Meeting pt1

1272, Avalon - Shifting Tides (Triss's POV)

A week had passed since their arrival in Avalon. Sheala, thanks to the advanced healing magic, was recovering, though the trauma lingered in her eyes. Margarita, ever pragmatic, had already begun to assess the power dynamics within Avalon, her mind calculating the best path to advancement. Triss, however, felt a gnawing unease. The information she'd given Solomon about the Eternal Fire… it was a dangerous game, and she wasn't sure of the rules, even now. And the Lodge… she still wasn't sure where they stood with Solomon.

Today, Solomon had called a meeting of his Archons. Triss, Sheala, and Margarita stood with the others in the grand chamber, its shimmering walls reflecting the anticipation in the air. As Solomon entered, the room fell silent. He radiated authority, his gaze sweeping over them. "Archons," he began, his voice resonant, "developments have unfolded."

He spoke of the political landscape, the growing unrest in Redania, the fragile peace in Nilfgaard. He spoke of the Eternal Fire's increasing activity, a flicker of fanaticism threatening to ignite the continent. "These are… opportunities," he said, a glint in his eye.

Then, he turned to Triss. "Triss," he said, "your information regarding the Eternal Fire has proven… invaluable."

Triss's heart pounded. She had expected a reprimand, perhaps even punishment, for her deception. Instead, Solomon was praising her. It was the Eternal Fire she had provided information on, not the Lodge. The Lodge… that was a different matter entirely. Many of its members were now allies, or at least, not enemies.

"The Eternal Fire," he continued, "is… becoming more influential. Their rhetoric is… persuasive. Their methods… concerning." He paused, then added, "However, direct confrontation is… unnecessary at this juncture. We need to understand them better. Their motivations… their long-term goals."

Relief washed over Triss. It seemed Solomon wasn't planning any immediate action against the Lodge. That was good. She still felt the sting of her betrayal, but at least it hadn't resulted in a massacre.

"Lytta," Solomon commanded, turning to the illusionist, "your talents will be… instrumental in this endeavor. Infiltrate their gatherings. Learn their secrets. Discover the source of their… zeal."

Lytta smiled, a predatory gleam in her eyes. "It will be my pleasure, Master Solomon."

Triss, Sheala, and Margarita exchanged surprised glances. Lytta? Alive? They had all believed her a casualty of the Battle of Sodden Hill, though they hadn't seen her body. Her reappearance was… unsettling. It spoke of Solomon's… foresight. What other strategic maneuvers was he orchestrating? What other surprises lay in store?

Solomon then outlined his broader strategy. He spoke of expanding Avalon's influence, of establishing it as a center of magical power, a beacon of learning and innovation, a testament to the potential of magic. He emphasized the importance of attracting the most talented mages to Avalon, creating a concentration of magical power unlike anything the world had ever seen.

"Darius," Solomon continued, "oversee the expansion of Avalon's infrastructure. We must ensure the city can sustain its growing population and its burgeoning magical influence."

Darius nodded, his expression focused. "The new districts will be completed on schedule, Master. The plans for the expanded marketplace and artisan district, catering specifically to magical artisans and merchants, are finalized."

The meeting continued, with Solomon assigning tasks to each Archon. He introduced them formally, outlining their areas of expertise. "Rhiannon," he said, gesturing to the fiery mage, "will oversee the development of new magical techniques and the expansion of our magical library. Her command of fire magic is… exceptional."

Rhiannon inclined her head. "Our understanding of magic will advance, Master. The library's collection of rare tomes and experimental research is growing rapidly."

"Kael," Solomon continued, turning to the master strategist, "will analyze the political landscape and advise on strategic alliances, ensuring they benefit Avalon's magical development. His insights into human behavior are… invaluable."

Kael simply nodded, his eyes fixed on Solomon.

"Anya," Solomon said, his gaze softening slightly as he looked at the healer, "will continue to oversee the health and well-being of Avalon's citizens, and the development of new healing and enhancement techniques. Her gifts of healing are… essential to maintaining our mages' peak condition."

Anya smiled gently. "I will ensure everyone thrives, Master. The new healing wing of the Citadel, specializing in magical ailments, is nearing completion."

"Darius," Solomon repeated, "will oversee the construction and expansion projects, including the new mage academy and the arcane research facilities."

Darius nodded. "The city will grow, Master. The foundations for the academy and the research labs are laid, and construction is proceeding smoothly."

"Lytta," Solomon said, turning back to the illusionist, "will handle… delicate matters of intelligence gathering and counter-espionage, particularly concerning magical threats. Her mastery of illusion and deception will be… invaluable."

Lytta's smile widened. "Discretion is my strength, Master. I have already begun establishing a network of informants within various magical circles."

"And finally," Solomon concluded, his gaze sweeping over Triss, Sheala, and Margarita, "we have three new additions to our ranks. Triss Merigold, Sheala de Tancarville, and Margarita Laux-Antille. Their… unique talents will be a valuable asset to our cause."

He paused, his eyes meeting Triss's. "Triss, your… knowledge of magical theory and your connections within established magical institutions will be… invaluable. Sheala, your… strategic mind and your ability to assess magical talent will be a force to be reckoned with. Margarita, your… understanding of magical theory and your skill in deciphering ancient texts will be a valuable asset in our… research endeavors."

Triss, Sheala, and Margarita bowed their heads. They were now formally part of Solomon's inner circle, his Archons.

As the meeting concluded, Solomon addressed them one last time. "The path ahead will be challenging," he said, his voice serious. "There will be obstacles, betrayals, and sacrifices. But we are the Archons. We are the chosen. We will shape the future of magic."

He then added, a hint of pride in his voice, "And Avalon… it continues to improve. The city itself has undergone significant enhancements. The new aqueducts, Darius, have they been completed?"

Darius replied, "Master, the aqueducts are operational. They now provide a constant flow of fresh water to all districts, even the lower levels. The sanitation systems have also been upgraded, significantly improving the city's hygiene and supporting our alchemists' work."

Solomon nodded. "Excellent. Anya, the expansion of the healing gardens, how is that progressing?"

Anya smiled. "The new section is thriving, Master. We have cultivated several new species of medicinal herbs, each with unique properties. Our alchemists are already developing new potions and elixirs, specifically designed to enhance magical abilities."

"And the research labs, Rhiannon?" Solomon asked. "I understand the breakthroughs in magical theory have been significant."

"Indeed, Master," Rhiannon confirmed. "The collaborative research, combined with the unique magical energies of Avalon, has yielded impressive results. We are on the verge of several significant discoveries, particularly in the areas of dimensional travel and the manipulation of raw magical energy."

Solomon surveyed his Archons, his expression pleased. "These are but a few examples of the progress we are making," he said. "Avalon is not merely a sanctuary, it is a center of power, a crucible of magical innovation, growing stronger and more influential with each passing day. And you, my Archons, are the architects of this power. Together, we will build a new world, a world where magic flourishes and Avalon leads the way."

The Archons bowed their heads in acknowledgement. They were bound to Solomon, not just by fear, but by a shared ambition, a belief in his vision. Triss, despite her initial reservations, found herself caught up in the momentum. She had made her choice, and now, she would see it through. Sheala and Margarita, standing beside her, shared a similar resolve. They were Archons now, agents of change, and they would play their part in shaping the destiny of the world of magic. The tides were shifting, and they were riding the wave. But Lytta's reappearance… that was a development that Triss couldn't quite shake off. It added another layer of complexity to an already complex situation. What was Lytta's true purpose? And what did her reappearance mean for them? It also raised questions about Solomon's methods. He clearly valued his Archons, but what were the limits of that value?

Triss nodded. "And we're going to be a part of it." It wasn't a question. It was a statement.