"Mystra's garter Throm! You need to be careful with that thing!"

The dark figure still covered in blankets slowly lowered his wand. With a
sigh he plopped himself upon the couch, pulling the remaning blankets back
up beside him.

"Use my Lady's name in vain again brother of mine, and I won't be missing
next time. What are you doing rushing in on a sleeping man like that Mavin?"

"I thought you might be studying or sleeping upstairs at this hour..."

Throm nodded to both the empty wineglass as well as the empty bottle beside
it. Picking up the large tome which had been tossed to the floor as well,
Throm closed it and set it upon the coffee table, speaking to Mavin who had
finally picked himself off from the floor.

"Besides, in this cold weather I have found it far warmer down here than my
own room or study."

Shrugging, Mavin adjusted his glasses and took a seat on the couch, warming
his hands towards the glowing embers lying in the fireplace. Throm sat in
silence as his mind adjusted to the waking world. He still couldn't help
but wonder what had caused such a rushed intrusion into the Common Room.
Giving Mavin time to reconcile his thoughts which had no doubt been cast
aside due to his recent assault, the two sat in silence for what seemed to
be minutes. Finally Mavin sat back against the couch and spoke.

"It seems we've ran across of some...financial troubles brother. It's not
like the old days when we could run down to the pawn shop and trade our
way out of trouble. And with Darius having left, we can't count on easy
ideas to fill the coffers."

Throm frowned. He had picked up the bottle and had been attempting to empty
it's non-existant contents into the also empty glass. Shrugging, he gave
up his venture and set the bottle back down on the table. Stretching like
a cat would before the fire, he leaned back trying to remember where he had
left off in his book. As if an afterthought, he turned his half closed eyes
to Mavin.

"I trust we can afford another bottle of wine eh? In any case you of all
people should know how little I care how wealthy I am. Money comes and it
goes, we'll build the account back up again."

Nodding to himself, Throm fully closed his eyes, trying to allow the heat of
the fire to once again take him into the folds of sleep of which he had been
so lovingly wrapped before the rude intrusion of his younger brother.

"Throm. I concede that we are not going to have to sell the Manor or what
not, however this cargo strike is causing strain on every person and crew
involved in the airship industry!"

Opening his right eyelid, Throm glared in irritation at Mavin for but a few
moments before shutting it once again. He was aware of the financial cuts
resulting in the Worker's Strike, however as in most things involving the
general populace, he had already resolved to ride it out. Besides, this
would not be the first time Throm had cut back on expenses, and probably
not the last as well. His eyes still closed, he murmured something in low
tones so that Mavin had to strain to hear.

"I'll heed your caution however Mavin. First thing tomorrow morning I will
pay a visit to CloudRunner Industries. As it stands they owe me a favor or
two, so I'm sure knowledge of the more lucrative trade routes won't be too
much to ask...especially as our cargo hauls are not in competition with the
current loads they carry."

Satisfied with his own answer, Throm began to wonder if he might find more
peace within the retreat of his own bedroom above. His thoughts were all
at once confirmed as Mavin pulled a newspaper from beneath his own cloak and
tossed it on Throm's lap, muttering in mock disgust.

"CloudRunner Industries was forced out of business last week. Don't you
stay up on current events? According to the article, they no longer had
the funding to maintain their fleet."

Throm was now paying attention to every word coming out of his brother's lips
with great interest. CloudRunner Industries had been the largest air cargo
company in Westbridge for the past three years running. He had, on many
occasions, worked in cooperation with the large enterprise whether it be
lending an extra ship, or magical knowledge of a rare flight route. For
such a company to go under came as a surprising blow to the wizard. True
to Mavin's words, this strike was sucking the life from the industry.
The younger of the two stood, adjusting his cloak.

"In any case, it would come as great surprise if it were truly found that
Vector is paying their citizens more than Tripower is. The sooner that the
documents released by Vector are proved false, the sooner the workers return,
thus the sooner Tripower can afford to pay their pilots properly."

Throm shook his head in disagreement with his brother. He was certain as well
that the Vector Government was lying about paying higher wages, however it was
also clear to him that although the Tripower Government was the lesser of two
evils, it was still a government none the less. As most governments, it had
an agenda of it's own and could not be trusted to release the entire truth
all of the time.

"For arguments sake, should it be found that Vector is paying their employees
far below what Tripower was...it is probably still less than what Tripower is
paying even now. And should knowledge that Tripower was overpaying their
pilots by such gross margins become public...the Tripower Government would
not be so rash as to return the wages to what they once were."

Nodding as if in agreement, Mavin made his way to the shattered doorway he had
walked through just minutes before. Throm stared down at the couch, once again
lost in thought.

"Yes, the payoff would not be nearly as high, but it would certainly be better
than it is now once Tripower had more money coming through. But I suppose we are to do nothing but sit here and wait eh?"

Throm continued to stare off into the couch. Reaching down, he lifted up the
newspaper that Mavin had thrown to him and brought it level to his eyes.

"No...we will be leaving for Torregiano in the morning. Perhaps we might be
able to find a little more about our situation there. Until the morning, I
bid you good night."

Standing, Throm did not wait for his brother to reply. He promptly made his
way to the staircase and disappeared into the darkness above. Mavin stood
motionless and puzzled in the doorway, watching Throm retreat to his chambers.
His eyes dropped to the couch where Throm had left the newspaper lying. In
the dying firelight, a bold headline could be made out across it's frontmost
page depicting the words:
'FOR THE PEOPLE BY THE PEOPLE, Tripower announces it's intent to instate the Tripower Congress'.

--Natha(the rest has been scratched out in ink.)
--Remus

"Come in."

Throm responded to the knock on his office door. Slowly the door opened and Lithanus entered. Smiling, Throm motioned for the young man to sit across from the desk. Lithanus nodded and plopped down heavily in the chair. Drawing a heavy breath, he spoke the words he had memorized a short while before.

"Tomorrow I will be leaving here. Not to return to the Valley as you may think. This new world I have been exposed to...it has opened my eyes to that which was kept from me within the Valley. Though I will not be returning to the Cetra, I have need to learn this new world on my own."

Leaning back in his chair Throm did his best to ignore the unfairness of gaining a family member only to lose him days later. Cocking his head to the side, he looked upon the young Cetra and slowly nodded.

"How long will you be gone? And what of your duties as my Watcher?"

Smiling, the boy stood and pushed the chair back into it's place. Scratching the tangled white mass that was his hair he replied.

"I know not, now long I will be gone. I will be in the charge of those I feel can expand my knowledge of this world the fastest. As for being your Watcher, I guess I'll have to trust you not to get into trouble again."

"Throm....Throm"

Blinking rapidly, Throm was thrown from his daydream and back into the bell tower. Darius nudged him and offered him the pipe with a sharp toothed grin. Darius had been through a lot, this Throm knew....perhaps better than anyone. Darius was due for an early retirement from the adventuring community. Taking the pipe, Throm smiled back, thinking of the conversation they had engaged in just yesterday.

"How are you feeling Darius?"

Looking up from the bed in which he was lying, Darius gave a weak smile.

"Never better....how is the boy?"

Throm laid a hand upon Darius' shoulder, realizing he spoke of the single Vectorian survivor they had brought from the razed outpost just a few days prior.

"He is well Darius. Adjusting, and more than a little shocked...however thanks to you he is ali..."

Darius' body went rigid as Throm's voice trailed off. Offering a short smile in understanding Throm retracted his hand from his understudy's shoulder.

"You did what you had to Darius. We needed to know for sure it this was the tidings of Nathaniel. Apparently the boy is now the only surviving family member of a particular Vectorian Officer. I suspect the same Officer which tortured Nathaniel while he was incarcerated within Vector."

Convulsing involentarily, Darius stared at the ceiling, his eyes blank. His lips moved though no sounds could readily be heard. Throm leaned in close to hear him.

"Throm...what I have to say now is perhaps the most difficult words I've ever had to speak. This..."

He gave a weak all around gesture.

"This is not me. The spellcrafting...the dangerous assignments...the airships. By the gods Throm, the thought of flying scares the hell out of me...did you know that?"

Shaking his head, Throm silently took a seat beside Darius' bed as he listened to the man continue.

"I desire a simple life. Nothing more...nothing less. To open my own simple tavern would fulfill the greatest of my desires. Wealth, reputation, exploration...in none of these things do I find satisfaction. I'm a vampire now for Mystra's sake! This latest escapade has put into clear contrast that the life I now lead is not for me. I would ask that you allow me two weeks for recovery, and then release me of my duties."

"Psst, Throm!"

Realizing he still held the longpipe, Throm once again returned to the bell tower and handed it over to Lithanus. Blowing smoke rings into the cold evening air, he enjoyed the moment. With him now he had his family and his friends. Tomorrow promised new concerns, new adventures. These he would face with two less of his trusted companions. But tonight he would find peace amongst the storm.

Three simultanious wine glasses were raised in the air, shortly to be brought down to their drinker's lips. The small group sat clustered about crackling fireplace within the Common Room of the Bastion. Hardly a word had been spoken all evening between them. Their thoughts belonged not to the evening they were in, but the dusk of tomorrow.
Pacing slowly before the fireplace, Throm took a drink from his glass.

"I am going above for a short while..."

Recieving no response he turned to the elaborate spiraling staircase and made his way upwards. Slowly finding his way about inside the darkened Command Deck, he wandered over to the open hatch and leaned against the bulkhead to stare out over the water far below which cast the moon's reflection up at the airship.

~Tomorrow we strike?~

Throm nodded, stepping backwards from the hatch. A sudden gust blew into the moonlit compartment as the large reptilian form emerged from the skies and entered the ship. Folding back his wings, the young Shou Dragon stretched his neck to remove the kinks that came with flight.

~Yes Avalon, tomorrow we strike. Tonight we will remained anchored and enjoy that which only relaxation can bring.~

A low chatter came from the dragon, signifying that relaxation for him meant none other than sleep. Taking Avalon's hint into consideration, Throm threw a small lever placed on the bulkhead and the large hatch shut heavily, followed by a slight hissing noise as it sealed and locked. Taking another drink of wine, he carefully stepped around the dragon to find the stairwell, lit now only by a thin shaft of moonlight originating from the Observation Deck.
Finally reaching the bottom deck, Throm once again found himself within the warmth of the Common Room. Mavin sat upon the couch facing the fireplace. Looking up from the lute he was tuning he nodded to his older brother.

"Where did Lithanus go to?"

Mavin shrugged, turning back to his task at hand.

"He made his way to the Crew Quarters I think. He must have had a tiresome day with you dragging him across New Thalos."

Smirking, Throm sat down next to his younger brother. Gazing into the flames he spoke outloud.

"He knew...Mavin, he knew that I was his father the entire time. Yet he said nothing."

"Neither did you. In his eyes you were the one who knew unbeknownst to him. And in knowing, you failed to reveal the truth. You stand equally as guilty brother."

Nodding, Throm continued to gaze into the flames in a trance like state.

"It can't be easy. During our lives we have known the opposite. Most of our lives we had a father only to lose him. Lithanus has never had a father, and only when his mother died has his father appeared."

The two sat in silence for a few minutes. A silence broken only by the occassional strum of the lute, as Mavin tested his tuning. Finally finding his efforts satisfactory, Mavin set the instrument aside and turned his head to Throm.

"Why is it that we wait? If it were me who did not return from The Den would we still be waiting?"

Sighing, Throm drew another drink from his glass.

"It is because it is not you who did not return, that you seek to rush out without regard to consequence Mavin. Darius was the team lead...I trust he knew what he was doing. Our crew is exhausted...as such we will leave tomorrow night. I promise you, all will be set right."

Patting Mavin on the shoulder, he stood catching his balance as he felt the effects of the wine begin to take form. Turning he made his way through the doorway, and began to head towards the berths only to stop short as he found Lithanus in the Parlour staring up at a long wooden rod mounted upon the wall. Lithanus jumped a little, startled by the sound of another voice within the room.

"A rod belonging to none other than the gods themselves. The power to wield it does not rest within mortal capabilities...so I have placed it here."

"How did you come across such an artifact?"

Throm chuckled as he shook his head.

"I'm afraid that tale you may find less exciting than one might hope. I found it discarded in Westbridge. Divination has proven this item beyond the make of even the most powerful of mortal wizards. And so I hold it in trust, until the day I have oppurtunity to return it."

Lithanus gave a short nod and stepped backwards from the wall on which the rod was mounted. Nodding to Throm, he made his way for the Crew Quarters. Clearing his throat, Throm called out after the young man.

"I would not ask to be considered a father to a boy whom I never had the chance to raise any sooner than I would ask you to be the son to a father you never had."

Lithanus stopped in his tracks but did not turn around as Throm continued.

"However it is my greatest desire that we may call each other friends...perhaps in time I could find myself a father to a man whose mother would be proud of."

A long silence fell as both stood motionless. Again Throm broke the silence.

"Well, a hot jacuzzi and a warm bed call to me. I bid you good night Lithanus."

Throm set his wine glass down on one of the many pedestals that lined the small room and turned to the doorway leading back into the Common Room. This time it was he who stopped short as Lithanus spoke softly.

"Hemelia..."

Throm turned slowly back around.

"Pardon me?"

Lithanus turned in his own doorway to face Throm.

"You wanted to know how she died. A rare strain of Hemelia took her life. Her last wish was that we meet..."

Throm's brow furrowed for a moment, deep in thought. Then, lips pursed, he gave Lithanus a single deep nod. Turning he left the Parlour.

Some Time Later...

Great beams of light shown down from the heavens, splitting through the night sky like arrows through water. The four massive columns of light searched the ground below for a moment before focusing on a large darkened house surrounded by the small forested area. The beams of light intensified even further for a moment as if finding their mark before returning to their original state. A low rumble slowly began to shake the very ground. From the cloud cover above, the source of the lights was finally revealed in the form of a massive airship which dwarfed the house.
Looming low over the structure, a single barrel slowly extended from the bottom of the ship's hull, pointed directly at the house.
A small explosion was heard as the barrel fired a shell directly through the front door. Two seconds passed before a larger explosion came from inside the house. Blowing out the glass windows, fire leapt out at all angles from inside the house. The peaceful still of night had been turned to carnage.
Inside the house, the few remaining eyes were turned to the front door. The front wall to which the door was connected exploded in yet another burst of flames as the large form of a dragon shot past the multiple bodies lying on the floor, landing upon the still sitting form of the Guildmaster. A large body guard curled his lip around his pointed teeth and began to move forward to assist the incapacitated Guildmaster, but was stopped short as another figure shot through the large fiery hole that was once the front door. The tattoos on his bared arms glistening in the firelight, Lithanus raised the sword in his hand and rushed forward to intercept the large vampire. A few well placed swings of the sword missed the vampire as it moved with a speed unfitting of a mortal. Circling behind Lithanus, the body guard shot a quick kick to the boy's sword hand causing him to cry out and drop his sword. Snarling the vampire, rushed forward, pinning Lithanus against the wall. Drawing his head back, the guard exposed his fangs preparing to bite. Lithanus pushed as hard as he could trying to push the bulky form off from him. Flinching as blood splattered across his face, he looked up to see that his opponent had been beheaded. Again Lithanus pushed, this time the body fell to the ground with ease to reveal Mavin standing beside him, his blade covered in black blood. Mavin turned on his heel and pointed the tip of his sword directly at the gaunt man who was pinned into his chair compliments of Avalon.

"Where is he?"

Smiling unpleasantly, the Guildmaster replied.

"I'm afraid I don't quite understand..."

Slowly, the man began to dissolve into a green smoke-like cloud, whisping away from the dragon with ease. Avalon snapped at the cloud with his great maw, but his efforts were in vain. The cloud gained form and began to drift through the flames towards the former doorway.
A heavy gust of wind blew the cloud straight backwards, pinning it against the demolished staircase on the far end of the entryway. The gust continued, causing the flames to intensify and spread. The green cloud finally began to draw closer together to form the image of the Guildmaster before gaining full corpereal form. In less than an instant, Avalon rushed forward, snapping the man in half at the midsection with his jaws. Blood covered the walls, running across the far wall as the wind spread it. The Guildmaster gasped on the floor, his entrails hanging from the point in which Avalon had cleaved him. All at once the wind ceased. Through the smoke, yet another form took place, gaining clarity as it approached. Choking on his own blood the Guildmaster spoke out, causing flecks of blood to splatter from his mouth.

"Ahh...Throm...I've heard you were recently promoted into leadership within the Guardians..."

The broken man coughed, spreading a thin layer of blood upon the floor as it dripped from his chin.

"Congratulations are in order..."

Stopping just short of the man upon the floor, Throm gave the Guildmaster a slight bow.

"My thanks..."

Adjusting himself as best he could, the Guildmaster propped himself up against the wall to look up at his 'guests'.

"To what do I owe the pleasure of this visit? The last time you were here you killed my favorite guard and sent me on some fool's errand with false information on The Book of the Dead. Tonight you kill nearly my entire enclave and destroy my home."

Shadows began to writhe as the remaining members of the enclave took note of the conversation. Yet they moved neither to help nor hinder their master. Nodding Throm draw his sword from beneath his cloak and placed the tip underneath the Guildmaster's chin.

"Where is Darius?"

The Guildmaster sniffed, wiping what he could of the blood from his chin with a single shaking hand.

"Bah, that is what all this commotion is about? Why didn't you spare yourself the trouble and just say so in the first place? Darius! Your friends are here!"

From the shadows leapt Darius...yet not the same Darius known by his companions. His skin pale as the moon, and his teeth bared into wickedly sharp fangs he seemed not to be aware of his surroundings. His reddish eyes fixed upon Throm, Darius rushed forward with a speed of such force that the flames nearest him were put out.
With the tip of the blade still held study beneath his charge's chin, Throm flicked the wrist of his left hand releasing a throwing blade bearing the crest of the Crimson Guardians. His eyes never leaving the Guildmaster, he threw the knife which found it's mark directly amid Darius' chest. Stopping short, as if he had hit a brick wall, Darius' eyes went blank as he hit the floor. The Guildmaster grinned up at Throm.

"Well, I certainly....didn't see that coming..."

Trying to laugh, again blood foamed out onto his chin. His laughing stopped short however as his gaze looked beyond Throm, to the body of Darius upon the floor. The crest upon the knife sticking from the chest of Darius began to glow a brilliant blue. In yet another great flash both the knife and Darius vanished from sight. Turning ever so slightly Throm spoke to his companions.

"Mavin, Lithanus. Return to the ship and lay out a course for Westbridge. Darius is at the Morgue there, we will return him to the Manor and await his recovery. Avalon and I shall board in but a few minutes."

Silently the two left the burning building leaving only Throm, Avalon, the Guildmaster, and the enclave. Staring up at Throm, rage and hatred filled his face.

"I took you in! Before any! Before the Syndicate, before your beloved Guardians, there was me! I was as a father to you!"

"No Guildmaster....you were nothing like my father."

Throm thrust the blade forward, severing the Guildmaster's head. The shadows that had remained at bay, began to once again writhe. Avalon reared back, preparing to attack. Throm's voice rang through his mind as it often did.

~No Avalon, they are free now...they will not attack us.~

To Throm's credit, the shadows began to dissolve as the enclave began to leave the house. Turning on his heel to leave he stopped short as Avalon's voice rang back within his own mind.

~Vectorian survivor...~

Throm turned his head slightly to spot the young vampiric boy, crouching near the staircase. Jerking his head towards the burning opening of the building, he spoke calm words.

"Well lad. Are you coming? Unless that is of course, you'd rather remain here..."

Continuing Throm left the building which he once had called home, the Shou Dragon following shortly behind.
Looking about at the vacant house, looking at the bodies upon the floor, looking at the dead Guildmaster, the boy stood and ran after the pair.

Darius shook his head, smiling at Mavin. With shaking hands he lifted the dying body which was wrapped even tighter in blankets.

"No Mavin...that is even more reason for you not to go in there. All that aside, it was my idea. I am the team leader, this responsibility falls to me. Return to the ship and wait for me there. Should I not return by dawn, you know what to do."

The younger man nodded, reluctantly falling back into the lightly wooded grove. Darius waited until Mavin faded completely from sight before turning to the large dark dwelling that lay before a small dirt path. Taking a deep breath he noted that planning was far easier than carrying out such plans, and began to stumble forward towards the huge building. Darius finally found himself at the front door. Hoisting his survivor to one shoulder he raised a hand to knock, stopping cold as he heard a voice behind him.

"It is the undead who need permission to enter...not the living."

Slowly turning, Darius took view of the large pale form which stood, arms crossed in front of the house. The figure smiled, revealing wickedly sharp teeth which gleamed in the moonlight. Darius took a small step backwards towards the house, nearly tripping over the porch step.

"I...I come on behalf of Throm uth Bannon. I seek peace, and an oppurtunity to help each other out."

The large man's smile widened, contrasting with the narrowing of his slivered pupils. Within the blink of an eye, he rushed forward and, snatching the body from Darius with one hand, placed one heavy hand on Darius' shoulder.

"Well, this is an unexpected surprise. This changes everything. You may enter."

Darius made a feeble attempt to reach for his charge, but the man had vanished in another heartbeat. Hearing the slow creak of the door opening behind him, he slowly turned to see the dark entrance to the house looming before him as a beast ready to swallow it's prey.
Slowly stepping forward, he entered not surprised in the least that his infravision spell could not penetrate the shadows. The door banged shut behind him, causing him to involentarily jump. A light ahead slowly began to grow in intensity, revealing a gaunt figure sitting in a tall leather chair facing the door. A smooth yet powerful voice called out.

"Come to me Darius...sit at my side and let us talk."

The gaunt man lazily held out his left hand and another light illuminated over a smaller chair. Hesitating by nature, Darius somehow knew that it would be a bad idea to refuse the seat. Nodding curtly, he boldly stepped forward and set himself upon the leather cushion. Opening his mouth to speak, he was instantly cut off by the man who sat before him.

"Tell me Darius. Why has that ungrateful wizard sent you to my residence?"

Scratching his head, Darius adjusted the spectacles upon his nose, trying to get a better glimpse of his host but was met with no success. Scratching the back of his head, he spoke out quietly.

"Well to be quite honest I doubt that he knows I am here."

He watched as the knuckles upon the armrest of the great leather chair tightened. Darius waited for a response, and when none came, finally spoke out.

"I come of my own accord. I have brought you one in which to add to your own...in exchange I need answers from him."

Again silence followed. Darius began to think that perhaps Mavin had been right. This was a bad idea. They should have pursued other courses of action. Slowly, as if theatrical, the man sitting opposite him, extended his right hand illuminating a form on the floor.

"As you can see, he has already been turned..."

Abruptly standing, he rushed forward to find a pale skinned man where once there had been a mangled corpse-like form. Leaning in close to the face of the man he had brought he whispered.

"Who was it that did this to you?"

The young man opened his eyes slightly. With skin laden upon his body he appeared as a homely young man with dirty blond hair. A small goatee sprouted from the bottom of his chin. This beard quivered ever so slightly as the man mumbled an answer.

"It was dusk when he struck...with him he brought a small army."

"Who? Who was it that burned your outpost to the ground?"

"I know not the name of his force. One of his officers called him by the name of Remus however."

Darius stood in half shock. He had hoped the information provided by Throm incorrect. Turning he offered a slight bow to the gaunt man who was still sitting...still watching.

"You have honored your end of the agreement. I leave this young man in your care."

Smiling, the gaunt man slowly stood. He approached Darius as if floating, stopping just inches from his face. Placing a hand on either of his shoulders as a father would a child he spoke softly.

"And what reason have I dear Darius, to let you leave from my house?"

New Thalos Market Square...

Early morning shown upon the Marketplace, casting it's warm rays in promise of a scorching hot day. The vendors were busy early today, and so near the end of the tenday this was to be expected. Two men dressed head to toe in heavy garbs to keep out the night's chill and the day's heat haggled with a merchant regarding a batch of apples. Suddenly a deep rumble filled the air, seconds later followed by a heavy shadow which filled the Square. One of the two men peered upwards.

"This is no ordinary storm..."

Shaking his head, the second man replied.

"That is no storm period my boy, tha-"

He was cut short as a great wind filled the Market Square, it's force knocking an apple from the hand of the first man. Reaching up the second man pulled down his cowl, peering up at the sky his bright green eyes flashing.

"How do you like them apples? Mavin has bettered his ability to scrye?"

From the sandstorm caused by the great wind, a great shape took form in the sky. Throm pulled his cowl back up to protect his face and turned to his companion.

"The Bastion has arrived..."

I hastily scribble these notes down, to record the events which have passed since writing in my Diary earlier this day. Conversing with the locals downstairs, I came to learn of a mighty beast which lives within the sewers of this very city. For years, this government has posted rewards for the removal of such a creature. When I inquired as to where I might find the entrance to these sewers, the man who was telling me this tale suddenly refused to speak further of it. The more I pressed the man, the more he remained steadfast against giving me further information. In a fit of rage unlike any I have ever felt in my life, I picked the burly man up as if he were but a toy toll. Wielding what felt like the strength of ten men, I threw him through the ceiling with but a single arm. Understandably I was asked to leave the Inn. Furthermore, the man whom I tossed was thankfully alright for the most part. Only a broken arm and a bruised body from our encounter. I am forced to wonder what provoked me into such a fit. I am also forced to wonder what inspired my sudden burst of strength, though I suspect it can be traced to the Armor. The local authorities have agreed to pardon my rash act on the condition that I seek out the monster within the sewers and dispose of him forever. First thing tomorrow morning I shall set out to do just that.

--Nathaniel Stormweather

"Survivor..."

Nodding tersely, Darius continued into the outpost this time watching every step he made. Hearing footsteps running behind him, he began to turn and draw his wand.

"Mavin..."

Avalon nodded for Darius to keep moving. However Darius waited until he saw Mavin burst from the smoke before continuing on. Trying to catch his breath, Mavin slowed to a walk beside Darius. His voice was muffled beneath the cloth tied about his own mouth and nose.

"Throm's reports were correct. Someone or something wiped this place from the map."

Nodding, Darius replied, keeping his eyes on the path ahead of him.

"Let's just hope that it's not who he thinks it is..."

Mavin nodded, and the trio continued in silence, finally reaching the heart of the small village. Every single building appeared to have been razed completely to the ground. The ground still snapped and smoldered reacting to the intense heat which it had been subjected to. Bodies were strewn about as if part of the wreckage. Some were merely burned to blackened crisps. Others were missing limbs and had clearly been the victims of a sharpened edge as well as the flames.
Avalon snorted nodding ahead of the group. Darius and Mavin looked into the smoke, but it revealed nothing. Snorting again, Avalon buffetted his great wings clearing the smoke ahead with but a few strokes.
Before the trio lay three bodies which were hung from a single unscorched building by meat hooks. They were arranged in order of size, ranging from the first who could be no older than six. To the second who could have been within young adulthood. The third was clearly an adult...still it was hard to tell as the skin had been removed from all three bodies.
Pulling down the cloth covering his mouth, Darius retched the contents of his stomach all over the ground. His breakfast hissed and steamed as it hit the hot surface that was once a small road.
Avalon nodded to the body which was hanging in the middle, and nudged Mavin closer. Mavin nodded gravely and pulled on a thick set of leather gloves. Patting Darius on the back as he slowly made his way forward, he muttered.

"Get back to the Bastion. Send a crystal broadcast back to Westbridge advising them that we have a survivor."

Though he was the team lead, Darius was in no mood nor condition to offer any sort of response save a short nod. Pulling the cloth about his mouth again, he jogged off into the smoke.
With great care, Mavin lowered the skinless form, to the ground, wrapping him within his cloak which he had set down.

"You're safe now, can you speak?"

A gargled moan was his only reply. The rumbling voice of Avalon once again sounded from the dragon.

"No voicebox..."

Mavin muttered a small curse as he realized that the Shou Dragon was right. A large gaping hole was left where a voicebox should have been. This was probably their best link to who had committed such an act. Whoever had done this had been quite careful to leave nothing of themselves behind. Wrapping a single cloth about the victim's eyes which now had no lids, Mavin turned to Avalon.

"I am going to return to the Bastion...from there I will summon in our survivor, I trust you can find your way back?"

Not bothering with a reply, Avalon turned to keep a watchful eye on the survivor. Not bothering to wait for an answer Mavin uttered the spell that would carry him back to the airship.

LATER ABOARD THE BASTION...

The clattering of someone coming down the stairwell, caused Mavin to look up from his charge only to see Darius come bursting into the Common Room. Both shook their heads at the sight of each other's blood covered garments. Stepping forward, Darius knelt down beside the dying man who lay before the great fireplace.

"I was unable to reach Throm via crystal broadcast. He seems beyond the reach of mental communication was well."

A low moan came from the man on the floor. Mavin stood pulling Darius to the side. Leaning close he whispered in his ear.

"We can't just do nothing. Your the team lead, you'll have to make the call Darius."

Nodding, Darius gazed into the fireplace which was barren of any flame at the moment and replied.

"I already have. This man is beyond the healing of our Bath House. He won't survive the trip to nearest civilzation save Vector...and he certainly won't survive being shot down as we are no longer welcome within these lands. We shall set a course for northwest of Torregiano. There is a small house there that will be our only recourse..."

Shaking his head, Mavin peered towards the sad form upon the Common Room floor.

"We can't do that to him. He has been through enough. You know the kind of life that leads to. I don't even have to mention that we aren't exactly the welcome type there either. We'll have better luck with the Vectorians."

Darius' face set to stone, as he wiped his hands clean on a towel he had brought down with him. Reaching into an inner pocked of his robe he pulled out his spectacles and set them carefully upon the bridge of his nose.

"Yes and should we do that, we shall no doubt be under blame for the destruction of yet another Vectorian outpost. I wouldn't choose this course of action unless it was the only thing we could do. Looking at the big picture, it is answers we need...those answers may prove to be more important than this man's life...or ours for that matter. As you said, I am the team lead...this is my decision to make."

Mavin slowly paced over to the skinless man upon the floor. Reaching down, he drew the cloak he was wrapped in tighter to control the bleeding. Pointing a long finger at the fireplace, it burst into flames cause the bloody man to issue yet another moan. Mavin waited until the flames receded to a dull flicker before standing and joining Darius before the stairwell. Looking up he nodded.

"Is Avalon aboard yet?"

Darius nodded, casting one final glance at their passenger.

"All right, let's do this then..."

Master uth Bannon has warned me that removal of the armor may well result in the return of my original condition. I am shamed to write that my own fear prevents me from testing this theory. There is nothing I wouldn't do to prevent returning to the pitiful state in which I can thank the Vectorians for. I know not when I intend to return home...nor what kind of welcome I am to receive with my condition. For now I shall put such matters out of my mind as Master uth Bannon warns that negative stress my have adverse affects upon the magic of the Armor of Escalore as he calls it. And so it is, that even as I could surely write all day and night, I shall dry this last page and fall victim to the numb embrace of sleep.

--Nathaniel Stormweather

Lithanus nodded from his seat next to the pilot. The airship began a slow, vertical descant to the ground far below.

"This will do. I can find my way from here."

With a small bump the Swordfish class vessel found it's footing upon the grassy surface next to the large road leading south from the forest. Opening the hatch, Lithanus shouldered his pack and stepped outside into the buffeting wind.
The setting sun behind it's veil of cloudcover cast the world into a murky dull light. Hurrying to the road, Lithanus looked up as the airship he had hired to bring him here lifted off, vanishing within the low clouds. He could only pray that the wizard he had paid was right. He could only hope that the divination he had requested did not prove false...his honor depended upon it.
Sighing, he brushed back a lock of white hair that the wind had blown into his eyes and headed for the dark forest beyond.

HOURS LATER...

Staring down the ancient moss covered well, he remembered the words of the old wizard.

"Down the ancient well within the Ardeep Forest upon the eastern continent, you shall find who you seek..."

Well...he was here. Even so, Lithanus found it hard to rationalize climbing down the crusty old well into gods knew where to hopefully find his charge. Silently, he cursed the day he had set foot onto the Bastion. Cursed the day he had volunteered to seek out Throm and deliver him to trial with the Council of Elders.
Muttering dark words about crazy wizards, he grasped the edges of the well and threw himself over it's edge and into darkness.
Landing upon the ground with a crash, he looked up from his crouching position to see the well opening high above. Standing he pulled a bright ball of light from his pack and took his first glances about the small cavern which he now found himself.
Lithanus sighed as he took in the small space in which he stood. The old wizard was surely wrong. He reached out to grab hold of the rock wall when he realized a faint laughing sound coming from within the well. Releasing the wall, he traced it to a small crack within the northern wall.

"Come in! Come in! You can stay out there in that dirty old well, or you can come play with us!"

Scratching his head he knew for sure that he may well be teetering on the bring of insanity. As he attempted to unclog his ears he realized that aside from the laughter getting louder, the crack within the wall was growing to immense proportions. Not growing...rather Lithanus was shrinking.
Carefully stepping forward he saw that he could easily traverse what was once a small crack in the lower wall. Laughter, once faint came booming out of the darkness seconds before a face appeared. A pixie...considered my humankind to be a tiny creature now stood taller than Lithanus. The muscular humanoid approached the young man.

"Welcome to Crysabelle...it's rare that we get visitors these days. Perhaps due to the fact that we are all raging cannibals I s'pose..."

Temporarily shocked, Lithanus stumbled to remove his sword accidently dropping it with a clash upon the stone ground. The now large pixie instantly doubled over with laughter, waving a hand at Lithanus as he scrambled to pick his sword back up. Finding his wind, the pixie wiped a tear of laughter from his eye.

"Heh, heh...I...hehe...I joke with you young friend. Only those who seek to harm, find it within our village."

His face flushed, Lithanus slowly sheathed his sword, considering the pixie to be more than a match for him in size and strength. Straightening to full height he spoke out.

"I am looking for a human..."

"I am looking for...a Cetra...an Ancient."

The pixie's face suddenly grew serious. Leaving perhaps ten seconds of silence between the two, the pixie replied.

"Now that...young Lithanus, you may well find here. A wise person might start by visiting the home of Sylvain."

Lithanus muttered a quick thanks and hurried away from the strange being into the light filled cavern beyond. A few questions and more than a couple dodged attempts of a wedgie found him in front of a large dwelling.

~Who are these people?!? And why was it that Throm would be here?~

Without knocking he opened the door to the house and entered slowly. The entrance was dark, he could hardly see two inches in front of him. It seemed to him that the inhabitants had perhaps gone to bed already. The sound of laughter caught his ear, and he crept down the corridor stopping outside a door from which light could be seen spilling out from under. Inside he heard the familiar tone of Throm's voice, speaking in a strange language.
Lithanus took a deep breath, and grasping the handle, threw open the door. A fog cloud of blue smoke came rolling out into the hallway, causing him to choke and sputter. Through the haze he saw Throm and an older man laughing as they exchanged a pipe. Slowly turning to the open door, Throm nodded to Lithanus as he laughed, motioning for him to enter.

"Come in Lithanus, I didn't expect you until the morning."

Anger set clearly into his face, Lithanus stormed into the room waving the clouds of blue smoke from his eyes.

"You failed to mention Throm uth Bannon, that you were planning a vacation."

Chuckling, Throm turned his reddened eyes up to Lithanus.

"And you failed to mention Lithanus uth Bannon, that I needed you permission to visit old friends...it is not my fault you do not have the strength of magic to follow me now is it?"

"Do not impart your family name upon me Elder uth Bannon..."

Smiling gently, Throm turned to the elderly pixie sitting across from him and spoke soft words in the strange language Lithanus had heard before. Nodding gravely, the man stood and left the room, shutting behind him the door.

"And just what is your family name Lithanus?"

Starting to speak, the young man found no words. Clearing this throat, he tried again.

"I know not...I was raised by a woman who knew us both it would seem..."

Throm nodded, motioning for Lithanus to take a seat. The younger man pretended to ignore him and continued standing at his post near the door. Throm continued.

"A woman who oddly enough suffered the parting the the one she loved roughly sixteen years ago...the same time you were brought into this world..."

"Lies..."

"No Lithanus, I am no outcast of our people...though my trial was real enough. When fate failed to arrange our meeting, I arranged through the Council for our paths to cross. I did not...however expect you to deliver the news of Kelliah's death to me."

Staggering forward, Lithanus took the seat.

A single pupil contracted, focusing upon the light streaming in from the window upon the ceiling.
Sighing Throm opened his other eye, allowing the sweet embrace of sleep to fade into the background of his mind.

*CLANG*

Tossing a silk bathrobe about his shoulders he groggily made his way to the window where he was forced to once again allow for his eyes to adjust to the increased light.
The morning sky was lit a brilliant blue signifying the start of a beautiful day, a hot one too. Leaning out of his tower window, Throm peered down into the shaded courtyard below to glance two figures battling it out.

"Hey! It took me ages to plant that! Do not bleed on my grass..."

His voice trailed off, and his brow furrowed. Uttering a small incantation his eyes jumped into focus upon the two forms below. The first one was swinging a sword as though he had never lifted one in his life. And the other....well the other was just standing there taking it. A shock of white hair darted into the sunlight for a moment, bringing Throm to the realization that Lithanus had dragged his practice dummy from the classroom and was training upon it.
Chuckling, Throm turned from the window.

~Again...hit it again...~

Lithanus threw himself at the training dummy once more, reveling in the connection felt through the pommel of his sword as it collided against the armored sidepanel of his imaginary rival. Turning he wheeled around for another blow only to stop dead in his tracks at the sight of Throm leaning against the doorway to the Manor.
Grinning Throm nodded at the sword in the younger man's grasp.

"And here I was thinking that I am the only Cetra who studies the art of combat..."

Lithanus sneered, shoving the blade of the sword deep into the grassy lawn to hold it.

"I am nothing like you. I adapt to my surroundings. This barbaric world which you have chosen to call home dictates that I learn to defend myself against the simple minded folk who would wish me undo harm."

"You mean like the one who nearly tossed you like a ragdoll from the train yesterday?"

A muscle in Lithanus' jaw began to quiver in suppressed rage. Reaching out, his hands found the hilt of the sword, his fingers closed around it.
Throm's grin increased as he turned his back on Lithanus.

"Now see who's simple minded....no matter, meet me at Temple Square in an hour and perhaps we can find you an opponent who can hit back."

ONE HOUR LATER...

"Aspiring heroes from across the Tripower states have began their careers training here for years. Many have found fortune in what awaits beyond these doors. And many have fallen chasing such a dream."

Throm's hand gripped the latch to the large door leading to the great arena. He turned to Lithanus who stood ready in a suit of makeshift armor, wielding a chipped sword.

"You and only you can enter, I can offer no refuge nor aid. Are you ready Lithanus?"

A short nod prompted Throm to throw open the door, revealing the vast expanse of the arena beyond. Taking short steps, Lithanus entered the arena sending darting glances all about himself.
Clearing his throat Throm spoke out.

"Beware...the beast approaches..."

He shut the door with a loud bang, the bolt slamming shut locking Lithanus in. A bead of sweat dripped down the young man's face as he looked around the dark arena for his adversary but found nothing. His breathing increasing from under the simple helm he wore, he began to think that perhaps this was not such a good idea after all.
He yelped as something brushed against his iron clad boot, causing a scraping sound to be heard. Looking down he recognized his enemy...the 'beast'. A small snail crawled across the arena floor. Tearing the helm from his sweat soaked head he called out.

"You have to be joking! You can't be serious!"

A rabbit bounced it's way across the arena and somehow Lithanus knew that Throm was somewhere nearby...and he was laughing.

Lithanus' face was still red an hour into the train ride back to Westbridge. He hadn't even spoken until now, perhaps afraid of what might come out of his mouth.

"Quite simple boy, you would have been a liability. Tell me...when is the last time you used a sword? When is it that you took the time to learn how to cast defensive magic? You would have been slaughtered as a lamb down there. As it stands Nathaniel and I barely escaped with our lives."

The younger man stood and marching over to where Throm sat, leaned so that they were eye to eye.

"First I am not a boy. Secondly, the fact that I am to shadow you is not your choice. Thirdly, I would have managed to fe--"

His words were cut short as Nathanial lept from where he had been sitting and in one fluid move opened the train car door with one hand and with the other grasped Lithanus by the neck. Lifting him from his feet, he held the struggling young man outside of the speeding train, mere feet above the rushing ground below.

"You will die now Lithanus. There is nothing you can do to stop me...no force nor strength you can conjure which will allow for your survival. The choice to live is no longer yours...it is mine."

The bright red glow emitting from the eye sockets of Nathaniel's helm matched the furious green glow which came from Lithanus as he continued to struggle, his face contorted in rage.

"When...rather if...your corpse is found, it shall be found in a million pieces. Whoever discovers what's left of you will assume you to be a vagrant. They will look upon you and remark what a pity was that such a young defenseless man were to go to waste. And so it is that you're lifeline has come to it's end...goodbye Lithanus."

The look of rage upon Lithanus' face turned to one of fear. Tears of frustration glimmered in his eyes. Redoubling his efforts to escape the single handed grasp of the large armored man, he realized that it was truly hopeless. He was going to die. He was going to be murdered.

"Nathaniel."

The man paid him no heed, poising himself to toss the young man as far as he could from the train.

"Nathaniel Stormweather!"

Slowly, Lithanus was brought back inside the car. Growling Nathaniel tossed him amongst the seats as one would discard a piece of garbage. The young man lay choking and sputtering, curled up on the floor. Slowly Nathaniel turned to Throm, his voice booming out over the rushing wind coming from the open door.

"That is the last time I respond to that name. Know me now simply as Remus. I was indebted to you Throm, for recovering my broken body. I have now repaid that said debt by sparing the boy. We are even.".

Muttering a single word, the few shadows which lingered within the cabin grew to surround the dark armored form. When the shadows cleared, the man was gone.
Throm reached over and shut the door, causing the car to be once again silenced save the tapping of the wheels upon the track. Sighing he sat once again, looking over to Lithanus who had crawled up into a seat and was staring blankly out the window.
Shaking his head, Throm did the same.

"Remus eh?"

Throm stopped walking and slowly turned his head towards the boy.

"Remember...my friend...the one the Council had said was lost beneath Darrowmere?"

"Yes. The carrier of the Armor of Escalore..."

Throm issued a single nod before turning back to continue their journey on foot out of the town.

"Well, I intend to recover a friend and ensure the safety of the Armor at the same time."

The two walked in silence for hours. The sun had arisen to outline the heavy clouds which hovered above the forested area which now encircled the pair. After yet another hour dropplets of rain began to fall from the tree canopy above. Lithanus muttered a curse as he drew his hood about his face.

"You'd just as soon get used to it. The City of Darrowmere sees nothing but rain, especially this time of year. The fact that there is sunshine in Stonebow Dale and now the rain falls means that we are nearing our destination."

True to his word the forest soon opened up to the wide walls of a city. Also true to his word, the rain now beat down down as if attacking all who dared come to call upon Darrowmere.
Throm stopped just inside the gate and turned to Lithanus at his side.

"Our fastest chance to find entrance into the Darrowmere sewer system is to question some of the locals. If you'll begin at with the local taverns and inns, I will start with the businesses..."

Lithanus opened his mouth in protest, but Throm cut him off.

"Unless you'd rather we stay here in the rain all day while we search that is..."

Throm smiled to himself as he watched Lithanus turn and disappear into the rain. When he was certain that the young man was out of sight he broke into a run down the North Alley to stop before a large hatch. Crouching down he grasped the handle of the hatch when a voice rang out.

"Ye dun wanna be goin' thar mister."

Still crouching, Throm looked up to see an old beggar grinning toothlessly at him.

"You are correct sir. I truly don't want to go down there. And if anyone should ask you...I didn't."

Reaching into his pouch he flipped the man a silver piece and with a mighty heave, threw open the hatch.
Stale cold air shot up from below, driving even the pouring rain from the edge of the hatch for a moment before it quieted down. Muttering the words to a spell that would cushion a fall from Crucifix Hill itself, Throm lept down into the dark entrance to the sewers.
The second his feet met the familiar ground the hatch above shut, leaving him in darkness. Another incantation brought into existance a bright ball of light, which Throm held high to gain a glance at his surroundings.
Where once there was a hatch there now stood only a neverending expanse of stone ceiling. Sighing, he chose a random direction and set off in search of Nathaniel.

One Hour Later...

Throm slumped against the wall breathing heavily. Looking up he saw the mark on the wall which he had made upon entering the sewers. The same mark he had passed five times within the last hour. He had not heard from Nathanial since his arrival, only faint scuttling sounds could be heard in the distance now and again.

~Perhaps I'll make camp...here...in the sewers.~

Fatigue was beginning to set in. He began to remove his pack when the movement in front of him caused Throm to stop dead in his tracks.
The very shadows in front of his eyes began to writhe and twist as if alive. A dark armored form suddenly emerged, stumbling as the shadows faded once again.

"Nathaniel! What were you..."

"Hiding Throm...yeah...hiding."

Throm shouldered his pack once again, moving towards Nathaniel who was slumped against the wall, halfway standing.

"Are you okay?"

"Yes. Thankfully this armor you've given me has protected me thusfar. We need to get out of here Throm. There is a creature in here...not even the both of us can defeat..."

Throm slowly drew his sword, cocking the side of his head to either side of the sewer passage to listen for movement. Hearing none, he turned back to Nathaniel.

"I have tried to Recall back to Westrbridge myself. My spells of transport have failed me as well. I trust you have had the same results?"

Nathaniel nodded wordlessly. Sighing Throm set his sword against the wall and drew back his cloak. Placing a hand upon the shining insignia of a pegasus which lay pinned to his collar, he closed his eyes in concentration.

~Guardians...I'm afraid I'm the one who needs assistance now. I need a Vortex for two out of the Darrowmere sewers.~

Removing his hand from the pin, Throm once again closed his cloak and nodded to Nathaniel.

"For now we rest. We will be assisted soon enough."

A small snicker broke out from beneath the helm of the younger man.

"Rest if you will, I...who have encountered our powerful companion down here will find no rest in this place."

Shrugging, Throm sat against the wall and closed his weary eyes. Much had happened the past week...too much. At least Nathaniel had been found. After meeting with the Council he had spent long hours pouring over books in his library. He had known what to expect down here. Not many made their way out, and none did without the help of the gods. He hoped that Lithanus was staying out of trouble above. He had been hesitant to leave the young Cetra unattended in a world which he was unaccustomed to, however even more hesitant he had been to sign a possible death warrant for the boy by bringing him to the dreaded sewers.
He was being shaken. Opening his eyes he caught sight of Nathaniel in the dim light, standing above him.

"Listen Throm! It's coming!"

A slow shuffling and the sound of metal dragging upon the stone surface of the ground could be heard clearly ringing throughout the tunnels. Handing Throm his sword, Nathaniel took hold of the Throm's shoulder and began jogging down the corridor opposite from where the noise was coming from, halfway dragging the man along with him. Daring to cast a glance backwards, Throm saw the outline of a gigantic figure swinging a blade towards their direction. Both men increased their pace, but the dark figure bore down upon them the ringing of steel nearly deafening.
A flash of light tore through the air of the sewers, followed by a loud crackling. The sudden need to vomit filled Throm's senses as he felt drawn in a hundred directions at once. Then all went quiet...

"Master Throm bid me to awaken you. He will be leaving shortly and he has informed me that you presence is required. Departure will be in one half hour."

A shock of white hair emerged groggily from the red plush comforter. Brushing the hair back from his face, Lithanus opened his eyes which began glowing increasingly as his mind focused upon waking. Looking at the large clock on the wall his brow furrowed.

"It is...two in the morning, I've had less than two hours of sleep..."

Darius smirked as he stepped from the room.

"Master Throm mentioned you might say something to that effect. He told me to inform you that he had no need for a Watcher anyways and should you wish your bags can be packed when you awaken later today."

The glare coming from Lithanus' eyes seemingly would have burned through Darius had he not already shut the door.
Sighing, Lithanus staggered to his feet, making his way to the washbasin.

Twenty Minutes Later...

The door to the cab swung open startling the horses and causing Throm to slowly turn his head towards the tired and angry young man who was climbing in to sit across from him. As the door shut the cab jolted forward, leaving the two men in silence save for the roll of the wheels upon the ground and the clatter of horses hooves. It wasn't until the cab had passed beyond the Manor gates and continued east on Cavern Road that Lithanus spoke.

"What is it that would bring us out of bed at such an hour? Where are we going?"

"You ask too many questions. And we are going to the Westbridge Train Station where we will be travelling to Stonebow Dale."

Lithanus' eyebrow shot a questioning glance to Throm, who did not return the look, but gazed out the window.

"And why do we not use magic to travel? Why not just arrive there instantly?"

"Because I do not know what I'll be facing there...and as such would prefer to conserve my energy."

Throm braced himself for a further barrage of questions, but none came. Settling himself back into his seat he again attempted to delve within his memory to extract what information he could of the task ahead.

"Throm, we are arriving at uth Bannon Manor. I thought to inform you that the ship is docking."

Throm gave a curt nod, closing the door and bolting it again. His mind swam with thoughts which he had collected the past few days. She...was...gone. Thoughts of how she had begged to leave with him on his self imposed exile. Thoughts of how he had denied her this for her protection. Thoughts of how he had promised they would see each other soon. But most of all he thought of how he had not tried to see her in fifteen years...had not tried to contact her in fifteen years. Caught up too far in his new life, he had shed all of that which he had known and loved. And now it was too late...

Minutes later Throm strode from his hanger, his boots kicking aside the fog covering the ground level due to the cooling engines of the Bastion far above. He had requested Mavin stay within the hanger to oversee the full refit of the damaged airship. As Throm approached the great doors which led into his Manor, they opened revealing Darius just inside. Darius gave a small welcoming smile, bowing slightly.

"Welcome home Throm, everything is in order. You must be tired, your room is ready."

Throm nodded in appreciation, though he did not return his apprentice's smile.

"Not today good Darius. Today I will find myself in the Tower of the Ancients. No need to have anything prepared, I shall be down in the morning."

Darius nodded, shutting one of the double doors behind Throm as he entered and made his way for the back of the Manor at a quick pace.
Shortly Throm found himself high within the Tower of the Ancients, standing within the room he had dubbed the Sanctum of Eternal Midnight. Dim light flickered from the lantern he held as though competing with the pinpoints of starry light which hung suspended within the large chamber.
Throm walked the thin strip of parimeter around the circular room which encircled the watery surface that encompassed the rest of the Sanctum. Closing his eyes he fell victim to the hypnotic chirp of the crickets that resounded at all times here. His back against the wall, he slumped into a sitting position to let the chirping chorus of the Sanctum take over his mind.

Silence...
The chirping had stopped. Throm's eyes opened from sleep for the second time that day to darkness. His lantern having gone out, only the light of the magically created stars provided illumination by which to move. Placing his hand against the wall to steady himself, he stood slowly glancing about. The voice which came from the darkness did not startle him...he was expecting it. It was the voice of the boy named Lithanus who had delivered the news of his dear Kelleah's parting from the living.

"Elder uth Bannon, the Council of Elders has convened for your trial."

The great point of light in the center of the room suddenly grew bright, temporarily blinding Throm as he threw up an arm to shield his eyes. When his vision returned there stood a myriad of ethereal beings within his sacred Sanctum. Throm's face showed no traces of surprise, for he knew this moment would come. Every voice of the Council spoke out as one, with such volume that Throm was momentarily taken aback.

"Elder uth Bannon, what do you know of the Armor of Escalore."

Slowly, Throm stepped from the thin ledge upon which he stood and into the water. Walking slowly towards the center of the Sanctum, he could feel the cold water first fill his boots, then soak to his thighs. Soon he stood in the center of the Council in water waist deep.

"I know that the Armor was entrusted to my father to keep watch over. Shortly after his death, the Armor of Escalore fell into my possession. Now it resides in the care of a friend of mine."

A long pause was all that was to be heard before a stern voice behind Throm spoke out.

"Did you give the Armor of Escalore willingly to an outsider!"

The voices of the Council rang out before Throm could answer.

"Silence Lithanus! It is not your place to speak during the trial."

"Yes of course, I beg the Council's forgiveness."

Again there was silence. Finally the Council's voices spoke again.

"Did you give the Armor to an outsider?"

Slowly Throm responded with a single nod.

"And I do not regret my actions, I stand by them still. However according to Cetra law, I have broken the trust and find myself guilty of any related accusations."

The ethereal figures turned to each other in silent deliberation. After a few moments, they focused their attentions back to the half submerged form of Throm amidst their center.

"Elder uth Bannon, you are to know that further infractions will result in your forced return to the Valley without hope of ever leaving again. Furthermore you will be assigned a Watcher of your own. One who will observe your every action and report directly to the Council of Elders."

Throm's fists clenched despite his best attempts at remaining calm.

~Assigned a Watcher?!? This cannot be!~

Again the voices sang out as though a single voice.

"Lithanus. You are hereby discharged from the Valley and are placed in sole responsibility to observe Elder uth Bannon and report any misconduct of our laws directly. Elder uth Bannon, it would behoove you to keep closer watch over the person you had entrusted such a powerful artifact to...it seems he is lost amongst the Sewers of Darrowmere."

Though he said nothing, it was clear that the boy was as surprised as Throm. As he opened his mouth to object, the ethereal figures dissolved into nothingness, returning the room to it's dim glow.
Throm grasped his lantern tightly, and pulling himself from the water turned to Lithanus.

"Meet Darius on the ground level, he will see to the preparation of your room. Should you need me, I shall be in my study."

Lithanus cleared his throat, taking a small step forward.

"The Council decreed that I keep watch over you..."

Throm turned towards the staircase and without looking back replied.

"I have no quarrel with you boy, but heavens help you my guardians will should you set foot within Avalon Tower."

"Welcome to the Bastion, my home away from home as it stands."

Throm sniffed slightly as he cast low glances about the still damaged Control Room. No response came from the other party, no acknowledgement to his greeting. Still they stood motionless, their eyes shadowed by their drawn hoods. After waiting a half minute for a response, Throm shrugged and walked back towards the port side of the Command Deck and dropped himself upon the plush sofa to pour himself a glass of champagne. Lifting his glass in a mock toast to his unwelcomed guests Throm sat back, his gaze never leaving the strangers who stood upon his ship.
Slowly, the fully garbed figure in the center of the group stepped forward and sat in the sofa opposite of the champagne drinking host. The rest of the strange party remained motionless where they stood.
Throm motioned to offer his seated guest a glass, but was met again with no response. After perhaps another half minute, Throm spoke out.

"Let us dispense with the dramatics. I am certain that you are uncomfortable in the presence of an exile. And you must be well aware that I am uncomfortable in the presence of those I once considered closer than family."

Slowly the figure across from him lowered his hood, revealing short shocking white hair and glowing green eyes belonging to a boy of no more than thirteen to fifteen years old. The boy cocked his head to the side slightly, looking upon Throm with unmasked disdain.
Throm's theory had been correct. His visitors were in fact Ancients...now the challange at hand was to find out why those he had not seen in many a year were now standing aboard his airship. Before he could question further, the boy spoke out.

"Exiled Elder uth Bannnon...we come representing the Council of Elders. We come bearing both news and in turn seeking news..."

His eyes still not leaving the young Ancient, Throm took a sip from his glass and replied.

"Obviously you know of me...however this conversation continues no further until I know with whom I speak."

The young man, seeming caught off guard, regained his composure.

"My name is Lithanus. Now, if we are done with the pleasantries let us move on. As you said, this meeting is somewhat...uncomfortable.

A nod issued from Throm urged the man to move on.

"To put it in short perspective, your mate, Kelleah has passed on. The Council deemed that though you are no longer welcome within our lands, you deserved to know this much."

The glass shattered in Throm's hands...it was his turn to be silent now. Any traces of good humor disappeared from his face. She was an Ancient, her lifespan was too young for death to take. Blood ran slowly down his arm from the glass cuts on his hand, to vanish within the folds of his sleeves. His gaze returned to the young man before him, this time his eyes cold and unmoving.

"How did she die?"

Lithanus shifted slightly in his seat.

"I am not able to disclose that information to you."

Throm's mind focused on Lithanus' as he called upon the innate power of telepathy which the people of the Great Reams were granted by birth.

~Boy, you WILL tell me what I wish to hear. I have granted you the courtesy a host grants his guests until this point. But if you do not answer me, not even your honor guard here will be able to save you.~

Lithanus stood sharply, his eyes glowing ever more fiercly than before. His fists clenched tightly at his sides. His gaze bore equal passion to Throm's as his lip curled into a sneer.

"Spoken like a true Outsider! Know this much, it was attitudes such as that which led to the passing of Kelleah!"

The boy turned on his heel and marched back towards his entourage. Stopping he turned to speak, his gaze no longer meeting Throm's

"Now we will extract the news which we need...but not at this time, you are not ready to speak with a clear mind. We will be waiting at your home in Westbridge when you arrive."

The group faded from view as quickly as they had arrived, leaving Throm sitting stunned as a voice resounded in his head.

~And do not make the mistake of thinking you are the only who mournes her passing.~