Tobi swallowed nervously.  His guild laden mind telling him that Tyrhallan was aware of his deception.  He was sure that the knight was able to smell the truth like some sort of righteous canine.  

An awkward smile appeared on Tobi’s face as the Knight Captain warned him of withholding information.  He was sure that the man was honorable enough that he would not take any action against Arn but his loyalty to the senior mage prevented him from fully trusting the knight no matter how sincere his words were.  

The silver haired knight was correct in stating the he was the exception to the attitudes of nobles.  Tobi had yet to meet one that was interested in the protection and well being of those they ruled over.  The young mage knew first hand.  His father had been a successful tailor.  Even catering to those of higher standing.  As a young child the young mage had trained with his father and accompanied him to several rich house holds along with an older sister, Lidia.  

She was a pretty little thing.  Black haired with big almond shaped grey eyes and rosy lips that always displayed a smile.  She was plain but it had been enough to catch the greedy eye of a noble.  The man, Count Ernest, had tried to make advances on her.  She had fought him off and as a result had pushed the man down some stairs.  The count had not died but the offense would be enough to send his father to prison. 

To prevent this Tobi had taken the blame.  At 15 years old, he had been sent to prison but had the luck of having magic aptitude and was later sent to the Cauldron to study.  He had not seen his family in years and he was sure they believed he was dead. 

Sadness spread across the young mage’s face remembering and wishing he could trust Tyrhallan.  He actually hoped that the lord was the beginning of a new generation of nobles that cared for their subjects.  

As if to counter his willful ideas, the very personification of entrenched belief systems came hollering down the hall way.  Many turned their heads and stepped out of the way as the black robed figure of the Shooting Stars captain huffed into view.  The man was dressed in satin with gold embellishments.  A gold insignia at his breast, marking him as the Captain of the Shooting Stars, sparkled importantly.  No doubt, some poor novice had polished his hands raw trying to make the device gleam so. 

Tyrhallan rose in the young man’s perception as he stood up to the vain Mage Captain.  Evander was not as tall as the Knight Captain and had the added insult of having to look up at the silver haired warrior.   Unlike the knight,  Evander had short brownish hair that was slicked back.  A hawk nose and ugly sunken eyes.  He looked more like a black crow and in contrast, Tyrhallan looked like a majestic eagle. 

Tobi allowed the pair to duke it out.  Had he been able he would have sat down, propped his legs up and placed his hands behind his head to watch the show.  It was rare to see the Shooting Star’s captain be put in his place.  That is why he enjoyed so very much to be the messenger when he had to notify him of Arn’s rebellious actions.  He felt that enduring getting books and other things thrown at him was worth the price to see the Lord Mage loose his shit. 







*********************************
Arn was lost in thoughts ranging from how to get stronger faster, to the implications of the power that Eilis might possess that she would fear being used.  He patted her head when she thanked him.  He felt he had done nothing to earn that.  

Indeed, there were few times he felt as powerless as now.  Despite all his training and all his skills, he felt inadequate to protect her.  He would have to come to Tyrhallan sooner or later.  That would be a very awkward and hard conversation to have.  

He felt her relax in his embrace and he closed his own eyes.  His body complained about his wounds but he ignored it.  He was steadying his own breathing when all of a sudden a cold stab that sent radiating painful pain through  his body suddenly brought the peaceful scene to a stop.

Arn had never felt such pain.  It was all he could to do stop himself from screaming.  His eyes flung open and he looked around for the danger.  He looked down at Eilis in desperate concern. He noticed the look in her face and his own concern increased.  The pain vanishing but his body was still feeling the effects as nerves slowly relaxed after being exposed to that.  

[color=0054a6]“What has happened?”[/color]  the concern in his voice was palpable.  He reached for her when the young lady laid down as if expecting to die.  [color=0054a6]“I am here Eilis…I am here.”[/color]  His professional tone was all but gone.  He spoke to her as one does a sister, a daughter, or something else.  

[color=0054a6]“I am not sure what that was.  But I felt something.. If any one has hurt you…” [/color] He broke off.  Rage started to bubble up in his stomach.  His own hands clenched began to coat with fiery tongues.  He calmed himself down.  [color=0054a6]“I have promised you.  I will stand by your side.”[/color]   He placed a hand on her back as she lay in the fetal position.  He concentrated and let the warmth fo the magic communicate his feelings and his conviction.  [color=0054a6]“I you are no longer alone.” [/color]