*Guards walked into the study holding Zera between them. Caius stood before his table, his arms crossed.

"What is this father?", Zera said shaking with anger, her eyes blazing. "You sent your goons to fetch me like some criminal, and how did you know where I was?".

"I know where my daughters are, all the time", Caius said silently. He nodded to the guards, they released their grip of Zera, bowed and left. Zera gave the guards the evil eye when they left. She straightened her robes glaring at Caius. "So speak up, that is why you brought me here isn´t it? Another lecture on the way like always".

It had started as a minor crush. Caius had not payed attention to it, as his daughter had a habit of falling for strange foreigners. He had just monitored the young love these two were having, biding his time. But now Caius agent´s had intercepted his daughter in a plan of eloping with this rivaini man.

"Zera", Caius said placing his hands on her shoulders. "Do you really think you can run away and think I would just let it slide?".  Caius grip tightened on her shoulders and his eyes turned darker, "I told you that your little love affair with this vagabond from rivain is over". The astonished look on Zera´s face told him all. "Yes, did you really think I don´t know what you are doing?".

Caius grinded his teeth, "and I told you not to hang around with that Cade Revaud anymore. It is over for you two". "You don´t get to tell me what I do or not do!", Zera screamed at his face close up.

"I do", Caius said with a ominous silent voice, "and if you keep going against my will there will be repercussions".

"What, what will you do? Send me to the Chantry, to be a sister?". Zera laughed at her father. "You will not do that, you despise the Chantry more than anything".

"Cade..." Caius said with his dark eyes gleaming. Zera´s face flushed pale, "you wouldn´t dare...".

"I will do what I see necessary", Caius whispered to her, with a cold voice.

Zera slapped him in the cheek, "and round and round it goes. You are just the same tyrant like grandfather was. You are just like him".

Caius rubbed his chin in his thoughts, "I am nothing like he was, you have no idea... ".

"I can´t have children!", Zera screamed breaking down suddenly and striking her both fists into Caius chest, again and again. "Your precious daughter is barren! There will not be heirs for Vaellanius family through me! There, are you happy now?".

Caius stood there, awe struck. Silenced completely by her confession. Zera started crying collapsing on the chair.

A muscle twitched on Caius cheek, "I will kill that little worm... ". "It is not his fault, don´t you get it? This is what I am!", Zera screamed wiping her tears. Caius clenched his hands into fists, another set back.

"Go to your room, I wll see you soon. Don´t try to leave, there will be guards. Both mage killers and mages to make sure you stay put. I will not have you leave to see him again", Caius hissed from between his teeth.

"Guards!". Door opened and several guards stepped in with Sestius Sulla, "take her to her room. As instructed". 

He turned around looking at the window, " Sulla, I want Cade Revaud brought to me for a little discussion".*

*Caius stood by the window looking outside. Her eyes, warm lips touching his. Her body heat, soft touch. Caius touched his own lips in his thoughts. He closed his eyes letting himself fall into his thoughts. Are you mad?

Caius rubbed his temples. Her scent was so vivid as he inhaled, taste of her skin, lips. Caius took a deep breath, yes I am.

It had felt like he had seen himself from the outside, something he had no control over. Like a avalanche things had rolled forward towards something he did not regret. There were so many things wrong with what they did. And yet it felt so right. In the old days Caius would have not cared of such actions.

Those eyes, her lips brushing against his. He wasn´t the same man anyomore, not completely, something had changed again.

Are you mad? His father voice asked enraged. Yes I am. I have been mad all my life, how did you not see it before? A soft smile lingered on his lips, at least I was not wrong. She had left from the room. No words, just that look. She knew it too.

A knock on the door interrupted his thoughts, "yes?".

Sestius Sulla opened the door, "my lord. We have Revaud". Caius nodded, "bring him in". Caius' pretorians walked into the room Cade between them in chains. They sat him down removing his shackles, then left.

Sulla gazed at Revaud with indifferent eyes, "he did not put up much of a fight. But his companion did, a young woman. She tried to stop us from taking him. We had to neutralize her and lock her into the closet for her own sake". Caius nodded to him, "you can leave now". Sulla bowed and left without a word.

Caius walked slowly towards Cade stopping before him as he sat in the chair. "I´m glad you had the time to come to see me", Caius said smiling shortly. 

"I think there has been a little misunderstanding with my invitation. I merely wished to speak with you, not to drag you here against your will. Sulla takes his orders sometimes literally".

Caius walked to the side tray pouring a cup of wine, "But, please inform your friend that next time she tries to intervene with the official representatives of a Magister, she will find herself from the Proving Grounds testing her combat skills".

Caius turned to Cade with a cold smile on his lips, "this warning was free". He placed the cup before the young man, "here, have some wine to bury the hatched. So to speak".

Revaud gazed at the Magister with mixed feelings, what was this now? First he had him dragged here. Then apologized it but in same sentence threatened his friend.

"I take it you have something you want to talk about since I was invited here so gently?", he asked taking the cup in his hand.

"Yes", Caius nodded walking slowly behind his desk. "I do. It concerns you and Zera". He sat down taking his cup from the table and leaning back looking at Cade. He contemplated for a moment, "you know I don´t want you two be together. How much gold you want from leaving her alone?".

The rivaini blinked, "are you seriously trying to bribe me off?". Caius smiled shortly, "if you want to put it that way". He took a sip of his cup. "At least it is easier to have you bought thank killed. Don´t you think?".

"You just try", Revaud whispered trying to stare Caius down. He was afraid, but for Zera he wanted to stand up against the man people had warned him about.

"Oh, I have killed men far more threatening and powerful than you are", Caius gazed at him with cold eyes slightly amused. "And I could kill you right now in this study. You do not have the power to fight me boy".

Caius saw him twitch a little. "And I would suggest not trying to use any magic. This room is filled with defensive glyphs and wards. You would be dead before I even would lift my arm. Only my magic can work in this room".

Caius sighted twirling his cup looking at the wine in it, "but you have not answered my question. Will you take the money and leave Zera alone?".

Revaud licked his lips, he realized what potential this moment had. Caius was rich beyond his wildest dreams and he could make him filthy rich too. "Yes, I have thought about it".

"So what is your answer then?", Caius said tilting his head with a expectant look. 

"Go f*ck yourself".

Caius burst out laughing, he placed the cup on the table slamming his both hands on his thighs. "You boy have some bravado. Too bad it does not help you here". Revaud stared at him surprised, he had expected something more from Caius. In fact he had been expecting a violent outburst. Instead he just seemed amused. Cade took a sip of his wine. Caius glanced at him sharply. 

"So, now that you have taken your wine I will tell you something". He stood up, and with a slight gestures couple of glyphs fell on the rivaini, paralysis and neutralization,

Caius walked before him sitting on the edge of the table. He locked his eyes with the young man, "You just drank a substance which is poisonous. On its own it is nothing more than a spice. But combined with a specific substance it will turn into a deadly poison. It will remain in your system for a certain amount of time. How long, only I know".

Revaud´s eyes widened with fear. "That is the specific reason I had to restrain you. Getting confused and doing something you shouldn´t will only get you killed and then I would have to explain Zera why you died", Caius said calmly.

"this is how it will go down. You will break up with her and I will reward you with money. A substantial sum of it actually", Caius said crossing his arms. "if you will not, the one day you might find yourself eating or drinking something you shouldn´t have". He stood up straightening his robes, "believe me. I´d rather not take this route, as it is not my way of dealing with things when it comes to my daughter. But I have no other way".

He gazed at Cade, "so do we have a understanding? Good, you can leave now". Caius gestured removing the glyphs from the rivaini. Cade bolted up swinging his fist towards him. Caius stepped aside smoothly grabbing Cade´s  arm twisting it to the side.

Their faces were only few inches apart, Caius whispered with a ominous voice locking his dark eyes with the young man, "I have been in the war and killed men in hand to hand combat already when you were still sucking your mothers t*t's. And I have killed men for a lot less. Do not think for a moment that I would not kill you just because of Zera. Don´t test my patience". He released Revaud´s arm, "let me know what you decide".

The rivaini glared at him silently, then he left the study.*

*Zera paced around her chamber. She walked to the little side room, then to the massive closet, and back again. She walked into the balcony looking at the yard and walls. Guards, guards everywhere. She walked back to the main room and pulled the door open. A combat mage and four guards stood there looking at her carefully.

"I´m sorry my lady, we are instructed to not to let you leave. Under any conditions", the mage said regretfully. "Lord Vaellanius was precise with the instructions".

Zera stared at them for a moment then slammed the door closed. "Venhedis" she hissed in anger. Her eye wandered around the room for a moment, then she grabbed a old vase and threw it against the door with a high pitch scream pacing around the room.

After a couple of hours she heard a knock on the door. Then Caius stepped in. "Have you calmed down already?", he asked calmly walking into the room. "Am I a prisoner now?" she asked standing up, "in my own home?".

"You are confined indoors as long as you keep acting like some peasant girl in heat", Caius said sitting down. "Do you not understand who you are and what is expected of you?".

"Until recently you didn´t care that much", Zera glared at him. "That was before you decided to elope", Caius said tapping the table. "You are to be the heir or house Vaellanius, doesn´t that mean anything to you?".

"It does", she said silently. "And do you understand that this will affect our relationship?".

"No it doesn´t", Caius said taking her hand. "You are my daughter and I will do anything to keep you safe. Even from yourself".

"It does", she whispered again, tears in her eyes. "You are just too blind to see...".

Caius stood up looking at her, "I have arranged you a marriage. The groom will come to see us in couple of days with his parents. I expect you to be on your best when this happens. He has agreed to become a prince consort and thus leaving his family for ours".

He took a step but turned around before the door, "after the engagement is announced I will allow you to see Revaud, I am certain he has something to tell you too".

Caius gazed at Zera for a while with plaintive look, "I will take care of your infertility issue. Trust me. Everything will be fine". Then he left closing the door behind him. On the hallways he looked at a little note in his hand which had just two words, I accept. A cold smile lingered on Caiu´s lips as he walked away*

*A elaborate carriage rolls into the inner yard of Vaellanius manor escorted by dozen soldiers on horse. The flag of house Silius popped in the wind.

The carriage rolled slowly around the fountain stopping before a line of Vaellanius soldiers standing in honorary alley sun playing in their shining armors. A servant ran to open the carriage door.

A young man stepped slowly outside. A wide smile lingered in his lips, Tiberius Aurius Silius had arrived. His gray blue eyes gazed around interested. He had heard so much about this house, and now he was here. To be wed to the Magister Vaellanius daughter. What a moment this was. Tiberius stroked his smooth chin, unlike the general fashion in Minrathous he did not grow any beard. His long dark brown hair was tied in a ponytail. He had elaborate long coat of sky blue silk and vest under it. A golden belt tied to his waist. And long shining brown boots.

He was the middle son of house Silius and since his older brother was going to be their of their house Tiberius was left available for outside marriage. A elemental mage and Altus. His father Septimus stepped out of the carriage after him, then turned around to help his wife Silia to step outside.

He leaned closer to whisper to Tiberius, "remember, Magister Caius is a poweful and dangerous man. Do not let his good manners to make you forget it".

"you worry too much father", Tiberius exhaled, "I wouldn´t be here unless he thought I was worth it".

"Just remember what I said", his father whispered as they saw Caius walking towards the carriage, a red headed elven woman and a tall qunari woman in shining armor followed him close by.

"Good morning and welcome to house Vaellanius Magister Septimus", Caius said with a smile on his face offering his hand to to the head of house Silius.

"Good to see you Caius", the old man shook his hand. "This is my son, Tiberius". He pointed at the boy. 

"I see, it is good to see you young man. Your bride to be waits you anxiously".

Tiberius bowed with a smile, "good to finally see you my lord. I am anxious to see my future bride too".

Lady Silia turned her gaze at Elowyn. "And who is, is she your.. escort?", she had dismissed Nazlik right away seeing her in armor. A obvious bodyguard, but elven girl wore robes marking her as a something else. Lady Silia´s cold voice chilled the air.

Caius smiled shortly shaking his head, "this is Elowyn Adaran, from Monpellier Circle, Orlais. She is my First Apprentice".

Elowyn dropped a perfect courtsey. "It is a pleasure to make your acquaintance my lords and lady".

Tiberius could not help but wrinkle his brow, as for escorts elves were fantastic but as a apprentice, and a First one at that? Magister Vaellanius had to really value her, or be out of his mind.

Caius saw that, "I expect you to offer my Fist Apprentice the same courtesy you are offering to any member of my house. I hope this is clear to us all?". He locked his eyes with Tiberius. The boy swalloved quickly, those eyes turned so dark so quickly.

"But of course my lord", lady Silia hurried to confirm making her own courtsey smiling like a sun, trying to outshine Elowyn. A apprentice? My ass, and hers. She thought. "Alright then, shall we go?", Caius said smiling again gesturing to the manor.

Zera stood like a statue facing the main door to the great hall. She was wearing her best dress and her hair was done. Cassia and Miriel stood next to her shining equally in their dresses. Several members of the household stood there with them.

Livia stood next to Miriel. She whispered to her, "the house Silia is a old and powerful house, or has been since their postion and wealth has been waning during recent centuries. Caius, your father, has literally lifted them from falling to nothingness with this engagement".

"Oh", Miriel whispered. "So that is why they were so eager to take the offer". Livia nodded, looking at her smiling. "I could teach you a thing or two about these things if you are ever interested". Miriel looked at her with her eyes shining, "you would? I would love to know more of your secret work".

Cassia was pleased, as much as she loved her sister Zera she could not help but feel relieved that she was being separated from Revaud. Finally she would be getting rid of that upstart! She should remember to thank father. 

Zera could not help but wonder why she wasn´t running out of the door just this moment. But she knew why, her father had done something and she needed to see Cade to hear what it is. Fighting him now would postpone that moment, possibly prevent it completely from happening.

The servants opened the twin doors and Caius walked in Elowyn on his right side and members of house Silia on his left side. And there was Tiberius. She had seen pictures of him but he was truly a good looking man. And arrogant, she could tell that moment when their eyes met that she would not like what this man had to say.

"My lady Zera Vaellanius!", Tiberius exhaled looking at her. "You are truly more beautiful than I ever thought of possible!". He kneeled before Zera taking her hand giving a kiss on it. "And I am sure your mind is also as legendary as is your fathers", he said standing up.

Zera smiled shortly, "thank you my lord". Then the smile disappeared and she fell silent. Tiberius stood there for a moment surprised of the cold welcome.

Caius rushed to cut in, "shall we take our seats by the table?". He gestured at the table prepared at the hall close to Caius seat. Slaves and servants stood ready to serve around it.

"Yes, of course", Tiberius collected himself fast. He offered his arm to Zera, "shall we go my lady?". Zera took his arm without a word.*

*That bastard had the audacity to try my patience, he thought he could take my gold and my daughter, and get away with it. A knock on the door interrupted Caius thought. He had been gloomy for a while now. Everything seemed to turn against him, there was no way of knowing how his plans would unfold. And now it seemed all of them led into destruction.
Caius closed his eyes and rubbed his forehead. I feel so tired. Zera´s letter was on the table before him. A second knock on the door got his attention. "Enter", Caius said straightening his back. Sulla stepped in accompanied by Livia, "you wanted to see me my lord?".

"I do", Cais said standing up, "it has come to my attention that Zera has left the city. Why is that, why was she not apprehended?". Caius gazed at them with dark eyes, his voice was calm but ominous. Livia cleared her throat, "it happened too fast, our agent following her left to get more support but the ship had sailed before they returned". She looked at Caius carefully. Sulla just stood there like a statue, he waited for orders.

"Sestius", Caius turned to Sulla. "Yes my lord", Sulla responded. "Take a company of my soldiers, combat mages and pretorians. Go to harbor. The War Galley "Pride of the Imperium", is still docked. If there is room, take as many more soldiers you need, find them and bring her back. Anyone resisting can be killed. No matter who they are", Caius said silently.

He turned to Livia, "you will provide him information of the ships destination. I want you to inform the military bases in Marnus Pell, Vyrantium, Neromenian, Carastes, Quarinus and Alam that my daughter is being kidnapped by the rivaini Revaud and I will issue a general alert along the Imperium. Use my authority as a Magister and member of the War Council. I want that ship and people in it back here".

A muscle twitched in his cheek, "I will be damned if I let them step all over me".

Sulla smiled shortly, nodded and left the study. Livia looked at Caius concerned, but she left in silence.

Caius walked to the side table pouring himself wine. He closed his eyes taking a sip. If this requires a death then so be it. He turned around and walked to his desk sitting down. Silence lingered as he took another sip of his wine. Then he opened a drawer from the desk and pulled out a parchment with official seal in it. With a few strokes of his elaborate quill Caius wrote few words on the parchment.

He took a deep breath leaning back against the chair twisting his neck. A knock interrupted his thoughts, "come in". Arine stuck her head in, "can I come in?". She asked with a coy voice.

"Of course you can", Caius smiled shortly at her. "What brings you here?", he asked when Arine circled around his table sitting on his lap. "I am sorry for causing such a ruckus", she exclaimed looking into Caius eyes. "You did, didn´t you", Caius said softly. "It just is because I love you", she said silently. "I have not been this close to you in a long time. I missed you and I thought she was after you too".

Caius raised his hand and stroke her hair, "we had some good times, didn´t we?". "Oh we did!", Arine giggled. Then she leaned forward kissing Caius wrapping her arms around him. Caius kissed her then gently took her arms off. "I don´t think this is the moment for this", he said looking into her eyes. "Maybe later?", Arine grinned. Caius smiled shortly, "maybe, we shall see". Arine giggled and danced to the door, then she turned around winking at Caius and left.

The smile on Caius face vanished as the door closed, he reached out and took another sip of the wine in his thoughts, the leaned back closing his eyes.*

Caius walked through the Magisterium hall musing to himself, useless bunch of simpletons! Do I have to do everything on my own?

Nazlik and Elowyn walked behind him. They gazed at each other carefully. Caius had been tense, and even more brooding than before. People scurried away from his path, his reputation was enough to give him a wide berth but after seeing the dark look on his face the space around him got even wider.

At least they had found Zera. "Pride of the Imperium" and four smaller war galleys had chased the ship south along the coast, and finally encircled it in a small cove. After a small skirmish the remaining crew had been taken captive. And Zera, she did not put up a fight. Rest of the passengers had disappeared. Along with Revaud, his friends had decided to stay and fight. They died.

Now Zera was in the tower and Caius had made a nation wide arrest warrant on the rivaini. He sat in silence while they traveled back to the manor in the Vaellanius cart while it rolled through the marble streets of Minrathous. Caius took a quick glance at Nazlik and Elowyn, two magnificent women in his life.

A slight smile appeared shortly on his lips as he thought of his encounter with Elowyn. Such a complete moment of love, and yet it felt like a dream never to be had again. But like a man dying of thirst in desert he longed for more of her love. How could he not? "there´s always a choice", he whispered to himself looking out of the carriage window.

Nazlik gazed at Caius, he had fallen back in his thought and was somewhere else, with that little smile on his face.

She looked at Elowyn, she had a plaintive look in her eyes, and she avoided her gaze. Nazlik reached out and tapped Elowyn´s arm, leaning close to her to get her attention whispering. "Hey there, smile a little", she grinned with a wink. Elowyn looked at her with wide eyes.

"I forgive you, in case you didn´t know. I know how things are. I understand". She took a glimpse of Caius but he seemed to be in his thoughts looking out of the window.

"You and me, the outsiders, we should stick together", she tapped Elowyn´s cheek smiling. "I would like for you to be more with me and Cassius, he seems to have taken a shine on you. And I really need a friend". A timid smile appeared on Elowyn´s lips. "I´d like that", she whispered.

Back at the manor Caius left them before he headed towards Zera´s apartment, but not before giving them instructions to dress for the coming occasion. The coming discussion was something he did not want them to hear. The two women in his life. Someone should make a poem about that, he thought walking through the manor.

At the door to her rooms stood several mage-killers and combat mages, Caius did not take any changes with this anymore. The guards bowed while Caius passed them entering the room. In the elaborate room he found Zera sitting in her bed looking at her hands. Caius pulled a chair and sat before her.

"You have doomed your precious Cade", Caius said silently looking into her eyes. Zera blinked and raised her eyes, they were still a bit swollen of the tears. 

Nothing like her mother, Caius thought. That woman had tears for no one. "That´s right. I will tell you this. I have no other choice now but to kill him when he surfaces again. You made it so".

Zera stared at him and Caius could see how her fire started to burn. "What? I went through the engagement party, and took the ring. What else you want from me?".

"Maybe that you should have stick around for the wedding itself, is that so hard to grasp?", Caius said looking into her eyes. "I didn´t say you are free to run off right after. What you do once you are married is your own concern, I don´t really care about that. Much. But spitting me on my face publicly will have consequences".

Zera stared at him but then she sighted, her spirit had been broken. The look in her father´s eyes was so cold, something she had thought never to see. "So what, if I marry Tiberius you will not kill Cade, and will let me see him?".

"Yes, assuming it is meeting from where you intend to return from. If not then I will send all my might after you. And then there will be no discussions about who gets to be saved". His cold voice explained calmly.

Tears started to fall from Zera´s eyes as she gazed down, a tiny sob made her shoulders twitch. "Who are you?", she whispered looking at her hands.

"I am your father, and it is my duty to keep you safe", there is only duty, duty for the family and for the Imperium lingered suddenly in his thoughts. Caius blinked, "Tiberius is already here with his family, and so is the Grand Cleric. We will go through this, my daughter. He will be married into our family so you will keep your last name. Do not make me regret this deal".

Caius stood up and stretched out his arm for Zera to take, "come, the time is upon us". Tears in her eyes she stood up and took his arm.*

Minrathous society turned out in all its finery for Zera’s wedding. Despite the sunlight streaming through the stained glass windows of the chapel, Zera looked wan. Elowyn felt sorry for both Zera and Tiberius, but she was relieved that Zera had at last acquiesced to her father’s wishes. An angry Caius put the entire household on edge. She overhead a few of the guests gossiping, “The mighty Vaellanius had to settle for Silius’ whelp because his heir ran off with a foreigner,” said one of the wags, sotto voce.

“A Rivaini, no less! Lives in a hovel. What was she thinking?!” The gossipers tittered behind their hands. Elowyn frowned. Much as she despised their supercilious remarks, she felt that all parties had been unwise. She’d never understood why Caius had let his heir to date rivaini in the first place, though after learning that Zera was unable to have children, she surmised that Caius had felt it was a way to appease his daughter. Perhaps he’d decided to name Cassius his heir and disinherit Zera – Elowyn wasn’t privy to Caius’ plans.

She felt bad for Zera and Revaud, but who in Thedas got to marry the person of their choice, especially among the upper classes? Mages in southern Orlais didn’t get to marry at all. She felt that Zera and Revaud hadn’t acted with maturity. Perhaps they could have convinced Caius to allow their marriage if they hadn’t gone behind his back and created so much chaos.

Who was she to talk though? She’d run off from the Circle. But in that case, she would have been annulled with the other mages had she remained. Still, how would she feel if Caius ordered her to marry some stranger? The truth was, Elowyn had little expectation of happiness in her life. Every good thing that happened was a bonus. Her life had always been controlled by other people: first her parents, then the Templars, and now the Magisters. She had learned to find – or take - whatever freedom she could within the strictures of her circumstances. Unlike Zera, who was technically “free,” Elowyn was bound. She wasn’t sure about Revaud's status. She knew he’d come from Rivain, but he must have some sort of papers to be allowed his own household in Minrathous.

Her thoughts were interrupted by a commotion in the hallway. The doors burst open. “Not again!” she thought. “Is it possible to have one family occasion without some fracas?” It was Revaud, of course.

“Give her back!”” he demanded, as if Zera were his property. Nazlik put herself between Caius and the interloper. The rivaini made a threatening gesture toward Caius, and Nazlik didn’t hesitate: she disabled him with her magebane daggers. The guards dragged Revaud away. There hadn’t even been time for Elowyn to act. She felt sad, but also disgusted with both Revaud and Zera for behaving like spoiled children.

“Maybe it’s his love making him act that way,” she thought. She caught Publius’ eye. He shrugged. She hoped his wedding to Miriel would turn out better than this one. Hopefully, Caius would be able to suppress the disgraceful news stories about this debacle. His pet reporters would undoubtedly transform the rivaini into a foreign terrorist, especially given the recent assassination attempt on the Magister.

The only thing Elowyn could do at this point would be to plead with the Magister for clemency for Revaud. She would request a visit to his cell to ensure the guards weren’t being too rough with him. As for Zera, Elowyn hoped she would learn to handle her affairs with the subtlety befitting a Magister, or she wouldn’t last long as a Senator.

(Courtesy of a forum member Serelir)

Miriel was playing with the slave children in the yard. She threw a ball to a elven boy laughing at his attempt to catch the ball mid-air to impress her, but falling into the fountain. "You need to do better Felran!", she giggled at the embarrassed boy trying to climb out of the water. The other children stopped laughing and went suddenly silent staring behind Miriel. She turned around to see her father walking across the yard Cassia on his tow. They were heading straight to her. Before she knew the children had vanished, along with Felran leaving a set of wet footprints behind on the marble walkway.

"Miri, I need to have a word with you", Caius said walking to her. "Please, come here and sit for a moment".

"Yes father", she said surprised seeing Cassia with him. Caius sat on the marble bench next to the fountain, Cassia remained standing.
"Come here", Caius said softly and Miriel sat next to him.

"What is it father? Something wrong?".

"I could say that", Caius said taking a deep breath. "Your sister, she is no longer fit to be a Magister". "What?!", Miriel exhaled, "you mean Zera?". "Yes", Caius said placing his hand on Miriel´s shoulder. "This is shocking news, but the recent events have made it impossible for me to make her my heir for now. She will be leaving the manor to live on her own with Tiberius".

Miriel took a deep breath, then sobbed covering her yes. "I know, it is hard", Caius wrapped his arms around her pulling her close. "We need to be strong, you need to be strong. We are still a family even things have changed".

Caius took her chin gently in his arm, turning her to see him. "I need you now more than ever Miri". He said with a soft tone, "You need to take your sisters place as my heir to the Magister seat".

"What?!", Miriel twitched, "but I am a mundane! How can I be a Magister?".

Caius looked into her eyes softly, "I have already made a deal that Cassia will marry Magistra Aurelia's son, therefore moving into their family. So I will make it happen that you will become a Magister. You don´t have to worry, this is just a precaution, a temporary solution. But if Zera is not capable for the responsibility you need to step up and be ready for it. Though before that can happen I need to train you, we will both train you for the position".

He glanced at Cassia who nodded, "I will prepare a set of items for you to counter any magic cast at you, including mind control". Caius smiled at Miriel´s baffled look, "I know you can do it, you have already shown strength of character".

Cassia smiled to herself watching her little sister, Miri is so easy to be manipulated, I will rule these houses in no time.*

*flickering magical light in the corner of the dark and damp dungeon gave some dim light on a hooded character standing next to a dried up body laying on a stone table, sings of horrible torture spoke of the painful last moment this person had endured before death had released him.

Caius stood there be the side of the table leaning on his staff looking at the dried up and wrinkled face of Revaud in silence, the remains of Zera's beloved. The rush of life pouring from the young man to Caius had felt so good. Draining the rivaini of his life essence had brought satisfaction to Caius in a level he did not anticipate.

I told you not to try me, Caius thought gazing at the corpse. This is how it ends, always. I always win.

A cold smile crept on his lips as he turned and walked out of the dungeon closing the door behind him*