[Mkguild] Rebuilding the Mage's Guild

[Kamau]

Rebuilding the Mage's Guild
By Kamau (and hopefully others)

A smile crossed Master Jesse's face as he wound his way up to the gate 
at Metamor.  It had been far too long since he had attended to business 
here himself.  The business this day however precluded his sending Sib 
as he usually did.  To conceal his true intentions he had told her it 
was some business that he had with the guild that was forcing him to go 
himself.  Really that was only a half lie.  It was in fact business with 
the mage's guild that brought him to the Keep.  He intended to go to the 
hall and ask that both she and Rorlyn be granted letters from the guild 
certifying them as Journeyman.

This however brought a darker thought that furrowed his brow.  If what 
Sib had told him was true there was trouble with the guild itself. 
Seeing it had been months since he had received any communications from 
the guild he was certain that something was amiss.  While mages were not 
known to be the chatty type there should have at least been a monthly 
report.

Once inside the gate he made his way to an inn and stabled his horse. 
He expected it would take less than a week to complete his business and 
to catch up with some friends he had not seen in a long time.  Placing 
some of the items he had brought in a shoulder bag and taking up his 
staff he headed for the marketplace.  In a short time he stood before a 
shop whose sign was that of an owl, the shining guild mark displayed in 
the corner.  Smiling he opened the door and entered.

"May I help you Master," a deer asked from behind the counter.

"Yes, I am Master Jesse and I seek Master Nestor ," he replied in a firm 
but friendly tone.

"Right away Master," the doe replied with a bow as she darted to the 
back of the shop.

Moments later a tawny owl, the size of a child, appeared in the doorway.

"Master Jesse," the avian cried launching himself over the counter with 
a flap of its wings. "It is so good to see you."

"As it is to see you my friend," the blond bearded man replied as he 
stooped to embrace the owl. "How have you been doing?"

"I'm well," Nestor exclaimed beaming with pride. "Business has been good 
and I now have two apprentices and a Journeyman.

"You are off to an ambitious start," the human mage said.

"Come, let me introduce my newest apprentice," the owl said extending a 
wing toward the deer. "Lucero , this is Master Jesse from Mycransburg. 
He is the Master I studied under."

"A pleasure to meet you Master," the deer responded bowing again.

"How long will you be with us?" Nestor asked looking up at his former 
Master.

"I expect to be two or three days in the Keep," Jesse told him. "There 
are matters in Mycransburg that I need to keep an eye on."

"Of course," the owl Master said with a nod. "Still I do hope that will 
leave you time to share a drink with a former student."

"Indeed I would very much like to do that," Jesse answered with a smile. 
"But first I have a bit of business to conduct with you."

"Oh," the owl said tilting his head. "Some of your handy work?  The 
wares that Sib has been bringing are always in demand."

"That and more," the mage told him opening the bag he carried. "See what 
you think of these."

The human mage laid several bracelets and medallions on the counter. 
Nestor hopped onto the countertop and began to examine them with his 
mage sight.  Tilting and twisting his head about for some time he probed 
the magic each item held.

"Luc, tell me what you see," the owl mage said to his young apprentice.

"I will try Master," she replied and stared at the items for a few moments.

"They are wards of some kind," the doe stated, a bit of doubt tingeing 
her voice.

"Is that all?" the owl pressed.

Again the deer examined the items blinking repeatedly.  Finally she 
shook her head and faced her Master.

"There is something else radiating from them," she told him. "but it is 
bound too tightly with the first for me to discern what it is."

"Very good," the owl mage exclaimed. "I'm pleased that you saw it."

"Indeed," Master Jesse added. "How long have you been an apprentice?"

"About three months Master Jesse," she answered.

"That was very good for someone so new to the trade," the blond bearded 
mage told her. "You were correct that those are wards but of a special 
type.  The second is similar to a ward but it does not protect directly. 
  There is also a third spell beneath them both however."

"The one looks something like a gate ward," Master Nestor commented 
searching for the other spell. "Yet the first spell is clearly one of 
protection for the wearer.  So why would it reach out to the danger that 
triggered it?"

"That is because it is meant to warn the attacker," Jesse said, his 
broad smile lighting up his face. "These are meant to be worn by our 
animal Keepers when they assume a full animal form."

"But to what purpose?" Luc asked then covered her mouth realizing she 
had spoken out of turn. "Oh, pardon Master."

"You are excused this time," Jesse said, his tone more of a teacher now. 
"As for their purpose; have you not seen or heard of Keepers attacking 
each other because they didn't know both were Keepers?"

"Yes, I've heard of that," the doe replied.

"Well if a Keeper is wearing one of these it prevents that," the Master 
mage said. "The spell that reaches out instills a feeling of uneasiness 
in any attacker dissuading them from attacking.  The protection spell 
will shield the wearer from any primal attack and the third embedded 
spell warns the wearer and the attacker that both are Keepers."

"Interesting," the owl mage commented. "That is a nice little trinket to 
add to your line and one I'm sure I could sell to some of our patrons here."

"It's not my work," Jesse told his old student.

"Not yours?" he exclaimed. "Then whose is it?"

"My apprentice, Sibylla Messitt," the human mage said beaming. "The 
clever girl came up with this all on her own."

"This is more then the work of an apprentice," Nestor gasped. "I dare 
say I would not expect work like this from less than a Journeyman."

"Exactly, and that is why I'm here," Master Jesse told the other Master. 
"While the spells are adaptations of my own work Sib has crafted them 
into these items in a way that makes a most useful device.  That is why 
I will be asking the guild to grant her letters to be a Journeyman."

"Well that work is certainly worthy of that rank," Nestor said somewhat 
distracted by the conversation between the doe and a customer.

"I can count on your recommendation then?" Master Jesse asked following 
the owls gaze at the counter.

"Most certainly," the owl mage replied. "Follow me and we can do that 
this very minute."

The shop's Master led the human mage through the back room and to 
another chamber.

"Please have a seat," Nestor said gesturing to a chair. "Would you care 
for some wine?"

"Yes, that would be rather pleasant right now," Jesse answered.

The owl gestured to a cabinet that opened of its own accord.  From 
within a wine bottle and a glass gently floated to the table.  With a 
flick of his wing the avian mage drew the cork out and poured the wine 
into the waiting glass.

"I see your skill with levitation is as good as ever," the bearded mage 
commented.

"All thanks to you," Nestor replied. "You were the one that insisted I 
learn them."

"For a mage who has no arms it is a very useful skill," Jesse told him 
as he picked up the glass.

"Yes, it has served me very well," the owl replied taking his place on a 
perch near the table.

"So what is this I've been told about difficulties in the guild?" Jesse 
asked Nestor as he took a sip of wine.

"Where to begin," the avian mage said with a sigh. "In many ways the 
Guild exists only in name."

"Will I have trouble getting the letters for Sib and Rorlyn?" Master 
Jesse asked his brow furrowing with concern.

"You'll have no problem with that," the owl mage said ruffling his 
feathers and puffing up some. "So long as you've enough silver in your 
belt."

"I've brought enough to cover the usual fees," Jesse replied noting the 
owl's tone and posture.

"Hah, You'll need a good bit more than that." the owl Master cawed. 
"Grand Master Kuna will need his administrative fee as well.  Even after 
that who knows when the letters will be granted."

"Grand Master?" Jesse questioned. "Who or what has made Kuna a Grand 
Master and why would he get a fee?"

"He's not a Grand Master in the broadest sense of our trade," Master 
Nestor explained. "But he felt the title Head Master wasn't exalted 
enough for the head of the guild here at Metamor."

"Kuna is Head Master?" the human mage gasped.

The owl simply nodded.

"Still he can't just single handedly change that title," Jesse exclaimed.

"Somehow he got a quorum together one day and changed it," the owl said.

"And he increased the fees at the same time?" the bearded mage asked.

"No, he pulled that off by the compensation clause in the charter," the 
younger Master told Jesse. "He claims that since he is doing all the 
work and that it's distracting him from his business he deserves 
compensation."

"Doing what work?" the human mage questioned. "All he does is sign as 
head of the guild.  Oh sure, there's a bit of review and paperwork but 
most of the work is shared among all the guild Masters."

"Not anymore," Nestor informed him. "He single handedly reviews all 
applications and approves them.  He's also got his paws in just about 
every other part of the guild."

"What of the other Masters?" Jesse asked. "Surely they are asked to 
review the progress of those likely to be raised in rank?"

"We haven't had a guild meeting let alone any reviews for at least six 
months," Nestor told his former Master.

"That's impossible," Jesse exclaimed. "The charter calls for meetings 
and review."

"So many of the mages here in the Keep and out lying area have become 
fed up with Kuna's antics that they refuse to meet," the owl mage said. 
"He's all but destroyed the guild."

"But how?" Jesse asked shaking his head. "We had a good guild here for 
years.  Certainly people wouldn't just cow under to this type of nonsense."

"Jesse remember we've lost a lot of good people over the years," Nestor 
reminded him. "Especially after the Winter Assault the ranks of Masters 
grew very thin.  The last Head Master never recovered from his wounds 
and that's when Kuna got elected to the office."

"We didn't even hear about that in Mycransburg," Jesse said. " Raughat 
was a good mage.  I'm sorry to hear we lost him.  But how was this 
election held without the Masters being present?"

"Legal double talk and politics," Nestor answered. "Kuna convinced the 
guild that it had to act and somehow persuaded most of those not able to 
attend to give him their support."

"We are talking about the same mage?" Jesse inquired. "Kuna, short, 
stocky, gets hyper at the drop of a hat or at least before the curse 
that was him."

"That's the one," the owl said. "And being a meerkat hasn't done 
anything for the voice and arm flailing when he's having a fit."

"Meerkat?" the blond bearded mage exclaimed. "Is that what he became?"

"Yes," the younger Master confirmed. "He hid himself away for a couple 
of years after Three Gates.  Only started being an active mage again I'd 
say four years ago.  Even then he kept a low profile."

"Then that's why I've lost track of him," Jesse said with a sigh.

"No one seems to know what he did during the assault," Nestor continued. 
"But with our losses and so many others healing from their wounds he 
just stepped into the vacuum and took control."

"Have you tried to get him removed?" Master Jesse asked.

"Yes, though not recently," his former student answered. "He either 
comes up with a reason to cancel the vote or we don't have the quorum of 
Masters needed to do so.  There's been enough attempts that many have 
simply given up and went their own ways."

"It sounds like someone needs to do some cat herding." Jesse commented 
stroking his beard. "Start pulling the Master mages together and get the 
guild to stand up to Kuna."

"With the current feeling among the mages here that will take a bit of 
persuasion," the owl mage replied.

"Well then I guess someone is just going to have to persuade them," 
Jesse said standing and turning toward the door. "I assume you would be 
interested in his removal."

"Certainly," the owl replied.

"Good that's two," the blond Master said. "Now all I need is about a 
dozen more."

"Not even that," Nestor replied sadness in his voice. "As I said, we 
lost a lot of good mages in the assault."

"We never heard the final count," Jesse explained as the full impact of 
that event became clear to him. "I just assumed most of the wounded had 
made it."

"I'm afraid not," was the owl's short reply.

"All the more reason for us to get a real Head Master," Jesse said 
firmly as he headed for the door. "I'll see what support I can come up 
with while I'm getting the signatures on the letters."

"Wait," the avian mage called out. "I haven't signed yet."

"I can do that when I come back to get you for our night out," the blond 
bearded mage replied. "I want to catch up on more pleasant things over a 
good meal and some drink."

Jesse left the shop and headed to another part of the market.  He was 
certain he could find other Masters that would support Sib for 
Journeyman.  His greater concern was how many had seen Rorlyn's skill 
now that he had recovered his voice.  But with what Nestor had just told 
him he had the added task of feeling out who would join him and Nestor 
in getting Kuna removed from his position.

<<Jesse gets the second signature for Sib.  Additional parts from others 
if desired.>>

Having acquired the additional signature for Sib, Jesse now set out to 
find those who would have knowledge of Rorlyn's regained abilities. 
Leaving the marketplace he headed up the street that would lead him to 
the Mages' guild tower.  Though he did not visit it often, aside from 
the guild meetings, it was one of his favorite places in the Keep.  The 
tower was much more then a meeting place.  It had been built and 
equipped to be a focal point for the powerful magic that coursed through 
the city.  The size, shape and location had all been carefully chosen so 
it was in harmony with the magic of the Keep.

This, of course, also made it a place of great power.  Anyone who could 
feel magic was immediately aware of that when they entered the place. 
The guild always made certain that protective wards were in place to 
prevent enemies and the least savory of mages from tapping into that power.

Coming to the door of the tower the blond mage immediately knew 
something was wrong.  He had expected the usual probing by the lines of 
magic that were the first lines of defense but what he felt were weak 
and disordered.  Passing through the arch of the door he again noted 
that the wards, while still present, were very lacking in power.  It 
didn't take long for the Master mage of Mycransburg to see more than the 
magic of this place was ill maintained.

The entrance chamber was disordered with benches pushed together in 
various places and the desks, usually manned by one of more junior 
mages, were not only out of place but vacant.  A boy of perhaps fourteen 
years was near a set of shelves attempting to put some books in order. 
As there was no one at the desk the Master mage decided to use an old 
greeting for occasions when there was not a standing watch.

"Jesse Öresund, Guild Master and Master mage of Mycransburg seeks 
admission to the hall."

The lad spun about, a book sliding from his hand, as he was taken by 
surprise at the formal greeting.  The child, whom Jesse was certain was 
age regressed, stood staring at him, his mouth moving like a fish in 
water.  After it became obvious the boy would not regain voice 
immediately the blond bearded mage spoke again.

"Excuse me, could you tell me where I might find one of the duty mages?"

"I, I guess that might be me Master," he stammered eyes wide in either 
fear or shock.

"And whom am I speaking to then?" the Master questioned.

"Evan," the boy replied. "Evan Rehfuss, apprentice to Master Vaughn. 
How may I help you Master?"

"An apprentice?" Jesse asked, an eyebrow raised in disbelief. "There is 
no journeyman on duty?"

"Not that I am aware of Master," the apprentice told him. "I'm not even 
sure if I'm the person you seek.  I was just putting some books back in 
their place as my Master had ordered."

Jesse extended his arm and the fallen book rose from the floor and 
floated gently to his hand.  Briefly flipping through the pages he sent 
it back to the hands of the boy standing before him.

"Not only an apprentice," the Master mage observed. "But also very new 
to the craft if that text was used by you."

"Yes Master," Evan said. "I was taken by Master Vaughn only last month."

"Are there any other mages here at all?" the blond mage asked, glancing 
about the empty hall. "Certainly there must be some in the library."

"I've only seen three others," the age regressed Keeper told him. "I 
believe they are using some of the workshops."

"One wouldn't happen to be a dragon would he?" inquired the Master mage.

"Yes, Master Rugger is among them," the apprentice told him. "Shall I 
see if he is available?"

"No," Jesse answered. "For what I need I can go to where he is working. 
  Just point me to the workshop he is in."

"Through that door Master," the lad replied pointing. "The last room on 
the left."

"Thank you lad," the Master said as he moved toward the door where he 
paused for a moment. "Oh and lad.  Suggest to your Master that you learn 
a levitate spell.  It will aid one like yourself greatly."

Proceeding down the curved hall the blond mage noted that all the rooms 
were empty.  For Rugger to be the only one using a room was highly out 
of place.

As he reached the room Evan had indicated Jesse noted that the occupant 
had not set the do not disturb sign.  After a moment of listening for 
anything that might indicate a casting was in progress he gave a gentle 
knock on the door.

Moments later the door opened revealing the scaled form of a dragon Keeper.

"Master Rugger," Jesse began. "I am Master Jesse Öresund, from 
Mycransburg.  I was wondering if I might speak to you for a moment."

"Certainly," Rugger replied. "Please come in."

Jesse stepped into the chamber being careful not to disturb anything 
that might be preparation for a casting.  Aside from what looked to be 
light armor he saw nothing to indicate what Rugger was working on.  Then 
his eyes fell to the floor where he noticed a series of runes inscribed.

"Strengthening runes?" Jesse exclaimed in surprise. "What could you be 
working on that you need them here?"

"The channeling spells for the workshops are in great need of work," the 
dragon replied with a shake of his head. "For me it is far simpler to 
use the runes then to do that work."

"No one is assigned to maintain the spells?" the blond mage asked. "That 
was typically assigned to either an advanced apprentice or a Journeyman 
putting in his guild hours."

"I can see it's been some time since you were last here Master Jesse," 
Rugger replied. "Most apprentices now work only in their Master's shops. 
  And even if there were a schedule the Journeyman find no value in 
being here as they get no training or assistance for their labor."

"No schedule," Jesse echoed with a slow shake of his head. "No 
maintenance, no one working it the rooms or at the entrance of the hall. 
  Yes, this place has fallen greatly."

"So it has," the dragon replied. "But this is not why you have come. 
How can I help you Jesse?"

"No it is not," the blond Master confirmed then added. "Or at least not 
when I first arrived.  I was wondering if you have any knowledge of my 
apprentice Rorlyn?"

"The large gryphon mage?" Rugger asked.

"Yes, the curse made him that early last year," Jesse answered.

"I have seen him and had some conversation with him," the dragon mage 
acknowledged. "A rather interesting fellow in the way he crafts his magic."

"Oh I agree.  His manner is not what I would expect," the human mage 
replied. "But just as I craft magic different from a rune caster like 
yourself so Rorlyn does with his methods."

"Yes, I won't deny it works," the scaled mage agreed. "Lately I've seen 
him produce some impressive castings."

"Ah, that brings me to the core of what I'm here for," Jesse said seeing 
a good opening to ask. "Would you say his skill is at a Journeyman's level?"

The dragon seemed to think for a moment, running his clawed hand about 
his muzzle as he did so.

"He can certainly channel power," the dragon began. "And what I've seen 
of his work he is well controlled in directing what he crafts.  I've not 
seen him do much fine work however."

"For that I have a solution," Jesse told him reaching into his bag and 
drawing forth some objects. "These are some of his work."

Rugger carefully examined each of the objects placed before him.  He 
handled some of them and tested another to its intended use.  With one 
final examination of the collection he turned back to Jesse.

"If he has done these with those massive claws of his," the dragon said. 
"I have no doubt of his ability to do fine work."

"Would you feel comfortable signing the letter of sponsorship for him?" 
the gryphon's Master asked.

Once again the dragon paused to consider the request.  His scaled face 
hid whatever thought he had until he spoke.

"Yes, I will sign for him," he replied. "As futile as it may be I will 
support him for the rank of Journeyman."

"Futile," Jesse said. "Oh not entirely futile I assure you.  That has 
also become a part of my business as I have become aware of the illness 
infecting our guild."

"And how would you propose to expel that illness?" Rugger responded. 
"Others have tried you know and been thwarted."

"Perhaps, but I believe I have a means of preventing that," Jesse 
explained. "All I need is a clear majority of the Masters of the guild 
to sign a partition.  Once that is done there has to be a meeting called."

"This has been done in the past," the dragon reminded the human mage. 
"But the meetings were always postponed until a quorum was no longer 
present."

"Leave that to me," the blond mage replied. "The charter has a seldom 
used clause that should force him to meet in a timely fashion."

"If you can do that," Rugger said with lightly veiled enthusiasm. "I 
assure you I would sign the partition for such a meeting."

"Excellent," the blond bearded mage exclaimed. "But first if you would 
sign for Rorlyn I would be most grateful."

The dragon took the letter and applied his name to its base.  With the 
one signature procured Jesse left the tower to seek out one other he 
hoped had seen his winged apprentice at work.

<<Jesse will find Saroth and get the other signature for Rorlyn.  By 
then it will be near evening and time to return to get Nestor from his 
shop so the two can find a place to eat.>>

Jesse entered the shop just as the deer apprentice was closing the last 
of the cases.

"Good evening Luc," he called out. "Is Master Nestor still in the back?"

"Yes Master Jesse," the deer answered as she set the ward over the case. 
"Shall I get him for you?"

"Yes, but first I think you'd best examine that ward," the Master mage 
suggested.

The deer looked at the small coin like item and blinked.  Raising a 
hoofed hand once again she lowly spoke the words.  Immediately her ears 
fell in disappointment.

"Intonation," Jesse said softly. "Do not allow my presence to distract 
you as you did the first time.  Try it again but this time keep your 
pace steady and your intonation clear.  Be precise with the words."

The doe nodded and taking her time once again tried to activate the 
ward.  This time a small glow that quickly faded assured her the ward 
was active.

"Thank you Master Jesse," she said. "I will fetch the Master for you."

Shortly Nestor hopped onto the counter and cast a glance about the shop.

"Very good Luc," he called to the back room. "You got all the ward set."

He then directed his gaze to the bearded mage before him.

"So did you succeed in your business today?" he asked.

"Yes and I've come to fetch the last signature I need to present the 
letter of request," Jesse said placing the paper before the owl. "And to 
carry a certain feathered friend off to a good supper."

"Luc, quill and ink," the owl shouted to his apprentice then said to 
Jesse. "So where shall we go?"

"We could do the Mule, the Hearth, Bricks is usually good," the human 
mage began. "We both like about the same fare"

"Bricks was never rebuilt," the owl told Jesse with a shake of his head. 
"And the land it was on is now going to be part of the Ecclecia convent."

"Convent?" the blond mage questioned as Nestor placed his name on Sib's 
Journeyman letter. "I do have a lot to catch up on here."

"Well let's be on our way," Nestor suggested. "Both the Mule and the 
Hearth are in the same direction so we can talk and decide on the way."

<<This could end here and pick up on the next day.  It could also be 
continued at the inn where the two mages would continue their discussion 
and maybe have other mages join in.>>

Rising the next morning Jesse when straight to the guildhall where he 
intended to submit the letters for his two apprentices.  As he entered 
he made his way down the hall to where he knew the clerk's office use to be.

As the Master mage entered the doorway he could see a beaver sitting 
behind a scribe table with piles of parchments and letters in stacks 
scattered throughout the room.  The beaver herself was paging through a 
book on the table before her.

"Excuse me," the human mage said entering the chamber. "I would like to 
file letters requesting Journeyman status for two of my apprentices. 
They have been reviewed and signed as required by the charter of the guild."

"Oh, your pardon Master," the beaver said, her tail slapping the floor 
as she slid from the stool. "I'm afraid I didn't hear you come in."

"With no one to announce me that is not surprising," the blond Master 
said handing her the letters. "Here are the letters of sponsorship 
countersigned by two other Masters.  Could I have the letters sometime 
tomorrow?"

"I'll check the register immediately, Master," she said but paused. 
"Your pardon again Master but I fear I don't know your name."

"I am Master Jesse Öresund of Mycransburg," he replied. And who am I 
speaking to?"

"I am Shakira Druke," the beaver replied moving to a large book on 
another desk. "Just a moment and I'll verify the names."

Taking Sib's letter she quickly paged through the book confirming the 
names.  Next she took Rorlyn's letter but stopped when she opened to his 
name in the book.

"Is there a problem?" Jesse inquired.

"No," Shakira answered starting to page through the book again. "It's 
just that I didn't realize that gryphon was a mage."

"Yes, and a very skilled one even before the curse took him," the 
bearded mage told her as she confirmed the names on his letter. "When 
will the letters be ready for me to pick up?"

"I can't do the letters until Master Kuna approves them," Shakira 
explained taking the letters. "I'll add them to the others."

She moved to a sizable stack of pages and added the letters to it.

"Looks like he'll have a busy day today," Jesse commented seeing the 
number of pages his letters were added to.

"That's more like a months worth of requests Master," the beaver told 
him then gestured to several other stacks. "Not to mention other 
communications.  They are all awaiting Master Kuna's review or signature."

"Shakira, you don't mean to say he hasn't done any paperwork for a 
month?" the blond mage gasped in disbelief.

"He's been very busy Master," Shakira explained with a sigh. "I keep 
trying to get him to review them but he always has some important 
casting or such to do."

"But for a Journeyman all you need is the letter of sponsorship and the 
signature of two other Masters," Jesse objected. "You cross reference 
the Masters and signature to prove they are members of the guild and the 
Head Master simply signs the Journeymen letters.  Most of the work is 
yours, not his."

"Not anymore," the beaver said. "Almost everything has to be double 
checked and approved by Master Kuna now."

"Why?  That's not a part of the charter."

"The charter was changed," Shakira told the Master.

"When, How?" Jesse exclaimed. "That takes a meeting of the build and 
ratification by the Masters.  I don't recall seeing any request for a 
general meeting."

"It was sent," the beaver said rifling through a pile of papers until 
she found what she wanted. "Here's a copy of it."

"I never got this," Jesse told her looking at the letter. "Nor did any 
other Master I know of in Mycransburg."

"I'm sorry Master," the clerk answered. "Master Kuna said all Masters 
had replied."

"Do you have the documents from when the charter was changed?" the blond 
Master asked. "And for that matter the minutes for that meeting and the 
one where Kuna was elected Head Master."

"Just a moment," she replied rummaging through more stacks.

After a few moments she handed Jesse several more pages which he quickly 
reviewed, his face growing firmer with each line he read.

"Where is Kuna?" Master Jesse asked his voice turning harsh.

"He's in his office," Shakira replied.

Jesse turned and stormed out of the chamber only to have the beaver run 
after him.

"Master, you're going the wrong way."

"What?" the Master of Mycransburg said spinning about. "The Head 
Master's office has always been near the main hall."

"Grand Master Kuna moved it a few months ago," Shakira informed him.

"And where might that be?" the mage asked, his voice tense with anger.

"It's in the lower casting chamber Master Jesse," came the answer.

"The lower chamber," the blond mage confirmed he had heard correctly. 
"You don't mean the protected chamber?  The very one Wessex used for 
that dangerous work he use to do?"

"Yes Master," she replied. "That is the one."

Master Jesse's expression went from one of shock to anger.

"Give me those letters," he demanded, calling them out of the office and 
to his hand before the beaver could even move. "I'll take this up 
personally with him."

"But Master," the beaver called out as the mage left. "He has asked not 
to be disturbed."

"From what I've just seen and heard you say he's already disturbed," the 
mage said as he burst out the door and headed for the chamber.

As Master Jesse approached the chamber he carefully searched for any 
wards or other dangers that might have been placed there.  As secure as 
this place was and with Kuna not wanting to be disturbed it was a 
prudent precaution.  Entering the hall that lead around the core of the 
room he was surprised to see one of the four doors open and a voice 
coming from within.  Seeing the nature of use this chamber was intended 
for Jesse carefully listened to the spell being cast.  Nothing he heard 
indicated an unknown or dangerous spell was being woven.  In fact if it 
were the type he believed it to be it wasn't even at a Master's level. 
Just then a small flash illuminated the doorway followed by a shower of 
words in a high-pitched voice that were worthy of the crudest caravan 
driver.  Stepping to the door Jesse looked in only to see a meerkat 
franticly flipping through a book on the table before him.

"Having a bit of trouble with that spell Master Kuna?" Jesse said 
announcing his presence.

The meerkat's head shot up, eyes wide and fur on end.  Then leaping over 
the table he began to scream.

"What are you doing here?  I left strict orders that I was not to be 
disturbed.  How dare you disturb the research of the Grand Master?"

"In the past the Head Master of the guild was always available to other 
Masters," Jesse said in slow measured tones. "Is that something else 
that has changed?"

"Of course not," Kuna replied bringing up a wick light to illuminate the 
dim chamber. "What Master seeks audience with the Grand Master of the 
guild?"

"Master Jesse Öresund of Mycransburg," he replied. "I have a matter of 
guild business I am told that you alone can handle."

"Speak then," the meerkat said moving back to the table and his book.

"I need journeyman's letters for two of my apprentices," Jesse told him.

"See the clerk," the meerkat said fussing with one of the flasks on the 
table.

"I have seen her," the blond mage replied. "She has reviewed and 
confirmed the names. However she said you had to review them before she 
could write the letters for you to sign."

"Oh, yes, that," he stammered before regaining an even voice. "Yes, well 
if they are your apprentices I'm sure you've prepared them well.  Tell 
the clerk to write the letters and I'll do it all at once."

"Just like that?" the blond bearded mage ask with eyebrows raised in 
surprise. "Don't you even want to know what their names are?"

"I'll read them when I get the letters," he replied, head popping up 
from the page to speak then just as quickly dropping back to it.

"So you would have the clerk do all that work then possibly reject 
them?" the man questioned clearly displeased with the response.

"Fine," the furred Keeper shot back as he stood and cast his hands into 
the air. "Give me the names.  Who are they?"

"Shellie Smith and Robby Jones," Jesse told him.

"Yes, I believe I've heard of their work.  Good apprentices," the large 
headed mage replied dropping back to his work. "See the clerk and I'll 
issue the letters."

"You bumbling bag of fur," Jesse called out now that the meerkat had 
clearly showed his disregard for the very procedures he himself had put 
in place. "Those people don't even exist.  You're just as much a fool as 
you ever were."

"Who are you calling a fool?" the meerkat squeaked leaning forward on 
the table. "I am the head of the guild.  Show some proper respect."

"Respect?  For what?" Jesse pressed. "A so called leader who doesn't 
even follow his own procedures?"

"I was distracted by my work," Kuna responded.

"Your work should be in maintaining the standards of the guild if you 
are truly its Head Master."

"Grand Master," Kuna shouted. "The title is Grand Master."

"Grand Master?  Hardly," Jesse replied a sneer in his voice. "I remember 
you when you were nothing more than a boisterous braggart of a 
journeyman who had trouble keeping his runes straight.  And from what I 
just saw that hasn't changed."

"And I remember you when you were nothing but a busty overconfident 
blond," the meerkat shot back. "Always tinkering with some new magic 
items of some sort.  Too bad you never made a love charm for yourself."

"At least my work was productive," the blond bearded mage answered 
ignoring the meerkat's barb. "It is that work that has brought 
protection to Mycransburg and the Keep, a goodly reputation, and a 
modest amount of fame.  Can you say as much?"

"I am still the Grand Master of the guild of Metamor!" he shouted having 
no other reply. "And I will not be made little of."

"You are the Head Master of the guild by default more than election," 
Jesse countered. "Had we not suffered the losses we have in the recent 
battles you would be nothing."

"But I was elected," he screamed, body and arms flailing about in 
aggravation. "I speak for the guild."

"Elected!  I saw those letters and know about the responses," the blond 
mage barked back. "With a minimum quorum and the majority of the Masters 
absent recovering from the Winter Assault.  No one who was worthy and 
would accept the position was at that meeting."

"That doesn't matter," he growled. "They still elected me."

"And they can remove you as well," the human mage replied a growl 
somehow embedded in his voice.

The meerkat leaned back so far from Jesse that if it had not been for 
his long tail he would have toppled over.

"You can't," he said, an edge of fright in his voice. "We aren't due for 
an election."

"With the abuse you've displayed we most certainly can," Jesse told him.

"What abuse?" Kuna answered. "I haven't abused anyone."

"You furred twit," the man retorted. "You've abused everyone.  You've 
abused the guild, you've abuse your office and you've ignored your 
duties to the point of danger."

"Prove it," he demanded.

"Simple, let me list them," Master Jesse said in a firm but calmer 
voice. "Failure to call meetings, failure to reply to communications, 
failure to follow guild procedures, failure to consult with other 
Masters of the guild, abuse of guild resources.  Do I need to go on?"

"What are you talking about," the thin mongoose like Keeper squealed 
gesturing wildly. "I've done none of that."

"When was the last meeting of the guild?" Jesse asked.

"Well we've all been busy," Kuna answered. "We did meet back at the 
Winter solstice."

"I said a meeting not a bloody party," Jesse retorted. "When was the 
last letter you actually replied to?"

"The clerk has been slow lately," the meerkat replied. "You know she has 
to attend to her studies too."

"She's waiting on your signature for a stack of letters as high as you 
are," Jesse said poking a finger at the furred mage. "And you'd just 
approved two journeyman who don't even exist while those letters are 
waiting review."

"No I didn't," he said placing his hands on his hips. "You were trying 
to trick me with that."

"And succeeded," Jesse added. "All I'd have needed to do was have the 
clerk write those up and bring them here for you to sign."

"But, but," the meerkat stuttered.

"You weren't even familiar with their names," the blond mage said 
continuing his assault. "Which means you should have consulted with 
other Masters of the guild."

"I didn't have the time," rebuked the mage. "Look I'll get you those 
letters.  Just let me get back to my work."

"And there's the last of it," Jesse said sweeping his arm about the 
chamber. "This room is reserved for the examination and practice of 
dangerous magic and items.  Yet you're turning it into an office and 
workshop."

"I needed the space," Kuna replied.

"Space?" the human mage shouted. "I could count on one hand the number 
of rooms here I've seen in use."

"But none of them are suitable," the meerkat answered. "As Grand Master 
of the guild I can't use just any room."

"Enough!" Jesse roared, slamming his staff down.

The thunderous boom generated by the impact was far greater than simple 
wood meeting stone.  Kuna jumped clear over the table and only after 
several seconds poked his head above it's surface.

"I'm calling a meeting of the guild," he told the cowering mage. "We are 
going to put this guild back to rights."

"You can't do that," the meerkat shouted, his voice again shooting to 
the higher register. "Only the Head Master can do that."

"Oh?" Jesse said with a sneer in his voice. "You'd best reread the charter.

"But, no," Kuna stuttered and sputtered running from behind the table. 
"You wouldn't, you can't, I'm in charge.  I won't allow it."

"Oh really?" the blond mage said, turning just before the door and 
casting a look at the squeaking figure. "Watch me."

Jesse stepped to the door then paused one last time before leaving the room.

"Oh, and by the way that symbol is inverted," he said dropping a small 
wick light over the incorrect mark. "Farewell Grand Master."

<<Outline from here>>
Jesse visits several Masters to obtain support.
A partition for a meeting is signed forcing Kuna to call a meeting of 
the guild.
The meeting becomes a rant against the lack of activity, the Head Master 
(Kuna) and the disorder within the guild (getting apprentices approved, 
Journeyman papers, potential Masters reviewed).
At the last minute some of the Masters seem reluctant to attend the 
meeting.  (Unknown at that time is that Kuna has used a magic item to 
cause this.)  Jesse sends Rorlyn to fly Nestorius and some other mages 
to the Keep so the required number is there.
Kuna attempts to use a magic item (a coin of persuasion) to convince the 
Masters there is no need for change.
Kuna's trickery is discovered and the coin destroyed.  And Kuna 
confesses to having used the coin to get elected and run the guild.
(We could develop other intrigue or connections to other forces later 
with regards to how Kuna got the coin and who was really backing him.)
The Guild votes Kuna out and elects a new Head Master for the guild.
Afterward the Head Master sends out a letter setting up a regular 
meeting schedule, a list of unanswered apprentice and journeyman 
requests he will be responding to and a schedule for duties in the 
guildhall.  To Master Jesse two journeyman letters are enclosed granting 
Sibylla and Rorlyn journeyman status.





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