KieranTheCourtOfTheKelticKingKieran the Court of the Keltic KingSB: Kieran: The Court of the Keltic King Kieran doesn't know much about Admiral Thorn, beyond a name and a rank. A check of public information doesn't reveal any obvious political leanings but gets a brief sketch of his life. Pretty typical for an officer who has risen in rank, especially post Counterinsurgency, including a stint running a small fleet of rebel ships on the edge of Keltic space during the Archdruid's reign. The AAR does have the full time stamps and receipt information that the Admiral's office definitely received the AAR. There's no question of that. The Admiral's office, as a rear admiral, is in a separate building on the grounds, a short walk away. It appears to be a tradition for such detached quarters and offices for certain military offices. A couple of hours later, Kieran gets the word that the Court is about to open, and is formally invited, especially given his arrival. The invitation and message appear legitimate, and completely within the standard forms, protocol and procedure from what he knows, what he has been told and what he has seen. There does not appear, with this anyway, to be any sort of foul play or maneuvering to cut him out.
Weapons for an escort should, according to protocol, be blades only, not sidearms. And even that Kieran wouldn't get except for the fact that he IS heir to Scota. Kieran looks at his people. "Court protocol allows you, as my people, to bring in blades only. So, you'll have to give up the firearms to me." He smiles as he says that. He reaches out to his HTD and tries to contact Thomas (who should be at the safehouse). Protocol says nothing about having an open trump call with someone who can pass firearms and extra shooters through should the need arise. "If we need them;" he tells his people. "I'll have them back in the blink of an eye. Trust me." In the time between, Ormond has returned, with some news. The guards indeed have been chafing over the changes in factional politics since the rise of the Aoibhells. The meteoric rise, as one of the guards put it to Ormond, has caused concern, and even some digging on some guards' part to try and puzzle it out. And, there appears to be a Praetorian sort of situation with an import of Aiobhell-loyal guards to supplement the compliment in the palace. Solid Kelts, but Ormond was told that they have a loyalty to that House above Keltia in some ways...
They do openly wear Aiobhell clan badges. Not as prominent as the Palace Livery, but prominently enough not to mistake one for the other. However, it is Kieran's move now, to precede to the Throne Room itself and take part in the business of the Court and make his move. "All of us are going, right?" Martel says. "Now that we swept the room clean and have eliminated any spying, there is no need for any of us to remain behind?" "Correct;" Kieran replies. "We are all going. Best behavior's all." "Yes my lord." Martel says. He gives orders, and an honor guard can and does form around Kieran for his procession through the Palace, and to the Great Hall. This procession goes very much in line with Kieran's previous efforts, and gets much of the same reaction. There are witnesses, curiosity and keen observation from the various entities they meet throughout the palace on way to their destination. As far as their destination, the Great Hall of the Ard-righ is located on the north end of the palace. The big brass doors that lead into the main room itself are open, and there is a crier as well as guards taking names and making announcements in the traditional fashion. Kieran can see the widening eyes, briefly, of the crier, as he and his party approach to make themselves known. "Prince Kieran?" the crier says, tentatively, cautiously, and curiously, as if confirming Kieran's identity. Kieran glances at the crier while replying with calm but firm assurance. "Aye. I am Prince Kieran Douglas, of Scota. Please announce me as such." "Very well" the crier says. "The Prince Kieran Douglas of Scota, and party, has arrived." the crier gives in his booming (and possibly augmented) voice. As Kieran might expect this does get the attention of more than a token number of people talking and conversing in the Great Hall. The sharks, as it were, do not move immediately to engage with Kieran. The first person to come to Kieran and company is the Ambassador's delegate, Lady Wells. "I am very glad you are here." Martha says. "Milord Prince." She resumes the formality that Kieran had dismissed on their carriage ride together. Her voice drops. "The quartet are here in their colors. I suspect they anticipated your appearance, after your procession earlier today. Did you wish my aid in navigating the room, or are you expecting trouble right off?" "Lady Wells;" Kieran replies formally. "It's good to see you again." In a tone and volume matching Martha's, Kieran continues; "I always expect trouble. But I don't think they'll starting anything right off, do you? What is your take on things, and whom do you suggest I speak with regarding forming a bloc to counter the Aoibhells?" "You *are* the talk of the Court this morning, you and your group." Martha says. "Not only the procession, but some talk about trouble in and around you. Details are about as unreliable as you can imagine, so what people are going to do with you is the question of the moment." "As far as forming a counter bloc, you stay away from the Erinna nobles, and the Gwynedd ones for good measure." Martha says. "Those are the two planets the Aiobhells have the deepest hooks in, besides their growing presence here on Tara. Stick to the other three Nations, is my advice. You might try the marcher lords of Tara, too." she says. "That should be a strong enough bloc to keep the wolves at bay." she smiles, showing her teeth. "Right;" Kieran replies. "No Kymry nobles then. Let us circulate about the Court and perchance meet and inquire as to the health of some of the nobles of Vannin, Kernow, and Brytaned. As well, of the Taran Marcher Lords, if we should meet them." Over the next half hour. Kieran gets introduced to a slate of nobles from across the six Nations. Even as Kieran might concentrate on Vannin, Kernow and Brytaned, all of the nations are extremely interested in Kieran. It emerges, Kieran discovers through some casual conversations, that in terms of planetary rank, he IS the ranking noble from off-Tara at the Court. Are the Scotan nobles present, allied politically with House Douglas, i.e. on Kieran's side? Yes, there are some Scotan nobles, not many, but they are there, and of course are in Kieran's column without question. Plenty of inquiries are made after his mother and the health and state of Scota as well. Some of these do appear to be thinly guised probes in line with the rumors that the invasion was false, others (especially from non-Aiobhell aligned nobles) are far more sincere and genuine in their inquiries. Kieran answers truthfully, though perhaps not in much detail, all questions put to him about Scota. To those with the more sincere and genuine inquiries, he hints that there may be more about that coming up in Court. This DOES get some interested noises from those he talks to on the subject. He makes good progress in sounding out a suite of nobles. "A terrible business." Lady McKennet, one of the nobles of Vannin, the Duchess of Garioch in point of fact, says, one of the later conversations in Kieran's perambulations. "We have not seen such a like in such a long time. It is terrible that Scota be thought to have invited such a fate upon itself. I disagree strongly with this rumor. But tell me, milord Prince." she says. "Is it true that the King intends to fortify Scota and put a garrison on its moon? I've a cousin in the Navy who suggested this to me. I personally think he's sleeping with one of the Admirals and got it through pillow talk with him." Kieran considers her question for a moment, before glancing about with his eyes. "As to the Ard-Righ's intentions, I cannot say, other than there are Keltic troops stationed on Scota, in Kinloch Arloch even. I do know that the Aoibhells are indeed constructing a base on Ruchdi. But for themselves or the High King?" He shrugs his shoulders. "And another odd fact;" he adds in a lower voice. "They're building it on the farside of the moon from the planet." "Well, now." Lady McKennet. "that's absolutely unsound tactical doctrine. Ruchdi is tidally locked to Scota, isn't it, the base will never be anything but facing away from the planet it is trying to protect?" She shakes her head. "It's as if they don't want the people of Scota access to the base." Her eyes widen. "A weapons research lab of some kind?" she wonders aloud. "Although why you'd put in the path of trouble makes no sense, either." "Surely, they gained permission for this base from your Mother the Mistress of Scots?" she says. Kieran makes the 'quote' gesture with his hands. "A mining base, I believe they called it, during the transaction agreement." His eyes harden. "However, it looks like no mining base I've ever seen before." "A mining base?" The look of puzzlement on her face slowly melds into something representing comprehension. "Indeed, mining techniques have advanced as of late, or so I have heard." she says. "One might mistake one for an installation of a completely different type." "What of Vannin, Lady McKennet?" Kieran asks. "How fares things there?" "Vannin endures as it must,milord Prince." she responds. "We are not so lucky and blessed as to be granted a family like yours, in excellent health and vigor. The Lord is elderly, his wife passed on, and only has a single son, disinterested in rule. The local nobles jockey, looking for advantage. Some say that my presence here at Court is to that end. But you know all of that, of course. At least the snows of Snaefell, the great mountain, have returned, easing the drought and deprivation we faced under the rule of the usurper. We have had offers of additional aid." she says "From a noble family or two." Her glance just fractionally moves to indicate one of the young Aiobhells "We have not had any reason as yet to accept such charity." Kieran nods his head fractionally. "Indeed;" he says. He glances at Martha, Lady Wells then at Lady McKennet. "What sort of trade agreements do Scota and Vannin currently have, Lady Wells? Perhaps there are additional areas of commerce that we should look into that would benefit both realms?" "Our worlds are not especially close as yet." Lady Wells admits. "We are still all trying to rebuild the networks, connections and opportunities that were decimated for so long under the Ban-Draoi's dictatiorship" she says. "That is why the Throneworld has become so important, it is convenient, if not strictly economical, to do business here as a hub rather than connections between the Six Nations." "This is true." McKennet allows. "I recall a small concession in precious metals for Scotan foodstuffs, especially during the recent drought. There could be more." "There *should* be more." Wells replies. "The Ambassador would be most empowered to discuss this with the Vannin Ambassador. Or, of course." she inclines her head toward Kieran. "The Heir would have such rights and leeway." "The ancient ties of friendship and trade, our two worlds once enjoyed, should be restored as soon as possible;" Kieran says smoothly. "Perhaps we should have a meeting between your people and mine to discuss trade as soon as can be conveniently arranged after Court or in the next few days, milady?" "Assuming, of course, there is time and place for such a thing." Lady McKennet replies evenly and carefully, nodding. "Assuming that, I would be most pleased to take such a meeting." she says. "My staff will see to the arrangements." She briefly looks around and then drops her voice to speak further. "There is word, milord, that you plan a confrontation or action here today, in Court. Rumors that you seek to restore the good name of Scota, perhaps even by way of formal challenge." "Is this true, lord Prince?" she asks. What has Kieran sensed or picked up from her with his Mind Magics in passive mode to this point? The Lady from Vannin does seem on the level. Basic training in defenses, but nothing that is perfectly working. There does not appear to be any sort of overt or covert duplicity. McKennet is extremely curious about Kieran, and what his plans are, a curiosity gnawing at her. Kieran glances around briefly with his own eyes. "I will have Scota's name and honor restored this day, Lady McKennet;" he says softly but firmly. "In addition, I seek to put other matters right; the Ard-Righ must rule all Keltia, not his privy council." He pauses for a moment, seeking the right words to say. "I will do as I must. While I would prefer a peaceful resolution, I am prepared to defend Scota's honor with my life. Scota, and I, will not forget those who assist us in this matter, and in doing so aid themselves and defend their own honor." McKennet listens to this, intently. Kieran's wards show that she is enormously interested, and extremely enthusiastic, about this. Her impassive, schooled expression holds this fulmination of excitement at bay. Around them, there are a few nobles and courtiers who have heard this as well. One of them, a Brytaned Baron, is moved enough to clap his hands together, once. His face turns red as he realizes his action. Martel snorts. "Ahem" The Baron says. "My pardons." He dips his head and becomes extremely interested in the far side of the room. Kieran nods his head, briefly, to the baron. "You have more allies than you know" McKennet adds quietly. "Clearly" Lady Wells adds. "That is well;" Kieran replies in a softer voice. "For I feel we may need all who share our beliefs." He watches Lady McKennet for any reaction to 'we' in his last statement. Lady Mckennet's smiles and nods, at Kieran's word. "There are others whom you have approached ere myself today?" she asks. "Or, to be more precise, found succor in ports other than mine?" "I know a few whose ships sail in my direction." McKennet continues. "however, we are no flotilla to travel in perfect formation as yet." "I've encountered a few other ships in these troubled waters;" Kieran says with a slight grin. "That would like to convoy with us to a safer harbor. Perhaps you would like to confer with your wandering ships and see if they'd like to sail with us?" "These are indeed rough and troubled waters." Lady McKennet replies. "Fjords treacherous and perilous to those who do not know them as well as I."she agrees. "Better, yes, that I proceed into those waters and seek those ships, and rendezvous with you in a more agreeable and placid port, yes? Perhaps in a half hour's time?" "I look forward to it, and you have my thanks, Lady McKennet;" Kieran replies with a slight bow. "I think I am seasick" Martel says quietly, amused. Kieran grins at him. "Shush, you." To Lady Wells, he continues; "Shall we continue our little cruise and see if we encounter any other ships looking for a safe port and then collect our little fleet?" Martel does not quite roll his eyes, but follows along in Kieran and Wells' wake. In that next half hour, Kieran does make a few more contacts facilitated by Wells. A couple of Barons, Duchesses, and some minor diplomats talk quietly with Kieran and company. The dance follows similar lines, and Kieran assembles a small set of people ready to back him when he makes his play. A couple of wavering nobles with uncertain loyalties (to Kieran's mind magic) are, of course, dissuaded. "What IS your plan?" Wells says after talking with a diplomat from Kernow. "Now that you have assembled your..." She grins at Martel who is ready to cringe. "...army?" In the meantime, formal announcements and proclamations are coming from the Throne, but nothing besides, Wells tells Kieran, standard business. Has Kieran sensed the other two persons who are 'entangled' like Ambassador Glennross in the Court? "Mostly, I'm going to be playing it by ear;" Kieran replies. "I have documents that will set the records straight regarding the recent invasion attempt. What happens after that depends on how the Aiobhells and the Ard-Righ react. Quite frankly, if I have to push a few Aoibhell buttons in order to get them angry and either slip up and reveal something or challenge me, then that's what I'll do." "I see" Wells says. "I suppose your martial training teaches you such flexibility for the field of battle." She sips a glass of water thoughtfully. In the meantime, a small flotilla, to use Lady McKennet's naval terminology, is being as unobvious in approaching the area around Kieran as possible. The Baroness of Arderydd and Baron Grimwood come, too, most pleased to see Kieran in court. As far as Kieran's quarry, he only senses one of those two "strong links" he discovered leading out of Keltia besides the Ambassador. The link leads to one of the proclaimers of the court. Simon Aiobhell, and it is the link that Kieran determined was far more motivated by fear than anything else. "You have a suggestion or another tactic to try?" he asks Wells after a moment. She shakes her head. "This is something deeper than I would dare to try." Then, "What do you know of Simon Aoibhell?" he asks Martha. Kieran starts building the mental constructs he set in place on Glenross, a pair of them, each in their own walled off corner of his mind. He's just getting the basic frameworks built, as he suspects each will have to be tailored to its specific target. "Simon is one of the spokespeople in the Court. A position not much higher than a glorified errand runner and herald." Martha says. "A jumped up fearful man, or was until a few months ago. Got himself a backbone, or the fear of the Goddess in him. He used to be the omega in the Aiobhell pack, but now stands tall, even if his position doesn't match that." Still no sign of the other suborned person. Simon is not that far away, but paying little attention to Kieran's growing knot. This is starting to gather notice, and inquiries from interested parties who are noticing Kieran is an unexpected (even given his novelty) center of attention. "Interesting;" Kieran comments to Martha. "Is he always this observant or mindful of the goings on in Court then?" he asks in a slightly sarcastic tone while nodding his head in Simon's direction. "He has never been considered the brightest star in any constellation." Martha says. "Which did not help his status. The Throne knows and knew his uses and they are few." she says. The number of people around Kieran, though, is still growing, and it does seem that Simon is finally taking notice. Rather than plunging in, his eyes start registering people. His eyes especially light on at first what must be more familiar figures to him than Kieran, the barons and other nobles who are at Court far more often. His gaze finally does wander over to Kieran. His eyebrows raise. He looks back toward the center of the room, and then back at Kieran, and starts making his way toward Kieran and company. Using Third Eye, who is in the center of the room that Simon is looking at? Another of the Aiobhells, Karyn Aiobhell, one of the baronesses in the family. No sign of outright puppetry or anything other than being part of the family. Her role, from what Kieran has been coached on, is more to provide numbers and presence for her family rather than position within the Court. "Here it comes." Martha says. "It is a pleasure to meet the famous Prince of Scots." Simon says, approaching Kieran. Kieran's faction parts to make way for him, bending like a concave curve. There is no outward signs of direct control on him, beyond how he is already entangled. "Sorry;" Kieran says after looking at Simon for a moment. "I don't get to Court often. You are?" There is a cool distance in his tone. Simon chuckles. "Forgive me, Prince. I would have thought that the Lady" his gaze slides briefly toward Martha, would have long since coached you on everyone here." "I am Simon Aiobhell, First Spokesperson for the Court." he says. "It would be my duty, and my pleasure, to see any declarations or announcements you have to be properly communicated." He gestures at the group of nobles and Court folk around Kieran. "It does seem, Prince, you have attracted something of a crowd around you, as if you were going to do just that. Is this true?" Kieran smiles coldly. "Perhaps Lady Wells did at that;" Kieran says cooly. "Perhaps I was merely waiting for you to properly introduce yourself;" he adds in a still cooler tone with the implication being *I outrank you, therefore you get to bow and scrape*. "Perhaps, Prince." Simon says, eschewing what should be an automatic milord or other such particle word to soften it. After a moments pause, Kieran continues in a more normal tone of voice. "Have I attracted a crowd then?;" he asks looking around. "I was merely making new and renewing old acquaintances." He smiles again. "For one that is new to the Court, it seems you have many." Simon says. "More than one might have anticipated." "What can I say?;" Kieran smiles. "I'm a friendly sort of person." "Perhaps" Simon replies, in a tone tinged with doubt. "But as you are the Court's spokesperson, I would very much like a few moments of his majesty's and the Court's time to discuss recent events on and around Scota." He looks at Simon directly. "Assuming his majesty has time today of course." And there is a slight but definite emphasis on the words his and majesty. Simon looks at Kieran for a few moments. He looks again at the center of the room, as if receiving orders, confirmation or something else (although there is clearly no communication that Kieran is aware of, and he can't imagine what he'd miss). He looks back at Kieran, and glances over at the Scotans with Kieran, and the assembled nobles. A calculated look enters his eyes. "Perhaps the heir to one of the planets of Scota should be allowed to jostle the line and schedule of the Court. Presenting yourself, and only yourself, of course. I can't imagine your, ah, new found friends imposing all together upon the Throne. That would be unseemly, almost hostile, wouldn't you agree?" Simon says. "Unless you are referring to a private meeting with the Ard-Righ;" Kieran says after a moment's consideration; "which, while not what I asked for, I may yet agree to; the matters I wish to discuss with the Ard-Righ can be initiated before the full Court." He pauses a moment, glancing tellingly in the direction Simon was looking at moments before. "Is that what 'you' are proposing?" Kieran has Third Ear and Eye up as well as Faithful Mind with his attention focused on Simon and the center of the room. "You want to put a full proposal before the High King, with your backing, then?" Simon says. "I had thought something smaller scale, especially given your newness to the Court." Kieran can hear Lady Wells exhalation that covers over a sound of displeasure. "Not a private meeting with his Majesty, of course, immediately, but perhaps in time that can be arranged as well." With Kieran's senses fully engaged and fully active, he does catch the mental note thrown at Simon when he looks back at the center of the room yet again. Kieran catches both the question and the reply. "Do I delay him further?" The rapid reply from the center of the room, . "Do not let him make a full scene with the full gaggle he has assembled." Does the second voice sound at all familiar to Kieran? Simon turns back. "You and perhaps just your Scotans might approach and address his Majesty here and now." Simon says. "The Ambassador's aide, of course, chief among them." He gives a nod to Lady Wells, who politely nods back. "And of us?" Baronness McKennet pipes up "If you or Vannin have business and issues allied with the Prince of Scots, I am sure the Prince can adequately address them." Simon says. "There is decorum to be observed. None of Kieran's allies like this at all, and Simon gets enough dagger looks to arm a warband of the Fianna. As Simon prattles on, Kieran builds a wall of psychic noise between Simon and the figure in the center of the room with the intent of blocking the two from communicating. As he begins to reply to Simon he imitates the center figures 'voice' as well. Kieran makes a calming gesture to McKennet and the other nobles as Simon goes on. Mckennet and company are calmed, if not quite mollified. "I think you should reconsider that and allow me to speak before the open Court;" Kieran says, gently nudging Simon mentally. When Simon turns to look back at the center of the room and query the center figure, Kieran imitates the figure's voice. Slightly exasperated mental tone; *Oh very well, let the poppinjay speak his piece.* Simon's unmooring, internally, reflects the furrowed eyebrows, narrowed eye and clenched cheeks of confusion. As he regards Kieran outwardly and to all and sundry (although Caer is likely wise to what Kieran has done), internally, this shift has made him confused.
Kieran bends or wraps the wall of psychic noise to keep Simon within its bounds. "Perhaps, milord, such a reconsideration is not without merit." Simon looks at the group of nobles around Kieran. "All right." he says, as if this were a concession without peer. "Come, it would be best to do this now." He turns on his heel and starts to walk toward the throne. Simon stops in midgait, and turns on his heel "Unless you need time to prepare, of course." The hopefulness in his tone is mirrored by his thoughts and desire to delay this as long as possible. "No, I am ready now;" Kieran says firmly. "Please lead on." "Very well." Simon says, cutting most of the sound of resignation from his voice, and even from his mental thoughts. He walks toward the front of the room, trusting Kieran to follow him. Even with the wall in place, he gives a glance now and again toward the center of the room, but he continues to lead Kieran anyway. Lady Wells is right beside Kieran, his Scotan team behind him, and behind them, like a widening cone, are the nobles and court members Kieran has recruited. To someone on the ceiling, it would look like Kieran has somehow gained a bridal veil and train behind him. The dais has two thrones, of course, for the Ard-Righ and the Ard-rian. The left throne is occupied, by Arawn, who watches the approach of his herald and Kieran's party with something roused from dull lasstitude. The right throne was never removed, if there ever should be a dual reign again. Or the desire not to remove it in memory. "Your Majesty" Simon says. "I beg you to meet and hear the words of Kieran, son of Brandeigh, Mistress of Scots, Heir to the Throne of Scota. He comes bearing news and words" He holds his voice as professional with only a moue of distaste as he continues "and those who would see such words spoken." "Be welcome" Arawn says to Kieran. "I know your mother, and your father somewhat less well. Come, speak." Kieran gazes quickly at Arawn before performing a formal bow. Is Arawn the third enchained person he's looking for? He is not enchained, sorcerously, at least as far as Kieran can tell. A check with his sorcerous senses, again, just to make sure, shows nothing of a spell. And yet there is something odd. It might be something deeper, or not sorcerous at all. Kieran is sure there is something. "Greetings Ard-Righ;" Kieran says politely. "Mother sends her greetings and well wishes. Father as well. How does the Ard-Righ fare this day, if I may ask?" "We are weary, but we are growing used to such weariness." Arawn says. "As much as one might consider it something to become used to." The High King's eyes are a touch rheumy looking. "It is a pity, though. One almost sees why Arthur did what he did." He pauses and half closes his eyes. "What brings the son of the Mistress of Scots here?" Kieran maintains his scans of Arawn as subtly as he can; looking for whatever he can discover about Arawn's condition. Kieran also uses his bardic skills to gauge Arawn's reactions to Kieran's efforts (words, tone of voice, body language, etc.). Overall, Kieran's attempting to get a reaction from either Arawn or whatever's got a hold on him. "When was the last time you spent time outdoors, enjoying the sunlight, majesty?" Kieran asks. "If I may be so bold as to ask. Sparred with a Fian or gone riding of late, Ard-Righ?" "Not in some months." The questions have roused a dormant curiosity in the High King, a spark that slowly starts to burn, like a not completely snuffed out ember. "One must do what one must." he says. The mind is occluded, somehow, under control? Influenced, clearly. There is a dullness there, forced on by something, and also lines of control that are muted. "The Ard-Righ has not been in the best of health, and the stresses of both would not help his condition." Simon cuts in. "I do not think either would be wise. But I leave that to the physicians of the Court." Simon adds. "Although they do agree with me." "Has your majesty consulted with the Druids or the Ban-Draoi:" Kieran asks ignoring Simon for the moment. "Sunlight and clean air have been known help cure ones ills more often than I can recall;" he says with a hint of suggestion in his voice. As Kieran studies and tries to puzzle it out, he comes across it by accident. Kieran sees Caer raise herself on her toes and the clue on what she is sensing allows him to find it too. Its subtle, it takes a focused mind and attention on him, but Kieran finds it. There is, strangely, a second mind with Arawn. No, not within his skull, but close by, as if a mind in something attached to him. It is a mind firmly hardwired to Arawn and one that has barriers up already, and strengthens them as Kieran scans it. Or, possibly, did when Caer tried the same. How is it connected to Arawn? Kieran examines it more closely. To Caer in Mindspeech; *You see it too then? Good, try and keep its attention while doing nothing directly against while I continue to examine the situation.*
A further study, carefully, shows Kieran that the connection is at the base of the back of the neck. That's where the mind is physically located, and where it is connected to him. Kieran eases out his Third Eye and moves it around to the back of Arawn to see if there's anything physically attached to him there. "The last time I exercised thusly, I felt sick for three days." Arawn prattles. "And one must be careful of the attentions of too many, too closely." There is a tone of warning, or perhaps pleading, in his case. "Like yours for instance." he says. "Please, let us go on to other matters, the reasons you truly came, Prince Kieran." Kieran bows, "As you wish majesty." He pauses for a moment, then once again watching Arawn and, to an extent, the entire Court; "Has your majesty heard of the latest Coranian attempt at an invasion of Keltic space, Scotan space to be precise?" "I have heard some second hand information on the subject." the High King says slowly, choosing his words as if they took increasing amounts of energy to use. "No official reports from the Mistress of Scots. Much "We are remedying this lack of knowledge about Scota." he says. "And the weakness implied by a strike there." he adds. "Is that what you've been lead to believe, majesty?" Kieran says firmly. "I have here, in my hand, copies of the reports submitted by the Mistress of Scots regarding the battle. I also have records of when the reports where submitted by her;" Kieran pauses significantly, looking Arawn directly in the eyes if possible. "Lastly, I records of when those reports were received here on the Throneworld in the Admiralty's office. If you have heard nothing of those reports, your people have withheld information from your majesty. Vital information." The creature is trying to hide itself, and doing a decent job of it, but Kieran can see it after some effort. Yes, there is something, about the size of a small cat but looking far more amorphous, attached to him there. "I think I would like to see..." Arawn begins. And then he stops. "I think" the Ard-righ suddenly starts again, with a pained expression. "I shall have to retire to chambers to rest." "Of course, your Majesty" Simon says, barely disguising his delight. He turns to look at Kieran. "We will have to continue this another time. My apologies, Prince of Scots." "I think not;" Kieran says firmly. Turning his gaze to Simon, he bears down with all his will. "Go away little man, and trouble the Ard-Righ no more." Turning back to Arawn; Kieran continues in a calm, but commanding voice. "Majesty, you have been misled and lied to by your staff here on a great many matters of state. As Kin to Dragon, I demand this matter of Keltia's security be dealt with at once. You should sit down at hear me out, majesty." The last is voiced not quite as a command, but more a suggestion; at least to those listening with their ears alone. Kieran focuses his will and power and forms a psychic knife to sever the bond between Arawn and the creature. "Mislead?" His head turns and swims. There is a soft gasp from one of the nobles watching this. Kieran can feel Caer move to stand next to him. "Aye, Majesty, that is what I said;" Kieran affirms. And then, as Kieran seeks to strike, the creature strikes in turn. The creature is seeking to connect with Kieran, pressing to get Kieran to stop by initiating a full on psychic combat. Intentions? In a quick mindspeech burst to Caer, Kieran says; *Keep the crowd occupied, let no one interfere.* Let psychic combat begin. Kieran builds the field of battle in his mind, a grassy meadow on a sunny day, a slight breeze flows from behind him towards his opponent. Kieran stands with lightsaber in hand, mental defenses in order. He builds a Telekinetic Strike spell in his mind, readying it for use. In that mental space, in that grassy meadow, Kieran looks completely in place. The son of the Mistress of Scots. Lightsaber in his hand. Amberite and Jedi all in one. The monstrous thing on a platform some distance away is completely different. It feels and looks like a large, oversized version of the real creature that is attached to Arawn's neck. It's black-purple in color, has a trunk something like an elephant, and four nearly vestigial legs. The trunk raises, showing a cluster of short translucent tendrils attached to it along its length. This trunk, and its tendrils points towards Kieran Kieran feels it coming, a brute force psychic strike designed to beat him down, hard. Kieran charges the creature, lightsaber in hand. At the last second, he dodges to one side and punches the creature in the head from above with his TK Strike spell, attempting to knock the thing into the ground as hard as he can. The strike is wide and hard, and catches Kieran on the edge of the blast as he reaches the creature. This puts his strike a little more errant than he hoped. The telekinetic strike hits the thing, to be sure, but not hard enough to knock it off of its perch. There is definitely a bruise where the strike landed, though. "Puny human. You need one of us too, it seems." the creature sends. "And a lesson you cannot win." A bluish-purple shimmer envelopes around the creature, a deflection or absorption field of some kind. "Come, expend your energy fruitlessly. You and yours have already lost." "If I am so puny and already have lost;" Kieran rejoins; "Why are you scrambling to raise some defenses?" The creature does not respond to Kieran's jibe. Kieran decides to test the creatures field by causing the ground underneath the floating creature to explode upward, sending a great deal of sharp edged rocks and dirt up at it. "What manner of thing are you anyroad? Who sent you here?" The field proves to have a bottom, as Kieran's telekinetic action breaks up the platform underneath the creature. The defense field is underneath it as well as around it, and the sharp rocks and dirt thrust up and strike at the bottom of the field. The creature roars. "I was sent here on behalf of the Vendetta against your line, child of Amber." the creature intones. "The Princess Deirdre and her children shall answer for her lack of honor."
The creature gives off a telepathic command of its own. A dozen Large rocky hands attached to equally rocky muscular arms start erupting out of the ground at Kieran's feet, seeking to grab his ankles and legs. Kieran performs a series of acrobatic leaps and flips to both avoid and slice and dice the grasping hands with his lightsaber. While doing so, he preps a Choking Grasp and seeks to throttle the creature. The creature's arms are fast and strong, and Kieran does get an ankle grabbed during one of his leaps. Pulled down toward the ground, his lightsaber manages to free him, and ward off more grabbing hands. The creature throws another telekinetic blast at Kieran, which ablates his mental shields but does not deeply penetrate them. The headache later is going to be a killer one, though. Bouncing about, Kieran's choking grasp is finally prepped, and unleashed. Either the creature wasn't expecting this form of mental attack, or its offense left it little defense, but the mental spell hits in full. The creature starts gurgling and in its efforts to husband its strength, the arms are dispelled. Kieran has seemingly a death hold on it, now. "Let's chat, shall we?" Kieran says in a tone of voice that is definitely not a suggestion. He squeezes the thing's throat for a few, long moments to settle matters and then eases up a bit. Enough to let the thing talk but not get feisty. His intent is to use his will to pin it in place and make it speak the truth. There is the mental equivalent of gasping for breath as the thing suffers. "What are you?" he asks the creature. "How many more of their are you in this realm? Who else do your kind have a hold on? What, exactly, is your quarrel with Princess Deirdre?" Any hesitation or false responses, and Kieran causes the spell to choke it again, "I am...I am the only Keeper in this Shadow." A gasp. "I...I serve the House Ledaal. Their vendetta goes back...goes back to The Black Road War. She killed high ranking members of the House in dishonorable fashion. This must be redressed. We strike at her and all of her descendants. It is the House's right!" There is, even under the gun, the sound of absolute conviction and certainty in its mental voice. Kieran doesn't get any sense that the Keeper, as it called itself, is lying. Does Kieran get the impression the Keeper is capable of weaving the spell that enchained Ambassador Glenross? Absolutely. The Keeper appears to have both mental magic and some sorcery, from what he can see of its aura. "Are there others of your kind, or members or servants of that House, working in this Shadow? What is your connection to the House of Aoibhell?" "The House Aiobhell has entered into arrangement with House Ledaal in this matter" The creature replies. "Their aid in dealing with the child of Princess Deirdre is rewarded with temporal power here." "What do you mean by 'dishonorable fashion', anyroad?" Kieran asks after a moment. "She did not follow the laws of combat and duel in fighting the champions of House Ledaal." the Keeper says. "She murdered them most foully. Even in War, there are rules of Honor to be respected. She is like her brother in that regard." "You may have me at your mercy" the Keeper says. "But the dishonor will be answered and avenged." "We'll get back to opinions on honor momentarily. Are you then the only agent of House Ledaal acting here?" Kieran repeats, while having his spell grip it's throat tighter momentarily. "How did you get in this Shadow?" "Your wards on this shadow are strong" the Keeper squeals and resists Kieran's interrogation for a local time of a few minutes before giving into Kieran's persuasive efforts. Kieran learns the Keeper is the only agent of Ledaal in the shadow at present. "It was" the creature pants. "one of your Barimen relations that let us in. She blew open the wards for House Ledaal and allowed us to sail a space craft into your world. I know not her name." "Show me an image of her;" Kieran demands. "You might want to loosen this death grip you have on me" the creature replies. "It is difficult for me to manipulate this medium." "Or I might not;" Kieran rejoins coldly. After about a minute, though, the Keeper relents and creates a hologram, standing on a plinth. The identity of the image is obvious and well known to Kieran. It's the Baroness. The Keeper dispels the image with a wave of irritation. Kieran nods his head. "Yes, of course;" he says; "Her." He considers the Keeper for a few moments. "What is the nature of your House's bargain or deal with her? What does House Aoibhell know of the true nature of reality? Do they know where your House comes from?" His grip, while no longer tightening down on the creature's throat, hasn't relaxed a bit yet. "The Aiobhells have been told *enough*" the Keeper replies. KIeran's grip is clearly now affecting the creature as it words come more slowly, and with waves of pain and discomfort. "Enough to know there are many worlds beyond this one, and that there are powers in those worlds they cannot imagine. They know Ledaal is from just such a place. They have no need to know of the Courts of Chaos, or its vermiform like counterpart on the other end of reality. No need at all." "The lengths you go to in order to satisfy your 'honor' makes me wonder if you understand the concept of honor. Smells more of vengeance to me, anyroad." Kieran loosens his grip on the creature enough so that it will not die, but not enough for it to get delusions of grandeur, err... competence or vengeance. The creature doesn't try anything, at least not immediately. "Tell me how your 'honor' system works, Keeper;" Kieran commands. "How is it that a House goes up against a woman and her descendants and calls itself honorable?" "It would be dishonorable if a House went against Princess Deirdre alone." the creature says patiently. "The injury is House against House." The Keeper says. "A truthspeaker of Ledaal would know more than a demon such as I. But if a woman is called to Vendetta by a House, the House beneath her are eligible to participate, or be participated against, in the Vendetta. So, the Princess Deirdre and all of her descendants, but not her kin, are called to Vendetta. Again, a truthspeaker would tell you who that comprises of. I know well of only you and your father." "If I were to allow you to leave this shadow, after releasing all you've ensnared, and never to return;" Kieran says after a few moments of rapid thinking. "Could you set up a meeting, on neutral ground, with one of these truthspeakers, or another member of the House in a position of enough importance to negotiate deals, treaties, or pacts?" A sudden thought and Kieran grins, perhaps a trifle evilly, while adding; "And tell me what sort of bargain or deal has Ledaal made with the Aoibhells? Or was your deal made with the woman whose image you showed me?" "The dealings have been through the Amberite" The Keeper replies. "I understand she has control of a nearby shadow, and has been leveraging that control over nearby shadows, such as this one. She has provided access to the Aiobhell Family here and has been mediating negotiations on same." "If you wish to speak to one of the Ledaal, that could be arranged." The Keeper replies. "A swearing of a temporary white truce on both parts would be required, since you are under Vendetta." The keeper adds. "Allow this contact to end, and I will summon him." "That shouldn't be a problem, since I'm not even sure Princess Deirdre or her descendants even knew about this Vendetta. I surely did not. I will speak for my family;" Kieran says. "Allowing this contact to end;" Kieran continues thoughtfully. "I agree with the need for it given the mutual desire to seek a resolution to the higher order issue. However, there is the problem of what to do regarding the High King and his Court; what they see and learn and all that. If I let you go, I need you to do something for me; if you can manage it. And I think you can. Let's call it the price of your release, shall we?" "The price of my release." the Keeper repeats dully. "Proceed." Kieran pauses for a moment to allow the creature to agree or not. "What I have in mind for your service is this: when I release you and we return to the more mundane level of interraction, by that I mean acting in the High King's Court, I want you to manifest physically, howling in pain from my 'attacks' and then flee from me to one of the Aoibhells present in Court. You'll collapse at his or her feet, begging for forgiveness at failing to keep the High King under their influence before 'dying' of your injuries and fading away. And remember, part of our bargain is that you release all the others you've gained influence over as well. Do that, and then arrange for a meeting with your people and let me know when and where to meet. Are we agreed?" "I only have direct influence over the King, hence my, ah, attachment to him." The Keeper replies. "Any other influence is at best indirect, and at worst, only the power of persuasion and suggestion." This seems like a very mild prevarication, on The Keeper's part. "Release from the King on such short notice will cause him much physical distress." The Keeper says. "He may well die without immediate medical aid." "He's clever, though, if he lives." The Keeper replies. "He has used certain intoxicants to weaken my influence on him from time to time." it adds casually. "After you release him and play out the scene, I will tend to the High King;" Kieran says. "We are in agreement then?" he asks. "We are in agreement, then." The Keeper says. Once Kieran does release the Keeper, and release the mental landscape, the world slams back into motion. Only a few moments have passed in the time that the combat and conversation have taken place. Enough that there is an uncertain look on several faces. Caer, not surprisingly, is not mystfied, and smiles once Kieran's attention has returned. This does not last long, as the Keeper manifests into visual sight, and detaches itself from Arawn, as promised. Unfortunately, as promised, Arawn collapses, causing the court to convulse in surprise.. Simon, predictably, is slinking away, but people's attentions are split on the King, and on the Keeper, who is crawling toward one of the Aiobhells, backing away in horror. "Foul demon!;" Kieran cries in his best bardic voice, carrying throughout the Court; "I've bested you in combat for the Ard-Righ's life. Flee towards your masters and let all here see who is to blame for the Ard-Righ and the realms woes." Kieran heads quickly for Arawn's side, dropping down to one knee as he reaches the high king. To Caer in mindspeech; *Watch the Court, especially the Aoibhells. I did best the demon, and it is pointing out its masters here before appearing to die and fade away. Make sure no one interferes with that. Take Martel and Nessa and see to it. Send the rest to watch over me and Arawn.* "Fetch the healers!;" Kieran says loudly. "The Ard-Righ is ill from the demon." Kieran places a hand on Arawn and moves his psyche gently in to Arawn, in an effort to stabilize and aid him. *Arawn, Ard-Righ;" Kieran says in mindspeech. *I am Kieran, let me help you, majesty." Arawn is no condition to really answer. The blood coming out of the back of his neck, the paleness of his face, and the rolling eyes in the back of his head suggest blood loss, perhaps septic shock, and a rapid deterioration of his condition. Healers do rush toward the king, a pair of court officials who flank the king and start working on him, brooking no argument or interference from anyone, including Kieran. In the meantime, the Keeper reaches one of the retreating Aiobhells. and is subjected to a wail from the creature, begging sanctuary and help and "payment of the bargiain in ensnaring the King." Kieran's gathered friends from the Court have moved to surround the Aiobhell, and two others besides. Steel appears to be ready to drawn, if Kieran does not intervene. "This is a land of laws, my friends;" Kieran says firmly. "Even when others break them." He motions with a hand to Caer, Martel, and Nessa. "Take him into custody until the matter of the Ard-Righ's life is decided. Let other members of the Court watch them as well if they wish as long as they agree to obey the law." "Aye, Kieran." Martel moves to apprehend the Aiobhell. Nessa and Caer, for their part, manage to block off Simon before he can quite get out of sight. There is more consternation, and conflict within the hall, but Kieran's faction appear to be getting it under control. Using Third Eye and Psychokinesis, Kieran eases into, around and through Arawn looking for signs of distress and injury. He believes they'll most likely be found in and around the spot where the demon was located on Arawn. Looking for burst blood vessels and the like, those he finds he wraps a field around them to contain the blood loss. He keeps a close watch on Arawn's vital signs. To the healers, Kieran starts apprising them of what he learns of Arawn's condition and injuries. "I can see and guide you, healers, to his injuries, Even help where I can, but my healing abilities are limited at the moment to diagnostics. You must work your magics and craft well but quickly." "We will do our best." the healers say. "This is not the place for such magics, but if he moves, he will die." The healers start following Kieran's directions on his discovery, the damage to the arteries to the brain, the liver damage, and the compromised immune system. Arawn's vital signs are flickering, badly, but after a few minutes of their work, with Kieran watching, the Ard-Righ's vitals do appear to be stabilizing. It does not appear that he will die--or at least will not die here, and now. If Kieran can help Arawn by lending him energy, he will. Kieran could...but it might drain him terribly to do it. There is some risk to Kieran in giving him enough to make a substantial difference. Ok, Kieran holds that option for later, should it prove necessary. Kieran will also note that The Keeper has done its disappearing act, leaving the problem and the blame solely on the Aiobhell Faction. "Tell me;" Kieran says just to the healers. "What do you need now? I can see he is stabilizing, though not good, at the moment. The damaged blood vessels, I can maintain for now, until something can be done. Are we ready to move him?" "We have to move him." Derek, one of the healers, says. "We can't keep him here, and we need a better place for further work. He might require surgery, grafting of new blood vessels, a blood transfusion, and a lot more. The Ard-Righ's prognosis is uncertain, but if he remains here, he will die for certain." Nothing that Kieran has seen and sensed contradicts the diagnosis and assessment of his health. "Right then;" Kieran says. "WE move him. Have someone bring a stretcher or gurney." He turns his attention to his people. "Bring some royal guards in as well, but have them checked out before letting them near the Ard-Righ. No Aoibhells." To Caer in mindspeech; *Can you send out a call for more of our Dragon Kindred to come and both heal and stand guard over the Ard-Righ? I'm a little busy here at the moment.* *Noticed that* Caer replies, deadpan. Four minutes later, a knot of royal guards, some to work as security for the room, and two bearing a gurney, arrive on the scene. Caer's call for Dragon Kindred has not yet been answered, but a check with her confirms she did find a couple in the palace, making their way at all speed. The healers nod to Kieran to make the transfer of Arawn onto the gurney. With Kieran's help, this goes fine, and Arawn can now be moved where more complicated healing and surgery might be done to save the High King's life. The room seems to realize the situation has changed, too.
Kieran nods to the healers and away they go. An hour later, the decision point is reached. In that hour, Kieran,the healers and the Ard-Righ have been closeted in the hospital on the grounds of the palace. A team of healers, surgeons, and medical personnel (and a couple of co-opted guards as protection) have clustered with Kieran, seeking succor for the High King. It is a difficult process, concentrated and torturous. Blood vessels are repaired. Heart damage soothed. A damaged liver, perhaps the most damaged organ, is only repaired by excising the diseased portion. There is nerve damage, a result, Kieran deduces, from the connections the Keeper made inside of the King's nervous system. The question of lending energy comes up again. The healers have done what they can in that regard, but it has been only enough to stabilize him, in the equivalent of a medically induced coma. He will live. But for the King to wake again in months, or ever,, Kieran, or someone like him (his mother, his father, an Amberite or a Chaosian) must risk, and sacrifice of himself to do it. What does that involve again? Is it a permanent loss of energy(points)? How soon would that have to be done? [In mechanical terms, it would cost 2 points, basically Kieran giving some of his reality and strength to make it happen.] The King probably can remain like this indefinitely, so the choice can be delayed, at the cost of keeping the King in this state for the time being. Okay, we'll get back to the King in a bit. With Arawn stabilized for now, Kieran heads back to chambers assigned to him, his people in tow. He checks for bugs once again, and then sends Bothwell to check in with the others while Ormond stands guard. He then trumps his mother. There are no bugs, with a thorough sweep of the room. It doesn't even look like servants have been in the rooms,lately, to tidy up. Bothwell leaves to find how his compatriots are handling the Court. "Kieran, good" Brandeigh says, answering the call with blazing speed. "I was about to contact you. I've been detecting fluctuations in the barriers around Keltia. I wondered if it was your doing, somehow, if you set something in motion at Court." Kieran sighs. "Yes and no;" he says. "I didn't directly cause the fluctuations but I know who, rather what, did. And that is the result of my actions." He sighs again. "In more ways than one as well." He rubs his face. "What you detected, going outbound from Keltia, yes?" He waits for a confirming nod from his mother. "Yes" she says. "Yeah, that was a demon, a Keeper it called itself, from House Ledaal in the Courts of Chaos. Are Dad and Grandmother Deirdre still around? This is stuff they need to know about." "Your grandmother just left." Brandeigh purses her lips. "Your aunt invited her to her shadow." Brandeigh says, softening her seriousness. "I wasn't supposed to know why, but I do." "I can get your father, though." Brandeigh sobers up. "You think this is tied to Deirdre, somehow?" she asks. "In a word;" Kieran replies. "Yes." He sighs again. "Apparently, this house of Chaos doesn't like the way she fought and killed some of their members during Patternfall. They've declared a vendetta against her. And, it seems, her descendants and their shadow realms are fair game. They are working with Narek here through the Aoibhells to cause our problems. That demon had been possessing Arawn till I fought it and won. I let it go on condition it arrange a meeting with Ledaal on neutral ground to discuss things through." Kieran pauses, then adds; "Arawn's not in the best of shape at the moment, but should recover after I work on him some more." Mother's face turns grave. "A vendetta against Deirdre, and not Amber in general?" She makes a temporizing sound. "I didn't know a House of Chaos could do that. I'll have to see if I can talk to Merlin about that." Kieran shrugs his shoulders. "Neither did I, but then again, I don't know a lot about Chaos to begin with. From what the Keeper demon said, they can't declare a vendetta against Amber because of the treaty. Apparently they finagled a loop hole in that allows them to go after individuals, if that's true." Mother keeps the call active as she heads out of the breakfast room she was in, leaving the remains of breakfast behind, and up to a room where Percy has a hologram up of a sleek looking airship. He is speaking into a conference call based on a trump, from what Kieran can feel through the connection. Percy drops it as Brandeigh comes up to him, speaks a few words and enters him into the call. "I'm glad *you* are all right." Percy says. "I mislike this vendetta." He looks at Brandeigh. "We'll have to call my sister, if this targets Mom and her descendants." "I will speed up the construction of The Everest" Percy says to Kieran. "The sooner we're on there and on the way to Benedict, the safer Keltia will be." "You don't have to do that." Brandeigh says, with soft strength. "Yes" Percy says. "Yes, cariad, we do." "Sister? Err, Aunt?" Kieran says. "The demon wasn't much of a battle;" he says. "If I'd had more time and not standing in the middle of Court, I could've worked it so the High King wasn't injured with it leaving." "I've still got some things to work out here;" Kieran adds. "A few enspelled persons, the High King to mend, Aoibhells to put back in their place; and maybe deal with the Baroness, if I can catch her, for the last time." "The work and problems here is why I didn't go with your Mother to Atlantis." Brandeigh says, for the benefit of both Percy and Kieran. "She invited me. My brother is up to something, they wanted me present." Percy turns to Kieran. "Atlantis is the home of Aura , your aunt, my younger sister. She lives in a relatively barred and protected shadow. She should know about this House Ledaal, regardless, especially if Mother is there." "More reason to get things moving as soon as possible." Brandeigh says, and looks at Kieran. "How stands Scota, now? Do you need me to come through to deal with the Aiobhells? To say nothing of Arawn. I'd rather not upset your applecarts, however. I need to look at those barriers, make sure they are as secure as possible." "The Aiobhells are, shall we say, beginning to experience what is called 'a bad day.' I spoke at some length with the Ledaal demon. It confirmed that the Baroness had struck a deal with the Aiobhells, and Ledaal had some sort of bargain with her." Kieran quickly goes on to relay all his efforts and actions up to this point. Mother nods thoughtfully. "That confirms my choice to stay." she says. "I still have to track down the other two spell enchained individuals, I thought Arawn would have been one of them, but I was wrong. And I have to track down Narek and deal with her. On the upside, I have created the beginnings of an alliance with a number of nobles from other planets that have run afoul of the Aiobhells plans." "We'll need that once things are settled, to go forward after the Aiobhells have their teeth pulled." Mother replies. "I will do what I can for Arawn;" Kieran says. "It's the Baroness' fault that he was injured and, therefore, my responsibility to rectify the situation as best I can. Deal with the barriers first, Mom, and then come here if you would like." "Yes" She says. "I'll do that. You probably want me, your father and myself when you are ready to take on Narek. Just to make sure." Brandeigh says. "Whether she is Cyllene's shadow, or something else, its time to end her meddling. Today." "Aye;" Kieran says after a moment. Brandeigh gets the impression that Kieran may not have wanted his parents there for the final confrontation with Narek, but reconsidered after having thought Narek would have backup as well. Her master, whoever that is, and Aiobhells, perhaps. "Time to stir up more trouble for the Aiobhells and see if I can draw her out;" Kieran says. "Keep in close contact." Percy says. "With both of us." He looks at Brandeigh. "Can't you just keep Kieran in this contact?" "Yes, but it would not be a good idea." Brandeigh says. "Especially if Narek decides to strike back first. And she might, Kieran. Especially when I move to lock down Keltia, further. Be careful." Kieran appears to ignore the 'Be careful' ... suggestion. "How subtle of a lock down are we talking about here? Is it something those of us with true powers are likely to notice? Or is it something one would only find out the hard way when trying to enter or leave?" "I think the time for subtlety" Brandeigh says with a note of steel in her voice. "is over. Its time for Narek, these Aiobhells and these Ledaals to know with whom they are dealing. You will likely feel it, Kieran." "Should we consider the Spiked Wall Option?" Percy says. "Perhaps" Brandeigh says. "We'll cross that bridge when we get to it, cariad. Either way." she returns her attention to Kieran. "Don't probe the defenses too closely." "Me?" Kieran says. "Hadn't thought of doing so." His gaze grows speculative. "Now watching to see who notices that something major has changed... That might just work as a target selection process." His gaze sharpens suddenly with concern. "The spell chains on our ambassador and the two others; are your efforts likely to disturb or disrupt those?" Backlinks |
