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[Poniatowski]

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A smile of contentment crossed Pon’s face as he stood at the altar surveying the great hall before him. It was grander than anything he had ever seen...a temple of light…a temple of virtue built to heal a broken land. Gabriel’s surprise…this temple…had been beyond anything Pon could have expected. Good tidings had arrived in a torrent of late…the Order was steadily growing, Pon was to be wed this very evening, and…this place. Slowly, Pon walked across the floor to stand before the representation of the Shrine of Honor.

Honor had always held a place second to none in Pon’s heart. The miniature chalice upon the shrine signified to Pon the highest achievement a man could strive to. Loyalty to king, country, and those one loves. He gently placed his hand upon the sphere…

A light burst in Pon’s mind and he felt himself reeling through the air. Instantly, and without warning, the reeling stopped and Pon found himself seated as he always was in visions…at the table. Eleven chairs…one for each virtue…one for each principle of virtue. Above each chairs hovered a wraith-like symbol… In some were seated shadowy figures…others remained empty, awaiting an owner to come and take possession. Silence reigned in this room.

Suddenly, the silence was broken by a voice… Pon whirled around in search of a source before realizing the voice was located in his own mind. The voice intoned succinctly, “Be still my friend and listen well to my words as we have little time. You, my most loyal servant, have a great task to complete. You must travel from this place without delay. You must go the Great Stygian Abyss and thereupon enter the Underworld. You must do this now without question or delay if you wish to Honor your allegiance to my crown.” The voice silenced and the bright flash blasted Pon’s mind again.

Pon came to on the floor next to the miniature Honor shrine. He lay still for a few minutes as the throbbing in his head subsided enough for him to bear moving. Slowly, ever so slowly, he levered himself up into a sitting position. As he moved he heard the light crack of an object striking the floor. Glancing about he discovered a small rune next to him marked in unfamiliar characters. Pon had never heard of the Great Stygian Abyss…but he had a feeling this rune was the key.

A panic overtook him momentarily as thoughts raced through his head…he must depart now…but the wedding… Willing himself to calm, he knew what he must do. His Lordship’s instructions were clear and left little room for maneuver. Staggering over to the altar Pon snatched up a scrap of paper, some ink, and pen. With great effort he traced the characters of his message:

Dearest Kira,

I have precious little time to explain myself or my actions. I have been ordered to journey into the Underworld for a purpose I do not yet know. Though it pains me to say this, this journey, which must begin now, will not permit me to wed you this evening. My heart is heavy, but the burden of duty compels me. Do not fear for me. I doubt his Lordship would order me to my grave just yet.

Amin mela lle,
Pon


The letter finished, Pon folded it and walked slowly to the entrance. Pon let out a whistle and waited. Within moments a barreling hulk of steel encased dragon came running up. Pon scratched under his mount’s chin affectionately before saying, “That’s a good boy Nap. I need you to do something for me friend. Take this to Kira. You can do this, find your way to Kira.” Pon tucked the letter soundly beneath Nap’s bridle. “Go now.”

Reluctantly Nap turned from his master and lumbered off into the wilderness toward Skara Brae. Pon knew Nap would find his way through the gates in no time…he was a very clever swampy. Pon starred at the rune for a few moments before resolving himself to do what he knew he must. Pon spoke a brief incantation and within moments he was gone.

[KiraTheMage]

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Kira stood in the reception hall, overseeing some last minute details for the wedding that evening. Nodding in satisfaction that everything had been taken care of, she went downstairs to her office to answer some correspondence.

The sound of clanking armour outside her office window prompted Kira to look out the window. There stood Napoleon...Pon's mount...without Pon.

Fearing the worst, Kira ran outside to Nap. Finding a note tucked into the mounts bridle, she slipped it out with shaking hands and proceeded to unroll the parchment.

Upon reading the words that Pon had written, Kira crumpled to the ground beside Napoleon, tears cascading down her face, the letter slipping from her numb fingers.

Realizing that the wedding arrangements needed to be cancelled, Kira stood on shakey legs and somehow managed to get to her desk. Grabbing several sheets of parchment, she quickly penned a letter to everyone involved in the wedding.


Dearest Raz, Ayasha, Dyn, and Farli,
I have had terrible news from Pon this day. He has been beckoned into the Great Stygian Abyss and must depart immediately. I fear the wedding must be cancelled. Whether or not it will ever be re-scheduled, I do not know at this time. My heart is crushed into a million pieces and I know not what to do. Please accept my deepest apologies for all of the preparations you have helped me with over the past couple of weeks. Your friendship and loyalty mean the world to me.

Raz, as far as the guild is concerned, you and I will continue to handle things. I know not if Pon will ever return from this abyss. Nor what we should do, if anything. We will plan a meeting of the remaining members post haste.
Much love and respect to you all,
Kira

Blotting the ink dry on each letter, Kira attached each one to a pigeon with instructions on where to deliever the letters and set them free.

Putting her head down on her desk, she finally let out the sobs she had been holding back.