Important News
A note is found posted around the collective calling for a meeting. Though this one is being called by Ro-el’tai, the Eldritch Knight apprentice. As members gathered in the impromptu hall, the murmur rose in volume and questions for its reasoning swam throughout the small crowd. Even Tarek had no clear answer, only that Ro had informed him that she had an important announcement from Harkin. Ro eventually walked to the front of the crowd and the group quieted.
“I’m sorry for the suddenness of this everyone, but I’ve received important news from Harkin that he has asked I shared.” Her face was stern and cold, addressing the collective as one would an army or a city. She pulled a sscroll out as Castle, Harkin’s sand golem formed at her side. She gave him a gentle pet before speaking again.
“Dear Ro,
If castle has given you this, then I regret to inform you that I have been killed. That or I just died like a moron. Either is possible:”
The groups silence was broken, as eople began to talk, questioning the validity of the message and how Harkin could be dead. Tarek raised his arm to silence him, intent on hearing the truth. Ro nodded in thanks.
“Castle and I share a deep, magical bond, which is how he remains in this plane. He’s actually an elemental, mind you, but calling him a golem means people don’t attack him on sight. And he likes it too. Please take care of him in my absence, as he is very dear to me and has done so much to help me.
As for you, Ro, I must say I am a bit lost for words. I have written these notes for others in the past, but this was for my sake mostly. But now, I feel the need to write to you. To inform you that my passing means a great deal more than you would think.”
Ro’s composure began to show hints of degrading. Hardly noticeable to most, but small quivers in the lip and changes in voice.
“I have told you that, as my apprentice, you will take my place if the need arose. But I have yet to tell you what this means. First, and the easiest to explain, is the title of Iconic Eldritch Knight. While I don’t know your family well enough, I would hope that this would satisfy their silly demands.
Secondly, however, is that you must continue to embody the ideals of an Eldritch Knight. While this isn’t really a requirement, I know that the only way we can truly become grater than ourselves is if we are determined to improve. If you continue on this path, you must continue to prove yourself as the impressive warrior that you have shown yourself to be.”
The silence emphasised the pause in Ro’s reading, as she did all she could to keep herself composed.
“An lastly, you must protect this family of yours. Not the house of Vartis, which I must say I do not really like. But instead, the Collective. These strange individuals, with backgrounds and powers worlds, even realms apart, are your family.’
The words began to struggle to emerge, as sobs and choking began to interrupt her speaking.
“And it is your duty to protect them as they would you. Because that is what family does. It is not blood, or raising, or even a name that bonds a family. But the love we share and sacrifice we are all willing to make for each other.”
Ro could no longer hold her composure, as sobs began to emerge words. She could not continue, trying to wipe the forming tears from her eyes. Each attempt tot start the next sentence was stopped. Castle tried to comfort her, but it has the hand of Harold on her shoulder, and a solemn nod that allowed her to continue.
“And I do not know anyone more determined, disciplined, or deserving than you. You have shown such promise, even with the mountains of challenges that have dared place themselves before you. And over each moment, you have astounded me. And now you must prove yourself to the collective. not as an Eldritch Knoght, but as a part of a family that goes beyond the binds of blood or contract.”
Ro wiped tears from hers eyes as a hint of a smile began to show on her face.
“It is so rare, in my experiences, to meet some who gives me the chance to both teach and learn. but you, much like my dear Larissa, have tough me so much more than I had could have expected. And so, with this, I pass the torch to you. Please, if you must continue with one lesson from ,e, let it be this. Let nothing hold you back. You have so much that you can accomplish. your gauntlets are yet another challenge to overcome. One that, regardless of what you think, you had more than defeated before you met me. You are amazingly powerful, and I believe you will do great things.
So, I beg of you, take up this mantle and continue to progress in your skill. Keep this family of yours with you, as they have no need of you to prove yourself. And continue to be the powerful and determined fighter that became my apprentice.
Your mentor and proud student,
Harkin Saldorek”
As she finished the scroll, every muscle in her body released. What she felt was an incomprehensible combination of fear, sadness, pride, and confusion. various member began talking and both Harold and Tarek were contemplating how Harkin had perished and what this meant for the Collective. Looking at Castle, Ro realize that their was more meaning to the note than wht Harkin had said.
“I know that this is concerning to you all.” Her voice carried above all the voices within the hall. And though the silence, her voice brought forth far more than the public speaking lessons she had been given.
“But let me assure you. I know that I am not Harkin. His intelligence, insight, and raw power are far beyond almost everyone. But if you have trusted Harkin, I ask you, give me the chance to earn that same trust. I know I am still learning. And that I do not have the same power and knowledge that Harkin had gathered. But Harkin has taught me that there is so much more than stength, power, and abilities. That one’s will, determination, and raw emotions can completely change the course of a a battle and even history.
And so, though we will mourn Harkin’s death, let us also celebrate his accomplishments. And though I have a great deal to learn, allow me to prove Harkin’s judgement to you.
House Varits has denounced me and I cannot claim to be of their blood. And out tradition dictates that this can only come about when we choose to avow ourselves to other houses. To use, this has only occurred in marriage or disgrace. But for me, neither of these is the reality. Instead, I, Ro-el’tai SALDOREK,” as she shouted, it was not just the room that had fallen to silence, but forces beyond, “am your Iconic Eldritch Knight. And I vow to protect this family as I would that which I was born of if not more.”
Without realizing, Ro had raised her fist. And many raised theirs as well. As she gazed upon the many faces, she realized why Harkin had asked so much of her. It was not because the lessons would make her powerful. Instead, it was to ensure that she was able to hold her own as a warrior and an individual. That while she was to gain immense power and ancient techniques, her true duty was to prove she was more than the books and techniques she had been taught. She turned to Harold, who seemed to be a mix of sorrow and absolute rage, and embrace him. She had always had a title, but never a true family.
And from today on, she realized that she was not only subject to the rules of Harkin and the official rules of the Collective, but that she needed to go beyond the words and beliefs of her new family. She was to learn to protect her family and become her complete self.
(And in case abundantly clear, Ro is now the official Iconic Eldritch Knight and Harkin is no longer here.)