Sapphire:Sessions:20051231

[December 31, 2005]

Long Days 22, late afternoon: Runis has conveyed to the group the Diamond’s declarations. For the group to leave town with confidence that the revolution will continue without them, only two things are required: a powerful mage and a military force. And the Diamond says that Chalker can teach Talina to become a powerful mage.

Goblin Town has been secured, and cleanup and corpse removal has already begun. The tacticians believe that the bales will not drive the orcs to any further incursions overnight, other than perhaps testing the defenses near the bridges.

The group rides from the southern part of Goblin Town back to Human Town, to the building containing the small platform. A bunch of street urchins are still watching their extra horse and the building. Aliana helps Rory carry food and cooking supplies from the wagon into the kitchen. Chalker checks the rest of the building; the dead bodies have been taken away, and the platform room is undisturbed.

Chalker: “Well, Jinto, I’m going to need your help. For obviously, to make a great mage, I’m going to need a great mage.” [John: “So do you know any?”] Runis: “You know that’s not what the Rock said.” Chalker: “I know.” Runis: “You know what I think? That amulet of Cor that you took from the mage’s house? I think you should have a little private conversation with it.” Chalker: “Ahhh. (Long pause) NO, that’s not a good idea. That doesn’t sound very good to me.” Runis: “How else are you going to make a powerful mage other than invoke the influence of the god of mages?” Jinto: “He’s got a point.” Chalker: “I could let our already-made mage…” Runis: “That’s not what the Rock said. The Rock could’ve said ‘Jinto can make her a powerful mage’ but no, that’s not what the Rock said. It said Chalker.” When Chalker makes a wry face, Runis adds, “Maybe it’s something pleasant, like you gotta kiss her or something.” Rory: “Lucky it wasn’t Blacksmith, then.” Chalker: “For some reason, I’m not buying that, and I don’t think you’re buying it either. But I guess I will talk to this… other. Is it sentient? I wonder. It hasn’t tried to talk to me yet.” Runis: “Well, have you asked it anything?” Chalker: “No…”

Chalker: “Maybe you have a point.” He searches around in his bag of goodies and pulls out the two amulets of Cor. He wraps their chains around one hand. Slowly he reaches into his pocket and withdraws the gold bar marked with the stylized symbol of Cor. Chalker: “If I catch on fire… never mind.” Aliana: “If you catch on fire, we’ll move you out of the building before you burn it down.” Rory: “Or put you in the fireplace.” Chalker pushes a chair against a wall and sits down (“So whatever’s going to happen, it’s in front of me”). He thinks over what he knows about Cor, then gazes into the gold bar. To his special vision, the bar has an unusual structure or matrix, different than regular gold. It reminds him of something he’s seen before, but he can’t quite place it.

In his mind Chalker goes through the observances for the worship of Cor. He feels a sensation of peace within and a presence nearby. Those watching him see the gold bar begin to glow. “We need to talk,” he thinks. {What is your question/desire/petition?} [Tom: “Aw, you got the damn receptionist.”] “A mighty mage is needed. I am the conduit to bring her into being. And since you are the lord and master of magic, I feel that this is your purview and I don’t want to step into it without your permission.” He feels one of the amulets moving, sliding to position itself so the gold bar is between the two amulets. An electric sensation surrounds him. To Jinto and Aliana, the bar now shows as a very powerful magical artifact, as if a shield has been lowered. (Aliana nudges Runis. “See, he was lying. He is a powerful mage.” “Huh?” “He just turned that thing into a magic item.” “That’s the kind of glow that comes from the Diamond, not from magic.” “Well, it’s got a magical glow, too. I can see that.” Jinto: “She’s right.” Aliana: “(gasp) The elf agrees with me. I must be doing something wrong.”)

Runis: “Are you okay, Chalker?” Chalker: “I’m fine. Cor or one of his minions is contemplating my request. I wouldn’t stand too close to me, just in case.”

Abruptly a vibrant, crystal-clear male voice intrudes into Chalker’s thoughts. {You hold one of my mighty mages in your hands.} Chalker says aloud, “The bar is a mighty mage?”

Runis concentrates on the Diamond. {Yes, Runis?} “Is there a life force inside that bar?” Several moments pass. [John: “It’s using one of its Phone-A-Friends.” Tom: “As long as it’s not Fifty-Fifty!”]

After a lengthy pause, Chalker gets a reply. {With the right vessel and with proper observances.}

In Runis’s mind the Diamond says, {Oh, my. No, not exactly.} “Do I have to guess?” {I’m not exactly sure what it is. Cor has done something… After all, he is a First Chosen.} Runis, aloud: “I’m not getting any help from this direction.”

Aliana, momentarily pausing in her chopping of vegetables, focuses on the magical glow surrounding Chalker. While concentrating, she can see the mana shimmering in the rough shape of a three-dimensional version of Cor’s symbol. She thinks that if she stepped into that area, she would be able to feel the elevated mana level (“but I wouldn’t presume”). Setting aside the vegetables she’s chopped, she murmurs to Rory, “I think I’d better go get Talina.” “Okay,” Rory replies, “We’ll have enough dinner for her, too.” Aliana goes outside, mounts her horse, and rides swiftly toward Goblin Town.

Chalker: “Will the vessel have to possess your powerful mage and the proper observance? Will I have to give the proper vessel your symbol?” {Nothing is ever given without risk.} “To whom is the risk? To me, or to the vessel?” No response. “I have an off-topic question for you, on your previous vessel. There’s an individual in this room who’s not of this… area.” {Really?} He turns his head toward Josh, who is standing at parade rest. “Was she from the same realm?” Josh sways slightly as if blown by a wind. “Were you aware of his presence?” {That is Joshua Andrews.} “Yes, of course. My apologies. Of course you know. Is he from the same realm as your last vessel to possess this item?”

Aliana’s gallop through the streets alarms the clean-up crews. “Uh-oh. She’s in a hurry. Something must be wrong. Better hurry and get this done!” She figures that anything that spurs them to greater efforts is fine with her.

Chalker looks inquiringly at Josh, who says, “I felt something. It wasn’t very subtle. I just had a very strong mind probe hit me.” Chalker: “Oh? He can mind probe?” Runis: “Now you’re in trouble.” Chalker: “I didn’t mean that last thought.” Chalker thinks, “I wish I could bring the Diamond here, but I know it’s scared.” He feels the two amulets in his hands slowly warming up. “Okay,” Chalker thinks, “keep him talking before he smites me…”

“Are you aware of the situation here?” {Yes. I prepared for it millennia ago.} “You knew, that long ago, that we were going to be here? Doesn’t that take the fun out of it?” {Absolutely not.} “Are the amulets supposed to go to the vessel, too?” {The amulets were blessed by a cleric very special to me, one most devout.} “Okay, I’ll give them up.”

As Aliana approaches the bridge, the guards at the human end quickly remove the barricades and clear a path for her. She cuts quite a dramatic figure with her cape rippling out behind her.

{Prepare thyself.} Chalker feels the presence around him diminish. He looks around to see that everyone else is at a safe distance (in case he explodes), and notices that Aliana is gone. [Bill: “I’m going to have to stop picking up holy relics.” Mary: “All that glitters is Chalker’s… unless Runis beats him to it!”] Suddenly it clicks in Chalker’s mind – the structure of the gold bar reminds him of looking into a human brain. “Wait, before you go, just one more thing. I’ve never been able to see your gifts, like some people can. Would it be possible for me to see it for a little while?” [Tom: “Can’t let the elf keep getting all the good stuff!”] But over the next few minutes the presence continues to recede until it is gone. The gold bar retains a slight glow. He memorizes the relative positions of the two amulets and the bar.

Aliana reaches the area where an hour or so ago she had last seen Talina. There are goblins gathering up weapons from the fallen for redistribution, and they look up at her arrival. “I need to find Talina.” “She, the General, and Tunteki went up to the bridge into Orc Town about twenty minutes ago to check out the fortifications and deployments.” An older goblin points to a youngster and says, “He can show you the way.” Aliana reaches down, and the young goblin grasps her hand and swings up behind her. “What’s your name?” she asks. “They call me Bek.” He directs her along what he calls a “short cut.”

Chalker directs his thoughts to the Diamond: “What were you doing during all this?” Its answer comes to both Chalker and Runis. {I was showing the proper respect for a First Chosen.} [Bill: “In other words, you had your face to the carpet!”] Chalker: “So that was actually Cor or something?” {Yes, it was an aspect of Cor.} Runis: “I had asked the Diamond if that was a being in there, and its answer was ‘Oh, my.’” Chalker: “No, it’s a brain in there.” Josh: “A brain?” Chalker: “That’s what it looked like to me, a brain.” Runis: “Well, what is the ‘being’ of someone?” Chalker: “It doesn’t look the way normal gold does on the inside.” Runis: “It doesn’t look the way a normal brain looks on the outside.” Chalker: “How do you know?” Runis: “I’ve split open enough skulls.” Chalker: “Yes, but have you ever looked at a brain intact?” Runis: “It doesn’t look like that. It’s all mushy and stuff.” Chalker: “That’s because you’ve done put the axe to it!” Josh: “You’re telling me that somebody’s created a braintape? Oh, excuse me, a… a copy of the brain?” Runis: “That’d make sense.” Chalker: “The essence of the gold has been shaped into a brain.” Runis: “Whose brain? Presumably the ‘great mage’ from fifteen hundred years ago?” Chalker: “No. I don’t think that the person was a great mage until they had this stone.” Runis: “Ah. So you think the stone created the mage before, and it can do it again.” Runis recalls from reading Geriana Newsome’s journal that she occasionally became an avatar of Cor.

Runis: “So, Diamond…” {Yes, Runis?} (Now Rory can hear the Diamond, too.) Runis: “When I asked if there was a being in there, you said ‘not exactly’. Then you said, ‘Cor did’ and stopped. Was that part of Cor’s essence? Is it the same type of thing that Solash did with you?” {Solash brought me into being and gave me certain abilities and tasks.} Runis: “You don’t think you were imbued with part of the being?” {Only as much as any living being is given the essence of the First Chosen.} Runis: “That’s what I’m asking.” {So to that extent, I’d say yes. Though in and of itself the gold is not sentient.} Runis: “Yeah. But given the right vessel…” {It could be. Though I’m not sure what it would do to the vessel.} Runis: “Perhaps was done in the past, and could be again?” {It’s a possibility.}

After cutting through back streets and alleys, Aliana arrives at the heavily-barricaded north bridge. Around a hundred goblins are milling about, half of them armed with crossbows. The orcs have similarly barricated the other end of the bridge. Bek slides down off the saddle. “Do you need anything else?” She dips her fingers into her coin purse and slips two silvers to the goblin lad. “Thank you for your help.” Immediately Bek is hightailing it back toward the south.

Noticing Aliana’s approach, Talina breaks off from conversing with Tunteki and General Dundedor and comes over to her. “Yes, my lady?” “You’re needed elsewhere,” Aliana states tersely. After giving Tunteki and the General a few more instructions, Talina climbs up behind Aliana, who wheels her horse back toward Human Town.

Rory announces that the food is ready, and Josh helps him serve. Chalker asks Jinto, “Why weren’t you chosen?” Runis offers, “He has another role to play.” Jinto: “Master Bard is right. Our tasks are different in this endeavor.” Runis: “Whoever’s chosen is gonna stay behind.” Chalker: “Stay behind what?” Runis: “Us. Remember? We’re doing this so we can leave?” Chalker: “Right. But you said whoever’s chosen…” Runis: “…is gonna stay behind when we leave.” Jinto: “They’ll be needed to fight the bales.” Runis: “That’s why Jinto wasn’t chosen.” Chalker: “Well, I’m not staying.” Runis: “You weren’t chosen, either. That’s why we went to find another vessel.” Chalker: “Oh.” Jinto, smiling: “You just get to create a trainer.” Chalker: “But aren’t you the master mage?” Jinto: “I’ll help.” Runis, laughing: “Gotta have somebody to pick up the pieces!”

About halfway through the second course (same as the first course – stew), Aliana walks in followed by Talina. Josh hands Aliana a plateful he’d been keeping warm for her, and dishes up dinner for Talina. Aliana can still see Cor’s symbol glowing around Chalker. (Jinto notices Aliana looking and smiles knowingly.)

“This is pretty good,” Talina says between bites. Chalker: “How are you feeling?” Talina: “I’m tired. A little bruised and cut up, but I’ve been very lucky today.” Chalker: “Not as lucky as you’re going to be.” Talina glances up sharply. Chalker: “Go ahead and finish eating. I want you to be strong. You are our vessel; did you know that?” “A vessel.” “Yep. A proper vessel.” “I’m not worthy to be an avatar, if that’s what you’re talking about. I don’t know which First Chosen would want to do that.” “Well, they didn’t ask me, they didn’t ask you.” “The First Chosen usually don’t ask.” “Well, then, now we understand each other.”

Chalker waits for Talina to finish her dinner. Aliana: “You said you wanted to be a mage.” Talina: “Yes, I do. But I’m told that that takes years and years.” Aliana: “I lied.” Runis: “Only a few moments!” Chalker, snapping his fingers: “It’ll be just like that.” Aliana: “All you have to do is go to bed with Chalker.” Runis: “I don’t know about that.” Aliana: “It’s simple, and it’ll be fast.” Talina stares at Chalker. “Oh, my.” Runis: “That’s the same reaction that the Rock had.” Aliana: “Maybe that’s Cor’s last name.” Chalker: “Are you ready?” Talina: “Ready for what? She was just kidding about… that, wasn’t she?” Chalker: “About what?” Runis: “Having to go to bed with you.” Aliana: “He’s actually very good in bed. It just doesn’t take very long.”

Chalker: “No, we’re going to do it in a chair.” Runis: “Right here with everybody watching.” Talina looks confused, but she walks over to the chair Chalker indicates and sits down. Chalker kneels before her and grasps her hands, turning them so they’re cupped together. He places the Zales amulet in her left hand and the other in her right, then places the gold bar atop them. “Do you know the correct observance to Cor?” he asks. She replies, “It’s not something we’re taught.” “I’ll speak the observance, and you repeat after me. And hopefully this will work, and both of us will come out of this alive. If not, it was good knowing you.”

Runis: “Talina, before he starts, just so you understand what’s happening…” Talina: “Yes, that would be good.” “There’s no way for your people to withstand the bales. It’s not going to happen. Look how many people you lost today to kill… six? Seven?” (Chalker: “Well, they really only killed two.” Runis: “I know that. I’m trying to give her the benefit of the doubt.”) “You don’t have enough people to kill over a hundred bales.” “Not unless we could find a way to bring the orcs to our side.” “I don’t think that’s going to happen. You don’t have that kind of charisma… thank Solash. You need, first, an army. You have the makings of that. But you need a person to lead them who has more than just leadership abilities. You need someone that can lead them with some power. Wouldn’t a vessel of the First Chosen be able not only to wield considerable power, but draw more people into the army?” “Oh, yes. That would make it much easier to bring the human and goblin populations of the other cities of the realm under the rebel banner.” “I don’t think it’d be a rebel banner any longer. It’d be the rightful banner.” “I can see the wisdom of that. It’s as if Santash is speaking through you.” “So don’t go into this feeling unworthy. There must be a proper vessel. Our destinies aren’t here. Our destinies are elsewhere. We were only here to start what has been started. I don’t think even the six of us would have been enough to kill all the bales that needed to be destroyed. (They’d eventually have gotten smart and sent ten or twelve at us at once.)” “I can see that. This must be what I’ve been preparing for all my life, then. It just takes me looking at it a different way. So, this is to attune me to Cor? I recognize his symbols.” “It seems appropriate. You have the abilities, just not the training. And while I really hate to do this… if you do not gain the memories of the previous avatar – although I think you probably will – we do have journals that can be left for you to study.” Quietly, Talina says, “I’m ready. I can do this.”

Chalker clasps Talina’s cupped hands in his own. Talina locks gazes with Chalker and softly repeats the words of the observance. The aura surrounding him extends and flows through his hands to encompass her. Fascinated, Aliana moves closer. To Runis, Rory, and Jinto the Diamond suggests {Pray to the First Chosen that you feel drawn to} and begins its own invocation to Solash. Runis prays to Santash, Jinto to Yasseph, and Rory to Cor. Everyone feels the power building, and the sense of presence growing…

Suddenly everyone except Josh is standing upon what look like lambent clouds, but their footing is solid. Chalker and Talina are standing face to face, a golden glow enveloping them both. A voice speaks in everyone’s minds. “You will require some time as the imprint settles in. Rest and revitalize yourselves. You will not be gone from the mortal realm very long, by their time.” Talina quivers as power flows from the gold bar through the amulets and into her body. (Chalker tries to let go of her hands, but finds he cannot.) This continues for about ten minutes, then Talina’s eyes roll back and she collapses into Chalker’s arms.

Aliana points toward a fog-obscured building a few hundred yards away. Chalker lifts Talina in his arms. Runis marches out ahead, and after ten yards he comes upon his own axe and shield. The building resolves into a small cottage with a well out front. Runis cautiously pushes the door open, but he can’t see inside at all until he steps in. Then it’s as if he’s walked into the entry hall of a great palace. He turns around and waves, but the others don’t seem to see him, so he steps back out. (To the others, he stepped inside and vanished, then re-emerged.)

Everyone enters the building. Aliana and Jinto notice that the mana level is elevated. Chalker explains that Talina will need to practice her spellcasting so that her new abilities become permanent. “I’ll help with that,” says Jinto, “but first we all need some sleep.” Six of the doors opening off the entry hall lead to luxurious bedrooms. An archway leads into a divided area resembling the practice halls of a mage guild and a mercenary guild. Chalker picks one of the bedrooms and puts Talina to bed, and everyone else settles into their individual rooms. Everyone but Runis, that is, who claims the floor right in front of the main door. Everyone falls into a deep, restful sleep.

When he awakens, Chalker finds Talina sitting lotus-style on the bed. She asks for the gold bar, and when Chalker hands it to her she slips it into her pocket. “Do you want these?” he asks, indicating the two amulets. She says, “I think for now one needs to go to Jinto and the other to Aliana.” “Does it matter who gets which one?” “Use your judgment; it’s been exemplary so far.” [John: “That’s how we got here in the first place!”] Talina continues, “I need to learn how to listen to her and use this knowledge I’ve got.” “Listen to ‘her’?” “Yes. Geriana.” “You have voices in your head now?” “At least three. She’s the most prominent. And I would ask Jinto and Aliana to help me practice.”

Rory is already banging around in the kitchen. Chalker knocks on Jinto’s door. The elf calls out, “Yes, is it that time yet?” Chalker replies, “It’s that time yet.” “But there are books in here, and they’re fascinating.” “The books will still be there. Come.” As Jinto steps out of the bedroom, Chalker hands him an amulet. “I was instructed to give that to you. You’re going to need to help Talina with her learning curve.” Jinto places the amulet around his neck, nods to Talina, then heads toward the kitchen. Talina follows, and starts practicing her magic by conjuring sweet cakes.

Chalker knocks on Aliana’s door. No answer. “I know you’re in there.” “And I know you’re out there.” (Chalker: “She’s ornery, so you have to start a conversation with her.”) “Come on out.” “No.” “Can I come in?” “No!” She’s too far from the door for Chalker to see her with his clairvoyance. Aliana has wedged a knife into the door. Chalker grasps it with his power and starts wiggling it. “Chalker!” Aliana calls warningly. “I’m still out here,” he replies innocently. “Are you coming out?” “Sometime!” “I need to give you something.” “Not the same thing you gave Talina, I hope.” [John: “Slide it through the keyhole!”] “Don’t worry, it’s not. So if you’d be kind enough to come and accept this gift…” No answer. “Come on, it won’t hurt.” “Chalker, I know you can see through doors, and I’m not dressed!” “That’s okay, you look good naked. Come on!” “You wouldn’t be saying that if you’d really seen me.” “Of course I can’t see you. That would be rude.” “That never stopped you before.” “Yes, I know, but you know that I know, so…” “Can you just wait a few minutes, then?” “Yes, of course.”

Ten minutes later when Aliana pulls out the knife and opens her door, Chalker still patiently waits there. He extends to her the amulet (marked ‘Zales’). She doesn’t reach for it. “What is it?” “This is an amulet that is blessed by Cor.” “Good. Give it to someone who needs it, like Talina.” “Talina said that I should give one amulet to Jinto and one to you.” “Why?” “So that you can help her practice magic.” “I don’t know any magic. Much. Hardly.” “You have the ability, and that seems to be enough for Cor.” “She just spent the night with him, so she’s probably got more ‘ability’ than I do. But I guess you would know, wouldn’t you?” “I don’t know… if she showed me…” “You spent the night with her.” “Yes, I did. I figured it was my duty, to continue until it was time for me to leave. And I didn’t get to play with her anyway. Not really. So…” “Why wouldn’t it be you? You’re the one that’s been touched by Cor.” “I’ve been touched briefly by Cor. You’ve been touched by Cor your whole life.” “I have not.” “Yes, you have. You have the magical ability, which I do not have. Which is probably why I was the one that was supposed to pass it to her.” “There are other sources of magic besides Cor.” “Okay. But he is one of the First Chosen, so I think it would be best to assume it came from him, whether it did or not. So please, please accept this and do your duty.” “My people don’t worship the First Chosen.” “Not my problem. Just because you don’t worship them, it doesn’t mean they’re not there. I got to talk to them. So quit being a fuddy-duddy. Go ahead and take the amulet. I’m sure you’ll have fun. Maybe you’ll learn something.” “Oh, I don’t know. I could count on the fingers of one hand everything I’ve learned since… since the beginning.” “Of time?” “No, since I first met you.” “Yes, I can believe that. But you won’t be learning from me. Why is somebody so lovely so stubborn?” “Ask Talina.” “She wouldn’t know. I’m talking about you.” “What do you mean, stubborn? I was busy.” “You’re not busy now. And now is when I’m saying ‘accept the amulet.’” “I don’t think Cor knows what he’s asking.” “Oh, I’m sure he does. I’m sure he has an idea.” Finally Aliana reaches out and takes hold of the chain and swings the amulet like a pendulum. “You gave me the one that says Zales on it. What in the world is a zale?” “According to Josh, that’s a jeweler from where he’s from.” “So this is the fake amulet. Good.” “No, it’s been blessed by Cor. That’s what I was told. Well! It’s been good chatting with you. I think I’ll go back to my room right now. Have fun!” Chalker returns to his room to get cleaned up.

Aliana wanders into the dining room, slouches into a chair, and tosses the amulet onto the table in front of her. Talina: “Thank you.” Aliana: “I just came and got you because I was afraid Chalker would explode before he got to decant into his vessel. He has a short trigger.” Talina: “Well, whatever your reasoning, I do thank you. I’ve gotten access to the knowledge and skills and personalities of three master mages. But I would appreciate it if you and Jinto could assist me in running through and critiquing some of the different spellcasting gestures as I make them, and help me practice.” Aliana: “I can’t imagine I’d be any help to you. I’m not a trained mage either.” Talina: “But are you successful in what you try to do?” Aliana: “Once in a while.” Talina: “You don’t have to be a trained mage to be a successful one.” Aliana: “You have Jinto.”

Talina to Runis: “Some of the mages did have some regular combat skills. I was hoping you would drill through them with me also. Teach me some tricks that would be beneficial. I know some fighting on my own, but I’m not very good at it.” Runis nods, continuing to shovel food into his mouth.

Talina: “You don’t have to keep the amulet. Just for the next several days.” Aliana: “I’m saying that I can’t help you.” Talina: “I think you underestimate yourself. You seem to be a natural leader. You instinctively go for the correct action in a critical situation.” Runis: “That’s what I say, you’re underestimating yourself. It has nothing to do with whether you can cast a spell or not. There are things you can teach her that Jinto has no idea about.” Aliana: “Runis, you have no idea what I’m trained in. I don’t think she’s going to need that sort of ‘training’.”

Talina: “I think we’re going to need to stay here a couple of days. Though I’m not sure about that.” Rory: “I’m sure you’ll know when you’re ready to leave.” Aliana: “Yeah. Doesn’t the Committee of Cor tell you anything?” Talina: “Only from their experiences, and some of it is not easily accessible. It’s still confusing me. That’s why I need to get practice, and practical opinions on things, so I can sort some of it out. I need to find my own style amongst the information I’ve got. Plus, this would be a time to let you recharge yourselves, also.”

Rory: “Talking about recharging, how’s Mr or Mrs Diamond doing? Is it tired?” Runis, observing that Rory is expecting him to answer, holds the Diamond out to him. “I dunno – here.” Rory: “Oh… no, no.” Chalker, who has just arrived in the kitchen: “Don’t be a weenie.” Runis, scowling: “Okay, I’ll ask it if it’s tired.” After a moment he reports, “Says it’s too tired to talk to us.” Rory: “It must be resting, then. That’s good.” Aliana: “Ah. Rory’s the one who needs a pet amulet. Here.” Chalker: “Are you still trying to give that thing away?” Aliana: “Yes!” Chalker: “But it’s made for you. It goes with your eyes and everything. That’s why I gave you that one.” Rory: “It’s bloodshot?” Aliana beans Rory with a piece of bread.

Talina rises. “Will you assist, my lady?” Aliana sighs heavily, and Talina continues, “If you desire not to, I will understand. It is not by any means a demand or a requirement; it is a humble request.” Chalker: “Can I watch? Of course, I can’t see anything.” Runis: “Yeah, you can watch.” Chalker: “Nah, y’all go do your thing. Go, go.” Runis: “Well, there’s a big gym in there. We can go spar while they’re doing that.” Chalker: “What do you mean, we spar? I’m not sparring with you! I plan on coming out of here healthy. One lick from you and I’m a broken man.” Runis: “You just have to be good enough not to get hit.” Chalker: “Which is why I won’t start.” Aliana slowly gets up and picks up the amulet from the table. (“Ornery! Just ornery!” Chalker thinks. “Lovely, but ornery!”)

Eager to get started, Jinto leads Talina into the practice area. At first Aliana just watches as Talina runs through some spells while Jinto critiques her. Eventually Aliana is drawn into the exercise, and before long appears to actually be enjoying herself. Rory explores the castle, finding among other things a map room and an armory. Runis performs some minor repairs on his armor. Chalker takes a walk around outside. Based on descriptions he’s read, he figures they’re on one of the astral planes… which are accessible by demons and monsters. Good thing Cor allowed everyone to bring his or her weapons.

Seated at the kitchen table (near plenty of food) Runis looks through Geriana Newsome’s journals and learns that back in those days, what is now called Yavalin was called Sarendel (an elven name). Among the elves Geriana writes about is Sa’tire Belandrie – the very person who had given Jinto the choice between the Lantern and the Diamond. Runis goes and gets Jinto and has him read the passages about Belandrie. Jinto: “Yes, he’s been involved in the affairs of the world for quite a while.” Runis: “So the elves know about the bales and this whole area.” Jinto: “This journal predates the bales being here.” Runis: “Oh, so you’re telling me the elves have just ignored this area that they once populated?” Jinto: “Things change and forces shift. I can’t say what Belandrie knows and doesn’t know. I just know I was never told of any of it.” Runis: “So there’s a threat this close to the Coastal Kingdoms that the elves possibly knew about, and yet none of us know anything about it.” Jinto: “I hadn’t thought that he might be a part of the maneuvering of this, but you may have a point, that he… That’s why he gave me the choice, because…” Runis: “Because he felt guilty about not doing anything about it.” Jinto: “It’s possible that the overall councils did not think it wise to take any action, and he… he felt differently.” Runis, cynically: “Yeah. So he waits fifteen hundred years to decide to do something about it. Oh, I realize the bales probably haven’t been here fifteen hundred years, but still.” Jinto: “If he was that involved that he was dealing with this transplanted mage…” Runis: “Avatar of Cor.” Jinto: “Then I find it difficult believing that he hasn’t kept to the pulse of the area.” Runis: “And he probably recognized Josh as being from the same realm as Geriana.” Jinto: “I would definitely like to have a discussion with him.” Runis: “Yes, I think that would be in order.” Jinto: “I would very much like to hear his explanation.” Runis: “I wonder how powerful a mage we’ve created?” Jinto: “She keeps talking about three…” Runis: “I wonder if we have one that could summon an old friend of hers?” Jinto, cocking his head: “Yes? Your thought?” Runis: “Well, we could talk to him if he came to see us. Perhaps the elves would have some ideas on how to procure an army that she could actually use.” Jinto: “You think he owes her for letting this situation develop.” Runis: “Do you?” Jinto: “Yes.” Runis: “I don’t like being manipulated. But I don’t mind returning the favor.” Jinto: “Once Talina is more comfortable in her abilities, I will broach the subject.” Runis: “Fair enough. … It’d be a whole lot easier to leave her in charge if there was an actual army, as opposed to her just trying to gather a bunch of farmers and townspeople together.”

In one of the many libraries, Chalker finds a book about the recent history of the bales. In it he finds Barshar’s name. In fact, Barshar wrote a few of the chapters in this book. In one chapter he outlines his ‘grand plan’ to found a kingdom and unite the bales, which he estimates will take a thousand years. In the next chapter he comments that “the first stage seems to have gone well.” He discusses the founding of Yavalin (about three hundred years ago); the subjugation of first orcs, then humans; convincing other bales to join with him (among the first of these was Alondo); keeping his project a secret from the rest of the world (by having records and maps destroyed and so on). One of the groups he hired to do the latter was Pandemonium Dagger Guild. The time period covered by Barshar’s summary ended thirty years ago. Chalker muses to himself, “I could probably go back to Cor and find out the rest of the story, but I’m not going to do that.”

When Aliana dons the Zales amulet, she somehow recognizes that it was made in a different dimension. She even experiences flashes of that other realm, including flying machines.

While Talina is sparring with Aliana, Chalker uses his power to take hold of Talina’s sword and unexpectedly push her with it. He wants to test her power and her reactions. She quickly casts Sense Foes, then looks confused. “Aliana, did you sense a magic spell go off? It’s like someone did an Apport on my sword.” Aliana asks innocently, “Where’s Chalker?” Talina looks around. Chalker’s leaning against a wall, cleaning his nails with a dagger. “He’s over there.” “Well, you won’t find any magic.” “No… I didn’t… I…” “Defend yourself!” As Talina reacts to Aliana’s attack, Chalker pushes her sword again. Talina draws her sword and Chalker snatches it out of her hand. Talina, in turn, casts Apport on it; Chalker lets her take control of it. Aliana calmly draws her dagger and lines up on Chalker. Chalker puts his dagger away and applauds, saying “Good job!” “Interesting,” says Talina. Aliana comments, “That was a lesson in that not all trouble comes from magic.” [Tom: “And not all trouble comes from your opponents!”]

That evening, Talina helps with dinner by casting food spells. Runis relates stories from Geriana Newsome’s journals, and Chalker shares information from Barshar’s writings. Runis: “It appears we have an acquaintance who had dealings with that city [the one upon whose ruins Barshar’s City was built] fifteen hundred years ago.” Chalker: “It must be an elf.” Runis: “Our benefactor, Belandrie, was a confidant and fellow mage in the time of Miss Newsome. It appears that he was involved with the large elvish part of the city that was thriving at that time, that also included elves, humans, goblins, dwarves. It seems very strange to me that I’ve never heard of any dwarves over here, but then again they would have probably migrated to the northern mountains here rather than where I’m from.” Jinto: “Runis suggests that perhaps we need to talk to Belandrie. Or, rather, she does,” indicating Talina. Runis: “It might be a way for her to get an army.” Chalker: “Where is Belandrie?” Runis: “He’s a member of the elvish high council. If the elves knew about this whole problem area, and have left it alone for this long, don’t you think they probably owe these people a little bit of assistance?” Chalker: “What makes you think that the elves think that they owe anybody anything?” Runis: “I don’t think they think so, but I think that an avatar of Cor might convince them.” Chalker: “I think you have a point.” Runis: “But when I keep my helm on, nobody notices.” Jinto: “It’s worth a try.” Chalker: “No offense to you, Mighty, but my dealings with elves have been that the arrogant SOBs really, unless they’re put at a point…” Jinto: “We’re definitely open to suggestions as to where else we might obtain an army. Or a band of warriors.” Runis: “We were told she needed an army and a powerful mage. She’s the powerful mage; you got an army yet?” Chalker: “Look, I was just in charge of the powerful mage. I’ve come through now.” Runis: “Well, I’m trying to help find the army.” Aliana: “I think contacting Sa’tire Belandrie is a good idea.” Chalker: “I’m not going to argue with that.” Runis: “You don’t even have to talk to him.” Chalker chuckles, “Hey, I am all for it now.” Runis: “I mean, Talina’s got the memories of one of his dear friends.” Aliana: “How dear were they?” Runis: “She spoke glowingly of him in her journals. I presume that they were at least… Well, she spoke of him by name.” Aliana: “They were in the same club, yeah.” Runis: “Exactly!” Talina, with a faraway expression: “Yes, he… he helped her a lot… in her acclimation to this world.” Jinto: “He may be able to provide some archers and rangers.” Runis: “Better than farmers and townspeople. My reasoning is this – he personally owes her something. Also, I don’t like being manipulated.” Chalker: “Welcome to the real world.” Runis: “I didn’t say it doesn’t happen. I just said I didn’t like it.” Chalker: “I didn’t manipulate you this time.” Runis: “No, but he did (pointing to Jinto). He’s the one that got this thing (indicating the Diamond). And where’d he get it?” Aliana: “Sa’tire Belandrie.” Chalker: “Ohhh…” Jinto: “Yes. He gave me the choice between the Diamond and the Lantern. It seemed appropriate at the time.” Runis: “Oh, I don’t disagree with your choice. Do you see what I’m saying now?” Aliana: “Are you saying our dear Jinto is part of the whole manipulation thing that Sa’tire Belandrie started fifteen hundred years ago?” Runis: “Actually, yes, he is, unwittingly. You see, the way I look at it, Belandrie knew that he was working with Josh. If he knew enough about Geriana, he could have figured out that she and Josh were from the same realm.” Talina says she will practice her Communication spells on the morrow.

The next day passes in training and study. Rory presents Talina with a set of chain mail he located in the castle’s armory. Chalker gets an axe from the armory and has Runis teach him how to use it, but he is unsuccessful in convincing the dwarf to try a sword. Runis: “I already have an axe that’s longer than me; I don’t need a sword that is.” Chalker: “Well, you never know when it will come in handy. Hey, look, I picked up the axe. You know if there’s an axe there and I have to use it, it’s all over anyway.” Runis: “Then I don’t need the sword. I figure the only way you pick up an axe is if you pick up mine.” Chalker: “No, no, no. If you’re already gone, I’m not picking up your axe. It’d just slow me down. I won’t leave until I know you’re dead… but then I’m gone.”

During the third night, while sleeping in front of the main door, Runis is awakened by loud noises. When he checks outside, there’s a fight going on between a griffin and two large hunting dogs. Runis comes in on the side of the dogs and puts a quick end to the fight. The dwarf collects some feathers, the claws, and the head from the dead griffin. He sets the griffin’s head on the dining table as a centerpiece.

When morning comes and the troops assemble for breakfast, Chalker takes one glance and says, “I’m not hungry.” Runis counters, “It didn’t get in.” Chalker: “Thank you.” Talina stares at the griffin’s head. “I guess that means it’s time for us to leave. After this morning’s practice, we’ll see if we can get out of here.” Chalker: “What do you mean, ‘see if we can get out of here’? Is there some problem you anticipate with our leaving?” Talina: “I think they’ve found us.” Chalker: “Could you be more specific on who ‘they’ are?” Talina: “No, unfortunately not.” Chalker: “But you know it’s a ‘they’.” Talina: “I sense a group involved. … I know the invocation that should translate us back into the real world.” Chalker: “First we got ‘they’, then we got ‘should’… You’ve become a mage, haven’t you?”

Runis concentrates on the Diamond. Faintly, as though from far away, he hears {Yes, Runis?} “Have you recovered enough?” {I have recovered enough.} Runis announces, “The Rock’s ready for us to come back, too.”

Rory shows everyone where the armory is. Aliana picks up an enchanted sword and a new set of leather armor, and identifies five magic arrows for Rory. Chalker gets some nice leathers and a magic spear. (He also recalls the magic word for activating the sword ring he took from the dead bale Selpran.) Runis acquires a new shield with a spike in the center.

Rory leads the group back to the location where they had first arrived. Talina has everyone form a circle. When Aliana turns to face outward, Talina decides that’s a good idea. Talina recites an incantation, and poof the group is back in the room. By the angle of the sun, it’s early morning. Josh is awake, and Runis asks him “How many days?” “Next morning,” Josh answers. “Y’all were gone all night.” “We talked to your boss, and he’s not happy with you, either,” says Chalker. Warily, Josh responds, “You talked to Enigma.” “No, we didn’t. I just wanted to make sure you said his name,” Chalker assures him. “Making sure you were you,” amplifies Runis.

Josh: “Blacksmith came by in the middle of the night.” Aliana: “Did he get angry because Talina wasn’t here and you couldn’t explain where she was?” Josh: “I explained enough to satisfy him that she was receiving training in a private place.” Runis: “From Cor?” Josh: “I did mention that Cor had been invoked. He seemed to take some reassurance from that.”

Talina: “Do you want me to contact Belandrie now?” Runis: “What do you think, Jinto? Here and now, or at the palace?” Jinto: “It shouldn’t matter.” Runis: “No, not to contact him. But if he decides to come here…” Jinto: “The platform could serve as a powerful beacon, if he decides to come.” Runis: “If you can bring it up and get it started.” Jinto observes that raising the platform will destroy, not the building they’re currently in, but some different building across the way. Aliana: “If we’re going to take advantage of this sunrise, we need to get those people moved out of there. Otherwise, we have to wait another day.” As she says this, she hands the Zales amulet back to Talina.

Runis goes outside and rouses a couple of sleeping urchins by whacking the flat of his blade against the wagon. “Those buildings need to be cleared out now. They’re about to be destroyed.” The kids dash across the street and within a few minutes several young people come out of the buildings. Their elders are elsewhere, helping fortify the bridges. Runis buttonholes a lad in his early twenties and instructs him to give the names of the buildings’ tenants to Talina so they can be reimbursed for their homes and belongings. “And don’t let me find out you told her other people lived there that didn’t.”

Jinto and Talina stride purposefully toward the buildings. Together they perform their ritual. The platform rises, and the two mages collapse, unconscious. Chalker runs over and checks on them. Talina is slightly injured, and Jinto fairly banged-up.

• Strike the Flame I
• Strike the Flame II
• Strike the Flame III
• Strike the Flame IV
• Strike the Flame V
• Strike the Flame VI
• Strike the Flame VII

• Strike the Flame IX