WellMetIndeedIndex | Time Under Chaos | Game Logs | Well Met Indeed - Jurt, Tasha, Ingrey & Chadwick Well Met IndeedTasha admired the décor as they glided along the well polished marble and over the soft carpets, as they made their way to the salon. Further down the corridor, she suddenly spotted two familiar faces as two men emerged from a room; that of the gentleman who had come to Chaos and met with her a few years ago, and that of her most recent acquaintance and escort into dinner. With her free hand, she waved, almost childishly with her enthusiasm. "I think we've found them!" She exclaimed to Jurt. "Tasha," Chadwick exclaimed with glee that matched hers. "Were you looking for us? We're off on the most marvelous of adventures, I believe." He then gave notice to Jurt. "An adventure?" Tasha's eyes sparkled with interest. "It has been a while, but... you're Jurt, aren't you? Mother favors you as a subject," he says, but decides against elaborating. Jurt smiled casually. "I might say the same of you, Chad," he answered obliquely. "Tasha was caught a little offguard by the excitement earlier and is now feeling better. Enough that we thought we might rejoin you all." The King's younger brother turns to Ingrey. "An adventure, Secretary?" Ingrey, for his part gave a bow and took no visible mention of Chadwick's comment. "Greetings, Lord Jurt." He did open his smile further, as he turned to regard Tasha. "And greetings to you again, Tasha Minobee. No doubt that Jurt has already made you welcome in Amber." "As young Chadwick here has said in his own way," Ingrey continued. " he and I are departing on the matter of that strange surge which struck some of us." "Were you looking for either of us in particular, or the rest of the diplomats?" Ingrey enquired, his gaze settling on a spot between the scions of Sawall and Minobee. Tasha looked up at Jurt with a small shrug and smile, "We were looking to rejoin the party, but if you are off on an adventure...." Her tone sounded whistful, as if she, too, would like to go on an adventure. "I don't know if you'd be interested," Chadwick grinned, "but I suppose we could find room in our band for two more, assuming Ingrey would be up for it. He's protecting me, I hear." Ingrey looked from Jurt to Tasha and back again. He furrowed his eyebrows in concentration. "The choice on whether or not to accompany us to the Barracks might fall on the lord of Sawall here." He looked to Jurt. "Are you formally acting as Tasha's Acquitor in Amber, Jurt Darasson?" Ingrey asked Jurt. "Or are you acting in a less formal capacity?" "Both of you might be welcomed in our project, although there is risk." he finished "I'm not presuming any such role, but Tasha's of a mind to make decisions for herself. Of one summoned to study by my brother, I would expect nothing less," he admitted. "Please, let us go forward." Tasha smiled warmly, "Oh, yes, this sounds much more interesting than a stuffy .. Ahem.. I mean... a dinner party." She frowned as she looked down at her gown, "Barracks you said? Then this dress will never do." She suddenly smiled and closed her eyes, concentrating for a moment on the material she was wearing, transforming it into more suitable attire. The cream colored gown slowly melted into a more rugged blouse and pants, and her pretty pumps transformed into more durable boots. "All right, then. I'm ready," Tasha's startlingly blue eyes popped open. Jurt might've pouted a little as her decollatage disappeared under the blouse, but just nodded and gestured for the other gentlemen to lead the way. "Can you teach that," Chadwick asked Tasha. "It seems a rather handy ability. Not completely like having your room straighten itself." "I don't know," Tasha stated, honestly. "I'm not really sure how I do it... It all started with a doll I had, which only had one dress... And, well, I wanted her to have a different one." Tasha smiled. "And then she did!" "It is no ordinary feat of Shaping." Ingrey agreed. "The lady from Minobee has a talent." "Ooooh," Chadwick said, a little disappointed that he might not be able to perform the same trick. "But maybe I have a talent like that," he offered. "I could try..." The Diplomat already started walking, trusting the trio behind him to follow him through corridors that, if not intimately familiar, were still traversed enough that Ingrey felt confident that he could find the entrance to the Castle, and the waiting carriage. "Our plan is this." Ingrey continued to speak. "We will proceed to the Embassy, where we will change carriages, and send this back to the Castle. The Ambassador would not appreciate having to find other means to return after the night's events are over." "From there, we will head to the Scar and find the garrison commander, or whoever is acting as such at the moment. Chadwick here represents Amber. I represent the Embassy. Jurt here as the brother to the King and the Prime Minister provides weight, and Tasha, as a emigre from Chaos, are a party as well. Our goal is to use the social force of our arrival to meet with the person responsible for the outbreak." ""It would not surprise me." Ingrey said. "if we are expected." "So they'll have tea out for us? Or those little cakes. Of course, I'm not sure they're obligated if they only think we're coming." Chadwick looked to the others hopefully. Tasha just stared at Chadwick, her mouth slightly open, but then she began to giggle, for certainly he must be joking. "Yes, of course! Tea and cakes!" she laughed. "You are delightful!" Jurt had followed Ingrey's reasoning and didn't seem to disapprove, but the cakes had just left him dumb for a moment. He recovered, pressing on. "So, as the professional diplomat are you going to take the lead?" he asked Ingrey. "I am." Ingrey said confidently. "I'll trust the three of you." He slowed his pace and turned his head to allow his gaze to alight on Jurt, Chadwick, and Tasha "to understand that, and to follow my lead as necessary." He waited for their assent before continuing to speak. Tasha nodded her agreement, sobering quickly. "I was once given a book where the act of my profession was described as saying 'nice doggie' to a pugnacious hound, until one can reach for, and use, a stick. Where we are going may very well be into such a kennel. Or, perhaps, it *will* be civilized." "If we are greeted with tea and cakes, it might be more dangerous than if we are forced into a brawl" Ingrey finished. "Questions?" Ingrey asked of his three companions as he led them into the courtyard. As the coach was being brought round, Tasha voiced her question: "And you believe that the... what-ever-it-was... that affected those of us," she glanced curiously at Chadwick, "for lack of better word, associated, yes, associated with the Logrus, had its source at these barracks?" She looked up at Ingrey with concern, "Do you think what-ever-it-was might do it again?" Small swirls of inky black formed in the back of her eyes at the notion of being overwhelmed again. "I was not able to make a arcane study of it, being too affected by it, and not having the requisite skill set." Ingrey explained to Tasha. "However, I have decided that the barracks are the likely place to find its origin as a matter of social deduction. *That*, good Tasha IS within my skill set." Ingrey smiled as the coach pulled in front of them, and the door was opened for them. He waited until they were all loaded into the carriage and moving before he continued. "I don't know if we will be afflicted again. However, the mere fact of its occurrence indicates that it was not a small ritual or process, especially to affect us at range. Therefore, the party responsible requires a relatively secure sanctum sanctorum. It didn't happen at the Embassy. I would know if something like this was in the wings. Therefore, it happened at the one place in the city where a Chaosian could make this happen." Ingrey paused for dramatic effect. "The Scar." Chadwick drew back in apprehension at the name, and then looked to his companions. "I believe the traditional response to these things is fear mixed with curiosity," he said. Tasha patted Chadwick's arm in reassurance and regarded her other companions with a small frown on her lips, "The Scar? Is this a different place than the barracks? And why should we be afraid of it?" "The Scar is the district of the city in which the barracks are located." Ingrey explained. "It is as welcome and inviting to the denizens of Amber city as any military base of an occupying power would be to the citizenry of the surrounding city." Soon, as the conversation progressed, the carriage pulled up in front of the three large buildings that made up the complex of the Embassy of the Courts of Chaos to Amber. Ingrey stepped out once the door was opened, and after speaking to some of the staff, arranged for another carriage to be brought up, while the first headed back to Castle Amber. Once they were safely installed in the new vehicle and instructions given, Ingrey regarded his companions and let them direct the conversation, or not, as they desired, until the foreboding and forbidding monolithic buildings of the barracks came into view. "A clear case of utilitarian form over design and aesthetics." Ingrey said casually. "Even the most martial Houses of Chaos show more of a sense of style than these. I dislike coming here and vastly prefer to meet officers on my own turf when I have to deal with them. Come, though, let's go find the commander or the watch officer." Ingrey said as the carriage came to a stop. Jurt seemed amazed to watch Ingrey work and content to take a back seat here, ready to support the diplomat if needed. Chadwick was ready to leap from the carriage the moment it stopped, hoping for action and leaning low already. Once in a while he considered the others, but remained quiet. Tasha just followed their lead and exited the vehicle. She had to agree with Ingrey, the place could use a bit of brightening. It was dreadfully dull looking. "It could use a bit of color and... style." She wondering if they'd mind her adding some. Ingrey chuckled dryly. He swung his head until he spotted the closest administration building. "Come." he said, as he set off across the small courtyard in its direction. "Just follow my lead. I'll do most of the talking. However, I'll need your presence and words as support as needed. All of you. And I do appreciate you being here to back up my gambit." Ingrey continued, his eyes open if he and his allies would be intercepted before they reached the building and the officers within. Jurt offered Tasha his arm as if they were going to take a stroll in the gardens again. "Exciting isn't it?" he mused with an almost bored look on his face. There was a very proper and austere military guard at the gates, accompanied by two canine demons. They sniffed as they caught an Amberite sense and then stiffened suddenly, crouching low, as they got wind of something rather different. Ingrey held up his hands. "Peace of the Serpent be unto you and your companions." he said, addressing the guards and the canine demons in their employ alike. He then gave a bow. Chadwick looked on, curious. He gave a very abbreviated bow after Ingrey, hoping he hadn't offended. "Good night. As you well know, but it bears saying, I am Ingrey of House Wererathe, Second to the Ambassador Paloma Baccaran at the Embassy." He gestured to Jurt. "Doubtless you are familiar with the brother of the Prime Minister, Jurt Sawall. Also accompanying me is Tasha of House Minobee." He gestured to Tasha. "And, finally,a scion of Amber, Chadwick Florasson." Chad gave a nervous grin and wiggled his fingers. "Hi," he muttered. Ingrey bowed again. "We four have business with the ranking watch officer." He paused and smiled slightly. "For a start." Tasha smiled at the introduction, instinctively baring her teeth in the direction of the demon dogs, as she saw them crouching. "Oh, aren't they cute?" The dogs' hackles rose, and they bared their teeth a little in return. Ingrey spared enough attention to note this interaction between Tasha and the demon dogs, and filed it away behind his eyes. Jurt's smile of bored amusement became animated for a moment. "Predator to predator, lets keep it professional for the moment, alright?" He offered a wink to her. Chad refrained from asking what additional business he might have beyond talking, but he felt certain that involved some small amount of food and perhaps a bit of sport. A tall Chaosian (too tall to be entirely human, with something badly wrong with the proportion of his limbs (by human standards) had pushed his way forward. "I'm Officer of the Watch," he said abruptly. "Captain Darius Hendrake. What brings such important visitors to the barracks so late at night, and unannounced?" Jurt looked unimpressed by the warrior's demeanor, and waved at Ingrey to continue. "Good evening, Captain Darius." Ingrey said. "We come on behalf of our various principals on the matter of unmistakable arcane emanations of a nature that were severe enough to afflict attendees of a dinner party held by the Prime Minister." "The only place such a Working could originate is here, Captain. And so we have come to speak with who directed their use." Ingrey smiled. "It's entirely probable that he will be unsurprised to see me, at the least." "I'm sorry, Counsellor," said Captain Hendrake. "But we here at the barracks were badly affected by these emanations too. In fact, the Commander was about to send a party down to the Castle to see what the Prime Minister what was happening. Very concerned about his Majesty, he is." Ingrey surpressed the urge to raise an eyebrow. Years of diplomatic training warred with his skepticism. He held his emotions and response in check. If the Hendrake who commanded the Chaosian forces was concerned about Merlin, it would be for the first time. But Captain Hendrake's expression could have been carved from stone. "I am certain that his Majesty appreciates the concern and care the Commander has for his health and well being." Ingrey replied politely. "However, Captain, what you seem to be saying is that you are not conversant with the origin of these emanations yourselves?" He glanced briefly at his companions for their reactions and input before returning to regard the Captain. Tasha wasn't paying all that much attention to the Captain, other than to think he was a rather boring, and uninformed individual, and let her attention wander. The moonlight on the courtyard was bright and somehow more penetrating than Tasha had ever known. The shadows seemed sharper, clear ... and the world drained of colour ... "Well, I can assure you that His Majesty is fine and there are similar investigations currently under His immediate attention. I'm unsure that more men would serve any more helpful than the full weight of Royal scrutiny, but I will be happy to convey the Commander's well thought intentions when we do return to the Presence," Jurt answered affably. "Thank you," said Captain Hendrake. "Did you wish to see the Commander in person?" There was a certain tension about him - but he seemed willing and ready to take them to see the Commander. Even though dinner had only been a short while earlier, Tasha felt an overwhelming sense of ... hunger. The tang of sweat was in the air; nervous sweat, the smell of ... prey. Ingrey gave a nod of his head. "It would perhaps be best if I did speak to the Commander directly." Ingrey said smoothly. "With no offense to your honor, Captain, the displeasure of the Ambassadress will fall upon me unless I have the direct word of your superior on these matters. My companions may wish to remain here, or feel similarly and wish to join me..." he gave a glance to Jurt, Tasha and Chadwick. "I think that the Lady and myself will accompany you," Jurt answered after a look toward Tasha and a subtle shake of his head. He turned his attention to Chadwick. Surely Flora's son didn't wish to be left behind. Chadwick looked at whom he'd be left alone with and decided against. "I believe that I'll join you," he said. "Pleasant night for it." Jurt turned back toward the Secretary and the Hendrake Captain and offered a little bow, sweeping his hand toward the barracks. "Shall we?" "Yes." Ingrey gave a smile of pleasure at the choice made by his three companions. He turned in the direction of Captain Darius and gave a grazing nod of the head. "If you would, Captain." The Captain gave a little bow and signalled them to follow him through the gate. The moonlight shone brightly on the wide courtyard beyond - large enough, perhaps, to be called a parade ground. It was clear enough for them to be a sharply defined little group as they crossed it. Two of the guard had fallen in behind - an escort that might be expected, as a gesture of respect - but which might indicate something less favorable. But in this light, there was no way at all that any other them could slip away unseen in the wide open ground. Tasha blinked in wonder as she walked out into the moonlight. She murmured to Jurt, "Gram never let me out at night. It's beautiful...." Her voice was oddly husky and she was feeling a bit strange as she stared up at the moon with eyes that looked larger than they had been earlier. They approached the main administrative building - low and spread, on two stories. It had an institutional look - but some pains had been taken to make it more pleasing to Chaosian eyes, which would have found the original ordered design somewhat oppossive. Lights were visible at a number of window - not the flickers of candles, but the more mettlesome lights favoured by Chaosians. A young lieutenant was stationed by the door. He saluted as the group approached. Ingrey gave a nod of greeting to the officer. "Barimen," said the Captain. "I have visitors for the General." Ingrey nodded again in agreement with the Captain's assessment. "If you would, Lieutenant." he added. If anyone was close enough they sould see Tasha's eyes were wider. Her hair, too, seemed to be shifting and changing ... more a pelt than hair. And her slightly smile seemed to show rather more teeth than one might expect, with prominent canines. But stranger than this, perhaps, was the fact that all the changes were cast in a strange opalescent light ... Tasha glowed with pale colours, rich and strange. It was difficult for Chadwick to ignore Tasha's changes, but he seemed to be doing well until the glow began to compete with the lights inside for his attention. "Lady," he whispered while the others spoke, "you're glowing." He didn't add that he'd heard that happened to pregnant women, because he wasn't sure what that would imply about her character... being Chaosian and all. Ingrey turned slightly so that he could more easily see the changes that Tasha had undergone. His eyes went from a brief appraisal of Tasha to Jurt. He gave Jurt an interrogatory, questioning look. Jurt laid a hand on Tasha's arm and called her name in a clear voice, calling her to herself and trying to draw her back without attempting to exert any control over her, which he was unsure he could. The eyes Tasha turned to Jurt when he called her name were larger and reflected back the odd moonlight, her deliciously, pouting lips extended slowly into a muzzle and, though she answered Jurt, her words were difficult to understand, "It is so wonderful. Don't you feel it? It makes me want to... sing." She threw back her head and let out a long, mournful howl, which echoed off the walls of the barracks. Both the Lieutenant and the Captain were regarding Tasha uneasily - not, perhaps, the shapeshifting in itself - but the fact that it was taking a ferocious form. At the sound of the howl, the diplomat ffinally turned to regard Tasha's transformation. He looked at her for a long moment in the moonlit change. He looked at her dispassionately, with the same sort of grace that he might reserve for any emissary from a nation that he might meet, no matter how terrifying. "Perhaps after we finish our business here we might find a venue for that, good Minobee." Ingrey said with a smile. He turned back to to the officers. "After all, I think that the officers here are going to completely cooperate, and so violence will not be necessary." "The War form of the collateral branch of her line is impressive, is it not, gentlemen?" Ingrey said with an easy, cultured tone. "Such shiftings come naturally to her and her forebears. "Assuming that we we have been dealt with fairly and honestly, should not be seen as anything other than an instinctual reaction rather than a naked threat." The Captain looked at Ingrey with some indignation. "And do you believe that an emissary of the Emperor would be dealt with other than fairly? Be pleased to come this way." Ingrey merely nodded slightly. He bit his lip at the unintended result of his ploy against the Captain. With a smart military step he led the party into the barracks. The Lieutenant brought up the rear, seemingly troubled. They were led along several corridors and through several impressive double door before they found themselves in an impressively dignified office. The lights through the window suggested that it had a fine commanding view over Amber harbour, but even the bright moonlight could not display the city fully. As they left the full moonlight behind, Tasha's features softened back toward her human appearance, but not completely. The glow, however, remained. Jurt continued to hold her arm, his skin against hers, a subtle reminder. A small, dapper figure was standing by the window. Largely human with a slightly reptilian cast to his features, and the soft lisp that went with a tongue that was forked, this was the feared General Borthold Hendrake, one of the finest fighting men of his generation. He was gazing out of the window, but at their entrance he turned. "My fellow Chaosians," he said, the soft sibiliant list noticeable in his Thari. "And my Lord of Amber. To what do I owe this unexpected pleasure?" "General." Ingrey bowed sincerely. "It has been a while since I have had the privilege to visit." He paused and then continued. "While we are not here on as grim business as your campaign against the Kasserines in Shadow Ulm, we are here on serious business nevertheless, sir." He gestured with upturned palms pointing at each of his companions in turn, introducing them. "Be pleased to meet Chadwick, of the line of Florimel of Amber, who represents Amber in the matter we bring before you. Also be pleased to meet lady Tasha of the House Minobee, recently arrived here. And I am certain that you are at least acquainted and familiar with, if not conversant with, lord Jurt Sawall." "May we be seated?" Ingrey asked. "But of course," said the General. He swept an arm around the room, and there was suitable seating for all of them, close at hand. "And might I offer refreshments?" Tasha snorted what could have been a laugh as she growled out, "Chadwick wanted cakes and tea. Do you have cake and tea?" She preferred to walk than sit and dragged on Jurt's arm as she began to pace. Jurt endured being led about like a domesticated pet with the same bored indifference he had presented for most of the trip. He waved the General's offer away appreciatively. "This evening has already been refreshing enough, I think." "As you please," said the General. He turned to Lieutenant Barimen. "Bring tea and cakes for Lord Chadwick Barimen. Sufficient for the Lady Tasha Minobee." He turned to her courteously. "Or perhaps my lady would like fresh rabbit?" Chadwick nodded and then did a double take of Tasha. She certainly had acquired a... well, it was easy to see why someone might look at her and think "carnivore". Jurt stifled the laugh and squeezed gently on Tasha's arm, meeting her eyes with mirth. "Our dinner with my brothers *was* interrupted," he commented obliquely. Tasha's tongue snaked out as if she were already tasting the fresh blood. Her eyes scanned the room, lighting on the General, "Rabbit better than Reptile." Ingrey raised his eyebrows slightly at Chadwick and Tasha's reactions. The diplomat finally gave an inclination of the head. "I would not overtax your resources to an undue degree, General Borthold. A simple cup of tea will suit my needs for our discussion and deliberations more than adequately. And for the hospitality shown me and those who accompany me is appreciated." He took a seat and folded his hands and leaned slightly toward the General. His fingertips touch and slide against each other, forming an ever moving cage...or a web. "Certainly," said the General, the slits in his eyes flickering as he watched Ingrey's hands. "Tea for two - no three. I'll have one myself. Cakes - and rabbit." Lieutenant Barimen bowed and left the room."Delighted though I am that such distinguished company decided to visit me for a midnight snack," said the General, "I can't help but feel that there may be another reason for your visit." Lieutenant Barimen, who had clearly instructed a further underling to do the actual fetching and carrying, returned and took up his station near the door. "No, General." Ingrey inclined his head. "We did not come here solely for the purpose of victuals. Lord Jurt mentioned that our previous meal had been interrupted." He regarded the General. "This is true." "An arcane event struck members of Chaosian descent attending a dinner party hosted, in part, by Lord Jurt, and by Lord Chadwick here. And attended by the Lady from Minobee, and of course others, such as myself." He gave a glance and paused to allow his companions to comment, gesture, or add. "This event was sudden, unexpected, and debilitating." Ingrey finally continued. "Given the scale of facilities and power needed to achieve the effects on ourselves, the Barracks here are the only place where such a large scale Working could be done easily." "And so I have brought these with me to you, good General, so that you might facilitate our meeting with the originator, directly or indirectly, of the Working." Ingrey finished. "Now, Secretary, perhaps the effects felt at out dinner were just the backwash of some working here and not focused on the Castle. You really can't suggest the General would allow such a thing," Jurt said. The General smiled thinly. "Certainly not without instructions from a higher authority," he agreed. "And if that were the case, then it might be that further information would be on a strictly need-to-know basis." His lizard gaze rested briefly on Chadwick, and the small, stout Chaosian demon who had just wheezingly arrived to serve the young Prince with his tea and cakes. Chadwick had been feeling uneasy, though it only barely showed, before the small black cakes arrived. The tea had the consistency of syrup, but was a brownish-white. He smiled and tried it. Ingrey nodded. "I can certainly understand that you might be dealing with orders that you cannot reveal casually. You might not be able to actively do so. Of course, though, my associates and I have come a long way to learn about the matter. Ourselves, and those we represent, do need your aid." "Perhaps a compromise might be reached." Ingrey continued. "Instead of giving us information in a way that betrays your trust with your higher authority, would you consent to confirming information that we tender on the matter, General?" He looked to Chadwick and the food he was being served, Tasha and her rabbits, and the brother to the Prime Minister for their input. Tasha appeared to be completely engrossed in the consumption of the fresh rabbits, though her eyes flickered occasionally between Ingrey and the General. She could sense a hunt going on, even though it was a hunt wrought by words. And though her moon-wrought nature subsumed most of her, the brain behind the flickering eyes was sharp and absorbed not only their spoken but their physical cues. She sensed more than heard that the General might be hiding something or perhaps someone. Chadwick gave a little nod to Ingrey as he downed a cake and chased it with super-saturated tea. "Is this all aquired locally," he asked with a bit of cheer. "No," said the General with distaste. "We import from the Black Shadows." Then he turned his attention to Ingrey once more. "It is your profession to seek compromises," he said. "And it is the way of your House to weave. Ingrey gave a grazing nod of the head as the General spoke. "In the army, we have more direct methods. And I can tell you - this situation in Amber will be resolved without the loss of one single more Chaosian life. One more loyal Chaosian life, at all events." "That's good," Chadwick said cheerfully. "Loss of life is horrible, and to be avoided." He then perked up, as if he'd left the stove on. "Perhaps we can compare notes when this is all over?" Jurt frowned, the first thing to break his bored countenance since the amusement at Tasha feasting on the rabbits. He blinked past Chadwick and addressed the General. "Loyal to whom, General?" Ingrey turned toward Jurt and gave a nod of the head. He gave an encouraging smile to Chadwick, a grin toward Tasha and then returned to the General. "His lordship has an excellent question." Ingrey said. "To Chaos, of course," said the General. "It was to the Emperor that I took my oath. What loyalty could supersede that, for any child of Chaos?" Ingrey seemed to be considering a response for a moment. He was smiling, thinly, when there came a shout, almost from below the windows. "Don't thlay him yet, oh don't! Keep him alive for the wyvernth!" Anyone close enough to the windows could look out and see ... Three men were in the alley that ran between this buidling and the next barracks building. Two were officers in the Chaosian army - one rather dandified in his dress (it was he who had called), the other somewhat thickset and burly and already engaged in a struggle with their quarry - a rather disreputable looking citizen - a pickpocket perhaps, or just a general ne'er-do-well. Suddenly the ne'er-do-well grabbed the officer's head by his vulpine ears. The man was gurgling through a shattered nose, a sound that stopped as the ne'er-do-well jerked his head savagely to one side, then the other, shattering his spine. Then the ne'er-do-well rolled to one side, riding the slack body of his foe, and continued the roll to spring to his feet, a dagger suddenly in his hand, then just as suddenly appearing in the eye of the dandy, who was only just beginning to suspect something was wrong even as the dagger struck him. He fell, slumping over the water barrel, then slid to the ground. The ne'er-do-well seemed to pause, listening. General Hendrake, his attention caught by the shout, was moving rapidly towards the window. Ingrey was smooth and calm and did not rise from his seat until the General did. As he did, he strode calmly behind him to get a view to the events that only came to him through hearing. "Escaped prey for the Wyverns?" Ingrey murmured questioningly as he moved to see. Tasha's ears caught the sound of the struggle, and in her agitated state, this only excited her more. Leaving the remains of her meal, she moved fluidly toward the window, and as the full moonlight once again struck her, the claws came out. She arrived in time to see the dandy sliding to the ground, and her pulse raced with the talk of prey. A low warning growl emerged from her throat as she paused as if judging the distance to the ground from the window. It was high for a human leap. High even for a wolf ... but possible. Jurt followed his charge, only hesitating to whisper to Chadwick. "This is the exciting part it seems," he chuckled, even as he cracked his neck, the metalic plates of his demon form already appearing protectively along his spine. Inwardly cursing the lack of a blade, he joined the gallery to assess the situation cooly with now more catlike eyes. "Guards!" shouted the General, in time honoured fashion. There was, it seemed, no immediate response - unless Chadwock's continuing to eat cake calmly could be construed as a response. "That is no ordinary miscreant." Ingrey observed wryly. He looked at the General as he continued. "My companions, even more than I, might be able to render you assistance in this matter; if you give your consent, and quickly." "Resistance," Jurt stated monotonously, even as his body gained mass in leg and shoulder and closed on Tasha's size. Whether he referred to the ne'er-do-well's actions or affiliations was an exercise in speculation. The General hesitated - and then nodded. "Kolvir!" he said. "Kolvir *must* be protected." "Kolvir." Ingrey said with a nod and turned toward Chadwick, and the already shifting Tasha and Jurt. "Let us four depart with haste." "Wyverns would be quickest," Jurt suggested, a tone of command entering his voice subtly. "With your leave, General?" Ingrey's face brightened at the mention of the Wyverns again. He gave a nod of agreement to Jurt's suggestion. "Agreed," said the General, snatching up a pair of gloves from the table (designed, it seemed, as much for paws as for hands. "You and I - to the lair. Counsellor, take the Lady Tasha and rouse the barracks. Prince Chadwick, you will oblige me by remaining here. Lieutenant Barimen will bear you company." And act, his words implied, as your guard. Ingrey gave a smile to Tasha, and then gave a bow of his head. "We shall do that, General. Do you have a token we might brandish as a symbol that we are acting on your authority?" "Certainly," said the General, moving to the desk to scrawl an order. "I can just ... " Tasha, however, had other thoughts on her mind. Going along to rouse the barracks could be fun, if roused as her instincts would have dictated. But the sight of the fight and smell of blood from below had set her own blood to boiling. The rabbits had been good, but a fresh kill was what she desired. Before anyone could have reacted, she leapt from the window, hissing what could have been the word 'jump' as she did so. She landed on all fours, and any semblance of a cultured young Chaosian Lady vanished in that instant. Fangs bared she sniffed at the dead "dandy" taking a warm mouthful for good measure, but then a scent caught her attention and she followed it up onto the roof and vanished. Ingrey spent the moment necessary to watch the plunge from the young Minobee, and her speeding up to pursuit speed on the roof. The General smiled. "The game's afoot," he said. "Still - I think we'll make safe and take the wyverns." He stamped the order with his own special demon - there would be no mostaking it - and then handed it to Ingrey. "Let's go!" he said. Jurt followed at speed, a wry smile all he offered Tasha's retreating form, glad he hadn't used blood to distract her earlier. Ingrey paused only long enough to allow Jurt and the General precedence in leaving the office. Clutching the order in his hand, his footsteps were hurried but dignified as he departed in turn. (Jurt continues in With the Wyverns |
