Farther Reaches

THE GLOOM SITE OF POWER
PULL OF THE LIGHT
'Ah, Sir Marcus! A most timely arrival indeed.' A harsh man of middle age gave a wave and a soft smile to a younger man, drawing closer atop a tired steed.
'I came as soon as I received your missive, Knight Commander.
You've a delivery for me to make?'
"That I do. A rather old document that would be much better cared for in the Regency's hands than sitting in the ever dampening halls of this old shipwreck?'
Sir Marcus dismounted, taking in the view ahead.
I've yet to see it myself. Rather ingenious of the Fae to leave their knowledge so clearly marked, yet so well hidden?
'Quite so. Follow close, I'll show you through the Gate?
With a flourish, the Knight Commander parted the glimmering magick and entered the darkness beyond, Sir Marcus close on his heels.
"Truly a marvel.' Sir Marcus, eyes wide, gazed from the body of the ruined galleon to the smooth stone halls, all mired in heavy fog. 'Much like the Gloom itself, it's filled equally with wonder and sorrow."'
'I cannot wait to behold it in the flesh. I imagine I'll be travelling to such reaches myself soon.'
The Knight Commander gave a quiet laugh. 'Such a place is not for the faint of heart, nor for the overhasty. We Knights are prone to that naive wanderlust, but you will see it when you are ready.'
You are ready, a voice from the shadows whispered for Sir
Marcus' ears alone.
The men reached the final chamber where, as the Knight Commander hurried to collect his charge, the room's full grandeur was revealed. At its centre stood a pedestal, key to the Gloom.
'Here it is.' The Knight Commander's voice was muffled. 'See these safely to Nightingale.'
Sir Marcus gave a distracted nod, gaze fixed on the pedestal even as he took the bundled parchment.
'Knight Commander, I stand so near to that great font of magick. Could I not see the truth of the Gloom before I go?'
The Knight Commander's face hardened.
'Such knowledge is given only when it is earned, no sooner.'
Did you not earn this, and more, when you found me?
'I... I have earned this.'
The Knight Commander examined the young man, dark eyes staring as if speaking to someone just beside him.
"The rules of our order are not to be circumvented. You are yet young and must continue to prove your worth, as we all must.'