Through The KeyholeIndex | Time Under Chaos | Game Logs | Through The Keyhole The steady movement of the carriage faded as Vikund concentrated and focused. Where was she? A kettle began to rattle. She was reaching for some dried leaves, making tea. For a few moments he could hear nothing. He lost himself for a few seconds in a haze, then the other woman spoke. "Petra has been very kind, but I would not ask her to lie for me~E." Who? He knew the voice. "As you like, so long as you think you can manufacture an alibi." "I trust I shall come up with something that will do." "I'll attend family supper, and make sure to be seen haranguing the staff over trial details later in the evening~E" His attention drifted. He wanted to know who she was talking to, and the ritual of tea making didn't interest him. Her mind was on something else; planning. "This afternoon we'll do our reconnaissance. I want to spend no more time on the rescue itself than we absolutely need." "Has anyone even *tried* to Trump Johann?" She doesn't think trump is a serious option, but wants to think things through. Very good. "To be honest, dear sister, I don't have a Trump of Johann either." Islain. She's talking to Islain. Damn! She spoke aloud, then. "Time is Mandor's enemy. If we accept that he must...neutralize Johann as quickly as possible, any interrogation must also happen as quickly as possible. The way to manage that is through his mind. Unicorn alone knows what Mandor has done --and Johann wasn't the fastest ship in the fleet to begin with." Vikund allowed himself a chuckle. Even at this dark hour, there were moments of levity. So few~E "For reconnaissance do you fancy a real excursion or a sorcerous scry? Either are dangerous..." "There is also Pattern scrying. I have a century as the Loyal and Occasionally Strident Opposition. I could manage a visit without undue suspicion. You would have no excuse, and you'll need to evaluate the sorcerous defenses, regardless." "I think, together, you and I could demolish any defenses in place, by wielding the Pattern as a blunt instrument. The question is how quickly, and whether it will harm Johann further." Such confidence. Such self-assurance. Such risk. "I drink it when I'm melancholy," she said then, but he lost what was "I drink it when I'm melancholy," she said then, but he lost what was said. The carriage came to a halt and his concentration was broken. With a sigh he gathered his things and threw open the door. Stepping out into the fresh air, he was greeted by men in dark suits. Vikund handed them a set of scrolls. "See that these orders are carried out," he said, before walking through the gaping doors of BlackHall. |
