Sapphire:Sessions:20171021

Jimmy Dorsey is secured for the night. Next morning, Chalker has Jeeves send for Sybonne (who still lives at the manor) to join him and Shawna for breakfast. Chalker and Shawna discuss how to deal with the Dorseys' "gift". Shawna will investigate Daniel's claim that "an elven ruler" had given them their "family magic." Chalker will talk with Cor.

Chalker asks Sybonne if it's possible to tell whether someone is performing a Divination on him. He is concerned that a seer knew Jimmy's abductor was in Gateway. Sybonne comments that Shawna "clouds events about her." She agrees to take a look at Jimmy Dorsey. She assures Chalker that in six more days she will make her first attempt to "read" the black sword.

Shawna visits Lady Thire. It is quite evident that Lady Thire is very busy with her various investigations. The two talk over a cup of tea. Lady Thire confirms Shawna's thought that no elven ruler or wizard has ever granted psi powers, though Lady Thire suggests that such powers might be "awoken" by a mage.

Chalker enters the temple of Cor. A priest approaches him and bids him stand before the altar to make his prayers; Chalker replies, "I prefer to be walking -- it makes me a moving target." Chalker avers that Jimmy Dorsey is inherently evil, but Chalker isn't sure what Jimmy's punishment should be, or whether Chalker is qualified to make that judgment. He asks how the Dorseys acquired their "gifts" and if Cor would take them away. Speaking through the priest, Cor says that the Dorseys got their gifts "the same way you acquired yours," and that mages who do wrong are imprisoned and possibly executed.

Then Chalker goes to his "second least favorite place," the temple of Mensep. "I know you know what's going on. I don't know what to do. Kill off an entire family line, or rely on the government or the royal courts (which can be bribed) to handle it." In his circuits he is joined by a young priestess. Chalker: "I am conflicted, not disturbed... I will do my duty as I understand it." The response is, "I don't want a seat at this particular table;' that is, Mensep will not tell Chalker what to do. Nonetheless, Chalker offers thanks for "helping clear my mind."

Chalker writes a note in the journey book inviting the group to join him for lunch at the Boar's Head. A courier brings him a note from Ahn-Lee; he's going out of town across the bay on a fast boat and should return in three or four days.