Dragon Heartstone > Chapter 3–The Guild Master

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Dathon trailed Viperious as he marched into the dimly lit chamber and stood in front of a dark oak table decorated with inlaid gold leaf work. Behind it sat a well-dressed man, the Guild Master of the Brotherhood. The rotund, balding figure lounged back in a chair, small eyes lingering over his visitors. In his hand was a goblet of wine, which glowed in the reflected light of the fireplace. “Sit, gentlemen,” he stated with practiced courtesy.

Viperious took his seat and nodded to Dathon. The Magus slid into his chair, casting glances into the shadows. He sensed others stood there, just out of sight.

“Thank you for seeing us on such short notice,” Viperious said.

The man inclined his head courteously. “It is not often that representatives of the Grand Council see fit to grace me with their presence.”

“These are unusual times, filled with great and glorious opportunities for those who dare to succeed.”

“Indeed, success and failure share one thing in common–ambition. Your proposal has the potential for both. It is a gamble.”

Viperious nodded. “Less so if we do this together.”

“Understood,” the Master replied, his tone severe. “Realize that the Brotherhood has never done this; it could significantly jeopardize our abilities if you fail.”

“But if it succeeds, the Brotherhood can operate openly, without interference. The Guild will also be greatly compensated.”

 “I’m curious what the Council considers great. How much are we talking about?” the man asked with a crooked smile.

Viperious did not hesitate. “One million crowns gold.” The Councilman dug into his robes and produced a scroll.

Dathon almost fell out of his chair. That amount had to be nearly everything in the Council’s coffers.

The Guild Master looked dumbfounded. He set the goblet of wine down so quickly that it wobbled precariously. “You cannot be serious.”

“Oh, but we are,” Viperious replied. “You have the full guarantee of the Council.” He handed over the scroll.

The man snatched the document from him, hastily broke the seal, and scanned the contents. With narrow eyes, he glared at the Councilman. “Understand that guarantees mean nothing. We require a down payment of one-third before plan execution.”

Viperious nodded. “We can have it for you in two days.”

The Master looked to his left and held out the scroll. “Make the arrangements with the Guild’s Exchequer.” A figure appeared from the shadows, took the note, and disappeared. The man turned his gaze back to the Councilman. “Once we have the gold, we will do what you ask. Complete payment is required within two weeks.”

 “Then we have an arrangement?” Viperious asked.

The Master lurched to his feet and offered his hand. Viperious rose, too, looked briefly at the extended appendage, then took a tenuous hold of it. “Very well, we are now partners.”

Viperious released the Master’s grip and turned to the Magus. “My associate here, Dathon, will be the Brotherhood and the Council liaison.”

The Guild Master answered without looking at the Magus. “I have put my best man in charge of the planning and execution,” he motioned to the darkness. “Meet my representative, Coronados.” A cloaked figure stepped forward. Dathon offered his hand, and the figure did likewise, except that when his cloak fell away, the end of his arm revealed a gleaming sharp hook.

Dathon blanched and glanced up at Coronados. Cold, dark eyes searched his. Despite the look, he resisted a smile. The man had the kind of appearance necessary for the task ahead–a complete indifference to death.

* * *

For his part, Coronados did not care who was paying him so much as they stayed out of his way and allowed him to do what he wanted. The Grand Council was, as he understood it, a force to be reckoned with where the Council held sway, which, for the most part, was in the southern portion of Westfal, such as Finoral. The Brotherhood had limited ability to conduct operations there, and the idea of working with them seemed to defy logic. However, the current effort offered the potential for this to change if the Council cooperated. The Master was counting on this, but Coronados wasn’t so sure. Still, it would not be his head if this did not work out. He would do what was required and get what he could out of it. The Brotherhood was nothing if not resilient. Even the Council of Magis would find that trying to control them was probably more trouble than it was worth. Regardless, the venture would give him much money and revenge, for he knew all too well who helped Riasean reach the Black Tower.