You just stand there for a while, not sure what to do. Your stomach was filled this storm of fear, confusion, and curiosity. What could be done, leave and never know, or stand firm and discover this mystery. Stand firm. You take your seat at the table. “You seem to know me but for sooth I can not claim the same of you and your companions.”
Sean smiled a knowing smile, “Serena gives me far too much credit, I am a simple swordsman who had dabbled but a little in the Art,” this elicited a round of subdued laughter from all those at the table. He motioned to the human, she has strange eyes unlike any you had seen before they were slanted and they glowed green like emerald gemstones. “This is Sarah Sorayama Mallory first of my wives,” she leaned over and kissed him behind the ear. For a brief moment, the aura of authority that surrounded him was broken as he shivered from head to toe. “Sarah,” he whispered to his wife, “not now, you know what that does to me.” And then, as quickly the aura was lost it was reformed.
“These are our friends, Allyria Izarrlithey” Sean indicated the light elf. Then with the same hand he now indicated the dark elf, “Lloth Shadmuun, and Miralukia Brookfoot.” He finished showing with an open hand that he meant the Halfling.
“These are our names, as for who we are, we are a group of adventurers who have taken it upon ourselves to protect this world from the many dangers which threaten it. Sarah is a great healer, Allyria is one of the finest Mistresses of the Dark Arts I have ever met, Lloth is a guardian of the light, a paladin, and you will find no finer expert treasure hunter than Mira.” It was interesting to note the differences in their responses. Allyria, displayed a great deal of pride at Sean’s praise. Miralukia on the other hand blushed and turned away. While Lloth made no motion at all, but remained steadfast and stoic. “And now I have come to ask Serena for her help.” He turned his commanding eyes toward the small faery. While it was impossible to feel as if you were being controlled by those eyes; it was equally difficult to deny their will.
With a hypnotic humility Serena answered, “If by my life or death I can aid you it will be yours.”
Sean chuckled, “I do not ask so much as your life, just be there for us, you have always been the greatest good luck charm I have ever come across.” He gave a great loving smile, “Please if the time comes, do not give your life for me.”
This Sean Mallory was a strange man. He stripped one of their freewill; he was impossible to deny. No, it was not that took away one’s freewill it was that he made you want to hand it over to him. He was a leader. You found that in the little time you had spent with this man you had been slowly surrendering yourself to him. He had not asked, not in his stance, nor his eyes, nor his voice, nor by anything of him or done by him. But somehow he pulsated with an air that showed to the eyes of the soul that he had earned ones loyalty. It was unnatural to you somehow both to give your will over to him, and to deny him it, seems just as unnatural. A part of you wanted to flee, another to stay and obey, and hiding in the back was a voice of childlike curiosity.
Sean turned to you, “Now, what to do with you .” His eyes were upon you. “I would be most honoured if you would join us, but the choice must be yours, the journey is perilous and the chances of survival and success slim. No one would blame you if you faltered at such a task many brave men would, my only question is are you foolish enough to rush with me where angel fear to tread.”
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