Guild Wars: Vengeance

by Ewol Navi

Called out of exile, a lone ranger returns home to the Land of the Golden Sun and finds the continent at war. In her quest to save Elona from evil and tyranny she makes alliances, forges a guild and faces the demons of Torment. Joined by an intrepid elementalist, she must end the ambitions of a mad Warmarshal ... before Nightfall comes. (Novelization of Guild Wars: Nightfall)

21. Chapter 20: Under New Management

Ch. 20

Under New Management

"Well we've got good news," Koss announced, "But then we've also got bad news."

The officers of Dormant Vengeance had gathered in the mess hall for an impromptu mid-day meeting, to listen to the report brought in by Koss and Jin. The Sunspear warrior stood at the foot of the table, while the Zaishen ranger circled the table and distributed the various letters and documents they had procured in Istan.

"Alright," Rakiv said, accepting a scroll from Jin, "Gimme the good news first then."

"Well the good news is that the Council agreed to see us," Koss said, "And we got something in the way of support, a nice shipment of field rations waiting on ships in Nundu Bay. I already sent a team out to retrieve them. We also got a small cache of weapons and armory materials from the Zaishen. All in all, not a bad care package."

"Yeeeah…" Rakiv said with a frown, "But we asked for real help. Ships, men… hell, where are the rest of the Sunspears?"

"Well… that's the bad news," Koss chuckled, scratching at his afro, "Now I have to say, Jin and I lobbied this hard. We were in the Council chambers almost every day trying to get them to listen to us."

"But?" Rakiv asked.

"… The Council has denied us all direct support," Koss sighed, "And has disassociated themselves with the guild. The Sunspears have done the same. Jerek released an edict publicly denouncing Kormir's invasion of Gandara, and claims that this guild has no affiliation with the Sunspears."

"What!" Rakiv roared, jumping to her feet.

The chamber fairly erupted with her, exclaimations of outrage and surprise ringing through the cave. Koss raised his hands, trying to quiet the room, which was achieved when Kydar gave a sharp whistle.

"C'mon guys, calm down," the scribe advised, "Let the man finish."

"Look, I was angry too," Koss said, "But it was all I could do to keep them from court marshalling me, and the rest of the Sunspear survivors we brought back. Truth be told, it's only thanks to General Yurukaro that we were even allowed to leave Istan again."

"Why is the Council backing down?" Rakiv demanded, "What sense does that even make? Do they realize that we're at war here?"

"That's exactly the problem," Koss continued, "When we made it back to Istan, we had arrived just ahead of a Kournan invasion fleet. Apparently Varesh decided to counter attack Istan, in response to our attack on Gandara. The Istani Navy has been preoccupied just trying to keep Kournan battleships out of the harbors and bays. Jin, tell 'em what you saw."

All eyes turned to the Zaishen ranger, who stood to attention to deliver her report.

"The Istani Navy was unable to match the Kournan Fleet," Jin explained, "Varesh's creatures… the Margonites have been deployed into battle, and many of the ships in her fleet are crewed by these demons."

"Grenth's grasp…" Anicara muttered in shock.

"The Sunspears no longer have the manpower to support the Navy," Jin went on, "And the Council has appealed to General Yurukaro for aid. Zaishen ships have bolstered the Navy's strength, but it is a hard fought battle in the gulf."

"All the more reason for the Council to send us support though!" Rakiv exclaimed, "We're already in Kourna! We can still hit them where it hurts, we just need the men to do it!"

"They don't have anyone to spare," Koss sighed, "Everything they have is in the gulf, fighting the Kournans. But the real problem is that the Council is responding with fear."

"How so?" Kydar interjected.

"They think they can 'salvage' this," Koss grumbled, "Through diplomacy. They think there might still be a chance to reason with Varesh, convince her that the invasion was all Kormir's fault and that they had nothing to do with it. They're hoping they can make her stop attacking them."

"So they're hanging us out to dry!" Rakiv cried.

"Pretty much…" Koss said, "The supplies we got were part of the deal with the Zaishen. Yurukaro's rendered aid with the condition that they would send supply shipments to us out here."

"The general wished to send more," Jin explained, "But Istan is in need of defenders. In truth… I believe she is now making do with fewer men and supplies than she actually needs."

Rakiv sat down and groaned as she rubbed her temples. Council cowards be damned! This was ridiculous. How was she supposed to fight a war with a bunch of merchants and civilians to defend, and only a handful of fighting men to command?

"There is some other good news though…" Koss put in, "We have a few announcements and the Council did provide us with some useful advice."

"Let's hear it," Rakiv grumbled.

"Well while I was in Istan, I looked into the Xunlai registry," the warrior explained, "Dormant Vengeance is now an officially recognized guild, with its name in the registry and everything."

"Is that all?" Rakiv asked impatiently.

"Uh, there were also some promotions made… right?" Koss asked, turning to Jin.

"Sousuke, Anorah and myself have all been promoted by the general," Jin said, "We have attained the rank of Zaishen Adept."

There was silence in the chamber for a moment, until Tahlkora raised her hands and began to clap. Alendra joined her and soon the others also offered their applause to their Zaishen members. Feeling it was appropriate, Sousuke stood and bowed quickly before taking his seat once more. Anorah merely nodded in recognition, but otherwise remained silent.

"Well that is good news," Rakiv admitted, "Congratulations guys, after what you went through you definitely earned it."

"Thank you guildmistress," Sousuke smiled.

"Uh, I guess I should clarify for us Sunspears in the room," Koss said as he cleared his throat, "That we've all sort of been demoted… well, disowned really. Spearmarshal Jerek is no longer recognizing us as officers in the Order of the Sunspears… so we've all been discharged."

"Wait… all of us!" Alendra exclaimed.

"'Fraid so…" Koss chuckled wryly, "From this point on I'm just Koss Dejarin, no more Sunspear Commander or anything."

The mood in the room fell visibly, as the former Sunspears took in the news. Anicara stared into her lap numbly, while Alendra held her face in her hands. Few countenances were as darkened as Dunkoro's, as the Sunspear General felt the rank that defined his life's work stripped away. Rakiv was quick to respond.

"Doesn't matter," she said, "You are all officers of this guild, generals, commanders and castelleans of Dormant Vengeance. This guildmistress still recognizes your ranks and accomplishments, and that's not about to change."

The stern gaze from their guildmistress told the officers she would tolerate no arguments, and despite her gruff announcement, they felt their spirits lift somewhat.

"We are doing what is right… what must be done… what no one else is doing," Dunkoro spoke up, "And that is what matters."

"You're damn right it is," Rakiv nodded firmly, "Now Koss, what's this advice you got from the Council?"

"Well…" Koss said as he unrolled another letter, "They say that they can't help us, and that any continued support will only worsen their position. But, they claim that there are certain conditions under which they would be willing to resume affiliation with our cause."

"And that is?" Rakiv asked.

"If we can unite Elona against Ossa's regime," Koss read from the parchment, "Then Istan is prepared and willing to commit to open war. But first there are 'allegiances' that have to be called on, old pacts that need to be fulfilled."

"So who are they referring us to?" Kydar questioned.

"The Merchant Princes of Vabbi," Koss stated, as he rolled up the scroll and handed it to the scribe, "This letter is a copy of the contract the Merchant Princes signed, along with the Istani Council and Warmarshal Mahkai Ossa."

"Says here…" Kydar says, "That should any one province become the target of aggression from any enemy power, then the other provinces of Elona are obligated to come to its aid. The contract applies even if the enemy power is another Elonian province, but it looks like it applies only to provinces defending themselves from invasion, not provinces that are doing the invading."

"That's pretty much how it works," Koss agreed, "The Council says we can use this to compel the Merchant Princes to send us their forces and stop Varesh's campaign. The thing is we're gonna have to move fast, cause we need to speak to the princes before Varesh figures out she can do the same thing."

There was silence for a long moment as the group considered it. Tahlkora cast about the chamber, watching the faces of the officers before turning to Koss in confusion.

"Wait… they want us to go to Vabbi?" Tahlkora blinked, "Do they really think the Merchant Princes will help us?"

"The Council said that they have to," Koss said.

"Yeah… but they won't," Kydar put in, "I'm with Tahlk on this one. The Princes aren't really the fighting type… well, except for Ahmtur, but he's always got a fight on his hands anyway. The Princes are too preoccupied with their books and their parties and their profits to bother with this."

"Well they're not that bad," Tahlkora put in, "I mean, they're a little uninvolved maybe, but… if we show them enough evidence…"

"Then they'll just applaud us for coming up with such a convincing tale, and then ask us if we plan to turn it into a Sehbway play," Kydar snorted, "This is a bad idea, and a waste of our time. By the time we convince the princes that anything is even wrong, not only will Abaddon already be out and about, but Varesh would have had enough time to plan a wedding and marry him too!"

There were a few chuckles around the table at that, and Rakiv couldn't help but smile and shake her head. Though the scribe was being sarcastic, the ranger wouldn't have been surprised if such thoughts had already passed through Varesh's mind.

"Not much of a patriot, are you?" Dunkoro chuckled from across the table.

"I'm plenty patriotic, I love Vabbi," Kydar shrugged, "The Princes take good care of the economy and the province is richer than ever. They're just not particularly good when it comes to dealing with any conflicts outside of Vabbi. I mean, you remember the fiasco with the raids on the trade routes, and the protection talks with the Canthan Prime Minister right?" he asked as he turned to Tahlk.

"I… don't really keep up with politics," the young monk chuckled sheepishly.

"Oh, well see what happened was…" Kydar began.

"Uh, let's try to keep this on topic," Rakiv interrupted, "Look, maybe the Princes will be tough to convince… but they have the army, the men and the resources we need. Once Kourna's offensive is broken, then we can focus on stopping these demons and this whole Nightfall business. So… unless there are any other ideas?"

There were none, and so the room was silent, until Nerashi spoke up.

"There is one, real problem with this plan," Nerashi said, "We have no way to get to Vabbi."

Rakiv frowned curiously at the other ranger, and then the expression faded as a slow, and terrible revelation washed over her.

"Oh no… Jahai," the guildmistress groaned.

"What is the problem with Jahai?" Sousuke spoke up curiously, "It is the Kournan capital yes? What does it have to do with Vabbi?"

"Ah, right, Zaishen," Nerashi said with a small, sheepish chuckle, "For those in the room that aren't familiar with Elonian geography. Northeastern Elona is separated from the rest of the continent by two conjoined mountain ranges, the Bahnakohr, and the Vehjin. Since ancient times, there has only been one known passage through the mountains, a large pass that was cut out by the Elon itself. The great pass of Jahai is the only known route in or out of Vabbi."

"Rumor has it that there are others," Kydar added, "For example, there is some legendary pass far to the north, that was used by Palawa Joko, but it has never been found. There are supposedly some other passages or tunnels that go through the mountains, but they're believed to be myths and legends. As far as we know, only the Elon knows the way through the mountains, so everyone has always followed the river. Otherwise, you're just staring at a jagged, sheer rock face."

"So we know where to get help from," Rakiv sighed tiredly, "But we have no way to get there? Typical."

"I suggest we research these myths and legends," Dunkoro advised, "There may be more truth to them than we think. We have contacts amongst smugglers and corsairs. Such people often know secret routes that are intentionally veiled in exaggerations."

"Mmm, fine, who wants that assignment?" Rakiv asked.

The chamber was silent for a moment, until Melonni rose from her seat, drawing the attention of the whole chamber.

"Actually… strangely enough… we may be able to help with that?" the dervish said, "Sousuke and I had a very strange… encounter, on our way back from the northern territories."

"Oh? Oh right, I forgot I sent you guys out today…" Rakiv chuckled sheepishly at her own forgetfulness, "Give us your report. How'd things go for the centaurs?"

"Very well, actually," Melonni nodded, "Sousuke came up with a rather ingenious form of ambush for the Kournans, but things got complicated after that."

"It was as we had feared, guildmistress," Sousuke spoke up, "The Kournans have indeed corrupted many earth spirits. Dervish Melonni and I spent many hours traking them down."

"It took the better part of the morning, after we routed the Kournan brigades," Melonni agreed, "But we did find the source of the tunneling that the centaur scouts reported."

"Which was?" Rakiv inquired.

"Elementals," Melonni said, somewhat grimly, "Which, I should add, is worse than earth spirits. An earth spirit might be something as simple as a watcher of the woods, or a spirit in charge of browning the leaves come autumn. These are important, but not very strong. Elementals however…"

"Dervish Melonni and I faced several elementals nearly as large as this chamber," Sousuke explained, "Truly enormous constructs of living land, very powerful indeed."

"Elementals aren't easy to corrupt either," Melonni added, "Whatever is doing this is powerful… really powerful. I don't think Varesh or any of her Acolytes could have done this alone."

"But it's under control now, right?" Rakiv asked, "The centaur are safe?"

"The villages in the Veld are fine, we made sure nothing ever got close enough to harm them," Melonni nodded in affirmation, "Mirza sends his thanks, and his assurances that this debt will be repaid."

"Ugh, centaur and their debts," Rakiv shook her head, "Well I'm sure we can call in the favor soon enough. What about this encounter though?"

"Right, that," Melonni nodded, "Sousuke?"

The Zaishen elementalist rose and withdrew a pair of documents from his belt, one a scroll bound with twine, and the other a neatly sealed envelope. He strode to the end of the table and handed both to Rakiv, who accepted them with an eyebrow arched in curiosity.

"We were approached by a man wearing thick, red robes," Sousuke reported, "We could not even see his face. He said only that he bore a message for the guildmistress, and that it was for your eyes only. We were loathe to believe him, but he said if we wish to enter Vabbi, we would be wise to accept his missive."

At that Rakiv's brow scrunched and she quickly tore open the envelope. Inside was a folded letter, and she unfolded it and perused its contents.

"It's asking for a meeting… tomorrow, at noon in the Jahai Bluffs," Rakiv blinked, and then turned the letter around to show the others, "It just says 'there is another way'."

"Okay… how could this guy know we need to go to Vabbi…" Alendra pipped up, "Before we even knew we needed to go to Vabbi?"

"He claimed that you would know him," Sousuke added, "By the name 'Disciple'."

Rakiv's eyes shot up to Sosuke, who fidgeted uncomfortably at the look of recognition, surprise and skepticism on his guildmistress' face. Rakiv's brow scrunched critically, before she turned to the other missive and unwound the twine.

"What's that one say?" Kydar asked.

"It's… from Margrid," Rakiv blinked, "She says she has information that we will want to hear. She gave directions but… it's been scratched out."

"Scratched out? Like someone scribbled over it?" the scribe inquired, leaning across the table in an effort to read the parchment.

"Yeah. It picks up in a different hand," Rakiv said, squinting at the small print, "And it asks that we meet in Jahai… at the Joko Monument."

"So someone intercepted this letter…" Dunkoro said quietly, "And rewrote the instructions."

"Is this a trap?" Alendra asked, "This feels like a trap. I haven't been led into many traps, but this feels like one."

As her officers began to debate the validity of the messages, Rakiv only chewed her lip silently in thought. A prickle at her neck told her that eyes were watching her, and she quickly looked up. Kydar was also silent, and held his arms crossed calmly over his chest as he studied her carefully. Their conversation was a silent one, but the opinion was clear. This could be the best chance they had to get things back on track. Even if it was a trap, they'd escaped from Varesh's clutches before. It was a risk, but it was a risk worth taking.

"Melonni," Rakiv spoke, causing the room to quickly become silent, "Mirza says he owes us one, yeah?"

"It's what he told me before we left the Veld," the dervish nodded.

"Then go tell Longmane and Swiftsight to take a message to Mirza," Rakiv instructed, "Tell him to bring warriors and archers and to meet us at the Joko Monument at mid-day tomorrow. If this is a trap, we'll need his help. If this is an opportunity, it's better that our allies know what we're planning to do."

"Yes, guildmistress," Melonni acknowledged with a tip of her head.

"Alendra," Rakiv said as she turned her gaze towards the paragon.

"Ahai guildmistress?" the castellean asked.

"I want you to handpick a guardian force for the village of Ronjok," Rakiv said, "We had a close call today, and I don't want to see that happen again. It might give away our position, but it's better we defend that village than let it burn and loose one of the few allies we have left."

"Yes, guildmistress," Alendra agreed.

"Anicara and Kydar," Rakiv spoke, glancing towards the two officers, "I want you to organize a crew to move those supplies out of the bay and down here to the Sanctuary. I'd like it done before morning if possible."

"I'll get right on it," Kydar nodded.

"Yes, guildmistress," Anicara replied.

"Dunkoro," Rakiv said, turning to her left to face the general.

"Ahai guildmistress," the older man responded.

"We have some prisoners from the Kournan military down below," the ranger explained, "I want you to take some healers and see that they're patched up. I also want you to question them and see what they know. Since we're all but blind now, the more we know about Kournan movements the better."

"Yes, guildmistress," Dunkoro nodded.

"And understand this, all of you," Rakiv said, turning to the rest of the chamber, "When we take prisoners, we do so as humanely as we can. If it can be helped, this guild does not torture. If a target can't be made to talk, lock him up and we'll deal with it another way. But if I find that anyone has used any methods that are cruel or unusual, then expect me to be very, very pissed off. Understood?"

"Yes, guildmistress!" the chamber echoed in unison.

"Good," she nodded with satisfaction, "Now get to work all of you, and get a good sleep tonight. I want to be ready to move out at ten hundred hours tomorrow morning. This isn't a meeting I want to be late for. Dismissed!"

Morning rose over the Jahai Bluffs, and the golden sun cast down its rays to bake the dusty savanna. Acacia trees swayed in the hot, morning breeze that sent dried up tumble weeds rolling across the desert plain. Though it was well into the Season of the Scion, the coming of Autumn in Elona could do little against the burning might of the desert sun. The land had yet to cool from the blazing heat of late summer, which effectively turned the Jahai Bluffs into a shimmering expanse of heat induced mirages. The peace of the morning was disturbed by the tromp of boots, as the command force of Dormant Vengeance made its way across the stoney dunes. Rakiv led her officers through the desert until the reached an acacia grove that guarded a stone alcove hewn out of a mighty rock face. Situated in the alcove sat the Monument, a carving of a great stone head, that frowned with an eyeless stare at all who dared gaze upon it. At its base a plaque had been set into the stone, and it bore an inscription.

"This monument commemorates the defeat of Palawa Jokoat the Battle of Jahai," Kydar read, and arched one eyebrow, "You'd think if you wanted to commemorate a defeat, you wouldn't build a giant statue of the guy's head."

"I'm pretty sure that's not Joko's face," Rakiv snorted.

"Well then who's head is it?" Kydar asked, "They just built the head of some random guy and decided to mark Joko's failure with it?"

"I dunno," the ranger shrugged, "Maybe it's Turai's head."

"That's not what Turai looked like!" Kydar protested, "Turai had a beard!"

"A righteous beard," Koss put in.

"A beard so righteous in fact," Kydar continued, "That it empowered him to cast down an ancient lich. If they made a statue of Turai's head, his beard of righteousness would have been included too."

"Okay, somewhere this conversation took a turn for the ridiculous," Anicara laughed lightly.

"Ugh, fine whatever," Rakiv shook her head as she wiped sweat from her brow, "It's too hot to argue with you. I just want to know where everyone else is."

Aside from the officers' party, there was not a soul in sight. With groans and sighs of varying discomforts, the guild leaders took refuge from the sun beneath the spread of the acacia trees and contented themselves to wait. Rakiv discovered a rather comfortable patch of dirt between a pair of large tree roots, and plopped down to rest her feet. Butter scuffled through the sand to join her in the shade, and slithered under his mistress' legs before he too laid down to rest. As the minutes passed the blazing haze caused the desert to warp and shimmer, yet through the mirages Anorah's sharp eyes were not deceived.

"Centaurs approach," the dervish announced, as she pointed to the north.

A dust cloud in the distance was steadily drawing closer, and soon the dull clop of hooves in rocky sand reached their ears. Mirza galloped at the head of his brigade, leading a formation of several well armed horsemen behind him. The centaurs slowed as they approached the monument, and there was much snorting, whinnying and stomping as they came to a stop.

"Hail huntress," Mirza called, panting lightly from his run, "We hear you have need of equine muscle."

"A courtesy and a precaution Mirza," Rakiv spoke as she pushed herself to her feet, "We're here to talk to an informant or two about some new developments in the war. The guild is looking into going to Vabbi, to ask the Merchant Princes to send us some help."

"Vabbi?" Mirza questioned as he clopped beneath the trees and tossed his mane out of his face, "What do you need from the Princes there? Why have the Sunspears not sent more soldiers? Where are Istan's fleets?"

"They kinda hung us out to dry," Rakiv shrugged, "The Sunspears are pretending they don't know us, and Istan said they didn't want anything to do with us. The Zaishen sent us a few warriors and some supplies, but that's about all we got."

"Miserable cowards," Mirza snorted with outrage, "I've known many a bovine who was not so easily cowed. They balk at the mention of open war? Where is their honor? Where are the Sunspears who supposedly safeguarded men and championed Elona!"

"Those were Kormir's sunspears," Rakiv sighed, "The new Spearmarshal is a buerocrat, not a warrior. We'll get no help from Istan, so we're gonna have to make new friends."

"Hrrrmph," the centaur responded, "Well where are these informants you speak of? I see none but those of your guild with you."

"No idea," Rakiv sighed, as she sat down again beneath the trees, "We're waiting on them."

"Mm, very well," Mirza nodded, "I shall have my scouts secure a perimeter. No Kournans will sneaking up on us."

"Glad to hear it," Rakiv said as she leaned back against the trunk and clasped her hands behind her head, "In the meantime I'm taking a nap. Wake me if something happens."

The centaur pride leader moved to issue orders to his troops while the humans lounged about. It didn't take long for boredom to set in, and all present found themselves engaged in mundane tasks. Alendra entertained herself by beating out a rhythm on her shield, until her hands were stilled by a mildly annoyed Anorah. The paragon only grinned at the dervish, who gave a defeated sigh at the shorter woman's indomitable jubilance, and left her to play her music. Nearly an hour passed before new figures could be seen on the horizon, a group of humans making their way towards them from the south. In time they could be seen clearly, and Kydar frowned as he realized he recognized them.

"Hey Rakiv," he said, nudging the ranger's boot with his foot, "We got some company."

The red-head cracked an eye open and rolled one violet hue towards the approaching group. Her brow furrowed to in mild confusion and she rose to her feet as the leader of the newcomers spoke in a familiarly gruff baritone.

"You're early," the man said, holding his arms folded over his chest.

"Nonsense Zudash," the man's companion said, "Look at the sun. It is we who are late."

"Trademarshal Dejarin? Elder Jonah? What are you doing here?" Rakiv frowned.

"We are here for the meeting of course," Zudash snorted, "But I hadn't heard the centaur would be a part of this."

"Well they're the only other fighting force in Elona that's on our side," Rakiv shrugged, "Figured I'd bring them along."

"You have a problem with us, human?" Mirza demanded.

"I don't," Jonah spoke up quickly, raising his hands placatingly, "But… the Master might."

"The who now?" Kydar asked.

"Okay look, what's going on?" Rakiv grumbled, "Where is this information? And what did Disciple have to do with all this? Where's Margrid, and everyone else for that matter?"

"You… didn't notice?" Jonah blinked in surprise.

"Didn't notice what?" the ranger sighed in annoyance.

"They're already here," Zudash clarified.

A scrape of rock above them caused everyone to spring to alertness, and several hands flew to the grips of various weapons. Butter gave a hiss and his spines raised in alarm as their enigmatic contacts finally revealed themselves. From atop the stone outcropping a group of men suddenly descended. They skid down the sheer rock wall, clinging to it precariously as they slid to the ground below. All of them wore large, enveloping robes of deep crimson, and wraps that surrounded their heads and hid their faces from view. Though all of them were well armed, none drew their weapons and stood stock still in a semi-circle around the guild. The last man to descend was one Rakiv vaguely recognized. The wrapping of his robes was somewhat tighter than the others, obviously cut to allow for swift movements and long runs. However it was his weapons that she recognized most, a long curved scimitar and a jeweled aureate chalice.

"Disciple," the ranger identified him.

"Huntress," he responded as he sprang from the wall and landed in a rather graceful crouch, "We meet again."

"Cliched much?" the ranger chuckled.

"It seemed appropriate," the man nodded, "It is good that you have come, all of you. There is much to discuss."

"Where's Margrid?" Rakiv demanded.

Another scrape of rock drew their attention upward and a new figure descended from the clifftop. Eyebrows were raised all around, as this person slid down with far less grace than the others, and significantly faster.

"Wh-whooooaaa… oof!" she exclaimed.

The corsair ranger hit the ground and rolled, but managed to flip to her feet and was left coughing as she waved away the dust cloud of her impact. Margrid the Sly stepped away from her rough landing and dusted off her clothes and armor. The pirate slung her broad red scarf over her back and scowled at the Disciple as she approached the group.

"You guys made that look easy," she complained as she brushed past him.

"Margy!" Koss greeted her, "So it's you after all. How was the trip back from Istan?"

"Not bad," the corsair shrugged, "Ran into a Kournan fleet, got boarded but escaped in a rowboat. Commandeered me a new ship in the Barbarous Shore, n' gleaned some good info from an extremely forthcomin' nobleman. Figured I'd share it with you lot n' see if'n you were interested in another partnership gig."

"So you abandoned your crew, stole someone's boat, and killed a civilian?" Melonni summarized scornfully.

"Oh naw, naw," Margrid shook her head, "The noble's still alive. Who says a girl's gotta use violence ta get what she wants?" she added with a smirk.

"Well in any case," Rakiv chuckled before Melonni could retort, "It's good to see you too Margrid. We got your letter… after it'd been added to."

"Yeah, this lot here's awful resourceful, that I gotta say," Margrid agreed and then turned to Disciple, "So when can I give 'em my pitch?"

"In a moment," Disciple said, "There is more at stake here than your next grand theft."

"Psht, bogswabble," Margrid spat disdainfully, "What could be more important than money?"

"Your soul, child."

Though the answer came quickly, it was not Disciple who had spoken, and all eyes quickly turned to find the source of the voice. It was difficult to say where he had come from, or when he had arrived, but a new figure had abruptly joined their conference. A tall man, wearing loose red robes of rich, expensive fabrics, stood before Joko's Monument. His back remained to them as he stared up at the edifice, and he was not alone. Next to him stood a woman who wore an outfit of skin tight black leather, with thigh high spiked boots and metal plated gloves. Though they could clearly see immaculately groomed white hair atop her head, the broad collar of her top hid her face from view.

"It has been many years, since that night in the rain," the tall man spoke, holding his hands clasped behind his back, "And I must admit, I did not expect that anything would ever come of you… cursed as you were."

Rakiv's jaw tightened, as the voice seemed to reach into the depths of her memory, drawing with it familiarity. She knew this man… had known this man, long ago… when she was young. Even then she had not liked him, he was hard, demanding, and a less the gracious teacher. But she had respected him for the tenacity, fortitude and strength he had taught her and her sisters. As he turned away from the monument the party gazed upon his face, and Rakiv's eyes narrowed slightly in recognition.

"Whisper," she stated, almost coldly.

"Whisper?" Kydar blinked, "Wait… wait, didn't you tell me you met a Whisper when you were like, real little?"

"I have known Rakiv Maelstrom for many years," the tall man interjected, "I took part in her instruction, watched her learn the ways of earth and sky. It seems now that I was a fool to doubt you so. You are stronger now than I ever expected you could be."

"You… lead these men," the ranger concluded, watching him carefully, "How long as this been going on?"

"Since shortly after you entered Kourna," the tall man admitted, "We've been helping each other for longer than you are aware, Rakiv."

"Okay… ya know what," Kydar interrupted, "Could we get some kind of explaination here. Ya know, for those of us who don't just happen to know everyone in Kourna."

"Yeah, this has all been clear as mud," Alendra put in, "I thought we were supposed to be getting answers here?"

No one spoke for a long moment as Rakiv and the tall man, whom she had called Whisper, stared at one another. After a minute of tense silence the man chuckled lightly and tipped his head to her.

"Perhaps you ought to enlighten them," he advised.

"Fine," Rakiv nodded curtly, "Officers, look around you. We are standing in the presence of one of the most elusive sects in the world. This, is the Order of Whispers."

The pause that followed was one obviously filled with disbelief. Despite having finally been introduced, tensions seemed to rise further still, as more than a few hands tightened on sword hilts.

"Hey, hold on now, calm down," Alendra spoke up, waving her hands at the guild officers, "Nobody's attacking anyone yet, so stop acting like we're going to fight."

"Wise girl," Whisper complimented.

"The Order of Whispers is a dead sect," Kydar stated factually, "They sealed away Palawa Joko but no one's heard from them in centuries. There are temple ruins and artifacts that document their disappearance. They've been gone a long time."

"We disappeared because we wished to," Whisper corrected, "Everything that you and your Academy have ever found of us were sites intentionally left for you to find. To fight our war, history would have to think us dead. We are not stalwart and brilliant defenders like your Sunspears. We are the daggers in the cloak, the secrets in the shadows. We stand in the dark to defend the light. Such is the Order of Whispers."

"And you're the Master, aren't you?" Rakiv inquired, "When did that promotion roll in?"

"Recently, actually," he admitted, "In the wake of the death of our previous Master, his duties fell to me, and I now direct the Order."

"Bully for you," Rakiv snapped.

"Come now, guildmistress," the Master chuckled, "Perhaps I was less than gracious in the past, but there is no reason we can't be civil. I have come today to offer you aid, and I think you would do well to listen."

"Care to explain what those guys are doing here?" Rakiv jerked a thumb at the older men standing behind her.

"We are, both of us, members of the Order," Zudash explained, "Have been for some years now, or at least I have."

"So might this little brotherhood have anything to do with you holding onto a lot of clout, even after Varesh had stripped you of all your stuff?" Kydar asked.

"In large part, yes," Zudash nodded, "It helps to have friends in dark places. In truth, I have played a large part in the Order's decision to aid your guild. As has Jonah."

"You were a member all along elder?" Rakiv asked.

"My apologies, Ranger Maelstrom," the old man chuckled, "I was forbidden to tell you. We were not sure if you and yours would have what it takes to do what must be done. But were it not for your guild, Ronjok would surely be ash today. I cannot speak for the rest of us, but I remain in your debt."

Rakiv nodded slowly as the tangles began to unravel. Zudash had known who they were almost immediately after they first entered his inn, and it was he who had sent them to Ronjok in the first place. Jonah had been a prisoner at the Gidara Fortress, and though he had been set free… no attempts had ever been made to recapture him. Ronjok had long been supporters of their cause, and despite their status as contenders with the warmarshal, Varesh had only recently mustered the strength to strike at them. A web of strange protections and allowances was suddenly explained, and the ranger gave a shake of her head, somewhat disappointed that she had not seen it sooner. The revelatory silence was broken, when yet another new voice spoke.

"Jonah?" it questioned, "My, my… is that you?"

Rakiv turned slowly, as the very sound of the voice caused the hairs to rise on the back of her neck. She did not know who this speaker was, but there was something in its voice she did not like. The speaker's voice was smooth as silk, every syllable annunciated to perfection and with poignant emphasis. Yet beneath these inviting tones lay an undercurrent of barely restrained strength, and the unmistakable sound of latent malice. Rakiv looked up, to find that it was the woman in black who had spoken.

The woman had approached the group, and stood only a few paces from them now. If she had appeared tall at a distance, she was even taller now, and stood at a height that very nearly rivaled even Kydar's loftiness. Her limbs were slender, and her slim waist gave way to hips that could easily be described as luscious. Green accents marked her leather suit, and though the material of her top clung to her arms and abdomen, several of its fasteners lay undone and revealed a deep valley of abundant cleavage. Rakiv's eyes rose higher to gaze upon the woman's face, and found there that she was indeed quite beautiful. Perfect cheekbones, full lips and long lashes accented her features, though her mouth was painted a curious shade of green that was so dark it was nearly black.

The woman was so beautiful that for a moment Rakiv felt she might almost be jealous, until she gazed upon her eyes. The woman possessed no mortal eyes, no deep windows to the soul were these. Instead of irises or pupils, the woman's eyes were completely white, milky and pale like those of a corpse. Yet she was not blind, for as she cocked her head to one side she clearly placed her gaze upon the elder of Ronjok village. A pair of tight buns atop her head bound up wild sprigs of hair that was as pale as mountain snow. As a slow smile crossed her face she casually swept aside long bangs that hung over one eye and parted her lips to reveal a set of perfectly white teeth.

Rakiv turned her gaze from the woman to look at the elder, and was disturbed by what she saw. Though beautiful this woman was, she was no welcome sight to the old man's eyes, and Jonah's dark features seemed to almost turn pale in response. The elder lifted a bony finger and pointed at her, his jaw working as he tried to speak.

"Master… Master what…" he began, eyes wide with shock, "What is she doing here?"

"Oh now Jonah, I thought you might be happy to see me," the woman fairly crooned, "After all, it's been two years, and I have missed you so."

"Master, I must protest," Zudash spoke up on Jonah's behalf, "What is this sorcerous wench doing at this council?"

"Peace, both of you," the Master said, "And as for you, slave… you will speak when spoken to. Now return."

The woman hesitated, staring at Jonah for a moment longer before giving an amused little giggle and turning away as ordered. She sauntered back to the Master's side and obediently stood behind him, though the malevolent smile never left her face. With a small snort of annoyance the Master returned his gaze to Rakiv, who bristled visibly at the whole display.

"Enough games," Rakiv fairly snarled, "Explain yourself. Now."

"Of course, guildmistress," he said, with a gracious tip of his head, "I have come today because you stand at a crossroads, and you have a choice to make. It has reached my ears that you are in need of a passage into Vabbi."

"Yes, but the road through Jahai is closed to us," Rakiv replied.

"Of course," the Master agreed, "But there is another way."

"So your letter said," Rakiv responded, "Where is it?"

"Before I tell you," the Master raised a hand to silence her questions, "You should hear what the corsair has to say first."

"Fine," Rakiv grumbled, folding her arms as she turned to the other ranger, "Margrid?"

"Oh good, finally my turn," the corsair said, "Okay, I've got a job that I think could be helpin' us both. Ya see, I heard there's a big score to be had these days, what with all this warrin' and fightin' goin' on. There's a treasure that I been wantin' ta get my hands on since I were a small fry, said ta be unstealable it is. But I think I cin steal it, and I want you ta help me."

"What is it?" Rakiv sighed and pinched her nosebridge between two fingers.

"The Glaive Diadem," Margrid grinned broadly, her eyes lighting up as she spoke of the treasure, "It's said it were worn by Lady Glaive herself, the Pirate Queen o' the Endless Ocean. The most valuable treasure there ever were, 'ccordin' to all the stories n' songs that is. It was lost fer a long time, but I found out where it's kept at. The Warmarshal's had it all along, part of her collection of royal jewels and such. Word is, it's bein' held in a vault at Gandara fer safe keeping. Only it ain't so safe no more, since there ain't so many soldiers gaurdin' that fort these days. I figure that with some good timin', and the proper disguises we could…"

"Margrid!" Rakiv interrupted with exasperation, "How does this help us? I don't care about a silly tiara. We're kind of in the middle of a war, if you hadn't noticed."

"Oh, right, the part you want to know is much better," Margrid nodded, "See, I heard this from one of me mates who just got done servin' a load of time in Bokoss Prison. I'm catchin' up with the old saltdog over a pint o' grog, and he tells me that there be some real important folks held up in Bokoss these days."

"She's gonna get to the point some day," Kydar whispered to Anicara, "I just know she is."

The younger elementalist giggled, but elbowed him anyway in an attempt to quiet her mentor. Oblivious to the scribe's jibe, Margrid went on.

"What sort of important people, says you?" Margrid grinned at Rakiv, "The kind ye'll be wantin' ta spring, says I. Bloke tells me that Varesh has got the one and only Spearmarshal of the Sunspears hold up in her dungeon there. Bogswabble, I says. Croc's honor, says he. I figure he must be talkin' 'bout some other Spearmarshal, mayhaps that unfriendly fellow what's in command now. But he tells me it ain't him neither, it's the real, true Spearmarshal, Kormir herself. He tells me that Spearmarshal Kormir is alive, and that the Warmarshal's been keepin' 'er that way fer a long time. So I says…"

Rakiv had long since stopped listening, as she was more than certain her heart had stopped. The corsair woman's words played over and over in the comatose silence of her shock and surprise. Kormir is alive. Kormir is alive. Kormir is alive…

"Kormir… is…?" Rakiv uttered slowly in complete disbelief.

"That's right, she's alive," Margrid nodded enthusiastically, "I hear she be well too, or well as can be expected. One o' my mates what's still locked up been lookin' after her see? But there ain't no tellin' how long she'll be stayin' that way… alive that is."

For a moment Rakiv desperately wanted to sit down, to scream, to jump off of something, or to just break down and cry. But she knew she could do none of these things, not in present company, not when she was negotiating as the guildmistress. Yet when she next she tried to speak, her throat suddenly tightened and she very nearly released a croaked sob. She quickly clamped her mouth shut, and then thanked the spirits when Kydar came to her rescue.

"Alright, enough of this story telling bit," Kydar interrupted the corsair, "Do you have a proposition or not?"

"Oh I do, and it's a doosie," Margrid chuckled, "I won't even charge you nothin' this time, total freebie. See, what I figure is, you guys can help me out with getting' disguises so we can sneak into Gandara. Then, while we're in there getting' my Diadem, we can swing by Bokoss and snatch your Spearmarshal too. Accordin' to my maps, the prison is attached to Gandara by a long bridge, and that bridge ain't too far from the vault we'll be raidin' neither. Just so long as we moves quick and quiet like, we can be in and out before anyone suspects a thing."

"You're sure this information is correct?" Kydar peered at her.

"Hey, don' just take my word for it landlubber," she said, gesturing to the Master of Whispers.

"I have spies, and they have confirmed to me all that Miss the Sly has said," the Master nodded sagely, "Your Spearmarshal is indeed alive, though according to my men, Varesh has already prepared the gallows for her execution."

"Yeah, so we're gonna have to move fast if we…" Margrid began, and then paused as she blinked at the Master, "Wait… Miss 'the Sly'? If anything it's Cap'n the Sly to you!"

"Well that's good news…" Kydar nodded, before he turned his eyes to the Master, "But what's this about a choice?"

Rakiv too looked up, emerging from her reverie to focus her attention on the Master of Whispers. The tall man nodded slowly as his expression darkened with the gravity of his words.

"Rescuing the Spearmarshal is a noble goal," he said, "But we are now faced with a more pressing problem. Over the course of the last several months, my men have noted a change in the land and its spirits, a taint in the very nature of the world. According to Jonah, you have seen the things of which I speak."

"Corrupted Natures and Tormented Lands," Kydar confirmed, "We've seen them, and dispatched more than a few of them. What's your point?"

"The tainting of the land and the turning of these creatures is being done by one being," the Master continued, "One of three greater demons that Abaddon has given to Varesh. All that you have seen, has been caused by The Drought."

"That big… rock, dragon thing that she summoned at Gandara?" Kydar asked, narrowing his eyes critically, "How can one demon have such a wide area of effect? This is all of Kourna we're talking about."

"Normally, one demon could not do this," the Master agreed, "But the Drought has greatly increased its power by attacking the source of life in Kourna, the one thing that prevents all this from turning back to ravaged wastes, and being reclaimed by the Desolation."

"Lyssa's grace…" Tahlkora spoke up, as she understood, "The River Elon!"

"The demon is in the water?" Melonni exclaimed.

"It explains it, does it not?" the Master responded, "You have seen these creatures from yourself, springing from the bed where once the old Elon ran. You have even seen the earth demons, creatures said to be bound beneath the holy river and yet they have been released while the Elon yet flows."

"But… how?" Tahlkora asked incredulously, "The Elon is holy! That water is holy water! No demon could…"

"The Drought is a creation of Abaddon," the Master interrupted, "One that I believe was created specifically for this purpose. Much like the Hunger, the Drought's purpose is to consume. But while the Hunger is an eater of flesh and bone, the Drought is a devourer of water and life. Varesh means to halt the flow of the River Elon… and she has already begun to succeed."

"Not just begun," Zudash spoke up, "She has already achieved this goal. I have come today to bring you grave news Master, from Dehjah herself."

"What says the river djinn?" the Master asked.

"Things have worsened, for her and her sisters," Zudash says, "The Drought has gained strength, and driven out the spirits of the river. She claims it has taken over the Mahnkelon Waterworks, and has already begun to devour the river at its source in Kourna."

"Then it is worse than I feared…" the Master grumbled under his breath.

"Who's Dehjah?" Kydar asked, glancing from the Master to Zudash and back again.

"A friend and an ally, one you will meet soon enough," the Master said cryptically, "The River Elon cannot be allowed to die. If it does, so does Kourna, and Varesh will have new demons to strengthen her forces. I had planned to offer you passage into Vabbi in exchange for the demon's life… but this turn of affairs now affects you more directly than I had expected."

"What do you mean?" Kydar questioned.

"The path to Vabbi is now blocked by the Drought itself," the Master explained, "The route I spoke of lies to the southeast. It passes not through the mountains but under them. The caves through which the Elon flows lead back into Vabbi, and the entrance is hidden behind the dam at the Mahnkelon Waterworks."

"Which the Drought is now guarding," Kydar understood with a sigh.

"Precisely," the Master affirmed, "As we speak the demon gorges itself upon the life of the Elon, and grows stronger with each draught. If we do not act swiftly, it will be beyond our power to destroy, and the Elon… and your path to Vabbi, will be lost."

The silence that followed was grim, as all present mulled over these developments. Rakiv stared into the dirt as she processed all that had been said. As was usual, things had gone from bad to worse in little more than the span of a heartbeat. She understood it now, why the Master claimed it was a choice. With the Elon gone, the war would be lost, and Varesh's demons would win. But at this very moment Kormir, the sister whom she had thought lost, was still alive. Rakiv could save her, she knew she could… but saving her sister meant dooming Kourna. No one spoke as the guildmistress ground her teeth, and shut her eyes. It wasn't fair… it wasn't right to force her to make this choice. Damn the world, she wanted her family back. But this wasn't about her. Had the choice been Kormir's, she would have gladly hung from any gallows if her death meant the life of Elona. If Rakiv chose Kormir, she doomed that which Kormir had loved and sworn to protect. And so the choice was not hers, but she could hardly bring herself to speak the words she knew must be said.

"Guildmistress," the Master finally spoke, "The choice is yours. Much as it pains me to admit, my men and I cannot destroy this demon alone."

"And I can't rescue anyone out of Bokoss by myself either…" Margrid put in.

"Do what you must, guildmistress," the Master said, "But the choice, and the consequences, will be yours."

Silence reigned over their council once more and all eyes were fixed on Rakiv. The ranger opened her own eyes and turned to look up, at the elementalist who stared back at her. For once she saw uncertainty on his face, and she knew that even he did not know which path she would choose. But as he stared into her eyes her choice became clear… and once he saw it his brow furrowed with deep disapproval.

"We will slay the Drought," Rakiv finally spoke.

"… what!" Alendra gasped.

"Rakiv… the Spearmarshal…" Nerashi protested.

"We cannot just leave her… she was our Spearmarshal!" Koss exclaimed.

"Peace, all of you!" Dunkoro barked, "Kormir gave herself at Gandara for this, for the safety of Elona. And she would have the shield of every man or woman that would save her life instead of protecting this land."

"But general we can't just…!" Alendra began.

"With respect general," Anicara spoke up as well, "But I can't just leave Kormir there. If it weren't for her, I'd just be another orphan lost on Istan. If none of you will go, then I'll go myself!"

"Stand down soldier!" Dunkoro snapped, "That's an order."

"We're not Sunspears anymore, remember!" Anicara replied, her outrage driving her to shout back, "You and I are equal rank now! If nobody is going to get Kormir then I…"

The argument escalated, turning into a shouting match between the officers. Cries and accusations flew back and forth, along with futile orders and eventually outright threats. Through it all, Kydar and Rakiv's gaze remained locked, as they silently deliberated the guildmistress' choice. Rakiv's eyes were filled with sorrow, but unmovingly resolute, and Kydar could see there would be no altering her decision. It was not the one Rakiv wanted, but it was the one she believed in. Kydar disagreed, but no matter how strong his disagreement he could see that Rakiv knew what she had to do. A light sparked in the elementalist's eyes, as a plan began to take form in his mind. There was another way, a better way to handle this, but Rakiv couldn't see it. This called for creative measures and bold action, and as his lips curled upwards in a small smile the scribe put his plan into motion.

"As First Officer of the guild Dormant Vengeance," Kydar suddenly spoke above the shouts, "I call to order a guild officers meeting."

The fighting lulled to a stop, and the officers turned to stare curiously at the scribe.

"What… now?" Rojis asked in surprise.

"Yes, right here, right now," Kydar said as he surveyed the group.

"Kydar this is hardly the time to…" Melonni began.

"On the contrary," he interrupted, "This is the perfect time to. Don't worry, it won't be long, I just have one thing to say and that'll be all… if you all don't mind waiting," he added as he turned to address their non-guild company.

"If it will move these deliberations along, by all means, convene," the Master allowed.

"I am curious as to how humans solve such issues among themselves," Mirza said, "Please, proceed."

"Excellent, then with your permission, guildmistress?" Kydar asked.

Rakiv's eyes narrowed at him as she tried to read his face. The elementalist could be completely opaque when he wanted to be, and though she stared at him intently he gave her only a small, knowing smirk.

"… make it good, first officer," she finally ordered.

"I will," Kydar said, "So it's as simple as this. We are faced with a choice, and we've been given our answer. Some of us disagree with it, and I'm inclined to as well, but I do understand the gravity of what has to be done."

Rakiv ground her teeth slowly as she watched him proceed. Where on earth was he going with this?

"However, in watching our guildmistress, for whom I have the utmost respect, I cannot help but come to one conclusion," Kydar said, as he turned to look down at her, "Rakiv Maelstrom has been emotionally compromised, and is no longer fit to command this guild."

The silence of shock filled the air, as several jaws dropped and all eyes stared at the scribe. Rakiv's eyes widened at his words, scarecely believing her own ears. But even as he spoke treason against her, a slow, mirthful smile spread across his dark features.

"If this guildmistress is not capable of command then I suggest that new leadership is needed," he said, never breaking eye contact with the woman of whom he spoke, "I wish to place a vote of no confidence in Guildmistress Maelstrom's leadership."

Still no one could speak, and eyes darted back and forth, from one to another and between the guildmistress and her first officer. Rakiv continued to stare at him incredulously, and yet the scribe's smile never wavered, broading so much as to be on the verge of laughter. Yet he was not mocking her… no, she knew what that looked like. He was smiling… because he was pleased with himself, and his own cleverness. Whatever the scribe was doing he seemed to think it was an incredibly savvy maneuver… and so she stayed silent until he played the rest of his hand.

"You.. have… got to be kidding!" Alendra fairly shrieked.

"This is treason, Raelesin," Dunkoro growled, "I ought to kill you where you stand."

"Kydar… you can't really mean…" Anicara spoke, blue eyes wide in disbelief.

"I can and I do," Kydar said, finally looking up to the others, "I call for a vote. All in favor and all opposed."

"Why?" Anorah suddenly spoke, and as usual her voice caused everyone to turn their attention to her, "Explain yourself, Scribe Raelesin," she demanded.

"It's simple really," Kydar shrugged and folded his arms, "Our Guildmistress has been presented with information that is obviously earth shattering. She has been told it is a choice, but I see it differently. This, my friends, is a false dichotomy. We do not have to choose to save Kormir or kill the Drought. We can do both."

"Now that I must take issue with," the Master spoke up, "You face a very powerful demon, and without the full might of…"

"Sorry, guild meeting here, officers of DV only," Kydar interrupted, raising a hand to silence the man, "Well get back to you when we're done."

The Master's face contorted in outrage that the scribe would dare interrupt him so. Behind him the tall woman in black laughed to herself, though quickly fell silent when the Master's gaze fell upon her.

"What do you mean both?" Anorah asked, "You believe we do not need our full strength against this demon?"

"I believe that it doesn't take all of us to bring down a demon," Kydar stated, "Just enough of us."

"Then why the vote?" Alendra asked, "Why are you trying to seize power from your own guildmistress."

"Because Rakiv has already made up her mind," Kydar explained, "Ask her, she's not changing it. This is what she has to do. If I'm not mistaken… it's what Kormir would do… am I wrong?"

Rakiv gave no answer, her jaw remaining set as she stared holes into his skull. Oh he thought he was just so smart. First he gets on her bad side by tormenting civilians, and now this? The ranger's fingers twitched, contemplating doing something unpleasant to the scribe, but she restrained herself and allowed him to continue.

"We all know the guildmistress and the Spearmarshal were good friends," Kydar continued, "And now Rakiv is presented with the choice of saving a river, or saving her friend, who for the past several months she believed to be dead. It's a hard choice… under the circumstances, an impossible choice. If it was our choice to make, I think that it would compromise any one of us."

He paused to allow for objections from any of the assembly. However no one dared to speak, and instead continued to watch the guildmistress and her first officer carefully. For many, Kydar was making sense, and some expressions changed from confused outrage to understanding pity. Finding that no one was brave enough to speak up, Kydar resumed his speech.

"So my proposal is this; Vote Rakiv out, and command of the guild falls to the first officer. Yes that's me," he clarified while grinning broadly, "As Guildmaster I would countermand her orders and issue the following instructions. I will travel with this Master person, and anyone who wants to come with me to fight the Drought will follow. The rest of you will fall under Ranger Maelstrom's command, to follow Margrid and retrieve our VIP from Bokoss Prison."

"You… you really think that just half of us can beat this demon?" Anicara asked hesitantly.

"No, I don't think so. I know so," he replied with a confident nod, and then raised his gaze, "If the rest of you don't think so, show me. We'll put it to a vote."

"Scribe Raelesin," Dunkoro warned, "You realize that if you lose this vote… your life is forfeit for treason against the guild?"

"You will be welcome to come and take it," Kydar challenged, "Shall we vote?"

Dunkoro frowned deeply, his features creased with various misgivings. The scribe had a point, the Master of Whispers was heavily underestimating them. But Dunkoro could not abide insubordination, and this was the worst kind.

"Permission to take the vote, guildmistress?" the general grumbled.

Beyond a skeptical click of her tongue, Rakiv said nothing and only gave a curt nod. She too had begun to wonder if perhaps the scribe could do what he claimed. It would be nothing short of a miracle if he could… but maybe… just maybe.

"Very well," Dunkoro said, and raised his hand, "All opposed to this nonsense?"

"Wait… is this like, forever?" Alendra asked, as she turned to Kydar, "Are you just gonna take over the guild, just like that?"

"Of course not," Kydar snorted, "I don't want to be the one that has to talk to the Merchant Princes about all this. As soon as that demon is dead, this is all Rakiv's job again. I'll just be… Acting Guildmaster for a couple days."

"Yeah, that's what they all say," Dunkoro said, "Now show of hands, all opposed."

Lonai and Rojis immediately raised their hands, as did Sousuke, Melonni and eventually Nerashi.

"And all in favor of this traitorous drivle?" the general inquired as he lowered his arm.

Alendra slowly raised her hand, followed by Koss and Anicara. Kydar also raised his hand and as Anorah reluctantly raised her hand as well, Jin followed suit.

"Six to six," Dunkoro sighed, "We're tied. Tahlkora is the swing vote. What say you?"

"Nuh uh," the young monk denied, waving her hands, "I'm abstaining from this."

"You are an officer of this guild, you cannot abstain," the general groaned impatiently, "You must vote one way or the other."

"Nope," Tahlkora stubbornly shook her head, "Not gonna happen. Besides, Butter's not voting either."

From his place beneath the tree, Butter gave a firm thump of his tail to confirm that he was indeed refusing to be a part of the official proceedings.

"Butter is a crocodile!" Dunkoro cried, "He's not an officer, so he doesn't get a vote anyway!"

"He is a valuable member of this guild," Tahlkora insisted, "And if he doesn't get a vote, I don't see why I should either."

"Oh for the love of Dwayna…" the older man grumbled as he rubbed his temples against a growing headache and then turned to the apathetic crocodile, "Fine. Butter would you please vote so we can get on with this?"

The crocodile looked up, and actually appeared to consider the offer for a moment. Finally he gave a loud hiss of rejection, and then turned his back on the human officers before slumping to the ground once more.

"Well that's that, so I'm not voting," Tahlkora shook her head, "Besides, I'm not going to be the one who decided whether or not we kick out our guildmistress!"

"Mmm, an understandable sentiment," Dunkoro sighed as he shook his head, "Very well, since Tahlkora refuses to vote… we remain tied at six to six. By default this motion fails and…"

"Seven," Rakiv spoke abruptly.

"I… beg your pardon?" the general balked.

"Seven," the ranger repeated, holding up two fingers, "Seven to six."

"Guildmistress you can't be serious!" Dunkoro exclaimed.

"Looks like the 'aye's' have it Dunk," Kydar chuckled.

"But, this is outrageous! This is preposterous! This is…" Dunkoro spluttered.

"It was a fair vote," Anorah suddenly spoke again, "Be gracious in defeat general."

Dunkoro scowled deeply, but there was obviously no argument to be had. Rakiv ignored the outraged general, and instead stared at Kydar who continued to grin triumphantly at her. She had, of course, been the deciding factor in his little gamble, but the scribe was no less pleased with himself. The elementalist bowed low to her and Rakiv watched him as he gave a small chuckle.

"Guildmistress, with your permission I hereby relieve you of command," Kydar said formally.

"Very well first officer," Rakiv said slowly, still regarding the scribe skeptically, "I am hereby relieved. The guild is yours… and we await your orders."

Raucous laughter rose from outside the officer's circle and Rakiv looked up to find Mirza regarding them with amusement.

"Well that was enlightening," the centaur leader laughed, "Amongst my pride, such things would have been decided with a headbutting contest!"

"Rakiv Maelstrom," the Master said, his eyes narrowed with displeasure, "No matter what you may think has just transpired, you are still choosing one life over the lives of all…"

"Begging your pardon, 'the Master'," Kydar interrupted again, as he stepped between the man and Rakiv, "But as of one minute ago, Dormant Vengeance is officially under new management. You'll deal with me from now on, not my subordinate officers."

"It will take more than arrogance and bravado to slay a demon, boy," the Master responded icily.

"Considering that few mortals have ever slain a demon," Kydar quipped, "I assume that we are not the blade meant to pierce the demon's heart. You need us as muscle to fight it, but my guess is that you have another means by which to actually slay it… am I right?"

The Master clicked his tongue as he watched the tall elementalist. The files on this scribe had spoken truly in regards to his overconfidence and intellect, though an intelligent fool was still only a fool. However, there was little the Master could do to compel the guild to act otherwise. He had taken some solace in the fact that the fate of Elona rested in the hands of Khel Varr sisters. But now it lay in the grasp of a foolish mage whose hubris would be their undoing.

"Very well," the Master said finally, "Do what you will, and we will pray that this folly is not the end of us all. I would like now to introduce you to my associate. This… 'charming' young lady is... hmm, for now you may call her my Apprentice."

"The Apprentice of Whispers?" the tall woman asked, arching a well groomed eyebrow, "Presumptuous, but I can appreciate the irony."

"I'm certain you can," the Master said dismissively, before turning again to address the guild, "The Apprentice will travel with you to the Dejarin Estate, and from there to Mahnkelon. She will explain to you what must be done, and will aid you in slaying this demon."

"If this is so important, why aren't you seeing to it yourself?" Kydar demanded.

"Because, Guildmaster," the Master responded, "There are yet other threats in Elona that demand my attention. The Apprentice is fully capable of handling this, so long as you can provide her the proper escort and support…. A task that you will fail to complete if you are without your full strength."

"Hey, you came to us," Kydar said with a dismissive wave, "So you get what we give you. Now Margrid, what do you need from us?"

"Oh not much," the pirate woman shrugged, "I figure Rakiv here is comin' with me, but I could use a few other volunteers. Soon as you folks are ready, we'll head out south and make for Yohlon Haven. There's a contact of mine what's ta be meetin' us at the Dejar Inn."

"And from there to Gandara?" Rakiv asked.

"Yup," Margrid said with a nod, and then chuckled, "'ssumin' all goes well o' course. Ya never know with these big heists."

"Very well then," Kydar said with a nod, "Margrid and Rakiv are heading to Yohlon. The Apprentice and me are heading for the Estate. Who's going where?"

There was some light murmuring as the officers deliberated their choices, and it was Anorah who stepped forth first to announce her decision.

"The Zaishen came to vanquish evil, and strike down demons," the dervish said, "We go with you to face the Drought."

Jin and Sosuke quickly saluted to confirm their fellow Adept's statement, and Kydar nodded with satisfaction.

"Good, anyone else?" he asked.

"I'll go with you too," Melonni spoke up, "The Elon has always been of great concern to me. I would like to take part in its cleansing."

"I wanna help too!" Tahlkora chimed in, "I used to do my studies near the Mirror of Lyss. I can't stand the thought of some demon fouling the water."

"Alright, that makes seven of us," the new guildmaster nodded, "I take it the rest of you are going with Rakiv to rescue Kormir?"

"You bet I am!" Alendra exclaimed earnestly, "I'm not about to let Varesh kill our Spearmarshal."

"Me too," Koss nodded emphatically, "It's time Kormir was free from those cells. Long past time, if you ask me."

"I… cannot say that I like these recent events," Rojis said, rubbing his chin uncertainly, "But since the choice is now mine… I would prefer to help free the Spearmarshal."

"As would I," Nerashi added, "It will be good to see our commander safe once more."

"Then I'll be goin' wit' choo," Lonai nodded to her fellow former Sunspear officers, "Kormir must be saved."

"Good, good…" Kydar nodded, as he turned his eyes to the remaining officers, "Dunkoro, Anicara? What about you guys?"

Neither one answered, each apparently conflicted over the choice presented to them. Dunkoro was obviously still outraged at the coup that had taken place before his eyes, but with half the officers supporting it, he could do little to oppose it.

"Very well," the general finally gave in, "If you are all going to Gandara, you will need a good healer. I will come with you to extract Kormir from Bokoss."

"Good choice general," Alendra smiled at him, "We'll need you in there."

"Yes, yes, good, good," Kydar nodded, impatient to have the groups sorted out, "Anicara, you're going with them then?"

The mage looked up at Kydar, her mouth twisting in thought. Finally she gave a slow shake of her head, setting chocolate bangs bouncing about her pretty face.

"No," she said, "I'm going with you."

"But… Kormir was your commanding officer," Kydar blinked, "Weren't you saying you were gonna go after her by yourself?"

"I was… but that was when nobody else was going," Anicara said, "You're facing a demon that is doing something to the water… and water just happens to be my specialty. I think you will need me more than they will."

Kydar frowned slightly as he peered at the younger elementalist. There was something in her eyes that told him she had other reasons for choosing to take on the Drought, but she had a valid point. Tactically, her manipulation of the Elon's waters might very well come in handy, especially once they were inside the Waterworks.

"Alright," he nodded in agreement, "Then you're with us. Teams are set, eight and eight. Let's pack up and get ready to move out. We're short on time as it is."

"Guildmaster," the Master spoke up again, "I insist that you reconsider. The Drought is not to be taken lightly."

"Neither are we," Kydar responded, "Is your Apprentice coming with us or not?"

"She is," the Master said, "But first there is a ritual that must be observed."

The Master of Whispers paused as he surveyed the group of officers. He stroked his long beared in thought and his gaze settled first on Lonai, then Anorah and then finally moved to Anicara.

"You there, young one," he said, "Yes I believe you will do. Step forward, if you please."

Anicara blinked in confusion but did as bidden, stepping forward to the front of the group. The Master held out his hand, and after a moment of hesitation, she placed her hand in his.

"The nature of this ritual is… intimate," he explained, "But it must be done. I must bind the Apprentice to you, so that she will serve you on this journey."

"Oh… okay.." Anicara said, obviously fairly nervous.

The Master nodded and closed his eyes, as he began to mutter an ancient incantation under his breath. Anicara fidgeted as he muttered, and then her eyes widened as he leaned in towards her. The Master placed a hand on the back of her head and drew her to him as he pressed his lips to her forehead. Anicara gave a gasp as a flow of magic instantly tingled against her skin and down her spine. She quivered slightly at the cold rush of death magic that entered her system and sent shivers across her skin. A moment later the Master released her and stepped away, leaving the water mage to stumble slightly until Kydar steadied her with a hand on her shoulder.

"What was…" the young mage began, shaking her head dizzily, "What was that?"

"A necessary measure," the Master said simply, "The Apprentice will follow you now. Go forth and do battle. And remember… the Order is watching."

"Gee, thanks," Kydar responded dryly.

The Master only gave a curt nod as he turned from them and strode away. The Apprentice stepped forward, looking down to regard Anicara with a skeptical stare. Anicara looked up to return the gaze, and was confused as she saw an expression of mild amusement cross the dark woman's face.

"Interesting," she smiled and then stooped to give Anicara a low curtsy, "I am at your disposal young miss."

"I… I see," Anicara blinked in confusion, "Well uhm… thank you?"

The Apprentice only chuckled as she rose to her full height once more and relaxed, content to wait for the guild to conclude its business.

"We will be waiting for you at the Waterworks," the Disciple said as he stepped forward to address Kydar, "But I advise that you first go with Brother Dejarin, and meet with Dehjah at his estate."

"We will," Kydar nodded, "And we'll take care of whatever's going on."

"Then I will see you on the Floodplains," Disciple nodded, "Until then, Guildmaster."

"Good to see you again Disciple," Rakiv chuckled.

"Likewise, Maelstrom," the man nodded to her, "I will pray that your efforts at Bokoss go well. It would be most troublesome if I had to travel all the way to Gandara just to let you out of another cell."

Though there was no actual humor in his voice, Rakiv couldn't help but laugh at the joke. Disciple gave a nod to the group and then he too turned to stride away.

"Well, Ranger Maelstrom," Mirza broke in, "It seems you'll have your hands full and be away for quite some time."

"Looks that way," Rakiv nodded, as she turned to look up at the centaur, "I'll send some orders to the guild to have a task force ready to move out if you get attacked again."

"Nonsense!" Mirza bellowed, "You humans have done enough for us already. Coddle us any further and these soft-hoofed foals will forget what it is to fight for themselves!"

"Is that so?" Rakiv chuckled.

"Indeed," the centaur nodded forcefully, his mane tossing with the motion, "It is for this reason that it is Veldrunner that will protect Dormant Vengeance in your absence. My men will be on orders to defend your people and bolster the guards at your gates."

"What about the Veld?" Rakiv asked in surprise, "Don't you need to watch your borders?"

"Hah, a momentary weakness," the centaur shook his mane again, "There will be no more Kournan brigades slipping past our lines. Of that I assure you."

"I see," the ranger nodded, "Well then thank you Mirza. It'll help not having to worry about the guild while I'm off looking for allies."

"Ah, and there is one more thing," the centaur chieftan said, "In the last few conflicts during which we have fought, I couldn't help but notice that you are firing projectiles that appear to be little more than sharpened, misshapen twigs."

"Ah well," Rakiv laughed at his rather accurate description of her salvaged ammo, "I use what I can find. Most of it is salvaged off of dead Kournans anyway."

"Yes, I thought as much," Mirza nodded, "Of this, I strongly disapprove. A true hunter ought to hunt with only the strongest weapons, the best of bows, and the straightest of arrows. That is why I have brought this."

The centaur reached back and unslung a case that had been tied to his haunches, and extended it to Rakiv. The case was made of well sanded hard wood, and covered over with a resin finish. One side was molded to be slightly curved, in order to be better suited to a human's back. Rakiv released a snap on the case and removed its cap, to reveal a veritable thicket of sturdy red feathers. The ranger drew out one of the objects and examined it with a broad smile. It was an arrow, made from deep red wood that had been shaved and sanded to perfection. The crimson fletching had been cut with meticulous care, and a sharpened head of iron capped the wooden shaft. Rakiv tested the tip with a finger and quickly withdrew her hand as it pricked her even through her glove. The quiver contained at least two dozen such arrows, each one sculpted with the utmost care and all marked with her signature red fletching.

"Mirza… you shouldn't have…" the ranger said, even as she admired the arrow and lifted it to sight down the shaft.

"They are made from the boughs of the Ancestor Tree herself," Mirza said proudly, "Fletched with the feathers of a rare crimson moa, and given capped iron heads, instead of bound flint ones. You will find that they are straight and true, difficult to break and will not easily miss."

Rakiv listened as she held the arrow out and gave it a twirl, enjoying the feeling of the smooth wood sliding between her fingers. She gave a quick experimental swipe, and a jab, before she drew her bow and notched the arrow to its string. The ranger took aim at a thick knot on a nearby tree and let the arrow fly. The shaft whistled gleefully as it spiraled through the air, and embedded itself in the tree trunk. Rakiv skipped after it to retrieve it, and with much tugging and pulling managed to free it once more from the tree's bark. The arrow itself was undamaged by its flight, and the iron head seemed to gleam in the sunlight, as though impatient to be fired at real enemies.

"It is said among the centaurs that the spirits of our honored dead return to the embrace of the Ancestor Tree," Mirza said, his chest swelling ceremonially, "You now carry with you a branch from the heart of the Veld. May the rage of our furious ancestors guide your every shot, and fell the foul creatures that dare to strike these lands!"

"Oh good grief!" Kydar interrupted, "Can we move this along? We don't have all day you know."

His outburst earned him a hard shove from Rakiv, a blow that sent him sprawling to the ground. Ignoring the scribe's protests, Rakiv turned and bowed her head to Mirza as she held out the arrow gratefully.

"Thank you Mirza," the ranger said, "Woe to all those who find themselves the targets of these arrows. I will use them sparingly and wisely."

"Hrmph, no need to be sparing," Mirza snorted, "I'll be having Laph and Yera deliver new shipments of these every week or so. They'll be deposited to your Xunlai that you might always have a steady supply. So fire away red-one! Fill the skies with these arrows, and rain them upon our enemies!"

"Oh, I can do that," Rakiv grinned, "They'll never know what hit them."

"Most excellent," Mirza nodded, "Then we will be off! There is much to be done. Fear not for your people Rakiv. Dormant Vengeance will sleep safe so long as Veldrunner watches over them!"

With that the centaur chieftan turned and gave a loud whinney to his warriors. The horsemen formed up and fell in behind him as he reared up on his hind legs. Mirza gave a loud cry as he galloped away, leading with him his horseman cavalry. Rakiv watched as they thundered away into the desert and then turned back to the human members of their conference.

"Well, we should probably get going," she advised.

"That's what I was saying," Kydar grumbled unhappily as he dusted his vest and trousers, "You should probably head back through the tunnels if you're going to Yohlon. It'll be faster than going all the way around through Arkjok."

"Good idea," Rakiv nodded and turned to survey her group of warriors, "So you guys want to go save Kormir huh?"

"Absolutely," Koss nodded.

"Of course we do!" Alendra agreed.

"I'm feelin' the need ta remind ya 'bout my diadem," Margrid put in.

"Yeah, yeah we'll get your bauble," Rakiv waved dismissively at the other ranger.

"Alright then, I think we're ready," Kydar nodded slowly, "Good luck everyone. See you all in a couple days."

"Yes, guildmaster!" the reply came back from the assembly.

"Trademarshal, lead the way," Kydar nodded to Zudash, "Everyone, move out!"

Zudash nodded as he turned to lead the guild officers southwards, while Margrid fell in with the other half of the command staff as they made their way back towards the caves. As the group went their separate ways, Kydar also turned to follow the Trademarshal, until a call stopped him.

"Hey, Kydar," Rakiv spoke up.

The elementalist turned to see the ranger standing beneath the tree, giving him a withering glare. The scribe arched a brow and turned back to her as he folded his arms impassively.

"Yes, Officer Maelstrom?" he asked.

"That was a pretty ballsy move, replacing me as guildmaster," she said, arching an eyebrow at him, "How'd you know they'd vote for you?"

"I didn't," he shrugged, "But I didn't see any other way."

"Uh huh…" she said, though her eyes remained skeptical, "You told them why you're doing this, but I'm not satisfied. What do you really think you're doing?"

"Isn't it obvious?" the scribe blinked, "I'm taking away your choice."

"But why?" she demanded, "No offense, but you're no guildmaster, otherwise you'd have taken the job instead of suggesting me for it. So why suddenly step up just to change my choice?"

Kydar stared at her for a moment and then chuckled and shook his head. Rakiv's brow furrowed at him. Again, he wasn't mocking her, but apparently he thought his motives were more transparent than they appeared.

"Because you need to do this Rakiv," Kydar said, "Because we need to do this. Because this isn't a fight for turf, or soil, or sacred waters, it's a fight for people. For lives and minds and souls, Rakiv. Demons and gods be damned, this is about saving people. And just because we're the ones fighting the war, doesn't mean we aren't still people too. If we can't save our own, if we can't save ourselves… how can we expect to save anyone else?"

Rakiv's jaw tightened, as she listened to her own words come out of his mouth. It was an argument she felt even Kormir would find hard to argue with, despite the fates that hung in the balance. The ranger stared hard at the elementalist, who returned her gaze with his signature cool confidence. The silent conversation resumed, as an inquiry was made as to his capability in regards to demon slaying. The answer was by no means definite, but it was unerringly confident. She need not worry, whatever happened he would take care of the demon for her. Finally the ranger gave a sigh and looked away as she rotated her jaw with a curious mix of relief and frustration.

"Alright," she gave in, "Just don't get them killed. Those are good men and women you're leading."

"Of course," Kydar responded, "We'll be fine. You go get your sister."

The ranger nodded slowly as she swallowed against a lump that had welled in her throat. It had been a very emotional two days for the ranger, and the prospect of being able to save her sister brought Rakiv great relief. Kydar smiled slightly and then turned and strode away, quickening his pace in an attempt to catch up with his team.

"Oh… and Kydar!" Rakiv called.

But this time the scribe paid her no heed, other than to raise a hand and give a wave as he trotted away from her. The ranger watched him go and gave a breathy chuckle as she shook her head again. Infuriating, but she couldn't deny the deep gratitude she felt. A rustle in the sand alerted her to Butter's presence, as the crocodile glanced up at her curiously and then shuffled past to catch up to Margrid's group. Rakiv hesitated a moment longer, watching the new guildmaster and his team vanish into the distance before she too turned and made her way back towards the sanctuary. As she walked the thick veil of scarlet hair fell around her face, shading her eyes as a single tear tracked its way down her cheek. Though no one else heard, the ranger left two words in her wake as she trekked across the sands.

"Thank you…"