The Alchemists did not live under the ruling of one man, they see themselves as equals but understand that governance is needed among men. So they created The Brethren, three men that address the issues placed before them and maintain the moral standing of the Alchemist's Order, it was created shortly after Kyle had provided them with the service they needed. They have taken to shortening the title of Alchemist for these men to 'Chemist'. The man sitting at the right end of the table is Chemist Collen, the youngest of the three. His Mother had just died and by rights everything passed to him including the seat on the Brethren. On the left was the Keeper of the Seal, Chemist Arthur. Then finally in the middle, thinking of himself as the most important, Bramley the Damned. The man had been a priest before the joined the order and found something more in science, as he left the church they screamed 'Bramley the Damned!' as he left. He liked it so much, he decided to keep the title.
The chamber in which they held the meetings was fairly small, Kyle thought it was because they needed the space for more important things. Kyle Sr. looked around at the poor conditions within the mountain, they just paved their rooms with stone and didn't bother with decoration. Again it all goes back to spending their money on things they needed more, they are a very simple order of men and women. "Greetings, Kyle. I understand your urgency and wish to press on with this meeting myself. So... get on with it." Bramley said with a self centred tone in his voice.
"I don't think you do, Bramley. There's no possible way you can understand my urgency. My Grandson and Great Grandson have just been killed at the hands of a mad man." Kyle had a rock hard expression watching as the Chemists exchanged bewildered looks. "Young Kiseki and his son... James wasn't it?" Arthur said clearly distressed by the news, he was always excited by Kiseki's mind and what it could bring to the Order. "We can't express how deeply sorry we are for your losses." This time Collen spoke in an earnest tone. Bramley never said a word. "I thank you for your condolences but I would like to press on here with my request."
The three men gave him inquiring looks, wondering what Kyle could possibly ask of them. Bramley was looking particularly on edge, prepared to be very stingy. "I would like to help my family with the creations that I helped bring into this world." Kyle had the edginess in his voice, he made his intent clear. "You owe me this..."
The three men all looked at each other exchanging glances and finally Bramley spoke, of course it was going to be him. "Now, Kyle. When we agreed to this favour we didn't expect such a large request..."
"When we agreed to this favour Boris the True sat in front of me and shook my hand saying that he would do anything. What I have asked for would fall into the category of 'anything'."
Bramley gave him a small smile. "Yes but you must understand that if we were to respect your request then our environment would take a serious hit."
"As long as your mountain comes out standing you should be okay. You don't concern yourself with anything outside your wooden door."
"Yes but we also do not like anything to leave from behind our... wooden door." This time it was Collen who retorted.
"Gentlemen you have heard about what I have done to people that do not respect my services, have you not?" Kyle started to show the anger that he was feeling.
This time Arthur answered, surprising Kyle. "Yes, I believe the words 'destroyed' and 'extinction' have fallen into the rumors. The Family With No Name is renowned for those sorts of... affairs."
"Then it's clear that you all know what I am capable of..."
Bramley leaped from his chair in outrage, knocking it over as he rose. He stared right into Kyle's eyes but everything he gave Kyle was given back tenfold. "The Family With No Name has always repaid the debts. You're not a part of that family anymore. You're son saw to that when he ripped your eye from its' socket. There is absolutely no way that you are strong enough to repay the debt yourself, with no support and of course, your old age." He gave Kyle a petty grin while he glanced at his eye. Collen was looking back and forth from Bramley to Kyle. Arthur just sat there with his eyes closed, it was almost like he had fallen asleep.
Kyle Sr. gracefully lifted himself from his uncomfortable wooden chair and glided forward, stepping up onto the platform and leaning on the table with both hands staring right into Bramley's eyes with raging intent. "Are you willing to bet your mountain on that claim?"
Kyle saw the flicker of fear in the man's eyes, trying to cover it up he went right back into his proud sneer, keeping up the silence because he really had nothing else to say to that. A few moments later Arthur spoke up from his chair. "Sit down, Bramley. It is obvious that you're petty threats will get you nowhere." He was outraged.
"Do not insult me in front of him, Arthur!" He roared. Arthur merely did not reply and let the man cool down before repeating his words. "Sit down, Bramley... before our guest here makes you." Arthur spoke in almost a whisper but it commanded the height of respect. The former priest bit his lip and sat himself down once more. "Kyle, would you please do the same." Kyle respectfully nodded to his old friend and took his own seat once again. Collen was clearly taken aback by the entire situation, that's what it's like for a green boy on the council, bewilderment. He'll have to get used to it.
"Now..." Arthur began. "... We are aware that you have helped us in achieving our proudest moment in the history of our alchemy. It seems that Bramley has forgotten that we are greatly indebted to you and also considering the serious hit your family has suffered in recent times, we will oblige right at this very moment. I will accompany you on your journey so as to prevent any unnecessary destruction." After he was barely finished his sentence Bramley imposed and said. "Once we have pledged ourselves to this Order we may not leave this mountain..." Arthur did not listen to him at all he got up from his chair with ease like he was young again and he went to the side of his friend, not his guest, but his friend. "Due to certain circumstances, Bramley. I do believe that there is cause for change." Kyle stood beside him and watched this old man, many years older than him, turned young again.
