[center][b][h3]SIGIL CLOUDFURY[/h3][/b][/center]

	The Dome's eastern gate fell heavily behind them, throwing up sand and dust. Sig walked on, leading the dragon known as Nyx deeper into the complex. The Dome surrounded a huge section of the guild, enveloping many of its buildings, a perfect cage for dragon slaves to flutter about in while they fulfilled their duties. But it served a second purpose: the Dome was a bulwark against rival dragon riders and other dragons alike, forcing them out of the sky. The guild was nearly impenetrable when fully manned.

	[i]Our goals,[/i] he said to Nyx through telepathy. [i]They are many, and perhaps one day I will share them with you. For now, they only thing you need to know is that we seek the Fallen Stars.[/i] Sig stopped, turning his gaze to meet Nyx's eyes. [i]That is why I would like these tests to be concluded shortly. There will be another campaign soon, and I need your cooperation. It is best for both of us if you fulfill what I ask of you without hesitation.[/i]

	Still deeper they walked. Sig did not give Nyx a chance to speak. He would not, until she had passed her first test.

	The Guildmaster finally stopped before a small windowless building. Its exterior was old sun-bleached stone, but a large gate of celelyrium was build in the front wall. At their approach, the sound of steel scraping stone could be heard within, but not even the harsh Solisian sun could pierce the darkness that hid inside.

	"This is your first test," Sig said, unlocking the gate and heaving it aside. From within the darkness there was a gleam of two amber eyes, and a beast lunged forth into the sun, screaming, hissing, spewing erratic bursts of flame. Celelyrium bonds held back a veridian dragon as it thrashed. It was emaciated, hardly any tone in its muscles, and its underbelly was sickly pale.

	Sig knew the beast well. It was his last attempt to train a new mount, and a miserable failure. He stood casually to the side, leaving Nyx to face it.

	"Kill him," Sig said coldly. "If you cannot do this, you are no use to me. It is restrained and starved. It should give you no trouble."

[@Ambra]