Reconquers: Legends of the Accolytes

Chapter 2 IN PROGRESS

Austin covered his hair as a glass bottle shattered above his head. He felt a sharp pain in the back of his hand. Upon inspection, he found a fine steam of blood embroidering his middle knuckle. A shard must have hit him.
Eve's End was ablaze in chaos. Burly bearded men and lean peasants wielding daggers brawled across tables. Austin even spotted a few kids his age involved as well. The diverse people of the pub seemed to be fighting simply for the sake of it, no teams or alliances seemed to be present. Austin decided to stay out of it.
He slowly pushed by overturned shelves and tables, stepping over shattered liquor and broken plates. He found a spot in the corner at the lone upright table. Taking off the hood, he tried his best to remain inconspicuous and wait out the chaos currently consuming the pub. He ripped of a piece of linen from his shirt and wrapped it tightly around his fist to stop the bleeding.
A good five minutes passed, and the riot had only grown. Austin now found himself on the ground, his rapier half drawn, his other hand on the table post. He didn't want to become involved in the mess, but was more than willing to defend himself. His blade was sized and weighted specifically for him, forged from the finest steel available to students. As alumni and top of his class from the College of Swordplay at the Aethern Academy, it was his graduation gift. While he never believed in the religion followed and encouraged by the Academy, he respected it. He was willing to participate with this "Awakening" ritual.
Lost in the thought and nostalgia in recalling his training, he barely took notice when the conflict surrounding him immediately and abruptly stopped. Peaking out from under the table curiously, he saw a tall figure had entered the room. The brawlers stood at attention as the cloaked man walked by them. He wore a dark leather trenchcoat, a fur hood topped his head. Simple black fabric slacks and heavy metal rimmed boots completed the figure's mismatched yet threatening appearance. He stopped in front of the bar, the female tendor obviously relieved he was here. He reached across affectionately and kissed her cheek. Her face lit up a bright red as he walked away, making direct eye contact with Austin. The man furrowed his grey brow, however he did not seem surprised by Austin's presence. He picked a chair up off the ground and walked over to Austin's table, sitting down.
"Erin, dear?" He turned back toward the counter and spoke. "Can you give us a moment?"
Erin nodded, pulling something out of her pocket and placing it into a slot on the bar. Steam could be heard flowing through the walls behind Austin, and one of the few upright bookshelves slid to the right, revealing a staircase down to the celler. The stream of men from the bar slowly trickled down the stairs, and soon Austin and the men were alone.
"Nice to meet ya." The man spoke as he threw off the hood. "The name's William, call me Kreb."