**Temple of Dominion

The Royal Cloister

Sepros, Orian System**

A round wooden table sat in the middle of the darkened room, lit only by the faint orange flicker of candlelight. The smoke from the candles left a sour aroma; bitter, yet also somehow still seductive; there was a golden cup in the center of the table, filled with a red liquid that could only be blood. Also, a sword shimmered on its stand, its surface polished to near mirror quality; three orbs, amethyst, ruby, and sapphire were arranged around it.

The pair did not know why they had been summoned. Eleven figures were seated around the table; twelve in all, including the man who had led them there, who was now taking his seat. A crystal decanter sparkled before each one. Their faces were obscured by cowls, but their feelings in the Force were unmistakable; these were the elders of the clan. Two chairs were noticeably empty, and a pair of daggers had been rammed into their backs. Where elaborate war banners hung on the walls behind each of the others, behind the empty thrones fluttered only torn remains.

The man at the head of the table stood and lowered his hood; his identity may have been remarkable had they not already felt who he was.

“Know thee why thou hast been summoned hence to this forgotten place?” Lord Sadow uttered.

Ashia and Tsainetomo, kin in Keibatsu, stood in silence and acknowledged the question only with a shake of their heads. The assembled seated around the table remained motionless until the Overlord held out his right hand; one retrieved the sword and handed it to the Overlord, whose face reflected on the surface.

The Overlord’s voice was grave when he spoke. “Two chairs on my father’s table lie empty,” Sadow said; his eyes flashed and he remained silent for a moment while the Keibatsu waited. Finally, Lord Sadow raised the Sword of Sadow before him; the air gave a sharp shrill, as if the blade cut through it. “Kneel.”

Ashia and Tsainetomo dropped to their knees as Lord Sadow raised the sword above them.

“Traitors line my father’s halls and assassins plot against me,” the Overlord said. “But you two are loyal still and have served my true father well.”

One of the other figures around the table stood and picked up the golden cup. The blood looked almost black. The figure lit a thin golden taper and dipped it in the liquid. The surface of the liquid flashed and started to burn with a deep blue flame.

Lord Sadow looked down at the Keibatsu and continued, “Are you prepared to serve as my hands, my eyes, my ears and agents of my father’s will, and fill the seats left empty at his table?”

It was no question; and it needed no answer. Ashia and Tsainetomo nodded. Had they felt otherwise they would not have been invited to begin with—Lord Sadow had meted his candidates well; no other would have set foot within the cloister. They alone were among his most loyal, his most trustworthy; and they alone were ready to carry out his will. Through fire and war had they been tested, and passed every challenge he and all others had set.

Lord Sadow placed the blade on Ashia’s shoulder. “Then I name you one of my father’s chosen, and forever shall you walk in his house, an eternal servant to his undying will.”

The sword flashed as a spiral of blue-white light shot down its length. Ashia held her gaze and dared not wince as the lightning enveloped her. “Arise, my daughter,” the Overlord said, “and henceforth bear the name of Ashia Sadow.”

The Overlord lowered the sword and reached for the cup beside him. He plunged two fingers into the dancing flames and withdrew them covered in the thick black liquid. The Overlord reached out and touched Ashia’s arm. Fire shot up her arm and the pain hit her; this time she could not help but recoil. The smoke where the Overlord had touched her burnt her nostrils, and the aroma of incense left her briefly feeling dizzy; the sensation passed a few moments later.

Ashia looked her lord straight in the eye and nodded; then, without instruction, she took her new place at the table of the chosen of Naga Sadow.

Lord Sadow turned to Tsainetomo Keibatsu. As he had done with Ashia, the Overlord placed the Sword of Sadow atop the second Keibatsu’s shoulder; and, as before, the weapon rippled with lances of pure white energy. “Arise, my son, and henceforth bear the name of Tsainetomo Sadow.”

Tsainetomo held out his arm without needing be asked; he knew what was to come next. Once more the Overlord placed his hand in the golden cup, covering his fingers in thick blood. Lord Sadow pressed his fingers against the second Keibatsu’s arm and watched as the mark of the Sons and Daughters of Sadow burned itself into the man’s skin.

Tsainetomo shut his eyes and snarled as the pain rippled through his body. Finally, Tsainetomo Sadow took his place, filling the previously empty chair beside Ashia Sadow; and, at last, once more the circle of the Sons and Daughters of Sadow was complete. Lord Sadow place the Sword of Sadow back on its stand and took his place at the head of the round table. “Rejoice, my sons and daughters, for the coming of Ashia and Tsainetomo Sadow.”