In one of the main halls of the Alexandria von Hohenheim, a peculiar scene was taking place. An important gathering was being held. The only of Maximilian's subordinates missing from the gathering were the crew flying the ship.
"I never agreed to this," a man whispered to his wife in an agitated tone. "Not only did I never agree to follow a child, but I also never meant to flee the empire like a criminal. I served in the army for decades! This is not what I've signed up for. This is not right."
"Calm down. Let's first see how the meeting goes," the woman responded. "None of us had planned for things to go this way, but it is how the situation developed."
There were similar discussions being held all around the room. Groups of two to five were arguing in hushed tones. The situation had not dissolved to the point where people were getting loud, but the discontent could be seen on many of their faces.
The tense atmosphere was broken when three people entered the room. David, Maximilian's old butler, was leading the trio with the two others just a step behind. One of them was Margret, Zeke's former guard. On his other side stood Kerim, the captain of the Alexandria. David walked to the middle of the room before addressing the crowd.
"I have been made aware that many of you are discontent with our current situation," David began while eying the dozens of faces around him. "That's why I've asked you all to gather here. It is time that we address our situation and the future. I've met with the young lord earlier and I'm going to relay his plans to all of you."
There were nods from all around. His opening statement had already eased a lot of the tension. Even though the crowd was still agitated, addressing their concerns was a good start. Some of the gathered people didn't have a lot of faith in this approach, however.
"What plan?" the man from earlier questioned loudly. "Don't misunderstand. I have no problem with Ezekiel; he is a good boy. But the fact remains that he has never been outside of the empire. Heck, he was a mere peasant from a small village until a year ago. How could he have a plan for all of us? How can any of us put our trust in him?"
The sentiment was echoed by a substantial part of the crowd. Zeke had gotten to know most of Maximilian's subordinates over the past year. Still, it became apparent that they didn't have the same level of trust in him that they had in Maximilian.
David waited for the commotion to die down. After the last of the voices went silent, he continued with his announcement.
"As I was saying," David said while giving the man who had interrupted him a stern look, "I am now going to share the young lord's plans with all of you. There will be time enough to discuss, once you are all caught up."
The man looked suitably chastised and the crowd now patiently waited for David to finish his explanation. It was immediately apparent that the butler was well respected. He once again scanned the sea of faces and when he was sure that everyone was paying attention, he went on to relay the details that Zeke had shared with him.
"As you all know, we are headed for Tradespire," David began anew. "The von Hohenheim family has substantial holdings there. You should all be aware of the fact that Maximilian spent the majority of the past several years in the city and has managed to build connections with many prominent people. The empire would not be able to pursue us, as according to the laws of Tradespire, families with a permanent residence in the city are under its protection while within city limits."
David paused to gauge the mood of his audience. Many of the doubtful faces had taken on a pondering expression. The promise of a guaranteed sanctuary seemed to have had an effect on the people.
He nodded at the crowd's reaction before continuing, "As for his future plans, the young lord seeks to establish a foothold in the trade city. He is convinced that he will be able to earn enough money to keep the family afloat. The young lord did not share any details about those plans with me, but he is confident in his ability to keep employing all of us. He has promised me that he will find a place for everyone who wishes to continue being in the von Hohenheim family's employ. That is all."
After the announcement, David stepped back. He wanted to give the people time and opportunity to share their thoughts and feelings. It wasn't long before somebody spoke up again.
"I don't know about the rest of you, but I'm gonna leave as soon as we reach Tradespire," a burly man said. "I used to be an adventurer before the old man picked me up. I'd rather go back to that life before following Ezekiel to his death. I know the boy, and I can guarantee every single one of you that he is planning to act against the empire. Count me out."
"As he should!" somebody else exclaimed. "Most of our families have been in Maximilian's service for generations. My grandma told me that the old man used to play with her when she was still a kid. This is not a bond that can be broken easily. Ezekiel is the heir and therefore acting head of the family. I am going to support him."
"You guys are missing the main point," another person chimed in. "Even if we wanted to stay, how would he even pay us? There are hundreds of us and most of us have a family to feed. I couldn't work for free, even if I wanted to."
"Didn't you hear the rumors? The boy made more money than most of us will see in a lifetime by placing a few bets," came the reply.
"That might have worked on a few immature brats in the empire, but the merchants of Tradespire are made from sterner stuff. He would most likely just lose all his money if he tried the same trick," somebody countered.
The gathering quickly dissolved into a lively debate. Everybody seemed to have an opinion to share and many voices got loud. Harsh words were exchanged every now and then.
David watched the goings on with an impassive face. His musings were interrupted when Margret and Kerim stepped up next to him.
"What do you think?" Kerim asked.
"This doesn't look good," Margret answered from his other side. "Most of the commoners and True Mages are going to leave, I think. I spoke with the other core members beforehand. Their loyalty to the house has not been shaken yet, at least. What about the crew, Kerim?"
"Ayy, the crew is going to stay, that I guarantee," the man replied. "It's easier for us. We are accustomed to traveling. None of my boys has a family in the empire."
The three remained silent as they watched the people.
"Why did Zeke not come himself?" Margret asked. She knew him best and was surprised that he didn't come to reassure everybody.
"I asked him the same question," David replied.
"And?" Kerim asked after the man didn't continue immediately.
"He said that this period was a test," David eventually said. "A test for him, but also a test for us."
The three remained silent, each pondering the meaning of the words. After a while, Margret spoke up first.
"So this is a test of loyalty?" she asked.
David nodded. "Most likely. He instructed me to only give a basic explanation in addition to the reassurance that everyone would still have a place here."
"He is most likely trying to get rid of opportunists," Kerim stated. "It's a shame. I fear that we are going to lose a lot of good and loyal people as well. Some of them are going to leave just because they are afraid of all the rapid changes."
"The old man once told me," David explained, "that the best test of a person's character is sacrifice. Everybody can be loyal when it doesn't cost them anything. Now, we have all been asked to pay a price. Let's see how many will pass."
"I will follow him to the end," Margret stated with steel in her voice. "What about you two?"
"Aye, as long as the ship needs a captain, I'm gonna stay as well," Kerim said with a wink.
"What about you, David?" Margret asked. "You've been close to the Arch Mage level for a long time now. The old man was confident that you could break through soon. I'm sure you could live a life in luxury somewhere if that was what you desired."
David merely smiled at the question. "My Great grandfather was a commoner, you know? He served the von Hohenheim family all his life. His son was the first to develop a magic core. He reached the level of True Mage at 40 and served the family for over a century. His son, my father, made it to the Grand Mage level and had the honor of serving the family all his life as well. As for me…"
Here the man paused and gave his two companions a meaningful look. "…It is going to be my honor to be the first Arch Mage to serve the von Hohenheim house."
"Damn…" Kerim said into the silence that had fallen between them after the announcement. "That's quite the statement. It's a shame though about your kid."
"What about him?" David asked. His firstborn son had just turned one year old.
"Won't the brat have to become an Exarch-level Mage to continue the tradition?" the captain teased. "That's quite the burden to put on your kid, man!"
Margret was the first to burst out laughing. She was soon joined by Kerim himself. Even David snickered at the joke. But after they had calmed down, their faces quickly turned somber again at the thought of what the future would hold. After a moment, David added in a meaningful tone.
"I'm not so sure, Kerim. There is something special about Ezekiel. The old man often told me how impressive the boy was. I have a feeling that our house is going to rise to new heights under his rule."
Margret nodded with fire in her gaze. She raised her glass, and the two others joined her only a moment later.
"Glory!" she exclaimed in a somber tone.
"Glory…" both men echoed.
"…or death," the three finished the toast in unison. The words of the von Hohenheim house seemed to fit the situation better than ever before.