Easy Decision

'Master Roan?!'

That was a name Noble knew. He and his wife, Saint Tyris, were the leaders of the White Feather Clan: the clan which Valor had initially sent on their behalf to fight in Antarctica.

The group had fought valiantly, supporting the government troops as much as they were able.

Having been on the frontlines for the duration of the Southern Campaign, the White Feather Clan had been through a lot.

Noble felt partially responsible for their fate. While they probably would have been sent anyway—Whispering Blade seemed intent on punishing them for something—Noble had certainly expedited the process with her impassioned plea for aid during the Valor Ball.

As such, she had spent a considerable amount of time wishing for the couple's safety and checking on their status in Antarctica when she could.

Both had survived, thankfully, even if Tyris had had a close call.

It seemed at least Roan had left Antarctica behind for the NQSC. He deserved some time away from the heat of battle.

While his exit from Antarctica made sense, his entry into the Off the Wheaten Path was anything but expected.

And he was looking for Sarai!

Noble belatedly caught the last word, "privately."

She cleared her throat. "Oh, I can go."

But the owner of the shop stopped her, "Please enjoy your breakfast. I'll return shortly."

The professor nodded and watched the two select a table across the bakery. Noble sipped at her tea and picked at her pastry, trying hard not to look at the far side of the room.

She was trying so hard that she didn't register that the two Masters were returning until Sarai pulled a third chair to the table and plopped down in her previous seat.

"Please join us!" She smiled brightly at the older man.

Noble looked at her friend and then at the still standing visitor.

"Back so soon?"

Roan rubbed the back of his neck. "Well, this is awkward. I was reaching out to Master Sarai to set up a meeting time with her and Master Noble. I had no idea you were the lady in question. You were very unassuming. Forgive me."

"No forgiveness required," Noble held out her hand. She already knew her bracelets hid her true power. It would have been more odd if he had recognized her on the spot. "It is nice to meet you, Master Roan."

"Just Roan, if you please." The man took the third seat and the world around them went quiet. Roan gave an apologetic smile. "I hope you don't mind."

The two ladies nodded slowly, curious about what would require so much secrecy.

Roman looked toward the door again. "I am rather short on time. Tyris and Telle will be here any moment to see what is keeping me. Maybe I should schedule a time to meet with you later…"

Noble vaguely remembered the second name as being Roan's daughter. Why was he nervous about them discovering him? 

Clearing her throat lightly, Noble asked politely, "Could you at least give us a reason for the meeting? I would hate to waste your time."

Although not part of clan Valor, Roan was still associated with the Great Clan. If he was going to ask about the Portcullis Key, she would save them both the effort.

Roan hesitated. The question of whether he could trust the two ladies was written plainly on his face.

"We won't spread any of the personal information you might share," Noble assured him.

As long as what he told them didn't have anything to do with the government and wouldn't harm her family, Noble would be able to keep things between those at the table.

"I would appreciate that. I'm on thin ice as it is..." Roan glanced over his shoulder.

"Thin ice with whom?" Sarai furrowed her brow. "We don't want any trouble."

Noble agreed. She had already made an enemy of Harlow of Valor. If Roan was about to bring more problems for her, he could go elsewhere.

Roan coughed. "You misunderstand..." The man's shoulders slumped slightly. "I really should have sent an envoy on my behalf, but my wife cannot find out."

"Find out what?" Noble's expression darkened.

"That I plan to challenge the Third Nightmare." The man rubbed his forehead. "I am not sure how much you know about the Antarctic Campaign, but Tyris single handedly held back a Titan, saving countless lives. I fought too, of course, but she bore the brunt of the fighting. It nearly cost her life."

Noble's face softened. "I am sorry. We thank you both for your service to humanity."

"My contribution was minimal compared to hers. It has lit a fire in me. If I had been more powerful, perhaps things would have gone differently. Tyris deserves the best." Roan looked suddenly vulnerable.

"I am sure if you tell her, she will understand..." Sarai tried, but Roan shook his head.

"She forbade me from going. Or at least she forbade anyone from the White Feather Clan from helping me. Tyris told me that I am perfect the way I am." A smile came to the man's face. "She puts on a brave face, but I know she worries. She doesn't want to lose me to a Nightmare."

"Your wife loves you." Noble could feel that Roan loved her in return.

It was that love which put the husband and wife at odds.

"I know she does," Roan's smile turned sad. "And that is why my decision hasn't changed despite her desire. And that is where you come in."

"Us?" Noble had listened to the story with such great interest that she had almost forgotten that Roan had come in search of something.

"I need Masters that are not associated with Valor, or preferably any clan, to help me conquer the Nightmare. When Telle told me about your adventure, I decided to look it up for myself. I think the two of you —and Master Cellio if he is available—would be excellent candidates for a cohort. When I passed the shop and my daughter told me who the owner was…well the opportunity was too good to pass up."

"I can't speak for Sarai, but I am not looking to enter another Nightmare. I just got home to my family." Noble could appreciate the desire to be strong.

She had seen with Jet and Cor how necessary having powerful people was.

"Don't tell me no just yet. It wouldn't be for a year or two, maybe more. The amount of covert research I need to do to find the right Seed will be a slow process. I only ask right now that you consider the possibility. Who knows what the future may hold?" Roan's dashing smile was almost irresistible.

He was simply asking them to consider an opportunity. That was a reasonable to do. Since Noble had no interest in sainthood, her deliberation was short. The decision was obviously no.

"We know what the future holds," Sarai tilted her head with a small smile. "Noble and I are moving to Ravenheart. I'm guessing that might be objectionable to you since you are a vassal of Valor."

"Are you joining Clan Song?" Roan's emotions spiked.

Noble thought about answering vaguely to dissuade the other Master but decided against it. "My husband and I are going as representatives of the government."

"I'm opening another bakery," Sarai motioned around the establishment.

"Then I see no problem." The winsome gentleman relaxed. "In fact, that may be better. My wife would never look for you in Ravenheart." 

Noble shifted uncomfortably. "Even if you don't tell Saint Tyris who you are going with, you really should tell her that you are leaving before you go. Trust me."

"I will take it under advisement," Roan stroked his beard seriously. 

"Speaking of your wife. I think your time is up," the professor pointed to the door. "Unless I am mistaken, that is her right there."