“Then, please tell me, why do you wish to challenge the jade-sky gate again?”
Kite did not attempt to hide his surprise at the topic. He had told Brook of his intention to take on the queen’s challenge during his last visit, and had not thought her overly interested in the matter. But her gravitas now indicated quite the opposite.
“I…” he begun, but paused. This was a question which she had apparently given some thought, and he should as well. The half-meditative state came easy to him these days, his mind partially sinking into a calm which aided him in more introspective matters. Brook was clearly not in a hurry, waiting patiently as he thought on the matter.
Only when things felt more clear did he turn back to her, ready to give his answer.
“I believe that the answer is manyfold, as most of our ambitions are, I suppose.
At its core, the queen’s gates are an opportunity. While little has been spread of them, most survivors keeping their experiences and bounties close to heart, I have seen one, Brook. The power of the queen and her servitors repurposing a whole astral space according to her needs. The challenges crafted to test oneself and one’s path. And the prize offered at the end.”
To punctuate his words, he retrieved Immutable Echo, gently laying the staff down on the table between them. Resting against the wooden surface, it was only made more clear that it truly was something extra; that mysterious metal almost looking out of place, more solid and real than the world around it.
“But you have already passed it once, and the prize is yours. Do you even know if the same will be offered again? You already have so much, Kite. You seem to be a great adventurer with what you already have, and I know that you are a cherished friend and beloved son. And brother now as well. Is more power worth all that?”
“That is why I tried to think deeper on the matter. And I realized that while the core of the challenge and its potential is one thing, my reasoning is another. I have told you of the guild, right?”
“Yes. It seems very nice.”
“It is. I am proud of them and what they are doing,” Kite agreed. “And I believe I told you about the name I was given too, if only to warn you not to take the rumors at face value.”
“Which was wise, as the Pathbreaker of the stories is becoming quite the figure.”
“I know. There have been several challengers traveling to seek me out already, seeking to test their paths against that story.”
“Sounds bothersome.”
“In a way. But I will admit that it is also a little bit exhilarating. I did not ask for that name, but it was given. And it has spread. Might even continue to do so.”
“So? Is that why you want to prove yourself? To make yourself worthy? Or keep up that reputation?”
“I think you misunderstand me, Brook. It is not about the name itself. Or the guild. But something which they both share; a common denominator. Power, if through different mediums.”
“So it is just about power then? Is that-”
“Brook, what is power?”
Kite’s interruption had her stop, and sit back on her pillow. “It… isn’t it just that? Might? Strength? Indomitability? To have the ability to force one’s will upon the world…” As she trailed off, Kite saw the look of realization on her face.
“While I wouldn’t say that ‘force’ is the method I always prefer, I do indeed think that power is just that. It comes in many shapes and mediums, but the ability to shape and affect the world around oneself feels like the common denominator.
And as I have walked the path towards the heavens… I think that I want a bit more of that. At least where it matters to me. To help my friends, and uplift people I cherish. To leave lasting imprints of concepts and actions I feel resonates with me. To shape the world around me, to bring it closer to alignment with what I feel is right, at least in a small way. Not all the time, and not all the world. But maybe just a small part of it. My part.”
“I… Kite, you’re just a bronze-ranker. I will not deny that you have already changed my life, and Peony’s and Sun’s as well. Isn’t… isn’t that enough?”
Kite’s heart ached a bit at her downcast face, their differences once more resurging. He and Brook had many similarities, but here was a topic in which their hearts truly diverged.
“If all goes well, I will not be ‘just a bronze-ranker’ for much longer though,” Kite said, voice gentle. “And with forming the guild and seeing it slowly but surely start to impact Gilded and the surrounding areas, I can’t help it; I… want a bit more of that.
You are right though; I am currently just a bronze-ranker from a rural area of a rural country, at least if you believe the outlanders. And with me being named Pathbreaker, not the most modest of monikers, the challenges will probably continue, at least for a while. While I hope it will not be so, it is possible that someone would want to investigate me more. Maybe even want to interfere with what I want to do.
Adding some more strength to my name, and maybe even a bit of infamy, by conquering not one but two jade-sky gates might deter that. Or at least keep those looking more interested in beneficial opportunities rather than as an opportunity to bring me down.
And finally, the selfish part. Brook, I… find it exciting. I was gifted these essences from my birth parents with the wish for me to be free and to grow. And while the last gate was certainly a tribulation, I grew from it. Quite a lot. And I want to experience that again. The tension, the excitement. To adapt and conquer. To be tempered.
So my motivations are indeed manyfold; opportunistic, deterring and a bit egoistic. But I believe that they are still all mine.”
Brook had fallen silent after her last retort, just listening with eyes still downcast. Kite didn’t probe her aura too much, but got the feeling that she was listening intently. So after sharing his thoughts, he let the silence hang between them, his curiosity of this line of questioning growing but choosing to remain patient.
“I…” Brook eventually ventured, taking a breath and continuing. “I want to accuse you of being too selfish. Of not thinking enough of all the people around you, and what we would lose if you didn’t come back. But that would just leave me the most selfish one.
I’m sorry, Kite. You have already given a lot to the world around you. And I truly feel that a world where Kite Flown in on Winds of Fortune had more power would be one which I would like more. But I also wish that it was someone else who would take these risks. That my friend could be content and safe. Even though I just witnessed a small fragment of the violence in your life, I already know that I would wish for you to not have to experience it.”
“And that, dear Brook, is where our paths remain separate. Probably always will,” Kite agreed, feeling a bit sad as he spoke the words. “Know that I cherish you and the bond we share, as I do with everyone else close to me. But I will ever strive for them to be bonds of mutual support, not chains.”
Silence reigned once more after that, with giving extra attention to keep his aura-senses retracted so as to give his friend and once-lover her privacy. Eventually, she sighed and looked up at him, a bit of resignation in her eyes.
“I truly don’t understand this part of you, Kite. But at least I know that the thoughtful, introspective boy from when we grew up is still a big part of who you are. And even if I would wish for you to want something else, I can’t bear to not help you if I can.”
As she spoke, Brook reached into a dimensional satchel and pulled out a rolled up scroll. Judging by the stamp on its outside, it was a copy. She put it down next to his staff, clearly still a bit hesitant but also determined.
“What is this?” Kite asked, reaching out to unfurl the document.
“I couldn’t help but think that we know so little about the jade-sky gates, and that someone, somewhere in our country would at least have written something about them. And as it turns out, I was right.
But I once more had to ask the head librarian for help to be able to requisition a copy of the document. I don’t think it is actually restricted, but clearly some people in the capitol branch want to make it a hassle to get their hands on.”
Kite looked at the scroll with newfound appreciation. “This must have been expensive then. How much? I can-”
“Kite Flown in on Winds of Fortune, don’t you dare,” Brook interrupted with a withering glare. “You were the one who went on about using what power you have for the people you like. Let me do the same.”
“Oh… Sorry. You are right. Thank you, Brook,” Kite said, having the decency to look a bit abashed.
“Anyway,” Brook continued. “When I got it and read it, I realized that this would probably make you want to go even more. So I wanted to have a proper talk with you before. I still don’t like that you’re going, so I give you this under protest.” Kite could still sense her concern, clear through what he assumed was her newfound ‘stern librarian look’. But she seemed to have found at least a smidgeon of solace in acceptance.
“This humble vagabond extends his most heartfelt thanks to the fair sage, as I realize that this exacted a most heavy toll on both purse and heart,” Kite said. “May I?”
“Please do. I have made some notes in the margin-” Brook said, continuing to explain as they were pouring over the document together over the next two hours. During this time, a small crowd of paper and dust constructs brought them some more tea and pastries while continuously cleaning the apartment around them, unnoticed by the reading pair.
It turned out that the scroll was a series of interviews made by a magic society researcher who had managed to track down a few of the people who had managed to conquer at least one of the jade-sky gates. It wasn’t overly long, the low numbers of participants once more hinting at the survivors of the gates keeping their experiences and prizes very close to heart.
At first glance, it looked to be little more than fragmented stories, but Brook’s helpful notes pointed out patterns which Kite could pick up upon, and slowly some commonalities between the scattered tales started appearing.
“That type of challenge is referenced there as well, in line with the pattern,” Kite pointed out, Brook quickly using one of her essence powers to add the proper note in the margin.
“And it also hints at our theory in regard to the prizes improving for conquering consecutive gates at each rank,” Brook agreed. “Although three points of data is really not enough to draw definite conclusions.”
“At least it is something to consider,” Kite said, feeling quite excited. “So if I’m not mistaken, there might be a theme to the challenges of the different ranks?”
“This at least hints at that,” Brook confirmed. “Iron is a test of strength, to prove that the foundations of one’s path are worthy.”
“And bronze widens that theme, focusing more on the direction of one’s path through choices made and opportunities seized. Silver is more vague - even less people having shared - but seems to be more of finding your paths part in a greater whole. And gold…”
“Unfortunate, but it is to be expected that no gold-ranker would be so forthcoming,” Brook noted, her academic curiosity having won out over her doubtfulness for now.
“Still, I can’t help but to be excited by the hint that conquering more than one gate might be beneficial somehow,” Kite said, eyes twinkling.
“And the fact that so few mentions it should be hint enough that few survive such an attempt. Because who would be foolish enough to enter deathtraps over and over?” Brook said sourly.
Kite ignored her comment, instead leaning in and hugging the suddenly flustered librarian.
“Thank you, my friend. I know this is not your path, but I appreciate you supporting mine nonetheless.”
Brook soon stilled, leaning into the hug a bit more. “Just… don’t make me regret it. Please?”
“I will do my utmost, that much I promise,” Kite said, ending the embrace. “But there is still some time before I go. I still have things to do, and want to push as close to silver as I can before departing. They say that the path to the heavens is a long one, so this vagabond better keep up his hard work.”
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“Well done, all of you. Plum, I would recommend that you practice the third meditation I showed you a bit more, as it will help you keep calm while healing more severe injuries. Stream, you can use the same, while Spring should focus more on the first. While the singing is optional, I always recommend it to sharpen the mind and aid it in finding purpose,” Serene counseled the three iron-rankers of the guild. “Also, congratulations on your progress, Spring. You are closing in on bronze rank every day”
“Th-thank you, priestess,” the younger woman said, blushing at the praise. “I will ever strive to work hard.”
“Follow the song of your heart, and your path shall find its way towards the heavens,” Serene counseled, even if she had a feeling that the younger woman might misinterpret her words to mean other matters of the heart.
Unauthorized duplication: this tale has been taken without consent. Report sightings.
Serene had been a bit surprised that her growing stronger actually meant that her fourfold aura caused less troubles for her. It had long been able to lay bare the emotions of others around her, but with the additional power and control came an almost subconscious ability to filter the spiritual impressions to a much higher degree. It had been a long time since she felt the need to consciously avoid delving too deep into the private matters of others, and an even longer time since she felt no reason to avoid it, having reveled in the feeling of control.
But even so, young Spring’s infatuation with master Walker had been as clear as day to her, as had Plum’s initial feelings for the young woman. While his had withered with time, as unrequited love was often bound to do, Second Spring’s feelings seemed to only have grown over the one and a half years since the guild’s inception.
“I suppose that facing disappointment and longing is an important life-lesson as well,” Serene thought as the three iron-rankers left the meditation room. “Before he left for Bastion, Kite did mention that the guild might take in some more members soon, though, so maybe some new blood will change the dynamic of the group enough.”
“You are guiding them well, little singer,” her goddess praised, Serene smiling at the deity’s words.
Serene spent a bit of time in meditation of her own after that, practicing her control over her aura projections. This meant that she gradually let it suffuse into the world around her, subtly but surely spreading in a way that was unnoticeable to most beneath silver rank. Feeling satisfied as she could feel the different people in the guild hall go about their business, Serene went into the next part of the practice in which her teachers had instructed her; she let her song spread in the same way.
Unnoticed by all present, a melody started to suffuse the air. It was soft and encouraging, aiding in focus and dedication to what one was doing. It was one of harmony, unnoticed by the mind yet felt by the spirit. Serene could feel the slight shift as many of the auras strengthened slightly, their stride a bit more firm or their actions a bit more decisive; from Stream becoming a little more sure of hand as she practiced yet another formation and Plum managing to keep his eyes on his medical scroll instead of on Spring’s stretches and practice katas.
The priestess let her mind and attention move around her gradually expanding sensory domain, until her senses suddenly picked up something else, and something most unexpected at that; there was another voice there, deep and resonant. And it sang along with her, with the song none present should have been able to hear. It wasn’t like Serene heard the actual notes, yet her aura picked it up as clear as day.
For a moment, it was all Serene could do to remain in her meditation, almost jarred out of it by the sudden accompaniment. Eventually, she rose and left the meditation chamber, walking through the rooms of the guild hall and eventually emerging onto the building's backyard, where she found her target.
Beneath the lone tree, its gilded leaves covered in the thin layer of winter snow, Worth Transcending Gold stood polishing and maintaining his suit of heavy armor; a massive full plate of articulated brass-colored plates that would be challenging to move about in even for the bronze-ranker, had he not possessed the essence powers to trivialize it.
While the armor certainly had enchantments for mending and maintaining, Serene could feel the calm, meditative state of the large man as he took care of all the small hinges and moving pieces, as well as mending the decorative pieces of cloth and colorful tassels common to the area. He had not noticed her standing there, but Serene could now hear it clearly; his song.
It was a wordless one, more akin to a humming; deep, resonant and incredibly pure, especially for someone who, to the priestess’ knowledge, had no affiliation with the church of Song. He didn’t even seem to think too much about it, but his melody harmonized with her own, and she felt a bit odd as her heart beat just a bit faster.
Distracted, Serene didn’t know exactly when she had stopped her aura practice and her song leaked into the physical world, but she did feel the shift when Gold noticed. To his credit, he did not jerk in surprise, but rather turned with his usual calm to regard her where she stood at the open door of the guild hall.
His song had fallen away, and Serene’s own faded as well as she stood there looking at the large man, his shaven head and stern, angular features at odds with the softness of his earlier singing. The pair regarded each other for a while, with Serene retracting her spiritual senses so as to not intrude on Gold’s privacy. It was only half-conscious, somehow not feeling appropriate for that moment.
Seconds passed, with his gray eyes meeting her jade green. Then, he tentatively took up the song again, eyes asking permission. In response, Serene did as well, her disembodied voice starting to fill the backyard of the guild hall, weaving itself around that of her unexpected companion. Gold gave a small smile, rare for his stern features, before he turned back to continue his work with the armor as he sang. Serene returned the smile, walking over to sit at a nearby bench, unbothered by the winter chill; her voice joining his, the beat of her heart as well.
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“Love, come over here. Look!”
Seeing her wife’s giddy smile as she stood at the doorway between the kitchen and the common room, Crow closed the door leading outside behind her and strode up to see what Dove was looking at.
“Oh dear,” Crow said softly, as she beheld sight before them.
Accompanied by the sound of the winter winds outside, with flurries of snow visible through the common room windows, Kite sat deep in meditation at one of the pillows, with a sleeping Raven sprawled across his lap. The little girl had just turned one year and three months, and had apparently decided that atop her very stationary brother was an excellent place to take a nap.
“Crow, I’m so happy I reached silver before this, as I want to remember this forever,” Dove squealed, but softly so as to not wake the sleeping toddler. She spent all her days running around and tugging on everything not nailed down, so the respite of her resting was always a welcome one.
“Indeed. We shoul-” Crow began, but the pair were interrupted by a surge of Kite’s aura. It was a familiar feeling, not unlike the budding flowers of spring starting to bloom as something surged. As Kite was surrounded by the bronze light, there was a distinct little streak of silver within. The young man sat serenely through the process, but even the little normal-ranked child seemed to sense that something was happening.
A pair of onyx eyes opened as Raven froze to take in the shimmering halo around her impromptu bed. Crow was readying herself to send out strands of hair to scoop her up, but they had only closed half the distance when the little girl gave off a bubbly laughter, small stubby arms waving frantically as if to catch the swirling spiritual outburst.
“It seems to be a good thing that we ascended when we did,” Dove mused, faux ruefulness in her voice. “Because I don’t think that we’ll be able to keep ahead of that little boy much longer.”
A moment later, they could feel a bit of pain shoot through Kite’s aura, but he managed to keep still through the ordeal. Only as the pain faded did Dove and Crow cross the room, Dove retrieving the excited Raven as they sat down.
“I assume that it was your perception power, little Kite?” Crow asked. “It is rare for it to not be the tip of the metaphorical iceberg.”
“It… was indeed,” Kite replied, rubbing his sore eyes before looking blearily at her. “I- oh…” He paused, looking at Crow as if seeing her for the first time. “Auntie, it’s- You-”
WWJS:
Congratulations!
Your ability [Gaze of Adamance] has reached Silver 0.
[Gaze of Adamance] has received additional effects.
- Gaze of Adamance -
Special ability. Cost: None Cooldown: None Current rank: Silver 0
Effect - Iron: Provides perfect peripheral vision and increased ability to swiftly process visual stimuli.
Effect - bronze: Gives the ability to see magic and magical effect. May be activated for a cost of low mana per second to provide 360-degree vision.
Effect - silver: Gives the ability to perceive auras
“Take it slow, little Kite. From your reaction, I would assume that you awakened aura-sight, correct?”
“I have. It… is something I will have to get used to,” Kite said, still a bit dizzy by the new impressions. He slowly turned to look at Dove as well, fascinated. “They… they really look - or at least feel - so much like you, while at the same time looking like nothing at all.”
“I have forgotten how it feels to not perceive them more clearly, as I have been able to since iron rank,” Crow admitted. “But it is a good thing, and should be very useful with further aura training as well as to better gauge the people you meet and their spirits. Serene should know more about it, so I suggest you seek her counsel as well when you return to Gilded.”
“Thank you, auntie. I… I will,” Kite said, still a bit dazed. The family spent some time helping Kite get used to his new way of viewing the world, Raven not understanding in the slightest what all the fuss was about as she mostly went about doing toddler things, Glint in tow.
Once he had gotten a bit more used to the sensations, Kite also halted in realization. “This… this also means that it is soon time.”
His words caused both Dove and Crow to halt, as they knew of what he spoke of. “The gate,” Dove said, concern still clear in her features. “Kite, you must promise - promise - me to be careful. I am still not sure if I will ever consider mine and Walker’s karma as balanced after giving you that first token.”
“But as we have also said, love,” Crow chided,” we must also trust in our little Kite to use his own judgment. His path is his to walk, and we must support him.”
“But Crow, if he doesn’t-”
“Then we will simply have to find a way to break into said gate and retrieve our little Kite,” Crow said, matter of factly. “I respect the queen’s decree and her leaving us these trials. But that doesn’t matter if I think that the gate is keeping our little chick inside,” the jest in her voice faded a bit as she turned to Kite. “But I share Dove’s sentiment, little Kite. Please be careful.”
“Do you even know where any active gates are?” Dove asked. “I have not heard of any more descending into the Autumn lands.”
“I… do not,” Kite admitted. “But with the guild having established itself well, uncle Walker agreed to help me dig up its locations. He traveled south two weeks ago and, if Fortune is kind, he will know more upon his return.”
“That old fool better not find another where vengeful sect members will lay in ambush,” Dove muttered, both Kite and Crow chuckling. Raven joined in their laughter, but that was more due to Glint having started to conjure the prettiest bubbles of water she could manage than any social awareness.
Kite’s smile wouldn’t leave his face as he bent down to scoop up the little toddler, helping her to chase Glint around the room.
“I will make the promise to you too, little one,” he thought as they played. “I’ll be careful, and do my best to come back just that much further along my climb towards the heavens.”
----------------------------------------
“I thank you, teacher, for the time spent with me. You have taught me a lot during this week,” Kite said, bowing politely to the slightly older man.
“Bah, it was the agreed-upon price, no?” Cloud of Dawn Greetings said, acting as if to wave the matter away even though Kite thought that he saw a satisfied smile playing on the elf’s features. “Although I fear that people would start cursing my name if they knew that I have had a touch in making the Pathbreaker stronger.”
“I am nowhere near your Rising Sun Sword, teacher, but I remain grateful to have witnessed and learned from it.”
“Well, one can’t fault a dabbler like yourself for not achieving mastery, student,” the man said, chest puffed out a bit in prider. “Still, I will admit that you are a quick learner. Should you actually wish to put the rest aside to properly master the sword, I am sure that my master would consider taking you in as a student.”
“Alas, my path remains that of versatility,” Kite apologized. “But send my regards to your master for fostering a fine warrior with a strong path. And one of honor as well. Of all those that I have asked for this prize, you are the one who has given it with the most enthusiasm.”
“I will admit that I was taken aback when you asked me for tutelage if you won our clash,” Cloud of Dawn Greetings admitted. “But what kind of man would I be if I did not own up to what I owe? And besides, through teaching others so shall you nurture your own path as well. So says my master.”
“A wise one indeed,” Kite said. “But our agreement is upheld, Cloud of Dawn Greetings. Know that I consider our karma severed, and balance restored. Best of luck on your travels.”
“The same to you, Kite Flown in on Winds of Fortune. And should you ever decide to strengthen your path through singular purpose, come find me in Orchard.”
Kite watched the swordsman leave through the city gates of Gilded, feeling pleased. Along with the handful of others he had learned from during the past months of challengers sometimes seeking him out, he had learned a lot to merge with his own path. His versatile style was still a work in progress, but parts of the aggressive Rising Sun Sword-style he had just taken part of would be a good addition to the path Kite was building for himself.
“One stone at a time,” Kite said to himself as he walked back into the city, imagining his path climbing upwards towards the unseen heavens.”
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“Thank you, director,” Kite said as he sat down along with Jarvan in his office, the first rays of spring sun shining in through the huge windows.
“Oh, my dear Kite, you always know that your dedicated branch director always has time for you when you wish to schedule a meeting to discuss… business…” The gleam in Jarvan’s eyes was the same as always, as the man seemed to be able to almost smell the essences Kite wanted to sell him.
“This humble adventurer is grateful,” Kite replied, taking a sip of the drink he had been offered. “If you would like to, I actually have enough spares to sell you a set of six essences this time-”
“Six?! Sweet Sip of Sea, boy, of cour-”
“But-” Kite said, holding up a finger to forestall the director’s enthusiasm. “I will warn you that most are still of the common varieties, and that I will save some of the rarer for other opportunities.”
“Rarer, you say? Might this humble branch director of yours inquire as to which ones? Just to satisfy my curiosity, of course.”
Deciding to humor the man, Kite acquiesced. “Moon and hunger, along with one growth and two pure. The rest are mostly the ones of nature and beast, but no less useful for that.”
“You know what they say, Kite; it is not about the essence, but how you use it. Had I strived to give all my children the rarest ones, I would have to make sure to own a moderately sized kingdom first,” Jarvan said, chuckling. “But I will note that moon and hunger together might end up at something restricted. Maybe it would be best for someone reliable, like say, a branch director, to procure them from you? So that you may rest easy in that they will not end up as something which our dear little Pathbreaker must one day hunt down,” he said, magnanimously.
Kite considered his words for a while, before eventually nodding. “You… may be right in that regard. As long as such a magnanimous branch director has the funds, of course. I have something quite momentous coming up, and might need to spend a bit extra money soon.”
“Oh, do not fret over that. The funds are there, just waiting for opportunities such as this,” Jarvan said, only looking happier by the moment as he and Kite started sorting through the list Kite presented. While the monster surge had been the time where Sage had triggered manifestations of essences and stones the most, the year and a half since then had left Kite with his fair share of magic made manifest.
“But you mentioned opportunity?” Jarvan asked after they had settled their business, Kite’s purse now being a lot heavier. “Since the inception of the guild, you have been quite stingy with the essences. What made you change your mind now?”
“Preparations, branch director,” Kite replied, a bit of excitement leaking into his voice. “I will take the opportunity to mention that I will be unavailable for a time for your special contracts.”
“Oh? I will admit to being a bit disappointed. You and your team have made good progress in that regard. Even in these rural lands, too many people manage to get their hands on power which they end up using for quite distasteful things.”
“If you don’t mind, I have already considered an addition in my absence. Worth Transcending Gold has worked with the guild for a time now, including certain contracts with me and my companions. He should be able to shore up the defensive role in my absence.”
“The former sect member? Well, I did give you the mandate to dictate the team composition, so I will trust your judgment,” Jarvan said. “But you still haven’t said where you will be going? Unless you wish to keep it a secret?”
“No, I trust my dear branch director not to spread the word to anyone not deemed trustworthy. I will once more make the attempt at another of the queen’s gates.”
“Oho?” Jarvan asked, sitting back. “Brave lad. At least that is what I think, as many would probably call you foolhardy. Do you have a gate in mind?”
“We shall have to pray that your evaluation of me is proven correct then, branch director. And as to location, it shall hopefully soon be revealed. Because just before our meeting, I received word that uncle Walker has returned to Gilded.”