Silken touch

[Anastasia]

"No, it doesn't seem to from what I know," Jessica admits, "But it's possible I don't have the connection."

[Ebiris]

"Well, one of Shar's new servitors has history with Morwel... this could be setting up for their debut?" Alicia wonders. "It would be strange for her to leave those arrows unfired before the end too, wouldn't it?"

[Anastasia]

"Far too unlikely," Syala says, "Good thinking, Jessica. I think we're on the right track. IT all fits together."

"Then how do we stop it?" Antenora asks.

[Ebiris]

"How good is your information there, Jessica?" Alicia asks. "Do you have spies, or distant observers?"

[Anastasia]

"Distant observers and a second hand source inside," Jessica says, "But through someone else I'd have to work with."

[Ebiris]

"Well, step up observation there and warn Morwel. Rather than tipping our hand now, if we wait we might be able to catch Chylas when he makes his move," Alicia says. "Does that sound good to the rest of you?"

[Anastasia]

"It's our best idea," Antenora agrees after some more thought. "We need to be ready to move if this reaches a peak unexpectedly."

[Corwin]

Is this a good time? Seira asks Alicia. There's some interesting news about Fire I wanted to share.

[Ebiris]

"For now, and warn our allies so they're ready too," Alicia says. "Speaking of, Seira's asking for me."

Now's fine, what's happening?

[Corwin]

My portfolio's telling me a coup is imminent, and it's a number of days. I decided to make some waves on Fire with Zaaman Rul, and Akil bin Faheem invited me over to Brass for a chat. My understanding of that conversation is that he knows he's in trouble, that he's terrified, in fact, and that his devil minders don't intend to intervene. He thinks diehard slavers are the ones after him, which is plausible enough. I'm keeping an eye on things.

[Ebiris]

Devils aren't good for much, are they? Let me know if you need anything from me, although we've noticed Shar's churches across several primes and other planes seem to be preparing for open warfare, so make sure you don't get outflanked by anything happening on that front. We don't have enough information to be sure, but we're working on the theory it's diversionary for something else she's got up her sleeve.

[Corwin]

I'm honestly not that worried, but Amaryl and Zaaman Rul are. I just can't imagine anyone emerging as a true power on Fire after a bloody civil war if he isn't the Crimson Firebrand, and given Akil was his minion a transfer of power there wouldn't involve any fighting. Still, keep an eye out in case you hear anything? I'll keep safe from Shar.

[Ebiris]

I will.

"Whispers of rebellion among the efreet," she says to her companions. "Lets hope we don't get tangled up there again."

[Anastasia]

"Wonderful," Antenora scowls, "We don't need another distraction right now."

[Ebiris]

"Unfortunately the planes aren't going to stop for us," Alicia says helplessly. "Is there anything else Jessica? Or any other suggestions from anyone else?"