Tellius: Interlude #3

Cathy nods slowly and replies quietly.

"Yes, I am interested.

But I also think that if we need a change of strategy, we should try to convince the Apostle to support it too. Otherwise just risk loosing the whole war by infighting. Even if Sephiran is still using her, she is has a good heart and is not immune to good arguments."

"At one time, we lived with them, yes. However, as time passed, tensions grew between Laguz and Beorc. We left, and retreated to our home forest. We were willing to speak with others, and some of us did travel, but... Herons are highly attuned to the natural world. Serenes was, and is, a spiritually rich and balanced location. Perfect for us in other words."

Good girl... She is learning very well.

"Agreed. If you were anything particularly interesting, would you please inform me?"

"No. Serenes was unique, to the best of my knowledge. There were a plethora of factors that allowed it to be restored, and it was no easy task, even then."

Ahhh. Well then, his reaction should be interesting. Though I imagine news if traveling ahead of our group, so he is likely already aware that I am here.

They have cavalry? I'm not being facetious but last I heard, Begnion's cavalry was basically a rather individualistic knight tradition - which, I don't really count as cavalry. I know I helped organize some during the war (but, as I recall, many stayed in Crimea). Have they stuck around in some organized fashion?

Eh.

It'd also be a burden since units would have to be left to guard the city. Begnion soldiers might not be willing to lay siege, but I wager they'd feel free to march in without a good deterrence.

Well, that's true, but I'm not sure the statement helps all that much given that one of the points of contention is over the Apostleship.

That would be ... a week? Two weeks? A month? More?

I shrug. Several Senators can possibly be approached through... appeals to self-interest, essentially. They are also the 'followers' of this rebellion. However, that leaves two Senators who are pushing it and who know that their sentence will be death: Lekain and Numida. They also tend to have access to the larger armies.

Why Numida? It will fit the Black Knight's vaguely established persona more, which, while Medes doesn't care (that's not the point, it's not an appeal to his patriotism anyway; and no, I'm not paying him jack regardless), is a slightly more plausible story that will allow for greater distance between he and the Empress.

Because that's what this war needs - I continue sarcastically - the other side screaming about the Empress consorting with a known Daein general, which is certainly not going to help her position.

This also means that if the Greil Mercenaries can be brought in, they can focus on Lekain and get on with it instead of ... distractions if the Black Knight were to be around.

I suggested Numida because it will help end this war faster, one of the initial reasons stated as his reason to help. Is he actually interested in that still? If not, then I would suggest he needs to leave. There's no point in further war plans with him here in that case.

How big are these streets anyway? Seriously, the city should be a death trap for fliers instead of the other way around. Does Begnion not have mages who can lob lightning bolts? Or archers? You're essentially forcing dracoknights to land in awkward constrained quarters singly or chase your units around the city from the sky, which means the foot units control the battle. If the dracoknight flies close, pincushion / blast the idiot as you please and set up pike ranks.

It's a city. Mobility is limited. There's only a certain number of ways to approach a foot unit that is large enough to not just melt into the alleys and city itself and any foot unit large enough for that is large enough for a good sized 'eff off' contingent.

So, priorities: Octavia, Elincia, and Ike*?

The problem with Ike will be that... Ike really should ask Elincia first since as a lord now, his actions have a bit more political consequence than usual.

See above.

Dryly: throw it at the bad guys. In the middle is a good option.

By the way, I spoke earlier of appealing to some of the Senators. My views on them:

1. Lekain - Head Evil Honcho. No negotiation.

2. Numida - Chief Minion of Head Evil Honcho and probably wants to be King Daien. No negotiation.

3. Hetzel - Has "understanding" with Lekain. I presume this means they have enough mutual blackmail on each other that they support each other's plans as either side can destroy the other (MAD doctrine). He knows it's 'evil' or 'wrong,' but since he doesn't care, the point is moot until or unless we gain a better understanding of the, well, understanding. No negotiation for the moment.

4. Valtome - Power hungry dude who doesn't like laguz. But super power hungry. To him, I'd point out that Lekain won't move on Hetzel because Hetzel's not going to bother to oppose him anyway and probably has enough blackmail to make it dangerous. Numida is Lekain's head supporter and will soon be gaining a boatload of power and resources as Lekain buys him off to essentially chill out in Daein and leave Begnion to Lekain.

If Lekain wins (so Empress secured or dead, Sephiran dead, Teodor probably dead), the first thing he's going to do is consolidate power and crush his major rivals. Valtome will be in a VERY BAD spot. He's going to be the left over major power that's in Begnion. How long does he think he's going to survive, much less keep his position as a Senator in Lekain's Begnion? Grovel enough and Lekain might spare his life - but he sure won't be keeping his power and position.

Now, consider another world. A world in which Lekain and Numida are defeated and executed for treason. They're the ring leaders. They have to be. Sephiran, well, maybe he makes it back in time to influence anything or maybe not. In any case, there would at the very least be a need for a new Vice Prime Minister and maybe even a Prime Minister. Certainly, the Empress is not impressed that what is essentially a gigantically overreacted Senatorial bitch fight between Sephiran and Lekain that has spilled over to an actual rebellion against her when one of the main raison d'etre isn't even there. In that world, Daein would need a new Governor and with only a few loyal Senators, the ones who saw the right path, with the proper ... qualifications.

I don't know. Something like that. Of course, Valtome is (slimy, creepy), well, power hungry with all that implies and no, that's not really a good combination to become a good governor although, I will note you'd only imply rather than promise. You can't trust him but it should be easy enough to get a handle on him (as in, predict how he's going to react).

5. Seliora - Point out (in a nicer more politic fashion) he's a giant hypocrite. For someone who follows the goddess, he is remarkably quick to resort to war - without even attempting to discuss it in a peaceful manner - and ignores the fact that his own ally contravened Apostle Misaha's Proclamation - and as far as I know, no one's ever proclaimed that Misaha's not an Apostle. This isn't morality relativity, after all, and the very fact that Seliora can decide what claims are more important seems to indicate that he claims he knows the Goddess better than the Goddess herself.

More to the point, Sanaki has always been told by the Senators - including YOU - that she's been the Apostle. It's very understandable why she wouldn't believe someone who blithely claims it just before trying a military coup. It doesn't seem like a claim made in fact but one that is made for self-interest. IF she is not the Apostle, the fault and sin lies with the Senators for lying in the first place, again including Seliora. What? You lie for 10+ years then pin it on the person who, by definition, was too young to know otherwise. When we talk of someone who had tried to do the right thing, Sanaki is the only one here. Empress Sanaki has never claimed to issue any proclamations from the Goddess other than to enforce those of the previous Apostles. She has never lied intentionally.

Regardless of the dispute over the Apostleship, the Empress is the confirmed ruler of Begnion. If the words had any basis in fact, there should have been a calm, rational discussion with Sanaki, followed by a thorough investigation. Engaging in a military coup, starting a civil war, like Lekain - and Seliora by association - has done is such a remarkably flagrant violation of Ashera's words that it's a wonder Seliora's hypocrisy doesn't just smack him in the face every morning.

Just some rather blunt thoughts. Phrase it more politely. Hire Volke to deliver the messages secretly or something.

Right. I’m a bit unsure how to go about this...

So, your plan is to actually get inside the manor? Do you mind if I ask what Schrodinger’s actual goal is?

(Stalling for time while thinking this through, go!)

“Do you really think she’d agree to – “

He pauses. “Hear me out first. If you don’t like my idea, go and tell the Apostle everything and you can all just assume the Black Knight was trying to trick you into sabotaging your own side or something.”

He gestures behind him. Obviously he would rather talk in private. It might make you more comfortable to note that since he gave Alondite to the Apostle, he has no visible weapons.

She will remember to.

Probably.

After some time travelling and asking questions, your party reaches the Nathiya, and just as planned, you barter passage north to Hataresis. The terrain has progressively been getting more lush, but it was still mostly dry until you reached the river. The banks of the Nath are green and verdant, and fields of crops spread both sides. Villages cluster amid the fields, while barges float up and down the river, carrying grain and other supplies for the markets. As Davin explained, the rivers are the lifeblood of Hatary. This one is the Green Nath, the agricultural breadbasket of the nation. Crops are grown along the other rivers as well, but this is the major one.

After four days of travel north on the river, you come to the city of Hataresis. It sits neatly wedged in between the river and the hills. The river forks just south of Hataresis itself (flowing into the Green and Red Naths), and there’s ample traffic going each way. The most striking thing about the capital from a distance, though, is the walls. They rise orange and red into the sky, enclosing the city neatly. The waterfront is the exception, but even so there is a small curtain wall dividing the docks from the rest of the city. At the highest point of the city is a red stone structure halfway between keep and palace. This, presumably, is where the queen of Hatary holds court.

(Here is a picture for inspiration.)

News travelled fast. You arrive in mid morning, and there are crowds at the docks.

Soren visibly winces at the attention, and Lethe doesn’t look like she’s keen to try to bring you through the city unmolested either. Fortunately for both of them, the crowds are kept in order by uniformed guards. The crest on their tunics shows a stylised eye on a dark blue background. This is not the same crest that the soldiers in the villages wore; Davin explains that the eye is the symbol of the queen’s house.

The guards keep the crowd back, and when you disembark, the leader – a beorc with a short, trim beard and mail that’s obviously been polished today – greets you, clasping his left hand to his chest in salute. “On behalf of Queen Nailah, the Victory of Hatary, we welcome you to Hataresis. The queen and the Council of Four wish to meet you as soon as possible. Shall we escort you to the palace now, Prince Kethram? You have been offered lodging there as well.”

Yes, they have cavalry. They’re not as good as Crimean or Daein cavalry and are mostly used for scouting or for carrying messages for nobles too poor to afford flyers for the task, but they exist. And Zelgius is a combined-arms sort of general who appreciates that cavalry are useful.

A month, perhaps.

Well, he wants to end the war, yes, but – and he laughs a bit explaining this – he was hoping you’d forget that part and offer him something first.

Medes thinks for a moment and suggests a proposal. He will kill Numida, in order to end the war more quickly, on one condition. Well, two, really. He wants a duel with you; and a duel with Sigrun. No magic armour or weapons allowed for either combatant. He has heard that you have been sparring with people, and – he says with a wry, almost-mocking grin – he felt left out.

Begnion has a lot more light mages than anima, and they’re not as effective against flyers, never mind that pegasi have a natural resistance to magic. Most of Begnion’s anima mages tend to use fire as well, because that’s been the most useful element historically, when fighting Gallia.

As for the streets, it’s not so much that they’re going to land in the think of it, but flyers can jump from courtyard to plaza to other open area and smash any larger concentration of troops; and there’s always the good old stand-by of flying overhead and dropping things. Wyverns tend to be better at that than pegasi.

That makes sense. Regarding Ike and asking Elincia: why do you think they wanted you to ask Elincia for her support again?

All so noted. They will of course make the suggestions a bit more diplomatic as well. It might help to offer Valtome a bribe to sweeten the deal as well; that would just insult Seliora.

What about offering Hetzel a pardon for anything or everything in his past in exchange for defection? Viable, do you think, or too dangerous?

His thinking is covert on-site recon. Ideally, this would involve slipping in via the servants' entrance or, better yet, a dark window somewhere. Locating the study belonging to the owner. Then going through whatever papers and such it might contain. Or any other clues as to just what Eldred is up to, exactly.

If the situation allows, eavesdropping may occur.

If something particularly interesting or dire is uncovered, I might seek out Eldred himself, tie him up, and attempt an interrogation. But that's the extreme option.

Ideally, nobody should even know I was ever there in the first place.

Since I'd mentioned his background in Nevassa involved quite a bit of second-story work, meaning relatively quiet breaking and entering to steal stuff, this shouldn't be too much of a problem. Hopefully.

Honestly, though, it's mostly fishing. Eldred's mansion is simply the most obvious target at the moment.

And hey, if I do manage to find some incriminating paperwork as to why he's looking for the silver-haired songstress? I might just slip it to Olev and let my two problems take care of one-another.

Scouting and messenger is pretty individual though. I actually meant cavalry as in a cavalry formation. Anyway, it's not a big deal.

I deadpan. My gratitude.

Why, I never knew he was available to spar with.

I would like a confirmation: duel as in a spar or duel as in to the death? Given those limitations, I expect it is the former but his comments earlier seemed to indicate a different view on matters.

(While I do have confidence in my abilities, neither am I foolhardy to believe there would be no risk in the latter. I would have to think harder on whether to accept in the former case on the calculated benefits vs risk.)

If it's a spar, I'm up for it. I can't speak for Sigrun obviously. That being said, I'll probably need to borrow a regular spear then.

Fire should be fine against wyverns. And I'm not hearing anything about archers here...

Dropping things is one thing (although I note, you have to be able to fly into a position to drop things while dodging a ton of flack coming at you). A flier formation attacking a group on the move from unconventional angles, taking advantage of their greater mobility - okay. A flier formation attacking a large troop concentration that has fortified? Assuming this infantry group just needs to hold the plaza... I'm confused. Obviously, I am not anything near an expert on either infantry tactics or flier tactics, but that would seem like a horrible trade off and one that doesn't play much to flier advantages.

Attacking from the sky should invite a deluge of arrows and fireballs. Wyverns aren't particularly agile on the ground and should also invite arrows and pike formations. I know Crimea had a lot of trouble with the initial strike of the Daein wyvern knights so I probably don't have much credibility on this issue - but I will say, their biggest problem for us was mobility. They avoided our main troop concentrations, including many of our archer corps which had been called out to the field army HQ, to strike at the areas behind the front lines and let the infantry slug it out. The dracoknights themselves acted independently as raiders and hitting relatively less defended areas and in large scale battles, as support and part of a combined arms doctrine.

I'm honestly curious. I'm not saying that it can't happen or can't be done but given the rather scarcer unit numbers, first, it seems hard to 'destroy' fortified infantry* and second, even if it happened, the trade off in loss of life among the fliers even in the case of infantry destruction would seem to make it a Pyrrhic victory. This seems like something that can only be done once on the part of the fliers.

So, I know we have brilliant commanders in infantry, pegasi knights, and dracoknights here - I incline my head at them in turn as I name them - so, I'm honestly curious. What am I missing?

Speaking of that, do they have warp powder? Lots of it? Because if I have to ride back to Crimea to talk and then come back, that's going to take (relatively) forever. Certainly, I won't be back in any timeframe close to how long it'll take for this city fight to be decided one way or another.

Sounds about right. I'm sure Empress Sanaki, Senator Teodor, and Lady Sigrun would know better how to handle this.

First, offering blank checks to people is usually a pretty bad idea. This mutual blackmail has to be pretty darn big if Hetzel is willing to back Lekain and when I think on it, there are really only a couple things that are HUGE enough that participation would be like a giant anchor tying two rather ideologically different Senators together. Granted, baseless suspicions at the moment...

I'd also suggest that if any pardon is offered, that there's a reciprocal demand for revelation as to the specifics on the understanding and the reasoning, which would, no doubt, implicate Lekain.

It's viable - I guess - but it seems to indicate a position of weakness to offer it now as opposed to, after a major victory or something. I'd recommend keeping this a card in reserve and of course, trying to figure out the 'understanding.'

"Were you always that cynical?" Cathy says and grins.

"Lets have a nice and private talk. This war will need more than a few sane strategies to end without burning a nation down... or two or three. As long as people can talk with each other, there is hope."

Cathy is not convinced that not having his sword makes the Black Knight that much less deadly for her, but it sounds like a good chance to 'get out before you get killed' if necessary.

Any issues with bartering for transport?

I become noticeably more energetic as the land grows more green and healthy. Movement becomes quicker, though still refined and elegant, while I continue to charm the locals, pouring myself into making the best impression possible. While on the ship, I ask Davin and Ashasa for everything they know about local customs, particularly any relating to meeting the rulers, memorizing and practicing everything at night.

Impressive. Very nice indeed.

"The Queen's guard? They seem to be very good at their job." I note, looking glancing at the crowd. "Well then, shall we go?" I inquire, stepping out, to disembark,, every inch a Serenes prince, back straight, arms folded, clothing and form immaculate. (Go Ring!)

I nod to him politely as he greets me. "I thank you for your kind welcome. We are honored." I reply, my well trained voice smooth, warm and polite. "Please, lead us to Queen Nailah, and the Council of the Four. We would not wish to make them wait on our account."

(Quick response now. I will get to everyone today.)

He raises an eyebrow. "Are you flirting with me?"

(To be clear, Cathy's talk with Medes occurs after he is done talking to Kaylin.)

Then he takes you outside, and scans the area to make sure there are no eavesdroppers. Then he sits down and explains:

"Here's the problem. Sephiran created this war. How do you think Lekain 'proved' Sanaki was an impostor anyway? Why are the sides so evenly stacked? Near as I can see, the war has two purposes. First of all, like Ashnard's war, it's going to explode in size and awaken the dark god, or at least make Lehran's Medallion blaze brightly enough for Sephiran to find it again. Secondly, it's going to distract everyone. Sanaki is actually a second daughter. Lekain's technically right about her. Doesn't matter to me, but it does to Sephiran, because the real Apostle - Sanaki's older sister, you follow - has the power to use a galdr and release the dark god. Sephiran wants to find her, but he's not the only one. He wants a free hand to search out the true Apostle."

Medes shrugs. "Anyway, the point is that both of those mean that he wants the civil war to be evenly matched, to drag on for a long time, and to spread to other nations. And Zelgius is Sephiran's agent. The head general on Sanaki's side is going to be secretly try to prolong the war. Obviously no one will believe me if I say this, but something needs to be done about him anyway. We want to stop the war or at least make it as short as possible."

"You heard the planning in there. I'm going to go and deal with Numida, try and cut down on the number of enemies you have. It might just be time for Daein to rebel. The Black Knight's a symbol; once he takes down Numida, it won't be that hard to convince the Daeins to rise up. Kick Begnion out, probably slow down the Senate a bit. Meanwhile, we need something to be done about Zelgius, so here's what I suggest. I've still got some of Sephiran's resources: I can give you warp powder so you can get around. You go and get the evidence we need. I'll take you to Sephiran's library as a starting point. Look through his stuff and find proof of what he's been doing. It won't be easy: he's not stupid enough so as to leave evidence just lying around, and he'll have traps and guards. You might be able to prove Zelgius' guilt as well. Like you said, Sanaki's a smart girl. Show her what Sephiran and Zelgius are up to and she will act."

He thinks for a moment. "I know you don't have much reason to believe me. Look: the Black Knight is a hero to the people of Daein. Once I deal with Numida, I'll see what I can do about the laguz issue up there. It might not help much, but maybe I can take the edge off."

Ashasa has never met them before. Davin has seen the council, technically. He hasn't talked to them, but in general: be polite, but not subservient. They do not expect you to kowtow or prostrate yourself before them. Instead, stand up straight and be honest. It shows that you respect them. Courtly games, tricks, flattery, etc., all show disrespect, as they would imply that you don't think the rulers will appreciate a fair argument or that you think they're vain and selfish. There is such a thing as being too blunt, but they will appreciate openness and straightforwardness. Show confidence in yourself and in the strength of your views. That's the most important thing.

This was the original picture I linked.

The guards are well-organised and move you through the city at a quick pace. You pass through several arched gates on the way, and head through a wide marketplace, where the guards have to work particularly hard to make headway.

After some time you reach the palace. The entrance is a wide set of stairs leading to a balcony, in front of a large plaza. Several guards will show your companions to quarters where they can stay. The council have asked to see you alone. The main hall is just up the stairs and inside.

Assuming you're okay with this, you head in and see only four figures. The main hall is not as large as the halls of Gallia or Phoenicis - you get the impression that general audiences are more often held outside, in the plaza - but they still seem dwarfed by the chamber.

The first is Nailah, the wolf queen. (Close-up picture.) She's immediately identifiable, as she is the only wolf laguz in the room. Even if she weren't, you think she'd stand out anyway. She is a large and powerful woman, with a confident stance and strong gaze. Swirling tattoos criss-cross most of her body that you can see. Contrary to the pictures I just linked, she is wearing a full body garment, with an ornate golden necklace and a sweeping maroon cloak. She is wearing an eyepatch, however. It's just as well-made as the rest of her clothing, but the maroon swatch covers her right eye neatly. Your empathy reads very little from her, but she radiates an aura of strength and pride. She is in her element here and she fears nothing... though she is a little curious about you.

To her side is the person you were waiting for: Rafiel. He's dressed in neat, white robes decorated with gold thread, and his wings are neatly folded by him. He inclines his head politely to you as you enter. Despite outwardly seeming reserved, you can feel him reaching out to you with his empathic sense. His mind is open to you, but not through ignorance or lack of self-control. It's obvious that he is deliberately being open, inviting you to share experiences. Much as he looks cool and unmoved on the outside, inside he's filled with joy and with a sense of relief. It has been decades since he saw another heron, or was able to speak mind-to-mind. Encountering a heron again at last is like the first rain after decades of drought. How open is your mind to his in response? Are you guarding your thoughts and closing your mind off, or are you letting him look at you? And if Kethram is letting Rafiel see his mind, what is Kethram thinking and feeling?

The other two are strangers. There is a Branded who must be Kadur, the weaver; winner of the Trial of Labour. Kadur looks like he's just starting to approach middle age, but considering how long Branded live, he could be much older. He wears an impeccably made and decorated tunic and high boots, and an equally ornate mantle, but most striking is the red Brand on his forehead. He shows no sense of shame about it; in fact, he doesn't seem conscious of it at all. His thoughts are straightforward curiosity. He is not sure what to make of you and has decided to reserve judgement. He is not so naive as to think that all herons will be the same as Rafiel. Lastly, there's a relatively elderly beorc man. From Davin's explanation, this must be Erantes, winner of the Trial of Fortune. His thinning hair is quite silver and he leans on a cane. There's a sense of curiosity from him as well, with a little undercurrent of impatience. Erantes thinks the fame given to herons is, at best, a little overblown, and he intends to judge you based on your personality and actions, not your species.

Nailah is the first one to speak, raising a hand to you in welcome. "Word of your arrival precedes you, Prince Kethram. Welcome to Hatary."

Cathy laughs. "No, I think I do not... but its refreshing to learn more about the black armor clad warrior we had to fight in the Mad Kings war."

Cathy looks thoughtful for a moment.

"Does this mean this Galdr is necessary, or is it just a shortcut if he cannot stir up a war large enough to do it on its own? Its interesting that Sanaki's sister still lives, but either she is not aware about her heritage or she just doesn't care about it."

"I am not really convinced about Zelgius, but I agree on your second point. Nobody will believe you, but anyways we need to find more ways to make this war shorter. If we only push along a single path, we become much more easily to predict... or controlled by an outside puppet master."

"I like this idea... the whole situation in Daein feels for me like a new war in its orphan stage. When we stopped Ashnard, I hoped that some people would help Daein to get over all this damage and the knowledge that their own damned king abandoned them in a fight he didn't really planned to win. Instead, they got given away to a corrupt Senator that only sees the whole country as a good way to squeeze out some more wealth and power for him."

Cathy blinks a few times while she thinks through this suggestion and then nods.

"I think this is a good idea, and I think the Apostle will agree that we need to look into the truth behind Sephirans behavior. But keep in mind I will try to dig for what is happening there, neither only looking for proves that Sephiran is guilty or not. *she sighs* If we really uncover what is going on, it will hurt a lot of people I think. Do you know the saying about Truth being a three edged sword?"

"Like I said, I am okay with the idea that the Daeins throw out Numida. If we ever want to have a chance to stop this series of wars, they need time to heal their wounds. I know they won't become friends of Laguz anytime soon, but it would be a good start if they are occupied with something positive instead of building up pressure for the next explosion."

Then Cathy grings for a moment.

"Oh, if you really spar with Kaylin and Sigrun, I would like to delay my leaving if possible to see it. Might be very instructional to watch this!"

Hmm. I will have to modify my behavior a bit. All right. I'll thank Davin for his advice, and consider this...

Still impressive!

I do examine the city as we pass through it, curious about how it is built, and laid out.

Hello paranoia sense. No, I will not give them any trouble about going alone.

"Ahh. This one is dangerous. Perhaps. More time will be needed to determine her level of threat. Chances of conflict occurring are low however."

"Brother..." I return his gesture, features smooth, paying no more attention to him outwardly than the others. "Decision time Kethram. What do you do? Rafiel is reaching out to you. Can you really be so cruel as to deny him? But... If you do, he will know how monstrous you truly are. I should have sent Reyson or Leanne for this."

After a moment of internal struggle I let him in. "The others already know about me, so it is suitable he does as well."

As for my thoughts? Joy that he is alive and well is the most prominent by far."Rafiel is well. Good. I know what all the people of Hatary said but... it is good to see him with my own eyes."

Beneath that, a tired fear as I wait to see his reaction to my mind. "I should not be here. I should have sent Reyson or Leanne. He would have been ecstatic to see them, and they are not tainted as I am."

Another section of my mind continues to work threat assessments on the others in the room, along with escape paths if matters go badly. I don't even really think about this. I am just so used to doing it, that it is automatic. "Nailah is the most obvious threat. She faced the Black Knight and drove him away. The best option in case of conflict is to stay at range, or make use of powerful barriers. Rafiel's knowledge and skill of Galdr are most likely extensive. The best option is again use of barriers. Kadur...insufficient information. Stay at range. Threat rating low, unless he wields magic by starting estimate. Erantes. Insufficient information. Same threat rating as Kadur."

And, of course, a running undercurrent for all of them, as my mind continues to work of various inventions and problems. "Medical stone... Third note rune will increase range... Lowers effectiveness of healing by...Compromise with Fourth no... Heating... Viable mass production for Laguz tri... Time constraints. Trained apprentices for physical shape... Liquid fire...increased duration and splash... Increase amount of sulf... Barrier magic... power unacceptable. Modify weave by... increase level of sophistication on... carving detail. Improved tools... Cursed Elixer. Effect madness on... Modification for cure, successful... Further study, warranted... Towers...Mirrors...light refraction making use of... Desert crossing...Trivial...Mass transport...Waypoint system... Enhanced gear... Drought... Spirits dying, angry. Travel to... Will die without... Possible? Should be... Effects? Insanity, or death if fai...

Interesting. Fair enough.

I sweep into a carefully measured bow, respectful, but not subservient, before standing straight, arms folden in my robes.. "You honor me with your welcome Queen Nailah. I have heard much of you, and the Council of Four, while traveling. I offer my apologies for any inconvenience my presence has caused. I did not intend to cause such a disturbance when I entered Hatary."

(I’m probably going to be pretty busy the next few days, so expect updates to be slow. I’m moving ahead with Manda quickly because I have the most prepared for him and it's the easiest. )

You sense a moment of hesitation from Rafiel. He looks at you, and he sees that you are scarred. The smallest hint of a frown crosses his face.

A flash of terror strikes his mind, but he controls it and it passes as soon as it came. You feel his sorrow, and then it too dissipates. Then it’s as if a floodgate has opened in his mind and all he can feel is sympathy. This feeling, however, seems to last.

”I am sorry for your pain, brother. But I see you are already healing.” For a moment Rafiel wars with himself, and then sends you the thought: ”If you wish it, I will do everything I can to help you.”

Kadur steps forward to speak, glancing at Nailah first to make sure she doesn’t mind. (She doesn’t.)

“Pardon my bluntness, Prince Kethram, but disturbances are rather the issue. We will fete and celebrate you later, I’m sure, but I see little need to waste time. You mark the third time the desert has been crossed in recent memory, and you have come with a large and well-armed group. We have spoken to Rafiel a great deal, and we interviewed the stranger Medes many years back, and we know that there are many nations on the other side of the desert, some considerably larger and more powerful than Hatary. We also know that their Goddess religion would consider our ways to be abomination, and that the nearest country to the other side, Daein, loathes my kind and the laguz with an intensity that borders on madness. Their King Ashnard seems a madman, and our most recent news suggested he was preparing an invasion force, but with no clear target. Us, perhaps?”

He frowns thoughtfully. “You have come at an opportune time. We have been considering what to do about the nations beyond the desert for some time. You might be able to provide us with more recent information. Your brother was much loved, and your journey, by all accounts, has been peaceful, but I’m sure you understand that we can’t count on the goodwill of strangers forever. If Daein or Begnion should send soldiers, we would like to be prepared.”

Rafiel coughs politely. “If I may, councilor Kadur, I do not think that we should treat my brother as a source of information or a strategic weapon. He is a visitor and a friend.”

“Of course,” Kadur murmurs. “Forgive my rudeness,” he says to you. “I merely wished to make our position clear.”

Then Rafiel turns to you and explains: “Many of the people of this land are afraid. They knew nothing of other nations before my coming. Understandably, they fear the unknown. My companions hope that you can help calm our fears.”

Another message comes to you in Rafiel’s thoughts. The fear of invasion distracts them from the spirit crisis. I would welcome your aid with the drought.

Nailah claps once and regards Rafiel and Kadur with a hint of disapproval. “Really, you two?” she asks, surprisingly casual. “We can hardly ask Kethram to do anything on Hatary’s behalf before he knows about us!”

She strides forward and extends her hand towards you. “The wolves, at least, welcome you. I for one will not ask anything of you until you know our people, and are can decide for yourself.”

Throughout this exchange, Erantes has just been watching you and the others carefully.

"I think you have been harmed as well, though you have healed better, brother. We have much to discuss, should you be willing, with one such as I."

I listen calmly as they speak, nodding at points. "Of course, brother. I have already begun work on the issue, but I was hoping to confer with you, regarding the situation."

(As I am reading it, she is offering to shake hands/arm clasp. If I misunderstand from the dialogue let me know.)
I accept the offer of her hand, unfolding my arms, and extending my hand as well. "You do me great honor, Queen Nailah. I thank you for the kindness of you and your tribe." I smile softly. "I must admit, I am quite interested in learning more of Hatary. Thus far, I have found it quite enjoyable."

"If you wish however, I can certainly provide you with information a bit more up to date, to help ease your concerns." I state after a moment, giving them a moment to accept or not.

(Should they agree...)

"To start, Ashnard of Daein is dead. The target of his army was Crimea. The attack was sudden and brutal, and it took month of war to beat him, but I was there during the final battle, when he was slain by a alliance of Laguz and Beorc. Daein's power is broken, and the land is occupied by Begnion at this time. The nations are focused on their own, new, balance of power now, and it is exceedingly unlikely any attempt will be made on Hatary. Few know you even exist, and even fewer believe it is possible to cross the desert. To my knowledge, only the Black Knights armor, Medes as you know him, and my creations can be used to easily cross the desert." I respond calmly. "And I have little interest in sharing my knowledge of how to so easily cross the desert, without the permission of Queen Nailah, and this Council."

"Brother, do they know of the Medallion? It was...central to recent events." I inquire, wincing mentally as I remember taking hold of it in Mellior.

"Begnion, Daein, and Crimea will be focused on each other for some time, as there is conflict still brewing between them. I find it unlikely that Crimea would have any interest in bothering Hatary, as they are seeking to improve relations with Laguz. Daeins power is too broken, and too focused on Begnion right now to consider attacking. Begnion is the only true threat, but if they sent the level of forces and resources needed to try and attack across the desert, they themselves would be attacked." I explain politely. "And, the Laguz tribes would have no interest in attacking Hatary."

Fair enough.

Let me try to describe the area for you, then:

First off, this is a wealthy part of the city and the street is wide, with relatively large estates on both sides. Eldred’s manor is surrounded by a decorative iron fence. Enclosed within is a two-storey building and gardens at both the front and the rear. Pathways snake in between the manor’s walls and the fence, leading from front to back gardens. The fence turns inwards and joins the fronting of the manor at the main entrance. Here, you can see a single guard. The rear garden is more elaborate than the front one, with several trees overhanging flowerbeds and two stone benches.

There are three doors to the manor on the ground level. There is the front entrance, with its lone watchman. There are double doors at the rear leading to the larger garden. They are not visibly guarded. Finally there is a more discreet servant’s entrance at one side. It’s not visibly guarded either.

There are windows on both upper and lower levels of the house, some of which show light. On the lower level there’s only a single lit room, quite close to the front entrance. When you watched the guard change-over, it looked like the new guard came from this room. There were lights in the upper windows, but they have since been doused, leaving only the moon and stars to guide your way. The windows themselves are glass – quite an expensive material to use – and look like they can be opened, though they’re fastened from the inside with latches. They might not all be locked, though: you can’t see closely enough.

The upper level is slightly smaller than the lower one, with a single open balcony, facing the rear gardens. The sole magical light in the house looked like it was from the room adjoining the balcony. The eaves of the first floor protrude out, so you could in theory climb around the windows of the upper floor. The roof at the top is sloping and tiled. The trees in the rear garden are tall enough to reach the upper floor, and they do look like they could be climbed, but there are no easy places to clamber from tree to manor house. You could jump, but it would be dangerous to do so unaided.

It’s very difficult to train if you can’t spar without killing each other, Medes says drily.

That said, he does have one rule: live steel only. He does not use training weapons. He thinks a real weapon feels very different to a false one, both physically and psychologically. The element of risk better simulates real combat and heightens a person’s perceptions. Medes does not intend to kill while sparring, but if you fight badly, it is possible you will be wounded or scarred.

Sigrun considers the proposal, and she asks Sanaki for permission before answering. Her duty is to guard the Apostle, after all. She would only fight Medes if Sanaki gave her permission to take the risk. Of course, Sanaki does so... though she does also order to Sigrun to win.

Sigrun can hardly refuse an imperial order! She will duel with Medes, as he wishes. And she will follow the Apostle’s orders to the letter.

Begnion archers aren’t all that good, sadly. Not compared to Crimeans or Daeins. Zelgius will of course try to use them to their full effect, but he doesn’t want to rely on them as an effective counter.

That... would be precisely the issue. When you were told that wyverns can fly from courtyard to courtyard and smash troop concentrations, that didn’t mean that they would attack prepared infantry formations. That would obviously be unwise. What they can do is attacked tired soldiers, troops preparing for battle, troops maintaining their equipment or eating, or any other groups that seem easy targets. They can cut off whatever logistics route Zelgius tries to set up through the city, or even pounce on command posts in force.

They have some. The rebel Senate has some as well. In any case, certainly you can use some for your mission.

“I think the war will work even with no galdr, but the consequences would be different. I didn’t quiz Sephiran on how it worked, but he thinks using the galdr would be better, somehow. Maybe the dark god would be angrier to be woken by war?”

Medes shrugs. “As for the sister, I really don’t know. Sephiran wanted me to find her, but I never could.”

“Daein needs a leader,” he agrees. “Or maybe just a regent. Ashnard had enough relatives, there’s probably some distant cousin who can take over.”

“No. The swords I work with have only two edges.”

He has no problems with that, even if it does mean revealing all his secret techniques to you.

”Of course. Always.”

“Thank you,” she says, with a bit of an edge that seems directed at the other councilors.

“What of your companions?” Kadur asks. “Couldn’t they sell your creations, or discover the principles behind them? In any case, surely we cannot be so naive as to imagine that stories will not spread. Once it is known that the desert can be crossed, how long will it be before more adventurers do it, even forging their own protective devices, if needed? You and your friends are one of the first cracks in a dam.”

”I suspected...” Rafiel hesitates, and visions of fear flit through his mind. ”I did not tell the others. They have enough to fear already. They only deny the drought because it is an enemy that they cannot fight. If they knew of a spiritual calamity on the other side of the desert, they might assume that it caused the drought. I have no fear of Daein or Begnion invading Hatary. I fear Hatary invading Daein or Begnion. If they believe that the other nations did this to them, they would seek vengeance, or even to exchange dying Hatary for a new land beyond the desert.”

When he says ‘they’, he is thinking of the other councilors and Hatary’s generals. Not Nailah. That much is obvious. He knows she would do the right thing. ”Perhaps I am paranoid. Hiding the truth... wears on me.”

Kadur nods thoughtfully. Erantes seems about to speak, but Rafiel interrupts softly.

“I vouch for my brother’s trustworthiness. He does not lie, and I do not believe he deludes himself. We are not threatened by the rest of the world.”

He sighs and inclines his head. “Do you remember when I came here? It seemed to me that I had stumbled across a paradise. Hatary is a beautiful land and I was touched to my soul by the kindness and openness of its people. You welcomed me into your midst and I was proud to join you. Please... do not lose yourselves to fear. The world across the desert is not your enemy, no more than I was. Look instead on it as an opportunity. My brother and his companions can help us to reach across the desert not with anger but with understanding and peace. Even in my short visit, I believe we have learned much from each other. How many more wonders will we discover, if we open ourselves up to the people of other countries?”

Nailah’s ears prick up slightly at that, and you see her almost casually brush Rafiel’s sleeve with her left arm. “Rafiel...” she says softly, with gentle censure.

It’s then that you realise: Rafiel was blending a subtle, spoken galdr into his words, intended to calm his listeners and make them more receptive to his message.

He nods, almost imperceptibly, and the galdr fades. Neither Kadur nor Erantes seem to have realised what he was doing.

"Maybe he is not sure the war will be enough... or he wants to awaken whatever is inside the Amulet at a specific time."

"Good... if you couldn't find her, it will be difficult for Sephiran to find her too."

"If you can help them to throw Begnion out, it will help to shorten the war here. And working a little bit on this Laguz hatred in the long run would help too."

"With truth about a specific thing or event its a bit more complicated. There is the truth I believe its true about it, there is the one you believe its true... and there is the truth itself, which might be something different from both."

"I started to take some sword lessons from Tanith, so I am interested in looking at your fight without being occupied to stay alive.

Shall we ask the Apostle about your idea to dig for some truth in Sephiran's past? Or shall we delay it until after your duels?"

I quirk an eyebrow. From 'RAWR NO SPARS' to here in one short conversation.

No surprise there. I just nod.

I consider that. (That's... sort of hot. And scary, I think.) I eye Sigrun's (probably smiling) expression.

Okay. I need a lance then.

Okay. That makes more sense. (But still. Just post sentries on the roofs with sight lines of the streets? Granted, I'm thinking from a Crimean mindset where we have... competent archers. It just doesn't seem as problematic as posed.)

I'll thank Empress Sanaki for the use of the powder. If anyone has any letters they'd want addressed to Crimea (like, oh, say, a letter from Sanaki to Elincia or to Ike and Co. offering a contract, etc.), I am, of course, at their service - within reason.

So, Medes duel?

Hm.

I consider the doors for a moment. Front is right out, due to the guard room being in close proximity. Servants' entrance could be an option, but it's likely either barred or the guards on patrol occasionally slip in there for a bite, a drink, or a piece of serving-girl fluff. Rear doors are nice, big and tempting, but probably latched and very likely barred as well.

Beyond that, doors are nice when you have bribed servants or someone inside, otherwise they're visible from outside the estate and may take too long to breach quietly.

I'd rather try my luck with the windows. Second story work is my stock in trade, after all. Might as well work to my strengths.

I'll circle around to the side of the estate opposite the servants' entrance, check the area, wait for the guard to pass (while timing how long it takes him to complete a circuit), and carefully, if quickly, scale the fence. If I manage this quickly enough and don't hear the guard doubling back or any other commotion, I'll attempt to climb the eaves and get to the second story windows.

While there, I'll find a perch I can rest on easily enough, and while obscured from sight from the ground, and wait for the guard to come around again. After he's gone past, I'll discreetly check the windows on that side for an unlatched one, and if I should fail to find such, I'll withdraw a length of metal wire and attempt to slip it through and unlatch the window with that.

"Interesting..."

"No one in my group has the needed skills to study my work, and learn the principles. And they will be returned to me when we return." I smile faintly. "Do forgive me for sounding arrogant, but there are few that can match my skills as a artificer. Aside from my group, only a handful of people know about this trip. None of which are in Daein, or Begnion. And, I should note, this mission was undertaken in the greatest secrecy, so as to preserve my life, and the life of my kin."

"Worry not. The Medallion is contained. It was a close matter, but... I will explain in more depth when we have more time." I pause, displeasure flickering across my mind. "I will do what I can to assist you in calming them. Neither side of the desert needs a war. Even with my distaste for the beorc kingdoms, I believe violence would be unwise."

"You are as Reyson and Leanne in that, Rafiel. When we have a chance to speak, we can decide what should, and should not, be spoken of to them. But I note your trust in Nailah, and will remember it."

"Very smooth, Rafiel. I almost missed that." I think, taking note of the Galdr, and Nailah's action. "Prince Rafiel speaks the truth. There on none within my mission, or amongst those that know of it, that desire conflict. Indeed, the vast majority would be pleased to find a peace, and friendly civilization."

He frowns. “I was close. Very close. She kept slipping away, as if she knew I was coming.”

He blinks, seemingly amused. “Our different beliefs about what is true aren’t the truth. Wouldn’t it be better to say that the truth is a blade with a single edge, cutting through our prejudices, lies, and opinions?”

“I wouldn’t ask her at all. If you must, tell her that you’re going to search for Sephiran, since he might have been attacked or captured by the rebels.”

“Oh no,” he says, monotone. “You might think I’m a hypocrite. Whatever will I do?”

(Blame that on me, not Zelgius or Sigrun.)

Of course. The next day you will be delivered a bundle of official Begnion correspondence.

Yep. Zelgius is not very happy about indulging Medes like this, but he provides you with a space. Non-magical weapons are plentiful as well. Your match is first, and then Sigrun’s.


Medes picks up a spear to match yours, testing its weight. He glances apologetically at Cathy. “Perhaps we will have a second match afterwards with sword. For this match, I don’t think I’ll be giving Kaylin a reach advantage so easily.”


So, now it is time to roll some dice! Three rolls, as per usual for these matches.

The fence is small and not a major obstacle. Hauling yourself up to the eaves is a little harder, but you’ve tackled harder targets than this in your time. The guard wanders around the manor lazily, obviously not expecting any trouble, and avoiding him is little trouble.


The windows are harder obstacles. All three windows on this side of the top level are securely latched. You think you can get it open, but there’s a slight risk of noise. Could I have a 2D6 roll?

Finally Erantes gets to speak. He asks, “Were you in danger on the other side, then? Is there something we ought to know?”

Rafiel gives off a feeling of vague embarrassment. ”Ah. I… try not to do that.” It’s apparently something of a fight-or-flight reaction for him. When things get tense or he starts to worry about the potential for violence, he instinctively reacts with galdrar to try and calm things down. Nailah has been encouraging him to face other people’s emotions directly, without using galdrar as a shield. He still slips into calming galdrar sometimes when under pressure, though.


He also understands that the others would find his use of galdrar in this way to be offensive. That’s another reason he would rather avoid it.

Cathy grins.

"You are forgetting that she seems to be the real Apostle. So she might hear the Goddess from time to time, no wonder she got a tip you were coming."

"Even the personal version of the truth can hurt a lot. If Sephiran started this war he did it because of a distorted way he perceives the truth, at least I hope so. But still, it hurt everyone a lot."

Cathy thinks about this for a few seconds.

"What do you think about telling her that I am trying to find out why Sephiran is missing. Regardless if he is with us or against us, we need to find out what is going on!"

http://invisiblecastle.com/roller/view/3521480/

2d6 → [6,2] = (8)
Well, that _was_ the major point of waiting with this until the guard was more or less on the other side of the building.
Hopefully, if I do end up making some noise, I'll be able to use the available handholds to stealthily relocate around to the rear face of the estate. Hopefully.

"The Black Knight would be very interested in killing me, if he knew I was alive." I reply calmly. "However, I was careful to arrange matters so that he believes me dead. As such, there should be no worry of annoying assassination attempts."

"Still, you are quite skilled. I am afraid I must admit my skills in that area are not so refined. You should not be embarrassed of such a useful tool." I reply. "You hold high regard for Nailah's opinion I see."

“Possible,” he concedes. “I don’t hold with spirits or gods. They’re unreliable.”

“That’ll work. Just see how far the search takes you. If I’m right it’ll all balance in the end.”

So, back to Sanaki?

Fortunately, the window isn’t quite that difficult, and you manage to get it open with only a little noise. The guard might look up, but hopefully by then you’d be inside anyway.

You climb in through the window and swing it shut behind you. The room you’ve chosen is unoccupied. It seems to be a study, with a bookcase on one side, a writing desk, and several chairs. A low table fills the rest of the space, presumably so that whoever works here can meet business partners or friends. Several papers are on the desk, but its three drawers are locked.

Unfortunately, as it’s night-time, you have difficulty reading any of those papers.

“The Black Knight – Medes?” Nailah asks. You can sense that she almost wishes he would try to assassinate you here, so that she can have another chance to take him down.

”Yes, I do. She is right, in this. Galdrar are useful, but I should not use them to avoid facing the convictions of others.” A feeling of embarrassment floats out from him with that. ”Nailah is a good woman. She saved my life, and I trust her. I ask you to do the same. She has shown me her mind. She will not do so for you. She let down her mental defense for me after I had known her for years, only after she felt she knew me enough to trust me.”

I'll wait a few moments and focus on listening at the window and then the door, to try and determine whether or not anyone is moving around or even present nearby.

Hm ... that would be a bit of a problem. Are there any candles in the room?

And, after I've checked that, and I don't hear any noise from beyond the door, I'll crack that open. Pick the lock on it, if necessary. Is the corridor outside lit? If so, what are they using to light it?

Cathy nods. "Yes, its nice to believe that the Godess is on our side, but I like not to depend on it."

"I hope so... and I will work on it."

OCC: Yes... you can decide if this happens before or after the duel.

"Empress Sanaki, do you have a moment time to spare?"

... (waiting until the Empress has time for Cathy)

"I had an interesting discussion with Medes. Regardless what he said about Prime Minister Sephiran, its true that we lack the knowledge what happened to him. We need to look where he is and if he needs help, he is a very important person in this coming war.

Medes suggested that I should start looking for information about Prime Minister Sephirans situation and he said he would give me enough Warp Powder so I could start looking into this.

I think it could really help us if we learn the truth about his disappearance and don't need to rely on hearsay and rumors.

What do you think about the plan?"