Dragon quickstep

[Anastasia]

Give me Diplo there, +5?

[Corwin]

Taking 10 for 112. Also, if Sanzha running any stat-boosting aura right now?

[Anastasia]

Right now no since it's noncombat.

Akil paces yet further before, "Yes, yes, there may be one way," he murmurs to himself. "That might work, that might work."

[Corwin]

"Let's do that, then. Seize the initiative!"

[Anastasia]

"Yes!" Akil agrees, "The order is being drafted as we speak. Yes, this should calm things."

[Corwin]

"It gives us a breathing room. Now, let's think back on those devils. What were they here to do? What, specifically, did they ask to do? Which jobs did they wish to hold? What areas of your realm did they show any particular interest? They're always plotting against everyone, especially against their closest allies. Uncovering some sort of actual plot and not just propaganda would play well, and might provide you with fresh resources."

[Anastasia]

"Of course, of course. The problem is that they're everywhere," Akil says, "Until suddenly they're not. They've always honored the pacts until now. Now they're citing obscure clauses, finding any reason to withdraw, not to interfere."

[Corwin]

"How about any place or position where they didn't show any interest? Something they ostensively avoided?"

[Anastasia]

"The treasury, but that part of the treaty is inviolate," Akil still paces away, "They know not to try."

[Corwin]

"We were going to go there anyway, so let's take a look."

[Anastasia]

Akil merely gestures forward, a portal forming from nothing, and proceeds through it.

As you go?

He's losing it. So this is what happens when the end comes for someone who shouldn't hold Razalim?

It's a lovely bit of entertainment, but do be careful not to be caught up in the consequences of this sad little tale. Though it couldn't happen to a better target.

Yes, but let's focus on the now. As in we'll get to look into the efreet treasury. That's worth a fortune just to have the privilege in the first place.

Is it as grand as legends say? Will be able to liberate lost holy weapons and arms from it?

I hope so. Let's see if we can find some useful things for ourselves or the others.

The grand prize is Razalim itself if the legends are true - and if one of us the fated hand. Or, perhaps, if our current opposition may be that person.

[Corwin]

Let's pick out our suitable reward and worry about Razalim another day. In the end, whoever is behind the uprising can't win without showing themselves, and once they do they'll lose their strongest advantage.

[Anastasia]

Unless it's him.

A golden room. The walls are stone with thick gold veins running through them. The floor is inlaid with gold, in great designs of masterful artistry. Ahead a great doorway is sealed with doors of what look to be pure diamond, taller than a dozen Hannas.

But one guard stands guard here. An efreet over twenty feet tall, clad in armor neck to feet. Pure steel armor, yet he wears no helmet. His visage is ancient, weathered like the oldest mortals. He yet holds a mace in hand, a mace that causes the air around it to distort and twist.

"Sultan," The figure says, in a voice as old as sands and ancient winds, "You seek to enter the treasury?"

"Yes," Akil says immediately, "Open the door."

"No." The figure here declares, as Akil draws Razalim. "Our true leader shall own these treasures, Akil. You will not fritter them away in your grand folly." He hefts his mace in return, "The Crimson Firebrand charged me to only allow Sultans worthy of these treasures within. I do not intend to neglect my duties now."

[Corwin]

"And who is your true leader?" Seira inquires. Eventually, someone is bound to answer!

[Anastasia]

"You know exactly who he is," The old efreet says, "The Crimson Firebrand will come. I know it in these old bones. We have waited long enough at last, and I will live to see the day of his return." A look of rapturous happiness passes over his face, "It's been so long."

"LIAR!" Akil thunders, hand tight around Razalim, "You lie so disgustingly to your own Sultan?"