Episode Two

Place: Indago "Ring of Huntsmen" 

Location: Unknown

Time: Three Years Earlier

 A single blast of the horn sounded in the courtyard, it was a long growling blast from the tower. The horn itself was of brass and it took two men at a bellows to pump enough air into the chamber of the horn to make it sound out. A mission!

 Vincent Michele Thys was twenty-four years old, and if chosen, this would be his fourth venture out on a mission. His father came to the balcony of the enclave and called down to the men now standing in the courtyard expectantly. "Lucas! Renault! Vincent! Report!"

 Lucas grinned over at Vincent and lightly punched him in the shoulder, "Come on little brother! Maybe we're going hunting!"

 Vincent grinned back, "But for what this time?" 

 "What does it matter!" Lucas cheered, "We get out of this place for a while!"

 Renault was an older Indago, and he moved at a more sedate pace to his father's office. Lucas and Vincent jostled past Renault, pushing one another as they trotted down the open walkway. When they got closer to their father's office door they stopped and waited for Renault to catch up. They still had grins on their faces, but they sobered quickly as Renault brushed past them and opened the door. "Father, we're all here."

 "Come in, come in," Martine Thys said looking up at his three sons. "We have received an assignment from the Sept for your services."

 Vincent gaped at his father. "The Sept? For us?"

 Martine smiled briefly then frowned at Vincent. "Surprised, eh? Why should you be surprised? We have served the Sept for hundreds of years – The Thys family has always been the Indago for the Sept." He handed Renault the first wax-sealed envelope. "You are to report to Jonathan Hennigan-Orden."

 Renault took the envelope, bowed, and left the office without another word. Martine then looked at Lucas, "Lucas, you will be reporting to Frederic Gaillez." He handed the second wax-sealed envelope up to an eager Lucas.

 "Thank you, Father," Lucas took the envelope and saluted his father, and then he looked over at Vincent, "Where does our little brother go?"

 "Off you go, Lucas!" Martine told his brash and rakish son. 

 Lucas nodded and clapped Vincent's shoulder, "See you soon Vincent!"

 "Goodbye Lucas, safe travels," Vincent murmured and watched Lucas go out of the office, leaving him and his father alone. 

 Martine pointed to the chair in front of his desk, "Sit down, Vincent."

 Vincent did. It seemed whatever his father had to tell him was serious enough that he needed to be sitting down when he was given his assignment. 

 Martine handed the last wax-sealed envelope over to Vincent. "You are to report to the Dominus."

 Vincent nearly dropped the envelope. "The Dominus?"

 Martine nodded. "He asked for you specifically," he replied. "He's reviewed your dossier and he has selected you. You should be proud."

 Vincent looked down at the envelope in his hands and then at his father. "I am, Father. I am! Just like you, I will be serving the Dominus."

 Martine smiled. "Yes," he said then pointed to the letter in Vincent's hands, "Open it and see when you are to report."

 Vincent nodded, snapped the wax seal, and unfolded the parchment. He blinked in astonishment as he read the contents. He was to report as consul immediately. He handed it to his Father. Martine took it and read it. His Father began to chuckle, and it became hearty peals of laughter. "Congratulations, Vincent! Just like your old papa and grandpapa, you are to be the consul to the Dominus!"

 "I will be the youngest consul ever appointed to the Dominus," Vincent murmured.

 "As Nicklaus Vanderau is the youngest appointed Dominus," Martine told him. "Together you will make history!"