Aethias put his hand on valarius's shoulder and sighed. "A pity, I was looking forward to facing a worthy opponent like yourself. Perhaps we can continue our challenge though. It would mean that you would have to devote yourself entirely to the order, and that you would join it. One of your enthusiasm has no need for a trial of combat, in fact, it would be an honor to have you. You would leave your life behind, of course, and come with us to the Ebon Hold, to become a knight of the ebon blade. I will warn you, immortality to age and disease comes at a cost. Will you join us?" The ebon herald asked, turning to face valarius, who had the sense that an invitation such as this had never been done before, and it was undoubtably the highest honor Aethias could bestow upon him at this moment.
