How much? Vir asked, eyeing a rudintary map of the city inked on parchnt. He was back at the sa paunchy rchant whom hed sold his daggers to, but this ti, he looked to buy.
For you? I will sell it cheap. Five silvers.
You want five silvers for this cheap thing? Vir couldnt possibly afford that. Maybe if he sold Minas elaborate outfit, but if that really was a family heirloom, he doubted hed sell it off easily, at least here in Daha. Commoners selling off royal garb raised questions and attention.
The robe was quite useless. Neither could he sell it, nor could he wear it.
Friend, maps are a rare luxury. I will have no issues selling this for six. Believe , I am doing you a favor.
Uh, huh. Well, thanks anyway, Vir said, not bothering to negotiate with the man. Any money spent on a map was a waste, since he could just fashion one himself for free. And by making his own map, hed learn the geography of the city far more intimately than by just buying one.
Vir had risen early the morning after his encounter with the princess, eager to sign on with the rcenaries Brotherhood; the pawn shop was just an afterthought.
Hed felt bad about waking Neel at such an early hour, so the bandy slept happily at the inn.
Exiting the store, he found a market square that was a far cry from the previous evening. Vestiges of yesterdays procession remainedflowers of all colors lay on the road, trampled and shreddedbut the square was nearly empty.
The rcenaries Brotherhood building stood out from all the others. While about the sa height at four stories tall, its all-stone architecture differed from the arch-and-do the of the rest of the city, with an engraved symbol that dominated its front face. A triangular tal plaque adorned with a black ghost.
Its enormous wooden double doors soared to almost two stories in height, thick and rugged like the rest of the structure. If Daha ever ca under siege, Vir would want to seek refuge in this building. Carvings decorated its stoneportraits and sculptures of warriors of all sorts, all holding different weapons. And unlike the other buildings that all butted up against each other, the Brotherhood stood apart, extending deep into the distance.
Vir entered expecting to find a vast open space filled to the brim with rcenaries ogling a contract board. After all, how could this possibly be a proper guild without a job board, so adventurers, and so tussles over rambunctious upstarts?
Instead, he found a dim empty hall. Wide and tall, to be sure, but dark, and nearly devoid of life. Rather than a business establishnt, he felt like hed walked into a temple whose congregation had long ago finishedthe workers having already tidied up.
Yes? said an ominous voice nearby. Vir startled and looked around with Prana Vision. The ability was always on these daysa habitual instinct rather than sothing that needed to be activated. It showed a strong twin affinity prana signature just a handful of paces away. Seated behind a black veil, only their legs and black polished loafers were visible.
I want to register as a new rcenary, Vir said, frowning at the man behind the veil.
Its like a cult, he thought, recalling the Children of Ash.
Follow , the man said, and when he finally stepped from behind his booth, Vir was once more thrown for a loop.
Not only had the man been seated behind a veil, he wore one on his face!
Definitely like a cult. Vir was starting to reconsider this decision.
He followed the receptionist through the dark hall and into a large courtyard, occasionally passing other rcenaries, whose footsteps echoed in the silence.
A leafless petrified tree occupied the center of the space, surrounded by sand. Proceeding down another hall, they finally ca to a tall stone room containing several wooden booths all arrayed side by side.
Wait here for your turn, the receptionist said before departing, leaving Vir alone, facing the doors of the booths that had nas painted upon them. Sonam, Alt Ashani, Daha, Avi, Raaka, Kartara, and Balindam.
Vir recognized twoDaha and Balindam. The capitals of Hiranya and the Pagan Order, respectively. Which ant the other booths were nad after the capitals of countries as well.
He didnt wait long. Balindam. Enter, a feminine voice said.
Vir made his way into the booth, which was lit by only a single Magic Candle, and shut the door behind him. The person in the booth wore a similar veil, her hands steepled upon a counter.
He took two steps over to the empty chair and froze.
The woman he was looking at had golden prana flowing through her entire body and nearly nothing else. Apex Lightning affinity. Vir was likely dealing with a jai of Ash or possibly even a jai of Realms.
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He made a note to himself not to anger this woman.
I shall be your Executor this session. Identification? she asked in a professional, even tone, extending her hand.
I have none, Vir replied. Im here to beco a rcenary.
Reason?
Just moved into the city. Looking to earn a living, and Im pretty confident about my combat skills. I, uh, also need so contacts. Connections to Sawai, information about royalty, that kind of thing. Heard the Brotherhood can help there?
The Brotherhoods reach is both deep and wide. Depending on your position within our organization, such things might be arranged.
It was dawning upon Vir that the Brotherhood was more of a shadow organization. A group that likely took on less than reputable tasks, rather than the usual contracts.
Balar Rank? the Executor asked.
I havent been tested, but my instructor believes Im about Balar 30.
Oho? she said, showing interest for the first ti during their conversation. We are willing to grant capable mbers admission, but as you are coming to us unrecomnded, we must have you pass a trial first.
You want to fight soone?
The Executor shook her head. The combat exam will follow after you pass this trial. Only then will you receive your official Balar Scale Rank.
Vir perked up at the ntion of ranking. Hed been itching to see how much hed progressed, and to see how he stood compared to others on a standardized scale.
She produced a piece of paperreal paper, not parchntand slid it out to him. Literate?
Vir nodded.
Good. Then fill out your na, age, reason for application, and qualifications. For record keeping. I trust you can pay the fee?
Fee? What fee?
Five silvers to join the Brotherhood.
Vir blanched. I dont have that
Then please return when you are able to pay, she said calmly, taking back the paper.
Wait, Vir said, producing all the coin he had left, including Rudvik's twenty coppers. Can you take this as a deposit? Until I have enough to pay?
He didnt want to risk showing the robe to anyone, so that option was out.
The Executor fell silent for a mont. Very well, she said. Her lack of hesitation made Vir wonder whether they often ran into these situations.
He took a quill and jotted down his information, and while he refrained from ntioning Dance of the Shadow Demon, instead calling it Shadow Blend, everything else was accurate.
The real dilemma was his na. Hed been going by Neel in Daha, but what if he had to abandon that identity in the future? If he registered as Neel, then even if he left Hiranya for so other country, he might be followed and tracked. The Brotherhood was an international organization, after all.
His hand hovered over the paper.
Virs real na made sense in that case. That way, he could take on and abandon identities, keeping his real na hidden. But then again, using his real na ca at a cost if it were ever leaked.
Is there a problem? asked the Executor.
Will the Brotherhood keep this information secret if I need them to? No matter their station?
The woman stared at him, and even through her veil, he could tell her tone had changed. As I said, secrets are the lifeblood of the Brotherhood. There is no priority higher to us than keeping the confidence of our mbers. We have fought empires before to protect such secrets. We will do so again if need be.
It was the most the lady had ever spoken, and Vir was thankful for it. Her words definitely made the decision easier... but there was a better option.
Apramor, he wrote. It was a very common na, but one that Maiya would recognize if she ca looking for him. This way, he kept both his real na secret and left breadcrumbs for her, too. He just had to ensure he didn't ss up and use the wrong alias in the wrong situation. Any more of these, and he could easily land himself in hot water.
This appears in order, the Executor said. Now, for your task. Bring the eyes of that which sees without eyes.
A riddle? Vir asked, raising a brow. Isnt the brotherhood a rcenary organization? What need do you have of those who can solve riddles?
Brotherhood rcenaries take on a variety of tasks that require both intellect, problem solving ability, cunning, and combat prowess. Each of our High Shadows possesses these skills in spades.
I see. Theres no one whos simply strong?
Those types tend not to live long in this line of work, she responded, furling the paper. Now, is there anything else?
No, but if I do this, Im in?
That will depend on your performance and your ability to pay the fee. Do note that there is a ti elent to this test. You should complete your task within three days. Here, she said, giving him a rolled piece of paper, take this. It will grant you temporary admission to and from the city of Daha, should you need to leave.
Well, thanks, Vir said, getting up.
Do not seek outside help. The Brotherhood has eyes in every corner of this city. Should you be caught, you will fail, and if you cheat, the Brotherhood will forever be off limits to you. In all countries.
Right. Got it.
Vir found his own way out, back to the entrance, where the receptionist hailed him.
I take it all went well? he said, pointing at Virs writ of entry. In that case, allow to explain so benefits of joining our organization.
Isnt the order a little off here? Vir thought. Usually theyd try to give you reasons to join first, but Vir wanted to know what being part of the Brotherhood got him, so he nodded for the receptionist to continue.
The veiled man launched into a speech that sounded like hed given it a thousand tis.
Brotherhood Sanctums operate not only as contract issuers, but also provide armorer and lodging services to its mbers. Shadows, High Shadows, and Executors receive privileges such as superior lodging, discounted rates, and access to higher tier armor, weapons, and magic orbs. The Brotherhood offers rare and valuable equipnt. Many covet this benefit.
If if I wanted to set up a eting with a Sawai, what rank would I have to be for that? Vir asked.
It depends on which of the Sawai aristocracy, and your standing within our organization, but Shadow is the minimum. If you pass your trial, you will join as an Initiate. From there, you would have to rise to Acolyte, and then to Shadow.
I see Vir said, disappointed. Unless he made an incredible impression on the Brotherhood, it sounded like the road would be longer than hed hoped for.
Even so, this was still the best plan he had. Hed continue searching for others, but at least he now had a fallback.
Vir exited the Brotherhood Sanctum to find a market square buzzing with activity.
With a quick glance up at the Vimana that shrouded the city in shadows, he pulled out a piece of parchnt and charcoal from his bag and left.
Ti to chart out this city.
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