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The Gate Pass Irregulars: A War of the Burning Sky Campaign
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<blockquote data-quote="Cafu" data-source="post: 5955383" data-attributes="member: 6692807"><p>I did not sleep well that night. I kept expecting to be attacked by another Ragesian agent, entity, creature or whatever. Hopefully, this would be the last night that we would have the case with the secret documents in our possession. Tomorrow, we would hand it over to Simeon and I hoped that any would-be thief would find it much harder to recover it from the Lyceum than from us. Thankfully, the night passed uneventfully. </p><p></p><p>The next morning we performed our usual rituals and training before we set off for our appointment. We were all tense, nervous and eager as we walked towards the Lyceum. This was going to be the culmination of our mission. Everyone was silent, lost in their thoughts. The all-important case was tucked away in Longhelim’s back pack. </p><p></p><p>We arrived at the Lyceum at the appointed time. It was a walled enclosure, although looking at it, the walls were more ornamental than secure. They were beautifully carved and therefore very easy to climb and there was an elaborate gate with more carvings above it; a large, wooden double door led into an open space, green and beautifully kept with a collection of buildings dotted throughout this large interior enclave. Surprisingly, we were met at the door by Katrina, who looked clean, rested, radiant and completely at home. She grinned at us and said that we were to follow her. </p><p></p><p>Passing through the door, it was as if we were entering a different world within the chaos of Seaquen. It was quiet, ordered, tidy and the grass was very well kept. Groups of young people of all races gathered in groups, either in discussion or practicing mock duels. I recognized the techniques from Gabal’s School. Something a little strange was happening though; as we were passing all activity seemed to stop and we were being stared at.</p><p></p><p>“It’s them! The ones that defeated an Inquisitor. They’re here!” </p><p></p><p>John, never keen on being the centre of attention, moved up to Katrina and whispered: </p><p></p><p>“What’s going on? Why is everyone looking at us?”</p><p></p><p>Katrina just grinned and answered: </p><p></p><p>“You’ve got a reputation now. Crystin has been telling everyone how you rescued her. She’s pretty; many of them are boys and besides, there aren’t that many people who have taken on an Inquisitor and his team and lived to tell the tale. Enjoy this; you deserve it.”</p><p></p><p>I wasn’t quite sure how to feel about that. On the one hand, it was gratifying to be recognized for what you had done. It could open useful doors and important people would make time for you. Conversely, if you were unknown to your enemies, you could be underestimated, which was a distinct advantage in </p><p>combat.</p><p></p><p>As I was thinking about his, I noted absent-mindedly that several students approached Katrina and whispered something to her but she just shook her head and did not stop walking. I wasn’t sure what they were asking her. </p><p></p><p>Katarina continued: </p><p></p><p>“There is going to be a council of war tomorrow and you are invited along with many others of importance.”</p><p></p><p>She stopped and grinned at us. </p><p></p><p>Longhelim snorted. </p><p></p><p>“Katrina, stop playing games. Who else is going to be there?”</p><p></p><p>She nodded, as if she had proved a point. Then, as if she had memorized this, she recited: </p><p></p><p>“Well, as I have already said, yourselves; Headmaster Simeon and the Head of his War Department, Kiernan Stekart, a dwarven mage; from Seaquen, Lord Magister Votberd; Lee Sidoneth of course; Commander Zavius Foebane, leader of the Dessani refugees and a noted warrior; Laura Beck Adelsberg the paladin; Giorgio, the deputy to Guildmaster Sheena Larkins of the Wayfarer’s Theatre; Kiefer Numhaut, the Dessani ambassador; Cranston Snord, the Sindaire ambassador; Kazha Lonam, the Ostalin ambassador; and yours truly”. </p><p></p><p>I was still ruminating over this as we finally arrived at our destination. Inside an imposing room covered in tapestries were two individuals. One was a dwarf with beautifully groomed coal black beard and hair, an imposing robe and every inch a powerful magician; the other, a human, was both tall and large, wearing loose, comfortable clothing and who looked as if he should be running a farm. He smiled at us in an easy way and said: </p><p></p><p>“Welcome. You are the group from Gate Pass? Word of your exploits is all around. I have heard much about you. My name is Simeon. Congratulations in getting here; I hope you and I will become useful allies to each other”.</p><p></p><p>This was Longhelim’s territory. </p><p></p><p>“Headmaster Simeon, greetings from Gate Pass. My name is Longhelim the Farmer and I am a Holy Warrior of Heironeous. We have travelled long and far with an object that we have been told, will be of great help in the war against Ragesian aggression. No doubt, you have heard that the Scourge reigns in Gate Pass; well, we have brought you a great secret from the heart of Ragesia itself and we are here to put ourselves and our abilities at your disposal. We ask little in return: we would be grateful for any news of Gate Pass and would ask you to consider an alliance with the Resistance of the city. Now, please let me introduce you to my companions.”</p><p></p><p>Simeon glanced at the dwarf and then nodded to each of us as our names were announced. </p><p></p><p>I assumed his dwarven companion was Kiernan Stekart, the head of the War Department. </p><p></p><p>Simeon paused and then said:</p><p></p><p>“There is no easy way to say this. I have some very sad news from Gate Pass. It concerns Master Gabal; he led his students on several raids outside the city against the Ragesians but on the last of these, an Inquisitor managed to negate the spell the protected him against fire and the Master was then burnt to death by a fire breathing dragon; my condolences for your loss”.</p><p></p><p>My head spun. I found myself short of breath and I almost collapsed. Master Gabal gone! It couldn’t be! He was indestructible! Suddenly, Longhelim was next to me and whispered: </p><p></p><p>“I don’t believe that. If someone told me Gabal was dead, I would ask to see the body, repeat it three times and then still expect him to appear next week. I bet you he is still alive.”</p><p></p><p>I rallied. Battlefield reports were rarely completely accurate and the Master had magics about which I had no inkling and tricks gained over many battles. He had survived the previous invasion. I had to steel myself that the report may have been true but until I had it confirmed from trusted sources, I would continue to believe that Gabal was still with us.</p><p></p><p>Then our reticent Victor asked: </p><p></p><p>“Any news on the military situation in Gate Pass? What has been happening?”</p><p></p><p>Simeon looked at him and nodded as if confirming something to himself: </p><p></p><p>“There, we can tell you quite a bit: </p><p></p><p>The First Ragesian Army under General Magdus has ceased hostilities due to the weather and now roams the Eastern plains of Sindaire, “foraging”. In other words, taking everything that is not nailed down and becoming very unpopular in the process. We do know that a Ragesian fleet has sailed and it is most likely that it will be linking with the First Army. We do not know what they plan though. </p><p></p><p>The Second Ragesian Army, with elements of the Third Army under General Deneva, has breached the First District of Gate Pass. The Shahalesti are supplying the city so this has turned more into an assault as opposed to a siege. Casualties are heavy on both sides; again, the weather is hampering their operations. </p><p></p><p>The rest of the Third Army, under General Revelus, seems to be on the point of entering Dassen but again their operations are being affected by the weather.</p><p></p><p>The Fourth Ragesian Army is reported to be North of the Ottodar Mountains and ready to march into Shahalesti. </p><p></p><p>We find all of this very odd. Leska seems to be splitting her forces and there does not seem to be a coherent strategy or not one that we can see and that disturbs us. We know about Leska the Witch but we do not know about Leska the General. This is very concerning. </p><p></p><p>As regards our neighbours, well, resistance flared up against Ragesian garrisons in Sindaire when they attempted to round up the local spell casters. We do not have any news of any trouble in Osterlin at the moment.”</p><p></p><p>While I could see that Victor and Longhelim were following this, it did not mean a great deal to me. I had no idea how big a Ragesian Army was or what was in it; nor what it could achieve or how much food and support it needed for that matter. I also did not understand why these armies were being sent to these places or what they were supposed to be attacking. I made a mental note to ask Victor later. One thing I did understand was that this unnatural weather seemed to be hampering the Ragesians far more than us. </p><p></p><p>I heard Victor thanking Simeon for the information and then Longhelim stepped forward with our precious case.</p><p></p><p>With a flourish, he said: </p><p></p><p>“On behalf of the Resistance of Gate Pass and for the future hope of an alliance, please accept this case. We have been informed that inside are Ragesian military secrets. Certainly, from our experience, they have expended powerful resources in trying to get it back”. </p><p></p><p>Simeon took it and as he looked at it, I said: </p><p></p><p>“Be very careful with it. We didn’t tamper with it in any way because there is a lot of defensive magic attached to the lock. I would suggest that this is investigated before anyone tries to do anything with it.”</p><p></p><p>Simeon looked at me and nodded. He then proceeded to give me a master class in divination magic. Some of it I recognized, some of it I understood from a purely theoretical point of view and some of it was completely unknown to me. </p><p></p><p>Finally, we a flourish, there was an audible click from the lock of the case and Simeon opened it. Inside was a book; it was opened carefully but written in a language unknown to any of us; yet another spell was cast by Simeon who began to peruse it for a time. </p><p></p><p>This took longer and longer; we began to get a little restless when Simeon suddenly excused himself: </p><p></p><p>“Oh, I’m sorry; this is fascinating; I have only been able to skim a tiny part of it but I have been able to find out that it was written by Kneven, the second in command to the Inquisition. Somehow, he didn’t even mask his presence. There was someone else, who was also present when it was being written, but that person did mask their presence and for obvious reasons, we cannot tell who that was. From the little I have been able to glean, the Scourge has another meaning apart from its public one although as of yet I cannot tell what it is; also Kneven seems to be concerned about something called a trillith. Do you know what that is?”</p><p></p><p>Dear Gods! A trillith in the heart of the Ragesian Empire? That was very bad news indeed. What kind of mischief was a trillith up to in Ragos? With their abilities to possess people, it could be anyone, even Leska herself, though I admitted that that would be unlikely.</p><p></p><p>I replied:” Yes, we have heard of these creatures. We don’t actually know anything about their physical appearance, if indeed they have one, but we do know a little about their natures.”</p><p></p><p>We proceeded to tell him about our experiences with Indomitability and Deception. The more Simeon heard, the more disturbed he became. Then we told him of Crystin’s dream about meeting the two trillith near by their grandmother’s bones, which meant nothing to him. Simeon was obviously concerned, intrigued and greatly curious about the trillith, especially as he had never come across them before, so reluctantly, I offered to lend him my journals which went into greater detail of what little knowledge we had of them, as well their weakness as regards the Song of Forms. I also determined to ask Tiljann to attend the Lyceum and share her knowledge of the creatures and the Song of Forms; if there was anyone among us who could qualify to be an expert in them, it would be Tiljann. </p><p></p><p>Then came another delicate matter; that of a possible alliance between Seaquen and the Gate Pass Resistance. Simeon gave us a pained look: </p><p></p><p>“Personally, I would join the Resistance in a moment but there are other considerations. I am the Headmaster of the Lyceum; it is a powerful magical enclave but if one put up a group of magicians against an army, especially an army with Inquisitors, then said group will fare badly. I cannot commit my students to any alliances until we have an army which will protect them. I am sorry, but that is the way it is; anything else would be sheer murder.”</p><p></p><p>I was disappointed but strangely, Victor and Longhelim were both expressionless and did not seem particularly concerned by this stance. </p><p></p><p>Then I suddenly remembered something which we had not mentioned before: </p><p></p><p>“Headmaster Simeon, forgive me but there is one other thing which you may or may not know. As we travelled here from the swamp we were stopped by a patrol of Shahalesti elves; a detachment from His Majesty’s Ship Osprey. Anyway, Longhelim here managed to convince them that we were not an advance force for the Ragesians and we managed to get them talking.”</p><p></p><p>Simeon did not seem surprised about elves wondering around in the Seaquen countryside: </p><p></p><p>“We know about the Shahalesti but do go on.”</p><p></p><p>I continued: “Well, this elf said that there was a Shahalesti fleet on its way here under an Admiral Telshanth and that Shalaadel was sending his daughter, the Princess Shalosha as well; to negotiate, he said”. </p><p></p><p>Simeon’s attention sharpened and he glanced at Kiernan. </p><p></p><p>“We knew about the fleet as well but you say that Shalosha is coming? Here? That we didn’t know. Thank you; this is very useful and will require some preparation.” </p><p></p><p>Longhelim glanced at me with a slight smile, probably glad that I hadn’t managed to get us kicked out of the Lyceum.</p><p></p><p>Simeon, lost in thought, obviously gathered himself and said: </p><p></p><p>“This meeting has been most productive; in fact, one of the most productive of recent times. Please, Faden, come and visit our library and use its facilities. I am sure there will be magic there that you will find useful. Katrina, my dear, would you show him the way? Please do not forget the meeting of the War Council tomorrow. I must go and study these books which you have given me. I very much suspect that they will be very useful.”</p><p></p><p>We had obviously been dismissed but just before we went, John said: </p><p></p><p>“May I use your library as well please?</p><p></p><p>Simeon looked surprised but nodded. </p><p></p><p>We had a brief conversation between us. John and I were going to stay at the library to study magic. I had a particular formula in mind which could prove incredibly useful. John had the same idea. I even had a little money to purchase some ink which could be used to transcribe a spell into my own book. It would take me nearly all of the time up to the meeting of the War Council as well as all my money but it would certainly be worth it. It would be the same for John. </p><p></p><p>The others said that they would attempt to uncover more information about the various Temples and also they were going to find Torrent and let her know what was happening. </p><p></p><p>I was a little concerned about allowing the four of them to leave by themselves but they assured me that it would be all right. </p><p></p><p>The library was remarkable. Every nook and cranny was filled with books, scrolls, pamphlets, chap books, manuscripts and just more paper. Katrina confided that the library was under the personal purview of Simeon who was a diviner and a Loremaster; a highly specialized mage who delved into esoteric knowledge and obscure mysteries. It was a little woolly for my taste; I preferred my magic a little more empirical but I was very aware that having such knowledge could be a huge advantage. </p><p></p><p>The fact that someone as specialized in obscure lore as Simeon did not know anything about trillith was disturbing; just what where these things? </p><p></p><p>So the rest of the day for John and I was spent in researching magical formulae; again, I had to thank Katrina for intercepting various students who wanted to come and talk to me about methods of fighting Inquisitors and possibly get some “dueling” practice but she was very polite and managed to deflect their inquiries without offending them. She had obviously already become popular and known amongst their community. Well, that was certainly something sorcerers were good at. </p><p></p><p>Me, I had work to do.</p></blockquote><p></p>
[QUOTE="Cafu, post: 5955383, member: 6692807"] I did not sleep well that night. I kept expecting to be attacked by another Ragesian agent, entity, creature or whatever. Hopefully, this would be the last night that we would have the case with the secret documents in our possession. Tomorrow, we would hand it over to Simeon and I hoped that any would-be thief would find it much harder to recover it from the Lyceum than from us. Thankfully, the night passed uneventfully. The next morning we performed our usual rituals and training before we set off for our appointment. We were all tense, nervous and eager as we walked towards the Lyceum. This was going to be the culmination of our mission. Everyone was silent, lost in their thoughts. The all-important case was tucked away in Longhelim’s back pack. We arrived at the Lyceum at the appointed time. It was a walled enclosure, although looking at it, the walls were more ornamental than secure. They were beautifully carved and therefore very easy to climb and there was an elaborate gate with more carvings above it; a large, wooden double door led into an open space, green and beautifully kept with a collection of buildings dotted throughout this large interior enclave. Surprisingly, we were met at the door by Katrina, who looked clean, rested, radiant and completely at home. She grinned at us and said that we were to follow her. Passing through the door, it was as if we were entering a different world within the chaos of Seaquen. It was quiet, ordered, tidy and the grass was very well kept. Groups of young people of all races gathered in groups, either in discussion or practicing mock duels. I recognized the techniques from Gabal’s School. Something a little strange was happening though; as we were passing all activity seemed to stop and we were being stared at. “It’s them! The ones that defeated an Inquisitor. They’re here!” John, never keen on being the centre of attention, moved up to Katrina and whispered: “What’s going on? Why is everyone looking at us?” Katrina just grinned and answered: “You’ve got a reputation now. Crystin has been telling everyone how you rescued her. She’s pretty; many of them are boys and besides, there aren’t that many people who have taken on an Inquisitor and his team and lived to tell the tale. Enjoy this; you deserve it.” I wasn’t quite sure how to feel about that. On the one hand, it was gratifying to be recognized for what you had done. It could open useful doors and important people would make time for you. Conversely, if you were unknown to your enemies, you could be underestimated, which was a distinct advantage in combat. As I was thinking about his, I noted absent-mindedly that several students approached Katrina and whispered something to her but she just shook her head and did not stop walking. I wasn’t sure what they were asking her. Katarina continued: “There is going to be a council of war tomorrow and you are invited along with many others of importance.” She stopped and grinned at us. Longhelim snorted. “Katrina, stop playing games. Who else is going to be there?” She nodded, as if she had proved a point. Then, as if she had memorized this, she recited: “Well, as I have already said, yourselves; Headmaster Simeon and the Head of his War Department, Kiernan Stekart, a dwarven mage; from Seaquen, Lord Magister Votberd; Lee Sidoneth of course; Commander Zavius Foebane, leader of the Dessani refugees and a noted warrior; Laura Beck Adelsberg the paladin; Giorgio, the deputy to Guildmaster Sheena Larkins of the Wayfarer’s Theatre; Kiefer Numhaut, the Dessani ambassador; Cranston Snord, the Sindaire ambassador; Kazha Lonam, the Ostalin ambassador; and yours truly”. I was still ruminating over this as we finally arrived at our destination. Inside an imposing room covered in tapestries were two individuals. One was a dwarf with beautifully groomed coal black beard and hair, an imposing robe and every inch a powerful magician; the other, a human, was both tall and large, wearing loose, comfortable clothing and who looked as if he should be running a farm. He smiled at us in an easy way and said: “Welcome. You are the group from Gate Pass? Word of your exploits is all around. I have heard much about you. My name is Simeon. Congratulations in getting here; I hope you and I will become useful allies to each other”. This was Longhelim’s territory. “Headmaster Simeon, greetings from Gate Pass. My name is Longhelim the Farmer and I am a Holy Warrior of Heironeous. We have travelled long and far with an object that we have been told, will be of great help in the war against Ragesian aggression. No doubt, you have heard that the Scourge reigns in Gate Pass; well, we have brought you a great secret from the heart of Ragesia itself and we are here to put ourselves and our abilities at your disposal. We ask little in return: we would be grateful for any news of Gate Pass and would ask you to consider an alliance with the Resistance of the city. Now, please let me introduce you to my companions.” Simeon glanced at the dwarf and then nodded to each of us as our names were announced. I assumed his dwarven companion was Kiernan Stekart, the head of the War Department. Simeon paused and then said: “There is no easy way to say this. I have some very sad news from Gate Pass. It concerns Master Gabal; he led his students on several raids outside the city against the Ragesians but on the last of these, an Inquisitor managed to negate the spell the protected him against fire and the Master was then burnt to death by a fire breathing dragon; my condolences for your loss”. My head spun. I found myself short of breath and I almost collapsed. Master Gabal gone! It couldn’t be! He was indestructible! Suddenly, Longhelim was next to me and whispered: “I don’t believe that. If someone told me Gabal was dead, I would ask to see the body, repeat it three times and then still expect him to appear next week. I bet you he is still alive.” I rallied. Battlefield reports were rarely completely accurate and the Master had magics about which I had no inkling and tricks gained over many battles. He had survived the previous invasion. I had to steel myself that the report may have been true but until I had it confirmed from trusted sources, I would continue to believe that Gabal was still with us. Then our reticent Victor asked: “Any news on the military situation in Gate Pass? What has been happening?” Simeon looked at him and nodded as if confirming something to himself: “There, we can tell you quite a bit: The First Ragesian Army under General Magdus has ceased hostilities due to the weather and now roams the Eastern plains of Sindaire, “foraging”. In other words, taking everything that is not nailed down and becoming very unpopular in the process. We do know that a Ragesian fleet has sailed and it is most likely that it will be linking with the First Army. We do not know what they plan though. The Second Ragesian Army, with elements of the Third Army under General Deneva, has breached the First District of Gate Pass. The Shahalesti are supplying the city so this has turned more into an assault as opposed to a siege. Casualties are heavy on both sides; again, the weather is hampering their operations. The rest of the Third Army, under General Revelus, seems to be on the point of entering Dassen but again their operations are being affected by the weather. The Fourth Ragesian Army is reported to be North of the Ottodar Mountains and ready to march into Shahalesti. We find all of this very odd. Leska seems to be splitting her forces and there does not seem to be a coherent strategy or not one that we can see and that disturbs us. We know about Leska the Witch but we do not know about Leska the General. This is very concerning. As regards our neighbours, well, resistance flared up against Ragesian garrisons in Sindaire when they attempted to round up the local spell casters. We do not have any news of any trouble in Osterlin at the moment.” While I could see that Victor and Longhelim were following this, it did not mean a great deal to me. I had no idea how big a Ragesian Army was or what was in it; nor what it could achieve or how much food and support it needed for that matter. I also did not understand why these armies were being sent to these places or what they were supposed to be attacking. I made a mental note to ask Victor later. One thing I did understand was that this unnatural weather seemed to be hampering the Ragesians far more than us. I heard Victor thanking Simeon for the information and then Longhelim stepped forward with our precious case. With a flourish, he said: “On behalf of the Resistance of Gate Pass and for the future hope of an alliance, please accept this case. We have been informed that inside are Ragesian military secrets. Certainly, from our experience, they have expended powerful resources in trying to get it back”. Simeon took it and as he looked at it, I said: “Be very careful with it. We didn’t tamper with it in any way because there is a lot of defensive magic attached to the lock. I would suggest that this is investigated before anyone tries to do anything with it.” Simeon looked at me and nodded. He then proceeded to give me a master class in divination magic. Some of it I recognized, some of it I understood from a purely theoretical point of view and some of it was completely unknown to me. Finally, we a flourish, there was an audible click from the lock of the case and Simeon opened it. Inside was a book; it was opened carefully but written in a language unknown to any of us; yet another spell was cast by Simeon who began to peruse it for a time. This took longer and longer; we began to get a little restless when Simeon suddenly excused himself: “Oh, I’m sorry; this is fascinating; I have only been able to skim a tiny part of it but I have been able to find out that it was written by Kneven, the second in command to the Inquisition. Somehow, he didn’t even mask his presence. There was someone else, who was also present when it was being written, but that person did mask their presence and for obvious reasons, we cannot tell who that was. From the little I have been able to glean, the Scourge has another meaning apart from its public one although as of yet I cannot tell what it is; also Kneven seems to be concerned about something called a trillith. Do you know what that is?” Dear Gods! A trillith in the heart of the Ragesian Empire? That was very bad news indeed. What kind of mischief was a trillith up to in Ragos? With their abilities to possess people, it could be anyone, even Leska herself, though I admitted that that would be unlikely. I replied:” Yes, we have heard of these creatures. We don’t actually know anything about their physical appearance, if indeed they have one, but we do know a little about their natures.” We proceeded to tell him about our experiences with Indomitability and Deception. The more Simeon heard, the more disturbed he became. Then we told him of Crystin’s dream about meeting the two trillith near by their grandmother’s bones, which meant nothing to him. Simeon was obviously concerned, intrigued and greatly curious about the trillith, especially as he had never come across them before, so reluctantly, I offered to lend him my journals which went into greater detail of what little knowledge we had of them, as well their weakness as regards the Song of Forms. I also determined to ask Tiljann to attend the Lyceum and share her knowledge of the creatures and the Song of Forms; if there was anyone among us who could qualify to be an expert in them, it would be Tiljann. Then came another delicate matter; that of a possible alliance between Seaquen and the Gate Pass Resistance. Simeon gave us a pained look: “Personally, I would join the Resistance in a moment but there are other considerations. I am the Headmaster of the Lyceum; it is a powerful magical enclave but if one put up a group of magicians against an army, especially an army with Inquisitors, then said group will fare badly. I cannot commit my students to any alliances until we have an army which will protect them. I am sorry, but that is the way it is; anything else would be sheer murder.” I was disappointed but strangely, Victor and Longhelim were both expressionless and did not seem particularly concerned by this stance. Then I suddenly remembered something which we had not mentioned before: “Headmaster Simeon, forgive me but there is one other thing which you may or may not know. As we travelled here from the swamp we were stopped by a patrol of Shahalesti elves; a detachment from His Majesty’s Ship Osprey. Anyway, Longhelim here managed to convince them that we were not an advance force for the Ragesians and we managed to get them talking.” Simeon did not seem surprised about elves wondering around in the Seaquen countryside: “We know about the Shahalesti but do go on.” I continued: “Well, this elf said that there was a Shahalesti fleet on its way here under an Admiral Telshanth and that Shalaadel was sending his daughter, the Princess Shalosha as well; to negotiate, he said”. Simeon’s attention sharpened and he glanced at Kiernan. “We knew about the fleet as well but you say that Shalosha is coming? Here? That we didn’t know. Thank you; this is very useful and will require some preparation.” Longhelim glanced at me with a slight smile, probably glad that I hadn’t managed to get us kicked out of the Lyceum. Simeon, lost in thought, obviously gathered himself and said: “This meeting has been most productive; in fact, one of the most productive of recent times. Please, Faden, come and visit our library and use its facilities. I am sure there will be magic there that you will find useful. Katrina, my dear, would you show him the way? Please do not forget the meeting of the War Council tomorrow. I must go and study these books which you have given me. I very much suspect that they will be very useful.” We had obviously been dismissed but just before we went, John said: “May I use your library as well please? Simeon looked surprised but nodded. We had a brief conversation between us. John and I were going to stay at the library to study magic. I had a particular formula in mind which could prove incredibly useful. John had the same idea. I even had a little money to purchase some ink which could be used to transcribe a spell into my own book. It would take me nearly all of the time up to the meeting of the War Council as well as all my money but it would certainly be worth it. It would be the same for John. The others said that they would attempt to uncover more information about the various Temples and also they were going to find Torrent and let her know what was happening. I was a little concerned about allowing the four of them to leave by themselves but they assured me that it would be all right. The library was remarkable. Every nook and cranny was filled with books, scrolls, pamphlets, chap books, manuscripts and just more paper. Katrina confided that the library was under the personal purview of Simeon who was a diviner and a Loremaster; a highly specialized mage who delved into esoteric knowledge and obscure mysteries. It was a little woolly for my taste; I preferred my magic a little more empirical but I was very aware that having such knowledge could be a huge advantage. The fact that someone as specialized in obscure lore as Simeon did not know anything about trillith was disturbing; just what where these things? So the rest of the day for John and I was spent in researching magical formulae; again, I had to thank Katrina for intercepting various students who wanted to come and talk to me about methods of fighting Inquisitors and possibly get some “dueling” practice but she was very polite and managed to deflect their inquiries without offending them. She had obviously already become popular and known amongst their community. Well, that was certainly something sorcerers were good at. Me, I had work to do. [/QUOTE]
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