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  Celso sits up in his chair exposing a fresh scar across his face, and the men look to each other. “Yes, aside from Owin. He never made it.” Mal answers.

  Daeva looks to Kredulus. “Remind me to send some people to him.” Daeva asks. Kredulus responds with a head nod taking a seat across the table from Daeva. The rest of the men gather around and take their seats. The table is large enough that there is a good distance between each of them.

  “I’m not going to waste your time gentlemen. I have come for you all to re-pledge your allegiance to the circle.” Daeva says observing each of their reactions.

  “Weren’t we already aligned with the circle?” Mal questions.

  “Yes, but through Lucio who has been...Removed. So, I will be giving you a new radian, and you will be allowed to conduct regular business again. We’ll keep the dues for the circle the same for now, but as time goes on Kredulus may choose to adjust them how he sees fit.” Daeva responds with his hands crossed in front of him as he leans back in his chair.

  “You want us to pay dues?” Derek interjects leaning in on the table. “We’ve had our pockets emptied from your little spat how are we supposed to turn around and pay dues.” Derek angered by the boldness of Daeva.

  Daeva laughs for a moment before his expression turns cold. “You must be new, so I’ll give you that one. I am your Kentro. Talk to me like that again and I’ll tear your tongue from your mouth.” Daeva states with serious intent as his eyes widen and he stares directly at Derek.

  “In fact why don’t you double your dues as an apology to Daeva.” Kredulus attempts to teach Derek that such defiance will only hurt him more. Derek exhales biting his tongue unsure if he should push any more.

  Daeva breaks his stare and re-addresses the whole group. “I will require dues and of course complete obedience to the circle. Is there anything you gentlemen would like to discuss?” Daeva almost ironically addresses them reminding them he is their superior.

  “Part of that obedience will be full support in anything we require while finishing off what's left of that shit Lucio.” Kredulus reminding the men that this will be aligning with the circle and abandoning Lucio.

  “At least with Lucio we had profits.” Derek adds under his breath loud enough for the table to hear.

  Daeva’s eyes tighten and Kredulus stands and walks towards Derek. As he approaches Derek stands as well; “Your going to let them attack me during a meet?” Derek addressing Celso the host. With no response he turns to Kredulus; “Fine you metal freak.” Derek commenting on Kredulus’ alchemically augmented body. Before reaching into his jacket and pulling out a hand cannon.

  Derek aims and fires at Kredulus who lifts his left arm. That is completely made of adamant and jade. As Kredulus lifts his arm metal expands out in a fan; chakra filling the space between each metal piece creating a shield blocking the blasts from Derek.

  Kredulus immediately closes the distance, and with his free hand grabs Derek by the back of the head slamming his forehead into the table. The shield on his other arm re-condenses into his forearm area. A hiss from his adamant arm as he tightens his grip around the back of Derek’s head using assisted strength from his alchemic armor.

  “As your new radian I’d like to remind all of you that you will address him as Kentro.” Kredulus lifts and smashes Dereks head back into the table blood spitting out from underneath Derek’s head as he emphasizes Kentro. “And, I will not tolerate any disrespect towards any member of the circle.” Kredulus lectures. “Especially your fucking Kentro.” Kredulus exclaims as he tightens his grip on the back of Derek’s skull it begins to crack. Before tossing Derek to the floor and moving back to his seat. Derek lays there unconscious with a slow dull moan.

  “Are we good then?” Daeva posing his question again with a cheery attitude: as if nothing happened.

  The men around the table promptly shake their heads. “Yes Kentro.” they respond almost in sync.

  Back in Thoraza close to the council hall. At a more prominent section of the city; where most of the politics are handled. There is a club for only those of wealth and title. It is a tear shaped building. The pointed end is made of glass looking onto the city from the edge of the plateau it sits upon: as if signifying their status above the rest.

  As you enter the main foyer there are rounded comfortable seats with red velvet lining. A fire place at either end of the room, and a few butlers roaming offering drinks to the patrons. The walls on the first floor are decorated with various rare pieces of history, two winding staircases on either side of the room that leads to the second floor. The stairs wouldn’t allow for much more than one person at a time, but given the exclusivity of the establishment it isn’t an issue.

  Ruvaen sits in one of the chairs his feet kicked up on a matching ottoman; as he smokes from a rare cigar and sips from some expensive honied mead in a glass with ice.

  Three men enter wearing hooded cloaks that drape down to their waste. One of them hands his cloak to a butler displaying his dark black coat with fine craftsmanship and silver buckles all the way down. His larger belly pushes his fancy vest out from his overcoat. He walks towards Ruvaen and a Mystico opsmen take notice as he gets closer. The man sits down on a chair facing Ruvaen before leaning forward and introducing himself. “I’m Lucio Modica and I thought..”

  Before Lucio can finish an Opsman lifts his hands quickly reciting a spell. A force grabs Lucio’s wrists slamming them to the floor and holding them in place.

  The other two men throw their cloaks aside and aim hand cannons at the opsmen. The other opsman cast a spell and blasts a bolt of electricity from each hand. The bolts sporadically make their way through the air and strike at Lucio’s men sending them flying back; both of them jolt on the floor from the blast their chests burnt, and their clothes melted and charred.

  One of them gets up and speeds across the room to the opsmen with the pace only a vampire could maintain. “Stop!” Lucio commands.

  It is too late as his man stops the opsmen casts a spell and his body turns to smoke before quickly reforms behind Lucio’s man and grabs his shoulder casting another spell sending shockwaves of electricity through is body as his skin smokes and burns he drops to his knees and passes out; as this is happening three more opsmen appear from smoke near Lucio’s other man and do the same.

  Lucio begins laughing. “Well that isn’t how I thought this would go.” Lucio remarks.

  Ruvaen stands looking down at Lucio. “And, what exactly were you expecting?” Ruvaen asks.

  Lucio lifts his head; his hands still weighted to the floor. “I am here to make a deal.” Lucio pauses with a smirk. “One that would be far more beneficial to you then your current one, as I do not work with the clans.” Lucio adds. Purposefully striking a cord with Ruvaen.

  Lucio not even aware of the reports from a Ereveno and Guard corps that seem to corroborate his accusations.

  “May I have the room.” Ruvaen politely commands. Ruvaen grabs his drink and walks over to the shelf refilling his glass as the servers exit. The other patrons already took their leave once the action started. The room clears out leaving only Ruvaen, Lucio, and their men. “What could one lone radian have to offer me?” Ruvaen poses confused by Lucio risking his freedom and possibly his life to come here and make this deal.

  “Daeva was once just a radian, and look how he has fooled people now. I carry far more clout than he ever will, and with your backing I could rid the world of him: securing the rest of the circle for you.” Lucio urges.

  “You weave quite the tale. However, at current the circle seems like more trouble than they are worth.” Ruvaen’s mind focused on other matters.

  “Under Daeva yeah. I have more respect than that rowach; I won’t double cross my friends.“ Lucio argues. Ruvaen is clearly conflicted; on the verge of just breaking from the circle and returning to the days when they were chased down like the fugitives they are. “I would put some of these guys, or your fancy alchemic Erevno corpsman on those i
nvolved with the culmination. My sources tell me that is Daeva’s target.”

  Would Daeva be so bold? Ruvaen needs time to consider and verify some of Lucio’s claims. “Lock them up. I’ll have to take some time to contemplate your offer.” Ruvaen decides to proceed with caution to ensure he doesn’t further complicate things ahead of the culmination.

  Chapter 15

  Shortly after the sunrise on the following day Asta stands waiting at the center of Qilong village. Asta’s outfit chosen to better blend into her new surroundings. She is wearing tabi shoes very flexible light material, and tights. Her taupe top drapes down past her waist.

  Compared to Drekavak’s stories of the Qilong clan the village seems almost too ordinary. Simple wooden buildings with chevron roofs and chimneys. The streets bustling with villagers. The only structures in sight made with stone or steal are behind her at the city center, these are the clans main structures.

  Normally she would be frustrated waiting for someone, but in this case the time goes unnoticed as she prepares herself. Before long she notices Thromb approaching in the distance through the crowd. She stands up and composes herself.

  “So, how shall we begin.” Asta questions as Thromb approaches. Thromb taken with other thoughts doesn’t fully process her question.

  “This way.” Thromb replies. His short answer giving Asta the impression that he is still unsure, and therefore uncommitted to their arrangement. They begin walking through the village headed west. “We cannot be seen communicating going forward. You are a cognate of the Qilong clan, thus our interaction could be suspicious.” Thromb tells Asta.

  “Very well.” Asta responds.

  “Everyone must meet with each sage before becoming a cognate of any clan, while we have met in the past, I wanted to follow up. Also.” He stops and anxiously looks around before leaning in whispering. “We will only be discussing clan matters. Absolutely nothing else. I will handle any other business with Daeva directly.” Thromb says before returning to posture and continuing down the road again.

  “How many people know.” Asta asks cryptically not wanting to completely disregard the rule he just made.

  “No one.” Thromb bluntly replies. “If there is anything you want to know now would be the time.” Thromb adds stopping before a circular stone building with a wooden bell top.

  “How long does our arrangement afford me?” Asta probes.

  “As long as it remains beneficial.” Thromb has informed the clan not to teach Asta anything beyond basic Soten knowledge.

  Asta struggles with this response. She wants to start with a stronger bargaining foundation but is also literally at the doorstep of a plan she has formed for so long, so she abates her instincts. “Well then our mutual friend shall strike a more precise arrangement.” Asta refuses to let the prospects shape her response, yet she does measure it against his current demeanor. She senses there is more behind his behavior then she is aware of.

  As Thromb nods his head in agreement a man steps out: wearing cloth pants with wraps around his shins. Draped around his shoulders are two wide strips of light colored fabric with vibrant patterns on them; he has similar strips from his waist as well. “This must be Asta.” Didac Arias remarks.

  Thromb turns to him. “Yes, she is a bright one. See she is well taught.” Thromb addressing Didac. ”Asta this will be the master in charge of your training: Didac.” Thromb concludes before putting his hand on Asta’s shoulder. “Until next time.” Thromb then turns to Didac and nods.

  “Sage.” Didac responding to Thromb’s nod.

  Asta goes with Didac and begins the process of becoming a student of the Qilong clan.

  At Qilong city Setgaith returns ahead of schedule. Just in time for the meeting of the sages. The next day, as he is getting settled into his residence, Thromb stops by. Setgaith is arranging his furniture. “Please let yourself in.” Setgaith playfully remarking on the fact that Thromb entered unannounced.

  “I could say the same.” Thromb counters stabbing at Setgaith’s absences in the last couple months: comparing the city and himself to Setgaith and his residence.

  “It was worth it Brother. I did it.” Setgaith stops arranging and turns to Thromb. “I have found the path lady Kutara would have us set upon.” Setgaith eagerly explains not deterred by Thrombs reactionless demeanor. “I have a lecture and demonstration planned. I really want you there.” Setgaith continues.

  “Stop.” Thromb exclaims. Putting his hand in the air freezing Setgaith’s momentum. “I am seeking to have you succeeded.” Thromb states blankly with a subtle air of dejection.

  Setgaith is confused and surprised by this revelation. “What could I have done Brother?” Setgaith quizzes.

  “Being decisive isn’t easy. It requires knowing the window on each decision, and when you are committed to one.” Thromb say’s deep in thought. “It is unfortunate, but I don’t have the luxury of options at this point, and my window is closing soon. I cannot afford to let circumstances make a decision for me.” Thromb finishes.

  “Can you atleast give me a chance to share with you the form of my efforts and thoughts” Setgaith now understanding why he has been so confused and distraught requesting the chance to share his journey with Thromb.

  “Would it change anything” Thromb asks rhetorically. “I still believe our future needs to be carved through our enemies, and you think it can exist amongst them.” Thromb establishes.

  “I take it then you are certain of where this window leads?” Setgaith probing Thromb’s plan. His thoughts turn to what he must have missed while he was gone. What dangers have found their way to the clans doorstep.

  “It has been sometime since I’ve been so. I can only say I am more confident in this than any other option.” Thromb acquiesces. “We are at an impasse, and the only way for one of us to convince the other is to be able to move forward freely. I don’t see being able to do that if we are both sages.” Thromb explains.

  “Upon what grounds will you see me succeeded?” Setgaith asks.

  “Unfit to oversee the safety of the Qilong clan, and consequently the heartland and hub for the other clans.” Thromb recites as if he is reading it from a scroll.

  “Very well I shall postpone my lecture.” Setgaith concludes taking a seat as he thinks. This a very aggressive move that has a, disarmingly, altruistic intent.

  Thromb takes no pleasure in the possibility that Setgaith will be stripped of his rank. Without waiting for a response Thromb solemnly exits. Now he feels the weight of Amneka, Victor, the Krishunder, and all of the clans’ enemies more than ever. He feels alone.

  Back in the eastern portion of the Wrarthbrook region, in the kingdom of Decifall - near the Oston village. The radian’s are set to meet with their kentro. The villa is cluttered with men all wearing the seal of a radian. In the northern most portion of the complex; the dining hall that Asta and Daeva first spoke in. All the radians-save for Lucio- are waiting.

  The men sit there mostly quite a few comments amongst themselves. Each radian has a menacing enforcer behind them. The walls of the room are lined with Asta’s death dealers. The door near the throne slams open smashing- against the wall. Daeva in a blink moves from the doorway to the head of the table where a seat was saved for him. Daeva observes the room with a quiet intensity.

  “Is this everyone.” Daeva asks staring at Bade watching his every reaction.

  Bade pauses for a moment, unprepared to be singled out. “Uh, yes aside from” Bade clears his throat. “Lucio of course.” He says breaking eye contact with Daeva.

  “I suppose I am not your fucking Kentro anymore then.” Daeva lashes out. Setting the tone.

  Bade once again pauses, but the pressure of the situation forces a response absent much thought; “Kentro.”

  Daeva’s gaze lingers on Bade for a moment longer before returning to the room his intensity is palpable; as he breathes in the fear and discomfort from the Radians. “Lucio has resorted to working with Amneka, and has inf
ormed on Kredulus who is currently in custody.” Daeva throws his large wooden chair across the room smashing against the wall breaking into pieces. “Being that Lucio has decided to work with Amneka he is now all of our biggest concerns. If you even detect a whiff of him I want legions! Dedicated to it.” Daeva yells.

  Ataleo the pirate king of Lucabia and the second oldest vampire in the circle-next to Daeva He is also the most senior member since Treggin was killed, he officially joined prior to Daeva. “You were the one to set the precedent of working with Amneka were you not?” Ataleo bravely points out.

  Daeva piercing him with his stare for a moment before whistling. As he stares at Ataleo one of his men bring out a chest; Daeva grabs it and sets it on the table. “You will all be doubling the profits from your territories by any means necessary. All restrictions on your actions in your territory are removed, aside from one.” Daeva puts his hand on the chest before him. “You shall not operate in any other Radians territory without my explicit permission.” Daeva addressing the room.