Seira's morning glow

[Anastasia]

You meet again with Zaaman Rul.

"Seira," he greets you in the same place as before, "Welcome."

[Corwin]

"Thanks. I came as soon as I got your word."

[Anastasia]

"We've spread the rumors and begun them, as desired. They're taking to the court well, though Faheem himself hasn't made a public move," Zaaman Rul says, "The Sultan HAS noticed, and I have it on good authority he's held private war councils about it as well as Aurora. Eblis has been unusually active in these according to my source, though often disagreeing with Hasalur or simply ignoring him."

[Corwin]

"Eblis and I have an understanding where we ignore the other exists," Seira muses. "Out of curiosity, why would the Sultan care? At least care enough to hold meetings about it?"

[Anastasia]

"One, they take the idea of Aurora fighting them seriously," Zaaman Rul nods heavily, "As they should after what they did to Bel's forces and what you did to Bel himself. Two, the Sultan is gathering support and calling in obligations in case of total war. In simple terms, the efreet nobility view the Grand Sultan as their liege lord, so there are formalities to be done."

[Corwin]

"That the Aurora is serious business is clear to me," Seira clarifies. "But why would me making designs on Razalim be an issue for the Sultan's personal attention?"

[Anastasia]

"It's simple - they believe it to be part of an overarching plan," Zaaman Rul says, "Hasalur supports this - devils always see plans and schemes, and court life is full of intrigues." Leaning forward a bit as he goes on, gesturing, "The fact that they're right is more a testament to paranoia than intellect here. You're a known ally of Aurora and they suspect you're going to aid them somehow, or have some part in their plan."

[Corwin]

"Ah. That works, sure. So do you think it's time to up the pressure? Have me make an appearance in the City of Brass, perhaps?"

[Anastasia]

"If you want to declare war or try to parley," Zaaman Rul says, "It's daring and can't be ignored in the current political climate. It's also attacking the strength of the enemy."

[Corwin]

"That would rather negate our considerable efforts to draw Faheem out," Seira notes. "If not the direct approach, what else would you suggest?"

[Anastasia]

"Right now the efreet are reacting but reacting coherently," Zaaman Rul says, "We need something else to happen to throw a wrench in those plans, further shake them up. Something unanticipated."

[Corwin]

"Does it have to do with Fire?" Seira wonders out loud. "Or can I act on Earth, first, to get them guessing?"

[Anastasia]

"I haven't decided, it's not my choice alone to make," Zaaman Rul says, "We have many avenues that could be unexpected. My thinking is that a force completely unconnected would be the best, but that requires producing that force and drawing them in while keeping our role in it secret."

[Corwin]

Seira nods her agreement. "I hoped to do that with Celestia, except their chosen was an Aurora officer so things got complicated. My usual allies won't be of much good with this, unfortunately. Perhaps I could look into mortal heroes?"

[Anastasia]

"Yes, but one reputable enough to be a threat and with enough resources to support that," Zaaman Rul sits back now, drumming his fingers on his throne's armrest.