Sepulchrave II
Legend
Me too...
Yep. Unfortunately, that was a genuine malapropism (sp?).
But 'span' is perfectly valid. Webster's lists it as 'archaic' - but I've always used it. Maybe its an American English vs. English English thing, or maybe I'm just weird. If anyone has the OED, perhaps they could look it up.
The latter. Its just for you.
So...
***
Preparations
Eadric, Nwm, Ortwin, Mostin and Iua sat in discussion for three hours. It ranged from lively to – at several times – openly confrontational. What were their goals? What resources did they jointly command? How long did they have? Who would be most effective in which spheres? How could the elusive synergy of their respective abilities be evoked?
As night fell, they moved from the porch of Mostin’s manse into his drawing room, where Ortwin consumed too much firewine and became loud and rambunctious.
When Shomei arrived, just after midnight, Eadric became reluctant to further discuss details until she had submitted herself to scrutiny from the Eye of Palamabron – something which the Infernalist flatly refused to do. Shomei’s discomfort was further compounded when a drunken Ortwin made several lewd and cutting comments alluding to her history of diabolic suitors.
Shomei said nothing in response but eyed the Bard venomously. Mostin, afraid that things would get off to a bad start, fidgeted uncomfortably. Fortunately, Nwm intervened by neutralizing the alcohol in Ortwin’s system and bringing him back to a state of painful sobriety, and, somewhat surprisingly, jumping to Shomei’s defense.
"I suggest you remember Nehael’s own words, Ed. Those regarding allies in unlikely places. You can’t go around beaming your Eye at everyone you meet – it lacks respect for their integrity. You haven’t used it on Mostin, and I’m sure that his motives are less than noble."
Mostin blustered briefly. Ortwin apologized, and Eadric eventually relented – not before voicing his concerns regarding Titivilus, however. He was less than satisfied by the state of affairs existing between Shomei and the Duke of Hell and – in his mind, reasonably – saw their antagonism as a source of potential problems. This was agitated by the fact that Paladin and Infernalist viewed the Devil from two different perspectives: to the Ahma, Titivilus was a source of potential growth through friction and adversity, but one which was divinely ordained; to Shomei, he represented one of many discarded tools in the perpetual quest for apotheosis. Their respective paradigms were both uncannily close and dangerously divergent: something Eadric immediately recognized as a source of friction.
Nwm ignored him. "Moreover, I think there is something which you seem to have forgotten in your – at times, egotistical – desire to first redeem and now rescue Nehael from the clutches of the Demon who, for Mostin’s benefit, I will not name."
"And what is that?" Eadric sighed.
"She is a Uediian priestess and mystic," Nwm snapped.
Eadric tensed briefly, and then relaxed as though a great weight had left him. "Thank-you Nwm," he said openly. "And I’m sorry."
"Good," Nwm replied. "So, if we can discuss the matter in hand. We have a twisted version of Faerie filled with cultists, a frozen wasteland or some hellish smithy of huge proportions to choose between."
"I can add one more to the list," Shomei said. "So far. It is a jungle-like region of the Abyss itself: here the Demon is engaged in a war with a rival named Soneillon. The plane is called Throile. Soneillon is a succubus of great power, and was at one time the ally and consort of the Prince."
"I would rather avoid being caught in a lovers’ tiff," Ortwin said drily.
"You are oversimplifying the nature of Abyssal relationships," Shomei remarked humourlessly. "But I agree that Throile may not be the best option – at least at present."
"This frozen world sounds interesting," Nwm said. "Let’s consider it for a moment. Could we seal the Abyssal Gates – assuming that we could find them all?"
"Only temporarily," Mostin answered. "Or, at least, until Gra… – you see, I almost said it myself – could open them again, either with his own power or through one of his minions. There is nothing barring him from acting personally in Saraf – something else we need to consider. Outside of the Prime, we do not have the benefit of celestial interdict to protect us against Demons – even if it less than a hundred percent effective, it prevents fiends travelling here on a whim. It takes our enemy a great deal of effort to translate a servant here: plane shifting any of them to one of these other worlds would be child’s play to him."
"This is true," Shomei nodded. "And this is where the risk lies – as soon as we venture abroad, we run the risk of being chased through the spheres by hordes of demons. Wyre is safe, however, and hence the issue of mobility is crucial – as long as we can return here, we will be comparatively sure of a haven."
Eadric screwed his face up. "In which case preserving anonymity would seem to be crucial. And how can we protect against his divinations?"
"Mind Blank," Mostin sighed. "On all of us. Which will seriously deplete my stock of powerful spells."
"I am willing to share the load on that count," Shomei offered. "I concur: it is crucial. It will render us undetectable and immune to most Enchantments – the utility of this spell is not to be underestimated! Mostin’s remaining higher valences can be crammed with Sonic Evocations, mine with Conjurations. Multiple disintegrates will be a useful backup."
Mostin looked at Eadric, unsure as to the Paladin’s reaction to his next suggestion. "I have also given some thought regarding the procurement of a guide."
The Ahma dubiously raised an eyebrow.
"One who is close in the Prince’s confidence would be logical, although the transient nature of his court means that it is difficult to judge amongst those whom he currently favours. Ironically, Uzmi would have been a good choice – she was, for a while, high in his estimation."
Shomei seemed as surprised as anyone else at the Alienist’s suggestion, but guessed where he was heading.
"I suggest binding a Marilith," Mostin continued. "We can trap one in a thaumaturgic diagram, and then compel it into a jar. If Shomei aids me in the spell, it can be achieved with the minimum of fuss. Such a guide might prove invaluable: it could provide all kinds of useful information regarding his plans. Mariliths tend to be well-informed regarding the bigger picture – their strategic and military capacity is well-known."
"It could also mislead and dupe us," Ortwin observed. "Demonesses are equally renowned for their mendacity."
Mostin smiled. "You see that big, shiny rock around Eadric’s neck, Ortwin…?"
"Good point," the Bard conceded. "But would such a captive cooperate? An intractable demon who wails and attracts attention would be equally annoying."
"I will need to reach an agreement with it. This may involve a few minor compromises, but I think it would be worth it."
Shomei nodded. "I like the plan. Casting the binding is time consuming, however, and I mislike the idea of the demon breaking out of the diagram before the jar is ready. We should target her with multiple hold monster spells to prevent her escape until the binding is complete: one of them is bound to work. You will need opals, of course."
"And an accurate rendering of the target," Mostin added.
"If you do not have any names…"
Mostin sniffed, and began to chant the names of Graz’zt’s Marilith servants in an obscure verse.
"Your information is dated, but still somewhat useful," Shomei half-smiled.
"How many of these demonesses serve him?" Nwm asked. "Are we talking a handful, like the Balors, or many more? And what of other demons, for that matter?"
"A few dozen Mariliths, I suppose," Shomei replied. "Not all are currently favoured – many, if not all, are former consorts. Some maintain armies in the field at his command. A few are probably in temporary exile. Some remain at court. And there may be a hundred Nalfeshnees, thousands of Succubi and Glabrezu, and probably tens or hundreds of thousands of Babau, Uridezu, Bar-Lgura, Chasme and Vrocks at his call. Other, more obscure types in smaller numbers fulfill specialized roles, and then, of course, the ubiquitous Dretch - who are close to numberless."
"We are rapidly drifting away from the focus of this discussion," Eadric sighed. "I have no objection to the containment of a demonic guide – provided that it can be undertaken safely, of course." The Paladin himself seemed surprised by the words which issued from his mouth.
"I had expected more resistance to the idea," Mostin said sarcastically.
"It is a logical proposal," Eadric admitted, "and, frankly, I’ve pretty much given up on conventional standards – they don’t seem to apply to my life any more."
"I’m tired," Ortwin grumbled. "I say we take a vote. I favour Afqithan – it sounds interesting."
"As do I," Iua agreed. "It is neither too cold nor too hot."
"My thoughts exactly," Eadric said.
"I rather thought Saraf might be interesting," Mostin said. "But I suppose it can wait. Very well. Afqithan it is, unless Nwm or Shomei has an objection?"
"I would prefer Saraf, as it sounds the least unnatural – although I admit that Afqithan’s Green intrigues me," Nwm said.
"Shomei?" Eadric asked.
She shrugged. "I’m just along for the trip, Ahma. Whatever you decide is good with me."
Eadric scowled, unsure whether the reference to him in his religious capacity was sarcastic or not.
So, over the next hour, they hatched a plan. Ortwin’s contribution was significant, and his trademark cunning, boldness and braggadocio were written all over their strategy. It took another two full days in order to make preparations.
**
The Marilith was called Nufrut. She was less than happy to be reduced to the state of a disembodied head, and confined to a perfectly spherical jar twelve inches across, suspended on a metal chain. The chain had a convenient handle, for ease of transportation.
"Is it safe?" Eadric asked. He was inside the extradimensional area of Mostin’s retreat: the Alienist was reluctant to bring the bound demon into normal space, in the event that it would rouse the ire of the Claviger.
"It cannot escape, if that is what you mean," Mostin reassured him.
"What if you drop it? Will it break?"
"The jar is adamantine. I have polymorphed it into transparent adamantine. It is near indestructible."
"Does such a substance exist?" Ortwin inquired.
"It does now," Mostin grinned. "Excepting dispellings, disjunctions and disintegrations, we should be relatively safe – nonetheless I will keep the jar out of harm’s way in potentially dangerous situations. As Shomei was so willing to aid me – and us, I might add – we have agreed that she may keep Nufrut after we are finished."
Nufrut snarled, and cursed, her beautiful face contorting wildly.
"She doesn’t look very cooperative," Ortwin observed.
"We are still negotiating," Mostin explained. "The promise of freedom is, of course, the boon she seeks – we merely have to come to a mutually acceptable agreement. This is complicated by the fact that I have consented to pass Nufrut to Shomei. We will bicker for a few more hours, I am sure."
Eadric sighed and departed.
An hour after noon, Mostin and Shomei exited the manse. Both sported looks of smug satisfaction.
"I see you’ve reached a compromise." Ortwin said.
"Nufrut has acquiesced to our demands," Mostin replied. "We agreed that she will be released after ten years, if she cooperates. Her tenure with me will last for two months, and the remainder will be with Shomei."
"And you intend to dishonour that promise, I assume?"
Shomei looked genuinely offended. "Certainly not! An agreement with a fiend is a sacred enterprise. One does not violate such a trust."
Ortwin looked confused. Eadric nodded understandingly.
**
Orolde seemed unfazed by the responsibility that Mostin suddenly and unexpectedly foisted onto him – namely, the maintenance of the manse and the wizard’s affairs in his absence. He nodded in a resigned fashion as the Alienist enjoined him to ignore the nearby population of sprites, who were nothing but a gang of childish hooligans. Mostin left Orolde several large tomes with the express command that they should be memorized before his return – each was a treatment on various aspects of the Far Realm by Wizards the extent of whose insanity rivaled or even surpassed Mostin’s own. No-one was to be permitted entrance to the manse for any reason whatsoever, and in the unlikely event that it was assailed Orolde was to immediately retreat to the extradimensional area, seal it, and issue the sending which Mostin had hastily scribed.
"A prismatic sphere and several meteor swarms might also prove invaluable," Orolde suggested.
"You can rest assured that if there is any blasting to be done, I will not fail in my responsibilities." Mostin said drily.
The preparations were made within Mostin’s sanctum and, to the surprise of all, he took his mirror down and placed it within his portable hole.
"I will open a gate," he explained. "I am loathe to leave the mirror unattended, and any portal would only remain open for a day. Besides, it might be useful in a pinch if we need an emergency exit."
"Not that you’d ever leave it behind anywhere," Ortwin said.
"Probably not," Mostin admitted. "But a scrying device is always useful."
The Alienist and Infernalist proceeded to mind blank everyone present.
"We will need to repeat the same procedure tomorrow," Mostin said. "And the next day, and the next – for as long as we are abroad, in fact." He nodded to Shomei.
The Witch cast a polymorph on Ortwin, Eadric, Nwm and herself, which gave them the appearance of Sidhe: tall, graceful feys of unearthly beauty who had long since fled the Prime. Their clothing and equipment seemed to assume an equally elegant style. "If this ruse is to be successful," she said, "we should remember that Ortwin and Nwm are to be our spokesmen: both are fluent Sylvan speakers, and Ortwin is an adept liar. The rest of you should keep quiet unless either Mostin or I has time to use tongues: I also speak Fae, but I have no intention of acting as representative or negotiator. I will try to keep my communication to a minimum."
Shomei handed Ortwin an exquisite coronet which seemed to have been cut from a single, massive diamond. In fact, the Infernalist, a jeweler of no small ability, had used a fabricate spell on half of the stones which the Bard and Iua had received as their dowry. He placed it upon his head – the contours of which felt unfamiliar.
"King at last, eh?" Iua said sarcastically.
"I am a Duke, not a King," the Bard said coolly, effortlessly, and with utter conviction. His poise and movement spoke of natural command.
Shomei laughed despite herself. "Dammit, you’re good – I have to admit it. Watch your accent – we don’t want anyone to suspect that you’re a bumpkin from the Prime. The weight of scrutiny will fall upon you, and they will be looking for the smallest details and inconsistencies. Eadric – you should keep your helmet closed at all times. You are an inexpert liar, and manage to make even a Sidhe’s face look trustworthy and approachable. As a bodyguard, your role will be minimal in any case. And…"
She cast an empowered cat’s grace.
"…that should stop you lumbering inelegantly. Iua, you may still adopt another form if you prefer."
The Duelist shook her head. "I am the daughter of Ulao. I will masquerade as myself – an Auran princess is the role I am most accustomed to playing, in any case."
Mostin, not to be outdone in any matters of style, invoked a spell which turned him into a handsome fiend with ruddy skin, short horns and long, talon-like fingernails.
Shomei raised an eyebrow. "You cannot maintain that guise for long."
"On the contrary," Mostin grinned wickedly. "You forget that I have transcended your limited vibrational state. This is no obstacle to me.*"
Eadric gave an inquiring look.
"I am now a kelvezu," Mostin explained. "A demonic infiltrator and assassin. They are highly feared – it will give us an edge in negotiations, if they see that I am one of Ortwin’s retainers. I will remain enigmatic." He drew a long pair of gloves over his hands, and brought the hood of his cloak over his head so that his face became shadowed, and his features hidden.
"Then why are you covering up?" Eadric asked.
Ortwin sighed. "Ed, I really need to give you some lessons in duplicity."
"We are almost ready," Mostin said.
"This is the part that I don’t like, I assume," the Eadric said in a resigned voice.
Mostin nodded apologetically, and led them all into another area of his magnificent mansion.
**
An area had been cleared within the largest of the rooms in the extradimensional space. Its technical function – that of a banquet hall – had never, in fact, been observed.
Now it acted as a corral for six horses of fearsome visage. Nightmares conjured and confined by Mostin and Shomei, and subjected to torment from the Infernalist until they had submitted to her demands.
Mostin had finally seen her rod in action, and had been both awed and terrified by the power that, through it, she wielded.
"These are evil creatures," Eadric said. "And I am loathe to have one bear me."
"I am sure that they are equally loathe to bear us," Shomei sighed. "Nonetheless, we need them – both for the convenience of transportation that they grant, and the impression that riding them will convey to any who see us. We have them for nineteen days – no more, and no less. They will remain loyal – albeit reluctantly so."
"I hope so," Eadric said, "I do not wish to be borne away to some nameless Hell. And this compacting…"
"They are not compacted," Shomei shook her head. "They are coerced. Compacting would have been far easier, but Mostin forbade it for your sake."
"I fail to see the difference."
"Souls, Ahma, I would have paid them in souls."
Eadric looked aghast. "You use such currency? That is monstrous."
"They are damned already," Mostin said.
"It doesn’t matter…" Eadric began.
"Wake up! Saizha!" Shomei said sharply, with no hint of irony. "I have compromised for your benefit. You will be forced to make many more choices that will be far more challenging before this is over. You are the Ahma. You are empowered to decide right from wrong, according to your belief. Look at me! Where is my taint? Why do I bear none?"
"I don’t know," Eadric confessed. "You are anomalous."
"That much is true," Mostin leered, bearing his sharp fangs. "Shall we be on our way? That was an attempt to diffuse the atmosphere, incidentally."
Eadric nodded. "We should remember that this is an open-ended sortie. We don’t know how long we have, how we will fare, whether we will return here before pursuing other avenues, or continue onwards. We don’t know whether we are spies, guerillas, instigators of unrest or any combination of the above. We are looking for potential allies. We are looking to thwart the Demon. We are seeking to release Nehael. And we are hoping to somehow augment Mostin’s power, to bring the spell within his reach."
"The last is most important," Mostin nodded, mounting one of the Nightmares, which champed restlessly and snorted fire. "Can we go now?"
In the purple skies, above the mists and shadows which lay upon the ancient woods of Afqithan, a Gate opened. A group of Sidhe, accompanied by a demon and an elemental, mounted on huge and malign steeds which issued smoke and fire, thundered through. A hunting party, from some dark region of Faerie, no doubt. One of them – accompanied by two magnificent eagles – concentrated briefly, and then called out in Sylvan.
"A chimera, five miles yonder," he pointed.
Their leader – a nobleman of some kind – spurred his mount onwards and drew a great, black bow which seemed to pulse grimly. Starlight glistened in the diamond coronet upon his brow.
On the walls of the castle, not a furlong from where the party had appeared, several guards dressed in ornate armour stared impassively at the spectacle for a few moments, betraying no emotion – or perhaps feeling none. Whoever this group was, they seemed oblivious to the fact that this was the castle of Irknaan, king of the Loquai, and they were trespassing in the airs above his demesne. One of the guards nodded silently, and another turned, and walked quickly but without hurrying to inform his captain.
*As an outsider, Mostin’s options for polymorphing are somewhat expanded.
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