Chapter 5: Chapter 5: Fallen Ravens

Serafina stood up as the windows began to darken from the approaching evening.

“We should have some food and drink as we celebrate and continue our discussions. Care to assist me?” the woman in black said a cheery edge.

Symon was to his feet. The pair made their way into the kitchen. Serafina moved with purpose. She picked up a tray and a plate from one cabinet. She then moved to the pantry, pulling out wrapped cheese and bread.

“Get two glasses and a bottle of spirits from the cabinet in the corner,” Serafina directed.

Symon moved to the corner cabinets and fished out two glasses. He then moved to the cabinet underneath and opened it. To his surprise, a mostly full rack of spirits stared back at him.

“Which bottle?” Symon asked as he rubbed his chin.

“Any of the top bottles,” Serafina said as she began slicing up cheese and placing it on the plate.

Symon grabbed a bottle and stepped to the kitchen island as the woman in black continued to cut up cheese.

“It’s been over thirty years since there was a true celebration in his house. It is about time be break that streak, don’t you think?” Serafina smiled.

Symon nodded.

Cheese and bread cut, they were meticulously placed on the plate. Once it was full, Serafina picked up the tray as Symon held onto the bottle and two glasses. The pair made their way back into the large room and placed everything on the table, next to the coins spread out in the middle.

Symon didn’t waste any time. He uncorked the bottle and began pouring into the glasses. Serafina took some cheese and nibbled on it as she watched the young man pour away. When the glasses were full, the two of them sat down, took hold of each glass, and held them up to each other.

“A toast, to a new beginning,” Serafina smiled.

“To a new beginning,” Symon said, and they clinked their glasses.

Symon glanced at his glass for a moment. He had never had spirits before. He sometimes had wine with his dinner a long time ago, but since he had been on his own, he couldn’t afford it. Now, he was having true spirits to mark the occasion and he felt rude if he didn’t drink.

Symon put the glass to his lips and took a deep sip. The moment the spirits touched his tongue, his eyes widened as he forced himself to drink. After a gulp, he pulled the glass away and began coughing like he swallowed fire.

“Good stuff,” Serafina grinned as she eyed the young man coughing his soul up.

“Good…stuff,” Symon coughed and wiped tears away from the corners of his eyes.

“I can remember when this room was filled with celebrations. I was very young, but when members would achieve a profitable success, or deal, it was always cause for celebration.”

Serafina looked away as a far-off memory caressed her heart. “It feels like it was ancient times, when there was a lot of laughing and talking. I nearly forgot it all.”

Symon choked down another sip before putting his glass on the table. “What happened?”

Serafina slid her gaze to the young man and gave him a small nod. “It is a story to tell. After all this time, I never thought I would have a chance to utter it.

“I spoke of the six mage academies, and mentioned the six guilds. Well, there are only five guilds in operation. The Necromancy Academy is weakened to the point, students don’t bother trying to learn their specific kind of magic.

“To understand the inner workings of Gray Gate, you must know the players and the history. Only then, will you have a better than average chance of succeeding where this guild had failed, many years ago.

“The Storm Guild is partnered with the Elemental Academy. The members of the guild wear dull yellows and dark grays. They are led by a Norden, Robert Winter. He’s a charismatic and intelligent leader, but he does have his vices of drink and women. The guild specializes in brute force, when needed.

“The Moth Guild is partnered with the Divination Academy. Their members wear pale white and black. Their leader goes by the name, Smoke. She is a dark elf who wears a white mask. She never takes it off in public. There are many rumors that she is either disfigured, or so beautiful, men fall to their knees upon one glance. I say, she has a lot of people spreading this propaganda for her benefit. The Moth Guild specializes in selling secrets and creating misinformation for the highest bidder.

“The Demon Guild is partnered with the Illusion Academy. They are led by a succubus, Kylana. The guild specializes in selling and acquiring forbidden knowledge and curses. Kylana is very good at what she does. She has a keen mind and knows how to use it to her benefit. The guild’s colors are purple and dark red.

“The Dragon Guild is partnered with the Conjuration Academy. They are led by a kobold with a deep hatred for everyone. Their colors are green and gold, and they specialize in handling and selling, illegal enchantments. When a mage will not provide certain enchantments, people will meet in secret with the Dragon Guild to achieve their desires. Take note, Vrar Ironsnarl is a dangerous kobold. If he takes anything personal, he will deal punishment tenfold to those who cross him.”

Symon continued to drink in every word. It did strike him odd, that a kobold would be considered dangerous. His chance encounters with the smallish lizard people were often met with kind politeness. As a race, they are only three to four feet tall. It is often whispered kobolds are descended from mythical dragons themselves, but there has never been any proof to such legends, at least, as far as Symon knew.

Serafina took a long sip of her drink and put her glass on the table. “Lastly, there is the Wolf Guild. They are partnered with the Transmutation Academy and specialize in bounty hunting and assassinations. They are led by a man who calls himself, Ghost. But he is no ordinary man. It has been rumored he, and many in his guild, are afflicted with lycanthropy. I don’t know how their disease will afflict someone like yourself, but to other people, one deep enough scratch or bite will transmit the disease. I would be careful when dealing with them. Their colors are pale gray and blue.”

Symon nodded. “And what of our guild?”

Serafina’s expression softened, like she hadn’t been able to say something in heart that she always wanted to speak of to another kindred soul.

“The Raven Guild was once partnered with the Necromancy Academy, before the fall of our house, partnership, and guild as a whole. We specialized in stealth, and acted as couriers of secrets and deal brokers. Long ago, our guild aided many kingdoms and many people in Gray Gate, settled deals and delivered messages that averted or ended conflicts,” she said with proud eyes.

Serafina’s hand reached over and touched the crystal vial with several drops of blood inside. “I may only speak of this to another member of our guild. When we retrieve our guild stone, your blood will be poured on it and we will be bonded like it is meant to be.”

Symon’s ears perked up as she listened intently.

The woman’s eyes took on a shadowy weight. The skin under her eyes sagged as she mentally relived a moment she tried to forget for a long time. She let out a sigh, the images, sights, and smells lingering in her memory. When the exhale finished, she took a breath and leaned forward with determined eyes.

“For hundreds of years, the guilds and academies worked together in a respected partnership. There were little to no quarrels between the guilds, all conducting business in their circles and to their strengths. It was a time of great profit and goodwill.

“I was eight when all goodwill ceased, and a rift formed between the Raven Guild, and the other guilds of Gray Gate. During this time, the same rift affected the Necromancy Academy. I was a daughter born of a Norden man and woman. My parents resided her, and I was surrounded with a family and our bonds ran deeper than blood. We were forty strong in those days.”

Serafina’s eyes watered as she continued, “There were plenty of rumors, but I was young and didn’t think much of is until the night of Fallen Ravens. There was some discourse, between the Illusion Academy and the Necromancy Academy. It went on for a year, many choosing sides among the mages. The rumors persisted, most of the grandmasters feeling the Necromancy Academy had grown too powerful. Many new mages came to Gray Gate, wishing to specialize in necromancy, believing that kind of magic was key to stopping the cataclysm from resuming its terrible path. It was so long ago, I cannot remember clearly the true reasons for the rifts, only the aftermath.

“On that fateful night, mages converged on the Necromancy tower. The tower was sacked, and several mages were killed before it was all over. The grandmaster to the Necromancy Academy was taken into custody and never seen again. The following night, my world was destroyed.”

Symon’s heart ached as he saw the distance in Serafina’s eyes as she relived a terrible memory.

“I remember my family packing away everything they could. I was scared, staying close to them. Flaming crossbow bolts smashed through the windows of this very house. I remember hearing shouting and fighting as I clung to my father’s leg. The house was invaded, and despite our skills and abilities, we were swarmed and outnumbered.”

Serafina’s gaze took on a dull gleam. “Every guild has a guild stone. It is a mystical stone that ties all members together. They provide special abilities, and added luck to our profession. These stones are sacred to each guild and their house.

“When the leaders of the guilds spoke to our guild leader, they informed him, if they wanted to see another day, they will exile themselves from Gray Gate, and never return. If they refused, everyone would be slaughtered that very night and no one would be spared. Many of the leaders looked down at me with hard eyes, displaying that my life would not be spared.

“There was some protest, but not enough to change the outcome. The Raven Guild-Stone was taken, and to add another bowl of cruelty, they decided someone would have to stay as a reminder of the broken guild.”

Serafina looked into Symon’s eyes with immense sorrow. “They decided, I would be that reminder. I was not to leave with my mother and father and stay here, to represent our fallen guild. My parents, and the rest of the guild, was escorted to south entrance of New Town, and that was the last time I saw my parents. They were not to contact me in any way, or they would be hunted and punished for such actions.

“I watched them as they left, helpless to do anything but cry my pain. It was decided upon, I would receive five silver knights a month, to feed and cloth myself until I was ten and nine. When I reached that age, they stopped paying and I had to fend for myself as a grown woman. But what job or profession could I take, a young woman from a disgraced guild?

“The answer is simple, no one. I thought to leave, but I was watched for a long time and every attempt to leave was met by a guild member stopping me and returning me to this home. I was a prisoner here, for a long time.

“Since I could not leave, and I had to earn a living, I ferried out every secret I would wring out of this place. I made connections with many people in New Town, and I also stole what I could from those in Old Town. After a time, I think the guilds didn’t care to keep and eye on me any longer. After some years, I tested it, leaving Gray Gate for small lengths of time, and no one stopped me. But who I was had circulated to towns in the south, and I was quicky turned away. With no where to go, I returned here.

“I have not spoken to my parents since that very night, thirty years ago. I don’t know if they are still alive, or dead in unmarked graves. I gave up on seeing them again, but not on my love for them. The guild was all to them, and to me. I trained myself in the shadowy arts, determined to bring it back to its former glory.”

Symon looked down. “That is why you took an interest in me.”

Serafina’s sad eyes brightened up for a moment. “Indeed. The guilds and mages have forgotten, or no longer care for this guild. I have had plenty of time to take leadership of this guild, and now we are at the cusp of bringing it back to its former glory.

“The necromancy academy is led by a goblin. Her name is Slanka Mistmourn, but she, much like myself, is only a figurehead to what the academy once was. She will not see me, but now that there is two of us, you may bridge our guild with her academy, with time.”

“Where is the Raven Guild-Stone?” Symon asked with inquisitive eyes.

“That is the crux of our problem. I know of its whereabouts, but we are not strong enough to take any action. No, we need to become stronger before we can make such an attempt to restore our guild.”

Serafina leaned back and took another sip of her drink. “Symon, I have watched you escape capture many times. I can sense your skills and power, but you will need much more. We will need much more.”

Emotions swirled as Symon stared at Serafina, and she stared back at him. A kinship formed, not from an oath, but from a darker connection, one Symon was not ready to speak upon.

“I’m ready, for whatever we may need,” Symon said with confidence. “I have performed the ritual and swear every oath I can to you, and our guild.”

“I admire your dedication, but what must be done will take some time. A guild of two members is not enough. We require a family. All must be sworn in with blood spilled. After that, there is training required. For us to ensure the continued survival of our guild, we must follow the old traditions.”

Serafina reached over, and passed her pale hand over the coins on the table. “You have provided payment for joining the guild. There are four tiers of skills that can be learned. You have paid the novice fee. Fifty copper rooks will be placed in chest in our treasure hold. I will show it to you, but first, I must explain the traditions of al the guilds.

“All members to guilds must show their dedication by providing treasure to their perspective treasure holds. Once payment is made for each tier, they will be taught skills within that tier. Much like the mage academies, we share their same practices.

“A Novice title, is earned by acquiring fifty copper rooks. Novices will learn the arts of how to flee, pick pockets, and the subtle ways of hiding. These are the beginning skills to our work. As you may know, there are those who are naturals at these skills. You know how to escape and to hide to a degree. Once you provide your fifty copper rooks to the treasure hold, your ledger will display your level of skills. I will show you this shortly, after we speak a little more on what it means to be a guild member.

“After novice, is Proficient. You must acquire five-hundred silver knights to gain a long list of new skills. Your new skills will range from fighting skills to the arts of picking locks, poisons, verbal skills of manipulation, and locating traps. There are many skills under this tier.

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“After proficient is Master. You must acquire one thousand gold queens to learn strong, and powerful skills of trade, from disguises to knowing how to make traps and other useful skills.

“The last title is Grandmaster. Here, you will learn some mystical arts that cannot be learned elsewhere. These skills are a mixture of magic and knowledge, enabling you to overcome nearly any obstacle in your path. The price is high, and something we can discuss if you ever come close to reaching it.

“These titles are not just names for groups of skills. The tiers also describe your level of skill with each one. Your ledger keeps track of such knowledge, to help gauge yourself in areas that may need improvement with time and training. I will begin your training in the novice skills tomorrow.”

Serafina lifted her glass and downed the rest of her drink. She placed it down on the table and leaned forward with a bright shine in her eyes.

“Before I show you more of our guild, there is the Rogue’s Code all guilds must adhere to.

“One, defend your house and your guildmates. A guild is more than an organization, we are a family.

“Two, take from those with too much. Never from those with too little. This is what it means to be a rogue, and not a thief with no honor.

“Three, assist a rogue in need. There may be times where someone in our profession requires a quick exit, or a place to hide. Authorities come after us, and despite our differences, we must still look out for one another.

“Four, be a true keeper of secrets. Never give away all of your secrets. Mind them, for they may be useful at another time.

“Five, know the old ways and embrace the new ways. One must devise new tricks or risk being found out. Study the old tricks and see how you can change them to your benefit.

“Six, teach those willing to learn. Never turn away those who desire to learn our trade. Test them, watch them, and if they are ready and honorable, teach them.

“Seven, respect the unspoken alliance. There is an unsaid alliance between all of the guilds in Gray Gate. Despite what happened to our guild, the alliance is still in place.

“Eight, make good on promises made to other rogues. Never break your word with another rogue, for it will spread like wildfire and no one will deal with you.

“Nine, death ends profit. Laugh at Death, but tread violence with a keen mind and a strong heart. In our business, it doesn’t mean we don’t take a life if we need to, but it should be avoided at all costs, to ensure chances at gaining greater treasure.”

Symon listened intently to everything Serafina had to say. The information filled his mind like a buzzing cloud of hornets.

“Look at the first page of your ledger,” Serafina smiled.

Symon picked up the small book and opened it. Odd symbols filled the first page. In a blink, they began to shift and settled into words and numbers he could read.

Symon

Raven Guild Rank: Novice

 

Copper Rooks: 52

Silver Knights: 3

Gold Queens: 1

Platinum Kings: 0

 

Natural Abilities

Shapeshift: Minor (Fox)

 

Skills

Flee: Proficient  

Pickpocket: Novice

Hide: Proficient

 

Symon drank in the words written on the first page. The enchantment was a deep one, able to understand that he had the ability to shape shift. His heart pumped a little a faster, feeling the mystical connections between his ledger and his very soul.

“Does it show you your natural ability to shapeshift?” Serafina asked.

Symon nodded. “It also shows me how much I’ve earned and my skills. I seem to be proficient in flee and hide skills, but a novice with pickpocketing.”

The woman in black nodded. “Like everything, you will learn as you go. You have a natural ability to perform certain skills. Your fox form aids with your ability to escape. You have a natural edge, but that doesn’t mean you can relax. Like all skills and abilities, they require work to master. We have only begun this adventure together. You will grow and learn, your ledger keeping track. Keep it close, keep it safe.”

Serafina stood up as the hearth crackled. “Gather up the coins. I shall show you one last thing, before I assign you a bedchamber. The guild house will be your new home.”

The last sentence sent a warm, and comforting sensation through Symon.

A home again. I didn’t know how good it would feel until she said it.

Symon picked up the coin-purse and slid his hand across the table, dumping the coins into the small sack. He then stood up and nodded. Serafina led the way and Symon followed. The pair left the main room and stepped into a small hallway with a staircase. They walked past the stairs to a simple side door.

“Memorize what I will show you,” she said and lifted a pale hand.

Symon watched as Serafina’s hand moved like lightning. She touched the top of the doorframe, then the right side, and then touched two spots on the left side. A click was heard, followed by whirl. The door unlatched and opened a few inches.

“Every guild house has a treasure hold. All of them have different combinations to get within their holds. The door may appear simple, but it is reinforced with magic and a few traps. If you make a mistake with the combination, take a few steps back into the hallway, otherwise you may get a blast of a nasty, poisonous cloud.

“Now, follow me.”

The darkness beyond the door faded away to a growing light. Serafina stepped in and proceeded down a set of stairs. Symon followed.

The walls of the descending staircase were rocky. Lights with arcane runes at their bases stabbed out from the walls, glowing and showing the way. Symon’s heart raced, unsure what he expected at the bottom. Was it mounds of treasure, like a dragon’s hoard, or perhaps caves filled with riches?

The pair reached the bottom. Serafina walked further into the underground chamber as Symon glanced around. The treasure hold was a large, stony chamber. Shelves willed with larger chests lined the walls. They were stacked four chests high and Symon counted thirty stacks. They lined the right and left sides of the chamber, but it was in the far end of the long chamber that caught Symon’s interest.

A wall stood with strange runes and words carved into it. At the base of the wall was a simple, stone pedestal. The carvings on the wall seemed to be centered on what was suppose to be on the pedestal. Symon knew that was the place for the guild stone and the entire chamber felt incomplete without it.

Serafina walked to the end of the long chamber, her gaze on the pedestal. An ache filled her heart as she stared, like a very piece of herself was missing. She stepped to the side, lifted her hand and touched a chest on the shelf.

“This will be your chest. It will hold all treasure you have obtained, and adding your wealth and status to the guild. The only true way for a rogue to prove themselves is by how much treasure and profit they earn.”

Serafina pulled her hand back from the chest and turned to Symon. “Each chest is enchanted to hold more then what they may appear to hold. You may take treasure out of it, but if you ever take more than the requirement of your rank, your rank will also be affected. You earned the novice rank today. If you ever have less then fifty copper rooks, you will lose your rank and status within the guild. So, never spend more than you earned.”

“I understand,” Symon said as he felt the weight of his new profession.

Serafina’s lips twisted into a small smile. “Now, tap your ledger to the chest.”

Symon was holding his ledger with the small sack of coins. He took hold of it, lifted it up and tapped the chest. The top opened immediately. He took hold of the lid and lifted it up, and to no surprise, the chest was empty.

“Put in the purse, minus two silver knights,” Serafina directed.

Symon opened the small coin purse and fished out two silver knights. He held them in his hand with his ledger as he placed the small sack inside. The lid to the chest closed shut.

“Now look at the first page of your ledger,” the woman in black said.

Symon opened the book and saw that amount he put in, even without the two silver knights, remained the same on the page. He looked at Serafina with a questioning raise of his brow.

The woman in black let out a small cackle. “Your ledger is bonded to you. It knows how much you spend, and how much you earn. If you spend those two knights, they will be deducted from your ledger. A handy way to keep track of your riches.”

“Thank you, Serafina,” Symon said politely as the mountain of information filled his mind to the brim.

 “No need to thank me. Tomorrow, we will have a lot of work to do and I have much to show you. Let’s go upstairs and pick out a room for you. Our fortunes are just beginning,” Serafina said with a wicked gleam in her eyes.

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