Secret Game

[Huitzil]

"Everything that has happened here since I awoke in that cave -- every single thing -- has been an unexpected turn.

"I don't think I could much help out in the search for the Stormriders, so I suppose I should stay here and help to fortify as best I can. Which may not really be much. But, anyway, there's one thing I think I've missed. Why, exactly, is the Dreadmarch attacking? Are they after something in particular, or is this a general kill-and-pillage agenda?"

[Brian]

"They want to kill the Archonae, actually," Radagast muses.  "We just happen to be in the way.  And of course, if the last Archon were slain, they would turn on us anyway.  It's all at the whim of the elder gods, best as I can tell."

[Huitzil]

Paul leans his chair toward Ginrai and whispers, even though there's only one other person in the room and he'll probably hear it.

"Who were the Archonae, again?"

[Ginrai]

"Basically the guys who helped the elder gods create life," Ginrai whispers back.

[Huitzil]

"So why do the elder gods want them dead? And where are they?"

[Ginrai]

Ginrai thinks for a moment before whispering, "The Archonae live way to the south of the Heartlands, basically about the equator.  The elder gods are trying to destroy them for two reasons.  One, beecause the Elder gods are hateful, violent creatures, and they like to watch suffering.  And secondly because it's the game they've been trying to force the Archonae to play since the elder gods created them."

[Huitzil]

"That is fucked up."

Paul raises his voice, so that now he is speaking to Radagast as well. "Well, now that that's answered, might you have any suggestions as to what we can do while they investigate the Stormriders? I feel like I'm just twiddling my thumbs here while other people do things."

[Brian]

"Well," Radagast says slowly.  "Let's consider things for the moment.  I won't deny that your friends are taking care of important tasks ... but given what we now know about our young friend Parthipan and Banor, I believe that it is worth some investigation.

"I suppose you don't remember anything of the people you were before coming here?" he asks.

[Ginrai]

"Not really."

[Brian]

"Hmm," Ragast muses, frowning.  "If only you had kept journals.  Well, as much of a pity as it is, no use weeping over what can't be undone.  Is there anything esle I can answer for you?"

[Ginrai]

"Can you explain more about the ceremony involving the Archon?"

[Brian]

"Mmm."  Radagast nods.  "He will arrive, of course, bearing the light of hope from the oracle in the south.

"Once he arrives, he will be preceeded by the priestess of Hamar, down into the depths of the keep.  Even deeper than the baths, there is a chamber where the stone will rest, spreading the warmth of that hope to all who fight against the Dreadmarch.

"The only ones allowed to accompany the Archon will be Lord Kevin, and the assembled clergy.  Their vassals will also be there, of course.  Outside, everyone raises a cheer, trying to be loud enough to be heard by the Dreadmarch as it draws near.  I don't know that it actually works, mind you, but it does set everyone to a state of mind for what is to come."

He frowns.  "That's about it.  The Archon will usually stay in guest quarters until the battle is ended, and then take the light of hope back south, to their oracle."

[Brian]

Before you can ask another question, Radagast stiffens, and frowns.  "I sense others from your world here," he says slowly.  "I don't know where they are, though."

[Ginrai]

"I see....  You said you can only sense them if they were nearby, right?"

[Brian]

"That's right," Radagast says, nodding.  "Within a few miles, at the most."