“Hullo Jeren, how’re you doing?”  Nikana smiled at the younger member of her Guild as he entered the Prime Room.

 

Jeren bowed slightly, “Doing great, milady!  I’ve been hunting again and brought back a packfull of essences for the Prime.”

 

“Wonderful!  Every essence banished is another soul saved!” Nikana smiled more widely as she handed the young man the Prime Key.

 

Jeren took it reverently and bowed to the House Prime which stood, humming faintly, in the place of honor in the Great Hall of the Light.  Although he knew it wasn’t really necessary, he held his breath as he used the Key to transfer the essences from his pack to the Prime.  He always imagined that beneath the gentle humming of the Prime, he could hear the faint sighs of relief as the trapped souls were released to return to their owners.

 

As he carefully laid the Prime Key down in its accustomed spot, Jeren said somewhat diffidently, “Milady, would you have time to attend a ceremony this dream? 

 

“I’ve been thinking for awhile about what I want to do with my dreams and I’ve decided that I want to be a Gatekeeper and help protect the House and the City.  The Gatekeeper Society is having my entrance ceremony tonight.”

 

Nikana nodded.  As a guardian of the house it was part of her duties to know the initiates and their aspirations.  She had observed this young dreamer and believed that he was making a good choice for himself.  She said, “I’d be honored to attend, Jeren.  It’s an important step for anyone, and members of our Guild should try to be there for you.  I’ll see who else is around to come.”

 

Jeren beamed, “Thank you ma’am.  I really thought a lot about this.  I was tempted to join the Kabbalists, but in the end I decided I wanted to learn and perfect the protective arts.  I want to be a defender as well as a fighter.”

 

“I think that’s a good choice for you, Jeren.  And the House values its Gatekeeper defenders.”

 

As the hour approached for his ceremony, Jeren glanced around the great sanctuary and was gratified to see that Nikana had been as good as her word.  Not only were many of his friends there, but several of the rulers and guardians of his house had come to honor one of their members.

 

On the other side of the sanctuary stood most of the current members of the Society of Gatekeepers.  The Grandmasters of Will were grouped in the center, the more junior members clustered around their leaders.

 

At precisely seven o’clock, the Guildmaster cleared his throat and began to speak.  Although he was a grizzled veteran of many battles, the Master’s voice was still strong and clear as it rang through the sanctuary, “Masters, Gatekeepers of all ranks, honored guests, we are gathered here this dream to witness the dedication of a young dreamer to our focus.”

 

“Gatekeepers have a long and proud history in the City of Dreams.  Many of the most illustrious of the ancient Dreamwright Masters were Gatekeepers.  They used their profound understanding of the fabric of the Dream to craft the portals and sanctuaries that keep us safe from the marauding nightmares.

 

“Gatekeepers have always stood as the protectors and defenders of the City and its dreamers.  Our arts are strong protections and should always be placed in the service of our fellows with lesser skills.  Our blades and chakrams are strong in defense against enemies and should be used with honor and dedication.”

 

The Master turned his piercing gaze on Jeren and asked, “Have you words to say for yourself, young dreamer?”

 

Jeren gulped, then nodded firmly and stood straighter.  He replied, “Yes Master Grimwold.  This night I mark the second important decision of my dream.  Early in my dreams I learned the truth of the Illuminated faith and joined the noble House of the Light.  This dream I start on my own path in defense of the Light and the Dream.

 

“I have long pondered the paths of the various foci and I believe that the Way of Will is my path.  I wish to join the focus that has seen so many great builders and defenders of the City of Dreams.”

 

Grimwold nodded and smiled benignly at the younger dreamer, “Very well, young man.  Are you prepared now to accept the Charge of Will and enter the ranks of the Gatekeepers?”

 

“Yes, sir, I am,” Jeren affirmed.

 

“The Will of a Gatekeeper is a mighty power within the City of Dreams.  With such power comes responsibility.  Do you swear that you will use the force of your Will and the power of the arts derived from it always in the service of the City?”

 

“I swear that I will always use my Willpower and my arts in the service of the City,” Jeren affirmed.

 

“And do you swear that you will assist younger dreamers who may aspire to join our ranks in coming to the best decision for themselves?”

 

“I so swear.”

 

“And do you further swear that in becoming a member of the Society of Gatekeepers, you will faithfully serve your focus and your fellow members?”

 

“I swear that save for the oath I have sworn to my House, that I will serve the Society of Gatekeepers and my fellow members,” Jeren replied firmly.

 

Grimwold nodded and drew his mighty Gatesmasher, “Are you now prepared to offer up a sacrifice in token of your readiness to embark on the Way of Will and follow its paths to the end of your dreaming?”

 

“I am, Master.”

 

“Then kneel and make your offering and look up when it is done.”

 

Jeren knelt before the older Gatekeeper and without a qualm, offered up his sacrifice of potential.  He looked up at Grimwold and the Master touched first his right, then his left shoulder with the flat of his Gatesmasher.

 

As his sacrifice was accepted and the Gatesmasher touched him, Jeren felt as though he was bathed in golden light.  He could feel his Will strengthening and knew that his arts and weapons were more powerful.  A sudden new awareness entered his mind and he realized that he knew instinctively how to reach the Gatekeepers’ Hall.

 

“Rise, Jeren, Apprentice Gatekeeper,” intoned Master Grimwold.

 

Jeren stood, a little dizzy with the new powers he had achieved.

 

Grimwold addressed the spectators, “On behalf of the Society of Will and our newest member, I thank you all for attending this initiation.  The Society will now retire to our Hall to further instruct our Apprentice.”

 

With these words, Grimwold and the other Gatekeepers raised their hands and evoked the art which would transport them to their Hall.  Quickly, Jeren followed suit, and slowly, the Gatekeepers of the Dream disappeared from the sanctuary.