Seeds of Virtue, Dark Descent, Book I

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  When Graeak came to get Druzeel later that night, just a few hours until morning, he found his young apprentice already awake. Though both of them needed a good rest, it seemed that the events of the past days were still rolling around in their heads, preventing sleep from claiming them. Worry, excitement, and agitation rolled around in their minds and it appeared that it would be some time before any of those feelings went away. It also seemed that the hundreds of questions that kept popping up would also be unanswered for days to come. Thankfully, one question, the reason Graeak was now retrieving Druzeel from his room, was about to be answered.

  The two walked into the large library that took up the third level. Brask and the others were there, waiting for the duo to arrive. It was immediately clear on Brask’s face that he was irritated with something. Probably angry that Graeak brought me, Druzeel thought to himself. Whatever the reason, Druzeel ignored the man’s sneer and followed Graeak to one of the large couches in the center of the room.

  “You have found the trail?” Graeak asked, looking to Brask. The band’s leader had only told Graeak that he had news, but he had yet to reveal what they had found during their examination of the tower.

  “Not exactly,” Ristil said, drawing their attention. “But we have found out how the thief gained access.”

  For the next few moments, Ristil explained how he had found the opening, the tools the thief used to hide his tracks, and the trap that had almost buried him. He still had no evidence on how the thief managed to erase his passage from magic, but everyone in the room knew of simple spells that could wipe away all traces of someone’s presence.

  “The mere fact that he left a trap,” Vistalas said, being the most familiar with thieves and their ways, “says that he expected his secret passage to be found out. It was a message, a warning, to all that may think about following.”

  “But follow we will,” Brask said.

  “Interesting,” Graeak said. “I thought I warded the basements. Evidently, not enough. Who would have thought someone would burrow through over fifty feet of rock and stone to get into my home? Or would have the time and tools necessary? I caution all of you that this man is not to be taken lightly. If he had that much patience and time, he will be dangerous when confronted.”

  “We take nothing lightly,” Jannda replied with a serious tone.

  “And we will confront him,” Dex said.

  “But how do we find the trail?” Druzeel asked, unfamiliar with the Knights’ methods. If the trail was buried, how could they hope to find the thief? He noticed an angry look appear on Brask’s face when he used the word we.

  “The thief’s trail may have gone cold,” Dex said, “but as Ristil said, the tools he used are most commonly used by stonemasons.”

  “And thieves don’t usually carry contraptions like that around,” Vistalas added. “Too bulky and familiar. No, the man had help, someone with knowledge of the tunnels under Atlurul, the tools needed to carve out the tunnel, and the braces to rebuild the hole in the floor. I know of a few masons with a few demons under their beds and I think we can find exactly who the collaborator is.”

  “So it seems you have a new task,” Graeak said. Brask nodded.

  “Vistalas,” he said, “make some inquires with our contacts and find out who may be the most viable accomplice. Ristil, Thorstar: go with him. Some of them may need some persuasion. Dex, Jannda, and I will prepare our things. As soon as we find out where the thief is going, we set out.”

  “Can I do anything to help?” Druzeel asked, not wanting to be left out. He may be despised by some of the Knights, but he wanted to let them know that he was ready.

  Brask opened his mouth, most likely to say something wicked, but he shut it as his eyes settled on Graeak. Dex also shot him a look that told him to calm himself and accept the help that was being given. The big man just took a deep breath, probably to control his anger.

  “Prepare your things,” he finally said through clenched teeth. “Meet Dex at the Lady in...” He looked to Vistalas.

  “Two hours,” the thief finished. “That is all the time I will need.”

  “Good,” Brask responded. “Get going.”

  “One moment,” Graeak said, rising to his feet. “Before leaving, may I have a word with you, Brask? In private?”

  Brask nodded and followed Graeak away from the group, into a quiet corner of the room. Druzeel watched them go and wondered what his mentor could be saying to the man. The others seemed not to care. They just started talking to one another about items they needed, methods they would use, and where they might have to go. It seems they knew to mind their own business. Druzeel didn’t hear many of their words for he was focused only on his mentor and the leader of the Knights.

  What was so important that only Brask could hear? Wasn’t he supposed to be leading this quest? He knew that wouldn’t be likely, but why was Graeak hiding something from him? Calm yourself, he said into his mind. He has his reasons and perhaps the conversation is about their payment. That would be a private matter between the two.

  “So, Druzeel,” came a voice from behind him. He turned to see Dex standing before him. “Are you ready for this?”

  “I think so,” he said, his thoughts turning away from Graeak and Brask and back to the journey he would soon be taking. He knew it may take him away from the tower, away from Atlurul in fact, and thought he had prepared himself enough. A part of him was looking forward to the trip but another part was concerned on where he could be going and what he could be facing. The ring Graeak had given him helped him get over his worries, but he still felt a small amount of uncertainty.

  “Better be sure,” Dex said lightheartedly. “Do not second guess yourself. If you want to be a part of the Chipped Blade, you need to have confidence.”

  “Yes,” Druzeel said more forcefully. “I’m ready.”

  “Good,” Dex replied with a smile and clapped him on the shoulder. “Keep that confidence, fight with your heart and you’ll eventually win over Brask.” Druzeel doubted his words but kept an open mind. If he kept to his lessons and performed as Graeak had taught him, he would be just fine.

  “So how long have–” Druzeel began to ask but stood as he sensed someone standing behind him. He turned to see Brask towering over him.

  “Knights,” he said, looking past Druzeel. “You know your duties.”

  Dex and the others nodded at their leader and started gathering their belongings. In a few seconds, they were heading for the stairs. Dex offered Druzeel a friendly nod and disappeared down the stairs. Brask watched them go then turned his gaze, a very unfriendly gaze, on Druzeel.

  “Two hours,” he said. “The Lady. You’re one second late, you are left behind. Understand?”

  Druzeel only nodded. Then he jumped to the side to avoid being trampled as Brask strode past. He watched the man follow the others then turned around and looked to Graeak, who was walking over to him.

  “Prepare yourself,” his mentor said and placed a delicate hand on his shoulder. “Remember your training, have confidence in yourself, and follow your heart. You do those things and you’ll do fine and they will accept you.”

  With that, Graeak turned and made for the stairs. Druzeel watched him go. He turned his eyes to where the Knights of the Chipped Blade had gone and took a deep breath. He fully intended to do everything his mentor had just said. He just hoped it would be enough.

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