared nearly nothing. There were two glaring eyes staring back at Barnabas. in what could only be assumed to be the background, there was a couple inches of the lower end of a sword.

The man appeared in the fire once more. "Speak your answer," he said. "You can only have one." The exit to the temple could be seen behind the fire.

[thatfallout3guy]

Nathan almost instantly made up his mind. He was not a drinker so the first was out of the question, and he was not fast enough to try for the second one, "I choose the first. I will attack my enemies as if I were a leaping tiger!" He exclaimed as he lifted his fist into the air and pumped it.

[Killerish221]

Barnabas took each of these 'gifts' into consideration

The four pointed weapon could be useful to kill from a distance but it would be hard to be a blade in the crowd with that thing on my back

The throwing knives on the other would make killing all the more easier as they were small and also well balanced meaning that they would not miss their mark and also he could hide within a crowd when the deed was done

The sword did look tempting as it radiated an air of power and brutuality but that is not what an assassin is about. Assassins are all about stealth and speed.

Barnabas said with a boom "I choose the second, I will attack like a blade in the night!"

[freemartialartist]

-Being a gentlemen as blessed in life as Baron was, it was difficult to find something he truly wanted. The vast majority of things on Telana were accessible to him through sheer force of money and influence. He scoffed at the idea of any of these options being a truly covet-able "treasure" but he figured it was likely just a show of good faith from this society trying to recruit him. He decided to play along a little further.
-The first thing to catch his eye was the man with the strange device. He certainly looked the flashiest, and had an air of confidence about him. However, no one cleaned up better in any given room than a Von Eyre. Furthermore, machines were never really Baron's thing, falling more into the domain of his sixth oldest brother Marquis. Marq would have jumped at the opportunity of a new tinkering object in a heart beat, but Baron was not so easily impressed by the worldly.
-The third image also looked flashy, with what appeared to be magic erupting from a staff. However, Baron's trusty Von Eyre family cane was more than enough of a walking aid for him. He was never an indulger in the fantastical, his own life being for interesting enough as it were.
- That left only the second choice. Unlike the others, it featured nothing extravagant or out of the ordinary. It was just a considerably attractive woman that seemed to throw a punch. Since he didn't truly need any of the material "gifts" he decided this choice was as good as any. 'Who knows?' he though, 'maybe I've read this wrong and I actually get the girl.'
-Adjusting the brim of his dapper top hat, he quite eloquently stated, "I shall choose the option shown second, if it pleases."

[Noven]

-Kaane paused a moment, considering which he would take. He almost immediately ruled out the third choice, seeming weaker in comparison with the other two. After debating with himself for a short while, Kaane came to the conclusion of the second choice. He felt that it would be more appropriate, as he felt confident in his melee-combat skills enough to find that a magic of such a kind would bring diversity to him, having been lacking in such all his life, honed as a warrior, despite showing potential for growth with magic, and this could be the starting point.
-Vocalizing it now, "I desire to possess the second option, the skill presented within the flames holding the crashing sword that seemed to bear lightning of a sort from the earth."

[FinlandiaWhiteEyes]

-Thrilled with pride at her sucess, Caterina cocked her head to one side, considering the abilities the fire had shown her. She observed the lunge of the sword with some interest, but the shots of the archers thrilled her. She decided to choose between them. Both would be a great power in her arsenal, but the people of Castillunia were a people of sunshine and fire. Darkness would be improper to her spirit, the spirit of her people-though there was no law or even opinion against it. T'was personal feeling more than anything else.
-"I shall choose the first power, and triple my strikes with the bow." She paused for a moment then; "Also, I really liked her helm. Could you tell me where I could get one of those?" She walked to stand between the bonfire and the exit, waiting for the voice to speak again, a slight smile on her face.

[lukuz13]

Eliana watched the figures dance in the flame, curious and almost mystified by their abilities.
"Oh my...so many lovely choices." Eliana whispered, her eyes dancing with delight over the choices "And only one? How cruel..." She sighed softly, pointing towards the one of the man that seemed to vanish and reappear. "This one... evading foes would surely be easier with such a technique..." With her choice Eliana looked over the other abilities with a sigh. "Those they are all lovely, I want this...blink ability you have here" Eliana named it.. for the man was gone in the blink of an eye.

[ballerscuba]

As Nathaniel's body surged with his newly found power, the door that exited the temple opened, showing the Count of Hillspar, ready to meet him. Nathaniel walked out to meet the Count. The Count welcomed him with open arms. "Welcome to the Luminaires," he said. "You will do well in our society, I am sure. Though, it is a pity that you will not be able to compete in the Arena anymore. What was your record?" he asked as he chuckled. "I lost track after a hundred. But, what? A dozen title defenses? That is impressive. Unfortunately, you must realize that with the rewards that you have earned here, there is no going back. Also, you must realize that your opponents in the Arena have all been outside the Societies. But, enough of that," he said as he pulled a large katana from behind his back. "This has been long overdue. This sword has been in the works for months. It has been crafted to be made especially sharp. The blade is sharp enough to slice through small trees, given enough force." The Count handed the katana to Nathaniel.

"Now, it is time for your first mission," the Count said slowly. "There is a large tribe to the north that helps guard the region from invasion. They are the Tribe of Bana. You must go aid them. Rumor has spread through the Luminaires of a large attack commencing in the near future."

***

As the door at the end of the temple opened, Barnabas stood in anticipation. Torian could be seen on the other side, and Barnabas met him outside. Torian looked deep into Barnabas' eyes and his own began to well up slightly. "Welcome to the Luminaires," he said in a formal tone that seemed to change into a more sentimental tone quickly. "I knew you could do it," he said as he handed Barnabas the throwing knives. "You see, I've seen you grow up all these years knowing that somehow you were different than the other assassins in Kalair. You were better," he said as he almost choked up from his own words. "You have earned these," he said as he picked some mechanisms up from the ground. He handed them to Barnabas. "These are of my own design. They fit onto your wrists. As you press the buttons on the inside," he said as he pushed the buttons. Two blades shot forward. "These two blades will shoot out, extending six inches past your outstretched fingers. On your second press," he said as he pressed the button again. "The blades will retract. You can use it as a stabbing weapon or leave it out as a slicing weapon. The choice is yours. Let the blades become an extension of your hand." He assumed his formal tone again.

"Now, for your mission," he said. "The Tribe of Bana to the north has requested the Luminaires' help. They defend the entire region from the onslaught of the savages beyond. We owe them our loyalty. I am sure that your," he smiled as he continued, "special skills will come in handy."

***

As Baron spoke, he could feel the surge of his newly earned knowledge of fire spells entering his mind. The door opened slowly, revealing his father standing there. "Son," his father said. "You have chosen well. Welcome to the Luminaires. You have earned more than just the power over fire," he said, pulling a cane out from behind him. "You have earned the cane of our ancestors." He pulled out an unpolished yew cane, full of knobs, and handed it to Baron. "It may not be as fancy as the cane you have grown accustomed to, but it will serve you well in times of need." Baron's father turned the cane over in Baron's hands. "You see the bottom here?" he said pointing. "This is where you must focus your energy. If done correctly, powerful fire magic will come out, more powerful than if you use fire directly from your hands."

Baron's father coughed. "Now, for your mission. The Tribe of Bana to the north has requested our assistance. Without the Tribe of Bana, the Von Eyre lifestyle would simply not be possible, so it is in our best interest to keep their ways in tact as well. They are a crude people, but, try your best to put up with them."

***

As Kaane spoke the words, he could feel the power surge through him as he learned the technique that was shown to him. The hooded elf that had led Kaane to the original bonfire opened the door to greet him. "Welcome to the Luminaires," he said as he lifted his hood. "I am Grallfor, the Chief Guard of Rebrald. Your work in our town has not gone unnoticed. Over the past few months, I have seen you toil and it was I that recommended you to the societies." He turned around and picked up a tall, slender shield. "Take this," he said as he handed it to Kaane. "It has been imbued with magic, able to deflect fire. It holds up well against physical attacks as well. May it match with your mace well."

"Now," he said, adjusting his robes, "for your mission. You are to travel north to meet the Tribe of Bana. They have protected the entire region for centuries with the help of the Luminaires. They are not as," he coughed, "proper as the elves, but they mean well. Please assist them in their upcoming struggle as best you can. I know you'll do well."

***

As Caterina spoke her words, she felt the surge of power flow through her as she learned her new ability. The door at the back of the temple opened, revealing Prince Rafael standing just outside the door. Caterina met him just outside, giving him a big hug, which he returned. "Welcome to the Luminaires," he said, almost forced. "This has been long overdue, dear sister," he said. "We have wanted to do this for years, but you have always been away." He walked over and picked up something from behind a tree, holding it behind his back. He walked over to Caterina, then brought it out from behind his back. It was a long bow, made of ash that had been dyed a light gray. It was long, roughly two meters tall. On each end, the wood extended and curled to form two clouds on either side. The wood along the body of the bow had a design of a long vine with leaves that slowly rotated from top to bottom. "This bow has been made especially to fit you both on and off Torrado. It should greatly increase the power and accuracy that you get out of your volleys, allowing you to reach enemies at distances over a hundred meters should you so choose." Prince Rafael hugged Caterina tightly.

"Now," he said, assuming his official tone, "for your mission. There is a tribe far to the north. Perhaps you have heard of them on one of your previous journeys: the Tribe of Bana. They have requested assistance from the Luminaires for an upcoming battle that they feel is impending. Although your presence in the royal court can never truly be replaced," he said slowly, "Mother has found someone that will attempt to do the work you have done for us for so long. We can only hope she can do half the work you have done in your years of service."

***

As Eliana said her words, she could feel the surge of her newly acquired power flowing through her body. The door in the back of the temple opened slowly, revealing the Captain of the Paladins in Strethin. "Eliana," he said as Eliana slowly walked out of the temple. "Welcome to the Firmaments," he said. "You have done well in your pursuits within the Brotherhood of the Paladins these past few years. I hope you enjoyed your reward, as well as," he grunted as he reached behind him and picked up a poleaxe. "I am getting old," he said as he handed the weapon to Eliana, which was surprisingly light. "We have been making this poleaxe for you for quite some time. This poleaxe is made of a light, yet strong metal. It can be swung swiftly from any direction, as well as a stabbing motion when the need arises. The blade on the axe itself is sharp, sharp enough to slice a single hair in half. Use it well."

"Now," he said as he sighed, "for your mission. The Firmaments seem to be in a low demand at the moment. However, the Luminaires have requested our assistance in an important mission in the North. There, you will find the Tribe of Bana. They protect our region from the hordes of savages beyond. Please, assist both the Luminaires and the Tribe of Bana as best you can."

[thatfallout3guy]

Nathan sighed a bit, "I am saddened that I will no longer be able to compete in the arena, but I've had a good career. I hope to prove myself worthy to you," Nathan said as he bowed a bit, "I'll return home to let Chives know where I will be." Nathan then headed back to his city. He encountered no resistance on his way back.

"Chives I'm back!" Nathan said as he walked into his manor. A small puppy came up and greeted him with excited barking, "I trust the test went well sir?" Chives asked as he walked up holding a bag of kibble, "Indeed, but I am no longer allowed to fight in the arena," Nathan said with a bit of sadness in his voice, "That saddens me to hear, but this is quite the honor!" "I will do my best! But for now I must find an armor shop, one that shall have something more fitting for a weapon of this caliber," Nathan said as he unsheathed the katana, "Quite the blade indeed sir, shall I handle your affairs during your journey?" Chives asked. Nathan returned it with a smile and a nod, "I don't know when I will make my return, but let's hope it is sooner than later," Nathan the grabbed a couple bags of coins and headed to the market.

After looking for a an hour or so he finally found it. The shop was small and had strange symbols on the sign, along with a terrifying snakelike creature that was snorting fire. Nathan walked in through the beads that acted like a door and walked up to the counter, "I notice all of your swords are similar to this," Nathan said as the man turned and saw the blade. The man was old and had skin that was a slight tint of yellow. His eyes were squinted and his goatee reached to his torso, "That is a mighty fine blade. I have just the armor. Follow me," He said as he motioned for Nathan to come with him to the back of the store. In there Nathan saw on a stand a set of dark black armor unlike that which he had never seen, "This is the armor of a samurai. If you would like to try it be my guest," The man said as he toyed with his beard. The armor slid on Nathan like a glove. It was much lighter than any armor he had worn in the past, "This is astounding! My movement doesn't feel anywhere near as limited as with my iron armor," The old man laughed a bit, "That is true, but don't expect to be as well protected in that," Nathan nodded as the two started discussing a price. Thankfully the old man was an arena fan.

Nathan made his way to the stables as the sun was rising, "This will be a glorious adventure!" Nathan exclaimed as he bought a horse and began his adventure north.

[lukuz13]

Eliana saw the captain before her immediately smiling a big bright smile.
"Captain! I am happy to see you" she expressed, placed her hands together, opening just below her middle fingers to form a symbol similar to the one around her neck on the loose necklace, an eye, burning with white flame. "I was not aware you were a member as well... such is the way with secret societies I suppose." Eliana sighed a bit, before watching the old man retrieve, she assumed, entry weapon, her green eyes lite up almost, grasping the polearm tightly, flipping it in her hands, spinning it cautiously at first before pulling it back in a almost attack motion before sliding it back to her side.
"Indeed you are, maybe you should retire sometime." Eliana smiled up at the man before slowly realizing what she was saying and lowered her eyes a bit "Ah...sir." She whispered a bit, bowing her head softly and closing her eyes.

As the Captain filled her in on the details a bit, that is to say exactly HOW to get to this tribe, Eliana turned to him from the door now, the Halberd strapped over her shoulder, ready just in case she needed it.
"Oh, Captain... I may need a bit of help here... a strong stallion if you can." She chuckled with a smile.

Eliana was at the city gate, mounted on her black mount, it had a bit of white down the middle of his nose and along it's back end. Eliana ran her hand softly down his mane with a sigh "A beautiful boy you are." she chuckled, recalling how close she was to home suddenly. A flash of memory went by her eye, forcing her to close those pools of green and clinch the emblem around her neck tightly. After a moment, Eliana turned to the wide open north, bringing a smile back to her face.
"Alright! Lets go Shadowrun!" Eliana kicked in the stirrups, stirring the horse into a gallop as they rode off.

[FinlandiaWhiteEyes]

-Caterina held the bow gently in her hands, her gazed fixed to the floor. Then she looked up, smiling half sadly at her brother. She laid her head upon his chest, nestling into her oldest, dearest friend. Her role as Falcon of the Queen had been her life. She was sad that she would no longer act in an official capacity for her mother. She looked up at Rafael again.
-"I will still work for mother. Everything I do shall be for Castillunia, for her, for you. Though I may not be the acting Falcon, I will still fly and hunt for the queen." Her brother smiled, and squeezed her.

-She turned and made her way to her rooms. When there, she discovered that supplies and the belongings she always took with her had been gathered, including a thick gold and crimson cloak, made to keep her warm in the cold. Her maid, who had been her and Rafa's nurse when they were younger, gave her a hug.
-"See you soon, Princesca." The kind old woman was the only one who called her Princess, and she had done it since Caterina had come to the castle. The door to her rooms opened again.
-Queen Isabella smiled at her adopted daughter as the young woman curtesyed, her eyes lowered.
-"We have chosen Elanor as the Falcon. The girl is capable, though not as capable as you." Caterina met her mother's eyes, and felt a burst of love for her. "El Mago has given her another bird...I would like to hear from you, daughter. So, take the white falcon as your own companion, for he will always find me with news of your safety." The Queen gently stroked her adopted child's head. "Stay in touch, dear one. I shall miss you."

-Caterina di Cabaliero would not be sad. Adventures and stories were the air that she breathed. She would meet this new one with smiles and laughter. In the stables, she saddled Torrado as she had always done, storing many of her supplies in saddlebags, rolling up the thick cloak and tying it to the back of the saddle. A quiver of arrows, with her new bow on her back, her blades at her sides. She unstrung her old bow and stored it alongside the saddle. She stroked Torrado's neck, whispering of journeys and battles, long roads and wild places. The stallion snorted, dancing on his neat hooves. She mounted and trotted to the gates of the castle.

-The stablemaster approached her with the same speech he always gave. She laughed and recited it with him
-"He's a fine horse, not a magical horse. Travel only as fast as you must, gallop only when chasing or fleeing, look to his needs before your own, careful of feet and legs, watch the surface upon which you ride."
-Caterina finished the speech, but the stablemaster went on.
"Look after him, girl. And look after yourself."
-She smiled and bowed her head, then they took off at a swift trot, through the whole city, until they reached the small hill outside. A large white falcon launched itself from the city gates, and circled around the young woman. Upon the gates, Caterina watched the slight figure of her brother, his sword Reina in the air.
-She drew Nymeria and thrusted the blade skywards, and it flashed in the sun, responding to the Prince's sword. Torrado reared up, screaming with anticipation. Then they turned away from Valenthia, horse, falcon, and woman, and began their journey northwards.

[Killerish221]

The atmosphere was thick with tension but this was broken when Barnabas put his arms around Torian.
"So Master you are a part of the Luminaires?" Asked Barnabas
"Well my boy unless you expect that they let anyone off the street in here you are correct" said Torian
"Before I depart I have a favor if I may" said Barnabas
"Ask away" Torian said with a smile
"Would you instruct me in the ways of these blades" Barnabas asked while showing the gauntlets to him
"Surely one does not step within the lions den without being prepared, of course i will help you and hey who knows you may learn a few new 'tricks' while we're at it" Said Torian with a laugh

Barnabas spent 4 hours training with Torian before he decided that he needed to head to where The Tribe of Bana were located

Torian met him at the front gates
"Well boy never thought you'd ever leave her but fates will is absolute." He said with a frown
"Before you leave I have one more gift for you" He then pointed to a black horse in the stables nearby
"The horses name is Eclipse, she was once mine and I give her now to you, please make sure you take care of her." he said grimly
"Don't worry I'll bring her back in one piece" Barnabas said with a charming smile

Barnabas then mounted Eclipse and sent out to the north.
He wondered what adventures awaited him there and the kind of people he would meet
Well no time to think on that now He had to get to The Tribe of Bana as quickly as possible

[Noven]

-Kaane nodded to the man, thanking him for bringing him into the society. Kaane had no real obligations, just wandering and getting by, however this order seemed like it may be key to providing him with the power he coveted, a sense of need in the man for his only true goal. Besides that, while the power had at first coursed within him, it now resonated inside his body, giving him energy in the late night. He gave a final farewell, heading off north.

-With nothing to hold him back, he quickly set off, holding no regrets, wishing only to forge onwards.

[freemartialartist]

-Baron was stunned. Absolutely stunned. His own father, Lord Sovereign Timur Von Eyre the 2nd, had taken the time out of his tremendously busy schedule running the business to present this gift to him. He was speechless. It must have taken months to arrange such an appearance. Admittedly at first he had been unimpressed by this "society" but if they were fulgurous enough to draw the support of a man such as Lord Von Eyre they must be a force beyond his current understanding.
-Come to think of it, Baron did recall certain signs. He had always suspected that his family had been involved in some sort of hidden organization. He had certainly taken more trips then most businesses would require, even one as labor intensive as that of the Von Eyre family. Occasionally he'd meet with certain business partners in parts of the manor the children were not allowed to traverse. Lots of wealthier people like to pretend they're part of some "secret society"; its a rich man's hunting club, but a manor of father's caliber didn't hold with such nonsense. Whatever this group was, Baron intended to get to the bottom of it.
-Though Baron didn't contain with the idea that a man could control fire, he DID understand the value of inheritance. Though its true it wasn't as finely made as his own personal cane, this piece had a certain strength of character. The aged insignia presented upon the ball handle spoke a history of high estate and intrigue. Not knowing the proper thing to say, a feat in itself to a man like Baron, he simply nodded and accepted his gift.
-After he had accepted his mission, he wordlessly shook his father's hand and left the temple. He walked down the cobblestone road until he located a coach taxi to hail and returned to the Eyremoor Estate. Upon arrival he was met by Ellison and Hodgings, two men in the Von Eyre employ and consequently the two that had escorted him to the temple.
-Hodgings, a pudgy man with a thinning gray hair, stepped forward. "Welcome back, sir. I trust your endeavor went well?"
-"As well as could be expected", Baron replied coolly ," Ellison if you'll be so kind as to fetch Winslow? Tell him there is a matter I need him to look into, as well as... a complication."
-Ellison nodded and rushed off into the night to fetch Baron's agent. Baron made a motion to grab his bags, but Hodgings stepped in.
- "Sir, if i may, I'll be glad to-". He was cut off as a yew cane cracked across his jaw sending him sprawling to the pavement.
-"A servant is never to abandon his master, no matter the situation. Get up and stop your whimpering, dog." Baron glared cruelly as the fat man tried to make his feet. The moment his weight was under him, he was undercut by a cane in the lower calf.
-" Sir, I implore you, it won't happen again!" the man literally begged on his knees to the young heir to the house. He had begun sobbing uncontrollably. He reached for Baron's leg but received a swift shoe in the nose instead.
-As he began to lose consciousness, he could make out Baron's final words to him.
-"Too right it won't."
***
-A few minutes later, a bulky man with a thick black mustache made his way down the passage to the door. He could only be described as boorish. "You wanted to see me, sir?"
-"Ah yes, Winslow, right on schedule. I have a matter you should attend to. I've come into contact with a group of people known as Luminaires at a temple in the older part of the city. Father is involved. I want you to take this wretch when he wakes a go there. I need as much information on this group as possible. You're the only one I trust for the job. I'll be taking leave of this city soon, so I intend to hear results when I return. I don't know how long I'll be."
-"Understood sir, I won't let you down," Winslow reply with a sincere bow. He made his way to gather Hodgings.
-"Oh and Winslow," Baron interjected,"did you take care of my complication?"
-"Yes sir. His tongue is removed and he'll be sent to the salt mines first thing tomorrow."
-"Excellent Winslow, impeccable work as always. See to it that this one receives similar treatment when you're done with him."
-"Of course sir." Baron collected Hodgings' motionless body and returned into the night.
-As Baron made the passage to his room, he was met by a young man perhaps in his late teens sporting wavy brown hair and of fair complexion.
-"S-sir, may I be of service tonight?" he inquired nervously.
-"Whats your name, boy?" Baron returned in cold fashion.
-"Marlowe, sir. Joseph Marlowe.'
- Handing him his original black cane, Baron crossed the boy with a grin.
-"Attend to my luggage, Marlowe. Tomorrow you and I leave for the north. And keep that cane, as a gift."
-"Thank you sir."
-The following morning, they packed his personal carriage and left for the Tribe of Bana. Baron didn't know what he'd find, but if it would lead to answers about his father, he was sure as hell interested.