Parthipan barely steps out of the library before he finds Astryd and Devin (and Serril) rushing down the corridor towards him.
"Okay," Astryd says, short on breath. "This is the perfect time; Devin and I will make sure no one else can get to his room while you two ... do what you must." She hesitates, and turns to Parthipan. "I can trust you, right?"
"Yes." After taking a deep breath, he says, "I'm hoping this will be easy."
"Tell me about it," Serril grumbles. "I spent all last night learning defensive spells, so I hope you have something subtle left over for offense. Ready?"
"Thank you and I'm ready."
Astryd and Devin lead you to the door to Ashton's room -- it's about five doors up from Ginrai's, and three up from Serril's. Astryd steels herself, and turns to Devin. Devin nods, and watches the stairs leading upwards. Serril turns to look at you expectantly.
Ginrai knocks on the door. "Ashton Newleaf?"
"What?" someone asks from inside, agreeably. Devin and Astryd both move to stand next to the wall; should Ashton open the door, he most likely wouldn't see them. "One moment, one moment," the voice from inside calls. Serril fidgets nervously, but waits for your signal to act.
Ginrai waits for the door to open. "Is everything okay in there?"
"Certainly," the voice replies, just before the door opens, revealing a completely unassuming looking man in his mid-to-late twenties. He's dressed like all lorekeepers. "Is there something I can help you with, lorekeeper....?" He looks at you askance and raises an eyebrow, curiously.
"I am Lorekeeper Parthipan of the Path of Wind and this is Lorekeeper Serril of the Path of Fire. We are both here because of comments we've received from certain people with regards to you." Ginrai pauses to see if that gets any sort of reaction out of him.
Since you're looking, Ashton's eye tics at the mention of Serril's path. "Comments?" he asks, looking the slightest bit hurt. "What are you talking about?"
"Mostly from people who are worried that the pressure of the situation has gotten to you. They've been saying that they noticed you talking to yourself when you believe no one was around."
Ashton blinks very slowly. "Well," he says defensively. "We all get a bit nervous from time to time."
Ginrai nods. "I understand fully. Unfortunately in these type of situtations some people start jumping to conclusions, which in this case was that what at first seemed like random nonsense was actually serving some purpose."
"Purpose?" he asks, confused. "What are you talking about?"
"That's all I've been hearing. And it seems that those new rumors were enough to change the belief of you possibly being under stress to something more sinister."
"Look," Ashton says, confused. "I don't understand what you're talking about. I'm just ... this ... fighting against the Dreadmarch is very stressful."
"This has also lead to someone saying that they saw you continuously checking something in your pocket, afraid that you might've lost it any moment."
"Look," Ashton says, somewhat angrily, "I don't know what you're talking about -- if you've got an accusation to make, then make it, but if you don't -- then leave." He tries to push you out of his room, but his hands kind of slide across the front of your robe and leave him to sprawl across the floor.
"Is someone this inept any danger?" Serril asks as quietly as he can.
Ginrai sighs. 'If this ends up being a false alarm, I'm going to have a long talk with Paul.'
"Because of all that we've heard, we must check to at least ensure that these rumors about you will no longer spread." Ginrai bends down to help Ashton up.
He accepts your help, reluctantly. "Well," he says, grumpily. "If that's all, Banor, I'll thank you to leave."
Ginrai pauses. "Excuse me? Loremaster Banor passed away some time ago. I do appreciate my skills being thought so highly of, though."
Ashton waves a hand dismissively. "You arranged to make it look like you were dead, a transfer easily accomplished by the fact that your soul was not in your body, but in the necklace I hold here," Ashton says, dangling the necklace out of your reach. "I think you'll find that you'll both be working for me -- if you try and cross my will, you'll find your soul destroyed in an instant."
Serril starts, and looks to you questioningly.
"I see.... You feel like talking more about your kind offer inside your room?"
"Of course," he says. "Come on in." With that, he saunters into his room, pulling something from his pocket as he does so; it's a similar looking pendant to the one he took from you. "This belonged to Huron," he explains. "He's dead, now."
Ginrai follows. "Curious here. How did you take that off me without my notice?"
"I'm more curious as to how you didn't notice," Ashton says. "I thought removing your soul was supposed to cause you considerable pain." He shrugs, while Serril stands to one side somewhat nervously. "For my first order, Banor, I command you to kill Serril."
Ginrai smiles malevolently. "I see. Well, it can't be helped," he says while concentrating to change into his strongest wolf form with full intention at incapacitating this blowhard.
It takes a moment to assume, and you don't fit well in this room. just by transforming, your sides push Serril towards a wall, and you knock Ashton to the floor (again). Your fore-paws are on his shoulders, which seems to cause him considerable pain, and in this form, your now-a-bit-too-small-earings hurt a bit. No, they don't quite hurt ... but they do feel funny. "But," Ashton sputters. "I have your soul! You can't go against me!"
"You know," Serril says, regaining his footing. "For a moment, I actually thought he might have been dangerous."
Ginrai holds his position on Ashton, motioning for Serril to take the pendants away from him.
It takes a while for Serril to understand what you mean, but after a moment, he does take them from Ashton's (largely) unresisting grasp. Ashton says nothing else, turning sullen, and glaring at you.
Seeing Ashton's look, Ginrai growls at him, kindly showing how sharp his teeth are in that process.
Ashton says nothing, but you can smell that he wet himself.
Ah, the joy of enhanced senses, and being stuck in a room so small you can't even turn....
Ginrai reverts form and immediately slugs Ashton in the face, hoping to knock him out. "Serril, get some rope. We're going to tie this dumbass up and bring him to Radagast."
You manage to knock him out; he's not resisting much anymore. "Rope," Serril says, looking around, as Radagast bursts into the room, Astryd and Devin right on his heels.
Ginrai waves to the trio. "Hey guys! It seems that dumbass here knows quite a few things involving the deaths of Banor and Huron."
"Huron?" Devin says, stopping short.
"What is going on here?" Radagast demands, looking just a little annoyed.
"Well, to start from the beginning, I got word from Durant that an Ashton Newleaf was acting suspicious, talking to himself at times and checking on his pocket as if he was afraid of losing it, and that I should check on him.
"During the middle of our conversation, Ashton was able to take away my pendant without my knowledge. He mentioned that I'm actually Banor and that I had faked my death before. Since he had the pendant which contained my soul he believed that I would do his bidding and asked me and Serril to come into his room, where he showed us that he had Huron's pendant within his pocket.
"After my one-sided victory against him, Serril picked up both pedants. Speaking of which, can you give me back mine?"
Serril looks at the pendants in his hands. "Which is which?" he asks you quizzically.
"Ah, damn!" Ginrai swears. Looking at Radagast, he asks, "Do you know of any way to tell the difference between the two?"
"If it had your soul in it, I'd hope you would know," he says slowly.
"Ah, yes, about that. Ashton mentioned that he was curious as to why I didn't notice him taking the pendant away from me as that should've caused me some pain. Now, was that because I'm not really from this world or maybe because his soul was moved into another item?"
"I'm going to guess that the pendant was just a ruse to fool your would-be attacker into exposing himself. A soul can only be bound in something metal, but.... Who's to say?" Radagast asks. Your earrings feel kind of warm. "Now, the question is what we do with him," he says, indicating Ashton, who Devin has trussed up with some rope.
"I have some questions for him that I'm more than sure he'll answer."
"Well, we'll see to that," Radagast sighs, rubbing at his temples. "We'll question him later; I've a meeting to attend with Lord Kevin." He pauses. "Unless there's something else?"
"Don't think so. Can we move him into your room and then wait for you to return, hopefully with Eske?"
"We have a dungeon for situations like--" He cuts himself off and frowns. "He can be held in my room." In a very quiet voice, he asks, "Who do you trust to guard him?"
"I would like to guard him until we're ready to question him. Also, I would like Phil to help out," Ginrai replies.
"I'm sure that would be nice, but Lord Bloom is a king; we can't really ask him to do something so menial for us," Radagast says, frowning. "I'll fetch some of the keep guards."
"Hmm... could you then ask Bjorn or Rez to help out?"
"I'm sure Bjorn is busy with his own affairs ... being the Warder of Stormwall keep tends to mean that he's got quite a lot to manage. But we can certainly ask Sir Shuker for assistance," Radagast replies.
"Good enough. Now we just need to carry Ashton into your room without being noticed by others."
"Why avoid notice? But if we hurry, no one should see," Radagast says, nodding at Devin.
Devin runs down the stairs, and reappears a moment later. "The way is clear," he reports.
Ginrai picks up one end. "Okay, let's go!"
Grunting, Serril grabs Ashton's arms, and helps to haul him down the stairs. In about a minute, you get him into Radagast's chamber, and then tie him to a chair. He's still out ... or just faking it.
After resisting the temptation to scare him even more, Ginrai asks, "Anyone else here want to wait with me until Radagast can return with Eske?"
"I'll stay," Devin says, frowning. "Astryd can probably use rest more than I am."
You know that he's lying, thanks to the blood oath, and she has to know it, too, but she just nods. "I'm grateful for the opportunity," she says before she leaves.
Radagast rubs his chin. "I'll fetch Mattias and Eske," he decides. "I don't think I'll be long."
Ginrai nods and, after Radagast leaves, he turns to Devin and asks, "When Ashton's up, do you want to talk with him first?"
Sighing, Devin rubs at his temples, and chuckles wryly. "Seventeen long years, Banor, to cause them to slip. Seventeen long years ... and now we've finally exposed their weakest ... some would even say ... stupidest link." He sighs, and takes one of the pendants from Serril, who now looks very confused. "You were always better at questioning than I," Devin defers.
'I'm not quite sure if Mirallia would feel the same way' Ginrai appropriately doesn't mention.
"Seventeen years... if you don't mind, can you explain when both of these acts took place and what you've heard about it?"
Devin blinks, and then sighs. "Sorry," he says. "I forgot. It was seventeen years ago that Windmaster Banor and Earthmaster Huron came up with a plan to expose the traitors we knew to be in out midst. You started it by allowing it to be public knowledge that your soul was in a pendant ... which made you a more attractive target.
"Once this was done, we waited and warded ... until the assasins came, and killed you. Luckily, your student sacrificed himself to give you a new host, inconveniently going mad in the process.
"You left the scene, and Radagast and Eske never knew the truth of what happened ... because we suspected it was their own advisor who could not be trusted. They reported your death ... and then the traitors went to work. Traitors and assasins all.
"Your last letter to me was that you had found a murderer headed to a temple in the wastes, and intended to stop him as soon as possible. I didn't know it was Ashton; I would have guessed it was one of those who came with you ... but now that we've got him, we can find out who is behind the traitors. Where their power comes from, and who we need to stop to cleanse the Collegiate."
Ginrai blinks. "This brings up more than a few questions. First of all, this was originally Cyric's body? And I take it you're actually Huron?"
"I am," he says, which you sense as a truth ... but obviously, he's lied to you before and managed to conceal it. "And that body was not. Cyric created that body for you ... we're not entirely sure how, but the pressure of doing so destroyed his mind."
"Quite a noble act on his part." Ginrai sighs.
"How long did you know I was Baron? And who else knew this?"
"Banor," he corrects, wincing slightly "You, myself, and before he vanished, Starmaster Journe. Also, Cyric, who is no longer alive, and Devin, who is pretending to be me and continuing research at my home."
"Eh? Also I heard before from Radagast that Huron supposedly died. And that Journe vanished decades ago after finding a way to step between the stars."
"It's been a complicated conspiracy," Devin/Huron admits. "My apprentice and I have pretended to be one-another so long that I've made a mistake. He pretends to be himself, and I pretend to be him ... the power I used to fool the truth charm, that causes me on occasion to think I am him.
"Journe stepped between the stars, and spoke to me ... and to you, though I guess you don't remember it ... of a world beyond. He said our world was only a dream to that world ... I'd venture that he found a way to your home. He spoke of vengeful knights armored in gold who hunted him wherever he went between the stars. Perhaps they caught him? I'm not certain.
"Regardless, he said he saw the world we lived in from the outside, which is how he knew to create the plan he ultimately did. But some years ago, he stepped between the stars again ... and never came back."
"Hmm.... So you thought you were actually Devin a few times here. Though I'm wondering what made Ashton believe he had your pendant. Also, what do you know of Radagast and Eske's advisor?"
"Solariat bears no title, and has not left the grounds of the collegiate in over three hundred years," Devin/Huron says gravely. "He hasn't seen the light of Sun in that long, either. My suspicion is that his knowledge took him somewhere it shouldn't ... and he's been marked by a pact with the elder gods. I can't prove this yet. And I suspect that Ashton will be too inept to offer much in the way of clues ... but I also think that we will get what we need from him."
"And speaking of Ashton, while he is a power-hungry fool, I don't believe he was the murderer Banor was after. Earlier Radagast mentioned that, due to our suspicious timing at their temple, it was quite likely that either my or Durant's other-self had murdered the former Priestess of Hammar."
"Well, I can't see why it would be...." He blinks. "Durant's other self. So.... He's going to know where the real link to the traitor is, and Ashton was just a ploy." Devin grits his teeth and swears. "Ashton was bait, and like fools, we took it. Now we're in their trap."
"What?! What do you mean?"
"Think about it," Serril says, looking at Ashton closely. "Someone so inept, such a blow-hard ... his melodrama makes him less a threat, and more a carichtature. Ashton was too easy, too obvious. Whoever's behind this probably set things up so that anything Ashton percieved, they'd be aware of. The pendant you took," he adds, motioning to Devin/Huron.
Devin/Huron looks at it, and frowns. "No," he says after a moment. "Not mine. But there's a power on it."
Serril shrugs then, saying nothing, and shares a meaningful glance with Devin/Huron and you.
"Communicator... oh, shit!"
Serril smacks one fist into the other. "Well, crap, what do we do now?" he asks.
"Mattias," Devin/Huron says, lobbing the medalion to Parthipan. "I can't say the rest; they'll hear. But you should know," he says, looking at you intently. "Now hurry!"
Ginrai grabs it and motions for Serril to come with him.
Serril hesitates, but then rushes to follow you out the door. You hear Devin/Huron chanting behind you as you flee.
'Damn, I really hope I'm not falling for another trap'
Ginrai rushes off to find Mattias.
You actually run into Radagast, nearly tumbling him over in your haste to get into the library. He looks up and frowns, Mattias sitting at the table behind him, and Eske flipping through a number of worn books. "What's going on now?" Radagast asks crossly. "Did Ashton try to escape?"
"Devin's in your room. He'll explain more. Right now need to find Mattias."
"Yes?" Mattias asks, looking up from where he's sitting at the table.
Ginrai immediately hands him the pendant, hoping he can notice what's strange with it.
Mattias accepts the pendant after a moment, and frowns. "Hmm," he muses, setting it on a blank piece of paper, and drawing some symbols around it.
Radagast is watching, and waits until Mattias is done before asking, "Well?"
"Someone was using this to listen to the words of other from afar," Mattias says. "But not very far ... or I would have noticed it sooner." Turning back to Parthipan, Mattias asks, "Where did you find this? And don't worry -- it won't work unless someone moves it, for now."
"We picked it up from Ashton. After discussing a few things, Devin realized that Ashton was just a pawn and that we were being listened in on through that. Also, there's a chance that Durant might now be in trouble."
"Durant?" Mattias asks, turning to look at Radagast. Radagast only blinks; Eske creates a portal from the Library to Radagast's chamber before anyone can ask.
In it, you can see Devin/Huron, and Ashton, still tied to the chair. "Ah," Devin/Huron calls through the portal. "You made it in time, then."
"Thankfully nothing has happened while we were away. Mattias, do you know where the person listening in on us might be?"
"In the tower," Radagast says, frowning. "I've no doubt of that."
Mattias nods. "They've broken the ward from their end to avoid being traced," he adds. "I can't tell more clearly than that they are ... in the tower."
"So now they know we're onto them," Serril sighs.
"And they know a few other things as well," Ginrai adds, sighing as well.
"First thing we'll need to do is to get Ashton up and find out all he knows. And probably someone should also pick up Durant and Astryd as they might be in danger." Looking at the pendant, he asks, "Do we have anymore use for that or should it be destroyed?"
"Destroyed," Mattias says, stepping through the portal and into the tower. "But that can wait."
Eske nods, following him through, and Radagast gestures for you to step through as well.
Ginrai steps through and then, once in the tower, waits for Radagast and Serril.
They step through a moment later, looking around warily. "Right," Radagast says, heaving a sigh while Eske banishes the gate. "First order of business?"
"I believe the first thing we should do is get Astryd here immediately because they know that she was with us."
Radagast nods. "Very well. Mattias, seal the tower so that none can leave or exit until we have this resolved. Eske, you will be the only way in or out. No matter who is trying to stop us, they cannot stop Eske and I togehter; with Mattias, we should be able to protect any innocents, as well," he says. He frowns. "Parthipan, you seem to have formed an effective squad -- I want you, Devin, and Serril to find Astryd. Once you have her, go to the rooms one by one, and bring each lorekeeper here, one at a time. We'll ask a few questions of each, until we find out who we cannot trust."
He hesitates then, and eyes you warily. "And ... I expect you to keep this as subtle as possible; the last thing we need is a lorekeeper lashing out blindly in a panic."
"I understand." Motioning towards Ashton's tied-up body, he asks, "What do we do about him in the meantime?"
"We'll worry about him," Radagast assures you, moving to one of his small boxes, and rumaging around inside it. "Now we haven't time to waste."
With a nod, Ginrai, along with Devin and Serril, heads out to Astryd's room.
Astryd chose the room closest to the bottom of the tower, which makes it easy to find. She peeks out when you answer the door. "What's going on now?" she asks, somewhat crossly.
"A 'minor' emergency came up," Ginrai whispers, "and it's best that you stay with us for now."
"Of course," she says dourly. "Lead the way, o wise and noble one."
It doesn't take a magical bond of honesty to know she's using sarcasm here.
"We'll also need to bring each lorekeeper in this tower one-by-one into Radagast's room for questioning."
Once Astryd's ready to leave with them, Ginrai heads to the next room and knocks on the door.
Astryd looks at you oddly, but doesn't ask any questions, following you to the next door up the stairs.
When reaching the first room, Ginrai knocks on the door. "May I come in?"
A sleepy lorekeeper opens the door. "Yes?" he asks in confusion. "What can I help you with?"
"Hi. Sorry to disturb you but Loremaster Radagast wanted us to inform every lorekeeper that he has set up a plan for the next night's battle in which each lorekeeper has a specific role to play. For this to work, though, he needs to talk with each lorekeeper one at a time."
The lorekeeper you're speaking with has short, somewhat unkempt brown hair, and he runs his hands through it briefly. "Okay," he says slowly. "Though, I'm not sure what I can do...."
"Every person has their part to play. Sorry, forgot to ask this before, but what's your name?"
His eyes flicker from you, to Serril, to Astryd, and then to Devin before they return to you. "I'm Terrence," he says slowly, looking a bit uncomfortable.
"I am Parthipan of the Path of Wind. Along with me are Astryd of the Path of Light, Devin of the Path of Earth and Serril of the Path of Fire. If you are ready we can go to Loremaster Radagast's room now."
He blinks at you a few times, and nods slowly. "Of course," he says, stepping out of his room and motioning for you to lead the way.
Ginrai leads everyone back to Radagast's room.
Radagast motions you and the others to take seats at the benches in his room -- which is still strewn with all sorts of seemingly random junk. One table has been cleared, and Mattias and Eske sit at it. Radagast paces between the cleared table and the central table (which is piled high with junk), and gestures for Terrence to take a seat.
"Please," Radagast says, "join us."
Terrence looks around warily. "What is the plan that we all need to work together?" he asks.
Ginrai stays in one side of the room with the others, curious as to what type of questions Radagast will ask.
"Well," Radagast says pleasantly, "we wanted to see how well you could link your power with someone else's."
Eske nods, and explains, "If we link powers, then we can achieve much more impressive results across the battlefield. The powers of the lorekeepers are greatest when all of the paths work together."
"So sayeth Aerun Patternweaver, founder of the Collegiate," Terrance agrees. "But isn't it dangerous?"
"It's only dangerous if will is divided between two people in a link," Radagast explains. "That's why we brought you here; we want to determine who would be most compatible with you for complete safety."
Terrance looks confused at first, and then brightens. "Oh! That makes perfect sense," he says, nodding to himself. "I'll do what I can to help."
Radagast and Eske then begin a rapid-fire question-and-answer session with Terrance on the recieving end of the questions; a lot of their questions don't make much sense, either. They ask about his parents, which makes sense, because his relationship with his parents might influence his personality. They ask about his likes and dislikes, which makes sense for the same reason.
But then they ask questions that cause you to blink; what would you do if you found someone about to die, who was carrying a lot of money? If you take the money, he'll die, and tell no one. If you heal him, you know he's a greedy miser and will give you nothing for it. And a billion other philisophical questions like this. At one point you're halfway convinced that Radagast asked Terrance if he would help a tortise that had gotten stuck on its back, but you shake away the mesmiring effectof whatever it is that Eske and Radagast are doing, and realize that the question was about Terrence's favorite color.
When it's over, Terrance is drenched with sweat, and looks completely exhausted. "Okay," Radagast says, heaving a sigh. "He is innocent."
"I'm gonna go lie down," Terrance mumbles, crawling from his chair and curling up underneath one of the tables.
"Well?" Eske asks, frowning. "Do we continue like this, and ask another?"
Radagast looks to you to guage your reaction to this question.
Pointing towards the table Terrance crawled under, a bewildered Ginrai says, "Shouldn't we first bring him back to his room? Oh, and where'd Ashton go?"
"Ashton's in the next room," Radagast says, indicating one of the other doors leading out of this room. "Terrance." The lorekeeper wakes up, peering around tiredly.
"What?" he asks, sounding exhausted.
"Why don't you go and get some rest in that room," Radagast says, pointing to yet another door.
Terrance climbs to his feet and nods, opening the door. The room beyond looks like another study, this one filled with books, papers, and little bottles of ink instead of the tons of completely random stuff Radagast has laying around in the current room.
"Well, time to go get the next Lorekeeper." Ginrai waits for the others before heading out.
Astryd, Devin, and Serril follow you out the door, looking back towards where Terrance sat nervously.
As they near the next lorekeeper's room, Ginrai asks, "So, any thoughts on what you saw?"
"It was ... odd," Astryd says after a moment, not meeting anyone's eyes.
Devin and Serril just shrug indifferently.
When reaching the next lorekeeper's door, Ginrai knocks on it.
You rap on the door, and a handsome, if absentminded looking Lorekeeper answers it, blinking sleep out of his eyes. "Yes?" he asks rather tiredly.
Ginrai repeats what he had told Terrence. "Hi. Sorry to disturb you but Loremaster Radagast wanted us to inform every lorekeeper that he has set up a plan for the next night's battle in which each lorekeeper has a specific role to play. For this to work, though, he needs to talk with each lorekeeper one at a time."
"Okay," he says, following behind you dociley.
<Brian> Here is the scene:
<Brian> You are walking down the last of the winding stairs, and then across the short hall leading to Radagast's study. This room is kind of like a parlor, with a few stuffed chairs, a fireplace, and a single (guarded) exit into the keep proper.
<Brian> Currently, the doorway is sealed with a thin, glowing skein of energy.
<Brian> The guards are outside of the doorway, and pointedly not looking inside.
Ginrai stops...
<Brian> You're at the front of the party, the new lorekeeper (who you never learned the name of) is directly behind you. Serril is to his right (where the stone wall is), Astryd is to his left (towards the entrance), and Devin is directly behind.
<Ginrai> "Okay... this... is definitely weird."
<Brian> When you stop, the new guy almost bumps into you, but instead stops and looks mildly annoyed.
<Brian> "It's not unexpected," Astryd chastises you. "Wardmaster Mattias said they would seal the tower."
<Ginrai> "True."
Ginrai shrugs and walks in
<Brian> You enter Radagast's room and see Mattias in a corner, scribbling away at a large sheet of paper, and Radagast and Eske sitting at the table where Terrance was interviewed earlier.
Ginrai leads the lorekeeper to the table with Radagast and Eske
<Brian> He saunters over to the table, but does not sit down. "Have a seat," Radagast says, rising, and gesturing to the chair.
<Brian> "No thanks," the lorekeeper says, yawning. "I'm so tired that if I sat down, I'd fall asleep."
Ginrai stands a few feet from the lorekeeper, ready in case anything should happen
<Brian> Eske raises his eyebrows briefly, then shakes his head. "Neil," he says, in a welcoming voice. "We wanted to ask you a few questions."
<Brian> "Yes?" the lorekeeper asks, frowning.
<Brian> "We wanted to ask you a few questions to determine who you will be most compatible with when we link our energies," Radagast clarifies.
<Brian> At this point, the door that was sealing Ashton away glows briefly, turns into ash, and collapses to the floor in an untidy pile.
<Ginrai> "Ah, damn!"
<Brian> Radagast jumps back, Eske leaps to his feet, and Mattias vanishes from sight. Serril raises his hands, and a glowing blue wall appears which separates you, Devin, Astryd, and Serril from everyone else.
<Brian> Neil puts up both his hands, and says, "Peace, Loremaster Radagast. I do what I do only at Solariat's behest."
Ginrai looks at the others within the shield
<Brian> Astryd is holding a knife in one hand, and looks nervous. Devin looks about as calm as you've ever seen him. Serril is mumbling to himself, concentrating on maintaining his shield.
<Brian> Radagast puts one hand into a pocket -- probably preparing some sort of charm, and narrows his eyes. Ashton staggers into the open doorway, and crosses his arms over his chest, looking more bored than anything else.
Ginrai heads to Serril and whispers, "Once I change, feel you can lower it for a moment so I can attack?"
<Brian> Serril nods slowly. Astryd hisses at you, "We cannot go against the will of Solariat!"
<Ginrai> "Not unless he's already a traitor."
<Brian> "How can the will of the council be a traitor?" Neil says, turning to you. "You've neatly revealed yourselves as the true traitors already, 'Banor'."
<Brian> Eske looks unsettled, and just leans on his staff, looking between you and Neil.
Ginrai stares coldly at Neil. "It was one of your men that tried to kill me before, wasn't it?"
<Brian> "I don't know what you're talking about," he says, grimacing. "Solariat has kinder ways to discipline."
<Brian> Ashton shudders at that, and looks at the floor.
<Ginrai> "So what did he offer you to work for the Dreadmarch?"
Ginrai slowly concentrates on his wolf form while talking, preparing to change himself to his strongest form at a moment's notice
<Brian> "We don't work for the Dreadmarch," Neil growls, shaking his head. "Do not brand me with your own titles, traitors. Madame Astryd, Master Serril ... you would be wise not to associate with such ... riff-raff."
<Brian> "If you truly speak for Solariat, you should bear his signet," Eske finally says.
<Brian> Neil nods, and removes a six-point star-shaped pendant, wrought from silver, and adorned with multiple tiny stones. "This is Solariat's seal," he says. "Solariat bade me reveal the traitors within your tower, Radagast."
<Brian> Radagast says nothing, his face growing tight, and his eyes narrowed -- lips compressing into a thin line.
<Brian> "Radagast harbors no traitors!" Eske barks, glaring at Neil.
Ginrai looks at Devin, waiting for him to say something
<Brian> "Think again, old man," Neil warns, holding the seal aloft. "The one opposed to Solariat's goals here is none other than Radagast."
<Brian> Devin shakes his head. "Ginrai, you and I will need to act quickly; I can handle Ashton easily. If you can handle Neil, then we will have only Eske and Mattias left to fight," he whispers.
<Ginrai> "What?!"
Ginrai is confused... unsure of what exactly to do now
<Brian> "We can't fight Eske and Mattias!" Astryd squeals, dropping her knife.
<Ginrai> "Devin, explain now!"
<Brian> Eske and Radagast whirl to look at the sound--
<Brian> We'll call this phase 0.
<Brian> Everyone with a held action can act, in Dex order.
Ginrai tries to push Astryd as far away from everyone else as possible
<Ginrai> "Devin, which side are you truly on?"
<Brian> Dex 16 -- Ashton will be going first.
<Brian> He takes a few steps towards Neil, and throws a bolt of fire at Radagast.
<Brian> roll 3d6
<Chibi-Suu> them bones was tossed for Brian ... : 3d6 --> [ 3d6=10 ]{10}
<Brian> roll 2d6
<Chibi-Suu> them bones was tossed for Brian ... : 2d6 --> [ 2d6=7 ]{7}
<Brian> Radagast is hit, and staggers backwards, his left shoulder smoking and burnt.
<Brian> Dex 14 -- Devin and Astryd act.
<Brian> Astryd is going to curl up on the ground and whimper, so she'll go before Devin.
<Brian> Devin casts a spell.
<Brian> roll 8d6
<Chibi-Suu> them bones was tossed for Brian ... : 8d6 --> [ 8d6=21 ]{21}
<Brian> A section of the floor between Radagast, and Ashton and Neil buckles upwards, forming a thick stone wall.
<Brian> Dex 13, Radagast acts.
<Brian> He staggers a few steps back from the wall, and grits his teeth in pain, yelling, "Stop! Stop! There is no need to fight here!"
<Brian> Dex 12, Neil and Ginrai act.
<Brian> Your action?
Ginrai turns into a mid-sized wolf
<Brian> Make your skill check to transform.
<Ginrai> roll 3d6 to make sense of this mess
<Chibi-Suu> them bones was tossed for Ginrai ... : 3d6 to make sense of this mess --> [ 3d6=10 ]{10}
<Brian> You try and transform, but the image of the wolf just isn't coming through from the other world.
<Ginrai> "Everyone please stop!" Ginrai screams, hoping that would do something.
<Brian> Go ahead and roll ... 4d6.
<Ginrai> roll 4d6 for something to happen
<Chibi-Suu> them bones was tossed for Ginrai ... : 4d6 for something to happen --> [ 4d6=15 ]{15}
<Brian> Neil looks at you, still holding up the star in one hand, and says, "Very nice. Now, why don't we do as Banor suggests, and all relax?"
<Brian> Ashton looks unhappy about this, but everyone stands down a little, except for Radagast, who's rubbing his wounded shoulder and staying behind the cover of Devin's wall.
<Brian> Devin growls. "Don't you see?" he snaps at you. "You're not supposed to let them use you! You're supposed to be stronger!"
<Ginrai> "What the hell is going on?"
<Brian> "Calm down," Neil advises. "Everyone calm down. There is a rational explanation for everything."
<Brian> "I'd like to hear it," Eske says, glaring at Radagast, and then at Neil.
<Brian> Neil nods. "It's quite simple ... even if your loyalties have been misplaced," he offers.
<Brian> Devin cracks his neck, and crosses his arms over his chest. His eyes close, and he sighs, tilting his head up towards the ceiling.
<Ginrai> "Please explain." Turning to Devin, he asks, "And just why did we have to attack the others?"
<Brian> "Solariat knew that there were traitors among us," Neil says, ignoring you.
<Brian> Devin just shakes his head, and Serril lowers his force wall.
<Brian> "Traitors, aye," Eske allows. "But Radagast is loyal -- fighting him is madness!"
<Brian> "Oh?" Ashton asks, smirking. "How loyal can someone not even of this world be?"
<Brian> The only person who seems surprised at this revelation is Eske.
<Brian> Radagast sighs, still remaining behind his barrier. "I was created here, just as you were born," he counters. "This is the only world I've ever known."
<Ginrai> "Does it matter where we're from? Isn't all of our goals to fight the Dreadmarch?"
<Brian> "Another admission!" Neil exclaims, pointing towards you. "As ... Huron pretends to be Devin, and Banor pretends to be Ginrai ... why would any loyal Lorekeeper need to go to such lengths for deciet?"
<Brian> "What?" Eske asks, blinking in confusion.
<Brian> "What would a lorekeeper need to hide so badly they'd be willing to lie so much for?" Neil clarifies. "Pretending their own deaths? Hiding the fact that Radagast is not of this world?"
<Brian> "I don't know what you're up to, but stop it, Devin," Ashton suddenly says. "If I have to, I will kill you. By Solariat's will."
<Brian> Devin drops his arms to his sides, and glares at Ashton. "Banor," he growls. "We will die here, today."
<Ginrai> "Pretend our deaths? I was murdered! If it wasn't for Cyric's noble sacrifice, I wouldn't be alive now!"
<Ginrai> "And what the hell are you talking about, Devin?!"
<Brian> Astryd scurries away, and Serril glances back at you, but keeps his attention focused mostly on Ashton and Neil.
<Brian> "I'm sure you'd like us to believe that, Banor," Neil says. "But the entire story is simply too convenient to be believable."
<Ginrai> "Weren't you telling me before that there were traitors within our midst?"
<Brian> Devin shakes his head, and says aloud, "Eske. Do not let your judgement be clouded. Have either Lorekeeper Ginrai or I done anything other than our utmost to defend this place?"
<Ginrai> "Neil, do you even question why you were given those orders?"
<Brian> "Orders are not to be questioned, or they are not orders, and hence, there is no order," Neil replies, as if by rote.
<Ginrai> "Astryd, listen to me. We made an oath of blood. My only purpose here is to protect everyone from the Dreadmarch. You know this to be true."
<Brian> Eske looks warily between Radagast and Neil.
<Brian> Astryd looks up from the corner she's hiding it. "But he lied! He said he was Devin, and he is not; he is Huron! That oath means nothing!"
Ginrai groans. "I do not know of how to do such a thing."
<Brian> Astryd just shakes her head at you. "I want to stop the Dreadmarch," she says. "I want to be a good lorekeeper. I don't want to deal with traitors and madness!"
<Brian> "None of us do," Neil soothes, glancing at you, Serril, and Devin again.
<Ginrai> "At least that much we can agree on."
<Ginrai> "What exactly did Solariat tell you?"
<Brian> "Good. Huron, Banor, and Radagast. I hereby command that you give yourselves over to be taken into the custody of Solariat, until we can either purge you of your taint and corruption, or strip you of your powers," Neil commands. "We are in a war, and mercy is a luxury we can ill afford for you at this point."
Ginrai shakes his head. "That I cannot do. My friends are counting on me to help out and I will not fail them."
<Brian> Neil actually smiles at this. "If you resist, I have permission to kill you, and I will use it."
<Ginrai> "You have not explained why he wants us taken in custody. Just that we're supposedly traitors."
<Brian> "For deciet," Neil clarifies. "And for the murder of your apprentice, Banor."
<Brian> "Eske," Radagast says, finally done patching up his shoulder. "Think on this; if there is corruption in the council, where is it? Who chose to raise Mattias to the council, and why were we not informed?"
<Ginrai> "Cyric? I did not kill him."
<Brian> "That remains to be proven," Neil says. "Until such time as you can provide evidence that this is the case, you are to enter our custody."
<Brian> "Shut up, old man!" Ashton yells. "None of your lies, now!"
<Ginrai> "Mattias? Speaking of which, where is he?"
<Brian> "Eske!" Radagast yells, as Eske looks between Radagast and Neil in confusion. "How did Mattias get inside the seal you could not cross through, when I stand astride the only entry to the wastes!"
<Brian> And we'll declare this another phase 0.
<Brian> He who has a held action acts first.
<Brian> Rather, he who's breaking the impasse.
<Brian> roll 3d6
<Chibi-Suu> them bones was tossed for Brian ... : 3d6 --> [ 3d6=14 ]{14}
<Ginrai> "Eske, you know what truely happened to Cyric, don't you?"
<Brian> roll 2d6
<Chibi-Suu> them bones was tossed for Brian ... : 2d6 --> [ 2d6=8 ]{8}
<Brian> There's a flash of green light which flickers across Radagast, and Mattias returns to view. "Your power is sealed, Radagast," he says.
<Brian> Devin whispers, "Eske may be trusted after all -- are you READY?"
<Ginrai> "Now I am. I just hope I can transform quickly enough."
<Brian> Radagast looks defeated, and hopeless. "I wished only to protect this place," he says weakly.
Ginrai concentrates hard on bringing his knife over
<Brian> It comes to your hands more easily this time, perhaps through the surge of adrenaline.
<Brian> Ashton sees the knife, and raises his hands, which are wreathed in flame. "Stand down!" he yells.
Ginrai ducks
<Brian> roll 3d6
<Chibi-Suu> them bones was tossed for Brian ... : 3d6 --> [ 3d6=5 ]{5}
<Brian> roll 2d6
<Chibi-Suu> them bones was tossed for Brian ... : 2d6 --> [ 2d6=10 ]{10}
<Brian> roll 1d5
<Chibi-Suu> them bones was tossed for Brian ... : 1d5 --> [ 1d5=5 ]{5}
<Brian> You're missed, as Astryd -- apparently figuring out what's going on -- throws herself in front of you. She slams into the floor, smoking, and bleeding an awful lot. "S...sorry ... I didn't trust you," she manages before passing out.
<Ginrai> "Astryd! Someone please move her away and tend to her!"
<Brian> Serril goes, and claps his hands together -- you, Eske, Astryd, Radagast, and Devin are all surrounded by a field of reddish-yellow energy (your vision is tinged by the effect).
<Brian> "No more mercy!" Neil yells, "Eske! The traitors must be stopped!"
<Brian> Dex order now, all that's left is ... Radagast and Eske.
<Brian> "Eske, old friend," Radagast says, backing away from Mattias, who is holding out a rune-marked stone sphere. "You must see reason here!"
<Brian> "Don't help them, Eske," Mattias warns. "I was sent to stop the traitors, and you belong on our side."
<Brian> Eske shakes his head slowly, and says, "Solariat ... would never stand for this, and if he did, then he is no just leader!"
<Brian> Neil uses his held action.
<Brian> roll 3d6
<Chibi-Suu> them bones was tossed for Brian ... : 3d6 --> [ 3d6=11 ]{11}
<Brian> roll 2d6
<Chibi-Suu> them bones was tossed for Brian ... : 2d6 --> [ 2d6=5 ]{5}
<Brian> A sphere of ice appears in Neil's hands, and slams into Eske, knocking him to the floor.
<Brian> Radagast uses his held action.
<Brian> roll 3d6
<Chibi-Suu> them bones was tossed for Brian ... : 3d6 --> [ 3d6=13 ]{13}
<Brian> roll 2d6+1d3
<Chibi-Suu> them bones was tossed for Brian ... : 2d6+1d3 --> [ 2d6=4 1d3=3 ]{7}
<Brian> roll 3d6 for hit location
<Chibi-Suu> them bones was tossed for Brian ... : 3d6 for hit location --> [ 3d6=14 ]{14}
<Brian> There's a hugely loud 'BANG!', as though someone had just fired a gun.
<Brian> "You can't seal my powers, Mattias," Radagast says, holding -- of all things -- a hand-made revolver made of flawless black dwarven steel.
<Brian> Mattias looks at the bleeding hole in his thigh, and passes out.
<Brian> "You're outnumbered," Serril warns. "Give up while you still can."
<Brian> Ashton and Neil exchange a glance, and retreat to the doorway Ashton withdrew from. "You outpower us," Neil admits. "And outnumber us."
<Brian> Ashton just growls, looking like he wants to throw another fireball, but knows better, now.
<Brian> "As you say," Devin says, smiling cruelly. "Death to traitors."
<Brian> roll 8d6
<Chibi-Suu> them bones was tossed for Brian ... : 8d6 --> [ 8d6=24 ]{24}
<Brian> The stone archway of the door they're standing of collapses, burying Ashton and Neil in rubble, and filling the room with dust.
<Brian> roll 10#1d6
<Chibi-Suu> them bones was tossed for Brian ... : 10#1d6 --> [ 1d6=4 ]{4}, [ 1d6=1 ]{1}, [ 1d6=6 ]{6}, [ 1d6=1 ]{1}, [ 1d6=4 ]{4}, [ 1d6=2 ]{2}, [ 1d6=1 ]{1}, [ 1d6=1 ]{1}, [ 1d6=4 ]{4}, [ 1d6=2 ]{2}
<Brian> Ashton and Neil aren't killed, but they're bruised up, and pinned down. Devin looks disappointed, but ignores them, turning to tend to Astryd.
Ginrai allows his knife to disappear and looks at the mess all around.
As tense of a combat as that was, the worst off are Astryd (who will probably live, if she gets healing soon) and Radagast, who's well enough to take the spent shell from his gun and reload it from a pocket.
Devin grabs a handful of raw stone and shapes it like clay to make manacles for Ashton and Neil before they recover, and then another pair for Mattias, who is also still bleeding. Eske recovers on his own, battered, but otherwise okay.
Serril allows the glow that's on his allies to vanish, and Devin starts reshaping the stone in the room back to it's original form (less the mass of the manacles, apparently).
"Sorry I didn't act on your advice sooner, Devin," Ginrai says in a soft, regretful tone. "I just... damn."
Turning to Radagast, he asks, "How long have you had suspicion on Mattias? Is he just a pawn like Neil and Ashton or is there more to it with him? And do you have anything to help heal Astryd?"
"First things first," Radagast says, shaking his head. "We need a healer, and soon -- Serril, you know where one of the priestesses is, yes?"
Serril nods. "I'll go get her," he says, quickly running out the door.
Radagast nods, and rubs at his hurt shoulder, wincing. "That was an ugly, ugly thing," he sighs.
"Agreed," Devin says, glancing at the wreckage, which is minimal due to his stone-shaping skills. "I think our distrust of Solariat is justified ... but things could have gone worse, had Banor done as I suggested." He rubs at his forehead, and then neels, tearing up the sleeves of Astryd's robes to make bandages to staunch the bleeding.
"I don't know about Mattias," Radagast finally says. "I should have known better, I think ... but he may not truly know or understand what he has done." He sighs, and helps Eske sit up straight. "There are dark things that the Loremasters do not reveal ... for their nature is not helpful to the cause we forward. Mattias may be one such."
Ginrai sighs, feeling a bit better after hearing Devin's comments.
"He definitely had me fooled for I didn't suspect him of such at all. Radagast, if I recall correctly did you once mention that you have never heard of Mattias' field before? Also, Devin, will those manacles be enough to hold Mattias when he recovers?"
"Probably," he says. "If not, then we will be in trouble. I've never heard of a Wardmaster before, so I couldn't say."
"If he's got nothing to draw or mark with, he can do no harm," Radagast says. "His hands are behind his back, but when we imprison him, I suggest we ensure that he can't reach anything to mark. Until we figure out what we shall do with him, at any rate."
Eske groans, and clutches his stomach. "I'm old," he wheezes. "Things like that ... no good for an old man."
"Just relax," Radagast soothes him. "A healer will be here soon."
Eske nods, and winces. "Nothing broken," he says after a moment. "But I used to weather the pain better."
Radagast shakes his head, and surveys the room again. "We should summon some guards," he finally says. "And have Ashton and Neil locked away. But I'm not certain we can lock them away as effectively as we need to."
"Should we bring them before Lord Kevin to find out what he wants their fate to be?"
"In time, of course," Radagast agrees. "But for the moment, we should worry about a healer.
Mattias groans, and shifts around a little, but seems to still be asleep. Ashton comes to his senses before Neil does, and says nothing, just glaring at Parthipan intently.
Bjorn, Nathan, one of the other vassals of Hammar, another stormrider, and Mirallia enter the room at this point.
Mirallia blinks, and immediately goes to Astryd's side, pushing Devin out of the way and inspecting her wounds.
"All right," Bjorn says crisply, "what's been going on?"
Ginrai groans. "It's a *long* story. Basically the head of all lorekeepers seems to be corrupt and Mattias seems to be working for him... actually, there's a lot more to it than that. If someone else is willing to explain...?"
"That sums it up fairly well, actually," Radagast opines, as Astryd mumbles in her sleep, and Mirallia's hands begin to glow. "Ashton, Neil, and Mattias tried to take down Windmaster Parthipan, Earthmaster Devin, and myself."
Eske looks like he's about to object to something, but instead only nods in agreement, swallowing back his complaints.
Radagast smiles slightly, wincing when he moves his shoulder.
Bjorn sees the tiny motion, and turns to face Eske. "Gatemaster Eske?" he asks, quietly, but clearly demanding an elaboration of his thoughts.
OOC: Conversation Roll if needed
"Eh," Eske grunts. "It's ... unusual for a promotion to be given away from the Collegiate. And ... forbidden without the true Loremaster." Eske sighs, and closes his eyes. "But, if Solariat is corrupt ... then it is time we bypass him."
"Aside from which," Radagast points out, "both Parthipan and Devin are already masters of there lore -- recognized by the Collegiate years ago."
Eske nods grudgingly at this.
Mirallia rises from Astryd's side, and says, "I have done what I can. She will live, but require rest; one of the followers of Liene might help her more."
Radagast bows to her. "I am indebted to you," he says.
She shakes her head, and puts her hand on his wounded shoulder. "My work is not yet done," she says softly.
Radagast winces, but nods, his expression relaxing as her hand begins to glow again.
Bjorn ponders grimly. "If the head of your council is corrupt," he asks, "how many of the lorekeepers can we trust?"
Rez swears quietly.
"Why did they try to do that, and what does it have to do with 'Solariat'?"
"Solariat is the leader of the Loremasters," Radagast clarifies.
"Few know of the mysteries of the higher levels of the council," Eske answers, as Mirallia moves away from Radagast, and tends the Gatemaster. "Ah ... as it is, I expect only Solariat and his most trusted advisors are corrupt ... and pawns, such as Neil and Ashton. But we cannot assume we have no enemies left here. For what it's worth, however, even if we are encountering a rift in our own council, everyone left should be willing to put that aside until the Dreadmarch is dealt with."
Radagast looks very doubtful of this.
"So . . . why was Solariat trying to cause trouble here - or are you saying that the chief loremaster is now an agent for the dreadmarch?"
"The Dreadmarch is not the only evil in this world," Radagast says. "But we believe him to be corrupt, yes."
"Solariat," Bjorn says, slowly. "Tell me more about him."
"Not as much is known as we would like," Radagast says. Eske just rubs at his temples, nodding his thanks to Mirallia when she releases him, and smiles at him. "He is as old as humankind -- he was the first Lorekeeper. I suspect he may be allied with the Archonae ... all Lorekeepers are supposed to be," he adds, glancing at Eske. "But in practice, we value our humanity over their concept of perfection."
"Usually, anyway," Devin says quietly. "I suspect that Solariat has explored the path towards making his mind like that of the Archonae. Cold, logical, and with a disdain for the neccessity of the physical world. It seems natural to me that someone who tried to flee this world would hate someone from another world so much."
Radagast raises an eyebrow, and says, "If that's true, then wouldn't he have a hatred for Starmaster Journe, as well?"
Devin blinks, as though something he'd never considered before just came to light. "Oh," he says softly. "That's very likely truer than you know."
Bjorn scrubs at his face tiredly. "Loremasters," he sighs, "please. Explain?"
"It's a long story," Devin says. "What is important is that Starmaster Journe didn't vanish -- at least, not when everyone thought he did. He was part of a conspiracy to reveal the corruption in Solariat. He did vanish a few years ago. I suspect now he that Solariat may have ... found a way to at least sense when Journe was leaving this world.
"It's said that the Archonae strive for the ability to leave this world. If Solariat has become like one of them, then he probably strives for the same. But Journe knew the secret they never did. Solariat probably found a way to detect Journe, and then tried to get the knowledge from him. When Journe wouldn't relinquish it, I expect he was slain."
Bjorn grunts. "Then we know how Solariat was turned," he says, distractedly. "Now then. We will need to question these three, I imagine. How can they be restrained?"
Rez nods slowly.
"That's . . . they wish that to flee from the vengeance of their former masters, do they?"
Radagast looks thoughtful for a moment. "As long as Mattias can make no mark, he can't use any power," he finally says. "As for Ashton and Neil, we'll need appropriate lorekeepers to hold them in check. They won't be able to do anything for a few hours ... but after that, we'll need to spend manpower to restrain them."
Ashton smirks at this, and Neil dazedly starts to wake up.
"Should they be healed?" Mirallia asks dubiously.
"Mattias can be healed, certainly," Bjorn says, coldly, eyeing the grinning Ashton. "But these other two... the penalty for treason is death. If they have nothing useful to offer us, and will only sap our already limited resources, then that sentence should be carried out quickly."
"Why do you wish for Mattias to be healed?"
"Because he's harmless and useful," Bjorn says coldly. "The other two are not."
"Harmless? He tried to seal Radagast's power! He also has the ability to communicate with those outside of the castle. And, as Radagast mentioned before, it is rather suspicious that he would suddenly appear in the area where Eske was trapped before."
That wipes the smile from Ashton's face. Neil looks unimpressed. "Your bluff means nothing to me," he growls. "The only crime here is your betrayal. There is nothing you can do to avoid word reaching Solariat. And when he finds out about this, he'll convene the collegiate to have you all destroyed -- every last one of you." His glare leaves it obvious that none of the lorekeepers would be spared this wrath.
Mirallia shakes her head, and tends to Mattias. Or tries to. After a moment, she shakes her head. "I cannot heal him," she says, looking confused. "It as if though something in him rejects the power of Hammar."
Radagast nods thoughtfully. "I thought so," he murmurs. "He's not a lorekeeper after all. He's a ... a runic." Eske blinks at this, and looks at Radagast with a raised eyebrow. "He uses runes exclusively," Radagast explains. "Power is channeled in many ways. A true Lorekeeper takes an image of his power, and then describes it in words, runes, symbols, and gestures. For a Lorekeeper, the power that effects the world around them comes from within, and needs only to be described to the world to work its effect.
"For ... ah, as an example, yourself, Madame Mirallia, your power is given to you by Hammar. You don't need to express it except to ask for Hammar's aid. Archonae consider a Lorekeeper's working of will to be inferior to their own ability, which is expressed without words or symbols ... they need no ritual.
"In an effort to emulate the Archonae, a Lorekeeper from long ago sought to eliminate his symbols and work his will plainly without speaking. He found that it was possible to tap into a ... will that was not his own to work what he wanted. And it could be influenced with only symbols. There was no need for words, gestures, or tools, except those used to make a symbol. Unfortunately ... this was also more limited than true Loremastery. But. This explains what Mattias is."
"It's his connection to this ... will ... that was found that prevents Hammar's power from healing him?" Mirallia asks, frowning.
"It's more complicated than that," Radagast says, shaking his head. "Healing is a gift, but it requires trust. Mattias has undertaken to seal himself from any power touching him, I'd wager. Luckily, I'm not exactly an orthodox Lorekeeper myself. If we examine him, I'm certain we'll find tatoos or markings on him. Those are what protects him."
"We must discuss this will later," Eske says. "To the task at hand, however. What should we do with him?"
"A conventional healer will have to do, I imagine," Radagast says, shrugging.
Bjorn listens, abstractedly, to the discussion between the loremasters, and then turns to face Neil with a steady gaze. "Threats of destruction," he says coolly, "have become rather frequent. Yours is by far the least compelling.
"Tell me, loremasters," he says, clinically, surveying Ashton and Neil. "Can a loremaster work his craft without hands?"
Radagast blinks. "It becomes less convenient, but still possible," he says.
Eske looks mildly horrified. "I know of an island near Soth," Eske says. "It's not very large, but large enough for a few people to live on. We could just exile them there until we've time to leave. I doubt either of them would know how to craft a boat, and even if they did, the island is surrounded by a series of dangerous reefs."
"A lorekeeper of the Path of Water would have little trouble with that," Radagast counters.
Eske scowls, but nods. "This is true," he admits.
Ginrai gives a nasty smile and imagines his large pipe appearing in his hands.
You cannot get a good image of the pipe, for some reason. The knife is hard enough, but it's like the pipe isn't even there.
"We have no time to exile them, regardless," Bjorn points out, and then shrugs. "Well. They will be useful, or they will be executed."
"Removing their hands can at least make it harder for them to consider any possible escape."
Moving to Rez he whispers, "Is there any chance you have my pipe with you?"
"We don't want harder, we want impossible, or we want useful. What are these people's areas of study?"
Rez blinks, rolls his eyes, and shaking his head replies equally quietly:
"Yes. Man, you're obsessed with that thing, it's not healthy."
Ashton is scared, Neil is still unimpressed. Mattias is unconscious.
"It's a thought," Radagast says. "What is your plan then, Warden Bjorn? As the acting captain of the guard, we administer the justice you see fit...." He trails off, and looks at Ashton and Neil. "Just in case you thought he didn't have the authority to back his claims," he adds.
Neil looks a bit unsettled at this, though Ashton's expression doesn't change.
"I'm not certain which paths they follow," Radagast says, frowning. "Ashton is a follower of the path of water ... but used flame. And Neil, the opposite."
Ginrai looks excited at this. "Can you give it to me now for a bit?"
Rez blinks and hisses back: "Not the time! Later!"
Bjorn steps closer to Ashton and Neil, one hand resting on a sword hilt, eyes half-lidded, ignoring the byplay between Nathan and Parthipan.
"They have information that would be useful," he concedes. "But we've caught these. We will catch the rest. And the risk that they present is too large to take chances."
He turns his head to face Radagast. "Lord Kevin will be here soon," he says, calmly, "and he will hear the evidence." Gripping his sword a little harder, as if to emphasize his point, he continues, "Then they will be executed."
Neil looks up at Bjorn cooly, recovering his calm demeanor. "As you say. I'll rest easy knowing your own demise is still inevitable," he says in a fatalistic tone.
Ashton stares at him, and then starts trying to wriggle away, as though proximity to Neil could quickly become lethal. "I don't want part of your madness!" he yells. "I want to live -- please don't kill me! I don't want to die!"
Neil yells at him, "Get a hold of yourself, man! Can't you see it's a bluff?"
"Oh, really?" Turning to Bjorn, Ginrai asks, "Can I bite their hands off?"
Bjorn walks over to Ashton, ignoring Neil now -- and continuing to ignore Parthipan. "Live?" He shakes his head, sadly. "You attacked Loremasters loyal to the Keep in time of war. You have likely done more than that. You," he emphasizes every word, "are a traitor. This is a matter of the law of war, no more and no less. What could releases you from that?"
Rez taps Gin on the shoulder.
"Enough. Let Bjorn handle it. If nothing else, he at least has the authority right now. If you really want to be the one to carry out the sentence you can take it up with Lord Kevin."
Rez steps away from Ginrai and examines Neil curiously. His expression, where his eyes are going, etc.
Ashton's eyes are wild and darting between Bjorn, Parthipan, and Neil.
Neil is alternately glaring at Ashton and Bjorn, completely ignoring Parthipan.
"My word," Lord Kevin says, striding into the room, and flanked by about a dozen guards, who quickly surround the prisoners, pikes at the ready. Kevin waits until the guards are all still before adding, "Though I cannot fathom what would engender such generocity from myself at this point."
"My Lord," Bjorn says, with a nod. "It appears that these two," he waves a hand at Neil and Ashton, "are traitors, who have chosen the Lorekeeper's council above the cause of humanity. Wardmaster Mattias is among their rank, but Master Radagast seems certain that he can be prevented from using his power." He looks about at the crowd of lorekeepers cluttering the room. "I have not yet gained all the evidence, but it seems they attacked loyal Loremasters, at the least. Those gathered here should be able to provide any other answers you might have."
Kevin eyes Ashton, Neil, and then Mattias consideringly. After a moment, he sighs, and says, "I leave their judgement in your hands. I've little use for traitors."
"As you say, my Lord." Bjorn turns to Ashton and Neil. His back straightens, and his voice deepens, projecting through the room.
"As Acting Warden of Stormwall Keep, I hereby find the three of you guilty of the charge of treason in time of war. The penalty for this is death. Ashton, Neil, as you cannot be safely confined, your sentence will be carried out immediately. Mattias will be confined until his interrogation is complete."
He eyes them coldly. "Do you have anything to say in your defense, before your sentence is carried out?"
"I have no regrets," Neil says coldly.
"I don't want to die!" Ashton sobs. "Please! There has to be another way!"
"Another way?" Bjorn says, dispassionately. "Why? Why should we trust you not to escape? How could we trust you?" He shakes his head. "You a traitor to us, and now a traitor to your Solariat. Death would be a mercy."
"If they aren't willing, this is a waste of time - and you're right, a waste of resources. They simply aren't trustworthy."
Rez looks flatly at the pair.
"Take them outside and get it over with. This drama is starting to make me sick."
Ashton looks at you hopelessly, tears running down his face, and manages to croak out, "I'm sorry."
Neil closes his eyes, and says, "In oblivion, I find peace."
"So be it," Bjorn pronounces. "Alec, Carl, Jeff, Sir Shuker -- if you will help them to their feet and take them to the courtyard?"
At about this point, Phil strides in through the door, looking around curiously.
Phil: You see a dozen guards standing over two loremasters who are kneeling, and one who is lying down (Mattias). Mirallia, Nathan, Alec, two vassals of Hammar (aside from Bjorn), Bjorn, Parthipan, and two lorekeepers you don't know yet, Radagast and Eske, and Lord Kevin are all standing in this room, which is now starting to get a bit cramped.
Ginrai walks up to Ashton and, eyes looking directly into the other's, he asks, "Sorry? After trying to make me kill Serril and burning Astryd, only now you're sorry? If you're truly sorry then you can at least tell us what you know. At least in that case you can die knowing you did some good."
Ashton opens his mouth like he's going to say something, then closes it a few times. After a second, he takes a deep breath, and says, "I'll ... tell you what I know. And ... I know it isn't much, but I want ... I want last rites before I am to be killed."
Mirallia blinks at this, and looks to Bjorn questioningly.
Bjorn stares at Ashton for a long second, and then nods, once. "This is acceptable," he says. "Speak now."
Dracos comes in, and in the manner of confused people everywhere, especially with everyone up, looks around and asks, "What...is going on here?"
Dracos
Ashton bows his head, and Mirallia speaks a quiet prayer; you're not sure what it did, but her pendant of Hammar is glowing brightly once again, and she seems to bear a soft glow herself. "Speak, and confess your sins to Hammar, that he may forgive you where this world has not," she says softly.
Ashton speaks, his eyes still closed, and says, "I have been loyal, and battled, and it was good, and never did I question my orders, only my ability to carry them out. I have accepted a gift from Solariat, as has Neil; that of a periapt. It's around my neck, and allows a lorekeeper who is not a master to use a lore that is not their own. I do ... not know if this is a safe device, but it is a powerful tool.
"Solariat says that it was made of bone, and would teach us much. He said ... that four were made. If Neil and I bear one each, then there are two more periapts, and therefore ... two more lorekeepers who follow Solariat.
"And ... I confess that I followed orders blindly. My path is not the path that it should have been."
Mirallia nods. "Is there aught else?" she asks gently.
Ashton's body stills, relaxing. "No," he says after a moment. "My soul is laid bare; I am at peace. I accept my fate."
Neil stares at Ashton with a combination of revulsion and anger, but says nothing.
Mirallia nods again. "Hammar hears you," she says. "Your judgement in what lies beyond awaits." The glow around Mirallia fades, and her pendant dims ... but still glows.
"Confiscate their periapts," Bjorn commands. He looks at them, with no softness in his eyes. "May they find the peace due to them."
Turning to Lord Kevin, he says, "My Lord, given that we still have others to hunt down, it would suit us not to make this a public spectacle. Is there a dungeon or the like, where it might be done?"
"Yes," Kevin says, grimacing. "We've got a place for this. Follow me. Guards?" The guards hoist Ashton, Neil, and Mattias up from the floor. "Mattias is to be locked away," Kevin clarifies, pointing at the still unconscious man.
"And we need to see that he's bound so that he cannot mark anything," Radagast adds.
"Of course," Kevin sighs. "This way." He heads out of the room, and the tower, some of his guards preceeding him, the majority escorting the prisoners.
Silently, Bjorn follows the prisoners.
Swallowing uncertainly, Rez turns and follows Kevin and the group out.
Dracos, not particularly wanting to see an execution, glances around the room quickly to ascertain where everyone is headed.
Dracos
Devin looks like he's planning on following to witness the execution. Astryd's still unconscious. Radagast and Eske are following Kevin. Parthipan looks like he'd rather stay behind. Mirallia is following Bjorn. Alec is following Nathan, and Nathan is sticking with Bjorn. The prisoners look like they'd rather not witness it, but aren't being given much of a choice in the matter, except for Mattias, who is also still unconscious.
After a moment of consultation, all those who want to witness the execution leave.
Nathan and Bjorn now move to Zero Hour (http://pishoque.net/phpBB2/viewtopic.php?p=37218#37218).
Dracos waves over Parthipan. "Parthipan, mind taking a moment and...filling me in on what in tarnations is going on here?"
Dracos
"Some of the lorekeepers turned traitor," he explains, frowning. "Ashton and Neil, the two being executed tried to kill Radagast, with Mattias's help. Me and Devin managed to stop them, and Radagast took care of Mattias. The leader of the lorekeepers -- some guy called Solariat -- had started some kind of witch-hunt to get Radagast killed. We had to convince Eske that he wanted to help us, instead of them. You missed the worst of it."
"It appears luck was with us... Mmm...I have some stuff to share but more privately. Good to see you're alright though."
Dracos
"Yeah," he says, somewhat distractedly. "I ... we've got a big day tomorrow, and I need to get some sleep, though. My head kind of hurts. We should all arrange to meet up and trade notes before the next siege starts, don't you think?" he asks.
"Yeah... you have a bit more flexibility to move than I. See if you can drop a line by bjorn and durant privately." Dracos quietly adds.
"But do get to sleep then. It must've been a rough night."
Dracos
"I'll ... I'm sure we can find a way to get together and trade notes," he says. "I'll come by in the morning and pick up you and Re... Nathan. Until then, I need some sleep." Parthipan waves tiredly, and then helps Serril pick up Astryd, and carries her out of the room.
Phil now returns to A Walk in the Neighborhood (http://pishoque.net/phpBB2/viewtopic.php?p=37316#37316).
After seeing that Astryd is put in her bed, where she can rest, Parthipan returns to his room, and think over what he's learned before drifiting to sleep.
After waking up, Parthipan heads to the Storm-rider camp to round up the others like he was planning for a meeting. The library seems like a good spot to organize things.
Ginrai now goes to Nothing out of the Ordinary (http://pishoque.net/phpBB2/viewtopic.php?p=37340#37340).