Inner Universe

[Brian]

Searching for Radagast, Parthipan enters the keep through the back door; Nathan and Phil seem busy enough with all their Storm-rider stuff.

Once you step through the back door of the keep, you find Durant, waiting impatiently.  "Heya, Red Mage McSwarthy," he says, nodding.  "Got a minute?"

[Ginrai]

"I guess.  What's up?"

[Brian]

Durant grunts, and rubs one shoulder irritably.  "Well, Bjorn von Deboss-of-you told me that I needed to do some shit for him.  Chase down...."  Durant trails off and makes sure no one is in earshot.  "Chase down some traitors," he says more quietly.  "I've been awake too fucking long, and, anyway, the guards won't let me follow the trail any further.  So, I think there's this guy, he's a lorekeeper ... name is Ashton Newleaf.  I saw the guy prowling around.  He acted kind of funny ... talking to himself when no one is around.  Keeps something -- don't know what -- in one pocket, and checks to make sure it's not been stolen or lost with compulsive regularity.

"Our boy could just be freaking out 'cause of the siege, but I don't like him, I don't trust him, and now that he's up in the tower with the other lorekeepers, I don't got a way to check in on him and see what I can find out.  That's where I'm hoping you come in, because I need some freaking sleep."

[Ginrai]

"Hmm... this definitely needs to be to be looked upon as soon as possible.  How'd you find out his name?  Also, there are a few others lorekeepers that know of us, one of whom is working for Pax Arcana.  Think I should I ask for any of their help or this should be done alone?"

[Brian]

He stares at you for a long minute, and says, "Fuck if I know.  I'd help you out, but they don't let low-ranking non-lorekeepers in.  Anyway, I found out about him because people like to tell bards stories.  Makes 'em feel special.

"If I hear one more tale of 'the cow that died and the farmer that pressed on without it', I'm going to flip out and start stabbing people.  I'd love to help you, but Bjorn's just going to find me being unable to get into the tower a bad excuse to get out of doing his job for him."  Durant scowls.  "Fuck that noise.  Anyway.  I'd say don't go after him alone, 'cause you're no good to us dead, but I don't know how far you can trust the ... Pax Arcana guys.  I spent six months running from them, and that was as best as I got to knowing them -- no regrets here, thanks."  With that, his expression clears, and he shrugs.  "Do yourself a favor and grab something from the kitchen, first, though.  You look kinda pale."

[Ginrai]

Shaking his head, Ginrai replies, "Eh, I can get something after this mess is over.  Was hoping you might know some way to get him to confess.  Oh, one thing: it seems we can access our abilities from our world if we concentrate hard enough.  You might want to practice that a bit since it could be useful."

[Brian]

"Awesome, next time I'm looking to be burnt as a witch...."  He frowns.  "I guess they don't do that.  Still....  Okay, cool.  Thanks."  He nods.  "Anything I can do for you?  I kind of feel bad, just dropping this on you like that."

[Ginrai]

"Not at this moment.  Just make sure you don't get caught by any of the traitors.  Actually, you might be able to help out Phil and Nathan, especially if you can make use of your telepathic skills and if you learned some new abilities from your other self."

[Brian]

"Telekinesis is not telepathy," he says, rolling his eyes.  "I can throw people around, not talk to them."

[Ginrai]

Ginrai laughs.  "Damn, I always get confused with that.  So, anything else?"

Thinking over something, he adds, "Actually, want to see if you can come with me into the tower?  Your telekenesis can come in handy if I get into any trouble with the other guy."

[Brian]

"I'm about ready to drop dead as it is," he says, shaking his head.  "And if you take me into the tower, they might start asking questions.  If it's just you and other lorekeepers, no one should say anything ... and you do have friends there, right?

"If I do anything, it's gonna be either to work with Phil and Nathan, or get some sleep."

[Ginrai]

"Ah, then I suggest staying around Nathan and Phil."

[Brian]

He grunts.  "Take care of yourself," he says, heading back out the way you just came in.

[Ginrai]

Ginrai nods and heads towards the tower, looking for either Radagast, Devin, Astryd or Serril.  'Ashton Newleaf, eh?'

[Brian]

When you reach the tower, Astryd and Devin are in the main room (on the ground floor), sitting in some of the comfortable looking chairs and discussing the Dreadmarch, and the effectiveness of the earthenworks.

They both look up when you arrive, and Astryd blinks.  "Ah," Devin says, smiling slightly.  "Good to see you're well."