Rise of the Nightmare Crestmaster

"So, what do you think?" Asked Ayemon.

Gazeff grumbled, "what do I think? You make it sound like I have a say in all this! If he wants to risk his life then so be it, I got paid so what do I care?"

Ayemon rolled his eyes, "if I didn't know you, I would think of you as a cruel man." He moved his back as the maids started to massage that part.

"Cruel? I just don't care. I taught him to the best of my abilities if he wants to throw his life away then so be it. He wouldn't be the first… nor the last."

"Does he really have to be an adventurer? Why not let him join some the fancy orders to grow fat and sire many brats? I'm sure with your recommendation things can go smoothly."

Ayemon shook his head, "are you implying that I forced him on this path?"

"Force?" Gazeff repeated sarcastically, "probably not. It was probably something a long the lines of nudging him where you wanted him to go."

"You're wrong."

"Am I? Can you tell me that you honestly wouldn't stoop that low? YOU of all people?"

Ayemon snorted, "I would. But I didn't. Didn't you get paid in full? That's all him."

"As if! You want me to believe that kid could pull out one gold and ten silver? Ridiculous!"

"I'm telling you, it's him. I haven't the foggiest how but he's not short on money at all. Tell me, what did you think of him after training him for a month, is he ready?"

Gazeff took a sip from his vodka and grimaced, "ready or not, I can't tell. He's the fastest growing trainee that I've ever had, I'll tell you that. It's like he was born to do battle, whenever I think I've got the measure of him he comes back the next day stronger, faster, his skill level jumps a level with every day. Where did you find this kid, Ayemon?"

"Really, I'm glad he at least has the talent and endurance to be praised by you like this."

"Talent?" Scoffed Gazeff, "it's not just talent, it's drive, he has something that keeps pushing him forward. And you didn't answer my question, where did you find him? The Bloodstained lands?"

Ayemon turned around and motioned for the maids to do his legs next, "Holy Altunan why would you even think that?!"

"Listen that kid isn't a rookie, he's killed before and been in battle many times. Of that I'm certain."

"That's nonsense, he may have killed what? One two men here and there. But many that makes no sense?" Ayemon looked just as confused as he sounded.

"You really didn't know?" Gazeff was skeptical, "you can't expect me to believe that."

"I have no idea how to convince you. Can you be any less trusting?"

"You're the last person I'd trust anyway."

"You really know how to bring down the mood, no wonder you're not popular with women."

"I'm well received as far as I'm concerned."

Ayemon dismissed the maids and asked, "so, what exactly are you worried about? You sound proud of him and yet you don't believe that he'll make a good adventurer."

Gazeff took another shot, "an adventurer? I don't have the impression that he himself wants to be one, it's likely a means to an end for him. You probably know what I'm talking about."

Ayemon's eyes gleamed for a moment but he otherwise remained silent.

"My… concern first is for his life. Countless unmarked graves litter the land, he might just join them.

My second concern is about that anger… in his heart it burns. I don't know how that would look like once it was unleashed one day. Who knows it might burn his target one day but he might not even see the innocents in the way."

Ayemon was silent for a moment but then he smiled, "I knew you're just a big softie."

,m Gazeff snorted, "nonsense. I know your ways. You're planing something."

Ayemon suddenly turned to look Gazeff in the eye, "I'll tell you if you want to know."

Gazeff knew he wasn't joking, "no, I'm fine I've got enough problems of my own."

"That's too bad, I had hopped to get your help," Ayemon lamented, "is it about those guys? I heard about what happened… It'll be hard to get them back on their feet…"

"I'll have to think of a way…"

"Oh, I know." Exclaimed Ayemon, "how about Aldrich? I mean after he gets a little more experience under his belt."

"How can you ask that? He needs at least a few years to get there."

"Hey, he might surprise you. There are some people in this world who possess special destinies and are blessed beyond their peers."

"I know. You're talking about people like the sword saint? Humph! It's not easy for men of that caliber to be born."

"I don't know. Back then it was equally improbable but during the war there were actually three. Times of chaos invite the birth of heroes and villains."

"Three? What do you mean? That brat at the Brass tower? Don't jest. Times of.. chaos? But… the Empire is at peace the war is over."

Ayemon remained silent for a long uncomfortable moment before he said, "peace, what is that? It's the time when we prepare for next upheaval."

"What Crest type do think he'll get?"

"I think Glyphmancer, with that learning ability once he ignites his crest he might get more than ten Glyphs at once."

"I don't think so. It's a good guess but it feels like he's also good at swordsmanship he might become a Weaponsmaster."

"He could get a primary combat glyph, who knows. Pyromancy isn't out of the picture too."

"What if he," Ayemon cracked his knuckles, "gets a rare symbol?"

"… that will get too much attention from citadel spies. You know that the Watchful Eye chapter of the inquisition is snooping around don't you? Are you going to let them walk all over you?"

"They're looking for that thing, besides let them look, I'll pretend I didn't notice. High priest Hjanda is looking out for them, so let them have fun, but they will be deeply regretful if they take me for a fool."

Ayemon smiled and chuckled warmly as if he was an uncle watching his nephews play around in the park.

"Anyway lets look forward to it, after all today is the day of the long-awaited exam, lets see how he does."