The skies above Armun Kelisk were bright, and the signature Twisted Tower spire that crowned the newly constructed armory shone like a beacon in the sunlight. Twain had worked quickly and efficiently as Nazmyr had expected the modron would. Dahlia was all too aware that Nazmyr was thoroughly pleased with the outcome as he had voiced his approval numerous times. Dahlia too was pleased but for different reasons. She hoped that with the completion of the armory Nazmyr would be in Armun Kelisk more often and perhaps abandon some of what she found to be his more unsavory business ventures. While she waited for Nazmyr’s arrival she decided to explore the different wings of the armory; the forge, the foundry and armory itself. Even though Nazmyr had taken her on several tours already, this was the first time she had been in the facility when it was in full operation. As Dahlia visited the different wings of the armory, she marveled at the way the warforged tirelessly and methodically worked. Even though they appeared emotionless she sensed they genuinely seemed to enjoy the labor. They largely ignored Dahlia’s presence, not out of disrespect but because of their intense focus on the task at hand; crafting adamantine weapons for the Amir of Armun Kelisk. She soon found herself in Nazmyr’s office which was kept in immaculate order. She briefly sat on the oversized couch before noticing a small envelope on the floor. She retrieved the envelope and noted that it was still sealed with markings that she did not recognize.

“Apologies for my tardiness.” Nazmyr said announcing his arrival.

“Nazmyr!” Dahlia shouted with excitement as she rushed to embrace him.

Nazmyr returned her affections before noting the envelope in her hand.

“What have you got there?”

“I found it on the floor. I wasn’t snooping.” she said defensively.

“I wasn’t accusing.” Nazmyr said lightheartedly.

“What are these markings on the envelope? I am unfamiliar with them.” Dahlia said as she handed the envelope to Nazmyr.

“No need to concern yourself. It’s nothing.”

Dahlia’s mood began to sour “Everything is a secret.”

“What do you mean?”

“This envelope or instance. What does it mean? What you do? I don’t know what you do! You leave for ten days, you’re home for five, then you’re gone for another week! I live with a ghost! Sometimes I feel like I don’t know anything about you!”

“Don’t ask me about my business, Dahlia.” Nazmyr warned.

“Do you know what trust is?”

“Don’t ask me about my business.” He repeated more firmly.

“Trust is when you feel safe with someone. You’re safe here with me. People who really love each other don’t have secrets.”

“All right.” Nazmyr said before speaking arcane words creating a zone of silence. “This one time, this one time I’ll let you ask me about my affairs.”

Dahlia was pleased but also surprised that Nazmyr had relented so quickly. His unexpected answer left her momentarily tongue tied. She sat back on the couch and readjusted her seating, stalling for time as she collected her thoughts.

“Ok.” She said with determination. “So…with the slaves…how can you be ok with robbing people of their freedom and forcing them to act against their will? I know it is accepted in both our cultures but…I was made to do horrible things. It is a terrible existence.”

“I don’t rob anyone of their freedom. The people that come into my possession are already slaves through their own folly. The manual labor and domestic services slaves provide are essential to the development of civilization and the economy. Without it, there can be no accumulation of property, no providence for the future, no taste for comforts or elegancies, which are the characteristics and essentials of civilization. So, I promote the continuation of the status quo, which is providing for affluence and stability for the slaveholding class and for all free people who enjoy the bounty of the slave society.”

“And what of the innocent? I did nothing to deserve the position I was forced into or the ill treatment I received.”

“You well know many people are enslaved more of a circumstantial misfortune than an individual’s lifelong purpose. And depending on the circumstances if a slave works hard enough they could work toward the opportunity to earn manumission either by buying their freedom or through a myriad of other ways.”

“Is that how I earned my freedom? Through a myriad of other ways?” She said with distaste.”

“Is that what you think? I rescued you from the tyranny of your captor. I never compelled you to do anything against your will. I returned your freedom without asking for anything in return. I even helped you to hide your imprisonment from your brother!”

“No! no. I’m sorry habibata. I regret saying such things.”

“Is there anything else?” Nazmyr said with annoyance in his tone.

Dahlia silently motioned towards the envelope in Nazmyr’s hand.

Nazmyr looked at the envelope and mentally chastised himself for being careless. 

“The Hand Behind the Mirror.”

“What?”

“The Hand Behind the Mirror. That’s what it’s called. The cabal I belong to. That is where this envelope is from.”

“Valas and Rygos belong to a guild. Why is this such a great secret?”

“We are the decisive resource that everyone wants. We trap the world in reflections. Through our Art everything that seems clear is bent and everything that seems bent is clear. We masquerade lies as truths and truths as lies; allowing organizations like the Dark Embrace to conduct their business efficiently and dispassionately.”

“Do Valas and Rygos know?”

“No one knows. Except for the guild masters and Mistress Freth. It’s because of her I am where I am today.”

“Why do you think Mistress Freth brought you into the fold?”

“Shadow Magic is very rare, and its nature and philosophy are poorly understood. Users of shadow magic face a host of misconceptions, prejudices and even persecution, especially from the clergy of…well just about everyone. Mistress Freth always said Zinzerena would protect us.”

“I know that name! Zinzerena is who Valas and Rygos venerate! How is it that they do not know of your organization? Surely they must.”

“Surely, they don’t, and we go through great lengths to ensure they don’t. We are under explicit contract to operate with the Dark Embrace only but we are our own organization. You are never to tell anyone what it is that I do.”

“I would never betray you!” She said with conviction.

“I believe you habibata.” Nazmyr said as he locked the envelope in his desk drawer. “Now, have you seen the armory?”