[AC] Rollout Article Februar

[Sun_al-Mage]

http://ac.turbine.com/?page_id=445

The apprentice scaled the rocky face, rushing to his appointment with his master. He was young, leanly muscled, and moved with the graceful economy of motion that suggested a lifetime of warrior training. He was dressed in a light but sturdy combination of mail and leather armor. A long dagger hung from his side, and in a sheath behind his back, a larger weapon gleamed with magical energy. Barely breathing hard, he pulled himself over the line of a ridge and turned around to enjoy the view.

The view from the top of the ridge was breathtaking. Behind and beneath him, the placid waters of the Inner Sea washed against the bottom of sheer cliff faces. All around him were snow-dusted peaks and ridges. And in the valley below... He squinted, straining his eyes to see past the glare of sun on snow. An army was gathering. It looked like a sizable force, and they were rallying around red banners. He noted the size and disposition of the gathered forces, and turned to continue up the ridge towards his meeting.

When he turned, he came face to face with his master, a sardonic grin upon the older man's lips, and a dangerous, deadly glint in his eyes.

"M-Master," he stammered, surprised and more than a little scared. "I had not looked to see you this far from the mountain."

"And so you let your guard down, Adso?"

"No, but I was more concerned about collecting intelligence on that army down below."

His master stepped back and appraised him coolly, absently scratching the hair on his chin. "A scout who allows himself to be surprised is a dead scout, Adso."

Adso bowed. "I apologize, Master."

"Still, you have good eyes, to have noticed them gathering down there." He nodded his approval, then beckoned Adso to the meager shade offered by a scrub evergreen.

"Do we, or, uh, I mean, do you have any business with the soldiers down there?" Adso's skin prickled with the audacity of his question, but he had learned that his master preferred bold apprentices who would test, but not overcome, his control.

"Not yet, no. And while their presence is interesting, I doubt it will prove to be of much significance to us." His master turned to look at him, and again Adso felt like secrets were being stripped away under the intensity of his scrutiny. "Why don't you tell me about that new weapon you're carrying? I could smell the magic on it from two hundred yards downwind."

Adso carefully drew the glowing blade from the sheath at his back and held it out for inspection. His Master was careful to keep his hands away from it.

"Interesting... A familiar pattern to the metal, obviously, but the stone, and the magical emanations are... thrillingly unfamiliar. Did you just assemble it?"

Adso nodded. "I had to consult with the Alchemist to learn how to do it, Master. And I had to carry out some, ah, intensive research of my own."

"Did she recognize you? Or ask you questions about whom you serve?"

Adso shook his head quickly. "She seemed more interested in the stone than in the person who showed it to her, Master."

"Good... If their interest in this new stone is any indication, perhaps the fools have finally begun to catch on to the true nature of their enemies. Though the lesson may be too late for some."

With that, master and apprentice turned their backs on the army gathered far below them, and began their ascent into the mountains.