The shadow across the streets of the city

[Xenograg]

( This post continues the storyline started elsewhere, http://www.ringsofhonor.org/forums/viewtopic.php?t=404 )

The last two merchants in Xenograg's neighborhood have given in to the pressure, and now pay protection money to the underworld bosses. Xenograg has nothing left to defend beyond of his own. Worse, one of the two veteran Rellugai died over the weekend, victim of an ambush.

Xenograg removes the key from the lock on the heavy iron gate. To protect his people from vendetta, Xenograg is closing Dojo Darelir. It is only a temporary measure -- this battle has been lost, but the war continues.

[Alais d Nitesong]

::The rider watched the changes in RhyDin with the eyes of a messenger. The closings, the pressuring of honest merchants to pay protection monies or be destroyed was all cataloged in his mind before he swung into the well worn saddle and headed for the city gates leading into the wilds and the overgrown, seldom travelled road that would take him to Riverbend.::

(s) the Sorceress must have news.... and she must come back, back to fight the darkness spreading here.

::The massive horse tossed his bridle as the rider urged him through the gates of the city toward open ground. Hooves thundered over the dried ground raising clouds of dust in his wake as his strides ate up the distance between RhyDin and the road that was too easy to miss... well hidden by overgrown shrubs, and probably a glamour to encourage one and all to miss the entrance to the once well used road.::

::Sweat glistened in the chestnut coat of the horse, and the rider's face showed a combination of sweat and road dust as he slowed to make the turn onto the deserted road, now little more than an animal path. The forest closed in around rider and horse.::

[Alais d Nitesong]

::The rider and horse charged through the gates, which stood open, but gave the impression of long disuse. Vines and undergrowth choked the entrance, seeking to dissuade all who would seek entry. The city itself was seemingly deserted with no people or dogs, or movement along the main street.::

::silence with the exception of the hard breathing horse and rider as they skidded to a halt before the Arch Mage Morrin's old home.::

::the messenger slid out of the saddle, dropping his horses reins before a flight of stone stairs that led up to the intricately carved doors that were soundly closed and ominously forbidding.::

::he reached for the heavy iron door knocker, but before the knocker could fall against the striker, the heavy door slid silenly inward, beckoning the messenger within the cool darkness.....::

[Alais d Nitesong]

::The unseen servant closed the massive oak doors behind the messenger with a thud of finality that shut out the waning afternoon light. Darkness closed around him, and the chill unique to old stone castles settled around him.::

::At the far end of the grand hall, twin torches flicker, drawing the messenger toward them, in hopes of delivering his news regarding the sinister events in RhyDin, and placing his plea for the Sorceress to return to the city, and life ....::

[Xenograg]

So much has happened so quickly.

Rory's dream -- and bravery -- has convinced Xenograg to act against Shakira. Jenia is dead, killed by Athlstan's daughter. Xenograg now sees the price of his decade-old truce with Shakira. He has purchased his own family's safety with the lives of another's. Xenograg had assumed Kestri and her unborn child had died together. How wrong he was: a human child has been raised by the catdemoness.

The truce is over.

[Xenograg]

Xenograg and Amaltea leave the Arena at midnight and rush home through the magic mirror to Barsi. They awaken their three children and a few trusted retainers. Instructions are given, and a hurried trip into the night is made. By dawn, The children are safely hidden in Shanlar.

To tell the truth, Xenograg has been driven from the Foreign Quarter and thus from the entire city. Outside of his own residence, there is only one place in Rhydin where Xenograg feels safe enough to sleep. It is still early morning when he and Amaltea arrive at the palace in Eldicor. Amaltea is falling asleep on a couch when the page comes to escort Xenograg in to see the elven queen, Teleperien.

[Alais d Nitesong]

::The messenger strode rapidly down the stone aisle toward the torch-lit alcove. The spurs of his riding boots making the only sound within the Great Hall. The Sorceress was in residence, and she was watching his approach with her unusual silver eyes. Eyes that saw more than most men would prefer be seen. Slowing as he reached the circle of light, and before mounting the stairs to her alcove, he dropped to one knee.:: "Lady, I bring news from RhyDin. News of dark happenings that I would beg you hear this night."

::The sorceress motioned him to rise and approach the alcove.:: "Ye haff ridden 'ard tae bring me tidin's o' grave importance. Prithee, dae ye come, join me an' layst yer news 'pon th' table tae study in th' light o' reason."

::The messenger told her of the strong arm tactics being used against merchants in RhyDin, and the demands for protection money from honest folk by hooligans and bullies. He told of the destruction of the orphanage, the burning of businesses that refused to pay protection, robberies and kidnappings were increasing, and other atrocities were abounding in a city previously known for it's eclectic mix of races and peoples. This latest news rested as a chill cloak around the sorceress. With the return of the Daemoness, Shakira, these things were growing, and there could not be coincidence in this. Shakira was too well known from her past during the re-forging of her beloved falchion… Morvinyon, but clearly this time the Daemoness had learned a new tactic. Questions raced through her mind. Questions that would need answering, and the only way to get those answers was to leave the sanctuary of Riverbend and return to RhyDin. Return to her home, I' Taurn, which had been empty these long years since Uly's death, as she had chosen to dwell away from society in the silent halls of her sorceries mentor….::

"Ye must needs rest whilst ye may, fer Ah must needs ask o' ye th' r'turn trip as soon as ye eat an' r'fresh yerself an' yer 'orse. Ye must r'turn tae RhyDin wi' a message fer General Xenograg. Tell 'im Ah r'turn tae face this menace o' mine summonin'. 'e wilst ken th' meanin' o' mine missive."

::The messenger inwardly heaved a sigh of relief. The sorceress was going to return to RhyDin. His trip had not been in vain. When he looked back to where she had stood only moments before, he saw only a faint silver shimmer, and on a table was a tray of food and drink for his enjoyment. Large pillows dropped by unseen hands onto a comfortable looking chaise, and he was left alone in the lighted alcove to eat and take a few moments to relax before he would once more ride the distance back to RhyDin.::

::Alais left the messenger and headed into the deep recesses of Morrin's Keep. There she had spent months studying the necromancer's arts. There she had learned things she hoped never to need as her initial calling to the arcane studies had been summoning and conjury, never necromancy. But, now it seemed her training would be needed, and there were spells and ingredients that she would need before she returned to RhyDin.::

(s)"Morrin, wouldst that ye were 'ere, Ah fear th' daemoness shall pose challenges fer which Ah am nae fully pr'pared." ::The longing in her voice told it's own story. She missed the Arch Mage. More than Morrin would have been comfortable with hearing or knowing, but the mage held a spot in Alais' heart few would ever understand even if she would speak of him to others. Morrin never wanted an apprentice, but he had taken her in however reluctantly. And now he was gone. And so was his companion Dwarf. Riverbend was now deserted to ghosts and entities of other realms and planes. No place for the living. No place for outsiders. It suited Alais perfectly. Riverbend was home to part of what she had become."

::She reached for Morrin's personal tome, traced the sigil that was Morrin's. Unearthly cold crept up her index finger as she invoked the spell to permit her entry to the sorceries inscribed therein. The chill of the grave sent an involuntary shudder through her as she recalled the months she had spent existing between the world of the living, and the world of the dead. As always happened when she opened this tome, her color vanished, as though her blood no longer flowed within her veins, and the iciness of the grave embraced her once more.::

::Several hours later, the silence of the Keep lay thick and nearly tangible. The presence of the messenger no longer lingered, as he had departed without further seeing the Sorceress. Only the permanent entities remained within the walls of Riverbend, and only one of those was a living creature. The others, well, they belonged to Morrin's world, the long dead realm that had once been Annara. From her studies, Alais prepared the things she would need to take back to RhyDin, and she wondered how many of them she would need to use, and how Xenograg would take the change in her methods. But then, they were facing a daemoness of the darkness of hell. Perhaps he would not find the changes completely repugnant.::

::Taking one last look around Morrin's library, she uttered the soft Annaran words to set the wards, and then dissipated into a column of shimmering silver, and made for her house in RhyDin… back again to I' Taurn. Back without Ulysses. Back to an uncertain city that sounded to be on the brink of chaos and ruin. The perfect setting for a daemoness.::

::Her arrival in the city was noticed by none, and the stillness of I' Taurn closed around her. Better that no one saw her too soon. There were things to attend to before the Daemoness knew she had returned. The next hours were spent in restoring her library, and storing the ingredients brought from Riverbend.::

(s) Nae, 't ist time tae visit th' Arena, an' see m'self what mischief ist loose.

[Xenograg]

:: tacks up the front page of latest Dueling Zone News [http://duelingzone.com/dzn] ::

I Accuse!

In recent months, a dark Shadow has descended upon Rhydin City. The forces of darkness, corruption, and malevolence are in ascendance. Justice cannot be had, fear is widespread, and the ignorant fall prey to manipulation.

I know the reason why this is happening. I know from where the Shadow is spreading: the Duel of Swords. A demoness is Overlord.

I accuse this catdemon of the following acts:

1) that Shakira has been and is the controlling hand behind the unprecedented rise of organized crime within the City;

2) that Shakira was responsible for the kidnapping of PJ, and only the timely rescue by brave individuals saved her from an ill fate;

3) that Shakira is personally responsible for the kidnapping and death of Athelstan's wife, Kestri, and that Shakira has raised their daughter to be a symbol of hatred and a tool of evil;

4) that Shakira is personally responsible for the murder of DoS Baroness Jenia [Aedroud], who was sacrificed in a blood ritual that has destabilized the Wards of the Arena.

I urge everyone, in the strongest terms possible, to stand against this threat to our Sport and our City. Do not be fooled by Shakira's generous pacts; she will eventually take far more than she gives. Do not expect continuing loyalty from her; Shakira despises failure and will not long tolerate it in any minion. For those of you in Shakira's employ, just ask her what she did to Duke Lothair of Yllowfort and why. Whether Shakira lies to you or not, you will not like the answer.

Xenograg kathu-Darelir
Fourth Overlord of the Duel of Swords

[Arithon]

::a reply is placed in a prime spot directly alongside Xenograg's public note, hand printed in large letters fit for easy reading and written on cheap paper. Several other notes have been thrown to the ground nearby to make room::

General Xenograg,

You make many accusations, but surely I am not the only denizen of Rhydin city to wonder whether or not you can prove any of them. No doubt many are aware of your long and bitter feud, not to say warfare, against Shakira. While I respect your intelligence in general, I must say that your motivations are suspect in this case.

You say that the Overlady is a controlling hand behind this vast web of shadowed conspiracies, this festering nest of hidden cabals and criminal activities. What proof can you provide? To my knowledge no concrete link has been shown to give anyh sign that our Overlady is even associated with the wave of crime, other than as an emotional victim and benefactress to those more directly affected.

You also assert that the Overlady was responsible for the kidnapping of PJ. I have a great regard for PJ, as you no doubt know, but again what proof is there to show any sort of link between Shakira and PJ's abduction? A flimsy fabric of half-told tales and secondhand happenstances?

I am afraid I do not know either Athlstan, except from histories, or his wife or family, but I must say that if Shakira has raised an orphan child it is doubtless because of her abiding love for the poor, disenfranchised children of RhyDin. Rather than bandy about words like "hatred" and "evil", perhaps a more rational course would be to consider whether or not your own antagonism for Shakira has caused you to jump to conclusions.

FInally, I am shocked and apalled at your vicious slander of the Overlady in the matter of Jenia Aedroud. As much as it pains me to speak ill of the dead, it was my experienced that the unfortunate Baroness was not the most highly skilled combatant, and there are any number of villains who might have brought her to her untimely end. A final time I ask, what proof is there of this unlikely sounding tale of woe and ritual sacrifice? Are there witnesses? Physical evidences? If so, by all means I urge you to take them to the appropriate authorities, but I suspect no such evidence can be found.

In closing, I must say that although I am not a minion of the Overlady, to use your distasteful term, I count her an associate and am more than pleased to see her reign continue. To the public, I say this: do not be deceived by General Xenogragf's rhetoric; he is a well trained speaker and a convincing man, but never forget that he speaks of his enemy of many years, not as a disinterested party but as a would-be avenger of blood. There are many who are happy with the reign of Shakira and are more than ready to take up arms in her cause should she be unjustly attacked.

Be it known, and be you warned.

Arithon Falessan
Comte de Loiselle

[Klytus]

::Another message is found on the corkboard. Whatever your native tongue might be, it appears to be hand-written in that very language.::

To all:

While I am neutral in this conflict, I think it is improper for anyone to chose their sides in this if they are working with bad information. I have known both Xenograg and Shakira for as long as I have been in Rhy’din, and I have nothing to personally gain or lose in this conflict. In the interests of full disclosure, there was once a time when Shakira and I shared the pleasures of the flesh with one another. We discontinued doing so not out of animosity or bad blood, but the desire to find such pleasures elsewhere on my part, and boredom on hers. So if I were to allow such a matter to permit me bias, it would be in her favor. Read my message, and judge for yourself if such is the case.

Yes, it is true that Xenograg and Shakira have been enemies for years. There are very good reasons for that – but they are irrelevant to this matter. What does matter is that General Xenograg is not the sort to exaggerate or make false accusations in an effort to win allies to his cause. He is a man of honor – winning allies through deceit would defeat the very cause for which he fights. Shakira, on the other hand, is a demon queen. All of the “sins” of man are as natural to her as drawing breath is to a mortal. If any in this conflict are using lies and misinformation to win allies, it is she.

I find Arithon’s call for “evidence” to be a cynical ploy. Were Xenograg to step forward with the evidence being requested, there would undoubtedly be a call for proof that the evidence was genuine, and not manufactured in some way. Still, it would be useful if Xenograg were able to provide some kind of corroboration for his claims. Just because Shakira is evil and devious enough to have perpetrated all of the crimes she stands accused of, that does not mean she *is* responsible for them.

But for what its worth… I personally do believe Xenograg speaks true.

But even if we grant that General Xenograg is 100% correct about Shakira and all she has done since becoming Overlady of the Duels, the question that can only be answered by each of you is: So what does that mean to me? Xenograg’s crusade against Shakira, while noble and just, it is also, undeniably, very personal. He offers his potential allies no reward other than the knowledge that they are “fighting the good fight” in opposing Shakira. The demoness, however, offers much to her allies – wealth, power and carnal delights being the main ones.

I believe that free will is the most sacred gift we possess, even more so than life itself – for without choice, life has no meaning. But the only way we can honor that gift is for the choices we make to be *informed* ones. In order for anyone to make the right choice for themselves, the truth must be known. So, let the lines be drawn and sides chosen. But if you are to participate, heed my words and make your choice based on the truth of this conflict.

That is all.

~ Klytus of Regilius
Maker of Twilight Island
Grand Magi of the Duel of Magic

[Xenograg]

Xenograg's audience with Queen Teleperien of Eldicor goes better than he had hoped. After Xenograg explains his current situation, Teleperien immediately offers the use of her private cottage to him and Amaltea. The cottage's enchantment, she informs him, brings not only rest and peace to body and spirit, but also hides its occupants from unfriendly eyes.

The surprise is how angry Teleperien becomes about Athelstan's daughter, named Lily by Shakira. The catdemoness's corruption of a child from birth, robbing from it any hope of innocence and love, is the worst evil committed by Shakira. For that, even more than for the debt of honor owed, Teleperien offers her personal, active support to Xenograg even before he can ask for it. Xenograg would call in such a marker only when in dire straits, but that day has come.

Teleperien then dismisses her friend with orders to take the royal carriage to the cottage. Exhausted, Xenograg eagerly obeys.

[Update: Two sentences removed from last block.]

[Xenograg]

Xenograg and Amaltea sleep most of the day. After a good meal and a short discussion with Teleperien, Xenograg prepares for a trip back to Rhydin City and the Arena. Taking off his good clothes, Xenograg pulls on his usual brown trousers and black boots. A long blue tunic goes on over his head. Next, Amaltea helps him buckle on a buff-leather cuirass and upper arm guards. Instead of leather, Xenograg's forearms are covered with a pair of engraved bronze vambraces. Amaltea moves to loop Xenograg's gilded baldric over his head, but he waves her off.

"Just hand it to me," he says.

"Do you think you are Grimblade now?" she quips, referring to the late Imperial general who was renowned for always carrying his sheathed sword in his left hand. Xenograg ponders a moment before answering.

"Yes. I think I shall," Xenograg replies with a seriousness that surprises Amaltea. Regardless, she does as he asks. Xenograg adjusts the position of his hand on the scabbard until he finds a comfortable spot. The Ostego blade is quite long but not correspondingly heavy, made of some alloy stronger yet lighter than steel. It is the finest sword Xenograg owns, and is his preferred weapon when violence is expected.

[Xenograg]

Is it coincidence, serendipity? Is it luck? Or is it the influence of higher powers upon events?

Xenograg may never know. Regardless, it is with happiness, welcome, and relief that the Darelir greets his old friend, Alais d'Nitesong. She has come to the Arena to see things for herself, and on the very day Xenograg has hidden his children against the coming conflict. Unfortunately, Shakira and Max Blue are also present, among others. In fact, Alais and the catdemon are talking when Xenograg arrives. With his arrival, the discussion becomes even more strained. The four argue back and forth about Xenograg's opinion piece in the Dueling Zone News, about Athelstan's daughter, and Max's recent change of allegiance.

Words almost lead to drawn swords twice, with Max prepared to defend Shakira. Xenograg does not want a fight now and tries to defuse the situation. Max agrees, and is the first to step back from the edge of war. Xenograg accepts the gesture and thanks him, then withdraws to confer with Alais.

Xenograg tells Alais everything he knows or suspects about Shakira's sacrifice ritual, and asks for her help in determining its effects. Alais agrees, but tells him she must go back to Riverbend to prepare. She will contact him when she is ready to proceed. He chooses not to go to Riverbend with her; is not comfortable there, either.

Before they part, Xenograg and Alais reestablish their weirding bond. Should battle come, they will be able to coordinate their actions quickly.

[Panther]

Whoosh. Crack!

The sun filters its way through the tree tops as he brings the heavy axe down in a wide arch, cleanly splitting the log in two. There is more than enough wood stocked for tonight’s cooking, for the next few months in fact. He’s just trying to keep busy for now. The food is ready to go, the cabin is as clean as it’s going to be, and in the better shape than it was when he was living here years ago.

His time spent here these past months had helped him in many ways. But returning to RhyDin this last week had made him realize just how bad things were getting. The stories and rumors had been there, but this last visit, when some street thugs actually tried attacking him, well, it was a bit of a wake up call.

He should be doing something.

Shouldn’t he? RhyDin, with all it’s memories, bad and good, was home. His home. There was a time just after he left the Inn when he would have said he didn’t care. But he’s grown since then, and knows that even then this place had left it’s mark on him.

But what? What could he hope to do against the likes of Shakira, physically or other wise. Even if he had the power could he, would he, use it directly against her? It’s like the darkness that had drawn him to Janella is also what pulls him towards Shakira from time to time. It is like it fills a void in him.

He holds no illusions as to her nature. Of course the shadows surrounding Shakira are much darker. And he knows he could easily get lost in them if he were to stay around her too much. So while he’s helped fight many who were stronger than he in the past, he’d never been with them as he has Shakira.

So despite his own inner conflicts, he knows that what is happening to RhyDin must be stopped. And if Shakira is behind it all, then she must be stopped. The ray of light in this though, is in the fact that the slaver would be involved in this as well, one way or another. So while he may not be of much help directly against her, against him he would be more than willing to take a swipe.

The time to strike may not yet be, but he may still be able to do something. Xenograg needs information. It’s been awhile since he’s spent any time with Shakira. Maybe he could pay her a visit. That could make her suspicious… or she may not eve notice. Not that he expects her to bear her soul and tell him all, but who knows what else he might overhear.

Depending on how his dinner plans go tonight, that might just be an option.

Stacking the freshly cut wood on the pile, he takes the axe and an armload of wood and heads for the cabin. A nap before he starts cooking seems in order, because either way, there’s a long night ahead of him.

[Xenograg]

After a day of appearances in both Demodar and Barsi, Xenograg and Amaltea dine with Teleperien in Eldicor. Xenograg's mood is much improved. In Alais of Nitesong, Teleperien, and Amaltea, Xenograg has the three (living) Rhydinians he trusts most as allies against Shakira. After dinner, Amaltea expresses an interest in dueling. Teleperien asks to accompany them, to see things for herself. All three return to their rooms to change for an evening in the Arena. Xenograg again puts on his light armor, whereas Teleperien has chosen a marvelous suit of mithril armor. Her sword, the ancient Illuvator, is belted to her side. Amaltea does not put on any armor; just her silver-steel sword, Tarillion.

The companions arrive at the Arena and get a table. Amaltea quickly finds a duel with a man named Arjak. Amaltea quickly builds up a lead, scoring two hits to Arjak's one. Teleperien suddenly loses focus on her conversation with Xenograg as she senses the stirring of an evil thing. She tells Xenograg, but he senses nothing. Teleperien calls it a wraith. She seeks for it with her Eldar eyes. Xenograg brings forth his sorcerer's staff to augment his senses. After several minutes, Xenograg senses something -- barely. Teleperien tells him the wraith just touched a duelist. Xenograg asks which one, and her answer is Arjak! Xenograg stands up and starts for his wife's dueling ring.

The duel is already over as Amaltea dominates Arjak. Her finishing move opens a gash on Arjak's shoulder. The wraith quickly latches on to this flowing wound, and Teleperien cries out in alarm to Arjak. Xenograg can sense something near Arjak, both through closer proximity and a stronger "attack" upon the duelist. Xenograg calls to Arjak, asking to speak with him. Arjak exits the ring but his wounds are not properly healed by the Ward. He appears dazed and claims nauseousness. Amaltea does not understand what is happening but sees the concern of Teleperien and Xenograg. Teleperien offers to heal Arjak, and leads him to a chair. He asks for water and drinks it.

Arjak flinches at Teleperien's touch. She tells him to look at her, but he intentionally avoids her gaze. She commands Arjak, invoking Elbereth's name. His body goes limp as if faint. He mumbles about being hot and cold. Teleperien then commands the wraith to be gone. Its reaction is violence. Arjak screams and jumps up, suddenly strong again. Possessed by the wraith, Arjak slashes madly at Teleperien with a knife. Teleperien manages to block the first attack. Arjak does not get a second as Xenograg steps in. Pointing his staff at Arjak, Xenograg tries to hold Arjak immobile with sorcery. The wraith has a strong and malevolent will, though, and Xenograg is hard pressed to keep Arjak at bay. Arjak draws a second knife and presses forward against the invisible wall. Xenograg must change tactics. He releases the first spell and moves to evoke another. Arjak strikes out at his magic-wielding opponent, but Amaltea and Teleperien are there to fend him off.

Just as suddenly as Arjak attacked, he now turns and bolts from the Arena hall. Xenograg moves to pursue but Teleperien advises against it. She says the wraith is too strong to be driven out yet.

The three companions look around the room, wondering how many more wraiths are here, waiting.