In the cool, dark cellar of the tavern, Cedrik prepared for the final steps of the ritual. The summoning circle had been laid out in chalk, exactly as the book indicated. Well... close. The book was<em>really</em>old, and some of the squiggles were hard to read. But it looked just like it, so it was sure to work. He had the candles in place, and lit, and the offerings were assembled. Maybe the bowl was only gold-<em>plated</em>, not solid gold like the book said, but it was a real silver dagger, and the brass bell only had a slight dent in it. He stepped back to admire his handiwork, brushing his blond hair out of his eyes, as he surveyed the summoning circle proudly. His master had said he wasn't ready for a ritual like this, but he knew he was, and so he'd stolen the book, and set out on his own, to prove himself. He'd gathered all the ingredients, scrimping and saving and going hungry over the last few months (gold was really expensive!), and now he was ready. He was sure he was ready. No reason to delay any longer. Just make sure his robes are straight, clean off any last specks of dust... he wanted to make a good first impression; he was nearly twenty, after all, and most apprentices had their summonings complete by sixteen!<br/><br/>Several minutes later, with a determined look on his face, he began the incantation, to begin the summoning and binding ritual, that would give him a powerful spirit, an eidolon, that would serve him faithfully, obey his every command, and fight loyally at his side. He could hardly contain his excitement, and only swore a little, as he sliced his palm, and offered a few drops of blood into the bowl, and rang the bell with all his might, as he called out, "Oh spirit from beyond, answer my call! Come forth, and be bound to serve me! Tie our lives together, as master and servant! Come forth!"