Elynara and Adalyn were to meet Amrin at the Guild chapter within the city, they drew him a map that would lead him there from the Capital Knight’s Hold, so they decided to meet one hour after they had left the Academy. The chapter for the guild was a modest building on a main shopping street within the middle class district of the city, the amenities weren’t unlike what Adalyn’s tavern offered from what she saw in the waiting room.

She had only been here once before when she registered before her attendance to the Academy, and not much had changed. They were shown into a private waiting chamber though, due to Elynara’s position and rank. The room was very well furnished, the chairs were high backed and had soft thick cushions that Adalyn couldn’t help but fall in love with, she could easily fall asleep they were so comfortable.

An attendant entered the room and poured them both a glass of a beverage that seemed to be made from pressed fruits and some sugar. Adalyn made a note of its flavor and would have to tell her father about it. After the attendant had left, the two women sat peacefully in the quiet room.

                “So um…”

                “Hm? What is it?” Elynara asked.

                “I just, um, don’t know how to ask this but…”

                “I assure you, you can ask me anything you wish and I will answer if I’m able to.”

                “H-how long have you known Amrin? I mean, I know he was betr…umm, locked away for over two thousand years, but how long have you known him, from before?” Adalyn was careful not to use a word that would turn the mood too sour.

Elynara took a sip from the cup and then placed it back on the table, sitting back into the chair.

                “I was the last to join the group, so not nearly as long as I wished. But before…what happened, I was privileged to have spent somewhere around 7 to 8 years with them? Meladris was the first, she was…” she paused and cleared her throat gently. “She was the first.”

                “Meladris? What was she like?”

                “Adalyn, dear.” She looked at her with a stern yet caring look. “Without knowing just who, what they did, or how Master was betrayed, I would rather not discuss the others. Please understand.”

                “O-oh, of course. I’m so sorry. I didn’t mean….I’m sorry.”

                “No, it is fine. Ours is a, unique, relationship. So until the time Master decides to discuss the relationships of the others, I feel that it is not my place.” She smiled.

                “Yes, thank you.” She took a drink and thought silently for a bit.

Elynara leaned forward and took the glass again and began to take another drink.

                “So…even after all this time, you still love him?” she said abruptly.

Elynara was in the middle of taking a sip of the juice and instantly choked and snorted some of the fluid. She quickly put the cup down and began to cough, looking for something to cover her mouth and clean the mess on her face.

Adalyn was surprised and quickly took a handkerchief she had in her pocket and handed it to Elynara. Taking the kerchief, she began to cough into it. When they subsided she started to wipe her mouth and brush off her dress from the spray of juice from her choking on the drink.

                “T-that’s…what makes you….” She started to stumble over her words while cleaning the glass and the table from the small spills.

                “The way you look at him. I’ve seen that look before. My mother used to look at my father like that all the time.” She smiled reminiscing about her mother.

                “N-no that’s not. I mean I’m not in love with him, I just….” She was fidgeting uncontrollably, twirling the handkerchief in her fingers and stuttering. “Please don’t say anything.” She blushed bright red and whimpered. Adalyn was once again taken by surprise, this time because she had the pleasure of seeing a side of the powerful and revered Headmistress Elena Aqua that no one could imagine.

                “Don’t worry. It’s our little secret.” Adalyn said with a gentle smile.

No sooner had she said that there was a knock on the door and a High Elf woman wearing a stunning black and white dress entered the room. It wasn’t a gown one would wear to a ball or gala event, it was instead tight fitting but loose enough to move around in comfortably, reached down to just above her knees and had no sleeves. It was elegant and simple, perfect for working in while staying fashionable.

                “Headmistress, it is an honor to have you here. What is the occasion for your visit?” she bowed to Elynara.

                “There is a matter in which I would like to have your, discretion, if possible.” She said while nodding back to her.

                “Why of course. If it is within my power I am at your command.” She turned to the door and made sure that it was closed.  Turning back around, she headed to an open chair and took a seat.

                “In a moment a gentleman will be arriving to register himself with the guild. I wish to keep his information utterly confidential, as well as providing him with credentials befitting a Swift Chanter. Is that within your power?” she got straight to the point. The hostess was confused and shook her head slightly.

                “W-well, yes I suppose that would be possible. But I’m afraid if his level is not truly that of a Swift Chanter, I am unable to justify providing him such a prestigious rank. I’m sorry Headmistress.”

                “I do not believe you will have to worry about that. We have known each other for quite some time Lenaris, I would not ask you to do something that would put you in a position that would bring you harm. I believe you will understand the need for this once you meet him.”

                “That is true, but even still…to falsify documentation, registration documentation no less. Who is this man that you would risk this for?” she looked at Adalyn and wondered.

                “He is…he is my master.”

Adalyn went wide eyed and didn’t know if she should have said that. But she didn’t want to interrupt, from their conversation they were some kind of friends so she left it in Elynara’s hands.

                “Your master!?” she yelped.

                “Please keep your voice down." Elynara urged. "Yes. He is my master. You will understand when you meet him.”

                “Elynara, you know I trust you, I love you like a sister but…a master? You have never once mentioned something like this. Was it forced upon you? If you need help removing the pact.”

                “No! Please, trust me. He is the only man I would ever trust with my life and my very essence.”

As they were discussing this, there came a knock on the door.

                “That should be him now. Please enter.”

The same attendant that escorted Adalyn and Elynara into the waiting room showed Amrin in, once he was in the room she excused herself and closed the door behind him.

Amrin still had a look of frustration and annoyance. It didn’t go unnoticed by either Adalyn or Elynara.

                “Master? Is everything alright?”

                “Hmm?” he looked at Elynara and shook his head to focus himself. “Oh, yes I’m…I mean…why are you calling me master?” he tried to pretend that it was an accident on her part.

                “It is alright Master. Allow me to introduce Lenaris, she is an old friend, and overseer of this chapter of the Guild of Chanters.” She gestured to the beautiful high elf in the black and white dress.

                “It is a pleasure to make your acquaintance. Although you will have to forgive me. I find it very hard to believe that one of Elynara’s standing and capability is servant to a pact from someone that…I have never seen or heard of before.”

Amrin scratched the back of his head and sighed as he took the open seat closest to him. 

                “Ely…I know I didn’t say anything before but, stop telling people I’m your master.”

                “So it is untrue then? You are deceiving her in some way? I will have you know I do not take kindly to brazen or underhanded men!”

                “Underhanded? I’m afraid there’s some kind of misunderstanding here. Ely is…”

                “And the manner in which you address your superior is offensive and needs to be corrected.”

                “Lenaris, please.” Elynara tried to calm her down.

                “No, Elynara, I’m sorry but I feel it is my responsibility to make sure you are not being taken advantage of. And you, I suppose you are also calling him ‘master’?” she turned to look at Adalyn.

                “N-no. Actually, we’ve only met a few days ago. But, I do consider him a friend.”

                “I see. So, master…” her words dripped with contempt “What gives you the right to force Master Chanter Elynara to address you as such?”

                “Honestly, I never once asked them to call me master. They did so of their own accord.”

                “So you’re placing blame upon them and taking none yourself? If you’re a man you need to take responsibility and act like one!”

Amrin had no idea where the hostility was coming from, he neither cared for it, nor wanted to be subjected to it much longer. He raised an eyebrow in annoyance and stared at Lenaris.

                “Lenaris, please! Calm yourself!”

                “What do you expect Elynara? You visit me for the first time in years and out of the blue you say you have a master? You of all people?” she glared at Amrin, who was staring back, not amused.

                “I’m sorry, it seems I’ve come at a bad time. I’ll take my leave, it seems you two have some things that need to be discussed.”

He placed both hands on the armrests of the chair and just before he pushed himself up he could feel a sharp cold feeling around his wrists. He looked up and saw Lenaris holding her hand up and chanting something under her breath. As her mouth stopped moving his wrists were shackled to the armrests of the chair, the ice wouldn’t budge.

                “What is the meaning of this!?” Elynara shouted.

                “If he truly is your master, then it is but at trivial matter to remove himself from the ice shackles.”

                “Lenaris, you overstep your bounds!” she turned towards Amrin. “I’m sorry Master, I will remove them now.”

                “No. It seems I’m being underestimated…again!” Amrin said in a gravelly voice indicating his patience is all but run out.

He could feel it again, the anger was welling up. Over such a trivial thing as being tested he was getting this upset. He immediately closed his eyes and took a deep breath in…once more. He could feel the darkness of the anger subsiding. He needed to figure out what was going on with him. In the past he certainly became angry, but it never felt like this.

                “Madam Lenaris. I apologize if there’s been some kind of misunderstanding, but I do not appreciate being treated like some criminal…I’ve had my fill of such things for the day.” He raised one eyebrow and glared at her.

                “Oh no, my dear. This is all to teach you a lesson, to not look down upon a Master Chanter such as Elynara. Or myself.” She crossed her legs and leaned forward as she said this. Her confidence was impressive, if misplaced.

                “And this, lesson, what am I to do to gain your trust?”

                “It’s simple. Break free of the shackles.” She said nonchalantly. “Oh, but a word of warning, it’s a Master Tier chant, so I wouldn’t hold it against you if you decide to surrender and renounce any pact you have with Elynara.”

                “Lenaris!” she was furious. Elynara had no idea why she would go to such lengths for a test. “Explain yourself, what is the point of this?”

                “I’ve said it before Elynara, I will not approve of anyone that claims to be your master if they are unable to do something as simple as this.”

                “But that is ridiculous! Is it not my choice who I make a pact with?”

                “Call me selfish, Elynara, but I will not budge from this.”

                “Its fine, Ely. Something this simple…” he sighed. “Although I’m inclined to agree with Ely, this is pretty pointless. But if you insist.”

Amrin looked straight at her and the pressure in the room became heavy and felt sticky and crawling. Adalyn immediately hugged herself, she knew exactly what this was, and she hated it. She closed her eyes and lowered her head, she didn’t want to see what was about to happen.

Lenaris noticed her behavior and furrowed her brow in confusion. She then looked to Elynara who was calmly seated in her chair, upset, but watching as Amrin worked.

She couldn’t help but feel the hairs on the back of her neck stand on end. Her skin began to crawl and she felt as if a thousand invisible hands were groping all over her body, in a sickening and vile way. She looked on in horror as two dark purple orbs appeared just above the ice shackles that encased his wrists.

Enjoying this book? Seek out the original to ensure the author gets credit.

Black oily tentacle-like tendrils appeared from the orbs and began to slither and encompass the ice. Slowly, the brilliant whitish blue color of the ice turned a form of black that appeared to swallow the light around it. She began to breathe heavy, she wanted to run, to close her eyes, but she could not. She continued to watch as the darkness swallowed the ice.

Lenaris then noticed the tendrils recede slowly from the bottom of the armrest, crawl up and up until they were at the top. Then they lifted themselves into the air and back into the black orbs that appeared out of nowhere. And as quickly as they formed, they also disappeared.

The entire process took a matter of seconds, but to her it felt like hours. Being witness to something so foreign, powerful and overwhelming, she was entranced and captivated. When the scene was over she gasped for air and clutched her chest as if to keep her heart from bursting from it.

                “I-is it over?” Adalyn muttered. She opened one eye and peeked at Amrin. “Oh…finally. I hate that thing…”

                “Sorry Adalyn. I figured it was safer than fire.” He smiled at her, she went wide eyed and nodded in agreement.

                “W-what….what was that!?” Lenaris managed to utter between gasps. “That…terrifying power…”

                “Let’s say it is one of the many reasons I call him master. Lenaris. Do you now understand?”

                “It…there was…you did not utter a chant!” she looked upon him with a whole new light, he noticed that her eyes sparkled and her cheeks slightly red. “That was…such power.” She bit her lower lip. Instantly Amrin shivered in his chair.

                “I hope that was sufficient proof then? Or did you need more?” he asked cautiously.

                “There’s more?! Oh, I would love to see what more you could do.”

                “Lenaris! That is enough. I swear, that habit of yours…” she reprimanded Lenaris with a raised eyebrow and arms crossed. Amrin couldn’t help but wonder what her habit was, and worry.

                “We came to register Master with the guild, remember?”

Lenaris pursed her lips and looked at Elynara with a slight pouting face.

                “Very well. Down to business I suppose? But first, I wish to apologize to you…” she paused, she had yet to get his name.

                “Amrin. My name is Amrin.”

                “Amrin.” She stood and performed an elegant curtsy in front of him. “My humblest apologies, my lord.” Her manners and behavior had made a complete night and day change.

                “Mm…yes. Its fine, I guess…” he didn’t know how to react. She seemed to have an air about her that he couldn’t quite deal with.

                “Now, the registration? Lenaris?” Elynara beckoned.

                “Oh, yes. That’s correct.” Lenaris reached into a drawer that was recessed under the table they were using to place their drinks and produced an Aptitude Array, but this looked slightly different.

                “Didn’t you use one of these at the fight the other day?” Amrin said.

                “Oh, no that was an Aptitude Array. While this is similar in some ways, it’s a much more precise and capable of giving us a clearer picture of one’s elemental affinity and power with that element.”

                “I see. Is this going to make a really loud noise as well? Because I’m already starting to get a headache.”

                “Oh, no, that won’t be a problem.” Lenaris said chuckling. “This is much more sophisticated in its approach. One your hand is placed on it and you focus your energy it will provide an accurate imprint of your statistics onto this Orichalcum plate.”

Lenaris reached into her side pocket and pulled out a thin metal card. It was a dull greenish brown like color and didn’t seem too impressive.

                “O-Orichalcum?!” Adalyn yelped. “I never had anything like that when I registered. I just used simple Iron. Why is it Orichalcum now?”

                “Ah, yes. Well depending on the potential of the one registering depends on the type of material used to imprint the statistics of the Chanter. Most students entering the Academy are Iron, very rarely are they of anything higher in quality.” She looked to Amrin while she spoke. “And after seeing the abilities Lord Amrin displayed, I would be remiss to use anything lower than Orichalcum.”

                “L-lord Amrin?” Elynara chimed in. She narrowed her eyes and looked at Lenaris.

                “Yes. After displaying such…” she paused and gave Amrin a look that confused and slightly concerned him. “Power, it is only natural to address him with deference.” She smirked.

Elynara knew exactly what she was going for and quickly cleared her throat.

                “But, don’t they cost coin? Iron isn’t exactly expensive, but Orichalcum is incredibly rare and expensive in its own right is it not?”

                “That’s correct. Normally the cost to upgrade or register with an Orichalcum card would be 400 gold coins.” Adalyn almost passed out after hearing a sum she couldn’t even dream of having.

                “Well, that’s that then. I’ll be on my way.” Amrin said quickly.

                “Pardon?” Lenaris was quick to question.

                “I don’t have that kind of coin on me! I’ve gone this long without doing this, I think I can go a little longer without it.”

                “It’s not an issue, I will take care of the payment.” Elynara spoke up.

                “Uhh, Ely?”

                “Worry not Master. In my time…without you, I’ve been able to amass quite the fortune. It is of no concern. Please, Continue.

Lenaris took the Orichalcum plate and placed it into a small slot underneath the crystal that was to have Amrin’s hand placed. She then pushed it towards him and gestured for him to continue.

Without thinking anything of it, Amrin placed his hand and waited. Nothing.

                “Uhh…is it broken or something?”

                “That’s strange. I could have sworn…” she paused “Are you channeling your energy into it?”

                “Which one?” he asked.

                “Oh, your primary elemental attribute.”

                “That’s…I don’t have one.” He replied.

                “I’m sorry? I don’t understand. Surely you have at least one element that you’re more attuned to? Such as the one you exhibited earlier…such…power.” She trailed off, her eyes sparkling once again.

                “Actually Lenaris. Master is fully capable of controlling any and all elements at will.” Elynara said.

                “What!?” she shouted, the pitch being much higher than she intended.

                “Oh my, I’m sorry. That’s, amazing. I’ve never met anyone like this. I’m finding it harder to keep my excitement in check.” She again looked at Amrin and she bit her lower lip. Amrin couldn’t help but feel he was being sized up like some kind of item for study.

                “So this is pointless then?” he quickly responded.

                “Oh, no, if you’re capable of doing so, focus as many elemental energies you can into the gem. It should be able to register each of them and quantify their appropriate strengths.”

                “Excuse me, miss?” Adalyn chimed in. “Does it register the prime elements? Earth, Air, Fire, Water, Light and Dark?”

                “Of course, what a silly question.” She scoffed.

Not appreciating being treated like a fool, Adalyn’s tone changed.

                “Then this rock is useless.”

                “R-rock!? How dare you!?”

                “Well it’s not my fault if you have inefficient equipment! Amrin can control elements you’ve never even heard of!” she crossed her arms and turned her head away.   

                “N-new elements!? You mean what he used earlier wasn’t a variation of the Dark element?!” she was practically drooling over him now. She was most definitely not after him for any romantic or sexual reasons, Amrin was convinced she wanted to study him.

                “It’s fine! I can just use the um, prime elements? I’ll just do that!” he looked at the stone and focused his energy into the crystal. In a matter of moments the stone shined brightly and a hissing sound could be heard coming from below it. After a second of hissing there was a sudden pop and the crystal died out, with smoke coming from below the crystal, where the plate was.

                “Oh my…” Lenaris was taken aback. “It…it’s destroyed the card.”

                “And what does that mean?” he asked.

                “The gem harnesses the power that is channeled into it to carve into the plates the data that is to be registered with the guild. Your elemental affinity, your competency with that element and any additional elements you can be host to. But, if the power being utilized is too much for the plate being etched into…it gets destroyed. But I’ve only seen it happen on plates of Steel or Enhanced Iron, never with Orichalcum.”

                “Still not getting what that means.” He replied still confused.

                “It means we need a plate that is stronger than Orichalcum. Which I don’t believe we have.”

                “You don’t have it because it doesn’t exist, or because you just don’t have it here?” Adalyn asked.

                “Oh it exists, but, it’s incredibly rare, more so than Orichalcum and even more expensive as well. Adamantine.”

Adalyn hadn’t heard of any material like that before, so it fell a bit short of her expectations, after hearing about the super rare and incredibly expensive Orichalcum, she was hoping for something incredible to be mentioned.

                “So what is that supposed to mean for the registration? I can’t just…turn the volume down?” he said sarcastically.

                “Unfortunately not. The way the array works, is it is able to intake the energy you channel into it, unfiltered and in its purest form. So there is no way to limit what is etched into the plate.”

                “Hmm? This is some pretty fancy crystal then isn’t it? How does it do it?” he asked as he poked the crystal.

                “Honestly, I’m unsure. We just know that it is capable of performing these tasks. It was discovered decades ago and the technology has progressed to this point. I apologize, it is merely a tool for registration, and I am unaware of the finer details.” She bowed apologetically.

                “Ah, no I was just curious is all. No need to be sorry.”

The group was now in silence pondering what their next move would be.

                “I might be able to help find some of this, adamantine, was it? If it’s necessary to complete this process.” Amrin finally spoke up.

                “But…how? Miss Lenaris said it was incredibly rare and not even the Guild has it.” Adalyn questioned his confidence.

                “Well, it’s an ore right?”

                “That’s right, but…it’s only native to specific geographical regions and even then it’s incredibly hard to harvest, let alone locate.”

                “I see. Do you have an example of these locations?”

                “Well, from what I’ve heard is they have only been found in dense stone areas with heavy seismic activity and also heavy magma flows. In essence an incredibly volatile and dangerous landscape, so it isn’t something most would casually walk into or actively attempt to locate anything in.”

                “Infernus Pass.” Elynara said absentmindedly.

                “Infernus Pass? What’s that?” Adalyn asked.

                “It’s a very dangerous area far to the north of Arestoth’s borders. Home to all manner of wild animals, beasts and monsters. But yes, that would indeed be a prime location for Adamantine, but you cannot be serious about going there. It’s a death trap!” Lenaris pleaded.

                “Yeah, I don’t think it’s really necessary to go to those lengths do you? I mean…can’t I just be unregistered like always? Besides, this whole Academy and Guild nonsense didn’t exist two thousand years ago anyway.”

                “Well, no it didn’t…but what does two thousand years in the past have to do with registering?” Lenaris asked curiously.

                “Nothing! Nothing…Amrin is just…saying that things were probably simpler back then.” Adalyn quickly tried to cover up his comment.

                “Master. If we are to proceed with…locating the rest, having a registration card from the Guild will allow quick and unfettered access into most cities and kingdoms. For nothing other than to expedite your mission, I believe it is something worth pursuing.”

Amrin sighed in exasperation and raised his hands in surrender.

                “I guess it’s off to Infernus Pass.”