Seeing a battlemage exit the guild hall, Angel was momentarily disoriented until she remembered he was the one who had turned and had now sworn allegiance to Carahil. "There's something you should know about the Arch Mage." He said. "He didn't just come down here to see about Carahil. He's looking for an artifact that was stolen from the University."

Angel stamped her foot in anger. "It was not stolen. I own it and it has never been in the possession of the University unless you are talking about the Key."

"The Key, yes, that's what he called it."

"What?" Angel could hardly believe what she was hearing. "Could Swims-On-Land have pulled it off after all?" "Are you saying the Key has been stolen? When? How? Who?" Angel tried to absorb this new knowledge and put it into a meaningful context. "where is the key now?" She demanded.

"Nobody knows little missy." The battlemage answered in a sympathetic voice. "There was a man killed near the University the same day but a search of his home didn't find the Key or any sign that he was involved. His widow didn't know anything either. I was there when they questioned her." The battlemage lowered his head as he spoke the last part. "It's time that sort of business was stopped permanently."

"I must get out of here,." Angel thought "but I can't just leave Carahil here to fend for herself. There may be no other way than to confront the Arch Mage and drive him from the city either with his banners or under them."

EDIT:
Seeing Claudius heading toward the Guild hall, Angel went to meet him. "I cannot stay here forever. While the Arch Mage threatens the Anvil mages, I cannot leave either. The time is coming when I will be forced to a showdown. When that time comes can I count on your support in a fight?"

Claudius walked back to the Guild and paused in front of Angel and the battlemage she was speaking to. But that was not what gave him pause. Behind her, across the plaza, stood three men, garbed in the same clothes that Darnmon had worn. One, a Breton, had already drawn his sword, the shining, unmarked silver of his sword gleaming in the sun. On his right was a tall, seemingly bored Imperial, a battle axe at his hip. In between them was a muscle-bound Nord with a silver warhammer, and this one Claudius recognized. Blast, Joran Were-Bane is here. Of all the people that Darnmon could have sent, he had to send him. I had hoped that stray arrow might have killed him before, but I guess not. I wish for once they would just come by horse instead of appearing on me like that. I told them the stone was still experimental, but do they listen to me? No. I'll probably have to gather some souls from the village once I've returned, otherwise it could burn out, and we can't have that.

He stared at them for a few moments and got only a broad grin from Joran, and spoke to Angel, not dropping his gaze. "Tell me something girl, are you determined to kill the Arch-Mage and his men? If they don't leave will you not seek an alternative?" he asked, his calm voice masking the chaotic thoughts racing through his mind.

Angel considered Claudius's question. "I can't speak for Carahil, I can only defend her. If she and the Arch Mage can reach an agreement then this can end. At the very least there must be some sort of truce so they can talk but so far there's been no sign that the Arch Mage wished anything but destruction. Hmm. I suppose I could try to get that started."

Reaching a decision, Angel said, "Tell Carahil that I have gone to speak to the Arch Mage. If I am successful then she may receive a visitor. If not, I may join my ancestors today."

Angel proceeded along the main thoroughfare to the Inn with the Arch Mages banners wafting in the soft ocean breeze. As she approached a battlemage stepped inside. Angel stopped close enough to speak to anyone standing at the entrance but far enough away to give her fighting room. The remaining battlemages made no move toward her. She recognized some of them from the minor skirmish of the day before. She waited.

William sat in his tent and walloed in his own cowardice and misery. He was disgusted with himself now, fow not only did he leave Angel at the guild hall, but on the way here he actually thought about leaving Angel to find a safer way to achieve his goals. He was thinking of Angel not as a child, but as a tool to manipulate and use until he didn't need her anymore, and that made him hate himself even more. Even if he did succeed, what would happen to her afterwards? Would he keep her around or toss her away, marking her as a threat? Or would he continue to guard her? All those questions were haunting his mind, and they made him question his loyalty to Angel.

He brandished his sword and looked at it, admiring it's constant shine, no matter how dirty the situation was. Then he thought of Vladamus, his recklessness, his strength, his courage, and his pride. William had abandoned his pride and dignity as soon as he walked out of that hall. After a few minutes of staring at his sword and thinking of Vlad, he had an epiphany and realized what he would do. He would go back to Angel and regain his pride by serving at her side. He would no longer think of her as a tool to help him, but as the young girl he swore to protect. She would need his help to fight the Arch-mage, and he would be there to give it.

He quickly sheathed his sword and rushed outside the tent. Calling for his men as he did so. "Form up!" he yelled as he stopped in the middle of the camp. His men rushed out of their tents and stood in front of their boss.

"What is it?" one of them asked as he rubbed his eyes,"You need something?"

"I need you to pack up the camp and meet me at the Mage's guild once your done." William said excitedly before turning and running towards the town. This time he would remain at Angel's side and try his best to help her. "Here I come Lady Angel!" he said as he ran into the city towards the guild hall, "I guess my perfect world will have to wait until all of this is over."

"Perhaps you are not so naive after all," Claudius said, a small smile on his lips.

He then walked over to where the three men were standing. "Of all the foolish things to do Joran! Standing here in broad daylight! We're an order of secrecy, it's one of our guidelines to never be seen, and yet you reveal yourself here. Why?" Claudius asked the Nord.

"Because Berich decreed it be so. He told us that we are to secure the Arch-Mage by any means possible, even if it means burning this town to the ground. I wouldn't like it, but I fear Berich more than I fear any retaliation this town can offer," Joran responded.

Claudius paled at his words. Burn the city to the ground? Berich has always come himself for such an event, why send a Lieutenant such as Joran? "You do not need the Arch-Mage, you need the knowledge he possesses, am I correct? If that is so, then I know someone else that may be of aid in your venture, assuming the Key is what you're after," Claudius said.

"It is. But I warn you Claudius, you are treading on very dangerous ground, and I guarantee you that Berich will punish you once we've returned," the Nord said. Then, the Breton turned towards him, his eyes glowing from magic.

"We have a spy," the Breton noticed, eagerness appearing in his voice.

"Then go and apprehend him you two, I have better things to do, and make sure not to kill him. You, will take me to the girl. We do not require her, but if this is truly the path you wish to take, then I cannot overrule you," Joran said as his two companions walked towards the Guild Hall.

Claudius then walked with the Nord in tow towards where Angel was standing. As they approached, he noticed that some of the battlemages seemed on edge, as if they wanted a fight. Joran waved his hand, and a powerful calm spell engulfed the area as Claudius spoke in a soft tone to Angel. "For whatever it's worth, the Order is now interested in you and the Arch-Mage. You will have no choice but to leave now, for if you don't I'm afraid they will tear this town apart in their attempts to secure the Arch-Mage. They seek information on an object that I believe you know of, if I'm not mistaken in believing that you are the child of prophecy. They will not harm you or the Arch-Mage, but they do not extend that courtesy to everyone else, so I suggest you be careful. Much hangs in the balance now, and if Berich were to realize what I'm doing, he would undoubtedly kill me," he said to the girl.

Belland took the ring and made for the inn, the idea had occur ed to him to run like he had never ran before, even make for the border and vanish into Skyrim or Morrowind, however he had realized he still had things to do, the archmage was still after him and most of his plans had failed miserably, his men where either dead or hiding across cydrill and the odds of rallying them when they where on the brink of defeat was unlikely at best. He found the inn, marked by both a sign and a man passed out beside the door. Inside various unsavory types exchanged unseen merchandise and made deals that probably featured blood or destruction. Near the back of an inn a dozen armed men sat around a lond wooden table exchanging tales of battles and their various achievements. Belland sat down on the one free chair and several steely gazes fell upon him, however their eyes lighted up when he explained he had work and poured a small bag of gems and septims onto the table, all of which had been stolen from skingrad.
"Report to the mags guild immediately" he ordered, and made for the door a dozen armed men following after him. After returning to the guild he stationed the men at the entrance and returned to Carahil, he had kept the ring however he did not return it because he had a theory that it could act as an insurance policy if the plan went astray.

"Lady Angel.... It is a pleasure to find you arriving unarmed, hopefully for peaceful intent." Came an old, authoritative voice from within in the inn, and a man in large blue robes walked up to the door. He looked to have aged well, with gray hair flowing nicely around the sides of his head and a bald top. His face was slightly wrinkled but not excessively so, and he looked like any ordinary mage.

Except, of course, for the fact he gave a tremendously powerful feel just by his presence and poise. He smiled to Angel, but then Claudius walked up, and spoke.

"For whatever it's worth, the Order is now interested in you and the Arch-Mage. You will have no choice but to leave now, for if you don't I'm afraid they will tear this town apart in their attempts to secure the Arch-Mage. They seek information on an object that I believe you know of, if I'm not mistaken in believing that you are the child of prophecy. They will not harm you or the Arch-Mage, but they do not extend that courtesy to everyone else, so I suggest you be careful. Much hangs in the balance now, and if Berich were to realize what I'm doing, he would undoubtedly kill me." Claudius said.

"For whatever it's worth..." The man gave in reply before Angel could, and raised one eyebrow. "I don't give a piece of Dagon's [censored]." He spat the curse with amazing calm and confidence. "One does not simply walk up and proclaim interest in, and order, the Arch-Mage around, unless they are the Imperial Battlemage or Emperor himself. Who might this Order be, and why might you be here?" He asked Claudius.

"Ah, Arch-Mage, I'm afraid I really can't tell you that, as it's not my place to say. And even if I did wish to tell you, and I don't, precautions have been put in place so that I will die before the information leaves my lips. You are nothing but an annoying fly to them. A smart fly, but a fly none the less," Claudius responded with a smirk on his face.

The Nord then walked up beside Claudius and began to speak. "Always so arrogant Claudius, it will get you killed one day. Our Order, which will remain unnamed, controls all that goes on in this land. Nothing escapes our notice, and when we wish something done, it is done. Indeed, it is done so well that none even know of our existence, and the few that do are in no position to talk. While I cannot say more of the Order, you may recognize the name Berich. I doubt you would, as that name passed from history hundreds of years ago, but there is always the possibility. Suffice to say that no one in this world has the power to oppose him. No one man can match his power. Even if you were to combine the power of the entire Council of Mages, you would still barely be able to fight him. If he had not been pursuaded from coming here himself, I have no doubt that this town would be completely destroyed right now. Not a trace would be left," Joran said, a bit of fear creeping into his voice as spoke of Berich.

The man grinned at being called Archmage, almost as if it was actually some funny joke. However, he made no comment as he listened to the men, and his other eyebrow raised, before the one raised before fell.

"No, I am afraid the name raises no memories. However, I would prefer the uses you intend should be stated if you want me to come willingly. Understandably, I am not one to waltz into unknown territory. I like to know what I am going into." He stated, but still had not moved from where he was. Instead, he cast a glance towards Angel, one suggesting she might try a little something.

"And why does Psjiic Order come to mind, when I think on what you say? Because last I checked, there is none greater in magic than the enigmatic Psjiic."

"It is entirely possible that Berich may have been associated with the Psijic Order, though I doubt he still is. In truth, even I, a high ranking member of the Order, know very little of him. All we need to know is that he is powerful, powerful enough to force all around him to obey him. Some even think he is no longer human, but is now some other form of creature, and I have my own beliefs on that, though I won't go into them. As for his intentions, no one can grasp his plans, and he confides in no one. He simply gives orders, that we carry them out to the letter. He may very well mean to kill you," Joran said, maintaining a harsh tone as he spoke.

"You really should consider yourself fortunate to be able to come to Gardenhall. No outsider has been taken there in the past 300 years. While Joran claims to know so little of Berich's intentions, I can tell you what he wants. He will not kill you, on this you have my word. However, you may not leave until he deems you worthy of the knowledge of our existence, something very few are privy to. Neither can you come with hostile intentions. He will not harm you, at least not in the physical sense, but he will try to bend you to his will, as he does with all that come before him. I can't say what his goal is, but I think you already know why you have been asked to come in the first place," Claudius added, though with a glare from the Nord.

"I am indeed here for a peaceful purpose." Angel said, ignoring the threats of the Nord now standing beside her. "I propose a truce to allow you and Carahil to speak. If you will instruct a battlemage with your terms for a meeting I will see that he is safely received and returned to you."

Once again Angel regarded the Nord beside her and dismissed the man as no immediate threat. Addressing Claudius she said, "Why don't you come along. You can learn a little about diplomacy. It can sometimes accomplish what outlandish threats cannot."

"Threats? My dear girl I make no threats. Every word said here has been truth. But we are in no rush, and I see no reason why I should not accompany you," Claudius said with a laugh.

"Claudius, you know that Berich is impatient for your return. The stone has been acting strange and I dare not attempt to use it for a return trip. You are the only one that knows how to restore it, so I suggest we leave immediatly," Joran warned.

"You know then that there is only one other way to go. No, I will not do it. Better to risk using the stone than traversing that place. Now come, and perhaps you will glean some information that will save your hide when Berich learns what you suggested," Claudius said in a serious tone, his amusemant at the girl forgotten.

The man ignored the mages, and leaned to eye level with Angel, smiling invitingly. "Here are my terms for the meeting. It shall take place in the Guildhall. Necromancers shall not be present for the meeting, only the members of that hall. I will be accompanied by four Battlemages, no more and no less." He said calmly, before rising.

"I shall be there in half an hour. I would appreciate it if she were ready. As for you boys-" The man turned to face Cladius and his companions, still with a confident grin. "I shall handle you later. I suggest you make yourself comfortable in Anvil for a little time." With that, he turned and went back into the inn, a battlemage closing the door behind him.

"I've just been waiting for you to return." Carahil said, speaking to Belland. "Angel has gone to seek a truce with the Arch Mage so that we can try and reach an agreement. She's so headstrong; she didn't even ask first. I swear, she is just like her sister was. Ah. Here she is now."

Angel found Carahil in the reception area at her usual post behind the great counter as though nothing out of the ordinary was happening.

"The Arch Mage has agreed to talk." she said. "He will arrive in half an hour with four battlemages. He demands that only you and the Anvil staff be present in the guild hall. Belland; it would be best if you and your Necromancers were not seen. If you wish you can stay at Benirus Manor. Please don't try anything foolish. If the Arch Mage detects anyone else in the hall, it will just spoil the chance for a negotiated peace."

Turning back to Carahil, Angel continued. "I will be outside and stop anyone that tries to enter while negotiations are in progress. Carahil, you must accompany the Arch Mage when he leaves. If he comes out without you he will die before I do. He must not leave any battlemages inside the hall either."

Carahil shook her head in amazement and then nodded agreement with the terms of the meeting. "Please let the Arch Mage know that he will be welcomed. Belland, please gather your people and see they are all accounted for. We don't want anything foolish to happen."

Angel returned to the Inn and passed the word of Carahil's welcome and her own requirements. Returning to the guild hall, she stopped on the street outside and entered a mild meditation state to relax her mind and body. She waited peacefully for the life or death that would soon follow.

Belland nodded . "I need to station my men" he said, "however I will stay for the meeting, I have been dragged into this just as much as anyone else, so I will stay.
He walked over to the door and shouted to the mercenaries "Alright I want one of you at every window, and everyone else split up evenly on the entrances" he commanded, and returned indoors.
"You are not getting rid of me" Belland said bluntly, "Anyways, you will need me to order the mercenaries if something goes wrong" he pointed out.

Angel took note of the fact that Belland had re-entered the hall. As the appointed time approached and he had not come out again she went in to fetch him. "Belland you cannot stay here. The Arch Mage made it clear that only the Anvil mages were acceptable. If you stay here you will destroy any chance for negotiations. I have a sense that he is willing to give much for the sake of Carahil now that he has had time to think about it. Don't spoil it."

Claudius made his way through the streets with Joran in tow, no real place to go. When they returned to the central plaza, they were soon joined by the Breton and the Imperial, the Breton with a strange gleam to his eye, and the Imperial looking more bored than ever.

"Well, did you capture our spy?" asked Joran when neither of them would talk.

"It was just a little Bosmer child, nothing to worry about. I took care of him," the Breton responded.

Claudius didn't like the sound of that, but before he had a chance to inquire further, three more figures in blue cloaks approached them, and something was wrong. Two Redguards walked towards them, one male, one female, and the both carried Elven bows and arrows. In between them though, was the problem. Being more dragged than walked was a young Orc, and he had a horrible gash in his side, as if some great, clawed beast had decided to take a swipe at him.

Claudius, Joran, and his two companions rushed over to him and sat him down on one of the benches as the Imperial studied his wound. After a few moments, a small blue light became visible, and his skin was mended, though the Orc was obviously still in pain.

"What happened, and did you heal him Manus?" Joran asked.

One of the Redguards responded. "We were watching the road, and all seemed clear, so we were just going to head into the city as you requested, when we were ambushed by those creatures. We killed all of them and burned the bodies, but he got this wound from one of them, and it goes pretty deep. Even if Manus could heal him, I think it was poisened anyway," the female Redguard said.

"There'e no way that he's going to live. Do you want me to perform the rights for him?" Manus asked.

"Do what must be done," the Orc rasped, obviously pained to even talk.

Without a word, the Imperial produced a black gem and placed his right hand on the Orc's chest. "May the Gods take you brother," the Imperial muttered, before a small flash of light. The Orc collapsed on his side, and the Imperial put the gem away, though now it glowed with a new power.

"Well, that settles it. We're returning to Gardenhall via the portal. We have to give Berich news that these creatures are coming so close to the cities now. While I doubt that they would dare go inside a populated area, they're obviously still dangerous. We'll give this gem to Berich. He ought to be able to transfer the power to the stone; it's enough for one transport. Are you sure you don't wish to come Claudius?" Joran asked a now pale man.

"No, you go ahead brother. I cannot leave yet, not empty-handed. I fear if I do not return with something of value that Berich will kill me. May the Gods watch over you Joran," Claudius responded.

"And you as well Claudius," Joran said, turning towards the gate. Soon all of he men in the blue cloaks had left the city, and in a few more moments, they were no where to be found, having opened a portal. A dangerous act, but perhaps a necessary one.

Claudius simply sat there on the bench, thinking about all that had transpired in the past few minutes, and wondering what might happen next.

"Fine, if you need me I will be somewhere else, goodbye" he said and made for the door, he quickly left the building and walked into the town finding some thing to do while the meeting occured.

ooc: Soory it is short I just have nothing to say :shrug:

Angel also stepped back into the street. From where she stood, she could see the Arch mage and his retinue in front of the Inn.

Carahil smoothed her dress and thought about changing into her Guild robe. "I must be insane to think of such a thing now. Besides, Hannibal always favored this dress." She thought with a blush. Looking around she surveyed her staff. They seemed apprehensive but that was understandable after the manhandling they had been subjected to.

"Everyone stay calm. Angel will let us know if there is any deviation from the Arch Mages promised retinue. I have complete faith in your ability to deal with any situation in which we have reasonable forewarning..... Courage."

OOC: You people all post really fast. Anyway, this next post was meant to take place while the whole discussion between Belland, Angel, and Carahil is happening, but I was at school in real life during the exchange.. If anyone has any objections, PM me and I'll edit.

IC: Ballerius watched as Angel returned from the local inn, and crept around to the door of the Mages' Guildhall to listen to the conversation transpiring inside. He placed his ear up the door, picking up tidbits of the conversation between Angel and her accomplices.

"Arch Mage... Talk. Arrive half... hour with... Only Anvil staff. Best if... necromancers were not seen. If... detects... spoil... peace. I... stop... entering during the negotiations. Carahil... accompany... him when he leaves." Angel's voice was clearly recognizable by Ballerius. So, they're negotiating with the Arch Mage? And anyone else present will spoil it... Great. Can't let any peace happen. If that happened, they might realize I'm out to get Angel and actually stop me.

Ballerius noted much to his surprise that Belland was actually present, and, even worse, ordering people to guard the windows. I thought he was dead! This could become significantly harder if I have to get through guards...

"...Somewhere else. Goodbye." came Belland's voice. Ballerius quickly stepped into the street, trying to look casual as Belland left the hall. The inquisitor quickly stepped around the side of the building once again as Belland left, managing to get out of sight before Angel came out. He made his way to the rear of the building, found a handhold, and began climbing up the bricks.

OOC: Yes, they do.

IC: Five robes fluttered in the wind as the men approached, slowly walking towards the Anvil Mage's Guild. The one at the head of the group looked the eldest, stress wrinkles on his face and graying brown hair around his head. The top shined in the sun, along with the jewel in the collar of his Archmagister robes. His staff tapped the ground as he approached, his eyes moving to Angel. Behind the Archmage were four men in similar robes, though without the gold hems. One of those men looked rather young, with gray hair flowing nicely around his bald top, and fairly unwrinkled.

The man whom was mistakenly referred to by Claudius as the Archmage. The man who had given the arrangement terms to Angel. He gave the girl a grin from over the Archmage's shoulder, before passing her and opening the door, entering first. A second mage followed, then the third, then Hannibal himself entered the Hall, and the fourth shut the door behind him.

Once inside, the four mages moved to positions. One on each of the side walls at the half-way mark, and two just behind Traven. The Archmage stood still where he was, before a small smile crossed his lips. "You always did have good taste in wardrobe." He remarked.
------------------------
On the rooftop shingles began to scratch, as if something was moving over them quickly. Dust and small gravel fell from the edge of the roof above where Ballerius was climbing, and if he were to stare long enough he would be able to make out the outline of a form there, only noticeable from the cloud distortion.

"You are very kind," Carahil responded. "and looking especially dignified today. The Arch Mage title suits you well." After the exchange of pleasantries, Carahil waited as was appropriate for a subordinate, for the Arch Mage to broach the subject of their current confrontation.

___________

Angel had a growing sense of unease. Placing her hand into her carrier she touched the Egg and the feeling grew stronger. Casting a detect life spell she looked around for any signs of a camouflaged figure but all of the purple clouds corresponded to one of Bellands mercenaries. Drawing a potion from her organizer she began to pace back and forth; her head swiveling continuously. She had no fear of open battle but she knew she could be caught by a poisoned arrow or a blade in the back from some invisible assassin. There would very little time to react. Casting her shield spell gave her little comfort as it was only effective against ordinary weapons and would have to be renewed every 30 seconds. She would need to restore her magicka soon. Angel drew a second potion and downed it. The general poison antidote she had drawn first still clutched in a palm that was becoming damp with sweat.

Belland paced behind the guild hall, he was not present at the meeting so he was not breaking the arch-mages terms however he knew that if anyone knew he was there it would not help the tense situation. Never mind the fact he felt like someone was there watching him, I'm probably paranoid he thought to himself. However he had once successfully guessed an informant amongst his men by a hunch alone so he decided it would be a good idea to take some precautions. He clenched his fist and tapped into his reserve of magicka and wrapped himself in a spell designed to stop or at least lessen the impact of a weapon, a spell that had saved his life on many occasions. He glanced around and shouted, "I know your there come out" hoping to bluff anyone nearby.

Traven chuckled, shaking his head. "To hear you say that, shows you're just being formal with me. I'm quite sure the stress of late has left me less than 'especially dignified'. And I certainly don't feel dignified." His tone had changed to a lower, more somber note as he said this, and walked towards Carahil's desk.

"It is hard to maintain one's dignity, when they feel betrayed by a person they held close to them. Wouldn't you agree?" His manner was less threatening, and more depressed, as he picked up the crystal orb that was on the desk. He cradled the crystal ball in his palm, looking at the light reflecting in it.
-------------------------
Dazzling colors swayed in Siras' vision as he opened his eyes, looking at the ceiling of his cavern as the colors played out. They were.... so beautiful.

The necromancer snapped into conscious reality, sitting up straight with a suddenness one would not expect from a man of his build, and looking straight towards the Key. The Key.... the source of the images, of the colors, of the sounds and emotions and pain. There was no doubt it was Illusion Magic, powerful Illusion magic, within that Key. But he'd felt a hint of other magicks, which left him wondering. Might...

Even from across the room, he could feel the thrum of power from the now active artifact, as his probing a mere few hours ago had released the magic within it. But it was also dimming slowly. He could feel the power wane as time went on, as if the Artifact was trying to collect and refocus itself. He slowly stepped off his bed, moving towards the Artifact.

"Hannibal," Carahil responded, her voice compassionate rather than accusing, "that is exactly what mages all over Cyrodiil felt when their lifetime of sacrifice and study was forbidden. Instead of banning their practice the guild should be setting standards of morality to guarantee respect for the sanctity of the living and of the dead. We are the guiding lights and you are our leader. What happens when the leader abandons his people?"