Teodor Raluca had dealt the cards. Apparently the Tarot had meaning for the Ordo Dracul, and in its way it was not so far from the I Ching, though in this case it had the potential to turn away his hoped for teacher.

Fate, it seemed, had been kind with him.

Teo had shaken his hand and left him to consider the meanings of the two cards that described his likely, or possible, future. Brother Teo, now his Master in the mysteries of the Ordo Dracul. The gambit had worked, and he was no longer the lonely Slave.

Two cards lay on the table.

The Hanged Man: Wealth, indulgence, the pleasures of the flesh - these are nothing to you compared to the rare nectar of adoration. You can suffer any indignity for a chance to show your quality. Be bold, make no small plans and prepare yourself to endure what others cannot. You can survive anything except insignificance.

The Sun: The glory of your cause is your glory - whatever cause you choose. You have the heart of a true believer, but you will never be content to labour in humble obscurity. Be the paragon of your creed, or your soul will starve. Be a saint or a great sinner, but never permit yourself to be eclipsed.

"A Headstrong Paragon" was how Brother Teo had put it. Slowly a smile crept across Callum's face. He couldn't have put it better himself...