Moments in the Sun

[Brian]

Ginrai: After leaving the office of Lord Kevin, you find yourself in the hallway (heavily guarded) along with Devin and Astryd.

Astryd looks like she's about to be ill.  Devin looks disturbed, but much calmer than her.

[Ginrai]

"So, anything on your mind?"

[Brian]

"Not terribly much," Devin says, frowning.  Shaking his head, he says, "You handled yourself well on the tower, Lorekeeper.  Masterfully, even."

"Yes," Astryd says, collecting herself somewhat.  "When are you to test for your mastery at the Collegiate?"

[Ginrai]

"Thank you.  Not anytime soon, I'll only take it when I'm completely sure of myself."

Looking at Astryd, he asks, "Are you feeling okay?"

[Brian]

"I'm fine," she says crossly.  "Just ... upset over the idea of a traitor.  In the ... the command staff, no less."  She sighs, and rubs at her temples.

Devin nods sympathetically, but says nothing.

[Ginrai]

"Well, Bjorn only mentioned that as a possibility.  Not sure what he was thinking of there seeing that saying such a thing could lead to mistrust within the command staff."

[Brian]

"Well, ignoring a crack in the foundation does not make your home stable," Devin says, shaking his head.  "The vassal of Hammar raised a very good point.  It may not be one of the superiors who is at fault, or untrustworthy.

"But at the same time, this does allow us to plan accordingly.  I believe, Lorekeeper Parthipan, that you are not a traitor.  Your works were too effective against the Dreadmarch, in my mind, for you to be working with them.  You'd have too clear a chance to let that sling stone ... whatever it was ... strike me, and then be free of my aid to the keep."

"Or maybe it was a cunning plan to secure your trust," Astryd counters, rubbing at her temples.  "I do not like this game of trust.  If only there was a way to know beyond any doubt...."

"There are some things, but I question the time we have for them," Devin says, frowning.  "I suggest instead that we relay our plans only to those who we must.  I believe that Radagast is trustworthy.  And Lord Kevin.  Those, I must trust.  But beyond that, trust shall be a precious commodity.

"And ... it may be that we are all innocent ... and the traitor is another.  All of the lorekeepers in the tower were aware of the plan."

[Ginrai]

Ginrai nods.  "Currently the best course of action is to only tell any plans to those that need to know it.  Though if we did have time, what plan would you have suggested to find out if anyone was a traitor?"

[Brian]

"Only by an oath of blood can you ascertain the truth of what another says," Devin says.  "I've no fear, and would undertake such an oath, that were I to lie, you would know it.  But we haven't the time to secure this same promise with every Lorekeeper and commander in the keep."

"We could do it for the three of us, though," Astryd says, looking at Devin and Parthipan.  "We could make a pact such that the three of us -- the only three aside from Radagast that know that there may be a traitor -- are able to trust one-another, to hunt down the shadow that lurks within our number."

Devin nods slowly, and turns to look at Parthipan speculatively.

Before an answer can be given, however, the door opens, and Bjorn and Mirallia emerge.

[Ginrai]

Noticing the two newcomers, Ginrai says, "Hey, guys.  Are you two going to be free anytime soon?  There are a few things I need to talk with you about."

[Bjorn]

Bjorn looks at Mirallia.  "I would like to speak with Master Radagast about plans for the next attack," Bjorn says, hesitantly, and then frowns.  "In fact, Master Devin, Madame Astryd, if you could spare some time as well, I would be very appreciative.  Beyond that..." he shrugs slightly.

[Brian]

Astryd nods to Bjorn, and Devin looks first puzzled, then annoyed.  "We have time," Astryd says.  "What did you wish to speak of?"

[Bjorn]

Bjorn hesitates for a second.   "I understand that in asking this, I ask for far more than is, perhaps, proper," he says, delicately.  "However, I have little idea of what your skills might let you accomplish.  I thought, perhaps, that in discussing this, we might be able to find a way to coordinate the actions of the Keep forces with your own efforts."

[Brian]

Astryd pauses to consider this, and then glances covertly at Parthipan.  "Fair enough," she says after a moment.  Mirallia watches, crossing her arms over her chest and frowning in confusion.

Devin also crosses his arms, and rocks back on his heels slightly. "What did you have in mind, exactly?" he asks.

[Bjorn]

Bjorn is shaking his head before Devin finishes speaking.  "I have nothing in mind," he says ruefully, "and that is the problem.  Last night, the traps of Master Radagast and Master Parthipan's timely spell exposed the general quickly, with minimal losses on our part.  Tonight -- and tomorrow night, and so on -- we need to do the same."

He spread his hands wide, before letting them drop.  "If you can broaden the moat, or cause the earth to explode along the whole front of the keep, or set the snow on fire, or create a fire that cannot be extinguished -- all of these things would be useful.  But I don't know what you can do, and without knowing that, I can neither offer you suggestions, nor plan around your actions."  His lips quirk slightly, neither quite in amusement or self-deprecation.  "I am not a Lorekeeper, Masters, Madames, but I am a soldier, and I hope that, in that respect, my advice is not insignificant.  If I can be of any assistance, please, let me."