Dara- Elf- Druid
Aramil- Eladrin - Warlord
Sonea- Human - Wizard
Shadow Dancer- Eladrin - Avenger
Torthen- Dwarf – Paladin
Mikal- Human- Rogue
Adahan (Boomer) - Human- Swordmage
Torrent- Human- Cleric
Back in the ruined tower that serves as Diogeanese’s quarters the air is tense. The mage has spent all night trying to protect Gate Pass and now his patience is wearing a little thin.
Sonea can see her father needs a rest so gets to the point. 'We think Shealis has the box. We need to get the box from her. Dad we need your help here.'
Aramil joins in. 'We’ll be needing resources, anything you can provide us with.'
Diogeanese nods and holds up a hand. 'Okay. Okay, I happen to know for a fact she’s been prying into things that don’t concern her. She’s a Zaman. She’s got a solon for a familiar. What sort of warmage takes the risk of bonding a familiar? She has Gabal under her thumb. I can’t help directly you understand. What I can do however is help you get to her. I can create a globe of force around Shealis’s cottage, to prevent anyone entering or leaving; a ritual which I can conduct from the top of my tower. I will only drop it once I get a signal from you. All depends on whether you will confront Shealis.' Diogeanese watches them intently to judge their strength of resolve in their cause.
Sonea, Aramil and Torthen agree with the plan and discuss the finer details. Torthen advises he will give the signal. He will hang back while the others go ahead so seeing how the land lies.
The mage and his daughter set to work discussing the casting of the ritual. He explains to the others that he’s had a long night and may not be able to keep this up long. He will need Sonea’s help.
Totally unaware he has been given the slip, Boomer continues walking and talking to his missing companion.
Not far off, outside some of the lecturer’s cottages, Shadow sneaks quietly out from his hiding place in a bush. Within a minute or so, along one of the many paths, he enquires from a red robed man if he can point him towards Shealis.
Unfortunately for him he didn’t remember the warning to stay away from the red-robed wizards as they are on high alert just now. Though, he does look vaguely bemused when he is frog-marched back to Diogeanese’s tower under escort.
Boomer hadn’t been far away and seeing Shadow under escort he follows at a distance, shaking his head.
As Aramil and Torthen leave the tower to find Boomer and Shadow they too meet with the red-robed wizards escorting Shadow Dancer, and are held at wand tip and interrogated too. Security is imperative in times like these.
The senior red-robe wizard Orpheo raps on the door with intent; addressing Diogeanese about the matter at hand. The older mage explains as much as is needed and advises Orpheo that all is well. Sonea’s group are ushered back into the room once again, shutting out the snow and prying eyes.
Sighing deeply he turns to them 'I can see we may need an invisibility spell to get you there.'
The dwarf hits on an idea 'You know they are all wearing red cloaks. If we wear some we can maybe walk around a bit less conspicuously, Diogeanese?'
'Look in my wardrobe.' He points at an old solid oak-doored cupboard and waits a moment.
'Do I have any?' silence follows. 'No. I’m not a student.' Her patience obviously wearing thin, Sonea glares at her father’s sarcasm, prompting him a little.
'But I can get you some.' He finishes.
___________________oOo___________________
Mikal had been scouting and fighting around the City Walls all night and is now cold, wet and knackered, not to mention hungry.
Dressed all in black, his face covered by a black silk scarf, he pads quietly back into the city with several other members of the Gate Pass military, loaded down with soot blackened weapons, including his precious chakram.
Arriving at the temple he seeks out Buron who quickly introduces him to Dara, who is tending the wounded.
'Dara, this here is Mikal. Mikal, meet Dara.' Buron introduces the pair and moves them aside out of other’s earshot.
Buron continues and explains for Mikal’s benefit. 'We’ve got some bad news. It would seem there is an Arcanis cell already in the city, here to kill off influential people. We only have Dara’s cell available to do anything about it.'
Dara advises that she will need to track down her companions and Buron assigns Mikal to aid her.
Mikal gives his report of what he seen outside to Buron while Dara disappears to get kitted up.
___________________oOo___________________
Diogeanese and Sonea spend around twenty minutes sorting materials and preparing for the ritual. He points out which cottage belongs to Shealis before leaving for a few minutes to return with the cloaks.
Diogeanese reads instructions as to where things go while Sonea runs around acting as his hands- father and daughter, mage and assistant.
Leaning against a wall, Shadow Dancer stands nearby observing and writing down notes for his own future interest.
There is a knock at the tower door.
'Get that door will you!' Barks Diogeanese from above.
Aramil walks over and finds Dara covered in snow and soaking wet. Next to her is a man dressed in black, scarf obscuring his face, looking much the same.
Now downstairs in the room with them Diogeanese is tired and can’t abide the cold. 'Come in and shut that door!'
Both sorry figures enter as the mage eyes them up. 'We don’t have enough red robes for this.'
Torthen the dwarf makes a suggestion. 'We can put robes on those who look like they should wear them. They can escort the others.'
Quite quickly a discussion ensues over who looks like they should be wearing them.
Ignoring the argument, Aramil addresses Dara. 'We are going to be heading down to see Shealis. You are going to be following us.'
Mikal steps in. 'Guess what? From now on I shall be joining you. This is the word from your leader, Buron.'
'You’ll be joining us? Any particular reason?' Aramil raises a questioning eyebrow.
Mikal quickly looks at the present company and judges them to be together. 'Yes. You lot are to help us out here. The Arcanis have a small cell in the city and are targeting some high ranking officials. Naturally they asked me to come get you to help.'
Aramil nods. 'First we shall do our thing. Put on your cloak and we shall go get our wee blue box.'
'Description?' enquires the black figure.
Sonea raises her voice. 'You’ll know it when you see it. It glows.'
'That is as much as we know.' Aramil makes it clear that’s the end of the conversation for now.
Diogeanese get’s to the point. 'You need to be close to the walls or inside the cottage when I begin the orb. It will last for around twenty minutes, or as long as I can hold it. It is completely invisible. I will release the globe as soon as you come out and show the signal.'
Cloaks are handed to Aramil, Torthen, Mikal and Dara as Boomer already wears a one. It’s only Shadow Dancer who doesn’t as he was the one who was caught before - the less attention from the red-robed wizards the better.
The escort leaves and takes a fairly straight forward route to the cottage. Boomer begins asking questions about the intended tactics. At this Shadow Dancer suggests that they walk in and ask for the box and negotiate by bluffing that they have the password. Aramil agrees but Torthen suggests that they bring the box out, use the password, therefore ensuing everyone is happy. It is pointed out by Boomer that there is no actual password. So any negotiations should involve a situation where they are required to open the box there and then. Aramil confirms. 'Our plan is to get the box.'
'Assuming that Shealis doesn’t just attack us.' Dara states the obvious problem.
Boomer nods. 'As I said, we need tactics, as that fight in the crypt was abysmal.'
Aramil laughs at this. 'Take it that you all missed my inspiring presence.' The dwarf chokes a laughing grunt. Aramil fires him a sharp look. 'Shut it shorty!'
Boomer sides with Aramil. 'I suggest that we listen and follow the warlord.'
'Thankyou.' Aramil is grateful for some sense from someone.
Dara suggests that as she has the ability to shapeshift into a handy small size such as a mouse, she could do a quick bit of scouting?
This leads to more discussion with Boomer suggesting that Dara steals the box if she can. Aramil suggests simply killing the wizard and searching her cottage for the box, and Shadow points out that everyone is assuming that the box is there, which infact it might not be.
Changing the subject slightly Shadow Dancer smiles. 'Does Shealis have a cat?'
Dara smiles back and decides that a large spider will suffice for the needs of this expedition. 'I’ll need someone to get me in close in my more diminutive form.' Mikal offers to sneak close enough to get her to the thatched roof, thus letting the others stay out of the way.
Someone sniggers, making the comical suggestion of Mikal just using his chakram to get Dara there- a flying spider. The druidess rolls her eyes as such nonsense.
Aramil grunts about humans being a bunch of shaved fucking monkeys. He gets everyone to quit it and split as they are starting to look conspicuous.
Mikal and Dara move on with the druidess dipping into a bush to shed her clothes and shapeshift into a large black spider with velvet red-tipped hairs and glistening black eyes.
Scuttling up and under the thatch of the cottage, Dara finds her way onto a beam and along onto a suitable vantage point to dangle from. She finds the whole cottage seems to be only one room- one door in and out, and one closet with a fiery red glow from beneath its door. The walls are lined in bookcases with shelves covered in the usual magical academic clutter. The room’s occupant is a tall woman in her late twenties/early thirties. Blonde hair braided back from her temples to keep the thick of her mane at her back. She’s scantily dressed, in Dara’s opinion, as her svelte figure is dressed in long flowing layers of near transparent purple silk, emphasised by a purple wrap around her ample bosom. She sits at a table facing the door into the cottage, a wand close by her fingertips, which drum at the table as though she is waiting for someone.
Dara is happy she has seen enough and quickly returns to her clothes then Mikal with the rest of the group. She explains that there is only one room- one door in and out, and what appears to be one cupboard door, with the fiery red glow.
Shadow Dancer suggests he may be the one that is expected. So he should just go and talk to her.
Mikal asks if there could be extra rooms inside the wall or extra-dimensionally? If mages are capable of this would it not be advantageous to a mage not just to have an extra room and a bolt hole but even a cottage.
The tendency to break into discussion is ensuing again. Shadow simply rolls his eyes and begins walking to the door.
He knocks firmly.
'Come in.' Replies a female voice.
The door opens to reveal the purple swathed woman looking serene but intent on the men in her doorway.
'Come in gentlemen and stay along the walls. No funny moves.' She indicates with an immaculate finger the wall in front of her for the benefit of Aramil, Shadow Dancer, Boomer and Torthen as they file in.
Dara and Mikal remain outside as they had stepped aside when Shadow had moved off with clear intentions of knocking on the door.
Shealis inspects Shadow Dancer from her seat.
'I believe you have been expecting me.' Shadow is unruffled under the gaze.
She nods an affirmative and enquires about the nature of the negotiations Shadow Dancer indicated he wished to enter into while being interrogated by the Solon at the depository.
Outside Mikal has sneaked along one of the walls to try and peer into a window. Dara is pressed against the other wall next to another window. Looking up she sees the tower and two figures giving off the distinct feeling of confusion and expectation. She gives the signal to Sonea and Diogeanese to begin the orb.
Shadow knows with his insight that Shealis can’t be intimidated, infact it would be counterproductive, so he relaxes and leans against the wall. 'So you do know what we are here to talk about.'
Aramil remains quiet. Just watching how things play out.
Torthen interjects. 'With regards to the item we are talking about. I realise that you have it and you know what we are talking about. You haven’t been able to open it or see inside it?'
'I agree totally. This is the reason we are here to negotiate is it not?' Shealis gives a short smile and looks back at Shadow Dancer who advises 'Our privacy has been assured.'
'I have assured this also.' Nods Shealis.
Boomer speaks up. 'You know it’s been agreed by many that Gate Pass is independent today because Zama stepped in to prevent it’s conquest by the Imperium before, to ensure their own borders. Gate Pass was left as a neutral territory at that point as the Imperium wasn’t in a position to be going to war. Would it not be in the common interest of Gate Pass and Zama to keep the Imperium out of the city again and so we should consider working together in the matter of the box?'
Shealis listens. 'I concede that keeping the Imperium out of Gate Pass was in Zama’s interests at the time but Zama has been expecting the Imperium to break the treaty all along and has had forty years to prepare for the day the Imperium would go to war. Gate Pass is no longer so vital to Zaman interests, though of course its continued independence is still desirable.'
'Exactly what is it you plan to do with the box?' asks Aramil.
Shealis explains a little. 'The box will come with me to Zama, to be studied by Zaman wizards at the temple of Yhellos, and so that the information within be studied. Zama wants Gate Pass to be independent and we are happy to share the information we find. I have other points I would like to discuss otherwise I wouldn’t be here.'
Shadow Dancer looks at Shealis. 'I am obviously a stranger in this world. Does Zama need to remain uninvolved in this current war?' Shadow Dancer tries to imply that there would be trouble if the resistance were to permit knowledge that Zama has the box to reach the Arcanum.
'Actually I think you’ll find that the Arcanum and ourselves have been involved in a tit for tat espionage play for the better part of forty years. It would come as no surprise to them. In any case, we fully expect to be in a state of open war with the Imperium very shortly. When they are finished with Gate Pass they will surely focus their attentions on the protectorate.' Shealis watches the bodies of those in front of her, their stance, breath and eyes.
Torthen continues. 'Even so, given the situation with the box that you have acknowledged, I wonder would it be all that advantageous to you for the Arcanum to know that you are in possession of it. What are you willing to give for them not to know? That you have been withholding it and the information and secrets within it?'
Shealis laughs quietly at the attempts of diplomacy. 'Well I don’t have the box in my possession. So ultimately I wouldn’t care if they knew. But yes, ultimately the Arcane Imperium could move against me as an individual if they knew colleagues and I personally had the box.'
Torthen nods. 'So the fact is that you are personally at risk and could be assassinated...'
'Comes with the job.' Shealis finishes his statement. She is beginning to grow cold with the line of questioning.
Boomer speaks again. 'We are aware of the political situation between the two Empires...'
Shealis noticeably stiffens at the insinuation that Zama is an 'Empire', but Boomer does not realise why. '...and that we are a buffer. We know we won’t get through this war without loss.
We can make sacrifices however.'
Shealis looks pointedly at him. 'Really? What sacrifices would you be willing to make?'
Boomer continues. 'We would be willing for one member of the Zaman Empire...' Shealis flinches again and grits her teeth. '... to accompany us to the Lyceum, an ally of Gate Pass, where we shall have the box examined by the most highly regarded magical school in the Known World.'
Boomer is not entirely sure but thinks he has upset her. What he does not realise is that Zama is called a 'protectorate' for a reason – they are non-expansionist and see themselves as the last vestige of the ancient Punic culture which they are sworn to preserve. Zama has never started a foreign war in all its existence. Boomer does not realise this, but Aramil, Shadow Dancer and Torthen do.
Shadow Dancer tries to smooth things over, stating that the party is in a position of strength and would like to bargain.
Shealis seems dubious about the strength of Gate Pass’s negotiating position but allows them to continue.
'You can’t open it.' States Torthen.
'How do you know we can’t? The Sacred Band and the Eighty have many powerful wizards among them.' Shealis asks.
Shadow Dancer successfully deduces that she herself has no idea how to open it. 'You ‘can’t’ open it.'
Boomer tries again, pointing out that Gate Pass is willing to make fairly hefty concessions to share information and that it is still in Zama’s interests to keep the city as a negative buffer. The box might contain information that helps the city hold out longer.
Looking slightly puzzled Shadow speaks. 'You say that were it to become known Zama has the box it would not lead to a deepening of hostilities? Would the box not contain information about where the vanished Emperor has gone? In which case would it not be preferable to take the box where there are wizards most likely able to open it?' He suggests that there are wizards in Lyceum who know the password to open the box.
'You are correct and it may have information about this “disappearance”- or maybe even more valuable information.' Shealis agrees.
Shadow Dancer continues. 'So if someone of Zama were to accompany us to the Lyceum- keeping it out of Zama for now- we get it open and share the information, this would be acceptable?'
Shealis agrees in principle but has conditions. No one in the room disagrees with this.
'Ok, so the conditions are to guarantee the safety of the person going. We would like a hostage in return to undergo a ritual linking the hostage to their representative. What befalls one will befall the other.'
Looks fly around the group at this. Torthen takes a half step forward, so volunteering himself. He offers some heroic words in support of his decision.
'Very well then under these conditions it is agreed. I shall not be accompanying you as I am needed in the city but one of my trusted colleagues will go with you and the box to the Lyceum.' Shealis smiles at her negotiation so far. 'We have no wish to antagonise Gate Pass and we are willing to share this information. I will however accompany you to the boxes location, where the exchange of blood samples between the envoy and the hostage will occur so that they are linked. Then the box shall be handed over to your keep.'
Boomer agrees for everyone. 'These terms are agreeable.'
Shealis offers that if they want to discuss their decision then they are to go ahead. She opens the closet door revealing a flaming bird man. Before entering she points out that all her possessions have wards.
The dwarf turns to the others looking grim. 'First off if I’m being exchanged none of you touch the envoy!'
'Ofcourse! It would not be in Gate Pass’s interests.' Assures Boomer.
Shadow Dancer smirks, he can hardly contain it. 'Cold feet so soon?'
Torthen grunts. 'No merely an inclining of what you are like.'
Aramil looks innocent. 'Trust us?'
'As far as I can comfortably... never mind.' Torthen shakes his head and grumbles to himself.
___________________oOo___________________
Shealis leads everyone from Gabals, with Mikal and Dara introducing themselves and joining the others. Naturally, Sonea is left as she would reveal to Shealis Diogeanese’s involvement. They are led East through various lightly manned gates. The first day of the New Year is still very, very cold with the complete white out of snow. This makes it difficult to follow the path but eventually they reach the Zaman canton. The men on the gates are obviously members of the Zaman Sacred Band (professional soldiers of Zama’s standing army). Tall well muscled men in enchanted runic bronze armour, carrying tall spears, large circular bronze shields and wearing crestless hoplite helmets. Despite the cold all they wear are leather cups, sandals and a thick purple war cloak.
Within the walls of the canton the streets are clean and organised. Everyone is well dressed. The place is calm and all the buildings are untouched. As they are lead through a maze of streets they see that the homes are villas and the shops are large and open, definitely affluent.
Along a street they are lead to a shop, a door makers shop by the sign outside, and lead around the back and in through a no-longer quite so secret door.
On the way from the gates Dara has noticed a rat behaving strangely outside – it does not scurry close to the walls as a rat should and instead runs in the open.
Inside they find the loud yapping and barking of three fire-wreathed dogs. Dara immediately smiles and thinks to herself ‘I want one of those!’ Guardian solons- the weakest form of solon.
Three large stocky men dressed as members of the Sacred Band stand in the room along with the man from the depositary tower. None of them look surprised to see who Shealis has brought with her.
Inside the house is one big empty nothing, a space with a ladder going up to the loft.
Shealis excuses herself and the man from the depositary- her lieutenant- climb the ladder.
Torthen stoops down and pets one of the dogs without ill effect (thanks to his fire resistant armour). It’s hard to determine who is more surprised, the dogs or the guards.
A few moments later Shealis and the lieutenant come back down the ladder with the blue glowing box. It looks just like the illusionary one. The guards are close by.
Shealis has two glass vials and a long silver needle. She turns to one of the guards. 'Bomilcar.' He steps forward and presents his thumb.
Discussion arises among the party about do they really want an eight foot tall heavily muscled man-hardly inconspicuous. Torthen has other opinions and is all for being bonded to someone who has a chance of surviving any tough fights along the way. The silver needle extracts some of the guard’s blood which is placed in the vial.
Shealis turns to Torthen. 'Would you mind presenting me with your hand?'
'Sure.' He takes off his glove and extends his hand. Again Shealis extracts some blood to be placed in the same vial, and mixes them together while saying an incantation. She decants the main vial into two smaller ones and passes them to Torthen and Bomilcar for safekeeping.
The man from the depositary tower, the Lieutenant steps forward to Aramil. 'Here you go.' He hands the box over. 'I’d rather you don’t tell us how you are getting out the city.'
Meanwhile, Boomer speaks to Bomilcar. 'Should the need arise will you fight alongside us or stay behind?' Bomilcar responds with some well executed air thrusts of his spear.
At this Boomer asks. 'Might I ask you to stand behind us in battle?'
'The Sacred Band does not stand behind anyone.'
Aramil steps forward with his package. 'Will you be willing to follow my orders in battle?'
'Do your companions?' Bomilcar fixes an eye on him.
Aramil shrugs. 'Mostly.'
Bomilcar nods. 'If you earn my respect then I will follow you.'
Aramil accepts this. 'We will see how it goes.'
Shealis smiles quickly and claps her hands in command. 'I am fairly gratified to see you boys getting along so well but go!'
Bomilcar nods quickly at Shealis and turns to the others. 'I will meet you at the enclave gates. I must change.'
'So after... he can find his way back?' enquires Boomer of Shealis.
'He can return by himself, he is quite capable. Torthen and Bomilcar need to be in the same room to break the spell.' With that Shealis leaves.
___________________oOo___________________
While making their way to gates for Bomilcar the group sum quietly discuss their situation. They have the box and Zama tentatively onside. At present they don’t have a way out of the city and there is an Arcanis cell in the city looking for the box and trying to assassinate officials.
It is agreed that Boomer should collect Sonea as they swing past Gabals on the way to the Temple where Torrent should meet up with them.
The blizzard seems to be lessening, no longer a white out, but still snowing with drifts. Dara knows this isn’t particularly natural. A blizzard like this should be blowing for the rest of the day. She also notices that they are still being tailed by the strange rat but now a crow is at it as well, neither of them at the same time though. The way the crow flaps its wings it should not be able to fly. The rat isn’t actually scurrying the way it should either.
Arriving at the gates of the enclave Bomilcar arrives a moment or two later, dressed as an outdoor traveller.
The sacred band of Zama is a religious order as well as a professional army- all its members are sworn to the God Yhallos and the Goddess Tanit. Most of its martial types are Paladins with a strong smattering of clerics, invokers, fighters, wizards and warlords.
Bomilcar has short hair and is built like a tank, he looks rather martial. He doesn’t say anything, just falls in behind and marches.
Mikal looks at him sideways. 'Oi soldier boy! Breakstep.'
Bomilcar changes his gate.
Aramil observes this. 'Oh great, instead we have an eight foot man who looks like he shat himself.'
'Walk like you’re a skirmisher.' Adds Boomer helpfully.
Bomilcar looks indignant. 'Do I look like a skirmisher to you boy?'
Boomer shrugs. 'No but that is the problem.'
'He looks more like a trebuchet.' Laughs Mikal.
Shadow Dancer is greatly amused at the exchanges.
___________________oOo___________________
The group heads off, Boomer to Gabals and the rest to the Temple.
The box is the size of a small crate; it’s double wrapped in a pack to hide the glow as it is carried on Aramil’s back.
Eventually arriving at the temple they find it to be largely deserted. The few wounded that are left are the ones who probably won’t make it. No sign of Buron and Torrent but a priest advises that they are downstairs where some of the priests are cleaning up and reconsecrating the tomb below.
Inside the door beside the altar the two half orcs glare then relax as the door opens. They advise that there have been no more problems from the crypt.
Everyone heads down to the room in the cellars where they find Buron and a Halfling dressed in leather clothing, not particularly martial, talking to Torrent and Badger (who looks like the walking dead). Badger is sitting in a chair and is wrapped in several blankets.
The conversion stops abruptly.
Aramil walks in. 'Don’t let us interrupt you.'
Buron fumes visibly and points a white finger at Bomilcar. 'Who is that why is he here?!'
'Bomilcar is here and he is going to be accompanying us.' Informs Aramil.
Buron looks at the huge man 'Would you excuse us?'
Bomilcar shrugs and leaves, closing the door behind him.
Buron turns on those present. 'Bomilcar is a Zaman name! Why is he here?'
Aramil holds his hands up. 'Good news and bad news. We have the box.'
Buron nods. 'Excellent.' Going quiet and with precise speech he continues. 'Why is he here?'
Unintimidated Aramil looks at him. 'That’s why he is here.'
'You know the dwarf? We swapped him.' Adds Mikal helpfully.
The Halfling holds up his hands “Wait, wait, wait! I don’t need to hear anything else. I was here only to help in getting the box.” He turns and leaves though the door, closing it behind him.
Torrent explains just how unhappy she is. She has spent half the morning looking for the Halfling sorcerer only to find they won’t need him!
The air just about seethes with the anger from the senior resistance members, upset is an understatement.
'Ok. For the moment we have the box. We are assisting the Zamans to an extent. Most importantly we have the box.' Aramil tries to placate the gathering storm.
Torrent narrows her eyes. 'What did you promise them?'
Aramil cracks half a smile, hopeful. 'A wee look?'
Mikal assures quickly. 'When we are on neutral territory and we open it.'
Torrent glares almost open mouthed at them. 'What was the last thing I said before I went to sleep?' Her hands are almost shaking now with anger.
'Goodnight?' Aramil, Shadow Dancer and Mikal know they shouldn’t have but they couldn’t help themselves.
Torrent holds her breath and turns a fetching shade of purple.
Before she can explode Mikal suggests that they don’t let the Zamans get to see what is inside the box.
Shadow Dancer leans forward. 'Buron, I strongly suggest you don’t carry on with your line of questioning.'
Aramil nods. 'It’s a problem we can work around, for access to the box.'
Torrent’s arms are straight through tension, she just manages to voice through clenched teeth.
'DON’T. DO. ANYTHING. CONSPICIOUS!'
Mikal shrugs and gives it a stir. 'It’s not conspicuous. Blatant, but not conspicuous.'
Torrent and Buron do not look in any way, shape or form amused.
At the end of his rope, Buron turns to Torrent. 'I thought you would have been able to control your own cell!'
Badger raises a pale hand. 'Let’s not discuss this in public. Gentleman you have the box. What have you done about the assassins?'
'Working on that now.' Aramil gladly answers Badger.
'We had to get the box before we could work on those.' Adds Mikal.
'Would knowing they have been here a week help?' offers Shadow.
Badger eyes him. 'What else do you know?'
'The Zamans are aware they are here.'
Badger nods. 'Interesting.' He explains 'Generally speaking the Zamans only tell us what they want us to hear. Half of it is lies.'
Outside Boomer arrives at the temple and in the stairwell finds Bomilcar at the door.
'Ah Bomilcar! Having a discussion in there are they?' Boomer asks slyly.
Bomilcar nods curtly.
'Not listening are you?' he continues.
Bomilcar shakes his head expressionless.
'They didn’t send out anyone else?'
Bomilcar shakes his head again.
'I think you should accompany me to the common room.' Boomer smiles and nods agreeably.
The giant of a man agrees. 'In the interests of cooperation between our two covert bodies I’ll accompany you.'
'Thanks!' Mikal’s voice is clearly heard from behind the door.
Boomer leads Bomilcar away to a common room and has half orc guards keep an eye on him.
They have orders to come find Boomer if need be.
'You do know you sent him to listen at the door?' Mikal looks at Buron.
Buron glares. 'Mikal get out! Just get out! All of you just get OUT!'
At this Boomer enters. 'Which idiot just told him to stand outside the door?'
Buron erupts completely. 'GET OUT!'
___________________oOo___________________
The party leave for the relative safety and calm of the common room to find some heat and refreshments. In the stairwell Mikal asks 'Quick question. Has anyone noticed anyone following or anything strange or magical with Bomilcar?'
Dara explains about the snow and the strange creatures following their movements.
Mikal asks if the rat or crow was at the same time.
'Separately.' Dara is sure.
'It could be one creature taking two forms or many.' Mulls Shadow.
'Next time you see either of them give us a sign.' Aramil asks.
___________________oOo___________________
On entering the common room some people can’t help but angle for some fun.
'Ah! There you are Bombastic!' Boomer grins.
'BOMILCAR.' Bomilcar looks at Boomer.
'Hello Bobblehat.' Mikal joins in.
'Bamboozel.' Laughs Shadow.
'Oh. You were addressing me?' Bomilcar looks round at them. 'I thought you were addressing the others. You haven’t introduced yourselves.'
At this they give in and make their introductions.
In the common room while having a rest, drying off and having refreshments, discussion forms over other ways to get to the Lyceum. First of all they need to get out the city. Mikal suggests leaving through the Eastern gate and then travelling South.
It is pointed out that only people with approved passes can exit through the gates and as Bomilcar explains Gate Pass has descriptions and sketchings of all Zamans in the city for immigration control so this will make things tricky.
As they are speaking Boomer detects a very faint glow coming from the cat’s eye gem in the pommel on Bomilcar’s sword- a scrying gem. He observes that it’s faint and muted, musing that this is probably because it is inactive. Boomer decides to tell Aramil about this as soon as he can.
Aramil focuses people’s attention by summing up where they stand currently. 'We have the box, the Zamans are on-side,' He nods at Bomilcar. 'we are being surveyed, we need a writ to exit the city, Diogeanese is the highest placed person in the city we know, and there is an Arcanis cell trying to kill high up people in Gate Pass.'
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