It was evening when their carriage rolled through the gates of Anwyn. Warm light suffused the garden, sparkling with the light of fairies. The three men disembarked and stood admiring the green. Even with their purpose driving them forward, the sight was breathtaking.

"Millions of years, each species vying for survival, and we've never been able to improve on nature. This is where we should be, not building cities or fighting each other," said Juan. He felt more centered and restored just being there.

"It's a beautiful place. We fight to keep it safe so our people can enjoy it. The good people, the ones who deserve it," Boaz said, sniffing. Jachin watched them, alternating between their faces

They started to walk toward the Tower. "That's the whole problem- you see everything as a conflict, us and them, good people and bad people, but everyone's just trying to survive." Juan was feeling argumentative again, and it was eroding his calm.

Boaz chuckled. "You don't need to preach to me, Mr. X. Me and my brother don't have minds of our own. We follow orders. We protect. We serve the guild. Any higher ideas than that are wasted on us."

"Didn't you graduate the Academy? You've been educated as free thinkers. You're limiting yourself." Juan was getting exasperated.

"We're not Magisters like you, only Adeptus Minors. We got enough training to do our jobs and serve the guild and the order. That's enough for modest men like ourselves."

Juan addressed Jachin: "Do you always let him speak for you, or do you have your own ideas?"

Jachin stared plaintively at Boaz, who answered for him. "My brother is perfectly content, thank you. There's no daylight between us; we're one mind in two bodies."

High pitched laughter came from the bushes and three gnomes rolled out. One of them jumped up and pointed at them, "hey, no fair, you two need different faces!" They slapped hands together and then ran off in the other direction, as if they'd said something so hilarious no one could top it.

The three men laughed as they came to the entrance to the tower. They entered and started up the stairs. "Is the whole guild here?"

"Only Libra, Mr. X. It was her that summoned us to collect you, and the rest are out and about somewhere."

They entered the main hall. Libra sat enthroned at the center, her golden scales beside her. She was a Magus level, above Juan's Magister. The Zodiac sign was a title given by the guild for her leadership. Her birth name was Sage S, and she had been a year ahead of Juan at the Academy.

Libro later side, heard ledger and stood, a tall, regal woman with shimmering golden red hair. One, she said, we've been so worried about you. I'm so glad that you've been found safely.

Juan grimaced. "he didn't need to send your thugs after me." The pillars stood on each side of him and regarded him icily.

"Our mission to bring peace between the Wizards and the Giants is the utmost emergency. We needed to bring you in as quickly as possible. Have you found the giant?"

"I have not, Libra. It was only a large bear hunting out of season."

Boaz spoke up. "He's lying, ma'am."

Juan was shocked, and could've spit as he jerked his head toward Boaz.

Libra leaned forward. "How do you know?"

Boaz smirked. "My brother told me, of course. Mr. Juan X is a rebel and should be taken into custody immediately."