Copyright ©1998 Jonathan Cardon
Amber DRPG is Copyright ©1991 Erick Wujcik

The Empire of Chiare was beset both by civil war and by demons that attacked from beyond the crystal barrier.
While these troubles passed with the storm, the destruction remained.
Like most of the broken pattern realms, the Empire of Chiare spent the next several years recovering.
The people of Chiare had seen enough of war and destruction. Things move slowly in Chiare. It was a time to plant new crops, to build again, and to dream of peace.
However, peace was to remain a dream. Soon word of the destruction of Begma would reveal the dangers outside, and other events would reveal those hidden within...

GM: "A messenger arrives from the fortress."

The messenger approaches the party and asks for Vance, "The Karcist Almirant has agreed to grant you an audience."

Vance nods. "Thank you. We will be ready momentarily."

Madrak asks Vance, "Are there any special preparations we should make, or things we should know?"

Vance glances to the others, once the messenger is out of earshot. "I would prefer to leave at least one of us behind, to prepare the rooms and ensure there are no...problems." He looks to Madrak. "I have never met the Karcist Almirant. Be respectful, and deferential. We are outlanders, after all."

Madrak nods. "Of course," he murmurs.

James says, "I will stay."

Rex nods to Vance. "Naturally." He seems troubled, though.

Sean volunteers to stay behind.

Vance nods, and glances to Reed. "Will you stay with him?"

Reed says, "No, I have my own request to make of the Karcist Almirant. I would like to take measurements at the place of power here, and I will need his approval for that."

Vance frowns. "You will be asking much. If he takes offense, I cannot protect you."
Vance looks to Jeanette. "And you? Will you stay, or go?"

Jeanette says "I go."

Reed says, "I understand, but you readily admit you don't know enough about what is going on. I hope that by taking measurements at the places of power, I can work out a rough map of the universe that will let me locate the root source of the Blight phenomenon."

Vance frowns. "That is your choice, of course." He glances at the group, then looks to the messenger. "We are ready, honorable one."

Madrak follows the messenger.

As the party follows the messenger up the path to the fortress, the size and scale of the fortress becomes apparent. It is partly constructed of stone blocks and partly hewn out of the rock of the mountain. As a military fortress it is would be extrememly difficult to storm. And it is more than a military structure. Many of the walls are intricately carved with artwork, rending it a place of beauty as well as defense.

The main gateway of the fortress is a huge trapezoidal opening in the outer wall, hewn of huge slabs of granite. Towers flank the gateway to either side, and it becomes apparent that the bulk of the fortress is actually INSIDE the mountain.

As you make your final approach up the canyon pathway, a group of seven figures comes to meet you. One of them is Sunfall.
Sunfall waves a greeting to Vance.

Vance walks over to Sunfall. "Several of my companions wished to join me in this meeting, and one has a request of his own for the Karcist Almirant."

Sunfall says "What kind of request. I ask only because some requests would be considered...inappropriate."

Vance glances to Reed, and beckons him forward. "I think it would be best for him to explain."

Madrak leans on his staff.

Sunfall turns her gaze to Reed.

Reed steps a little forward, "I am aware there is a place of power within this fortress. I wish to be granted leave to make a few simple measurements from there."

Sunfall chews her lip momentarily. "The last time a stranger came asking questions about the Circle of Runes, they were imprisoned and awaiting a decision on the matter. They then disappeared into thin air, escaping a previously-thought impregnable cell. I do not know what decision the Karcist Almirant would have arrived at, but that incident would make the wisdom of voicing your request questionable."

Rex winces a bit.

Sunfall adds, "The escapee was quite insistent. I guarded her cell the night before the escape and had to listen to her attempts to elicit information from me. I'm just glad I wasn't there when she disappeared.

Vance suddenly seems to take an interest. "Her? Did she give a name?"

Madrak raises an eyebrow. "Fascinating."

Sunfall says "Yes, but I wouldn't place much faith in the word of such a one."

Reed seems to consider Sunfall's words, "That may make my task more difficult. Perhaps after he hears what Vance has to say, the Karcist Almirant will be willing to consider steps that otherwise might be extreme.

Vance says "Perhaps. Perhaps not. We can talk of this later...I would not keep the Karcist Almirant waiting."

Jeanette nods, "Definitely a good idea."

Madrak says "Nor would I."

Sunfall nods. "Are you ready?"

Vance nods.

Sunfall says "Then I must request a formal introduction of all who seek to pass these gates. Vance first."

Vance hmms. "It has been overlong since I have been formally presented in Chiare. What form does the introduction take?"

Sunfall says "A formal introduction consists of a full name, with titles, followed by the individual's first allegiance."
Sunfall says "Or, to be more precise, state your loyalties."

Vance mods. "Very well. I am Vance, also known as Vintir, with no family or clan name to bear. I am known as the Master of the Flaw, and my most notable Chiare title is Walker of the Great Wheel. My first loyalty is to Ashlin, Prince of Amber, dead 150 years by Amber's reckoning."

Rex just stands there, seeming to ponder something.

Sunfall shifts her eyes to the next person in the group.

Rex says "My name is Rex, and I claim neither title, nor allegiance."

Jeanette says "My name is Jeanette DuBois. I have no titles, I am a subject of the Queen of England."

Sunfall turns to regard Madrak.

Reed says, "I am Dr. Reed Merit citizen of the United Nations of Earth."

Madrak says "I am called Madrak, known by some as the Mighty. I once once a servant of the Prince Who Was a Thousand, whom I failed. I have long walked the middle worlds as priest and penitent, owing allegience only to that great mystery some call Fate and others the Creator of all things."

Rex looks impressed, in a sad kind of way.

Vance hmms, his gaze falling upon Rex.

Sunfall says "Do you, Vance also known as Vintir, owe any allegiance or sympathies to the forces of chaos or are you in any way the tool or agent of demons?"

Vance turns to regard Sunfall. "I do not. In fact, Ashlin has instructed me to act against the forces of destruction that would tear the worlds asunder."

Sunfall says "Do you, Rex, owe any allegiance or sympathies to the forces of chaos or are you in any way the tool or agent of demons?"

Rex shakes his head. "I know nothing of Demons, nor do I owe any allegiance."

Sunfall regards Rex thoughtfully a moment, then turns to Jeanette. "Do you, Jeanette DuBois of England, owe any allegiance or sympathies to the forces of chaos or are you in any way the tool or agent of demons?"

Jeanette says "No."

Sunfall says "Do you, Madrak the Mighty, owe any allegiance or sympathies to the forces of chaos or are you in any way the tool or agent of demons?"

Madrak frowns slightly. "No."

Reed does not wait to be asked. "I owe no allegieance or sympathy to the forces of chaos nor am I a tool or agent of demons."

Sunfall says "Then know that millenia ago this fortress was created in the dreams of the Tian Huang, or elemental gods and goddesses. Our mandate is to guard this world and people from the Children of Endless Night."

Vance looks to Sunfall, raising a hand. "We are not yet finished here. Some have not fully answered the questions put to them." He turns to Rex.
Vance says calmly, "Rex, you were asked to state your loyalties. You have not - and everyone has such. Even if your first loyalty is to yourself."

Sunfall says "If any are found within its walls bearing demonic intent, they shall find no sympathy or mercy, for our people found none such at the hands of Chaos' firstborn."

Rex looks to Vance. "Well, I assumed that goes without saying. I pledge my highest loyalty to myself."

Sunfall nods. "This way then, without further delay."

Vance says simply, "You would be surprised." He turns to Reed. "Is being a citizen of the United Nations of Earth both title and first loyalty?"

Sunfall turns and, preceded by the six guards. As you pass through the gateway, you have a strong impression of permanence, as if this place will remain till the end of time.

Reed says, "I don't really have titles of any meaning here. I suppose I could claim Nobel Laurate, and Doctorates in Quantum Physics and Mathematics, but I hardly think of those myself. Yes, citizen would be a title, and my loyalty is to the United Nations of Earth.

Vance nods, and turns back to Sunfall. "My pardon, honorable one. These answers are important to me, as well as to the Karcist Almirant. The others are new acquaintances of mine, and there are few places better to hear an honest answer than these blessed walls." He glances briefly at Jeanette, before turning back to Sunfall. "The questions asked have been answered to my satisfaction. Further inquiries will have to wait." He then proceeds to follow Sunfall.

You also notice that the gates are designed so as to slide shut from within the walls. They appear made out of some unknown metal, and their rails are inclined so that gravity is all that is needed to close them against any invader.

Madrak follows, slow but sure, leaning on his staff with every step.

As you enter the fortress proper, you leave behind the hot, muggy weather outside for a much cooler and, unlikely as it may seem, drier climate.

Jeanette walks along with the group, eyes skittering everywhere, taking in every detail... not quite gawking like a tourist, but a much more restrained, decorous form of that.

Rex simply follows.

The walls are smooth and polished, speaking of care and workmanship. You follow many twists and turns. Once you pass a hidden grotto where trees and plants grow, lit by sunlight reflected off a series of mirrors. The trail winds upward for quite a distance, until you are conducted to a great hallway.

Pillars of granite support an arched roof, that has been covered with a painting of clouds and sky giving the illusion of standing outdoors. At the center of the room is a small pyramid, a dozen priests stand at the foot of the pyramid, and atop, some 15' above the floor of the chamber is seated a man, with legs crossed and arms at his sides, quietly watching your approach.

One of the Karcists (priests) rings a small chime and intones, "Who approaches?"

Sunfall says "Sunfall, Tanist of the Citadel, approaches."

Vance follows Sunfall's lead, staying a short distance behind her, and remaining quiet until addressed.

The Karcist asks, "For what reason do you approach?"

Sunfall says "I represent the petition of these strangers to the Karcist Almirant."

The Karcist intones, "You may approach."
The six armed guards who escorted you up until this point leave, and go just outside the chamber, and line up three to a side outside the door to the audience chamber.

Sunfall steps forward. "Tian'shi, these strangers bear the burden of worlds both endangered and dead. They wish to speak with you concerning a danger which our world may also face.

The man atop the pyramid makes a small gesture with one hand. The Karcist with the chime intones, "You are granted permission to speak."

Sunfall steps aside and motions to Vance.

Vance walks up, and bows. "Though I have not been within these walls in a long time, I have great respect for the ways of Chiare. However, the danger I wish to warn you of today affects far more than this land. Great forces seek to acquire all the various places of power that stand between them. Chiare has felt the fury of one of these powers before - that of Chaos and its demons."

The man on atop the pyramid watches without showing any outward sign of emotion. The priest with the chime (very old by the way) says, "Speak your warning."

Vance says "However, Chaos has not made the first strike in this titanic struggle. Chaire's Wheel of Runes is one of what I term the Broken Patterns. Amber has absorbed the greatest of the Broken Patterns, located in a place called Begma. In the process, Begma was completely destroyed."
Vance turns to Madrak. "This man bears witness to the destruction of Begma." He motions Madrak forward.

Some of the Karcists react. The youngest one even startles. The man atop the pyramid, listens.

Madrak steps forward, and bows respectfully.

The Karcist with the chime says "You have permission to describe what you have witnessed."

Madrak straightens. "I had just arrived in Begma. I saw that the fortress there had been destroyed, as if by a mighty blow struck from the inside. A young man tried to call upon the what I now believe to have been the power that once dwelt in Begma. The power... began to consume him, from the inside. And then the world itself began to burn. I was forced to leave."

The figure atop the pyramid gives a slight nod. The Karcist with the chime says, "Then you did not see the blow struck? How do you know it's source?"

Madrak says "I did not, then. The boy I met so briefly was named Daemon. His sister is Coral, now Queen of Kashfa, reacted strangely when I gave her the grim news. She blamed something she called the "Pattern" and said that an agent of Amber was present."

Vance steps forward. "I know the cause. I know from the prophetic words of a long-dead Amberite, and because I sensed what has taken hold in what is left of Begma. The Broken Pattern there has been purged of its 'impurities', and a full Pattern is what remains." Vance adds, "Should that occur here, everyone who has walked the Wheel will suffer the fate of the one Madrak spoke of."

The Karcist asks, "There are gaps to your tale. How did Coral know it was the Pattern? Why did she not suffer the same fate as her brother? What proof do you have of the destruction of Begma?"

Madrak says "I do not know how Coral knew. She bid me depart, and I had no choice but to obey. Nor do I know why she survived, if she, too was an initiate of this Broken Pattern."

The man atop the pyramid makes another gesture, the Karcist facing you intones, "What do you wish of us?"

Vance prepares to respond to the Karcist.

Madrak stands straighter. "As to the destruction of Begma, I saw it, and fortunately escaped destruction. We have been unable to return."

Vance says "My requests are as follows. I wish you to prepare for an attempt on the Wheel of Runes - not from without, but from within. I wish the assistance of the one known as Sunfall. Our first attempt to reach the Pattern that lies in the ruins of Begma failed, though I was close enough to sense it. With her aid, we may be able to succeed in a second attempt. Those are my requests. My companions may have others...though I would not presume to speak for them."

The Karcist intones, "If there are more requests speak them now."

Vance glances briefly to Reed.

Rex raises his hand.

The Karcist glances from Rex to Reed waiting for one to speak.

Rex defers to Reed.

Reed says, "There are maliginant forces at work. I have seen their handiwork. It is my intent to determine where their place of power lies. To do this I need to take measurements in all the places of power I can reach, so that I can make a map of the universe. I request to be allowed to view your place of power and make such measurements."

Some of the Karcists glare angrily, particularly the youngest one. The one atop the pyramid shows no emotion and makes a small gesture with his hand. The others resume their calm gaze.

Sunfall bites her lip.

Reed steps back. The Karcist glances to Rex, and intones with a little irony, "Are there any ~other~ requests?"

Vance appears to be considering an additional request.

Rex straightens. "I request only to accompany my associates, and render such aid as I may."

Jeanette nods, "As do I, Most Honorable."

The Karcist with the chime glances back at Vance.

Vance says calmly, "Upon consideration, I have one additional request. I also wish to examine the Wheel of Runes." As the Karcists begin to glare, he adds, "Long ago, I assayed the Wheel of Runes - it is not unfamiliar to me."

Sunfall stares at Vance, looking a 'little' shocked...

The man atop the pyramid actually nods, and gestures. The Karcist with the chime says, "Your requests will be considered. The Karcist Almirant will send word to you when he has made a decision. Until then I will show you to your rooms."

Sunfall quickly traces a few glowing runes in the air and vanishes.

Vance bows, and prepares to withdraw from the chamber.

The old man then rings his chime again, "This audience is at an end." He hands the chime to another Karcist, "Follow me."

Madrak does likewise.

Jeanette bows, in a formal style, and turns to follow.

Rex follows.

The old Karcist leads you at a slow pace through the fortress, eventually you arrive at a doorway. (Sunfall too.)

Vance waits.

The Karcist says, "These will be your rooms." He swings open the door, and a shape comes hurdling out of the room. It is about the size and shape of a large cat, but with overly large sharp claws, a large hinged mouth full of needle sharp teeth, and a hide that gleams with scales.

Rex ducks.

Sunfall moves to intercept the beast before it can kill the Karcist.

As Sunfall tries to intercept the beast, Vance grabs the Karcist to pull him out of harm's way.

Rex steps off-line with the beast's charge.

Jeanette, having produced a dagger from somewhere, joins Sunfall in intercepting the creature.

Madrak swings his staff at the creature with a speed that belies his considerable bulk.

The demon gets a claw into the neck of the old Karcist, the wound alarmingly begins to squirt blood several feet.

Vance knocks the old priest aside before the demon can do any more harm.

Madrak interposes himself preventing the creature from persuing, but is hard pushed to hold it in place, let alone land a good blow.

Sunfall goes for the skewer.

Which hits, ripping up scales easily and emptying some blood on the floor. Sunfall now has the beasts full attention.

Jeanette also arrives at the front, and with three abreast it is getting difficult to hit something cat sized. Especially for Madrak and Sunfall who are using polearms. Jeanette slips around, taking advantage of the beast's distraction as it focuses on Sunfall, to slip under Madrak's stroke and get close enough for a dagger-strike.

Madrak spins his staff, feinting rapidly at the beast to try to keep it off-balance.

Vance is tending to the Karcist, trying to stem the flow of blood.

Sunfall shoves outward with her weapon to force the creature into a compromising position (hopefully belly-up).

The demon dodges like the cat it resembles, and tries to slide inside of Sunfall's Junaive. Sunfall is forced to backpedal down the corridor towards Reed and Rex to keep it off of her.

Madrak turns to follow landing a blow upon the demon which knocks it completely off it's feet. It rolls along the floor fetching up against the wall. It seems slower to regain it's feet.

Jeanette slips out another knife, this one balanced for throwing, and targets the critter.

Madrak moves to follow up on his momentary advantage, staff whirling.

Reed pointed an object at the demon, and it made several clicking sounds but did nothing visible.

Vance mutters to Krinac, "I... her.... have... words... kin?"

Sunfall regroups and lunges, aiming her junaive-blade at the beast's head.

The demon was just regaining it's feet and partially avoids Sunfall's lunge, but still ends up impaled at the end of Sunfall's junaive.

Krinac says "Madrak, Jeanette do you wish to continue the attack? The beast appears to be run through and probably dying."

Jeanette holds her blade ready, but does not yet throw.

The demon struggles to free itself, but has no good leverage on the blade that pierces it from shoulder to back. It's struggles seem to only make the wound larger.

Vance says, in a quiet but clear voice, "May you join your ancestors with honor." He passes his hand over the Karcist's eyes, closing them.

It's struggles were initially fierce, but now ebb in strength.

The catdemon is dead.

Krinac says "Actions? May I remind everyone you have a dead priest on your hands."

Vance looks over to Sunfall. "The Karcist is dead."

Rex looks at Vance. "I'll retrace our steps, and try to find someone to notify."

Madrak sighs heavily.

Rex goes back down the hallway.

Sunfall says "Everyone should stay here."
Sunfall calls out for assistance.

Rex, upon hearing Sunfall's statement, returns, having only gotten a short way away.

Vance walks over to Sunfall. He mutters to Sunfall, "He mentioned... and... just... died."

Krinac says "*This whole afair only took a few seconds (despite how long it played out). The guards will arrive shortly. Is there anything anyone wishes to do before the guards arrive?"

Jeanette checks out the room for any other unpleasant surprises.

Vance is drenched in the Karcist's blood. He glances over at the dead creature nearby.

For a cat sized creature, it has an overly large head.

The guards arrive. Needless to say they aren't happy. They demand that everyone step back from the corpse and disarm themselves.

Sunfall does so.

Vance does so, unbuckling his weapon belt and letting it fall to the floor.

The first group of guards only consists of four men, more will arrive. Does anybody wish to do anything but what the guards tell them to do?

Sunfall doesn't.

Jeanette places her knife on the floor.

The guards mutter about demon's. A few more guards arrive, and also a tanist or two.

Madrak leans on his staff heavily, and does not yield it unless specifically asked, as if not considering it a weapon.

Krinac says "One of the tanists is a young woman and steps over to speak with Sunfall. "What happened here?""

Sunfall takes a moment to gather the shreds of her self control, and proceeds to explain what happened, in incredible detail.

Madrak mutters to Vance, "... did... say, before... died?"

Vance mutters to Madrak, "... ask... void master..."

The female tanist says, "Your joss does not appear to have changed Sunfall."

Sunfall closes her eyes, as if to block out pain, and nods.

The tanist who spoke to Sunfall says, "Take them all into the suite they have been assigned. Watch them until further notice. I will go ask the Karcist what will be done."

A decision arrives less than a half hour latter. You will be allowed to remain in the suite as guests, pending the decision of the Karcist Almirant. Moreover you will use no magic, and you will be guarded at all times for your protection. Sunfall will remain with you until a decision is made.

Vance politely asks for a change of clothes to be brought from the inn.

Krinac notes the suite has a main room, and six adjoining rooms.

Madrak broods for a while. "I have a question," he says at length.

Vance emerges from his rooms, after changing clothes. He looks up at Madrak's statement.

Jeanette occupies the most comfortable chair in the room, and refuses to stir from it.

Madrak says "Sunfall, what is the 'joss' of yours that has not changed?"

Sunfall says "I'm not sure if the entire meaning translates well, but roughly, it means luck."

Vance hmms. "The Karcist with us mentioned a prophecy, and said to ask you about it. It was important enough to be the last thing he said."

Madrak ahs. "I suspected as much." He nods, then glances at Vance as he asks his own question.

Sunfall says "It's rather long, and depends to some extent on an understanding of chiaran oracle bones."

Vance nods. "Perhaps you could summarize the important points."

Sunfall says "oracle bones are cast and read. Since several are thrown at once, the order of the reading for any particular cast is uncertain. I do not know how many were cast at a time in this particular prophecy. Also, the prophecy does not quite conform to a normal bone reading, so I have no way of being certain what method was actually used. I only know that it is very old."

Vance sits down, listening.

Sunfall says "Symbols are used, and interpretation is tricky, since casts do not provide for grammar. Relationships must be guessed at."

Madrak mms. "Destiny hoards its secrets."

Sunfall says "Especially confusing is that the prophecy begins and ends with a question. A seemingly non-sensical one, but bone-castings do not give questions, only answers, confusing as they may be."

Vance says "And, what is this question?"

Sunfall says "Leaves of tea, starry sky, what force connects you and I?"

Jeanette says "Gravity."

Reed looks at Jeanette thoughtfully.

Madrak says "The machinations of fate."

Sunfall says "This is a sample from the beginning of the prophecy. it goes:

Leaves of tea, starry sky,
what force connects, you and I?
Rune find. Empty throne.
Walls weaken. Demons roam.
Crown find. Walls restore.
Heaven war, open door.
Fall sun, demon gain.
Home lost, future fame."
Sunfall says "It is much longer, though."

Vance hmms. "Heaven war could refer to the conflict between Amber and Chaos, and other portions could be solved based on that context. But, without a framework to place the prophecy in, little can be discerned."

Sunfall says "Vance, you mentioned something about a 'void master'?"
Sunfall says "Back at the scene of the attack?"

Vance says "Yes. The Karcist said that, after mentioning the prophecy and to ask you about it."

Sunfall says "The prophecy does mention a void master, in conjunction with a shattered mirror."

Madrak frowns. "Fascinating, but maddeningly vague."

Sunfall says "The impression is that the void master gathers the shards and thus averts disaster."

Vance blinks, once. "Ah. I understand now."

Madrak says "Indeed?"

Sunfall ??

Vance says "I am the Master of the Flaw, the Dark Well that lurks behind every Broken Pattern. The Void, if you will. Ashlin told me to gather those representing the shards of power that Amber and Chaos fight over."

Madrak hms. "And then what?

Vance says "Keep Amber and Chaos from absorbing those shards."

Reed says, "Sunfall could you tell us the entire prophesy? It doesn't appear that we will be going anywhere anytime soon."

Madrak frowns.

Sunfall says "These are the words of Raiguyen to Sunfall, inheritor of the prophecy:

Leaves of tea, starry sky,
what force connects, you and I?
Rune find. Empty throne.
Walls weaken. Demons roam.
Crown find. Walls restore.
Heaven war, open door.
Fall sun, demon gain.
Home lost, future fame.
Bride of eye, stand alone.
Trust another, ravage home.
Puppet dances, trusting tool.
Throne awaits, obediant fool.
New builder, chases rings.
Twin guards, brother schemes.
Dead king, ambition burns.
Wolf son, alliance spurns.
Shattered mirror; void master.
Gathers shards; averts disaster.
Cursed mirror, fallen stone.
Dark to see, dark to own.
Runes burn; fires dance.
Demon killer, Chiare's chance.
Wells toll; prisoner king.
Power claim, silence ring.
Faerie found, love earns.
Life serves, heart learns.
Death angel, brother seeks.
Justice finds, avenges meek.
Young hero, grows wise.
Finds truth, opens eyes.
Genius fool. Power borrow.
Map makes. Finds sorrow.
Mad moonchild, power seeks.
Fate serves; ballance keeps.
Skull of ash, eye of snake,
blood of fire, destiny make.
Leaves of tea, starry sky,
what force connects, you and I?"
Vance closes his eyes as the prophecy is recited, and opens them after Sunfall is finished. "I understand portions, but not all."

Sunfall closes her eyes again and tries to stay calm.

Vance watches Sunfall retire to her room, then looks over to Madrak. "We'll need to write that down, eventually, but it is still fresh in my mind."

Madrak pays careful attention to the prophecy, and writes it down in a small book.

Vance recites, "Runes burn; fires dance. Demon killer, Chiare's chance." He pauses, then says, "Sunfall."

Madrak says "Yes."

Vance says "I would wager half of the prophecy refers to the Broken Patterns or those who bear such powers. Faerie refers to the Alfar realm, for example. Moonchild is a reference to Ghenesh, and Chiare is mentioned by name."

Madrak says "I'm not familiar with Alfar or Ghenesh, I fear."

Vance says "The Moonchildren are the ruling class of Ghenesh, thus the connection to the prophecy. Alfar is inhabited by the fey. Elves, Alfar...call them what you will. And wolf's son is a reference to Weirmokken. Can you find passages related to Begma or Kashfa?"

Madrak considers for a few moments.
Madrak says "The Bride of Eye could be Coral, in a strange way. She appears to have both recently lost hers, and married Rinaldo, and she knows more than she told me."
Madrak says "She also spoke of trusting when she should not have, and Begma has fallen."

Vance nods. "Puppet dances, trusting tool. Throne awaits, obediant fool. Rinaldo? It's quite possible that he is a pawn to his mother's will."

Madrak nods. "He has recently risen to power... perhaps not entirely by his own power?"

Vance nods. "I would have kept him off the throne, but I was warned by Ashlin not to take part in the Kashfan succession."

Madrak says "There were those who spoke of Ashlin as one dead. Are they incorrect?"

Vance nods. "As I said to Sunfall, Ashlin has been dead 150 years by Amber's reckoning." A brief sign of pain crosses Vance's face, quickly hidden.

Madrak says "My apologies. To have warned you about this so long ago... he must have seen far."

Vance nods, frowning. He is quiet for a moment, before saying, "I believe most of us are in the prophecy as well. I know the lines that refer to me. There is also references to Reed." He glances over in Reed's direction.

Reed shrugs, "Maybe, as to what it means, it doesn't sound encouraging."

Vance says "True. Prophecy rarely is meant to encourage, though. And all are fools till they understand."
Vance looks over to Madrak. "Do you know which lines refer to you?"

Madrak consults his book. "I suspect the first eight lines are all directed at Sunfall, as the prophecy was given to her, and it seems to fit this place. It is not pleasant news for her, either, if I am correct."

Vance nods. "Agreed."

Madrak says "Do you know of any rings of special significance?"

Reed says, "What was Sunfall saying about the grammar not being provided. Just symbols that have to be intrpreted? It seems to have been grouped to make good poetry. Fall Sun could easily be a transposition of the actual runes."

Vance says to Madrak, "The Broken Patterns are circular. Rings, if you will. If we get to see the Wheel of Runes, you will understand." He looks over to Reed. "Very true. Just as void master is actually master of the flaw."

Madrak hms, and nods.

Vance says "Madrak, you've mentioned seeking justice, before. Doesn't a part of the prophecy refer to that?"

Madrak says "Yes. 'Justice finds, avenges meek.' is the line."

Vance says, "Yes. Though the lines seem to come in pairs." He goes silent, at that.

Madrak says "I am no young hero... but neither do I have a brother, nor am I seeking another's."

Vance says "What about Coral's brother?"
Vance says "Remember, this wasn't a prophecy given today, but some time ago."

Madrak's eye goes distant. "I did find him, true."

Vance nods. "We have time here to plan. We cannot waste it. Before the Karcist makes a decision, I plan to have everyone's role in the prophecy deciphered. I believe I know most, already. I just need the confirmation from each party. And I would hear more about the background mentioned for each - the time for secrets is past."

Madrak frowns grimly. "It may be the wisest course, but secrets are not given up easily. They quickly become habits."

Vance's expression turns grave. "Then I will break those habits. I will not fail because someone puts themselves before the universe."

Vance looks over to Madrak. "I have given much about myself freely, in pursuit of this common cause. I ask no less from the others."

Madrak says "I only hope they repay you in kind."

Vance says "Should they not, they can leave my company. I will not swim with an anchor tied to my back."

Madrak frowns. "Unlike the rest of you, there is no place of power I draw upon. Nothing in my past I can identify as a Broken Pattern, or some other shard of power. Yet I seem caught up in this nonetheless."

Reed says, "You are not alone in that Madrak."

Madrak hms. "True. I suppose that is some small comfort. Thank you, Reed."

Vance says "Are you so certain, Madrak? Perhaps some corner of your past long buried is still present, and waiting to reemerge."

Reed nods an acknowledgement to Madrak.

Vance looks over to Reed. "Your knowledge may be your power, if you can indeed map the Broken Patterns."

Reed says, "I believe it can be done. The math implies it can be done. However, a model isn't the real world. I won't know until I have better data, and I may have to see Amber's pattern to complete it. I don't know if that will be possible under the current conditions."

Madrak looks at Vance, troubled.

Vance nods. "As for the others...I have sensed more power than my own in this group. Tommorrow, I will bring that knowledge into the open, to force the truth out of hiding."

Madrak says "If mere will could bring truth into view, I would know the answer to a great number of questions. We also seem to be fewer than the prophecy's verses would imply."

Vance pauses for a moment. "Reed...it may, just may, be possible to see Amber's Pattern. If I can reach the one member of the royalty that might know of me."
Vance says "Do you really think the prophecy revolves just around us? We are not the only players in this cosmic drama. I suspect a few others, and we will see them once we leave Chiare."

Reed nods, "That would help immensely. I planned to use the others to refine the model without Amber, but if Amber really is polar, then I will need it."

Vance looks back to Reed, "And what will this model show us?"

Madrak says "I did not say any such thing, Vance, I merely pointed out that we have yet to locate some of them, and that may obscure certain truths in the presence of the secretive."

Reed says, "Other shards than the ones you know. More importantly how the energies interreact. Right now too much just conflicts. I need more data."

Vance says to Madrak, a bit distractedly. "Very true. But we cannot assume that the prophecy will have us allied with any of these others mentioned in it. For all we know, some among us could be at cross purposes. Which is why I intend to force the issue."
Vance adds, looking to both Madrak and Reed. "We've known each other days, at most. I believe all here have some motivation towards a common goal. But I also believe that none of us have identical reasons for that motivation. I need to know more, before I am willing to place the other shards of power at risk by their revelation to the group."

Madrak stands. "You have, it seems, been quite forthcoming with me. The others... as you say, we have been together a short time, and who among them will wish to reveal their secrets first? And how will we know we have the truth, even then?"

Vance says "We won't be certain. But I have a certain knack for ferreting out the larger untruths. It falls to me to determine who can be trusted."

Madrak smiles grimly. "And we must trust you? You see the difficulty, I trust. This is no easy task you set yourself."

Madrak's ironic smile falters and dies. "But then, the worthy tasks never are, are they? And while the truth is more often dust and tears than diamonds, it is precious all the same."

Vance nods. "That is true. And, there are reasons to trust me. You and Jeanette saw how the others came to me. Either I am some sort of nexus that this revolves around, or other factions are moving their pawns toward me for their own ends. Either way, I have to be trusted, for I am the key to the whole matter. I know where the Broken Patterns are throughout Shadow, and thus it is my secret to divulge, my risk to take.

Madrak's eye narrows thoughtfully. "Well, we shall see, I suppose. For now, I must rest. I am still recovering from recent exertions. I am not the man I used to be when I destroyed Dargoth, I fear."

Vance nods. "A matter we may speak of tomorrow. Good night, both of you." He stands, and moves to head to his room.

Madrak murmurs, "Good night," and retreats to his own room.

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