The morning in the Arcanum Ward smelled of charred parchment and alchemical resin. Apprentices strode past Elias, arms full of scrolls, eyes sunken from sleepless nights.
Master Relane was once more in the same corridor as the day before, crystal already placed on the table."Today, control," she directed, not looking up from her notes. "Light the crystal, stabilize it. No flare, no fade."
Elias breathed and stretched for the mana. It was more difficult this time—a gentle buzz in the chest, a heaviness at the bottom of his eyes. The crystal shone, its light a flat, constant pool.
"Even," Relane breathed.
He focused on the beat, allowing the light to fix into a level pulse. It was like holding a tight rope—not difficult, but any sag or jerky yank would ruin it.
An hour went by, and she pushed a parchment in front of him."Rune. Binding script. Trace one and concentrate into it until it responds."
He traced the lines with the tip of a stylus, the runes bleeding into curves that looked older than the walls he stood behind. When he finished, the parchment shimmered with a gentle light, the rune beating white before it vanished.
Relane shook his head ever so slightly."Longer. Long enough to get through Tier Two, you might survive."
When training finally ended, Elias stepped out into the blistering midday sun—and into trouble.
Before him in the street was a contingent of Guild enforcers, each of them wearing the leather jackets that bore a stylized coin sigil. At their front stood Karric Vayne, chuckling as if he'd just collided with him at a party.
"Reader," Karric breathed. "The Guild could make use of someone with your. vision."
Elias bridled. "And what would you have to offer in return for helping you?"
"Because we're in a state of war with the Sanctum," Karric said. "And the Sanctum is in a state of war with you."
Elias arched an eyebrow. "What would make you think that?"
"They do not approve of what you have done to the Weaver," Karric said. "Or of the trouble you've made since. And once the priests come to see you as a threat to their order, it's only a matter of time before they move against you."
"And you're providing. protection?"
"Protection," Karric said, "and silver. But more importantly, information. We have knowledge which the Faith does not want you to have."
Elias froze. The Guild's payment for a favor was never inexpensive.
He could not respond before a figure crossed the street. When he glanced up, someone was on the balcony of the next building.
The mask.
White porcelain. Smooth. No mark.
It cocked its head at him and stepped down into the street without a sound. The crowd parted as if being drawn aside by unseen forces.
"Elias," the voice under the mask said, and this time it wasn't a question, it was an assertion.
He tensed. "How do you know my name?"
"Names are threads," the figure said. "Yours is… loud."
Karric's smile fell, his men shifting uncomfortably."You should leave, Reader," he gasped. "That thing doesn't like loose ends."
The mask edged nearer, the atmosphere around it growing chilly."You've been rewriting the Script."
Elias's mouth had gone dry. "And?"
"And something wants to know why you're still here."
The Script detonated in the air between them.
The mask will return. The mask will make up its mind.
Elias gripped the hilt of his sword. "What are you deciding?"
The mask did not answer. It moved forward, lifting a gloved hand—and then just as suddenly retreated into the crowd.
Karric took slow breaths."If Faceless are inquiring about you, Reader, you have more than a choice to make between the Faith and the Guild."
In the evening, Brynn met him on the wall.
"You have made enemies," she told him. "Some wear robes. Some wear masks. Some smile when they intend to slit your throat."
"I'm starting to pay attention," Elias replied.
She leaned against the parapet beside him."Then you'd better decide whose side you're on. Because this city has no place for somebody in the middle."
When the bells of midnight chimed, the Script was flashed again.
The mask will determine. The Reader will not accept the choice.