The Five Axioms

Father Benedict acknowledged Alaric by nodding his head, and followed him into the courtyard, where they could talk privately.

"What was that all about?" the captain asked curtly.

"Somebody is trying to send us a message. Who, and why -- I do not know. But I am afraid that the knight is just an instrument.

The captain stared at Benedict, not satisfied with the response.

"The words that the knight was saying were from the second homily of Father Eusabius. You see, the White Hand has five axioms that those who practice the arcane arts must accept. These are guidelines that will allow them to determine what use of their power is moral and what use is immoral. Father Eusabius announced each axiom with a homily, a short sermon given before the assembled members of the White Hand. The homilies and the axioms are not meant to be publicized outside the Order. He delivered the fifth shortly before he died. The fifth, which was grudgingly approved by the powers of the Church, was the one that the most powerful mages found difficult to accept, and was the start of defections by men such as Oberon. I believe that one of those who could not accept the implications of the fifth axiom sent the knight and the woman here."

1. "And so the actions of the Order have endangered the peace of Camelyn?" replied Alaric coldly.
2. Alaric was professionally curious about the mystery. "What is the fifth axiom? Perhaps it may provide a clue as to who is behind this."

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