Decision and Deception (Invite Only)

[telemachus]

Winter had shed itself from the Land Between. The heat of the day grew hotter now. This was maybe the tenth sunset the elvin woman longed for, but she wasn’t sure. Her arms were chained up to the top of a pillar. She was forced to hang from them to wrest her legs. She had been beaten and lashed. Looking at her you might think she was a slave, not a Queen. She figured this must’ve been the old Jovian Spire she had heard about and could once see from Mittelmarch. Now she could see the speck that was Mittelmarch. So far away she thought. Her swords and items were taken somewhere s he doesn’t know. Her Evlin garb replaced with slave rags.

The sun was gone and the stars finally were out. The night breeze soothed the burn from the sun that she suffered during the day. But she knew that with the night, came the visit. Sometimes the torture was just his presence and his eyes watching her suffer. Others it was a beating from an Orc or goblin or some other monster. She heard the feet echoing as they made their way up the stairs that climbed the side of the spire. A figure stretched up over the ledge. His dreaded mask hid his face as he took the final steps to the top.

Telamon, the half demon-elf monstrosity walked slowly to her.

“My dear, the pain will end if you submit and join me. You will become more powerful than you could ever imagine. You could stop the plague of The Fallen. You need but say the words. ‘I submit to the Dark Father.’ And he will place a power within you that will rival the old gods of the human world.”
He follows her eyes to Mittelmarch. “You can save them…say the words.”

“You may wonder why it is so hard for you to reach Olore. It is Isg’bel’s Scepter. Its dark energy shields us from those of the light. And it sits below with the beloved Banith, Lord of Moruliima.”

[Lady Elestirne]

Elestirne lifted her face to better feel the kiss of the wind and the relief it brought to her burns as the night breeze ghosted across her skin; blessedly cool and gentle. She had been here...how long she wasn’t quite sure. Some days, at least. She remembered the ambush-which had been a feint-and being seized by Telamon and pulled into searing fire, then waking up chained to this pillar with her clothes in rags and stripped of her weapons. As a mocking gesture, her crown, necklace and rings had been left as they were. Or perhaps they had caused too much pain to those who had tried to remove them. They weren’t simply ornaments after all, especially not the crown and pendant-both ancient artifacts of her people. But so had been the swords...maybe once the swords and other weapons were gone they had thought her no further threat-especially chained as she was. She raised her head a little more to gaze at the stars, then lowered it to fix her gaze on the speck she knew was Mittelmarch. She couldn’t sense Olore clearly, nor could she reach him-but she knew he was out there and likely on his way if he could sense the right direction-if not, then organizing others and waiting impatiently to be on the way.

The echo of ascending footsteps reached her keen ears and the slender elf tensed; wincing as the chains bit sharply into the raw skin of her wrists. She knew who was coming, for she could sense the evil of his aura long before he came near. Some of the torture she had undergone had either been his doing, or at his command while he had watched. And always the same promise, the same temptation…

As Telamon crested the last step she moved her eyes to rest fixedly on Mittelmarch and the stars above; ignoring him as best she might. But of course, he moved to stand next to the pillar she was chained to, and his eyes followed hers. At his words, she leveled her penetrating silver eyes on him in a piercing glare; which did not waver even through the pain. Her words came slowly, with an icy, faintly scornful tint even through her pain.

“You have tried this path before. You failed then, you will fail now. I know only one Father-the Skylord, Father-of-All. I will not submit to whatever dark deity you follow now, nor waver in my allegiance to Araira Stargiver. I need no power beyond that which has already been granted to me.” Her silver eyes bored into his even as the faintest tremor of pain rippled through her form as she shifted minutely; causing the shackles to bite cruelly into her wrists again. “What do you want with me? What was the point of seizing me Telamon? Is it just to get me out of the way once more or is there some darker purpose festering in your mind I wonder.”

[Sir Storm Brightblade]

Storm stood at the fountain with Sir Nichtmar, Tsukasa, Olore, and Authnor. He was distraught that Elestirne had been taken again but he couldn't afford to show it. He took his hand off of Olore and scratched his chin. Having to rescue the queen with only Tsukasa, there was no way he was leaving without Olore, and 3 other people. It was a tough decision. The odds of survival were slim, but that wasn't even a consideration, he would gladly sacrifice himself for the rescuing of the queen, though it would be a terrible loss to the Shogunate to have the First Samurai die. He had come to a conclusion.

"I will take my uncle Zigler, he's been telling me he's itching to get out on the road again. I will also travel to my castle and request ad from my lord Tatsamura. I've having trouble thinking of a third member to join us."

"Authnor, as much as I know you would like to join us, I must ask you to stay and assist in the defense of Mittelmarch. I know you mean well but I believe that your talents would be better spent here, for I fear on how you will be if we happen to run into Telemachus."

[Lady Elestirne]

Authnor's face hardened immedietely at Storm's words and his emerald eyes flashed angrily. "My Queen has been captured by a being of immense dark power and evil and you want me to stay here Storm?!" The veteran's knight's tone was incredulous. And outraged. "How can you even begin to expect such of me? Elestirne-my queen-is in grave danger and you are going to stand there and try to tell me I should stay behind??"

The flame-haired knight shook his head quickly,angrily. "My life is hers. I am bound to her protection and defense for both duty and love. She is as a daughter to me Storm and I will not leave her in such danger without trying to find her. I have as much right as you to go along,if not more. My Queen needs me and you tell me to stay here! I was not here when she was taken the first time, but I am this time. You remember the words I swore in the Lord Tatsumura's hall one year ago. I will not, cannot abandon her to whatever torment she might be suffering at the hands of that fiend. It would be a failure of my duty and oath, and a great shame."

Authnor's eyes smoldered,glinting furiously. He folded his arms to keep from balling his hands into fists,and glared;his tense,rigid posture betraying the great anger flickering in his eyes and over his stony face. "I could never forgive myself if I failed in my duty to Elestirne. And Elestirne would never forgive me if something happened to you. You know this full well Storm.

"Telemachus,Telamon-it matters not to me what the fiend calls himself-he has Elestirne and I am not going to let it be. You may need my experience. And I would not fear how I will be if we ever meet with Telamon-I am not foolish enough to engage such a being in combat,he is beyond me I think. I would be more worried about what Honored Olore will do to him if they ever cross paths,not I. I worry only about finding where the fiend has taken my Queen, then recovering her safely. She is my concern. Not Telamon. But if he kills her..."

[Tsukasa]

Tsukasa had been pacing back and forth by the fountain for a while. The news of Lady Elestirne shook him to his core. He had barely gotten to know the strange elven woman, but he has heard stories about what she has done for Mittelmarch. He also listen to the one known as Storm. He mention something about finding three additional allies to help in the search for Lady Elestirne. Storm mention the seeking aid from the strange dwarf known as Ziggler and the leader of the Shogunate, Tatsamura. Then Storm did something that surprised even himself. He asked Authnor to stay back in Mittelmarch. Authnor's anger rose at that has he started to have a heated discussion with Storm.

Tsukasa approached Authnor and Storm.

"Authnor-sama, I understand your stance on this argument and it is a valid point. Please understand though, without Lady Elestirne-dono here, our defense against any undead attack is weaken. It feels like these first few undead attacks on Mittelmarch have only been a advance scouting party. Whoever is behind these undead attacks, may it be Telamon or some other unseen evil, has most likely been testing our defenses to find a weakness. I can not in good conscience weaken the defenses of the city any more then we have already done. If there is another undead attack, we need someone here who can help organize a defense against. I promise you we will find Lady Elestirne-dono and bring her back alive. Also, if Telamon as killed her, we will make sure he pays for it."

[telemachus]

Telamon lets a deep laugh out that resonates off the stone.

“Of course I wanted you and your predictable horse to get out of the way, your highness. You fools have the power, but not the will to use it. The day darkens for these lands. Can you sense it? The tide turns away from the light. More and more grow tired of your precious light.”

He comes close to her. “You know that eventually the Fallen will infect them all. Mean while I direct the powerful allies away from Mittelmarch. Olore is a fool and one day I will drink his blood! The Fallen approach as we speak. It will be too late, but you could change all that. Submit to the Dark Father or watch your friends die!”

[Lady Elestirne]

Elestirne's silver eyes flared,then narrowed. "Some are not worthy to hold power and use it only to mar or destruct instead of healing and preserving. I warned you of this years ago and you did not heed the warning. You are fallen,and there will be no coming back to what you once were with the dark paths your soul has trod. And it is not only day that holds light foolish Telamon. The night has its light to. There is nothing without balance. You cannot have one without the other. This you have not learned."

She raised her eyes heavenward to the stars once more,glimmering brightly,lending her strength and hope. As he stepped closer, she tensed noticibly, but could not get away from him. All the movement did was reawaken the pain of her injuries and especially her wrists. His taunt hit a nerve though and she turned her head back to him sharply. "Not all of them will come. They are not stupid. But Olore will come for me and you will rue it! He is far more than you think him and you will regret it if you face him. And these Fallen cannot infect everyone. Those touched by my magic are protected. I prevented Nichtmar from turning,and healed others as well. I've thwarted your designs twice before,I can do so again."

Twisting in her chains-ignoring the pain-Elestirne spat at the sorcerer. "I will not submit! And my friends will fight. Once again, you underestimate them. They will die free before submitting to evil."

With sudden strength, the slender elf snapped her leg straight up;between the two. Her bare foot came up to slam into Telamon's face. Because of the pain,and the fact that she was dangling, the blow was a little off in its aim and lacked the strength it would otherwise have had. The mask the sorcerer was wearing further dulled the blow but her foot still connected with respectable force on his cheek, and Elestirne gritted her teeth against the pain that followed as the move's momentum forced the chains to bite deeper into her lacerated wrists,then send her back against the pillar.

Involuntarily,Elestirne sagged a little in her chains,from the effort and strength that act had taken,and shuddered a little as punishing pain coursed through her for the daring move. She lowered her head,closing her eyes briefly,but refused to cry out or scream.

[Sir Storm Brightblade]

Storm knew this would happen and took the enraged elf's ranting with a blank face. This is what he was afraid of if they met Telamon.

"Authnor, I understand your need to retrieve the lady but who wll stay and coordinate the elves? Lke Tsukasa said without you or the queen they will be less effective. Sure they wll lsten to anyone else but they don't know the elves like you do. They won't be at one hundred and rght now wth the undead attacks we need everyone at they're best. This is also what I was afraid of Authnor, I'm deathly afraid with the anger you hold for Telamon you will endanger us if we happen to even slightly spot Telamon."

Storm walked up to Authnor and put his hand on his shoulder.

"Authnor, I would take you if I thought that you would be best suited to be there. But I need you to be able to hold the line and be able to make the city safe enough for the queen to come back too. I understand your fury and I understand why you are upset. Don't think I'm not upset by her being captured. I need you though right now to put aside your pride and think logically and trust me wth this mission. I promise she will come back safe. I would sacrifice myself if it was meant to save her. I swear it upon my honor Authnor. The question is wll you trust me?"

[Lady Elestirne]

Authnor stood simmering as he took in Tsukasa and Storm's words. When both had finished,his words came hotly;his anger by no means diminished.

"Our defense is already weakened," the tall elf retorted. "If the undead know she is gone-and they well might-they'll be tempted to strike harder and faster. At worst,Telamon is likely allied with the undead and coordinated seizing Elestirne to give them the perfect opportunity to strike! And with Olore going, the defense of the city will be further weakened. It makes little difference whether I go or not. I have no divine or magical aid-as Elestirne does-and though we have clerics and mages,none of them even comes near Olore's power and abilities...and I'm not the only elf of Elestirne's that can communicate with you. There are a few others that speak the common tongue,all ranking."

Authnor turned now to Storm. His emerald eyes glittered;flaring brightly with anger. He shook his head. "They would not listen to just anyone! Only someone of proven trust and rank." Authnor brushed away Storm's worry about him and Telamon with a jerk of his hand. "I already told you:Telamon is not my concern! Elestirne is. My anger for Telamon would not jepardize anything unless Telamon forces my hand or threatens Elestirne's life in front of me." The red-haired elf tensed as Storm came closer and lay his hand on the taller elf's shoulder,but he did not move away;only leveled his burning gaze on the mortal,his emerald eyes narrowed warningly.

"You don't understand the half of why I am upset. Nor do you understand my fury Storm. And I know you are upset as well. You cannot hide that from me. And my pride has no bearing on this! The Queen is not like a daughter to you, nor have you spent over a century at her side;watching out for her. I have sworn to protect and watch out for her since before even I knew what she was. It is the principle of it: I should be the one to accompany. Her defense and protection is my oath and concern. If I fail her in this,I am dishonored. If Telamon kills her..." The elf spun away sharply, bowing his head.

[Sir Storm Brightblade]

Storm turned and shook his head. He didn't stop Authnor, what would be the point? He looked up at Olore he had his deep stare as usual. Letting his conscience open for Olore and he asked the majestic horse,

'Did I make the right choice my old friend? I know he wants to come but he needs to stay here to command the elves. His talents would be better spent here where he can help provide a defense, as he said the elves only listen to one of rank and respect. But like all elves he's stubborn,' Storm chuckled, 'I just don't know how to get that through to him though...'

[Lady Elestirne]

I can get him to stay. Olore paced forward deliberately until he stood at the elf's side. Briefly-very briefly-he touched the warrior's shoulder with his muzzle. The red-haired elf flinched instinctively and turned;freezing as he found himself face to face with Olore. The mystical stallion held him firmly in his unblinking gaze of depthless indigo and Authnor could not look away.

Telamon will not kill her,,the stallion remarked calmly. Hurt, certainly,and quite possibly torture her. But not kill. If anything, he will try to turn her to the dark, get her to betray Mittelmarch-or tempt her. The challenge of trying to make her turn, the pleasure of tormenting her-outweigh the risks of keeping her alive. If he truly wanted her dead, he could have killed her years ago,the first time he captured her.

The stallion swished his tail. His next words were gentle,but firm at the same time. You must stay here Authnor. Nichtmar cannot defend the city adequetly on his own, and the elves will not listen to any but you. You alone have the experience and rank necesary. You fear failing Elestirne in your duty? Your duty is to obey her wishes. She would not wish you-or any of us-to come after her,indeed she would never ask it. She would expect us-you especially-to put duty and what needs to be done before personal feelings and friendship to her. She would say that she is unimportant right now and that our-your-focus should be defending and protecting the city and helping her friends. Olore stamped his hoof. You can help her more by helping her friends and defending Mittelmarch than you can by coming with and possibly getting hurt or killed in the effort to recover her. And if you fail to protect and help her friends where she could not she will not forgive you. Nor will I. The silver stallion snorted; scraping his hoof across the ground. His eyes glinted dangerously. Trust Storm. If nothing else, trust me. You are needed here. I add my oath to his that we will get Elestirne back and order you to stay here and see to what must be done,as duty calls you to Knight-Commander. When this threat is dealt with, then and only then, can you allow your personal feelings to take precedence over your duty. Stay here and help Tsukasa and Nichtmar. We have wasted enough time already with your arguements.

Authnor looked at Olore for a long time..seemingly struck speechless. Many emotions warred across his face and his posture was rigid. At last,after a long moment, the fierce elf inclined his head faintly,unhappily. "As you will Honored Olore." His voice was subdued-and still angry-but defeated. " I am not convinced it is the right thing but I will stay. But my shame and guilt shall haunt me until she absolves/forgives me herself. Bring her back safely. I will guard and protect the city so that you can return."

[ziglerrobertson]

.....A short while later at Cedrics Storm and Tsukasa are talking to Zigler at the bar. The Dwarf is cleaning a glass while Carneth and Jed take care of the mild mid afternoon rush of patrons.

"So ye's want ta rescue an elvish princess eh Aki?" asks the Inn Keeper. Zigler had spied the Lady Elestrine from a distance, an odd feeling in the back of his mind had kept him away from her and here white steed however. In addition to that was Zigler's normal distaste for 'nobles' in general. Ever since he had killed his own 'lord' the half dwarf could care less about their 'elitist' fates. According to the stories Zigler's heard from others in Mittelmarch however, this 'Lady' Elestrine seemed to be cut from a slightly different cloth.

Strom nods his response, "I know not what this journey will entail. But we shall rescue the Lady Elestrine or die in the attempt..." he then begins listing numerous reasons for why Zigler should accompany them.

Dropping the rag and holding up his hand the dwarf interrupts the samurai, "Laddie, ye need say no more, it sounds like a bit o' fun and ye'll be needin' someone along ta make sure ya'll don't get too full of yerselves. 'sides, who else but an Inn Keeper would know how to cook ye a decent meal!" Zigler laughs. "Of course I'll go with ya Aki, if nothing else I could use the exercise....and I'm not the only one." says the Inn Keeper with a wink.

Jumping over the bar Zigler shouts, "JED!, CARNETH! Keep an eye on the place for me!" as the Inn Keeper runs upstairs to retrieve his gear. Grabbing his weapons and armor the dwarf dresses and packs a small bundle in a flash. Being sure to put the mystic green cube and some Royal Tillman at the top of the pack. As he dashes back downstairs, "And make sure that damn hobbit pays his tab!" Carneth and Jed accept their orders with a grin as Zigler looks to his traveling companions.

"Laddies, follow me ou'back. I've got a lil' surprise fer us that'll make our journeyin' quicker." As the two follow Zogler outback they are somewhat shocked to discover a stable full of horses.

"Boys," says Zigler, "These poor beasts be the result of a' individual who wouldn't pay what he owed me. So I had the Guard take em and kept the squelcher's pack train in leu. I likes ta think I've given them a lil bit better of a life than that fellow. But as I be sayin' earlier, I ain't the only one in need of a stretch o' the legs.."

[telemachus]

His mask dropped to the floor and his head had hung facing down for a moment. His long silver greasy hair hid his face. He turned to Elestirne with a hiss. His ears were longer, his skin leathery and his eyes seemed to have deepened. Fangs had grown from his upper and lower teeth. He was hideous to look upon. His snarl turned to a grin. He picked up his mask began to head for the stairs.
“I will see you tomorrow night, your majesty.”

[Lady Elestirne]

Elestirne kept her head bowed and did not look up at his words-though she glimpsed his face out of the corner of her eyes before he replaced his mask. When the smothering evil that was his presence had gone entirely,the elven queen let herself sag fully in her chains. The strength to strike the sorcerer had been fleeting,borne of anger from his taunt. She fully expected that he would think of some new way to torment her in retaliation.

She bowed her head still more as she considered the implications of what she had learned. So,she was in Moruliima-the Jovian city given to the monster races. That was not encouraging. Still less was his words about the sceptor. Last she had known it had been in Jovian hands and Telamon had coveted it. Now,apparentally,it was in the hands of this 'Banith',seemingly the ruler of this place. She knew Telamon had not lied about it-she could feel the dark artifact's power even from here. It couldn't completely block her and Olore-nothing could-but it was preventing them from communicating in speech. She could still sense him though,had sensed him time and time again trying to reach her,but being blocked from it..

I know he has to be on the way,likely with others-but that's just what Telamon wants and expects them to do.. Especially with the undead threat. I'm the bait to draw them out. The thought left a bitter taste in the elf's mouth. I hope some of them stayed at least.. The safetly of the city and lives of its inhabitants are more important than I at the moment and I would rather them help the city then waste their energy trying to find me. With effort,Elestirne raised her head to gaze at the bright stars above and prayed that her friends were not going to risk themselves foolishly on her behalf and forget about defending the city... The elf hung her head. But she could not prevent it if they did. Her sigh as it was carried away on the wind,was one of defeated resignation.

[Tsukasa]

Tsukasa followed Storm and Zigler to the stables behind Cedric's Inn. His thoughts where on the shock of how easily Olore was able to get Authnor to stay. He could understand Authnor's anger and desire to go search for Lady Elestirne, but his time spent in the home land of his mother has taught him one thing, to be cautious in everything. You never know when the enemy will attack. That is one of the reasons for asking Authnor to stay behind in Mittelmarch. Tsukasa walked up to one of the horse and started to pet his mane.

"Zigler-san, are these horses fast? I believe we will be needing to make a hasty departure when the time comes."

[ziglerrobertson]

"Faster than walkin' lad," responds Zigler, eying the newcomer oddly. "And if ye be needin' ta go faster than that....well, we'd all have ta sprout wings now wouldn't we."

With that Zigler walks over to a wall and begins taking down three saddles, brides, and bits then begins to gear up the horses as best he can with the aid of a stool. Storm moves to help but gets called away, briefly, to deal with a problem at the city gates. Once the horses are saddled the half dwarf uses the stool to climb atop his chosen horse.

Looking down at Tsukasa Zigler addresses him, "Laddie, ye've been in mah place before. I don't stand on formalities, matter o' fact I hate em. Mah name's Zigler. Zigler Robertson if'n ya feel the need ta be official and I try never ta do that."

[Tsukasa]

Tsukasa stood there for a moment. He looked over at Zigler for a moment.

"You are correct about me being to your inn on many occasions. My honor requires me to address you in the most honorable way possible. If you wish, I will try to address you by just Zigler, but I can not make any promises. Would you like some help with the saddles?"

[Sir Nichtmar]

Nichtmar came up to the group saddling up. "I came to wish ya luck boys."

He looked over them. "Are you short one fighter?"

[Banith]

It had lasted for several days, the sickness. He could not find the strength in his legs except for when he held the scepter. It gave him strength. It all began the night Telemon brought her here.

As he walked up the steps to the high spire, he wondered why he had to look upon her. She meant nothing to him, just a step in the eventual success of the growing darkness, but he was drawn to look upon the face of this elf. He curiousity had gotten the best of him and as he reached the top of the stairs there she was.

The All Father had told him that such creatures would come and try to stop their eventual rise. He was told of the coming of a crimson serpent, the symbol of power that would unite the clans, and the rise of the shadow. Eventually the lands would be reclaimed by his people, but these creatures would be a force they would need to eliminate through any means neccesary.

She hung by the chains, either asleep or passed out, but from where he was Banith need not approach any further. He had seen what he came to see. The dark night allowed no view of her face, its inky thickness swallowing up everything in its shadow

His hand gripped the scepter tightly and turned, walking down the steps of the spire.

[Lady Elestirne]

Authnor stood near Olore as the silver stallion waited for the others at the fountain;shaking out his mane and stomping a hoof every now and then in his impatience to be off. He could feel the elf's resentment even though he tried to hide it, and could also sense the question biting at the warrior's tongue-and the hope that was rising in him. Reluctantly, Olore took action to quash it.

No Authnor. You may not accompany as far as the Kyuden when we leave and I will have your word of honor that you will not try to follow us. You are needed here. If the one-now-called-Masahiro spoke true Ravenwood's forces are only 3-4 days away. We may not even have come close to finding where Elestirne is held in that time, much less retrieving her. The stallion waited; listening to the sounds of Storm, Tsukasa and one-called-Zigler in the stables behind the inn.

Authnor hesitated a long moment. He did not want to give his word, Olore knew. It was a cruel thing to make him choose duty and obligation over his personal feelings and connection to Elestirne, but he had to get the elf to be practical,not emotional. Finally, Authnor spoke.

"I still do not like this."

I do not care if you like this or not,Olore retorted a little tartly. Only that you obey. You would be a liability if you came. Not for if we encounter Telamon,the stallion elaborated swiftly;cutting off Authnor's indignant protest before he even began to speak. For when we came upon and freed Elestirne. You would not be able to control your emotions at seeing her-and whatever injuries she has sustained-and your resulting anger would blind you and make you less effective overall. Better that you stay here, than run that risk. And someone will need to calm her elves and keep them in check. You are their Commander and must do the right thing for all-what is right according to duty and obligation-not just your fatherly feelings. You have had both mine and Storm's oaths that we will bring her back,and neither of us swear lightly. Now trust us. Those last words held a decidedly icy tint.

Again,Authnor hesitated. Eventually, the proud warrior bowed his head and lowered his gaze;his shoulders slumping in defeat. "I hate this, but I cannot deny that you are right. I cannot trust myself to be able to control my anger when we came across Elestirne and saw her injuries. And I would endanger her-and the whole party-for it. I will...stay here. You...have my word of honor Aisten Olore."

The silver stallion touched his muzzle briefly to the warrior's cheek. Good. See to your duty then Knight-Commander and carry it out with the same ferver and dedication your Queen would show. We will return as soon as we may. I know you feel shamed and am sorry to force your hand, but Elestirne would never forgive you if you did not defend her friends where she had failed. Nor would she forgive herself if you had gotten hurt on her behalf in your rashness and anger. Olore watched as the elf left slowly,heading for the wall-no doubt to gather all of the elves and explain the situation.. He shook his head a little;swishing his tail impatiently as he continued to wait.

[Sir Storm Brightblade]

Storm came back from the front gate and quickly charged into the inn and ran up the stairs, he grabbed Brightblade from the mantle he made for it in his room and quickly strapped it on. Finishing the belt he walked out and quickly threw on a leather jerkin while walking down the stairs, where he quickly entered the kitchen and grabbed whatever food he could scrounge up for the trip. He would properly supply himself at the castle, it wasn't that far a trip.

Storm walked back outside and quickly threw on a saddle for the horse. He heard Nichtmar ask about one less warrior and answered while buckling the last strap.

"We will ask Tatsamura what aid he can give us before we leave, hopefully he will accompany us but I do not know his wishes or plans right now. As for the one less warrior I figure we can pick another person up from the kyuden, maybe my leader Kotaro or someone. We shall see when we arrive."

With concluding that sentence he jumped into the saddle and looked at his uncle.

"Well, are we ready?"

[Lady Elestirne]

Elestirne stirred fitfully where she dangled;slumped in her chains. Sometime after Telamon had left her she had been able to drift off into an uneasy half-sleep-a state halfway between full sleep and a swoon. It was the only way she could have the little rest she was able to gain each night. She dared not let herself fall fully asleep if she could help it, for the resulting pain from such was almost unbearable. That, and there was always the chance that Telamon or someone else would come back and take the opportunity to inflict more torment on her while her guard was down. So she remained in a state of half-wakefullness whenever possible when resting,and braced her legs against the pillar to take the strain off her sore shoulders and wrists whenever she had the strength to spare.

Now she sensed someone approaching; could feel an aura of evil and darkness,could hear footsteps ascending the staircase that led to the top of the spire. She tensed inwardly but did not open her eyes or give any outward sign of her alertness. The presence reached the top and she could sense it clearly-as well as an artifact of great power and darkness. That must be the sceptor,she thought hazedly through a fog of pain. Which meant that her visitor could only be the 'Banith' Telamon had mentioned...

Just having the sceptor in her presence seemed to intensify her hurts. Yet,curiously,her empathy detected something physical- weakness and pain?-from the sceptor-holder... More though, she was unable to tell and, when the other came no nearer and instead turned back and descended the stairs, Elestirne allowed herself to relax a little again;desperate for every bit of rest she could glean during the night, knowing that the torment would begin again with the new day and that she would need every bit of strength she could conserve-mental, physical and spiritual-to meet and conquer it.

[Lady Elestirne]

Olore snorted at Nichtmar's words;pinning his ears back and shaking out his mane-but refrained from commenting. They would need more than luck, he feared. They needed speed and knowledge of what lay ahead,in their way. Perhaps Tatsumura-windwalker could help them in that, perhaps not, but in any case the silver stallion could only hope that they were on the way soon. The sooner on the way,the sooner they could reach the kyuden, complete their party and begin the search in earnest.

He cast a glance at the sky,and shifted restlessly,pawing the ground. Enough time had been wasted as it was, first with Authnor's arguements, then the business with one-now-called-Masahiro. They couldn't afford any more delay in his opinion.

At Storm's question,the stallion nodded impatiently, with another toss of his mane and stamp of his hoof. The silver bells on his bridle rang faintly with this pointed gesture,and he hoped that Storm or Tsukasa would recognize the potential problem. He,after all,had no hands.. And there were things that might be useful to Elestirne,but which he couldn't retrieve...and Authnor had already left... The stallion snorted,waiting...

[Tsukasa]

Tsukasa mounted his horse and rode to Storm's side. He felt like they were needing one more thing, but he couldn't figure out what it was. After a few moments of thought, it came him.

"Storm-san, I believe we should prepare for the worst. I doubt that they have been treating Lady Elestirne-dono very well. Not being familiar with elves, I do not know what would be needed, but I believe we should take something for her to eat."

[Lady Elestirne]

Olore snorted and struck at the ground sharply. There was a flare of white light from the impact, leaving another scorch mark. Once he was sure he had their attention, the stallion spoke;tossing his head. The bells on his bridle rang faintly again at the movement. His words were heard only by Tsukasa and Storm, and held a note of scathing sarcasm. His indigo eyes flared.

No...torture and capture are generally good treatment, and Telamon just wants a friendly talk. Normally, Olore wouldn't waste time with sarcasm but Tsukasa's understatement-and the delays-had irritated him and he was in no mood. His next words were scornful. No Tsukasa...you can be sure she is not being treated well,and that she most likely will not be in good shape when we find her. Depending on Telamon's intents. The silver stallion's nostrils flared and he pinned his ears back as he shook out his mane;bells tinkling faintly again. There is elven-bread in my packs that would help restore her strength but I have no hands and they are in her room. We also should prepare bandages and healing potions. But again...I have no hands and we have delayed quite enough. But we have another problem and that is me. He tossed his mane again, and sidestepped to draw attention to the fact that he was still fully tacked. As I am, I shall draw attention past the kyuden. But Elestirne may need the tack to stay on when we find her. He snorted. And we are wasting time. What then,are we to do?