May 30, 2015
New York City, Manhattan
A man was sitting in a coffee shop all alone.
He had no phone, no magazine, no computer, no newspaper, and no briefcase. He just sat in his chair sipping coffee and staring out the window.
This is Lorenz Steiner, a mage from the Clocktower. He arrived in this far off city over two weeks ago. Shortly after that he summoned his servant Caster.
Since he summoned his servant, he has spent much time going out into the city and exploring.
Truth be told, he didn't really like going back to his hideout. The servant he summoned was one he didn't expect and loathes them to a certain degree.
He finished his drink and left the shop. Traveling three blocks away he arrived at a partially rundown warehouse. It had close proximity to many apartment complexes nearby which was least favorable for a Holy Grail War.
He was a mage after all so he lived in secrecy. A place like New York City is a horrible place for mages to battle to the death.
He entered the warehouse and came up to a large wall, then walked through it.
Inside was just like any other mage's Workshop. Research materials, artifacts, and tools were neatly organized all around.
At the edge of the room, a small figure was standing in front of a workbench with two floating books at their side.
"Caster, what are you doing? The workshop is secure, we don't need any more unnecessary dolls to defend the place."
"Your magecraft is weak so I have to compensate for it with the power of Mahatma. I wish for you to learn from this as well. And these aren't dolls, its colonel!"
Steiner had an expressionless face, but his fist was clenched. Being called inferior would anger any mage, but the truth is he knows his servant is right. He may have many magic circuits, but their output is low. He can use many types of magic, but they are weak and limited.
To be judged by the creator of Theosophy no less is a most humiliating thing.
"I say again Steiner, if you wish to abandon the ways of the Association and want to learn of Mahatma I will gladly show you the way." She turned to Steiner with a large grin on her face.
The mage sat down and sighed. "I refuse and I will continue to do so Mrs. Blavatsky."
She gave a displeasing look then turned back to her work. "So, how has exploring the city been. I must say, all these large buildings block the beautiful sky, its disappointing."
"The city is large, there are far too many people, and the collateral damage will be massive. I have tried to locate other masters or any trace of magic but have found nothing so far. My familiars aren't finding anything even though I am keeping watch on the church."
"A shame then. My searches have come up cold as well, they seem to know we are looking for them."
"We don't know how many master are here, we don't know how many servants have been summoned, and our methods of search are failing. The situation is dire."
"Calm down Steiner, the Grail War has yet to even begin. You are expecting too much too soon."
"This Grail War must end as soon as possible. The existence of mages and magic will be revealed to the world. Not I or the Association can stop that. The most I can do is let as little as possible be revealed. To do that the masters must be eliminated as soon as the war starts."
Caster didn't say anything but looked almost as if she was pitying her master.
Steiner stood up and went for the exit.
"I am going to expand my search radius and I want you to do the same. How much longer before you can turn this place into a temple?"
A little doll flew into the back of Steiner and almost made him trip.
"Steiner! Don't just leave after returning. You are pushing yourself far too early! You can relax and prepare for now."
Caster stopped working and now had her arms crossed like she was scolding a child.
Steiner couldn't help but look at her with disdain.
"The temple will be ready by tomorrow. We can observe how the other master will react within the coming days. With guidance from Mahatma, we can prepare better to win this war!" A smug smile was on her face and she was standing proud. The dolls floating around her were nodding in agreement.
Steiner regained his posture and opened the door. "Good, the temple will surely guarantee a level of power the other servants won't have. I will return in 4 hours."
Caster was now left to her own devices. "Ahhh! Those stubborn Association mages! Never compromising unless it benefits them, so frustrating!"
She was waving her arms like having a tantrum. Then she calmed down and slumped down in a chair.
"Olcott, all I want is for him to see Mahatma, why must he be so difficult?" She held one of the dolls in her hand and looked at it in the eyes. It nodded its head many times and was flailing about.
"I know, but he has so much potential, I wouldn't want it to go to waste." She curled up and closed her eyes.
After a few minutes of silence she jumped out of her seat. "I got it! Mahatma has shown me a vision. I know the perfect way to get his attention." She had a spark in her eyes and went to a bookshelf and picked out dozens of them with the dolls getting tools and artifacts.
