"Do you believe they will truly find it? It is a wicked thing, some even say that Thanious himself cursed it."

Malvorn shifted in his gold trimmed Sage robe. The winds of the Craggs blew in from the east and whipped in through the cave mouth, batting the fire about. Making the words that left his mouth seem to have a power among themselves.

Ferin leaned back on a piece of driftwood and steadied himself with his staff. Stroking his long white beard as he watched the fire crackle in near forfeit to the bellows.

"it wasn't wicked until the hordes used it's power to win the war of echoes. That is nothing but wife-speak. It's a conduit."

With an extended hand, the ancient man released a thin white mist from his palm that cradled the flames, babying them, urging them to strengthen against the wind and then the old man continued.

"The object grants those who seek it the power to rule. But at the cost of bloodshed and agony. It's Alchemy principle in its truest form. To obtain something, something of equal and opposite value must first be given. It was a cruel teacher of lessons. However, most lessons are cruel from any perspective."

Malvorn swallowed, watching the flames change to a bright purple and embody the shape of a Black Magi in his shadow form.

"What of him? Has he not shed blood already? His own father no less.. How can you so blindly entrust this to him? Why not myself Ferin?"

Ferin exhaled and considered awhile in the silence of the cave.

"I am an old man Ser Malvorn, and you an Elven sage. Entrusted to protect me in my feeble age. An Elf's vow cannot be broken.. He is my blood. I have faith in him. His Mana spark is strong willed. His father was a twisted object of his time, seeking other twisted things. Let's give him the benefit of the doubt."

Malvorn considered the old man.

"Ferin Lazarus. You are wise beyond your years. I just hope that your age hasn't clouded your judgment."

Ferin chuckled and reached for his spriggin pipe. He stamped the crowsweed into the tuft and let it simmer from his magic touch and then took a long, admirable drag.

"Fear not Malvorn, I'm still the Master of my sanity. You shall see, once they discover the truth. All will change."