The War of the Norandon Succession
Session Fifty-Nine of the Notoriety of Kings Campaign

Morday, 20 Mizzle Month 204 [continued]

Gaston, who has been very patient during the discussion, now has his say. "From everything that has been discussed, I think it is obviously that the best interests of the country are served by Galahyde becoming king. He has an army that can defend us from the undead in the north, he has been trained since his childhood in how to be a king. He has the support of the nobles and the churches…."

"That remains to be seen!" interrupts Elias. "Yes, yes," says Gaston, "but I do not think we are under any illusion as to how the council and the Enclave will vote. I am not saying this because I dislike Raza, even though I do. The point is that Galahyde is the best choice for the new king."

"No he is not," says Raza adamantly. He turns to Elias. "We have to tell him," he says, and Elias nods. The group then explain to Gaston the nature of Mínaris, the threat of Karatath, the real reason behind Narramac's grand quest. They leave out nothing save the role played by the elves. By the time they are finished both Gaston and Alberdark are much the wiser. The only difference is that one believes them and one does not.

Gaston shakes his head slowly. "I do not doubt that you believe what you say to be true…." - "It is true!" cries Raza. "Where is the proof?" asks Gaston coolly. "Where is the proof that Mínaris is a servant of evil? Where is the proof that the Mínaris who serves Galahyde is even the same Mínaris who you met in Sorgar or the southern lands?" - "Narramac believes this!" - "Narramac? My dear Raza, do not be so naïve. Narramac lives his life by deceit. Far more likely is that he has told you a fanciful story for his own ends."

The Chosen are about to interrupt Gaston again, when the archwizard raises his hand and his voice. "Even if all you tell me is true, all you are saying is that Mínaris must not be permitted to influence the country. Your quarrel is therefore with him, and not with Galahyde. Galahyde, in your eyes, would still make an acceptable king. And, surely in all our eyes a far better one that Raza de Luna."

Nicos takes a moment from putting all the valuables in the White Suite into a large bag, and asks: "What's Galahyde's last name? I've been calling him Mr The Black, but it can't be that." - "He is called Galahyde DeMonton," says Alberdark briskly. Nicos nods, says that he is richer for knowing that, and proceeds to unscrew one of the interior doors. Brack having all ready stopped the cleric taking his bedroom door.

The discussions continue. What can Raza do to save the country? He wants to see the high priests to organise a defence against the undead hordes. Alberdark explains that will not be possible. "The Enclave began an hour ago. It will sit from moonrise to moonset in the Grand Panoptican. The clerics will not leave the Grand Panoptican until they have come to a decision. The Enclave is a closed session, no-one can enter. Not even the regent."

The way the voting procedure will work is as follows. While the Enclave is sitting, the Council of Peers (made up of all the landed aristocracy) will also sit. They will debate who will be king, but they will also take the opportunity to discuss many other matters of personal interest. Usually to do with how much they can fleece their peasents for. The Council only meets when the king calls it, and it hasn't been called in a very long time. Once the Enclave have taken their vote, they will announce that they have reached a verdict, but will not reveal what it is. At this point, whatever debate there is in the Council will be guillotined, and a vote will take place. Then the results of both Houses will be announced together. Hopefully they will agree.

"What is they don't agree?" asks Raza. "Effectively, the decision of the Enclave takes precedence. What actually happens is that the Council takes another vote, and keeps taking them until it agrees with the Enclave." Elias says, "So the Council is pointless." Alberdark shakes his head, "Not at all. There is more to this matter than the vote. The support of the Council is necessary for the everyday government of the nation. It is best if the king is their first choice of king."

"What will you do if the vote goes against me, Alberdark?" asks Raza. The chamberlain affects a smile. "King Yaddagon declared you heir before he died. By the oldest tradition that makes you the king regardless of what the Council or the Enclave say. I will follow you regardless." - "Poppycock!" anounces Gaston, "Move with the times, Alberdark! This is the way things have been done for a hundred years!" - "But they have never been put into practice until now." - "Irrelevent! You'd be the only person stupid enough to accept a rite of Horann, except him of course," Gaston gestures to Elias.

"Can I speak to you in private?" Raza asks Alberdark. Gaston stands and leaves the room. "You should consider the realities of the situation," the Archwizard says to the Chosen. The rest of the party also depart. Nicos decides to head over to The Cloven Skull tavern and meet with Belerus Rothsman. Arvan will go with him. It is a rough pub and Nicos will only get the stuffing kicked out of him. Brack and Halbeara retire to the gardens where Halbeara wishes to test Brack's magical potential. The ranger looks nervous. Elias heads back to his rooms where he encounters Misgon. The lad cannot sleep for worry of Drasha.

"What is it you want, Raza?" asks the chamberlain. "What resources do I have here to stop Galahyde?" Raza is talking of magical resources. Weapons and items that maybe he and the rest of the Chosen can use in battle against Mínaris. Alberdark explains there is not a vast amount. Most of the potent items are in the keeping of the Arcanum Incognita, but as the high priests are in an Enclave he cannot have access to them. The armoury holds enough encanted long swords for the Daggers of Norandor as well as numerous conventional weapons and armour of masterwork quality. There are large quanities of magical potions. "What about scrolls?" asks Raza. Alberdark says that there are such items. Raza wants some scrolls of the 'analyse dweomer' spell to help in unravelling what Narramac's staff and Elias's invisible sword do. "I will try. The magical resources are held by the Archwizard, but I will see what I can do for you."

Raza thanks Alberdark and is about to retire to his room to wait for Rhiana, but the chamberlain stops him. "I must have a decision this evening about the troops, Your Majesty," he says. "We can begin raising men and sending them north tomorrow. I will leave us unprotected against Galahyde, but I do not think we will stop him by force of arms." Raza agrees. Alberdark should raise as many men as possible and send them to Northmeet and Timberlake to help defend those towns. "There is one final thing," says Alberdark. "Necross Salamar Russ and Balthasar de Chesiré are returning to the Village this evening. They have been in conference with the heads of their churches all afternoon. They need to speak with you before they go." Raza says that he will see them in an hour. Alberdark leaves.

In the garden, Halbeara asks Brack to show her the magical powers at his command. He unleashes all his magical power in about ten seconds and Halbeara is far from impressed. "You have a long way to go Brack. Your magical power is small, and you are not a priest of Moradin. The origin of your power is not divine and therefore teaching you the ways of the Makers is difficult." Brack says that he is keen to learn how to create magical weapons so he can forge them and use them to behead his enemies. Halbeara sympathises with that. "I will do what I can," she says.

The Cloven Skull sits on the wrong side of the Gutterhive. A dirty building marked by a large (possibly ogre) skull that hands from a chain outside. Imbedded in the swinging chain is a hand axe. Inside, the skull theme continues, each table having one with a candle inserted through a hole in the top. As Nicos and Arvan enter, a brawl is all ready in progress, but the two manage to dodge around it and reach the bar. The bar man, an impossibly muscled individual, looks at them suspiciously and dips two dented tankards into the open barrel of alcoholic swill behind the bar.

"I want to see Red Beard," says Nicos discreety. The barkeep's lowers his eyes and his voice. "And who are you to want to see Red Beard?" - "I am Pyrus Allumiere." The man obviously recognises the name, and glances at Arvan. He nods. "Wait here," he says, and he steps through a doorway behind the bar. As soon as he has go, one of the more agile members of the clientele leaps over the bar and begins to help himself to the barrel full of rotgut. He hasn't taken more than a swig before the innkeeper returns and clubs him over the head with a bone cudgel and walks up to Nicos. "Around the back," he says. Nicos thanks him and he and Arvan pick their way over the bleeding bodies and out into the night.

The alley that runs to the rear of the Cloven Skull has the word 'mugging' written all over it, but confident in his mortar and half-orc companion, Nicos strides purposefully into the darkness. In the grotty, scum-filled, courtyard behind the tavern, a small fire is burning in a stone censer. The pair pick their way cautiously toward the flame. Nicos peers into the fire and sees a face staring back at him. "Rothsman!" Nicos exclaims. The face disappears, and the pair hear the sounds of a large man stepping out of the darkness before them.

The figure is imposing for a human. Almost as tall as Arvan with wide-shoulders, a red beard and an eye-patch. Rothsman is dressed in the traditional shit-encrusted garb favoured by most gutterhivers. "Nicos Allumière! So it is you!" the large man bellows discreetly. "Rothsman!" Nicos says running over. "It's been a while."

As Arvan keeps watch, Nicos and Rothsman catch up on what has been going on over the past few months. Rothsman is eager to hear of Karatath and Mínaris and their connection with Tarrashar. "I knew it!" exclaims the ex-first flame. "I would bet my grandmother that either Mínaris or his master is the same paymaster that was behind Thaddeus Carvin when he hired those Shadowdancers to kill Van Caspan! I knew Tarrashar was involved in that, but of course there was no proof!" Nicos says that proof seems to be something they are lacking at present.

"There's a conspiracy against Tarrashar," says Nicos, and tells Rothsman of Julian, Lodrath, Rio and Boudewijn. "Sounds like a bunch of Bombastics to me," says Rothsman. "They'd love to meet you," says Nicos. "Of course they would. What is the plan?" Nicos confesses that currently there is no plan. Rothsman nods sagely to himself. "Unless you can give me a damn good reason otherwise, I don't think it's a good idea to move openly against Tarrashar. He is too powerful and too well guarded with all his fire eyes. We wouldn't get close. I don't have the power to take him down in a straight fight. And attacking him will only split the church futher. Better we work on making you first flame of Scaldarnus, and then the firewalker. I've been putting some money aside. I have enough to rebuild Scaldarnus."

This is fantastic news that momentarily eclipses everything in Nicos's mind. "Where did you get the money?" Rothsman smiles enigmatically and suddenly Nicos doesn't want to know. "When can I meet Lodrath and the others?" asks Belerus. Nicos tells him at noon tomorrow at Elias's townhouse. Rothsman nods. He will be there. In the meantime, they should leave. Arvan and Nicos return to the White Suite.

While the pair have been gone, Salamar Russ and Balthasar de Chesiré have arrived, accompanied by Alberdark. The chamberlain introduces them, and says that Salamar has spent most of the day in conference with Tarex and Varamail of the Watchers. Balthasar has received instructions from Zanlavin Salk of the Arcanum Incognita. Elais and Ravenna are also present for this discussion.

Salamar, a truly ancient Watcher, bows slightly. "Regent," he hisses in his laboured, emphysemic voice that isn't entirely unlike Mínaris. Raza ignores that. Raza gestures to a seat and the Watcher sits down. Balthasar sits next to him, smiling in that vacant way that all hobbits seem to have mastered.

"Regent," says Salamar, "I have been given instructions by the High Holy Witness of Doom, and his peers to convey to the Village of the Eighteen Churches. I have also been told to report these instructions to you and the chamberlain before my departure." Raza tells him to continue.

"The Village is woefully unprotected from a force of 10,000 goblin warriors. According to the heads of their churches, the Justicians and the Church of Contention can muster a force of one thousand experienced warriors between them. This will be insufficient to win a battle. Although there are many priests in the Village, those most skilled with magic are currently in Uris, where they must remain for the duration of the Enclave and the coronation of the new king. It has been decided that the decision over the king must be considered as important as this unexpected threat from the north. Protocol means that they cannot simply abandon an Enclave once it has been called until a decision has been reached."

"The Village can expect no help from Northmeet and its environs. The Undead force marching towards Northmeet needs a significant force to meet it. Timberlake is in equal danger. The villages and other settlements along the Timberlake Road have been largely abandoned. The distances are too vast to even attempt to protect everyone. Timberlake and Northmeet will become cities under siege."

"I have been instructed to return immediately to the Village under the magical power of Balthasar de Chesiré. Defence of the Village is to be turned over to Sir Vergen of the Order of the Roaring Lion and General Matlo Surrigan of the Church of Contention. The other churches will act accordingly to the common good. Full control of the Watchers in the north-east now falls to Archnecrotain Selvin of Northmeet. I will journey there and place him under orders from His Moribund Majesty to take all the members of the Shadow of Mortis he can muster (including those in the Village) and send them west against the undead. Archnecrotain Selvin will also get in contact with the druids immediately and attempt to co-ordinate their actions. It is possible that the Shadow will try to hold the undead in the east while the druids face it in the west, but that may perhaps be too hopeful. In the Village, control of the Watchers falls on Necress Elsa. I will hand over direct control of The Guardians to her for the duration of this crisis, except in one matter."

"It has been decided that the dwarves of Underbarren are the only ones capable of stopping the goblin army moving south toward the Village and Northmeet. They have to be contacted. With so many high officials of the Arcanum Incognita in Uris, Balthasar de Chesiré is the only individual capable of teleporting great distances. I have been instructed to take what resources I need and head to Underbarren to get King Kontüf to help us."

"Ambassdor Niergan," prompts Balathasar. Salamar gives the hobbit an annoyed look and continues. "The best course, is for us to go to Timberlake and collect the dwarven ambassador Niergan. We will be taking him with us to Underbarren. Now I must ask what you intentions are, regent. Will you be sending a force north?"

Raza says that he will. Starting tomorrow Alberdark will bend all his resources to equipping a militia and marching it to Northmeet. The army will march in dribs and drabs as and when it can be raised. This will hopefully be quickly. When it arrives, the army will be placed under the command of Duke Colharn of Northmeet. Of course, it will take eleven days to force march to Northmeet from Uris. Hopefully they will arrive in time. Raza also wants to know if he can have Balthasar's help. He wants to teleport around the country, to Sal'Cran and everywhere else to get help. Salamar shakes his head. He needs Balthasar's abilities in the north. "Our need is as great as yours," says the necross, and Raza doesn't argue the point because he knows it to be true.

Balathasar takes the opportunity to tell the party all Salamar and his various relations have discovered about what is going on in the north. He speaks of the release of Furnice and the Witchwyrd Sarakite, and how she is behind this force of undead. The fact is that the rise of the undead now, at the same time Mínaris is heading to Uris, is too much of a coincidence. Are Mínaris and Sarakite in league with one another. If so, does this make Sarakite a second member of the Thirty?

The interview at an end, Salamar and Balthasar take their leave. The hobbit casts his spell and the two disappear, leaving this dimension momentarily to arrive at the House of Passing in the Village of the Eighteen Churches. The last thing Raza and the others hear is the hobbit saying "Oops."

Nicos and Arvan arrive and are quickly filled in on what is happening. Raza is getting a little frustrated with his role, and not actually being able to do anything. As he leaves, Alberdark assures the regent that he is doing a fine job, and then proceeds to go and do it for him. Raza turns to Lucien and asks their major-domo if the king told him the details of a safe house where they can flee to. Lucien says that he has the details of two safe houses in Uris and eleven more around the country that have been provided by the late King Yaddagon.

Raza returns to his room. At just past midnight Rhiana arrives, ready to continue Raza's teaching in the lucid dreaming stakes. However, Raza is not interested in that. "I have to talk to the elves. I have to speak to Grimalkin and to Thaniel. I need their help against Mínaris." Rhiana sighs. She says that Raza has had all the help from the elves that he is going to get. The elves are not going to break their secrecy over this. "But I have to see them!" Raza is becoming distraught. "Otherwise I'll go to the moon gods."

"You wouldn't!" Rhiana screams. "No…. of course not," sasy Raza openly lying. Rhiana takes him by the throat. "Listen to me Raza. If you go to the moon gods, Thaniel will kill you. There will be no escape." - "Then may be we don't need the elves," says Elias entering the room. "Maybe we can use the dragons."

"What?" asks Rhiana. "The dragons will not interfere with this war. It would break the great pact." Elias shrugs. "What if the Great Pact has all ready been broken?" Rhiana stops throttling Raza, "What do you mean?" Elias says, "There's a creature in the north called Sarakite. I think she's one of the Thirty. That makes her an elf. She imprisoned the dragon Furnice for more than year. That breaks the Pact. Even if she isn't a member of the Thirty, she is still Karatath's servant and therefore acting under his orders."

Elias's words shock Rhiana. She shakes her head. "The pact cannot be broken," she says. "This Sarakite must have been acting on her own, no elf would deliberately raise a hand against a dragon it is unthinkable." The discussion is cut short however as, alerted by the noise, Brack and Halbeara enter the room. Halbeara, looks and sees Rhiana. Dwarf meets elf for the first time. Halbeara's reaction could not have been predicted.

"Betrayer!" she yells, drawing her axe before anyone can react and swiping at Rhiana. She catches the elf in the shoulder. Elias and Brack try to hold Halbeara back but she is too strong for them. She raises her axe to swing again when Raza punches her in the face, with a successful application of his stunning blow. Halbeara collapses to the ground, but Rhiana has all ready taken the opportunity to nip back to the Greymere before any one can stop her.

Raza is furious. Brack half-carries the groggy Halbeara from the room. "She's not going to come back," Raza says of Rhiana. "Why did Halbeara react like that?" Elias says "That is something that Brack is going to find out." Brack takes Halbeara to the garden where she sits to clear her head. "What happened?" he asks. At first Halbeara does not want to talk, but Brack coaxes out of her that in ages past elves and dwarves fought wars, and detested one another's existence. Even in the great war against the Dark Lord they were grudging allies. Brack remembers Dralcarnus mentioning something about dwarf and elf war.

"That's it?" Brack asks. "Something that happened a thousand years ago?" He secretly marvels at Halbeara's ability to hold a grudge. Then he sees the way that she is shaking. Something in the Collector that took Derriac and Blaine truly unsettled Halbeara. Her mind is not perfect. With a great effort of will, Halbeara regains some of her composure. "I am sorry. Perhaps I acted rashly. But I will never trust an elf, Brack. Are they going to return?" Brack says that they are not and that seems to quiet his teacher.

Sunday, 21 Mizzle Month 204

After the excitement of the previous day, the Chosen rise late but make sure they arrive at the Raithborne townhouse by midday for their meeting with the fire clerics. Present at Julian Maynard, Sesnic Lodrath, Rio Shai'ir and Belerus Rothsman. The three are glad Rothsman has thrown their all in with them.

The discussion lasts for several hours. Ravenna muses that what they need is some secret virus that wipes out elves, that they can use against Mínaris, but no-one seems to have one of them. Rothsman is still of the opinion that patience is their greatest weapon against Tarrashar. "Nicos gets Scaldarnus, then he becomes Firewalker!" It's not a bad plan, but it will take a long time to come to fruition.

"Tarrashar is dangerous now," says Elias. "He has all these fire eyes and is making more. Mínaris controls him, and therefore Mínaris has all these fire eyes. We have to stop him." But the question is how. According to Boudewijn (Nicos shudders when Rio says his name) Tarrashar meets with Mínaris every Caladay, but how can they act to disrupt that meeting? They cannot simply break into the Grand Panoptican. There seems to be nothing that they can do. They agree that none of them has the power to defeat Tarrashar openly, particularly after the Chosen confess to Rothsman that they no longer have the magic swords Narramac gave them.

"How does someone become a Firewalker?" asks Ravenna, thinking laterally as always. Julian Maynard explains that the successor is normally selected by the retiring firewalker, but Ravenna shakes her head. "No, I mean how does he tap into the fire eyes. Where does that power come from?"

"There is a ceremony," explains Lodrath. "The old Firewalker gives up the power before a synod of first flames. Certain incantations are cast, and the power to use the fire eyes is transfered to another." Ravenna smiles. "Can we perform the ceremony? Can we transfer Tarrashar's powers as firewalker to Nicos?"

Rothsman chuckles. "Now that is a plan," he says. "I don't think it's possible," says Maynard. "Firstly, it's blasphemy to even think of a thing, and secondly the firewalker always gives up his powers willingly. I don't they can be forcibly transferred to another."

"Oh, they can," says Rothsman. "But it wouldn't be easy. Nicos would have to mentally battle Tarrashar for the right to be firewalker. The loser would probably wind up a vegetable." Rio steps forward. "Wait a minute!" she says. "We're talking about Nicos as if he isn't even here! Nicos? What do you think?"

Nicos looks at Rio, and sees the deep and unfathomable affection for him that resides there. "I'll do it," he says. Maynard shakes his head. "Nicos! This is the firewalker we are talking about." - "It's Tarrashar," says Nicos simply. "He doesn't deserve to be firewalker. If Calafax doesn't want this to happen then Calafax won't allow it, it's as simple as that."

Nicos's words affect Maynard. "You are right in that I suppose. But the chances of you succeeding are very slim." - "I'm willing to take that chance!" - "If you are successful you must be ready to give up the power again. You cannot keep it, unless it comes to you properly." Nicos says that he intends to do that.

"We'll need magma," says Lodrath slowly. "Sanctified by Calafax, and a quiet place to do the ritual?" - "Magma?" asks Ravenna. Lodrath nods, "Nicos would have to be immersed in it." - "I can't believe we're thinking of doing this," says Raza, but some one points out that if he can be king then Nicos can be firewalker. Or as good as firewalker. "Who can perform the ritual?" Maynard, Lodrath and Rothsman say that they know how. "If we are enough. Normally twenty-five first flames are needed."

There is suddenly much to plan. "Nicos is in extreme danger until this plan takes hold," says Rothsman. "If Tarrashar gets wind of it then all is lost." Rio steps forward. She takes the obsidian buckle of her belt and hands it to Nicos. "Then take this," she says to Nicos. "No way," says Elias. "If you give that up then Mínaris will find you in a second." - "Your need is greater than mine, Nicos," she continues. "Besides, if Mínaris does take me, I know you'll be there to rescue me." Nicos cannot argue with that and takes the buckle. He and Rio embrace.

Rothsman, who seems to have taken charge says, "Right enough of that Allumière. You and your companions go back and set to work on finding a way to take down this Mínaris. In the meantime we'll get the material we need. It could take a while, but we'll get it done. Nicos, focus yourself. You have to be at your best if this is going to work." Nicos nods. As the six depart the townhouse for the White Suite, he determines to begin a rigorous programme of physical exercise.

Vítday, 22 Mizzle Month 204

It is the waiting that the Chosen find the most difficult. The fire clerics are off making things ready to steal Tarrashar's powers; to the north a war against the undead is being fought; somewhere Mínaris is torturing their families. All they can do is wait, and hear bad news arrive on top of bad. Alberdark informs them that they have reliable reports that Galahyde and his army have finally left Dismallion. It should take them two weeks to reach Norandor. The test will come when they reach Hillcrest.

But that is still days away, and so they keep themselves busy with talk of how to oppose Mínaris. Raza has to add is signature to dozens of scrolls provided by Alberdark, as the army to aid Northmeet is slowly raised and sent north. Dolanz calls in most days to ask if they have discovered Rowena, and to tell them of the progress made by the Council. Occassionally, Elias drops down to see the lie of the land. Things do not look good for Raza.

Raza sends out a summons for Prince Queston, but as yet there is no reply. It seems that the Prince has left the city, and given the circumstances, who can blame him? Halbeara continues to instruct Brack with the ways of the Maker. And then there is poor Caius. The blink dog is in a state of continual distress. Often it is Mínaris's words that escape his lips. They goad and chide the party. Occassionally it is the voices of their loved ones. Once, Caius speaks with Drasha's voice, pleading for the pain to stop. Misgon cannot take that and breaks down. And although, the party know that they are not to blame, that it is Mínaris who is culpable for what is happening to the people they care about, not themselves, they still feel the anger and frustration that Mínaris wants them to feel.

Rhiana does not come for the second evening in a row. Raza fears that she may never return and that Halbeara chased away the one link they had with the Greymere. Raza feels increasingly directionless and he summons Aylisha. She used to advise the king, perhaps now she can advise him.

Aylisha arrives and speaks with Raza and the rest of the Chosen. She says, "There is so much transpiring in Norandor at present. The war in the north, the march of Galahyde, the problems of the Church of Fire, Mínaris. Perhaps you should concentrate on one thing. Something you can do something about." Aylisha advises that they should be bending all their energy into finding a way to destroy Mínaris.

"We can't do that," complains Nicos, "he is too powerful." - "And yet you must defeat him, and therefore you must find a way," says Aylisha with the same sort of uncompromising logic that normally comes from Elias. Nicos shrugs. What the hell? He'll probably be a vegetable before Galahyde arrives anyway. They talk long into the night as to what they know about Mínaris. They know that he holds a black gem in his hand, and that this might be a weakness, but they know nothing more. "Only the elves can tell us," says Raza. He has to speak to Rhiana.

Terday, 23 Mizzle Month 204

The party desend for breakfast in the morning discussing how they can find out more about the black gem. Hadala Klazid has the information, but how to get to him? Rhiana might be able to help there. They might be able to use her ability to open portal into the Greymere to cross the distance to Hadras. Maybe they could use that to bring an army to Norandor to fight Galahyde. Ravenna curses herself for not thinking of it earlier, it is too late now.

Ravenna calls for Lucien, and there is no reply. Everyone is immediately suspicious. Something must be very wrong. They head into the dining room to find a strange man sitting at the table helping himself to their breakfast. Lucien is sitting on a chair in the corner of the room, his mind evidently clouded by some magic. Elias recognises this individual as the old man they met on the road: Aldric Kurst.

Nicos has his mortar in his hand in an instant and demands some answers. "Good morning," says Kurst ignoring the implicit threat. "Please sit down, we have much to discuss." - "What have you done with Lucien?" Ravenna demand. "You have an excellenet servant," says Kurst, "Excellent, you should hold on to him." Ravenna asks again. "Oh don't worry, he is only a little confused, it will pass."

"I can't believe you guys," says Nicos, "you're always letting someone walk all over us. I say he tells us why he's here or we waste him." - "Direct and to the point," says Kurst, "very refreshing. Please sit down and put your weapon down. I have come to discuss Mínaris. I take it that is sufficient to gain your attention."

It is, and the Chosen sit. Kurst smiles, swallows some toast and says, "I believe in being direct and honest in all my dealings with people. Duplicity is really a waste of valuable brain power. I know Mínaris and have a significant personal interest in seeing some serious harm befall him."

"Why?" demands Ravenna. "Because he wants to kill me." - "Why does he want to kill you?" - "Because I betrayed him." Kurst's answers are quick and sound perfectly candid. He continues, "Due to certain agreements made long in the past, I cannot raise my hand against him directly. Which brings me to you."

"You want us to deal with Mínaris for you," says Nicos. Kurst replies, "You want to deal with Mínaris for yourselves. I'm merely offering a push in the right direction. Some advice. Mínaris has always been renowed for his illusions, for creating things that were not there and disguising himself as others. When you face Mínaris, try to remember this. Do not trust your instincts. Everything with him is smoke and mirrors, it always has been. This is not to say he isn't powerful in a straight battle. It's just that his talents lie elsewhere."

"How do you know all this?" asks Ravenna. "Mínaris and I go back a long way," explains Kurst. "Are you one of the Thirty?" asks Elias. "My, my. You are well informed. One of the Thirty? Is that what you think?" - "No double-talk. Just straight answers." - "My dear girl, I am all ready giving you answers to questions you would not think of asking. Do not press me. Am I one of the Thirty? The most honest answer would be, no I am not."

"Now, stop questioning me and listen for I do not have much time with you. The gem in Mínaris's hand is called a Vathek Stone. The Vathek Stone is Mínaris's greatest strength, and also his greatest weakness. It amplifies his ability to work magic to a staggering degree, but he has also become rather dependent on it over the centuries. Without it, he is still powerful, but little more powerful that the mortal threats you have all ready bested in your time together. Of course, the trick is separating Mínaris from the gem. Or his hand from his arm, or arm from body - you get the idea."

The party have many other questions regarding the Vathek Stone, but Kurst says that he cannot answer them, citing the bargain he made long ago. "I wish I could tell you, but there are some forces left greater than I. The answer is in the stones. Ask yourself: who knows a lot about stones?" Brack is quick to respond. "The dwarves," he says. "There you go," smiles Kurst getting to his feet. "Follow this and you are well on the way to having a chance against Mínaris. I must leave you now. I have business in the north. I do not know if we will meet again." Kurst heads for the door, but pauses when he gets there. "You do, incidentally, have very fine china. You should look after it. It would be a shame if it got chipped in the coming revolution."

For reasons they cannot quite fathom, the party believe Kurst. As Ravenan revives Lucien, the rest of the party sends for Halbeara and asks if she has ever heard of a Vathek Stone. "Vathek Stones," she corrects. "There were three of them. They were the eyes of a tremendous serpent slain by Moradin, and given to the greatest of the dwarven kings. It is an old legend. Why do you ask?"

They tell her, and Halbeara understands the importance of the request. Ravenna is very excited. If she gets her hands on one of the other stones, she might be able to face down Mínaris! Unlike the party Halbeara speaks Auld Dwarvish. She will enter Esker's crystal library and find out more information for them. It is a long day awaiting news from Halbeara. She entered the library as Esker did and immediately fell unconscious. All day she lies there, dribbling into her soft beard, until the evening, when she awakens and demands to see the Chosen.

"I was justified in my attack on that elf!" she declares. "Such betrayal! Such heresy!" - "You've found something, then?" asks Ravenna. Halbeara nods. "I have. The story begins in myth, and then becomes mired in far too much reality. The legend goes that at the beginning time, the world was imperilled by a great three-eyed serpent known as the Vathek. It wound its coils around the world and threatened to choke the life from all. None could oppose the Vathek save Moradin himself. He took up his great hammer and rained down mighty blows on the serpent's hide, fracturing it and casting off huge chunks of flesh. When the beast died it turned to stone, forever dividing north from south. Moradin took the eyes of the beast and gave them to the highest king as a token and a reminder of what happened."

The similarity between this and Belsinor's Girdle is not lost on the party, but Halbeara continues. "The three Vathek Eyes were forces of amazing potency. In the hands of an immortal, they greatly augment the magical power of the wielder, to an awesome degree. An immortal holding one of the Vathek eyes would be unstoppable. In the hands of a mortal, the Eyes have no discernible effect, except to render the wielder immune to the powers of an immortal in possession of a second Eye. Such a mortal would be the only hope in such a conflict."

Ravenna is disappointed, but this must have been the information that Kurst wanted them to find. But where can they find one of the other eyes? "The eyes were placed in the Great Vault in the northern kingdoms to be kept safe. Yet news of their presence leaked out, and the most treacherous of all immortals - the elves - attacked the Vault to take the eyes. To the great shame of Moradin, they were successful and the eyes passed into elven hands."

"The next mention of the eyes is centuries later. When the elves came for aid in their war against the Dark Lord, they were challenged over the theft of the Vathek Eyes. They told us that the eyes, because of their association with the Vathek Serpent, were indellibly evil, and that no virtuous immortal could wield one and hope to retain their sanity. The return of the Eyes were demanded as payment for our aid, but the elves refused."

"Later we learned their shame. Of the three Eyes, two were stolen and taken into the Dark Lands of the Southern World. The third remains under heavy guard in the elven city of Shallambor. We were never to see the gifts of Moradin again."

Shallambor! How are they going to get it from Shallambor? "We need Rhiana," says Raza. The monk puts himself in a trance and tries to contact Rhiana, but he he cannot send his mind through the Dreamheart to reach her thoughts. She is beyond his power to contact. He shakes his head in despair, they have the answer, but how will they put it into practice?

However, on this evening, Rhiana does return. Raza is extremely pleased to see her, and immediately tells her his plan. "Do you realise what you are asking me to do?" asks Rhiana. "Talk to Etchen and Anwyn," says Raza. "They helped Narramac steal the Blades of Virtue, they should be able to help you steal this Vathek Stone." Rhiana cannot believe what she is hearing, but Raza needs her help. "We need this! It is the only thing that can help us stop Mínaris. If you care about what happens to me and this country you will go." Rhiana looks at him. "You are starting to sound like a king," she says. "I will do what I can, but I make no promises. Do not try and reach me. I will return if I am successful. If I'm not, then I probably won't be returning."

Raza leaves his room to tell the others the news. Halbeara is there. "This stone is a dwarven artefact and must be recovered," she tells them. "Should we get our hands on it then it must be placed in the keeping of a dwarf - either myself or Brack. And when we finished destroying this demon, Mínaris, it must be taken to Dûnhazan where it can be properly looked after." The party agree to her demands.

Zephday, 24 Mizzle Month 204

Raza is called upon to help Alberdark in more paperwork during the day. However, the chamberlain comes up trumps with two scrolls of 'analyse dweomer'. Getting access to the few magical items stored in the palace without Gaston finding out is proving very difficult, but he has managed to liberate these. Finding out what Narramac's staff and the invisible sword do have to be priorities. Even if they remove the Vathek Stone from Mínaris he will still probably possess enough power to destroy them all.

The question is, who will try and use the scrolls. They are wizardly magic and beyond Ravenna. Misgon says that he will try. He is not quite as powerful as Ravenna is, but he is a wizard and anxious to do something (anything!) to help free Drasha. Sadly both scrolls are beyond him and they burn up before the spell can be cast. Misgon thumps the table, kicks over a chair and storms out. Elias follows him.

He finds the youth sitting on his bed in a state of histeria. "I should have been able to cast those spells. I should have been able to do it! I should have been able to save her!" Elias comforts him as best he can. Misgon apologises for blaming Elias over Drasha's kidnapping. He only hopes that they will eventually have the chance to rescue her.

Caladay, 25 Mizzle Month 204

This is the day that Mínaris meets with Tarrashar, but the party are helpless to prevent it. Caius spouts more of Mínaris's poison during the day, and Alberdark arrives with more scrolls in the afternoon. Misgon is determined to prove himself, and the party give him another chance. He takes the scoll and casts it successfully! Eight hours later he has analysed the staff, and can tell Ravenna it's functions. It is designed, primarily, as a support for a wizard, not a sorcerer and many of its most powerful properties are lost on Ravenna. However, as far as battle is concerned, it has a few tricks that Ravenna feels could well save her life.

Nicos continues to train himself up for the confrontation with Tarrashar. He goes jogging every morning (pursued by Shredder to give him some incentive) and things that he has never been in better shape. No-one wants to convince him otherwise. After all, it is the full moon of Calafax. Nicos fills the mortar and the rod of spell storing with the "meatiest" fireballs he can muster.

Sharday, 26 Mizzle Month 204

Misgon rests until midday, when he attempts to 'analyse dweomer' again on the invisible sword. He succeeds, and eventually Elias is informed that the sword also lets him see invisible creatures. That will make using it significantly better than before. However, they discover that the weapon ressembles a rapier more than a long sword and as a result is better suited in Ravenna's hands. As she also has all the magical bits and pieces she picked up in the Great Dark, no-one thinks that this is a good idea.

It is also on this day that Prince Queston finally obeys Raza's summons and turns up at the White Suite. Lucien feels a degree of trepidation opening the door for him. He quickly conquers it, and admits a man of regal bearing, who either spends all his time bench-pressing shire horses, or is wearing armour beneath his voluminous blue cloak. "Your Majesty," says Queston as he enters. Raza smiles sheepishly. This man is completely unsettling, but he cannot put his finger on why.

They recap on Queston's story. Queston claims to be the son of Yaddagon XIII of Norandor. He was born in the year 180 LE, and was abducted seven years later by a dark-skinned sorceress who held him prisoner, "outside time" as Queston calls it. By rights he should be 96 seasons of age, although he appears less than 30. Queston says that his story was undoubtedly true. His captor was a woman called Llarucianna. She as beautiful, but deadly.

"What did she do to you?" asks Ravenna, indicating Queston's disquieting vibe. "She changed me," says Queston. "She altered who I was. I will show you." Queston closes the curtains and blocks up the crack in the door with some cushions. Then he removes a small purple brick from his robes. He explains that this is a soporific incense. It should not be powerful enough to put anyone to sleep. He throws it into the fire and the room fills with clouds of purplish smoke. The smoke makes the party drowsy, but they do not succomb (apart from Arvan who is asleep on the sofa in less than a minute).

Queston throws off his cloak to reveal a shining breast plate. Then he begins to unbuckle it slowly. The sight that greets the party when it is removed is enough to make them wish they hadn't all ready eaten today. Set in Queston's stomach is the face and the madibles of an enormous spider. The spider's legs are rapped around his body. It seems as though the spider could remove itself from Queston. "The smoke has a deeper effect on spiders," whispers Queston, "but do nothing to wake it. I cannot control it."

"Why did she do this to you?" asks Elias. Queston says that he believes Llarucianna did this because she wanted to. "There were others?" Queston nods. "Not like me, she didn't like doing the same thing twice, but there were others." - "Why can't you just kill it?" asks Raza. "Because my fate is bound up with it," he replies. "If it dies then I die. And I am not ready to die yet."

The spider hisses and its jaws rattle. Brack wastes no time in helping Queston back on with his armour. "Why did you come to me originally?" asks Raza. Queston smiles. "To ask for your help in my case for the throne. But, once you were named successor and it was plain what you are, I immediately lent my support to you."

Raza wants more help from Queston. Help against Galahyde and Mínaris. "I will do what I can to help you, your Majesty, I remain your ally, but I don't know what I can do. I have no army. I will have to flee the city myself when Galahyde arrives. I have done all I can for you all ready, by urging my supporters to accept you as their king." Elias tells Raza that Queston is right. They can ask no more of him. Raza gives Queston leave to go. It is nice to know that they have an ally some where, but at present he is useless to them. However, clearing up the mystery of why he gives people the willies has set some minds at rest. As to whether he can continue to control the spider…… that's a problem Raza doesn't want to add to his list.

Morday, 27 Mizzle Month 204

It is the morning of King Yaddagon's funeral. The regent, Princess Celestine and the six original moon faiths play a role in this event, and the priests are excused from the Enclave for the morning to officiate. To Raza's annoyance, there will be no opportunity to speak with any of them.

Since his death, the body of King Yaddagon has been preserved as he was in life by the Church of Life. In fact they have made him look better than he did in life in many ways. They have restored colour to his cheeks and the semblance of vigour to his limbs. On the morning of the funeral, the king's body is ceremoniously handed over to the Church of Water, who wash and prepare it for the day ahead.

The day dawns as bright, clear and warm as a midsummer's day. This is the gift of the Church of Air, manipulating the weather accordingly. The king's body is placed in the state funeral carriage, manned by Watchers and pulled by eight black horses. The carriage, flanked by more Watchers and scores of Daggers of Norandor then pulls out onto the streets of Uris. Traditionally it is followed on foot by the king's successor and his family. Only Raza and Princess Celestine fit these criteria and the pair walk behind the carriage, Celstine leaning on Raza for support.

The carriage winds its way slowly around Uris, making its way close and closer to the Hill of Heroes where the rest of the party, noblemen and clergy wait patiently. Today is a day of mourning in Uris. Thousands line the route of the carriage as it moves at a snail's pace. All of them are silent, for Yaddagon was a much loved king and now that he is gone, many are fearful of the future.

It takes three hours for the carriage to reach the Hill of Heroes. When it does the Watchers disembark and form a ring around it. Tarex steps up into the pulpit and he talks of King Yaddagon. But not the Yaddagon the Chosen of Narramac got to know in the last season; he speaks of Yaddagon in his youth. He speaks of Yaddagon the man of action - Yaddagon the just king, who has done much good in his life and who (in death) has found peaceful reward in the hands of Mortis.

Many are in tears, not least of all Celestine, who finds comfort in Raza and Count Dolanz. Then Yaddagon's body is lifted from the carriage and placed on a stone plinth before the great tomb of the king's of Norandor. The Watcher's ring the King's body and sing a dirge to the gods. Then the priests of Earth do their part and use their power over stone to reshape the plinth and encase the king in his final rest. Raza leans to get one final look at Yaddagon and then he is gone. Covered by a beautifully worked and decorated stone.

Six barefoot priests of earth, drawing power from the ground lift the stone and bear it into the tomb. Where it is lost from view. Inside waits Firewalker Tarrashar to light an eternal flame on the stone, that will burn for as long as the moon faiths endure.

And thus, at length, ends the funeral and the life of King Yaddagon XIV. It is with heavy hearts the party return in the evening to the White Suite. The crises that surround them have been momentarily forgotten. Even those members of the party who were not particularly close to the king, feel that the country has lost something special. Only time will reveal if they will see his like again.

Sunday, 28 Mizzle Month 204

The day following the king's funeral sees news arrive with our heroes and all of it bad. Alberdark arrives just after breakfast to inform them that Hillcrest has declared in favour of Galahyde the Black. Galahyde left some men there and marched the bulk of 10,000 strong force north towards the capital. At his present speed, he should arrive on the thirty-sixth of the month. Raza groans.

But there is more news to come. Just after lunch Arvan comes in from the garden with his old friend Carax sitting on his shoulder. The raven has obviously missed Arvan and is displayed affection unseemly for an animal companion. Carax flew to the White Suite from the Úngorn carrying a note from the druids. Arvan reads it to his companions:

"Arvan. We cannot come. This decision is made all the more difficult after our discussion, but the undead hordes are many and druids cannot be spared from the lines. It is as though we are being deliberately kept from your side. You must face Mínaris without us, as we face our own demons alone. May we meet again. Morgase Esseni."

It is not unexpected, but that does not make it welcome. As their enemies grow on all sides, their allies seem to be diminishing. There is still no word from Rhiana or the fire clerics. The Enclave could reach a result any day, and Galahyde and Mínaris are barely a week away. Their luck has to turn soon.

Caladay, 32 Mizzle Month 204

It is not until after dark that this day becomes any more remarkable than the last. Raza, is in his room, meditating and clearing his mind from the contiuous muttering of the moon gods, when shimmering in the air leaches all the colour from the room, and Rhiana steps from the Greymere.

She is out of breath and seems to be carrying an undue amount of stress. "Raza," she says handing him a black gem. "You got it?" Raza exclaims. She nods and moves to return to the portal. "Wait!" cries the monk, "Stay!" - "I can't stay, Raza. Not now. Maybe later. Take care of yourself. Use that wisely." She smiles at him and steps back into the Greymere and is gone.

Raza rushes out, waving the seemless Vathek Stone above his head. At last they have a weapon with which to challenge Mínaris! Everyone is very excited, but Halbeara is leaping from leg to leg in joy. She handles it, sniffs it, hugs it and generally makes a fool of herself. After some discussion the gem is given to Brack for safe keeping. Halbeara would rather hold it herself, but Brack is the choice. It will be up to him to get close enough to Mínaris to chop his hand off.

"Madame, sirs," says Lucien, materialising before them. "I am sorry to bother you at such a late hour, but there is a man tapping at the window to the sitting room with a large stick. Shall I send him away?" The Chosen head into the sitting room, and open the window. A man stumbles in, his coat slick with rain. Pulling back the hood reveals Boudewijn Berdgardt. "It's time, Allumière," he smiles.

Nicos resists the temptation to pummel him. Boudewijn is in a great mood. "This is going to be a fantastic evening," he says. "As far as I can see, I can't lose. Either you're going to die, or Tarrashar's going to die. Either way, I win!" Boudewijn says he will lead the party to the appointed place where Lodrath, Rothsman and Maynard are ready to peform the ritual. If they are ready? The six members of the Chosen get their coats and head out into the night. Brack is still clutching the Vathek Stone. Boudewijn is limping on a stick. It seems like an old injury.

On the journey toward the Gutterhive, Boudewijn takes Elias aside and whispers to him. "Listen to me. Rio's gone," he says. "Got taken by that demon you pissed off. Nicos can't know. If this is going to work, he's got to be focused. Supremely confident, he can't have any distractions." Elias nods. He isn't sure why Boudewijn told him this, but he's willing to go along with it for the time being.

Eventually Boudewijn leads the group to ground floor of a burned out building. The heat inside is intense. A pit has been dug in the floor and filled with molten rock. Maynard, Lodrath and Rothsman are present. Maynard hurries over and hugs Nicos. "Are you sure you want to do this?" he asks. Nicos nods. There is a path of crushed rubies leading to the pit on one side.

Rothsman explains. "We will start the ritual, then you call on your fiery aura and walk he path to the pit. When you get there, jump in. We will work the magic, which will summon Tarrashar's soul. He'll possess your friend here," he says pointing at Elias. "What?" exclaims Elias. "Someone has to do it," says Rothsman. "If could be someone else, if you like." - "No, no," says Elias, "I'll do it." Rothsman smiles. "Right, Tarrashar's spirit possesses your friend. He jumps into the magma as well and then you and he wrestle for control of the power. The loser will wind up brain dead."

"What? What? What?" yells Elias. "Don't sweat it," says Nicos, "Tarrashar will wind up brain dead not you." - "And while you are possessed by Tarrashar," says Rothsman, "you will enjoy his immunities to fire. You'd both better remember to hold your breath."

Elias has a sinking feeling as he prepares for this. Boudewijn is cackling with glee. "Brack," says Elias, "why don't you take Boudewijn up on lookout with Rio?" - "Rio's not going to be here?" Nicos asks. "She didn't want to watch," lies Elias. Nicos accepts this and prepares himself. He disrobes and surrounds himself in flame. Maynard, Lodrath and Rothsman begin to chant in Calafan and white-hot sparks fly between them creating a mesh over the pool of lava. "It looks more impressive if there are twenty-five of them," says Boudewijn sagely. His words add to the impression that this entire enterprise is a farce with the budget of a shoestring and has no chance whatsoever of working.

Nicos walks slowly towards the molten pit. The heat of his aura is so intense that the crushed rubies he stands on have melted and adheared to the soles of his feet. When he reaches the edge Nicos takes a breath and steps in. The pit is about ten feet deep and he completely disappears. At the instant Nicos is eclipsed from view, Elias feels an overwhelming presence in his mind. It is Tarrashar. "Do not resist it!" calls Maynard. "Boudewijn, now!" Berdgardt ambles over to Elias and shoves him into the molten pit. Everyone crowds around.

Elias strikes the bottom of the pit. The heat here is so intense that the molten rock has turned into gas. He has Nicos are in a small pocket of gaseous rock, surrounded (and lit) by the heat of the magma that surrounds them. But it is not Elias. It is Tarrashar! And he speaks through Elias to the increasingly smug Nicos.

"You!" Tarrashar exclaims. "You would try this? You have not a hope." Nicos nods, "Lots of people have told me that," he says. "You want my powers, Pyrus? Come and taken them!" And battle is joined. But it is not a conventional battle of swords and spells, it is a fight in the mind as Nicos and his Firewalker use their experience and their wisdom to suck at the essence of one another. Nicos is not sure what he is doing, it is as though the knowledge has been conferred upon him by the ritual itself.

However, Tarrashar is a terrible opponent. Were it not for the legacy of the Blade of Faith, Nicos would not stand a chance, but as it is he can barely hold his own. Tarrashar is in every way his superior. Nicos feels his mind being stripped one layer at a time. This was a truly stupid idea. He doesn't have a chance. He is the one who is going to lose his mind not Tarrashar, and Tarrashar can feel it! But, he is Nicos Allumière! He has held the Blade of Faith, he has walked the Great Dark and slain the Prince! He has faith that he will succeed in this, because Tarrashar's a dirty scumbag and doesn't deserve to be the head of the chruch of fire. And it seems that in the end, all the power and experience and wisdom in the world are no substitute for faith in yourself and (let's not forget) utter dumb luck.

Nicos has very little mind left. He can still feel his fingers, but no longer knows what they are for. All he knows is that he must defeat his enemy, and with the last of oxygen-deprived strength he hurls all his force against Tarrashar. And it is Tarrashar that has his mind stripped away. It is Tarrashar who is lost.

The molten rock boils furiously. Ravenna and Brack had the foresight to cast protection from elements on themselves and are unaffected. Suddenly a fiery elemental appears, wrenching a screaming Elias from the pit. In the absence of Tarrashar's spirit he became vulnerable to flame and has nearly died. Arvan immediately casts quench upon him and tries to heal the badly burned form. Nicos is now too stupid to remember where he is and has to be pulled out by Rothsman. He sits there simply, and Arvan must divide some of spells to a 'lesser restoration' of Nicos's mind.

"He did it!" exclaims Boudewijn, "I can't believe that he did it!" Indeed, Boudewijn's surprise is shared by everyone in the room, including Nicos himself when his mind is restored to average (expending all of Arvan's powers). "How do you feel Nicos?" asks Maynard. Nicos concentrates on Vince Loire and tries to see through his eyes. His own eyes fog over and he realises that he has the powers of the Firewalker! He then snaps back to reality as it seems Vince was on the toilet.

Sharday, 33 Mizzle Month 204

It is now the dawn of a new day. Nicos is far from himself, but Rothsman assures him that Tarrashar will be in a coma that will take far more than 'lesser restoration' to bring him out of. Rothsman says how he wished he had been at the Enclave to see Tarrashar slump to the table as if dead. "Maybe he impaled himself with a quill," he ruminates.

Things are looking up. They have the Vathek Stone, and now the threat of Tarrashar has been removed. They are as ready as they can be to face Mínaris. If they remain on schedule, Galahyde and his dark sorcerer should arrive in Uris in just three days. "And then we can rescue Rio," says Elias, and tells Nicos that she has been taken by the Collector.

Boudewijn limps toward them, but it is not to congratulate Nicos, but to bring news. "I've just had word from my spies back at the palace," says Boudewijn. "The Enclave have made a decision. The Council will decide in the next couple of hours. We'll know whose going to be king." A knot tightens in Raza's stomach that whole pack of scouts couldn't undo.

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