The Offer

As always, they sat around the table, with the two third-rankers seated at opposite ends in comfortable, padded chairs, much nicer than the rest. Aramis was beside Bonecrusher, and Tristan sat next to Vidalia. The pugilist remained neutral, seated between the two groups. There were many empty chairs, but to complete the balance, Damian took a seat directly opposite the pugilist, who smiled in welcome.

"What happened? The Kiyama said you blasted the forest with Ashenvale soldiers in it. Does your mana sense work on them?" Tristan asked. He and Aramis managed most of the camp's daily affairs, especially in Vidalia's absence.

"They can't fully hide their mana. They've managed to mask it to a considerable degree, though. I had to get close to confirm what I was sensing," Damian replied.

Bonecrusher's face twitched slightly at the revelation, while the others seemed either proud or pleased for some reason. Weird bunch.