The night was deep, the starlight dim.
Ian stood before the window of his residence, a dark red, bone-like Talisman in his hand.
The surface of the Talisman was carved with distorted patterns, and a small, dusky Crystal Stone was embedded in its center.
This was a Bloodline Communication Talisman, acquired through special channels from the Black Market on the Outer Islands.
It could only be used once, and the message it carried would automatically be incinerated after being read.
But it was secretive enough, safe enough.
He closed his eyes, his Spiritual Power probing into the Talisman.
The face of his father, Latour, appeared in his mind.
He looked much younger than he had a few years ago, his eyes sharper.
They held the authority and ambition befitting a Level One Bloodline Mage.
"Father..."
Ian murmured to himself as he began to inscribe his message into the Talisman.
The first part was a list of resources.
