Echoes of Broken Vows

Chapter 2

“Is everything alright?”

A question that suddenly made Rowan realize that he was just staring into his soup. He looked back up to Sam who sat in front of him. “I have known you for more than 10 years, even before our training here. I’ve never seen you like that,”

Sam added, meeting Rowan’s gaze.

Rowan waved his hand, disregarding Sam’s statement “I’m fine, just lost some sleep”. At the Eidolon, loyalty was one of the core values of the organization.

Every member who shows a hint of contempt will need to be disciplined. This is why Rowan wanted to keep his feelings for himself, even from Sam. “I’m trying to help you brother, you haven’t been yourself lately”

Sam’s concern was clearly visible in his tone.

“I’m really fine just too tired that’s all”, without finishing his meal Rowan got up and headed toward Garron’s office.

The Eidolon’s halls were meant to make everyone feel small, the ceiling soared high, and on each wall, an unreasonably large portrait of each grandmaster was hung. Garron’s office was located at one of the temple’s towers, Rowan climbed the spiral staircase that made him break a sweat every time.

As Rowan finally reached the top he gently knocked at the slightly open door of the office, peeking in to see if Garron was busy. Lifting his eyes from the ledger of the scheduled ascensions he greeted Rowan with a smile. “Take a sit boy”

he beckoned Rowan.

“This one is going to be a rather short meeting I’m afraid”. Garron pushed his glasses up his nose. “An unexpected ascension of one of the lords just got ordered, and it’s a rather imperative one too. Head on to Varesh and choose a fitting vessel for him, make an adequate choice since he paid generously for our services”.

Rowan again felt a surge of despair going through his body. Condemning an innocent man to death, just to extend some rich lord’s life felt monstrous to him. He got up and slightly bowed his head towards Garron, “I’ll see it done”.

Rowan walked through the streets of Varesh, mesmerized by the traditional blue attire that the people wore and enjoying the smells and colors of the spices in their local market. But, at the same time exploring with his eyes each bypasser to see if they were a good fit. He wore his ebony cloak that signaled to the outside world only one thing, death. The people tried not to meet his eyes and went to the other side of the street to try and avoid him, too afraid that they’d be chosen to give their lives.

Rowan paused near a carpenter’s booth, exploring the strong young man inside he knew immediately that he’d be a great fit. Looking at the man laughing and smiling made Rowan’s decision much harder, but it needed to be done. He approached the young man, and as soon as he got a glimpse of Rowan he became immediately pale. “How can I help you, my lord”?

The young man bowed, his tone betraying his nervousness. “That won’t be needed. You were chosen to take part in an ascension”

Rowan tried to be as cold as possible to not distress the man any further.

But it didn’t help, the man immediately burst into tears. “Please you can’t do this to me, I have an ill mother to look after and my father is a while gone”

The man begged.

“What is your name”? Rowan asked, trying to ignore his pleas. “Paul”, he replied, wiping his nose on his sleeve. Rowan felt it was important to know the names of the people he chose as vessels.

It wasn’t everyone’s method but he felt it showed some respect. “Paul, the best I can do is to give you two days to prepare. Try to run away and I’ll have to kill your mother. Try to disappear and I’ll have to kill your mother. Am I clear”? The realization hit Paul, he couldn’t stop sobbing and just nodded.

“I’m happy we can understand each other. Please hand out your palm. Open”

Rowan demanded. Paul extended his shaking arm towards Rowan.

Rowan pulled out his sheathed dagger and slashed Paul’s palm, drawing blood.

When the dagger comes in contact with blood, it grants the Eidolon agents the ability to track the vessel and escort him to the temple.

“We appreciate your sacrifice. You are the reason that our greatest can continue to make our lives better”

Rowan said and left Paul.

He rushed towards a side alley and surrenders to the weakness in his body. A sudden flashback of everyone he chose came with great detail.

Sitting at the alley not sure what to do or where to go next Rowan recognizes a familiar voice, Sam’s. He sneaks deeper into the alley, hiding right around the corner.

He sees Sam talking to another man that Rowan did not know.

Sam wore a simple cloth outfit that resembled a Varesh commoner. Not wearing the robe associated with the Eidolon was forbidden outside the temple. Trying to make sure nobody was around, Sam handed the man a scroll and left to the other side of the alley. Leaving Rowan baffled.