Spirits in the Material World

[Bjorn]

Bjorn looks over at Din and grins.  "That," he says a bit lightly, "is the reason we must rest.  So that I might think on what I have seen, and ask you about your village, and, perhaps, speak with the spirits."  His expression grows more sober, though not oppressive.  "Understand, Din, that the task we have before us is not a simple one.  To defeat an enemy strong and skilled with war, with this little time... it can be done, and it will, but we must not rush.  So.  We will find a place where we might sit and talk.  Together we will turn the thoughts I have into plans.  Then we will rest, and if the plans are still strong in the light of the morning, we will begin upon them."

[Brian]

Din nods reluctantly.  At about that same time, a well-dressed apparition comes into being just to one side of Bjorn.  Brown hair, handlebar mustache, nice hat, very Victorian-era clothing.  He blinks a few times, then brings a pipe up to his mouth.  "I say," he says, causing Din to look at it sidelong.  "You would be Dr. Christianson, yes?"

[Bjorn]

This throws Bjorn.  Despite everything he has dealt with up to this moment, he had never really anticipated dealing with old English gentleman appearing out of nowhere.  "In a manner of speaking," he manages.  "But I'm afraid you have the best of me."

[Brian]

"Ironic, that," the apparition says in a low voice.

Din crosses his arms over his chest and raises one eyebrow.

"Anyway," he says, more loudly, "I was asked to relay a message to you.  First of all, you owe the one I bear a message for cookies."  He pauses, waiting for some sort of recognition.

[Bjorn]

A look of resignation crosses Bjorn's face, and he closes his eyes.  "Go on," he says wearily.

[Brian]

"Ah, yes.  Nathan is waiting for you in Anabara, but he expressed concern that you might also require assistance.  He asked me to serve as a messenger between the two of you.  The trip takes me a bit more than an hour anti-spinwise, I'm afraid, so it won't be swift.  But I can pass what you need him to know along.  Oh, he also asked me to tell you about his situation.

"He's just been freed from the insane asylum and should be reclaiming the ancestral homestead with Inspector Holmes right around now.  As part of the goal that you," and here, the specter puffs on his pipe, "are working towards, Nathan has agreed to support the king politically.  And that means offering information on the Church.  Information Nathan doesn't have, but which you might be able to collect."

[Bjorn]

"At the moment, the Church is making a concerted push here, to convert or destroy Din's people," Bjorn says, nodding at his companion.  "This push is at least in part being lead by someone named High Priest Kerrick Powel.  Din's people were given two weeks to respond.  I hope to have created some confusion, which might slow things down, but I am not sure.  Another name that came up in this is 'Tritheim,' though I'm not sure of the significance.

"Tell Nathan that stopping the Church, while part of our goal, is not all of it.  We also have to make the gates open to all, and find out what their full nature.  He can trust Holmes.  Tell him I spoke to the spirits to find this out.

"My first priority is to help Din's people set up some plan of defence, in case the Church can't be diverted before they start their action here.  After that..." he hesitates.  "How long would it take me to get to Anabara, would you wager?  Ignoring human complications."

[Brian]

"Well, judging by our position along the Meridian, two weeks, but that doesn't take into account the fact that we're a good distance Edgeward.  I'd say three weeks at the earliest.  Perhaps just under two, if you didn't sleep."

[Bjorn]

Bjorn shakes his head.  "Too far, then.  I won't come to Anabara yet, then.  I'll scout the Church out here, and do what I can to stall or divert them."

[Brian]

"Any message for me to take back, then?" the man asks.

Din watches this all patiently, but with a look of slowly dawning comprehension.

[Bjorn]

Rubbing his jaw thoughtfully, Bjorn replies, "I don't know enough about the technology level or psychology of the Church.  If Nathan can get me something, anything along those lines, it will be a huge help.  Unless you happen to know something of them?"

[Brian]

"Well, not entirely," the man admits.  "I only began following my son after he returned through the Gate, understand.  I can find out for you, though.  Anything else, then?"

[Bjorn]

"I haven't seen any of the others yet, nor any sign of our opponents.  Beyond that, nothing for the moment."  Bjorn frowns for a second, and then tries to summon the ghost of Nathan's Dad.  "Can you feel that?"

[Brian]

"Absolutely," the specter says, blinking in confusion.  "What a strange compulsion."

[Bjorn]

Bjorn nods, releasing the summons.  "Good.  Then we don't have to worry about constant contact; if I'd like to speak with you, then I can let you know.  It's not as good as the alternatives, but it will work until I can better control my Dream."  He looks at Din quickly, to check if he has anything to say.  Assuming not, he looks again at the ghost.  "Thank your for your assistance, Dr. Shuker, and give all of my very best to Nathan.  He will soon get what he's asking for."