It was late, the night had worn on tediously as the visitors of the Night Room provided bland conversation. Stifling another yawn, Lorlen considered retiring to bed, but he knew he had to first visit the High Lord's Residence. He didn't hate going to see his best friend, but when he was this tired, he wasn't in the mood for nightly visits.
"You look like you are about to fall asleep at any moment Lorlen." Balkan said amused.
"It's been yet another exhausting day." He smiled. Vinara looked at him sternly, but Lorlen interrupted before she could scold him. "I was just about to retire for the night."
"Good night." Balkan and Vinara said.
"Good night." Lorlen replied and promptly stood up to leave. I wonder what my chances are of exiting without someone asking me something. Lorlen hurried towards the door, but was stopped by Fergun.
"Ah Administrator, may I have a word?" Lorlen sighed, dealing with Fergun was hard enough when he wasn't tired. "Yes, Lord Fergun." He said impatiently.
"I was wondering whether it would feasible to use the Arena for swordplay classes."
"I think that would be Balkan's decision, but it is fine by me." Lorlen replied quickly.
"Thank you, and good night." Fergun replied. Lorlen attempted again to reach the doors, and this time managed to make it uninterrupted. Stepping out into the moonlight, Lorlen lit a small globe light and walked towards the High Lord's Residence. The night was clear and a gentle breeze blew throughout the grounds. Lorlen looked around appreciatively. Being cooped up inside his office for long hours made him forget how lovely the Guild was. The University glowed dimly as it towered upwards, and nearby stood the dark building which blended into the night. If it were not for the faint glow of a globe light within, he could have easily missed the building completely. As he walked up to the front door, it swung open slowly, causing Lorlen to pause. How does he do that every time? A light chuckle escaped from within, and Lorlen continued inside.
"That gets you every time!" Akkarin laughed.
"How do you do that?" Lorlen asked confused.
"I can't tell you that!" He smiled, "now would you like some wine?" He asked, moving towards his wine cabinet.
"No thank you, if I have any now I won't be able to sleep for ages!"
"Are you sure? This year is one of the best ones I have tasted." He teased.
"I am very sure, thank you." Lorlen chuckled. Akkarin settled into a chair with his glass of wine and sipped appreciatively.
"So what gossip did you hear tonight? I saw crowds heading up there-"
"Did you just hear that?" Lorlen said alarmed, "I heard a stony scraping noise."
"No I did not." Akkarin replied, he sat back trying to look relaxed. "I am sure it was nothing."
"If you are sure..." Lorlen said unconvinced. He slumped back in his seat tiredly and yawned.
"You should go and catch some sleep my friend, or you'll end up sleeping in my guestroom." Akkarin smiled, "you can catch me up in the morning."
"I think that is a good idea." Lorlen said yawning again, and standing up. The door to his right creaked slightly as it opened and a figure stood in the doorway. Lorlen turned to leave, but stopped when he saw that it was not Takan who stood in the doorway, it was a tall man in shabby clothing wearing a wicked smile. Akkarin saw him also and jumped up, "Shield!" He shouted and sent a strike towards him. It bounced off the shield harmlessly and was returned with an equally strong strike, but not at Akkarin, at Lorlen. His shield shattered and he fell back gasping. The man walked towards them, pushing Akkarin backwards further away from Lorlen. Lorlen had stood back up and hastily created a stronger shield, he sent forth heatstrikes which battered his shield, accompanied by those sent by Akkarin on the other side. "Your pathetic Guild is weak, and Kariko will have proof of this once I kill you Ichani killer." The man spoke gutturally in a thick Sachakan accent. He laughed as he sent more waves of even stronger strikes at them both, and soon they found their shields weakening under the barrage. Lorlen's strikes now pattered against the shield and Akkarin tried to make his way over, but the Ichani blocked the way. "Oh no Ichani killer, you will see your pretty friend die before I kill you!" Akkarin shot Lorlen a worried glance and saw him struggling to hold his shield up. Desperately Akkarin struck at the Ichani furiously and the Ichani focussed on him, ceasing strikes on Lorlen. Lorlen fell down exhausted and quickly scrabbled away towards the door. A cruel smirk crossed the Ichani's face, and he turned to Lorlen, sending strike which hit with a deafening crack as everything in its path was destroyed. Lorlen's unconscious body slid across the floor and slumped against the furniture. "LORLEN!" Akkarin cried out. Angered, Akkarin sent a strong strike, leaving him completely exhausted, nearly empty of magic. Akkarin collapsed, limbs completely devoid of energy. He watched the Ichani's shield waver and saw him breathing heavily. "This is not over." He growled heading towards the door he entered from, pausing only to grab Lorlen's slumped body. Akkarin tried to stand, but his body did not obey. "No!" He screamed out mercilessly.