The first thing I do is head back to the inn to let Sarah know that I will be having two guild masters as guests for dinner. Then I head over to Vacker's place to let him know and see if he has any ideas yet on how he wants to get the school started. When I enter I am impressed at how much the place has changed, it looks nothing like a converted shop.

The floor has been replaced with hardwood and polished smooth to provide a workout area. There are dummies for practicing against and primitive exercise equipment against one wall. Vacker has accomplished a lot in just a few days, the place totally puts me in mind of a dojo from a manga.

Vacker says "Hey, Ash, what's up?"

"I am here to invite you to dinner where you will meet the guild masters of the adventurer and mercenary guilds."

Vacker says "Why would they want to meet me?"

"Well, I found out something interesting. The refugees from the main continent founded an empire here that was then wiped out about a thousand years ago. Turns out there hasn't been a real sword master on the peninsula since the empire fell."

Vacker says "Until me?"

"Exactly."

Vacker says "You know, I probably couldn't pass the tests again in my current condition."

"They won't be asking you to take the tests I don't think. Maybe later when someone from another country challenges your title. You will have plenty of time to get back into shape before then."

Vacker says "Are you going to ask me to take students from the two guilds?"

"It wouldn't be a bad idea. It would help you build some reputation and help attract students. It is still up to you though, this is just a suggestion."

Vacker says "Well, I doubt any of them would be young enough to become a sword master."

"That doesn't matter, I doubt any of them even have the drive to try. But just learning something from you would be worth it to them. Maybe have a class teaching the basics and select students from that for more training."

Vacker says "That could work, I guess."

"Alright, well just think about it. As I said, it is up to you. Dinner is at six."

Vacker says "I will be there."

"Good. Just be warned one or both of them may act a little fan-boyish."

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Vacker says "Haha! That will certainly be a change from the prison guards!"

"I never really met the guards, just the torturer. Well, other than when they were dragging me back and forth, but we didn't talk much."

Vacker says "Trust me, you didn't miss anything."

"Well, Ambrose and Borrik are entertaining characters, I think you will like them."

Vacker says "I look forward to meeting them."

"Okay, see you at six."

As I leave I realize I really don't have anything else I need to do before dinner. For the first time since I got back I have free time, everything is in motion and there is nothing else I can do right now. So instead of heading back to the inn I turn aside and head to the stables.

The second I set foot inside the stables Lizzy rushes me and headbutts me in the chest. As I reach up to scratch her head I realize that she doesn't like being cooped up in here. If I am going to stay in Illium for an extended period of time I am going to have to make a better place for her to stay.

So I give Lizzy a good cleaning to make up for leaving her stuck in here for a few days. I spend the rest of the time until dinner playing with her, and I am really glad that she understands what playing is. I am reminded again that if I had to fight her I am not sure if I could win, the drake was stronger, but I haven't faced anything that is as fast as her.

Before I leave I tell her we are going out tomorrow and she seems to understand and perks up a bit. When I get upstairs Vacker is already there, he seems excited and nervous about meeting new people. He is also wearing a sword at his belt which he hasn't done since we arrived in Illium.

Vacker says "If I am going to be a sword master again I need to carry a sword at all times."

"It is a good habit to be in, I learned the hard way that nowhere is absolutely safe."

Vacker says "Didn't you have a sword on you when you were taken?"

"Yes, and I attempted to fight back, I just wasn't strong enough. If I hadn't had Blitz on me it would have been even harder to try and resist."

Vacker says "I understand, I feel better when I have a sword on me. When I was a prisoner I only got to touch a sword when training her people. It is only now that I am starting to remember the joy that wielding a sword used to give me."

"That's good, enjoying what you do is always important."

Vacker says "And are you enjoying what you are doing?"

"You mean all my plans and everything? Actually, I am having a blast!"

Vacker says "Really? I thought all this sitting around in meetings would be driving you insane."

"So far all the meetings have been with people I like, other than the party. Besides, these plans will make the lives of people I care about better even if I am not around."

Vacker says "Aren't they also going to hurt some people?"

"Yes, but only people who deserve it. The thought of watching them fall only makes me happier!"

Vacker laughs and says "Remind me to never make an enemy of you!"

"Somehow, I don't think that will ever be an issue."

Before Vacker can respond we hear footsteps on the stairs, and it seems my other guests have arrived. Ambrose, Borrik, and Jezzel all come up the stairs together and I introduce them to Vacker. I asked Sarah to bring up the food a half hour after everyone arrived so the three of them get thirty minutes to bombard Vacker with questions.

Then when the food arrives I immediately dig in, so does Borrik and Vacker, Jezzel follows our lead. Ambrose looks confused as the rest of us start stuffing our faces but after a minute he shrugs and starts eating. After he takes the first bite he starts stuffing his face just as fast as the rest of us are.

Not another word is said until we are all so full that we can't possibly eat another bite, by then enough food for ten people has vanished from the table. It is obvious that we have all eaten too much, but the food is so good that it is hard not to. When Sarah returns with her helpers to clear the dishes even she is impressed at how much we ate.