Nevermore: The Secret Order

Chapter 5 - Orientation

The entire week had been life-changing for the most part for one particular 22 year old who just recently graduated from college graduate. On top of the recent life-altering events that befell his way, one more is about to hit him harder. The intro of Don't Fear The Reaper by band Blue Oyster Cult sounded off from his phone at 6:30 am. Raven has yet to fully open his eyelids which felt like they took on the weight of solid lead. If that alarm tune wouldn't help perhaps a certain inner voice would nudge the young man from his slumber. Without hesitation, that inner voice took it upon himself to see him off the bed.

<RISE AND SHINE!!!> said Thanatos.

"Son of a bitch!!!" exclaimed Raven as he reached for his weapon after having sprung from his sleep. "What did you do that for?"

<You instructed me to remind you of today's agenda.> said Thanatos.

"Oh yeah. Day one." said Raven after realizing today's schedule.

<You need to get ready. Director Maia said you are to report today.> Thanatos reminded him.

He had previously checked out of Towneplace Suites from Manhattan, driven back to the West 57th tower to gather a few other things and finally made his way upstate to a manor. It had not been long ago that he drove straight into its grounds with an injured agent in tow. That of course did not go without attracting the security staff present. Now, he has officially been granted residence in one of its rooms. He found it no different from the flat. Albeit, the atmosphere is quiet in comparison. The bustle of the city, the sound of cars and the sight of cabs were absent.

Raven got ready and upon stepping into the shower, he realized that his back has glyphs lining his spine like the solid gylphed band tattooed on his forearm.

"How many more of these do I have?" asked Raven.

"How many more of what?" Thanatos asked in need of clarification.

"Where else did you ink me when you were in that sludge form?" said Raven.

<Oh...Just that.> said Thanatos in a cavalier manner.

"Are you sure that I don't have them in other places?" asked Raven. "Especially in places I would prefer not to have them?"

<You're free to check.> said Thanatos.

He later changed into a black long sleeve dress shirt, black trousers and dress shoes. He also put on a black blazer before topping it off with a black tie.

<How do I look?> asked Raven

<Seems to match what the director wore the last time.> said Thanatos.

"It's a work environment and it's my first day." Raven replied.

<Isn't it excessive?> asked Thanatos.

"Not on your first day. We also have a saying that goes dress for the job you want." said Raven while making final adjustments to his tie.

Raven exited his quarters and headed to the manor hall. One can only remark how impressive the facilities are. The entrance itself was already beyond extravagant. It boasted a metallic sculpture of the famed Yggdrasil. There were also two wings for the residential quarters as well as a study which might as well just be called a library, a common room as well as a recreation room he has yet to access. There also appears to be a state of the art gym. Raven headed to the dining hall for breakfast as he was advised. Upon arriving, to the dining area, it reminded him of the ones he has seen in British films. Mostly the kind set in mansions or boarding schools. The whole table was filled with an obscene range of options. The eggs ranged from poached to scrambled. The protein options had items such as bacon, sausages, and black pudding. As well as fresh greens like tomatoes as well as vegetarian options like Portobello mushrooms and baked beans. There were also different variants of toast ranging from plain white, whole wheat and sourdough. This surprisingly feels like home. Without thinking twice, he took a tray and a plate. He opted for bacon, sausages and some scrambled eggs with some sourdough toast and filled a cup with some cappuccino.