Part 51b: Meredith

===========================================================
51b - Meredith by Dworkin (GM)
-----------------------------------------------------------
Meredith stands alone, in a small wood, on the hilltop.  There is nobody about, though there is a horse tethered to one of the trees nearby.  From the state of the ground around it, it's been there perhaps a day or two.  A saddle and harness are close by.

From her vantage point, Meredith has a good view of the small city of tents on the plain below her.  It seems smaller than when she was last here... yesterday?  Not a lot, but noticeably smaller.  At various places, she can see groups of men breaking down the tents.

There are definitely fewer troops about, and more Archons than she saw last time.  At least five, no... six, of the burning wheels are in plain view.  She can even hear their harsh voices, a sound like tearing metal, from this distance.

The perimeter looks to be heavily guarded, with clusters of sentries every so often, and men stationed in twos and threes in between the larger groups.  Constantly moving patrols move around the edges of the camp, and along the main paths through it.

Hardly surprising that, after the attack, they have increased their security.

The wind shifts slightly, and Meredith smells something cooking down there.

===========================================================
Re: 51b - Meredith by Meredith
-----------------------------------------------------------
... and then she is there. Just like that. The powers of the others still amazes her. That they would count her among their numbers stuns her. She would never command power of this magnitude, of this power. And so she was here. To forge her own path and allow them the time to find Charyk and whatever secrets may be hidden there. She stays hidden in the wood, watching the actvities of the camp. She needs to make sure she enters the camp at right point, with the right guards.

Breathing deeply in the roast scented air, Meredith closes her eyes and opens her mind. A stray breeze teases an errant strand of her hair, blowing it gently across her exposed face as she tilts her head towards the sky, pale skin soaking in the sunlight.

===========================================================
Re: 51b - Meredith by Dworkin (GM)
-----------------------------------------------------------
She's been there an hour or so, observing.  There is a change staring to spread through the camp as the afternoon wears on, some troops move in towards the cookfires, while others make their way out to the perimeter.

Discipline seems good, and the guards change over with little in the way of instruction  in evidence.  Having Archons about might account for good organisation, or maybe it is the influence of a much more human leader.  It could be either, as could the absence of women around the camp.

All the women that Meredith can detect are warriors, or healers, or have other legitimate business there.

===========================================================
Re: 51b - Meredith by Meredith
-----------------------------------------------------------
Meredith's breathing is calm and even as she mulls over her findings. Birds chrip in the trees as a decison is made. A surge of grafefulness towards Lorne swells in her heart. Without him she would be unable to do this, to be capable to think and decide instead of waiting for another to do it for her.

She approaches the horse and extends her hand for inspection. After the other beast of burden takes in her scent and judges her to be nonthreatening, Meredith untethers the beast and begins to head through the tree line. She moves as quietly as she is able and does not approach the picket line... yet. The group of guards she seeks, the tired ones at the end of their shift are farther down a ways.

The walk is quiet and peaceful. Is this what it was like to be free? The young woman smiles softly, liking the way the sun feels on her skin. She should keep her hair back more often. Now her mind was wandering, straying from her Purpose. Meredith's shoulder tense, a learned response to a blow that will never fall. Her smile widens. Yes, this truly was freedom.

She close enough now, and so she focuses, moving in a little more until she finds the right spot. There was a little, worn hunting track meandering through the trees and some thick brush nearby. Meredith finds the minds of the men, slides into them as easily as she would slide her feet into her sandals, and then she screams. It is surprising how much sound she can generate. Screaming is something she very acquainted with and her vocal cords are loose and up to the challenge. It was one of the reasons why she usually spoke so quietly... the screams made her throat sore.

As the hellish sound pours from her lips Meredith slaps the horse's rump as hard as she can, her intent to startle the animal to run away from the camp, back the way they have come. She then cuts the scream short and conceals herself in the brush, waiting for the sentries to come looking.

===========================================================
Re: 51b - Meredith by Dworkin (GM)
-----------------------------------------------------------
The scream, and the sudden movement attract the attention of the nearest group of sentries... how could they fail to.

Their training has been good though... while four of them move forward, they don't step outside the cleared ground along the perimeter, stopping short of the brush.  The other two stay at their post, watching as their comrades investigate.

A little to each side, two more groups of sentries become a little more alert, watching the first group, watching the approaches to their own posts, watching the sky...  The attack yesterday had been bad enough.  The General's reaction had been worse.  Traitors had been dealt with, their underlings had panicked, in case their loyalty might be questioned, then their underlings... and so it had worked down the chain.

The memebers of the first group continue to study the brush.  Then one of them signals back to the pair still at their post, a hand held out, clenched, with the thumb extended down.

They move on, a little way to one side, still not entering the brush, and not getting too far out of position.

===========================================================
Re: 51b - Meredith by Cyan
-----------------------------------------------------------
Without any fanfare Cyan materializes in her tent.  Left and Right rise off her, leaving her blade in her hands, and she quickly scans the canvas enclosure to see who might be waiting...if anyone.

There should be nobody, but one never knows.

===========================================================
Re: 51b - Meredith by Meredith
-----------------------------------------------------------
Things had not worked exactly as she had intended and for a horrifying moment Meredith is frozen by fear as she cowers in the bushes. As the soldiers look around and give silent signals, the fear releases its grip on her brain. Soon tears are running down the young woman's cheeks as a new plan takes root. Dropping her clouding over the bush, she allows herself to cry louder and shake. She stumbles from the bushes and falls to the nearest soldier's feet, looking up at him with relief in her tear stained eyes.

"You heard me and came!" she gushes "Thank you so much... there was a man... on a horse... I was so afraid!" she looks down as anothe sob racks her body.

It was easy for Meredith to become such a pitiful sight, and she falls into the role almost too easily.

===========================================================
Re: 51b - Meredith by Dworkin (GM)
-----------------------------------------------------------
A girl!  For a moment there is some confusion... she hadn't been there a moment before.

Or had she?  Yes, that was it.  She must have just been hidden well, in the brush.

One of the guards regards her sourly with his one good eye, and sends two of the others to take a quick look about, while he keeps his attention on Meredith.  All of the men are armed with spears, but One-Eye has a sword too, though it remains sheathed at his belt.

A few moments later, and the scouts return; <Green>"Found fresh hoofprints in the mud, just o'er there, Corp, but di'n't see no rider.  Could be he made it inter that wood, yonder, or he's layin' low in the bushes somewhere."

The one-eyed leader, Corp (Corporal?), asks Meredith the obvious questions, "Who be ye, Lass?  And what do ye here?  This place be 'stricted."

===========================================================
Re: 51b - Meredith by Cyan
-----------------------------------------------------------
Safe.  Nobody and nothing.  Cyan immediately begins pulling off her clothing to donning the proper attire for the use of her armor.  She pauses.  Ares' armor - before, she had been quite certain he would approve of what she is doing.

The General shakes her head.  There's no time for such things.  "Right - find out what's going on.  Get to whomever is currently in charge and have them report to me."  She narrows obsidian glass eyes.  "I don't care if it's one of the eshuranti - unless Harry himself has assumed control, send them to me.  Left - hold where you are."

It isn't easy getting this armor on alone, but she manages.

===========================================================
Re: 51b - Meredith by Meredith
-----------------------------------------------------------
Meredith gasps in huge, shaky breaths as she looks around in a jumpy manner, taking in the soldiers, their presence apparently calming her. She gulps down one final breath and wipes the tears from her eyes abashedly, a light blush coloring her cheeks. When she speaks her voice is quiet and she looks to the side, giving off embarrassment.

"My name is Helene" she says, using her Saint name "I... I was sent here to serve in the Army. I'm supposed to ask for a.. Sekortis?" she stumbles on the foreign name she looks up at the man earnestly "Do you know of them?" she smiles prettily, fully expecting Corp to believe her and answer her question... and if he did not? Well she would help him with that should the need arise.

===========================================================
Re: 51b - Meredith by Dworkin (GM)
-----------------------------------------------------------
Right whirls out of the tent, reducung size in order to do no damage to the structure.  Left moves closer to Cyan, blades producing a sound like a gentle breeze stirring the grazz of a summer meadow...


Corp, as close to a name as Meredith has for him, leans on his spear and scratches his ear.  "Well, now, it be a big camp, an' I doesn't know all the names."

"'ere, Corp, I know a Sekortis.  She's in charge o' those healers camped over next t' them lizard-lookin' bastards.  If that's the one, then yer don't want ter be messin' 'er about.  I did hear that the witch's got a temper on 'er.  Week 'fore last she 'ad one of 'er people flogged fer untidy stichin'."

The leader studies Meredith, "Aaah... that be the name, eh?  Sekortis?"  He laughs, then, "Hashir, ye know so much about this Sekortis.  Ye can take this one over there.  'ear that, Lass?  Ye're ter go with Hashir."


+ YOU WANTED TO SEE US, GENERAL? +

The wheel of flame is simply there, appearing inside the tent, a move which causes Left to spin faster, the gentle sussurus scaling up to an angry howl as the Archon moves out to guard against an attack, while give the General room to move.

Behind the burning hoop, Right slips quietly into the tent, small, hardly more than a glittering insect.

===========================================================
Re: 51b - Meredith by Meredith
-----------------------------------------------------------
Meredith rises and brushes the dirt and twigs from her knees and the tears from her cheeks. "Yes sir, thank you very much" she bows to him before falling alongside Hashir.

After they start to make their way through the camp Meredith looks up at Hashir, a worried look in her clear grey eyes and a concern set to her face "Excuse me.. Hashir? Those things you said earlier... about Sekortis... did that really happen?" she slows her pace and looks up at him with large sad eyes, and searches for the desire to protect her from the harsh handed healer... and amphlifies the feeling.

===========================================================
Re: 51b - Meredith by Cyan
-----------------------------------------------------------
"Yes," Cyan replies, fixing her helmet (straps replaced) into place.  "I am curious as to the present disposition of the Army."  She studies the ashuranti out of the corner of her eyes as her fingers work the right gauntlet into its proper grooves.  Finished, she nods with satisfaction and picks up the left.

"I take it," she begins, pushing fingers into their channels, "that you are in charge of the Army in my absence, my lord ashuranti?  There is no more need for concern in that regard - I have returned, for the moment."  Her eyes swing directly toward the flaming wheel, and she squints slightly against the light.  "I would know your name - the Army seems calm enough, and it is a small thing to reccomend you to Harbonah."

Pleasantries, and even a bribe, of sorts.  If the Army is in good repair, certain the Archon deserves it.  Better to not make an enemy, should one have no reason.

Of course, should she finds a reason Cyan will not hesitate to create another enemy for her list.

===========================================================
Re: 51b - Meredith by Dworkin (GM)
-----------------------------------------------------------
Moving through the camp, the man pauses and looks at Meredith, his eyes betraying a certain nervousness.

"Oh, they's true, right enough.  At least... I heard 'em as true.  Some grunts from the three-seventy... somethin' was talkin' 'bout her in the grub line.  They 'eard the screamin' an' thought that the lizards was 'avin' a bit o' fun with somebody."

He starts walking again, gesturing for Meredith to move alongside him,   "Watch out fer them, by the by.  They eat's nowt' but meat, an' they's not fussy where they gets it.  You see one o' them 'head o' yer, then try t' find yerself a diff'rent road."

"Where were I?  Oh, right...  Yeah, anyway, it turns out that this Sekortis reckons she's got a god-like 'sponsibility fer savin' lives an' 'ealin'.  An' she 'olds them what's under 'er t' very 'igh standards.  If'n an 'ealer does somethin' t' leave a bad scar, then the 'ealer deserves the same, in 'er book.  So yer man messed up the stitchin' an' she 'ad 'im flogged.  Forty strokes, I 'eard.  One fer each stitch."


He stops again, regarding Meredith with a concerned expression, "If'n she's t' be yer gaffer, I reckon yer might be better takin' yer chances with them there lizards."


The Archon briefly considers it's options.  + WE ARE ISRAFIL, GENERAL.  WE WERE ASSIGNED TO WATCH THIS PLACE, IN YOUR ABSENCE, BY HARBONAH. +

There is pride in the voice.  + HARBONAH GAVE US FULL AUTHORITY HERE.  WE HAVE MOVED THOSE TROOPS WHO FOLLOWED THE DISLOYAL OFFICERS AWAY FROM THE OTHERS, AND REPLACEMENTS FOR THEM HAVE ARRIVED, OR ARE ON THEIR WAY HERE. +

+ WE HAD THOUGHT TO USE THOSE TROOPS WHOSE LEADERS TURNED AGAINST YOUR AUTHORITY AS THE FIRST WAVE TO LEAD ANY CHARGE.  AS SUCH WE ARE GIVING THEM ADDITIONAL TRAINING, AND SLIGHTLY BETTER CONDITIONS. +

+ OUR IDEA WAS THAT, IF THE TROOPS TOO WERE DISLOYAL, THEN PUTTING THEM FIRST IN BATTLE WILL SEE THEIR NUMBERS REDUCED.  IF THEY ARE LOYAL, AND WERE MERELY LED BY STUPID OFFICERS, THEN MAKING THEM FEEL AS IF THEY ARE AN ELITE UNIT MIGHT IMPROVE THEIR MORALE, AND REDUCE WHATEVER DAMAGE THEIR OFFICERS HAVE DONE. +


===========================================================
Re: 51b - Meredith by Meredith
-----------------------------------------------------------
Meredith follows alongside Hashir when he motions and considers his words. She shuddrers at his tales. "That is awful!" something he said rings a bell in her somewhere and so she clarifies "Lizardmen you say? I healed one of them once... he was very kind. Perhaps we could go to their camp first? Honestly I would much rather take your suggestions than serve under Sekortis" Or anyone for that matter, but Meredith kept that thought to herself.

As they continue through the camp she sends her mind out, searching for the familiar thought pattern of the lizardman whose pain she took as her own, the same lizardman who once sought her death...

===========================================================
Re: 51b - Meredith by The Warrior in Jet and Gold
-----------------------------------------------------------
Cyan's fingers clench tighter at Israfil's first words.  She had given those troops their second chance, their freedom, in order to bind them more tightly to her.  If this...creature...thought it would use them-

But it continues to speak, to lay out its idea, and the wisdom of it, if slightly draconic, begins to sink in.  The General's fingers relax, and she slowly begins to nod.  Finally, the ashuranti has finished, and the Warrior's feet shift into a more casual posture.  She moves to the small chest, opens it, and removes a bottle of brandy, thinking all the way.

"Welcome, then, Israfil.  These two are known to me as Left and Right."  Brandy flows into a small glass.  "That is a fine idea...a fine idea, indeed," she commends.  "Harbonah chose an adept guardian for the army."  So far, she amends mentally.  A pause for consideration - could it be that this is one of the younger ashuranti?  That would make more sense.

"Harbonah will hear of your perspicasity."

"So."  She sits, carefully, the campaign chair more than capable of supporting her weight in the armor.  "What now, Israfil?  Do you stay on with the army?  I, for one, would not be displeased."

===========================================================
Re: 51b - Meredith by Dworkin (GM)
-----------------------------------------------------------
Israfil pulses, waves of heat flowing out across the tent.  In her time with the Archons, the General has noted such behaviour on a number of occasions.  It could indicate pride, or something else entirely.

+ OUR FUTURE IS HARBONAH'S TO DECIDE, WHICH IS AS IT SHOULD BE.  OUR INSTRUCTIONS WERE TO STAY HERE UNTIL YOUR RETURN.  NOW THAT YOU HAVE RETURNED, WE WILL DOUBTLESS RECEIVE FURTHER ORDERS. +



Hashir shakes his head, slowly, and when he speaks his voice is gentle, "I'd like t' 'elp yer, but I got my orders see.  If I take too long over it, then Corp'll 'ave me guts fer garters."

He thinks for a moment, as they walk, then, "But I s'ppose we could go roun' that way, then yer can at least 'ave a look-see, eh?"

He leads Meredith into a side path, following it in a curve away from the original route.  After a short distance they turn again, back towards their destination, and Hashir murmurs, "Try not t'stare at 'em, on the grounds that it make's 'em irritable, and they're already mean-tempered."

There are two creatures standing guard near a small cluster of yellow tents.  Tall and muscular, scaled centaurs, with crocodilian heads and long, saw-eded tails.  Each carries a heavy polearm, and their red eyes, glaring out angrily from beneath their heavy brows, are fixed straight ahead as the flow of humans and other races, much lighter here than in other areas of the camp, passes them by.

===========================================================
Re: 51b - Meredith by Cyan
-----------------------------------------------------------
Better not to make any assumptions, the General reminds herself.  She remains wary, but within.  "Well, then.  Best we find out from Harbonah your new instructions.  Will you be returning to him, or contacting him directly?"

She eyes the archon askance.  "I would offer you a drink, but your form does not permit.  Have you a humanoid body?" It would certainly show where he stood on the matter of other people.

It is certainly growing more hot in the tent - hopefully this is a young one, a shifter into humanoid form.

===========================================================
Re: 51b - Meredith by Meredith
-----------------------------------------------------------
Meredith nods and takes in the appearance of the lizardmen without reacting outwardly. Inwardly her heart drops. These were not the same lizardmen she saw. Still there was a chance, was there not?



She then looks up at Hashir. "Hashir, it has been very kind of you to bring me this far. Thank you very much. After hearing your description of Sekortis I am sure to find her. Since you detoured for me, I would hate for you to be punished. Please head back now and I will finish the last leg on my own". She hopes the unspoken nudge to do as she says helps to make up the solider's mind.

===========================================================
Re: 51b - Meredith by Dworkin (GM)
-----------------------------------------------------------
"Well... If'n ye're sure.  The worst's passed now, anyways.  Least ye won't 'ave t' pass them bastards on yer own."  The relief on Hashir's face is evident.

"Means I could het back 'jus' fore the duty change, an' I don't 'ave t' deal with yer new gaffer."  One habd comes up to point down the path, "Jus' ye follow this way, 'bout fifty yards, an' ye'll see th' 'ealer's tents on yer left."<b>

He turns to walk away, then stops, looking back at Meredith, <b>"Best o' luck with Sekortis.  Lissen... I don't know what she's like t' work fer, but I do know that the best way t' avoid trouble in a army is t' not be noticed.  Keep yer 'ead down, an' don't look at th' Ruperts, 'cause th' las' thing ye want's fer a Rupert t' notice ye, an' think o' ye nex' time they want somethin' doin', see?"




+ WE HAVE A HUMAN FORM. + the Archon starts to melt, shifting shape, becoming more human, though the eyes burn like small suns.  A human woman, taller than the General, wearing insubstantial orange robes, which flicker and move as if composed of flame.

+ We agree that it would be best to take instruction directly from Harbonah. +  The voice has changed... still metallic, with tones which sound like brass, to the ears of a trained musician, but more... human... now.  + We can contact Harbonah, if that would be your preference, or we can wait here, while you assess the situation that you have returned to. +

===========================================================
Re: 51b - Meredith by Meredith
-----------------------------------------------------------
Meredith nods and smiles up at Hashir "Thank you again for all of your help. Good luck" Meredith takes a moment to decipher what exactly he meant by 'Rupert' and then lets her mind wander, searching...

===========================================================
Re: 51b - Meredith by Cyan
-----------------------------------------------------------
Cyan nods at the ashuranti's feat, though it does not match the one who shifted into Jen.  Possibly an older one, then?  The younger ones, ironically, show the greatest expertise with the alteration of their forms.  "I believe," she notes quietly, "that I should like to see all of the situation.  Not to look for problems," she continues.  "Given preliminary findings, I would say further examination will only discover additional positive observations.  No, I merely wish to have a full picture before discussing things with Harbonah."

Her smile grows ironic.  "One of the worst things one can say is 'I do not know'."

The General waves her cup toward the ashuranti.  "Do you drink, Israfil?  As courtesy, I offer."  A frown.  "Have we rescued the troops who detained at Nairans?"  She had set that in motion before she left.

===========================================================
Re: 51b - Meredith by Dworkin (GM)
-----------------------------------------------------------
+ No, General.  We have no need for refreshment. +

The Archon's newly-human face shows a brief flicker of distaste as it glances at the liquid, but it is gone in an instant, as if a mask flicks back into position.

+ Regarding the troops at Nairans... we have been able to recover some, who fled the battle.  Others are still trapped there, and something prevents any attempt to reach them.  It is speculated that the Despised One has given the inhabitants the means to defend themselves, even if it is no longer there itself. +


Meredith starts to walk, but does not stop at the tents of the healers.  A quick glance as she passes reveals rows of cots inside the structure, where injured men lay, tended by the healers.  A tall, blade-thin, cruel-faced woman, clad in a spotless suit of white leather, walks among them.  Her eyes, as she turns to face in Meredith's direction, just for a moment, are like chips of obsidian.

Luckily her attention is not on the passing girl, but on one of the injured.  She speaks to the healers, and her parted lips reveal inhumanly-long canine teeth.

Meredith hurries on.

===========================================================
Re: 51b - Meredith by The Warrior in Jet and Gold
-----------------------------------------------------------
Not interested in 'experimentation', either.  That likely narrows it down further.  Likely.  Cyan mulls over both this little tidbit and Israfil's words.  'The Despised One'.  Berd.   You did this.  I know your capabilities, and you were there with this...Meredith, I assume.  The General rises, leaving the cup behind on the arm of the chair - despite the heavy armor, she moves with such smoothness the liquid barely shimmers.  Ares' aegis is a potent tool.  Standing, the Warrior in Jet and Gold begins to pace, back and forth.  Both of the danioti shiver in the air in agitation, picking up something of her mood.  Their blades change angles, shift as they spin, their ceasless revolution becoming more aggressive.

"Can you mark any lines of power leading from Nairans?" she suddenly asks.  "Through the Underflow or otherwise?"  It is possible, the General knows, that Nairans is not alone.  That it has backers.  "Left, send Coil to me.  If he is busy, do not disturb him - find another mage."  She frowns.  Why protect that region, still?  We lost.  We were in retreat.  There is no point in returning at the moment, and the army itself is of little consequence.  Well, to the defenders.  To her, that is a different story.

"Not to seal the army from me," she mutters.  Berd could not have known at that point - of this she is certain.  "But because there is something he wishes to protect."  Her eyes snap to Israfil.  "'The Despised One'."  Her smile could split a hair.  "Tell me of him, please."

===========================================================
Re: 51b - Meredith by Meredith
-----------------------------------------------------------
Oh yes, there was Yoli in that woman in spades. The eyes remind Meredith of the general, but the teeth... images of things that prey on the wounded, that heal for a price paid in blood and flesh flash from the corners of Meredith's mind. She is used to them, these memories and thoughts from others and allows them to run their course before continuing on her way. They did not scare her, not anymore. At least that is what she tells herself... but she can offer no explanation for why her mouth has gone dry, her palms slick with sweat, and her heart, racing and pounding like a dance drum.

So she carries on.

The young woman meanders through the camp. The General had a visitor... one too many Archons were by her tent. So Meredith takes her time, keeping a low profile, looking for anything Lorne would find of import. A part of her mind is open and drifting, letting the thoughts of the camp float by on a sea of raging thoughts and emotions alert for any bright snippets that may require further investigation. She does not plan on approaching the General's tent until the third Archon has departed.

===========================================================
Re: 51b - Meredith by Dworkin (GM)
-----------------------------------------------------------
+ The Despised One is a creature of Power, and it has means to mask itself from us.  We have no inkling where it might be at this time, and we suspect it has sealed the world in some way.  Certainly there is a barrier, of some description, around the world.  We know that the army was trapped at Nairans, even while this camp was attacked, indicating that the barrier is self-maintaining, or driven by some local source. +

+ As you say, General, the army at Nairans was not so significant, to this force at least, that there would be profit in trapping it there.  It would likely have been easier, faster, to destroy it, and that is certainly within the Despised One's capability. +
  Israfil pauses, expression, or lack of one, unreadable.

+ If the barrier is there to protect, rather than to trap, then perhaps the thing which drives the barrier is the very thing that the barrier is protecting.  A source of Power sufficient to thwart our efforts to enter a world would certainly be of use to our enemies.  Though we do not understand why they have not simply taken the item for their own use. +

+ One possible explanation is that our enemies have actually returned to Nairans, having used subterfuge in an attempt to convince us that they have moved elsewhere. +



As luck would have it, Meredith is in view of the General's tent when one of the Archons leaves.  The bladed wheel pauses briefly outside the tent, as if seeking something, and then hurtles off across the camp at high speed.

===========================================================
Re: 51b - Meredith by Meredith
-----------------------------------------------------------
Meredith pauses as the bladed Archon exits the tent. Her first impulse is be grateful for the stroke of good luck, but something is not quite right. The Archon appeared to be looking for something. It may be back soon and Meredith does not want to be interupted with Cyan.

So the young woman reaches out oh so gently...

===========================================================
Re: 51b - Meredith by Cyan
-----------------------------------------------------------
"In truth, he is a sneaky little beast."  Cyan takes a sip from her cup and  gives what remains a dark stare.  "Finding him?  Not simple.  But that is the point.  He is mobile."  Her dark eyes snap up to the flickering form before her.  "Time has passed, there.  A fair amount of time.  Berd would not remain.  Hence, either he maintains the barrier at a distance, which would endanger him, or there is something else."

Obsidian eyes stare into the distance, through the tent walls, as the General's mind attempts to find the proper path.  "A local source," she mutters.  "As you say.  It is the most likely situation.  However, a seige is the most wasteful act possible, and prone to failure.  Unless that shield may be broken, we must abandon the entire area."  Her finger traces a map in the air - an imagninary one, for it is nearly impossible to actually cartograph the Myriad Worlds.

"Unacceptable."  She turns to favour Right with a glance.  "We will not leave our people there, nor can we ignore such a potent dagger.  We cannot go through the barrier.  We cannot go 'under' the barrier."  She finishes the cup.  "I will break it, myself.  Israfil - whatever holds that barrier in place will be a mighty force.  We require a force of our own.  My special forces, the people you have sequestered...they will suffice for the physical challenges.  But we require sufficient spiritual strength."

"Do you have enough people here?  If not, you should contact Harbonah immediately.  Inform him of the situation, that you and I have it well in hand, but assistance will be necessary to..."  She ponders, then smiles.  "...eliminate such a potent, potential threat to his plans."

===========================================================
Re: 51b - Meredith by Dworkin (GM)
-----------------------------------------------------------
+ We have already contacted Harbonah.  Additional forces are on their way, even as we speak. + Israfil says, managing to look smug, even while not displaying much in the way of emotion.  Correctly anticipating the General's ideas is, after all, a good way to gain favour and elevate oneself above others.

+ Since you have returned, and will, presumably, be busying yourself with the army, do you wish us to take charge of seeking the Despised One?  We have contacts which would enable us to put additional resources into such a task. +

+ Others are indebted to us.  We would, if so requested, make use of those debts to hunt for the Despised One. +



Beyond the tent, Meredith smiles nervously at a group of officers as they pass by, trying her best to look as though she belongs there.  As far as they're concerned, they know nothing of the General's interests... he might well have sent her.

Unsure, and unwilling to rouse their commander's ire, after recent events, they ignore the thin, waif-like girl.

===========================================================
Re: 51b - Meredith by Cyan
-----------------------------------------------------------
One of the general's eyebrows rises slightly.  Left and Right shrink, and move closer together.  Anticipation of her desires is a fine thing, they know...so long as one anticipates correctly.  This one does not know her.  This one has acted, based on assumption rather than observation.

This one is lucky.

Of course, being fortunate in one's assumptions is a large part of any endeavor, especially in the military.  Cyan slowly nods agreement.  "Good.  When they arrive, explain the situation to them.  I place you in charge of getting them settled...and in good order."  A strong hint, there.  The ashuranti had best work together.  But just in case it wasn't clear....

"There were one dozen ashuranti with the army at Nairans," Cyan continues, almost absently.  The armored figured bends slightly, picks up the bottle of brandy, and takes a quick pull.  Then she spears Israfil with a glance.

"One dozen. Without proper cooperation, we will be swept away just as "easily."

+ ASHES TO ASHES +  Right's tone holds a low vibration, redolant of smugness.  + DUST TO DUST +

+ AND THEN...SWEPT AWAY +
  Laughter, jagged and and harsh.

"Enough."  Cyan begins to pace, and a black mood drifs down atop her spirit.  "Leave the 'Despised One' for the moment.  Right now, our concern is Nairans.  By all means, alert your contacts and allies.  Explain to them our search.  But then return your attention to Nairans, and the proper preparation."

===========================================================
Re: 51b - Meredith by Meredith
-----------------------------------------------------------
After the group of officers pass, Meredith takes a seat, facing away from the openning to the General's tent. She sits near a tent and hopes to blend into the camp. Just another fixture, nothing to worry about or question.

Meanwhile, her mind continues to wander.

===========================================================
Re: 51b - Meredith by Dworkin (GM)
-----------------------------------------------------------
+ We understand, General.  We shall ensure that they understand too. + Israfil says, quietly, perhaps starting to feel uncomfortable.  + Focus on Nairans, yes. +

+ We shall not send others to search for the Despised One.  We shall, however, request that if they encounter him, in the course of their own activities, then they should not engage him, but to simply report his location to us. +



Outside, a young woman sits, resting on a supply crate.  Most people don't see her, and those who do, don't remember her.

===========================================================
Re: 51b - Meredith by Left
-----------------------------------------------------------
Left speeds through the camp like a tiny, lethal coin, following the trail of the man named Coil, whom to it is a complex tapestry of sight, sound, and psychic emmenations.  Left dodges around tents, slides between feet, and dances past the spearpoints of marching men.  A fire looms ahead - it zips through without pause, and one man jumps, nearly spilling his breakfast.

"'Ere, what th'devil was't?"

A second man, grizzled and scarred, looks down the trail of Left's passage.  "That'd be one o'th'General's blades.  Prob'ly the Sinister, I warrent."  This catches Left's attention, and it pauses.  After a moment, the danioti begins to circle back.  "Ah!  Y'see?  'Tis the Sinister."

"How d'ye know?" the first man inquires uneasily.  His voice drops.  "It's comming this way," he grates.  Left slows the advance further, realization that the men might be alarmed suddenly growing within it.

Strange - the danioti has not considered such things before.  But if it alarms them, it might not gain answers for its curiousity.

"She stopped, ye'see?  Dexter would'a just chugged along, not givin'a whirl.  Woulda been bigger, too.  'E likes 'is flash, that one."

She.  He.  Pronouns which have no meaning for the danioti.  But the name....  Left struggled to recall how the General acted under such situations, and remembered the black-ironed ones.  Begin simply, and without hostility.  + GREETINGS.  The wheel of blades kept its body small, the size of a dinner plate, and modulated its vocals carefully.  + THIS ONE IS CURIOUS.  WHAT SIGNIFIES 'SINISTER'? +  Left knows the word, of course, but why it should apply to it, and why 'dexter' to Right....

The grizzled man stares up at the danioti - they know what fear is, and Left sees he feels it now.  But he holds it back remarkably well.  Better than the others, who edge away.  Edge away.  Right would no doubt bray the witticism to the sky.  Left keeps to her silence, unwilling to be distracted from her curiousity.  "'Sa hand, y'ken?  Yer left.  And yer right is yer dexter."

Comprehension.  Dialects.  Word significances.  And yet, the dual meaning amuses her.  But Left already has a name....

Wait!  Does the General not have many names?  Does not the Despised One?  "Berd," she has heard the Warrior moan at night, locked in the grip of painful dreams (for the danioti know dreams, and they certainly comprehend pain).  Perhaps 'Left' can be 'Sinister', as well?  It studies the man for a long moment.  How would the General/Cyan/the Warrior handle...

Ah, yes.  + THANK YOU +  The danioti bobs in the air.  +I MUST GO NOW.  BUT I LIKE YOU +  Then it is gone, speeding away while considering its new appellation.  Should it inform Right/Dexter?

Behind, the soldier mops his forehead.  "Ain't nobody going t'believe that," he mutters.

Another veteran coughs, and shakes his head.  "Maybe they might.  I heard tell that the Right said 'Pardon me' to a bunch of grunts he scared down in the 5th.  Thought it was a joke at the time, but it makes you think, don't it?"

Ahead of Left lies the tent, in which it feels Coil's spirit - the man is aptly named, for he diffuses around a bright, potent core of power like an entrapping maze.  Sinister darts into the tent, and pauses.  Perhaps it might be time to continue to experiment.  + PARDON ME, SORCERER.  THE GENERAL REQUESTS YOUR PRESENCE +  Surprised, the big man turns away from his table and the card placed upon it, and blinks.  Left considers, then continues along the same tack.  + IF YOU ARE BUSY, FINISH YOUR TASK. +

Coil's eyebrows rise.  "Ah...no, Left, isn't it?  I'm well, thank you.  Just-"  He sweeps up the card, and in that instant Left freezes in the air.  The Dark Man.  From the thundering, gathering place.  The one the General named 'Dorian'.  Uncertain of its own feelings, the danioti experiments further.

+ YOU CONTINUE TO SEEK HIM? +

Coil gives a nervous laugh.  "Not willingly," he admits, moving from the tent after snatching up his ritual dagger.  "From our brief glimpse of him, I saw enough.  Not to mention the fact that he obliterated a world," he continues, grimly.  "But the General wants him found, and I continue to search.  We've lost him, though.  I think it was luck we came across him the first time."  He toys with the knife for a moment - the card has vanished into his robes.  "How did things go?  Seeing as you're back, and all."

It is the first time one has asked it a question.  Sinister considers the possible answers as it takes up position by his left shoulder as a tiny, glittering wheel.  Confidence.  Discussion.  Preparation.  Satisfaction.  + THE ENCOUNTER WAS...INCONCLUSIVE.  THE GENERAL SOUGHT TO TURN HIM.  HE REFUSED.  VIOLENCE ALMOST OCCURRED, BUT WAS PREVENTED AT THE FINAL INSTANT +  Another long pause.  + I BELIEVE...THE GENERAL...WOULD BE GREATLY DISPLEASED SHOULD SOMETHING UNTOWARD HAPPEN TO THIS MAN.  AMOUNG OTHERS. +  Chancey, but Left learned much from the man of that name, as well as the General.

Sometimes you have to give, to get.  It's all part of...relationships.

"Interesting," Coil muses.  "I wonder if there's more going on here than-"  He stops.  "Of course, speculation.  And not my concern," the Sorcerer hurriedly notes.

+ ON THE CONTRARY.  TO ALL LOYAL TO THE GENERAL, TO THE GENERAL + Left emphasizes, + IT IS OF GREAT CONCERN +

Coil digests that as the pair wend their way through the camp.

===========================================================
Re: 51b - Meredith by Cyan
-----------------------------------------------------------
"Good."  Cyan rubs her forehead.  The empty cup lies, forgotten, upon the ground.  The brandy has no effect upon her - it requires more than she has drank.  And the bard has partaken of quite enough.  "Do not mistake me, Israfil.  You have done exceptionally well.  This is why I place you in charge of the others.  If you can manage this army as wisely as you have, you can control them.  And they must be controlled, or we will all die."

"As for Berd...."  Liar.  Deceiver.  Bloody-clawed murderer.  Slayer of billions.  Her fist clenches.  "We will have to be careful.  Backed up by his allies, he is well-nigh unassailable.  Without them, he is ultimately vulnerable, as is anyone in that group.  Alone, they are weak."  Something flickers before her mind's eye - an image.  James, in the rain, blood sluiced away from a deep wound in his arm.  Her ears ringing slightly.  His sword hanging limply.  Did I do that?

Turning away, Cyan paces.  Right floats in her wake, back and forth, whipping around her body with blinding speed as she turns, to maintain the exact distance necessary for the draw.

"Nobody understands," Cyan mutters, her dark eyes bearing a hint of hematite in their onyx depths.  "The Lords of Order are stymied, those of Chaos are in flux.  Here is the threat, right before us.  We could destroy it, or use it."  Aaron.  James.  Dorian.  Devlin.  Serena.  Jonnee.  With these six people and her army....

The Purpose would be many steps closer to completion.

...gather them to you...keep them safe...listen to their words...

She blinks.  Yes.  She needs them alive.

For the Purpose, of course.

===========================================================
Re: 51b - Meredith by Meredith
-----------------------------------------------------------
Outwardly Meredith remains unchanged. Just a young woman sitting on a crate, unworthy of notice.

Inside, she was torn by indecision. Now was not the time to interupt, not if the Archon had displeased the General and was seeking compromise... but on the other hand she was here for a reason and the sooner she began on that Purpose the sooner she could return the others... but then another possibility occurs to Meredith amd she realizes that she probably was not the best person to be taking such action, but while she here she might as well do what she can.

===========================================================
Re: 51b - Meredith by Dworkin (GM)
-----------------------------------------------------------
+ The Despised One (and somehow Israfil cannot seem to utter the other name) has allies.  This is true.  If we can locate them, we may be able to either split them up, or observe them and sieze the opportunity if split up of their own volition. +

+ Divide and conquer is a useful strategy. +




Outside, and the sun is warm.  In the distance, Meredith can see an Archon, it's blades gleaming in the light, moving slowly along the path through the camp.



+ Should we arrange this, General?  We will stress to our associates that extreme caution should be used, and no attack launched. +

===========================================================
Re: 51b - Meredith by Right
-----------------------------------------------------------
Right follows the General.

This is more than a physical action on his part.  It is, in essence, his philosophy.  Harbonah - Harry - could give all of the orders he wished.  Israfil might prove to be a perfect commander for the Army.  Left can flit from idea to idea.

Right follows the General.

+ DISTANCE 6.37 Kyzah, Apogee -2.4, TURN COMING +  A litany in its razor-sharp mind, absently calculated second by second to maintain the precise vectors necessary to remain at the exact distance.  It carries the General's blade.

+ SPEAR-CARRIER + Left names Right, but the danioti takes no insult from the appelation.  Duty is important.  Someone had to keep their focus, be straight of mind and path.  Left boggled Right sometimes, asking so many questions, poking and prodding into things outside of their bulwark, sidetracking and struggling to comprehend the why.  To Right, why fell a far, far distant last place to what, where, who, and how.  Most especially how.

Left did come in useful at times.  Explaining emotions, for one.  It was irritating, though, how Left dwelled on them.  Foolish.  Feel the emotion.  Accept the emotion.  Enjoy it, or change the circumstances and move on.  Why analyze?  But Left had taken the time (without condescention, for a change) to lay out the Why of Killing The Dorian Would Have Been Bad.  For that, Right could have patience with the other danioti's flighty nature.

It might have hurt to discover the General was lonely, among other things.  But it had not.  Concern overwhelmed any momentary selfishness.  Right, flitting along behind the pacing figure of the General, considers the problem.  If the General is lonely, she should definitely do something about it.  As such, the plan to capture some of her former associates holds merit.  She had seemed more...alive when they had been in the camp.  And in the noisesome meeting place.

Now that had been interesting.  The lazer lights had refracted most satisfactorily from Right's new, coloured blades.

Meticulously keeping to the proper distance, Right begins to enumerate its tasks, official and not.  Left will soon return, no doubt puffed up with triumph at her discovery.  Right considers, feels it likely Left would not be able to wait, and makes a quick bet with itself .  Wager sealed and awaiting conclusion.

+ MAY I REMIND THE GENERAL THAT WE REQUIRE THE ALLIES OF THE DESPISED ONE ALIVE, IF POSSIBLE? +  Right's blades hiss in the air.  + SECURING ASSISTANCE FROM THE DEAD IS...DIFFICULT +

There.  Left had explained the General looked for reasons.  Left had then wandered off to consider why.  For Right, this is unimportant.  If the General requires reasons, they will be provided.

===========================================================
Re: 51b - Meredith by Cyan
-----------------------------------------------------------
Cyan pauses in her pacing and blinks in surprise.  A frisson patters up and down her spine, and she carefully activates the device she carries, proofing herself against unwanted psychic intrusion.  Her fingers flex, hungry to open the the envelope upon her desk, but she hangs back, fear growing within.  Fear of what she might find.  Condemnation?  Agreement?  Poetry?

After their last meeting, who can say?

"Yes," the General whispers, distracted, then focuses upon the words of her advisors.  "Yes," she states, more firmly.  "If you can, split them.  If capture is possible, do so.  As Right has noted, Lord Harbonah wishes them alive and delivered to me."  That is the truth.  "If not, separate and watch.  It will limit their effectiveness severely."

Her lips twitch.  Curiousity has built to a breaking point.  "A moment," the Warrior whispers, and moves to the table.  One-handed, Cyan opens the envelope; she sniffs it absently as her other hand removes and unfolds the letter.  Burnt.  By what, I wonder?  With an act of will, she holds her fingers steady.

===========================================================
Re: 51b - Meredith by Dworkin (GM)
-----------------------------------------------------------
Israfil is about to speak again, but the General seems distracted.  Then the human picks up something from the table...

===========================================================
Re: 51b - Meredith by Meredith
-----------------------------------------------------------
Meredith's breath catches in her throat. Harbonah was a stunning sight to behold. Her eyes, closed still squint from his brightness... She finds a thought home a place she must locate... but the appproaching man and Archon distract her and her attention shifts.

She really was not the best person for this type of work.

===========================================================
Re: 51b - Meredith by Cyan
-----------------------------------------------------------
The paper crumples in Cyan's fist.  Her lips compress, and she stares through the tent wall, at something faraway.  "Where is Coil?" she whispers.  Her other hand jerks, spasmodically, and Right freezes in place, ready.

But she does not reach for the danioti.

"News, Israfil.  From my own associates."  She is careful to keep the sheet within her fist, not waving it about.  Her aegis should keep the archon from prying.  "Prepare your people.  You have done very well thus far - if you can keep the reinforcements from panicking the troops, I will be well-pleased.  Harbonah will, hopefully, be the same."  The crumpled paper changes hands, and she holds it out behind her with a glance over her shoulder to Right...and three words, mouthed silently.

The paper drops, to vanish in a blizzard of fine particles.  "Certainly I will tell him of your successes to date.  Keeping up the moral of an army...guaranteeing cooperation...these things are more important, by far, than conquering five, ten worlds."  She rubs her forehead.  "Was there anything else, Israfil?  For the moment?"

===========================================================
Re: 51b - Meredith by Dworkin (GM)
-----------------------------------------------------------
+ No, General, nothing else.  With your permission, we will go and contact our allies, make them aware of the required actions. +

In deference to the General's wishes, once dismissed, Israfil maintains a human form until outside the tent.

Meredith, seeming to daydream, watches as a woman with burning eyes steps from the tent, and shifts form as she walks, generating a wave of heat, becoming a hoop of flame which rises rapidly and moves off across the camp.

In the distance, the wheel of blades still moves slowly, allowing the man, walking beside it, to keep pace.

===========================================================
Re: 51b - Meredith by Right
-----------------------------------------------------------
Right slowly moves away from the General as she watches the ashuranti leave.  It doesn't trust the other Archon - not one bit.  That goes without saying amoung their kind.  It has to admit, the creature seems competent, and willing to cooperate.

But the jury is out.

For now, the glittering, multicoloured ring moves to hang over the scarred campaign table.  An instant later, a ragged piece of paper slowly floats down.  It consists of a series of thin strips, linked by one, thin bridge of paper each - lines of writing, carefully sliced from the surrounding paper and left in their original order.  Closer inspection reveals that the trim has closely followed the edges of the letters...and that the d's, the o's, and so forth have been hollowed out.

An appalling display of precision.  Right is rather proud of it.

+ AS YOU COMMANDED, GENERAL - 'KEEP THE WRITING'.  THOUGH TO PRESERVE THE ORIGINAL ORDER OF THE WORDS, IT WAS NECESSARY TO LEAVE THE CENTER BAR. +

===========================================================
Re: 51b - Meredith by Cyan
-----------------------------------------------------------
"Thank you, Right."  Cyan slowly sits at the table, staring at the thin threads of the note.  She prods one with a finger, a slightly amused smile breaking across her sharp features.  It fades after a moment, and she stares down blankly.

For once, there is silence within.  Everything is in harmony...in harmony in her confusion.

With a sudden motion, she stands.  The chair begins to tip, and her heel hooks under it, bringing it down.  Turning from Dorian's writing, Cyan puts one foot in front of the other, repeats twice, then turns on the ball of her foot.  Three steps, turn.  "What am I to do?" she whispers.  Right, behind her, keeps quiet, having finally figured out the term 'rhetorical' several days before.

The General finally stops her pacing, and pale fingers clench tightly, driving all colour from the skin.  "He...I cannot risk Dorian becoming unstable.  In that state, he might do anything.  Cinder another world, for example.  Perhaps even this one."

Step, step, turn.

"At the same time, I cannot merely bow to pressure.  Threats -" it wasn't a threat, not precisely "- should not stay my hand."  Trembling fingers brush a hair from her forehead.  "And...my people."  She spins to face Right, who freezes in place, recognizing that now is not the time to maintain position behind the Warrior.  "I cannot leave my people in that world!"  Anguish touches her tone for an instant, then she turns away.  Right drops back into place, quivering slightly.

Step, step, turn.

"Curse it!  The danger...my people...."  She weighs both, then sags.

"I cannot leave my people," Cyan whispers.  They are hers, until the End of Time.  And she will not abandon them.

...Dorian...I am sorry...

===========================================================
Re: 51b - Meredith by Dworkin (GM)
-----------------------------------------------------------
Left and Coil pass Meredith, where she sits near the tent.  Coil glabces in her direction, but doesn't really see her.



The two enter the tent, to find the General alone with Right.

===========================================================
Re: 51b - Meredith by Cyan
-----------------------------------------------------------
Cyan spins as the two move into the room.  "Left.  Good, you found him."  Left spins more quickly, seeming about to speak, but a quick whine from Right, a low, humming tone, cuts the other danioti off.  Instead, Left spins over to hang near the General's head.

Possibly communing with Right - possibly not.  One can never tell.

For his part, Coil bows.  "General.  You have a request of me?"  His tone is urbane - utterly unruffled by the tension he sees in the Warrior's pale features.  Something has happened, but if the danioti aren't talking, perhaps it's in his best interest to keep things short and to the point.

"Yes."  Cyan fingers a bottle of Jack Daniel's, and frowns at the image of the same bottle in Aaron's hands.  "I will crack the barrier to Nairans as soon as Israfil's reinforcements arrive, and remove the lost portion of the Army.  I expect you and your people to be ready, Coil - that will be your job."

A lot to swallow in two sentences.

===========================================================
Re: 51b - Meredith by Dworkin (GM)
-----------------------------------------------------------
Coil simply nods, once.  "We are prepared, General.  We only await your order to act."

And that's it... total confidence.  Coil is well aware of his capabilities, and those of his people.  While he has been unable to bring down the barrier, he does know exactly what actions will be needed if somebody does succeed in dropping it.

Something catches his eye... a ragged piece of paper on the desk.  Interesting, but a glance in the Warrior's direction convinces him that too much interest might be... imprudent.

Near the General, Left and Right are very quiet.  Even the constant sound of their blades cutting the air is muted.  Somehow they give the impression of whispering secrets to each other.

===========================================================
Re: 51b - Meredith by Cyan
-----------------------------------------------------------
"Good.  As always, Coil."  Her smile is thin, and while she notes his glance toward her 'note', she ignores it for the present.  To move, to cover, anything would call attention to Dorian's letter.

"Then we now await Israfil, and his reinforcements.  Take a drink if you wish, Coil."  A standard offer from the General.  "And tell me."  Her voice sharpens, and her eyes are obsidian mirrors as she leans forward.  "What do you think of Israfil?"

A necessary question.  One she hopes will garner a positive response.

===========================================================
Re: 51b - Meredith by Dworkin (GM)
-----------------------------------------------------------
"Thank you, General." Coil helps himself to a drink, a small one.

"Israfil is... efficient, competent, single-minded... and, as with most other Archons," and here, he glances quickly at Left and Right, "utterly cold and ruthless.  If half this army were annihilated in an effort to recover those troops at Nairans, Israfil would count it as a victory, so long as the objective were achieved."

"The numbers would not matter.  Lose a hundred thousand to rescue twenty thousand, and Israfil would call it a success.  In her opinion, there are enough people to easily replace the hundred thousand, and the loss would be of no consequence, compared to the important matter of doing what she had set out to do."

He smiles then, though there is little joy in it, "I suspect she may have been planning something along those lines, or perhaps just another invasion, since she doesn't really care enough to try a rescue, unless there is a clear tactical benefit in it.  My people have been getting pushed hard, in your absence, to find a way through that barrier."

"We don't have a way to break it yet, but we do know how to get the army out, once it's down."

"As for Israfil... I believe she is a useful asset, just so long as she is clearly instructed.  Allowing her a little room for... ah... creative interpretation... might lead to unnecessary bloodshed, on both sides."

There is a pause then, and Coil's next words are hesitant, "General... had you considered that the troops at Nairans might simply be bait?"

===========================================================
Re: 51b - Meredith by Cyan
-----------------------------------------------------------
Coil's description sets Cyan's mind to thought.  Harbonah has new duties for her.  But can she leave this army in the hands of Israfil?  It...she, as Coil names 'her', will destroy them.  Eventually.  To her, they are nothing more than a resource, to be used until it is gone.

And to push Israfil higher on the ladder of status.  The ultimate goal of all Archons.

Can the General decline Harbonah's offer?  Dare she do so?

"Rather I would leave the triumvirate in command," she murmurs, pacing the tent.  The reference is to Coil, of course, and his two opposite numbers within the regular army and Cyan's 'special forces'.  "How fortunate for the army that, up to this point, you have failed, Coil."  She glances up, her obsidian eyes fixing on his.  "I wonder how much of that is due to perceived necessity."

Then she waves the comment away.  "No matter.  In this case, I do not wish to know.  If you have found a means to succor our troops, you have my gratitude - that will be sufficient.  For every door, there is a key, and I possess a master."  Her smile is wintery.  "We will free our army, and do so now.  The moment Israfil returns.  I desire Archons, many of them, in order to hold a beachhead while you and yours withdraw our troops."

Now she moves back to the table, stares down at the threaded lines of the note.  "I have considered this, Sorcerer.  Perhaps it is a trap.  If so, we enter it forewarned.  And we shall enter into this world with little warning, through a backdoor."  Two fingers drum out a rhythm upon the thick wood for a heartbeat.  "They will, of course, see us coming.  No doubt they have senses that can penetrate their own shielding, into the Underflow.  It matters not.  We will enter, take back the army, and step back to observe.  We will see how they reseal their shield, and their responses.  But we will not attack, not yet.  This land is a hard point.  We bypass the hard, and continue upon the soft."

Her tone grows quiet, almost lazy.  "At some point they will have to move, or become an island.  Either way, the hard will become the soft."  Swinging around, the General stares at both Coil and Left (Right remaining at her back, at that same, precise distance).  "In defense, one may find invulnerability.  But only in attack lies victory."

===========================================================
Re: 51b - Meredith by Dworkin (GM)
-----------------------------------------------------------
Coil places his glass on the desk, and bows, grinning.

"Israfil lacks imagination, General.  To her, directness is the same thing as success.  She sees only the frontal attack, not caring that a flanking attack might prove a more efficient approach.  To her mind, taking the longer route cannot possibly be better."

"It is good that you come back to us, before she commits this army, which you have worked so hard to build, to a course of action which would almost certainly break it."

===========================================================
Re: 51b - Meredith by Left
-----------------------------------------------------------
+ GENERAL. + Left replies, + WE ARE PREPARED, AS ALWAYS, TO DO YOUR BIDDING.  WE... +

+ ISRAFIL APPROACHES, WITH TWO OTHERS.  THEY SEEM... EXCITED.  DO WE STOP THEM? +


===========================================================
Re: 51b - Meredith by Cyan
-----------------------------------------------------------
Well, that settled it.  Coil had stalled Israfil.  Good - the General made a mental note to give some sort of gift, down the road.  "We will see," she says quietly, "that things will not follow that path, Coil.  Well done."

They continually impress her, these people.  Her people.

Now her head snaps up as Left breaks in.  "Indeed.  Swift enough...but with only two?"  Two archons - will that be sufficient?  Hardly the force for which she asked...perhaps something was wrong.

Very wrong.

"Let them pass, for the moment.  Coil - out the back way."  The tear in her tent still exists.  "Quickly.  If things get ugly...well, I trust your common sense."  She motions, and then reaches for her gauntlets.  They slide into place with faint ratcheting sounds - Ares' armor is a wonder of an artifice.  Then she reaches back, blindly, as Coil hurries from the tent.

Gurthang awaits within a sea of blades.

"Let them pass," she repeats.  "And remain calm."

===========================================================
Re: 51b - Meredith by Dworkin (GM)
-----------------------------------------------------------
Moments after Coil leaves, Israfil enters the tent, in the human female form it had adopted before.  Two others follow behind, one in the guise of a human male, small and slender, clad in red and black motley, with eyes that reflect the light in the tent a little too brightly.

The second follower can barely be described as humanoid.  Large and hulking, it stands naked, yet its body is covered in metal scales, barbs, hooks and blades, and those razor-sharp implements slide and flow across its form in a constant danse macabre, which seems to bear no relation to the creature's own movements.  It gazes at the general, with eyes which seem to radiate the cold that lays between the stars.

While the first follower smiles, pleasantly enough, at its first sight of the General, the second does not appear to even possess a mouth.  One is clearly experienced at mixing with humans, the other is either less experienced, or just doesn't care enough to try.

Israfil bows, though there is something... wrong... about the motion, as if the Archon is unused to permorming it.  + General.  We are sorry to intrude upon your time, but this is, we believe, a matter of some urgency. +

+ These two are Jehoel and Soqed Hezi, of the eshurianti and danioti.  They are two of our agents, who have been attempting to locate the Despised One.  Even as we spoke with you a short while age, they were on their way to meet with us. +

+ They believe that they have located... +


The one named Soqed Hezi interrupts, speaking even though it possesses no mouth, and earning a scowl from Israfil.  The voice is like the blaring of trumpets and the clashing of steel blades.

+ WE DO NOT BELIEVE.  WE KNOW EXACTLY WHERE TO FIND THE CREATURE! +

===========================================================
Re: 51b - Meredith by The Warrior in Jet and Gold
-----------------------------------------------------------
The General scrutinizes the first of the newcomers, ignoring the more impressive second for the moment. That one knows people.  It has experience.  She is skilled at this form.  She turns to the hulking brute, next, giving it a nod, her eyes flickering over the blades, the empty, cold eyes.  This one is a killer.  Danioti to the core, and proud.  Potent, as they run, to be able to take on another form.  Imaginative, as they run, to choose to so do.

Of the two, the small, subtle eshuranti is by far the more dangerous.

Jehoel.  The name gives her pause.  She knows that name, as she knows all of the names of the Seraphim, somewhere buried deeply within.  As she knows the name of Soqed Hezi - but the Swordbearer pales in significance to Jehoel.  Even more warily, Cyan gives a bow of her own back to Israfil.

"Intrustion becomes necessary, from time to time.  Continue."  She waves Israfil on - the Seraphim would not disturb her unless it were important.  She is too concerned with her impression.  Not so the other two.

But her interest sharpens at Israfil's words, and she leans forward, heartbeat quickening under the heavy armor.  The Despised One.  And now it seems they may have -

Soqued Hezi's interruption is a surprise.  For one Archon to interrupt another...well, 'he' is danioti, after all.  Straightfoward, and somewhat lacking in delicacy.  But Left, irked, flits up and dances around the General's head for a moment, still small, like an insect.  Deceptively so.  The General would play her own bodyguard against this monster in an instant.  Left is one of the only danioti she has met to show signs of curiousity.  Of subtlety.

It makes her dangerous, much as Jeheol is more threatening to the General than the single-minded Israfil.

"You have found him," she breathes.  "Good.  Israfil?  Have the reinforcements arrived, yet?  When they do, we move.  We first open Nairans for the army, and part of the reinforcements stay there, to hold the gate.  Then we and the others immediately move to engage the Despised One."  Her lips are a slash in a pale face, under her shock of copper hair, and her eyes are black and smooth like onyx.

"The work of a moment to open for the army," she mutters.  "Then Coil and the Sorcerer's Cadre can break them free, supported by some of the Seraphim."  Her eyes snap to the trio before her.  "Circumstance.  Where?  What are they doing?  What is the ground, the lay of the land?  What are the rules, there?"  She stares at them, one after the other, allowing one of the trio to step forward, to speak.

But her eyes return to Jeheol.

===========================================================
Re: 51b - Meredith by Dworkin (GM)
-----------------------------------------------------------
Israfil glares at Soqed Hezi, though the danioti shows no sign of noticing this fact.  Instead its attention is on Left and Right, for the moment, small though they are.

Turning back to the General, Israfil continues, + The place is named Charyk.  It is a natural nexus - a choke point, if you will.  Many channels converge there, and the topology of the region causes things to flow towards it. +

+ Even while going to other places, travellers will often find that their course bends to pass through Charyk. +

+ There is evidence to suggest that Charyk may be associated with Broken God.  While such evidence exists for other locations, we deemed it appropriate to investigate further.  On our instructions, Jehoel and Soqed Hezi arranged for a human agent to enter the city and find out more. +

+ Later, again following our instructions, they commanded the human to also keep watch, in case the Despised One arrived in Charyk.  The human has seen it! +


+ THE DESPISED ONE IS THERE GENERAL.  ITS FORM IS KNOWN TO US, AND WHILE IT CAN PROTECT ITS TCHO FROM DETECTION AND EXAMINATION, IT IS NOT INVISIBLE TO THOSE WHO VIEW ITS PHYSOCAL FORM.  OUR HUMAN HAS SEEN IT, WITH ITS OWN EYES, AND RECOGNISED THOSE WHO TRAVEL WITH IT, FROM THE DESCRIPTIONS WE HAVE GIVEN. +  Again the blaring metallic voice, and Left and Right react angrily.

===========================================================
Re: 51b - Meredith by Cyan
-----------------------------------------------------------
She doesn’t like the way Soqued Hezi watches Left and Right.  No, not at all.  But for the moment, the General sets that aside to concentrate on the problem at hand...mostly.  Some part of her listens to the voice, buzzing in her ear.

Thank you, Left.

Right, on her wrist, speeds up, his colourful body glittering in the dimly lit tent.  She feels the cold bar between her fingers, lost somewhere in that space within the danioti.  It hurts to hold it for too long, but the likelihood of the General releasing Gurthang before this trio is vanishingly minute.

“Very clever, Israfil.  You did well.”  While her words are aimed at that eshuranti, she carefully watches the other, and the massive danioti, with the corners of her eyes.  Reactions?  Anything?  Thanks to Left, Cyan knows who truly holds sway, here.  And it isn’t Israfil.  Whatever happened, did not happen on her word.

“And you found him.  Well done as well, Jeheol.  And yourself, of course, Soqued Hezi.”  Her free hand waves toward the front of the tent.  “Let us go without, you three, and await Israfil’s reinforcements there.  They will come, and we will have more than enough to deal with both of our problems – the removal of the army from Nairans, and the capture of the Despised One and its comrades.”

She strides from the tent, helmet snatched from the campaign chair in passing, Left a buzzing bee beside her ear.  “For the order to capture still stands, mind.  We need some of them.  Information.  Power.  Possibly even assistance, with the proper persuasion.”  For a moment, Cyan blinks.  Persuasion.  What a curious word to use.

…pain…fire in the dark, and blades…

“They can only die once!” she snaps, spinning to face the trio.  “Kill them, and we lose all they might bring.  Even the Despised One, though it may be necessary to destroy it.  Remember this, Israfil!  Remember this, Soqued Hezi!”  Her eyes snap to Jeheol, but she says nothing, choosing instead to examine the eshuranti.  She has no doubt that one understands; what its plans might be, though, Cyan has no clue.  Not yet.

“And so – we begin with Nairans, leaving...ah.  Here.”  Her shadow stretches long before her as the slowly fading light undergoes a resurrection.  Screams and shouts of disbelief echo through the camp, and Cyan turns, raising one hand to shield her eyes.  A golden light suffuses the field, wavering with pulses of sheet lighting, and the air above howls to the chorus of countless blades.

Staring up at her reinforcements, Cyan smiles.  Her teeth, under her dark, dark eyes, are very white, and very even, but the expression itself is razor sharp.

     *     *     *

Their passage through the Underflow is umolested.  Not surprising.  Despite the occasional glimpse of some brobdenagian form, few creatures in any world would wish to closely examine such a train of Seraphim.  They are many, and they are varied.  Danioti, Eshuranti, and herenethi.  They form a glittering train in the shining river of the Underflow, and at their head lies a blotch of darkness.

"Keep your people calm, Coil," Cyan whispers to the Sorcerer.  The man's nod is more nervous jerk than agreement, but he turns to face his mages, carried along by the power of the Seraphim.  The General glides serenely through the brilliant light, flanked by two danioti, followed by a trio - two eshuranti, one danioti.  The former, she trusts.  The latter, not at all.

"Remember," she states over her shoulder.  In the Underflow, her voice carries, amplified by Left and Right through to the others.  "Cooperation.  Personal feuds are to be set aside, on pain of death.  Harbonah commands this, through me.  We will take back what is our, what has been stolen from us, and not provoke whatever defenses guard this place!  That will be for another time, after we study them.  And then, we will move against the Despised One.  His companions are to be taken alive.  They will prove of great value."

Slowly the Warrior in Jet and Gold revolves to face Israfil, Jeheol, and Soqued Hezi.  Her eyes are hidden in the darkness of her helm.  She studies them, all three in their turn, then the great helm cocks slightly.  "We will penetrate the shield, and send in our swiftest people to scout, protected by the strongest forces about them you can weave.  They will locate the army.  Once this is successful, we will move across the Wall Between Worlds to that area.  The Seraphim will establish a beachead, so to speak, freeing the army if necessary.  The Sorcerers will then transport it away.  We will step back across the wall, and retreat, studying the defenses and patterns of pursuit as we do."  There is a long moment of silence.  "I trust that is clear?"

No fear lies in Cyan's heart as she stares at the three.  Oh, they have power.  Power enough, quite possibly, to be the end of Left, Right, and herself.  Something is wrong - she knows that for a fact.  Something is terribly wrong.

But fear vanished, long ago.  She isn't certain when.  Perhaps, her reassembled, jagged mind considers, when she learned the truth of her existance.

...and burned away in the dark....

Cyan turns back, just in time for the massive, dancing train to erupt from the endless river.  It rises through the void, a chain of terrible beauty, toward a singular star, shining among the infinite number above.

And then they are there, just beyond the world.  Floating in the void, with vast, brilliant globes surrounding them.  The army forms a cobra's body, with the General at the head.  She reaches to the right, into the danioti who hovers there.

+ I BET HE FORGOT IT AT HOME.  WE'LL HAVE TO GO BACK. +

Furious, Right spins faster, his dancing colours brilliant in the light of the spheres.  + I.  FORGET.  NOTHING. +

"Cease."  Cyan looks back at the trio following, then forward.  "And this is as far as we go?  No closer?"  She does not see a wall - the void before them is dominated by the shimmering sphere.  It defies description - it is all things, and nothing.  Its own, private universe amoung many.  "Very well," she says, behind her helm.  "Send the scouts forward."

Her hand comes forth from Right, now holding the ornate hilt of a hand-and-a-half blade.  Then the glassy edge itself is visible, for once not flickering with faint, astral flames.  Instead, it is cold and bright, here in the void.  "The door is barred," Cyan whispers.  And raises the Iron of Death.

"But I hold a key that fits all locks."

===========================================================
Re: 51b - Meredith by Dworkin (GM)
-----------------------------------------------------------
The wall is bright, hard, unyielding.  It shares all of those properties with the blade.  Unfortunately, it does not share them to the same degree.

The edge, sharp as starlight on a clear winter night, touches the barrier.  Passes through it, without resistance.  Ripples flicker momentarily across the surface.  And then, with minimal fuss, it is gone.

The army winks into being on a plain, before a city.  The city is scarred and battered, and a horde of men and... not quite men... works to repair it.  Old, dangerously unsteady buildings are being demolished, and new ones erected in their place.

One of the workers notes the sudden arrival of the army.  He raises a hand to shield his eyes from the sun.  Then he realises that it cannot be the sun, for it lays in the north, and at this late hour the real sun lays in the west.

The Army of the End of Time is here to rescue its captured troops.  Within moments, the word has spread, and a cry goes up from tne city.  A mix of triumph and terror, as captive and captor both realise that only one outcome is possible.

And then the false sun shatters into a myriad howling wheels - fire and steel and lightning, blotting out the sky.

===========================================================
Re: 51b - Meredith by The Warrior in Jet and Gold
-----------------------------------------------------------
"A beachhead only!" the Warrior in Jet and Gold calls over the terrible thunder of her army.  "We know not the defenses of this place - respond only to threats, and ignore all else!"  Her eyes, black as pitch beneath the helm, turn to Coil.  "You have your opportunity, Sorcerer - swiftly, now.  Spare two of your own to watch for any sign of gathering magics, of any kind."

The General stares out over the 'battlefield.'  A misnomer, it would seem.  There is no battle, here.

"Obliterate all resistance to the succor of our people," she states quietly, counting upon the two to relay her orders.  "When that is completed, pull back and cover the work of the Sorcerers.  Relay to me any signs of burgeoning counterattack."

+ SUCH AS IT MIGHT BE. +

+ SHOULD THEY MANAGE TO DO SO, I AM CURIOUS AS TO ITS DISPOSITION +

+ FOR MYSELF, I AM MORE INTERESTED IN ITS DISPOSAL +

===========================================================
Re: 51b - Meredith by Dworkin (GM)
-----------------------------------------------------------
"General, I can assure you that we were not responsible.  Your army had all but overrun us, we were preparing to offer surrender, and then... it was as if the sky fell."

His Serene Excellency, the Mayor of Nairans, Guildmaster Kaliesan Mogwrevan does not look particularly "Serene" at the moment.  Sweat his pouring down his face, and not all of it is due to the presence of several eshurianti in the Great Council Chamber.

To one side, the thirty members of the Guildmaster Council, likewise less than serene, nod as one, and mutter their agreement.

"We don't know what happened.  An unseasonable storm appeared, voices roared among the clouds, and shook the very ground.  And then it was over.  Your Destroying Angels were gone, and your army was commanded to help rebuild the city."

"We knew nothing of our saviours... uh... that is to say, those who seemed to be our saviours, and had no awareness of any barrier holding your tr... your unfortunate troops here, against their will.  Certainly we did not summon these forces to oppose you."

"We had intended to surrender."


===========================================================
Re: 51b - Meredith by The Warrior in Jet and Gold
-----------------------------------------------------------
Berd.  Of course.  On the surface, it seemed a foolish move - set up the situation where the Seraphim would have to return.  And yet, the World had been blocked.  Berd had no reason to believe, at the time, that anyone would have the power to easily conquer his wall.  It must have felt like the proper decision.

She wonders if he knows what he has done, now.

"So," the General replies, still standing, facing the Guildmasters.  "You have had no contact with any other forces?"  She knows that a power must back this land.  Samhain.  The latticed letter seems hot in the pouch, hanging about her neck under the armor.  Dorian knew she came here.  This place must be connected with his anscestral land.  If Dorian is any indication...they will be ready.  And their sorcery will not be insignificant.

And...she does not wish to face him.  Not over a piece of land, his homeland, not where he may be tempted to fight to the death.

"This sheds a different light upon things."  She shoots a narrow-eyed glance at the Guildmasters from under her helm, then slowly removes it.  "Tell us everything you know.  Are there any other forces?  Are you in contact with any beings outside of your own?  Any other nations, or worlds?  You have one chance - tell me now."  Her face is hard, but not cold.  "If there are, and you tell me, then they become my concern.  If you say no, and I discover otherwise, I will come through here in the search for them, and no stone will remain unturned."

+ WHICH WILL BE MOST EFFICIENT, OF COURSE.  YOU DO BURY YOUR DEAD BENEATH PILES OF ROCKS, DO YOU NOT? +  Right's clashing laughter fills the room for a moment, from 'his' position behind and slightly to the right of the General.

+ TRUE.  I EXPECT IF SUCH MEASURES ARE NECESSARY, EVERY STONE TURNED WILL FIND ITSELF PLACED UPON A BODY.  THERE WILL BE LITTLE CLEAR SPACE UPON THE GROUND. +  By contrast, Left's voice is almost considering, weighing possibilities.

Probabilities.

But 'she' wonders, watching the General.  Wheels within wheels, metaphorically this time.  The letter.  The encounter with the 'Dorian'.  Now this.

And that cursed trio with whom they came.

===========================================================
Re: 51b - Meredith by Dworkin (GM)
-----------------------------------------------------------
"No... we have no contact with those who came and... and... interfered.  We never had any contact with them before, and none since." His not-so-Serene Excellency replies.  "We have no idea who they were, nor how to call them."

He is sweating profusely now.  Possibly the first time in his life he has ever been so uncomfortable.

"This is the truth, I swear it.  An oath, made upon, or by,  anything you require.  It is the truth."

===========================================================
Re: 51b - Meredith by The Warrior in Jet and Gold
-----------------------------------------------------------
The General slowly nods, and a faint smile comes across her pale, pale face.  She takes a few steps to the side and cocks her head to whisper.  "Left.  Something appropriate, but not lethal.  Yet."

For an instant, a silvery trail flashes around the council table with the accompaniment of a screaming wail; there comes the scent of flame.  Then with a thuderous crash, the massive oak top hammers down a foot; if the council wishes to use it in the future, they will have to find smaller chairs.  Each leg has lost 12.0" inches from its middle.

Right gives a hungry, grating snarl at this, but does not move from his position.

The General's Left hand comes up, points directly at his Excellency.  "You fail to answer my question.  Those who aided you are not my sole interest.  I ask again - Are there any other forces?  Are you in contact with any beings outside of your own?  Any other nations, or worlds?"

The same questions as before, now delivered in tones of cold iron.  Abruptly that ice shatters, and anger, sharp and hot, boils beneath her words.

"What secrets do you hide?  Who stands behind your world?" she asks.

===========================================================
Re: 51b - Meredith by Dworkin (GM)
-----------------------------------------------------------
"I swear to you.  I do not know.  Until you mentioned it, I... we... had no idea that there even where other worlds.  If somebody stands with us, they keep themselves hidden from us."

He drops to all fours, huddling down before the General, and his words are forced out between the sobs which rack his body, "Please... We were going to surrender because we thought ourselves alone."

===========================================================
Re: 51b - Meredith by Cyan
-----------------------------------------------------------
The Warrior stares down at the wreck of a man.  She hears his words.  Tastes the emotion.  Something spikes her then, like a knife in her back, and she blinks.  Shining, hematite eyes stare down at the broken man, and abruptly the Warrior waves a hand behind her.

"Enough."

+ ARE YOU- +

The hand tenses.  Left silently pulls back.

Cyan slowly bends one knee and places a gauntleted hand on the Councilman's shoulder.  "I believe you," she whispers.  The hand pats once, then slowly, with remorseless strength...pulls him to his feet.  "I believe you," she repeats, more loudly, holding the sobbing man on his feet before her.

"You did your duty to your people as best you saw it," she states, her voice ringing in the chamber.  "You sought to save them.  I comprehend.  You could not know of what lies within other worlds, even nearby worlds.  How shocked you must have been, caught between the wars of giants."  She falls silent for a long moment, her eyes catching those of each and every councilman around the room, daring any of them to show scorn for this one.  And she waits for him to find his own feet, before releasing him.

There is a sideboard - it is a council chamber, after all.  Cyan moves to it, sniffs a crystal decanter.  Her head pulls back like a cat's, and she nods after a moment.  One glass poured, a napkin snagged, and she brings the drink to the miserable man left alone in the center of the room.  "Trying times," The General notes quietly.  "And you have been ill-used."

"Someone's hand lies upon this world.  Someone who opposes my Army.  I cannot let this pass, but I can leave your world in peace.  It is them I desire, not you."

Are you watching now, being?

A flick of the wrist brings Left closer.  Cyan's voice drops to a whisper.  "Tell a group of eshuranti to begin a search for watchers - physical and psychic - about this world."  Then she continues as the tiny ring of blades zips away.  "Ill-used indeed.  Where is your protector now?  Having irked my people, he or she vanishes to leave to you bear the brunt."  A disgusted sigh, a shake of the head.  Small, subtle, not gross.  With a click, she removes a gauntlet, hangs it at her waist, and proffers the napkin.

"Wipe your tears.  You have saved your people."

For now.

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