AN: Whew, finally got this chapter done, despite the migraine from hell the last three days. With that, I hope you enjoy reading.


Chapter 2:

It was shortly after dinner that Drayce made his way to the library. Ramus was pleased to learn of his discovery, unsurprisingly. He was also quite relieved; now the law-abiding guilds had their fair chance of exploring the labyrinth, as well. And were able to do so without resorting to less than illegal and unsafe methods.

Drayce, too, would have been greatly relieved that he had fulfilled his duty to Ramus. Yet, he was preoccupied.

Ever since he had learned of the existence of rules and laws of Necromancy, it had his eternal interest. As nosy and inquisitive as he was, he knew little of the world of necromancers. Not entirely his fault as necromancers, especially those who were celestians, were secretive of their skills and talents.

He was sure that they had reasons to be so cautious. Self-preservation or protectiveness. Bit of both, maybe.

But he was also incredibly curious to what those rules were. They were something that left Zohar unsettled, angry even. He wished to know why. To better understand Zohar. To better understand necromancers.

Wanting to learn more and actually knowing what to look for to know more were two different things, however. And the library was filled to the brim with books and tomes. So, he was literally just wandering the aisles and bookcases, idly trailing fingertips along the book spines.

Man, was the library always so big? How many books were there? He'd need ten lifetimes to read them all!

"What brings you to the library, Drayce?"

"Oh hey, Shashi." Thank goodness, someone who actually knows his way around the library. "Well, I'm just looking up necromancy."

Shashi gave a curious tilt of his head as he folded his arms loosely over his chest. "That's quite a broad topic. Anything in particular?"

"Rules, specifically." Drayce rubbed the back of his neck awkwardly, granting Shashi a lopsided, somewhat apologetic grin. "I happened to overhear a conversation between Zohar and a Celestian. She wanted him to, well, resurrect a deceased loved one. I was just curious to how many rules would be broken if someone tried."

"Ah, I see," Shashi said, yet he didn't look even a little bit surprised by his newfound interest. "You've chosen quite the intriguing, if dark topic. Though, it is good to know the rules. I can't imagine you breaking any of them."

"Well, I certainly hope I won't." Drayce followed Shashi as he moved quietly toward another role of bookcases. "You know them? The rules?"

Shashi gave a slight nod of his head as he trailed a single finger along the book spines. "They were a subject I studied while at the Tower of Magic. Quite intriguing, if I am to be honest. Though, it is a subject that many Celestians would rather keep to themselves."

Drayce abruptly remembered the sight of a troubled Zohar walking away, his back and shoulders carrying the tension he was obviously feeling. "Zohar wasn't very forthcoming."

"I imagine he wouldn't be," Shashi returned, somewhat dismissively. "Though, it's likely born out of protectiveness."

Yeah, that was sure to be the reason. He understood that. Yet, the reason behind that protectiveness was also added to the motivation Drayce to learn more. To hopefully ease his concerns.

"Here." Shashi finally plucked an old, leather-bound book from the tall bookcase. He offered it toward Drayce, the lettering of the front cover faded and almost unreadable. "This book should help sedate some of your curiosity. If only for a little while. I do suggest you don't dive too deeply. It's a sensitive subject."

Drayce quickly retrieved the book, resting it on his forearm as he trailed his fingers lightly around the faded lettering. "I just want to know enough to ensure that I don't offend anyone."

Shashi presented him with a small, knowing smile. "Of course."

"Thanks for the help, Shashi. If anyone needs me, I'm in the office."

Turning on his heel, Drayce turned his gaze down at the book in his hands as he instinctually made his way out of the library, and into his office. His desk was relatively clean, thankfully (and unusually, he had to be honest), he promptly sat himself down into his comfortable chair. And placed the clearly old book upon his desk.

The pages were a dull yellow colour, indicating their age. The words, written in an elegant scrawl with black ink, had faded, though remained legible. Good enough to read the rules etched upon the following pages.

Wraiths are obligated to aide in battle; do not abuse this obligation to further one's own selfish designs.

Reanimate to learn, not to punish or harm.

The power of grief cannot break the forbidden, no matter how mournful.

Aide the spirit; leave the remains to rest in their graves.

Disturb not their slumber, unless it will aide redemption.

Trust not the word of the sinful; they move to deceive and to gain.

Allow the irretrievable souls to rest in thine slumber.

The remorseful to heal; the ungrateful to punish.

Seek not to capture the forbidden and demonic – your eternal soul is their price.

Man…he hadn't realised that there were so many different varieties of wraiths. Irretrievable, remorseful, forbidden, ungrateful, sinful…demonic.

There were so many questions he wanted to ask. So many more things he wanted to know. What happened should a forbidden soul be called upon? Were there some wraiths that necromancers weren't allowed to contact at all? What did 'reanimation' actually mean?

What happened if the rules were broken?

Thankfully, the answer appeared to be on the next page, written in bold lettering. Signifying how important and crucial the information was.

Those who break the rules, those who harm and punish others without remorse, to shatter the dignities of the souls, will face their judgement. Under the eyes of the Ravenous Devourer.

Ravenous Devourer, huh? With a name like that, he certainly wouldn't want to meet something like that either. It appeared to be quite a prominent legend or belief, however. He could probably guess that it would entail, with a name like that.

He was still interested to know more, however.

Drayce placed his hands atop of his desk and pushed himself to his feet. Shashi should still be loitering around in the library, he barely left after all. No harm in asking him for more information.

"Hey Shashi, me again," Drayce announced as he walked into the library, spying said sigil expert by the sturdy oak table in the middle of the room. "Do you know anything about the legend of Ravenous?"

"Hm? The Ravenous Devourer of Evil Souls?"

Well, that sounded more ominous. "That's likely the one. I take that it isn't called that for nothing?"

"Not at all," Shashi said as he picked up a small stack of books, intent on returning them to their places upon the many bookshelves. Drayce immediately followed, figuring that Shashi may lead him to another curious book. Instead, the talented researcher simply began explaining the myth to him as he seemingly idly replaced the books upon the shelves.

"It's quite an accurate name. It is visualized as an entity of a black bird, made of smoke and shadows. It is an enforcer of the strict rules of necromancy. If a necromancer dares to break the rules for the purpose of either self-gain or to cause harm to others, or to control the forbidden, Ravenous is the one that will steal their very soul and remove it from existence. Leaving the hollow husk behind. There is no defence against Ravenous. If it has deemed a necromancer wretched and vile, it will hunt them down without remorse."

Wow…Shashi was just an endless well of information, huh? Truly amazing. He was so glad, and lucky, that he was willing to help him whenever he needed!

"You could say that Necromancers have a healthy fear of this entity."

Drayce tilted his head to the side. "All of them? But it only goes after those who constantly break the rules, right?"

Shashi granted a familiar smile. "It's natural to have a fear of those who serve out justice. This entity is said to devour the literal soul. It is Celestian belief than when someone dies, their soul is judged, and they either descend into the pits of hell where they are punished for their deeds before they are returned to the thin veil between life and death as wraiths, forced to seek a path of redemption. Or ascend to the astral plain where they reside until they are reborn, either to live oblivious to previous lifetimes, or as grand masters who have knowledge of many lives they have lived. Ravenous is said to take the souls of those it deems evil and removes it from existence entirely. No redemption. No punishment. No forgiveness. It is gone forever."

Oh…

"Oh, wow, yeah, it's understandable now." Drayce dropped himself down onto an empty chair by the table. "I had no idea. This is really interesting. Does it actual exist?"

Shashi began to shuffle through the books and papers that littered the table. "If you ask a necromancer, the answer is a resounding yes. But to you and I; who knows. Necromancers aren't very forthcoming with information, as you said."

Drayce barely managed to restrain a wince. "Do you think Zohar would be angry with me for looking into this stuff?"

He really hoped not…

"That, I don't know," Shashi answered honestly with a shrug. "That man is actually quite hard to read. But you are a treasure hunter. Someone who deals with myths and legends. And I can tell you, Celestians have quite the extensive list of stories to tell."

That brought a grin back to Drayce's lips. "Sounds amazing."

"Zohar has no right to gripe," Shashi continued, a carefully tapping a wad of papers onto the wooden desk to straighten them. "He knew what he was getting into. Besides, you are not one to take such legends lightly. Even if you make a mistake, it won't be done out of malice. Do not worry yourself."

When Drayce set out to learn of the rules and laws, he truly meant no harm. It was his curiosity, the incessant need to learn more. So, it was nice to know that others saw the innocence of his actions.

"Thanks, Shashi," Drayce said, sincere in his words.

Shashi gifted him with another small, knowing smile. "It's getting late, I believe we should retire soon."

Drayce made no attempt to hide a small wince of fear as he pushed himself from his seat. "Before Ash goes on the rampage. Right. Thanks again, Shashi. Good night."

"Good night."

… … … … …

The smell of breakfast greeted Drayce as he walked down the stairs. Sunlight streams through the stained glass of the grand front doors, indicating a bright and beautiful day. He stepped out into the front foyer; his mind focused on what he intended to do in the labyrinth for that day.

His thoughts were disturbed by a sudden knock at the front door.

Turning his gaze toward the entrance, he was able to spy two shadows darkened the front entryway. How curious. He wasn't expecting any guests.

Drayce quickly crossed the floor, unlocking one side of the twin doors, and pulled back to reveal a pair of guards stood side by side on the landing. The two startled him for a moment as it wasn't common for guards to approach citizens without good reason. And that caused a bubble of concern to begin to swell in his chest.

He soon caught himself and regarded the two with a curious tilt of his head. "Can I help you?"

The tallest of the guards removed his helmet and rested it in the crook of his arm. "Sorry to bother you so early in the morning, but we need to speak with the necromancer called Zohar."

Zohar?

"Ah, sure. Come in." Drayce stepped back, beckoning for the two guards to step into the foyer. No point standing outside, especially with the severe expressions on the guards' faces.

With the guards stood off to one side, Drayce closed the door and turned his attention toward the stairs. Just as he began to ponder the process of how to get Zohar's attention, the very necromancer appeared at the stop landing of the stairs and after a minor pause, soon made his way down toward him.

"Zohar, there's a couple of guards that need to speak with you." That wasn't exactly the good morning he was hoping for. There was little he could do about it. He wasn't an empath, but he could sense the tension from the two guards.

Zohar obviously did, too, as a tight expression of stoic apprehension graced his features. His eyes flickered over to the two men, his expression somehow tightening further. "I see. Very well."

Drayce stepped back, inching toward the archway leading to the dining hall as Zohar approached the two guards. As confused as he was, not to mention insatiably curious, he wasn't about to go and purposely eavesdrop. But didn't mean he wasn't going to linger by, to ensure everything was alright.

After giving Zohar a few pieces of paper to glance through, the three talked quietly. Zohar flipped through the pages, seemingly pausing long enough to read a few interesting notes or passages before finally handing the notes back to the guards with a nod of his head.

Zohar turned toward Drayce, attempting to give him that small, polite smile of his, but it was obviously strained. "I'm afraid I am needed elsewhere. I will not be able to venture into the labyrinth with you today."

"Sure, that's fine," Drayce instinctively returned.

"Excuse me," was all that Zohar offered as he turned and joined the two knights as they walked through the front door.

Drayce idly scratched the back of his neck as he stared, clearly puzzled, at the front doors. Huh. What was that about?

"He likely has a job."

Drayce jumped, taken by surprised by Fiorello's voice. It soon registered what he had said, prompting Drayce to turn to give the botanist a curious look. "A job?"

Fiorello frowned, something so different than his usual cheeky, all-knowing grins. "He often aides in murder investigations."

Now, Drayce hadn't expected something like that!

"He has the ability to witness the victims last moments," Fiorello continued, his frown somehow deepening. "Depending on how violent the death, the victim's body can sometime physically react, allowing for the victims last words to be heard by anyone in the room at the time. It is an incredibly unsettling thing to witness."

Drayce stared wide-eyed at him. "Really? I had no idea. Have you witnessed it?"

"A couple of times, rather unfortunately." Fiorello sighed, folded his arms behind his back and made his way into the dining hall. "That is likely the reason why Zohar hasn't told you."

Drayce stood silently as Fiorello disappeared from sight. He then turned to gaze at the closed front doors, searching for something. Something that door wouldn't be able to reveal.

There was so much he did not know about Zohar. Aiding in murder investigations? Animating the dead? Enduring demands from grieving families?

What bothered him the most, however, was the fact that he was learning bits and pieces about Zohar from other people.

With a frustrated sigh, Drayce turned and made his way into the dining room also. The table was already occupied with a few of his guildmates. Kamali sat on the right side with his brother, the two celestians focusing on reading leather bound books. On the other side sat Salim, idly rolling and flexing his still injured, still bandaged shoulder.

"Hey, good morning," Drayce greeted with his usual enthusiasm, promptly receiving sincere greetings in return.

"Who was at the front door?" Shashi asked, idly flipping a page of the book he was reading.

"A couple of guards searching for Zohar," Drayce explained simply. "They seemed to need his help with something."

Shashi didn't lift his gaze from his book, but he did arch a curious little eyebrow. It was possible that he had no idea how Zohar assisted the guards, either.

Now that Drayce thought about it, the council had to be involved somehow. Egar especially, since he was the one who had the majority of control over the guards of the city. However, Zohar's assistance was more than likely kept purposely on the quiet.

Hopefully, at least, as it was clear Zohar wasn't all that happy to be needed for a murder investigation.

"Good morning~!" Tokala greeted cheerfully and enthusiastically. "Breakfast is almost ready!"

Tokala's energy was heartening to see, but Drayce couldn't help but worry that he was pushing himself. Mentally fighting against the dreaded Dark Blade while being physically manipulated placed his body under a lot of strain.

"I'm fine!" Tokala suddenly announced, likely in response to Drayce's quietly concerned expression as he regarded him. "I can't fight, but I can cook. So I get to be useful after all."

Balancing a few trays in his hands, Ashton walked out of the kitchen. "And with the guild growing, it's nice to have another set of hands in the kitchen. Especially someone who knows what they're doing."

Setting the trays down, Ashton then reached up to ruffle Tokala's hair between his ears, earning himself a happy little twitch of his ears, and playful swishes of his tail. It was an adorable sight, no need to deny that. And it was nice to have caretaker Ash fussing over someone else. He was awfully good at it, after all!

Drayce moved to the 'head' of the table, which was his designated seat, and pulled out his chair. As he sat down, he turned his gaze toward the clearly restless pugilist. "And you, Salim? Getting antsy?"

Salim continued to fidget with his bandages, side-eying them with distain. "Cabin fever, more like it."

Completely understandable. Drayce had had his fair share of injuries and medical instructions. Nothing worse than wanting to do something, but not being able to. However, the guy was in fact shot clean through the shoulder. Not exactly something he could shrug off.

Excuse the pun.

"I know you're itching to get back into the labyrinth, but not yet," Drayce stated. "Let's wait for those injuries of yours to heal a little bit more. The labyrinth isn't going anywhere, after all."

Salim sighed aloud and sunk deeper into his chair but made no attempt of a rebuttal. He either understood that Drayce was just fussy with his concern. Or kept quiet because Fiorello sat across from him, peering at him through slightly narrow eyes with a cheeky grin.

The latter seemed more likely, but Drayce liked to think it was the former.

"Morning, Drayce!"

A smile immediately made its way to Drayce's lips as he turned his head to the side, and watched as Faelen, who had been the one to greet him enthusiastically, Blayke, and Caelem stepped into the dining room.

Blayke uttered a groggily 'good morning' around a yawn as he idly scratching the back of his neck. He plonked himself down onto the chair to the left of Drayce while Faelen hurried to the chair on Drayce's right. Caelem gave Drayce a small smile as he sat down next to Blayke.

"Morning you three," Drayce greeted. "Did you sleep well?"

"Hm!" Faelen replied positively as he perched himself on the edge of his seat. "Are we heading into the labyrinth today?"

"That's right. Third floor. Hazard a guess that we'll need to find the stairs to the next floor."

A movement from the corner of Drayce's eye prompted him to turn his gaze toward archway once more. Where Runihura stood, with Palash half hidden behind him, hand clutching the hem of his shirt.

Runihura was dressed in a simple shirt and shorts, hanging loosely on his slender frame. They looked far more comfortable than the dark leather he had previously worn. Especially in regard to his injuries. But it was good to see him up and about, even if he and his little brother, Palash, looked uneasy in their new surroundings.

Not that he could blame them. They had the right to be nervous. Going from an abusive, toxic guild of bandits into one led by a treasure hunter had to be quite the change for them.

He hoped the two will become comfortable within the guild.

"Oh hey, good morning you two," Drayce greeted warmly. "Take a seat. You're just in time for breakfast."

Runihura continued to look hesitant. He took a step forward, thankfully, and silently slipped into an empty seat next to Kamali. And Palash promptly took a seat next to him. Kamali regarded the two politely with a small smile.

Just as Runihura made himself comfortable into his seat, Tokala cheerfully began the process of dishing out the food, placing plates in front of everyone. Light and friendly chatter picked up, everyone settling into the domestic comfort that usually came with breakfast time.

Drayce took a moment to cast his gaze over the room once more. It was heartening to watch his guildmates interact with one another.

It was…a shame that Zohar wasn't able to join them.