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[ZEITGEIST] The Continuing Adventures of Korrigan & Co.
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<blockquote data-quote="gideonpepys" data-source="post: 7429046" data-attributes="member: 79141"><p><strong>Session 54, Part Two - Torfeld palace</strong></p><p></p><p>Gupta and Quratulain learned that the Royal Skyseer had left no note, but had awoken that morning looking haunted. He had refused to take breakfast, and instead had a bath drawn up. While waiting for it to be filled, he shared his bleak vision with his servants, then dismissed them and entered his bathroom alone. When he did not emerge for some time, they went in and found that he had slit his wrists and bled to death. The skyseer’s chambers adjoined those of the Archdruid, and they passed a central lounge or living space where they saw Asrbaey Varal in meditation. Gupta politely disturbed him, and asked why they had not seen him at Thistle Palace. Asrabey told her he had not been able to find a way to return, and seemed put out that they had. At a loss, Asrabey had come here, and now sought “to redefine his purpose”. Gupta told Asrabey of Thisraldion’s fears for Aodhan, and suggested that a proud servant of the Unseen Court might take that as an order to protect the King. Asrbaey said that he would of course do so, if need arose. Asrabey asked how they had been able to travel between the realms. Gupta answered briefly, conscious of the need to depart: “The Voice of Rot banished us. When we meet again, I have a quite a song to sing you.”</p><p></p><p>The Principal Minister was busy in his official chambers, but made time to see Leon. Harkover wryly acknowledged Leon as member of the Unseen Court and commended him on the fact that he now enjoyed diplomatic immunity. (Leon Veilleux, as an alias of General Dax Corbeau, was a wanted war criminal; but Leon the Clever was a valued and respected ally.) Leon asked Harkover about the war – assuming that war had broken out after the allied incursion into eastern Danor (ostensibly to reclaim disputed territory, but designed as a distraction from the unit’s mission to Methia). But no: Danor had merely objected, then declined to respond. “In my view, their forbearance is more disturbing than a counter-strike,” said Harkover. They discussed the matter of the energy waves that were disrupting teleportation, and the separation of the Waking and the Dreaming. Harkover confirmed that the waves made long-range teleportation completely impossible. Lauryn Cyneburg could still manage a mile or so, but that took a great deal of effort. He went on to hypothesise that the dislocation of the Dreaming could well be related to the Obscurati’s Grand Design – another symptom of the ripples caused by that event as they radiated backwards through time. Uru mentioned that it had not been possible for him to access the Bleak Gate. Harkover shrugged. The Bleak Gate was the flipside of the Dreaming, mirroring its Life aspect, so it too might be disconnected. The Obscurati would not need to lurk in the Bleak Gate once their goal was complete. Uru then asked to see the wedding list, and who was getting married. Two loyal household servants – old friends of the king. Harkover glowered as he pointed out the name of Ethelyn Lesterman, who knew the bride and groom very well and had been invited to show magnanimity. She had invited Nathan Jierre, who had in turn invited Luc (who had invited Ottavia, wearing mage cuffs, of course). Harkover felt the presence of so many Jierre’s might contribute something to security.</p><p></p><p>The last line of that security was formed by Unit B. Korrigan, Kai and Ascodel were led through the palace by Dame Jillian, to the private chambers where the king was getting dressed. Outside stood a halfling bruiser nicknamed ‘the Badger’ (whose application Korrigan had long ago rejected; but desperate times called for less stringent measures), and none other than Campion Price-Hill, who had been added to the roster of Unit B at his uncle’s insistence. Ludo Marcione, leader of the unit, spoke briefly and politely to Korrigan, to confirm that they had been sent here by Stover Delft.</p><p></p><p>While they were talking, Aodhan emerged, half-dressed, collar and cuffs undone, and greeted Korrigan. Ascodel kneeled extravagantly, but a distracted Aodhan neglected to acknowledge him and invited Korrigan inside. Kai followed and Korrigan introduced him to the king. “Wow!” said Kai.</p><p></p><p>“So this is the young man I’ve heard so much about,” said Aodhan, kindly. “You are welcome at Torfeld Palace, Kai Korrigan.” He went back to buttoning himself up, having dismissed his servants. “I am glad to see you, Marshal,” he said into the mirror. “I do not think that Risur has a greater servant. I would very much like a longer talk with you, but we must wait until this ceremony has been performed. The true art of kingship is to embrace the everyday, to find time for the simple things among the grand affairs of state. Even more so here in Risur, where the king is strengthened by his connection to the people.” He paused to don a heavy robe, then resumed, “Viscount Price-Hill speaks very highly of you. He and Harkover and I all agree: we wish to offer you high office. But the role we have in mind would take you off the front line, so it may need to wait until…” An official entered, bowed, and informed the king that the wedding party had arrived. “I’m afraid I must be a tease,” said Aodhan. “It’s best we talk later in any case. Today I need to be on my best behaviour, and punctual. The ceremony is due to begin, and it’s a ten-minute walk to the throne-room in these robes. This crown isn’t usually heavy,” he touched the simple circlet, and it transformed into something altogether more ornate, “but in full ceremonial form, it gives me a headache right here.” He tapped a spot in the middle of his forehead and simultaneously reached out and tapped the identical spot at the centre of Korrigan’s – an intrusive gesture which, were this not the king (and a man whom he had greatly admired since his youth), Korrigan would instinctively have deflected.</p><p></p><p>Outside, Ascodel was still kneeling. He leapt to his feet with a slightly irked “Huzzah!”</p><p></p><p>“Huzzah, indeed,” the king responded. “You are most welcome, noble fey. Please enjoy our hospitality. When these pressing matters are done, we will receive you formally.” With that, he set off down the corridor, with Unit B, Korrigan, Kai and Ascodel in tow. As they went, Korrigan gave the king a report of the latest news.</p><p></p><p>“Something will be done as soon as this wedding is over,” said Aodhan. “Your lot will handle it, of course. I am disappointed in Stanfield, but more disappointed to have ignored my own instincts on the matter. When the colossus stomped across Flint, I should have known, and I am beginning to think perhaps I did. Or maybe I have a blind spot when it comes to people who give me what I want. Without Stanfield, we would have lagged so far behind Danor, war would be unthinkable. It saddens me to think that he has been disloyal all along.” The king glanced sideways at Korrigan. “You know, Ethelyn is here. A show of magnanimity. I think you have a soft spot for her?” Korrigan did not respond, but admitted as much to himself. The king shook his head wistfully, “I can hardly bare to look at Ethelyn now. It would be easier to think that I had never really known her – like I can about Stanfield. That she sought to supplant me for selfish reasons. But to know that she felt in her heart of hearts – with all her wisdom, and determination – that Risur would be better off with me dead. …” He shook his head, having run out of words, then shrugged. “Who knows? Maybe it would have been?”</p><p></p><p>They had arrived, and passed through the commons, where the majority of guests were gathered, then into the throne room, where the groom waited, along with the immediate family and other key dignitaries. Harkover was there by now, as were the rest of Korrigan’s team. (Uru was up on the ceiling. He had learned enough from the last two times to spot the signs of an impending assassination attempt. …)</p></blockquote><p></p>
[QUOTE="gideonpepys, post: 7429046, member: 79141"] [b]Session 54, Part Two - Torfeld palace[/b] Gupta and Quratulain learned that the Royal Skyseer had left no note, but had awoken that morning looking haunted. He had refused to take breakfast, and instead had a bath drawn up. While waiting for it to be filled, he shared his bleak vision with his servants, then dismissed them and entered his bathroom alone. When he did not emerge for some time, they went in and found that he had slit his wrists and bled to death. The skyseer’s chambers adjoined those of the Archdruid, and they passed a central lounge or living space where they saw Asrbaey Varal in meditation. Gupta politely disturbed him, and asked why they had not seen him at Thistle Palace. Asrabey told her he had not been able to find a way to return, and seemed put out that they had. At a loss, Asrabey had come here, and now sought “to redefine his purpose”. Gupta told Asrabey of Thisraldion’s fears for Aodhan, and suggested that a proud servant of the Unseen Court might take that as an order to protect the King. Asrbaey said that he would of course do so, if need arose. Asrabey asked how they had been able to travel between the realms. Gupta answered briefly, conscious of the need to depart: “The Voice of Rot banished us. When we meet again, I have a quite a song to sing you.” The Principal Minister was busy in his official chambers, but made time to see Leon. Harkover wryly acknowledged Leon as member of the Unseen Court and commended him on the fact that he now enjoyed diplomatic immunity. (Leon Veilleux, as an alias of General Dax Corbeau, was a wanted war criminal; but Leon the Clever was a valued and respected ally.) Leon asked Harkover about the war – assuming that war had broken out after the allied incursion into eastern Danor (ostensibly to reclaim disputed territory, but designed as a distraction from the unit’s mission to Methia). But no: Danor had merely objected, then declined to respond. “In my view, their forbearance is more disturbing than a counter-strike,” said Harkover. They discussed the matter of the energy waves that were disrupting teleportation, and the separation of the Waking and the Dreaming. Harkover confirmed that the waves made long-range teleportation completely impossible. Lauryn Cyneburg could still manage a mile or so, but that took a great deal of effort. He went on to hypothesise that the dislocation of the Dreaming could well be related to the Obscurati’s Grand Design – another symptom of the ripples caused by that event as they radiated backwards through time. Uru mentioned that it had not been possible for him to access the Bleak Gate. Harkover shrugged. The Bleak Gate was the flipside of the Dreaming, mirroring its Life aspect, so it too might be disconnected. The Obscurati would not need to lurk in the Bleak Gate once their goal was complete. Uru then asked to see the wedding list, and who was getting married. Two loyal household servants – old friends of the king. Harkover glowered as he pointed out the name of Ethelyn Lesterman, who knew the bride and groom very well and had been invited to show magnanimity. She had invited Nathan Jierre, who had in turn invited Luc (who had invited Ottavia, wearing mage cuffs, of course). Harkover felt the presence of so many Jierre’s might contribute something to security. The last line of that security was formed by Unit B. Korrigan, Kai and Ascodel were led through the palace by Dame Jillian, to the private chambers where the king was getting dressed. Outside stood a halfling bruiser nicknamed ‘the Badger’ (whose application Korrigan had long ago rejected; but desperate times called for less stringent measures), and none other than Campion Price-Hill, who had been added to the roster of Unit B at his uncle’s insistence. Ludo Marcione, leader of the unit, spoke briefly and politely to Korrigan, to confirm that they had been sent here by Stover Delft. While they were talking, Aodhan emerged, half-dressed, collar and cuffs undone, and greeted Korrigan. Ascodel kneeled extravagantly, but a distracted Aodhan neglected to acknowledge him and invited Korrigan inside. Kai followed and Korrigan introduced him to the king. “Wow!” said Kai. “So this is the young man I’ve heard so much about,” said Aodhan, kindly. “You are welcome at Torfeld Palace, Kai Korrigan.” He went back to buttoning himself up, having dismissed his servants. “I am glad to see you, Marshal,” he said into the mirror. “I do not think that Risur has a greater servant. I would very much like a longer talk with you, but we must wait until this ceremony has been performed. The true art of kingship is to embrace the everyday, to find time for the simple things among the grand affairs of state. Even more so here in Risur, where the king is strengthened by his connection to the people.” He paused to don a heavy robe, then resumed, “Viscount Price-Hill speaks very highly of you. He and Harkover and I all agree: we wish to offer you high office. But the role we have in mind would take you off the front line, so it may need to wait until…” An official entered, bowed, and informed the king that the wedding party had arrived. “I’m afraid I must be a tease,” said Aodhan. “It’s best we talk later in any case. Today I need to be on my best behaviour, and punctual. The ceremony is due to begin, and it’s a ten-minute walk to the throne-room in these robes. This crown isn’t usually heavy,” he touched the simple circlet, and it transformed into something altogether more ornate, “but in full ceremonial form, it gives me a headache right here.” He tapped a spot in the middle of his forehead and simultaneously reached out and tapped the identical spot at the centre of Korrigan’s – an intrusive gesture which, were this not the king (and a man whom he had greatly admired since his youth), Korrigan would instinctively have deflected. Outside, Ascodel was still kneeling. He leapt to his feet with a slightly irked “Huzzah!” “Huzzah, indeed,” the king responded. “You are most welcome, noble fey. Please enjoy our hospitality. When these pressing matters are done, we will receive you formally.” With that, he set off down the corridor, with Unit B, Korrigan, Kai and Ascodel in tow. As they went, Korrigan gave the king a report of the latest news. “Something will be done as soon as this wedding is over,” said Aodhan. “Your lot will handle it, of course. I am disappointed in Stanfield, but more disappointed to have ignored my own instincts on the matter. When the colossus stomped across Flint, I should have known, and I am beginning to think perhaps I did. Or maybe I have a blind spot when it comes to people who give me what I want. Without Stanfield, we would have lagged so far behind Danor, war would be unthinkable. It saddens me to think that he has been disloyal all along.” The king glanced sideways at Korrigan. “You know, Ethelyn is here. A show of magnanimity. I think you have a soft spot for her?” Korrigan did not respond, but admitted as much to himself. The king shook his head wistfully, “I can hardly bare to look at Ethelyn now. It would be easier to think that I had never really known her – like I can about Stanfield. That she sought to supplant me for selfish reasons. But to know that she felt in her heart of hearts – with all her wisdom, and determination – that Risur would be better off with me dead. …” He shook his head, having run out of words, then shrugged. “Who knows? Maybe it would have been?” They had arrived, and passed through the commons, where the majority of guests were gathered, then into the throne room, where the groom waited, along with the immediate family and other key dignitaries. Harkover was there by now, as were the rest of Korrigan’s team. (Uru was up on the ceiling. He had learned enough from the last two times to spot the signs of an impending assassination attempt. …) [/QUOTE]
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