Polmond, Tivach, Fost, all of these men were people with varying social statuses but here the respect shown was based on a man’s fervor and ability, not his namesake and bloodline or wealth. “Greetings Arius.” Said Fost as he approached. He was a small man, only about 5’6 and not the least bit physically imposing but this belied the power he had been imparted. His knowledge of words was easily one of the most comprehensive among the followers. Fost was Arius’ mentor of the summoning that these people prided themselves in. “Hello teacher” Arius replied solemnly. “Have you had a chance to practice your words?” “I haven’t had the time, people are like vultures, they never give me one private breath.” Arius only knew two or three simple words and was just a little step above a powerless initiate. “That is regrettable maybe this week you will find time for a session of meditation.” Fost said while ever so slightly shaking his head. A tall man with a black robe like the rest of them but for a single red stitch on the breast walked next to the fire and addressed the gathering. A moment passed and the already soft whispering died like an old animal who welcomed the end as it’s time came. The silence magnified the crackling of the fire.
It was the exalted servant Glifrek, acting high priest and intermediary. He had noticeably icy blue veins beneath his hood in the flickering light. His face was adorned with ash in two lines from his lower eye lids streaming down his neck and disappearing into his robe. His monotone voice matched his emotionless eyes as he spoke. “He who was not contained has expressed to me his desire for rampant suffering to descend in devastation. Misery embracing pain to form a plague that would rip this land apart. We do not have the means to accomplish this through any direct method nor to the extent he would see fit however the next step has become apparent. There is a criminal group of petty robbers and cut purses functioning in the city which is out growing it’s limits. The leader of that group is a devious man, apt for our purposes. We will contact him and persuade him to take to banditry. Those of us who can will use funds to support them.” a couple of people glanced at Arius. “We will offer them additional money for bodies which we will use for the practice of our art. Arius, you will oppose them in the form of a bounty on their heads, be wary, avoid making it large enough to actually put them in danger.”
Glifrek paused and began staring behind his audience. Arius turned to see what he was looking at, all he saw was trees and blackness, then he looked back at the Glifrek who was still staring in that direction. After a few moments Glifrek continued. “The rest of you stay quiet, let nothing abate your growth. One day everyone will see our future, we will all share it. Good night my brothers, live unbridled.” With that he gave them all a tiny nod and left the clearing without so much as a look back. Arius found a his friend Emrayhel, “things are really moving, it’s our first action of this scale.” “But it won’t be the last.” replied Emrayhel with a crooked half smile. “One day I will be contributing with more than just my position and resources.” “I have no doubts about that my friend but in the mean time I don’t think anyone is displeased with the progress you’ve made.” Emrayhel reassured. He and Arius were both relatively new members and he was one of the few people that Arius actually confided his true opinion about things in.
