Arn’s face was relaxed as he listened to the plan laid out by the ex Knight.  There was truth and logic in the course of action that was suggested.  There would be definitely be answers to the questions.  They may not be hard to find but history and heritage are not so easily erased in a few hundred years.  People tend to hold on to what makes them unique.  Culture is something that can’t truly be removed from the hearts and minds of people.  Indeed, empires do best when they harness and incorporate such differences instead of trying to rip them from those conquered.  There will always be secret part that cannot be truly quelled. 

The challenge would be more in getting these secrets to be told rather than finding the secret holder.  Arn was sure that any who held such knowledge would guard it zealously.  He hoped that disclosing he lineage and the suffering that Eilis had to endure, would win some favor and support of any remaining Rhevendahli. 

The master mage relayed his own assurances via a comforting squeeze on Eilis’s tender shoulders.  Uilles made too much damn sense and was much too prepared for this plan.  Almost as if he had years to plan rather than hours.  While the mage hated to be bound by something like destiny or fate, it was hard for him to logically explain how his meeting with Captain Venray, Eilis and now the famous Uilles could be otherwise explained.  One thing about fate however, is that it pushed you towards your  prescribed end regardless of how you felt and there was nothing you could do to stop it. 

Arn almost smiled at the request/command.  The man before him had lost none of his authority and gravitas.  He pitied the man who would assume that the cane in his hand made Uilles defenseless.  Still, even if it had not been a disguised command, the mage knew Tyrhallan would have still obeyed and aquiesed  his uncle’s request.  The trust that the nephew had for the ex Knight in itself fostered trust and respect from those who knew Tyrhallan.  

The master mage helped Eilis stand and willingly held her hand in reassurance and in a small part not wanting to be separated from her.  He knew however, that there was a reason for the private audience and more or less could guess that it had to do with a warning or two regarding Eilis and her powers.  He finally let go of her hand as he passed her on to the Knight Captain and he nodded his thanks to the silver haired man. 

He owed much to the man and he would not be able to pay him back in a hundred lifetimes.  The pair departed and Arn looked at the closed door a for a couple of seconds.  He felt the need to prevent any further harm to come to them.  He knew that Tyrhallan would fault him for thinking this way but the master mage could not help but want to atone for the injuries the man had sustained due to his lack of power. 

His eyes returned to the elder Venray.  In them was nothings sort of steely commitment.  Arn approached the man with measured steps filled with purpose.  It almost felt like going out on missions with his orders being delivered.  Evander had hated that a low ranking member of the Shootings stars also be present for briefings.  However, the squad members were glad because it meant that the orders would be carried out by someone who actually knew how to command. 

As he took the book that was offered to him, Arn could feel the ex Captain study him.  Only a fool or a blind man would miss how much attention and protection the mage gave the refugee girl.  It seemed that Uilles had not desire to keep his thoughts and evaluation to himself and presented his misgivings to the Master Mage. 

On the other hand, there was nothing that Arn intended to hide either.  He nodded his acknowledgement of the warning and concern and provided his own response.  [color=0054a6] “You are indeed correct in your assessment Lord Venray.  Eilis has come to be a very important part of me.  Your knowledge of a mage’s ability to Mind Meld is commendable.  We have indeed experienced a mind meld and there are times when I am unsure if the feelings that course through me are mine or an echo of hers.  I have committed myself to analyzing these feelings versus repressing them.  For I believe that my connection to Lady Eilis would be a better guide and gauge of the situation that if I just dismissed or distrusted them.  However, your warning is understood and appreciated.  Please be assured that even if you are correct in your discerning that I would gladly lay down my life for hers, it will not be done recklessly.  After all, my aim is to free her.  At the same time, I am also aware of the potential benefit and damage she poses as a military asset.  Let me dispel the notion that I will ever allow her to be used in such a manner.  My aim is for  her to be free of the bindings and be free of the control of whatever being that desires her power.”[/color]

Arn’s face did not change, nor his anger rose at the mention of the need to kill Eilis.  This was an ever present thought in his mind.  The struggle was always constant.  Not because he could not bring himself to do it but because he did not know if he would know when the moment was right.  

The master mage’s eyes opened slightly at the sudden charge of the elder man.  His face was slightly confused but soon the other man’s words explained the sentiment.  Arn’s face remained calm but his eyes softened and projected understanding.   As the ex knight moved away, the mage explained in a professional but firm voice. 

[color=0054a6]“You are right to deliver such warnings and concerns.  Allow me to dispel any erroneous notion.  My loyalty has never been to Belisio.  I was not given a choice when I was drafted.  I have no heritage of military service.  Indeed, I have no stake in the survival or defeat of the kingdom.  However, my loyalties lie with my squad mates, Captain Venray, Lady Eilis, and also to your family.” [/color] He took a deep breath and continued.  [color=0054a6]“That being said, no, I would not sacrifice lives for my own selfish desires.  My need of her does not trump the lives of others.  If at any point myself or Eilis, the Eilis I know, is lost then my life will be the only one that shall be wagered and expended.” [/color] 

He moved closer and his voice had an fraternal tone to it.  [color=0054a6]“You are an honorable man, Lord Venray.   Such quality reverberates through the entire family.  I vow upon what little weight my word has that I will do all in my power to ensure the trust Captain Tyrhalllan, Eilis and yourself have placed upon me will not be in vain.  I will see this through.”  [/color]

Arn bowed to Uilles with great deference.  [color=0054a6]“If you would excuse me Lord Venray. I believe there is much to prepare for the road ahead.”[/color]  He turned around smartly and made his way to the door.  His steps were strong and confident.  He had searched for meaning his entire life.  He had thrown himself into battles head long.  Only in the proximity of death had he felt a small semblance of life.  However, this was different.  His entire life had led to this moment.  He would see this mission through.  He would see Eilis free and the Venray’s trust in him fulfilled. 

The master mage left the room with the pensive ex knight at the window and made his way to the gardens.  His resolve firm as he knew that he would have to reassure his lovely protégé that what needed to be done was necessary.  She would trust him of course and he would repay that trust.  His hand tightened on the lovingly worn diary in his hands.  He would see this through or would die a thousand deaths trying.