The carriage rattled over stone-paved streets, carrying Kale Ardentis back toward the southern sector. Inside the dim cabin, he leaned back, reviewing his conversation with Renard.
The shadow of the Dragon Church was lengthening, and the dispatch of High Inquisitors to Stonehelm meant his window of preparation was rapidly closing. He had to secure his master status before the net tightened around the Greenroot Guild.
He returned to the Association, where stone walls offered temporary sanctuary. He stepped out, nodding to the driver, and walked straight toward the tower. The cool air of the lobby was a welcome relief from the inner palace. He took the steps to the fifth floor, entering Lazek's grand work chamber with quiet, measured strides.
The chamber was empty, illuminated only by the faint, pulsing orange light of the Ignis Core. Kale walked over to his corner table, where the mountain of scrolls and raw materials awaited him.
