Torrential rain hit the vibrant leaves with a melancholic rhythm while the gale cried in agony as it forced itself through the underground tunnels. The squeaking sounds of the rodents were muffled by damp feet as they passed through the rarely used entrance towards the meeting place. The vibration echoed through the tunnel as the guard banged loudly on the metal door. It only took a moment before a small, sliding window opened in front of him. Without hesitation, the guard placed a card in front of the window before the door quickly opened. The guard then bowed after stepping aside for his Lordship to enter the meeting without any delays.

"Welcome to the capital Austin!" Lord Rhodes said playfully as he watched Lord Milon enter the room. It was a large, circular table made of the finest wood. Milon could see a carving of a large Raven taking flight with a crooked, golden crown fixed atop its head.

"Bah! You call this the capital? We're in the sewer Varlo! The fucking sewer!" Lord Milon snapped angrily as he brushed the raindrops off his black hood. He took a seat around the table as the ten other hooded figures nodded to him.

"Relax Lord Milon, you know the King's guards would become suspicious if we were all seen together. Lord Rhodes, it would do you will not to infuriate him further," a man said lazily but none questioned his authority. "Charles' plan for the Recluse has not gone as planned, the latest report tells tales of a Vulcan slipping away from us," he added, this time with a bit of world energy in his voice.

Instantly the room erupted in murmurs. "Hmm, that's thanks to your men letting him slip away William," Rhodes chided as he stared at the man. "If you had let me deal with this on my own, the results would be different."

"Matters such as these require a certain eloquence, something mere merchants wouldn't understand," Milon sneered to those near him, earning a few laughs.

"What did you say?!" Rhodes screeched loudly. "If it wasn't for Charles' word, I'd have you gutted in the streets!"

"Enough!" the man ordered before he turned towards his guards. "Bring the prisoner."

Slowly, metal chains clanked as a bruised body was dragged into the room. Milon could see maggots eating away at an open wound on his back while his face was stained with blood. "What's the meaning of this William?" Rhodes asked while he covered his nose.

"One of Lord Dor's Recluse. He was caught a few days ago. Care to guess where I found him?" The man asked with a sly grin.

"I have neither the time nor the patience for games Williams, quit it with the suspense," Rhodes said dismissively.

"Sigh, Lord Milon, care to share?"

"My son found him sneaking around Lord Rhodes castle," Milon said quickly.

"Hahaha! This must be a joke right William?"

"You tell me, Lord Rhodes." The man said as he watched his guards grab hold of Rhodes.

"Wa- Wait, Lord Calum wait! I would never betray the Ravens! I swear on my family. Look- look I can prove it. Just yesterday, I received word that the Vulcan was headed towards the Northern Keep. Towards Dor. I've already sent men to fetch him for us."

"Is that so?" Lord Calum asked condescendingly as he ordered his men to release Lord Rhodes. "Then let the hunt begin."