The Protectorate and Stuff
Monday, July 26, 2004
(Date Edit: Originally published 5/26/04. Date changed to maintain reverse-chronological order.)
THE ASSIGNMENT [Chapter Two]
"Enter, Arkanum."
A figure clad in robes of various shades of grey and silver beckoned him in. The elder stood beside the entrance as the subject entered.
A pair of hulking metallic shoulders emerged through the low doorway, merely hinting the strength they carried. As they rose to their full height, one could seem the fiery eyes of the Steel master known as Arkanum. Having devoted his lifetime to the studies of Fire and Earth, which together allowed proficiency with Steel, he now stood as a class-two master of the elements. It was Ja'Moranin, the Steel Magistrate, who ushered him in; following custom, the Magistrate of the one's chosen element was left speak with the member directly, with the rest of the council watching. He saw to his right the Magistrates of Fire, Lightning, and Wind; to his left Earth, Wood, and Water. Ahead there was a vacancy ...
Arkanum had been summoned before the Council of the Elemental League, for reasons he hoped would soon become clear. He nodded to Ja'Moranin, and knelt.
"Arkanum, we have a mission for you."
Another figure, wearing hues of blue and white, stepped into view directly opposite Arkanum, now spoke. It was Jal'Acial, the Ice Magistrate who addressed him; that explained the emptiness from a mere few moments ago. Still, this was most peculiar, having another Magistrate speak to him. Although the council chamber was not nearly as spacious as the training halls, it was still large enough to resound the the Magistrate's words. The echoing reinforced the sense of gravity in her speech.
"As we all know, your brother Archellion has gone rogue in the past. Being your brother, his actions reflect upon your honor as well. There is no good way to say this ... Archelios has again gone renegade."
Arkunam froze. He should have suspected that his summons was related to his brother. That explained why Jal'Acial had the duty of speaking now. A few years ago his older brother, Archellion, mysteriously and seceded from the Elemental League. Archellion changed ... he personality transformed into a great collection of malice. He became bitter, and left in his wake a path of destruction. He even rejected his name, and became "Archelios." The Jal'Acial's use of this alias worried Arkanum even more. His brother had returned to the darkness.
"You must stop him at all costs. While we realize the inherent ... difficulty this may cause for you, but we feel that it is best for you to handle this matter, rather than involving ... others. You know him better than anyone else does. You are the only one who can do this."
The Council knew this as a fact: years ago when Archelios had first surfaced, none but Arkanum could return Archellion back to his proper mentality. It had been difficult. Archellion is a class-two Ice master, representing the union of water and air ... the polar opposites of his younger brother. They are nothing alike, save their lineage. The epic battle between the two battles lasted for what seemed to be an eternity. But that was years ago, before they were full masters. Now, this incident would be a totally different matter. It would be a struggle. Arkanum wondered if he could manage the feat again.
"We leave this task to you, Arkanum. Go, and succeed."
Arkanum rose and performed a curt bow. After he rose to full height, he turned on one foot and slowly exited. He pondered the situation. His mission was to hunt down his own brother. His older brother. Could he succeed?
