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<blockquote data-quote="Cafu" data-source="post: 6911891" data-attributes="member: 6692807"><p>As we marched back to Seaquen, even I noticed something different. Normally I am not the most sensitive to changes in the natural world, the environment or the “spiritual atmosphere” as Felix calls it. Drudge seemed to have an almost uncanny ability to sense a change or danger in the natural world. He tried to explain it to me several times; it had to do with the sounds that animals and insects made, the shifts in the wind, the everyday noises he heard in the country or wood or whatever surrounds we were in at that time. I was normally trying to work out how to write down a particular formula in my spell book or how to shape a piece of magic around an ally to notice this phenomenum but time and again I had seen both Drudge and John perceive dangers or other features long before I could. </p><p> </p><p>Oddly enough, Victor had developed almost a sixth sense for this also. His abilities were more aural than anything else, especially as he had that magically earring which enhanced his hearing but it was truly uncanny how he managed to hear sounds which would have been indistinguishable to nearly everyone else. Even a true expert such as Drudge was amazed at this ability. </p><p> </p><p>Therefore the fact that I could notice this meant that it must have been blindingly obvious to the others. There was a sense of…….well being in the environment; a sense of balance, of everything being set to rights again. </p><p> </p><p>In more everyday terms, it is as if one had walked into a room full of portraits and noticed that several of them were noticeable askew, destroying the whole aesthetic of the wall; some time later, one walked in again and those portraits had now been straightened. </p><p> </p><p>Certainly, there was still a problem with transport magic; and the sky was still the wrong colour but the indications were that we had taken a major step in stopping Leska’s plans. However, I was not resting on my laurels; time and again, we had been sure that we had scored a victory against her only to find that she was several steps ahead of us and had contingencies in place. </p><p> </p><p>We managed to reach Seaquen anonymously and get to our house, where we laid John out reverently. Felix would have to perform the magic to return him to us tomorrow. We were just unpacking everything when we heard an almighty cheer. </p><p> </p><p>Longhelim looked up and said: </p><p> </p><p>“Runners must have just arrived with the news that the army is back. We should be expecting a messenger from the Lyceum any moment now, I should think.”</p><p> </p><p>The paladin was logically prophetic as a little later, there was a sharp banging on the door. Victor let a young man into our dwelling, dressed in the robes of a student; he was almost dancing with impatience as he relayed a request from Gohnaach that he wanted to see us straight away. Longhelim was calm as he replied: </p><p> </p><p>“Please return to mage Gohnaach and let him know that we will be with him as soon as we are ready. Also tell him that the threat from the giant air ship has been averted and that although the army has suffered minor casualties, it is mostly unharmed. The civilians are still in Gate Pass but we will return them in the near future. In the meantime, there are certain things we must prepare. John, our companion, sacrificed his life for this endeavour and we must make certain preparations.”</p><p> </p><p>When the young man heard this, he immediately became very contrite and ran back to the Lyceum. </p><p>Once we had finished in the house, we all travelled to the Lyceum where we were immediately ushered into Gohnaach’s office. The wizened little man looked at us, bright eyed and spoke earnestly: </p><p> </p><p>“Please, please, you look tired and hurt. I was informed of your colleague’s demise. Is there anything we can do? I know of the magic necessary for his recovery and I know that Felix here is one of few capable of performing it. I would offer you all the diamonds we have here but you already have them and we have not been able to obtain any more. “</p><p> </p><p>Felix replied: </p><p> </p><p>“Thank you for the offer; I know you have already given us all the diamonds you had but the offer is appreciated. Fortunately, we have enough to perform the ritual on John but that will the last of them.”</p><p> </p><p>Then he proceeded to report thoroughly everything that happened once we had left Seaquen last time. Gohnaach did not ask any questions initially until the report was over and after that, he just wanted some clarifications on certain aspects of the tale. Particularly the whereabouts to the ship once we left it and if there was any danger of it ever being repaired. I explained my theory of Pilus linking his life to the ship. I am not sure whether he understood at but since biomancy was such as new science and so unknown he had to take my word. Of course, I qualified my theory with my own lack of knowledge. Splicing together creatures to make bizarre unnatural living mixtures was not an interest I wished to pursue. </p><p> </p><p>Finally, Gohnaach told us: </p><p> </p><p>“I can hear the army approaching; I don’t need to tell you just what a difference their survival has made to the town. When they left, no one knew if they were going to come back of they were going to be some forlorn hope. Their return means more than you imagine. Please go and rest now. I believe tomorrow will be a very full day.”</p><p> </p><p>So we did just that; we returned to our dwelling and went to sleep. We noticed that there were some discreet guards outside but we still stood our own watches; we had not become that confident.</p><p> </p><p>The next morning, we spent a great deal of time learning a new set of magics to cope with the day. The first item on our agenda was the revivification of John; this was achieved as expected. Thankfully there was no interference from anyone and soon the rogue was among us again as irrepressible. Victor now had possession of the Living Blade and it had turned into a falchion. </p><p> </p><p>Then, I had learned several spells which would allow me to contact Simeon and Kiernan. I wanted to tell them what had happened. I received fairly cryptic reply that our report could wait. I told the others and received puzzled looks. I shrugged my shoulders as much in the dark as everyone else. </p><p> </p><p>I took advantage of this to perform magic on the various pieces of equipment we had managed to find after our battle with Pilus, discerning their function; and also to visit the unicorn we had rescued. Thankfully, it was already looking better. We could still see its ribs and it only had patchy fur but its eyes had regained some of their luster and it was moving, albeit slowly. We went to see it in its new quarters, a beautiful room inside the grounds of the Lyceum. It rose to its feet when we asked to see it and just looked at us. Then it bowed its head to all of us. </p><p> </p><p>We left it to rest, deeply affected the dignity someone who must have suffered endless days of agony. </p><p> </p><p>It was a little late after that, as we were sitting down to a little food in the Lyceum that we saw both Kiernan and Simeon enter. Immediately, they approached us and began speaking: </p><p> </p><p>“My friends! You’re back! We have heard much wild rumour and speculation. Please tell us what has happened and also get ready for guests; many, many guests!”</p><p> </p><p>Despite our surprise, this time it was Longhelim who reported all that had happened when Xavius Foebane and his army, together with the mages of Seaquen had left Gate Pass to accompany Shaaladel to the Shining Lands of Shahalesti. </p><p> </p><p>Again, they did not interrupt until the end of the report and then it was only to clarify various details, especially about the seeming connection between Pilus and Leska. Once we had finished, they insisted they be introduced to the unicorn.</p><p> </p><p>Again, we took them to see it and they stood and looked at the creature reverently: </p><p> </p><p>“Gentlemen, I don’t think you quite realise just how rare unicorns are. Most magicians have only ever read about them so to actually see one in our lifetime is a privilege given to a few.”</p><p> </p><p>John looked a little surprised and said: </p><p> </p><p>“And if you have seen two in your lifetime?”</p><p> </p><p>They looked at him in stupefaction: </p><p> </p><p>“Two? Where did you see the other?”</p><p> </p><p>He gave them his usual impudent grin: </p><p> </p><p>“There was another in the Fire Forest of Innenotdar. I recommend you visit that place. It’s full of very interesting people and animals. It would definitely be worth your while.”</p><p> </p><p>Longhelim looked at John with a warning and I shook my head at them. The thought of Kiernan and Simeon going to the Fire Forest filled me with a profound sense of dread. They would last….a very short time. While the main peril was gone, it was still very dangerous place. </p><p> </p><p>Longhelim just shook his head and told them: </p><p> </p><p>“Just ignore him. Yes, we have seen two unicorns in our lives now but they are certainly not the strangest thing we have seen in the last year or so. Anyway, be that as it may, you mentioned about other guests. Presumably, this has to do with your battle in the North? Do you know what Leska plans next?”</p><p> </p><p>Kiernan motioned us to follow him. Once they led us to Simeon’s study, the dwarf took out his strange little rod and put it on the table as usual. </p><p> </p><p>“Our expedition to the North was an anti-climax. We arrived and confronted the Ragesian army. There were several small battles but as soon as Shaaladel attempted to engineer a major battle, the Ragesians disengaged and withdrew. It was so well done, it was as if they had been expecting us.”</p><p> </p><p>My attention had sharpened. I said: </p><p> </p><p>“There is more to this isn’t there? You have more to tell us.”</p><p> </p><p>Simeon smiled and continued: </p><p> </p><p>“Indeed, Faden. There is more. Information has reached us that Leska is making her final move. She has taken a large force to the Opaline Wastes. This is a desolate desert in Ragesia. There is no reason to go there unless going to seek something precious.”</p><p> </p><p>John breathed: </p><p> </p><p>“The Heart. It’s got to be the Aquiline Heart. That’s where it is!”</p><p> </p><p>Kiernan nodded and Simeon said: </p><p> </p><p>“Yes. The area is heavily warded but we do have a few divination methods which are unknown even to Leska and we are indeed certain that she has found the Heart and is intent on using it to perform a ritual which will condemn the world to eternal war.”</p><p> </p><p>Victor was nodding: </p><p> </p><p>“So, she made sure that the elven army together with the best the Seaquen had to offer was kept busy in the North while she moved South. Pilus was a dupe. By her calculation, at best, he would destroy us; at worst, he would delay us to such an extent that she would have the time to complete her ritual. The army in the North was used as a feint but their orders were to keep themselves intact as they would be needed for further campaigns. Typical Leska; several steps ahead as usual.”</p><p> </p><p>The soldier continued: </p><p> </p><p>“Our one advantage in all this is that we will know that she has to be in the Opaline Wastes for the near future. Simeon, do you know how long this ritual will last?”</p><p> </p><p>The magician shook his head: </p><p> </p><p>“No but it will be several days. She would not have brought such a substantial force with her to the desert otherwise. In other words, if we move fast, we can get a force in there and get an elite group to disrupt the ritual. However, there are complications.”</p><p> </p><p>“Do continue,” was the dry reply from Longhelim. </p><p> </p><p>The magician stood up and said: </p><p> </p><p>“There is a concurrent ritual being conducted in Ragos, in the Imperial Palace in fact. This ritual is impeding any sort of divination and magical transportation into the Opaline Wastes. We have to have enough troops to engage the Ragesian army in the desert but without knowing where they are, it would lead to a logistical nightmare. So, before we go to the Wastes, we have to the Palace and disrupt the ritual there.”</p><p> </p><p>I was working my way through their thought process: </p><p> </p><p>“So, what you’re saying is that we have to get our army to the Opaline Wastes to confront Leska’s army. While that is happening, we go disrupt Leska’s ritual and stop the world from going into eternal war. However, before this happens we have to go to the Imperial Palace in Ragos and disrupt another ritual there which is preventing us from finding out just where Leska’s forces are in the desert.”</p><p> </p><p>Simeon beamed: </p><p> </p><p>“That’s pretty much it in a nutshell. There are some more details to be worked out but yes, you have hit the nail on the head.”</p><p> </p><p>Longhelim asked a question for the first time: </p><p> </p><p>“Do you know just where Leska is, apart from in the Opaline Wastes?”</p><p> </p><p>It was Kiernan who answered here: </p><p> </p><p>Yes. From what we have been able to glean, she has marched her army, the 6[SUP]th[/SUP] by the way, through Two Dragon Arch, into a rift called the Heart of History and she herself is gone into the earth where we believe she has found the Heart.”</p><p> </p><p>John had his own questions: </p><p> </p><p>“What is the ritual and how do we disrupt it?”</p><p> </p><p>Simeon replied to this one: </p><p> </p><p>“The ritual is something to do with the Aquiline Heart. We know that it is the source of Leska’s power and that as a result of its power, she has become immortal. The Heart is also connected to the whole world and somehow she is using this connection to condemn the whole world to eternal war. We are assuming that she believes that with her powers, her armies will be triumphant. As for disrupting the ritual, well Leska’s power derives from the heart and legend states that if you smash the Heart with the Torch, you will destroy both of the artifacts.”</p><p> </p><p>He stopped talking briefly and looked a little uncomfortable before continuing: </p><p> </p><p>“Legend also says that doing that will bring about the end of the world.”</p><p> </p><p>We all looked at him, stunned. </p><p> </p><p>I spoke slowly: </p><p> </p><p>“Could you repeat that please?”</p><p> </p><p>He had the grace to look a little abashed: </p><p> </p><p>“Well, it is a legend. We really are not sure what will happen if you smash the Torch into the Heart apart from the fact that it will definitely disrupt the ritual. You have to understand. Leska is performing magic about which we are only guessing and in the timescale, there is no way we can do any more research. This is now the only course available to us.”</p><p> </p><p>Victor returned to more practical matters: </p><p> </p><p>“This ritual in Ragos. Do you know any more about it?”</p><p> </p><p>Kiernan answered in this case: </p><p> </p><p>“We know is it being held in the palace and the only way to get there is from Monuments Island. Apart from that, again the area is heavily warded and that is all we have been able to find out.”</p><p> </p><p>Longhelim had lit his pipe at this point and looked at all of us: </p><p> </p><p>“Well, since this is our only course of action in the timeframe allowed, I suggest we get to it.”</p><p> </p><p>Simeon again looked uncomfortable: </p><p> </p><p>“Yes, well, as I said, there are other complications. You see, the Council tomorrow, well everyone has to be told about latest developments but also, we have to tell Shaaladel that he will no longer be in command of the army.”</p><p> </p><p>Kiernan interrupted at this point: </p><p> </p><p>“It was a disaster up in the North. The elven armies were held in reserve on all fronts and everyone else was sacrificed against the Ragesians; casualties in our armies were ridiculously disproportionate. The Sindarians, the Dassenians, heck, our troops will not have him in command.”</p><p> </p><p>I frowned: </p><p> </p><p>“I had noticed this in Gate Pass. He was very good at using other people to do his fighting while his forces just did the mopping up. So, all right, just tell him. Why call a Council?”</p><p> </p><p>Kiernan looked abashed this time: </p><p> </p><p>“Well, we have to call a council to let everyone know what is happening. We also have to call it so that everyone is aware that Shaaladel is no longer in command. That will be most important; and as to why you have to be there, we…. It would be best if you told him.”</p><p> </p><p>We all looked at him and he continued, rapidly: </p><p> </p><p>“Look, we were all very impressed with the way you dealt with him in Gate Pass. You don’t know what he is like! Arrogant, overbearing, stiff necked, prejudiced and insufferable. It’s imperative that he is removed from overall command or whatever alliance we have will fall apart.”</p><p> </p><p>We still looked at him and he had the grace to drop his gaze. It was quite apparent that he had no stomach for confronting Shaaladel but simultaneously, this sounded like a problem. We were going to bring a disparate group of people together and it was very important that the commander be acceptable to everyone. </p><p> </p><p>Longhelim drew on his pipe and just asked: </p><p> </p><p>“So, who do you want in command?”</p><p> </p><p>Kiernan replied immediately: </p><p> </p><p>“Xavius Foebane. He proved himself to be an able commander. Even Shaaladel grudgingly approved of him.”</p><p> </p><p>Longhelim made a face of distastes and stood up: </p><p> </p><p>“We shall see you here tomorrow for the council.”</p><p> </p><p>As we were leaving I could hear John muttering, quite loudly as mutter went: </p><p> </p><p>“….we were so impressed as to how you dealt with him in Gate Pass…….what a bunch of weasels. Is there anything they can do?”</p></blockquote><p></p>
[QUOTE="Cafu, post: 6911891, member: 6692807"] As we marched back to Seaquen, even I noticed something different. Normally I am not the most sensitive to changes in the natural world, the environment or the “spiritual atmosphere” as Felix calls it. Drudge seemed to have an almost uncanny ability to sense a change or danger in the natural world. He tried to explain it to me several times; it had to do with the sounds that animals and insects made, the shifts in the wind, the everyday noises he heard in the country or wood or whatever surrounds we were in at that time. I was normally trying to work out how to write down a particular formula in my spell book or how to shape a piece of magic around an ally to notice this phenomenum but time and again I had seen both Drudge and John perceive dangers or other features long before I could. Oddly enough, Victor had developed almost a sixth sense for this also. His abilities were more aural than anything else, especially as he had that magically earring which enhanced his hearing but it was truly uncanny how he managed to hear sounds which would have been indistinguishable to nearly everyone else. Even a true expert such as Drudge was amazed at this ability. Therefore the fact that I could notice this meant that it must have been blindingly obvious to the others. There was a sense of…….well being in the environment; a sense of balance, of everything being set to rights again. In more everyday terms, it is as if one had walked into a room full of portraits and noticed that several of them were noticeable askew, destroying the whole aesthetic of the wall; some time later, one walked in again and those portraits had now been straightened. Certainly, there was still a problem with transport magic; and the sky was still the wrong colour but the indications were that we had taken a major step in stopping Leska’s plans. However, I was not resting on my laurels; time and again, we had been sure that we had scored a victory against her only to find that she was several steps ahead of us and had contingencies in place. We managed to reach Seaquen anonymously and get to our house, where we laid John out reverently. Felix would have to perform the magic to return him to us tomorrow. We were just unpacking everything when we heard an almighty cheer. Longhelim looked up and said: “Runners must have just arrived with the news that the army is back. We should be expecting a messenger from the Lyceum any moment now, I should think.” The paladin was logically prophetic as a little later, there was a sharp banging on the door. Victor let a young man into our dwelling, dressed in the robes of a student; he was almost dancing with impatience as he relayed a request from Gohnaach that he wanted to see us straight away. Longhelim was calm as he replied: “Please return to mage Gohnaach and let him know that we will be with him as soon as we are ready. Also tell him that the threat from the giant air ship has been averted and that although the army has suffered minor casualties, it is mostly unharmed. The civilians are still in Gate Pass but we will return them in the near future. In the meantime, there are certain things we must prepare. John, our companion, sacrificed his life for this endeavour and we must make certain preparations.” When the young man heard this, he immediately became very contrite and ran back to the Lyceum. Once we had finished in the house, we all travelled to the Lyceum where we were immediately ushered into Gohnaach’s office. The wizened little man looked at us, bright eyed and spoke earnestly: “Please, please, you look tired and hurt. I was informed of your colleague’s demise. Is there anything we can do? I know of the magic necessary for his recovery and I know that Felix here is one of few capable of performing it. I would offer you all the diamonds we have here but you already have them and we have not been able to obtain any more. “ Felix replied: “Thank you for the offer; I know you have already given us all the diamonds you had but the offer is appreciated. Fortunately, we have enough to perform the ritual on John but that will the last of them.” Then he proceeded to report thoroughly everything that happened once we had left Seaquen last time. Gohnaach did not ask any questions initially until the report was over and after that, he just wanted some clarifications on certain aspects of the tale. Particularly the whereabouts to the ship once we left it and if there was any danger of it ever being repaired. I explained my theory of Pilus linking his life to the ship. I am not sure whether he understood at but since biomancy was such as new science and so unknown he had to take my word. Of course, I qualified my theory with my own lack of knowledge. Splicing together creatures to make bizarre unnatural living mixtures was not an interest I wished to pursue. Finally, Gohnaach told us: “I can hear the army approaching; I don’t need to tell you just what a difference their survival has made to the town. When they left, no one knew if they were going to come back of they were going to be some forlorn hope. Their return means more than you imagine. Please go and rest now. I believe tomorrow will be a very full day.” So we did just that; we returned to our dwelling and went to sleep. We noticed that there were some discreet guards outside but we still stood our own watches; we had not become that confident. The next morning, we spent a great deal of time learning a new set of magics to cope with the day. The first item on our agenda was the revivification of John; this was achieved as expected. Thankfully there was no interference from anyone and soon the rogue was among us again as irrepressible. Victor now had possession of the Living Blade and it had turned into a falchion. Then, I had learned several spells which would allow me to contact Simeon and Kiernan. I wanted to tell them what had happened. I received fairly cryptic reply that our report could wait. I told the others and received puzzled looks. I shrugged my shoulders as much in the dark as everyone else. I took advantage of this to perform magic on the various pieces of equipment we had managed to find after our battle with Pilus, discerning their function; and also to visit the unicorn we had rescued. Thankfully, it was already looking better. We could still see its ribs and it only had patchy fur but its eyes had regained some of their luster and it was moving, albeit slowly. We went to see it in its new quarters, a beautiful room inside the grounds of the Lyceum. It rose to its feet when we asked to see it and just looked at us. Then it bowed its head to all of us. We left it to rest, deeply affected the dignity someone who must have suffered endless days of agony. It was a little late after that, as we were sitting down to a little food in the Lyceum that we saw both Kiernan and Simeon enter. Immediately, they approached us and began speaking: “My friends! You’re back! We have heard much wild rumour and speculation. Please tell us what has happened and also get ready for guests; many, many guests!” Despite our surprise, this time it was Longhelim who reported all that had happened when Xavius Foebane and his army, together with the mages of Seaquen had left Gate Pass to accompany Shaaladel to the Shining Lands of Shahalesti. Again, they did not interrupt until the end of the report and then it was only to clarify various details, especially about the seeming connection between Pilus and Leska. Once we had finished, they insisted they be introduced to the unicorn. Again, we took them to see it and they stood and looked at the creature reverently: “Gentlemen, I don’t think you quite realise just how rare unicorns are. Most magicians have only ever read about them so to actually see one in our lifetime is a privilege given to a few.” John looked a little surprised and said: “And if you have seen two in your lifetime?” They looked at him in stupefaction: “Two? Where did you see the other?” He gave them his usual impudent grin: “There was another in the Fire Forest of Innenotdar. I recommend you visit that place. It’s full of very interesting people and animals. It would definitely be worth your while.” Longhelim looked at John with a warning and I shook my head at them. The thought of Kiernan and Simeon going to the Fire Forest filled me with a profound sense of dread. They would last….a very short time. While the main peril was gone, it was still very dangerous place. Longhelim just shook his head and told them: “Just ignore him. Yes, we have seen two unicorns in our lives now but they are certainly not the strangest thing we have seen in the last year or so. Anyway, be that as it may, you mentioned about other guests. Presumably, this has to do with your battle in the North? Do you know what Leska plans next?” Kiernan motioned us to follow him. Once they led us to Simeon’s study, the dwarf took out his strange little rod and put it on the table as usual. “Our expedition to the North was an anti-climax. We arrived and confronted the Ragesian army. There were several small battles but as soon as Shaaladel attempted to engineer a major battle, the Ragesians disengaged and withdrew. It was so well done, it was as if they had been expecting us.” My attention had sharpened. I said: “There is more to this isn’t there? You have more to tell us.” Simeon smiled and continued: “Indeed, Faden. There is more. Information has reached us that Leska is making her final move. She has taken a large force to the Opaline Wastes. This is a desolate desert in Ragesia. There is no reason to go there unless going to seek something precious.” John breathed: “The Heart. It’s got to be the Aquiline Heart. That’s where it is!” Kiernan nodded and Simeon said: “Yes. The area is heavily warded but we do have a few divination methods which are unknown even to Leska and we are indeed certain that she has found the Heart and is intent on using it to perform a ritual which will condemn the world to eternal war.” Victor was nodding: “So, she made sure that the elven army together with the best the Seaquen had to offer was kept busy in the North while she moved South. Pilus was a dupe. By her calculation, at best, he would destroy us; at worst, he would delay us to such an extent that she would have the time to complete her ritual. The army in the North was used as a feint but their orders were to keep themselves intact as they would be needed for further campaigns. Typical Leska; several steps ahead as usual.” The soldier continued: “Our one advantage in all this is that we will know that she has to be in the Opaline Wastes for the near future. Simeon, do you know how long this ritual will last?” The magician shook his head: “No but it will be several days. She would not have brought such a substantial force with her to the desert otherwise. In other words, if we move fast, we can get a force in there and get an elite group to disrupt the ritual. However, there are complications.” “Do continue,” was the dry reply from Longhelim. The magician stood up and said: “There is a concurrent ritual being conducted in Ragos, in the Imperial Palace in fact. This ritual is impeding any sort of divination and magical transportation into the Opaline Wastes. We have to have enough troops to engage the Ragesian army in the desert but without knowing where they are, it would lead to a logistical nightmare. So, before we go to the Wastes, we have to the Palace and disrupt the ritual there.” I was working my way through their thought process: “So, what you’re saying is that we have to get our army to the Opaline Wastes to confront Leska’s army. While that is happening, we go disrupt Leska’s ritual and stop the world from going into eternal war. However, before this happens we have to go to the Imperial Palace in Ragos and disrupt another ritual there which is preventing us from finding out just where Leska’s forces are in the desert.” Simeon beamed: “That’s pretty much it in a nutshell. There are some more details to be worked out but yes, you have hit the nail on the head.” Longhelim asked a question for the first time: “Do you know just where Leska is, apart from in the Opaline Wastes?” It was Kiernan who answered here: Yes. From what we have been able to glean, she has marched her army, the 6[SUP]th[/SUP] by the way, through Two Dragon Arch, into a rift called the Heart of History and she herself is gone into the earth where we believe she has found the Heart.” John had his own questions: “What is the ritual and how do we disrupt it?” Simeon replied to this one: “The ritual is something to do with the Aquiline Heart. We know that it is the source of Leska’s power and that as a result of its power, she has become immortal. The Heart is also connected to the whole world and somehow she is using this connection to condemn the whole world to eternal war. We are assuming that she believes that with her powers, her armies will be triumphant. As for disrupting the ritual, well Leska’s power derives from the heart and legend states that if you smash the Heart with the Torch, you will destroy both of the artifacts.” He stopped talking briefly and looked a little uncomfortable before continuing: “Legend also says that doing that will bring about the end of the world.” We all looked at him, stunned. I spoke slowly: “Could you repeat that please?” He had the grace to look a little abashed: “Well, it is a legend. We really are not sure what will happen if you smash the Torch into the Heart apart from the fact that it will definitely disrupt the ritual. You have to understand. Leska is performing magic about which we are only guessing and in the timescale, there is no way we can do any more research. This is now the only course available to us.” Victor returned to more practical matters: “This ritual in Ragos. Do you know any more about it?” Kiernan answered in this case: “We know is it being held in the palace and the only way to get there is from Monuments Island. Apart from that, again the area is heavily warded and that is all we have been able to find out.” Longhelim had lit his pipe at this point and looked at all of us: “Well, since this is our only course of action in the timeframe allowed, I suggest we get to it.” Simeon again looked uncomfortable: “Yes, well, as I said, there are other complications. You see, the Council tomorrow, well everyone has to be told about latest developments but also, we have to tell Shaaladel that he will no longer be in command of the army.” Kiernan interrupted at this point: “It was a disaster up in the North. The elven armies were held in reserve on all fronts and everyone else was sacrificed against the Ragesians; casualties in our armies were ridiculously disproportionate. The Sindarians, the Dassenians, heck, our troops will not have him in command.” I frowned: “I had noticed this in Gate Pass. He was very good at using other people to do his fighting while his forces just did the mopping up. So, all right, just tell him. Why call a Council?” Kiernan looked abashed this time: “Well, we have to call a council to let everyone know what is happening. We also have to call it so that everyone is aware that Shaaladel is no longer in command. That will be most important; and as to why you have to be there, we…. It would be best if you told him.” We all looked at him and he continued, rapidly: “Look, we were all very impressed with the way you dealt with him in Gate Pass. You don’t know what he is like! Arrogant, overbearing, stiff necked, prejudiced and insufferable. It’s imperative that he is removed from overall command or whatever alliance we have will fall apart.” We still looked at him and he had the grace to drop his gaze. It was quite apparent that he had no stomach for confronting Shaaladel but simultaneously, this sounded like a problem. We were going to bring a disparate group of people together and it was very important that the commander be acceptable to everyone. Longhelim drew on his pipe and just asked: “So, who do you want in command?” Kiernan replied immediately: “Xavius Foebane. He proved himself to be an able commander. Even Shaaladel grudgingly approved of him.” Longhelim made a face of distastes and stood up: “We shall see you here tomorrow for the council.” As we were leaving I could hear John muttering, quite loudly as mutter went: “….we were so impressed as to how you dealt with him in Gate Pass…….what a bunch of weasels. Is there anything they can do?” [/QUOTE]
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