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Message: <blockquote data-quote="Lazybones" data-source="post: 2619033" data-attributes="member: 143">Thanks, Richard, I was trying to convey just the impression that you cited, and I'm glad it came through in the scene. Today's chapter clarifies the current course of the heroes a bit more.* * * * * Chapter 461Cal was not working when the door opened and Dana slipped silently into the chamber, but the number of books and scrolls piled in neat stacks across the heavy mahogany table indicated that he had been quite busy indeed.  The gnome lay back comfortably in the chair, his eyes closed, and at first the priestess thought that he was asleep.  But a moment later, he spoke. “Welcome, Dana.”  Without opening his eyes, he indicated the chair adjacent around the corner of the table, one sized for humans. Dana came across the room and seated herself.  The table and accompanying chairs were of quite clever construction, offering comfortable access at a similar level to persons of radically different height without straining either a gnome or a tall human excessively in adapting to the needs of the other.  Cal had been spending more time here than in his study, both because of the greater space and because of the comfortable feeling that this chamber gave him.  During normal times it would have been more crowded, since this room was situated in the center of the tower and persons passing through to other parts of the building would often have to pass through it.  But at the moment, he and Dana were the only occupants of the place.  “You have something on your mind,” Cal said simply, finally looking up and meeting her eyes. “I suppose you already know what I am going to say,” she began.  “You always were the sharpest of us, even before you acquired that magical headpiece.  But I guess you don’t have to be a super-genius to know what I’m thinking; I haven’t been very secretive about my feelings, I suppose.”The gnome let out a small sigh.  “You know—I hope you do—that we are all with you in this matter.”Dana slapped her hand down on the open surface of the table, making a loud noise that seemed to surprise her.  “And yet, what are we doing?” she exclaimed. Cal did not respond, and a moment later the woman took a breath, steadying herself.  “I’m sorry.  I know that you and the others have been doing your best.  Our contacts, our friends… the divinations you and I have been making every day since our return… everyone has been trying.  And I know what you’re going to say, about me pushing myself too hard, but Cal, we know who has him.  We may not know where, yet, but I think we both know where to start looking.”The gnome nodded and reached across a thick book for the mug of tea he’d left there some time previous.  It was cold, and he summoned a quick cantrip to heat the half-full container before taking a sip.  Dana said nothing during the delay, although it was clear in her expression and posture that she was barely containing herself.  “Your last commune suggested that things have… changed… on Azzagrat.  Given the nature of our departure, on our last visit, it might be better if we spent more time investigating the matter before we take action.”“All the more reason to set out for Sigil now,” Dana replied quickly.  “Where better to find out more information?  Graz’zt is clearly masking his activities, and I doubt that more spells are going to reveal more than the little we already know.”“It seems that I do not need to make any arguments,” the gnome said, lightly.  “You are anticipating each of my points.”“I have thought this through,” Dana said. Cal let out a small sigh.  “The encounter with the dragon demonstrated the advantage of being prepared.  We dictated the terms of the confrontation with Hookface, and as a result were victorious.”Dana nodded brusquely.  “I agreed to go along with that, agreed with Arun’s plea that the dragon remained a dire threat to Cauldron.  And the dragon’s treasure will facilitate the process of gathering information on Sigil.  But I do not understand why we must delay further.  Cylyaria has given us the focus for my plane shift; we have the list of contacts to get started.  The spell is in my memory; we can leave right now, right this minute.”Cal made a small gesture that took in the whole of the quiet chamber.  “Our companions…”Dana sliced her hand across the space between them.  “You’re stalling, Cal; it’s not like you.  If it were you who’d been taken…”The gnome leaned forward earnestly, as she trailed off, frustrated.  “Dana, I want him back as much as you do!  But it’s not as if we are all wasting time here!”  He prodded one of the heavy books; it barely budged before his effort.  “Ever since we first came to Cauldron, we’ve barely taken time for a breath, driven by the rush of events, by the demands of the moment.  Yes, we rushed to Carceri… and barely escaped with our lives.  Then Occipitus… and there we had allies, and a foe who was only at a fraction of his true strength, still weakened from his long imprisonment, with few allies.  Do you think Graz’zt will fall as easily as Adimarchus?  You know that he is one of the six most powerful Demon Princes in existence!  You know his sway, even upon our world!  You know the legions that he commands…”During Cal’s speech, the priestess’s gaze had sank to her lap.  Now she looked up, and her eyes shone with moisture.  “Cal…” she said earnestly.  “I cannot just give him up…”The gnome reached out and took her hand, holding it tightly.  “I know, Dana.  None of us will.  We’re doing what we can… I have gained new powers, and am working on spells… they might be enough to give us a chance.  And our new friends, they will help us as well, I know it.  Arun and Beorna have their responsibilities in Cauldron, but once the rebuilding is well along, they will join us.  And we have other allies who aided us once before…”“I cannot wait any longer,” Dana said.  “I… I know that everything you say is true, my friend, my dear friend.  But…”  She took a deep breath.  “I am departing for Sigil today.  Now.  I took the extra bag of holding we found in Skullrot, and have filled it with… things I may need for the journey.”Cal met her gaze for a long moment.  The silence drew out, but Dana’s determination did not waver.  Finally, the gnome rose, and walking across the room to a hutch situated against the far wall, unlocked a drawer and drew out a small laquered box.  Returning, he handed it to her.  Dana opened it to reveal the three huge sapphires that they’d recovered from the lair of the Dark Myrakul, in Skullrot.  She met the gnome’s eyes.  She knew, as he did, that the stones were more than just unusually large and valuable gems; in the hands of a powerful spellcaster they could serve as foci for a soul bind spell. “Be very, very careful with those,” Cal said.  “They won’t help with our… ‘friend,’ of course.  But if you find yourself needing particular leverage in Sigil…”“I will be wary, old friend,” Dana said.  “And I plan on bringing help with me; I’m not going to rush blindly into this situation.”“I know, Dana.  But even so, I will expect a sending on every fourth day.”“The spell doesn’t always pass the barrier between planes…”“I know, but make the effort nevertheless.  I cannot cast the spell myself, but I’ll have Beorna or another of our friends keep in touch with you from this end.  And remember to prepare an extra plane shift each day, in case you need to make a quick retreat back here.”“Ever cautious,” Dana said, with a hint of her old smile.  “Old mother Calloran.”  But both knew that her levity was forced. “Damned straight.  And I want an oath, that you are only seeking information, this trip.  You will not confront the Lord of Shadows or his followers, without first getting our aid.  I don’t want to have to plan out a rescue operation for two friends.”“I swear it.”Dana stood.  The two friends faced each other for a moment, then Dana knelt and embraced the gnome.  “Be careful, Dana,” he said.  “Tell the others… tell them…”“I will tell them to be ready,” Cal said.  “I was planning on heading to Cauldron tomorrow, in any case.  After I finish these latest spells.”Dana nodded, and without further words turned and left the room the same way she had come.  “Good luck,” Cal whispered, long after the door had closed behind her.</blockquote>

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