The doors to the archive flew open. A soldier bearing a rifle entered. Mute watched, the soldier's eyes directly on him.
Caydie cocked her head and crossed her arms. She was about to speak, but
The Archivist greeted him cheerfully.
"Welcome. How can I help you?"
"Not here for you, archivist. I'm here to speak to Jacob Burnley."
Mute glared as he spoke, "Yes?"
"You're training as a wayfarer?"
"Yes." Mute replied, clenching his fists.
"The elders have authorized emergency powers to wayfarer recruits. This elevates all trainees to active duty, bypassing the naming ceremony."
The archivist perked up. "Excuse me?"
The soldier ignored him. "
Atlas Falls, and you will bear his burden."
"What the hell does that mean?" Mute asked.
The soldier shook his head. "Report to Dawn for assignment. You're needed in the
The Depths ."
"I don't think so," The Archivist said. He stepped forward, putting himself between the soldiers and Mute. "He hasn't even been through basic combat training. Not only is it bypassing a critical rite of passage, it's beyond unethical."
The soldier tried to stand firm, but stepped back before responding, "It's not really your call, sir."
The archivist tilted his head to the side as. "Dear boy, you are making an unhealthy life choice." The Archivist straightened his posture, towering over the soldier. "That's okay though." He placed his hand on the man's shoulder, his knife-like fingers scraping together. The soldier's bottom lip quivered and The Archivist nodded before continuing, "It's alright. We all stumble from time to time." The Archivist brought himself within inches of the soldier's face, "Allow me to educate you."
Oh dang, I hadn't even considered that more than Oracle had died in the depths already! I mean, Mouse might not make it out, but I thought the two of them would be the only two to die. D: Oh no!
Oh yesssss.... quite a few wont make it. I mean it would be relatively low in comparison to the number of wayfarers but still. Not a good thing. Thanks again my friend.