Sapphire:Sessions:20051105
[November 5, 2005]
Long Days 22: Rory’s eyes dart back and forth. He’s thinking, “Do I know this person? What should I say? Am I supposed to recognize her?” Chalker heads for the door, Josh following him. Rory sidles up next to the person and asks, “Who are you?” Aliana reaches up and puts Rory’s chin back in place. “Oh, okay… I was hoping that was you I saw a couple of days ago.” He looks around. “Where’s the blue-robed person?” “You saw what?” “A few days ago when we were coming in for a landing…” “And you were coming up on a barrier and you said ‘Look out.’” “Yeah… before that I looked off to the east and I saw two people walking.” “And one was leading a horse…” “Right, and somebody in a blue robe.” “A short person in blue robes.” “I couldn’t tell. You were both short from my vantage. You were a long way off.” “Yes, we were a long ways off! How could you have seen that?” “I don’t know. Maybe it’s the tunnel or whatever we were in.” “She… had to go somewhere else.” “Okay.” “She convinced me that you needed me here, so I came. Let’s go.”
Outside await two carriages and thirty soldiers (ten each of human, goblin, orc). Tunteki once again is reining in Strum from creating a disturbance with Runis. Rory announces, “I need to go get my map case from the barn,” and runs off. Eyeing the carriages, Chalker asks Tunteki, “Are those going to be our transportation back?” “Oh, we were going to provide you transportation there, unless you wish to take your own animals.” Chalker repeats, “Are those going to be the transportation that brings us back?” “Yes,” comes the insincere reply.
Rory enters the stables and tells the stableboys, “After we leave, and hopefully all the guards will be gone, take all our animals and stuff and meet us between the castle and the northern gates. Watch out for the guards. Get help if you need it.” He gives them a silver coin apiece.
Chalker assigns Josh, Rory, and Runis to one carriage, and himself, Jinto, and Aliana to the other. “That way Rory and Jinto will be protected,” he thinks. Tunteki mounts up on his horse and signals for the procession to move out.
The road is very well paved. They stop on a large platform about 20 yards in diameter. There doesn’t seem to be any bridge connecting the human quarter to the castle grounds. Tunteki calls a halt, says something to the air, then gives the signal to proceed across the river on the bridge that has appeared. Jinto and Aliana both sense that “a large magic” that conjured the bridge emanated from the platform. Chalker asks Jinto to verify that the bridge was conjured rather than just being made visible. “Oh, by the way, have you found the platform?” “Not yet. I’ll try again.” “That’d be nice. That might be important.”
Rory conducts his own test. Locating a pebble in the bottom of the carriage, he drops it onto the bridge. Soon after they have crossed to the other side the orc leader Strum dismounts and moves off to the side of another platform, touches something, says several words, and the bridge disappears and the pebble falls into the river.
The gates open, the carriages roll into the castle courtyard and stop in front of an ornate entryway. Chalker leaps out of the carriage. Rory, looking back, sees two centaurs closing the gates, the first he has ever seen… but these centaurs are dead.
Tunteki strides over. “I believe Lord Alondo will be waiting for you in the main audience room.” “Well, lead on,” replies Chalker. The doors are opened by more zombies, goblin and human. Ornate (but disturbing) tapestries hang from the walls.
Tunteki stops in front of another set of ornate doors. “I’ve sort of been avoiding this subject. Weapons.” Chalker: “Yes, we like those.” Rory: “Thanks, we have our own.” Tunteki, looking at Chalker: “I guess the question becomes ‘when,’ huh.” Chalker: “My preference? When we leave.” Tunteki: “Well, he didn’t ask me to take your weapons or store them during the meeting.” Chalker: “Well, then, good. It’s been settled. Let’s go.” Tunteki: “However, I think that’s because he didn’t necessarily want any discussions or arguments about that before the audience itself.” Chalker: “So now that we’re here, and you have us outnumbered five or six to one, you’re now asking for our weapons.” Runis: “Oh no no… we were outnumbered six to one back at the other place. They got us about twenty to one now.” Chalker: “I was trying to be nice. So… you’re not asking this time.” Tunteki: “No, I’m just pointing out it’s not something I’ve forgotten about, but rather something that we’re not doing for other reasons. I just don’t want you to get the wrong idea.” He gives a goblin grin. Chalker: “Oh. I’m not under the impression that you forgot or that there’s not some reason why you haven’t asked. But since we’ve had the discussion, and we’d like to keep them, and you don’t want to take them…” Tunteki interjects, “Not now.” Chalker: “Well?” Tunteki: “Well, we’re about to enter the main audience chamber, and it… it’s probably the last chance I’ll have to talk to you for a while.” He acts as if he wants to say something further, but then he shakes his head and says, “This way.”
“Psst,” Chalker says. “Yeah?” “Step closer.” Runis speaks up, “Can I ask a question before we go in?” Tunteki steps toward Chalker and looks over at Runis. “I just wondered,” asks the dwarf, “are there any of the good orcs around here?” A couple of the human guards “get it” and snicker. Chalker: “When we leave – and don’t doubt that we will be leaving –“ Tunteki: “Oh, I believe you will be leaving.” Chalker: “No, no, you don’t understand. My question is, when we leave, will you be trying to stop us from leaving?” Tunteki: “If Lord Alondo or one of the other lords in the castle gives the command, yes. But if you’re trying to find out about a standing order to stop you from leaving the castle, no, there is none.” Chalker: “So if they don’t give you that order, you won’t make us have to clash, right?” Runis: “Sure he will! He’s a goblin! He’s not smart enough to think on his own!” Chalker: “I’m just trying to establish the parameters…” Tunteki: “…of the encounters.” Chalker: “…of your lifespan.” Tunteki: “I’ll give you this one thing. You do not lack in confidence.” (There are some low growls from the orc contingent; apparently someone finally explained Runis’ “good orc” comment.)
Tunteki knocks loudly, then starts pulling open the tall double doors. Pushing from inside, Runis notes, are two good orcs. The chamber is about sixty by seventy-five feet, two stories high, with a high walkway above manned by eight guards armed with small crossbows. At the other end of the room raised up on a dais is a large throne, empty. Off to one side is a smaller throne, occupied by a bale who must be Lord Alondo. Behind Alondo stands a female bale, presumably his daughter Belinn. Alondo’s head is completely shaven; he wears bright blue and red robes, and several rings adorn his six-fingered hands. Their escort falls back as the group continues forward, Chalker and Runis in the lead. Chalker notices hidden in the tapestries behind the throne a male bale, probably Belinn’s twin brother Calber.
Chalker stops about five feet away. Lord Alondo rises and says, “Greetings.” Chalker gives a courteous bow. “My lord.” “I appreciate your coming here for the audience. I’m given to understand that you’re here on some sort of personal quest?” “No, we were passing through and for some reason we received a summons from the lord of the land. We thought it was so interesting, we accepted.” “Ah. They must have muddled what you told them. Sometimes the younger ones don’t get it quite right. They probably just misunderstood.” “Oh. That may be. We’ve never heard of this place before.” “We are a private kingdom. We have a very devoted populace and a nice land, and there’s not much cause for people to… we’re too close to orc lands, so not many people make it this way. Just the occasional traveler that we entertain. And that’s one reason you’re invited, for we need to find out more about the kingdoms outside Yavalin.”
Alondo continues, “I understand that you are from…” “The south,” says Chalker. Alondo looks at Runis. “And you have with you one of the fine dwarves, a craftsman I presume. I’m told that you’re quite the singer.” Alondo scans the rest of the group; his eyes linger briefly on Rory’s map cases and sweep right past Aliana. He introduces his daughter, Belinn. Chalker: “And the gentleman in the back? Who is he?” Alondo, after a brief hesitation: “That would be her brother.” Chalker: “You have fine children.” Alondo: “They are quite… obedient children.” Chalker: “That’s good to hear. Obedience is always a blessing.”
Alondo: “So you’re just passing through. Where are you headed?” Chalker: “Alpina.” Alondo: “That’s a significant journey from here, and there is some very dangerous territory between here and there.” Chalker: “Yes, we’re sure. But you know, there was recently an orc war – you know that, correct?” Alondo: “No, I don’t.” Chalker: “Two hundred thousand orcs attacked the south.” Alondo: “That would explain why they haven’t been testing our borders very much lately.” Runis: “They’ll be back soon. What’s left of them.” Alondo: “Oh, really? The Coastal Kingdoms were able to repulse the attack?” Chalker: “Actually, they crushed the attack.” Alondo: “Hm. I’m sure Lord Barshar will be very interested in that when he returns. I’ll pass that information on. Were these Coastal Kingdoms able to raise an army? Were they forewarned?” Chalker: “Yes, they were forewarned.” Runis: “How do you hide 200,000 orcs? They could probably smell them coming.” (“Good point,” one of the human guards mutters.) Chalker: “Once their command and control was disabled, they became a regular band of orcs. Not much to worry about.” Alondo: “We instill a deep respect in them for our kingdom, so they don’t test us very often or very much. We have very efficient border guards.” Runis: “Yeah, you see what happens when they do test ‘em.”
Chalker: “The borders are… interesting. Lord Barshar must be really powerful to have such power sitting at the border.” Alondo: “Yes. We were fortunate to find this site. It’s quite ancient, and it’s near a couple of very significant mana points.” Chalker: “I will leave that to somebody who knows about those things, but I’ll take your word for it.”
Alondo: “How much longer do you intend to stay in Barshar City?” Chalker: “Oh, we were probably going to leave…” Runis: “This morning.” Chalker: “…tomorrow. When the ruler of an area requests our presence, we try to be polite, since we will have to come through here on our way back from Alpina. You know, it’s always best to be on good terms with the people in charge. Which I have come to find out is you.”
Alondo: “Well, then, I’m sure you would like to meet with some of our scouts and mapmakers and such. You might like to get a briefing on what little we know about the territory between here and Alpina. We can set that up.” (At this, Chalker figures he couldn’t hold Rory back with a zombie.) Chalker: “That would be appreciated.”
Chalker: “I have a couple of questions, though. Where is the rest of the court?” Alondo: “Oh… they’re about their various business. We’re a fairly informal group. We’re not into a lot of the gatherings and ceremonies. We’re a small kingdom and it just doesn’t seem appropriate.” Chalker: “I’ve been in different courts before. I’m used to more of a presence of lords. My other question is, I noticed when we came in that – maybe we’re just not used to this – you seem to be heavily armed in your own castle for some reason. I was just wondering about that. I understand the precaution of the crossbowmen, since we’re strangers. But the thirty or forty guardsmen seem excessive. And since I know that you are a powerful mage, I’m sure you don’t need this kind of protection from a weary band of travelers.” Alondo: “I will admit that some of the royal court has been disturbed by your presence. You have managed to fulfill a lot of the myths of certain things that are bogeymen around the kingdom. Some minor matters. And your performance last night caused those fears to increase. And I thought it best to be prudent.” Chalker: “Now that you’ve met us, you see that those fears are unfounded. As you see, we are a cordial group.” Alondo looks over at Runis (and the Diamond the dwarf prominently displays). Runis: “When he’s done, I have a question, too.” Chalker: “By all means, Master Dwarf, go ahead.” Runis: “Do you believe these things about your bogeymen? Do you believe the prophecies?” Alondo: “I respect the prophecies.” Runis: “Do you believe in fate?” Alondo: “Fate is an active force in the world.” Runis: “Then it really doesn’t matter how many of them are here, does it.” Alondo: “If they’re right.” Runis: “And if they’re wrong, it really doesn’t matter how many of them are here, does it.” Alondo: “Not really, I guess, when you put it that way.”
Chalker: “I don’t mean to be rude, but will this audience take much longer?” Alondo: “As I’ve said, our people are very informal, but I think we need a more formal introduction. I will begin. As you know, I am Lord Alondo, the one who is ruler while Lord Barshar is away. I am his designated heir.” He goes on to introduce his son, Calber, and his daughter, Belinn. “And I have the honor of speaking to…?” “I am Chalker Jackson.” “You don’t really want me to go through it, do you?” warns Runis. “The short version,” Chalker prompts. “I am Runis Silverear,” Runis begins, and proceeds to recite his lineage through a dozen generations or so. Alondo listens patiently, but Runis doesn’t want to wear out Chalker’s ear. Rory steps forward.and introduces himself as Aurora Borealis. Alondo: “I take it from your cases that you are the cartographer for this adventuring party?” Rory: “Yes, I have become that. I originally set out to map taverns – my parents owned a tavern – and getting tavern owners to pay me to put them on the map.” Alondo: “Combining the spirit of adventure and discovery with a practical merchant purpose.” The elf simply gives his name, Jinto Salvatore. The man in the funny hat grins and declares himself as “Josh Andrews, out of Hawaii, of the Clan Cowboy.”
Alondo’s glance goes right past Aliana, but Belinn nudges him. “Oh. I didn’t notice you before. My apologies, my lady. I had thought you were an inhabitant of the city who had been hired by the group. But my daughter indicates otherwise.” Aliana shrugs, and Alondo returns his gaze to Chalker. “Yes, she’s with the group,” Chalker declares. “Your… bodyguard?” ventures Alondo. Chalker replies, “Sometimes.”
Alondo announces that lunch will be ready in about two hours, at which time “I believe the lord you met last night would like to have another conversation with you.”
The group is escorted away (by only nine guards). Belinn trails along behind. When Chalker notices, he deliberately slows down and she draws reluctantly nearer. “Yes, well,” she stammers, “I like to hear tales of travel and I’d like to listen in if I may.” Chalker: “Oh, that would be fine. I don’t want you to feel left out. Have you ever met an elf before?” Belinn: “No, though my father has spoken of them.” Chalker: “You know, you’re a legend. I’ve never met a lord such as yourself. I’ve heard of you, but I’ve never met one.” Belinn: “I was wondering.”
The group enters the meeting room. Seated at a large table are two men, one with a number of maps spread out in front of him. Rory moves immediately to the table, bringing out one of his less-detailed maps. Josh sits down with the man he figures is the scout. The guards array themselves around the room.
Chalker continues speaking with Belinn. “So tell me, I’ve never heard of such a large concentration of lords in one place.” “It’s a tribute to Lord Barshar’s skills.” “I must agree. I am impressed. For I feel that when you have so many royals so closely compacted together – no offense, but royals seem to have egos which cannot stand such close accommodations.” “You speak as if you have encountered my people before.” “I’ve heard legends. I’ve never encountered a lord before.” “That is one of the disadvantages of our being here. We’re pretty far from any of the dwarven or elvish lands, so have not had that opportunity. Have you ever been in the dwarven or elven lands yourself?” “Yes. They’re still looking for me.”
Runis stands between two guards, a goblin and a human. “Do you guys get raided by the orc lands very much? I don’t mean here in the capital city; obviously, they’re not going to get this far.” “From time to time,” answers the human. “Not really all that often,” adds the goblin. Runis pulls out his packet of orc insignias. “Ever see any of these?” Pointing to one of the patches, the human says, “Oh, that clan clashes on the border every once in a while.” “Not anymore,” Runis grins.
Rory notes that the other mapmaker’s map extends north five or six days’ travel to the next river junction, where some ruins are marked. “Those ruins are very dangerous,” the man mentions. “We lost a couple of exploring parties up there.”
Chalker asks directly about seeing a map of Barshar City. The mapmaker replies, “I was given to understand you were heading north toward Alpina, and leaving soon, so it would be of no use to you to see the maps of the city.” “Yes, but we all come from south of here, and when we go back to our kingdoms we’ll want to send people up here to show your hospitality. They’ll like to know how to get here and everything, don’t you think?” The mapmaker cuts his eyes toward Belinn; Chalker turns his gaze upon her fully, and he smiles charmingly. “I understand what you’re saying,” says Belinn. “However, we didn’t think you’d want to spend your time concentrating on us. You can get that information if you come back south again.” Chalker: “Ah, the private thing. I understand. I simply wanted somebody to say ‘no, we’re not going to give you that because we’re private.’ I actually understand, I just don’t like people trying to run around us because they think we’re stupid.” “Oh!” Belinn exclaims. “You have my promise. If and when you come back here going south, I’ll be more than glad to provide you with any map that you can take out of here.” There’s a slight smirk on her face. Chalker: “That sounds like a safe bet.”
Rory asks again about tavern locations, and at a nod from Belinn the mapmaker opens one of his cases and brings out a map of the human quarter of Barshar City. Jinto, too, is interested in this map, as it may help him figure out where the Venettian platform is located.
Belinn: “You do realize you’re quite an enigma to my father. That’s part of the reason that he’s extending this courtesy to you.” Chalker: “Why are we an enigma?” Belinn: “Usually travelers are detected and known about way before they can enter the kingdom, and I’m told that you got right up to our gates before you were even seen. That’s quite unusual. What with all the raids against our borders by various orc clans, we have a very good detection system.” Runis starts laughing. Chalker: “If you’re trying to stop undisciplined orcs.” Belinn: “The detection system is more complicated than just certain spots.” Chalker: “Did you put up the no-mana area? That was pretty sweet.” Runis: “And the no-fly zone was good. The little zappy things out by the river, though, those didn’t work very good, did they.” Chalker: “Oh, they did work pretty good. They’re slow, but they’re very effective.” Belinn: “Lord Barshar and his circle of trusted mages have created all those.” Chalker: “Like I said, they’re very effective…” Runis: “Against orcs.” Chalker: “Yes, against orcs. But some people with a moderate amount of intelligence will simply walk around.” (Aliana, who has been focused on the female bale, notes that Belinn has taken insult at this comment.)
Runis asks the guards on either side of him, “When you have visitors come through here, do they always get invited to the palace?” The human hesitates, but the goblin replies, “Not all of them.” “It just amazes me that there was this huge concern and urgency to get us up here, and he didn’t ask us what we were doing here! He didn’t even ask us about this prophecy thing that we are supposedly causing problems for. And it’s kind of hard for us to talk about that if we don’t even know what it is that we’re causing problems over. All I did was sing a bunch of songs with a couple of your lords last night! And then kept them from having a problem with my friend the elf over here.” In a low voice the human responds, “There has been amongst the common folk a belief that six adventurers will ignite and flame the spark of freedom.” “Freedom?” queries Runis. Nervously the human glances toward Belinn. The dwarf continues, “You look armed. You don’t look chained.” “Well, we all are—“ At this point the goblin hisses, “Shut up!”
Runis cocks his head at the goblin. “Why shut up? I just asked a question.” “It’s just a silly folk belief with no basis.” “I agree. So why am I here?” “The lords are mighty mages, and I do not understand their reasons.” “I’d like to ask him. If he believes in fate, which he obviously does, it doesn’t matter how many of you are here if we’re going to start something. And if we’re not going to start something, it doesn’t matter how many of you are here.”
Chalker, realizing that he’s gotten under Belinn’s skin (without really trying), asks her, “Are you okay?” “I just would point out that a couple of us, in discussing it after…” She glances at Runis, then goes on, “…believe it has something to do with the artifact that he is displaying so proudly.” “Ah, you noticed that.” “Yes, it’s quite distinctive, for those who have been trained in the history of the important realms of the world.” “And do you know that it talks to us?” “The legends say that it is an entity, so that is not surprising.” “Yes, I made the mistake of looking inside too long, and it said ‘come on inside.’ It’s pretty scary.”
After nearly half a minute with no reply, Runis announces, “You guys are no fun to talk to. I’m going to go over and talk to the orcs.” The goblin says, “Please don’t. I don’t believe our boss would like that very much.” “Well, he should have come and taken care of it then, shouldn’t he?” And with that Runis starts across the room. The orcs watch Runis’s approach with anticipation.
Chalker: “Well, I didn’t mean to offend you. You royals are so touchy. But I do have something else to tell you. You are in charge in this room, correct? I mean, of everybody in here, right?” Belinn, curtly: “Yes.” Chalker: “Then don’t look now, but I think you may need to assert your control.”
Runis moves up between two orcs, then turns to face the room. “Why are we here? The boys across the room got all quiet. Wouldn’t talk to me. I figure you guys are a lot better off than they are. You don’t care, you’ll tell me. You figure I’m dead anyway, right?” Immediately the orc on his left says “Yep.” “So why am I here? I’m already dead, it doesn’t matter. Tell me.” “Probably so they can find out as much as you know.” “About what?” “They don’t believe you’re ‘just passing through’ and neither do I. You were sent here, and they want to find out more stuff. And you’ve got a trinket on you that scares the s*** out of some of them.”
At this moment Belinn turns and stares toward Runis and the orcs. “Looks safe to me,” she says to Chalker, “he’s just standing there.” Noticing Belinn’s attention, Runis reaches up, grasps the Diamond, and addresses it: “Are you scaring them?” Chalker, aside to Belinn: “Told ya.” {Yes,} the Diamond answers inside Runis’s head. “Well, why would you go and do a thing like that?” {Because they are a threat to the Calventine Empire.} “Really? All the way over here, they’re a threat?” {Yes.} Belinn appears to be fascinated by Runis’s one-sided conversation. “So, are they right? You sent us here?” {I didn’t have to. You were coming here anyway, of your own will.} Runis nudges one of the orcs. “Nah, we didn’t get sent here. We came of our own free will. That’s what the rock says.” Orc: “No accounting for stupidity.” Runis: “Well, I can count to three real easy.” (Note: There are three orcs in the room.)
Working on getting information from the mapmaker, Rory has gotten the man to indicate a particular area of the human village that people avoid because it’s said to be haunted. It’s a little north of the castle.
“I’ve got one more question,” says Runis, still addressing the rock. “If they’re a threat, what are we supposed to do about it?” {Make them not a threat.} “Really!” Belinn takes a tentative step toward Runis, asking, “And what did the rock say that time?” “You don’t know what he said the first time.” “True.” “How do you know that it said anything?” “You had the look of someone listening to something.” “So do these orcs.” “I sense something going on.” “Oh, yeah, it’s really there. Santash, Solash…” “That is…” “Yes, it is.” “…an artifact that was created by Solash.” Runis offers, “Would you like to touch it?” Pause. “I didn’t think so.” “I… no, I would not wish to infringe upon your possession.” “I didn’t say ‘have it.’” “Oh… I did not think you did.”
Chalker speaks up. “Uh, excuse me.” Belinn, reminded of Chalker’s presence, tears her gaze away from the dwarf and toward the human. “What spell did you cast? I’m always interested in that kind of stuff, even though I can’t see it.” “Oh. Mage Sight. A variation that has been developed by my father that lets perceptions of that type of phenomena be more easily seen.” Chalker: “You looked into it?” Runis, almost simultaneously: “Good thing it didn’t manifest, huh. You might have been blind for a week.” Chalker: “Oh, you just kind of looked at the effect. No, it might have invited you in. If you look at it too long, it gets… excited.” Belinn: “Really.” Runis: “Well, it’s a diamond. Solash helped created it. You might be careful what you’re looking at.” Belinn: “I will be very careful. It’s just so fascinating…” Runis: “Death is like that.” Belinn: “Dara does come to all, at one point or another. If you’re unfortunate, Da will come for you, too. Or instead of. He’s not quite as peaceful about it as Dara, however.”
Belinn: “Santash and Solash are not the ones of the First Chosen that are the most revered in Yavalin. They are given the appropriate honor.” Runis: “Appropriate, huh?” Belinn: “You cannot afford to ignore any of the First Chosen.” Runis: “That is true.” Chalker: “But who is the most revered?” Runis: “I can tell you. They’ve got this big ol’ temple for the Mother of Night. Then there’s these stupid little shrines for everybody else. I don’t know what she means by proper honor being given.” Chalker: “That’s probably just a personal opinion.” Belinn: “The Mother of Night is very misunderstood by most.” Runis: “As you say. One should not disregard any of the First Chosen.” Belinn, however, fails to rise to the bait. Belinn: “I have respect for the creations of the First Chosen. I honor the artifact.”
Runis: “So maybe you can answer the question that these more humble servants won’t answer.” Belinn: “It is not their place to answer such questions. I will do the best I can.” “Why are we here?” “My father is curious.” “Then why didn’t he ask about us? Why didn’t he ask what we were doing? Why didn’t he ask about the Diamond?” “He will. He is in no hurry.” “He was sure in a hurry to invite us. Barely out of bed.” “If he was in a hurry, he would have summoned you last night, once he heard the full import of your deeds.” “You mean Solari quit shaking quick enough that she could report last night?” “She knows her duty.” “And then he lied and said she wanted to talk to us again.” “She will be at lunch today.” “She doesn’t want to talk to us again, though. That isn’t the same thing. He requires her to be there.” “My father has a very high amount of authority, second only to Lord Barshar.”
Chalker: “You know, I’ve noticed. You aren’t used to talking to people who aren’t lords for very long, are you?” “I do not deal with most of the common folk very often.” (John: “Stop talking with your food and eat it!”) Belinn continues: “Some lords take more active participation in their subjects’ lives. I’ve never been drawn to that. I’d rather study and write poetry and follow other pursuits.” Runis: “Your poetry isn’t like…” Belinn: “Oh, much better than his. He’s a novice. He doesn’t know the nuances at all.” Chalker: “But you know, you’ve done an admirable job. I’ve noticed that for the most part your speech has been respectful. I thought it would be something totally different. I’m amazed. You have restraint, and you seem to think things through.” Runis: “Like she said, her father has an extreme amount of authority.” Belinn: “Dwarf Runis is very correct. I honor my father.” Runis: “She fears her father.”
Chalker: “Your brother’s not mad at us, is he?” Runis: “If he wasn’t a little bit ago, he probably is by now!” Belinn: “It is quite impressive that you were able to discern his presence. Another reason my father is curious about you. You have probably just intensified his concern and curiosity.” Chalker: “I don’t know why we’d be part of his concern. His curiosity I can understand, but why would he be concerned about us?” Belinn: “We’re a private kingdom. We wouldn’t like to have our whereabouts broadcast to the kingdoms at large. So I’m sure he’ll…” Chalker: “But why? Are you hunted?” Belinn: “The Mother of Night, as I said, is very misunderstood. Some people would not appreciate that we hold her in reverence.” Chalker: “But it is your kingdom, and your ways are your ways. Why would the other kingdoms be upset about it, especially since you are such a powerful group? It seems to me it would be folly to bother you.” Belinn: “We prefer not to have to exert the effort.” Chalker: “Without the First Chosen’s help, why would anybody even venture to bother you?”
At this point Rory rolls up his maps, hangs his sword at his side, thanks the mapmaker, and walks out the door. “If there’s going to be a fight,” he thinks to himself, “I’m getting out of here.” One of the human guards follows him.
Belinn: “I’m sure my father will ask more questions at lunch.” Chalker: “What are y’all serving?” Belinn: “Roast fowl, I believe, with various vegetables.” (Tom: “The stage right before ‘zombie’ is ‘vegetable.’”) Chalker: “Well, our mapmaker is through.” Josh: “Yeah, I’ve finished talking to the scout and got the information I needed.” Belinn: “Then I guess we’re ready to move on. It took less time than I anticipated, but it has been as interesting as I thought it would be. And my brother might be interested in examining your diamond. He is more… into that type of thing than I am.” (Chalker thinks, “Then this should be an interesting meeting of the minds.”) Belinn: “We still have an hour before lunch is to be served.” Chalker: “Then we can go talk to him.” Belinn: “Let me see if my brother is in his chambers.”
Rory walks down the hall. Glancing back over his shoulder he asks the guard following him, “Which way to lunch?” “I’m sorry, mapmaker, I don’t think it’ll be ready for a while yet.” “Oh, okay. Well… what’s this way?” Rory turns down a side hallway. The guard trots after him, saying “Nothing of interest.” “How do you get to the top tower thingy so you can see out over the city?” “If you’ll come with me I’ll go to a guard station and get permission to take you up to one of the towers.” After a brief discussion at the station, the guard asks Rory, “Won’t your companions be concerned if you stray away too long?” “No. Just as long as I get to lunch before Runis does.” “And why is that?” “Have you ever seen a dwarf eat?”
As Chalker exits the meeting room, Rory is nowhere in sight. “Could you have one of your guards fetch our mapmaker and bring him back to the group?” Belinn orders one of the orcs to check at the nearest guard station. “Do you wish to wait for him here, or continue to my brother’s quarters?” Runis: “You think that orc could find us again if we move?” Chalker: “I would prefer a larger, more open space in which to talk to your brother. These small rooms are so uncomfortable, with all the guards and everything.” Belinn: “I guess we could spend the time in the garden. I could have him meet us there.” Belinn sends one of the goblin guards on that errand. After wending through a seeming maze of corridors, they emerge into a garden.
An orc comes running up to the guard station and murmurs some words to the goblin. The goblin looks at Rory and says, “Sir, your companions were inquiring as to where you’re at, as they are going to one of the gardens. Do you still wish to go to the tower before you rejoin them?” “Yes.” “I’ve been given permission to take you up there briefly.” “I wanted to see the city from high up.”
A goblin runner enters the garden. Belinn steps up to hear what he has to say, then turns and says to Chalker and Runis, “Your friend’s decided to take a side excursion. He wants to see the city from one of the towers.” Both Aliana and Runis start to tense, but that sounds so much like Rory that they relax. Chalker: “Would you have the soldier inform my companion that I insist that he come back? These ‘excursions’ are not part of the plan the lords have for us. And ‘no’ is not an acceptable answer.” Belinn sends the runner on this new errand.
Meanwhile, as they ascend the tower stairs, the goblin guard accompanying Rory waxes enthusiastic over Tunteki’s tavern and the magic he uses to brew his own beer. The other two guards roll their eyes. Rory takes the opportunity to practice his goblin language.
Belinn’s brother Calber enters the garden. “My pleasure to have a chance to talk to you before lunch.” Chalker: “Are you the elder of the two?” “By fifteen or twenty minutes.” “Oh, so the legends are true. You’re twins.” “Yes, we are twins. And what legends would you be referring to?” “The legends down south of the lords.” “I guess we still need to be coy, don’t we?” “No, we don’t.” “You’ve heard of bales.” “Yes. Not really any good stories, as far as good outcomes for the other people in the story. But the legends have it that you usually don’t gather in concentrations.” “It takes a really strong archmage to cause a gathering of bales. Ours is a very solitary race.” “As the legends proclaim. The archmage is not here, am I correct?” “He has tasks elsewhere, we are told. My father is the second in command.” “Your father seems to be a very capable individual.” “He is. Sometimes he lets his curiosity get the best of him, and it makes him a little more… deliberate in his actions.” “From my understanding, you don’t get many visitors here.” “Every few years. The urge to explore beyond the edge of the map is strong in most of the races.” “Do your visitors ever come back?” “We never get a second visit from any of our visitors.” “They leave and never come back?” “You know of us; I have a feeling you know the answer.” “Well…”
Runis: “Then why are we still being coy?” Calber: “I don’t know. I don’t understand it myself.” Chalker: “You’re not upset that I spotted you in the throne room, are you? I mean, you’re not still upset, that’s my question. You’ve gotten over that, haven’t you?” Calber: “I don’t know why we’re still being coy. Because my father said to, pretty much.” Runis: “I think it has to do with this (indicating the Diamond).” Calber: “It does give him pause. He wants to know why it’s here, why you’re here with it, but it makes him more prudent about the way he poses the questions.” Runis: “He hasn’t posed any questions.” Calber: “He plans on talking to you about it at lunch.” Runis: “You don’t think that he should wait.” Calber: “No.” “You don’t even think he should talk about it.” Calber: “What will it accomplish?” Runis: “The same thing as trying to take it from me will.” Calber: “We just get to it quicker.”
Chalker: “Well, go for it! Don’t stop! We’re not being coy anymore! Go take it! You started it this way, sir.” Calber: “But if I’m successful, I still have to deal with my father.” Runis: “No. If you’re successful in taking it, you won’t have to deal with your father. You’ll have to deal with Santash.” Calber takes a deep breath. “Santash has always had a soft spot for dwarves, I’ve been told.” He takes a step toward Runis, and Belinn tenses. Aliana begins subtly moving closer to Belinn. Calber: “Are you offering me the Diamond?” Runis: “I didn’t say that. Your sister said you’d be interested in it.” Calber: “I’m very interested in it.” Runis: “I just wanted her to touch it, and she didn’t want any part of it.” Chalker: “Do you want to touch it?” Calber: “I’d like to have it.” Runis: “I don’t think you would.” Calber: “I would.” Chalker: “No, you don’t. I can tell by your posture. You’re thinking about it, but you really don’t want it.” Runis: “You might like to try to destroy it. I don’t think you’d like to have it. Note that I said try to destroy it.” Calber: “Maybe I’d like to present it as an offering to the Mother of Night.” Runis: “I don’t think you can get it that far. Unless you plan on carrying me with it around my neck all the way there. But you know what? Just so you know, I won’t have it any longer at that point. It goes where it needs to be.”
Calber: “Maybe I will offer it to Asseraah, then.” Chalker: “Oh, don’t bring him into this. He’s already searching for me. Don’t bring him here.” Runis: “That was because of that temple, right?” Chalker: “Yeah, the temple.” Calber: “It’s well known that Santash and Asseraah do not get along with each other.”
After a long pause, Calber says, “There was a long debate this morning about the manner of hospitality we would offer you and exactly how we would ask you the question.” Chalker: “What question?” Runis: “So now you’re going to ask him in a different manner before it ever gets to that point.” “Calber,” Belinn says warningly, “Father was very –“ Runis: “You’re the one that asked him to come down here!” Belinn continues as if Runis hadn’t spoken: “Father was very definite about this. Are you sure?” Calber looks at his sister. “It may be time.” Runis: “It’s always time for something.” By now Aliana has shifted directly behind Belinn. Runis concentrates on the Diamond, asking silently for protection. Chalker observes that Calber wears one large ring on each hand, and uses his power to grip the one on Calber’s right hand.
Rory and his escorts have reached the top of the southern tower. From here he can look out over the human and goblin areas of the city. The human guard cuts his eyes to one side, and Rory sees another human, possibly a palace servant, concealed such that the other two guards don’t see him. “Well, this is it,” the goblin announces. “I was told you can only stay up there a couple of minutes.” Rory orients himself as to where he thinks the horses will be. He hears someone running up the tower stairs. He asks the goblin, “Now where was that tavern from here?” The goblin starts pointing, indicating various landmarks. An orc emerges from the stairway and pants, “His companions want him now!” Rory replies, “Ask them why!” “I don’t know! Their leader was very upset; he said you’d better come back.” “I’ll be down in a few minutes. I’m only allowed to stay up here for a few minutes anyhow. Where are they?” “They’re in one of Lord Alondo’s private gardens. They’ll probably be there until they’re called for lunch.” Rory: “Okay, I’ll be right there.” The orc rushes off.
Rory moves from one window to the next, toward the concealed human. The man signals to him but Rory doesn’t know what it means, so he waves slightly. Noticing this exchange, the human guard engages the goblin and orc guards in an argument. The man sidles up, slips a packet into Rory’s pocket, then noiselessly heads downstairs. Rory also starts descending. He sneaks a peek and a sniff at the packet in his pocket, and identifies the contents as a powdered herb used to neutralize some types of poison. Some twenty seconds later, the guards break off their argument and follow him.
Calber asks to examine the Diamond, and Runis holds it out for him. Calber makes a gesture. Runis asks, “Well, rock?” {Yes?} Jinto murmurs to Runis, “He’s switching to Mage Sight.” “Interesting,” mutters Calber, “it really is the Sapphire Diamond.” Runis: “I already knew that, sir.” Calber: “I thought you were running a bluff. I thought your mage (glancing at Jinto) was bluffing my father. Then my father was right. We need to have a full discussion at lunch.” Calber steps forward and reaches out with his right hand to touch the Diamond. Chalker uses his grip on Calber’s ring to force his hand to cover the Diamond. Runis reaches up his other hand and grasps Calber’s wrist. Calber’s hand jerks twice as if in reflex, then he tries to pull his hand away. Both Runis and Chalker release him. Calber looks dazed. “The Diamond seemed to want me.” Runis: “Oh, yes.” Chalker: “Me too.” Runis: “And me.” Calber: “I’ve never felt such warmth and illumination. That was… different.” Runis: “You could be a powerful ally.” Belinn tenses as Calber considers this. Then he finally says, “This needs to be hashed out at lunch.” Chalker: “Agreed!” Runis: “That may be too late for you.” Calber: “That’s when the decision has to be made.” Runis: “That’s when your father needs to make his decision. You’ve already felt Santash’s touch.”
Belinn steps up and lays her left hand on Calber’s right shoulder. “Don’t let him rush you, brother. You don’t have to make a decision now.” Runis: “You don’t ever have to make the decision… but lunch may be too late.” Belinn: “It’s not yet time.” Chalker: “I agree, but can I ask a question? This is off the subject.” Without turning her head, Belinn cuts her eyes over to Chalker. Calber still stares at the Diamond. “This is for both of you. When you make zombies, do they remember their life before?” Belinn answers immediately, “No.” Chalker: “So when you raise them, you can’t learn what they knew before?” Belinn: “For that we have to talk to the spirit as it departs, or bring it back.” Chalker: “Oh, you can go back now. That was just something on my mind.”
Calber finally wrests his gaze away. The dwarf simply grins.
Chalker; “Were y’all born here?” Calber: “Yes.” Belinn: “Be quiet, brother.” Chalker: “Oh, I’m sorry. It was simply a question.” Belinn: “Didn’t you know it’s rude to ask somebody’s age, and that’s almost asking the age.” Chalker: “No, I’m sorry. I wasn’t aware it was so close. My apologies.” Belinn: “As I said, we’re not very well traveled.” Chalker: “I have some other questions, for your father.” Under her breath Belinn mutters, “No, brother.” Runis, to Belinn: “Are you sure you don’t want to touch it?” “I’m positive.” Runis: “Seems your brother has a lot of his father in him. Curiosity and such.”
Chalker: “Just one more question.” Belinn: “Yes.” Chalker: “What is this legend that’s been spoken of?” Belinn: “It’s your basic liberation legend. To liberate you from your oppressors. Of course, we’re cast in the role of the oppressors.” Chalker: “Misunderstood, of course.” Runis: “Royalty always is.” Belinn: “Exactly. It was spoken some while ago by some minor hedge-witch.” Chalker: “And the number happens to be…?” Belinn: “How was it phrased? ‘When the…’ Oh, I don’t pay much attention to the way humans phrase these epic poem prophecies. ‘When the ones that are equal to the number of the fingers on the hands of our oppressors arise…’ That type of thing.” Chalker: “You are an accomplished poetess. You know the whole thing by heart. I know that much. You’re not being completely truthful with me, but you did tell me enough of what I need to know.” Belinn: “Yes, but it’s human poetry, and generally it’s mundane and does not have the appropriate flair.” Runis: “I’d agree with that.” Chalker: “You would.”
Chalker: “Does it give any more details about how these oppressors would be overthrown?” Belinn: “The usual vague stuff about ‘they will spit in the face of the oppressors and challenge them in their den.’” Chalker: “Would this castle be considered your ‘den’?” Runis: “Chalker! Don’t go spitting in people’s faces now.” Chalker: “I wouldn’t dream of spitting in their face.” Belinn: “I believe that it would take more than just confronting us here to free the kingdom. After all, Yavalin is more than this city, and Barshar is still to return.” Chalker: “Yes, part of the equation which I can’t wrap my brain around now, but I’m working on it.” Runis: “But it doesn’t say the six will liberate them. It says that they’ll spark the fires that will liberate them, doesn’t it now?” Belinn: “Yes.” Chalker: “Does it say they’re going to live through it?” Belinn: “No proper legend that I know of gives that assurance.” Chalker: “Well, I had to ask. I’ll turn it around, then – do the oppressors live through it?” Belinn: “It says the people will obtain their freedom.” Runis: “Meaning that only if the oppressors are smart enough to let them know, will they live through it.” Belinn: “There are the usual qualifications, of course. The people must recognize and do their part… Like I said, it’s very vague. But it has been very pervasive.” Chalker: “I would think so. Hope is like that.” (Tom: “Are you saying that what we’re carrying around is the Hope Diamond?”)
Chalker: “You and your brother would be considered powerful mages in your own right, correct?” Belinn: “We are.” Calber is still fascinated by the Diamond. “In Barshar City, would you and your brother be considered, after your father, the two most powerful mages?” “We are very powerful. More powerful than most. Not as powerful as some. We’re not in the Inner Circle of Barshar, if that’s what you’re asking.” “You’re young, your time will come.” Belinn, proudly: “We are among the most powerful of the first generation born in Yavalin.” (Chalker thinks, “She answered the question she wouldn’t let her brother answer.”) Chalker: “Do you know of anybody that would be able to stand up to your magic?” Belinn: “No.”
Chalker: “Well, is it time for lunch yet?” Belinn: “Maybe we’ll come to it a little early. It could not hurt. But your friend is supposed to meet us here.” Chalker: “I wonder what’s keeping him.” Belinn: “I don’t know. Master Dwarf, would you like to hear some of my poetry?” Runis: “Certainly.” Belinn: “And then you can, if you wish, let me hear some of your creations.” She launches into a poem. It’s certainly much better than anything Selpran recited last night, but it still contains a degree of depravity. When she finishes, Runis claps politely. Belinn asks, “Now, do you wish to…” Runis: “Oh, I’m sorry. My works are not suited for such an elegant setting. Especially with the composition of your guards.”
Runis compliments the construction of Belinn’s poem, especially compared with Selpran’s. “Have you thought of giving him lessons, or is he much too arrogant?” “Repeatedly. He has a lot to learn. He’s not very good at it.” “Yes, but he should choose his audience better.” “He chooses audiences that cannot afford to disapprove.” “I say he should choose it better. He should choose those who can appreciate his work, as opposed to those who cannot…” “…comprehend it,” Belinn finishes, “He seldom peforms for us of the Bale.”
Rory and his escort enter the garden. Chalker checks that Rory is still breathing. Josh calls out, “Greetings! Did you get what you needed?” Rory: “Hello. Yeah, I saw…” Josh: “Yeah, you always need to know more about the maps.”
Belinn: “Let us go on to lunch. We’ll be a little early.” One guard is sent ahead as a runner. Rory gets up next to Aliana and shoves the packet into her hand. “They’re going to poison us at lunch. Can you get this into our drinks?” Aliana makes the packet disappear, then asks softly, “Are you sure this is not the poison?” Rory replies, “Yes, I tested it. We’ve used it before. It’s good for hangovers, too.”
Chalker is unusually quiet as the group approaches the banquet hall. He figures they’re bound to have gotten the bales confused, asking themselves, “Why isn’t the elf leading the group? Why is the dwarf wearing the Diamond? Why is the human doing all the talking?” Jinto moves up beside Chalker and murmurs simply, “Got it.”
The table is set for a dozen people. Standing near the table conversing are Selpran and Solari. Belinn moves toward the head of the table. Runis walks straight up to Selpran and sticks his hand out. “Greetings,” says Selpran, shaking hands. “Good to see you again!” booms Runis. “I heard you wanted to talk to us again. Oh, no — she’s the one who wants to talk to us.” Selpran: “Yes, definitely, we want to talk to you.” Runis: “What about?” Selpran: “Oh, about last night… about your artifact… about why you’re here.” Runis: “We’re here because you summoned us.” Selpran: “Not here. This kingdom.” Runis: “We were passing through, going to Alpina.” Selpran: “You know we… that’s probably not… the best…” Belinn: “What he’s trying to say is that we think you’re lying about that.” Runis: “Okay. You thought I was lying about the Diamond, too, didn’t you.” Calber: “Yes.”
Chalker looks at Solari: “Did you send some mages last night?” Solari: “Actually, no, I didn’t. Did somebody?” Chalker: “Well, in my discussions with one of the mages, he implicated you. A bold move, I must say. I don’t know who he’s protecting, to point the finger at somebody of your stature. There were four of them. One got away.” Solari: “Obviously someone wanted you to think I was sending people after you.” Runis: “I didn’t think so. I thought you were smarter than that.” Chalker: “Well, my apologies.” Solari: “No offense taken.”
Rory seats himself in the middle of the bale side of the table. Belinn: “I’m sure my brother will want to sit close to Runis if he will be so kind as to permit it.” Runis: “I figured he’d sit across so he wouldn’t keep having to turn his head to look.” Belinn, scornfully: “I think he wants to be close to the Diamond.” Calber: “No, no, I can understand. And maybe Master Runis has a good point.” Runis chooses the seat closest to where the food will be brought out, and Calber sits across from him. Chalker slides closer to Belinn and murmurs, “You told him not to touch it.” Belinn, resignedly: “I know.”
Aliana
Chalker
Runis Calber
Belinn Selpran
Jinto Rory
Empty Josh
Empty Solari
Alondo
Human Tunteki
Alondo enters the room and everyone rises. Following him is the goblin Tunteki and a human, who take up positions behind Alondo’s seat. The human is clad in robes, and Chalker notices he has a concealed longknife and willow wand in his belt. Alondo: “I trust that you got the information you needed from the maps and the scout and your conversation with my children?” Runis: “No.” Alondo: “So there’s more to be discussed with me, I assume.” Runis: “Well, since no one else will discuss it with us, I guess it’s with you.”
Alondo: “Well. Let us begin.” Servants enter and begin filling goblets with wine. Chalker watches them overtly. From her sampling of the antidote Rory gave her, Aliana judges that the wine is poisoned. As soon as his goblet is filled, Alondo raises it and takes a sip. When the servant comes to fill Chalker’s goblet, Aliana takes the jug away and begins pouring, slipping some of the antidote into Chalker’s, Runis’s, and Jinto’s wine. Chalker takes a sip from his goblet just the way Alondo did. Runis swigs down his entire goblet and makes a face.
Rory beckons to Tunteki, who shakes his head, so Rory gets up and goes over to the goblin. “Do you happen to have any of your fine ale that I’ve heard so much about?” Alondo nods and Tunteki answers, “Yes, I believe they do supply it.” Rory: “Master Dwarf would probably prefer ale, also.” Alondo sends Tunteki to fetch some ale, then says, “My apologies. I did not consider that anyone would want anything other than wine.” Runis: “Ale would be nice. You don’t get many visitors here, do you?” Alondo: “Not often. And usually Lord Barshar would be doing the honors. So I am a little rusty at it.” Runis: “And most of the people who attend don’t have the courage to ask these questions.” Alondo: “Or are honored to have the fine wine that we serve.” Tunteki reappears followed by a servant carrying a tray bearing a large pitcher and two tankards. The goblin catches Alondo’s eye and nods slightly as the servant pours ale for Runis and Josh.
Alondo rises and proposes a toast. “To your continued health.” As Rory raises his goblet his elbow strikes Josh’s arm, spilling the latter’s ale. “Whoops, sorry.” Two servants appear and begin cleaning up. As Rory uses his napkin to sop up the spill, he warns Josh not to drink anything because it’s poisoned. “I figured,” Josh replies. Aliana steps over to help clean up and sprinkles antidote into Josh’s tankard and Rory’s wine goblet. As she returns to her position behind Chalker, Aliana is asked softly by one of the servants if she would like some wine. She replies equally softly, “I’m not allowed.” Rory okays Josh to drink his ale.
After the first course is served, Alondo says, “Well, I know you have all kinds of questions, and I do, too. So I guess we can start dealing with those. Master Dwarf, I believe you had the most pressing question.” “Yeah. Why are we here?” “So I can deal with you as you need to be dealt with.” Chalker: “Excuse me — what does that mean?” Alondo: “That means so I can neutralize your threat and do it in such a way that I can learn from you. Learn why you actually came here, as opposed to why you say you came here.” Runis: “Oh, now you’re going to call us liars, too.” Alondo: “Yes.” Chalker: “And we are a threat?” Runis: “No, actually, they’re the threat.” Chalker: “No, I agree with him, we are the threat. I just want to know why he thinks we are.” Runis: “No, they’re the threat.” Chalker: “You’re sure?” Runis: “Uh-huh.” Chalker: “Okay.”
Alondo: “The common people believe in the legend, and you seem to fit the bill. There seem to be six of you, though I see five adventurers and a servant. That’s not quite what the legend says.” Runis: “You’ve forgotten the other entity that’s with us.” Alondo: “Oh.” Runis: “But your son hasn’t.” Calber: “No, father, the Sapphire Diamond technically qualifies as an entity or being.” Runis: “And it’s quite adventuresome, if that’s your hangup on your prophecy.” Alondo: “The Sapphire Diamond is not known for leaving the Calventine Empire.” Runis: “It will in response to a threat.” Alondo: “Hmm. That’s rather flattering, that we would be considered a threat to the Calventine Empire.” Runis: “We were just headed for Alpina.” Chalker: “And that’s the truth.” Alondo: “Right.” Runis: “Ask your daughter, she saw me talking to the Diamond.” Belinn: “Yes, we did.” Chalker: “But she didn’t hear what it said, she just saw you talking to it.” Runis: “She was convinced that I was listening to it.” Belinn: “Oh yes, you were.” Runis: “And she was reading to see if I was telling the truth, too. And I was.” Belinn: “Yes, you were.” Chalker: “Oh, so those aren’t just voices in your head.” Runis: “Those are there, too.”
Chalker: “Lord Alondo, where did you come from?” Alondo: “I was –“ Runis: “No, no – ‘you’ collectively.” Alondo: “Oh. We gathered from various places.” Chalker: “Then I’ll ask the question again – where did you come from?” Alondo: “A small place just north of the Troubled Lands. A country you’d not have heard of, if you’re from the Coastal Kingdoms.” Runis: “It’s an amazing thing that we’d never heard of this big country that we’re right next door to.” Alondo: “We’ve gone to great lengths to remain hidden.” Chalker: “Which is why we can’t leave, right?” Alondo: “Oh, absolutely. You can’t leave. You’ll find it… not a bad place to live.” Chalker: “Oh, I’m sure. I’m sure you’re correct.” Runis: “So why would you want to keep those who are going to ‘spark the fire of freedom’ around, when all we want to do is leave?” Alondo: “I think we’ve already established that. I don’t believe you’re telling the truth. I can’t afford to let you leave the castle.” Runis: “Why?” Alondo: “If I just let you leave the kingdom, that may be enough to spark the fires. I don’t know exactly what that means.” Rory: “May I have a room in the tower?” Runis: “He likes to be able to look out over things.” Alondo: “Why, surely. Yes, you can.” Rory: “Thank you.” Alondo shakes his head.
Chalker: “I’m afraid I’m going to have to insist that we leave. I know that your hospitality is legendary around here, but I must insist. Sorry, Rory, about the room.” Alondo: “I’m afraid you will not be leaving.” Chalker: “I’m afraid you’re wrong.” Runis: “Did you not talk to Miss Solari here?” Alondo: “Yes, I did. At length, actually.” Runis: “And you didn’t believe her either, huh. Oh, that’s right – she thought that it was the elf doing it!” Alondo: “And I thought – and still think – that that’s not really the Sapphire Diamond hanging around your neck, but rather a conjure trick done by the elf.” Runis: “Would you like to touch it?” Chalker: “Go ahead. It’s just a conjure.” Runis: “Cast your magic. Take a look.” Alondo stands and concentrates, even as Runis thinks to the Diamond, “Give him a sign.” Runis: “By the way, you ought to have your other friends here keep an eye on the elf, so you can make sure he doesn’t do this.” Rory to Selpran: “Watch your pockets.”
Suddenly Calber leaps from his chair, launching himself across the table at Runis… or more precisely, the Diamond. Aliana fast-draws her sword, swings, and strikes Calber in the neck. Chalker stands, fast-draws his sword, and also strikes Calber’s neck. Calber’s head isn’t quite severed, but he is dying. Josh rises and draws his sword. Runis stands and picks up his axe, the Diamond in his other hand.
Chalker steps and uses his power to grab the ring on Selpran’s right hand. Josh swings and hits Solari in the lower torso, drawing blood. Aliana fast-draws a throwing knife and hurls it at the human mage’s throat; he dodges, but his concentration is broken. Rory drops and crawls under the table. From Selpran’s right-hand ring a sword materializes. Solari cries out and runs behind Tunteki. Jinto concentrates. Belinn moves behind Jinto toward the head of the table. Runis heads toward Alondo, a step behind Belinn.
Chalker swings at Selpran, simultaneously jerking on the ring so as to extend the bale’s arm in front of his blade; Chalker hits, Selpran’s arm hangs limp and useless, and the conjured sword vanishes. Aliana leaps up on the table, runs across it and strikes Alondo. Runis swings at the human mage but misses. Josh swings and hits Alondo in the neck. Rory hits Alondo in the foot. Alondo turns to run, but because of the foot injury he slips on his own blood and falls on his face, sliding between the human mage and Tunteki. Sparks flash around Jinto’s hand. Tunteki stands defensively over the prone Alondo. Belinn stops near her father. Solari runs for the door. The human mage fails to touch Runis with his willow wand.
Solari reaches the door, which is closed. Belinn turns and concentrates. Tunteki waits to be attacked. Selpran steps inside Chalker’s reach and grabs him by the throat. Chalker thrusts his saber into Selpran’s side and Selpran releases Chalker. Aliana leaps over Tunteki and strikes Belinn. Runis hits the human mage with his Diamond-clasping fist… punching all the way through him and snapping his spine. Josh swings and Tunteki parries. Jinto aims at Solari.
Runis turns and calls out “Tunteki! Drop it!” Chalker swings and hits Selpran. Josh swings at Tunteki, who parries. Solari runs through the door and out of sight. Selpran drops to the floor at Chalker’s feet, thrashing. Belinn steps back and concentrates. Tunteki’s sword skids off of Josh’s armor. Rory dumps out his map case and starts stringing his bow. Aliana feints a cut at Belinn’s face and slashes her in the chest. Jinto steps toward the door.
Rory yells, “Don’t kill Tunteki! We need him!” Jinto throws his lightning bolt and strikes Alondo, who goes limp. Belinn casts a spell and Aliana feels fatigued. Tunteki hits Josh in the chest, then parries Josh’s return blow. Chalker jumps on Selpran’s body while bringing his sword down on the bale’s head; Selpran goes limp. Runis sweeps at Tunteki’s legs; Tunteki jumps over the swing. Runis shouts, “Not your fight!” Aliana hits Belinn, who collapses.
Runis drops his axe, shoves the Diamond through the mage, and dives at Tunteki, who dodges acrobatically away. “Drop it!” Runis shouts. Chalker calls, “Yield!” Aliana grabs Belinn by the hair and beheads her, then moves on to behead Selpran and Calber as well. Jinto concentrates. Rory calls to Josh to close the door. Runis removes the dead mage from his hand; there is no blood on the Diamond itself.
Tunteki: “’Fraid it is.” Runis: “No, it’s not.any of our fight.” Tunteki: “I need to take him out of here or die trying. Are you going to let me take him out?” Runis: “He’s dead.” Tunteki: “Not yet.” Runis: “Yes, he is.” Chalker: “Yes, he’s dead.” Tunteki: “Then let me take his body out of here.” Chalker: “No.” Runis: “Why?” Tunteki: “It’s my duty. It’s what I need to do.” Runis: “No, it’s not.” Tunteki: “Yes, it is.” Runis: “Look here. (Holds up the Diamond) It’s from the gods.” Tunteki: “That may be, but I still have my duty and my honor.” Runis: “There’s no dishonor. And you can’t have duty to a dead man.” Tunteki: “Yes, you can.” Runis: “No, you can’t. He’s dead. Both of his children are dead.” Tunteki: “He’s not dead.” Runis: “Yes, he is.” Tunteki: “Then let me take the body out.” Chalker: “No. We’re not stupid. We know you’d take him to be revived.” Runis: “You can’t beat all of us.” Tunteki: “I will die trying.” Runis: “Yes, you will. And it’s a silly thing to do.” Tunteki: “Sorry. Maybe I can hold you long enough that the guard can get here.” Runis: “And you think the guard will go ahead and give up their lives to protect dead lords?” Tunteki: “There’s more to it than that, but yes.” Runis: “You’re right, there’s more to it than that. And freedom doesn’t have any meaning for you.” Tunteki: “Not for me. I never bought into that.” Chalker: “Well, you can buy into the ‘he’s not leaving unless he’s in ashes’.” Runis: “You don’t think you can ever be free.” Tunteki: “I will never be free.” Runis: “Why?” Chalker: “You’re gonna die, you might as well tell us why.” Tunteki: “Too much of me is in the way things are for me to ever be part of the way things might ever be. I’m too much part of what’s going on to be forgiven.” Runis: “By whom?” Tunteki: “Anybody.” Runis: “What do you mean, anybody? Who said you had to stay here? I understand you can’t stay here.”
Meanwhile Rory goes into the kitchen (freaking Chalker out). The last of the kitchen help is fleeing. Rory asks one of them, “Where does this other door lead? Is this the way out?” The servant trembles, too frightened to answer, so Rory simply says, “Go.” The man runs off and Rory bars the door behind him.
Chalker: “If we leave you alive, can you still control the guards?” Runis: “No.” Tunteki: “If I don’t fight my out of here or die trying, or come out with him, there’s no way any of them would continue to follow me.” Chalker: “And why did we want to leave him alive? What was the point? I thought that he had some use? I told you earlier that you were going to have to choose. I know you didn’t believe me.”
Chalker: “We’re just wasting time with this one.” Runis: “All we have right now is time. (To Tunteki) So you pull him out. What does that accomplish?” Tunteki: “For you, nothing. So we might as well get this over with. I tell you he’s not dead yet, and if he’s not dead, he’ll be better by tomorrow.” Runis: “And I tell you that Solash is not going to let him live.” Suddenly Tunteki’s hand spasms and he drops his sword; Tunteki looks utterly surprised. Chalker steps up to him. “Now do you yield?” With his power Chalker pulls Tunteki’s knife and throws it across the room. Runis: “Take us out of here instead of him.” Chalker: “Move away. Over to the wall.” Tunteki steps away from Alondo. “Take you out of here?” Runis: “Instead of him.” Tunteki: “That might work. If we do it quick enough before any of the other lords in the city respond. You do know by now that these five were not the only ones.” Chalker: “We know.” Runis: “Certainly. But we’re not here to kill them all. Didn’t you read the prophecy?” Tunteki: “I’ve heard it.” Chalker: “Of course, killing them all does seem like a good option.”
Aliana walks over to Alondo and moves to add his head to her collection. Tunteki grimaces as if he wants to stop her, but he knows he has no chance. Rory: “Can we get out through the kitchen?” Tunteki: “There is a way, some passages, we could flee that way.” Runis to Aliana: “Let me help.” He thrusts the Diamond through Alondo’s neck as if through paper. Runis: “Like I said, Solash won’t let him live.” Chalker: “Is he dead now?” Tunteki: “He… he’s dead now.” Chalker turns and starts collecting the rings from all the bales’ fingers, especially the one from Selpran that conjures a sword.
Tunteki: “The guard is well trained. They will be responding now. They’ll hit this door first, so we’ve got a couple of minutes to flee through the kitchen. If we meet any guards coming that way, I think I can get you out.” Aliana: “Actually, I think I’m going to go out the front door.” Runis: “I think we are. We’ll go out the front door. I said you’re going to take us out of here, not him.” Tunteki: “Take you out… pretend you’re prisoners?” Chalker and Runis: “No!” Tunteki: “You’re going to test my control of my guards, then, aren’t you, to see if I have enough that they’ll let me take five armed people out of here?” Runis and Chalker: “No.” Runis: “Look. All of your guards were so afraid of all of these lords. And look who just defeated their lords. Do you think they’re going to want to attack us?” Tunteki: “It depends on whether Solari is persuasive enough to overcome that fear.” Aliana: “Solari ran away from us last night.” Runis: “And again today. I’m thinking, they want to follow a coward?”
Aliana walks toward the doors that Josh barred. Runis collects his axe and shield. Tunteki: “But that’s no surprise. All lords are cowards.” Runis: “And yet you’re afraid of them.” Tunteki: “Just because they’re a coward, that doesn’t mean they’re not deadly and dangerous.” Runis: “That’s true.” Chalker: “Not these four.” Runis holds up his axe in front of Aliana, who impales Alondo’s head on the end of it. Tunteki: “You’re going to intimidate your way out of the castle.” Runis: “We intimidated our way in, didn’t we?” Chalker: “Now you know why we need you.” Tunteki: “Why?” Chalker: “The bridge.” Runis: “Your sword’s right there, sir. You might want to pick it up.”
Aliana: “Josh, unbar the door, please.” Josh: “No problem. Give me a minute to bind this wound.” Aliana: “You don’t have a healing draught? Here.” Josh: “Yeah, over with my gear. It isn’t that bad a wound.” Aliana: “Well, take a taste anyway.” Chalker: “Go ahead and use it now. Quit being a baby.” Josh gives Aliana her potion back, then pulls out one of his own and takes it.
Aliana: “You know, as corny as this is going to sound… we’re going to go outside and strike the flame.”