Betrayal

Imperial College, Toshi Ranbo, 1198

Asako Chishiki sat quietly in his room. Though his outward exterior was calm, his mind raged like a tempest unchecked. Tonight he would leave, secretly and unseen, to take up his new duties. Over the last few months he had been slowly groomed to join a secret organisation dedicated to keeping the Empire safe. Dedicated to ensuring the Empire was ruled for mankind by mankind. Tonight he would take up the mantle of Chief Librarian of the Cloud Sect.

It meant leaving his friends behind. His betrothed, even his family. But the pay off by far outweighed the losses. He was to become master of a library of hidden knowledge stretching back to before the days of the Empire itself.

He had been assured that no one would suffer as a result of his disappearance, but he worried a little nonetheless.

“It’s time”

Chishiki turned “I’m ready to go.”

While the servant picked up his bags and carried them out to a carriage, Chishiki looked over his room one last time. His time at the College had been enlightening, educational and he had made life long friends. “And now to leave them behind.”

Asako Chishiki walked out of his room and crossed the courtyard to the waiting carriage.

Three days later, a report was filed by a group of Imperial magistrates pertaining to a burned out carriage that had clearly been the victim of bandits. Three bodies had been found, badly burnt. From the personal belongings and sundries they managed to identify Asako Chishiki, a recent graduate of the Imperial College, a servant and a coach driver. Chishiki’s family were alerted to this tragedy as soon as was possible.