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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: 6029755" data-attributes="member: 6692807"><p>The following days followed the same pattern as those which I enjoyed so much before that fateful performance of the Trials of Toteth Topec; I spent the day in the library with John while the others disappeared. That evening they returned and we had an enjoyable evening meal. Then we retired to the library with hot drinks; Longhelim, seated comfortably and puffing his pipe, began talking: </p><p></p><p>“Well, it’s pretty much as we feared: the town has been devastated. There are no buildings of any note standing and the damage is such that there is no point in trying to quantify and repair it. It’s just better to start from the beginning. Thank the gods we still have the magical lyre; that is now priceless; a silver lining is that this will help integrate the refugee population into the town as the whole re-building of Seaquen will now become one vast project as opposed to the refugee quarters being separate from the town. That’s small consolation to the hundreds that died, but still…..; another silver lining is that only hundreds died as opposed to thousands; and that we foiled Giorgio’s plot; I shudder to think what would have happened if the leadership of the town had perished. Votberd, for all his idiosyncrasies, has been very effective in this crisis. ”</p><p></p><p>That reminded me: “Is the Wayfarer’s Theatre still around? Any news on Tiljann?”</p><p></p><p>Longhelim smiled: “That is one piece of good news, even if small in relation. The Theatre is damaged but floating and Tiljann is alive and thriving. She loves it there.”</p><p></p><p>“And the elves and their fleet?”</p><p></p><p>“Ah, there is good news there as well; nothing confirmed but some of the fishing boats report that they have seen them, thank the gods; they think several ships were sunk; most of the others were damaged and are now on their way back to the Shining Lands I presume. I think that Shalaadel is going to have to forget any ideas he may have about Seaquen for the moment; but at least the fleet is not completely lost as we had feared.”</p><p></p><p>Well, that was better than the complete loss of the elven fleet we had feared.</p><p></p><p>Another thought struck me: “What is the general mood like?”</p><p></p><p>Longhelim smiled again: “Surprisingly upbeat. It’s odd; the storm affected everyone so everyone feels the need to help and rebuild. That is helping matters of co-operation; even Votberd is saying that some of the refugees are being useful; that’s real progress and there is a real feeling of unity, as I mentioned. The town is being re-built for everyone as opposed to residents in one part and refugees somewhere else.”</p><p></p><p>Felix cleared his throat at this time: “Longhelim is too modest to say so but I think we are making a real difference; as usual, everyone seems to know what we did and we are perceived as heroes. So people are very willing to follow Longhelim’s orders; since his orders are generally sensible, things happen and get done. </p><p></p><p>Victor works in a different way; he doesn’t usually give orders but just goes somewhere and starts doing something. Almost immediately when others see him, they realize that what he is doing needs to be done so they join him and thus his goals are achieved; then someone sees that another similar task needs to be performed somewhere else and so it goes on…..</p><p></p><p>Drudge was hunting all day; he won’t tell you but there is a whole group of children who are having their first good meal in days thanks to his skills.”</p><p></p><p>Longhelim interrupted:” Since we are playing this game, then what Felix is keeping quiet about is that he spent most of the day with Hospitallers; those ladies have even more work than usual at the moment and they very much appreciate Felix’s help; but Felix, no spell cramming. We can’t afford it.”</p><p></p><p>The priest looked a little guilty and didn’t say anything; with those dark rings under his eyes, he didn’t need to.</p><p></p><p>The conversation devolved for the rest of the evening into more detail about what everyone was doing; I felt a little left out as every time I began to talk about my research into the arcane, then their eyes glazed over but I consoled myself that they would know soon enough; when I began to use all the new formulae I had acquired. </p><p></p><p>This pattern repeated itself for the next few days but all good things must come to an end and on the evening of the third day, Simeon approached us during our usual chat and asked us to see him in his study the next morning. </p><p></p><p>The next morning arrived and as we left our room, I was fairly certain that our existence here in Seaquen was about to change; approaching Simeon’s study on the fifth floor of the tower, we could hear soft conversation from the other side of his door. Having knocked, we opened the door and entered the familiar study; sitting inside were Simeon, Katrina and a stranger. </p><p></p><p>Simeon stood up: “Ah, gentlemen, welcome. Please, let me introduce you to Balan Bastom.”</p><p></p><p>The stranger stood up. He was an odd mixture; he had full mutton chop whiskers and a broad, stocky build; yet judging by the shape of his face and his ears, he also had a fair amount of elven blood; possibly even one of his parents may have been an elf. He approached us: </p><p></p><p>“So good to meet you. Your legend has grown here in Seaquen; I’m a great admirer. Some of the things you have done….well I cannot think of anyone else who could have done them.”</p><p></p><p>That was laying it on a bit thick but he really did seem to mean it and there was an undeniable charm and magnetism to his manner; even greater than Longhelim’s and that was saying something.</p><p></p><p>“As Simeon said, I am Balan Bastom, distantly related to House Bastom of Ostalin”; he looked at us expectantly but received blank stares in return. He cleared his throat: “Well, Simeon has asked me to help him; he’s in a spot of bother and he also suggested that you tag along; he believes we would make a fabulous team.”</p><p></p><p>Simeon made a noise in his throat: “Ah, thank you Balan; if I could continue?”</p><p></p><p>He took a scroll and unrolled it on his desk, using four massive metal dragon claws as paperweights. The scroll was a map of the region. </p><p></p><p>“Here is Seaquen on the tip of the peninsula in the South; here, a few days to the North of us is Bresk, the capital of Dassen and nominally the host country of the Lyceum although to all intents and purposes we are an autonomous region; and here, in the furthermost North, are the mountains that separate Dassen from Ragesia; as you can see, there is only one pass of any note through them: here, at Alydi’s Gap, which is defended by the mighty fortress of Gallo’s Fend.</p><p></p><p>Now, we have learned that an army of forty thousand is massing on the Ragesian side of the mountains. Under the non-aggression pact that Steppengaard has signed with the Empire, we have it on good authority that this army will be allowed through the Gap and then will march its way south to Seaquen.”</p><p></p><p>I couldn’t believe it. I began talking or babbling if one was being unkind: “What! How is an army of forty thousand going to feed itself as it marches over Dassen? That’s a massive logistical undertaking; Steppengaard doesn’t really believe that they will have supply lines stretching through the Gap into Ragesia does he? The only way they will be able to do it will be to devastate the land; and even if that happens, what does Steppengaard think is going to happen to that army once it conquers Seaquen? Does he think that it’s just going pack up and march out of Dassen the way it came? Is he really that naïve?</p><p></p><p>“Faden, stop, stop; you’re asking the wrong person. I know all these things but Steppengaard is willing to let it happen under this non-aggression pact he signed. However, the fact that you, as a layman, can see this immediately gives me a little hope. I want to send Balan to Bresk and get him to try to clarify all the points you raised as well as others with Steppengaard; however, asking Kings to clarify their policies has to be done in a certain way; and pointing out to Kings that they are being complete idiots also has to be done in a certain way; take it from me, Balan is very good at doing that. Balan will have an audience with Steppengaard where he will put our case forward and we hope that Steppengaard will realize that letting an army of forty thousand Ragesians into Dassen is not in his best interests and block this crusade. </p><p></p><p>What I would like you to do is to go with him as his bodyguards and security experts. I suspect that there will be….vested interests, shall we say, that will want to make sure that this audience never, ever happens.</p><p></p><p>Now, there are certain other matters I have to tell you about Dassen, just so you don’t go in blind: </p><p></p><p>The land is mostly agricultural and very fertile. In the distant past, the kingdom was divided into eight lands but these were united a long time ago; however, they still retained the names by which they were known when they were independent and the rulers also share the names of their lands. They are as follows: Lord Gallo, who is master of Gallo’s Fend and controls Alydi’s Gap; Lady Timor, who we know is a wizard; Lord Dashgoben, who is a dwarf: Lord Megadon, who controls the coastline of the country; Lord Iz, who is a renowned warrior; Lord Regor, who is the poorest of the great Lords and whose land acts as a major passageway for the refugees; we know he is very hostile to Seaquen; Lady Dene; Lady Namin.</p><p></p><p>Fifteen years ago, Steppengaard was made King and created another land, Steppengaard. This land also holds the capital, Bresk. Note that one of the major features of Bresk is that only a part of it is above ground.</p><p></p><p>The eight magnates together with the King form the Council of Nine; each of the Lords and Ladies has one vote while the King’s vote counts for three. It is this Council that decides the policies and government of the Kingdom of Dassen.” </p><p></p><p>I sat back as I absorbed this information. It was a lot to take in. I glanced at Katrina, who was looking at us. Either she already knew all this or was not coming with us as she did not seem to be paying any attention to what Simeon was saying. </p><p></p><p>“Steppengaard has a very large family; eighteen children in fact, thus ensuring a smooth succession. We don’t know what kind of reception we will receive but it is imperative that we put our case forward.</p><p></p><p>Now, any further questions?”</p><p></p><p>I cleared my throat: “Well, yes, actually but more about other things than our trip to Bresk. Any news on Gate Pass?”</p><p></p><p>“No change there so far as we know. There is still heavy fighting in the city. The Ragesian army is facing a highly motivated, very efficient and defiant militia who are using their local knowledge to its fullest. I don’t think Deneva expected such resistance; of course, it does help that the Shahalesti are supplying the city as much as they can although that may have to change.”</p><p></p><p>Victor spoke: “Why so?”</p><p></p><p>Simeon continued: “The fourth Ragesian army has finally breached the Shining Lands proper in the far north and is skirmishing with the elven forces stationed there. We have not heard of any major battles but the elves will have to consolidate if they have been invaded. This will inevitably mean less support for Gate Pass.”</p><p></p><p>“I am not sure if I agree with you there, Simeon,” replied Victor. “Calanis, the Shahalesti capital is almost in direct line with Gate Pass. The far north of the country is very far from the capital and if the elves can keep that Ragesian army enmeshed there, they will be very happy; if Gate Pass falls though, then the path to Calanis is open and more importantly, the two cities are relatively close.”</p><p></p><p>“That is a point, Victor.” He shrugged: “I hope you are right.”</p><p></p><p>“Anyway, in other developments, the Ragesian fleet has revealed its presence and is blockading Turinn, the Sindarian capital. A Ragesian army is marching towards the city as we speak; in other interesting news, an Ostaliner army is also marching towards the city; we have no idea why that is going there. The Khagan has always been a law unto himself.”</p><p></p><p>John then asked: “How are Crystal, Torrent and Tiljann”?</p><p></p><p>Simeon smiled: “Crystal is staying here to study; she is a gifted sorceress. Tiljann seems very happy with the Wayfarers and Torrent has gone on another mission. I think that some time away from Seaquen will do her good; the town holds bad memories for her now.</p><p></p><p>Oh, that reminds me: just in case we don’t see each other for a long time. We have sent a team to investigate the last known location of the Burning Torch. We have also sent a team to the Monastery of the Two Winds.”</p><p></p><p>He paused, looking perplexed: “At the moment, we are extremely puzzled by the crystal you found, the dark one with the silver tracing. We have managed to find references to it and through magic, its nature is that of an Orb of Storms, a legendary item which creates and controls storms; the puzzle is that no crystal of this type has ever been able to raise a storm of the magnitude that Lee managed. This together with the physical disciplines he exhibited as described by you suggests a connection with the monastery and so we have decided to send team there. I have hopes that both teams will uncover something.</p><p></p><p>Oh, one final thing: that strange obelisk that seems to be a beacon which you found underground; it is absolutely fascinating. The amount of magic, the technique in its fabrication, the elegance of its function……..I have never come across anything like it. I have to say, all of you really know how to shake things up; the beacon, the orb, your discoveries under Seaquen in the steam tunnels, those will all provide enough research material for the Lyceum to last several decades if not more. I just wish you hadn’t done it all at once and that the town hadn’t been destroyed at the same time.”</p><p></p><p>That was all quite a bit to take in. I wished the team attempting to retrieve the Burning Torch all the luck in the world. That sounded tough. I had no idea as to where the Monastery of the Two Winds was or even what it was, so I did not know what to think about that. As for the research the Simeon mentioned, under any other circumstances, I would have given my eyeteeth to be able to join in any of those projects but bearing in mind what was a happening around us at this time, regretfully I knew that this was just not possible.</p><p></p><p>The meeting had come to a close. I was surprised that Katrina had not said anything; that was unlike her. </p><p></p><p>Then, a thought suddenly struck me as I was walking out and I let my mind follow this strange line; as I was thinking about our adventures beneath the steam tunnels, I remembered the elven wizard Tomei, who heard voices in his head and had great affinity for the elements; as he died, he had burned into ash and then that ash was washed away by a nearby pool of water; anyway, his body was totally destroyed, beyond recovery and beyond any sort of magical contact. Now, Lee Sidoneth, another individual with seemingly great control and power over an element, air this time, also lost his life and his body was also irretrievably destroyed; he had also cried out to his “Master”; maybe he was hearing voices in his head as well? The similarity of their abilities and their demise seemed almost too strong to be coincidental; and it always seemed to go back to the elements. Did the great Elemental spirits have some sort of Champions?</p><p></p><p>I had no idea what any of this meant of course and I decided to keep my thoughts to myself for the moment as no doubt there would be a great deal of scoffing about my dreaming again. </p><p></p><p>As I was thinking, I walked into Victor, who just glanced at me; it wasn’t the first time that had happened. </p><p></p><p>“…..with winter and snow coming, we’ll have to make sure that we have the right supplies and equipment. We’ll need tents and blankets and……” Drudge was telling Longhelim, who was smoking his pipe as usual. </p><p></p><p>I asked him: “Why do we need those? We won’t feel the cold anyway so why take up valuable space?”</p><p></p><p>Drudge turned around: “Because we may not feel the cold but we still don’t want to wake up in the morning underneath a mound of snow. Look Faden, go and pack your books and stuff; we’ll sort out the supplies here.”</p><p></p><p>I hadn’t thought of that; he was quite right. A little embarrassed, I sped along to my room and began packing. I didn’t have a lot to pack, mostly my books and writing supplies. </p><p></p><p>We were going to set out the next day so I took one final opportunity to settle in the library. This time, I didn’t research anything, just went and sat there, looking at the books, the shelves, the furniture, the tables, the inkpots, the quills and remembering. Later, the others joined me and we began discussing the ramifications of what we were being asked to do. </p><p></p><p>Longhelim began: “This is going to be very difficult. Without a doubt, Steppengaard has had his hear bent from all sides as to the pros and cons of allowing the Ragesian army to march through Dassen; what has possessed him to allow this? Faden, you’re absolutely right. Once that army is in the country, it will never leave.”</p><p></p><p>Victor was succinct as usual: “He probably doesn’t have any choice.”</p><p></p><p>Longhelim puffed: “What do you mean?”</p><p></p><p>“Seaquen has committed itself against Ragesia. The Empire has to do something; it cannot allow it to defy the current order, especially as Leska has only so recently ascended to the throne. Dassen was told that if they confront the army’s passage then they commit themselves against the Empire; if so, they are fair game for an army of forty thousand; if they allow the army through, then nominally they are allies. I’m not sure just what that will mean but the latter course must seem hugely preferable to Steppengaard at the moment; I don’t know if Dassen can face an army of forty thousand but even if it could, it won’t be pleasant; problem is, I have no idea what Seaquen can offer Steppengaard as a counterbalance.“</p><p></p><p>John sipped his tea: “Either way, I really hope that Balan is a skilled orator and negotiator; I also hope that Simeon has some cunning plan up his sleeve since even if Balan succeeds, then that will delay the Ragesians at best.”</p><p></p><p>We continued to speculate and converse about the coming mission and then went to bed.</p></blockquote><p></p>
[QUOTE="Cafu, post: 6029755, member: 6692807"] The following days followed the same pattern as those which I enjoyed so much before that fateful performance of the Trials of Toteth Topec; I spent the day in the library with John while the others disappeared. That evening they returned and we had an enjoyable evening meal. Then we retired to the library with hot drinks; Longhelim, seated comfortably and puffing his pipe, began talking: “Well, it’s pretty much as we feared: the town has been devastated. There are no buildings of any note standing and the damage is such that there is no point in trying to quantify and repair it. It’s just better to start from the beginning. Thank the gods we still have the magical lyre; that is now priceless; a silver lining is that this will help integrate the refugee population into the town as the whole re-building of Seaquen will now become one vast project as opposed to the refugee quarters being separate from the town. That’s small consolation to the hundreds that died, but still…..; another silver lining is that only hundreds died as opposed to thousands; and that we foiled Giorgio’s plot; I shudder to think what would have happened if the leadership of the town had perished. Votberd, for all his idiosyncrasies, has been very effective in this crisis. ” That reminded me: “Is the Wayfarer’s Theatre still around? Any news on Tiljann?” Longhelim smiled: “That is one piece of good news, even if small in relation. The Theatre is damaged but floating and Tiljann is alive and thriving. She loves it there.” “And the elves and their fleet?” “Ah, there is good news there as well; nothing confirmed but some of the fishing boats report that they have seen them, thank the gods; they think several ships were sunk; most of the others were damaged and are now on their way back to the Shining Lands I presume. I think that Shalaadel is going to have to forget any ideas he may have about Seaquen for the moment; but at least the fleet is not completely lost as we had feared.” Well, that was better than the complete loss of the elven fleet we had feared. Another thought struck me: “What is the general mood like?” Longhelim smiled again: “Surprisingly upbeat. It’s odd; the storm affected everyone so everyone feels the need to help and rebuild. That is helping matters of co-operation; even Votberd is saying that some of the refugees are being useful; that’s real progress and there is a real feeling of unity, as I mentioned. The town is being re-built for everyone as opposed to residents in one part and refugees somewhere else.” Felix cleared his throat at this time: “Longhelim is too modest to say so but I think we are making a real difference; as usual, everyone seems to know what we did and we are perceived as heroes. So people are very willing to follow Longhelim’s orders; since his orders are generally sensible, things happen and get done. Victor works in a different way; he doesn’t usually give orders but just goes somewhere and starts doing something. Almost immediately when others see him, they realize that what he is doing needs to be done so they join him and thus his goals are achieved; then someone sees that another similar task needs to be performed somewhere else and so it goes on….. Drudge was hunting all day; he won’t tell you but there is a whole group of children who are having their first good meal in days thanks to his skills.” Longhelim interrupted:” Since we are playing this game, then what Felix is keeping quiet about is that he spent most of the day with Hospitallers; those ladies have even more work than usual at the moment and they very much appreciate Felix’s help; but Felix, no spell cramming. We can’t afford it.” The priest looked a little guilty and didn’t say anything; with those dark rings under his eyes, he didn’t need to. The conversation devolved for the rest of the evening into more detail about what everyone was doing; I felt a little left out as every time I began to talk about my research into the arcane, then their eyes glazed over but I consoled myself that they would know soon enough; when I began to use all the new formulae I had acquired. This pattern repeated itself for the next few days but all good things must come to an end and on the evening of the third day, Simeon approached us during our usual chat and asked us to see him in his study the next morning. The next morning arrived and as we left our room, I was fairly certain that our existence here in Seaquen was about to change; approaching Simeon’s study on the fifth floor of the tower, we could hear soft conversation from the other side of his door. Having knocked, we opened the door and entered the familiar study; sitting inside were Simeon, Katrina and a stranger. Simeon stood up: “Ah, gentlemen, welcome. Please, let me introduce you to Balan Bastom.” The stranger stood up. He was an odd mixture; he had full mutton chop whiskers and a broad, stocky build; yet judging by the shape of his face and his ears, he also had a fair amount of elven blood; possibly even one of his parents may have been an elf. He approached us: “So good to meet you. Your legend has grown here in Seaquen; I’m a great admirer. Some of the things you have done….well I cannot think of anyone else who could have done them.” That was laying it on a bit thick but he really did seem to mean it and there was an undeniable charm and magnetism to his manner; even greater than Longhelim’s and that was saying something. “As Simeon said, I am Balan Bastom, distantly related to House Bastom of Ostalin”; he looked at us expectantly but received blank stares in return. He cleared his throat: “Well, Simeon has asked me to help him; he’s in a spot of bother and he also suggested that you tag along; he believes we would make a fabulous team.” Simeon made a noise in his throat: “Ah, thank you Balan; if I could continue?” He took a scroll and unrolled it on his desk, using four massive metal dragon claws as paperweights. The scroll was a map of the region. “Here is Seaquen on the tip of the peninsula in the South; here, a few days to the North of us is Bresk, the capital of Dassen and nominally the host country of the Lyceum although to all intents and purposes we are an autonomous region; and here, in the furthermost North, are the mountains that separate Dassen from Ragesia; as you can see, there is only one pass of any note through them: here, at Alydi’s Gap, which is defended by the mighty fortress of Gallo’s Fend. Now, we have learned that an army of forty thousand is massing on the Ragesian side of the mountains. Under the non-aggression pact that Steppengaard has signed with the Empire, we have it on good authority that this army will be allowed through the Gap and then will march its way south to Seaquen.” I couldn’t believe it. I began talking or babbling if one was being unkind: “What! How is an army of forty thousand going to feed itself as it marches over Dassen? That’s a massive logistical undertaking; Steppengaard doesn’t really believe that they will have supply lines stretching through the Gap into Ragesia does he? The only way they will be able to do it will be to devastate the land; and even if that happens, what does Steppengaard think is going to happen to that army once it conquers Seaquen? Does he think that it’s just going pack up and march out of Dassen the way it came? Is he really that naïve? “Faden, stop, stop; you’re asking the wrong person. I know all these things but Steppengaard is willing to let it happen under this non-aggression pact he signed. However, the fact that you, as a layman, can see this immediately gives me a little hope. I want to send Balan to Bresk and get him to try to clarify all the points you raised as well as others with Steppengaard; however, asking Kings to clarify their policies has to be done in a certain way; and pointing out to Kings that they are being complete idiots also has to be done in a certain way; take it from me, Balan is very good at doing that. Balan will have an audience with Steppengaard where he will put our case forward and we hope that Steppengaard will realize that letting an army of forty thousand Ragesians into Dassen is not in his best interests and block this crusade. What I would like you to do is to go with him as his bodyguards and security experts. I suspect that there will be….vested interests, shall we say, that will want to make sure that this audience never, ever happens. Now, there are certain other matters I have to tell you about Dassen, just so you don’t go in blind: The land is mostly agricultural and very fertile. In the distant past, the kingdom was divided into eight lands but these were united a long time ago; however, they still retained the names by which they were known when they were independent and the rulers also share the names of their lands. They are as follows: Lord Gallo, who is master of Gallo’s Fend and controls Alydi’s Gap; Lady Timor, who we know is a wizard; Lord Dashgoben, who is a dwarf: Lord Megadon, who controls the coastline of the country; Lord Iz, who is a renowned warrior; Lord Regor, who is the poorest of the great Lords and whose land acts as a major passageway for the refugees; we know he is very hostile to Seaquen; Lady Dene; Lady Namin. Fifteen years ago, Steppengaard was made King and created another land, Steppengaard. This land also holds the capital, Bresk. Note that one of the major features of Bresk is that only a part of it is above ground. The eight magnates together with the King form the Council of Nine; each of the Lords and Ladies has one vote while the King’s vote counts for three. It is this Council that decides the policies and government of the Kingdom of Dassen.” I sat back as I absorbed this information. It was a lot to take in. I glanced at Katrina, who was looking at us. Either she already knew all this or was not coming with us as she did not seem to be paying any attention to what Simeon was saying. “Steppengaard has a very large family; eighteen children in fact, thus ensuring a smooth succession. We don’t know what kind of reception we will receive but it is imperative that we put our case forward. Now, any further questions?” I cleared my throat: “Well, yes, actually but more about other things than our trip to Bresk. Any news on Gate Pass?” “No change there so far as we know. There is still heavy fighting in the city. The Ragesian army is facing a highly motivated, very efficient and defiant militia who are using their local knowledge to its fullest. I don’t think Deneva expected such resistance; of course, it does help that the Shahalesti are supplying the city as much as they can although that may have to change.” Victor spoke: “Why so?” Simeon continued: “The fourth Ragesian army has finally breached the Shining Lands proper in the far north and is skirmishing with the elven forces stationed there. We have not heard of any major battles but the elves will have to consolidate if they have been invaded. This will inevitably mean less support for Gate Pass.” “I am not sure if I agree with you there, Simeon,” replied Victor. “Calanis, the Shahalesti capital is almost in direct line with Gate Pass. The far north of the country is very far from the capital and if the elves can keep that Ragesian army enmeshed there, they will be very happy; if Gate Pass falls though, then the path to Calanis is open and more importantly, the two cities are relatively close.” “That is a point, Victor.” He shrugged: “I hope you are right.” “Anyway, in other developments, the Ragesian fleet has revealed its presence and is blockading Turinn, the Sindarian capital. A Ragesian army is marching towards the city as we speak; in other interesting news, an Ostaliner army is also marching towards the city; we have no idea why that is going there. The Khagan has always been a law unto himself.” John then asked: “How are Crystal, Torrent and Tiljann”? Simeon smiled: “Crystal is staying here to study; she is a gifted sorceress. Tiljann seems very happy with the Wayfarers and Torrent has gone on another mission. I think that some time away from Seaquen will do her good; the town holds bad memories for her now. Oh, that reminds me: just in case we don’t see each other for a long time. We have sent a team to investigate the last known location of the Burning Torch. We have also sent a team to the Monastery of the Two Winds.” He paused, looking perplexed: “At the moment, we are extremely puzzled by the crystal you found, the dark one with the silver tracing. We have managed to find references to it and through magic, its nature is that of an Orb of Storms, a legendary item which creates and controls storms; the puzzle is that no crystal of this type has ever been able to raise a storm of the magnitude that Lee managed. This together with the physical disciplines he exhibited as described by you suggests a connection with the monastery and so we have decided to send team there. I have hopes that both teams will uncover something. Oh, one final thing: that strange obelisk that seems to be a beacon which you found underground; it is absolutely fascinating. The amount of magic, the technique in its fabrication, the elegance of its function……..I have never come across anything like it. I have to say, all of you really know how to shake things up; the beacon, the orb, your discoveries under Seaquen in the steam tunnels, those will all provide enough research material for the Lyceum to last several decades if not more. I just wish you hadn’t done it all at once and that the town hadn’t been destroyed at the same time.” That was all quite a bit to take in. I wished the team attempting to retrieve the Burning Torch all the luck in the world. That sounded tough. I had no idea as to where the Monastery of the Two Winds was or even what it was, so I did not know what to think about that. As for the research the Simeon mentioned, under any other circumstances, I would have given my eyeteeth to be able to join in any of those projects but bearing in mind what was a happening around us at this time, regretfully I knew that this was just not possible. The meeting had come to a close. I was surprised that Katrina had not said anything; that was unlike her. Then, a thought suddenly struck me as I was walking out and I let my mind follow this strange line; as I was thinking about our adventures beneath the steam tunnels, I remembered the elven wizard Tomei, who heard voices in his head and had great affinity for the elements; as he died, he had burned into ash and then that ash was washed away by a nearby pool of water; anyway, his body was totally destroyed, beyond recovery and beyond any sort of magical contact. Now, Lee Sidoneth, another individual with seemingly great control and power over an element, air this time, also lost his life and his body was also irretrievably destroyed; he had also cried out to his “Master”; maybe he was hearing voices in his head as well? The similarity of their abilities and their demise seemed almost too strong to be coincidental; and it always seemed to go back to the elements. Did the great Elemental spirits have some sort of Champions? I had no idea what any of this meant of course and I decided to keep my thoughts to myself for the moment as no doubt there would be a great deal of scoffing about my dreaming again. As I was thinking, I walked into Victor, who just glanced at me; it wasn’t the first time that had happened. “…..with winter and snow coming, we’ll have to make sure that we have the right supplies and equipment. We’ll need tents and blankets and……” Drudge was telling Longhelim, who was smoking his pipe as usual. I asked him: “Why do we need those? We won’t feel the cold anyway so why take up valuable space?” Drudge turned around: “Because we may not feel the cold but we still don’t want to wake up in the morning underneath a mound of snow. Look Faden, go and pack your books and stuff; we’ll sort out the supplies here.” I hadn’t thought of that; he was quite right. A little embarrassed, I sped along to my room and began packing. I didn’t have a lot to pack, mostly my books and writing supplies. We were going to set out the next day so I took one final opportunity to settle in the library. This time, I didn’t research anything, just went and sat there, looking at the books, the shelves, the furniture, the tables, the inkpots, the quills and remembering. Later, the others joined me and we began discussing the ramifications of what we were being asked to do. Longhelim began: “This is going to be very difficult. Without a doubt, Steppengaard has had his hear bent from all sides as to the pros and cons of allowing the Ragesian army to march through Dassen; what has possessed him to allow this? Faden, you’re absolutely right. Once that army is in the country, it will never leave.” Victor was succinct as usual: “He probably doesn’t have any choice.” Longhelim puffed: “What do you mean?” “Seaquen has committed itself against Ragesia. The Empire has to do something; it cannot allow it to defy the current order, especially as Leska has only so recently ascended to the throne. Dassen was told that if they confront the army’s passage then they commit themselves against the Empire; if so, they are fair game for an army of forty thousand; if they allow the army through, then nominally they are allies. I’m not sure just what that will mean but the latter course must seem hugely preferable to Steppengaard at the moment; I don’t know if Dassen can face an army of forty thousand but even if it could, it won’t be pleasant; problem is, I have no idea what Seaquen can offer Steppengaard as a counterbalance.“ John sipped his tea: “Either way, I really hope that Balan is a skilled orator and negotiator; I also hope that Simeon has some cunning plan up his sleeve since even if Balan succeeds, then that will delay the Ragesians at best.” We continued to speculate and converse about the coming mission and then went to bed. [/QUOTE]
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The Gate Pass Irregulars: A War of the Burning Sky Campaign
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