Pressured

Algra and Vega has reached Lyse, but something is amiss. There were less townsfolk, even less than they were at night, as if there was a storm brewing in, but the sky is clear and blue. They parked their carriage in the horse lot and began walking towards Xavier's house, but along the way, Vega saw a poster on a wall and began reading it. The poster shows as follows:

"Algra, are you seeing this?" Vega said, visibly concerned.

"Yes, they're making their move and we need to get to Xavier now." Algra replied.

"It could be too late. If the White Swans ambush us, we'll have to ditch Lyse and possibly Teraxa. We shouldn't be here." Vega said, but deep down he thinks this is either determination or stubbornness and yet he couldn't just abandon Algra.

The two men meet the gate where a maid who has black hair tied to a single braid is standing close to the gate inside.

"Greetings...do you have business with master Xavier?" she said, visibly uncomfortable and on guard.

"Yes, yes we do, Amanda." Algra said.

"And he needs some explaining to do." Vega added.

"That voice...sir Algra and sir Vega?" Amanda said, then a sense of urgency crossed her mind. "Please come inside quickly!" she said, opening the gate with the keys. Amanda leads them inside the house and closed the door immediately the moment they entered. Xavier's house interior has pictures of Xavier's face and entire body in different high quality clothing.

"He is upstairs in his quarters, right this way." Amanda said. Amanda, Algra, and Vega went upstairs and took a left where his office would be and knocked on the door.

"Master Xavier?" Amanda called.

"Yes? What is wrong, Amanda?" Xavier answered through the door.

"You have guests." Amanda replied.

"Amanda, I have made very clear that I do not want any visitors at this time." Xavier said sternly.

"It's Algra and Vega."

"What? Bring them in!" Xavier quickly said. Amanda unlocked the door.

"Algra, we meet again." Xavier said as he smiled, but not Algra. Algra is not happy on what is happening during the past week.

"Care to explain this?" Algra said as he showed the poster Vega found outside when they reached Lyse. Xavier's expression became serious.

"Amanda, prepare tea for the gentlemen." Xavier said to Amanda and she bowed before closing the door.

"Look, I know my week of silence and the poster made you suspicious and I can't blame you for that. However, I need you to hear me out. The White Swans and the Luster Order are colluding with each other and planning something large." Xavier began explaining. "During the past week, a Luster devotee came to my manor, protected by the White Swan members." Xavier added and Amanda opened the door, serving tea in a silver platter.

"Go on." Algra said.

"His name is Geon Raleph and he is a wide man. Despite being a priest, his demeanor is anything but." Xavier said. "My point is that Geon came to my house and used his connections to have me join them."

"So you were threatened to say the least. " Vega said bluntly.

"I could've refused them outright, but I couldn't just put the people of Lyse at risk." Xavier said, as he placed his hand on the window, looking at the town that is near deserted with a sad expression on his face. "You did the right thing coming here, Algra. Because of them, they prevented me from leaving Lyse for a whole week without raising any suspicion." Xavier said, clutching his hand on the window.

"I see. If you tried to escape--" Algra said.

"Then they have a reason to brand me as a heretic and attack Lyse much sooner if not immediately." Xavier answered.

"I see...I apologize for coming here to suspect you." Algra said, sipping the tea.

"No, don't apologize, it was out of my control. I'm just glad you came since I don't know what to do without putting the people at risk." Xavier said, smiling.

"Now that explaining is done, the paper for our agreement." Algra said, changing to the current subject.

"About that...I burned it along with the ribbon. It was to cover my tracks since they began searching around my house."

"Not a problem, for I have a copy. Same conditions." Algra said, expecting this would happen. Algra takes the paper out from his brown coat and placed it on the table where the tea set is. The paper is neatly rolled and tied by a special black ribbon with golden outlines, indicating the Onyxthorn family. Xavier's face lit up at the sight.

"Oh, what a relief. Danielle!" Xavier called and a figure emerged behind Xavier's couch. Her outfit is the same of Amanda's, but the skirt is at her knees. Her skin is the color of snow and her long hair in a beautiful indigo color. Her eyes having a deep blue color of the ocean.

"You have called, master Xavier?" Danielle replied in a calm, diligent manner.

"The pen if you please."

"Right here, master Xavier." Danielle said, holding a steel container. Danielle then opened the container showing a golden pen covered with engravings and a orange feather. Xavier takes the pen and Algra unties the black ribbon to unravel the paper. The paper is written in black ink, its handwriting is in clean cursive. It was written as follows:

{Upon signing this contract, I hereby accept the invitation of the Black Fangs and will live, fight, and die for the glory of the Black Fangs forevermore.}

Xavier signed the paper without hesitation and handed to Algra. Algra took the paper to smile genuinely for they have taken another step in ending the conflict. Algra stood up and offers a handshake. Xavier stood up and shook the hand.

"It's a pleasure doing business with you." Algra said.

"Please, we will suffer their madness no longer." Xavier said.

"So, his name is Geon Raleph, correct?"

"Correct. I remember him saying that he will return next week, same place."

"Then as a reward for joining the Black Fangs, we shall help you." Algra said, still holding Xavier's hand.

"You've got a plan?"

"Of course. But it plays a risk." Algra said, shifting to a serious tone.