The boys headed towards the garden, where Faros was comfortably seated in a wooden armchair, enjoying the morning light filtered through the lush greenery.

As they approached, Faros turned his head and gave a welcoming smile.

"I gather you've reached a conclusion," Faros inquired.

Viktor stepped forward, representing their collective choice. "We have. As long as you don't expect us to harm others needlessly or steal from those who don't deserve it, we're willing to join," Viktor declared.

Faros nodded, his smile never leaving his face. "Harm is usually a last resort for us," he assured, leaning slightly forward to engage them more directly. "Unlike the Hollow Hand, we're not thugs looking for a quick score," he added, casting a knowing glance at Fenric and Soren to underscore his point. The twins merely shrugged, unfazed by the slight.

"We're in the business of information. We don't typically steal from just anyone, and we're not contract killers. But," Faros paused, looking at Viktor with a suddenly sober expression, "that doesn't mean we're without enemies. You'll be expected to defend yourselves and your fellow guild members. While we don't deal in death as a rule, we're familiar enough with its reality."

Viktor looked around at his friends, absorbing their silent confirmations through a series of nods. Satisfied they were aligned, he turned back to Faros, conviction brewing beneath his calm exterior. "We're still in," he confirmed, meeting Faros' gaze steadily.

Faros rose from his chair, his demeanor relaxed and pleased. "Fantastic! I must admit, I was starting to think I'd need to have Voralis take care of you all, wiping the slate clean, as it were," he said with a teasing smirk.

The boys exchanged nervous glances, their expressions a mix of alarm and disbelief.

Seeing their reactions, Faros waved a hand dismissively, a laugh bubbling up. "Relax, I merely jest, boys."

There was a hesitant chorus of laughter, masked slightly by relief, as they each relaxed, the weight of their decision finally settling.

"Voralis is far too preoccupied," Faros finally said.

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"Now what happens?" Viktor asked.

Faros folded his arms, thoughtfully considering Viktor's inquiry. "Ordinarily, new members go through a phased induction process," he began, his tone business-like. "This usually means extensive training before they get access to any significant resources or information. But your circumstances are—shall we say—unique? So, it’s going to be a little different for you," Faros explained, waving a hand dismissively as if this adjustment was as routine as their breakfast.

Arelos listened intently, his gaze meeting Faros’ as he absorbed the information. "Could you be more specific?"

"In short," Faros continued, "you’ll be sworn in right away." He leaned further back in his chair, not fazed by the formality of it all. "With everything going on, we can't afford a full initiation elsewhere just now, so we will conduct the ceremony here. You’ll have access to more of our resources from the get-go, which is a rare privilege. Consider it a fortunate twist of fate, perhaps owing to your...rushed entry into our affairs."

Soren shifted slightly, glancing over at his brother before speaking up. "What exactly does this swearing-in business mean?"

"A pledge of loyalty is simple," he began, keeping his tone matter-of-fact. "You'll vow allegiance to us, and in return, you'll receive a mark that identifies you as part of our guild."

Viktor nodded slowly, clearly apprehensive. "And once we're officially in? What happens then?"

"Once you're sworn in, you'll start training," he replied, his tone steady.

Viktor nodded again, this time with more certainty. "Alright, then. So, when do we start?"

Faros rose to his feet. "I've got some business to attend, but I'll be back by dusk," he replied. "That's when we'll do it. Until then, relax. You're safe here," he added, his voice full of reassurance.

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The day passed slowly for the boys as they settled into the rhythm of the safehouse. After Faros left, they were left to their devices, instructed not to wander beyond the areas they'd been shown. The few people milling around the house didn't pay them much attention, which suited them fine.

They eventually found themselves back in the garden. The autumn day was unusually mild, with warm sunlight filtering through the trees. It seemed an oasis of calm, despite the questions and uncertainties hanging over them.

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Viktor sat on a low stone wall, watching the leaves rustle in the breeze. "I just hope we haven’t made a mistake," he said, voicing the doubt that had been gnawing at him all day.

"We chose this path, so we’ll see where it leads," Arelos replied, the resolve in his tone somewhat reassuring.

Fenric, sprawled out on the grass, waved his hand dismissively. "Don’t worry about it so much, Vik. We’ll be fine."

Soren, sitting cross-legged next to his brother, grinned. "You’re just keen because you want to learn how to be a better sneak," he said, poking Fenric in the ribs.

Fenric snorted as he swatted Soren’s hand away. "As if. If anything, the Cipher could learn a trick or two from me when it comes to sneaking around."

Soren rolled his eyes, still grinning. "Sure, Fen. Keep dreaming."

Viktor chuckled, shaking his head. After a moment, he glanced at the twins. "What was the initiation like for the Hollow Hand?"

Soren shrugged. "There wasn't much of one, really. One day we just kind of ended up there, with a place to sleep and all that."

Arelos, turned his gaze to Soren. "I am certain they mark their members."

Soren nodded. "They do, but only when you’re older. They don’t bother with the younger ones until you’re a certain age."

"Sounds a bit like being thrown in the deep end to see if you can swim," Viktor mused, tapping his foot absently.

Fenric perked up, seemingly confused at the analogy. "What do you mean? Ain't none at the guild know how to swim, Vik."

Viktor chuckled, "It's just a saying."

Arelos decided to chip in, "It means rather than training you, they see if you have what it takes on your own. If you do, they'll invest in you; if not, they don’t waste their resources."

Fenric nodded, understanding. "Yeah, that sounds about right."

"Do you know how to swim, Vik?" Soren asked suddenly.

Viktor smiled, his mind drifting back to days spent near the water with his mother and sister. "I can swim, yes, although I'm no expert. Mother used to take me and my sister to the lake by the northern forest," he said.

Soren scratched his head. "Must be somethin' to swim in a lake. Never laid eyes upon one myself," he said, eyeing Viktor with curiosity.

"Never seen a lake? Really?" Viktor replied, raising an eyebrow.

Soren shrugged, a sheepish grin spreading on his face. "There ain't any lakes around here. Where would I?"

Viktor rubbed the back of his neck. "I guess you're right. They aren't exactly round every corner, but I'm so used to 'em. Just forgot they ain't everywhere."

Arelos, leaning against a tree, nodded. "If you leave the city in any direction, you'll find one eventually."

Soren turned to Arelos. "Have you seen one up close, Arelos?"

"Yeah," Arelos replied, a thoughtful look crossing his face. "Our farm wasn't situated far from one."

Soren shuffled closer. "And what’s it like? All that water just sitting there?"

Arelos shrugged lightly, his tone even. "It’s just a lot of water. Shiny, sometimes nice to look at, but that's about it."

Fenric, still lying on the grass, stretched his arms behind his head. "I’d wager my boots that I'd swim real good if I tried. How hard can it be, paddling 'bout in water? Easy peasy," he boasted, as if swimming was a skill he'd already mastered.

Viktor chuckled at Fenric's bravado. "I'm sure you could, Fen. The fish better watch out," he teased, his tone light.

With their conversation weaving smoothly through topics, the afternoon melted away. Shadows lengthened and the golden hue of dusk settled over the garden, casting elongated silhouettes that danced gently with the wind.

Just as the first stars began to shimmer faintly in the sky, Faros appeared at the garden path, his presence heralding a change in the evening’s pace. Accompanying him were Voralis, Mikos, and three other figures, moving quietly and with a purpose that spoke of familiarity with their surroundings.

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Faros cleared his throat, gathering the boys' attention. "Everyone rested? Ready to get started?" he asked, scanning their faces for any lingering hesitations.

They all nodded.

"Excellent," Faros continued, gesturing for them to follow. "I assure you, this is only the beginning of what's to come. Please, join us inside to start the proceedings."

The boys exchanged quick glances, a mixture of apprehension and curiosity flitting across their faces, but they rose without delay and trailed after Faros. He led them through the safehouse, down corridors that were becoming familiar, until they reached a door that opened up to a stairway. Descending the narrow, dimly-lit steps, they entered a spacious basement, its stone walls echoing their footsteps.

The room was dimly illuminated by torches mounted along the walls, their flames flickering and dancing as subtle currents of air drifted through unseen ventilation shafts. Shadows leapt and shifted with the movement of the firelight, giving the stone chamber an almost alive, breathing quality. Along the walls stood racks holding an array of weapons—swords, staves, and even crossbows—though layers of dust hinted at disuse.

The boys took in their surroundings, questions silently swirling in their minds.

Seeing the curiosity and slight apprehension on their faces, Faros offered an explanation. "This training room has been underutilized for some time," he said, his voice calm. "Normally, we would hold the initiation elsewhere, but with current events being as they are, this will serve our needs."

One of the men accompanying Faros stepped forward, clutching a large ledger bound in cracked leather. "This book holds the records of every member of the Lycona chapter," he began, his voice steady and clear. "It is a testament to those who came before you and those who will follow. You'll each take a turn pledging your loyalty. We'll guide you through the words to repeat, after which you'll prick your finger on this needle to draw blood and mark it beside your name within the book." His eyes scanned the group, assessing their readiness. "Any questions?" he asked, pausing to give room for inquiries.

Viktor looked at the man holding the book, a curious thought crossing his mind. "You mentioned the Lycona chapter," he began, choosing his words carefully. "Does that mean the guild operates in other cities too?"

Faros chuckled, a twinkle of intrigue in his eyes. "That's a question I'll gladly answer, lad," he said smoothly. "After your initiation, not before."

Viktor nodded slowly, understanding the need for some things to be kept back until they had fully committed. "Alright," he agreed, letting the matter rest for the moment.

Faros looked at them, his expression shifting to one of anticipation. "So, are you boys ready to begin the next chapter of your lives?" he asked, his voice carrying an air of ceremony.

Each of the boys exchanged brief glances, a wordless agreement passing through them, and nodded in unison.

The man holding the book gestured towards Viktor, indicating it was time to proceed. "Then, let's begin," he instructed, his tone firm yet steady. "Repeat after me."