After some heated discussions, the party decides how to handle the Oracle of Dunger. Rin is left hidden for a few hours, watching to see how the Oracle is treated, how the spirits interact with her, and whether or not she should be "liberated".
During this time, Soreiss uses Map and spies out Veldir, finding his wasting form in the great library of the mages in Tal'Ushorin, pouring over several tomes. It seems Soreiss's "brother" is attempting to learn the secret of implanting a spirit into a crafted homonculus. He also spies out the two remaining Waywinders in the shattered isles, lounging at the observatory they found a short time prior.
The PCs tell Arius about Rhedd's words indicating a Nendir spy highly placed within the Larkan government. Arius agrees to speak with Kethryn and make a list of any individuals in Larka City who had high clearance and access two years ago. Soreiss and Slip speak with the criminal underworld of Larka City, and agree to pass on a note to Kethryn with contains the names of three people they want let free from prison if they successfully help ferret out the spy. Similarly, Mitu speaks with Red-Eye, asking him for any aid he might provide.
When returning to check on Rin, events roll out of control when the rest of the party sees Rin arguing with the spirits of the Oracle. It seems the Oracular spirit itself decided the pestering bearers were not worth her trouble. The party gates to Rin's side when they see the young girl fall limp, seemingly dead. A few moments later, a new girl, younger than the first, steps into the Oracle's Shrine, descends the stairway, removes the shackles from the Oracle's body, and, crawling atop her, peers eye to eye, forehead to forehead with the girl. Some kind of spiritual transferrance has occured, with this new girl becoming the Oracle of Dunger. The new Oracle chains herself and lays down in the pool.
Rin explains that from what he can understand, the Oracle itself is a spirit who has taken possession of each young woman in turn since the first long ago. Lugh adds that there has been an Oracle here for nearly 500 years -- longer than there has been a town, and nearly as longer as Dunger has been a Kingdom. Ther party is unsure of what to do, since the Oracle is so tightly connected with the regional culture (indeed, Mitu expresses an understanding of why the Order of Oryon has opted to seperate itself from local politics). However, before anything can be decided, they opt to figure out where this new host girl came from. Lugh and an angry Rin approach an old farmhouse near the edge of town, after having tracked the young girls passage. There are light in the farmhouse, and at least three people seem to be talking.
Inside, a man in robes -- a guard/tender for the Oracle -- is paying off an excited (ecstatic, really) mother and a visibly displeased father to the amount of one dairy cow and two pigs. Rin notices that the Oracular guard is tethered to some kind of spirit, and uses his skills as a psychopomp to wrest the spirit under his control. He learns that the spirit is sent from the Oracle herself, and the guard -- though somewhat taken aback at whats happening -- is unphased, continues his exchange, and quickly excuses himself. The mother is pleased with what has happened; her youngest daughter has been claimed by the oracle. She always knew the girl had a special destiny. The father is definitely not pleased, and speaks at length with Lugh about it. Lugh manages to convince the man not to do anything stupid since there is no freeing the girl, but promises that he and the rest of the party will look into things.
Indeed, they return and speak to the Oracle herself, who speaks only cryptically. But she seems to indicate that she is powerless to change the party's decision once they make one, but adds that mercy should be shown to those who must commit necessary evils. Some in the party speak with the shrine guard, and learn a bit more of the Oracle's history. They also demand access to the shrine records. Between the shrine guard and the records, they learn that girls tend to die off, though there is no set time, but are not abused or demeaned. There has only been one recorded case of abuse by a shrine guard, and that was nearly 200 years prior. The man was castrated and cast from Dunger. Nothing else has been done to the oracle without the oracle's expressed request.
The party's decision is to alter the Shrine. They reckon the toxic living environment contributes to the high mortality rate among the girls mounted by the oracle, and decide to seal off the the vents of sulphurous fumes, create apertures for fresh air, cleanse and then reroute the waters flowing into the chamber, insuring that there is a steady flow to help keep the place clean. Slip and Bodan spend several hours making changes to the terrain, and the party leaves Dunger.
They set back down to business in what amounts mostly to gathering intelligence and tieing up a few loose ends. First they return to Hillshadow and Mitu completes his healing treatments on the Archmage Tol'Uddi Dunn. However, it is here they meet with over a dozen Pheonix Cultists en route to Sashmir to gather around the new Talmoril -- they all shared a vision that included not only Caedin, but Mitu as well, the Messenger who bore Mevonn's Quill from the last Talmoril to the new one. The hippies descend on the Ogren, one burly fellow even snipping a lock of Mitu's scraggly hair.
As most of the party laughs, Mitu is horrified -- not only does he warn that these nameseekers are likely to find only an asskicking at the hands of the Talmoril, he fears that he will take even more of an asskicking himself simply for being involved. The cultists only seem to hear part of what he says, taking an twisting his words and message -- They should go home, and the Talmoril will show them the way.
Most of the bystanders agree in believeing that Krakaroon definitely has something to do with the shared vision of these nameseekers. Minulex, they reckon, may also have some part in it. Regardless, Map confirms that hundreds of cultists are approaching Sashmir on all roads, and some have already assembled on Moon Hill.
Antilles -- who is at Hillshadow during this time -- asks the Party to perform a task for him, one which may require negotiation and diplomacy. It seems that the Archmagus and Artificer, Tol'Dorinn Finnian (aka Dalwimple the Red) got too close to the Inta. He is currently held captive by the man and his small army of Varu shamen and Kon'Dai. Antilles simply wants the party to discuss what Prion wants in order to release the Wizard. He sees no need for combat, or he'd just go himself. Soreiss comments that the Inta is Prion, and adds that he figured they'd have to meet some time. The party agrees to speak with Prion, and returning to Map, they spy a long train of people crossing the foot hills north, across the bay, from the Imperial Hearth of Varu'Nora.
Soreiss gates the party a couple of miles ahead of the procession. Lugh sets his staff alight to show there is no stealth or hidden ambush here -- just a meeting. Indeed, Prion's outriders -- his Necrus minions who continue to serve as his military commanders -- make contact first, and arrange a meeting with Lord Prion in one hour's time.
Prion is a massive figure, retaining the full Cathanus stature he held in life. His armor is stylized Cathic Plate, and he bears a warmask much like the Varukko Kon'Dai do in battle. He removes his helm as he approaches -- unlike most necrus who usually appear in heavily decomposed states, Prion's flesh is not at all marred or putrid. His tone and pallor are corpse like and ashen, but otherwise flawless. A steady light burns in his eyes, making it hard to tell if his real eyes remained or if the lights themselves have taken that form.
Alongside Prion walks an unexpected figure -- Temu, the exiled Varu Shaman -- with his Giro assistant skulking at the fringes of darkness. Temu greets the party, but says little more as Prion takes over.
The Necrus lord speaks with the party at length, about both Tol'Dorinn Finnian and other matters. Indeed, he seems to stump Soreiss with a very simple question -- Who is Soreiss that makes him uniquely Soreiss, and not Athrin Nur? In short, why would Athrin Nur choose to become Soreiss? He speaks plainly about some issues, even when challenged, and expresses a distaste not only for his "cousin" Oryon, but for the Pheonixes as well. What good is a god, he asks, who refuses to use his divine power? Indeed, power seems to be the primary theme Prion expresses in the conversation, a focus that colors his apparently narrow world view.
Ultimately, Prion presents several useful pieces of information:
- He has always been the Inta, in all places and times the Inta has revealed himself.
- He has been shaping Varu culture according to his vision of an idealized Cathan, and has always been tied to their spiritual core.
- He thinks the Eled races are fit for nothing but death; corrupt or not, they are all a blight on the world.
- He admits that he has not yet decided where he is throwing his lot in the grand conflict, but comments that it will never be the Dark Road.
- He admits that he has met with the being the Varu call the Bone Crow, whom the PCs know as Cabot Darkhollow.
In the end, Prion agrees to free Tol'Dorinn Finnian if -- and only if -- Antilles himself meets with him. He obviously has something to say to the Guardian's son.
The party returns to Hillshadow, informing Antilles of Prion's conditions. The living shadow departs immediately. A Nom traveller in the tavern pesters Mitu about being "the Messenger", then laughs, revealing himself to be Vernir Guide in disguise. He mocks the hippy Phoenix Cultists, citing the superiority of the Path of S'qarb. However, he agrees to accompany the party back to Larka.
When they return, Arius is waiting with a list from Kethryn.
Showing posts with label Phoenix. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Phoenix. Show all posts
Wednesday, May 09, 2007
Wednesday, February 28, 2007
Chapter 15: Session 07
Being free from Marcus's spying eyes, Mitu takes a moment to speak with Bodan and Slip about their shared experience in the Cave of Voices (What happens in the Cave, stays in the Cave...). They converse as they walk, the Talmoril's Sword still pointing to the Northwest -- into the Mountains past the river.
Marcus uses his sorcerous powers to make contact with Soreiss, explaining that he was abandoned and was making his way to Corwinton instead. Soreiss tells him to return to the waywinder stone, and Soreiss -- leaving Lugh on the road to Sashmir -- opens a gateway for Marcus and his eagle. Mitu, Bodan, and Slip pay it little mind when the eaglerider emerges. Soreiss does not bother to stick around, returning instead to Lugh's side, and choosing to head into The Barrens, a slum built outside the city's south wall, in the hopes of getting aid from Lugh's family.
Marcus takes to the sky just as the ground begins to shake. Bodan uses his Earthmastery to anchor Mitu and Slip to the ground so they might weather the tremor. Unfortunately, they seem to be under attack. Slip uses his waterlens to discern a balding Usho magus clad in deep blue and gold robes. A booming voice proclaims that he is hunting the Necromancer Veldir Kedrith, and will slay all his minions if they do not stand down. Once again Soreiss's necromantically tainted eldritch signature has been mistaken for that of his brother. Marcus flies up toward the source of the voice, but loses sight of him. And suddenly, the voice speaking is calm -- an invisible hand rests itself on Marcus's shoulder. The mage addresses Marcus, noting that he is an eaglerider of the Order, and therefore no likely to be in league with Veldir. Marcus explains that what the magus sensed was not Veldir, and offers to say more if he ends the tremors on the ground below, and lands so that all present may speak. The Magus agrees.
He identifies himself as Zillmiran, a name recognized by both Mitu and Slip. The Ogren knows that Tharivol and Uli had some contact with the man back before meeting Mitu, and Slip knows the mage by reputation. Zillmiran is known as an Archmage, a former lecturer at the Southern Academy at Tal'Ushorin, and a condescending prick. Indeed, the rumors were quite true -- immediately condescending, Zillmiran is only respectful to Marcus, and to a lesser extent, Slip. They discuss what Zillmiran sensed, and Slip slips that the archmage sensed Soreiss, Veldir's "brother". For once, there is someone who seems to have never heard of Soreiss.
Zillmiran and the party verbally fence for a while, with Zillmiran belittling Mitu and seeming to read the Ogren's every behavioral trait without recourse to Magic. After a time, and the understanding that they are all heading in roughly the same direction. Zillmiran teleports the party in a northwesterly direction, jumping from hilltop to hilltop. At each stop, he asks a question of the party, and agrees to answer one in turn. Mitu consults the Talmoril's Blade at each stop, and eventually Mevonn's Quill points someplace other than into the high Mountains of the Northwest.
There is evidence that the Krinod of Muros's army is camped in the valleys and far hillsides across from where the party now stands. Zillmiran takes his leave of the PCs, claiming that he must go and find a friend of his down there. Mevonn's Quill, however, does not point at Muros's Camp. Instead, it seems to point along a rough path along the very ridge upon which they stand. After a short walk, the party hears a voice rumble from the rocks beneath them. Unmistakably, it is the voice of Warrin, the chosen of Caarpachi. When Warrin asks whats up with the sword, Mitu explains about the Talmoril; Warrin laughs heartily, and approaches from the rocks. The sword does not point toward him, and Warrin laughs even more soundly. He explains that the sword seems to be pointing to his camp, which leaves only Caedin and Fartlegoth as its chosen. Both options, the barechested warrior admits, are amusing enough to drive him to convulsions.
It turns out that the sword identifies Caedin... who refuses to accept it, and storms down into the valley, into the hordes of Krinod, and soon it is obvious, into the heart of Muros's own encampment. Mitu and Marcus follow, even as Warrin and Fartlegoth offer Bodan and Slip a drink and the general hospitality of their camp. Soon after, Zillmiran arrives again -- Warrin was the very friend he was seeking.
Mitu and Marcus follow the path Caedin has cut through the Krinod, ad find him railing at Min, the humanoid guise of the phoenix Minulex, Akarri, and Izizi. Caedin is demanding to speak with Mevonn, but the assembled Phoenixes are not responding to him. Min actually seems amused. When Muros attempts to approach, Caedin shoots him a comment as well, warning the Archon to mind his business and stay out of this matter. Sensing the implied threat, Tharivol steps in front of Muros to defend him -- but his face clearly shows an understanding that he won't hold Caedin off for long. Mitu tries to speak to the enraged swordsman, but Caedin warns Mitu to back off. So long as Mitu is carrying Mevonn's Quill, he and Caedin are not on the same side. He urges Mitu to toss the sword aside, since Caedin will not take it. Let the Phoenixes handle their own mess for once.
Eventually, the situation calms enough for Caedin to state that he will not even consider taking the sword until he has a chance to speak to Mevonn. Minulex agrees to pass on the message.
Mitu and Marcus follow Caedin back to camp. They discuss the issue of Caedin with Warrin even as the swordsman sits alone, brooding.
They all sense a strange presence a moment before a glimmering humanoid figure, albeit a massive, 8 foot tall one, with a hawks head and eyes like turquoise stones approaches. The being gleams like burnished steel, and all realize that they are in the presense of Mevonn (Who rests his hand on Mitu's shoulder as he passes, filling the Ogren with a sense of serene calm).
Caedin leaps up, but the others watch as Mevonn states calmly that the choice of the Talmoril cannot be unmade, regardless of whether or not Caedin ever accepts the sword or not. Furthermore, he curses the swordsman to be without any sword save the talmoril's blade. If he is to continue as a swordsman, Mevonn's Quill is the only sword that will have him. To make this point, Caedin's own sword cracks and disintegrates. Caedin hurls down the remains of his sword, but refuses to take the Phoenix blade and Mevonn tells Caedin to enjoy his life as a farmer.
Caedin goes off alone, even as others in the camp talk about what just occured. Zillmiran finds it all quite amusing, but is too drunk to participate for long. Marcus, Mitu, and Warrin each have different viewpoints about the whole affair bickering about the differences between chosen responsibilities and those which are imposed. Sometime during the conversation, a storm breaks out... and a short while later, they notice that Caedin has gone.
Just before dawn, Caedin staggers back into camp. His face is bloodied raw, and his eyes dark. When asked what happened, he informs the party that he "had it out" with the Phoenixes, all of them. Then he tells Mitu to toss him the Talmoril's Sword, adding that, ultimately, he lost. After a short conversation, Mitu understands that it was probably Krakaroon who cowed the proud swordsman, since Caedin admitted that it was he who pummeled himself into his present condition. After that, Caedin sprawls out on the rocks to rest.
Meanwhile, back in Kesh, Soreiss and Lugh poke around the Barrens, hoping to find Manny Pazuna, a Kuzani clan cousin of Lugh's that Grandfather had advised him to seek if his travels lead to Sashmir. Indeed, they eventually find Manny (and his door closing Luma son, Lolo), a corpulent Kuzani living in a house in the center of the Barrens. Manny listens to them, and agrees to arrange for them to slide into the Sashmir port a few hours before dawn. Oddly enough, it is Captain Ahze (whose ship they thought they saw in the Barrens' port) who is tasked -- reluctantly -- with ferrying the two travelers as well as Manny's son Lolo into the great city.
Unfortunately, things do not go as planned. As they near the Sashmir docks, they can see something amiss with the dockmaster (who is connected to Manny, and therefore supposed to be an ally). They push into port anyway, and even as the dockmaster helps them secure the ship and climb up to the docks, he apologizes, saying he had no choice.
A flurry of small darts streak out and blanket the area, and all five men (Ahze, Lolo, Lugh, Soreiss, and the dockmaster) collapse.
When Lugh and Soreiss awaken, they are in a small room with a handle-less door. All of their belongings seems present and untouched. A small bowl of dried fruits and bread are set on a table near a pitcher of water and some glasses. A note informs them to be comfortable and eat and drink what they wish. They start making noise on the door, and they discern the sound of approaching footsteps. Backing away from the door as it opens, a smoky miasma pushes into the room. Three shadowy figures wrapped in pale gauze stand there. They wear masks which cover the lower halves of their faces, and only their eyes seem uncovered by the gauze wraps.
The three people identify themselves as members of the Alu Mahar, and apologize for the method of their first meeting. They inform Lugh and Soreiss that their coming was foretold by a book nearly 150 years prior, and that they must not venture into the city until well after dawn. Inquiring why, Lugh and Soreiss are told that the Beast-Who-Wears-the-Skin-of-a-Man watches the city, and would surely find the pair this night if not for the measures taken by the Alu Mahar.
(The Alu Mahar is an ancient order of assassins and mystics founded sometime during the era of the 2nd Prophecy).
The Alu Mahar eventually escort the pair outside, and leave them by the University's great courtyard, near enough their destination. They pass time shopping and drinking at a bar across town before heading into the Blue Candle Tavern, supposedly the oldest Bar in the world. Just about midnight, Marika Dracos arrives -- she is taller than Maraianna, her features more stern and slightly sharper, but her eyes are almost identical. She walks right to their table and Soreiss returns her dagger to her (those she already has several worn openly, once which, it seems, she has used several times since arriving in Sashmir). Marika admits to having some serious confusion -- the world has changed significantly since her time, and she needs a while to sort things out. She implies that she has some of Maraianna'a memories, but lacks the context to properly understand them right now. In Marika, much of Maraianna can be seen plainly; they are not so different at all. Yet, they are not the same, either.
Marika seems startled when she learns that two of her former companions are the most dangerous of the Nightmasters. Anjoule was a rival of hers, but she seems genuinely surprised at his fall. Akur, though, was one of her closest friends and is almost incredulous at the statement. That the dragon fell to the darkroad seems to trouble her. She informs Soreiss and Lugh that she will be remaining in town, heading to Moon Hill to find some answers. She also comments that the Alu Mahar contacted her as well, claiming to have been founded by her, and therefore, are at her disposal.
The meeting ends, and Marika departs the Blue Candle. Soreiss and Lugh teleport away to rejoin the rest of the Party on the glass continent.
As Caedin has taken up Mevonn's Quill, the task of delivering the blade is complete. They all decide that it is best to rest for a few days back in Larka. Caedin surprises everyone by asking Soreiss for a ride to Sashmir. It seems that Muros decided there is no room in his army for the Swordsman.
Back in Larka, there is a huge crate of books and journals on the table in the study. It contains copies of the materials promised to Soreiss by the Syments. Soreiss forgets about sleeping and pours over the ancient notes on Dimensionl Mechanics penned by the Darkweaver himself.
----
[Jolt Code: 3B,5C,2CB, 2R]
Marcus uses his sorcerous powers to make contact with Soreiss, explaining that he was abandoned and was making his way to Corwinton instead. Soreiss tells him to return to the waywinder stone, and Soreiss -- leaving Lugh on the road to Sashmir -- opens a gateway for Marcus and his eagle. Mitu, Bodan, and Slip pay it little mind when the eaglerider emerges. Soreiss does not bother to stick around, returning instead to Lugh's side, and choosing to head into The Barrens, a slum built outside the city's south wall, in the hopes of getting aid from Lugh's family.
Marcus takes to the sky just as the ground begins to shake. Bodan uses his Earthmastery to anchor Mitu and Slip to the ground so they might weather the tremor. Unfortunately, they seem to be under attack. Slip uses his waterlens to discern a balding Usho magus clad in deep blue and gold robes. A booming voice proclaims that he is hunting the Necromancer Veldir Kedrith, and will slay all his minions if they do not stand down. Once again Soreiss's necromantically tainted eldritch signature has been mistaken for that of his brother. Marcus flies up toward the source of the voice, but loses sight of him. And suddenly, the voice speaking is calm -- an invisible hand rests itself on Marcus's shoulder. The mage addresses Marcus, noting that he is an eaglerider of the Order, and therefore no likely to be in league with Veldir. Marcus explains that what the magus sensed was not Veldir, and offers to say more if he ends the tremors on the ground below, and lands so that all present may speak. The Magus agrees.
He identifies himself as Zillmiran, a name recognized by both Mitu and Slip. The Ogren knows that Tharivol and Uli had some contact with the man back before meeting Mitu, and Slip knows the mage by reputation. Zillmiran is known as an Archmage, a former lecturer at the Southern Academy at Tal'Ushorin, and a condescending prick. Indeed, the rumors were quite true -- immediately condescending, Zillmiran is only respectful to Marcus, and to a lesser extent, Slip. They discuss what Zillmiran sensed, and Slip slips that the archmage sensed Soreiss, Veldir's "brother". For once, there is someone who seems to have never heard of Soreiss.
Zillmiran and the party verbally fence for a while, with Zillmiran belittling Mitu and seeming to read the Ogren's every behavioral trait without recourse to Magic. After a time, and the understanding that they are all heading in roughly the same direction. Zillmiran teleports the party in a northwesterly direction, jumping from hilltop to hilltop. At each stop, he asks a question of the party, and agrees to answer one in turn. Mitu consults the Talmoril's Blade at each stop, and eventually Mevonn's Quill points someplace other than into the high Mountains of the Northwest.
There is evidence that the Krinod of Muros's army is camped in the valleys and far hillsides across from where the party now stands. Zillmiran takes his leave of the PCs, claiming that he must go and find a friend of his down there. Mevonn's Quill, however, does not point at Muros's Camp. Instead, it seems to point along a rough path along the very ridge upon which they stand. After a short walk, the party hears a voice rumble from the rocks beneath them. Unmistakably, it is the voice of Warrin, the chosen of Caarpachi. When Warrin asks whats up with the sword, Mitu explains about the Talmoril; Warrin laughs heartily, and approaches from the rocks. The sword does not point toward him, and Warrin laughs even more soundly. He explains that the sword seems to be pointing to his camp, which leaves only Caedin and Fartlegoth as its chosen. Both options, the barechested warrior admits, are amusing enough to drive him to convulsions.
It turns out that the sword identifies Caedin... who refuses to accept it, and storms down into the valley, into the hordes of Krinod, and soon it is obvious, into the heart of Muros's own encampment. Mitu and Marcus follow, even as Warrin and Fartlegoth offer Bodan and Slip a drink and the general hospitality of their camp. Soon after, Zillmiran arrives again -- Warrin was the very friend he was seeking.
Mitu and Marcus follow the path Caedin has cut through the Krinod, ad find him railing at Min, the humanoid guise of the phoenix Minulex, Akarri, and Izizi. Caedin is demanding to speak with Mevonn, but the assembled Phoenixes are not responding to him. Min actually seems amused. When Muros attempts to approach, Caedin shoots him a comment as well, warning the Archon to mind his business and stay out of this matter. Sensing the implied threat, Tharivol steps in front of Muros to defend him -- but his face clearly shows an understanding that he won't hold Caedin off for long. Mitu tries to speak to the enraged swordsman, but Caedin warns Mitu to back off. So long as Mitu is carrying Mevonn's Quill, he and Caedin are not on the same side. He urges Mitu to toss the sword aside, since Caedin will not take it. Let the Phoenixes handle their own mess for once.
Eventually, the situation calms enough for Caedin to state that he will not even consider taking the sword until he has a chance to speak to Mevonn. Minulex agrees to pass on the message.
Mitu and Marcus follow Caedin back to camp. They discuss the issue of Caedin with Warrin even as the swordsman sits alone, brooding.
They all sense a strange presence a moment before a glimmering humanoid figure, albeit a massive, 8 foot tall one, with a hawks head and eyes like turquoise stones approaches. The being gleams like burnished steel, and all realize that they are in the presense of Mevonn (Who rests his hand on Mitu's shoulder as he passes, filling the Ogren with a sense of serene calm).
Caedin leaps up, but the others watch as Mevonn states calmly that the choice of the Talmoril cannot be unmade, regardless of whether or not Caedin ever accepts the sword or not. Furthermore, he curses the swordsman to be without any sword save the talmoril's blade. If he is to continue as a swordsman, Mevonn's Quill is the only sword that will have him. To make this point, Caedin's own sword cracks and disintegrates. Caedin hurls down the remains of his sword, but refuses to take the Phoenix blade and Mevonn tells Caedin to enjoy his life as a farmer.
Caedin goes off alone, even as others in the camp talk about what just occured. Zillmiran finds it all quite amusing, but is too drunk to participate for long. Marcus, Mitu, and Warrin each have different viewpoints about the whole affair bickering about the differences between chosen responsibilities and those which are imposed. Sometime during the conversation, a storm breaks out... and a short while later, they notice that Caedin has gone.
Just before dawn, Caedin staggers back into camp. His face is bloodied raw, and his eyes dark. When asked what happened, he informs the party that he "had it out" with the Phoenixes, all of them. Then he tells Mitu to toss him the Talmoril's Sword, adding that, ultimately, he lost. After a short conversation, Mitu understands that it was probably Krakaroon who cowed the proud swordsman, since Caedin admitted that it was he who pummeled himself into his present condition. After that, Caedin sprawls out on the rocks to rest.
Meanwhile, back in Kesh, Soreiss and Lugh poke around the Barrens, hoping to find Manny Pazuna, a Kuzani clan cousin of Lugh's that Grandfather had advised him to seek if his travels lead to Sashmir. Indeed, they eventually find Manny (and his door closing Luma son, Lolo), a corpulent Kuzani living in a house in the center of the Barrens. Manny listens to them, and agrees to arrange for them to slide into the Sashmir port a few hours before dawn. Oddly enough, it is Captain Ahze (whose ship they thought they saw in the Barrens' port) who is tasked -- reluctantly -- with ferrying the two travelers as well as Manny's son Lolo into the great city.
Unfortunately, things do not go as planned. As they near the Sashmir docks, they can see something amiss with the dockmaster (who is connected to Manny, and therefore supposed to be an ally). They push into port anyway, and even as the dockmaster helps them secure the ship and climb up to the docks, he apologizes, saying he had no choice.
A flurry of small darts streak out and blanket the area, and all five men (Ahze, Lolo, Lugh, Soreiss, and the dockmaster) collapse.
When Lugh and Soreiss awaken, they are in a small room with a handle-less door. All of their belongings seems present and untouched. A small bowl of dried fruits and bread are set on a table near a pitcher of water and some glasses. A note informs them to be comfortable and eat and drink what they wish. They start making noise on the door, and they discern the sound of approaching footsteps. Backing away from the door as it opens, a smoky miasma pushes into the room. Three shadowy figures wrapped in pale gauze stand there. They wear masks which cover the lower halves of their faces, and only their eyes seem uncovered by the gauze wraps.
The three people identify themselves as members of the Alu Mahar, and apologize for the method of their first meeting. They inform Lugh and Soreiss that their coming was foretold by a book nearly 150 years prior, and that they must not venture into the city until well after dawn. Inquiring why, Lugh and Soreiss are told that the Beast-Who-Wears-the-Skin-of-a-Man watches the city, and would surely find the pair this night if not for the measures taken by the Alu Mahar.
(The Alu Mahar is an ancient order of assassins and mystics founded sometime during the era of the 2nd Prophecy).
The Alu Mahar eventually escort the pair outside, and leave them by the University's great courtyard, near enough their destination. They pass time shopping and drinking at a bar across town before heading into the Blue Candle Tavern, supposedly the oldest Bar in the world. Just about midnight, Marika Dracos arrives -- she is taller than Maraianna, her features more stern and slightly sharper, but her eyes are almost identical. She walks right to their table and Soreiss returns her dagger to her (those she already has several worn openly, once which, it seems, she has used several times since arriving in Sashmir). Marika admits to having some serious confusion -- the world has changed significantly since her time, and she needs a while to sort things out. She implies that she has some of Maraianna'a memories, but lacks the context to properly understand them right now. In Marika, much of Maraianna can be seen plainly; they are not so different at all. Yet, they are not the same, either.
Marika seems startled when she learns that two of her former companions are the most dangerous of the Nightmasters. Anjoule was a rival of hers, but she seems genuinely surprised at his fall. Akur, though, was one of her closest friends and is almost incredulous at the statement. That the dragon fell to the darkroad seems to trouble her. She informs Soreiss and Lugh that she will be remaining in town, heading to Moon Hill to find some answers. She also comments that the Alu Mahar contacted her as well, claiming to have been founded by her, and therefore, are at her disposal.
The meeting ends, and Marika departs the Blue Candle. Soreiss and Lugh teleport away to rejoin the rest of the Party on the glass continent.
As Caedin has taken up Mevonn's Quill, the task of delivering the blade is complete. They all decide that it is best to rest for a few days back in Larka. Caedin surprises everyone by asking Soreiss for a ride to Sashmir. It seems that Muros decided there is no room in his army for the Swordsman.
Back in Larka, there is a huge crate of books and journals on the table in the study. It contains copies of the materials promised to Soreiss by the Syments. Soreiss forgets about sleeping and pours over the ancient notes on Dimensionl Mechanics penned by the Darkweaver himself.
----
[Jolt Code: 3B,5C,2CB, 2R]
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