Solomon Lancaster/The Wizard and the Raven
From Unofficial Handbook of the Virtue Universe
Part I
He lost all track of time as he journeyed onward. His conscious mind had no sense of his location, but something deep in his gut assured him he was traveling towards a place he belonged.
The Archmage’s attention was snapped back to the now as he approached the entrance to a keep. The lowered portcullis was iron, simple, and heavy. Obviously more geared towards function than form. To either side of the gate, torches blazed, casting a ring of light that seemed to simply end in darkness several meters out.
His eyes wandered over the entrance, to the keystone above. The stone was engraved with what appeared to be a soldier in the amor of a Roman centurion, his shield borne against the darkness outside. Upon the centurion’s shoulder, perched a large raven.
Solomon’s right hand wandered down to the scabbard at his right hip, to the hilt of the sword it sheathed. He drew the sword, affixing his attention to the gladius’s guard. Etched into the worn brass, was the same Raven sigil.
To the right of the gate, the Archmage saw a hole in the stone, around which was the raven sigil once more, forged in brass. As if guided by an invisible hand, he slide the gladius into the fixture and gave it a quarter turn.
Locks and tumblers popped and opened, and the giant iron gate groaned to life, raising slowly. No sooner did he enter, and the torches blazed to life, illuminating the main hall.
“Welcome, Steward” a voice said behind him.
He turned on heel, ready for trouble and came face to face with a young woman. She was tall and lithe, with dark eyes and dark hair. She wore a floor length gown of virginal white, which seemed to move and flow in the breeze, despite the stillness in the hall.
“No doubt you’ve questions.” She smiled at him, and he felt his apprension fade. She held her hand out to him. “Come, and I will explain.”
Part 2
The two walked through a grand hall, flanked on either side by statues of warriors and scholars.
“These are our champions past” the young woman spoke as they walked. “Most of them served as Stewards, like yourself”
“What is this place?” The Archmage asked. “Who are you?’
“Your second question first” She smiled, her voice soft. “I am the Maiden of the Keep.” The sorcerer raised a brow, and they kept walking, the girl continued. “I am one of several denizens of this Keep. you will meet the others in due time.”
“And this place?”
“It is called Ravensword Keep” The Maiden smiled. “Centuries ago, a powerful wizard willed into existence this place, to serve as a refuge for those who fight the forces of darkness”
The Archmage stopped. “How old is this place?”
“I don’t know” the young girl chuckled. “The annals back that far are woefully incomplete. Even my own memory of that time is hazy.”
Solomon nodded. “Why am I here?”
“You were chosen.”
His brow raised. “Chosen?”
“Yes” She nodded. “the Previous Steward of the Keep chose you to take the mantle after his passing. Tell me, did you know a man named Lafayette?”
The sorcerer stopped, nodding “We served together in the war.”
“Interesting” She turned to face him. “A bond of battle”
“This place.” His eyes wandered over the hall, taking it all in. “It’s overwhelming.”
“It is.” She put a reassuring hand on his shoulder, offering him a warm smile. “I would suggest starting with the Annals in the library.”
