Sepulchrave II
Legend
Whilst I could spend time refuting the accusations of sepulchravian schizophrenia, I think that encouraging any mythology around me is far cooler 
Anyway, an update - at last. I'll just cut to the chase...
****
The Parley - Part 2. And Afterwards.
The jariliths prowled ceaselessly around them.
Nwm observed Soneillon with curiosity as she spoke. The demoness seemed utterly calm and imperturbable, as though she possessed every answer to every question that might cross a troubled mind. Somehow, in her own way, she seemed to have resolved all paradox. He understood Eadric’s fascination with her – if it was fascination – but simultaneously wondered whether it was a façade, and hoped that the Ahma held the same doubts.
The Queen of Throile spoke at length about Graz’zt: his subtlety, guile and prescience; his dominion, and the worlds that it extended to; his insatiable ambition; his allies, great and small; and his personal power, which, if he were given the opportunity to augment through sorcery before any meeting with them, might prove beyond even their collective ability to counter.
Kostchtchie, his most formidable ally, was discussed: to what extent would he remain steadfast? Who amongst the Prince’s servants – demons, daemons, demodands, lamias and half-fiends of every hue – would be loyal in the event of a serious threat to his hegemony? How far was his control already compromised: three of his balors had been eliminated and two – including Rurunoth – were missing. Only Ainhorr remained.
"Ainhorr is now armoured," Nhura said, "and, according to Narab, wields a slaadi blade."
"The weapon is called…Heedless," Soneillon said, after searching briefly for an accurate translation of its name. "It is a ten-foot vorpal sword. He won it from the death slaad champion Rshgu in the Vestibule of Lamentation: he was not idle after you broke his blade, Eadric, and sought eagerly for a replacement. Heedless is, as its name suggests, a notoriously fickle weapon, even by slaadi standards.* It is immensely powerful, and may actually present more of a threat than the Balor himself. Ainhorr may or may not be capable of controlling it – it has only been in his ownership briefly. Graz’zt must have lent him aid in his efforts to secure it, prior to the assault upon Afqithan – Rshgu would have crushed him under normal circumstances."
"Charming," Ortwin smiled. Privately, his stomach turned over. Ainhorr remained something of a bugaboo for him. "You seem remarkably well-informed regarding these matters."
"Yes," Soneillon agreed.
"You are also less than altogether forthcoming," Mostin added, "but this is not entirely unexpected. Earlier, I posited a question regarding the Prince’s sanctum. He is an arch-fiend, and much of his power stems from it – would it benefit you, if you were in possession of it? Could you actualize its potential?"
"I have no interest in replacing Graz’zt as the ruler of Azzagrat, if that is what you are asking – albeit obliquely. And no, it is his. Neither Ainhorr, nor even Kostchtchie could ascend and claim it. It would quickly wither upon his demise."
"And Azzagrat itself? Does his Will maintain the cohesion of the realm?"
"Azzagrat would eventually return to Void, from which it was carved. But only after a billion life-ages of the universe. In this regard it is no different from any other Abyssal domain."
"Your brand of nihilism is unique," Shomei said. "Perhaps you could expand further upon this theory?"
"Philosophy does not interest me," Soneillon replied dismissively.
"Adyell, Helitihai, Orychne and Chaya," Mostin pressed on. "These are your chief servants. Given your propensity for powerful spells, Soneillon, I assume that they are well-used to acting with you in magical concert? And by drawing energy from them into yourself, or diffusing it, you prevent them ever becoming a challenge to you."
[Soneillon]: Your mind is exquisitely tortuous, Alienist. I would greatly enjoy penetrating its mysteries. [Image] [Image]
Nwm coughed and Shomei raised an eyebrow as the telepathic bond relayed the information to them. Eadric smiled sympathetically. Mostin seemed to be somewhat flushed and embarrassed.
"I am intrigued by where your questions are leading," Soneillon remarked, apparently nonplussed.
[Shomei]: !? Mostin, you cannot be serious…
[Mostin]: With you, and Nwm, and Mulissu, and Jetheeg, and Koilimilou, and the succubi it would be possible. I would need to fine tune the spell. We should not discount the possibility.
Mostin breathed deeply. "Heretofore, you may have considered two options: to negate the Prince’s spellcasting and to overcome him through force of arms, or to subject him to a titanic magical barrage in Afqithan and hope that his defenses can be overcome. Both involve considerable risk. There are two other choices, which you are not aware of: given a cabal of sufficient ability, it is within my means to conjure the Prince and contain him; or I can gate a pseudonatural entity which I have come to know affectionately as The Horror and attempt to deploy it against Graz’zt." The Alienist winced as he said the demon’s name.
Soneillon looked dubious. "I doubt your ability to devise such a spell."
"It is mine already. I inherited it from Fillein."
Nhura hissed. "That spell? It would seem unreliable, at best."
"The dweomer is perfect," Mostin countered. "I believe that the Prince was intentionally released the last time he was bound."
"Then there is no need to leave this place until that is accomplished," Koilimilou said. "He can be bound here, and…"
"No," Nwm said.
"The Druid refers to the Injunction," Nhura explained. "Outside of the proscribed area, however…"
"No," Nwm said, "I do not. I will neither participate in nor condone the imprisonment of a Demon Prince within the Green. If you proceed regardless, I will release him."
Mostin sighed and nodded. They had already discussed this at length. "We would need to find another location."
"In this case I would not recommend Afqithan," Nhura said coldly. "Not out of any concern that he would be bound in my vicinity, but because his release might be too easily accomplished by his own agents: there are many cultists loyal to him."
"I will seek for a suitable locale," Shomei grimaced. "An obscure demi-plane would be the best option. Alternatively, I could create one – although I currently lack the wherewithal to do so. And I suspect that the debt incurred in casting the binding spell would be large."
"Colossal," Mostin corrected her. "I also currently lack the means."
"Then why are we even having this discussion?" Jetheeg snarled. "You spend too much time in idle speculation. We should assault Ainhorr before his grip tightens – enough of the Loquai have escaped to Shadow or Faerie or obscure regions of the Abyss. They can be rallied and deployed en masse. If Rhyxali really purposes to lend aid, it will be easy enough to retake Afqithan. Graz’zt cannot denude his forces elsewhere to that great an extent. And if this mortal here," Jetheeg waved curtly towards Eadric, "is really such a prize, and Graz’zt comes in person to add his weight to the fray, then all the better."
Eadric shook his head. "He must be lured, if we follow that route. If he comes expecting war – armed to the teeth, surrounded by bodyguards and warded by spells that we cannot hope to penetrate – then it will go badly for us."
"Challenge him to single combat," Ortwin said drily.
"I beg your pardon?"
"I’m not suggesting that you actually go through with it," Ortwin said, as if instructing a child. "But he probably knows that you’d like to, and therefore it wouldn’t come as a total surprise to him if you did, in fact, issue the challenge. It is a plausible deception."
"It is absurd," Eadric replied.
"If he refuses, then brand him as craven before his peers. Kostchtchie, Pazuzu, Fraz Urb’Luu, Orcus, Rhyxali. The gentle Lady Soneillon." Ortwin gave a mock bow. "Issue multiple sendings to a variety of Abyssal dignitaries declaring your intentions."
"You are insane."
"I will act as your herald to Graz’zt. I can make him believe it. Outside of the Infernal host, few liars approach me in guile or believability."
"That is quite a boast, Satyr," Jetheeg hissed. "And even if it were true, so what? Deceiving a mortal, or even a demon of low rank is one thing. But Graz’zt? I think not."
"I am capable," Ortwin replied nonchalantly. "Graz’zt is no different to any other demon, except that he is less gullible than most. In order to make him believe, one simply needs to be a better liar. If a mind blank is not adequate to the task, then Nwm will devise a spell to make my lies undetectable by Graz’zt’s magic…"
"Will he?" The Druid raised an eyebrow.
"But not yet," Ortwin added quickly. "We need to rile him beyond all rational behaviour first. And I agree that it would be better if he were not accompanied by a dozen mariliths. His reaction needs to be so utterly violent and deranged that he immediately translates to Afqithan in order to kill Eadric. Overwhelming his forces there and eliminating Ainhorr might be a good start in our achieving this state of transcendental ire in the Prince – although I would recommend that we keep our identities hidden again for the meantime."
"He will obliterate you before you can even deliver the message," Nhura scoffed, "and if not, then certainly in response to such a challenge."
"Perhaps," Ortwin said, "in which case Nwm will reincarnate me. Although I suspect that he will not assail me. I will, after all, be in disguise."
"And what would you be disguised as?" Nwm asked, sighing.
"Not what, but who. As Titivilus, dear Nwm. As Titivilus."
"You would dare impersonate an Infernal magnate?" Jetheeg asked, incredulous.
"Yes," Ortwin replied. "Diplomatic immunity would be useful in negotiating with Graz’zt."
"That is unwise," Shomei said quietly. "It would attract displeasure in unwanted quarters. And the Nuncio of Dis himself might be your least concern."
"I will weather it," Ortwin grinned. "The opportunity of executing one of the greatest counterfeits in history is difficult to resist. It will be my magnum opus."
Eadric exhaled sharply. "We have a variety of options, it would seem. Having multiple redundancies in our plans is no bad thing, however. Nhura – how long before you could assemble the remaining Loquai?"
"They are dispersed. Some weeks, in your time. Several days in mine."
"And the creature you have mentioned, Mostin. Is it reliable?"
"I don’t know," the Alienist replied. "If Shomei and Nwm were to help me, I believe I could coerce it. A fourth caster would guarantee success and a reasonable degree of safety." Mostin stared meaningfully at Koilimilou.
"Now just wait a minute…" Nwm began.
"It will involve an immense backlash," Mostin continued.
"Would you gate it?" Koilimilou asked.
Mostin shook his head. "I think with four of us, I would use a planar binding. Holding it long enough to subject it to a compulsion would be no problem."
[Nwm]: I am uneasy about involving this cambion in magical concert.
[Mostin]: As am I. She has raw power, however, and is now our ally. Fillein/Jovol was right: cooperative casting is where we should focus ourselves, Nwm. The potential is immense.
"Nhura will translate to Faerie," Soneillon said, "and rally the Loquai. I will send word to those that have fled to Shadow, or to Rhyxali’s demesne. I will also speak again to Rhyxali herself, and contact Lehurze in Azzagrat." Eadric, return with me to Throile. There is much that I would share with you.
Eadric swallowed. "We should meet again in three weeks. We have some breathing time, at least. Nhura, issue a sending and we will translate to your location."
"We have yet to find a suitable staging ground," Nhura remarked. "Faerie and Shadow both entail certain risks."
"I will leave it to your discretion," Eadric replied.
"Is that trust I hear, Ahma?"
"It is pragmatism."
[Soneillon]: Come with me, Eadric…
Eadric closed his eyes, and refocused. "I will go to Morne," he said.
Mostin nodded, but felt uncomfortable. The connection between Graz’zt and Rhyxali was the subject of scholarly debate amongst those with more than a passing interest in demonology. Was their resemblance to one another merely superficial, or were they cut from the same block? Did they share a common essence? Was she, somehow, his anima?
His stomach knotted. He desperately needed to consult the web of motes.
**
The Triune met for the second time on the autumn equinox, at Mostin’s manse, in the woods southwest of Deorham. Orolde – somewhat awed by the presence of the three powerful mages – nonetheless ensured an agreeable environment in which they could discuss whatever weighty matters they needed to discuss. Unlike Mostin, the apprentice had made peaceable contact with the nearby sprites, and several pixies – whom Mostin eyed suspiciously – acted as temporary cooks and waiters.
After a sumptuous repast, the Infernalist, Elementalist and Alienist sat upon the porch in silent telepathic communion.
[Mulissu]: Here is the spell [Formula] I have avoided any unnecessary squandering of your valuable reservoir, Mostin.
[Mostin]: (Analyzes) If Nwm can be co-opted, collectively we could do this: [New Formula]
[Mulissu]: (Eyes widen) That is most impressive.
[Mostin]: (Smiles) That is only the beginning. We could then do this [Formula] and then this [Formula].
[Mulissu]: (Dumbstruck).
[Shomei]: (Wrily) Effectively, the Green dissipates the backlash. Nwm has set certain conditions upon his involvement, however.
[Mulissu]: Whatever they are, we should accept them. No-one has ever gone this far before. Whatever secrets Jovol could unlock from the web of motes will be trivial in comparison to the insights that we could gain. What does the Druid require?
[Mostin]: That, collectively, we petition the Claviger for an amendment to the Injunction. And assurances from each of us that while the augmented condition persists, we will only use its benefits for the purpose of divination.
[Mulissu]: (Ruefully) The latter, I will happily guarantee. But I am not sure that the Claviger can be so easily persuaded. What is Nwm’s request?
[Shomei]: A tightening of the rules regarding summoning.
[Mulissu]: In response to the actions of the Loquai?
[Mostin]: Partly. And Soneillon. And the devas at Kyrtill’s Burh, amongst others.
[Shomei]: No extraplanar entity should be permitted to enter Wyre. Period. Or the Claviger will dispatch the Enforcer to eliminate them.
[Mulissu]: I have no objection to approaching the Claviger on this point. I am dubious about its reaction, however.
[Shomei]: Is a quorum more likely to gain a favourable response?
[Mulissu]: I would say no. The Claviger is the Claviger. It abides by its own rules. Its motives are unguessable, and its intelligence quite alien.
[Mostin]: I believe that it would compromise the Claviger’s paradigm – which is geared towards the actions of Wizards. What if the Sela were to gate a solar to Morne? Would Gihaahia intercept it? It would be a conflict of interests, and would, in fact, throw the entire Injunction into question: its key tenet is still ‘no intervention in non-arcane politics.’ Moreover, an incident between the Enforcer and a cascade of celestials would be better avoided.
[Mulissu]: You forget that Rintrah was complicit in the idea of a Second Injunction. Jovol’s relationship to the Celestial Host and Tramst was – or is, assuming that Jovol’s essence persists – ambiguous, to say the least.
[Mostin]: It is beyond the Claviger’s purview. However sympathetic I am to Nwm’s position, I think he is on his own.
[Mulissu]: I am surprised that Nwm doesn’t object to the presence of the Claviger itself.
[Mostin]: (Humourously) He does. I think he regards it as the lesser of two evils, however. Untrammelled summoning is worse for him. It is amusing to speculate upon an organizing principle in this regard. Jovol, Rintrah, Nwm – all are working within the same framework, but to attain different ends.
[Shomei+Mulissu]: !
[Mostin]: I said amusing. I am not suggesting some metacosmic conspiracy.
[Shomei]: In any case, we should approach the Claviger. It can do no harm. And I am curious to experience it.
[Mostin]: Agreed. Nwm himself also indicated that he would like to join us in the petition.
[Mulissu]: (Sardonically) Then if the Enforcer is unleashed against us, we may, at least last a few seconds longer.
[Shomei]: I doubt it. When I inspected the web of motes it was quite apparent that the Claviger possessed significant deific powers. It would likely magnify** the Enforcer before any encounter with an entity that might otherwise prove a viable threat.
[Mostin]: Are you then suggesting that the four of us acting in concert might present a ‘viable threat’ to the unaugmented Enforcer?
[Shomei]: Certainly. We are, after all, the most potent spellcasters in the world.
[Mostin]: That is worrying. I had simply assumed Gihaahia to be unassailable. If a cabal of powerful mages were to attack her…I am thinking of posterity, here.
[Mulissu]: (Acidly) The point is moot. The Claviger has great prescience, and is virtually omniscient with regard to all things magical. It knows we are having this conversation, and has already determined its course of action with regard to our petition. It may have reached its decision ten billion years ago. Things will unfold as they were meant to.
[Mostin]: I expected better from you, Mulissu. I am tired of fatalistic musings – is it a philosophical fashion that somehow escaped me?
[Mulissu]: Realities are changing faster than I can apprehend them, Mostin. One must find some kind of calm center. Angst becomes tedious after a while. Should I contact Nwm now?
[Mostin]: (Nods).
*
Mulissu issued a sending and, shortly thereafter, Nwm stepped from a nearby elm-tree.
"I assume that my proposal received a favourable response?" The Druid asked wrily.
"It is ingenious," Mulissu agreed. "I should caution you that, even collectively, we cannot assure a similar reaction from the Claviger. We cannot coerce it – only appeal to its guiding principles."
"If it agrees, how will its decision manifest?"
"I don’t know," the Elementalist replied.
"When can we make the petition?"
"There is no time like the present."
"Should we forewarn it of our impending visit?" Nwm asked.
Shomei smiled. "Don’t worry Nwm. It already knows."
Nwm raised an eyebrow.
*
In a small, dry cave in the hills of Mord, a child – with shoulder-length blonde hair and possessed of an ambiguous gender – suddenly materialized before an upright marble slab nine feet tall.
The great tablet, engraved with a thousand or more paragraphs of detailed arcane legalese, seemed to hum inaudibly and pulse invisibly. It had presence of an unusual kind, although the exact quality of its sentience was difficult to determine – its very inscrutability was the quality which marked it as far removed from the mundane.
The child watched patiently as, descending into the chamber down a narrow flight of rough-hewn steps, a trio of Wizards and a Uediian priest shuffled nervously.
Upon seeing the child waiting, Mostin was seized by an almost uncontrollable bout of panic, and attempted to push past Mulissu, and back up the staircase.
The Druid scowled at him, blocked his egress, and gestured for him to continue on into the cave, to which he only reluctantly complied. As the four assembled before the diminutive figure, Nwm watched the Alienist carefully. The last thing he needed was for Mostin to suffer one of his ‘episodes.’
"I am…" Nwm began.
"…Nwm," the child finished for him.
"Are you…"
"…the Claviger, or the Enforcer?" The child completed his sentence again. "We are joined now. It makes little difference. I am the mostly benign part."
Mostin relaxed somewhat.
"You know why we are here," Nwm, Mostin, Mulissu, Shomei and the child said in perfect synchrony.
"Yes," the child said.
Mostin swallowed. "Is the…"
"…Injunction immutable, or is it subject to change? Both. You should have read it more closely. It contains a clause which ultimately gives the Claviger discretionary power in its interpretation. A law which is static and unyielding is of limited utility. The answer to your question, incidentally, is no. The Enforcer will not be deployed against ‘extraplanar’ targets – if you insist on using such naïve terminology – simply because they are present."
Mostin grinned smugly, his confidence returning. "I told you…"
"Your analysis is incomplete," the child interrupted. "Unfortunately, due to your meager perceptual faculty, you lack the ability to reach a comprehensive understanding."
Mostin scowled. "Perhaps you could…"
"…enlighten you? It would be a futile exercise to even attempt it. Could you instruct a rodent meaningfully in the higher magical arts?"
"It could be…"
"…awakened, yes. In which case it would no longer be a rodent per se. The metaphor is apt – if the Claviger were to change your faculty to be capable of understanding, you would no longer be Mostin the Metagnostic. Dismiss the possibility from your mind – the Claviger has no intention of deifying you. You may now ask one question regarding the web of motes."
Mostin shook his head, and gestured vaguely in the air. Obviously, vocalizing his question was an entirely superfluous act.
"Yes," the child answered unequivocally, and vanished.
Mulissu gave a quizzical look. Her hair crackled in mild irritation.
*Slaadi blades are almost invariably sapient.
** i.e. bestow one or more divine ranks.
Anyway, an update - at last. I'll just cut to the chase...
****
The Parley - Part 2. And Afterwards.
The jariliths prowled ceaselessly around them.
Nwm observed Soneillon with curiosity as she spoke. The demoness seemed utterly calm and imperturbable, as though she possessed every answer to every question that might cross a troubled mind. Somehow, in her own way, she seemed to have resolved all paradox. He understood Eadric’s fascination with her – if it was fascination – but simultaneously wondered whether it was a façade, and hoped that the Ahma held the same doubts.
The Queen of Throile spoke at length about Graz’zt: his subtlety, guile and prescience; his dominion, and the worlds that it extended to; his insatiable ambition; his allies, great and small; and his personal power, which, if he were given the opportunity to augment through sorcery before any meeting with them, might prove beyond even their collective ability to counter.
Kostchtchie, his most formidable ally, was discussed: to what extent would he remain steadfast? Who amongst the Prince’s servants – demons, daemons, demodands, lamias and half-fiends of every hue – would be loyal in the event of a serious threat to his hegemony? How far was his control already compromised: three of his balors had been eliminated and two – including Rurunoth – were missing. Only Ainhorr remained.
"Ainhorr is now armoured," Nhura said, "and, according to Narab, wields a slaadi blade."
"The weapon is called…Heedless," Soneillon said, after searching briefly for an accurate translation of its name. "It is a ten-foot vorpal sword. He won it from the death slaad champion Rshgu in the Vestibule of Lamentation: he was not idle after you broke his blade, Eadric, and sought eagerly for a replacement. Heedless is, as its name suggests, a notoriously fickle weapon, even by slaadi standards.* It is immensely powerful, and may actually present more of a threat than the Balor himself. Ainhorr may or may not be capable of controlling it – it has only been in his ownership briefly. Graz’zt must have lent him aid in his efforts to secure it, prior to the assault upon Afqithan – Rshgu would have crushed him under normal circumstances."
"Charming," Ortwin smiled. Privately, his stomach turned over. Ainhorr remained something of a bugaboo for him. "You seem remarkably well-informed regarding these matters."
"Yes," Soneillon agreed.
"You are also less than altogether forthcoming," Mostin added, "but this is not entirely unexpected. Earlier, I posited a question regarding the Prince’s sanctum. He is an arch-fiend, and much of his power stems from it – would it benefit you, if you were in possession of it? Could you actualize its potential?"
"I have no interest in replacing Graz’zt as the ruler of Azzagrat, if that is what you are asking – albeit obliquely. And no, it is his. Neither Ainhorr, nor even Kostchtchie could ascend and claim it. It would quickly wither upon his demise."
"And Azzagrat itself? Does his Will maintain the cohesion of the realm?"
"Azzagrat would eventually return to Void, from which it was carved. But only after a billion life-ages of the universe. In this regard it is no different from any other Abyssal domain."
"Your brand of nihilism is unique," Shomei said. "Perhaps you could expand further upon this theory?"
"Philosophy does not interest me," Soneillon replied dismissively.
"Adyell, Helitihai, Orychne and Chaya," Mostin pressed on. "These are your chief servants. Given your propensity for powerful spells, Soneillon, I assume that they are well-used to acting with you in magical concert? And by drawing energy from them into yourself, or diffusing it, you prevent them ever becoming a challenge to you."
[Soneillon]: Your mind is exquisitely tortuous, Alienist. I would greatly enjoy penetrating its mysteries. [Image] [Image]
Nwm coughed and Shomei raised an eyebrow as the telepathic bond relayed the information to them. Eadric smiled sympathetically. Mostin seemed to be somewhat flushed and embarrassed.
"I am intrigued by where your questions are leading," Soneillon remarked, apparently nonplussed.
[Shomei]: !? Mostin, you cannot be serious…
[Mostin]: With you, and Nwm, and Mulissu, and Jetheeg, and Koilimilou, and the succubi it would be possible. I would need to fine tune the spell. We should not discount the possibility.
Mostin breathed deeply. "Heretofore, you may have considered two options: to negate the Prince’s spellcasting and to overcome him through force of arms, or to subject him to a titanic magical barrage in Afqithan and hope that his defenses can be overcome. Both involve considerable risk. There are two other choices, which you are not aware of: given a cabal of sufficient ability, it is within my means to conjure the Prince and contain him; or I can gate a pseudonatural entity which I have come to know affectionately as The Horror and attempt to deploy it against Graz’zt." The Alienist winced as he said the demon’s name.
Soneillon looked dubious. "I doubt your ability to devise such a spell."
"It is mine already. I inherited it from Fillein."
Nhura hissed. "That spell? It would seem unreliable, at best."
"The dweomer is perfect," Mostin countered. "I believe that the Prince was intentionally released the last time he was bound."
"Then there is no need to leave this place until that is accomplished," Koilimilou said. "He can be bound here, and…"
"No," Nwm said.
"The Druid refers to the Injunction," Nhura explained. "Outside of the proscribed area, however…"
"No," Nwm said, "I do not. I will neither participate in nor condone the imprisonment of a Demon Prince within the Green. If you proceed regardless, I will release him."
Mostin sighed and nodded. They had already discussed this at length. "We would need to find another location."
"In this case I would not recommend Afqithan," Nhura said coldly. "Not out of any concern that he would be bound in my vicinity, but because his release might be too easily accomplished by his own agents: there are many cultists loyal to him."
"I will seek for a suitable locale," Shomei grimaced. "An obscure demi-plane would be the best option. Alternatively, I could create one – although I currently lack the wherewithal to do so. And I suspect that the debt incurred in casting the binding spell would be large."
"Colossal," Mostin corrected her. "I also currently lack the means."
"Then why are we even having this discussion?" Jetheeg snarled. "You spend too much time in idle speculation. We should assault Ainhorr before his grip tightens – enough of the Loquai have escaped to Shadow or Faerie or obscure regions of the Abyss. They can be rallied and deployed en masse. If Rhyxali really purposes to lend aid, it will be easy enough to retake Afqithan. Graz’zt cannot denude his forces elsewhere to that great an extent. And if this mortal here," Jetheeg waved curtly towards Eadric, "is really such a prize, and Graz’zt comes in person to add his weight to the fray, then all the better."
Eadric shook his head. "He must be lured, if we follow that route. If he comes expecting war – armed to the teeth, surrounded by bodyguards and warded by spells that we cannot hope to penetrate – then it will go badly for us."
"Challenge him to single combat," Ortwin said drily.
"I beg your pardon?"
"I’m not suggesting that you actually go through with it," Ortwin said, as if instructing a child. "But he probably knows that you’d like to, and therefore it wouldn’t come as a total surprise to him if you did, in fact, issue the challenge. It is a plausible deception."
"It is absurd," Eadric replied.
"If he refuses, then brand him as craven before his peers. Kostchtchie, Pazuzu, Fraz Urb’Luu, Orcus, Rhyxali. The gentle Lady Soneillon." Ortwin gave a mock bow. "Issue multiple sendings to a variety of Abyssal dignitaries declaring your intentions."
"You are insane."
"I will act as your herald to Graz’zt. I can make him believe it. Outside of the Infernal host, few liars approach me in guile or believability."
"That is quite a boast, Satyr," Jetheeg hissed. "And even if it were true, so what? Deceiving a mortal, or even a demon of low rank is one thing. But Graz’zt? I think not."
"I am capable," Ortwin replied nonchalantly. "Graz’zt is no different to any other demon, except that he is less gullible than most. In order to make him believe, one simply needs to be a better liar. If a mind blank is not adequate to the task, then Nwm will devise a spell to make my lies undetectable by Graz’zt’s magic…"
"Will he?" The Druid raised an eyebrow.
"But not yet," Ortwin added quickly. "We need to rile him beyond all rational behaviour first. And I agree that it would be better if he were not accompanied by a dozen mariliths. His reaction needs to be so utterly violent and deranged that he immediately translates to Afqithan in order to kill Eadric. Overwhelming his forces there and eliminating Ainhorr might be a good start in our achieving this state of transcendental ire in the Prince – although I would recommend that we keep our identities hidden again for the meantime."
"He will obliterate you before you can even deliver the message," Nhura scoffed, "and if not, then certainly in response to such a challenge."
"Perhaps," Ortwin said, "in which case Nwm will reincarnate me. Although I suspect that he will not assail me. I will, after all, be in disguise."
"And what would you be disguised as?" Nwm asked, sighing.
"Not what, but who. As Titivilus, dear Nwm. As Titivilus."
"You would dare impersonate an Infernal magnate?" Jetheeg asked, incredulous.
"Yes," Ortwin replied. "Diplomatic immunity would be useful in negotiating with Graz’zt."
"That is unwise," Shomei said quietly. "It would attract displeasure in unwanted quarters. And the Nuncio of Dis himself might be your least concern."
"I will weather it," Ortwin grinned. "The opportunity of executing one of the greatest counterfeits in history is difficult to resist. It will be my magnum opus."
Eadric exhaled sharply. "We have a variety of options, it would seem. Having multiple redundancies in our plans is no bad thing, however. Nhura – how long before you could assemble the remaining Loquai?"
"They are dispersed. Some weeks, in your time. Several days in mine."
"And the creature you have mentioned, Mostin. Is it reliable?"
"I don’t know," the Alienist replied. "If Shomei and Nwm were to help me, I believe I could coerce it. A fourth caster would guarantee success and a reasonable degree of safety." Mostin stared meaningfully at Koilimilou.
"Now just wait a minute…" Nwm began.
"It will involve an immense backlash," Mostin continued.
"Would you gate it?" Koilimilou asked.
Mostin shook his head. "I think with four of us, I would use a planar binding. Holding it long enough to subject it to a compulsion would be no problem."
[Nwm]: I am uneasy about involving this cambion in magical concert.
[Mostin]: As am I. She has raw power, however, and is now our ally. Fillein/Jovol was right: cooperative casting is where we should focus ourselves, Nwm. The potential is immense.
"Nhura will translate to Faerie," Soneillon said, "and rally the Loquai. I will send word to those that have fled to Shadow, or to Rhyxali’s demesne. I will also speak again to Rhyxali herself, and contact Lehurze in Azzagrat." Eadric, return with me to Throile. There is much that I would share with you.
Eadric swallowed. "We should meet again in three weeks. We have some breathing time, at least. Nhura, issue a sending and we will translate to your location."
"We have yet to find a suitable staging ground," Nhura remarked. "Faerie and Shadow both entail certain risks."
"I will leave it to your discretion," Eadric replied.
"Is that trust I hear, Ahma?"
"It is pragmatism."
[Soneillon]: Come with me, Eadric…
Eadric closed his eyes, and refocused. "I will go to Morne," he said.
Mostin nodded, but felt uncomfortable. The connection between Graz’zt and Rhyxali was the subject of scholarly debate amongst those with more than a passing interest in demonology. Was their resemblance to one another merely superficial, or were they cut from the same block? Did they share a common essence? Was she, somehow, his anima?
His stomach knotted. He desperately needed to consult the web of motes.
**
The Triune met for the second time on the autumn equinox, at Mostin’s manse, in the woods southwest of Deorham. Orolde – somewhat awed by the presence of the three powerful mages – nonetheless ensured an agreeable environment in which they could discuss whatever weighty matters they needed to discuss. Unlike Mostin, the apprentice had made peaceable contact with the nearby sprites, and several pixies – whom Mostin eyed suspiciously – acted as temporary cooks and waiters.
After a sumptuous repast, the Infernalist, Elementalist and Alienist sat upon the porch in silent telepathic communion.
[Mulissu]: Here is the spell [Formula] I have avoided any unnecessary squandering of your valuable reservoir, Mostin.
[Mostin]: (Analyzes) If Nwm can be co-opted, collectively we could do this: [New Formula]
[Mulissu]: (Eyes widen) That is most impressive.
[Mostin]: (Smiles) That is only the beginning. We could then do this [Formula] and then this [Formula].
[Mulissu]: (Dumbstruck).
[Shomei]: (Wrily) Effectively, the Green dissipates the backlash. Nwm has set certain conditions upon his involvement, however.
[Mulissu]: Whatever they are, we should accept them. No-one has ever gone this far before. Whatever secrets Jovol could unlock from the web of motes will be trivial in comparison to the insights that we could gain. What does the Druid require?
[Mostin]: That, collectively, we petition the Claviger for an amendment to the Injunction. And assurances from each of us that while the augmented condition persists, we will only use its benefits for the purpose of divination.
[Mulissu]: (Ruefully) The latter, I will happily guarantee. But I am not sure that the Claviger can be so easily persuaded. What is Nwm’s request?
[Shomei]: A tightening of the rules regarding summoning.
[Mulissu]: In response to the actions of the Loquai?
[Mostin]: Partly. And Soneillon. And the devas at Kyrtill’s Burh, amongst others.
[Shomei]: No extraplanar entity should be permitted to enter Wyre. Period. Or the Claviger will dispatch the Enforcer to eliminate them.
[Mulissu]: I have no objection to approaching the Claviger on this point. I am dubious about its reaction, however.
[Shomei]: Is a quorum more likely to gain a favourable response?
[Mulissu]: I would say no. The Claviger is the Claviger. It abides by its own rules. Its motives are unguessable, and its intelligence quite alien.
[Mostin]: I believe that it would compromise the Claviger’s paradigm – which is geared towards the actions of Wizards. What if the Sela were to gate a solar to Morne? Would Gihaahia intercept it? It would be a conflict of interests, and would, in fact, throw the entire Injunction into question: its key tenet is still ‘no intervention in non-arcane politics.’ Moreover, an incident between the Enforcer and a cascade of celestials would be better avoided.
[Mulissu]: You forget that Rintrah was complicit in the idea of a Second Injunction. Jovol’s relationship to the Celestial Host and Tramst was – or is, assuming that Jovol’s essence persists – ambiguous, to say the least.
[Mostin]: It is beyond the Claviger’s purview. However sympathetic I am to Nwm’s position, I think he is on his own.
[Mulissu]: I am surprised that Nwm doesn’t object to the presence of the Claviger itself.
[Mostin]: (Humourously) He does. I think he regards it as the lesser of two evils, however. Untrammelled summoning is worse for him. It is amusing to speculate upon an organizing principle in this regard. Jovol, Rintrah, Nwm – all are working within the same framework, but to attain different ends.
[Shomei+Mulissu]: !
[Mostin]: I said amusing. I am not suggesting some metacosmic conspiracy.
[Shomei]: In any case, we should approach the Claviger. It can do no harm. And I am curious to experience it.
[Mostin]: Agreed. Nwm himself also indicated that he would like to join us in the petition.
[Mulissu]: (Sardonically) Then if the Enforcer is unleashed against us, we may, at least last a few seconds longer.
[Shomei]: I doubt it. When I inspected the web of motes it was quite apparent that the Claviger possessed significant deific powers. It would likely magnify** the Enforcer before any encounter with an entity that might otherwise prove a viable threat.
[Mostin]: Are you then suggesting that the four of us acting in concert might present a ‘viable threat’ to the unaugmented Enforcer?
[Shomei]: Certainly. We are, after all, the most potent spellcasters in the world.
[Mostin]: That is worrying. I had simply assumed Gihaahia to be unassailable. If a cabal of powerful mages were to attack her…I am thinking of posterity, here.
[Mulissu]: (Acidly) The point is moot. The Claviger has great prescience, and is virtually omniscient with regard to all things magical. It knows we are having this conversation, and has already determined its course of action with regard to our petition. It may have reached its decision ten billion years ago. Things will unfold as they were meant to.
[Mostin]: I expected better from you, Mulissu. I am tired of fatalistic musings – is it a philosophical fashion that somehow escaped me?
[Mulissu]: Realities are changing faster than I can apprehend them, Mostin. One must find some kind of calm center. Angst becomes tedious after a while. Should I contact Nwm now?
[Mostin]: (Nods).
*
Mulissu issued a sending and, shortly thereafter, Nwm stepped from a nearby elm-tree.
"I assume that my proposal received a favourable response?" The Druid asked wrily.
"It is ingenious," Mulissu agreed. "I should caution you that, even collectively, we cannot assure a similar reaction from the Claviger. We cannot coerce it – only appeal to its guiding principles."
"If it agrees, how will its decision manifest?"
"I don’t know," the Elementalist replied.
"When can we make the petition?"
"There is no time like the present."
"Should we forewarn it of our impending visit?" Nwm asked.
Shomei smiled. "Don’t worry Nwm. It already knows."
Nwm raised an eyebrow.
*
In a small, dry cave in the hills of Mord, a child – with shoulder-length blonde hair and possessed of an ambiguous gender – suddenly materialized before an upright marble slab nine feet tall.
The great tablet, engraved with a thousand or more paragraphs of detailed arcane legalese, seemed to hum inaudibly and pulse invisibly. It had presence of an unusual kind, although the exact quality of its sentience was difficult to determine – its very inscrutability was the quality which marked it as far removed from the mundane.
The child watched patiently as, descending into the chamber down a narrow flight of rough-hewn steps, a trio of Wizards and a Uediian priest shuffled nervously.
Upon seeing the child waiting, Mostin was seized by an almost uncontrollable bout of panic, and attempted to push past Mulissu, and back up the staircase.
The Druid scowled at him, blocked his egress, and gestured for him to continue on into the cave, to which he only reluctantly complied. As the four assembled before the diminutive figure, Nwm watched the Alienist carefully. The last thing he needed was for Mostin to suffer one of his ‘episodes.’
"I am…" Nwm began.
"…Nwm," the child finished for him.
"Are you…"
"…the Claviger, or the Enforcer?" The child completed his sentence again. "We are joined now. It makes little difference. I am the mostly benign part."
Mostin relaxed somewhat.
"You know why we are here," Nwm, Mostin, Mulissu, Shomei and the child said in perfect synchrony.
"Yes," the child said.
Mostin swallowed. "Is the…"
"…Injunction immutable, or is it subject to change? Both. You should have read it more closely. It contains a clause which ultimately gives the Claviger discretionary power in its interpretation. A law which is static and unyielding is of limited utility. The answer to your question, incidentally, is no. The Enforcer will not be deployed against ‘extraplanar’ targets – if you insist on using such naïve terminology – simply because they are present."
Mostin grinned smugly, his confidence returning. "I told you…"
"Your analysis is incomplete," the child interrupted. "Unfortunately, due to your meager perceptual faculty, you lack the ability to reach a comprehensive understanding."
Mostin scowled. "Perhaps you could…"
"…enlighten you? It would be a futile exercise to even attempt it. Could you instruct a rodent meaningfully in the higher magical arts?"
"It could be…"
"…awakened, yes. In which case it would no longer be a rodent per se. The metaphor is apt – if the Claviger were to change your faculty to be capable of understanding, you would no longer be Mostin the Metagnostic. Dismiss the possibility from your mind – the Claviger has no intention of deifying you. You may now ask one question regarding the web of motes."
Mostin shook his head, and gestured vaguely in the air. Obviously, vocalizing his question was an entirely superfluous act.
"Yes," the child answered unequivocally, and vanished.
Mulissu gave a quizzical look. Her hair crackled in mild irritation.
*Slaadi blades are almost invariably sapient.
** i.e. bestow one or more divine ranks.
