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Message: <blockquote data-quote="havenstone" data-source="post: 4391869" data-attributes="member: 61094">A New d’AramantLATER THAT EVENING-- at roughly the same time that Atrix’s escape attempt turns into an unexpected tryst with Sarele -- Ash, Meeshak, and Nina are met by servants who discreetly summon them to a meeting. The servants lead them to a dusty, candle-lit corner of the great library of the d’Syrnon Family. The blue, red, and gray moons are all strong in the sky, casting a dappled light on the library floor as they shine in through different windows. The black moon Manachorn is also waxing, a slowly growing arc of unlight in the sky. Meeshak is not entirely surprised to see General Marcor d’Syrnon emerge from a small door in one wall. “The three of you joined me at Wildengard,” Marcor said quietly. “Not one of you has been to Lynar before, or is thought to be allied to any Family. If you are willing, I believe you are better qualified than my own knights to find out information about my would-be assassins, in this city where my enemies think they know my men. I have been watching each of you, and know that each of you has skills that will be of use in this investigation.” His eyes fall on Nina with a knowing gleam; Nina keeps his face impassive. “We would be honored,” replies Ash. Meeshak and Nina nod their agreement. “In one week, we will all be marching to Arawai,” Marcor reminds them. “This leaves you six days in Lynar to investigate the source of the Patriarch’s Gold with which the assassin was paid. Here is a supply of gold for each of you to open doors that might otherwise stay shut.” The general hands them each a small pouch of coins, generally Velnaryn Mint, the most common currency of the North. “If you need to meet with me before we march, you may leave a note in the pages of this book, which I will have checked each day.” He indicates a worn volume of The Megrimner Wars. “I will send messengers to you if I find out anything that may help you.” “As a start, may I have full access to the archives of this library?” Nina asks, drawing curious looks from his two friends. Marcor assents without question. NINA SPENDS THE night delving through the genealogical records of the Five Families with an audacious goal in mind. I may be breaking the last eighteen years’ disguise – but Uncle, if you were here, you’d approve of this, you’d agree that this was the way of the Clan. A true Test. During the last few weeks of travel, Nina has been quietly observing the young country nobles in Marcor’s entourage, practicing their gestures and games. All he needs is the right name. The sky is brightening with the dawn by the time Nina finds the passage he was searching for, the one he hoped would be there somewhere: His first wife, Kendera, having died, Aderin d’Aramant of Marlhold wed the lady Zeraya of the Northwest Azal Turn. This alliance to one of the trading clans of Chraman was vital for the Northern d’Aramants after the loss of most of Geren’s Sward to the Tellemonts of Aradur… Nina does a quick calculation of age and flips through the pages of the genealogy. Aderin and Zeraya had fourteen grandchildren who might plausibly have inherited some of her Chramic features. Several of them live far enough away on the Aradur frontier that they’re unlikely to have joined the muster for the barbarian war. Nina’s fingers trace the names and ages until he finds the most plausible Northern d’Aramant grandson. “Anseron d’Aramant,” Nina whispers aloud, his heart pounding in his ears as he tries out a northern Senalline accent. “Hello, cousin Agerain. I’m Anseron d’Aramant.”</blockquote>

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