That evening, Aaron gathered the companions currently under his command.
Aside from himself and Eleanor, those attending dinner were:
Sword Saint Monk Maximian.
The Khorne Champion, Half-Orc Sword Saint Doherty Blood Sword.
Chaos Undivided champion Samir.
His cousin, the scholar Robert.
These men made up the small circle Aaron had just formed. This was the first time he had gathered them all together, intending to prepare for what lay ahead.
He needed to discuss the Bane Godspawn with these subordinates.
Besides those close to Aaron, his younger cousin Anna and Fiolena, the Knight Protector Alusair had assigned to him, were also there.
Since awakening, Anna seemed to have unlocked something extraordinary. The girl had a particular affinity for Life Magic and already possessed the potential to become a Druid. Under Aaron's tutelage, she had resolutely chosen the path of a Life wizard. Seven or eight other children around her age at the Temple of Selûne had chosen the same path.
Aaron's goal was to eventually have one such military mage in every company of his army, if possible. This would greatly reduce casualties among his soldiers. Once he had more Life mages, he could even establish a "healthcare" system.
As for the Knight Protector Fiolena, she was a strong, taciturn warrior. Aaron did not trust her completely, but she did not particularly care. She simply carried out Alusair's instructions in silence.
That evening's dinner was lavish. The menu included steamed flounder with cauliflower mousse, navy-style turbot, roasted venison loin, braised red cabbage, lamb saddle, charcoal-grilled eggplant, carrots with mixed fresh vegetables, strawberry cream pie, verbena cream sauce, and Lucia-style mashed potatoes.
After dinner, they moved into the reception room on the ground floor. They had all come at Aaron's summons, but their attitudes varied.
Samir wore his usual cheerful smile,