Anthin had been fretting over his return to The Citadel since the decision to return had been made. Dreading it, if I were honest with myself. His primary concern was of course Tanisin and Dav. With their pending futures and the prospect of his separation from them. Despite his past, the trials and challenges Sayoshti had thrown at him, he wouldn’t trade his time raising those two for anything. He knew he’d be around The Citadel to help them on their way should they need it. Thus far they seemed to be getting along fine without him, still he’d be there. He had no doubt that they would make fine additions to their relative fields and that they would do him proud.

  Also heavy on his mind were the reports he’d gotten, those that had cemented his determination to return. Troubling tales from the lands of Etrusia, darker stories of events in the Dreadlands and the Grant. Ill portents that all was not right in the world. That a conclave was called was enough for worry. It provided a secondary reason for his visit to the Citadel beyond just seeing the boys settled, one that would allow him to stay a bit longer. His past and all those involved in it still caused him some trepidation.

  Anthin had risen high in the ranks of the Church. To the point that before his downfall he was a serious contender for the position of The Witness, the leader of The Church of Sayoshti’s Children. Possibly the most influential figure in Etrusia. His young age, idealistic plans and ideas for the direction of the Church all coupled with a fierce and coordinated resistance campaign from those that favoured Enlightened Theodorus Lokken for the vote had created a charged distrust and constant disagreement within The Citadel during the election. Lokken had won, by a narrow margin, yet still a win.

  Afterwards Anthin had had enough! Enough of the politicking that so pervaded life in The Citadel. Enough of the lickspittles and enablers who had allowed the Church to stray from its true purpose. Enough of the powerful men who’d brought a man ill suited for the role into a position of power with the intent of controlling him and keeping a firmer grip on their own power.

  In a rage-blinded by it-he demanded transfer back home to Dimabri, a simple posting to stay out of the way. Granted by the council and signed off by The Witness, with the caveat of being regulated back to the rank of Brother Anointed. Never again to rise the ranks. At the time, in his anger, it was well with him. He saw no reason to continue his career as it was. No reason to care. Only years later, after many talks with his faithful friend Brother Mchale did he come to admit that he should have contained himself, accepted what had transpired and worked from within to change the Church. The idea was slow to come, and humbling when it did.

  Still the ways of Sayoshti’s Will were not a man’s to question. Had he not lost the selection then left, had he not burned the bridge of his career… Well then, he’d never have stumbled across two cold hungry orphans on the streets of Dimabri City.

  Here he was ten years later and returned to where it all started. The conclave had run for three days, starting the day after their arrival as Enlightened Serivus and his party had been the last to arrive. Serivus still held him in high regard, despite his past troubles. Over the years since his self imposed The Enlightened for Dimabri and Anthin had engaged in many conversations. They had a mutual trust and similar ideas about the Church. It was Serivus who had been one of his biggest supporters in the election. He and Anthin had since come to rely on each other's intelligence and insight as Serivus often confided in Anthin despite his now low rank. They talked each night since arriving at The Citadel during the conclave.

  That nothing concrete had been accomplished in those three days came as no surprise to Anthin. Mired in supposition and disbelief of some of what–to Anthin at least–should be considered the most serious reports. The gathered Enlightened, Council and even The Witness could hardly even agree that investigating them was necessary. Of the Corps’ reports though there could be no doubt and investigating those precluded all else. After a full day spent arguing over the validity of the troubling news assignments were made to various Brothers, Sisters and Knights to check them out.

  Serivus had returned to his apartment to find Anthin already seated and waiting, sipping a Fendenian tea of nuts and berries. He came in with a huff, tossing his folder of papers on the table and flopping into a chair.

  “Bahh, those fools.” He was angry with the day’s events.

  Brother Anthin raised an eyebrow at Serivus. “I take that to mean it did not go well?”

  “Well…. it barely went anywhere. Half of them won’t even admit there's anything wrong! The other half want to focus on what’s already been verified and the whole lot of them spend more time posturing and talking over each other than making any decisions. The Witness had to call order so many times I thought his staff must shatter had he to bang it once more. No Anthin, it did not go well.”

  “Give them time Serivus. Most of them are as frightened by the reports as their parishioners.” Anthin attempted to mollify him.

  “Yes, yes. I know and you are right. Time though is a resource that quickly slips away while these fools dissemble.”

  “Indeed,” replied Anthin. “Still, you’re not without influence, you must push them to act.”

  “I push my friend. Oh how I do, yet they remain stubborn and indecisive.

  They spent the rest of the evening discussing the conclave, navigating together the ins and outs of what was said, and what wasn’t. They talked of the pending missions to be sent the next day throughout Etrusia to verify what could be verified. They also discussed Serivus’ future strategy.

  The second day was filled with more arguments. This time over what to tell the citizens of Etrusia, in the Grant especially. As those who grew the food the Church consumed and also fed to charity, who tended the flocks and herds that sustained them all, that produced the goods and supplies to maintain the Church’s needs so it could focus on ministering to the four realms.

  The conclave couldn’t agree what to say to the populace. Should they be forthright and honest, with the possibility of inciting panic. Should they deflect and be vague with assurances that the Church had all under control. Should they say nothing, just wait and hope all was nothing more than rumour and imagination. There were as many opinions on the issue as there were individuals at the conclave. Finally it was agreed, vague reassurance that the Church was dealing with matters. The Enlightened were given their script, to pass on to the Brothers and Sisters Anointed to tell the populace.

  Again that evening Anthin and Serivus talked long about the day's events. They both agreed that the Enlightened assembled had chosen the correct course in this regard.

  “Still, I pray to Sayoshti’s Spirit that they would agree with each other. Our Church requires firm leadership.” Serivus remarked.

  Day three was more agreeable to all in attendance and dealt with minor Church matters that needed to be settled. An edict was passed to press the four realms for more recruits for the Corps. Numbers had fallen drastically to the point that the Corps was hard pressed to keep up with its workload. Guarding The Citadel, patrolling the Grant and border with the Dreadlands, protecting Etrusia from the influence of Despair. There was also the escorting of Church officials and dealing with bandits where the local guard or militias couldn’t.

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  Simply put, the Corps needed able soldiers in great numbers! Volunteers, not the rash of petty criminals that had sustained the ranks lately. The edict was signed, copied and ready to distribute to the various leaders of the land. Recruiting parties were arranged to travel the breadth of Etrusia, sparing no farm, town, village or city from a visit and a plea for able volunteers. What to do about the increased Cult activity and other such matters occupied the remainder of that day.

  Anthin heard of all these items from the Enlightened Serivus in their evening talks. He had no doubt some was held back, he was after all merely a Brother conversing with his superior, but he was confident Serivus didn’t hold back anything he didn’t have to.

  He spent the next months as planned. Reconnecting with some old friends and associates. Awaiting news from the officials sent to investigate things. He also spent his time cementing old alliances and feeling out the mood within The Citadel, as well as acting as Serivus’ aide. The turmoil and animosity in the aftermath of the selection seemed to be somewhat contained, it was however still there to one who knew what to look for. With factions that had formed back then still prevalent. This one wouldn’t talk to that one without an intermediary and conversations died off when so and so approached certain groups. It was as tiresome to Anthin now as it had been then.

  As for the lads. He’d rarely seen them except in passing here and there as their duties and training kept them busy. He made inquiries periodically to check their progress, put in a word or two on their behalf, but for the most part they were on their own and doing well.

  With the conclave done and the missions sent to their tasks, visiting done and his sons well settled, Anthin considered returning to his parish in Dimabri City. The Enlightened Serivus had decided to stay. There was much for him to do still at the Citadel and he’d already sent Sister Mariaa home to help watch after the cathedral. So Serivus convinced Anthin to remain at least for the winter. He could continue operating as Serivus’ aide and not have to travel in the cold weather. Brother Mchale was more than capable of running things back at Eastgate Parish. Anthin accepted, not because he was happy to be there but because he wished to help his friend and keep an eye on the boys a little longer.

  During another of his evenings spent in the company of Enlightened Serivus, talk turned to the young orphans. Serivus told Anthin. “They are being noticed by their superiors it seems.”

  “I’ve no doubt.” Anthin responded wryly. “Given who they are and who raised them.”

  “Dav, it was remarked, has excelled at his studies thus far and looks to be a rising star amongst his classmates. He’s mastered everything they have sent his way, and asked for more from all of his instructors.”

  “He’s always had a sharp and eager mind. He’s also determined on his path.” Anthin tried not to glow with the news.

  “Anders showed up in the late afternoon to give a full account on the readiness of the recruits in training.”

  “A good man. He’s an able commander and knows how to get the most of his troopers. I was pleased to hear he’d been assigned Weapons Master.”

  “He talked about his classes, Tanisin in particular. It’s rare to see him single out a student, especially for praise. The young man reminds him of himself. Solid, more than apt with his skills. We were told that after some small ego issues he’s turned things around and managed a promotion to squad leader. If only during training. You’ve done well by those two Anthin.”

  The remark pleased Anthin to no end, he only hoped the boys had not attracted the attention of the wrong people in The Citadel. Those who held some animosity towards Anthin and who would use them to get at him. Especially Dav who could be quite naive. He would have to warn them about certain others within, advise them to be careful in their trust and point them to those that could be sure to help should they need it.

  Shortly after he heard from one of his sources of information of the pending invitation for Dav and Tanisin to visit with Enlightened Relmar. He knew it was no casual invitation. Relamr did nothing if there was no personal gain involved. Determined they would not face him alone, Anthin managed to gain attendance simply by preceding them to the meeting and requesting admittance to The Enlightened’s presence.

  “Brother Anthin, what may I do for you?” Relmar was busy in his study at the time and looked up from the task he was engaged in.

  “Your Grace. I had news that Dav and Tanisin were to attend you this evening, and I wonder if I may sit in as well. To provide some balance to their possible wariness at being in such a company as yourself?”

  “I believe it's possible and understandable given the time and effort you’ve put in with those two. By all accounts they are quite the remarkable pair.”

  “They are Your Grace, I’ve had the pleasure of seeing them grow into the young men they are now.”

  “By all means stay. Sit with me while I await them. They are due any time. Would you have thought at the start of your career that you’d be responsible for the lives of two orphans?”

  “No, certainly not!” Anthin gave a chuckle comparing his life now to the expectations of his younger self.

  “Well, you’ve brought us two fine additions to our ranks, and for that I am grateful.” Relmar sounded genuine. Anthin had doubts in regards to that though he kept them to himself. He knew Relmar was firmly in the opposing camp to Anthin’s selection as Witness all those years ago. Since then word from Anthin’s contacts had pointed to Relmar being one of the current Witness' string pullers. At first through his association with higher ups, then as he advanced himself through his own influence. Antihin did not discount such whispers.

  “May I ask Your Grace, what the purpose of your invitation is?”

  “You may.” Relmar replied. “As you are no doubt aware there has been a great deal of talk surrounding those two since you arrived. Talk has only increased in the past months as the boys have truly risen to the occasion.”

  Anthin nodded. “Yes, I keep in touch with their instructors, yourself included.”

  “I happened to bump into Dav this morning, quite literally as he was in a hurry and almost knocked me to the ground with his inattention. We had an opportunity to talk together. Menial stuff, but I was impressed with the young man and decided on the spot to invite him and Taninsin. Originally I’d thought to test the waters a bit with them. You know, get a feel for how they have adjusted to life here, what their hopes are for their futures and so on.”

  “Admirable on your part, Your Grace. Very few in your position would pay such attention to mere students.” Anthin doubted the reasoning was anything but self-serving.

  “These are no mere students Brother, given their connection to yourself. Regardless, I am paying attention to their progress and am pleased to find them excelling so… concerning Tanisin. He will be advanced into the Corps at the next rotation in just under a month. Due to his diligence with his classmates I’m happy to say his whole group will be advanced with him. I concede it is a bit early in regards to the usual training recruits receive but I’m sure you’ll agree given Anders’ glowing praise of this batch that it’s warranted.”

  “Coupled with the Corps’ urgent need for fresh bodies as well I assume?” Anthin interjected.

  “Yes, we need all we can acquire and the council has approved the quick turnaround. As for Dav, I had the pleasure of a conversation with him earlier today. I found him to be a sharp young man. Given this and his own excellence in his studies it’s been determined that we will also be advancing the timeline on his ascension to the clergy. I took the matter to the council shortly after my decision to talk further with the two. It was approved. He will be notified here this evening.”

  “This is indeed good news for both of them, Your Grace. Please understand my concerns with the timing have nothing more than an old man’s care for his charges at heart. I know they will be elated with the news….”

  Anthin was hoping to continue the conversation, to glean any hidden truths behind the decision by the Enlightened and the council to grant the early advancement. While it wasn’t unheard of in the past it was a practice that had largely fallen off since Anthin’s own early rise. He had no doubt it was due to Relmar’s own considerable influence. As he was set to continue his line of inquiry there came a knock at the study door and Relmar’s aide stuck his head into the room. “You Grace, they are here.” Relmar gave a nod and Redrick opened the door to admit Dav and Tanisin.