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Into the Icy Darkness II: The Next Generation
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<blockquote data-quote="Emperor Valerian" data-source="post: 1610882" data-attributes="member: 15043"><p>The morning sun burned through the last of the night’s fog and rain above Iskeldrun, bathing the city in glowing light. The same light burned down into the Imperial Palace, and somewhere within its depths, the light caused Raven to squint.</p><p></p><p>She gave a unthankful grunt, before turning her back to the thin slits that marked the chamber windows. With the blinding light of the sun out of her eyes, she again tried to refocus her mind.</p><p></p><p><em>Come on, Raven... its part of the reason your mother sent you to the Academy. Focus!</em></p><p></p><p>She closed her eyes, feeling the magic within her veins coursing, rushing, running as a stream. Her person was an immense portal for the planes of magic. Unlike many of the hopeful apprentices that were her classmates, she did not go there to learn how to <em>access</em> magic, but something far more important.</p><p></p><p>How to properly control and wield the sorcerous powers that coursed through her being.</p><p></p><p>She held her left arm out horizontally, as she felt the power course. She focused her mind on it, on its rivulets and streams forming into a pool, shimmering, immensely deep. Her mind started to clear, as her being focused on dipping into the pool, and bringing forth a small drop of that power. It fluttered in her mind, floating as if one droplet in a misty sky...</p><p></p><p>Carefully, she guided the tiny droplet of power from that reservoir towards the surface, and towards her free arm. It took only a few seconds to complete the process, yet the movement seemed to take an eternity, her mind was so focused. </p><p></p><p>Finally, she felt the dribbles of magic along her fingertips, and her eyes opened. Within its grasp was a small, white ball of energy, shaped like a bead. Her gaze to anyone else would seem glazed over, unfocused, when in fact she was taking in everything possible.</p><p></p><p>Her eyes spotted the dummy straw men set up... two of them barely five feet from her, ten others about forty feet away. Her mind imagined them moving, shouting, roaring towards her, and then her muscles and mind sprang into action.</p><p></p><p>One would have seen a sharp snarl form on her lips, as the bead flew away from her hand, towards the clustered group of straw men. As it coursed, her right hand slashed down across her body, and ripped out her nagaika. The glass whip cracked through the air, sending both of the close straw men sprawling to the ground, their forms shattered and slashed.</p><p></p><p>Her eyes then flecked upwards as a flash burst through the room. She was greeted with the sight of four of the straw men burning.... hardly a worry in the stone of the armory. Six others lay untouched, save one whose hat was singed slightly. A dark, burned spot on the stone floor showed her that her fireball hand landed about fifteen feet where she had aimed it... and with a spell with a radius of twenty feet, the results were hardly satisfactory.</p><p></p><p>“Dammit!” she snapped, feeling the reservoir of magic within her body break its bonds and begin its swirling in rivulets of power again. <em>You didn’t concentrate enough when drawing the nagiaka! Focus Raven!</em> she shouted at herself. With a huff of frustration, she stormed forward, and began roughly setting up the knocked over figures.</p><p></p><p>“That was... impressive. Scary impressive,” she heard a voice behind her, and Raven jumped around, her heart in her throat.</p><p></p><p>Valaron gave a slight chuckle, before walking forward with his hand extended. “I came here for my morning practice, but I heard someone in the hall. So I crept in quietly, and lo and behold, I have seen a formidable maiden indeed!” his smile grew larger as he grasped her hand and shook it in congratulation. “Well done!”</p><p></p><p>A flutter of thoughts raced through Raven’s head, before she cast her eyes downward, her face bright red at the praise. “It... was nothing. Far less than I expected,” she admitted with a stammer. “I missed six of the ten targets with my spell. I must work on my concentration.”</p><p></p><p>“Well, you missed six. So? Still a damn sight better than I can do,” Valaron smiled, bringing her head up with his hand. “I can either launch spells or engage in armed combat. You seem like you can almost do both,” Valaron said in slight wonder, before a smirk crossed his face. “Remind me never to anger you!”</p><p></p><p>“I don’t think that will be an issue!” Raven laughed a little too loudly, which caused Valaron to little at her a little strangely.</p><p></p><p>“I’m... sure it won’t,” he said slowly, before nervously smiling again. Suddenly, his nervous face changed to one pregnant with an idea that he, at least, considered brilliant.</p><p></p><p>“It’s been a while since I’ve had a god sparring partner!” he took her by the shoulders and led her towards the far side of the chamber. “And I’d sure like to test my chances against that... um... what exactly is that whip called again?”</p><p></p><p>“A nagiaka,” Raven giggled, “and sure... it’ll be fun!”</p><p></p><p>When he first squared his shoulders and set his katana in his high guard stance, he thought things would be easy. <em>I have to watch things... my sword could easily cut through her whip-thing. Wouldn’t want to actually damage her weapon.</em> Her own weapon seemed to hang only limply from her arm... as if she was inviting attack.</p><p></p><p>Valaron decided to humor her, and gave a feint towards his down and left, before suddenly switching his slash towards the right. A sharp <em>craack</em> cut close through the air, and he suddenly felt his blade going a different direction... then out of his hand. With a clatter, his sword fell to the ground, and Raven looked at him and laughed.</p><p></p><p>“Is that all you have? Vintressa made it sound like you were trying to learn how to be a great swordsman!” Raven giggled. “Or do you want another chance to beat a measely student of magic at melee combat?”</p><p></p><p>Val gave a growl of frustration, and picked up his blade in response.</p><p></p><p><em>That whip is fast... and strong. I must be careful.</em></p><p></p><p>The next spar was easily Valaron’s. After thinking back on her first attack that disarmed him, Valaron was prepared. As soon as her whip had latched around his blade, and he felt the slight tug of her snapping it from his hands, he yanked downward as hard as possible. The move snapped her close to him... close enough that his elbow was only a few inches from her face. In a real fight, her nose would have been broken.</p><p></p><p>“There. I think I would’ve had you there,” he smiled in triumph. “Just figured out your tactics and used them against you,” he explained grandly, causing her to scowl.</p><p></p><p>“Another match!” she unwound her whip from his katana.</p><p></p><p></p><p></p><p>“Is your brother usually late like this?” Royukgan asked Vintressa quietly. As the most dangerous assassin was still at large, it was considered unwise that Royukgan, Vintressa, or Raven return to the Academy. All were in the palace until further notice.</p><p></p><p>“No... and yes,” Vintressa complained. “When he goes to practice, he loses all sense of time or place!” the princess quoted a recent letter from her parents. “Headstrong, Bullheaded...”</p><p></p><p>“Indeed. Just like your attempted rush on my knight two turns ago,” Royukgan smiled, and nodded to the small chessboard to their front in one of the many private studies in the residence wing of the palace. It was something that was relaxing, to take both their minds off of the puzzles of the previous few days.</p><p></p><p>“Why should I bother?” Vintressa moaned. “I’ve lost! You’ve got me in two moves! Gah!”</p><p></p><p>“Well, three actually,” Royukgan’s smile changed to a mischevious smirk. “Your problem was... well, look whose coming right there!”</p><p></p><p>Vintressa turned around in her chair, and spotted Valaron storming into the room, his face twisted in fury. His copper hand was closely cupped to his face, and by his hissing, she guessed whatever it was hurt. Behind trailed a worried and tearful Raven.</p><p></p><p>“I’m sorry! I didn’t know it was going that close!” the girl sputtered in apology.</p><p></p><p>“Bloody well almost took out my eye!” Valaron shot back, furious.</p><p></p><p>“What happened?” Vintressa asked, despite something telling her deep down she might want to just stay out of whatever mess was enveloping her brother and her friend.</p><p></p><p>“We were sparring, me with my nagiaka, him with his sword, and-“ Raven started, before Valaron interrupted.</p><p></p><p>“She sliced open my face!” he shrieked, pulling away his hand. Most of his cheek, as well as his hand, were covered in blood. “Pelor’s Bloody Flames!” Valaron swore, putting his hand back up to keep the mess from spreading. However, red spots were already on his otherwise mundane tunic.</p><p></p><p>“It was an accident! I didn’t mean to-“ Raven replied desperately, her eyes looking between Valaron and Vintressa worriedly. </p><p></p><p>“Val, stop,” Vintressa sighed. The cool minded Vintressa was needed again to save the day. “Sit,” she commanded, before ordering a manservant to fetch some water and bandages. When he returned a few minutes later, she handed the two items to Raven.</p><p></p><p>“Fix him up,” she said quietly.</p><p></p><p>“Good gods no! She’s not getting near me again! She might kill me accidentally!” Val complained.</p><p></p><p>“Val, stop being a baby!” Vintressa finally stamped her foot. “Hold still so she can clean you up!” <em>No doubt the wound is far smaller than it feels... umhm... just as I thought,</em> she crossed her arms. Raven’s worried and fearful cleansing of his cheek revealed there was indeed a gash... one merely an inch long, high on his cheekbone. Blood ran from it rather profusely, but there was no way such a wound was debilitating, let alone fatal. The Princess gave a complaining sigh.</p><p></p><p>“Father will be coming soon. Get him cleaned up before he arrives!” She spun back towards the chess table, only to be confronted with a still smirking Royukgan. Beset on all sides, Vintressa simply swore before cleaning off the chessboard and demanding a rematch.</p><p></p><p></p><p></p><p>Like most noble residences, the Imperial Palace of Iskeldrun was replete with secret chambers, corridors and hallways. But as every noble household, it also had numerous private drawing rooms, sitting rooms, and quarters for private meetings between members of the Imperial family and others of interest. The sitting room occupied by the princes, princess and commoner was one of these.</p><p></p><p>In these closed halls, the only ceremony required was what the Emperor wished, and as time was of the essence, such tasks were kept to be kept to a minimum. He strode into the room with no fanfare or banners... indeed, he was still donning his robes of state. With a wave, the servants were dismissed, and the doors of the room shut, leaving them completely alone.</p><p></p><p>“You said you wanted to meet with me outside the Council?” Lucius asked hurriedly, his hands furiously trying to button a rubied clasp. “What has happened?”</p><p></p><p>“Well,” Royukgan replied, “Vintressa has been the searching one, so I think she should describe what we’ve found.”</p><p></p><p>The princess then produced the rain-streaked note for her father to see, as well as describing the goblin left on the streets outside of the palace. She also explained her theory... that the message was meant to bypass the normal security people, and be dealt with directly by the Imperial person.</p><p></p><p>“Hmmm,” Luke sat down, reading the note over again.</p><p></p><p>“I think we should go forward assuming there’s a leak or mole in our security people,” Vintressa continued cautiously. “Quietly try and figure out what this riddlish note means, as well as what the hand burned on the creature’s back meant.”</p><p></p><p>“So you are assuming,” Lucius started to recite her theory, “that this... goblin, was a contact of some of the missing Erelion people... and that they are currently looking for something to do with death in order to get the Fire Stone?”</p><p></p><p>Vintressa nodded... which only caused the Emperor to growl again in thought.</p><p></p><p>“Maybe the note simply means that by touching the Fire Stone they’ll die if they’re not of your bloodline,” Royukgan offered.</p><p></p><p>“In which case we’d have nothing to worry about!” Raven said with a sarcastic tone. “No, I doubt its that. Why waste the time to send the note?”</p><p></p><p>“Maybe it means we should be focusing on more important matters than two missing people in rags,” Lucius said slowly. “Diogenes’ dragnet got something in the wee hours of this morning... several dispatches from House Erelion.” Normally a quip about Diogenes’ tendencies to be like a canine might have been thrown in, but by his tone the Emperor was not in a joking mood.</p><p></p><p>“What did they find?” Vintressa asked in a hushed tone.</p><p></p><p>“The conspiracy was widespread,” Lucius said after a sigh. “It is clear very few were clear on the details of the actual attack, but many were clear on what would happen in the aftermath of the planned... ‘decapitation,’ as they called it,” the Emperor said darkly.</p><p></p><p>“How far does it go?” Valaron asked.</p><p></p><p>“The secretary to the Chief Prelate of the Tarantor Church,” Lucius said quietly. “One of the Underchains of the Church of Kord here in Iskeldrun, House Donibar, House Munifent...” the Emperor’s voice trailed off. “We don’t know how much further. Most alarmingly were the instructions sent with these dispatches, now that the plot has failed. For those who wish to overthrow this government to marshal their forces near Thuyiden... north of Comnitas.” The Emperor rested his head in his hands quietly.</p><p></p><p>“A... rebellion?” Royukgan asked quietly. He had seen the Imperial Guard, and heard stories of its fearsome power. He could not fetter why someone would willing take on such a force when it was not only whole... but enraged.</p><p></p><p>“Depending on how deep their support is... we could be facing anything from a few desperate knaves trying to ‘fight to the last,’ to a full scale civil war,” Lucius sighed again. When he brought his face up, he did not look like a young, vigorous 34 year old man. Instead, the lines on his tired face made him look twice his age.</p><p></p><p>“Well... we’ll crush them dad! Just like the last time any of the nobles rose up!” Valaron said decisively, even while he held his still smarting cheek.</p><p></p><p>“I hope so,” Lucius smiled sadly at his son’s bravado. The boy had never seen a full scale war, and so he had only the stories of glory to base his statement on. Not the blood and gore of an actual battle... like his father. “It all reminds me of why I didn’t want to be here in the first place,” he sighed. For a few moments, silence hung in the air, before Lucius turned to the children, purpose in his eyes.</p><p></p><p>“Well,” he cleared his throat. “Considering this, we have a job to do. And Vintressa, considering this new information, I agree with you. I trust Diogenes, not necessarily those under him. None of this will reach him,” Luke said, before pausing. Quickly, he nodded to himself decisively. “Yes. That is how we shall proceed. And it makes all of you even more important now.”</p><p></p><p>“How so?”</p><p></p><p>“They wanted this... Fire Stone so bad they tried to blackmail us and kill your mother. We cannot allow them to have it. If I didn’t have these robes to wear, I would go out myself to find it. But I’ll need to send one of you instead!”</p><p></p><p>“One of us? Why not both?” both Val and Vintressa cried.</p><p></p><p>“Too risky. To risk both heirs on the same mission? Foolhardy. Vintressa, your mind is sharp and keen. I’ll need you here... to watch the security people as they hunt the culprits. That means you, Val, will be headed to the Valley.”</p><p></p><p>“The Valley? Why do you think I should start there?” he asked with a raised eyebrow. <em>Starting in the Valley means I’ll be close to...</em></p><p></p><p>“One... there are people I trust to help you there. Raven’s parents, for one. Several other friends who I know are loyal in the Kord, Hieroneous and Tarantor churches as well. Secondly, that’s the last that <em>I</em> know of where that stone was at.”</p><p></p><p>“The Valley? Why did it end up there?” Vintressa wondered.</p><p></p><p>“Well, you know the story of how myself and your mother met. And of how I was originally betrothed to the Emperor’s granddaughter. As part of her dowry, she was rumored to be bringing a massive ruby, the size of two fists put together. However, in the chaos of the demon invasion, and the death of the Emperor, the stone became of secondary concern,” Lucius admitted. </p><p></p><p>“Once the demon staff was destroyed, I know myself and many others assumed that the stone was useless without its parent device. And as House Erelion was already grumbling, and Comnitas was near revolt, things were left ignored that probably should not have been.”</p><p></p><p>“Now, I am guessing you probably would want someone to check up on Val... make sure he remains safe,” Vintressa offered. “As well as someone who is adept at libraries and searching records?” Her eyes drifted over to Raven, who looked worriedly between the princess, Valaron, and the Emperor. </p><p></p><p>“Yes. Raven would be a good choice,” Lucius gave a slight smile, the first of his arrival. “They say you are good at defense, and someone with experience at the Academy undoubtedly can do a little reading.”</p><p></p><p>“Yes, Uncle,” Raven bowed her head again, nervous to the core as Valaron shot her an angry, dirty look.</p><p></p><p>“Now, Val,” Luke turned his attention back to his eldest son, “In Kulloden and Irulas, at the Temple Libraries, there is information on the Demon’s Rebellion, the staff, and the Great Diamond. I am hoping there lies information on the Fire Stone as well, considering the close ties the three have had. And your Aunt’s... ‘friends’” Luke looked at Royukgan, before looking back at his son, “are in many places in the Valley. They should help.” <em>No reason to tell the foreign prince about Tess’ organization...</em></p><p></p><p>“Yes father. I’ll do my best!” Valaron said with a brave smile. His eyes then flicked towards his new erstwhile travel partner, and inwardly he groaned.</p></blockquote><p></p>
[QUOTE="Emperor Valerian, post: 1610882, member: 15043"] The morning sun burned through the last of the night’s fog and rain above Iskeldrun, bathing the city in glowing light. The same light burned down into the Imperial Palace, and somewhere within its depths, the light caused Raven to squint. She gave a unthankful grunt, before turning her back to the thin slits that marked the chamber windows. With the blinding light of the sun out of her eyes, she again tried to refocus her mind. [i]Come on, Raven... its part of the reason your mother sent you to the Academy. Focus![/i] She closed her eyes, feeling the magic within her veins coursing, rushing, running as a stream. Her person was an immense portal for the planes of magic. Unlike many of the hopeful apprentices that were her classmates, she did not go there to learn how to [i]access[/i] magic, but something far more important. How to properly control and wield the sorcerous powers that coursed through her being. She held her left arm out horizontally, as she felt the power course. She focused her mind on it, on its rivulets and streams forming into a pool, shimmering, immensely deep. Her mind started to clear, as her being focused on dipping into the pool, and bringing forth a small drop of that power. It fluttered in her mind, floating as if one droplet in a misty sky... Carefully, she guided the tiny droplet of power from that reservoir towards the surface, and towards her free arm. It took only a few seconds to complete the process, yet the movement seemed to take an eternity, her mind was so focused. Finally, she felt the dribbles of magic along her fingertips, and her eyes opened. Within its grasp was a small, white ball of energy, shaped like a bead. Her gaze to anyone else would seem glazed over, unfocused, when in fact she was taking in everything possible. Her eyes spotted the dummy straw men set up... two of them barely five feet from her, ten others about forty feet away. Her mind imagined them moving, shouting, roaring towards her, and then her muscles and mind sprang into action. One would have seen a sharp snarl form on her lips, as the bead flew away from her hand, towards the clustered group of straw men. As it coursed, her right hand slashed down across her body, and ripped out her nagaika. The glass whip cracked through the air, sending both of the close straw men sprawling to the ground, their forms shattered and slashed. Her eyes then flecked upwards as a flash burst through the room. She was greeted with the sight of four of the straw men burning.... hardly a worry in the stone of the armory. Six others lay untouched, save one whose hat was singed slightly. A dark, burned spot on the stone floor showed her that her fireball hand landed about fifteen feet where she had aimed it... and with a spell with a radius of twenty feet, the results were hardly satisfactory. “Dammit!” she snapped, feeling the reservoir of magic within her body break its bonds and begin its swirling in rivulets of power again. [i]You didn’t concentrate enough when drawing the nagiaka! Focus Raven![/i] she shouted at herself. With a huff of frustration, she stormed forward, and began roughly setting up the knocked over figures. “That was... impressive. Scary impressive,” she heard a voice behind her, and Raven jumped around, her heart in her throat. Valaron gave a slight chuckle, before walking forward with his hand extended. “I came here for my morning practice, but I heard someone in the hall. So I crept in quietly, and lo and behold, I have seen a formidable maiden indeed!” his smile grew larger as he grasped her hand and shook it in congratulation. “Well done!” A flutter of thoughts raced through Raven’s head, before she cast her eyes downward, her face bright red at the praise. “It... was nothing. Far less than I expected,” she admitted with a stammer. “I missed six of the ten targets with my spell. I must work on my concentration.” “Well, you missed six. So? Still a damn sight better than I can do,” Valaron smiled, bringing her head up with his hand. “I can either launch spells or engage in armed combat. You seem like you can almost do both,” Valaron said in slight wonder, before a smirk crossed his face. “Remind me never to anger you!” “I don’t think that will be an issue!” Raven laughed a little too loudly, which caused Valaron to little at her a little strangely. “I’m... sure it won’t,” he said slowly, before nervously smiling again. Suddenly, his nervous face changed to one pregnant with an idea that he, at least, considered brilliant. “It’s been a while since I’ve had a god sparring partner!” he took her by the shoulders and led her towards the far side of the chamber. “And I’d sure like to test my chances against that... um... what exactly is that whip called again?” “A nagiaka,” Raven giggled, “and sure... it’ll be fun!” When he first squared his shoulders and set his katana in his high guard stance, he thought things would be easy. [i]I have to watch things... my sword could easily cut through her whip-thing. Wouldn’t want to actually damage her weapon.[/i] Her own weapon seemed to hang only limply from her arm... as if she was inviting attack. Valaron decided to humor her, and gave a feint towards his down and left, before suddenly switching his slash towards the right. A sharp [i]craack[/i] cut close through the air, and he suddenly felt his blade going a different direction... then out of his hand. With a clatter, his sword fell to the ground, and Raven looked at him and laughed. “Is that all you have? Vintressa made it sound like you were trying to learn how to be a great swordsman!” Raven giggled. “Or do you want another chance to beat a measely student of magic at melee combat?” Val gave a growl of frustration, and picked up his blade in response. [i]That whip is fast... and strong. I must be careful.[/i] The next spar was easily Valaron’s. After thinking back on her first attack that disarmed him, Valaron was prepared. As soon as her whip had latched around his blade, and he felt the slight tug of her snapping it from his hands, he yanked downward as hard as possible. The move snapped her close to him... close enough that his elbow was only a few inches from her face. In a real fight, her nose would have been broken. “There. I think I would’ve had you there,” he smiled in triumph. “Just figured out your tactics and used them against you,” he explained grandly, causing her to scowl. “Another match!” she unwound her whip from his katana. “Is your brother usually late like this?” Royukgan asked Vintressa quietly. As the most dangerous assassin was still at large, it was considered unwise that Royukgan, Vintressa, or Raven return to the Academy. All were in the palace until further notice. “No... and yes,” Vintressa complained. “When he goes to practice, he loses all sense of time or place!” the princess quoted a recent letter from her parents. “Headstrong, Bullheaded...” “Indeed. Just like your attempted rush on my knight two turns ago,” Royukgan smiled, and nodded to the small chessboard to their front in one of the many private studies in the residence wing of the palace. It was something that was relaxing, to take both their minds off of the puzzles of the previous few days. “Why should I bother?” Vintressa moaned. “I’ve lost! You’ve got me in two moves! Gah!” “Well, three actually,” Royukgan’s smile changed to a mischevious smirk. “Your problem was... well, look whose coming right there!” Vintressa turned around in her chair, and spotted Valaron storming into the room, his face twisted in fury. His copper hand was closely cupped to his face, and by his hissing, she guessed whatever it was hurt. Behind trailed a worried and tearful Raven. “I’m sorry! I didn’t know it was going that close!” the girl sputtered in apology. “Bloody well almost took out my eye!” Valaron shot back, furious. “What happened?” Vintressa asked, despite something telling her deep down she might want to just stay out of whatever mess was enveloping her brother and her friend. “We were sparring, me with my nagiaka, him with his sword, and-“ Raven started, before Valaron interrupted. “She sliced open my face!” he shrieked, pulling away his hand. Most of his cheek, as well as his hand, were covered in blood. “Pelor’s Bloody Flames!” Valaron swore, putting his hand back up to keep the mess from spreading. However, red spots were already on his otherwise mundane tunic. “It was an accident! I didn’t mean to-“ Raven replied desperately, her eyes looking between Valaron and Vintressa worriedly. “Val, stop,” Vintressa sighed. The cool minded Vintressa was needed again to save the day. “Sit,” she commanded, before ordering a manservant to fetch some water and bandages. When he returned a few minutes later, she handed the two items to Raven. “Fix him up,” she said quietly. “Good gods no! She’s not getting near me again! She might kill me accidentally!” Val complained. “Val, stop being a baby!” Vintressa finally stamped her foot. “Hold still so she can clean you up!” [i]No doubt the wound is far smaller than it feels... umhm... just as I thought,[/i] she crossed her arms. Raven’s worried and fearful cleansing of his cheek revealed there was indeed a gash... one merely an inch long, high on his cheekbone. Blood ran from it rather profusely, but there was no way such a wound was debilitating, let alone fatal. The Princess gave a complaining sigh. “Father will be coming soon. Get him cleaned up before he arrives!” She spun back towards the chess table, only to be confronted with a still smirking Royukgan. Beset on all sides, Vintressa simply swore before cleaning off the chessboard and demanding a rematch. Like most noble residences, the Imperial Palace of Iskeldrun was replete with secret chambers, corridors and hallways. But as every noble household, it also had numerous private drawing rooms, sitting rooms, and quarters for private meetings between members of the Imperial family and others of interest. The sitting room occupied by the princes, princess and commoner was one of these. In these closed halls, the only ceremony required was what the Emperor wished, and as time was of the essence, such tasks were kept to be kept to a minimum. He strode into the room with no fanfare or banners... indeed, he was still donning his robes of state. With a wave, the servants were dismissed, and the doors of the room shut, leaving them completely alone. “You said you wanted to meet with me outside the Council?” Lucius asked hurriedly, his hands furiously trying to button a rubied clasp. “What has happened?” “Well,” Royukgan replied, “Vintressa has been the searching one, so I think she should describe what we’ve found.” The princess then produced the rain-streaked note for her father to see, as well as describing the goblin left on the streets outside of the palace. She also explained her theory... that the message was meant to bypass the normal security people, and be dealt with directly by the Imperial person. “Hmmm,” Luke sat down, reading the note over again. “I think we should go forward assuming there’s a leak or mole in our security people,” Vintressa continued cautiously. “Quietly try and figure out what this riddlish note means, as well as what the hand burned on the creature’s back meant.” “So you are assuming,” Lucius started to recite her theory, “that this... goblin, was a contact of some of the missing Erelion people... and that they are currently looking for something to do with death in order to get the Fire Stone?” Vintressa nodded... which only caused the Emperor to growl again in thought. “Maybe the note simply means that by touching the Fire Stone they’ll die if they’re not of your bloodline,” Royukgan offered. “In which case we’d have nothing to worry about!” Raven said with a sarcastic tone. “No, I doubt its that. Why waste the time to send the note?” “Maybe it means we should be focusing on more important matters than two missing people in rags,” Lucius said slowly. “Diogenes’ dragnet got something in the wee hours of this morning... several dispatches from House Erelion.” Normally a quip about Diogenes’ tendencies to be like a canine might have been thrown in, but by his tone the Emperor was not in a joking mood. “What did they find?” Vintressa asked in a hushed tone. “The conspiracy was widespread,” Lucius said after a sigh. “It is clear very few were clear on the details of the actual attack, but many were clear on what would happen in the aftermath of the planned... ‘decapitation,’ as they called it,” the Emperor said darkly. “How far does it go?” Valaron asked. “The secretary to the Chief Prelate of the Tarantor Church,” Lucius said quietly. “One of the Underchains of the Church of Kord here in Iskeldrun, House Donibar, House Munifent...” the Emperor’s voice trailed off. “We don’t know how much further. Most alarmingly were the instructions sent with these dispatches, now that the plot has failed. For those who wish to overthrow this government to marshal their forces near Thuyiden... north of Comnitas.” The Emperor rested his head in his hands quietly. “A... rebellion?” Royukgan asked quietly. He had seen the Imperial Guard, and heard stories of its fearsome power. He could not fetter why someone would willing take on such a force when it was not only whole... but enraged. “Depending on how deep their support is... we could be facing anything from a few desperate knaves trying to ‘fight to the last,’ to a full scale civil war,” Lucius sighed again. When he brought his face up, he did not look like a young, vigorous 34 year old man. Instead, the lines on his tired face made him look twice his age. “Well... we’ll crush them dad! Just like the last time any of the nobles rose up!” Valaron said decisively, even while he held his still smarting cheek. “I hope so,” Lucius smiled sadly at his son’s bravado. The boy had never seen a full scale war, and so he had only the stories of glory to base his statement on. Not the blood and gore of an actual battle... like his father. “It all reminds me of why I didn’t want to be here in the first place,” he sighed. For a few moments, silence hung in the air, before Lucius turned to the children, purpose in his eyes. “Well,” he cleared his throat. “Considering this, we have a job to do. And Vintressa, considering this new information, I agree with you. I trust Diogenes, not necessarily those under him. None of this will reach him,” Luke said, before pausing. Quickly, he nodded to himself decisively. “Yes. That is how we shall proceed. And it makes all of you even more important now.” “How so?” “They wanted this... Fire Stone so bad they tried to blackmail us and kill your mother. We cannot allow them to have it. If I didn’t have these robes to wear, I would go out myself to find it. But I’ll need to send one of you instead!” “One of us? Why not both?” both Val and Vintressa cried. “Too risky. To risk both heirs on the same mission? Foolhardy. Vintressa, your mind is sharp and keen. I’ll need you here... to watch the security people as they hunt the culprits. That means you, Val, will be headed to the Valley.” “The Valley? Why do you think I should start there?” he asked with a raised eyebrow. [i]Starting in the Valley means I’ll be close to...[/i] “One... there are people I trust to help you there. Raven’s parents, for one. Several other friends who I know are loyal in the Kord, Hieroneous and Tarantor churches as well. Secondly, that’s the last that [i]I[/i] know of where that stone was at.” “The Valley? Why did it end up there?” Vintressa wondered. “Well, you know the story of how myself and your mother met. And of how I was originally betrothed to the Emperor’s granddaughter. As part of her dowry, she was rumored to be bringing a massive ruby, the size of two fists put together. However, in the chaos of the demon invasion, and the death of the Emperor, the stone became of secondary concern,” Lucius admitted. “Once the demon staff was destroyed, I know myself and many others assumed that the stone was useless without its parent device. And as House Erelion was already grumbling, and Comnitas was near revolt, things were left ignored that probably should not have been.” “Now, I am guessing you probably would want someone to check up on Val... make sure he remains safe,” Vintressa offered. “As well as someone who is adept at libraries and searching records?” Her eyes drifted over to Raven, who looked worriedly between the princess, Valaron, and the Emperor. “Yes. Raven would be a good choice,” Lucius gave a slight smile, the first of his arrival. “They say you are good at defense, and someone with experience at the Academy undoubtedly can do a little reading.” “Yes, Uncle,” Raven bowed her head again, nervous to the core as Valaron shot her an angry, dirty look. “Now, Val,” Luke turned his attention back to his eldest son, “In Kulloden and Irulas, at the Temple Libraries, there is information on the Demon’s Rebellion, the staff, and the Great Diamond. I am hoping there lies information on the Fire Stone as well, considering the close ties the three have had. And your Aunt’s... ‘friends’” Luke looked at Royukgan, before looking back at his son, “are in many places in the Valley. They should help.” [i]No reason to tell the foreign prince about Tess’ organization...[/i] “Yes father. I’ll do my best!” Valaron said with a brave smile. His eyes then flicked towards his new erstwhile travel partner, and inwardly he groaned. [/QUOTE]
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