Khal first headed towards Castle Dor with haste. He planned to receive a report from Jasper, the former information broker, turned servant. He didn't bother to greet the servants as he entered, instead rushing towards Jasper's quarters. The pain he felt in his heart at this moment was difficult to describe. It was as though a knife was stabbed into his heart. Lord Tommel had been a father to him, someone who he respected without question. Now, the man was stripped from him. Khal wasn't sure whether he was murdered or died of natural causes but if the former was the case, they would pay with interest.

Jasper's quarter was a small room adjacent to Khal's. Although small, it was neatly decorated with old books and scrolls. Jasper was asleep by the time Khal knocked on his door. The loud banging gave him a headache, but he stilled his tongue until he made sure who it was. Shock filled his face as he looked up at Khal's distressed face. He had grown tremendously, casting a shadow on his former self.

He was a tall, stalwart man that looked no younger than eighteen. The sharp edges of his face could only accentuate how handsome he looked with the sunlight shining behind him. He exuded strength and wisdom only those veteran warriors would. What could have happened to Lord Khal during his year at the academy, Jasper thought. "My liege! You've returned!" Jasper finally said.

Khal simply nodded as he turned towards his own room. Jasper knew that meant he should follow. He hadn't forgotten how particular Khal was. He praised the Gods that he didn't snap earlier when he heard the knocking, Khal looked pissed and the gallows could always hang one more.

Khal entered the room before dropping his belongings directly on the bed. He removed his clothes quickly before jumping in the bath. Jasper stood at the side waiting until Khal asked him a specific question. The minutes went by awfully slow according to Jasper's perception. "I have returned," Khal eventually said before scrubbing his body thoroughly. "Have you gotten the list of spies while I was gone?"

Jasper quickly dug into his pockets before removing a small scroll. "I have milord. The list is short, surprisingly so."

Khal raised an eyebrow before stretching out his hand to grab the scroll. Written on it were two names, both of which Khal was unfamiliar with. "Where are they now?" Khal asked as he handed the scroll back to Jasper.

"Lady Moreen had them tortured before killing them both."

"Great-grandmother?" Khal asked rhetorically. He hadn't seen her since his return. She had declined Viscount Gilbrid's invitation for the emergency meeting. Only Alec's older brother, Baron Dercillus Dor of Marshwood, Baron Oter Dor of Rodstick and Viscount Gilbrid Dor of Elbrach with their Knights were in attendance. Khal was initially surprised to see how quickly Gilbrid managed to summon the rest of the family but even more surprised by how quickly Gilbrid listened to his warnings. House Stigs were no more, and it was now confirmed that House Rhodes was part of Raven's council. It went without saying that none of the other Great Houses were excluded from suspicions. Now, it was House Dor against whatever Raven's Council had planned for Seabo.

"Get dressed, we ride for Sydenham Town before sundown. Make sure you're armed."

"My liege!" Jasper responded before he bowed and exited the room.

Khal sighed as a few tears ran down his face. He used the water to disguise them as he reminisced on the times he'd spent with Lord Tommel. He only permitted himself a few minutes before he stood up and dried himself off. If he left the castle without visiting his great-grandmother he strongly suspected that she might send someone to kill him. His feet guided him to her chambers as his mind wandered on better days with Lord Tommel.

Before he could knock on her door he heard, "Enter!"

Khal quickly did as he was told, making sure he did it as careful as possible. "I had assumed you would grow out of that timid nature of yours with the Recluse," Lady Moreen said. Khal immediately stood straight as he tried to move as confident as possible. "It's too late now, even Marcus is timid by nature."

Khal awkwardly bowed his head, "I have returned great-grandmother."

"I see that you have. The Recluse might be compromised but at least they still know how to raise Dor men."

Khal wasn't sure whether this was a compliment or not. He decided to accept it nonetheless. "Lord Tommel has passed, I desire to visit Sydenham Town to pay my respects."

"Yes, it's unfortunate that the young Baron died. Old age tends to be cruel like that."

Khal blinked a few times by her words. Old age, Khal reminded himself internally. He only partially felt better by the news, it was never a good feeling to lose someone. "You may go but take him with you," Lady Moreen said nonchalantly. Before Khal could ask, a figure suddenly appeared in the room. Khal wasn't sure whether he was there at the beginning or not, but he remained composed nonetheless. The man was dressed in a Recluse's uniform but without the mask. He looked like an ordinary man, easy to overlook in a crowd. His height was as mediocre as his face, but Khal knew better than to take him lightly. Khal had made it the norm to use recognizance at all times. Not many could randomly enter this room without him noticing it. This man had to be leagues about him in terms of ability and strength. The most alarming thing about this man was his gaze. It was as though nothing escaped his eyes.

"To Sydenham Town?" Khal asked quickly. He wasn't sure this person was for his protection or whether Lady Moreen had a mission for him.

"No, you're to report to the Academy," she ended without giving Khal any further information.

"But grandfather has requested my presence at-"

"Do not be mistaken, Marcus answers to me," Lady Moreen rolled her eyes dismissively as she removed a scroll from off her desk. "You're a Recluse now, your first mission is to find Charles, the latest reports suggest he's the mastermind behind the Recluse."

"How did you come upon this information?" Khal asked in surprise. He never would have guessed that his great-grandmother would know so much given how reclusive she was.

"It matters not, it goes without saying that you will not draw too much attention to yourself. The academy is but a tool to blend in. No one will expect one such as you to be part of the Recluse. Take this letter and give it to the headmaster, he would know what to do." Khal's mouth twisted into a small grin as he nodded to her every word. It had been his dream to attend the academy. Whether it was a front or not mattered little to him.

A case of literary theft: this tale is not rightfully on Amazon; if you see it, report the violation.

"I will wait for you at the city exit Lord Heartseeker," the man ended as he disappeared again.

Khal's heart shuttered at the name. How far did his great-grandmother's abilities run? He would love to know but she would only ever reveal what she wanted him to know and he knew better than to ask. "Quel T'luze!" Khal whispered confidently as he bowed to Lady Moreen before taking off towards the stables. It was a phrase written in the Recluse handbook that he had memorized during his journey home. It meant, 'your will, my life', a phrase Khal thought was most fitting for the role the Recluse played in the Dor family.

---

It had been a long time since he saw Windcrest. He had been able to imprint on the horse completely before being taken to the Hive. Now, he hoped Windcrest was as excited to see him as he was. The groundsman, Donn Clide, was already outside the stables with Windcrest in hand. The horse tried its best to escape his grasp as it laid eyes on Khal. Unfortunately, a series of scolding battered Windcrest until he calmed down completely.

"He's feisty today because of you lad," Donn Clide said as Khal approached him. "He's giving me a bad rep, you must have imprinted on him more than usual. Of all the horses I've trained, this one was by far the most difficult." Khal grabbed the reins as he controlled the world energy around him. Windcrest nodded instantly as he communicated with Khal. It lasted a few minutes before Windcrest neighed while standing on its hind legs. Khal smiled for the first time since reaching home. He patted the horse before saddling up.

It wasn't long before Jasper entered the stables, fully geared in steel armor and cape. He looked every bit the part of a powerful Knight. Jasper trotted, trying his best to balance with all the weapons. His hands curled upwards as his body dropped lower. His feet dragged along the dirt before he dropped all the weapons in front of Khal. "Sorry, my liege."

Khal's eyes wandered to the variety of weapons Jasper had in his hands. He stared at him in confusion before Jasper continued, "Lady Moreen sent them for you. She said they are the best weapons to make use of your fighting style."

Khal wondered how she would even know but decided to ignore it for now. He nodded before picking them up one at a time. The first was a long sword, a thin but heavy blade that would require more practicing before he could get used to it. Next, there were dual short swords that were studded at the hilt. The blades curved upwards and Khal couldn't dispute how sharp they were. Next, there was an array of different types of daggers and throwing knives, too many to count. "How am I supposed to carry all of these?" he asked as he tried to hold a few.

"Easy, they're ter be used as concealed weapons all 'round your body," Lowel said.

Khal, Donn Clide and Jasper all looked at Lowel suddenly. Khal wondering what he was doing there while the others wondering who he was. "Why are you here?" Khal asked as he could feel a headache coming along.

"To head ter Sydenham Town of course. Yer didn't think ole Lowel would miss it did yer?"

"You're safe now, you can stay here. There is no need to risk putting yourself in danger," Khal persuaded as he tried his best to stay calm.

"Nonsense! The young Lord of Dor needs a guardsman and I just so happen ter be one. I've taken the liberty of buying a new bow. Well, it's on your tab, be sure ter repay it when yer ready."

"I think you're trespassing, whoever you are," Jasper said defensively as he blocked Lowel's entrance into the Stables. Lowel looked at him in confusion as he turned to Khal with a pleading look.

Khal's facial expression went from stony dull to deep annoyance. It was difficult to tell the man no, Khal had already tried his best not to get too involved with him to no avail. "Give him a horse," Khal said to Donn Clide with a sigh as he signaled for Jasper to allow Lowel entry. He then armed himself thoroughly. He made sure that all the concealed weapons were beneath his surcoat before mounting his horse. Although heavy, Windcrest easily held Khal without any issue.

Although the academy was a teaching institute, most nobles would arrive fully armed. It was both for their safety during the journey as well as a show of strength and prosperity. Khal knew that Erik should be at least a year ahead in the academy, but House Tommel was far too new. Without the backing of a powerful House, his time there must have been challenging.

The sun was already beyond the horizon when the trio exited the Castle walls. Lowel held a goofy smile on his face as he stared his horse closer to Khal. "Lord Tommel was a great man. He's an inspiration for us commoners." Lowel tried his best to seem sincere but it only roused Khal's annoyance with him further. Khal caressed Windcrest's mane as a distraction, allowing himself to stay quiet. He then simply nodded before riding off at a moderate pace

---

The snow had finally receded at the Northern Keep, but the temperature was still too low for much productivity. Although it was a quiet night, Grand Knight Dor knew that danger lurked within the Keep. Uther Calum had brought the captives back a few months ago but they had yet to give any information that would help Marcus in his quest to defeat the Red King. Instead, they had remained quiet, biding their time until their execution. It was the first time Gusto soldiers were ever captured alive and Uther made sure that majority of the merit went to himself. Marcus could care less, merits meant nothing if your head was removed from your shoulders.

Claw had brought word that his grandson, Khal, had managed to make it home despite the Raven's Council's numerous plans. It was with satisfaction that Marcus drank as he stared at the sunset. Whatever their plan was, he would thwart it however he could. There was no way they could best him when it came to this game. Not unless they were willing to go further than he would.

Only a few days ago his mother, Lady Moreen, had sent word of her plans for the boy. Although Marcus didn't agree, he couldn't question her wisdom. She had saved the family on more than one occasion. Khal's report showed that he was now a Vulcan, the first that House Dor had managed to produce. His plan had worked, the Hive despite being compromised, had pushed him over the edge, forcing his body to give him more power.

Marcus heard the footsteps leading to his office, his recognizance told him that it was Sergeant Iberan Marx, the firstborn of his old friend, Roman Marx. Though Roman had pledged allegiance to House Dor more than twenty years ago, Marcus still considered him to be more than a vassal. Roman's excellent service had earned him Marcus' trust and support despite his ailment.

"Enter Sergeant," Marcus said as a gentle breeze opened the door.

Iberan entered the room and saluted, "Permission to speak General."

"Speak!"

"For what reason are we still keeping the prisoners alive?" Iberan asked. Marcus had expected as much. The Gusto men were cruel, Roman Marx had suffered first hand at their hands. The poison in his blood had crippled him and even the best Clerics were unable to dispel the venom.

"They may hold vital information Sergeant."

"My scouting unit will be the one to find the-"

"While your scouting unit is impressive they will not give us information on the enemy's camps Sergeant," Marcus interrupted as he raised a hand. The villages that occupy the area between Katar and Gusto held far too many Guston camps that made it difficult for any Katarian soldier to ever set foot on Guston mainland. If they could find the locations, then they could either evade them or take them by surprise.

Marcus could tell the young Sergeant hated the Gustons almost as much as he did. Their dirty tricks and schemes were far too brutal and inhumane to counter. Using innocent villagers as shields without any remorse went against everything any Katarian could stand for. "Revenge clouds the mind and dulls the blade, it'll do you no good to make it fester," Marcus finally said to the young Sergeant.

"Father remains bedridden despite the best treatment!" Iberan shouted passionately. Just as quickly he caught himself and apologized, "Forgive me, General."

"There is nothing to forgive, Lord Marx is a dear friend of mine. We are close to finding the Guston mainland, your father will be avenged in time. Do not lose focus." Marcus accepted the Sergeant's salute as he watched him exit the room.