Tal'gore and Darren sat in the middle of a luxurious office. The floor was hardwood. It was the same color as the bow of the adventurer that Darren had pissed off before leaving Oberroth. The bare walls were bright yellow. Not a single decorative Item or window was on them. The only noticeable feature of the room aside from the floor was the table in the middle of the room. It was circular with a hole in the middle. Like a giant wooden donut. Suspended above this hole was a an orb. The orb seemed to be in the grip of a golden claw. The decoration was quite beautiful when observed closely.The office belonged to Tal'gore. He called it his meeting room. The building it was located in also belonged to Tal'gore. It was a branch of the Consortium which Tal'gore happens to be a high ranking member of. 

The trip to the capitol originally had two primary purposes. First was to get Darren's release forms. Second was to see if Darren was to see what elements he had good attunement with. Darren figured if he was in a world of magic he should atleast make an attempt to learn it.  This stop was simply a way to kill time while Tal'gore determined who he should have test Darren's attunement.

"So what's this?" (Darren)

Darren pointed to the stone.

"Ahh, that's a gate stone." (Tal'gore)

Tal'gore then returned to the unopened letters in front of him. Apparently he doens't have his mail come to Oberroth. Instead he has it come to his office. When Darren asked what if the letter was an emergency, Tal'gore rolled his eyes and said if it was an emergency they wouldn't use a letter. Darren raised an eyebrow at this but didn't prod. He figured Tal'gore would explain when the situation called for it.

"Look you can't just say the name of a magical object and expect me to know its use." (Darren)

"My apologies. Gate stones are used for non emergency long distance communication. They also act as conduits for portals." (Tal'gore)

As Tal'gore explained the functions of gate stones he continued opening letters. However halfway through the pile he came upon one with his advisers seal. Using his letter opener he broke the seal and read the contents of the parchment. 

My prince, I assume it will be a while before you come across this message, but when you do please inform me of your findings. I am extremely interested to learn more about that mana burst. I believe it may be linked to multiple phenomenon occuring all over Gallanor. Please make arrangements meet with me at your earliest convenience.

Your friend and adviser, Armon

"Haha, I think I've found someone." (Tal'gore)

If you come across this story on Amazon, it's taken without permission from the author. Report it.

"See this is why you check the mail. You really should reroute your mail to your actual house." (Darren)

Tal'gore waived a dismissive hand. It was at that moment Lycan phased into the building.

"Just in time. We're about to leave." (Tal'gore)

"O where to?" (Lycan)

"We're going meet a friend of mine." (Tal'gore)

"So what did you learn?" (Darren)

"The meeting ended shortly after you three left. However I tailed that Kaborean fellow. He must really want you dead. He hired like three guys to kill you. By, the way where's Stella?" (Lycan)

"She'll be here shortly I sent her to buy some lunch. Darren and I are starving." (Tal'gore)

Darren had a noticeable frown on his face. 

"Worried?" (Lycan)

"Nah, im just a little downtrodden that he only sent three. I'm worth way more assassin's than that. Ehh maybe he'll send more if we kill these guys." (Darren)

Lycan and Tal'gore both rolled thier eyes.

"I've heard alot of stupid comments but feeling down because someone only hired a few assassins to kill you is pretty high up there." (Tal'gore)

"So are we going to wait on them or?" (Lycan)

At that moment the gate stone started vibrating. 

"Well it looks like we won't have to make the trip. Armon's coming here." (Tal'gore)

Tal'gore waived his hand and the stone stopped vibrating.After a moment a doorway appeared on one of the walls and 4 figures stepped through. Two of them were short men with beards and large noses. Another was a rather short elf. However the last one was who caught Darren's attention the most. It was a skeleton wearing a flamboyant robe and holding a large staff.

"Which one's your friend?" (Darren)

Darren turned his head to see Tal'gore was pale and shaking. The prince was staring at the skeleton.

"Tal'gore manners. These are your guest." (Darren)

Tal'gore then turned an incredulous gaze towards Darren.

"Oh your not afraid. I have to admit this is a first since I've woken up." (Skeleton)

"Ehh, I've learned not to judge people based on arbatrary features such as appeArances." (Darren)

"He's a fucking lich stop chatting with him. And Armon why did you bring him here." (Tal'gore)

"Long story." (Armon)

"Pardon my friend. I'm Darren pleasure to meet you." (Darren)

Darren held out his hand to the lich. The lich shook it and laughed.

"Ahh that's refresh.... It was you. HAHA IT WAS YOU." (Lich)

Even Darren was taken aback by the sudden outburst. All eyes then went from the lich to Darren.

"I don't know what he's talking about." (Darren)

"Pardon me. We can discuss that later. My name is Gernam. A pleasure to meet you." (Gernam)

Darren grinned. 

"Likewise." (Darren)

Though she didn't reveal herself to the lich. Lycan looked at Gernam with nostalgia filled eyes.