Naaros Rising (cont')

"Supreme Master Lone Wolf?"

Lone Wolf raised his head from the pile of texts before him and attempted to stifle a yawn. He had, against his own advice, returned to the Study Chamber in the Tower as soon as he had seen the light extinguished in the high window and the departure of Sun Star from the structure. Rather than risk notice by setting flame to candle or torch, the Master of the Monastery had employed the powers taught him by Lord Rimoah to pierce the darkness of night. He had read and re-read until his head was nodding, and at some point he had found rest.

He had been awaken by the voice above him. If whoever addressed him now had knocked before entering, then Lone Wolf had not been aware of it. He chastised himself silently for his carelessness. He of all the Order should know better than to fall into slumber without leaving up some form of defensive aura!

Lone Wolf raised his head from his arms, sat up straight in the chair with as much dignity as he could muster, and looked straight into the nervous face before him.

The youth was, he guessed, in his mid to late twenties. His angular face was framed by an unruly mop of dark hair that was in serious need of a comb. The boy wore the green-and-blue robes of a Mentora. He carried no weapon. Strange. . .

"Good morning, Brother," the Master said.

The Mentora’s blue eyes darted around the room.

"It is. . . afternoon, my Lord," he said quietly.

Afternoon? the Master thought, successfully keeping the surprise from his face. A quick, unnoticed look to the density of shadow on the table surface confirmed the statement.

"Why was nobody sent to awaken me?"

Conscious of his answer, Storm Raven replied quickly, "I was, my Lord. And to impart news. . . "

Storm Raven stopped and held his breath as the Supreme Master's eyebrows drew closer together, accentuating the worry-lines that had begun to permanently crease his forehead. But suddenly, the man threw back his head and laughed.

"It shows that things are going well," he said, "when the Kai fail to notice their leader’s absence! Nay, do not gnaw at your lip. I meant nothing by it."

Relieved, Storm Raven dropped his shoulders, only to be put back on guard again. In the very instant that he worked up the nerve to report his messages, Lone Wolf asked:

"And why is a Magnakai playing errand-boy this fair spring - afternoon? Are there not novices enough to run messages about the place?"

The Mentora looked away, simply saying, "I am Storm Raven, my Lord."

How did I forget? the Master wondered. Then, in pity, The Magnakai whom Initiates look down upon. Something must be done for him before long: he cannot wear the green forever.

"Well," he said, breaking the silence. "What is your message then, and from whom does it come?"

"My Lord, the first is from Guildmaster Banedon’s camp. The sub-commander of the expedition, one Tornil, reports that Banedon is gravely ill. The Herbwardens present in his party can do nothing for him. They are sending him here in the hope that the Monastery can do something to remedy his malady."

Lone Wolf stood and walked over to the arched window to look out upon the Durncrags westwards.

"Did Tornil say anything of the nature of this illness?"

"He said that it has affected his mind. The Guildmaster raves in his sleep, and has become known to lose control of his magic. For that reason, two Guild sorcerers are accompanying him to the Monastery."

Why was he entrusted with this message, of all people? the Master asked himself. No. I think I know. He can be trusted. They don’t expect him to speak to anybody else.

"I see. And the other news?"

Storm Raven’s voice lowered. "From the Healers’ Ward, Lord. Supreme Master Autumn Rain returned to the Monastery half an hour ago. She died of her wounds five minutes gone by."

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