Part 6: The cube

===========================================================
Part 6 - The cube by Dworkin (GM)
-----------------------------------------------------------
The board that Cyan levers up has a large knot hole in it, and it becomes apparent that something has fallen down that hole.  The bard pulls her hand out from the gap beneath the boards, her gloved fist clenched around something small.
She opens her hand to reveal a small cube sitting in her palm.  Less than three quarters of an inch on each side, it looks almost like a common die, except that each face bears a tiny picture instead of a number of spots.
Each of the pictures shows a landscape, of varying degrees of strangeness.  One seems to be the city beyond this very shop; another a snowscape beneath a greenish sky; a dense jungle with a cluster of orange flowers in the foreground; a stone circle on open grassland; a bizarre city of glass buildings; a desert of black sand beneath a tourquoise sky; a ruined fortress on a hillside.
Which makes seven sides...

===========================================================
Re: Part 6 - The cube by Cyan
-----------------------------------------------------------
"Palanquet," Cyan says quietly, slowly standing and lifting up the cube.  She's careful not to concentrate too hard on any of the pictures.  "And one I've never seen before - neither the images, nor the shape.  Even Alatariel's mirror...."  Shaking her head, she holds the item out to Berd, who lands on her shoulder and sniffs it, drawing back nervously.

"I think," she muses, "that this is what they were looking for."  Motioning to Kendall, she waves him over.  "Come here, Master, and see what you might.  Study the work - do you know if its type?"  Cyan holds it out, still gripping it tightly, so that he might study it.

===========================================================
Re: Part 6 - The cube by Duncan
-----------------------------------------------------------
Duncan eyes the small object with some suspicion, mainly because Cyan is handling it so carefully, "What iss dhat?  Iss it dangerous?"

===========================================================
Re: Part 6 - The cube by Cyan
-----------------------------------------------------------
"It is some kind of device...I can sense it uses the same energies which power the Palanquet," she replies.  "The cards that Kendall uses, and myself."  With one finger she taps at the pouch at her waist.  "But I have not seen the like before, and do not know if it is simply a different means of presentation, or a completely different use of the energies."

Reaching out with her mind, Cyan attempts to get a feel for the energies of the small cube, but will draw back if it appears as though she is triggering something.

"And yes.  It could very well be dangerous," she murmurs absently.

===========================================================
Re: Part 6 - The cube by Kendall
-----------------------------------------------------------
"yessss" Kendall hissed in a low voice.  It was a beautiful piece. The detail was.. breathtaking. The shape was maddening. "I am going to get a headache staring at that too much. " Kendall pulled the beautiful flower out and shook out the long auburn tress.  Reinserting the flower with a deft hand, Kendall takes a longer look at it.  "Things like this should not be so far from their reality anchor. Seven sided cubes don't exist in most polite realities.  It is a thing of chaos would be my guess. The curious thing is that they don't normally use this type of power normally, the power of true images.  "  Kendall pinched the bridge of nose and squinted.  "Let keep searching. There may be more mundane clues as well as other things of power. I would hate to move on, thinking we have the "important clue" when all we have found is a trinket of power.  "

===========================================================
Re: Part 6 - The cube by Ares
-----------------------------------------------------------
"We have been given some information that suggests somebody might be trying to set this up so that it appears the Courts are responsible.  Could this have been placed here deliberately to reinforce that impression?"
Ares considers for a moment then adds, "Mind you, it seems a very valuable and powerful red herring if it has the same degree of power as the cards.  Then again, what better way to make it seem plausible than to invest an item of real power in the deception?  It may be that whoever planted it might have so much to gain as to make this seem a trivial sacrifice when compared to the potential results."
"Uh, sorry.  Just thinking out loud."

===========================================================
Re: Part 6 - The cube by Kendall
-----------------------------------------------------------
"No. I was thinking along the same lines.  I really hate 4 primary colors...errrr... the area around the courts, Kendall mused in answer to Ares.

Kendall looked up and around, "Anyone else find anything?"

===========================================================
Re: Part 6 - The cube by Cyan
-----------------------------------------------------------
"Ares - your suppositions make sense.  Kendall, I believe assuming this item may be from the Courts is not yet a valid one."  Cyan waves her hand absently in the air to demonstrate, not really paying attention (and seriously threatening Kendall and an aggrieved Berd).  "There are an infinite number of worlds, and I would guess that some of them operate under diametrically opposed rules of reality to those with which we are familiar.  In addition, the seven...sides may simply be an artificial creation of the creator..."

Blinking, she looks up at the group.  "Hmmm, yes, has any other discovered a clue of sorts?"

===========================================================
Re: Part 6 - The cube by Kalika Wolfblade
-----------------------------------------------------------
Kali stands near the door way of the building, hearing what the others speak of, but not really listening.  Kali inhales deeply, sorting through the various scents, searching for something that stands out as not normal for this setting.  Some unseen clue to who set this up. With a flick of her hand she bids Hunter to do a thorough sniffing of the cubby hole where the cube was found.

===========================================================
Re: Part 6 - The cube by Ares
-----------------------------------------------------------
Ares suddenly snaps his fingers and points to the two who have been here before, "Uh, Duncan, Derek, where was this man, Beldrin was it?  Where was he standing when he vanished, was it near the place where the cube was hidden?"

===========================================================
Re: Part 6 - The cube by Kalika Wolfblade
-----------------------------------------------------------
A grim smile comes to Kali's face as Hunter returns to her side.  In the blink of an eye the deep purple becomes the alien yellow as she regards her companions.

"Funny you should mention a man Ares" she begins "For a man left the cube here. He came back to this place, but left without it about 5-6 hours ago.  If we move fast we can probably still follow his trail" Through Shadow if need be she thinks to herself resolutely.

===========================================================
Re: Part 6 - The cube by Duncan
-----------------------------------------------------------
"No, he wass standink over dhere, near dhe door." says Duncan, pointing out a spot some fifteen feet from the place where the cube lay hidden.
"Kalika, maybe he did not leave dhis cube intentionally.  Maybe he dropped it and came back to look for it.  If it iss somethink he wass searchink for, dhen he must need it, in which case we have a hold on him.  A bargainink chip perhaps."

===========================================================
Re: Part 6 - The cube by Kendall
-----------------------------------------------------------
"Duncan. The cube, and I use the term loosely, was in a hidey spot under the floorboards.  I doubt he dropped it.  "

Kendall stood up and dusted hands off.  "I am of the opinion that we should follow this "man".  It is a 'hot trail'. We can return to the city in a few moments of concentration. We can not find this 'man' so easily."

===========================================================
Re: Part 6 - The cube by Dworkin (GM)
-----------------------------------------------------------
A decision apparently reached, Kalika asks Hunter to follow the trail.  The wolf starts to move towards the rear of the shop, pausing for a moment as it passes the place where Duncan had described Beldrin vanishing.  A low snarl escapes the lupine throat, and his hackles rise as he glares at the spot, and then he moves on.
He reaches a door and waits while Kalika opens it, and the group pass into an alleyway behind the shop.  A narrow passage leads back towards the market square, where the horses still stand, but Hunter turns away from that and starts to make his way away from the shop through the fog-shrouded night.
Somewhere nearby the drunk is singing again, a song about sailing away from his betrothed and how his heart will break.
His voice fades away as the group move away from him, and after a minute or so he can no longer be heard.
Hunter makes his way through the alley, and eventually steps out into a small courtyard surrounded by tall buildings.  All the windows are dark, but there are a couple of torches blazing in sconces which provide sufficient light to see that that there are no other exits save the six doors which lead into the houses around the yard.
Hunter turns his yellow-eyed gaze to Kalika...

===========================================================
Re: Part 6 - The cube by Cyan
-----------------------------------------------------------
Berd flits up high, scanning the rooftops.  They had been ambushed earlier, with arrows; now would be a poor place to find themselves caught again.

Cyan glances at Kalika.  "Which door?" she whispers.

===========================================================
Re: Part 6 - The cube by Kalika Wolfblade
-----------------------------------------------------------
Kali takes in the courtyard, and sighs softly.  Mentally encouraging and thanking Hunter for his help so far, Kali motions to a nondescript building that stands to their left.

"That one" she whispers back to Cyan, her yellow eyes grave.

===========================================================
Re: Part 6 - The cube by Duncan
-----------------------------------------------------------
Duncan studies the surrounding buildings, looking for any sign that they are being watched.  The windows are all dark and empty, and the buildings seem to be deserted, although considering the hour it's not surprising that nobody's about.
Next he walks across to study the indicated door, he lays one hand against the wood and pushes, while trying to work the handle.

===========================================================
Re: Part 6 - The cube by Morgan
-----------------------------------------------------------
Looking at the rest of the group, Morgan clears his throat and speaks.

"How shall we handle this?  Barge in or attempt to find out what's inside first?"

===========================================================
Re: Part 6 - The cube by Cyan
-----------------------------------------------------------
"Duncan seems to like the idea of heading in," Cyan notes quietly.  "Berd!"  With hand signals, she gets Berd to flap around to the other side of the house, to watch and see if anyone comes running out.
Quietly she moves up to where Duncan stands.  There's a wild grin on her face, and her eyes are glittering like topaz in the darkness.  "Hide and seek, or fast and hard?" she inquires of him.

===========================================================
Re: Part 6 - The cube by Kendall
-----------------------------------------------------------
Kendall makes a motion for silence while approaching.  In a whisper,
"I think we should start with "hide and go seek" trying to figure out what is going on.  If that fails, we can always shift into "hit them hard and fast" mode.  Kendall pulls out a card and reaches into it... removing a medium sized bag. It plops uncerimoneously on the ground.  Kendall smiles and begins to pull out climbing gloves and grapple equipment.  "Always best to take more than one approach.  In addition, could someone spike the back door so they can't escape out that way?"  "It will take me a few moments to get up and in... if you could give me that much lead time before...., Kendall trailed off the whisper while pointing at the door.

===========================================================
Re: Part 6 - The cube by Duncan
-----------------------------------------------------------
"Dhe door iss not locked." says Duncan, grinning at Kendall and Cyan as the door opens a couple of inches.  He presses his face to the gap and peeks through into the blackness beyond for a few seconds.
Turning back to the others he whispers "It iss too dark to be sure, but I think dhe room iss empty."

===========================================================
Re: Part 6 - The cube by Kalika Wolfblade
-----------------------------------------------------------
"I'll stop the door" Kali volunteers, taking the climbing spike from Kendall "We should stick together while entering... and arrange a renzedvous point in case we are seperated.  I will meet you back here once the back door has been secured..." Kali took a few more spike with Kendall permission "and any other doors I can find. With only one way in and out, we can leave one behind to watch for those trying to escape"

That said Kali nods to Hunter, a short, curt gesture.  The wolf then pads away silently to scout for his mistress, who trails behind him, her soft boots making no more noise than the wolf's paws.

===========================================================
Re: Part 6 - The cube by Kendall
-----------------------------------------------------------
Kendall unfolds a mini-crossbow, loads a small grapple bolt, attaches the line, and shoots it at the roof.  A quick tug and it seems to secure itself upon something solid on the roof.  With a quick deep breath, Kendall begins to walk up the side of the building (avoiding windows), almost as quietly as Kendall sneaked in the plaza.  Eventally, Kendall is out of sight in the dark and on the way into the building.

===========================================================
Re: Part 6 - The cube by Duncan
-----------------------------------------------------------
The door swings open to reveal a dark room, a kitchen by all appearances, obviously still in use judging by the lack of dust and cobwebs.  The room is empty, but there is another door leading deeper into the house, which stands slightly ajar.

===========================================================
Re: Part 6 - The cube by Kendall
-----------------------------------------------------------
Kendall quickly reached the steeply sloped, blue tiled roof. The footing is poor because of the wet from the fog. After retreiving the grapple, and folding up the crossbow, Kendall moved carefully over to the skylight.  A small focus of will and the skylight unlatched.  Kendall dropped down silently into the typical attic room: thick with dust and grime, with mice scurrying about in the darker corners. The instincts that came with the Feline DNA and traits that Kendall had adapted to see in the low light and climb so easily, fought with Kendall's intellect.  Lucky for the mice, Kendall's intellect won.  Kendall scouted the room, checking the area for anything of interest (something out of place, from another time and place, or something of power).  Kendall slowly headed towards the single door at far end of the room.  Listening carefully with feline enhanced hearing (to sense if there is anyone immediately around and using feline enhanced scent to identify things).  The door is easy to open from the inside.  In a slight crack, a low crouching Kendall checked the area outside the door.

===========================================================
Re: Part 6 - The cube by Cyan
-----------------------------------------------------------
Humming nearly inaudibly, Cyan slips into the room, drawing her large knife.  Her eyes flick to either side, in case someone crouches behind a counter.  She moves silently up to the other room, and touches the doorway with her senses - hearing, sight, and smell.

Berd, above, notes Kalika's arrival at the door, and climbs back onto the roof.  Kendall gives him a bad turn for a moment; grumbling irritably, he chooses to take a shorter route down - through the chimney, hopefully to emerge in a fireplace on the main floor.

If there is no fireplace, there will be soon.

===========================================================
Re: Part 6 - The cube by Ares
-----------------------------------------------------------
Ares edges forward, his heavy armour seemingly not hindering him in the slightest.  His sword slides from its sheath almost silently as he approaches the open door.  He signals Cyan to open the door when she is ready, and prepares for anything that might come through.

===========================================================
Re: Part 6 - The cube by Dworkin (GM)
-----------------------------------------------------------
In the quiet of the house, boards creak somewhere overhead, as if somebody is walking about on the second storey.  They don't seem to be making any particular effort at silence.

===========================================================
Re: Part 6 - The cube by Berd
-----------------------------------------------------------
.....

Poking nose into other business...

===========================================================
Re: Part 6 - The cube by Kendall
-----------------------------------------------------------
Peering through the gap, Kendall sees a steep flight of stairs leading down to a landing.  A second landing can be seen below that in the open stairwell.  A man, foreshortened by Kendall's angle of view, walks out of a door onto the lower landing, carrying a lighted candle, then enters another door. The man is well dressed, and looks to be physically fit Kendall smiled. He is aware of being watched, Kendall thought. "Or shows no sign of it and is setting up a trap. Kendall shook Kendall's head and chuckled silently. "I am getting too paranoid", Kendall thought.

Kendall removed the climbing gloves.  With catlike grace (and retractable cat like claws), Kendall slowly slipped down the stairs to the first landing with no betraying sounds.  Before entering the landing, Kendall did a low double check to make sure no one was observing the landing. 

With slow grace, Kendall slipped down to the second landing (again double checking before reaching the landing). Kendall's nose twitched in a catlike manner as Kendall made sure no one was watching.  Satisfied that no one knows that Kendall is there, Kendall listens in at the door the man entered with all Kendall's senses (cat hearing, mystic, intuition).

===========================================================
Re: Part 6 - The cube by Kalika Wolfblade
-----------------------------------------------------------
With a silent salute of thanks to Berd, Kali approaches the heavy wooden door cautiously.  Her nostrils flare, taking in the scent of the house, and after sifting through the various scents she nods and takes a step back.  Kali looks down at Hunter, and yellow eyes meet yellow eyes, both pairs reflecting the pale light of the house.

:Watch the front door.  If one who is not of the pack tries to leave,  tell me immediately... Then hamstring them... but do NOT KILL:  her mental orders are clear and concise.

Kali watches the wolf pad away silently and a small smile curves her lips.  The others talents had gotten them into the house easily enough.  If the quarry tried to escape... well that was when her fun began.  Kali eyes dart up to the lit window and she blinks, the wolfen yellow darkening to the deep violet once again.  Satisfied that her eyes will no longer give away her position, Kali seeks refuge in the shadows, where she crouches and waits, her eyes never leaving the house.  She settles into the cheyez postion of a hunter easily, the part squat part crouch designed to maximize blood flow to prevent the cramping of muscles, but still allows the patient hunter to spring onto unsuspecting prey with lightning fast agility.  Kali settles in for the wait, the secret part of her soul hoping their quarry does not try to flee the house.

===========================================================
Re: Part 6 - The cube by Dworkin (GM)
-----------------------------------------------------------
Kalika and Hunter position themselves to guard the both doors of the house, Kalika lurking in the gloom of the fog-shrouded night-time street, where she can see the lit upper windows, while Hunter makes his way back to the alleyway and the courtyard where the group had entered the house.
Meanwhile, inside,  their companions move from the kitchen into a sizeable dining room, again in darkness, although a faint light filters in through the large windows.  The furnishings seem to be of good, although not exceptional, quality.
Another door stands open, revealing a reception hall or foyer, dimly lit from somewhere above, and the base of a staircase.
From above comes a sudden loud noise, heard clearly as a thump from the ceiling of the dining room.

===========================================================
Re: Part 6 - The cube by Cyan
-----------------------------------------------------------
Shrugging, Cyan slips through the house, locating the stairs and heading up.

===========================================================
Re: Part 6 - The cube by Kendall
-----------------------------------------------------------
Kendall thinks, "klutz" of the sounds of a dropped item.  Kendall signals to Berd to back away as Kendall slinks back a bit, assuming that the man might come out in search for something to clean up with or to replace the dropped item.  Kendall counts for a bit, waiting to see if he will actually come out.  While counting, Kendall reaches in to the sidepouch and fingers out Cyan's card.  Kendall focuses on it, but does not make contact.  That will depend on the actions of the man.

If he does not come out in a short time, Kendall will move back into position and listen with all senses and perceptive abilities.  Kendall will signal for quiet of any approaching friendly figure.

If he does leave, Kendall will slip into the room and check it out, but inform Cyan that the man is on the move.

===========================================================
Re: Part 6 - The cube by Dworkin (GM)
-----------------------------------------------------------
In the foyer there is a flight of stairs leading upwards to a landing, with another landing above that.  On the lower of the two landings Kendall can be seen listening at a door while Berd hangs from the door frame peering through the crack of the door.
Opposite the base of the stairs, to the left as the main body of the group exit the dining room, stands a heavy pannelled door set with small circular panes of glass.  Under the staircase is another door, open, and beyond it is what could be a study or library.

===========================================================
Re: Part 6 - The cube by Cyan
-----------------------------------------------------------
Interesting.  Cyan slips up (silently) behind Kendall, masking her presence.  She nods to Berd, and the tiny dragon reaches down with his tail, touching Kendall's shoulder, then pointing with it towards Cyan in warning, so that he doesn't start.

The little dragon goes back to watching, while Cyan signs What? to Kendall in ASL, oddly enough.

Berd will extend his tail to Cyan, and she will take his tail between two fingers.

===========================================================
Re: Part 6 - The cube by Kendall
-----------------------------------------------------------
Kendall does not start (since Kendall had heard her group come up the stairs).  In ASL, Kendall signals back something to the effect of "Check the house?"

===========================================================
Re: Part 6 - The cube by Cyan
-----------------------------------------------------------
Cyan shrugs.  Others downstairs.  She has an odd look of concentration on her face.

===========================================================
Re: Part 6 - The cube by Cyan
-----------------------------------------------------------
Frowning, Cyan glances at Kendal again.  Still not looking in the room, she uses one hand to sign (slightly garbled, as it's only one hand) It's a thief.  What are we waiting for?  Only one man, seeing from here.

Her eyes glitter Topaz in the dim light, and she checks her sword, holding her knife in her left hand.  An excitement is building in her again, and she nearly hops from foot to foot - in the interest of silence, she does hold of, standing quietly.

===========================================================
Re: Part 6 - The cube by Kendall
-----------------------------------------------------------
Kendall signed, "Want to fight a C-H-A-O-S L-O-R-D or unknown "thing" of p-o-w-e-r?   Wait others, then we go on him."

===========================================================
Re: Part 6 - The cube by Cyan
-----------------------------------------------------------
Cyan waves off Kendall's warning with a look of boredom on her face.  Her eyes cross momentarily when Berd pulls his head out from the room and glares down at her, then she waves him to go back.  He does, full of silent disgust.

Cyan's signing - *Lords of Breakdown?  [disgust]  Could leave any time.  Should grab now.*

Berd continues to watch, and Cyan splits her attention between what he sees and Kendall.  It's starting to give her a headache, but needs must.

===========================================================
Re: Part 6 - The cube by Duncan
-----------------------------------------------------------
Duncan quietly follows Cyan up the stairs, pausing every few steps to check for any signs of impending doom.  At the top he edges to one side of the door and, drawing his claymore, stands ready to enter the room.

OOC: Apologies to everyone, I've had computer probs, but I'm back up and running now.
btw: Happy Holidays everybody.

===========================================================
Re: Part 6 - The cube by Ares
-----------------------------------------------------------
Ares, eerily silent in his heavy armor, positions himself on the other side of the door from Duncan.  His own blade is drawn, and in the silence a faint whispering sound seems to emenate from the metal.

===========================================================
Re: Part 6 - The cube by Dworkin (GM)
-----------------------------------------------------------
With everybody in position around the door, Cyan continues to concentrate on events in the room with whatever peculiar senses she has at her disposal, while Kendall listens at the door.
Ares and Duncan stand ready to each side, while Berd hangs from the door frame peeking through the gap, his tail resting on Cyan's shoulder.

===========================================================
Re: Part 6 - The cube by Kendall
-----------------------------------------------------------
Kendall begins some basic hand talk.  Pointing to Cyan, Kendall counts down three fingers really fast and pumps fist (go on zero). Then points to the door and a shoving motion (expresses go far into the room). Points to the little dragon then points to Cyan.  Next, Pointing to Duncan (right side). Counting down three fingers really fast with fist pump, pointing to the door then to the right (in to right).  Pointing to Aries. Kendall counts down three fingers really fast with fist pump, points door, then left.  Kendall points to self, points to door, and then makes a grabbing of the door frame motion (In and hold the door).  Kendall does an inclusive circle whirl, then grabs wrist, makes a wave off, and then a neck gick (capture/ grab, no kill). Kendall looks at everyone, when they all nod or acknowledge, Kendall reaches into Kendall's pouch and selects out three cards (open to icestorm, open to landslide, open to lava field) and preps icestorm). After Cyan is in position at the door, Kendall holds up three fingers, then two, then one, then pumps fist.

Kendall leaps up in a lunging jump kick to the hinge side of the door, removing the door off the hinges. Bouncing off the strike (which happens with a lunging jump kick) Kendall is back from the door a few feet, allowing the others to move through the space.  Then Kendall advances to hold the door, in stance.

===========================================================
Re: Part 6 - The cube by Dworkin (GM)
-----------------------------------------------------------
The door flies off its hinges and the four (five including the drake Berd) rush in to the room, and spread out as per Kendall's signalled plan.  The man whirls from the book shelf that he is studying and raises the candle higher.  "Who's there?" he demands, his eyes turning to Duncan and widening with recognition.
He spreads his arms wide, and stands very still as he is approached...

===========================================================
Re: Part 6 - The cube by Cyan
-----------------------------------------------------------
"Only a group of concerned citizens," Cyan says, her hand on her sword.  She glances at Kendall, then the broken door.  "It was open, you know.  This house does have an owner."
Turning back to the stranger, she smiles broadly.  "It seems you know one of us, Sirrah.  Perhaps you might favour us with your name?"

Berd flits through the air to land on the bookshelf, well out of the man's reach.  He glares, threateningly, with burning ruby eyes.  The effect is spoiled somewhat by his small size.

===========================================================
Re: Part 6 - The cube by Duncan
-----------------------------------------------------------
"Dhat iss dhe man who killed dhe messenger Cylla.  His name iss Beldrin I believe."  Duncan moves around towards the man, blade held one handed, and grabs him by the arm as Berd glares from the nearby shelf.

===========================================================
Re: Part 6 - The cube by Kendall
-----------------------------------------------------------
In a soft voice, Kendall replies, "Yes, I know. Terribly sorry about that. I'll make it good."  Kendall does a hair flip, yet still does not take an eye off the gentleman in question.  A quick puff of air flicks the last remaining strand out of Kendall's face.

===========================================================
Re: Part 6 - The cube by Cyan
-----------------------------------------------------------
Her eyes flickering down to the door lying halfway across the room, Cyan tries very hard not to giggle.  Not only is it a serious situation, but it might ruin her reputation.

Berd, uncaring about such things, snorts once.

===========================================================
Re: Part 6 - The cube by Beldrin (NPC)
-----------------------------------------------------------
"Yes, my name is Beldrin, but I'm afraid, my friends, that you have the advantage of me, since I know none of your names.  That one," he nods his head towards Duncan, "I have seen before, but we were never formally introduced."
"Now, since you have entered my lodgings, you might at least do me the basic courtesy of naming yourselves."

===========================================================
Re: Part 6 - The cube by Duncan
-----------------------------------------------------------
Duncan's face clouds with rage, he releases Beldrin's arm and cuffs him across the mouth."You will get no courtesy from me, dog!  Now be quiet until one of uss asks you a question."

===========================================================
Re: Part 6 - The cube by Ares
-----------------------------------------------------------
Ares moves around to the side of Beldrin opposite Duncan and graps his other arm as he staggers away from Duncan's blow.  Leaning in close he snarls right into Beldrin's face "Listen well, you Chaos-born knave!  My friend there would dearly love to kill you where you stand.  I might be able to stop him, but you have to give me a reason to want to do that."

===========================================================
Re: Part 6 - The cube by Beldrin (NPC)
-----------------------------------------------------------
Beldrin looks momentarily confused by Ares' words, then slowly says, "Chaos-born?  You are the Chaosites... aren't you?"  Then he looks directly at Cyan "What are you doing?"

===========================================================
Re: Part 6 - The cube by Cyan
-----------------------------------------------------------
Shapeshifting confusion going on here?
"Gentlemen, be a trifle more at ease."  Without realizing it, Cyan slips into the 'Good Cop' roll.  "It's possible there is a misunderstanding happening here.  Master Beldrin, if you would be so kind, please....  Put the candle on the table and we may talk about this, in a civilized fashion."  Stepping forward, she gives him a slight smile, and places her hand on his wrist.  Gently, she guides the candle down to the table.

===========================================================
Re: Part 6 - The cube by Ares
-----------------------------------------------------------
"What?" Ares says incredulously, "We're not the Chaosites, you are."  He tightens his grip as Cyan approaches. "Stop trying to confuse the issue."  He resists the temptation to punch Beldrin in the stomach, at least until Cyan has finished questioning him.

===========================================================
Re: Part 6 - The cube by Kendall
-----------------------------------------------------------
Kendall keeps watch over the entire scene while holding secure the door opening. Kendall sighs silently. "We should of had a plan on what we were going to ask the man before we got here," Kendall thought.  "It is obvious now that this little party has not worked together for very long, if at all. Oh Kendall, what has your deck gotten you into."

===========================================================
Re: Part 6 - The cube by Beldrin (NPC)
-----------------------------------------------------------
Beldrin places the candle on the table carefully as Cyan guides his hand.  He looks Ares in the eye and says, "I'm not trying to confuse the issue, nor am I a Chaosite!"  He turns to Cyan then, "It seems there may indeed be some sort of misunderstanding."

===========================================================
Re: Part 6 - The cube by Cyan
-----------------------------------------------------------
"Perhaps we should all step back and relax for a moment," Cyan suggests, touching Ares on the arm, and glancing at Duncan.  All the while, she keeps part of her attention on Beldin.
"My friends have seen you recently, committing actions that...have not endeared you to them.  And yet you claim not to have seen them before?  Is that correct?"  she asks smoothly.

===========================================================
Re: Part 6 - The cube by Beldrin (NPC)
-----------------------------------------------------------
Beldrin indicates Duncan, "I've seen him before, although I never stopped to find his name.  As for my actions, if you mean hunting down that Chaos-spawned witch?  Well I was doing my duty, trying to retrieve a some stolen documents and take them to my liege.  Then this one and another burst in and take the papers, which are now likely causing untold damage somewhere..."
The man sighs, "I suppose I must resign myself to failure on this one.  Well, if you're going to kill me, get on with it."

===========================================================
Re: Part 6 - The cube by Duncan
-----------------------------------------------------------
Duncan forces himself to back away a pace or two before replying, "Chaos-spawned witch?  What are you sayink now?  Dhat you are not an agent of Chaos?"  His rage is still present, but uncertainty is starting to bubble to the surface now.

===========================================================
Re: Part 6 - The cube by Ares
-----------------------------------------------------------
"If you're not an agent for the Courts, then who are you?"  Ares is baffled by this now, he releases Beldrin's arm and pinches the bridge of his nose between his index finger and thumb, screwing his eyes tight shut for a moment, then opening them.
"Who are you working for, why did you kill the woman, and why did you go back to the shop?"

===========================================================
Re: Part 6 - The cube by Dworkin (GM)
-----------------------------------------------------------
Beldrin sighs and bites on his lower lip for a couple of seconds, before allowing his shoulders to slump in apparent defeat.  "As you know already, my name is Beldrin.  The woman, I know her as Kaila, not Cylla by the way, intercepted a courier who was carrying those papers to me.  I tracked her down and tried to retrieve the pouch, but my effort was interrupted by the untimely arrival of this man and his companion.  My intention had been to forward the papers to my master, who is an Amberite."
"When my men first captured Kaila I removed a certain item  from her, which I dropped in the confusion of the sudden interruption.  I went back to try and find the thing, hoping it would give me a clue to her employer.  While I was searching for it I was forced to flee again by the arrival of somebody breaking in to the shop."
He looks around with a frown, "I'd wager that was you people interrupting my plans again."

===========================================================
Re: Part 6 - The cube by Duncan
-----------------------------------------------------------
"You would have uss believe dhat you are workink for Amber too?" Duncan shakes his head in disbelief.   This matter is becoming more and more complex.

===========================================================
Re: Part 6 - The cube by Cyan
-----------------------------------------------------------
"I would be more curious to know exactly who your Amberite employer might be."  Cyan leans back, her eyes dark sapphires.  "Please, enlighten us."

===========================================================
Re: Part 6 - The cube by Beldrin (NPC)
-----------------------------------------------------------
"I suppose all you offer in return is my life?  Very well, since you could easily find out after killing me anyway...  May I?" Beldrin taps one finger against the leather pouch strapped to his belt.  When Cyan gives a small nod he carefully opens the flap of the pouch, reaches two fingers into one section of it, and pulls out a single card.
The card shows an image of a man, handsome and dark-haired, with a neatly-trimmed moustache.  He is clad all in green and black.
"This is my employer, Prince Caine of Amber."

===========================================================
Re: Part 6 - The cube by Kendall
-----------------------------------------------------------
"May I see that? Thank you." Kendall takes a deep breath and checks the card.
"Genuine, functional, and done by a Master Artisan. I want to meet this artist." Kendall shrugs and hands the card back to Cyan. "If we believe him, its genuine.  If we don't, it is genuine and stolen." Kendall looks to Beldrin and smiles, "Nothing personal, just an option to be kept open."

Turning back to the group, "We could contact our patrons and ask them to contact this Prince to confirm this one's story.  That determines if you guys get to take your frustration out upon him."

Kendall reaches into the sidepouch and slips out the two Amberite cards that appeared in Greer.  Fanning them out for the group to see, but not Beldrin, "Who wants to make the collect call?"

===========================================================
Re: Part 6 - The cube by Ares
-----------------------------------------------------------
Ares groans at the mention of Caine's name. "Damn those stupid royals and their secrets!  They just don't trust each other enough to share information outside their own little cliques.  Caine will maybe have told two, or at most three, of his brothers and sisters that he has an agent out here, and nobody will have thought to let Random know."
"Amber nearly fell in the war against the Courts because they were too busy trying to betray each other to put up a reasonable defence.  How can you run a kingdom like that?"
"Ah, a thought just struck me.  What do you know of this tale that the king here was murdered by a prince of Amber?"

===========================================================
Re: Part 6 - The cube by Cyan
-----------------------------------------------------------
Cyan's head is beginning to hurt.  She doesn't like all of the intrigue - it annoys and frustrates her.  Taking the card back from Kendall, she nods.  "Oh, it is a palanquet, no doubt.  The style is superior to my own work.  As for him...."  Reaching out, ruby eyes flashing, she taps Beldrin on the back of the hand.  "The card is not the only palanquet you have.  An interesting trick - I never thought to tattoo one on myself."  Her words are a warning to the others - the man has another trump - one they cannot remove from him without serious consequences.

She waits to see if someone else takes up the offer to contact the people for whom she has agreed to do this, or if Beldrin answers the question Ares puts forth.  Right now, she's feeling rather disgusted with the whole affair.

Berd, from his perch, croons sympathetically, a burning golden light in his eyes.

===========================================================
Re: Part 6 - The cube by Kalika Wolfblade
-----------------------------------------------------------
Kali, still crouching motionless outside, takes action.  In one fluid, seamless motion she is on her feet and running towards the house.  She enters the door, mentally recalling Hunter to her side. Together, wolf and woman enter the house. She charges up the stairs, still moving quickly, her feet making quiet thuds as she surges up the stairs with Hunter.

She soon comes upon the rest of the group and their captive.  Her yellow eyes are shining in the candlelight, strands of her silver hair flowing from her face after the sprint.  Her chest is barely heaving after the run, and she stands easily before them, one calloused hand settling on the hilt of her sword in warning.

"Sorry to break up the party, but we have company.  About a dozen men, they stink of leather and are armored... nothing else makes that much noise" she says disdainfully "Anyways, they're only about 60 feet away, getting closer each second" her eyes dart from each face "To avoid a confrontation we'll need to leave soon"

===========================================================
Re: Part 6 - The cube by Cyan
-----------------------------------------------------------
"Trouble!"  Cyan's eyes clear to shimmering diamond for an instant, and her headache disappears.  This, this she understands.  "All right.  Best that we leave at once.  Perhaps through the other entrance?  Berd, if you would?  Beldin, we request your presence with us."

Berd warbles and shoots down the hall, out an open window at the end facing the entrance of the house the majority of the group came through (ie, the OTHER entrance).  With faintly glowing eyes he scans the streets to see if they are being herded, or the house surrounded.

A slight wind picks up, making archery somewhat problematic.

===========================================================
Re: Part 6 - The cube by Beldrin (NPC)
-----------------------------------------------------------
"Wait, they aren't coming here.  There have been increased Watch patrols in the streets since the King's murder.  They come past here about every hour at night now."
Beldrin looks at Ares, "Caine tells me that Bleys has been laid up after some sort of accident, so it obviously wasn't him who was the assassin.  Mind you, the locals don't know that, so I'd prefer it if they didn't find out I'm working for Amber."

===========================================================
Re: Part 6 - The cube by Kalika Wolfblade
-----------------------------------------------------------
Kali's eyes shot to Beldrin and she watches him suspiciously.

"Patrol or no patrol, those men create a liability... especially if our guest decides to seek aid in an escape" Kali's eyes stay on Beldrin's for another moment before addressing Cyan and Ares "I think we should continue this conversation in a more secure location. Which shouldn't be a problem" she regards Beldrin archly, despite the difference in their height "if you aren't planning an untimely escape"

===========================================================
Re: Part 6 - The cube by Beldrin (NPC)
-----------------------------------------------------------
"Well, if you're going to insist... at least let me get a cloak on the way out, the night air is chilly at this time of year."  He sighs, then holds his tattooed hand up in front of Cyan so that she can see the design clearly.  It appears to be no more than an complex abstract pattern of lines and curves.
"As for this, it is just an escape route.  It will bring me back to this very room if I so choose.  If you study it for a moment you will see that is true."
Regardless of Cyan's answer, Beldrin seems to be quite prepared to go with the group, after all he does have a built-in escape route...

===========================================================
Re: Part 6 - The cube by Kendall
-----------------------------------------------------------
We can stay here, stay nearbye, or I have dozens of safe places I can take us too." Kendall smiles and shrugs," I have a preference for Tahiti, but any kind of destination would be okay. So what is the consensus?"

===========================================================
Re: Part 6 - The cube by Cyan
-----------------------------------------------------------
Cyan shrugs.  "There are many places to which we may escape...and yet, I prefer to do things the simple way, before adding complexity to muddle the issue.  What say you, Gentlemen," she asks, turning to Duncan and Ares.  "Do we leave by Palanquet card, or on foot?  Either way, it is certain we can return, if necessary."

Berd flies back from the window and takes his customary perch on her shoulder.

===========================================================
Re: Part 6 - The cube by Ares
-----------------------------------------------------------
"The card would be best, less chance that anybody could follow.  We need somewhere safe, so that we can spend a little time thinking about this situation.  See if we can work out exactly who's telling the truth and who's lying to us."
He smiles at Cyan, "As usual where the Royal Family of Amber are concerned, not everything is as clear-cut as they would have people believe."

===========================================================
Re: Part 6 - The cube by Duncan
-----------------------------------------------------------
"Dhen let uss get it done quickly.  Do you have a destination in mind?"  Duncan just wants to find out what is going on.  If Beldrin's version of events is true, then why would the woman Cylla (or Kaila) still want them to take the papers to Amber?
And what was the connection to the regicide here in Cadinigart?

===========================================================
Re: Part 6 - The cube by Kendall
-----------------------------------------------------------
Kendall smiled and brushed some hair out off Kendall's face.  Kendall pocketed all the various trumps that were out and shuffled them one handed into Greer, Kendall's deck.  With a magician's florish, Kendall slipped a single card out of the deck and held it up.  Those that looked carefully, could almost see the shimmer of the water move.  With a deep breath, Kendall focused on the card, and opened a gateway in the doorway of the room to a tropical beach and motioned for everyone to move through.

"I think... I have... enough sunscreen... for... everyone."


The portal opens out to a resort area of Taheti. It is tropical, warm, and vaguely jungle like.  There will be very few people about and a few mannequin like clockework servants to serve everyone.  Kendall has a place not too far from this portal location.

===========================================================
Re: Part 6 - The cube by Ares
-----------------------------------------------------------
Ares laughs and walks towards the portal, guiding Beldrin by one elbow, "It doesn't look to me as though you'll be needing that cloak there, my friend.  Step lively now, but let the ladies go first like a real gentleman."
He breathes deeply, almost able to smell the sea salt in the air of the room.

===========================================================
Re: Part 6 - The cube by Cyan
-----------------------------------------------------------
Cyan smiles at Ares.  "I am hardly a lady, but thank you for the sentiments."  She slips through, glancing around with ametheyst at the area in which she finds herself.  "It is very...humid," she notes, as Berd rises up on her shoulder and fans her with his wings.  "Will we be noticed in our clothing?"

It's been her experience, learned the hard way, that different layers of reality have different dress codes.

===========================================================
Re: Part 6 - The cube by Dworkin (GM)
-----------------------------------------------------------
The beach stretches out in both directions, curving around a bay of clear water beneath an equally clear azure sky.  The sun beats down on the sand, slightly smaller and whiter than most of the group have seen.  Strange bird(?) calls sound from the forest of palms and tree ferns which backs the shore, and there are flashes of colour like living gemstones soaring through the shade beneath the canopy.
Along the sand a little way stands a house, built of wood and brilliant white tiles shining in the sunlight.  On the veranda a cluster of strange mechanical contrivances whir into life as Kendall follows the others onto the beach.  They roll back into the darkness of the house before reappearing with various goblets and pitchers, which they start to lay out on a table upon the veranda.

===========================================================
Re: Part 6 - The cube by Kendall
-----------------------------------------------------------
"I love this place, Kendall says. Taking a deep breath, Kendall lets it out slowly. "It is so peaceful." Pointing, "That is the local cantina for the visitors.  Since the 'servants' were 'sleeping', it means nobody is around. Not that there are ever very many people here."  "They", pointing at the servants- the blank faced oddly moving folk- "are almost annoyingly attentive. Lets head for the cantina, before they come down the beach to us. "

Kendall begins the march up the beach towards the cantina. "If we stay her for too long, I have a place for us a bit up the beach. I have local clothing, such that it is, for all of you." Kendall held both hands out to show off the world, "This is what passes for the 'bitter winter' here." Smiling, Kendall added, "The local clothing is practically nothing to nothing at all."

A squeeky music filters out to the veranda. After taking a drink with a tiny parisol from a servant, Kendall moved around the table to take a seat. Kendall motioned to the others to do so.  "Now, where were we?"

[[The Shadows has a Steam Punk flair. The servants are radium powered, steam motivated, nominally self aware, clockwork automotons. They can speak, but don't often. They have minimum human appearing details.  They move like a spastic C3PO. Just so we are all on the same page..]]

===========================================================
Re: Part 6 - The cube by Cyan
-----------------------------------------------------------
"This is bitter winter?"  Cyan's eyebrows raise over sapphire eyes.  "Nothing to...nothing at all?  Ah...that will be of no issue.  I will keep the clothing I have, thank you.  Berd, if you would...?"

With a fanged grin, the little dragon lies down on her shoulder.  The heat in the air around her slowly begins to drop as he leeches it away.  The dragon and woman both sigh with comfort.

"I find your world passing strange, Sir Kendall.  I fear it is much too hot and humid for my tastes, but needs must."  She leans against the railing, much more comfortable now that the temperature around her has dropped,

"Now.  Sir Beldin.  Perhaps you might reiterate your story in greater detail?"

===========================================================
Re: Part 6 - The cube by Beldrin (NPC)
-----------------------------------------------------------
"There is little more to tell.  I am a servant, an agent if you will of Prince Caine of Amber.  A courier was bringing a pouch of documents to me from a source I had in a Shadow near Cadiniagart.  Kaila, Cylla if you will, ambushed him and took the pouch, and I hired a couple of local ruffians to help me, since I was unsure of her capabilities."
Beldrin sips one of the drinks, and smiles at Kendall, Excellent, very refreshing... "
"Well... we cornered her, but she fought back, and the thugs killed her before I could stop them.  As she fell she took a... an item from her sash, and I took it from her before she could use it, since I wasn't sure what it was."
"Then we were interrupted, and in my haste to depart I lost everything.  I had intended to pass the pouch on to Caine myself, but you people stopped me doing that, and I dropped the object somewhere in the shop.  I used my tattoo to escape to my home."
"Then I went back hoping to find the object that I'd dropped, and again I was interrupted.  Then you came and captured me."
"And that's it... "

===========================================================
Re: Part 6 - The cube by Ares
-----------------------------------------------------------
"But the woman asked my companions to ensure that the pouch was delivered to Amber.  The thing that puzzles me is that she told us that she worked for... a particular Prince, but he denies all knowledge of anybody called Cylla.  So why, if she went to the trouble of preventing the pouch reaching Amber via you, did she then want to deliver it to Amber via us?"

===========================================================
Re: Part 6 - The cube by Beldrin (NPC)
-----------------------------------------------------------
"Wait!  You're telling me you delivered it to Amber?  Or... at least... you were asked to?" Beldrin seems stunned by this revelation and covers his eyes with one hand for a moment before pinching the bridge of his nose between thumb and forefinger.
Finally he says, "Put that with the murder of the king of Cadiniagart... made to look as though an Amberite was responsible...  The only thing I can think is that somebody is playing a very dangerous game."

===========================================================
Re: Part 6 - The cube by Kalika Wolfblade
-----------------------------------------------------------
Kali stepped through the portal into the hot steamy land.  Instantly Hunter began panting, irritated by the heat.  Kali too began to sweat, rivlets running down her forehead and staining her clothing.  She sighed.  Just their luck that the "safe place" had to be some terrible tropical hell hole. Her yellow eyes focus on the white sands and clear blue water and she snorted in disgust.  The vast kochinas of Chunchee were vicious rolling waters that were filled with deadly creatures.  This... this was little more than an oversized puddle! A weak land she sent to Hunter.

The questioning of Beldrin continued and Kali soon found herself fighting off boredom.  The heat was really getting to her, and the moving metal things were starting to unnerve her.  For sanity's sake she joined in the conversation.

"If you work for Caine, then who did this Cylla woman work for?" she looks to the others "Do we know who killed the king of Cardingart?"

===========================================================
Re: Part 6 - The cube by Ares
-----------------------------------------------------------
"We were told it was Bleys, one of the Princes of Amber, but that now looks extremely unlikely.  More importantly, is the murder connected to the pouch in some way?"  Turning back to Beldrin, "What were you looking for when you returned to the shop?"

===========================================================
Re: Part 6 - The cube by Beldrin (NPC)
-----------------------------------------------------------
"I'll offer you a trade.  Tell me what you did with the documents, and I'll tell you what I was looking for.  Information for information, what do you say?"
Beldrin smiles, trying to look friendly in spite of his situation.

===========================================================
Re: Part 6 - The cube by Kendall
-----------------------------------------------------------
Kendall smiled and took another of the non alcholic punches from a servant.

That smile concealed the thought that... "we could always stick him someplace he can't get out of ... maybe by locking his arm.... if we tell him and don't want him to tell anyone else."  Kendall signalled a servant for a plate of Tapias (finger foods). The others might not be hungry, but it was currently Lunch time by Kendall's biologic clock.

===========================================================
Re: Part 6 - The cube by Cyan
-----------------------------------------------------------
"No more games!"  Berd dances on Cyan's shoulder, wings fanning the air in alarm, as, fed up, the woman stalks up to Beldin.  If she had a tail, it would be lashing - not with anger at Beldin, but frustration with the entire situation.  "Is this the object for which you were searching?"  Glaring down at him with burning amythest eyes, she produces the cube like a conjurer, making it disappear in much the same fashion.

Berd frowns in annoyance, several glittering teeth, like tiny shards of crystal, showing in his lips.  He hums soothingly at Cyan, and wraps his tail around her neck gently.  Unfortunately, she ignores him.

"As for the documents," she continues, turning to face the others, "Just tell him!  What does it matter?"  At all times, Berd keeps a close eye on Beldin, making sure Cyan keeps just out of his reach.

===========================================================
Re: Part 6 - The cube by Beldrin (NPC)
-----------------------------------------------------------
Beldrin blinks at the blindingly fast appearance and disappearance of the artifact.  Then hesitantly admits, "Yes... that was it, I think.  I don't remember it being quite that size.  I thought it might give me a clue to Kaila's patron.  I know what it is, but I've never seen one like that before, six images on a cube."

===========================================================
Re: Part 6 - The cube by Kendall
-----------------------------------------------------------
Kendall groaned nearly silently while pinching the bridge of "her" nose.  (Actually you see her try to adjust it kinetically). Once that is done, Kendall takes three deep calming breaths. Clearly, Kendall says, "Why don't you tell us what you know about it, then we will talk about some other things." Kendall turns from Beldrin to Cyan. Kendall shoots Cyan a "shut up" sort of look to her.

===========================================================
Re: Part 6 - The cube by Cyan
-----------------------------------------------------------
Cyan glances back at Kendell for a moment with one eyebrow cocked.  Shut up?  Spinning away in disgust, she throws her hands up in the air.  "Fine.  Play your games, if you must."  Stalking to the railing, she stares out at the ocean moodily, with Berd trilling calming notes on her shoulder.  Drawing out a handkerchief, she wipes her forehead in annoyance.

===========================================================
Re: Part 6 - The cube by Kendall
-----------------------------------------------------------
Kendall leans forward towards Beldrin, ingnoring Cyans childish outburst, "As I was saying, Why don't you tell us what you know about it. Then let us discuss your mission for your employer, and what you know about the woman you killed. And please, don't hold back with anything, because it would appear we are all on the same side and it would make some of us quite cross if you here hiding something from us."

===========================================================
Re: Part 6 - The cube by Beldrin (NPC)
-----------------------------------------------------------
"I assume you know what a Trump is, from the way you brought us here.  I am almost certain that the cube is one, or rather six of them, all arranged as a single piece presumably for easier use."
"As for my mission, all I can tell you is that Caine, like all the others, has various trusted agents in the Shadows close to Amber, Cadiniagart being one of them."
He pauses for breath before continuing. "Kaila...  Well I tracked her after she stole the pouch from a courier who was fetching it to me.  I was shocked when she actually almost arrived on my doorstep, but just put it down to good luck.  With the death of the king, I'm not so sure now that it was coincidence.  She was stabbed during her struggles with the two fools I hired, and she was the owner of the six-faced Trump."

===========================================================
Re: Part 6 - The cube by Kendall
-----------------------------------------------------------
"Do you know where such a trump item would be made?"

"Also, How did you know about her?"

===========================================================
Re: Part 6 - The cube by Beldrin (NPC)
-----------------------------------------------------------
"I thought it was from the Courts, but then I thought Kaila was too, now I'm not so sure... " Beldrin looks severely depressed now that his neat little Chaos theory is falling apart before his eyes.
"The courier alerted me to the fact that he'd been robbed, so I... borrowed... a creature that would be able to find the thief.  I intended to follow her through Shadow, but before I could even set out, my tracker informed me that the thief had come to me instead.  I found her and dismissed the beast."
"After the pouch was taken from me, I made some enquiries and found her true name."

===========================================================
Re: Part 6 - The cube by Duncan
-----------------------------------------------------------
"Dhis is gettink more confusink by dhe minute.  So if Cylla iss not workink for Amber, and not workink for dhe Courts.... shen who wass she workink for?"   Duncan scratches at his cheek, a puzzled frown creasing his brow.

===========================================================
Re: Part 6 - The cube by Ares
-----------------------------------------------------------
Ares chuckles at Duncan's confusion.  "It's always the same when Oberon's lot get involved in anything.  They never tell each other anything, so they often end up working at crossed purposes.  It's possible that this is all the result of a mix-up.  Maybe two of them are trying to hit the same target from different directions."

===========================================================
Re: Part 6 - The cube by Cyan
-----------------------------------------------------------
"I suggest we return to Prince Julian, and attempt to straighten this out.  He should know what we have discovered thus far, at least.  And perhaps Princess Fiona may be able to decipher our little find," Cyan notes, still staring out at the ocean.  "I feel that would be our best start.  Perhaps then we may contact an ambassador from the Courts?  Is there not one at the Royal Palace of Amber?"

===========================================================
Re: Part 6 - The cube by Kendall
-----------------------------------------------------------
"If we are heading back towards the Golden Circle and walking to Amber, let me gate us back to the City." "Here," showing off the world around Kendall, "is really, really, really, far away from there."

A servant comes up with a small platter of appetizers. "Can we wait until I eat something first.  This little adventure caught me before Lunch and Breakfast."  After taking a few of the rice and fish bits, Kendall ask, "Does anyone else want some?"

===========================================================
Re: Part 6 - The cube by Cyan
-----------------------------------------------------------
"Small wonder you are always hungry," Cyan notes.  "I expect those gates take a great deal of energy.  We could simply link hands and use the Palanquet itself - it would be easier on you.  But using the cards is certainly a better idea than walking."

She continues to gaze out at the sea, while Berd stares hungrily at the finger food.  "Thank you, no.  This heat...."  Fanning herself, she pats Berd on the head.  "If you wish to, go."

Berd chimes musically, and settles back, once again beginning to draw the heat from the air around his friend.

===========================================================
Re: Part 6 - The cube by Ares
-----------------------------------------------------------
"Cyan, can I have a word with you? a moment only of your time?"  Ares walks away from the rest, down the beach towards the water, standing with his back to the group he stares out to sea, and (assuming Cyan joins him) speaks to her in a tone that doesn't carry back to their ears.

===========================================================
Re: Part 6 - The cube by Kendall
-----------------------------------------------------------
Kendall dabbed the corners of Kendall's mouth with a napkin. "Not to be a pain, but you really dodged the question of your mission." With a big and playful smile, Kendall continued, "As we could easily arrange for a very difficult to trace "missing", I would be soooooo interested in hearing more about that... since we are all on the same side after all. "  Kendall looked at Beldrin expectantly, with that exact same smile which now looked vastly less friendly in context.

===========================================================
Re: Part 6 - The cube by Cyan
-----------------------------------------------------------
Cyan stands much as Ares, her back to the group from habit.  She surveys the ocean thoughtfully, her sapphire eyes reflecting the azure waves perfectly.

===========================================================
Re: Part 6 - The cube by Ares
-----------------------------------------------------------
Ares runs a hand through his hair, and lets out a long breath.

===========================================================
Re: Part 6 - The cube by Beldrin (NPC)
-----------------------------------------------------------
"My mission?  Well, without going into too much detail you understand, the lords and ladies of Amber take a certain degree of wholly-understandable interest in their closer neighbours.  Especially those which aspire to Golden Circle places."
"Cadiniagart is just such a place, and I was to act as Caine's eyes, and hands if appropriate, in the city." Beldrin gives a small, humourless smile, "Truth be told, I'd wager that with Cadiniagart so close to joining the Circle, there'd scarcely be a person in the city who wasn't working for some outside interest."

===========================================================
Re: Part 6 - The cube by Cyan
-----------------------------------------------------------
Cyan rocks back and forth on her feet (keeping her balance centered despite the movement) and stares out over the blinding waters.  Berd hops off of her shoulders and begins to scratch at the sand in boredom.  Still, he glances up at Ares from time to time with a considering look in his glittering eyes, as opposed to the former vaguely annoyed one.

She gives a little bow towards Ares.

===========================================================
Re: Part 6 - The cube by Kendall
-----------------------------------------------------------
To Beldin, "Being new to this particular game, what other players could there be, beside the various Amber Royals?"

===========================================================
Re: Part 6 - The cube by Ares
-----------------------------------------------------------
Ares looks at his feet and starts to mark out lines in the sand with the tip of his boot.

===========================================================
Re: Part 6 - The cube by Beldrin (NPC)
-----------------------------------------------------------
"Hard to say... apart from Amber, the Courts might have an interest in spoiling things.  That's who I thought the woman was working for.  And yourselves for that matter, after you interfered in my business.  Beyond that... who knows?  Shadow is big.  Anything could be out there."  Beldrin gives a wry chuckle before continuing.
"I've even heard rumours that Brand is still alive somewhere in a Shadow near the Abyss.  Who can say?"

===========================================================
Re: Part 6 - The cube by Kalika Wolfblade
-----------------------------------------------------------
Kali sighs quite audibly and rudely.  Her clothing is a lost cause... completely soaked in sweet and her hair, usually a straigt curtain of silver, was kinking and puffing out from her head in the hunid climate.

"Leaving was mentioned... how soon do we go?" she asks impatiently, sweat making her face shine in the bright light.

===========================================================
Re: Part 6 - The cube by Dworkin (GM)
-----------------------------------------------------------
On the beach where oddly formed blue and pink crabs scuttle across the sand, and Ares and Cyan are discussing something privately, the shadows are growing longer as the too-bright sun slides down towards late afternoon.  The waves gleam like liquid flame as a cooling breeze starts to blow in from the sea, growing stronger as the sun moves lower.
On the veranda Kendall continues his questioning of Beldrin who, having realised that he is trapped, is keen to cooperate.
Kalika stands sweating in the heat, unused to it as she is and lacking the means to cool herself down.  Hunter lays at her feet, panting.
Somewhere in the jungle a bird starts calling, signalling to a mate or a rival in an oddly metallic monotone which sounds like a gong being rung repeatedly.

===========================================================
Re: Part 6 - The cube by Duncan
-----------------------------------------------------------
Duncan glances at Kalika, and nods his head in agreement.  He too is uncomfortable in the heat, and the drinks are doing nothing to refresh him.  "Aye, it iss too hot here.  We should be gettink ready to leave, and soon!"

===========================================================
Re: Part 6 - The cube by Cyan
-----------------------------------------------------------
Cyan seems to shrug against the backdrop of the sun.  Berd is a dark shadow on her sillohette's shoulder.

===========================================================
Re: Part 6 - The cube by Kendall
-----------------------------------------------------------
Kendall makes a casual gesture towards the water, "You two should go take a swim. The water is warm and sweet, but much cooler than the air.  We will leave when they "point at Ares and Cyan, "come back and we can form up a plan." Kendall patted Beldrin's hand, "He and I will stay here and wait for you. "

===========================================================
Re: Part 6 - The cube by Ares
-----------------------------------------------------------
Ares nods, and then starts to scrub out the markings on the beach with his boot, pausing only to flick some sand at a passing crab with his toe.  "Maybe somebody else could take it, while you contact our patron.  That way if somebody is watching, they would be less able to eavesdrop."

===========================================================
Re: Part 6 - The cube by Cyan
-----------------------------------------------------------
"Certainly," Cyan says.  "Perhaps we should find out what has been decided?"  She waves Ares back towards the group.

===========================================================
Re: Part 6 - The cube by Kalika Wolfblade
-----------------------------------------------------------
Kali scoffs at the idea of swimming... as cooling as the waters look. She looks away in disdain.

"Swim?" she repeats with a clipped laugh. She shakes her head and Hunter groans at her feet.

Exasperated, Kali flops down on one of the stools, her longsword thudding against the neighboring stool. She crosses her dimunitive arms and rests her head face down in them, her long silver hair frizzing out around her.  She is mumbling ever so slightly, but the words are foreign to those that hear.  Hunter is lying in the shady sand and rolls his lupine eyes at his mistress's back before lying his own head down onthe slightly cool sand with a tired sounding *whuff*.

===========================================================
Re: Part 6 - The cube by Ares
-----------------------------------------------------------
Ares returns to the main group with Cyan, listening to the latest developments with interest.  "Cyan and I think there may be another problem to worry about too."

===========================================================
Re: Part 6 - The cube by Kendall
-----------------------------------------------------------
"We still need a general plan And what, pray tell, would those additional issues be?" With a casual finger, Kendall points towards Beldrin, "and should we be discussing these things now?"

===========================================================
Re: Part 6 - The cube by Cyan
-----------------------------------------------------------
Cyan shrugs.  "I see no reason not to do so.  Either he is telling the truth, and thus should be informed of them, or he lies, and thus already knows of them.  But if you wish, by all means, sequester him."

Berd stares at Beldin suspiciously, then goes back to sleep.

===========================================================
Re: Part 6 - The cube by Duncan
-----------------------------------------------------------
"Why do I not find it surprisink dhat dhere are more problemss for uss?" Duncan scowls at Ares and Cyan, wondering what they have found out now.
For the first time, but likely not the last, he regrets encountering Cylla, and getting involved in this entire messy business.  He scratches his cheek and asks, "What iss it dhis time?"

===========================================================
Re: Part 6 - The cube by Kendall
-----------------------------------------------------------
Kendall whispers something to one of the clockwork servants. Several of them cluster around the table.  Kendall turns to Beldrin and says, "I'm sorry, but it is your birthday."  A few moments later, several of them come towards the table and litterally jump at Beldrin, covering his head with a small black velvet sack and two on either side of him holding him down to his chair, immobilizing him.  The Automons begins to sing, "*click* hap-py--birrrrrrth-day.. *click* hap-py--birrrrrrth-day..toooOOOOooo-you."

Kendall smiles and leads the group into the cantina proper. "They will hold him there and sing happy birthday to him until the cake is ready.  I figure we have about 45 minutes, ahhhh a candle mark or so, minimum."  Kendall cups a hand over an ear, and listens to the clockwork servants still singing (badly) to him.  Kendall shakes Kendall's head, "We should of just killed him. That is going to be torture."

"So what is your concerns and what is our plan?"

===========================================================
Re: Part 6 - The cube by Beldrin (NPC)
-----------------------------------------------------------
Beldrin struggles ineffectually as the automatons hold him down and sing to him.  His voice can faintly be heard above theirs, muffled by the bag, as he attempts to protest that it is NOT his birthday.
He is, unfortunately, ignored.  The servants understand that people are sometimes embarrassed to admit it's their birthday and don't like anybody to make a fuss...

===========================================================
Re: Part 6 - The cube by Cyan
-----------------------------------------------------------
"Plan?"  Cyan shrugs.  "As for concerns, the cube is growing.  Not much.  Yet.  But I believe this is some cause for worry?"  She sighs.  "Bringing it back to Amber may be a very poor idea, given that fact."

She pauses.

"For pity's sake, let the poor man out.  Not only are you keeping him sequestered, you are humiliating him at the same time.  Surely there is a better way?  If you absolutely MUST keep him aside, Berd can provide."  Her voice is mixed exasperation and disgust at the display.  If this goes on much longer, ally or foe, Beldin will never forgive us.

===========================================================
Re: Part 6 - The cube by Kalika Wolfblade
-----------------------------------------------------------
When the clanking servants begin a hideous rendition of a totally unfamiliar song, Kali jumps up from her seat, hand on her sword hilt, a feral growl emanating from her throat.  Her sharp yellow eyes take in the situation quickly and she sighs.  The others procede to the cantina but Kali stays with Beldrin, watching the strange machines constrain the man and wondering what the hell all of the fuss is about.  She looks out at the end of the beach... and the tropical forest that lie there.  So different than her homeland... there was probably truly beautiful flowers out there. She calls out to the others in a loud voice as she still hasn't followed them into the main area of the cantina.

"How much longer will we be???"

===========================================================
Re: Part 6 - The cube by Kendall
-----------------------------------------------------------
"He is made of stern stuff, he will survive.  If not, maybe he will crack and tell us everything we want to know."

"So, what you are saying is that you have no plan?"  Kendall ran a hand casually through the long red hair.  "Oy."  "Okay. A couple of things..."
Holding up one finger, "...Are we going to Amber?"
Holding up a second finger, "...Who are we going to talk to when there, if we go."
Holding up a third finger, "What are we going to tell them?"
Holding up a forth finger, "Are we going to let them know about Beldrin?"
Holding up a thumb, "Are we going to show them the cube?"
"And sixth," holding up a fist and a finger, "If we are not taking the cube, where are we going to stash it so we can get back to it, but no one else can get to iy?"
Kendall took a deep breath having done all the previous in a single breath.  Kendall eyed the others expectantly.

===========================================================
Re: Part 6 - The cube by Cyan
-----------------------------------------------------------
"It should not be long," Cyan says quietly to Kalika.  Then she turns back to Kendall.
"I would assume, from your tone, that you find the fact that I currently have no plan to be...somewhat less than impressive.  Very well.  I will attempt o answer your questions, as best I might."

Berd, lazily stretches out two paws and begins opening up tiny, razor sharp claws as Cyan speaks, in time with her points.

"One.  Not with this, I think.  Two.  I would suspect we should speak to Prince Julian and Princess Fiona, those of us who go.  After all, it is they who have asked this task of us."  She eyes Kendall.  "Well, some of us, in any case.  You are not bound to the same task.  Three.  I suggest we tell them everything we have learned.  Why would we not?  To suspect everyone and everything is counterproductive.  There comes a time when you must trust.  Four.  I would think we should let them know about Beldrin - he is as much a part of this as anything else, and may prove to be they cipher.  Sixth, some of us should go to Amber, while others remain outside, to guard this and stay with Beldin.  I happily volunteer to do that."  She gives the group a broad smile.  "It might be dangerous, but I believe I can safeguard the device.  Perhaps Kalika might accompany me."

Pausing, she turns to stare at Beldin.  "As for him being made of stern stuff, this is an assault on his dignity that may not be forgiven.  Should he be what he claims, we will have committed a grevious harm against a possible friend...possible friend no longer.  If you do not mind, there is an easier solution.  Berd?"

Berd slowly rises up on his hind legs and sniffs the air.  Abruptly, his crystiline eyes flash.

===========================================================
Re: Part 6 - The cube by Dworkin (GM)
-----------------------------------------------------------
Berd sniffs the air, and favours Cyan with a trilling note, then turns his head towards the ongoing birthday party.  The automatons stop singing, remove the bag from Beldrin's head, and turn the man's chair to face away from the group.  "You... *click* will not...*tick* peep at your... *whirrrrrr* friends, or... or... or... *snick* we will sing... *tock* again, and you..."
As the servant speaks, the sound of it's voice grows fainter, duller, muffled, finally fading to nothing.  Meanwhile the air shimmers in a bubble surrounding Beldrin and the automaton and finally seems to become almost crystaline in appearance.
The little drake snorts, his face looking distinctly smug, as he settles once more on Cyan's shoulder.

===========================================================
Re: Part 6 - The cube by Ares
-----------------------------------------------------------
Ares arches an eyebrow, and regards Berd with interest, then says to Cyan, "Your little friend seems to be quite useful to have about.  He has demonstrated some quite remarkable abilities.  Where did you find him?  Do you know if he is full grown, or is he going to become more powerful?"

===========================================================
Re: Part 6 - The cube by Cyan
-----------------------------------------------------------
Cyan glances at Ares.  "Berd can be quite...difficult," she says, touching him on the head to make sure he knows she is joking, "but he is my friend.  My guide through the realms.  My teacher.  I did not find him - he found me.  As to whether he is full grown, I have no idea.  We have never discussed that, ourselves."  She grins.  "He continues to surprise me."

There's a distinct look of fond amusement in Berd's eyes as he looks down at Cyan from his perch atop her shoulder, then the little dragon turns his gaze on Ares.  Berd cocks an eyeridge in an unmistakeable expression - that's for me to know, and you to find out.

It's plain he understands exactly what is going on around him, probably more than Cyan herself.

Abruptly he flutters off Cyan's shoulder and hovers in the air before Ares.  Staring at Ares intently, he carefully meets the man's eyes.

===========================================================
Re: Part 6 - The cube by Ares
-----------------------------------------------------------
Ares eyes go wide in shock as the small dragon hovers before him, slowly he reaches out his right hand towards the creature which stares into his eyes, and a smile appears on his lips.

===========================================================
Re: Part 6 - The cube by Berd
-----------------------------------------------------------
Berd's eyes shine with amusement and he lands on Ares' hand.

With the contact comes...contact.

===========================================================
Re: Part 6 - The cube by Ares
-----------------------------------------------------------
As the dragon alights on his hand, Ares' smile becomes wider, becoming a grin, and he attempts to suppress a chuckle, but fails, and soon he is laughing so hard that tears stream down his face.
Finally he manages to get his mirth back under control and says, "He approves of me, Cyan.  He says he is pleased that you and I have become more friendly.  Tell me, when he speaks to you, do you feel as if you are a mere baby being addressed by an adult?  Or is that something he reserves for me?  No wait, I should ask him I suppose, to be polite.  Berd, how old are you?"

===========================================================
Re: Part 6 - The cube by Cyan
-----------------------------------------------------------
"Pfft."  Cyan grins, topaz eyes full of amusement.  "Berd merely likes to put on airs...."  Her expression grows more serious.  "I may joke with him, and insult him, and he does deserve it, but he is far more than he appears."

===========================================================
Re: Part 6 - The cube by Berd
-----------------------------------------------------------
.....

He seems to grow more serious for an instant, staring at Ares with heavy lidded, opalescent eyes.

Then his mouth splits into a needle edged but amused grin, and he launches himself back through the air to Cyan's shoulder.

A fleeting touch of contact as he goes...

===========================================================
Re: Part 6 - The cube by Duncan
-----------------------------------------------------------
Duncan gives Kalika a friendly smile, "Now, what do you suppose dhat wass about?", indicating Cylla and Ares with the small dragon flitting about between them.

===========================================================
Re: Part 6 - The cube by Kalika Wolfblade
-----------------------------------------------------------
Kali manages a weak smile at Duncan, irritated that there wouldn't be time for a jaunt into the tropical jungle around them.  Her bones were starting to ache, her attention span waning... she needed the change.

"Talking to each other it seems" she comments, recognizing the unfocused look that came to Ares's face as the same one she wore when communicating with Hunter. She shrugs in one smooth, easy motion "Who knows?"

===========================================================
Re: Part 6 - The cube by Kendall
-----------------------------------------------------------
Kendall nods to this, at least the group had a focus. "Where are you going as you hide the cube that is safe? "  After that answer, "We should get ready. Let me pay the bill. You can get Beldrin."

Kendall waunders over to a table pulls three cards and a pen out of the pouch. Kendall begins to "scrible" with the pen.  After a few minutes, Kendall hands one to an steam powered servant, one into Kendall's pouch, and hands a Kendall Tump to Cyan with a confirming nod, "I believe you can use this?"  "Great, So Lets get going. Shall I shift us back to the city, so we all know where we  started walking from?"

===========================================================
Re: Part 6 - The cube by Ares
-----------------------------------------------------------
"I think we've been away long enough that the patrol should have passed.  Let's get back to more comfortable climes."

===========================================================
Re: Part 6 - The cube by Cyan
-----------------------------------------------------------
"Hide it?"  Cyan laughs.  "Hiding it is not an option.  I will carry it.  You will simply have to do without me in Amber."  She takes the Kendall palanquot with a slight bow.  "I thank you," the fire-haired woman say solumnly, then grins.  "But you should be more careful to whom you give this," she continues, snapping the Trump around in her fingers like a conjurer and making it vanish, one-handed.

Berd rolls his eyes, and promptly wings over to the refreshment table.  Wings beating furiously, he hovers there for a moment, then snaps up several delicacies in his small, clawed paws, and flutters back to Cyan's shoulders.

"I will release our guest," she says, nodding to Ares.  "Then perhaps when we reach Caliport, Kalika can show me some of her own favourite lands?"  Berd's head, mouth full, jerks up in horror, crumbs falling as he stares at the Wolf.  Cyan laughs again and walks towards Beldin.

An instant before she reaches it, the crystal barrier seems to silently shatter into a thousand glittering shards, each slowly dissolving into mist, then gone.

Coming around to Beldin's front, she frowns down at him seriously, emerald eyes shining in the light of the setting sun.  "I apologize for the treatment, Sir Beldin.  If you could come with us?"  The 'bonds' holding him to the chair similarly vapourize.  Berd promptly goes to sleep.

===========================================================
Re: Part 6 - The cube by Beldrin (NPC)
-----------------------------------------------------------
"So are you going to take me home now?  Or... " Beldrin taps the tattoo on the back of his hand, "... shall I make my own way?"
He does not seem particularly angry with Cyan, in fact he smiles at her, although he does give Kendall a look which should kill him.

===========================================================
Re: Part 6 - The cube by Kendall
-----------------------------------------------------------
Kendall's head cocked to one side and a mischivous smile appeared, "I would think we should all stay together, as being together makes everything much safer and much more tidy, don't you think?"

===========================================================
Re: Part 6 - The cube by Cyan
-----------------------------------------------------------
Cyan grins at Beldin.  "I regret, though, that it may be necessary for you to go to Amber with the others - we will, of course, have to verify your story.  Simplicity in itself, then you may also present your points to the royalty, giving them the full picture..."  She pauses, blinking ruby eyes.  Berd snorts in disgust and goes back to sleep.  "...or as much of it as we can," she finishes, shrugging.

Which probably isn't going to be a lot.

"Think of it as an opportunity," she says to the man, with a brilliant smile.  "Now, who will be joining me?"

===========================================================
Re: Part 6 - The cube by Duncan
-----------------------------------------------------------
"I will stay with you, I do not see any need for me to go all dhe way back to Amber.  In fact, could we not all stay at Cadinagart?  You could use dhe card to speak to Julian, and he could just ass easily check dhis man's credentials for uss while we wait."   He frowns, and then adds, "Or am I misunderstandink somethink?"

===========================================================
Re: Part 6 - The cube by Beldrin (NPC)
-----------------------------------------------------------
"Well since we're going back to Cadiniagart anyway, perhaps you'll allow me to take us there.  That way I get returned to my own home?"  Beldrin smiles at Cyan again, trying to look as friendly as he can, "No tricks, I give my word."

===========================================================
Re: Part 6 - The cube by Ares
-----------------------------------------------------------
"I can see no problem with that, we would probably do best to go back to the house anyway, rather than just turning up in the street.  Knowing the Lords of Amber quite well, as I do," Ares grins, "I'd say Beldrin's tale has a feel of truth about it.  We need to confirm it of course, and I'd rather be somewhere cool to do that.  Kalika and Duncan too, I'd hazard a guess."

===========================================================
Re: Part 6 - The cube by Cyan
-----------------------------------------------------------
"Very well - to Cadinagart."  Cyan shrugs.  Wait here, wait there, it's all the same to her.  Glancing at Beldin, she gives him a narrow-eyed smile.  I know what you're up to, it seems to say, but do not forget - the jury is still out.

Berd snorts in amusement, his shimmering crystal eyes for a moment matching those of his friend.

===========================================================
Re: Part 6 - The cube by Kalika Wolfblade
-----------------------------------------------------------
Kali chuckles when Cyan asks her for a tour of her favorite lands.  She only had one favorite land... home.  She looked up at the taller woman and only smiled in response to her question. Instead she asks one of her own.

"Why won't you return to Amber Cyan?"

===========================================================
Re: Part 6 - The cube by Cyan
-----------------------------------------------------------
"There is some concern as to whether out little cube might be some kind of object meant to damage Amber.  A trap.  Perhaps a device that might do some serious damage, if brought into the presence of the royal family?"  She shrugs.  "Without further information, I feel it prudent to keep the cube from Amber for the nonce.  I have no personal reasons for not going to Amber - in fact, I was heading in that very direction when I first entered Cadingaport."  A smile spreads across her face.  "No hidden agendas, I assure you."

===========================================================
Re: Part 6 - The cube by Kalika Wolfblade
-----------------------------------------------------------
Kali nods, a quick movement signifying how quickly the matter was settled with her.

"I think the best way to discover more about the friendly cube is to start using it.  Perhaps its presence will trigger those who know more about it... and its origins and owners, in the worlds it holds portahls to" the warrioress doesn't stumble over the foreign word, but her accent is noticeably thicker.

"After return to Cadingart of course" she musters a sweet smile of Beldrin "Anywhere to get out of this hellish heat!"

===========================================================
Re: Part 6 - The cube by Kendall
-----------------------------------------------------------
Kendall pulled the wilting flower out from behind the ear. Frowning, Kendall, lays it on the table and straightens the turnic.  "Well, if we are trusting Beldrin, we should let him use the trump on his arm to get us there."

===========================================================
Re: Part 6 - The cube by Cyan
-----------------------------------------------------------
"It would be a good idea," Cyan notes happily, glad to get out of the heat.  "Unless anyone has any alternatives....Sir Beldin?  If you would?" she inquires, topaz eyes flashing in amusement.  She's been waiting to see him use one of those for a while, and prepares herself to study the flow of energies carefully.

Berd yawns, and shining eyes narrow in dissatisfaction at the mention of getting out of the heat.

===========================================================
Re: Part 6 - The cube by Beldrin (NPC)
-----------------------------------------------------------
Beldrin holds his hand up before his face, eyes tracing the outline of the abstract pattern marked across his skin.  The air around him seems to fold in upon itself, and a prismatic shimmering spreads out around the man, flowing across the folds and curves in the atmosphere.  At its core is an openining which rapidly expands to become a doorway, beyond which can be seen the interior of Beldrin's house.
"Who wants to go through first?"

===========================================================
Re: Part 6 - The cube by Kalika Wolfblade
-----------------------------------------------------------
Kali jerks her head and Hunter springs up from his place on the cool sand and jumps through the opening, landing solidly on the other side.

"See you soon" Kali says to the others with a uncharacteristic wink before following her bonded through the portal.

===========================================================
Re: Part 6 - The cube by Cyan
-----------------------------------------------------------
Cyan watches carefully and curiously as Hunter and Kallika enter.  She then shrugs, and strides through, Berd stirring back to wakefullness on her shoulder.

===========================================================
Re: Part 6 - The cube by Dworkin (GM)
-----------------------------------------------------------
Passing through the gate one by one, the agents of Amber find themselves in the welcome cool of Cadiniagart once more, standing in the hall of Beldrin's house.  All is silent, still, peaceful.
Beldrin leads them into a sitting room, nicely furnished with rich, thick-piled carpets.  As he enters, he gives Hunter a dubious look, and says to Kalika, "He won't try to get on the furniture, will he?"
Assured of Hunters good behaviour, he invites everybody to get comfortable so that they can talk.

===========================================================
Re: Part 6 - The cube by Cyan
-----------------------------------------------------------
Cyan shivers for an instant in the sudden chill, but her sapphire eyes glitter with pleasure in the dim light.  "Better."  Berd grumbles something and curls up into a tighter ball.

"Well, she says quietly, moving to the window and gazing out moodily into the street, "someone had best get in touch with Prince Julian and Princess Fiona.  You may have to go to Amber to explain this to more than they, though.  I understand the Royalty of Amber is notorious at not trusting information passed from mouth to ear several times."

===========================================================
Re: Part 6 - The cube by Kalika Wolfblade
-----------------------------------------------------------
Kali sighs in happiness as the cool, crisp air envelops her once more.  Her sweat drenched clothing clings to her body and goosebumps rise on her skin. She sighs again, this time in disgust.  This form could be so sensitive sometimes.  Hunter looks up and thumps his tail, a hopeful look in his eye.  Kali smiles at her friend.

"No, he won't get on the furniture... and neiter will I" she says.  The the outlines of her body blur, flesh and bone melting, reforming, reshaping, and then melding back together against in a silent display of change and versatility.

Where Kali once stod, a sleek silver wolf now sits.  Her fur is a beautiful silver hue, the brightness of the color waxing and waning, giving a sublte pattern to the luxurious pelt.  Hunter comes to her side and nuzzles her affectionately, his large size emphasizing her own petite size.

===========================================================
Re: Part 6 - The cube by Ares
-----------------------------------------------------------
Ares laughs as Kalika transforms into a silver-pelted she-wolf and crouches down to look into her yellow eyes, "That's a handy trick you've got there, and no mistake."
Standing, he faces Cyan, "Julian has spoken to King Random before, recently too.  I think it's safe to assume that if we contact Julian, he will be able to contact the King, who can then pass the information on to others."

===========================================================
Re: Part 6 - The cube by Cyan
-----------------------------------------------------------
"And why can you not do that?" Cyan asks Berd, staring at Kalika in bemusement.  Amazing!  Berd merely sniffs, as if to say he could if he wanted to do so.  Cyan laughs in delight at the sight of the two wolves.

Ares, however, captures her attention.  "As you wish," she says, shrugging, and turning back to look at the wolves.  "It is indeed a wonderful skill," the tall woman notes quietly, studying both animals with glittering eyes.  Perhaps the other is a shifter as well?  Something to consider!

===========================================================
Re: Part 6 - The cube by Kalika Wolfblade
-----------------------------------------------------------
Kali nuzzles Hunter back and bobs her lupine head to Ares in acknowledgment.  Her yellow eyes then focus on Berd and she yawns hugely, displaying her large fangs and other equally sharp teeth.

She then makes what sounds suspiciously like wolven laughter. Her antics complete for the moment, the silver pelted wolf's eyes focus on Beldrin, giving him all of her attention.

===========================================================
Re: Part 6 - The cube by Beldrin (NPC)
-----------------------------------------------------------
Beldrin looks around at the others, "I would guess that this is much of a surprise to all of you as to me?  He reaches out a hand to stroke the silver fur of the wolf, and stops as a thought occurs to him: Whatever her form, this is the silver-haired woman.  If she was in human form would I just stroke her hair?  Well... I might, but I'd wager she'd have to know me much better before she'd let me...
He withdraws his hand, "Sorry... I forget myself for a moment."

===========================================================
Re: Part 6 - The cube by Kendall
-----------------------------------------------------------
Kendall waved a hand in a futile circle. "Let start the contacting processed.  If we are traveling, I need just a few minutes to fix his door, before we hit the path. "

===========================================================
Re: Part 6 - The cube by Duncan
-----------------------------------------------------------
"Ares should take dhe Trump for Julian and go into anodher room.  He iss known to Julian, which might make dhe Prince eassier to contact.  Dhe rest off us should stay here, and have anodher look at dhe cube."
Duncan looks towards the two wolves, "Kalika said we might be able to use it to find out what iss happenink.  We cannot do dhat widhout knowink more about it.  We need to know what it iss, and who made it, if dhat iss possible."

===========================================================
Re: Part 6 - The cube by Kalika Wolfblade
-----------------------------------------------------------
The lupine Kali regards Beldrin seriously for a moment, her gaze alone enough to freeze his outstretched hand in mid-air.  Hunter licks his chops, eyeing the foreign man as well.  After Beldrin retreats, Kali approaches him, her delicate nose raised as she inhales his scent, shifting through the smell, cataloging it into her memory, and seeking for something familiar about it.  This brings her head very close to Beldrin, but for the moment her yellow eyes are closed as her nostrils flare with her scenting.

===========================================================
Re: Part 6 - The cube by Cyan
-----------------------------------------------------------
"Well?"  Cyan taps her foot on the ground.  "The sooner we manage to speak to the Prince, the sooner we may figure this problem out."

Berd look has changed to a more nervous one, now that Kalika has given him 'the look', and Cyan has to fight for a moment to keep him from trying to climb onto her head.  He settles for nearly throttling her with his tail while narrowing his eyes at Kalika.

"Oh, cease the act, Berd.  Nobody believes it!"  Ruby eyes flashing in annoyance, Cyan manages to get his tail unraveled.

===========================================================
Re: Part 6 - The cube by Ares
-----------------------------------------------------------
Ares takes the Trump with a small bow to Cyan, "If you will all excuse me, I will go into the next room and contact Julian.  Meanwhile you should take some time to see what you can learn about our mysterious artifact."
He goes out of the door, closing it behind him.

===========================================================
Re: Part 6 - The cube by Kendall
-----------------------------------------------------------
In these moments of relative quiet, Kendall will slip away. Kendall finds the study and the broken door.  Surveying the scene, Kendall gives a heavy sigh.  After propping up the door into the jam, Kendall pulls out Greer. Shuffling with one hand, Kendall rexamines the door. Eventually Kendall shuffles out a lone card.  Kendall looked at it and saw the last knot holding the spell in place.  Pulling out her mysterious card for this city, Kendall quickly created the spell matrix for place and inserted it into the card's spell. Then quickly pulling out the spell thread, the world was mended. The door was now, just as it was before, if not better.  After opening and closing the door a few times to check the plumb and the spacing, Kendall nodded in satisfaction.

On the way back and after rejoining the group, Kendall mentally reviews "the cube" (for lack of a better name for a 7 square sided object) in the artist's imagination.  Kendall pictured every trump, searching for clues as to style, school of art, or anything else that the trump images could reveal about its origin or location.  The seven sided cube lead to a certain metageographic location, but the artist... that would be a real clue.

===========================================================
Re: Part 6 - The cube by Duncan
-----------------------------------------------------------
With Ares out of the way, Duncan turns to Cyan, "Now, we should study dhe cube, see if we can learn more about it.  Lady Cyan, I would say dhat your friend has senses dhat we do not, maybe he should look at it too..... "

===========================================================
Re: Part 6 - The cube by Cyan
-----------------------------------------------------------
Cyan nods, and Berd perks up a bit.  Quickly she produces the cube (from where, possibly only Ares or Kalika might be able to tell).  Holding it up in front of her opalescent eyes, she examines it carefully, trying to see if anything has...changed.

Berd opens one eye into a slit.  He stares at the shimmering item with faint curiousity; curiousity that masks an abnormal wariness.

===========================================================
Re: Part 6 - The cube by Dworkin (GM)
-----------------------------------------------------------
The group gather round as Cyan holds the cube up for Berd to study.  The little dragon seems a little concerned until he realises that the thing can not possibly exist... at which point his curiosity takes over, too many sides and an aura of power.
He had seen it in the shop, but hadn't taken a good look at it.  His neck snakes out and his head weaves round it, peering it from different angles, then he looks at Cyan.

===========================================================
Re: Part 6 - The cube by Cyan
-----------------------------------------------------------
"Um."  Cyan wonders how she is going to inform the group of this.  "Berd...sees EIGHT sides.  Not seven.  And he recognizes two of them."

===========================================================
Re: Part 6 - The cube by Dworkin (GM)
-----------------------------------------------------------
Berd reaches out again, indicating two of the faces.  One is the image of Cadiniagart, the other is clearly the beach that the group just left.  Even the building with the clockwork automata is visible in this new image, although the servants themselves are not.
All the other images are unchanged, including the Cadiniagart one.

===========================================================
Re: Part 6 - The cube by Cyan
-----------------------------------------------------------
Cyan smacks herself on the forehead (not with the hand holding the 'trump').  "Thank you, Berd.  It is RECORDING these Palinquot images somehow!"

===========================================================
Re: Part 6 - The cube by Duncan
-----------------------------------------------------------
"Dhat might be why dhe woman wass trying to get to Amber, exceept dhat she never tried to give uss dhe..... dhe.....whatever it iss.  I wonder if dhere wass some danger hidink in dhe paperss we delivered."
Duncan looks about nervously. "I will go and tell Ares what we have found."
He too leaves the room, leaving Cyan, the wolves, the dragon and Beldrin together.  As he goes he thinks about the odd company he is keeping these days.

===========================================================
Re: Part 6 - The cube by Kalika Wolfblade
-----------------------------------------------------------
Kali retreats from Beldrin and sits on her haunches listening intently to the others.  The fur on her throat ripples and she speaks.  Her words are understandable, but heavily accented by a mouth that is not used to forming words.

"Werr 'houldd gouh do dhe oldesddrrr imagerr. Dhad hould be homerr do dhe culprid" she growls out, her words oddly resembling Duncan's for the moment.

===========================================================
Re: Part 6 - The cube by Ares
-----------------------------------------------------------
Ares comes back into the room, his face angry and worried at the same time, Duncan is behind him.  "We have another problem.  I managed to make contact with Julian.  He just had time to warn me that something is damaging Trumps in Amber itself, and before he had a chance to say anything else, this happened."
Left handed, he holds up the Trump that Cyan had given him, or rather the remains of it.  The card has had a hole burned straight through it.  Then he holds out his right hand to show burned and blistered fingers.
"I got caught by whatever did it.  I thought these things were indestructible?"

===========================================================
Re: Part 6 - The cube by Cyan
-----------------------------------------------------------
Cyan nods to Kalika.  "Well, if we could only discern which one was first...I suppose there might be a method."  Before she can go further, Ares returns to the room.  As he talks, she feels a coldness settle over her.

"Th-they are supposed to be nearly...indestructible," she stammers, looking frightened for the first time.  "I have seen a palanquot destroyed before this, but..."  Berd has risen to his feet and is looking at the card in concern.  His eyes turn towards Cyan, and fade to darkness as his eyebrows droop.  She reaches up and pat his head.  "It is all right.  I shall be fine."

Looking at Ares' fingers, she feels a shiver pass through her.  At any second...I could-  Shaking her head, Cyan resists an impulse, and glances in fear towards Beldin.  He has palanquot drawn on his arm.  Will he only lose the arm if that happens?

Stunned and shaken, she moves to a chair and slowly sits down, suddenly appearing a lot older.  One hand fiddles with the top button of her shirt.

===========================================================
Re: Part 6 - The cube by Ares
-----------------------------------------------------------
"Beldrin recently used his own Trump to bring us here, without any harm.  Perhaps the thing only affects Trumps used to contact people, rather than places, or only certain people and places."
Ares shrugs and pinches the bridge of his nose, while screwing his eyes up.
"I don't know enough about them though.  Duncan said you've discovered something about the cube?"

===========================================================
Re: Part 6 - The cube by Kalika Wolfblade
-----------------------------------------------------------
"A prrobdemm with Amberrrr" Kali growls "We havvve useddd dhe" she pauses and her throat and mouth seem to ripple once more "Therre" she says in a clearer, although still accented voice "Dhat is a liddle bedder. We have nod had dhe prroblem bud widh Amber. Anywhere else is saffffe. So farrr" she rumbles out.

Her bright yellow eyes then focus on Hunter.

===========================================================
Re: Part 6 - The cube by Kendall
-----------------------------------------------------------
Kendall had walked in a few moments previously, hearing only some of what had occured before.  "Oh Joy," Kendall pulls out Greer and begins to shuffle and thumb out the new cards that magikally appeared, the ones that brought Kendall into this, and checked their status.

While shuffling out, Kendall continued, "They are indestructable, they are images that are reality, or a strong connection to reality. Unless the damage is illusionary or a virus like spell spreading via trump contact. Or, to make things really bad, in some way true reality itself has been changed."

===========================================================
Re: Part 6 - The cube by Cyan
-----------------------------------------------------------
"They may seem indestructible, but you can shred them, put a blade through them...all under the correct circumstances."  Cyan shrugs.  "Unimportant, in any case, whether they are perfectly indestructible or merely massively resistant to any sort of damage."

Seeming to regain her bearings, she quickly explains the situation to Ares, emerald eyes flashing brightly in worry.  Berd spirals back and forth on her shoulder, seeming unwilling to lie down.  One he tugs at her shimmering silk shirt, and trills in concern.  She pats him on the snout.  "Not now, old friend.  Perhaps later."

===========================================================
Re: Part 6 - The cube by Duncan
-----------------------------------------------------------
"Maybe dhere was somethink in dhat pouch dhat caused dhis.  We take dhe papers to Julian, and soon after, dhe Trumps start failink."  Duncan too looks concerned, "Perhaps dhat was dhe plan, to trick somebody into takink dhe papers to Amber, and dhere was some sort of trap in dhem."

===========================================================
Re: Part 6 - The cube by Beldrin (NPC)
-----------------------------------------------------------
Beldrin looks at the tattoo on the back of his hand, "Well, if Amber is being attacked through Trump, then I'm certainly glad that this one doesn't lead there.  It could've been quite an unpleasant experience for me when I used it."
He thinks for a moment, then adds, "I have a Trump for my contact in Amber, if you want I could use it, it might give an idea how widespread this problem is."

===========================================================
Re: Part 6 - The cube by Ares
-----------------------------------------------------------
"Better not, just in case.  The Trump may prove valuable in future, best not to risk it now."  Ares dismisses Beldrin's offer, then speaks to Cyan.  "If the cube, for want of a better name, is like a Trump then perhaps we could travel through each of the six images we don't recognise in turn.  Maybe we'll find out who's behind this whole affair that way."

===========================================================
Re: Part 6 - The cube by Beldrin (NPC)
-----------------------------------------------------------
Beldrin nods, "As you wish."  He sits back in his chair, watching the two wolves with some interest, and wondering which is Kalika's true form, she seems equally at ease in both shapes.

===========================================================
Re: Part 6 - The cube by Cyan
-----------------------------------------------------------
"Well, then," Cyan says, holding the 'device' up to her eyes, changing colour to match the cube's shimmering brilliance.  "One of us should go through at a time.  If someone has a palinquot of themselves, I would be more than happy to take it, and slip through one of the...sides, I suppose you might say."  She grins.

"Well, Kendall?  Have you a card of yourself?  I will go through first, and if it is safe, bring the others.  As it happens, I have many alternate means of escape, should things go poorly, and I know I am protected sufficiently to spot a threat and evade it before I am struck down."  Her grin widens.  "I hope."

Berd snorts, but shakes himself to his feet, preparing to move.

===========================================================
Re: Part 6 - The cube by Kalika Wolfblade
-----------------------------------------------------------
"Wait!" Kali growls out.

She nuzzles Hunter, glad to have spent a least some time in this form... but she needed to speak now, and doing so was extremely limited as a wolf... plus she was not longer wet with sweat.

The change takes a bit longer this time, but once complete, Kali stands before you all as she had before.  Long silver hair, feral yellow eyes, petite frame. She wipes her brow and smiles easily.

"There's another scent that Hunter picked up.  If you let him smell the cube he may be able to track that scent to the correct area... or at least lead us through Shadow to the origin of this scent" Kali then flops uncermoniously onto a nearby chair of Beldrin's to relax while they continue speaking.

===========================================================
Re: Part 6 - The cube by Cyan
-----------------------------------------------------------
The redhead watches, fascinated, as Kalika goes from wolf to woman, this time, then listens to what she has to say.

"A good point!" Cyan exclaims, sapphire eyes lighting (more) with excitement.  "Well said, Kalika!  We have the cube, and may use it at any time...but the scent may go cold.  My vote is to put Hunter's nose to the test."  Berd's snort shows what he thinks of Hunter's nose.  "Hush.  You're just jealous you aren't the centre of attention."  With a trill of disgust, Berd turns his back, sitting opposite on her shoulder.  Cyan looks at the others.

"What say you?  The cube, or the trail?"

===========================================================