The next morning came faster than Lucline would have thought. The cot she made on the floor wasn't that comfortable but she must have been more exhausted than she thought. She rose and went to the room she shared with Rasina to change. Once she was ready, she went back to Tira's room and woke her. Tira might be a prodigy of magic, but she was not a morning person. They rushed out of the house and to the Society's base in the old Mages Guild building.
Minrre was waiting for them. "Hello, Riatira. My name is Minrre, I am the Hammerfell Branch Leader for the Society of Magic. I would like to ask you a few questions about the men that grabbed you."
Tira was nervous but she started to describe the men as best she could. Lucline was surprised that Tira did not seem to take to Minrre as quickly as she had to herself and Rasina. In fact, she seemed uneasy in the prescience of the Branch Leader. Lucline reached over and took Tira's small hand in hers.
The bright smile she got from the small Imperial girl was worth anything. Tira gave more information about the men. Minrre pursed her lips.
"The Galerion Brotherhood? This is a problem, given they are also the ones I suspect sabotaged the Dwemer Ruin. Lobamog told you I was following up on a lead. I found a old house with three men that killed themselves with poison from their false teeth when I cornered them."
"What do they want?" Lucline asked. "Do we know anything about this group?"
"We only know what their public declared interest is. They wish to bring back Vanus Galerion, the first Archmage of the Mage's Guild and in fact it's founder. They want to restore him at any cost so he can reform the Mage's Guild and perhaps bring unity back to the magicans of the realm.
Lucline frowned. "But, it's Vanus dead? I recall my mentor telling me that he was killed by Mannimarco ages ago."
"Well, it's true that he was killed. But Mannimarco was ever a bastard… er sorry Rittira, don't use that word. He ripped the soul from Vanus and sealed it in a soul gem so he could continue torturing his old enemy for eternity. If he could be released from the soul gem, the Brotherhood believes he can be given a new vessel to live again."
Suddenly, Lucline felt sick to her stomach. "Oh, they wanted Tira because of her immense natural talent for magic and seemingly endless reserves of power?"
"Aye, that is what I suspect. I think they believe this girl is their hope for reviving Galerion. We need to keep her safe. I know you and Rasina are up to that task, but I am going to come and personally put some wards on the house. I will sleep better knowing if anyone tries to break in, I will know at once."
Tira gave a small squeeze of her hand and Lucline looked over and gave her a smile. "I will take you up on that. Wards are not my speciality."
Minrre laughed. "No, but I trust no one else to brew my potion."
Tira spoke up. "Are you sick, ma'am?"
Minrre smiled gently. "Yes, my dear. I have a sickness that comes sometimes without warning. It used to make me bed ridden for days after it struck. But the potions that Lucline brews reverses the effects and its weeks before it comes back."
The girl nodded. "Miss Lucline said I could help with brewing some potions."
"She'll make it fun, Lucline is the best alchemist we have. I am looking further into the Brotherhood matter. I'll see a couple of mages to Bergama at once to help with the securing of Riatira's home. We should have her back with her parents in a few weeks. However, in the meantime I think it best you get her out of the Alik'r for a while. Perhaps go visit my nephew in Craglorn with Rasina? Belkarth is nice this time of year and there is a big match coming at the Dragonstar Arena. Plenty to do while we take care of business here."
Lucline felt uneasy at this. Yes, it was a wonderful idea, but take the girl without her parents out of the region? That seemed ill advised.
"I'll need to ask her parents for permission, of course." Lucline gave the small hand in hers a light squeeze. "If they agree to the plan, we'll go. Rasina has been wanting to see her cousin for some time."
Minrre nodded. "I understand. Try to let me know by tomorrow so I can make the arrangements. It won't be for a few days anyways. Have a good day, both of you."
Taking this as the dismissal it was, the two of them left the Society's base. They arrived back at Rasina's dwelling as the sun started to rise. Her partner was waiting, breakfast on the table for the three of them. Tira clapped her hands happily and started to dig in. Rasina and Lucline laughed as they watched. For a moment, Lucline forgot her worries and focused on the present.
A/N: We proceed into the next phase of the story. I hope the ones reading this are enjoying the story. See you tomorrow.