Chapter 16: Chapter 16: The Plan

The door swung open and bodies stepped inside. Symon held Serafina by the arm and waist, guiding her inside as blood dripped from the claw marks across her features. The rest of the group stepped in, Cedric last and closing the door behind them.

The mood was a somber one as everyone looked to the Serafina.

“You can let go of me,” she said to Symon with a gentle tone.

Symon hesitated. Serafina pulled her arm away and stood on her own power. She crossed the main room and moved to a small cabinet by the kitchen entrance. She opened it and her hand slid in. Everyone watched, seeing her hand going deeper than what looked like the cabinet can go. She pulled out her hand, a potion in her grasp.

The woman in black popped the cork as a blue liquid glowed within. She raised it to her lips and took a deep drink. When the last of the contents slipped down her throat, she put the empty vial on a small, nearby table. Her head was tilted forward as she grunted.

Symon lifted his hand and stepped to her, ready to help. Without looking back, she waved him away.

“It takes a moment,” the elder raven said as she turned around to the group.

Everyone watched as blood slipped back into her facial wounds. The claw gashes began to thin and pucker. Before their eyes, the line melted together and sealed shut. Marks faded away and her face had returned as if it was never damaged.

“The house has many secrets,” Serafina smiled as she felt refreshed.

A sigh of relief filled the room.

“Everyone, come with me,” Serafina ordered and walked toward the main corridor of the home.

Everyone moved but Olivia.

Symon stopped and turned to see the young woman’s eyes filled with uncertainty. “Olivia?”

The young woman looked down. “I want to thank you all for saving me from the Dragon Guild, but I should go back to my inn and pack my things.”

Everyone stopped and looked over to the actress.

“Leave? We’ve just begun!” Cedric said with a smarmy smile.

Serafina walked back into the main room and up to Olivia. The two women looked at each other as the air grew still. Serafina lifted her hands and placed them on Olivia’s shoulders.

“You are one of us now. There is no leaving,” she said with a kind tone.

Olivia shook her head. “Again, I thank you for buying me time, but you can’t stop me if I want to leave,” she said with determination in her tone.

Serafina nodded. “You are right. No one can keep you here, but you are one of us now. Symon told me of your adventures and our family can use someone talented like you.”

Olivia was about to protest, when she saw a glimmer in Serafina’s eyes.

“But if you leave, you will never achieve your goal of riches, status, and power. I can see it in your eyes, like I’ve seen it many times before. You crave more in this life. You wish to be the very thing you were not born into, a life of high society and wealth. It is a dream of many, but you don’t dwell in dreams or wishful thinking. You wish to make it a reality.”

Olivia looked down and was silent.

Serafina pulled back and hand and put a finger under Olivia’s chin. She lifted her head up until they met each other’s gaze.

“Olivia, if you walk out, you will never be able to come back. With us, you have a better than average chance of reaching your dream. We all do, but we must keep our family together.”

Serafina’s mouth twisted into a knowing smile. “Besides, think of the kings and queens you’ll earn.”

Olivia stared at the woman in black for a breath, before her own smile glowed.

“Now, let’s get to the backroom so we can plan for our future,” Serafina smiled and stepped away.

Symon watched Olivia, seeing if she as going to turn and walk away. The young woman shifted her gaze to Symon. Her smile remained before it faded away.

Cedric, Nyana, and Qin joined Symon, watching the new member of the raven guild as she was making her choice.

Olivia sighed and stepped to the group.

“I knew you would stay!” Cedric grinned.

Olivia glanced to Symon and he gave her an approving nod.

“Everyone, this way. We have a lot to discuss,” Serafina said as she led the way.

The group of ravens followed Serafina as they made their way down the main corridor. They reached a set of double doors. The doors themselves had odd markings and runes along each one. No two runes were the same. Serafina lifted her hand and touched a few in order. A lock slid back. Serafina took hold of the doors and opened both at once.

“Welcome to the stateroom,” Serafina said with robust flair as she walked in.

Symon was next to step in, taking in the room. It was a long chamber. A rectangular table took up the middle of the room, complete with comfortable chairs. It was made of sturdy, dark polished wood. shining in the lantern light. The rest of the camber had cabinets and bookshelves running along the walls.

Symon’s senses drank in more than what he could see. The scents told of a deep history. Though he couldn’t see it, the chamber felt like it had been used many times, but hundreds of people over many, many years. It had an ancient feel, untold numbers of schemes and plans hatched and discussed in this very chamber.

“Have a seat,” Serafina said as she sat at the head of the table.

The door to the stateroom closed and a lock slid into place of its own accord. Everyone sat down. Symon was to Serafina’s right, with Cedric next to him. Olivia sat to Serafina’s left, with Nyana and Qin on the same side. Almost everyone was looking around, taking in the subdued grandeur of the chamber.

Serafina leaned forward, her forearms and hands on the table as she glanced at everyone present.

“This chamber is protected and fortified with magical runes. They prevent any prying eyes, physical or mystical, from penetrating the chamber. We may speak freely here,” Serafina explained.

An uncomfortable hush fell across the room. Symon glanced to the others, and he saw it, their hesitation. The dragon guild came here looking for blood, and they got it, their guild leader slicing across Serafina’s face. The potion may have healed her wounds, but the act remained like a splinter in all of their collective fingers.

Symon knew this could not continue, and spoke up.

“I know everyone is concerned as to what happened outside, but we are all here. Serafina said she had a plan, and we have to put what happened behind us and focus on the future.”

Everyone had turned their attention to Symon, absorbing his words. The uncertainty in their eyes faded and the light of new courage began to bloom.

“I don’t wish to be the bearer of bad tidings, but what’s to stop the dragon guild, or any of the other guilds to pick us off one by one, or capture Olivia if we lower our guard?” Cedric asked.

Everyone looked at Serafina.

The elder raven nodded. “I understand your concerns. The dragon guild came here for blood, and they received it, even if it as just my own. There are rules for any deaths that may occur between guilds, but Olivia was not part of our guild when she took the life of a dragon guild member. Now that she is part of us, they cannot take her because she is one of us, but that doesn’t wash away the bad blood between our guilds.”

Serafina looked around as she continued, “Our guild is beginning again, and for now, the other guilds will have to respect our presence, even if they don’t like it.”

“We are still running out of time,” Symon said as he spoke up. “The deadline for our contract with the Necromancy Academy is approaching. We have four weeks to convince fifty young mages to join the academy, earn a hundred and three platinum kings, and regain our guild stone.”

“Forty-eight young mages. Nyana and I will be there to join and support the necromancy academy,” Qin quipped, trying to lighten the mood.

“Oh, is that all? We’re nearly there!” Cedric barked out a laugh.

Serafina looked at everyone at the table with warm eyes. Soon, her gaze darkened as she spoke.

“I was hoping we would have more time for better training, but Symon is correct, we are running out of time. If our guild is to survive, we have to ensure we can match, or exceed the other guilds. We hang by a knife’s edge and I will not allow us to fail.”

Serafina sat back in her high-backed chair with cool eyes. “Everyone here already has one, or several talents. If we followed traditions, it may take some time before everyone here was ready to earn vast amounts of coin, but time is a luxury we do not have.

“I’ve been working on two plans to aid us and return the guild to its proper status among the other guilds. The first plan is to earn enough coin so everyone here can be taught a host of skills. The second plan is to retrieve our guild stone.

“For this evening, we will focus on the first plan. Should we earn our victory, we will discuss the second plan.”

“What about finding more mages for the necromancy academy?” Nyana asked.

“We will have to cross that bridge when we get to it, but we will accomplish the task we took on,” Serafina said with confidence. “For now, we must invest in ourselves and the guild.”

“I’m eager to hear the plan,” Cedric said as he looked at Serafina with adoring eyes.

Everyone saw the look in the author’s face. He was smitten and looked like he would fall to Serafina’s feet if she asked.

Serafina continued as if she didn’t hear him, “For our initial plan, I purchased some information that may aid us. As some of you are new to Gray Gate, I will explain a few things you may not understand about the shadowy workings of the city.

“And it should go without saying, what happens in the guild, stays within the guild. Anyone could be listening at any time. For our guild to grow strong, we must be united in our goals.”

Heads nodded in agreement. Olivia was still for a moment, before she gave a single nod.

The elder raven continued, “Everyone may have heard whispers or gossip, but it is a known and real practice here in Gray Gate. Mana is scarce since the cataclysm, but the mages have discovered a way to harness it from mythics, creatures with more than average natural mana. The mages need spell ink to pen their spells within their spellbooks, or enchant items.

“The mages do want to stain their reputations, so the arts of creating spell ink have been passed down over generations to those who work in secret for them. These professionals are called Vivisectors. They have studied the art of drawing mana from mythics. They take a mythic’s ichor and refine it into spell ink. The process is a cruel and tortuous to any mythic caught in a vivisector’s web.

“Since the work is very difficult, most vivisectors are paid well to continue their work, aiding the academies and anyone else seeking mystical and enchanted items. Most vivisectors are affiliated with certain academies, and their corresponding guilds, but not all.”

Serafina leaned forward with a hungry gleam in her eyes. “There is a vivisector who has burned every bridge with every academy and guild. He is a cruel man who enjoys his spirits and dark work a little too much. If he wasn’t good at his work, he would have been found with a dagger in his back some time ago. But since it cannot be denied that he gets results, he is allowed to continue, but without the benefits of a partnered guild. This leaves him vulnerable, and an enticing mark.

“For the next three days and nights, we will plan and practice what we need, to break in and steal his wealth from right under his nose.”

A silence filled the chamber as they digested Serafina’s words.

“Three days? Is that enough time?” Cedric asked.

“It will have to be. The longer we take to complete our tasks and errands, the lower our chances of getting out of this alive. All of you have taken a great leap to become part of this guild and I will not allow us to fail. That is why, I will be leading this plan personally so we can ensure victory.”

“But, can you be in Old Town?” Symon asked.

Serafina nodded. “Because of the dead contract, my limitations have been lifted for a time. Once we have the guild stone back and have earned enough kings, our guild will be on equal ground with the other guilds.”

“It can’t be that simple? Even if a vivisector is not affiliated with any of the guilds, he will still have guards and protections in place,” Olivia said. “I was scouting many different areas and districts in Old Town and some of the wealthier citizens were well protected against any kind of robbery.”

“Normally, yes, but as I said, I purchased some information that make give us an edge. I will speak to it more during our trainings over the next few days. I wouldn’t allow everyone here to take on such a dangerous task without having something hidden up my sleeve. This plan will earn us enough wealth to put us on equal footing with the other guilds.”          

Nyana looked down. “I didn’t expect to do something this grand, so soon.”

Qin put his clawed hand on his cousin’s hand. “We knew this would not be easy, but we can do this.”

Serafina’s brow softened as she looked at the kobolds. “Nyana, I will be there to ensure we all get through this.”

“We will all be there to make sure we all get through this,” Symon corrected with a small smile.

The elder raven nodded. “It has been so long since new blood has filled the guild, I had nearly forgotten. Symon is right, all of us will have our part to play, together. This evening was a warning to all of us, and we must take it seriously.

“We will work and train together over the coming days. With Olivia’s help, we have a better than average chance of success.”

“My help?” Olivia said.

Symon nodded. “You’re the only one here, besides Serafina, with a talent for breaking into homes. When I was trying to track you down, I inspected some of the places your robbed when no one was home. The locks to windows and doors were a little complicated. You seem to have a natural skill to get them open.”

“Those were simple locks. I’m not sure I can do anything beyond that,” Olivia said with a low tone.

“No need to be humble,” Serafina smiled. “Our little family needed a lock expert and you fell right into our lap. You’ll do fine, with a little extra training.”

The woman in black turned to everyone at the table. “I will detail the plan as we train together. Let it be known, despite whatever edge we have, this will still be a difficult task. We will try to account for every eventuality, but no plan is perfect. Chance always plays its hand and we will need to ready.”

“Do we know how much wealth we may be looking at?” Symon asked.

Serafina looked at the young man with an impish smile. “Enough to ensure our status within Gray Gate is no accident. And it will be enough to raise everyone here from novice to professional. Everyone here will get a fair cut, but any platinum kings must go to the guild coffers. This will help establish our wealth and status as a whole, and aid us for the next plan.”

Serafina’s expression took on a serious edge. “I will not lie to all of you. Our chances of success will grow as long as we work together. If one of us falters, the rest of us must help them right themselves. If we had more time, we would be a much more cohesive family, but fate had other plans.

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“I want everyone to rest tonight. The training will be no simple task, and we must prepare for what must be done. Are there any questions?”

The room was silent as hearts beat in solidarity, for the most part.

“Good. Rest up and we will begin first thing in the morning, “Serafina said with a motherly edge before turning her gaze to Olivia, “I will show you to your room.”

Olivia nodded and stood up. Serafina also stood up, circled the edge of the table and walked with Olivia to the double doors.

When they left, it was Nyana who stood up and looked over to Symon.

“You have known Serafina longer than us. Do you believe we can succeed?” the kobold asked.

Symon smiled as a small doubt lingered in his heart.

While true that I’ve known Serafina longer than anyone else here, it’s still hasn’t been a terribly long time. But if I cast doubt, the others will balk. No, this must work for all of us or we will fall apart before we began.

“I trust Serafina with my life. She will not steer us wrong,” Symon said with confidence.

Nyana looked away. “Even in my town, we’ve heard stories of vivisectors. There have been many tales of them taking away many of our people to drain mana from our bodies. Those who happened to escape, spread the word of the horrors they witnessed.

“I have no love for any being who would be cruel to others for the sake of power and profit. If this plan is to hurt a monster, then I will not back down. My people have endured much over many thousands of years, and I will not let this injustice continue.”

Symon watched as the kobold seemed to be holding back her emotions. Her reptilian eyes gleamed with wetness. She shifted on her feet, her own words not bringing her comfort.

Nyana looked away. “Rest well everyone. I will retire for the evening and see you in the morning.”

And with that, the kobold left the table and exited out the room.

Qin stood up and looked at Symon and Cedric. “She is still grieving. We both are. My cousin has always had an innocent view of the world, even if she knew some of its horrors under the surface.

“Symon, I will make sure she is okay for the plan. It is my duty and honor to watch over her. Now that we are part of this guild, my oath spreads to everyone under this roof.”

“As does ours as well,” Symon said with an understanding look. “We will be there to protect and lift each other up.”

Qin gave a single nod. He turned and exited out of the room.

Symon was about to get up and leave, when Cedric signaled his attention with his hand. The young man turned his full attention to the thin man as he sat. Cedric’s face was not his normal haughty self. It appeared serious as he looked at the young raven.

“We haven’t had much time to talk, but I’ve wished to sit down and talk for a little bit, if you don’t mind?”

Symon relaxed, but kept his senses alert. “What did you want to talk about?”

Cedric eyed Symon with a curious gleam. “I told you before, I have bene fascinated with your people since I learned how to first read. There are legends and myths about shapeshifters throughout history, until shortly after the cataclysm. It is well documented that your people were hunted to near extinction because of the mana in your blood.”

Symon was silent as Cedric continued.

“How much do you know of yourself? Do you have full knowledge of what you can do?”

“Why do you ask?”

“I saw the look of surprise as you fought the dragon guild leader. Despite that, you moved like from the old tales. What made shapeshifters so revered and feared before they were hunted for their blood, was their ability to blend in and disappear. There are many stories and books about fabled shapeshifter assassins who could infiltrate the highest courts of royalty to slay heir targets. One of their abilities to blend in was the ability to copy a person, from mannerisms to their skills.”

Memories stabbed into the back of Symon’s mind, his parents spending nearly every evening they were alone, telling him of their history and abilities. Unfortunately, there was a cloud in his mind, obscuring the finer details.

Cedric chuckled. “You don’t have to tell me your secrets, but all of this begs a question. Why are you here, in Gray Gate? This place is dangerous, especially for someone like you. Why risk your life in this guild? If it is discovered an actual shapeshifter is here, many will seek you out.

“I’ve heard whispers in my travels, of earning extra coin for bringing in mythics, dead or alive. But you, my friend, are playing a dangerous game here in a city of mages. Very few mythics are worth stacks of kings, except for you and your people.”

“Thinking of turning me in?” Symon said with a sly edge.

Cedric put his hands up to chest level and shook his head. “Perish the thought. We are brothers in this guild and your people are legendary. Why would I attempt to end the story by turning you over for coins, when we can ride this adventure together. You have awoken my muse and I would never dare to silence here again. That would be criminal,” Cedric winked.

Symon kept his small smile as he looked at Cedric. The man gave off an aura of genuine curiosity and to Symon, it was nice to talk to someone else about things he rarely said out loud.

“Sometimes, the best place to hide is right under the hunter’s noses,” Symon winked.

Cedric’s eyes took on a shrewd gleam before he let out a hearty laugh.

“Truly, you are dangerous and clever man! But, if you are concerned about my loyalty, there is a way to secure it between us, if you hear me out?”

“What do you have to ask and maybe I will consider it,” Symon said.

Cedric nodded and smiled. “Let me write your story. I will not publish it until many years have passed and we have secured our fortunes, legacies, and with your permission, of course.

“I have mentioned that, despite writing books, I have lost my fire for stories. Joining the guild has given me new purpose again, but your story and friendship quickens my pulse beyond simple inspiration. You do not have to swear to me, but with time, I would like to see where our paths will go and put them down to paper, if you allow it.”

Symon considered the writer’s words for a moment before smiling at the man next to him.

“I would never stand in the way of a person’s muse. Write what your wish. When you feel it is ready to hand it over to the world, I will read it first and tell you then if you can publish it or not.”

Cedric nodded with a wide grin. “I accept. It will be the tale of a lifetime and my greatest work. Thank you, my guild brother.”

Cedric stood up. “Time to get some rest. I fear Lady Black will put us through the grinder over the next few days. Goodnight, Symon.”

Cedric bowed before standing up, turning on his heels and walking toward the double doors.

Symon watched as the odd man left and closed the door behind him. He then slipped his hand into his leather jacket and pulled out his ledger. He opened it and looked at the first page.

Symon

Raven Guild Rank: Novice

 

Copper Rooks: 712

Silver Knights: 456

Gold Queens: 13

Platinum Kings: 0

 

Natural Abilities

Shapeshift: Minor (Fox)

Shapeshift: Vulpine Form

Imprint

 

Skills

Flee: Proficient 

Pickpocket: Proficient

Hide: Proficient

 

Symon quickly spotted the new ability under his natural abilities.

It felt so natural, picking up Vrar’s fighting skills as I was fighting him. I wonder what else I could use my imprint ability for? I wish my parents didn’t have much of my abilities locked away. The more of them I unlock, the more others may notice. I have to use them only when I absolutely need to, or everything we have worked for will be destroyed.

Symon closed the ledger and put it back in his jacket. He sat in his chair as memories from his past struggled to break through the cloud along his mind.

***

“And this shall be your room,” Serafina said as Olivia walked in.

The young man looked around, taking in the simple bed, chest, and closet. A nervous tinge touched her senses as the door closed behind her. She turned around to see Serafina leaning against the door and her gaze purely on Olivia.

“Now that we are alone, we can speak freely,” Serafina said.

Olivia turned fully to face the elder raven blocking the exit.

“What is there to discuss?” Olivia asked innocently.

“No need to hide from me, Chalice,” Serafina said plainly.

Olivia took a step back as her feigned innocence bled away. “You knew?”

Serafina gave a single nod. “I have heard of your exploits for several years now. There are some out there still bitter that you robbed them blind as they enjoyed seeing your former troupe’s plays.

“I was suspicious when I saw your current troupe’s posters in and around both Old Town and New Town. I assume you left your old troupe and joined a new one when things were getting a little too hot. It was a clever way to hide your tracks.  

“But I must give credit where credit is due. Despite my suspicions, I never mentioned it to Symon. He figured it out all on his own.”

“Why tell me what you know? I am part of your guild now,” Olivia said with a diplomatic edge.

Serafina nodded. “Indeed, you are and you will stay in the guild. I know the look of someone who will say anything to please others before escaping in the dead of the night. First chance you’re alone, there is nothing to stop you from opening a window and running away, but this will not happen now.”

Serafina’s expression softened as she continued, “There is a price on your head, across many kingdoms. Know this, you may be clever, but I have many years of experience and will not hesitate to find you, should you run. And when I have you, I will turn you in for the considerable reward and I will be in the crowd when the executioner takes your head.

“All of this unpleasantness can be avoided by simply staying and pledging yourself to the guild. You will be rewarded with treasure, coin, status, and power. You will not have to run. You will have a family once again.”

“I don’t need a family,” Olivia said with a hard tone.

“You have one now. Because if you run and I don’t find you, others will. Take this chance to be part of something bigger than your former life.”

Olivia’s eyes narrowed. “I work better alone.”

Serafina gave the young woman a wicked smirk. “Now, you will work with a family. As of this moment, I will take the first step to place my trust on you. If you spit in my eye, you will pay, by my hand, or others.

“With time, you will grow to trust me, and our family here. It is a new opportunity, don’t waste it.”

Serafina opened the door and partially turned to it, her gaze still on the young woman.

“Enjoy the warm bed. We’ll break our fast in the morning, together. I hope to see you then,” Serafina said before stepping out and closing the door behind her.

Olivia stared at the door for a long moment. She then turned and looked at the bed. Her heart felt heavy in her chest. She turned her gaze to the single window, a cold dark sky beyond the glass.

She stepped over and looked through it to the world outside, her heart thudding in her chest.

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