AGatheringStormII[continued from A Gathering Storm] Benedict rose from his chair, “I will speak to the King and have the Pattern Chamber unlocked for you. I will also stress the importance that you have full access to any part of the Castle and its resources. Before my sister steps in your path. Nephew, niece. You are my eyes and ears until I return.” Seabhac and Rhea nodded, nervous. Benedict headed toward the door, pausing to look at Sekhmet, “Hell-maiden, if you would accompany me, please? There are matters I would discuss with you.” Sekhmet stiffened, glancing at Temanl for a second. Then she gave a nod and followed the dark haired Prince. [Joao's] eyes followed the departing hellmaiden, holding the question that came to mind. Malachi waited for Benedict and Sekhmet to depart, then turned and spoke to the others, his face still dark from the news of Rook's death. Without explanation, he said "Sand was a mistress of the Trumps, aligned somehow with Tir-na Nog'th, the City in the Clouds. I think Raina is there." "She seemed to have some realm of her own, from what Raina said." Joao replied. "I don't know if that was in Tir or somewhere else. It was most evident during our trip through the gates." he looked at Seabhac and Gillian. Gillian nodded. Rhea licked her lips, glancing around. She squeezed Cole’s hand, as if seeking strength to speak. “Malachi’s right. Princess Sand created some kind of Dream Trumps. It’s said you could contact people while they were dreaming. And then slip into their dreams.” She smiled shyly, “I’ve been studying the Trumps. And Aunt Fiona has always hated two siblings. Cybele and Sand. Because they were able to do what she could not. And whatever Fiona can’t do, I want to learn.” Gillian looked at Rhea out of the corner of her eye. "Be careful. You saw where that got me," she said quietly. Cole looked at Rhea, obviously impressed. "Wow. I didn't realize you were so ambitious. But you've already developed a healthy sense of empathy, so you're off to a great start." Joao smiled. Seabhac chuckled, “My cousin. The iconoclast.” He set his glass down, "So. We all going after Rusalka? Or Primal Pattern? Or both?" "One more question before we decide that," Cynwyd said, his eyes narrowed in thought. "Is it possible to scry the locations? To get more information? Or would that be just as invasive as going?" Rhea blushed and shrugged her shoulders. Her hand tightened around Cole’s. This girl hated not knowing an answer. Seabhac hrmed for a moment, rubbing his chin. “I’ve been told that some of the Elder’s could form what was called a ‘Pattern Lens.’ Sort of like a portal through Shadow, allowing the user to view distant places. Impossible places, even. But that level of Pattern manipulation is way beyond me. “Logrus is also an excellent spying tool, but I wouldn’t advise it in this case. You’ve seen the result of Pattern and Logrus get-togethers.” "All too well." Joao said. "All too well." He cleared his throat and drank more water. Water was life. "So then we will have to make a choice without the benefit of scrying or spying. "There is no reason not to try the other if our first target is inaccessible, of course." "It's my thought, although Delwin disagrees." he smiled thinly "that we should try Sand and Raina first. Her abilities at trump might be useful in finding just where Rusalka has gotten to, and getting her without the risk of injuries, like last time." "Why without?" Cynwyd queried, his attention never leaving Gillian. "Especially during the hour. I'd be surprised if it cannot be pulled off?" he asked, nodding to the slight woman. "Our first priority," Cole said, "is to not be here when the Dark Hour arrives. This castle is the central focal point for all the awfulness. If we're going to use the Pattern, let's go down to it now and be in position when the Hour arrives, although I have to assume that if the castle is the focus for the Dark Hour in the city, the Pattern is the prime focus within the castle: it just might be the worst possible place for us to be. If we're not going to use the Pattern, let's go somewhere else now. Please. Anywhere." "Cybele has told me that she can find the way to the Primal Pattern. I can leave now and get there before the Hour arrives, then open a trump gate to wherever the rest of you are so you can come through. Cybele did warn that those with Logrus should stay behind." She looked apologetically at Seabhac and Cwynwyd before continuing. Seabhac smiled faintly, “Oh, we could go there. Both of us have Pattern in our blood. It’d just be highly unpleasant. Barded-wire enema unpleasant. I volunteer for the Rusalka-rescue potion of this plan.” He shivered, “I said the ‘P’ word. We’re as good as dead.” "In answer to Cwynwyd, yes, I know how to bring up a Pattern Lens--it's part of what I had active when the Logrus touched it and went kaboom two months ago. But I don't know what phase the moon is currently in, so I don't know if Tir is visible. If it's not, I'm not sure if it's possible to find Tir with the Pattern, though Cybele may have some ideas. If it is visible, I can send a Lens up there to scry around, and even open a gate for us to step through to there. "After some consideration of Malachi's enthusiasm, I think I agree with him and suggest pursuing Tir if the timing is right, or if not, pursuing the Primal Pattern angle. Regardless, I also agree with Cole, that we might not want to stay here. Prince Benedict offered to have us escorted down to the Pattern Room and I suggest we take him up on it, regardless of whichever action we pursue tonight." "Doesn't the Pattern Room count as 'in' the Castle?" Temnal asked. "Well, yes, but don't you want to see what the Pattern looks like during the Dark Hour?" Gillian replied. "All probably a moot point, anyway. With a bit of luck I will have made it to the Primal before the Dark Hour is upon us and brought you to me." "Staying in the Castle is extremely risky." Joao said, thinking to his conversation with Binah, and his unexpected arrival in the fortress during the Dark Hour. He sipped water as he thought, he sorely needed a conversation with her, in solitude, to plan and think. And take advantage. "Is the time right?" Malachi asked. "Is there a full moon out tonight?" Rhea smiled excitedly, “It’s waning, but yes.” She hugged Cole’s arm. “You know me and the Ghost City. I know the timing down to the minute.” Cole smiled. Seabhac began to rise, “Then shall we move forward? One group will wait for Gillian to open up the pathway to the Primal Pattern. The other ventures to the Ghost City. No sense in putting our eggs all in one basket.” He rubbed his aching shoulders, “I can make a Trump sketch of Rhea, so you guys can remain in the Ghost City as long as possible.” Gillian looked torn as she helped Seabhac up. "Damn. I'm missing a chance to visit Tir na Nog'th. I want to do both!" Seabhac rolled his eyes and chuckled. “Oh yes. And I’m sure we could squeeze in a visit to the Logrus tonight, as well.” He leaned over and lightly kissed her cheek, “You’ll have more than enough time to visit them all, my love. No Granger time-tricks tonight, okay?” "Da" Joao said. "Both locations are interesting. I am torn but I think I should go to the Ghost City to try and find Raina and Sand." He looked around. "How should we best divide ourselves?" he asked, looking at the assembled group. "Given your Other, do you think you're the best person to go looking for Sand?" Temnal asked Joao bluntly. "This is true, Gospodin Temnal." Joao said. "On the other hand, Sand knows me." He looked thoughtful. Nodding at the excited young woman clamped on his arm, and realizing that he might not be capable of breaking her grip even if he'd wanted to, Cole replied. "Looks like I'm going to Tir again. Oh, and just so you all know, your Other might manifest outside your body there. It's happened before. That was before we joined though, so maybe it's different now." Temnal looked thoughtful. "I, too, would like to see the Dream City, but possibly that's not the best reason to go right now. And what I'm planning to do could be done in either place, I suspect. Where would I be the most useful? That's the real question." "The Others manifest outside of you there?" Joao said, looking at Cole. He then looked to Temnal. "Your warning might take greater weight, if Delwin can manifest physically. The temptation for him to act might be strong." Joao looked pensive. "You should probably plan to come with me, then," Gillian said practically as she took Ginger from Joao's arms. She turned to face the others. "Align yourselves as you would. When I reach the Primal Pattern I'll open a gate to the Pattern Room so whomever is there can come through to me. Be careful in Tir, to everyone else." "Wait!" said Malachi, sounding startled. "Can you take me to the city, too? I, uh, have something I need to do there." Cole looked at him, one eyebrow raised, then shrugged. Gillian hugged Seabhac, squeezing Ginger mercilessly between them, and then planted a kiss on his cheek. "You especially, be careful." Ginger mewed and protested until Seabhac tapped her on the head, “Hush, furball… kissing my lady.” He smiled at Gillian, and kissed her back. “Come back to me in one piece. Please.” He touched her hand, soft, yet nervous. "It'll be okay," she whispered back. "Cybele will take care of me." She turned and left. "Break out the jackets and hiking boots, kids," Cole said, "It's a long windy climb to the top of Kolvir. Unless someone can magic us to the stairs, we'll need to hoof it pretty hard to get up there in time. And even then it's a hike up to the top of the stairs." Rhea smiled at the group, “I can have long coats and boots made available for everyone. And water bottles. And food. I’m sure you’re all near death’s door after just waking up.” She squeezed Cole’s arm. “Bring everyone that’s going to the Ghost City to the Great Stair exit. We can ascend from there.” She dipped her head to everyone and went to make preparations. Cole went with her, still arm in arm. "Da" Joao said. He looked at the retreating form of Gillian and looked pensive once more. "Tir may be too dangerous." he said. "You and Gillian are likely right." he said to Temnal. "I will go to the Pattern and thence to the Primal Pattern. Who is coming with me?" he asked. Seabhac slung Ginger under his arm, “I’ll go.” Ginger clucked her tongue, “Seabhac. Is that wise?” “No,” he smirked. “Not in the slightest. But my lady needs me. Doesn’t she, Furball.” Ginger grumped, “Oh, she needs something alright.” "I will come to the Pattern Room with you," Temnal said, pushing himself up from his chair. [Gillian continued in Grabbing the Dragon's Tail] |
