Chapter 17: The Soulweaver’s Chamber
Corvin stood before the Obsidian Gate, its dark arches humming with latent power. Archmagus Vaelorin the Black was sitting in his throne, cloak billowing. With measured courtesy, Corvin reported only his sanctioned victory:
"I have slaughtered Korvath’s Pride’s Vanguard," he intoned, voice steady. He mentioned nothing of Ravathos or the three Dark Sovereigns. Those were personal conquests outside Synod reckoning.
Vaelorin inclined his head. "Raven, your triumph is laudable. Now that you have returned, we must assess your affinities to determine your new assignments. Step forward for measurement."
Displeasure flickered across Corvin’s face. Vaelorin’s request breached their agreement. Corvin’s eyes narrowed beneath his hood.
"Archmagus, that was not part of our covenant," he said, tone clipped. "I do not wish my affinities to be recorded or measured. If the Synod insists, I see no future for our relationship. I can return to the shadows where neither you nor another faction can locate me. The soulbound oath linking us requires ten assignments. I’ve completed three. There is no clause forcing me to reveal my information to the Synod."
Vaelorin’s lips thinned in distaste. He knew nothing of Corvin’s true breadth of affinities other than the reports from mercenary guild and estimations from the assignments, only that the ruthless efficiency of his victories had shifted power swiftly across Nefrath, and Argyll. Keeping such an agent within the Synod’s fold would safeguard their advantage against rival factions. Yet he dared not break their oath. He steeled himself and offered a compromise.
"What if we allow you access to our Umbraxis Arcanum in exchange for your agreement to measure only your Space Affinity, Raven?"
Corvin concealed a swift smile. A Synod academy would be fertile ground to siphon or absorb zealous acolytes, ripe targets for his spores. He masked his eagerness with indifference.
"Explain the procedure Archmagus."
Vaelorin gestured to a row of crystalline orbs, each pulsating with elemental glow.
"Each known affinity has its orb. You place your hand upon the Space orb. Its luminance will calibrate your level. Simple and effective. Within our academy every acolyte requires to cycle through all affinity orbs to register and file for tailored training schedules."