Secret Game

[Brian]

"Lord Markham is a few days away," Radagast says thoughtfully, watching the others leave the room.

"Now.  I cannot vouch for Gatemaster Eske, but I know from what was said that the high priestess who was chosen before Mirallia was killed at Winterhaven.  I can't believe that any follower of Hamar would do such a thing, and I imagine shortly Mirallia will come to the same unpleasant realization that I have.

"Namely, that one of you was most likely the killer."

[Ginrai]

If he was drinking something at that moment, Ginrai would be doing a spit-take after hearing this movie-like plot twist.

"By one of us, you mean whomever we were before me and my friends took over the bodies?  Actually, do the list of suspects include me and Paul?  I'm guessing 'no' since that's why you're telling us this."

[Brian]

"I don't think I'd willingly trap myself in a room with killers," Radagast says flatly.  "And yes, I meant who you were before.  I felt your entry into this world ... it was close enough that I could.  And it wasn't until after the time that the priestess died.

"I'm not concerned with finding which of you it was, for the purposes of turning you in.  You, yourselves haven't commited this crime, have you?  I'm more concerned with finding out who your other selves are supposed to be keeping in touch with ... who your allies are.

"This is important, because I do believe that forces are at work within our own ranks, working against us.  In all honesty, I do not fear the Dreadmarch.  The first time I experienced it, it was a thirteen day long festival, almost a ceremony, and barely ten thousand human lives were lost for victory.

"The next, humanity had allowed itself to grow soft, and the toll was much harder ... but victory was had anyway.  People have kept themselves sharp, and should be able to handle anything that comes from outside of those walls.

"Obviously, this is not what worries me."

[Ginrai]

"I see... this definitely doesn't bode well.  What exactly was the cause of her death?  And who was she with during her last days?"

Ginrai ponders for a moment.  "We really need to solve this mystery as soon as possible, especially since there's the possible situation concerning the Pax Arcana."

[Brian]

"I don't know the specifics," Radagast says, shaking his head.  "I don't, in all honesty, even know she was killed.

"But I find this series of coincidences unlikely in the extreme.  I don't know of any guild of assasins, but Lorekeepers such as yourself ... ourselves, I suppose ... can do anything for anyone, given enough money.

"And a bard need not have any scruples at all," he adds, turning to Paul.  "But who would gain from the Dreadmarch winning?"

[Ginrai]

"The Pax Arcana, seeing how that should be enough of a notice to get them out of this world.

"Hmm... know of any other powerful Lorekeepers that shall be arriving here soon?"

[Brian]

"Of power?" Radagast muses.  "I am here, myself.  Gatemaster Eske is missing.  Lightmaster Rowic has been working with Archonae on some task in their city to the south for over a year now ... the Archonae will be sending an envoy later, of course.  Hmm.  Where are the others?

"Starmaster Journe vanished some time ago.  He maintained he found a way to step between the stars.  But that was decades ago.  Earthmaster Huron died a few years ago, when his school was ransaked by the Soth.  Windmaster Banor perished before that, crossed by his own student.  Hmm."  His brows furrow.  "I've suspected that these may be intentional on the part of someone ... the timing is poor, I will admit.  And I am not a true Loremaster in the sense of this world.  My abilities lie elsewhere.

"I suppose the greatest of those summoned that we can still expect to join us will be Devin, who is studying the lore of Earth.  There should be others ... at least a dozen.  But the greatest are Journe, Eske, and Rowic."

[Ginrai]

One of the Loremasters mentioned gets Ginrai's attention.  "What of the student that killed Windmaster Banor?"

[Brian]

"Eske and I killed him," Radagast says sadly, bowing his head.  "We cannot allow that sort of infighting ... and the student ... a ... Cyric?  He wanted only power.  He thought to kill his master, and steal his soul to make Banor's power his own.  Eske and I could not let this be ... it was an ill thing, and poorly timed, besides.  His books are here, if you would look through them.  Are you studying to be a Windmaster yourself?

"Or do you not remember?" he asks, furrowing his brows.

[Ginrai]

"That much I do know.  And if possible I would like to see his books."

[Brian]

"I'll have them sent to your room," he says, nodding.  "Do you have any ideas for how to deal with the matter at hand?"

[Ginrai]

"Thanks.  One possibility is asking the others what they know of the person they took over.  Also it would probably be a good idea for either me or Paul to ask Mirella about what she knows of the incident involving the previous High Priestess.  I believe this is something that should be done as soon as possible."

[Brian]

"Mmm," Radagast murmurs, nodding.  "And you, Master Durant?" he asks, turning to Paul.

[Huitzil]

Paul thinks. "Pax Aracna would want the priestess dead, but that doesn't mean one of us would do it. They had to have offered something in exchange for killing her. If we can find out whatthat offer was, and if they made good on it, then we'll be a lot closer to knowing who it w2as who made it -- who the mole is.

"When did you say the Priestess died?"

[Brian]

"About three weeks ago, according to the priestess."