ACT I • SCENA 9
FIRE AND LIGHT
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You and Annessa have moved a pair of stools to the front of the storehouse and chat aimlessly as you wait by the guild's gate for the ninth bell and its promised visitor. The sun is halfway toward the horizon, and only its top rim is able to peek over the three-story guildhouse, streaming its angled orange-gold rays directly onto the gate next to you.
[Guildmaster]image [https://i.imgur.com/VQmns8l.jpeg]
Annessaimage [https://i.imgur.com/euj8CzB.jpeg]
You hear footsteps and a knock seconds before the peal of the bell sweeps across the city. At this point, you're not too surprised to see two faces behind the guild doors.
Serious-looking fire mage
Maya [https://i.imgur.com/qbv7Cot.jpeg]
Lighthearted Priest
Tarrian [https://i.imgur.com/9FY2AMS.jpeg]
It's easy enough to recognize your new arrivals. In accidental unison, you and Annessa give slight bows in greeting.
LIGHTHEARTED PRIEST: The Guildmaster and Miss Annessa, I'm hoping?
[GUILDMASTER]:
> —<1> You are correct, Faithspeaker. I'm hoping, then, that you are Tarrian, and your accompanying mage is Maya?
>
> LIGHTHEARTED PRIEST: That would be corr—
>
> MAYA: Wrong! We are to be addressed as Firelord Maya and Lightmaster Tarrian, respectively!
>
> LIGHTHEARTED PRIEST: …Well, what can I say. It's not like I can deny it.
>
> ----------------------------------------
> —<2> Could you please hope for a hundred thousand gold as well? Your record is flawless so far.
>
> LIGHTHEARTED PRIEST: Sorry Guildmaster, but I've been hoping for that since I was eight… No luck.
>
> [GUILDMASTER]: Ah, well. Next best thing then: Could you start hoping that you are Tarrian, and she is Maya?
>
> LIGHTHEARTED PRIEST: Aaaand done. Guess what—It worked!
>
> MAYA: Wrong. It's Firelord Maya and I refuse to be addressed by anything less!
>
> ----------------------------------------
> —<3> Indeed. You're very welcome to our guild—Mister Tarrian and Miss Maya, I believe?
>
> LIGHTHEARTED PRIEST: I'm sorry to disappoint you Guildmaster, but that wouldn't be correct. I'm just Tarrian, and this is the wicked and evil Firelord Maya.
>
> MAYA: And you would do well to remember to address me as such. Including the 'wicked and evil' part.
>
> ----------------------------------------
You stare at Maya for a moment, struggling to determine how seriously to take her.
[GUILDMASTER]:
> —<1> I can do that for you, Maya… on occasion.
>
> MAYA: Ah, well. Better than I'd expected. It's good to meet you both!
>
> ----------------------------------------
> —<2> But Firelord Maya, these lands are dangerous for one so prominent as yourself. Perhaps we might call you by something a little more… discreet?
>
> MAYA: Well… I cannot deny the wisdom of that. From time to time, I have been known as…
>
> She makes a dramatic introductory bow.
>
> MAYA: …Maya.
>
> TARRIAN: What a twist!
>
> She rises again and reaches out a hand. As you shake it, her intense expression finally fades away into a simple smile.
>
> MAYA: It's good to meet you—Guildmaster, Miss Annessa.
>
> ----------------------------------------
> —<3> Fair greetings, Firelord Maya. But if you insist that we know you only by title, then please call me by my own: Star-Stealing Celestial Breaker Luminous Guildmaster, Eternal Champion of the Seventh Plane and Lord High Guardian of the Astral Gates.
>
> MAYA: Uhhhh. Can we start over?
>
> [GUILDMASTER]: Of course! So, Tarrian and Maya?
>
> TARRIAN: That's me.
>
> MAYA: That's me! Glad to meet you.
>
> ----------------------------------------
TARRIAN: It is! But let's not stand in the door any longer!
They both start to squint as the setting sunlight hits their eyes directly. You and Annessa stand to the side and gesture for your new adventurers to make way into the courtyard. Taking up positions on either side of them, you guide them toward the alley on the right side of the guildhouse, where the adventurer's dorm, kitchen, and door to the staff dining room are located.
ANNESSA: We're glad to have the both of you, and have already prepared rooms for you. You are also welcome to join us for dinner. Our other adventurers are taking theirs in the dormitory dining hall, and you'd be welcome to join the guild staff in their own dining room as well.
TARRIAN: It would be best to meet with the others, and acquaint ourselves with the staff tomorrow. We'll be headed to the dormitory, then!
MAYA: Hey, speak for yourself mister grace-and-light! I'm going to go tooooooo… the adventurer's dorm!
Her face retains its expression of intense seriousness even as she jokes with her comrade. You remember Magda's note about her, and realize for the tenth time since you've arrived here that you can't take things—or people, apparently—at face value.
TARRIAN: See, I meant no disrespect, I'm just a bit prescient is all.
MAYA: Suuuuure. I won't forget this, archnemesis!
ANNESSA: Haha… how long have you two known each other?
TARRIAN: Oh, about two hours.
MAYA: Two and a half! The man can't even count!
These two personalities will surely light up their party.
[GUILDMASTER]: You met on the way here, then?
MAYA: It was an accident, but yeah.
TARRIAN: There were some bandits involved, and this one girl thought I needed saving…
MAYA: Most Priests are old men who can only heal! How was I supposed to know you'd cast Purifying Rain on the whole crowd!!
[GUILDMASTER]: I'm quite concerned to hear about bandits… but we're here at the dorm, and you two should get some food and rest!
TARRIAN: Thank you so much, Guildmaster! We're glad to be here.
MAYA: Speak for yourself, you light-blinded faith-for-brains! But don't worry Guildmaster, I'm more glad to be here than he is!
They quickly enter the dormitory and greet the others, the dining hall being adjacent to the entry hall. And you can already tell that the place has just become three times as lively.
⋯
You and Annessa both have smiles on your faces when you enter the dining room, and the others can't help but share in the mood.
VARANT: So. Heard we've got a full party now.
[GUILDMASTER]: We do. And not only is it well balanced, but I'd bet each and every one of them is already C-rank.
VARANT: Normally I'd call you out for assuming what it's my job to assume, but I'd not take you on that bet.
MESSEN: They'll still need to learn to work together, of course. But they have strength and experience, if not necessarily against monsters.
VARANT: Give me a week and I'll start giving them experience in the field—by which I mean, they'll be clearing every low-tier quest around the city, heh.
ZOEL: It's so exciting to have recruits again! And it doesn't always look like it, but I think they really get along.
TAMI: Kani seems to really like them! But then again, she'd probably like anybody.
ETHI: Guildmaster, about the one you mentioned to me… You've met her, yes?
[GUILDMASTER]: She's very lively, I can say that much. But there's nothing I could see that would be of any interest to you.
She nods thoughtfully, and you sense an air of anticipation about her.
You weren't sure what her reaction meant when you told her about Magda's letter, but right now she definitely seems… interested. Excited, even.
After more quiet but cheerful chatter, you've all finished your dinner.
[GUILDMASTER]: This might not be the place for it, but if you don't mind, I'd like to get some discussion done since we're all together. We're long overdue for a proper meeting after all.
ZOEL: It's fine. I'll be here as long as you need me.
ETHI: Now is good. Here is good.
The others nod.
[GUILDMASTER]: First I want to make sure everyone knows about Magda and what she's done for us. It might not be too early to say that this guild is back up and running. And the best part is, I didn't have to do any of it!
To your disappointment, only Zoel smiles at that. But Tami seems amused at least.
[GUILDMASTER]: But I don't want to rely on her endowments. As far as recruiting goes, the only progress we've made has been the notices in the Maker's Marlock.
VARANT: Extending that to the March would be worthwhile. Lots of people down there who would take the chance at the adventuring life, if I had to guess.
[GUILDMASTER]: I hope so. And I hope it will be better for them. But I assume it would take a considerable amount of time to train them from the beginning, correct?
VARANT: I'd want two months minimum. Just for an aberrat.
Messen and Tami nod.
[GUILDMASTER]: So there's another thing Magda said. She believes… and frankly, I suspect she's onto something… that something big is going to happen by the end of the year. Something we need to be prepared for.
Messen stares at you stoically. Tami too, but in her own way. Ethi is gazing at nothing but clearly paying attention and Varant is rubbing the scarred side of his face. Well, the more scarred side.
VARANT: The ones we get this month… they should hit C rank by then…
[GUILDMASTER]: But frankly, that won't be fast enough. I want at least three parties at B-rank by the tenth month. And I know that's not realistic without more miracles, but I'm still setting that goal here and now.
ANNESSA: To start with, we should set up two divisions of adventurers, like we had before. A beginner, or "in training" tier, and an advanced or "active" tier. What you're saying is, you want three trained and geared parties in the active tier.
You nod.
[GUILDMASTER]: Sensible. Yes, I like that.
VARANT: Guildmaster, do it. It'd also allow you to focus your efforts on managing the active adventurers. Leave the beginners to us trainers and maximize the effectiveness of the people you can use. Can I ask though… You think we'll be getting more of these quality recruits?
ANNESSA: Magda has promised to keep scouting them for us, yes.
TAMI: That's wonderful…
MESSEN: Her picks so far have been impressive. Some of it seems like luck at first glance, but…
Ethi nods sagely.
ETHI: The new girl. I can feel her animus from here. We'll need to be careful with that one…
You shoot her a glance from the side. From everything you've heard, it takes a lot of training to be able to sense other anima even from within a few meters. It's an ability that's supposed to only be useful for training other mages. You remember what Zoel said, that she's been here for thirty years at least… And looks just as young as he does.
[GUILDMASTER]: Can you keep her under control, Ethi?
She's still looking at nowhere, and the smile she gives is outright mischievous.
ETHI: Yes.
[GUILDMASTER]: Thank you. Well, to start with, Annessa and I will take our recruitment notices to the March, probably tomorrow. But I don't want to stop there—I'm just out of ideas. I'm hoping I can scrape some out of you all.
To your surprise, it's Ethi who comes up with a suggestion.
ETHI: Get the bards in on it.
A series of thoughtful nods and shrugs parades around the table.
[GUILDMASTER]: I could pay them to give an announcement a couple times a day, or ask them to include us in a song or two…
ETHI: And the Royal Crier. Go through the governor's office if you must.
The thoughtful nods make another round, with more intensity this time.
[GUILDMASTER]:
> —<1> Well. That's enough for us to get started with, for sure. Thank you so much, Ethi.
>
> She turns her head to you, for the first time tonight, and smiles.
>
> ----------------------------------------
> —<2> Annessa, would the governor's office even be willing to do this for us?
>
> ANNESSA: It's not unprecedented. It's worth asking.
>
> [GUILDMASTER]: Excellent. Thank you for the suggestion, Ethi.
>
> Her faint smile, though facing nobody, is directed at you—and you can feel it.
>
> ----------------------------------------
> —<3> From what I've heard of how the governor's office operates, I'd be surprised if they let private guilds advertise like that.
>
> ANNESSA: We're a different situation. We're a matter of public safety, [Guildmaster].
>
> You nod thoughtfully.
>
> [GUILDMASTER]: Ethi, I think you've just given us more ideas than Anessa and I could scrounge up for days.
>
> ANNESSA: It's true.
>
> Ethi smiles at the both of you.
>
> ----------------------------------------
[GUILDMASTER]: Alright. Zoel, do you have any updates for us?
ZOEL: I've made better progress than I expected on establishing contacts. It's as if people have been missing the guild's presence all these years. Interestingly, the News Broker has been particularly helpful, and has greatly accelerated my progress. On the other hand, I haven't discovered anything about Savron, or about our benevolent benefactor—other than what [Guildmaster] has told me.
If you come across this story on Amazon, be aware that it has been stolen from Royal Road. Please report it.
MESSEN: I will make a formal request for information on Savron to the governor's office, using my family name. If it means my father finds out where I am, so be it.
ANNESSA: That's not… You don't have to, Messen…
MESSEN: I will.
He speaks with utter simplicity, allowing her no further room for argument.
You give him a respectful nod, which he returns. You don't know his family situation, but… well, it's not hard to guess at the gist of it.
Then you turn back to Zoel.
[GUILDMASTER]: Zoel. Our new arrivals said they were attacked by bandits on the northern road. They seemed content to shrug it off, but I am very concerned. Could you put your new contacts to use and find out what you can?
ZOEL: Certainly! I can bring you a preliminary by noontime tomorrow. If you'll be around?
[GUILDMASTER]: The afternoon please. I should be back in the guild office with Annessa by then. Which reminds me, there was one last thing I wanted to cover. Annessa…
She turns to you expectantly.
[GUILDMASTER]: I want to have Varant officially rank me as an adventurer. I believe I can, and should, accompany our active parties going forward.
A series of emotions washes over her face, too fast for you to distinguish each from the next.
ANNESSA: [Guildmaster]… Savron was already A-rank by the time he became Guildmaster. I didn't have to worry so much about him…
VARANT: Right. You heard that, Guildmaster. No taking on high-tier quests, alright? Just stick to your tier, and you'll be safer than any A-ranker fighting at their own.
Annessa gets the point, and her shoulders slump in defeat.
[GUILDMASTER]: Whatever's coming, Annessa, we're going to be prepared. All of us. I'll make sure of it.
The resolve in your voice brings a slight, nostalgic smile to her crestfallen visage. But she still looks down into her lap.
⋯
You ask Ethi to stay for a bit while the others file out, and you're relieved that she seems glad to oblige you.
[GUILDMASTER]: It feels a bit late, but I never had the chance to properly introduce myself, or learn about you. Pretty much anything about you, to be honest.
ETHI: It's true. Late it may seem, but for my part I'm grateful that you gave me the time to get used to all the changes.
[GUILDMASTER]:
> —<1> Don't worry, it was hardly deliberate on my part.
>
> Your grin makes her narrow her eyes, but she knows you're being playful.
>
> ----------------------------------------
> —<2> I may have needed it too, to be fair…
>
> ETHI: I think everyone deserves to have the time to think a little more before they have to speak.
>
> [GUILDMASTER]: It'd be nice, wouldn't it…
>
> ----------------------------------------
> —<3> I won't always be able to, but now I know to be sure to try.
>
> She bows her head gracefully.
>
> ETHI: Thank you, Guildmaster.
>
> ----------------------------------------
[GUILDMASTER]: May I start with the blunt questions, then? I'd be happy to trade if you have some of your own.
ETHI: It's fine, please ask away. I have plenty of my own, after all.
[GUILDMASTER]:
> —<1> How long have you been here?
>
> ETHI: I am, as you probably surmised, the oldest among the staff who remain. I have seen three Guildmasters come and go before you. To each Crusade, we lost our leadership, and so many of our best people…
>
> [GUILDMASTER]: Ah… I can only say that I'm sorry. To lose so many like that, repeatedly…
>
> She nods sorrowfully.
>
> [GUILDMASTER]: But the numbers behind that don't escape me. If you lost a Guildmaster to each Crusade, and the first Crusade was fifty-nine years ago…
>
> She nods again, gravely. But doesn't offer any more.
>
> [GUILDMASTER]: Haha. You leave me no choice but to continue with the blunt questions. How old are you?
>
> ETHI: Old enough.
>
> [GUILDMASTER]:
>
> ----------------------------------------
>
> —<1> I had no idea it was even possible to extend your lifetime with magic…
>
> ETHI: This isn't something you should be asking about. But I can see your potential, so I'll go ahead and answer your questions—it's not attainable with just magic, it's not something I can do for others, and it's not something anyone should expect to be able to do themselves.
>
> [GUILDMASTER]: Got it, thank you very much.
>
> ----------------------------------------
>
> —<2> "Old enough," you said—meaning…?
>
> ETHI: Old enough that the House doesn't need to know about it. For both our sakes, I recommend that you pretend I'm simply as old as I look.
>
> [GUILDMASTER]: Ah. So… old enough.
>
> ETHI: Indeed. You are an apt student.
>
> ----------------------------------------
>
> —<3> Will I ever learn to be as mysterious as you?
>
> ETHI: It's not impossible, Guildmaster. First, you must begin to believe that you are more mysterious than you really are.
>
> [GUILDMASTER]: Your wisdom, as always, is appreciated.
>
> ETHI: Yes, yes!
>
> ----------------------------------------
>
> —
> —<2> As a trainer, how much can I rely on you? I sense that you're powerful, but you also like to hide in your several haunts on the third floor.
>
> ETHI: You're asking about my capabilities both as a mage and a teacher?
>
> [GUILDMASTER]: That's what I meant, yes.
>
> She smiles thinly and shakes her head.
>
> ETHI: I'm much, much older than I look. Old enough that I've long since tired of having to distinguish myself before each new generation.
>
> [GUILDMASTER]:
>
> ----------------------------------------
>
> —<1> I understand—your own bearing certainly has enough weight to back your words.
>
> ETHI: I appreciate your words, and the genuineness behind them, Guildmaster.
>
> ----------------------------------------
>
> —<2> I'll take your word for it.
>
> Instead of a nod, she gives you a sad smile, of the faint kind that you've come to expect from her.
>
> ----------------------------------------
>
> —<3> And yet, it's still my responsibility to ensure that our adventurers are being trained as best as possible.
>
> ETHI: Eghhhhhh. Just sit in on a session or something, you'll see soon enough what I'm about. You'll learn a thing or two in the process as well, I can guarantee it.
>
> You smile unintentionally. She's actually quite cute when annoyed.
>
> [GUILDMASTER]: That would be perfect, actually. I'm looking forward to it.
>
> She smiles back.
>
> ----------------------------------------
> —<3> Why are you here? After all this time…
>
> ETHI: Because I want to be here, Guildmaster. I believe I'm also supposed to be here, but that doesn't mean so much to me.
>
> [GUILDMASTER]: Somehow that was a very meaningful but also useless answer…
>
> ETHI: I appreciate your praise, Guildmaster, especially as it is so genuine.
>
> [GUILDMASTER]: Yes, praise it was, yes.
>
> It's not quite a full smile that forms on her face, but for her, it might as well be a grin.
>
> ETHI: Yes, yes.
>
> ----------------------------------------
> —
[GUILDMASTER]: My interrogation is over, I think.
ETHI: My turn, then?
[GUILDMASTER]: Go for it.
ETHI: Do you want to be here, [Guildmaster]?
[GUILDMASTER]:
> —<1> I don't think I ever would have realized it if you hadn't asked, but… yeah, I think I do. I do…
>
> ETHI: That is good for all of us, Guildmaster. But I'm especially glad for your sake. If you're right, the times ahead are likely to challenge you.
>
> [GUILDMASTER]: Yes… I get what you mean…
>
> ----------------------------------------
> —<2> Well… I miss home, but in the end… I don't have anything to return to, not anymore. I'm willing to give this city, this guild, a shot.
>
> ETHI: Thank you. An open mind and an open heart will help you greatly, and therefore all of us.
>
> ----------------------------------------
> —<3> I haven't decided yet…
>
> ETHI: I shouldn't pressure you, but… in the long term, you will only succeed if you like where you are. Perhaps… make sure to start with liking who you are. And most of all… Guildmaster, could I request that you keep an open heart for this place and the people in it?
>
> [GUILDMASTER]: I can do that, yes… thank you, Ethi.
>
> She gives you her favorite smile and nod.
>
> ----------------------------------------
ETHI: Next. What do you want to do with the guild, now that you own it?
[GUILDMASTER]:
> —<1> I want to see it thrive.
>
> She smiles.
>
> ETHI: Sometimes, the best good you can do in the world is just to help those around you live their best lives.
>
> ----------------------------------------
> —<2> I want to use it to make a difference in the world, for the better.
>
> ETHI: That may be more ambitious than you think. But it's a worthy goal. If you would truly set your eyes upon that distant peak… I will be here to help you climb.
>
> ----------------------------------------
> —<3> I just don't know yet…
>
> ETHI: I'm pretty sure it's something you should figure out sooner rather than later, but don't worry too much—it's not worth rushing. You might first have to learn what you want to do with yourself, after all.
>
> ----------------------------------------
ETHI: Lastly. When the next Crusade comes, where do you expect to be?
[GUILDMASTER]:
> —<1> I'll be right where Savron was. But hopefully stronger.
>
> ETHI: Worthy. But wise?
>
> [GUILDMASTER]: I won't let the Heartlands fall to the swarm.
>
> ETHI: And so you'd march out from your walls to fight them where they're strongest?
>
> [GUILDMASTER]: …
>
> ETHI: It may well be the best option, Guildmaster. And, like I said, it's a worthy choice. But keep an open mind as well as an open heart. That's all I ask.
>
> ----------------------------------------
> —<2> I don't intend to die like my predecessors. The cost is just too high—not my own life, but the loss of the guild yet again, for the people around us.
>
> She nods.
>
> ETHI: I understand you. I understand that that decision is its own kind of valor. You believe now that it's the best way for you to do good for the world—but when the time comes, will it be?
>
> [GUILDMASTER]: At least for now, I have every reason to believe so.
>
> ETHI: For now, good. Just keep an open mind. Sometimes the greatest strength is the strength to choose the better path, even when you're halfway down the other.
>
> ----------------------------------------
> —<3> Something has to change. I'll join the Crusade if I must, but I'll use all the time in between now and then to give us a fighting chance.
>
> Ethi smiles.
>
> ETHI: Your ambition surpasses your predecessors, even. It may well be foolish, do you realize that?
>
> [GUILDMASTER]: Like I said, I'll march if I have to.
>
> ETHI: And if you kill yourself before then, trying to 'find a better way'?
>
> [GUILDMASTER]: …
>
> ----------------------------------------
ETHI: You may have noticed that I have no answers for you. Only questions.
[GUILDMASTER]: That's about the only thing my head can make sense of right now, yes.
ETHI: Hehe. Get some rest, Guildmaster. You'll think more clearly in the morning light.
[GUILDMASTER]: Yeah…
ETHI: Speaking of, I have one last warning for you. Please beware… sometimes the light that guides you is a burning pyre. Your own, even.
[GUILDMASTER]: …I will take your poetry to heart, Ethi.
⋯
It's still too early to turn in, you tell yourself. But before you realize it, you find yourself back in your guild chamber, sitting on the side of your bed and trying to make sense of what has probably been the most eventful day of your life.
The conversations of the day swirl around your mind like a tenacious eddy dancing in the muddied late-summer streams around your childhood home. Magda's every warning, Ethi's every question, every word you said at the guild table… How seriously should you take any of them? How seriously can you possibly take yourself, in this position? Three parties at B-rank… three parties…
And Ethi—right now, you just can't bring yourself to believe it. To have been here all this time… It's not like you don't believe her words, but your mind just can't accept the implication. You can tell she's no charlatan, it's just that… Age extension? How many nobles, how many royals would steal and lie and cheat and kill for that…
Zoel was one thing… but he's a trickster of his own sort, after all. Could Ethi also be some kind of prankster? You recall her peculiar but particular playfulness, and suddenly the idea seems all too believable.
But now your rational mind rejects it. You'll double check the guild records, of course, but you have every expectation that they'll prove consistent. Because the only other explanation is that the entire guild is playing a prank on you.
Ethi's every warning, your every question, every word Magda said in the guild courtyard… It all spins round your skull as you watch the wax of your lantern's candle drip, drip, drip…
You've been dumped into a situation where you're well in over your head, and you've had no chance to do anything but swim with the flow of the current. Too many strange things have happened, too many odd patterns have emerged, and you haven't had the opportunity to properly evaluate them. But for now, you decide, the most reasonable course of action is to take everything exactly as it has been presented to you: Magda's warnings have merit, the adventurer guild has a future after all, the guild staff are what they say they are, and Savron is dead.
You still sit on the edge of your bed as the evening hour closes. Finally your mind calms enough, just enough for you to steady your breathing and bring your thoughts to a stand-still.
You remind yourself to think it over again in the morning light. You wonder if you can talk about it to Annessa. If you should.
You reach over, put out the lantern, blink away the afterimage of its flame—and that's the last thing you remember of the day, except for the vague but tumultuous dreams that follow…
Dreams of dancing fire and vengeful light—