Cass, Adya, and Kara hurried to the Guild Master’s office within the Atrium. The Guild’s paths were empty, with not so much as a breeze coming their way. To make matters worse, no matter what questions he asked the Guild Trainer, she always responded the same way.

  “I don’t know!”

  When they arrived, several burly men and women stood in front of the office, glittering weapons in hand, and severe glares were shared liberally between the trio. Even after Kara explained that she’d been sent to gather Cass, they didn’t relent until Moore opened the door, a shiny silver button in hand. Standing behind the guards at the door, he held it out to them.

  “You know the process.”

  Adya didn’t, but she got the gist after both Kara and Cass shocked themselves and made a showing of their unchanging skin. Moore let them in, and the security team moved aside, with all but one keeping their eyes on the area in front of them.

  On Hollis’s bed were two people. Dev sat at the end of the bed, red-rimmed eyes telling the tale of how she was doing while she stared at the man she’d partnered with years ago. The other person was the Guild Master himself, hands draped across a chest that was barely moving. Cass noted the bandage on one hand, and that was all the time he had before Dev turned to look at them.

  “Why are they here?”

  “Because I need them to be,” Moore said, unperturbed by her tone. “Gerald left me specific instructions should he ever be incapacitated or killed, and I’ll follow them to the letter.”

  “What happened?” Cass asked, stepping in front of the other two as he looked down at the goatee’d man who’d put his faith in him. He seemed so small.

  When Dev didn’t answer, only moving her head back to Hollis with a grief-stricken face, Moore picked it up, “I personally believe it was luck. The Liora City Council requested an update on the Red Tower, and against my wishes, Gerald said he should go and meet them in the building. It’s standard protocol in a wartime environment for the Atrium to be used, as the security is better. But he was adamant. He was aware of the recently discovered Changeling nearby, but he believed it would be best for the people of Liora to see one of their leaders out and about as if nothing were amiss. So it wouldn’t seem as if he were scared. So it wouldn’t appear as if we were losing.”

  Moore shook his head, “It’s not as if he didn’t take precautions. He wore his combat gear, had an escort, and even took a slightly unconventional path. But when a messenger in a guild robe approached him, he-”

  “It was no messenger,” Dev said, clenching her fists at her side.

  “No, it wasn’t. Gerald was a strong proponent of the idea that Guild members should all wear the robes of our station. He trusts it, perhaps a bit too much. The moment he accepted the letter, the false messenger cut his hand with a knife. Credit to Dev for reacting quickly enough that it was the only damage done, but the Dark Guilds are always tricky. They tend to use poison.”

  “The one I fought with used a necrotizing type,” Adya said behind him. Cass felt a quick and confusing flush of heat, but it soon settled into a coldness so intense that he felt a chill crawl down his spine.

  Pragmatic as always, Kara asked, “What did the letter say?”

  “Only two words,” Dev said with a light sniffle. “Good luck.”

  Moore continued speaking, “It appears they had a plan, and from what we can tell, the poison is a different combination than we’ve seen before. We sent it directly to Master Brannic in the Foundry for analysis. Though the attack was only an hour ago, he’s already messaged us back, stating he believes it should be temporary.”

  “But why use a temporary poison?” Kara asked.

  “That is unknown at this time, and with everything currently happening, it’s something we’ll have to consider after we’ve moved on from this crisis. What I do know is that the leader of the city and the Guildhall is currently incapacitated. We are under attack. We are at war. And we are leaderless, so I am following the protocol as was instructed to me soon after I first arrived.”

  Cass felt a thin hand touch his shoulder and gently turn him away from looking at Hollis. As he moved, the coldness he felt radiating from Adya seemed to lighten as he glanced at her, then he met the earnest eyes of Thomas Moore. They looked tired, but a spark of determination still held the center.

  “You’ve had no time to prepare, only had your Calling for a few months, and have barely begun to understand what being a QuestWright really means. It isn’t fair, nor just, nor safe for you to accept this, and yet, it is my duty to ask, so I must. Though all will know you are not ready for this, I still believe you’re the right person for the job. And so did Gerald.” He dropped his hands and stood stiffly. “Cassio Vale, I charge you with the defense and management of Liora in the stead of Gerald Hollis. Your orders will be followed, your will be done, until we have prevailed over those who would see humanity gone from the world. Do you accept the temporary role of Guild Master? Do you accept the responsibility of Liora?”

  For the first time since he entered the room, Cass’s internal thoughts found a lever to pull.

  Holy fuck.

  How did I go from arguing with a horse to becoming the Guild Master of Liora in less than an hour? Is this real? Is this really happening?

  Cass had just enough social awareness to recognize that this was a solemn moment. So rather than pinch himself, he grabbed the edges of his robe and continued thinking.

  Okay, okay, it’s fine. You’re fine. Everything’s fine. There’s no way they’d put an eighteen-year-old kid in charge of things.

  Moore’s serious eyes and patient expression said otherwise.

  Fuck. Fuck fuck fuck. It’s fine, it’s fine. I’ll have Moore, I’ll have Dev. Then he remembered how she looked. I’ll have Adya, Kara, and that other Guild Trainer person who seems so scary. It’s fine. Maybe Mom can come over. Yeah, she’ll know what to do.

  But that wouldn’t work, and he knew it. Asking for advice from advisors like Moore and even Kara was fine, but asking his mother to help? Even with all her history and power, it would still be seen as running to Mommy when things got hard. He’d never have anyone’s respect again. Not everyone would think that way, but just enough to cause him some real headaches.

  No, he needed to leave his family out of it. This was on him. His trial, his city, his Calling. And he’d see them through it.

  Swallowing through the stone lodged in his throat, he said, “I accept.” Cass was proud of how little his voice quavered at that moment.

  “Excellent. Then the first order of business is to read the letter Gerald left for you. I’ve placed it on the Guild Master’s desk.” He paused, “Your desk. We’ll wait until you’re done before you issue any orders.”

  Moore intentionally stepped to the side, opening up Cass’s view to a for once empty desk, the only thing upon it a white envelope. On slightly shaky legs, he took the steps forward, sat, then reached out an unsure hand to take the letter. On top, it simply said his Calling and name. Ripping the seal, he saw a small silver pulse touch him, then fade away. A notification struck his screen, but he ignored it as the letter seemed to draw his eyes.

  Hello Cassio, or should I say Guild Master?

  If you’re reading this, then something’s happened to me. I assume I’m not dead, or there would be a different letter in your hand right now.

  The other is much worse.

  So, you’re the temporary Guild Master, and I’m assuming not too much time has passed since I originally wrote this. Firstly, I want to apologize. Thomas is constantly complaining about how stubborn I am, and I’m assuming that is what has led to you sitting in my chair. It’s not fair to you to have to take on yet another burden, and a large one at that. You’ve already done so much for my city in so little time,

  But we can’t choose when leadership is thrust upon us. Often, like in my situation during the Reshaping, it is in the most dire and stressful moments that we discover who we are. As if life were a flame, and our hardships, the kindling.

  The Dark Guilds are here, monsters are at the gate, and we’ve been invaded by people who look like us. Like our friends and family. To say your situation is difficult would be comically absurd. It’s virtually an impossible scenario. Yet, I know you’ll see Liora through it.

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  How do I know that? Faith, perhaps. Or maybe just wishful thinking. Do not misunderstand, I’ve spent years scouring every record we have across Liora, looking for the perfect candidate. But there’s no such thing.

  Too dumb. Too much ego. Too focused on romance, or ambition, or any of a hundred other things. I was watching hundreds of children all at once as they unknowingly fell short of my standards. A few got close, but turned down the QuestWright Calling when it was presented to them, as I told you at the beginning of your journey.

  As for why this burden has fallen to you. Your teacher’s reports were thorough, as were Dev’s and every other scout and trainer I sent throughout the city and its smaller sister cities. From an early age, you had the elements I was looking for. But more than that, you stepped up and embodied the role, rather than just seeing it as a way to gain more power. Pathfinder proved that to me, more than anything else.

  That’s why I’ve chosen you over any other, including my friend Thomas. But the minutiae of ‘passing the torch’ goes far deeper.

  Not many know what I was before the Reshaping, but I’ll tell you now. I was a Psychology student at a nearby university. Just some dumb kid, trying to get through his last semester, spending all his time studying the Alamo of all places. I was fascinated by its design and by the people who defended it to the last. A shining beacon of bravery to the world. Of heart and soul in tune with one another.

  What would make them want to take a last stand? What would inspire a group of people to defend a location with their last breaths?

  Cass turned the letter over almost in a trance.

  So I searched and searched to find a few people who could help me manage our glorious city. Those who had a similar background or character to the leaders who inspired greatness in the ruins of old, old San Antonio. Then, there you were.

  Did you know that your parents and I are friends? Cassandra and Dallan were two people who joined up with me not long after Moore and I first placed the stones that would later become the Guildhall. And here they were, with a son. A young man who was seen as smart, friendly, loyal to his friends, and hated bullies. Someone who didn’t let emotion cloud their choices and would work at a task seemingly forever until they improved.

  I spoke to your parents early. Told them what my plan was from the beginning. About the reports and scouting. I told them who I thought their son would become. Or rather, could become if given the opportunity.

  As I said previously, it’s not as if I didn’t try with others. But aside from one odd case in the third year after Liora first stood up, nobody took it on. I couldn’t explain the position or the role that our Calling has in society. So I was forced to choose for you.

  You see, I gave you the QuestWright Calling. I held you back from gaining one until your eighteenth year so you would have time to mature. To grow. To not decline this incredible opportunity. And most importantly, to have memories with your family without all the terribleness of the world closing in on you.

  I made your life harder in numerous ways from the beginning of your life till now. Not because I wanted to, but because, quite frankly, I was running out of options.

  If I hadn’t chosen you as a QuestWright, my Book would’ve granted you a warrior Calling. So, I’m sorry again. For never telling you all this and for all the ways I've manipulated your life. It’s not the best thing I’ve ever done, and it is absolutely not the worst. But that’s part of what being a Guild Master is like. Making the tough choice that will benefit as many people as possible.

  I need you, Cassio. I’m not as old as you think, but war and stress do funny things to the body. I feel as if time is running out for me, and I’m not sure why. Maybe it’s paranoia, but I’ve learned to trust my instincts, just as you have.

  You may be wondering why I’m sharing all of this with you.

  That’s simple.

  Have you ever noticed that there are only two words in the city’s lexicon with the odd capitalization in the middle of them? The ‘camel capital’, as my old teachers would’ve said.

  QuestWright and the GoldenCrowns.

  That’s intentional. Those aren’t their real names. Once upon a time, the GoldenCrowns were called something else, and as for QuestWrights? Those went by a different name during the Reshaping. A name that used to get them targeted in every battle, and looked at with great envy by those who understood how high they could go.

  We were called Vocators, and Quests were once called Orders. But ‘Vocators’ were feared. There was an implication of not only inherent authority with the Calling, but the idea that we could shape others to our will. Only a handful of us kept the truth, and even fewer passed it on.

  There’s a whole history behind why it was changed, why we initially watered down the QuestWright’s powers, as well as the how and why people forgot the abilities that came with the role. But even with the trap placed on this letter, it’s not safe to say. Even telling you can get me into a certain amount of trouble, and if you’re reading this, that trouble will be on the road to my door soon enough.

  But just know this.

  QuestWright,

  Vocator,

  Guild Master,

  They’re all just titles saying the same thing about you. You’re a leader who can see your people through this impossible crisis. You’re a man who thinks of others first, as you’ve done in all of the time I’ve watched you.

  Do the impossible, Cassio Vale. Not because you’re ready, but because no one else can.

  Save our city.

  Gerald ‘Cassio’ Hollis

  Liora Guildhall

  Guildmaster

  Cass put the letter down and just thought for a long time. Long enough to hear Dev crying in the background. Long enough for his enhanced hearing to pick up the slow breathing of the man on the small bed. And long enough for the world to shrink down to just the room, the chair, and the impossibilities before him. The notification still sat there untouched and unreviewed, so he looked for just a moment.

  [SYSTEM NOTICE]

  The Guildmaster of Liora has offered to temporarily transfer their powers to you during a crisis.

  Do you accept?

  Cassio Vale didn’t respond.

  More time passed as he stared at it. He stepped out after so much time had passed that he’d lost track, and spotted Moore with Adya against a nearby wall. The guards didn’t move as his feet planted themselves right at the edge of the doorway, with both his partner and his mentor waiting for him to speak. The words seemed to tumble right out of him.

  “Answer me this, Mr. Moore. Why me and not you? Why didn’t the Guild Master assign it to someone with your knowledge and experience?”

  Moore didn’t answer right away. He watched Cass closely, as if weighing what kind of answer to provide the young man, before a long and slow shrug lifted his shoulders. “Because leadership isn’t just about knowledge, Cassio. Or even experience. If it were, then yes, I would be the obvious choice. Or Dev. Or any of the Company leaders. But knowledge can be taught and experience can be gained.” He leaned forward slightly, his voice low but certain. “What cannot be taught is conviction and moral clarity. The kind that makes others want to follow you into the dark, even when they’re afraid. Even when they disagree with the plan.” He paused and gave the faintest of smiles, “If I’d taken the role, people would’ve followed me out of respect for my position and obligation. Even out of tradition. But you? A young man so new in his Calling but still thrust into his role? One who comes from a well-respected family and has shown the city nothing but love. They won’t follow you because they have to, but because they’ll want to.” He took a short breath, “and so will I.”

  “And so will I,” Adya said, pushing off the wall, “Just point me where you need me, and I’ll see it done.”

  The guards didn’t say anything, but Cass definitely felt a shift in the Atrium. Like everyone was waiting for his answer. He wanted to shake his head, or scream, or run. He wanted to be back in his annex, planning out the next delivery or message. Ones that wouldn’t have dire consequences if he didn’t plan things just right. But like Hollis said in the letter, we can’t choose how leadership is placed upon us.

  Cass accepted the prompt, and the notifications cascaded across his screen as a message hit every citizen of his city.

  [SYSTEM ANNOUNCEMENT – REGION: LIORA]

  BY ORDER OF GUILDMASTER GERALD HOLLIS, CASSIO VALE IS NOW THE GUILDMASTER PRO TEMPORE.

  ALL REGIONAL PROTOCOLS HAVE BEEN UPDATED.

  COMMAND AUTHORITY HAS BEEN ASSIGNED TO GUILDMASTER PRO TEMPORE CASSIO VALE.

  Cass took a breath as he swiped away the information, “Adya, I need you to find me Pellin Cray and bring him here. Maestro, I’ll need as many Vellums as the Foundry can produce, every scout, tracker, and hunter we still have within the city, and the highest-ranking Company officers still around.”

  Moore gave a flitting of a smile, then nodded his head, “And the City Council?”

  “Tell them I’ll see them when I can, and keep this between us, but I want them tested. Someone knew he was going to the Council Chamber. I’ll not have a Changeling come near Hollis again.”

  Moore nodded again, “I’ll see it done, Guildmaster.”

  Cass turned around, stepped over to the chair, and sat back down. Thoughts swirled in his mind of all the things he was going to have to do, but he’d do them. He’d work himself to the bone, throw himself at the Dark Guilds, and sell his soul to the devil who’d place monsters on this world if it would save the city he loved.

  He heard a sniffle behind him before Dev spoke up, “Do you have a plan?”

  “No,” Cass replied, no smile upon his face. “I have several.”