Caretaker Ritchie's tent was much smaller than the tent in which assessments were being held. It had a table with few books on top.
Muriel humbly said, "Master Ritchie, there seem to be a complication."
Ritchie looked up, closed his book and kept it on the table. He wheeled closer to Michail. Just like Muriel surprise bloomed on his face when he saw the green ring.
"Hmm. Interesting, very interesting. The first time in a hundred years an anomaly has occurred. Muriel was the carnelian contaminated in any way?"
"No master Ritchie. I can vouch that it was not. Even though Helena is sloppy when it comes to anything other than fighting, she knows when to keep her vigilance. I placed a gag order on the initiates. What do you want me to do now?"
Ritchie stroked his chin and said "For now we keep it under wraps, change the colour of the ring by placing an external spell on it. We need to take him to the hall master of Runes to know what this is. For now place an appearance alteration spell to blue with one striation. Being low key is the best thing for the child."
Ritche wheeled up to Michail and grabbed his hand to take a closer look at the ring. "Child, the Council is not what it was in the past. Many crave power and the politics inside is troublesome. Keep a low profile and tell no one. I've seen this green only at one place, the lava of Krafkans. Whether this is good or bad I do not know. I know it may be hard to trust anyone now, but if there is anyone who can understand what this is its the hall master of Runes. He is a disciple of William Argot, the mage of Brilliance. He may be a wackadoodle and a bit intense, but he is one who is so far away from council politics, and maybe your only hope at training this green aura.
Muriel held Michails hand and chanted "Vultus Mutatio" "Celere aura". A string of light emerged slowly from the magic stone in the necklace and circled to her index finger, it latched on to the ring slowly changing its appearance to blue with two striations. "Michail, keep a low profile and don't let anyone know about this. The less people know about this the better. Alright?"
Michail nodded and exited the tent slowly making his way to the initiates who were registering the awakened prospects.
Tom who was waiting near them enthusiastically raised his finger to show the yellow ring on his finger. "Michail, I knew we would make it. Its our first step in becoming the greatest hunting party ever. Show me that ring of yours."
Michail hesistantly showed him the 'blue' ring. "I've got to go home Tom, I will see you soon." Michail left as soon as he gave out the necessary information to the initiates.
....................................
Meanwhile in a remote land devoid of vegetation a hunchback old man was making his way up a mound. The land was littered with jagged rocks that hurt his legs but he kept on. The sand that blew in that land had the ability to cut glass. This was the Unforgiven sea a desert land where there is anything but water. The hunchback covered his face with the black hood of the robe that draped over his body.
He came to a clearing, a flat piece of land with a cave opening at its far end. The man gave a sigh and made his way over to the cave. "My lord, your servant Limp Karakan seeks audience." He said in a hushed tone.
"In" a voice that resembled rocks gnawing against each other said that single syllable.
Limp Karakan slowly entered. It seemed as if his hunchback hunched even more upon seeing the dainty old and shrivelled figure sitting in a makeshift throne made of animal bones. "My lord, something with the air of Krafkans has been born in the western lands. This humble servant believes after all these years lying in wait, the Auctoritas of Krafkans is intending to rise again."
"Krafkans should not rise." the shrivelled mans mouth produced a sound unbearable to anyone who heard it. "Krafkans cannot rise. Arrange four of the best Legion Latibule to go west and find what it is. Karakan, do not underestimate the will of Krafkans. Tell them not to engage, only collect intel. All who underestimate Krafkans will have their fate destroyed. To face a foe several times stronger, you not only need strength but wit as well."
"As you command my liege" Limp Karakan slowly took his leave.
Once outside the cave and alight the mound, he called out. "Torinum". A black hawk inconspicuous because of its small size descended to the hands of Karakan. "Inform the Latibule, the lord has a mission for them". The hawk took off flapping its wings, soon it turned huge, as large as a tiger and sped towards the horizon.