Chapter 5: Blood and Fire

[Jeff]

Do you, that is to say, we, have enough resources...and time...to fight his minions, which he will certainly send before he himself deigns to show himself, while he continues preparing for the-Dark-Six-knows what?"

"What do you have in mind, Inquisitive?"

Lamara shrugs, a half-smile on her face. "I don't expect the man himself to appear, no. But even if one of his incarnations is...it would be something. The first time his forces attacked you in this city, you knew nothing of him. Now you do. And now we do. If it's not Malov, but an imposter, then I am confident he can be snared. If it is him...probably not. The man was a genius. Sick, perhaps, but very dangerous. In either case, the eyes of the court are watching."

She pauses. "Were you to be released right now—"

Lord Dassek interrupts. "They will likely be set free—of all charges, if you give your consent, Lady d'Medani—in the morning. When we are concluded here, I am taking them to Fairhold."

Lamara nods. "All right. So in the morning, without any plan of my suggesting, where would you go? How would you oppose him, without help? If you bring your story to House Deneith, or House Jorasco, you may find help....but in time? We don't know what our enemy is doing or when. All we know is it likely involves Shavarath, and this city."

Have those currently in possession of the book been informed that Malov, or his old compatriots, might be involved in this situation?

Lord Dassek reponds. "I told them what you told me before arriving here. They know that you are claiming the involvement of Malov. So his name, and no doubt the Dark Echelon, will be passed around."

Lamara adds, "The members of the Dark Echelon—a handful of excoriates and career criminals, reallly—were each tracked down and slain before his disappearance two years ago. Any allies our enemy has made this time are entirely new. In fact, Malov's criminal activities those years past never involved the Order of the Emerald Claw. They say the Order has its own agendas, but the Order has been known to hire out its soldiers as mercenaries if the cause is somehow advantageous to said agendas." She scowls distastefully. "They are a zealous lot."

"And is there anything you can tell us about the fires that we have seen in the city? It seems that they have not abated since we were here last."

Lord Dassek looks to Lamara at this question, since he, too, has been away from Fairhaven for a time. She shrugs. "The fourth blaze is being fought right now, I hear. I don't know much about it. Not my case. But...if any inquisitives of my house have been asked to investigate it, I could ask around. Do you think it's related? I don't think starting fires in taverns and private residences is our enemy's endgame."

[Jeff's backup]

"The fourth blaze is being fought right now, I hear. I don't know much about it. Not my case. But...if any inquisitives of my house have been asked to investigate it, I could ask around. Do you think it's related? I don't think starting fires in taverns and private residences is our enemy's endgame."

Condign again motions for attention: "My Lady, I do not know if the fires are part of Malov's plans or not, but they are likely happening for a reason. They may be a diversion. Or possibly a test, to see from what parts of the city the responders come and what parts are most vulnerable to attack during an emergency. Can I assume that the fires have been started in disparate parts of the Fairhaven?"

[Darren]

Kal clears his throat. "If I understand the magic behind Malov's plans, he wishes to draw Shavarrath closer to our plane, possibly INTO our plane. As everyone knows, Shavarrath is a plane where warfare is a constant. These arsons, these acts of violence, may be a manifestation of Malov's plan beginning to work." Kal sits back with a grin. "It's also possible that he's just trying to distract the authorities from what he's really doing."

[Ken]

"I don't pretend to know much about military tactics," says Belarin. "Well, actually I do when it's convenient. But I'd like to suggest that Malov may have allies within the court. At one point, I had Lady ir'Turien convinced for a precious few seconds that I was an adviser to Prince Adal, with full knowledge of her plans -- yes, I can be very convincing, Lady Lamara." He pauses to glare teasingly at Kal. "And before the ruse fell apart, she sputtered in a panic that such knowledge was impossible -- her connections would have told her of Adal's suspicions.

"Anyway, my point is that if you do set up a lure in the palace, you may catch a big fish."

[Jeff's backup]

Kal said:

"If I understand the magic behind Malov's plans, he wishes to draw Shavarrath closer to our plane, possibly INTO our plane. As everyone knows, Shavarrath is a plane where warfare is a constant. These arsons, these acts of violence, may be a manifestation of Malov's plan beginning to work."

Condign sits forward a little and places both hands upon the table with his palms flat against the wood. "Excellent point, my lord. That is something to consider. Tell me, when planes of existence intersect, is it like a spearhead thrust into a target, or, more like two shields colliding and scraping together?"

Belarin said:

"And before the ruse fell apart, she sputtered in a panic that such knowledge was impossible -- her connections would have told her of Adal's suspicions."

Turning to Belarin, the tiefling continues: "Yes, my lord, having an informant in your enemy's camp is an excellent tactic. More so, you often send several informants, each one unknown to the others, so that if one were caught then he would not be forced to reveal the indentities of the others and information will continue to flow." He turns toward Lamara and Lord Dassek. "But that tactic cuts both ways, if the informants are intentionally fed misinformation."

[Jeff]

Condign:

"Can I assume that the fires have been started in disparate parts of the Fairhaven?"

The half-elf nods at Condign, her gaze lingering on him for a moment, glancing briefly at the horns that sweep back from his head. "More or less. A house fire in a residential district, a hospice in the Sovereign Ward, and a tavern. Seemingly unrelated, but as you say, perhaps a distraction. But a foolish one, if so. Such acts invite investigation. They're consistant enough to make the authorities look closer...which I'd think Malov would not want them to do."

Kal:

"It's also possible that he's just trying to distract the authorities from what he's really doing."

"That's what the, uhh, thiefling just said," Ralsor says, meaning no disrespect by the mispronunciation but still slurred in his speech.

Condign:

Tell me, when planes of existence intersect, is it like a spearhead thrust into a target, or, more like two shields colliding and scraping together?"

"More like the latter," Lamara answers instead. The planes influence Eberron when they come near. They overlap, neither becoming the other. But the magic you're talking about is incredible. Malov was a genius arcanist, but I have trouble believing he can move planes about. That's almost absurd. But bringing a portion...perhaps."

[Jeff]

At the talk of an enemy in the court, Lord Dassek scowls. "Tread carefully when you consider accusations you make before the Queen's representatives. I have followed your story thus far, but I haven't heard anything that proves Malov has the influence to sway the court's loyalties. Queen Aurala was personally affronted by Malov's actions against the nation years ago. If you truly oppose him, you may find an ally in her. But do not try her patience with something you are not absolutely certain of."

[Josh]

"Yes, I think it would be best for all of us," Grafth says, looking at Kalarian, "to simply endure whatever we must deal with tomorrow, answer their questions simply and without speculation or bravado, and then continue on with our own line of inquiries later."

[Darren]

Kal shrugs and smiles innocently.

[Ken]

Sept 6, 2009 14:52:30 GMT -4 Jeff said:

At the talk of an enemy in the court, Lord Dassek scowls. "Tread carefully what accusations you make before the Queen's representatives. ... Queen Aurala was personally affronted by Malov's actions against the nation years ago. If you truly oppose him, you may find an ally in her. But do not try her patience with something you are not absolutely certain of."

"Oh, believe me, I have NO intention of raising that topic within the palace," says Belarin, practically chuckling at the thought. "I mention it simply so that wise, experienced observers of court intrigue -- such as you and Lady Lamara -- WILL be on the lookout for it. I prefer the shadows, especially after a night of drinking."

[Joe]

"Perhaps we should be inquiring as to Shavarath's location, for want of a better phrase. If I recall my arcana correctly, and please correct me if I am wrong, there might be small pockets, or points, where the planes might intersect more strongly. For example, I have heard rumors of a powerful are located deep within the Eldeen itself and some have speculated that Cyre found itself the vicimt of such an intersection of planes. This is, of course, all rumor and conjecture, but if there is even a grain of truth, we might be able to locate Malov himself. I cannot imagine such magic can go unnoticed by the more powerful wizards in this kingdom!"
____________________________________________________

OOC - This is all Streko's conjecture on things, not mine.

[Jeff]

Grafth:

Grafth says, looking at Kalarian, "to simply endure whatever we must deal with tomorrow, answer their questions simply and without speculation or bravado, and then continue on with our own line of inquiries later."

At this, Lord Dassek shakes his head and glances briefly at Kal.
Belarin:

"I mention it simply so that wise, experienced observers of court intrigue -- such as you and Lady Lamara -- WILL be on the lookout for it."

"I shall," Dassek says, "but I spend as little time at court as possible. I've no taste for politics."

Streko:

"Perhaps we should be inquiring as to Shavarath's location, for want of a better phrase. If I recall my arcana correctly, and please correct me if I am wrong, there might be small pockets, or points, where the planes might intersect more strongly. For example, I have heard rumors of a powerful are located deep within the Eldeen itself and some have speculated that Cyre found itself the vicimt of such an intersection of planes. This is, of course, all rumor and conjecture, but if there is even a grain of truth, we might be able to locate Malov himself. I cannot imagine such magic can go unnoticed by the more powerful wizards in this kingdom!"

Lamara looks at Streko. "Do you mean to suggest that Malov lies within Shavarath itself? Finding a way to the Battleground would be dangerous enough; but entering it?"

Lord Dassek shakes his head. "Allowing the court wizards to study that book may be our best bet, Lord Streko. They'll be able to better discern his intentions, perhaps."

Lamara frowns. "While that seems quite possible, Lord Dassek, you and I both know that could take time. The book may be in the right hands with the court, but I don't see expediency there. I believe in action, not waiting. The book has proven to be lure in the past. I would rather it be used to draw out Malov, or any of his servants." She bows her head, casting her eyes down. "I mean no disrespect."

Lord Dassek stands and says nothing further about it. "I think it's time we get going. Gather your things." He lays down a few sovereigns on the table, a tip for the servers.

As the others gather their things, Ralsor pulls himself unsteadily to his feet. "When did the world start spinning?" he muses.

Lamara eyes Belarin. "A moment, Belarin?" She steps to the side, gesturing for a private word.

[Ken]

"Of course," says Belarin enthusiastically. He stands up, feeling a slight bit wobbly after all the drinking. He gives Kal a slap on the shoulder and a wink as he joins the inquisitive.

[Jeff]

Taking Belarin aside, Lamara gives him a mischievous look. She makes a few words of small talk, reaching out with one hand to clasp his as if in jest. At the same time—and in an impressive display of legerdemain—she tucks a pair of leather wallets into his belt. The leather cases look familiar: Belarin's pair of false identification papers that he'd hidden in his cabin aboard the Thunderhead.

"Now that I'm finished examining Ralsor's ship, the Watch will be swarming over it. These are better with you, Master Malizia, than with them, if you understand. I don't want any petty misgivings to distract the authorities from the bigger picture." Lamara winks at him, then moves away, readying herself to go.

Lord Dassek does not seem to have noticed any of this.

[Josh]

As the others gather their things, Ralsor pulls himself unsteadily to his feet. "When did the world start spinning?" he muses.

"During some of the larger festivals I've attended," Grafth says with a smirk, "sometimes it never stops." He gathers his things and prepares to move on.

[Jeff]

Once everyone is ready, Lord Dassek leads the way out of The Blue Unicorn, out into the multicolored lights of the Chalice Center plaza. But you find a large, sturdy coach pulled up in front of the restaurant, two draft horses reined in front. Crossbowman are arrayed around it, reminding you that you're still under the Watch's escort.

"Now to Fairhold," Dassek says, opening the door to the large coach and gesturing everyone inside.

[Jeff's backup]

Condign steps outside the Blue Unicorn--and stops walking. He gazes about in amazement at the lights festooned about the plaza, lighting the night sky as if it were a perpetual dawn. Unarmed people mill about the plaza, smiling and nodding and waving. A few individuals had gathered together to converse. . .with their backs to the crowd! They would be unprepared for any attack!

With a warrior's experienced eye, he surveys the open square. Other than their armed escort, the tiefling sees few soldiers guarding the citizens. He looks for exits to fall back positions, and sees more people filing in and out of the plaza through them.

He shakes his head in wonder. At Lord Dassek's gesture, he proceeds to the coach. He pauses when he reaches the Aundairian and says: "This place is a strategic nightmare. If you were to be attacked here, there would be little hope. Given everything we have just talked about, you may wish to consider that, my Lord." He proceeds into the coach and sits as far away from Charis and Lever as possible.

[Darren]

Kal shrugs and grins at Dassek. "Tieflings, huh?" he says as he climbs into the coach.

[Ken]

Belarin smiles at Lady Lamara after the "exchange," and he says softly, "Why, thank you, Lady Lamara! You're most generous, quite understanding ... and clearly, very good at what you do." With a coy look, he adds, "You know, I originally planned to hide those on my person. I now deeply regret that I changed my mind. You're charming, too. Or did I say that already? Off to Fairhold, yes?"

Later, as they enter the coach, he starts chuckling. He says to his companions, "I mean, really, my friends -- who among us would've predicted this destination a week ago?"

[Jeff]

"This place is a strategic nightmare. If you were to be attacked here, there would be little hope. Given everything we have just talked about, you may wish to consider that, my Lord."

"If we are attacked," Lord Dassek replies quietly. "I do not think it will not be with armies. But thank you for your assessment." He offers a rare, and brief, smile.

When everyone else has settled into the spacious coach—Tangat forcing his way up onto the seat, not content to be on the flooring—Lord Dassek perches on the lowest step, a foot above the cobblestone. He turns to Lamara, who was just readying herself to enter the coach as well.

"Lady d'Medani," the colonel says. "You will have until morning to gather what evidence you require to render your professional opinion regarding the accused. The court will ask you to present your findings at 10th bell. I trust this is sufficient?"

"It is," she replies. The inquisitive maintains a neutral expression on her face. Those who see her suspect she's annoyed that she cannot follow.

Dassek nods. "They will remain in our custody until then. Do not worry about identifying the real enemy just yet—you'll have thereafter for that. Concentrate on them." He indicates your party. "If they are deemed not guilty, you may regroup with them, if you believe they can assist you in your further investigations."

Lamara inclines her head, then looks up into your faces through the open door. "Be mindful of all that you see and hear," she says, as if in warning. She meets Dassek's eye. "And you as well, my lord. Our enemy cheats. If it is"—she looks around, aware of other people around—"the one they say it is....I know. I've met the man, before he went underground, long before his disappearance. He is not to be underestimated. Believe them."

"I know that," Dassek answers. "Whoever he is, he murdered a dozen men this day before my eyes." He looks to the dark north sky.

"I am sorry." With that, the half-elf turns away. Tangat barks, as if in farewell, and Ralsor salutes...then belches. Lord Dassek shakes his head and shuts the door of the coach, remaining perched on the outside. A whip cracks, and the coach lurches into motion, rolling rather smoothly across the cobbled street.

Enclosed inside, with a single candle-sized everbright lantern affixed to the interior wall, you feel as if you've been left alone. The soft murmur on the street, the clop of the horses' hooves, and the rolling wheels of the coach afford you a certain amount of private ambience. You can feel more than see that some of the crossbowmen have taken to horses as they join the entourage.

[Ken]

Belarin sits back, seeming to enjoy the rare quiet moment.

[Jeff]

Two windows—one on the door, and one opposite—afford you a view of the Fairhaven nightscape. While the streets certainly aren't empty, the crowds have thinned to a trickle at every corner. But late night vendors continue to hawk their vendors and errand-runners still go about their business, albeit with a bit more haste than in the daytime. All in all, it certainly doesn't look like a city worrying about a vengeful wizard's attack.

To Condign, it's still surprisingly packed with people.

After a few minutes of nothing but the evening city ambience and the clop of hooves on the street, you hear the soft scrape of talons on the roof of your coach, as of a very large raven. A little strange. But if Lord Dassek—still riding just outside the door—or the driver take notice, they don't seem to react. Then you hear a softer tap of sharp nails against the window.

It may interest you to know that the palace of Fairhold contains many magical wards, the telepathic voice of Matheu says suddenly. Most of which are said to relate to protection and divination. After observing you for several days, I confess I expected you would not present yourselves so boldly to Aundairian authorities.

Tangat lets out one loud, joyful bark at the pseudodragon's voice. You see Lord Dassek stoop from the outside to look inside, but he sees nothing. You see nothing, either. If Matheu is at the other window, he is invisible.

Condign recognizes the "voice" as the one he "heard" in the White Phoenix's brig.

Without an overlong pause, Matheu adds, What became of Torhak and Goran?

[Josh]

"Torhak has gone home, through less than standard means," says Grafth, speaking lowly. "I cannot say exactly by what means, but he is safe, and presumably with his kin.

"As for Goran... he was affected by Malov's vile influence while in the Manor. I was not there, something that gives me both relief and regret."

[Darren]

Kal suddenly breaks out in a grin. Looking out the windows, he says, "It's amazing what we do when we have to, isn't it?" It is clear to anyone who heard Matheu's voice that Kal is speaking for the pseudodragon's sake. "Here we are, trying our best to protect Fairhaven, while being treated like prisoners. Thank the light for you, Lord Dassek," he says, placing a bit of extra emphasis on the man's name. "It is an honor that one of the queen's relatives would take a personal interest in us, though I understand that your duty is to the queen, the light illumine her." Kal leans across Belarin to look out the window. "How far to the University of Wynarn?" he asks. He leans back in and looks at Lord Dassek. "It's just that I've never been there before," he adds, "and I thought I might like to visit it soon, if we are released. And, of course, once Malov is dealt with."

[Jeff]

Darren, sorry if I didn't make this clear (as I probably didn't!): Dassek actually isn't part of the conversation. The door is closed, and he's on the outside. You're able to speak privately with just one another in your party. Although you certainly can knock on the door, get his attention, and speak to him.

[Ken]

Sept 14, 2009 15:00:23 GMT -4 Jeff said:

Darren, sorry if I didn't make this clear (as I probably didn't!): Dassek actually isn't part of the conversation. The door is closed, and he's on the outside. You're able to speak privately with just one another in your party. Although you certainly can knock on the door, get his attention, and speak to him.

OOC: Ahh, I didn't get that, either. I thought Dassek was with us, which I think contributed to the general silence in the coach.

Belarin says in a voice that he hopes doesn't project beyond the door, "I am delighted to hear your voice! I've actually missed you. Yes, as Grafth said, Goran has been, well, infected. The fey are treating him. His chance of recovery is likely greater with them than it would be with a mortal healer here. Where have you been?"

[Darren]

Curse you for ruining my cleverness!

[Joe]

Streko, too, breaks out in a wide grin.

"Olladra's flaxen hair be praised!! I am so glad to know you are alive, well and still with us, Matheu! Well thought, indeed!!"

Streko goes a bit somber then.

"Torhak needed to be among his own kind...after ten years of hibernation, once cannot blame him. Goran, much like Pel, was indeed, infected, excellent phrasing, by the way, most appropriate, and is being treated by the good fey, who have either rewarded us for cursed us or both for our actions in the forest. Malov remains our most immediate and greatest threat and I believe he is hard at work destroying Fairhaven even as we speak."

[Jeff's backup]

Condign sits up sharply and looks about the coach. His gold-hued eyes widen in surprise as he hears Grafth, then Kalarian, and finally Belarin respond to the voice. Gazing out one window, he sees only Lord Dassek riding alongside the coach. He bends forward slightly and turns to look out the other window, expecting to see the source of the voice; he sees only the buildings of Fairhaven gliding by in a silent blur. The tiefling leans back and glances at his companions.

"I...Do you. . ." he sputters. "All of you can hear that voice?"

[Jeff]

"I...Do you. . ." he sputters. "All of you can hear that voice?"

"Don't worry 'bout that," Ralsor says. "That's just...the, uhhh...the soo....Soo doe dragon. He's a friend."
The quaint and derogatory term that humans have labeled my species with is unacceptable, Matheu says. Thinking we must not be real dragons—an inaccuracy—the term 'pseudodragon' was coined. I am a true dragon of Argonnessen*and a sage of no small measure.

"Right," Ralsor says. "What the dragon says." He pauses, then holds up his hands, spacing them about two feet apart. "He's also very small."

There is a tense silence. Matheu says nothing.

Belarin:

"Where have you been?"

Many places, Matheu answers. When you decided to dally for days on end with the fey of the Whisper Wood, I returned to Passage to see what has transpired, to speak with Phorem and learn what I could of the bounty on your heads. But I see that you have already turned yourselves in. I do not wish to be pulled into such politics. I am not a citizen of the Five Nations or of Khorvaire, but a scholar of Eberron. An observer, not a key player in the events in which you have entwined yourselves. I will not be entering the fortress of Fairhold with you, though I may accompany you again when you emerge.

But I am pleased to find you well, and hope that will you untangle yourselves soon.

Streko:

"Torhak needed to be among his own kind...after ten years of hibernation, once cannot blame him.

The loss is also mine. I had hoped to continue analyzing the dwarf. His petrified hibernation lasted a great deal longer than ten years, Streko. He was a fascinating case study.

Charis looks to Condign. "In short, Matheu has come and gone. But he's been very helpful as well."

That is entirely incidental, the pseudodragon says.

___________________________

* Argonnessen is a far away continent, a land of mystery and fear. Its shores are said to be guarded by storms and razor-sharp rocks, its jungles inhabited by fierce barbarian tribes. But more commonly, Argonnessen is believed to be the homeland of dragons. Considered even less accessible than the dark continent of Xen'drik, Argonnessen is said to contain lost civilizations and ancient, mythical cities. The truth of Argonnessen is known only among dragons, and they guard their secrets well.