Vermilion Wing approached the estate: two armed guards blocked their entry with spears. “No one may enter without an appointment,” they bellowed in unison.

“We have an appointment,” Vivian rested a hand on her hip, “don’t we, brother?”

Kai let out a sigh. He stood centered to the guards, “At the request of Percival Greyton, Vermilion Wing has come to the aide of Lord Wesstrum.” The guards shared a look, followed by a nod of approval. Their weapons were lowered as they pushed open the doors. “Let’s get this over with,” Kai directed his team with his head. As Vermilion Wing passed by the guards, one of them directed a sneer in Mira’s direction. Causing the priest to flinch and freeze momentarily. From beneath his helmet, one could spot the tusks of an orc. Kai took notice but kept his thoughts to himself.

Inside the foyer, an elven butler awaited them. The Aranea marking plastered upon his face. With a bow, he beckoned them to follow. Leading them through the manor to reach the library in the east wing. Along the way, they passed many uniquely carved statues of spiders. Paintings of previous lords of the estate lined the walls. Heavy oaken doors swung open for them to enter the library. Waiting for them was a kindly, elderly gnome. The lower half of his body replaced by a mechanical disc; eight ornate legs forged of iron filigree ending in needle-thin points. Giving him the appearance of a man growing from a spider. Fitting seeing as he’d devoted his life to the Syndicate.

“Lord Wesstrum, I presume,” Vivian was the first to address him.

“No need to be so formal,” the gnome laughed. “Why, you can all call me Jorn.” Jorn crossed the room to properly greet his guests. The whirring of gears and cogs filled the air. Something that seemed to irritate the gnome. “Really must get that fixed.” He took Vivian’s hand and went to kiss the back. A common greeting for those from upper-class backgrounds. For Vivian, it was unacceptable. She quickly snatched her hand back before he made contact.

Jorn proceeded to try the very same action with Torrik. The dwarf shrugged as lips pressed against his hand. Kai also allowed the action. But when it came time to greet Mira, he just shot a quick smile her way. Kai spotted a mixed look of relief and disappointment. Stepping back, the estate owner stepped back with a mock bow, “So, you are the group my old friend told me about. Vermilion Wing,” Jorn scanned the four. Mouth curling into a frown, “Shame.”

“What does that mean?” Vivian blurted out.

“It’s just,” Jorn went on, “Vermilion Wing, well… With a name like that, I had hoped, assumed, you would have had a phoenix. Or maybe you were a group of those birdmen I’ve heard about. But you’ll make do.”

“Sorry to disappoint,” Kai spoke. “But the name has nothing to do with our actual members.”

“Actually,” Torrik spoke up. “Why is the group called that?”

“It doesn’t matter,” Kai snapped. “Can we leave it alone?”

“I’d like to know as well,” Mira chimed in. When Kai looked her way, she withdrew into herself. Pulling her arms close to her chest. “If you want that is.”

Kai relented, “As children, our father would tell Vivian and me about his days as an adventurer. The stories of him and his guild, Red Hawk. So, when we set out on our adventure we took up Vermilion Wing as a spiritual successor. In honor of our father.”

“We, brother?” Vivian laughed. “Now, if I recall, you chose to do that. I just went along with your idea.”

“We, I; does it really matter at this point? But there you go, now you know the reason behind the name Vermilion Wing.” Torrik approached Kai. Leaning in close, thoroughly examining his face. Getting close enough to make Kai uncomfortable, “You can back away at any moment.”

“I see now,” Torrik grumbled. His stone face lightened up into a joyous smile, “You're Alister’s boy!” Everyone in the room reacted to that revelation with surprise. For a moment, Jorn seemed to pale but quickly recovered. Kai seemed to be the only one to take notice. His thoughts were cut short as Torrik continued, “Those orange eyes of yours kept me from seeing it, but that face. Spitting image of your father.”

“Alister Runescar was your father?” Mira cocked her head.

“Wait, you all knew our father?” Vivian cut in. “The gnome and Torrik I can understand, but even you, Mira?”

Mira shuffled in place, “I didn’t know your father, but my mother talked about him and his team. They saved her village back in the day.”

“How’s old Alister doing?” Torrik pat Kai on the back. “Why, from what I heard he retired from the adventuring life nineteen years ago.”

“He did,” Vivian answered.

“Because we were born,” Kai finished the thought. His attention turned to Jorn, “Now then, about this mission? What do you need us to do?” His eyes narrowed as he watched their host. Kai was certain his sister was doing the same. Now that he knew who they were, no need in completely hiding his disdain.

“Ay yes,” the gnome fought to wear a smile. “It’s really quite simple. You see,” his mechanical legs took him to the far side of the room. Allowing him to gaze out the window that encompassed the entirety of the back wall. Even though he had his attention turned elsewhere, it still felt as though he were watching them. Jorn let out a faint laugh, “On the north side of the island there’s a set of ancient ruins. Within those stone walls is a treasure I desire. The Eye of the Storm is what I’ve dubbed it. A crystalline orb that houses a powerful magic within.

“I sent some of my men to retrieve it. But, you see—"

“They never returned?” Kai guessed.

“Precisely! Which is why I require, outside help. Adventurers. Those who have braved the dangers of this world of their own accord. You.” While he stayed in place, Jorn’s torso spun upon his strange chariot. Allowing him to face Vermilion Wing once more. “Find my crew, or at least recover the orb. I don’t care which. Do this, and not only will I remove the curse from you. I shall grant you riches.” They listened to the whir and hiss of Jorn’s movements; the gnome approaching a rather unimpressive painting of a cliffside sunrise.

Behind the frame was a compartment filled with gold and gems. Jorn reveled in the excited looks on Vivian and Torrik’s faces, “Just a small portion of my wealth. Set aside for worthy heroes.”

“And no hero is worthier than us,” Bellowed Torrik. Slamming his fist into his armored chest. While the dwarf and his sister asked about the reward, Kai wandered off to a nearby bookshelf. Running his fingers across old leather spines. A collection from all of Valstrom. From gnomes to orcs; Jorn had gathered an impressively vast variety of tomes.

His father had taught him how to read a few other races' languages. Though, it had been quite some time since he’d needed to read anything other than the common language. Making many of the books impossible for him to guess upon their contents. His fingers came to a halt when he spotted a particular volume.

Emblazoned upon read leather was golden text. Written in the language of the Brimborne—a race born from demonic descent. A single character had caught his eye. One that looked like a pair of curved horns, a diamond floating between them. Curse, Kai reminded himself. That was the Brimborne symbol for curses. He looked over his shoulder. Vivian and Torrik seemed to be locked in debates over improving their reward. Based on the faltering expression Jorn wore, they were winning.

The story has been stolen; if detected on Amazon, report the violation.

He scanned the room for Mira. The half-elf had wandered over to another shelf. Perusing volumes across the room from where he stood. Gaining her attention would risk drawing Jorn’s gaze. And if the gnome noticed what he held, he might draw the ire of their client. He would rather not have to face members of the Aranea Syndicate while brandishing their mark. There was no telling what would happen in that instance.

Mindlessly, Kai flipped through the pages. Arcane symbols and strange drawings littered every page. With no training in magic or curses, he was unable to understand a thing. Every now and again, Kai stumbled upon a character he recognized. But without proper context that meant nothing. Until he stumbled upon a familiar image. The spider he wore. He thought back to his conversation with Mira. How she told him she would need the curse’s formula to understand all it could do. And now he held what he assumed to be exactly what she needed.

After a moment of debate, Kai quietly ripped the page free. Stuffing it into a hidden pocket sewn into his cloak. One that was impossible to find without prior knowledge. Wanting a backup in case the gnome didn’t stay true to his word.

Vivian called Kai and Mira over. Negotiations were over now. The two seemed pleased with the deal they struck. When asked about it, they joyously informed the others of the price they settled on. Even Kai was unable to hold back his excitement, “Two-thousand gold, each!” This had turned from a job to undo a curse into the last job any of them would need to take. So long as they were wise with their money.

“A small price to pay,” smiled Jorn. “And I’ll even throw in a bonus stipulation. Should any of you fail to return, their portion will be divided amongst those who survive.”

“You expect us to die?” Torrik laughed. “Not likely, especially with the motivation you just gave us.” One could tell Torrik’s fortune would run dry quickly. If the ale didn’t run dry first. “Now, when do we leave?”

“Now,” Kai spoke. “The sooner we’re done, the better.” It was at that moment Kai noticed Jorn staring at him. The gears in the gnome’s mind turned as though Kai was the missing piece in a grand machination.

“A moment?” Jorn waved Kai over. With a shrug, Kai obliged. Once they were out of earshot the gnome wore a solemn gaze, “I’m sorry about what happened to your father.” Kai remained silent. Jorn continued on, “And I want you to know, the Syndicate’s actions aren’t unanimous.”

Brows furrowed, Kai struggled—but managed to keep his voice down, “It wasn’t just my father. My mother, our friends; so many innocent lives.”

“It was a dreadful thing,” Jorn agreed. “But I want you to know, I had nothing to do with it.”

“And why should that matter?” If he hadn’t been marked by the Syndicate’s curse, Kai was sure he would have slit Jorn’s throat right there.

“Because I can help you,” Jorn’s voice was shaken. As though he could feel Kai’s burning desire. His attention turned to Vivian. She must have noticed his staring. And based on the way he hastily withdrew, she must have shot back a venomous look. “You and your sister do well to hide your hatred of me.”

“We have more important matters,” Kai reminded him. Placing his hand over the curse.

“Yes, and I do hate that it has come to this. But I need you to trust me. What happened all those years ago, I spoke out against it. Many high-ranking members did. Some, many of us respected your father. And I wouldn’t be alive if not for him.”

“Then he made a mistake.”

Sweat began to form on Jorn’s brow. He pulled a kerchief from his coat’s inner pocket. Lightly dabbing his perspiration away. “We can be of use to one another. If you leave me out of your vendetta, I can funnel you information. No need for you to join the Syndicate. No curse binding you to your word. Just a simple agreement.”

“What kind of agreement?” Kai was beginning to sound impatient. His mask slipped momentarily.

“Keep yours and your friends’ weapons pointed away from me, and I’ll search for the ones who ordered the attack on Hamal. I’ll help you get your revenge.” It was an offer sweet as honey. An offer to give Kai exactly what he wanted. Meaning it was too tempting for him to take. “Well?” the gnome extended a hand. Waiting for Kai to take it.

“I’ll consider it,” reputed Kai. “You can’t trust spiders.”

“Of course,” Jorn sounded disappointed in the answer. However, he chose not to force it. Leading Kai back to his team. As Kai shuffled back into line with all his friends, Jorn addressed them all, “You lot are about to embark on a grand quest. I’m sure this day will go down in the annals of the Aranea Syndicate for generations. For without you, the bright future ahead will not be possible.”

It was clear none of Vermilion Wing had any interest in this grandiose embellishment of their mission. When his flair for the dramatic went unappreciated, Jorn handed over a map and waved them off with a smile. One could feel his eagerness permeating the room. Kai noticed his sister cast a venomous look the gnome’s way. Just like her brother, only showing her true feelings briefly. Torrik was the first to leave the library. Followed by the twins, Vivian slipped by her brother. “We’ll talk later,” she whispered before slipping through the door. Kai let the two of them gain some ground before following them down the corridor. Mira hastened her step. Slowing down once she was comfortably by his side.

Kai smiled at her, “Chances are these ruins will be dangerous. We’ll be counting on you and your magic.” Mira let out a sound of agreement. Though she lacked any confidence as she did so. A meager nod accompanied the sound. Kai patted her head gently, “I little confidence from you would ease my spirit.”

“Sorry…” Mira frowned.

“No worries,” Kai spoke softly. Trying his best to alleviate her self-doubt. For a moment he considered handing her the page he’d stolen. Allow her ample time to study the curse. Should Jorn not hold his end of the deal. A sneaking suspicion told him to hold off on this action. Even though nothing outright showed him a danger of revealing his theft, his gut argued against it. And when he held any doubt, Kai tended to trust his gut. “I believe in you.”

From further down the hall, they could hear Torrik going on about his excitement. Kai only half listened. His mind lingered on Jorn’s words. Could he trust his offer to help? Could he trust that not every member of the Syndicate had wanted his father dead?

Even in his distracted state, he was able to notice Vivian glance back at him. A ‘don’t forget we need to talk’ look. Another issue to throw into the bonfire that this mission was. “You worship the Bright Mother, right?” Kai turned his attention to the priest by his side.

“I do,” Mira replied. “My entire family has dedicated themselves to her teachings.”

So, she’ll be limited to healing magic, Kai assumed. From what he had gathered, the Bright Mother was an alternative name for the Valstrom goddess, the Light Mother. He’d met a few priests from that chapel as a child. The Light Mother’s teachings were all about the preservation of life. Great for after a fight, but not as useful during. “Have you prayed to any other gods before?” Kai’s curiosity was piqued. It doesn’t matter if you have, he reminded himself. Even if Mira was unable to do much during a fight, the others could more than make up for that.

“I haven’t,” Mira admitted, “but I intend to. Someday.” Guilt washed over Kai. When they had met her, he had offered for her to join. Seeing her as a kindred soul lost in the kingdom. Now, he wondered if he’d been keeping her from fulfilling her goals or desires.

Are we after a holy relic? He pondered, coming to a complete stop. Mira stopped at Kai’s side. His sister and the dwarf continued on without notice. “What do you know of the god worshipped here?”

“The Deep-Watcher,” Mira looked to the ceiling. As though all the answers were written up there. “Though my people know this god as the Abyss Serpent. Shippers and fishermen tend to pray to such gods. Wanting them to bless their vessels and to keep the skies clear.” As Kai listened to that explanation, he couldn’t help but feel he could be right.

By the time the two left the estate, Vivian and Torrik wore expressions of annoyance. “The hallway wasn’t that long,” Vivian scowled. “What took the two of you?”

“We were having a quick discussion, sister,” Kai replied.

“And this couldn’t have been done while walking?” Vivian rolled her eyes.

Kai shrugged, “I didn’t mean to keep you waiting. And I hope you don’t mind waiting a bit longer. There’s been a change of plans.”

“Haven’t we waited enough?” groaned Torrik. “If we delay any longer, we won’t be done by sundown like you wanted.”

Kai looked to Mira, then back to the dwarf, “It’s important. Holy journey stuff.” When he said that, the half-elf cocked her head to the side. Eyebrow raised in confusion. Instead of explaining himself, Kai tossed Torrik the payment Percival had given them in advance, “Grab some supplies for the trip. Potions, oil; whatever we might need.”

Torrik turned his gaze to Vivian, “Drinks?” With a shrug, she followed the dwarf. That should be distraction enough for the two of them. That wasn’t what Kai had expected, but anything to keep them busy for a while.

Mira turned to face Kai, “Why are we delaying the mission? And what do you mean by ‘holy journey stuff’?”

Kai smiled at Mira, “We could use all the blessings we can have. Let’s find a temple.” Kai would never admit that he hadn’t wanted to delay their trip. But, not only had he felt ashamed to keep Mira from doing her duties, he felt they could use all the help they could get.