The Siege of California

The two elders stood in the top row of the spectator section of the arena.  One tall and regal, the other hooded and stooped.

 

“He shows promise Arturos, great promise.  Only three months and he’s already surpassed several of your more…mature students” says the hooded figure.

 

“Yes Sparrow, he has the inner fire and dedication, but he is still reckless and bold.  Even with the bond he can be defiant.  You know how much we adore loose cannons here in the Chantry” remarked the taller gentleman.

 

“Still, he was a worthy prospect and more of an asset than an enemy, yes?  Imagine if I had not intervened and let those Sabbat pigs take him.  He would have made a powerful foe.  Surely you have a place for him.”  Sparrow uttered as the two watched the young man in the floor of the arena knocking over mannequins with a thought and hurling rocks weighing as much as a man with his mind.

 

“Sparrow, do not offend.  I am Arturos Drakken and this is my Chantry, of course I have use for him.  I am aware of the good deed you performed by bringing the boy to me.  He is quite agile, but frail.  He has the impetuousness of youth and I foresee that not dissipating anytime in the near future.  He has a keen sense of awareness and has a determination that rivals several elders, yet he is still unrefined.  He needs more time to devote to his study.  Come to me again in six months, and if he has mastered this path, then perhaps I will allow him to assist you in your task” said the man coolly.

 

“Arthur, I meant no offense, and I appreciate all that House Tremere has done to assist in my endeavors to support this city and you know I will continue to aid you in your pursuits.  If six months is the time you ask me to wait, I will do so.”  Sparrow says, resigned.

 

The two then stood in silence as the young man floated himself off the ground with an intense look of concentration on his face.  His arms outstretched for balance his levitation was clumsy at first, but then seemed to level out the longer he remained aloft.  He then circled into arcing back flip in mid air to land softly on the stone bench outside the arena.

 

Sparrow grinned under his hood, but Arturos simply stood, impassively and, as the young man looked up at him for approval or guidance, since he was not able to pierce the obfuscate of Sparrow, he simply nodded once and then said, “Now, do that blindfolded…”

(Years Later) 

The lone man stood atop the head of the gargoyle overlooking the city.  He was several hundred feet off the ground, and even though his perch was extremely precarious, he looked confident and his body did not sway in the slightest.  He stared at the lights below him, swarming like insects.

 

“If I didn’t know you better, I actually might be afraid you’d fall” came a familiar voice behind the man.  The young man’s face lit up in a smile and he spun, not so much from movement of his feet but as if he was supported from some unseen force. 

 

“Sparrow, my friend, I was beginning to think you weren’t coming.  It’s been so long since I’ve seen you” the young man spoke, seeming to light up at the appearance of his friend.

 

“Three years is hardly a long time where we’re concerned Anton, yet I do feel that it would have been nice to be able to see you sooner.  It’s good to see you boy… or is it Master Levec now?”

 

The young man snickered and embraced Sparrow in a hug.  “No, I turned the position down.  My place is not in some Academy but out here, in the world, where the pulse of humanity beats unknowing and where its history hides our artifacts.”  He pauses, briefly, then, “I have, however, been given a position here, in your city as a recovery specialist for the chantry.”

 

Sparrow smiled broadly, “that is wonderful news!!!  I have recently taken a fledgeling under my wing and would have you meet her.  She’s a spitfire, that’s for sure…right up your alley.” 

 

The two smiled for a moment and then the younger man grew somber and serious, “Sparrow, I’ve never really understood the impact of what you did for me until after the battle out east.  You saved me from a life with the Sabbat, a life that would have probably ended violently and some time ago.  I wanted you to know that I appreciate what you did and that I am in your debt.  If there’s anything I can do to help you, please don’t hesitate to ask.”

 

“I thank you for that and there should not be any need for such formalities.  If I need your help, I’ll call, but things are looking up.  Sewer City is at full capacity, the Prince, well, we know how HE is… and while this recently embraced young firecracker may cause some ripples, she’ll be just fine…  which reminds me, I need to go deal with some of those ripples soon.  How about I call you after and introduce you to the gang…”

 

The young man smiled, “I’d like nothing more.”  Sparrow winked and then vanished right in front of him.

 

“I hate it when he does that” the young man said to himself, chuckling, then took a big step forward and plummeted off the gargoyle toward the traffic below…