t was the first sunny morning after a week of torrential rain. Pendaran tried to push aside his resentment that he would be spending much of the day inside and in the dark. He gave Mabane a final pat on the shoulder, knowing the boy was of an age when overt displays of parental affection were embarrassing. He also knew Mabane needed love and reassurance and offered it as the strictures of his situation permitted. The boy lowered his face, hiding a smile and said nothing as the two of them parted in the doorway.

“I will see you at noon,” Pendaran said, “Study hard.”

“Yes, Father.”

He returned to his little room in Ebony’s apartment. The elderly necromancer was busy tying back her silvery hair and glanced up at him as he drew the door closed behind him.

“Looks like Master Bei is in a foul mood this morning. We’d best not be late.”

“When is he ever not in a foul mood?”

Ebony chuckled.

“I just hope you’ve had some time for breakfast to settle, I have a feeling he’s going to try your patience more than usual.”

Pendaran glanced through the diamond-pane windows, glimpsing the vivid green of the garden and the first hint that spring was coming. It was a crime to work on such a beautiful day.

“Pen, stop dragging your heels, we need to get going.”

He shrugged into his dark hooded robe and grasped his plain ash wood staff. As on all the other mornings, he sat on the couch in the parlor so that Ebony could help him don the mask for the enchantment that bound it could not be placed by himself, nor could he dismiss it. As its velvety darkness fell over him, his mind sharpened and an ecstatic surge of potency shuddered through his body. He sensed Ebony now as a shimmering cascade of emerald light. The warmth of her wise and gentle spirit was a counter to the grief that what had once come naturally to him was now only possible by this means. He traded one kind of helplessness for another.

Ebony placed his hand on her forearm in the same practiced way that everyone else who cared for him did. He could sense the life energies of those around him, but a wall was still hard and unyielding, regardless of what the ethers revealed to his inner eye. He gave himself into her care, trusting her to guide him out of danger and warn him of obstacles.

“Stairs,” Ebony said, although Pendaran was prepared for them. He could tell by the way she tensed and slowed and by the way she squeezed his fingers as if to soothe him. Everyone was so afraid he would get hurt and it annoyed him that others felt responsible for his well-being.

“I’m not made of glass,” he said into her mind.

“No need to get cross. I’m only looking out for you,” Ebony grumbled. She resented that she could not respond to him in kind, perhaps even fearing that he had sensed her innermost thoughts. If he told her he would not cross that invisible line, it would only prove that he was aware of them to some degree. Thus he nodded and followed her down the long flight of stairs to the study. He felt the blaze of Zhou’s anger when they arrived. Ebony had not been exaggerating.

“You are both late and we have a great deal of work to do today.”

Pendaran kept a low profile and went quietly to his place at Zhou’s left shoulder.

“My apologies,” Ebony offered, “I’ll just leave you to it.”

“We need to talk. Close the door.”

Pendaran sensed Ebony’s distress as well as Zhou’s rage.

“What would you like to discuss?” Ebony asked calmly once the door was closed.

“Centaurs,” Zhou pronounced, “We discussed a place for Dabar. I do not recall discussing a place for an entire herd of them.”

“Pride,” Ebony murmured.

“What?” Zhou nearly shouted, his anger trembling through Pendaran’s body as if it were his own.

“A centaur is part of a pride, not a herd,” Ebony said quietly, “and frankly, I do not see why it is an issue. As long as my guild has funds enough to take care of them, I cannot see a reason to quarrel.”

“There is a pack… pride… of centaur galloping around this island and you have no clue why I’m upset about it?”

“Other than the surprise factor? No, not really. The fact is, these are Dabar’s kinfolk and they were in trouble. I did not have time to chase you down and chew over the details. I’m sorry.”

Pendaran heard Zhou’s chair groan as it was thrust back and his master began to pace briskly. Lately, it was becoming routine and Pendaran did not need to discuss it to understand the reason. Zhou did not like feeling out of control, particularly when he felt it threatened the welfare of those he protected.

“Why does no one trust me to do what is best for this alliance?” Zhou demanded, “I thought you, of all people, would understand what is at stake here.”

“I had your support in forming my own guild,” Ebony replied evenly, her resolve unperturbed by his scarlet rage, “I was lead to believe that matters which affected my guild were primarily my concern. As for what is at stake, I perhaps remain ignorant on that account.”

“Master, please, her intentions are pure.”

Pendaran winced as Zhou focused the withering blaze of his anger upon him.

“You question me, as well?” Zhou mentally snarled, “Have you learned nothing?”

“I feel you are being unreasonable. How are we to proceed on our own best judgment if you do not tell us what is at stake?” asked Ebony.

“I have never mentioned that we are under the scrutiny of the White Mantle?”

“I am well aware of that threat, but am I to stand by and knowingly let harm come to those whose trust I have earned? How does offering shelter to a handful of centaur harm your efforts?”

“What if we must leave this island on short notice?”

“Leave?” Ebony chuckled, “I assure you, none of us will be persuaded to leave, least of all the centaur. If the White Mantle set foot on this island unbidden, they will find more than they bargained for.”

“If we are to fight, it will be on our terms, not theirs,” Zhou replied sharply.

“You said yourself it is not a matter of if, but when.”

Zhou sighed, his anger fading and his pacing slowing.

“We will talk more later. I must attend to other matters. Do you know whether the herd… pride is likely to increase in size?”

“Perhaps,” Ebony said, a slight edge of mischief in her voice, “Our seeming disregard for your intentions is not a sign of mistrust, Master Bei, but you also need to trust us. My guild and those we shelter are prepared to fight for the protection of this island. Never doubt that. Good day.”

Pendaran emptied his mind, seeking to avoid becoming the target of Zhou’s next fit of anger and anxiety. He heard the man drop heavily back into his chair and sigh heavily.

“I am not angry at you, Peng Ren. I am sorry I barked at you.”

He did not respond other than nod.

“Stand here at my left shoulder in plain sight.”

Pendaran followed Zhou’s voice, prodding the smooth wooden floor lightly with his staff to avoid stubbing his toes. The azure and red shimmer of his master’s spirit was all he needed to guide him to the right place. Zhou wanted him relaxed and attentive so he gave his staff over to Zhou’s care and stood with his hands clasped behind his back.

“This man claims to be an agent of the Shining Blade. Give me your honest impressions.”

He nodded, familiar with this role. With that, Zhou rang the small hand bell he used to signal those waiting outside that he was ready to receive the next visitor. There was the ominous groan of the door, the shuffle of soft-soled feet and the skidding of chair legs when Zhou asked the guest to take a seat.

“Conrad Erynne at your service, Lord Bei.”

“I am Master Bei. I do not claim nobility. This is my associate, Master Kai. I understand you arrived before dawn last night.”

“Yes… you’ll pardon me, but I requested a private audience.”

Pendaran grinned beneath his mask, knowing Zhou intended for the man to feel nervous.

“These are dangerous times, as I am sure you are well aware,” Zhou said evenly, “Master Kai is my confidante. I trust him with my life and he will remain here for the duration of our discussion.”

“My apologies, Master Bei,” the man replied, the feigned uncertainty in his voice reflecting a history of working for nobles and people of higher rank as was often typical of spies.

“Where does this man come from?” Pendaran asked, “The accent is northern Ascalon.”

“You had a woman and child with you last night,” Zhou continued, putting aside Pendaran’s question for a moment, “I was told they were refugees. Why did you bring them here and what were they fleeing?”

“Isabeau attended the Fool’s Glade and was apprehended by the White Mantle. She is in fear for her life and one of the guild leaders of your alliance offered to take in those who were present at the event.”

Pendaran recognized the name, recalling the awkward encounter that had resulted from Sister Lemony’s drunken banter.

“There was an Isabeau de Minuit in attendance that night. The White Mantle captured her. She was among those… we saved.”

Zhou seldom responded to him directly for his own mind was focused upon those he questioned. Thus he was surprised when he felt the full glare of the man’s attention turn upon him.

“You met her. She is of interest to you.”

“I hardly know her.”

“And it is to remain that way,” Zhou warned.

“Of course, Master.”

He blushed, grateful his face was concealed as Zhou continued to question the man. He was annoyed Zhou even presumed anything more intimate than simple greetings had been exchanged. Did he not realize that he had stopped being a philanderer ages ago? As a widower twice over, he was simply not interested in affairs of the heart. As it stood now, he was so broken, he doubted he was capable of loving anyone deeply again.

“Focus, Peng Ren, you are on duty.”

“He is afraid you will send the woman and her child away. He was charged by a superior or someone he respects to take care of them and he believes this is the best hope.”

“Master Erynne, you mentioned you had connections to the Shining Blade.”

“Yes, Master Bei. I know a few within that organization. The one I serve has asked me to deliver money and supplies to them on many occasions.”

“The one you serve being Lord de Minuit?”

Pendaran felt the man’s psyche knot with fear that he had been found out. He was clearly startled and instantly worried the woman whose welfare had been entrusted to him had been interrogated.

“Please, Master Bei, she is his daughter and she is innocent in all of this.”

“Your guess has frightened him. He genuinely fears for her life.”

“You have not answered my first question. Why did you bring her here? Why not to the Shining Blade?”

The man hesitated, realizing his entire hand had already been played and he could hold nothing back from them.

“The truth, Master Bei, is that the Shining Blade is losing this battle. The White Mantle feed upon the deep seated hatred of the common people for the Chosen, recalling their abuses of power and failure before the onslaught of the Charr and the undead. When that fails, the White Mantle uses murder and torture, filling those who might stand against them with fear and horror.”

“I appreciate your candidness,” Zhou said quietly, “I am not ignorant of the things the White Mantle have been doing on the mainland. Nevertheless, if Lady de Minuit is sought by them, their eye will be drawn here eventually. I am responsible for the welfare of those who dwell here and serve me.”

“Don’t send her away, Master Bei. Confessor Scarpia himself seeks her. You don’t understand what a sick and depraved man he is. I beg you.”

Pendaran’s throat knotted as the man lost his composure and began to weep. Then he once more felt the full glare of Zhou’s attention.

“You must learn to detach. Not every tale of woe is your concern.”

“You once told me to focus on what was placed before me. Is that not the reason you saved me?” Pendaran asked.

“My reasons were complex, as well you know.”

“You said yourself conflict with the White Mantle is inevitable. How many more atrocities must they commit before you will raise your hand against them?”

“We will ward Lady de Minuit,” Zhou said, his voice tense with barely contained anger and frustration. Pendaran realized Zhou was afraid, “However, if she is indeed sought by the Confessor, I warn you that I may deem it safer for all concerned if we warded her at an undisclosed location.”

“Of course, Master Bei.”

“I will see to it you have adequate protection on your way to the mainland. I can promise you the safety of the lady and her child and no more.”

“It is all I ask, Master Bei. May the gods smile upon your kind and generous soul. May you be blessed…”

“That will be enough. Please tell your Shining Blade contacts that this place is not to be considered their refuge. We are already under pressure from the current number who shelter here and securing the funds and supplies is not easy.”

“I was directed to give you monies…” the man announced, “Please, take this gift from his lordship both for the care of Lady de Minuit and the needs of the others.”

Pendaran heard the heavy clink of coin as a sizeable sack of it thumped and rattled on the table. Zhou made a sharp intake of breath as if shocked.

“The Shining Blade doubtless need coin for their efforts,” Zhou said evenly, “I would be lying if I did not find the offer attractive, but you must bear this money to them.”

“Master! The shortfall…”

“I have my reasons.”

“I will sing your praises to those I serve…”

“I would prefer you did not. Talk to the guild steward on the way out. I have made provision for your journey.”

A heavy silence fell over the chamber when the two of them were alone.

“Why are you afraid, Master?”

Zhou laughed bitterly.

“You think yourself broken, yet you understand me better than I do at times.”

“As you do me.”

“You are not broken, Peng Ren. What is good and beautiful inside of you is still whole. I want for you to have all the time you need for your wounds to heal. I am afraid I will fail you in this.”

“If I am whole, how can you fail?”

He detected the unraveling of Zhou’s practiced calm, an upwelling of grief so intense he stepped back instinctively. But as quickly as he had felt it, it was gone.

“You are full of surprises, Peng Ren.”

He relaxed a little, sensing the difficult tasks of the morning were behind them and he would now be released to study lore or a new magical form. Zhou had been slowly teaching him how to open ethereal doorways and he had already learned how to attune and place a Celestial Sigil. To his dismay, he heard Zhou ring the bell to summon another guest. It was turning out to be a busy, cluttered morning.

“Is that self-pity?” Zhou asked sharply.

“A little, but I will focus.”

“Good.”

A faint odor of roses wafted into the chamber and his senses tingled in the presence of a familiar mental imprint. He reached out for that gentle presence, his mind flickering with memories of laughter and the warmth of his mother’s love. Yet there was also a blue flare of anxiety and a shadow of grief. Alone, she wavered before his inner eye, beautiful and alluring as the night they had met. He braced himself for Zhou’s anger, knowing his master would be disappointed that he was so easily drawn in and beguiled by another mesmer.

“You are wondering what she looks like and whether her physical beauty reflects that which your inner eye perceives,” he chided himself, “After all that you have been through, you turn into a pathetic adolescent around a bit of skirt.”

“Pendaran, focus!” Zhou warned, the blaze of his anger and impatience forcing him to square his shoulders and pay attention.

“I am Master Bei, the leader of the Order of the Crystal Palm. It would seem you are Lord de Minuit’s daughter, sought after by none other than Confessor Scarpia himself.”

Pendaran felt the faintest shimmering of fear for she was put off balance by Zhou’s knowledge while she knew nothing of him or his alliance. She was not ignorant of the fact that she was alone in a room with a pair of strange mesmers.

“I am Isabeau de Minuit,” she said calmly, her mind slamming closed before Pendaran’s careful probing, “I thank you for offering me shelter through the night. I assume Conrad told you all you needed to know of my predicament.”

“Yes. I will be candid. I fear for the safety of my people due to your presence here,” Zhou replied, his voice even, “You will be taken into hiding.”

“I will be grateful for any protection you are willing to grant me,” Isabeau said with equal plainness. Pendaran sighed. He had nothing to report. Her mental shielding could not be breached in stealth. To his annoyance he realized he was wondering about her height and the color of her hair. And Zhou had noticed. Blood rushed to his face, his embarrassment forcing him to push down his fidgeting mind.

“You are Peng Ren, the one who saved me at the Fool’s Glade,” she said, her voice overly loud in his ears as he blushed beneath his mask, “I am still grateful that you came for me.”

“I am afraid Master Kai does not speak while on duty,” Zhou said pointedly, more for Pendaran’s benefit than for hers. He wondered if Pendaran had broken their agreement or if there had been any indiscretions.

“None, Master. Trust me in this.”

“Yes, I know, but if he serves you, then my heart is at ease. One who is kind and honorable would only serve someone of like nature. If you must send me away from here, then so be it. I trust your judgment.”

“Thank you for cooperating,” Zhou replied, “I must ask that you be discrete while you dwell here. While I trust those who serve me, tongues wag and I assume the White Mantle employs spies.”

“Understood.”

“Thank you, Lady de Minuit, that will be all.”

“Thank you Master Bei, Master Kai.”

She was gone and Pendaran relaxed, exhaling loudly so that Zhou chuckled.

“I am charged with your protection, Peng Ren, even if that means I must protect you from yourself.”

“Yes, I know.”

All at once he was angry and resentful and inconsolably sad.

“By the same token, it is good for you to have more friends. That is why I wish for you to guide Lady Isabeau to safety on my behalf. She will go with you to the Gaenor’s village. There you will place the Celestial Sigil and welcome Brigit’s kinfolk into our alliance.”

He could only stand there in mute embarrassment as Zhou chuckled.

“Did I mention you are to be masked in her presence at all times?”

“You are a cruel man.”