In his small parish office of Eastgate in Dimabri City Brother Anthin sat with one hand on his head of thinning hair and let out a heavy sigh. It was a room that reflected its occupier's personality. Sparse and furnished with nothing ostentatious or unnecessary. A plain large desk was positioned in front of the fireplace where a small fire blazed keeping the chill of the spring morning at bay. A comfortable, well-used chair occupied one corner with a table beside it and a few bookshelves crammed full of books and scrolls, all of them old, lined the walls. He dropped his hand as he leaned back in his chair and tossed the pages he’d been reading to the desktop in front of him in irritation, then kneaded at the small of his back and proceeded to rub his temples.

  The reports were grinding in his mind as a millwheel does grain. Dire news and rumours from his contacts at The Citadel, the administrative centre of The Church of Sayoshti’s Children. Some there still held him in high regard and endeavoured to keep him informed when they could. He snatched up the offending papers again, reading with a creased brow and troubled frown.

  The least alarming was from the Unified Guard Corps command that there was a verified increase in shambler activity both in the Dreadlands and beyond its borders in the Grant. Nothing to be overly concerned about. Shamblers or husks as the Corps’ soldiers commonly called them were relatively harmless even in numbers. With no thought beyond eating any living thing they could corner. Their sole motivation was hunger and the poorest farmer with a pitchfork or bludgeon could finish one off. Even in groups they presented little threat to trained soldiers.

  Shambler activity beyond the Dreadlands had been happening for the whole of the almost three-thousand years that Sayoshti’s Children had ministered to the people of Etrusia. In times past the Corps as the military arm of the Church would increase its efforts to contain them to the Dreadlands or eliminate the creatures. They were no real threat as long as the Grant remained clear of the beasts and the populace could continue in their efforts of supplying the Church with food and goods unmolested. Forcing those monstrosities back into the Dreadlands or even better killing them all on sight was important though the matter should be easily handled.

  Another troubling report from within The Citadel invoked true concern. It seemed, though it remained unproven, that the shuddering was spreading. The shuddering was a physical manifestation of exposure to the dark psychological effect of the Dreadlands. A reaction to the evil essence that emanated from Despair’s Abyss. The area’s locals told of a sense of hopelessness, paranoia, illusions and hallucinations combined with diseased plants and dead livestock and wildlife. The spread was thirty miles further out than its reach should be. These rumours were harder to confirm as officials sent to investigate had some immunity due to their holy positions and Sayoshti’s blessing. What they could say was that the decay was encroaching and it was widespread around the whole of the Dreadlands, seeping into the Grant and causing worry among the locals.

  Furthermore, it seemed from other reports that the Followers of the Inevitable were more active than they had been in years. They called themselves the Followers but Church officials had designated them the Cult of Despair. They’d never been a big problem in Etrusia. More a nuisance, but the fact they were more everywhere and at the same time as these other portents suggested someone, or worse something, was organising them.

  Citizens within Etrusia had also been reporting adverse and unseasonable weather. Rains in the Basin Desert of Wayra. Storms along the Fedenian coast. Sleet, hail and snow in usually temperate regions. Quakes and volcanic activity increased in Bayamak and even here in Dimabri unseasonable spring snows and heavy rains were putting crops and livestock at risk while slowing traffic through the mountain passes.

  Last, it was confirmed that The Witness had called convocation and summoned to The Citadel all of The Enlightened, the leaders of the Church’s operations throughout the continent. As head of the Church, The Witness was determined to address these rumours and events with the added dividend of putting the common folk at ease.

  These reports made for grim tidings even as other rumours spoke of lower crop yields in the Grant and a sense of unease in all the four realms of Etrusia. Something was stirring in the world! Anthin only hoped these were not portents of some pending disaster or, Sayoshti forbid, a resurgence of the dark evil from Despair’s Abyss. He’d certainly never seen such tidings in all the years of his career.

  He made a mental note to check in with Serivus, the Enlightened of Dimabri. The conclave would be an excuse for Anthin to return to The Citadel after years away. As a mere Brother, he couldn’t attend the convocation; he could however try to glean more information regarding these troubles and be able to reassure his own parish that the Church had matters under control.

  Concurrently he would make arrangements for his two charges to start their formal training. The young men Tanisin and Dav had surpassed what knowledge and training Brother Anthin could provide and they yearned to make their marks on the world.

  Putting the reports aside he stood and stretched as he made his way to the window overlooking the parish courtyard. Dav and Tanisin were below practising their swordwork with Brother Mchale. Anthin watched, noting with pride how the two orphans had grown under his guardianship. They were as brothers and closer than some to be sure though not of the same blood, he was very fond of them.

  Dav was tall and fair with a roguish look, a shock of blonde hair, blue eyes and a slightly tapered chin that always turned heads with the young ladies. He’d come a long way from the closed-in young boy who wouldn’t talk and with no known history before Anthin’s involvement. Despite Anthin’s attempts to learn of Dav’s past nothing could be found. Now leaning into a path through the clergy he hoped to join The Church of Sayoshti’s Children and make a difference in the world. He’d make a fine Brother Anointed with his unerring sense of right and wrong, keen intellect, willingness to help anyone who needed it and calm approach to dealing with problems.

  Tanisin was shorter, stockier and darker of complexion. Well-muscled with brownish hair framing a strong jaw and blue eyes. He too attracted the notice of the young women in the city. Tanisin’s father had died fighting bandits west of Dimabri City as a member of the city’s militia. His mother had passed away soon after. Tanisin yearned to make them proud and had decided early in life to join the Unified Guard Corps. Both to follow his father’s example and so he could stay close to Dav. He tended to be more rash than his adopted brother, physical in his approach and adept at his weapons training. Yet he was fair and even in his dealings with others.

  Fitting for both of them to Anthin. Even better, both branches of service required training at The Citadel. Sayoshti’s Children controlled both the Church and the Corps. Most of the clergy themselves had trained and served in some capacity within the Corps. The boys would remain together through much of their training and education to come.

  Watching them with fondness he recalled the children they were when, through Sayoshti’s Grace, their care came to him. The pair had come a long way and made great strides. From homeless, hungry orphans found in an alley one cold dark morning ten years ago to the proud, smart and able young men they were now. It was time they took the next step in their life’s journey. Past time really, and while Anthin wanted them to make their own way he’d resolved years ago to be there for them as long as they needed him. He intended to stick to that resolve.

  What better opportunity than now? He thought. He would accompany them to The Citadel and attempt to dig up some information during the conclave as well as reconnect with some old contacts and friends. With plans mixing in his mind, he turned from the window and made his way downstairs.

  The two were still sparring when he arrived. Under the skilled eye of Brother Mchale they flowed from one form to another with their training swords clacking as they attempted to score a touch. Tanisin in keeping with his desire to be a Corps recruit fought with a short sword and shield while Dav favoured a two-handed weapon almost as long as he was tall. As the two contested, Anthin noted the grim determination on Dav’s face as Tanisin’s slightly superior skill gave him trouble. They were both skilled and quite evenly matched to Anthin’s trained but long unused knowledge, though Tanisin always seemed to have a slight advantage and it never failed to gall the other.

  He was loath to interrupt as the skills they practised would serve them well in the future but he caught Brother Mchale’s attention and explained he’d need the boys. With a sharp command to “Stay your blades!” Mchale brought the fighters up short. They stood winded and sweating as Anthin nodded his thanks and approached them on the practice field.

  “Great work my Lads! I’ve not seen finer swordplay in a long time!” He beamed at them. It was true, both were skilled and would give the weapons masters at The Citadel a good run.“Time to put up the swords though,” he added. “I’ve got an errand to run and I’d like your company for the walk.”

  “Thank you Anthin.” The two replied in unison. They glanced at each other before bursting into breathless laughter. Anthin joined them in their mirth chuckling.

  “Where to?” Asked Dav as they turned and presented their gear to Brother Mchale who gave them a proud look himself as he took the weapons.

  “I have to speak to The Enlightened. It’s also time to make arrangements for your training. You two shall join me, I’ve no doubt he will wish to talk to you both.”

  A melancholy entered Dav’s eyes with the news. The thought that these two so long now a part of his daily life would no longer be there dismayed Anthin, he’d greatly miss their constant presence.

  “Here now!” He perked up. “We knew this day would come. You’re no longer children underfoot eh. This is what I’ve spent all these years preparing you for.”

  “We know, and we are excited; happy even. Please believe us. It’s just that now that its here the prospect seems… well scary.” Dav had always had an innocent truthfulness about him, both towards others and himself.

  Did you know this text is from a different site? Read the official version to support the creator.

  “Plus old man, who’s going to take care of you when we’re gone?” Interjected Tanisin.

  Anthin stood straighter at hearing their feelings. The love he felt was enormous. Careful, he thought, you border on the sin of Pride.

  “Well as to that… I happen to be joining you. At least for the journey, and it's certain my business at The Citadel will take some time. So you’re not rid of the old man just yet you pup!” There was no sting in the words, only a familiarity. The kind that lets one bandy light insults with easy affection.

  Both boys brightened up at hearing that and they began to babble. Asking one over the other when, how, was Brother Mchale joining them? Anthin held both hands up to forestall any more. At first chagrined about the future both were now elated but they quieted at his gesture.

  “No more you fiends. Go clean up and meet me in the lane.” He waved them away. They both rushed off, eager to obey while bumping and pushing each other as they ran to the door. He watched them with a gleam in his eye that turned to sorrow.

  There was not a shred of doubt on the course set for them. Their path had been clear to him almost since day one, as clear as his own had seemed at one point. Yet still this old place will not be the same without them. His own path haydn’t progressed as it was laid out.

  Anthin’s father was a minor Dimabrian lord with a holding and one too many sons. He had promised Anthin to the clergy before Anthin was old enough to comprehend the idea. The holding was in Nobel’s Ford, a village at the mouth of Nobel’s Pass nestled in the Westmounts. His father’s charge had been the customs station in the pass and Anthin’s elder brother was heir. Anthin hadn’t been back to Nobel’s Ford in many years, life had a way of slipping the time past you.

  He put his thoughts aside. There was too much to be done without dwelling on the past. Dav and Tanisin joined him in the narrow laneway that separated the parish from a livery. The smell of horses hung in the air and Anthin took a deep breath. He’d always enjoyed the scent. It recalled his childhood and the hours spent riding throughout his career.

  “Well lads, off we go.” Anthin started down the alleyway and into the streets of Dimabri City.

  They left the lane and entered Market Square. The area was bustling with activity in the early afternoon. Merchants, peddlers and hawkers abounded all clamouring for attention to their wares and vying for a sale. Shops lined the perimeter with the owner's abodes on the second story. Tailors, smiths, grocers, and a myriad of other goods and trades. Signs hung above the shops declaring what goods or services were available and tables in front were laden with products. The noise was raucous compared to the quiet of their home near the eastern gate.

  All three looked around as they walked, observing the press of humanity and the workings of the city's commerce. The ebb and flow of lives being lived. Dimabri City wasn’t as large or busy as other capitals in Etrusia but it was the largest in the country. Serving as a centre of trade and commerce and an important stop to or from the coast beyond the Westmounts. Anthin loved it here and would be morose to leave.

  They made their way through the square onto the main boulevard. Following it for block after block through the throng of carriages and litters borne by porters, citizens running errands and officials about on business until after an hour’s brisk walk they reached their destination.

  The First Cathedral of Sayoshti’s Children. Within were the offices of The Enlightened of Dimabri. It was a grand building set just inside the west gate of the city and close to the administrative palace. The cathedral was one of the oldest buildings in Dimabri and the first ever built by the Church. It had stood for over two thousand years as testament to Sayoshti’s Sacrifice and the influence of the Church in Etrusia.

  The cathedral’s stonework was carved in relief showing various scenes from the Book of Witness. All set by expert hands. From the Strategy of the Hopeless–where the last stand of both humanity and the Veliar against Despair's forces was planned. Sayoshti’s Pledge–where her plan was revealed. Its repercussions and the mandate that humanity bear witness and continue through all time to venerate the deed and guard the land. Inlaid into the cathedral's huge bronze doors was Sayoshti’s Sacrifice itself. Where her selfless deed overcame Despair’s dark minions, eliminating large numbers of them and forcing the remainder back into Despair’s Abyss. Sayoshti’s transformation from a physical Veliar being to an ethereal force of pure energy sealing the Abyss from Etrusia. The effect of these scenes on the faithful was awe-inspiring! One could spend hours looking upon them and absorbing the earliest histories of the Church.

  The visitors entered through a side door that led to the cathedral’s offices. An area busy with the functionaries, clerks and acolytes. All of the workforce were clergy and had an air of no-nonsense about them. Brother Anthin stopped one harried clerk on her way somewhere. The woman was in a rush and burdened with papers and scrolls, though she stopped at Anthin’s gesture. “Your pardon Sister. Could you advise the Enlightened…” Anthin began.

  The clerk looked irritated, clearly her duties were more important than playing messenger for visitors. When she noted who it was that addressed her a smile came to her face. “Ah, Brother Anthin! Sayoshti smiles upon me.” The clerk now seemed relieved to see Anthin and his fellows. “I am Sister Mariaa. It happens that his Grace had asked me to locate you. Your timely arrival has saved me a trip across the city.”

  “Sayoshti provides good Sister. If you’d kindly convey us to him and advise The Enlightened of our arrival your charge will be complete.”

  “Surely Brother, I am heading that way now. His Grace has asked for some writings he wishes to consult. If you’ll follow me.”

  She continued on her way with Anthin, Dav and Tanisin in step behind. Anthin quickened his stride to walk beside their guide while the boys remained a few steps behind. “The cathedral seems to be a hive of activity today!” Anthin observed. “Though I don’t believe it is all on our account.”

  “Truth Brother,” Mariaa gave a harried laugh. “It’s due to the conclave called recently.”

  Anthin gave no indication he was aware of said conclave. He merely nodded before stating, “Then it’s no wonder you’re all bustling about.”

  “It’s no small task getting Enlightened Serivus ready to travel. A hundred of us all with what seems like a never-ending list of tasks to complete before the journey.”

  They had zig-zagged through corridors and up a set of back stairs. Then down another long hall ending at a set of plain, sturdy oaken doors with a guard standing watch. The guard made no move to bar their way as Sister Mariaa opened the doors and led them inside.

  The room beyond was plain in contrast to the grandeur that was the outer cathedral. At the far end set of oak doors was fronted by a simple desk with two chairs set in front and cluttered with papers. Shelving lined the walls stuffed with papers, books, and other odds and ends.

  Sister Mariaa dumped her arm full on top of the messy desk. She took a minute, relieved to be rid of her burden before gathering up a few rolled scrolls from the pile she’d just added to. Turning to Anthin she said, “If you’ll just wait a minute here I will advise His Grace that you’re here.” She approached the door, gave a small knock and entered with a muffled word from the other side closing the door behind her.

  Anthin sank into one of the chairs and settled in to wait. The walk, while not difficult, had tired his old feet. Tanisin and Dav, young and spry as they were and awash with curiosity, went to study the many crammed shelves in the room. The three weren’t alone for more than a minute or two before Sister Mariaa emerged.

  “His Grace will see you right away it seems.” Holding the door she ushered them into the adjoining room and closed the door behind them without following.

  “Brother Anthin and his two young wards. Come in, come. Seat yourselves.” Enlightened Serivus had risen from behind his desk and gestured to a set of comfortable chairs arranged before a large fireplace where a cheery fire blazed.

  The Enlightened of Dimabri waited graciously as they sat before easing himself into an oversized armchair. He was an aged man, portly without being overly so. His hair, thinning and slate grey sat limp. His face was lined with years of care and worry yet his eyes, as grey as his hair, were sharp, observant and held wisdom. He had the air of a favourite grandfather, one who always had treats for his grandchildren. None of the expected pomp or ceremony seemed required for him. He settled into the chair and spoke, addressing Anthin.

  “My old Friend! Tell me, what brings you to see me?” Direct and to the point.

  “I think you already know, given that you’d sent Sister Mariaa to find me Your Grace. There’s a conclave called and I would like to journey with you. Then there’s the matter of getting these two into their training.”

  “Ahh yes, the conclave. Well…I know I should not be surprised that you’re aware of it. Even now you have supporters and friends at The Citadel. But…”

  Anthin interrupted him. “Your Grace. I know well that my participation is neither welcomed by all nor required. I only wish to accompany you. To see the lads settled and engaged in their education, perhaps reconnect with some old friends.”

  “You know were it up to me your voice would be foremost among all at this conclave. It’s a mark against our beloved Church that things are as they are. Still, your counsel on the journey will be most appreciated and I’d not deny you the chance to join me. I’d recently sent Mariaa to find you so I could invite you to journey with me.”

  “You are too kind, Your Grace. I look forward to joining your company.”

  “No doubt, your presence will be a welcome addition. Now what of these two?” Serivus turned his eye to study Dav and Tanisin. “You wish to join the humble ranks of our Faith do you?”

  They nodded in unison both a bit awed by the strong persona of his Grace, The Enlightened peered at them over steepled fingers.

  “What is it you wish to accomplish on your path with us and why?” He pointedly questioned Tanisin.

  “Your Grace,” Tanisin bowed his head in respect. “My wish is to train for the Corps, become a soldier and protect Etrusia from the influence of Despair.” He practically burst with certainty. “As to why Your Grace. I only wish to make my parents proud of me. My Da was a soldier…”

  “Admirable young man! I’ve no doubt you will make a fine addition to the ranks Sayoshti knows the Corps needs young recruits like you.” Tanisin nodded his head in response before Serivus’ gaze turned to Dav.

  “Your Grace,” Dav began. “I’ve no family that I know of. However I have studied my whole life fascinated by Sayoshti’s Sacrifice. My wish since childhood is to serve, teach about and honour it. I want to guide Etrusians in service to Sayoshti’s Children!” He exhibited such conviction, almost vehemence in his words. Determination lay strong on his earnest face.

  The Enlightened shifted forward on his seat with a glow of his own conviction in his clear and sharp eyes. “Lads... I see the truth of your words in your faces and I feel the strength of your convictions in your words. True, and I do mean TRUE service to Sayoshti is not to be taken lightly. I can attest, as can Anthin. Yet I’ve no doubt that you will accomplish all you wish and more. I have great hopes for both of your careers.” He sat back again, suddenly relaxed. “Now Brother Anthin and I have plans to make.” It was a clear dismissal.

  Anthin accompanied them to the doorway. Seeing them out and advising them they were free for the afternoon to do as they wished. Dav and Tanisin exited the cathedral while Brother Anthin stayed behind planning with The Enlightened. An afternoon with nothing to do was a rare treat neither of them would pass up. What to do with it was another matter.