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Katherine stood in the middle Sagial Grand Chamber. The blue walls around her shifted and shimmered as if made of flowing water. Upon the ground several raised dais were carved with the Sagial crests. Each one stood out from the stark white floor. The Observer stood opposite her, its pale eyes and unnatural grin fixed upon her. She was always unsettled by how it never seemed to blink. “You’re telling me that I have to retake the Oath… why? Nothing has changed with me, I’m still the same person.” Katherine pointed out. The Observer answered in its singsong voice. “Yes you are but this is a custom. When an Oathbound has changed they are given a chance to… walk away.” It responded tilting its head. Katherine frowned, shaking her head. “So… you’re saying that I could walk away. I could… not be the Sage Master anyone.”
“Yes, that is the simplest form of it. Or you could choose to retake the oath. To once more commit to the cause of the Sages of Order.”
“..... I need some time to think. This is a heavy decision I’m making. So much has happened to me and the notion I could be free is… intriguing.”
“Of course. We have all the time you need. I cannot influence your decision to take the Oath. I am sworn to watch and not interfere.”
“Could I ask for an odd request?”
“Of course, Sage Master.”
“Could I hear what made the other Sages take the Oath? I want to hear their reasoning. Why did they all take this… frankly restrictive position.”
“Such an intimate detail, but one that I can provide you.” Its reply caused Katherine to shudder. She knew that such a thing was deeply personal. One was alone with the Observer in this chamber when they made the choice. However, Katherine felt that she needed her friend's help. She had fought with her friends, bled with her friends, and mourned with them too. She felt that in her moment of uncertainty they could give her the clarity to choose.
Katherine nodded her head once, signaling that she was ready. One of the walls of the room formed into a clear image. It displayed Helia in the same position Katherine was now. “You wish to take the Oath; to bind yourself to the position of Sage of Light. Why?” The Observer's flat voice rang muffled, as if it came from underwater. “I want to ensure that I can make a difference in this world. For so long I have felt listless and drifting. I feel I have found my purpose. I wish to help those who need it, to prevent more suffering.” Helia vowed. She dropped to one knee and lowered her head. “I will not let this land keep suffering! If I can be of help, however meager, I will devote myself to the cause!” Her vow rang out into the hall. “That is a solid reason, you are permitted to take the oath.” The scene dissolved at the observer's words, reforming into a new image.
Erydyn stood with her hands clasped in front of her. She was younger, the lines on her face had yet to form. Her hair was clasped into a long braided tail that went down past her chest. “You wish to take the Sagial Oath. Why do you wish to become the Sage of Forests?” The Observer stared, its cold eyes betraying nothing. Erydyn shifted nervously, adjusting her hands. “I… I Wish to serve the cause of Order.” She stuttered out.
“I do not sense a conviction behind that reason. Is something bothering you?”
“I’m… I’m worried I cannot follow the tenants required of me.”
“I know you can. There is something else you are holding back.”
“.... Urta. Has she taken the Oath.”
“I cannot tell you. You must make your own decision. I ask again, why do you wish to take the Oath?” Erydyn paused at the question. She took a deep breath, holding it in a bit before exhaling. “Where I grew up… the land was blighted. We were constantly starving and searching for food. Lethice brought foul corruption and pain to many of us. I… I wish to heal my land. I wish to heal all lands! No one should have to go hungry!” Erydyn shouted. The Observer nodded “A fine reason. You are permitted to take the Oath.” The scene dissolved slowly holding on to Erydyn's face of determination. When it faded back in it showed a strange Human man that Katherine vaguely recalled. He stood with his tan skin facing away from the Observer, eyes closed. “You have stood contemplating your reason for some time now. Give me your reason.” The Observer's voice had an imperceptible edge of annoyance. The man did not respond, instead choosing to open his eyes. He stared at the walls, watching the shifting patterns. “I wish to take the oath to help others. I devoted my whole life to state craft, to serving my people. I… I could make no progress. The infernal cycle that trapped me within 5 years was not a life. I want to use my experience as it was meant to be used! Fighting for others! Doing what is right and just! This is the path I see before me and I will stick to it!” He yelled. The Observer clasped its hands together and nodded. “A valid reason, however you are not sufficient to serve in your current form. An alteration must be made. Knowing this, do you still take the Oath?” Its smile fading slightly. Katherine finally recognized the man from his voice. It was Royoma. She did not get well acquainted with him before the change. “Yes… I still wish it.” Royoma stated dryly. There was a sharp crack and Royoma dropped to the floor. His teeth bent and stretched into sharp points. His hands and feet became fused by a gossamer thin stand of skin. His skin became rough and noticeably thicker. Royoma cried out in pain, whatever process was happening clearly hurt. Katherine stood aghast, she knew that the process of changing hurt, but not this much. Royoma lay panting, his new form resembling a humanoid shark. Before he could rise to his feet the scene shifted.
Katherine looked away for a moment. She needed a moment to process what had happened so far. So far she was having difficulty keeping each scene in her mind. Everything was swirling together. The Observer snapped its fingers and directed her attention to the wall again. This time it displayed her old friend Fleecescut. She was able to recognize him easily, even without his newfound wings. “So I just need to give you a reason and that's it? Seems simple enough.” He dismissed with a wave of his hand. Fleecescut put his hand on his chin and looked up into the ceiling. After a short while he let out a deep sigh. “I suppose… I want to take the Oath to protect people's freedoms. I never really had a time in my life where I didn't experience some type of… prejudice from the authorities. I'd like to prevent that from happening to others. If I can devote what's left of my life to this cause then I would be more than willing.” He postulated turning to the Observer. It nodded once “a fine enough reason… please drop to one knee if you are ready to begin.” Its command was lost in the shifting on the wall.
The scene resolved to Yukari standing with their arms crossed. They stood, back turned to the Observer, staring at the wall. “I do not understand why I am here again. You have explained that I have been given a chance to reconsider but I do not require it.” They chided. The Observer sighed and placed its head in its hands. “You still need to give me a new reason if you wish to take the Oath. Think of it as a re-commitment to your post.” It suggested. Yukari scoffed, turning about to face the unsettling horror. They glared at the being, obvious hatred in their eyes. “If you insist on harrying me then I will give your vow! I want to take the Oath to ensure that no one goes through the painful experiences I have! Do you have an inkling of the harrowing journey I have been on!? Of course you do not! You Observe, you record, and you don’t pass judgement. Record my reason. I have fulfilled your request, foul beast!” Yukari snarled, their fiery eyes visible for some time after the rest of the scene dissolved away.
Katherine looked away from the walls at the unchanging face of the Observer. So far the reasons she heard were noble, proud vows of sacrifice and determination. She did not know if she could muster the energy. The cause of the Sages was Just, something within Katherine was tired. She had spent her whole life from the age of 100, running, fighting, and struggling to survive. She could not bring herself to vow out of selflessness, as world weary as she was . Whether it could sense her thoughts or it was simply responding to the silence; the Observer spoke. “Are you quite alright Katherine? You seem quite pensive.” It stated. “I am lost processing their words. I believe I still need more assurance. I would like to see the rest of them.” She knew that there would be more reasons. She wanted to see the vows and oaths of her comrades. After all, she wanted to continue to lead them. The shifting walls resolved into an image that made Katherine’s heart sink. It was Minerva… they stood as elegant as ever upon the very dais that Katherine was now. She expected to see the sages who had passed… but was still unprepared. “Why do I wish to take the oath? It is a long story… Do you have time?” They said, her long flame orange hair billowing as they tilted her head. The Observer gave no reply, merely choosing to stare. Minerva sighed and shook her head. “I will take that as my cue to begin. This land and its debasing properties warped my form beyond recognition long ago. I have since begun the process of controlling my own body to regain my autonomy. I want to take this Oath…. for my daughter. She was so young when she was taken from me. She was only 6 years of age. I was not strong enough to stop them… I will avenge my daughter. I will paint this land red with the blood of demons! That is why I take this oath… for my dear daughter Lucal.” Minerva explained. The Observer placed a long clawed hand on its chin. Minerva cast her eyes downward, not wanting to meet its gaze as she wept softly. “Your daughter, what did she look like?” It whispered.
“She had my hair… her skin was a light purple, and her eyes shone like diamonds whenever I held her close. She loved watching the clouds with me and I would promise her that when this was all over… I’d give her a better life. Marae forgive me… I failed her.” They wailed, sinking to her knees. As the scene dissolved, Katherine swore she could see the Observer place a comforting hand around Minerva’s shoulder.
Katherine stood stock still as the scene changed. Minerva had mentioned her daughter before… but they never explained what happened. Knowing that it was demons filled Katherine with that familiar sense of guilt. ‘We were too late. That was the story over and over again in Mareth. How much more suffering could have been prevented?’ Katherine mused. She shook her head, eager to clear the thoughts from her mind. Turning her attention to the picture wall she gazed upon Kiha on her hands and knees. “I must inform you that I am not here to judge your actions. I am merely here to record your reason for taking the Oath. Please… Calm yourself.” It urged while holding up a hand for calm. Kiha sobbed loudly onto the floor slamming her fist into the floor. “They were good people! Innocent all of them! I…I helped who I could. I didn't ask to be her assistant but it was either that or die. I figured it'd be easy. Every day I wish I had gutted that bitch sooner!” She lashed out causing the Observer to take a step backwards. “If you could…” It stuttered out before being silenced by a scream from Kiha. “I know! You want a reason I’ll give you one! I want to take the Oath for them. For all those who I couldn't save during my time with Lethice. I will fight until my dying day for them!” she howled, rising to her feet and thudding them down for emphasis. “Very well. I will record your reason.” The Observer's voice faded out. “Does this not get tiring to you?” Katherine asked. “Please specify.” It replied, hands folded in its lap. “Dealing with our outbursts. You have to deal with all of our rage, grief, and misery. It never seems to affect you. I deal with managing 10 sages almost every day and I’m exhausted. I cannot imagine dealing with… However many you have.” She admitted even though it made her feel shameful. This was her job, her sworn duty oath… surely she should enjoy it or at the very least tolerate it. “I was made to not feel emotion. To simply record and observe. I understand that warriors often have…. Complex and traumatic events happen to them. Such is the nature of service. That is why the Oath cannot be taken unwillingly. You must feel the reason from deep within. A conviction so strong it cannot be shaken. The next scene has started, do not miss it.” It gently commanded. Urta was displayed now, their hands on their hips. “I don't want to give a flippant reason. Can you give me some of the reasons that other sages took the oath?” Urta asked. “I can only give you suggestions on what your Oath could be about. Mayhaps your parents, a deep seated Ideal, someone dear to you, or an ideal world. However I cannot disclose the oaths of Sages to a non sage.” It explained. “Shit! Ok let me think.” Urta closed their eyes. All the possible reasons she could imagine floated through their mind. Only one stood out, blazing like a bonfire. “My mother…I want to take the Oath for my mother. I can’t imagine what she felt… giving birth to a baby no one had ever seen before. Constantly dodging accusations of being corrupted and demonic. Having a husband that hates you… that blames you for everything. My mother was nothing but kind to me… I just wish I noticed sooner how much everything got to her. I want to make sure that no one suffers like she did. I want to show her and those like me that they are not alone. I want to be a guiding light for all those called freaks, or monsters, or cursed! I will show them that no matter what… never give up.” Urta muttered the last part. She was lost in thought about their mother. They closed their eyes as the scene shifted.
Trisscar now stood on the dais, a look of stern determination on her face. “I want to take your oath, why does it matter what my reasoning is? I have passed the tests, I have been screened and accepted. Give me my position as Sage of Spirit.” She growled. The Observer shook its head. “I’m afraid it does not work like that. You must take the Oath that binds you to our tenants. You learned of them yes… but you must provide a reason as to why you want this power. I will be the final judge if you are worthy of the position.” It responded. Trisscar groaned, sliding her hands down her face in frustration. “Fine! If I have to. My reason for taking the oath is… my father. I want to find my Father,” She answered.
“That is a noble reason.”
“Noble? I mean I suppose so… I always thought it was selfish to seek revenge.”
“You wish for vengeance upon your father. Explain.”
“He and the other gods abandoned us! My friends are dead because Alexkos thought it would be better to host a feast! I want to make all of those pompous bastards pay for abandoning their children! All of my brothers and sisters are dead… I am utterly alone. It is His fault! I will find my father Duma and make him answer for his failure!” she shouted. The Observer performed one of its rare blinks, to emphasize its surprise. “....... A valid reason if any. I am not one to judge, merely record your reason.” Katherine shook her head, Trisscar was rash but this was expected. Still, she hoped that rage did not still consume her daughter. Granted, Trisscar took the oath almost 20 years ago… Katherine turned her attention out of her memories and to the unfolding vision. Nyxos was displayed, she was holding a large grimoire. “Please… I promise I will answer your questions as soon as you take the oath. I cannot reveal questions about sages to non sages.” The Observer pleaded. Nyx blinked before shaking her head. “If I am going to take the position that was vacated by my mother I need to know why she took it. This position was important to her. Yet why would she make such a binding oath?” Nyx questioned. She was gripping her grimoire tight, her fingers digging into the leather bound hide. “All I can tell you is that her vow was…. different." Nyx rolled her eyes. Her mother was always described as different and eccentric. She just wanted a straight answer from someone who knew her. “.... Then do me a favor. If I take this position, will I be able to talk to her again? I know that the Sages are a continuous line… and I just want to be able to at least get something.” Nyx hissed. This whole charade was frustrating to her. The Observer nodded its head once, not willing to confirm more enthusiastically. “Ok… I wish to take the Oath for my mother. This clearly meant so much to her and I want to know her. My mother was away a lot… so I did not know her…. That reason is not from my heart. I wish to take the Oath for my teachers. The ones who really adopted me, and took care of me. The ones who pushed me to be one of the most talented mages alive. I will make them proud! I will discover my own path and not be tied to my mother!” Nyx shouted. Katherine shifted her gaze to the floor. The oaths that she had heard were taken for others. ‘I do not know if I can vow for other people. I have reasons to… but I cannot decide. After the death of Marble it feels like the light has gone from my life. My children have moved on save Mara. All of my friends are either Sages… or dead. I could take the Oath for my fellow sages… But that would feel disingenuous. I need a reason that is my own.’ Katherine thought. She was unsure how much time had passed in the Inner sanctum. One could never be sure how long you would be here, out of time as the Sanctum was. “Katherine… there is still more to see. I know you are fatigued. We can stop if you would like.” The Observer offered, crouching on its knees. Katherine considered the offer. It would be nice to take a break and process her own feelings. However, something inside her wanted to press on. “No… I want to keep going. I feel the reason for my oath formulating, I just need a little bit of effort to draw it out.” Katherine explained. She yawned while waiting for the scene to change. The scene had shifted walls to Katherine’s left and she struggled to focus on it.
The scene that came into focus was Palutena glaring at the Observer. “Ugly sonovabitch aren't ya. So… I’ve passed my tests. What else do you need from me?” Palutena grunted. Her arms were crossed, there were much fewer scars than Katherine remembered. “Do not insult my appearance. I need your reason for taking the Oath. Why do you wish to bind yourself to the sages?” The Observer's growled, taking on a tone of malice. Palutena chuckled at the threat. “Got some bark, I like that. Hmm… if I were to give you a reason it'd probably be to get stronger.” Palutena offered. There was a pause as no one spoke. The Observer sighed “You can get stronger without dedicating yourself to an order of knights. Why do you want this?” The frustration in its voice was palpable. “I told you to grow stronger! In my current job, I'm little more than a bureaucrat planning for wars we hope will not happen. I want to fight! I want to use my strength to help and grow even stronger! I'll be the strongest fucker alive so that no one has to die!” She roared, adopting a confident expression while flexing her arms. “..... if you insist. That is a valid reason if a bit concerning. You are permitted to take the oath.” Katherine was so used to the shifting wall that when Zepheolius appeared she did not know when the scene changed.
“Hmm, Is this place some kind of pocket dimension? Or are we somewhere in hammer space? That would explain the lack of apparent geometry and the stoppage of time. All for a little chamber to keep you in.” She teased while sitting down in a plush chair that Katherine did not recognize. The Observer sighed. “The answer to that question is not important. I need your reason as to why you would like to become a sage.” It urged, uninterested in the question.
“Wouldn’t you like to know? Has it never occurred to you to ask questions about your circumstances?”
“I would not know what to ask..”
“Are you kidding me? Why am I here? How old am I? Who created me? What is this place? Can I leave here? Do I have a memory of the outside world? Where do my records go? These are all relevant questions that I think you could ask. There is so much to be curious about in this life. Would you not say the same?”
“....... Such questions do not cross my mind nor are they relevant. I take it you value such questions?”
“YES! How could you not? The secrets of the universe are ours to grasp. How does magic work and where does it come from? Is there a reason for the spontaneous generation of life around magical energy? How old is the universe really? Such questions hold the answer to life. It is my wish to discover the answers.”
“Is that your reason for wanting to become a sage? To answer those questions?”
“Yes…. I wish to discover the secrets of the universe. The progress of civilization is built on knowledge. I wish to add to that collective knowledge. I grew up with an incredible talent for magic and I wish to utilize that talent for good. Magic is neither good nor bad; it is only the user’s intent that can determine that. I’m tired of being cooped up in a tower, studying old tomes and having pointless conferences. My talent is wasted on the academy…. The sages can help me use it well.”
“I see… That is sufficient reason. You are permitted to take the oath… even if your reason is unorthodox.”
The scene dissolved again, this time showing Ember sitting cross legged on the floor of the chamber. “We have been thinking for roughly 3 hours. Time still passes in this place. I must ask you to give me a sufficient answer soon.” The Observer pleaded. There was most a sense of resignation in his voice. Ember held up her hand, asking for a moment. “My answer… Why do I want to take the Oath?” She snorted. “Because I want to stop people like me from being made. I was made in a goddam lab like an animal! Escaped into a cave not knowing how to speak. No one should be subjected to that. I know how to fight! I know how to kill! I will punish the wicked… so that no one has to suffer like I did.” Ember stood up, hands balled into fists and eyes blazed with fury. “Is that a good enough reason for you!? I see no other path in my life than vengeance!" She howled with rage. The display of anger did not break The Observer's fixed expression. It cocked Its head slightly. “Vengeance is a good reason, but there is something deeper buried in your reasoning. Why this cause? You can take up violence anywhere.” It inquired. Ember softened her expression, staring at the floor. It took her a long while before she spoke. “Because… I want to ensure that… I add to this world instead of take away.” She whispered. Short ragged breaths came out of Ember. Her head hurt from her outburst and she lacked the energy to yell. It nodded its head once, signaling satisfaction. “More noble than I have heard before. You are permitted to take the Oath.”
The scene faded out, Ember’s shouting still ringing in Katherine’s ears. The scene faded in for what she assumed to be the final time. Given how many Sages there were and how many visions she had been shown. The scene now displayed Illias with her razor sharp claws on display. Katherine almost forgot what she had looked like. Illias stood at an imposing height, her dark purple scales reflected no light. Her teeth and claws were elongated and razor sharp. Illias’ overall form was more reptilian and menacing. “I don’t understand why you would want to take the oath. You have combat experience yes, and you qualify for being a sage. But what drives you to this position?” The Observer asked. Illias nervously picked at her scales “I have… no other options. The Sage Master told me that I should apply. I’m still not convinced that this position won't get me killed, but I have to try.” She mumbled, not making eye contact with the Observer. It took a couple steps closer towards her, coming close enough to touch her. “What do you mean you have no other options? You cannot be coerced into the position of sage. This is… most concerning. Do you even want this position? You know it's a heavy burden.” It accused, reaching out to bring Illias’ face to meet its gaze. She gasped at this sudden touch and recoiled. “Get your foul hands off me!” She snapped, taking a couple steps backwards. “Yes I want this position! I want to be a sage because… because I need some way to atone. All the pain and suffering I caused, the people I had to kill… It haunts me. I can still hear their screams when I shut my eyes sometimes. I don’t know what fate awaits me upon my death… but I know right now it is not good. I want to atone… I want to do something that helps people instead of hurting them! I know I have no other options for my atonement than this! Please! Let me help others! Let me retake my own destiny in life!!!” She bellowed, shaking with rage. “I do not think that is…” It started. “WHAT! A valid reason!? Fuck you! I told you I have nothing else!” Let me take the oath… Please” The ending was a muted begging. “........ Very well. You are permitted to take the Oath. I am sorry to have offended you.” It bowed its head low as the scene dissolved leaving Katherine standing on the central dais. She finally understood why she was here, and her reason. As if sensing this the Observer clicked its tongue drawing the Sage Master’s attention. “The presentation is finished… I would very much appreciate it if you could furnish me with your reason.” It pleaded. Katherine wracked her brain, trying to find the right words to verbalize her intent. She drew a great breath inwards before starting. “My entire life I have had a purpose placed upon me. From being the rightful heir to the throne, to defending others from tyranny to my purpose as the Hero of time and finally My duty as the Sage Master. All I want is to be free from the shackles of a destiny that are placed upon me. I wish to find my own purpose now… and I have found it. I wish to retake the Oath to become the Sage master… because of my friends. My fellow Sages…. who fought, bled and died in this position. With my freedom, with the chance to walk away I must commit! I must honor their sacrifice and dedication. How else can I be called worthy to guide them?! I choose my path now, just as I have chosen to be myself after all these years. My path… is with my friends! My fellow comrades in arms! That is why I want to become the Sage Master.” Katherine vowed, raising a clenched fist to her chest. There was a thoughtful pause from the Observer, before it nodded its head. “A fine vow Sage Master. You are permitted to take the Oath. Please, kneel and repeat after me” Katherine did as she was commanded, dropping to one knee. She closed her eyes and clasped her hands over her heart.
“I, Katherine Illanos Urthclaw.”
“I, Katherine Illanos Urthclaw.”
“Do swear upon my life, and my soul”
“Do swear upon my life, and my soul”
“To uphold the Tenants of the Sages of Order.”
“To uphold the tenants of the Sages of Order.”
“My power will be used to protect the powerless”
“My power will be used to protect the powerless”
“My strength will be a shield against cruelty.”
“My strength will be a shield against cruelty.”
“My mercy and compassion will be given to all”
“My mercy and compassion will be given to all.”
“My hope will blaze a path for all. My purpose will be righteous and kind.”
“My hope will blaze a path for all. My purpose will be righteous and kind.”
“This oath binds me to this duty, until the day my heart no longer beats.”
“This oath binds me to this duty, until the day my heart no longer beats.”
“Rise Katherine. You have completed your Oath impeccably.” It praised her. Katherine stood to her feet and grinned nervously. “I suppose. Thank you for indulging me. I promise I will lead them well.” she declared. The bright white and blue of the inner sanctum slowly dissolved. The disappearance always made her feel nauseous. All at once she was back in her room at the Hallderwin estate. Katherine felt invigorated after her time in the sanctum. She had a path forward and a purpose. All she needed to do was stick to that.