Dai Caled
Session Twenty-One of the Notoriety of Kings Campaign [continued]

Caladay, 46 Suntask 204

The Chosen return to the White Suite just as dawn is breaking. Absolutely shattered (again) and with their body-clocks terminally messed up they are all set for a good day's sleep. The last thing they want to see is Lucien arriving with breakfast just as they are about to slip into their jim-jams. Lucien bids them good morning, and says that Baron Dolanz came to visit them the previous day. He waited for many hours, but finally had to leave. He left both a card and a hastily scrawled letter for the party. Lucien gives these to Brack who appears the most alert of the group.

Brack reads the card first. It says:

Brack quickly swaps to the letter, and reads it aloud:

The group waste no time at all in accepting the invitation. Dolanz has helped them out several times in the past, and they hope that they can now return the favour. Lucien says that they are not the only ones who have been invited from the court. The princess Celestine and her retinue will also be attending, as will Count Kristus and Lady Aylisha Allenkai. They are planning on leaving on Morday morning (two days from now) for the two-day journey to Castle Caled. The party agree to accompany them and hit the sack. All apart from Brack, of course, who goes for a long run instead.

The rest of the Chosen do not rise until mid-afternoon. Ravenna, still tries to determine what metamagic abilities are conferred by the ring of Damodred O'Hare, puts it on and fires a magic missile out of the window. It did not seem perceptibly different. Elias rolls out of his bed, and takes a long look at the Heart of Llysallian that is sitting on his bed-side table. The enormous sapphire is catching the afternoon sun that streams through the window. Elias could buy a new kingdom with such a gem, although he doesn't think he knows anyone with enough gold to trade for it. He picks it up into his hands and begins to stroke the crystal gently.

Suddenly the gem emits a terrible ear-piercing shriek. The glass in the windows above Elias shatters as does the decanter of brandy that sits on his dresser. Elias claps his hands over his ears as the screech continues to fill everything for what seems like an eternity. Throughout the White Suite the sound has stunned and deafened everyone. No-one can hear anything for many minutes, the noise was so loud that it has caused actual physical harm, and many of the Chosen have blood streaming from their ears. Their animal companions have fared less well. One of Arvan's two rat companions, Skreet, has been hit very hard and is lying near death. Arvan, though completely deafened himself, musters all his magical reserves to restore the rat to health. It looks at he druid balefully, and is evidently quite annoyed.

It goes without saying that everyone blames Elias, and they all come bundling into his room to take him to task. When they can finally hear what each other are saying, Elias tries to explain that he did nothing. Then Sergeant Culdoon and a mass of palace guards burst into the White Suite, thinking that something terrible has happened. Lucien quickly dismisses them, but not before some of the guards catch a glimpse of the Heart.

Following Ravenna's fears that Raith Keep may have fallen to the nasty Tibraen dragon that Elias has been avoiding, Elias has decided to ask Gaston to scry the area for him. Nicos thinks that this is a great idea, and he wants to ask Gaston to scry for Rio Shai'ir. Ravenna wouldn't mind the archwizard doing a bit of scrying on her behalf, to see where her parents are. On their way to Gaston's suite they ponder what price the archwizard will ask in return for their help.

"The swords," Gaston says. "Leave all six of your magic swords with me. I know you're going to Castle Caled on Morday, but that should give me enough time to discover a few things." Grudgingly all six members the chosen agree to leave their blades with Gaston. This is the first time that Gaston has had all the swords together for any length of time. Ravenna also wants Gaston to identify the metamagic ring she has found and the ring taken from the wizardess, Danask. Gaston says that he is willing, but they should leave them with him and collect them when they return from Hessex. As to the scrying, there is time to do only one scry now. Elias and Ravenna agree to let Nicos have first shot at it, Nicos is very grateful.

Everyone except Nicos leaves the archwizard's quarters. Gaston says that such magic will be very difficult as he has not met this Rio, and knows nothing about her. Nicos explains Rio to him as best he can, perhaps dwelling on certain aspects of the girl more than Gaston feels absolutely comfortable with. After a couple of hours, Gaston believes that he has sufficient information to attempt a casting of a scry spell, but he warns the cleric that the chances are the incantation will be unsuccessful are low. If he had a personal item of Rio's, then his chances would be greatly increased. Nicos says that next time he's in Lartan Cross, he'll stop by Rio's family and collect some underwear or something. Gaston, takes up his spell book and shows Nicos into an antechamber.

Within the room is an enormous, silver-framed mirror polished with such tenacity that it seems to shine. Taking his spell book Gaston begins to intone the necessary arcane formulae to summon the magic needed for the spell. The entire process takes about an hour and a half, during which Nicos has sat with rapt attention, hoping that he will finally catch a glimpse of his beloved. A strange agitation plays across the glass of the mirror, which begins to cloud over and give the impression of great depth. As the mists clear Nicos sees a picture has formed behind the glass. It is a woman of Rio's height and build, although her back is turned to the room. She is walking down a path towards an elegant townhouse. The door to the house opens and a child runs out, no more than five seasons. She rushes to the woman and leaps into her arms, the woman spins her around, turning to face the room for the first time. Nicos' heart skips a beat, it is Rio! It must be! His wonder lasts a moment, before he realises the truth: it isn't Rio, it is her twin sister, Alicia. Few could tell them apart, but Nicos can.

"You might have mentioned she had a sister," Gaston says as the spell ends. Nicos apologises, and says that he forgot. Gaston shrugs, he is fatigued, but seems eager to look at the swords. "I will try again when you return from Castle Caled," he says. Quite why Gaston is being so accommodating puzzles Nicos, but he is willing to take the help when it is offered. He thanks the archwizard and leaves the room. Before Gaston can close the door behind him, Raza bundles into the room. He has much to say to the archwizard.

Gaston, exasperated, hears Raza out. The monk mentions the death of Beleus, and has come to beg Gaston not to carry on his investigations into his apprentice's murder. Raza says that it is too dangerous for him, and that he has only been concealing things to protect people. "Really? Your success rate is not 100%." Gaston listens to what Raza says, but seems to draw the conclusion that the monk is trying to frighten him off the investigation. He says he will do what he must do, and asks Raza to leave so he can begin a more comprehensive analysis of the swords. Raza repeats his warning and leaves. Gaston is glad of some peace and quiet, when a knock at the door heralds the arrival of Elias.

Elias is carrying the Heart of Llysallian. He steamrollers over Gaston's objections that he has things to do, and presents him with the gem. The size of the sapphire is enough to shut even the archwizard up. Elias tells him what it is called, and also of the effects it had in the White Suite earlier in the day. Elias says that he believed that he triggered some sort of power while stroking the thing. Gaston is unconvinced, but tells him to leave the gem on his table and he will see to it in turn. Elias is at first loathed to leave the gem with the archwizard, but in the end relinquishes and returns to the White Suite.

Back at the White Suite, very little has changed since the morning. Arvan is doing his best to mollify Skreet who was most upset by the loud noise, and is looking for someone to blame. Elias asks Nicos how things went with the scrying, and Nicos explains that he didn't gain very much this time. Elias then tells Nicos everything that he found out about Raza by attending the monk's interview with King Yaddagon. Nicos is disbelieving that Raza is a godspeaker. Elias asks the cleric to keep the news to himself, as Raza swore him to secrecy.

In the evening, Jhasik comes to the White Suite. He speaks of his abduction and the fact that he was released by his kidnappers. Ravenna scolds him soundly for being such an old fool. Jhasik asks Ravenna if she has spoken to Thorangrim as yet. She says that she has not, but plans to do so the following day. At which point Nicos hears that Elias has passed on the Heart of Llysallian to the archwizard. "Why does Gaston have all out artefacts?" he asks.

Sharday, 47 Suntask 204

In the morning Ravenna asks Lucien to arrange an interview with Alberdark. The chamberlain is not happy to be dragged away from his important tasks, but is willing to give Ravenna a few minutes. The sorceress asks him what is happening with Thorangrim. "It is infuriating," Alberdark admits. He says that Thorangrim simply will not talk, refusing to answer any questions even in his defence. Warmaster Grimm and the dwarves are certain of his guilt, and with no way to prove his innocence without Thorangrim's help, there is nothing the state can do to keep him in the city. Ravenna says that she thinks Thorangrim is hiding something, maybe taking the blame for someone else. If he was guilty he would have tried to escape Grimm, if he was innocent he would at least be trying to explain himself. Alberdark agrees, but says, "To be blunt Ravenna, I am unwilling to cause a diplomatic incident over this. The crown has enough problems as it is without being drawn into a conflict – political or otherwise – with Gunstadtan. If Thorangrim isn't even prepared to help himself, then I have no choice but to hand him over to the dwarves." Ravenna wants to know how soon. "Soon," is all Alberdark will say.

The chamberlain is willing to take Ravenna to the bailey where Thorangrim is being held, but he warns her that the dwarf is not very talkative. Alberdark does not go in himself, but shows Ravenna to the door of a well-kept if dingy looking dungeon. She descends some steps to have a brief conversation with the gaoler, who takes her down to a subterranean level. Here Grimm and his dwarves have set up shop, in case the prisoner tries to escape or any of the humans try to pull a fast one on them. They look up when Ravenna enters but do not speak to her. Thorangrim's cell is not quite as disgusting as the one she remembers from Castle Northmeet, but it isn't far off. The dwarf wears manacles around his wrists that are attached by long chains to the wall above his head. He barely glances at Ravenna as she enters.

The conversation that Ravenna now has with the dwarf is not very enlightening. Ravenna uses every narrative trick in the book to make Thorangrim talk, even trying to make him feel guilty about what he has done to her uncle. All that really comes out of the interview is a strengthening of Ravenna's conviction that Thorangrim is innocent and covering up for someone else. Thorangrim says that the dwarven king who was killed was a good king, and he respected him. When Ravenna asks Thorangrim to tell her the truth, the dwarf says, "I can't tell you the truth. Accept that I am guilty. I will be taken from here back to Gunstadtan where I will be tried and executed for the murder of the king. I shall die. I am but one dwarf. The truth, that you search for may free me, but will doom countless others. Let it go, Ravenna. I beg of you, let it go."

Ravenna leaves the baleful dwarf and searches for Alberdark, but to no avail. He will be present to see the princess off to Hessex tomorrow morning, and she hopes that it will not be too late to talk to him then. Alys has been waiting for Ravenna all morning, and is willing to teach her a knock spell if she will only show some signs of attentiveness. Believing that there is nothing else she can do for Thorangrim, she spends the rest of the day with Alys, after giving Misgon the spell book of Damodred O'Hare. The young wizard now has a burgeoning collection magic he can't cast.

As for the rest of the Chosen: Raza and Elias have spend an unproductive day at Eurikas looking for more information on Shellembor, Cyrth Allavorean and the Order of the Dragon. The Scriveners at the temple have some news about the last of those three. The Order of the Dragon is (or more accurately 'was') a cult that was present in Norandor a hundred years ago. They were mostly hunted down and slain by the moon faiths, and it is believed that they have completely died out. Occasionally some trinkets (such as Elias' ring) crop up in jewellers, and there is something of a secondary market for them.

Arvan, Brack and Nicos have gone to the Grand Conflagration. There are no assaults by the Watchers on the temple, and the eerie quiet that has descended over the war continues. Nicos is becoming increasingly worried about Julian Maynard. He does not think that the old man can cope with the new responsibilities of first flame. He looks as though he is carrying on through force of will alone, and one day will just stop. Nicos feels powerless to prevent such an event.

Morday, 48 Suntask 204

The day begins with some god news, at least. The Chosen's original equipment, seized at Castle Northmeet many weeks ago has finally found its way back to them. Nicos is thrilled to get his hands on a book given to him by Julian Maynard many seasons ago, and Raza is glad to have the tankard he stole from the tavern in Oakholme. Elias forgot all about the jewellery and dresses that he stole from Osroth Manor for Alessandre, but here they are as large as life. He sighs at the memory of Alessandre, and then becomes increasingly melancholy and a horror to live with.

Before they begin their journey to Hessex, the Chosen head off to see Gaston in order to retrieve their swords and discover what the archwizard has found. Gaston is pleased to see them (for a change) and says that he has discovered many interesting things about the blades. As the group knows, the swords become more powerful when they are brought closer together. When five swords are within about two hundred feet then the swords acquire the ability to pass through solid matter, when six are together then the party is partially hasted. Elias says that they already know all this from trial and error. Gaston looks a little hurt, but then continues by saying each sword has its own unique powers in addition to these abilities. As far as he can tell, these powers are not dependent upon proximity to the other blades, and are always present. He will not be able to tell the exact nature of these powers without further research, but what he has been able to find out is quite enthralling.

"Soul of Caution, Sage of Wisdom." Elias' sword enhances the wielder's common sense, and ability to resist mental domination. "The Light that Shines in the Darkness." Arvan's sword heightens the way that others perceive him; with such a sword he is a leader of men. "The Highest Aspiration of the Soul." Nicos' sword is a blade of faith, the weapon heightens the link between Nicos and Calafax in some manner. "Resistance, Integrity and the Power of Thought." Raza's sword enhances the monk's willpower, and his ability to resist temptation. "Unfailing in the Face of the Enemy." Brack's sword greatly augments his stamina – he can indulge in strenuous activity for ten times longer than before he had the sword, and he recovers from fatigue ten times more quickly. "To give with no thought of reward." Ravenna's sword is a bit of a mystery, says Gaston. It seems to confer a sense of great charity on the wielder.

"Great," says Ravenna. "So I have the sword of eternal poverty. I think I've been shafted." Nicos tells her that it could be worse, although he does not specify how. Gaston bids them farewell. He is very keen to look at the swords again. While they are gone he will investigate the rings they have left with him, as well as the Heart of Llysallian.

At last, it is time to go to Castle Caled and take up Dolanz's invitation. Princess Celestine and her enormous escort (including her bodyguard Finda) prepare themselves in a courtyard of the palace, where they are joined by Count Kristus and Lady Aylisha. The Chosen, and their servants, head down to join them. Ravenna sees Alberdark and takes him aside, telling him everything that transpired between her and Thorangrim the previous day. Alberdark says that there is really nothing that he can do, although he will try to find time to look into the matter.

With a lurch the group are off, trundling down the South Uris Road in the direction of Coutan. Caled Castle is two day's journey from Uris, deep in the county of Hessex. Hessex itself is in the duchy of Enfiladé, which is ruled by Duke Nethgar. It is a bright pleasant day, and Arvan for one is delighted to be out of the confines of the city at long last. With an open road before him, and the wilderness around him, the druid finally feels at peace with this surroundings. When the group stops for lunch Brack rushes off into the woodland looking for a bear to bewitch as his animal companion. Arvan shakes his head slowly, and follows the ranger. Fortunately, there are no bears to be seen and the group moves on before Brack can track down a wild boar. The dwarf curses his bad luck. He wants a bear!

Sunday, 49 Suntask 204

With a terrible sinking feeling, Nicos looks out on the first day of the dark of Calafax. "Why do we always go somewhere during the dark of the moon?" he despairs. "Why is it never the full moon?" No one seems to have the answer to that. Nicos tries to make friends with Skreet and Ik'int, but they seem more interested in chewing the cleric's fingers. Kristus talks at length during the afternoon. He is very good company, although the group can't quite get over the fact that he supports Galahyde the Black for the new king of Norandor.

At dusk they stop at the edge of a moor land that rises up to the west. Here they will spend the night and leave most of the retinue that has accompanied them so far. Dinner will be held in a small wayside tavern, that appear to have spent the last six months preparing for the arrival of the princess. From here it is only a few hours over the moor to Caled Castle.

Princess Celestine invites the Chosen to take dinner with her and Aylisha. She says that she is sorry for not having taken the time to get to know the party better, but says that Baron Dolanz has spoken very highly of them. It is obvious that she and the Baron are very close, and that the princess is very fond of him. They apparently spent much time together as children – "He is a fine man," the princess says. She is a little surprised that he is getting married, but there doesn't seem to be any jealousy in her voice, only concern. Celestine believes that Dolanz, like many men, feels the need for a wife. Rowena Caled is a fine girl, if a little headstrong, although that will probably be cured as she matures.

The party ask Celestine questions regarding the baron. She smiles and tells them that Dolanz is a loyal servant of King Yaddagon. His ancestral lands are located deep in the duchy of Dismallion. When Galahyde declared the duchy an independent state with Kannalas as its capital, he commanded the nobles of the area to swear allegiance to him. Many did, but Dolanz was not one of them. As a result he lost his lands and was forced to flee back to the capital. That is why he still has his title, although he has nothing to show for it. The group are surprised. They had always thought of Dolanz as an likeably lazy sort of fellow, not one with a high degree of moral integrity. Celestine smiles and says that Dolanz is full of surprises.

Over dinner, Elias regales the party with the information he has discovered in O'Hare's journals. The gnome's notes shed a little light on what he was up to with the Heart and that dracolich. Celestine is eager to hear about the party's adventures and urges Elias to tell his story. Apparently, O'Hare's sweetheart was indeed a gnome called Jemimah, which probably explains how me managed to be so convincing when speaking of her. However, O'Hare was a commoner and she was berothed to be married to a noblegnome called Sapphire Aloysius Ninefondle. O'Hare wasn't very happy with this, and seems to have gone off the rails a little bit.

O'Hare vowed a terrible revenge on Ninefondle for stealing his love and slipped into the dark arts of necromancy – not something that is widely supported in the Five Colour Kingdom. However, Ninefondle is a powerful individual. A few years ago, the actual dates aren't mentioned in the journal, Ninefondle was raised up as a member of the Council of Colours, and as a result O'Hare couldn't touch him. So O'Hare laboured hard to create a phenomenally powerful undead creature that would be able to destroy Ninefondle, and hit upon the idea of building a dracolich. However, his powers were insufficient to create such a beast. He researched, and finally found information pertaining to a device called The Heart of Llysallian. A gem that contained the bound spirit of a dragon that could be used to drive his dracolich.

It took O'Hare seven seasons to track down the location of the Heart, and he was quite miffed when he discovered that he wasn't powerful enough to take it from the guardian. Ravenna smiles at the mention of Dralcarnus. O'Hare was at a loss, but eventually he went to Fenton Pryde for help. Pryde employed a number of individuals to enter Ashardon and grab various bits and pieces. Eventually, they got the heart and O'Hare was alerted but, Pryde betrayed him and wanted to keep the heart for himself. "And that's more or less when we came into the picture," Elias concludes.

Celestine is quite impressed by the story, and says that this O'Hare was obviously working with higher motives in mind at the beginning, regardless of what he became. "Do the journals actually say what the Heart does?" Elias blinks and flips through them. "Oh yes, so they do," he says. The Heart duplicates the abilities of a powerful sapphire dragon, giving the wielder the power to conjures anti-magic shells, continual flames, sunrays and the equivalent of passwall and stone-shape spells. Something of a natty item and no mistake. It also issues a powerful burst of sound every day at the same time….. "Oh dear, poor Gaston," Elias mutters thinking of the wizard's scrying mirror and priceless collection of ceramics. He then goes on to say that the Heart's most powerful ability is the telepathic powers it bestows on the wielder. Whoever holds the Heart has the power to read minds. "That must be what Pryde wanted it for!"

"We have to go back!" says Ravenna, saying that she wants to use the Heart to read Thorangrim's mind and find out what the hell is going on. Elias says that Gaston isn't going to be very happy when he realises that we know what the artefact we gave him to identify actually does….. again! "Why didn't you read this earlier?" asks Arvan. The druid goes on to say that Skreet is more than a little unhappy with whoever off that loud noise back at the White Suite and that if Elias isn't very careful he'll tell Skreet it was him. And then he will cast a spell enabling Skreet to tell Elias exactly what he thinks of him. Elias says that Hedwig will make short work of Skreet. "Don't mess with my rat," says Arvan in a most disconcerting way. Fortunately, Skreet is currently distracted as he feasts himself on Nicos' fingers.

The group conclude that they have to get a message back to Uris to tell Alberdark that they have a means to extract the truth from Thorangrim, and that he must delay Grimm and the other dwarves until they return. Arvan offers the use of his crow Carax who (with the appropriate spell) can carry a message back to the city. Ravenna suggests two messages. She has remembered that O'Keef's men are still locked up in Scaldarnus and that if they are not released soon they will starve! She seems unnaturally guilty about this. Nicos says that they can't tell Alberdark this because then he will know the secret way into Scaldarnus. They opt to send both messages to Julian Maynard, who can then tell Alberdark to stop the dwarves. Carax doesn't seem overly chuffed with a couple of fat notes tied to its legs, but he complies with Arvan and is sent winging his way back to Uris.

Celestine, Aylisha and the party retire for the evening. Tomorrow will be a long day for them. Ravenna is looking forward to having Molly and Sarah dress her as a lady again. "You're no lady, you're a six foot psychopath," mutters Nicos as he heads to his room.

Vítday, 1 Lollmeadow 204

Leaving most of the retinue at the inn, the diminished group leaves at dawn for Caled Castle. The journey takes them to the east, and up onto the moorland that forms much of Dai Caled's county. It is slow going over the uneven terrain, but wooden slats have been driven into the moor in places to aid the progress of carriages. The closer they get to the destination, the more common theses slats become and soon becomes a raised wood road.

After an hour the party come to a wooden bridge spanning a dramatic dip in the moorland. Beneath the bridge is a forty foot drop into a muddy bog. The party is a little unsure of using the bridge, particularly when they note how wildly it swings when Celestine's carriage clatters across it. However, they are a brave sort, and the bridge proves to be the last obstacle before reaching Caled Castle.

The Castle is visible from a mile distant and seems exactly the sort of castle any self-respecting vampire lord would be happy to settle down in. Situated atop a steep tor, the dark grey walls of the castle reach up high into the heavens. The winding approach to the gate is the only easy way up to the place, the castle bordered by a steep slope on the other. However, the gates are flung open as they approach, and the party can see dour and depressing nature of the castle up close. Many of the walls are cracked in places, and the entire place as an air of neglect about it. This air is in direct contrast to the stunning bustle in the main courtyard. Servants and stablehands rush hither and thither taking horses and guests to their appropriate rooms. There are four main structures in the courtyard. Towering above everything is the guest wing – a detached tower of stone standing several floors higher than the walls of the castle. It is linked by a very thin walkway to the main keep where the family lives. A large stable block and a small servant's quarters make up the interior of the courtyard.

Abruptly, Celestine's carriage stutters to a halt. Servants rush out to attend to the princess. Finda descends first to make sure everything is safe, and then helps Celestine down from the carriage. As the party dismounts they see the doors to the main keep open and a couple descend from the main doors. It is Count Caled and his wife Countess Elenor Caled. They make quite the regal couple. A younger man who looks much like the count is also with them, as it a child in his early teens. The Count bows long and low to the princess, introducing himself, his wife and sons Linton and Linley respectively. He apologises that his daughter Rowena is not present to greet the princess. Celestine smiles regally, and introduces Lady Aylisha, whom she has bought as her personal guest. "And these individuals," says the princess, gesturing to the party, "are the Chosen of Narramac."

Count Caled looks as though he is about to have a fit. He is obviously not happy that the party have turned up and is (in fact) down right rude to them. The group and the princess do their best to overlook this social faux pas, as the countess tries to smooth things over. "Guests of yours also, your highness?" she asks the princess. "No, not at all," says Celestine. "I believe they are the guests of Baron Dolanz." Caled snorts and looks on the verge of a pink fit.

"Friends! Friends!" comes the cry from Dolanz as he bumbles out of the keep and down the front steps. He has a napkin stuck into his shirt which he quickly whips out and discards onto the concourse. "You came! You came!" Caled gives Dolanz a look of utter contempt that shuts the man up instantly. He then takes the princess by the arm insisting that he accompany her to her rooms personally. The countess does her best to calm matters. She obviously has little time for her husband's brash behaviour. Dolanz waits until Caled is out of earshot and looks at the party apologetically.

"He really doesn't like me," the baron says sadly. "Let me take you to your rooms and then I can tell you everything that's going on. Oh, I am so glad to see you here!" Without further ado he whisks them away to their rooms on the penultimate floor of the guest wing. The bridge to the main keep is two floors below them, but the room themselves are comfortable enough, even if they haven't been dusted in a long time. Each has a four-poster bed and a roaring fire which slightly makes up for the truly miserable day that it is turning into weather wise. Sheets of rain are now lashing the courtyard.

Snowy leaps up onto Ravenna's bed and settles down for a nap. Tok does the same on Arvan's bed, but rather than sleeping decides to burrow his way through the blankets and the sheets. Arvan relocates Tok to the stable and tells him to stay out of trouble Tok seems willing enough, but you can never tell with badgers.

The group gather around Dolanz in Ravenna's room. The baron says that the main meal will be at dusk. The bell will sound for dinner, at which point a servant will show them across the bridge and down into the main dining room. Dolanz smiles sheepishly. Nicos, not being the most subtle of men, asks Dolanz why he's getting married. "I thought you were going to get together with Celestine?" Dolanz denies this, of course. He says that he has reached a time in his life when he must wed. Rowena is a lovely girl, and the countess approves of the match. The count doesn't seem to, but he has never voiced open opposition. "I suppose it is because I am something of a catch," Dolanz says magnanimously. "I'm still a baron and it is unlikely that the count's youngest daughter would marry as well. Of course, I'm a baron with no land and a little money, but you can't have everything! It's difficult to imagine who else Count Caled would have in mind for his daughter. He's a nasty piece of work, he really is!"

Dolanz then proceeds to tell the group a little about the Caled family and the individuals the party can hope to meet in the evening. The Caleds are not as old and respected a family as the Dolanzs, the baron says with some pride. They are wealthy, however (despite the appearance of the castle), which goes a long way to make up for ill-breeding. The Caleds have controlled Hessex for the last three generations. The current Count Caled – Dai to his friends – is a truly nasty piece of work to Dolanz's eyes. He is rude, arrogant, vindictive and spiteful. He is a supporter of Galahyde the Black's bid for the throne, and is very close to Count Kristus. He doesn't like Dolanz at all, and seems furious that his wife went over his head in suggesting the marriage. However, he has not officially said that he does not support it, so Dolanz doesn't know what his problem is.

The Countess, Elenor Caled, is a much more appealing woman. She is charitable, and likes to look out for her children. Dolanz believes that she has a particularly soft spot for Rowena. The countess seems to spend most of her time apologising for her husband – "But of course, he's all sweetness and light around Celestine! She'll see through him in a minute, of course." The Caleds have five children, three boys and two girls. The eldest son is called Linley Caled, he is baron of Bevverham and has inherited all of his father's worst qualities. Linley is married to a "snooty young heifer" called Augusta, and they have produced a brattish offspring called Herbert.

"You'll like the second son, Raza," says Dolanz. The Honourable Gareth Caled shook off any title or feudal responsibility some time ago and left to become a monk. He is obviously not as experienced or pious as young Raza, but he is keen to learn and a great philosopher (Elias sighs at the thought of two monks). Raza asks what order Gareth is a member of and Dolanz tells him that it is the Order of Infinite Tranquillity. Gareth has returned to the ancestral home because he has deep affection for Rowena, who considers to be the only member of his family worth keeping in touch with. Dolanaz thinks that Gareth disapproves of him because of his reputation of being indolent and fat. He hopes to prove the monk wrong.

Caled's third son is a boy of about sixteen seasons who is yet to take a wife. Linton Caled looks up to his father and Baron Caled as role models, which shows you where his personality is heading. Linton is a petty minded little sadist who spends his time maiming small animals. Of Caled's daughters, the eldest (and eldest child) is Elisabeth. She is now known as Countess Elisabeth Sulcare, after marrying Count Ulgin Sulcare (from the nearby county of Polginshire). They apparently have some children, but Dolanz isn't up on who they are (and he doesn't much care). Of the Caled family that just leaves Rowena.

"She is lovely," Dolanz says. "She seems quite besotted by me. I wish I could understand why." Rowena is a wild one, Dolanz explains, always ready for adventure. A fourteen seasons she is ripe for marriage, and he is overjoyed that she isn't completely repulsed by this union. At that moment there is a clatter of hoof-beats in the court-yard. Staring out of the casement window the group can see a young girl jump down from a grey stallion. She pats it affectionately on the neck. Horse and rider are both completely drenched, but Rowena Caled doesn't seem to care. She hands the reins to a servant and dashes into the keep. "I could never tame her," Dolanz says slowly, and I would never want to.

As to the rest of the guests, with the exception of those the party already know they are made up of lesser nobles from Hessex. Princess Celestine is by far the most important person present, and the Chosen of Narramac are by far the most infamous. Dolanz says that he must go and get ready. They have a couple of hours before pre-dinner drinkies, perhaps they could take a look around the castle. There's a tunnel linking the servant's quarters to the keep that they should see. It's a little dusty, but Dolanz finds it quite exciting.

Ravenna makes a point of seeing all the various nooks and crannies of the castle, before returning to have Molly and Sarah wrestle her into her latest ensemble. Arvan wishes he could get away from his outfit with the orang-utan arms but it seems to follow him where-ever he goes. Just before dusk Elias releases Hedwig from the castle, and the owl disappears out over the moor to hunt small rodents. Within ten minutes she is more than a mile away. At the sound of the bell they descend a few floors, and with a collection of other guests cross the narrow bridge into the keep. The rain has diminished to a fine drizzle, but it's still pretty foul. Once in the main keep they descend to a large room bedecked with tables, where a number of smartly dressed servants circulate with trays of drinks. It's nothing as swish as what they have been used to in Uris, but it will suffice. Skreet the rat is particularly excited, having never been to a party before, he is seeing this one from deep inside Arvan's sleeves.

The group are announced with ill grace by the servant and presented to Count Caled, who is quite dismissive of them. The party cannot help but think that he doesn't want them to be there. They meet Dolanz again who tells them that Rowena hasn't turned up yet. As if on cue, Dolanz's intended scurries into the room face red and flushed from too much exercise and galloping across moorland. Rowena is universally charming, albeit a little insulting to her father, Linton and Linley (which is altogether understandable). Dolanz introduces her to the party, and she is all agog to meet the Chosen of Narramac. The fact that Dolanz knows them heightens her admiration for the baron.

The group circulate as best they can. Ravenna bemoans the fact that Ralyon Artusi is not present, but presses on regardless. Gareth Caled introduces himself to Raza and the two begin an extended conversation of the merits and philosophies of the Order of Infinite Tranquillity and the Order of the Dark Moon. Gareth says that his order doesn't seem to quite so pessimistic about the future and the nature of the moon gods, but he and Raza find a good deal of common ground regarding personal betterment and meditation techniques. Suffice to say that for anyone who isn't a monk, the conversation is very dull. Nearly as dull as Nicos still trying to convince everyone that he a duke from the duchy of Funk.

After a while Princess Celestine makes an appearance and soon all the nobles (Count Caled especially) are fawning over her trying to curry favour. However, the princess only seems to be interested in talking with Dolanz which does much to firmly put the noses of mostly everyone else out of joint. Dolanz introduces Rowena to her, and feels a bit awkward doing so. Lady Aylisha takes Arvan aside, and tells him that she feels has wholly uncomfortable and out of place at these events as she does. She cannot lose herself in the moment (or in the sausages-on-sticks as Brack seems to be). She also points out that Arvan has a rat's nose poking out from his collar. "I know," says the druid in a calm and nonchalant manner.

At this point the gong sounds for dinner and the assembled file out of the room and onto a landing that runs around the edge of a large dining room. Beneath them is a long central table with two smaller tables forming a 'T' shape. The tables have been wonderfully laid out with flowers, candles and all manner of cutlery. The party and the other guests descend the stairs and take their appointed seats. They are separated from Dolanz and find themselves on a far table with Gareth Caled and Lady Aylisha.

Raza and Gareth are still continuing their indepth discussion but have now moved on to the subject of good and evil, and the position of the monk. Raza declares that such concepts should have no bearing on a monk. A monk must search of equilibrium in the mind as well as the body. Aylisha smiles and says that such concepts apply to everyone regardless of how they try to avoid it. Good and Evil, Order and Chaos are four forces that constantly pulling mortal's lives this way and then that. They are very real powers that cannot be underestimated. Arvan says that the trick is keeping the four in balance. Druids are responsible for maintaining The Balance, to make sure that no one philosophy dominates a world. Aylisha believes that one should actively try and do Good, that a balance between good and evil is not as desirable as a world where goodness rules. Arvan disagrees, but Aylisha's beliefs are unshakeable. "I was made this way," she says.

The discussion continues as the soup arrives, and the assembled settle down for what they hope will be a quiet and uneventful dinner. This hope is shattered about seventeen seconds into the proceedings when Ravenna stands bolt upright, a look of absolute horror on her face. Her chair clatters noisily to the stone floor, and all eyes turn to look at her. Ravenna can sense that Snowy is absolutely terrified of something. Her wolf-cub is in dire peril. Without another word to anyone Ravenna bolts from the room. Count Caled doesn't know whether to be startled or angry as the sorceress rushes past him and up the stairs with no explanation or apology. The rest of the chosen look at one another, quite puzzled. It takes only half a minute for Elias and Nicos to get to their feet and charge after Ravenna, instructing the others to remain at the table (they don't want to cause a scene after all). "Sorry!" they smile at the count as they disappear.

In that half-minute Ravenna has accelerated back to her room. As soon as she enters the hallway she can tell that something is very wrong. The torches on the wall are guttering unnaturally low, and shed little light. The temperature has dropped sharply, and there is a light frost covering the floor. Snowy is still in great distress. Ravenna moves quickly to her bedroom door and tries to turn the handle. She gives a sharp yelp and pulls her hand away. The handle is colder than ice. Looking more closely she can see that the edges of the door are caked in ice, the portal is frozen shut. Not be daunted, the sorceress gives the door a heavy kick, followed by a second and a third. She is becoming distraught herself at the thought of Snowy in danger just the other side of the door. With an ominous cracking, great chunks of ice fall away on to the floor, shattering into a thousands pieces. The door gives, gives a little more and finally creaks open.

A blast of arctic air freezes the moisture in Ravenna's eyes as she tries to gaze into the room. In a flurry of movement Snowy is in her arms, trembling and mewling at her. She is freezing, but otherwise unhurt. Ravenna chances a glance into the room. It looks like an ice cave. Every surface is covered in a dark, foul-smelling ice. The fire in the grate has been extinguished and even the coals have been frozen. There is a rank stench coming from the water by the side of the bed, and the provisions unpacked from Ravenna's saddlebags are alive with maggots. Ravenna gulps for air and retreats back into the hallway. It is then she hears a deep humming sound, and her sword begins to vibrate on her belt. She has the sense that there is something terribly evil abroad, and that she has been Chosen to destroy it.

Suddenly Ravenna hears a crash from Elias' room, as if some creature had smashed through the tall windows. She shudders and is glad to realise that she is no longer alone. Elias and Nicos are now standing beside her. Their swords are drawn, and both are humming as Ravenna's sword. They look at each other perplexedly, wondering what is going on, but at the same time compelled to discover the malevolence that has infected this place, and destroy it. It is a compulsion that reaches down to Arvan, Brack and Raza. Seated at the table, they too feel the pull of their swords. Whatever is present in Caled Castle is their arch enemy. They excuse themselves from the meal and head up to join with the others.

Back in the guest quarters Elias has succeeded in kicking open his bedroom. The room is freezing, as Elias looks he can see ice forming on the bed and the walls. There is a smell of decay and evil. Sword humming, he and Nicos move into the room cautiously. Ravenna hangs back, still caring for the trembling Snowy. The light given off by two swords is little more than a dull glow, and the pair have to strain to make out anything in the room. Nicos summons flame in his hand, but in the cold it is little less use than a candle.

Suddenly, the glow from the swords increases exponentially as the others charge down the corridor to join them. Ravenna tells them what has happened as best she can, and Brack moves quickly into the room, using his new found magic to cast a protective spell to guard him from cold. His dwarven vision picks up something moving black on black across the room. It seems to be a cloak of utter darkness that leaves a trail of ice and decay where it passes. "There!" says the dwarf. "Where?" says Elias as the thing sails up into the air and glides over him. Elias is chilled to the bone, even through the magical defences he had erected. As it slides over his body he begins to gasp and choke at the stench of the creature. Brack (demonstrating a heretofore unknown sense of restraint) draws his axe back, but doesn't swipe at the creature until it has flowed completely over Elias.

The urge to destroy this thing, this abomination, is heavy in the minds of each of the Chosen. Brack strikes out with his axe, but misses the target as the creature fades into the shadows and disappears. In an instant the guttering torches in the hall way flutter into life. In the fire in the bedrooms bursts back into life. The temperature in the hall quickly returns to normal, although Ravenna still hugs Snowy closely.

"What the feck was that?" Nicos says what they're all thinking. "It was like some duvet of doom or something." Little seems to be gained by standing around and talking. They decide to head back to the meal, hoping that they haven't embarrassed Dolanz to much. However, this creature (whatever it was) was obviously coming for them. Why? As they cross the bridge Elias voices his believe that it must be some being of The Enemy that King Yaddagon warned them about. If we were chosen to oppose this Enemy, Elias says, it stands to reason that these swords would get excited about slaying his servants. Ravenna agrees.

Brack, who is leading the way across the walkway, suddenly stops. He points out to a red glow beyond the castle wall. Despite the drizzle, there is a fire burning on the moorland tonight. Right where that wooden bridge is, Brack thinks. There is more. Dozens of extra horses are lined up in the courtyard, and the doors to the Keep stand open. Something has definitely happened since the party left the dinner table. Suddenly, they hear a great explosion coming from inside the Keep. Ravenna tells the group to head to the dining room while she sees what is happening outside. With Snowy still in her arms, she steps over the balcony and feather falls to the concourse below. The remaining five members of the group dash into the building and make their way quickly down to the dining area.

On the balcony, they stop and regard the scene below. The impressive oaken doors have been thrown from their hinges by the explosion, and lie broken on the floor. A group of more than twenty individuals clad in chain armour and wielding swords are spreading out around the chamber. They are wearing short capes of red and orange, and their faces are concealed by a heavy veil of the same colours. Some of the nobles try to stand, but are being pushed back into their seats with great force. The force of guards inside the chamber have evidently declared themselves for the enemy and are aiding these new-comers. Although who they are is unclear, what they are is obvious: Bombastics.

"Boudewijn!" exclaims Nicos.

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