"And then what happened?"

"Mortals started running, panicked. I then identified the source of the commotion and that's when I saw Ellen on her feet, staring at the dying man that was lying on the pathway a short distance away."

There was silence – a pause – as those within the room took the information in.

"And what did you say to her after that?"

"I implied that she killed the mortal. I then commanded her to come back to the manor, and that I would be speaking to her Master about this."

"I don't know how many times we need to keep reminding you Guardian Rolland that you need to control your temper and emotions. There is no denying that you are exemplar in your role and almost born into it, but if you can't control your anger and your accusations then we will have no other choice. You understand this, don't you?"

"Yes, of course."

"Discharging you from the role is not something we would like to see happen however, it is a role of prestige and carries great responsibilities. Act accordingly Guardian Rolland, or you will see yourself relieved. You may leave."

Guardian Rolland spun on his toes and strode across the room, official robes swaying behind him. His lips were in a ruler-straight lin and his eyebrows were furrowed. Ellen watched as he gripped the door, and slid outside.

She was sitting beside Hans and Claudia in the boardroom. Hans was drumming his fingers on the table, appearing slightly uncomfortable that he had to witness a warning being issued to someone that he worked closely with. Claudia, on the other hand, rested a hand on an armrest and now supported her chin with two fingers, a tell-tale sign that she was caught between a rock and a hard place.

"I only wish we knew what they were up to," she finally sighed, sliding into the back of her chair and letting her back slump. Neither of them had to say who 'they' were; the trio knew very well who 'they' referred to.

"Lucien is unpredictable. Even if he had a plan, it would probably change on the whim. Everything is constantly changing with him. We know this. Even if we knew what they were thinking, it is difficult to prepare anything," Hans replied, trying to comfort the frustrated woman.

Claudia slammed her fist on the table in frustration, strands of her hair falling out of the loose bun that was on the nape of her neck. She knew Hans was right, and it wasn't worth trying to say otherwise. "I feel like I can't properly protect our people or to prepare them for what's to come. Do you know how bad that feels?"

She was anguished. It was a desperate time.

"I do," Hans replied simply. Of course he did. He was Grand Master too once and he had to deal with the Necromancer problems that came about during his reign.

Ellen shrunk back in her chair. She was not quite sure whether they were aware that she was still in the room or if they had completely forgotten of her existence. She pushed harder against the backing, as if hoping that it would absorb her into it. But it didn't and so she listened and waited patiently.

"Where do we take it from here?" Claudia continued. "Do we stay quiet or do we let everyone know that something is brewing and to be on alert? A call to arms so early would only spark hysteria in some, and that would cause a separate headache. Not to mention, if someone within these walls is providing intel to the others, they would immediately know and can counter us."

Hans weighed up the options and nodded in agreeance. "We need to keep it quiet, between us. From experience and teachings, Lucien seems very adverse when it comes to attacking. If history taught us anything, it is that he acts by himself and a small clan of what he deems to be his strongest men or men that he doesn't fear to sacrifice. He takes joy in undertaking the formalities himself, and likes to claim the most kills."

Claudia considered this for a moment, each word that Hans had spoken sounding accurate. "This does sound like it's the best way forward. And what do you think of this Ellen?"

A sense of shock rose within Ellen.

Not only did it seem that they knew she was there the entire time but now they were asking for input?

But she didn't have any experience whatsoever! What could she possibly contribute to the defence of Tempusmancers?

"I – I don't know," she stuttered, lost for words. She wanted to add something but she also wanted it to be worthwhile. "If it's anything that I've come to realise, it's that Lucien seems to thrive on other people's pain. I doubt he will let others take away the thing that he thrives on."

It seemed to be the best she could do. She sat still, hoping that it was even remotely helpful. And it seemed to be.

"Thank-you Ellen, that adds confirmation to Hans' theory. It really does seem like the best approach is to keep this quiet. This brings me to..." Claudia turned to Hans. "I trust you have...?"

There was a nod of the head from Hans. "What would you like me to do with them?"

Claudia pondered for a moment and then for a moment more. "I think it would be wise to teach Ellen hand-to-hand combat. If anything, we can find another blacksmith to make up something of her liking and something that is her own."

"Elder Smith is still around. I'm sure he'd take to the task. Heavens knows that I haven't seen him for decades." Hans brushed this off. Everything seemed so casual and Ellen felt so lost.

Claudia clapped her hands together, the obvious look of disappointment on her face. "The fact that he didn't take on a specialisation really irks me. He has so much talent!"

"He does enough for us as it is. And being one of the best blacksmiths available in this day and age already seems like a specialisation to me."

"Wait. Elder Smith was one of us?" Ellen asked, interrupting the backwards and forwards banter.

They both looked at her and spoke at the same time, harbouring the same sentiments. "A good one at that."

Claudia rose from her chair. "I think we discussed what needed to be discussed. Unfortunately, I also have other matters that I need to attend to today. This thing with Dvorak doesn't seem to want to go away and it's causing everyone a headache." She gave Hans a drilling look and Ellen a small wave. She then left the room, leaving the Master and his student in the boardroom.

Hans stood up from his chair, motioning for Ellen to do the same. "Well, let's not waste any time."

- - -

Ellen sat in the training room they used previously and watched as a foot hooked onto the door and dragged it open. A balancing Hans re-entered, carrying several items that were sheaved in black material – silk, perhaps. He delicately placed these down onto a table that had been pushed against the far wall, positioning the item so they were in straight lines next to each other. There were four and they varied greatly in length.

"You will recall earlier," he spoke, sitting down next to Ellen on the edge of a table. "That we spoke about Elder Smith being a man of his craft. Do you also remember that story that I told you about my childhood? About Master Melvin?"

Ellen nodded. Of course she remembered, it seemed fresh in her mind.

"Well. During our sessions together, he used to describe to me about weapons that could be used to kill Necromancers. Hunters used to have them made to very specific, very stringent dimensions to assist them in their endeavours. Now, Hunters don't exist anymore but the weapons do. Whilst it is possible to kill them without these arms, having them makes it very much easier. My first encounter with Master Melvin was in in the blacksmith workshop – one of the best blacksmiths and a man of his craft - and he happened to pick up a long package which he paid very handsomely for."

Ellen watched as Hans reached back and lightly stroked the longest object.

"These weapons were made of silver and had a number of incantations put on them. A dire combination that our darling counterparts really can't stand." He rose to his feet and smiled at Ellen, knowing that he had her hooked on every one of his words. He then picked up the longest of the items and passed it towards Ellen.

"Take this one but take care not to drop it."

She reached her hands out, taking the long item. It had weight to it and she found herself almost dropping it when Hans retracted his hands. But then she readied herself, and held it straight.

"It's heavy, isn't it?"

Hans' eyebrows perked up, his lips twisting into an entertained smile. "What did you expect? You can take it out of its case when you're ready."

Ellen eyed him, unsteadily.

"It doesn't bite you know. Put it down onto the table if you need to."

She moved to the table and placed it on the hard surface. Chink. Then her fingers hovered over the gold cord that held the silk bag closed.

"Come on now..." Hans urged.

She grabbed the cord and unpicked the knot that secured it. She then pushed her fingers into the hole and forced it open. Slowly, she reached inside.

Her fingers brushed against something cold; something hard. It had deep, deep grooves in it – was it a handle? She wrapped her fingers around it and pulled. A long, silver object slithered out from the case. What was it?

"That, my friend, is a katana."

Her eyes lingered on the blade that twinkled in the light and then wandered to the hilt. A cloth was wrapped around the centre however, the rest was clear and exposed a very elaborate pattern. She held it closer to herself, marvelling at workmanship that went into it.

"Careful that you don't poke your eye out with it," laughed Hans, watching on as Ellen analysed every nook; every cranny. He also hadn't seen the weapons out of their cases for a fairly long time. He didn't have any reason to use his Master's weaponry although he did admire the katana. "How about the next one?"

Ellen found it difficult to draw herself away from beauty of the katana but she finally separated herself from it and did the same ritual with the next object. This one was a short sword, stubby compared to the katana and lighter in terms of weight. The detailing was the same as was the high polish finish. The third object was the shortest – a dagger. Whilst it wasn't as majestic as the others, the detailing on the blade itself was equally as fascinating. Swirls were etched into the silver, forming what looked like oriental clouds.

"And then the last item."

Ellen gripped the last item which happened to be heavier than the others, the heaviest by far. She flipped it over and something on it moved, reminding her of a child's abacus. She unfurled the cord and let it drop to the floor. A hauntingly wicked crossbow sat in her arms, being cradled like a newborn.

"Made of only the finest materials. Master Melvin enjoyed his close combat but he also had a soft spot for projectiles and had this made to his very own design. Obviously you can understand why we can't practice using actual weaponry, but we can always learn techniques and moves." He held up to rods of rounded wood, a broom handle that had been sawed in half. He passed one to Ellen, and placed the second half onto the table.

Hans then walked behind Ellen,and ran his hands along her own. Her skin tickled but nevertheless, she let him correct her grips as if it was a hilt. "That's it. And then you do this to strike from the side." He guided her arms through the motion, whispering in her ear.

"And this if you want to parry from an attack." Again, he helped her with the moves.

For the remainder of the afternoon, Hans taught her each and every move he knew, taking turns to attack and to block. It was a kind of dance in the room, their legs and arms moving in synchronisation as they emulated mock fights. Ellen felt the energy dwindle from her body, but she enjoyed this moment together, solidifying their bond further as Master and apprentice.

"She's very skilled indeed." A gruff voice said, almost as if to congratulate Ellen. Hans and Ellen broke their dance and dropped their mock swords, turning to face the doorway. The newcomer had his back to the door, taking in their practice session.

"Elder Smith!" welcomed Hans, as he strode across the room and shook hands with the man.

"I sensed that I would be required. And you must be Ellen." The blacksmith held out his calloused hand to Ellen, to which she reciprocated.

"I heard so much about your skills."

"Years of experience, young one," he smiled. He bowed down, and whispered in her ear: "Watch this." He looked back at Hans, his tongue in his cheek. "Should we get designing then so she can go hunting some of the dark ones?"

Hans stared at the short man in disbelief, his hands flying to his hips and his eyes wide. "That's not the intention, no!"

Laughing, the old man beckoned to the two. "Now, where are those chairs? We have some drawing to do."