Sadi in Green Robes

"..."

After three days of instruction from Robert Kava, the councilors had gained a basic grasp of the Divine Era Civilization's ritual script and some foundational knowledge.

Hell Valley, Flame-Burners Association!

Robert Kava, the association's long-absent chairman, appeared again alongside the councilors. The sight calmed the unrest that had begun to stir in Hell Valley.

Among the crowd, a First-Ring Wizard who had joined the association saw Robert Kava looking hale and vigorous. He hurried back to his meditation room to meet with several others.

"Robert Kava is fine. Good thing we hadn't had time to stir up a rebellion."

"Who was that green-robed man, anyway? He claimed the chairman and councilors of the Flame-Burners Association were probably dead, and that this was our chance to take back Hell Valley. He was up to no good!"

"I couldn't get a read on him at all. He didn't speak; he sent his message through ripples of mental power.

I don't know which faction he belongs to, but he's at least a Second-Ring extraordinary." The short First-Ring Warlock beside him nodded.

"And what would taking it back get us? We're a scattered bunch with no real profit to speak of. Another month is almost over, and I reckon I'll make the top ten this month. That'll give me one extra exchange privilege."

Another brown-haired man sounded thoroughly uninterested as he took out his gold extraordinary-metal badge.

The First-Ring extraordinaries dispersed one after another, and the thought of reclaiming Hell Valley faded with them.

At their next gathering, they would probably struggle even to get everyone together.

"..."

In Hell Valley, life returned to its former steady rhythm!

The councilors returned to their posts, and the Flame-Burners Association continued to develop steadily.

Deep down, however, they had something new to look forward to.