SHARDS
"Tomorrow, and tomorrow, and tomorrow,
Creeps in this petty pace, from day to day,
To the last syllable of recorded time;
And all our yesterdays have lighted fools
The way to dusty death."
-William Shakespeare
"Those who do not remember the past are condemned to repeat it."
-George Santayana

Between the Pattern of Amber and the Logrus of Chaos are the lesser powers:
broken patterns, the ravelled logrii, representations, designs, and wells.
Realms of power. Shards.
Amber defeated Chaos in the Patternfall War, but the battle continues.
Now the Shards begin to fall. The realm of Begma is no more.
Slowly the eyes of the other Shards begin to open. Chiare prepares for battle,
but most remain blind to the danger.
A small band in Thule listens to the signs of coming doom, and struggles to
prevent another tragedy...

Krinac: "Rex and Calamus are resting at Vance's villa overlooking the
lake surrounding the city of Atlas."

Krinac: "The rest of you are attending an audience with High King Menelius"

As the audience with the High King appears to be reaching its close, Ariadne
turns to Vance, clears her throat, and nods her head toward the High King.

Krinac: "Oh, Madrak is also present but silent."

Vance steps forward. "I have one more request, Menelius."

The High King of Thule regards Vance, "And what is that?"

You say "I would ask that my daughter Ariadne be allowed to traverse the
Watery Flame."

King Menelius nods, "Ariadne, daughter of Vance, son of Lir approach."

Ariadne slowly walks forward and bows low before the High King.

Vance watches, arms crossed within the folds of his toga.

The High King asks, "Are you ready and willing to prove your blood by trial on
the Watery Flame?"

Ariadne stands and looks the king in the eye, "I am."

King Menelius says "Then you have my permission."

Ariadne bows again and withdraws.

King Menelius says, "Vance, it will take me time to arrange a ship for your
demonstration. If you will send for your wives I will bear witness to your
daughter's trial."

Krinac to Vance: It is an honor for the High King to watch.

Ariadne smiles with pride.

Vance bows. "I will send for them at once. That will give me the time to
observe one other tradition, as well."

The High King looks puzzled, "Which tradition?"

You say "As you recall, I chose to undertake the Watery Flame in the clothing
of my homeland, Kashfa. I would swim down as far as the entrance with my
daughter. She will honor her home with her garments, and I will honor both the
land of my birth and the land of her birth."

Vance to Krinac: 'This also gives me time to rack the spells.'.

Vance to Krinac: 'And have an excuse to wear the gloves.'.

The High King laughs, "Or lack thereof, we were all puzzled by your insistence
of wearing your own clothes, most choose to make the passage unencumbered, but
as you will."

Vance to Krinac: Vance racks two water-breathing spells, and puts on
his traditional outfit.

Vance is dressed in his travelling clothes, when he returns with Merope and
Pleione.

Krinac: Merope and Pleione did not want to leave their guests unattended. They
brought Rex, his guests, and Sean with them from the villa.

Krinac: "Merope and Pleione are in a room with Ariadne getting ready."

Vance to Krinac: 'When I have a chance to talk to my daughter, I instruct
her in how to traverse the BP.'.

Krinac: "Vance has also chosen to be in the room with Ariadne (and hence
opts out of this conversation)"

Rex looks pleased to be back with everyone. "Hello again, friends."

Allyna stands back, not having been introduced to most of the group.

Krinac to Vance: The scene in the room with Ariadne is not unlike a bride on her
wedding day. Your wives are braiding Ariadne's hair, and Merope seems as proud
and sad as Pleione. The dress is simple, since after all she won't be wearing
it long (swimming suits not being used in Thule).

Sunfall regards Rex with unreadable calm.

Krinac to Vance: Ariadne asks, "Mother Merope, you will cast the spell of watery
breath for me won't you?"

Rex smiles, and seats himself.

Krinac to Vance: Merope replies, "Of course dear."

Jeanette says "Welcome back, Rex."

Rex smiles at Jeanette. "And how have you fared, m'lady?"

Vance to Krinac: 'Ariadne, this will be the hardest trial of your life.
Even I had difficulties, despite my many advantages. I can give you a rough
idea of where the air pockets are. You cannot miss even a single one, and make
it to the next."'.

Jeanette says "I am well."

Reed is quiet, Sean wanders the room like a bull in a china shop.

Vance to Krinac: 'Estimate how much air you have. Go halfway, and retreat
to the previous pocket if you don't see the next one.'.

Krinac to Vance: Ariadne glances at Merope and Pleione, and then turns careful
attention to Vance, "One can turn around? I thought to turn back was to risk
death."

Vance to Krinac: 'This is correct for the true Pattern. But you are
walking the Flaw, not the lines. If you are careful, you can backtrack. But,
the experience will tire you...backtrack too much, and you may not have the
energy to make the center.'.

Krinac to Vance: Ariadne says, "I understand, is there anything more?"

Krinac to Vance: Hmm, the Thule BP is rather flawed, they swim back out, I would
discourage BP teleport.

Vance to Krinac: Vance nods. "Yes. Beware the current. If it sweeps
you into the flame, you will die. It can shift, suddenly...don't stray too
close to the flame even if the current is with you."

Reed comments, "The king didn't seem overly worried about the Aurachulum."

Rex raises an eyebrow. "That what?"

Vance to Krinac: Vance says, "Finally, when you reach the center, you
will have a feeling of empowerment. Do not attempt to access that power." Vance
frowns, then. "There is a way to head back out without swimming back...but I
must be there. I have not asked specifically, but I may take the design behind
you."

Allyna says, "It seems, at the moment, that that's not the most pressing of
his concerns."

Krinac to Vance: Ariadne listens to your advice, you notice she is trembling a
bit, and your wives stroke her hair calmingly.

Jeanette mmms softly. "Yes, it might indeed seem so."

Krinac to Vance: Vance smiles. "It is difficult. But if I did not believe you
could survive, I would not let you try. And, my presence will help matters...I
am not idly called the Master of the Flaw."

Krinac to Vance: I have heard. I can rest at the center, and the swim back out
is less difficult.

Vance to Krinac: '* Again, correct me if I'm wrong, but can using the
gloves to diminish the Flaw allow the power to teleport out, as long as no
cross-Shadow transit is involved?'.

Reed says, "That is possible, I wish I had better instruments so I could tell
just how radioactive that stuff is."

Rex shakes his head. "What _are_ you talking about?"

Krinac to Vance: Sure you can... do you want to demonstrate that power to the
people of Thule who are apparently ignorant of it?

Jeanette says "If it does not form a critical mass, where is the danger?"

Vance to Krinac: 'Not to the surface...just to an air pocket near the
entrance.'.

Vance to Krinac: 'After all, they can't actually see inside it.'.

Reed explains, "They use a substance called Aurachulm for lighting, and it is
radioactive which means it is harmful to be near it. Long term exposure to
radiation can cause disease and birth defects. In strong enough doses it can be
lethal."

Krinac to Vance: So noted.

Jeanette lifts an eyebrow, "Are you sure of that? I've never heard that before."

Rex nods. "And they have used this stuff for...how long?"

Allyna says, "The end of the world may also be detrimental to health, if I'm
understanding things properly."

Rex chuckles, light-heartedly. "That is entirely dependent on one's world view."

Krinac to Vance: A slave arrives and knocks on the door, "It is time." Ariadne
turns to Merope, and she takes her hand, and chants the lynchpins. Ariadne
receives the spell and exchanges heartfelt hugs with Merope and Pleione.
Pleione is crying.

Reed snorts, "I do know a thing or two about physics. Yes I'm sure it is a
basic property of radiation."

Vance to Krinac: Vance gives Ariadne a hug, then casts his own spell.

Jeanette says "Interesting."

Rex says "What sort of time-period are you talking about for these ill
effects, Reed?"

Reed says, "It depends on the exposure, both duration and intensity, and I
can't make an accurate assesment with the tools I have here. Since I don't see
everyone running around with tumors and there are plenty of healthy children, I
have to guess that it isn't that strong a radiation source."

Rex says "Or that the people here have some kind of immunity."

Reed looks skeptical.

Rex grins. "They _do_ tell me that the Universe is infinite, with all that
implies."

A slave arrives to summon you to Ariadne's trial.

Rex nods, rises, and follows the slave.

Reed looks amused, "Do they now?"

Krinac: "Shortly afterwards the party is led downstairs to a chamber deep
beneath the Hill of Clieto."

Rex nods, and shrugs. "I have yet to verify this for myself," he adds, with a
wry grin.

Krinac: "The chamber houses a deep lake, and a design of blue flame can be
seen indistinctly in the water below."

Allyna divides her attention between the lake and the card she's holding.

Vance walks over to the High King, and speaks to him quietly.

Krinac: "Four red crystals can be seen under the water in the corners of
the room. Each is about one-third meter in diameter. Two people stand on a
platform above each of them."

Krinac: "The rest of you are gathered on a sandy beach above the chill
water."

Krinac to Vance: Requesting permission to swim the design?

Vance to Krinac: Vance nods. "I tell him that I must see if the
Flame's energy level has changed due to Begma's destruction."

Krinac: "Note the beach extends all the way around the lake but is largest
at the foot of the stairs and appears to be the best view."

Krinac to Vance: Going to see if Reed can use his instruments?

Krinac to Vance: The High King shrugs and gives Vance permission to assay the
Watery Flame.

Vance to Krinac: 'I'll mention it...I probably would have earlier, but
the conversation was rather short.'.

Krinac: "Merope and Pleione are standing by Ariadne, who looks nervous."

Vance to Krinac: 'I assume they can't really see the walk, from here?'.

Krinac to Vance: The High King is suspicious, but gives his permission.

Krinac to Vance: Not really.

The High King and Vance appear to be done talking.

The High King says, "Ariadne, you claim the blood of Lir, may you pass through
the Watery Flame and survive, and be welcome as a Daughter of Lir."

Ariadne gulps and replies, "I am ready for what comes, may Lir watch over me."

Ariadne removes her clothing, and dives into the lake.

Vance walks over to talk to Reed, and says quietly, "You've been given
permission to use your instruments. I would be discreet...that permission was
given grudgingly." He then follows Ariadne into the lake.

Krinac to Vance: Would you pose yourself and Ariadne through the trial? Ariadne
has the stats to make it and your help, but make sure everyone knows it isn't
easy.

Reed nods gratefully, "Thank you. He palms an instrument and casually walks
around the lake as if seeking a better view."

Sean seemed to enjoy the show he comments to Rex, "Nice place this Thule.
Three women to every men, and they aren't shy about taking off their clothes."

Dimly, Ariadne can be seen traversing the beginning of the design, deftly
swimming between raging flames. As she nears the second air pocket, a sudden
current nearly sweeps her into the fire. At this point, Vance starts into the
design.

Jeanette stands at the shoreline, watching....

Pleione is clinging to Merope, who is comforting her.

The High King watches with interest.

Ariadne reaches the second air pocket, and takes some time to collect herself.

Vance reaches the first air pocket quickly, and pauses to watch Ariadne's
progress as she starts again.

Rex grins to Sean. "Seem nice enough, but I just worry when things look too
good to be true."

Vance stays still until Ariadne reaches the third air pocket, and then quickly
swims to the second. As Ariadne attemps to reach the fourth, she seems to have
a problem, turning back to the third. Vance is stock-still at this time.

Ariadne makes it back to the third, but her swimming seemed noticably shaky.

Vance does not go to third pocket, but instead waits.

Sean smiles a satisified smile.

Sean says, "I try not to worry until the trouble is real."

After an agonized wait, Ariadne swims to the fourth air pocket successfully.
Vance stays one pocket behind her as she continues, until she is but one air
pocket away from her goal.

Allyna slips her card away and focuses her attention on the action below.

Reed has completed one circuit of the lake, he slows his pace starts a second
lap.

The last stretch passes through a narrow passage of flame. Ariadne swims
through, and she is completely obscured by fire...

Krinac to Vance: Very nice... wrap it up.

The High King's attention is mostly on Ariadne now, although he did gaze at
Allyna for awhile.

Ariadne can dimly be seen in the center. Vance quickly completes the last
stretch, to join her there. After a brief time to rest, they head back...the
flames seem somewhat dimmed on the return trip, and the current seems to be
aiding their swim.

Vance to Krinac: Vance scans the BP while in the center.
Pleone is openly joyful, jumping up and down and hugging Merope excitedly.
Merope is more reserved.

Krinac to Vance: The BP seems about the same as it always has been.

Rex smiles, and seems pleased.

Ariadne is the first to make it out of the water. Vance has paused at the
first air pocket.

Ariadne breaks water, and breathes deeply for a moment, before giving off a
joyous cry of victory.

Although exhuastion is clearly written on her, she quickly paddles to shore
and rushes to her mother.

Merope and Pleione wrap her in a blanket, the High King nods approvingly,
"Welcome to the family, daughter of Lir."

Vance emerges at the surface, and breathes heavily. He slowly paddles to shore.

Krinac: "Actually it is the same afternoon."

Krinac to Vance: The High King asks Vance, "You are not too tired for this
demonstration are you? If you are we could wait a day."

Vance to Krinac: Vance frowns. "It cannot wait that long. I will
recover by the time the ship has been prepared."

Vance heads straight past his daughter, and goes to the room he originally
came out of.

Ariadne's excited expression quickly changes to a frown.

You board the royal barge to travel to the site of Vance's demonstration.
Despite being called a barge, the vessel is built for the royal family to hold
private parties. It is comfortably and richly furnished.

Madrak to Krinac and Vance: Madrak needs to have a quick word with Vance,
if he can.

Krinac: "There are a slew of NPCs present, including Ariadne, Merope (not
Pleione), Sean, Reed, Andra (no longer wearing a dress that glows), King
Menelius, and miscellaneous servants."

Krinac to Madrak and Vance: *Go for it, I'll be describing the scene a
bit.

Krinac: "The notable abscenes are Pleione and Calamus."

Your vessel is escorted by one of the ironclads and you quickly arrive at a
section of the lake of Atlat that seems to be almost empty.

As the barge reaches its demonstration, Vance emerges, looking a bit less tired.

Jeanette nods to Vance.

Krinac to Vance: This area is normally used by the navy to fight wargames and
other naval maneuvers. It is considered a training ground for raw recruits to
learn how to handle a ship on quiet water before taking a ship to sea.

The target vessel is quite obvious. It is an old large merchant vessel that
rides in the water with a pronounced lilt. It is flying red pennants and
appears to be abandoned.

Vance walks past those assembled, to the bow of the ship.

Engela asks Rex, "So do you have any idea as to what this demonstration is to
be?"

Vance to Krinac: 'Where is Pleione?'.

Krinac to Vance: Someone had to go home to arrange the traditional party in
Ariadne's honor. Pleione chose to do so.

Vance places his hands together as if in prayer, fingers pointing upward.

Allyna watches Vance closely.

Rex smiles at Engela, but shakes his head. "I'm afraid not; but I imagine we
will come away enlightened."

Madrak to Krinac and Vance: "Vance, we have a problem. I'm worried about
Sean.

Jeanette nods, "It will certainly be an interesting sight."

Vance to Krinac and Madrak: 'At this distance, it can be seen that
Vance's eyes are closed. He says quietly, "Can it wait?"'.

Reed has his binoculars out.

Vance quietly says something to Madrak, who stands next to him.

Krinac to Vance: I've got some notes on Manifest the Void, after this talk.

Vance to Krinac: 'Sure thing. Do you mind if I pose it?'.

Madrak to Krinac and Vance: Madrak frowns. "He may die, Vance. I thought
you should know. I'm going to try to keep an eye on him."

Krinac to Vance: Sure I don't mind at all... actually here are my notes on
Manifest the Void...

Sunfall leans casually against the siderail.

Vance to Krinac and Madrak: Vance says quietly, "An ailment...or a
woman?"

Krinac to Vance: We haven't discussed Manifest the Void yet, so I need to lay
some guidelines. My guideline is RZ's description of primal chaos. Obviously it
is a ranged effect. You wouldn't want to be right on top of it. It is also slow
enough to start that Merlin has enough time to realize Mandor is summoning
primal chaos before it manifests.

Krinac to Vance: Since tendrils are used for manipulating magical energies, and
to act at a distance, I think it is safe to say that to Manifest the Void you
must (1) see the target (2) guide tendrils to the target.

Krinac to Vance: The Void then takes a little while to manifest, appearing as
dark energy coursing down the tendrils toward the target.

Krinac to Vance: Manifest the Void then becomes visible as a spot of inky
blackness that grows in fits and starts eating all in its path and getting
larger. It grows slow enough that a person can calmly say "you know we'd better
get out of here."

Madrak mutters back to Vance.

Vance to Krinac: 'Actually, I was going to have it manifest next to me as
a distortion in reality. To be controlled and directed, it has to move
slowly...someone could easily dodge out of the way. However, if it is fully
released, it's like setting a fire to the very stuff of Shadow...flammable
stuff.'.

Madrak pages to Krinac and Vance: I do not know.

Vance to Krinac and Madrak with 'Stand next to him. Warn Sunfall...you and
she will take shifts watching him.'.

Vance stands there, unmoving except for a few whispers to Madrak, for perhaps
five minutes. As of yet, nothing else has happened.

Andra approaches Reed and begins a quiet conversation about Aurachulum, she
seems worried about Reed's claims.

Madrak nods to Vance, then moves over to speak to Sunfall.

Krinac to Vance: Ok, your description sounds good, but you'll need to have the
lens and tendrils up to start the effect. That will be visible to anyone who
has a power lens up.

Vance to Krinac: Vance frowns. "One of the points of the Void was that
-any- use of BP would draw it. I figured I'd still have the prep time of
raising a lens, but without any manifestation. If I can have the lens up
safely...I could escape the effect with Shadow travel."

Vance to Krinac: 'Perhaps manifestation of my power until the point when
it is finished forming?'.

As Madrak approaches, Sunfall steps away from the rail.

Vance suddenly brings his hands apart. Between them is a line of blackness, as
if the world were nothing more than one big canvas, cut by a razor's edge at
one point. Vance says, in a quiet voice that nevertheless carries, "Behold, the
Dark Well." It seems unimpressive at the moment, barely a foot high.

Krinac to Vance: Hmm, I'd have to reread that, but I don't have a problem with
your having that ability. How's this, you have to keep the lens and tendrils up
to maintain control, if you cut control, after that lens or tendrils use would
draw the void.

Krinac to Vance: And with the lens you notice that both Aranor and the High King
are watching the demonstration through a power manifestation... and the void
will fly right back to them if you let it go.

Allyna stares.

Rex looks like he wants to do something, and isn't sure he should.

Vance makes a slight pushing motion, and the line drifts toward the abandoned
ship. There is a sucking noise as the air around it is drawn in, and the crack
in reality begins to grow. The darkness drifts slightly back towards the ship
at one point, and Vance says, "The Well seeks its own. I would suggest that you
not tempt it."

Vance to Krinac: Vance hmms. "If you think that is best, that's fine,
I guess."

Madrak frowns. He moves to the rail, standing beside Sean.

Allyna mutters, just barely audible, "The power..."

Krinac to Vance: Yeah I just said you can destroy a shadow, and probably live.

Krinac to Vance: The High King drops his manifestation. Aranor doesn't.

The Dark Well grows. The bottom touches the ocean, and it's like a god using
some massive soda straw to suck water out of the great depths. It's taller than
a man, and still growing, widening as well. As it touches the ship, there is a
ripple, and the boards are ripped apart like a child tearing paper. They get
sucked into the great Void at an immense velocity, disappearing forever. Again,
the Void begins to drift back, and Vance growls, "I do not warn idly."

Rex nudges Aranor with his elbow.

Krinac to Vance: Aranor drops his power manifestation.

Vance gestures, and the manifestation cuts directly through the center of the
ship, devouring it like some insatiable maw. Before the ship can finish
sinking, most of it has been completely devoured by the darkness.

Everyone from the High King down to the sailors gapes at the demonstration of
sheer power.

Vance's arms tremble, and he starts to push his hands together. They tremble
slightly, and the darkness contracts, grows slightly, then contracts again.

Reed has dropped his binoculars in favor of his instruments.

No one saw it approach. All eyes were on Vance's demonstration of power, but
now it rises from the waters of the lake.

It is big. Dark and grey and old like an elephant, but of a size to dwarf a
whale. The body of the beast extends on through the water, and on, and on.
Its head rears up far above the mast of the ship on a neck that seems narrow
for the immense body, but is actually wider than an ancient oak. It looks down
upon you with eyes of mottled red and black, eyes that are larger than a man.

Rex steps back.

Eternity passes in the beat of an eye.

None of the crew moves or speaks, they are frozen immobile as the bird that
sees the snake.

Sweat appears on Vance's brow, and he holds the void in place. Then, with a
push, it begins to move towards the beast.

Vance to Krinac: 'How's that? I've just begun the movement, and am trying
to interpose the Well.'.

Krinac: "Clarifies, Vance has not yet been able to act, the void is just
holding in place."

Krinac to Vance: The full force and impact of the beast seems to be focused on
you.

The beast begins to move toward the ship, its head diving. It will crush the
vessel as casully as a horse might swish at a fly.

Vance to Krinac: Vance could almost laugh, were the situation not so
serious. "It's fool enough to let me have the Dark Well fully manifested? Let
it perish in the Void."

Krinac to Vance: Right now it is all you can do to hold the void into place,
keeping it under control is a challenge, if you push it or release, all of
Thule could go.

Vance calls out, "Rex! If you can help me contain the Void, now would be a
good time!"

Madrak roars out, "Scafflech!" He holds his staff above his head. "Madrak the
Mighty challenges you!"

Vance to Krinac: Vance is going to have to risk it. Even if Madrak
could fell it with one blow, its fall could crush the ship. Only by pushing it
into the Void can it be safely defeated. I'll move the Void defensively, but I
have to move it.

Although it seems forever, not even seconds have past. The beast (Scafflech?)
was aiming to crush Vance, but Madrak's challenge turns him, and its head dives
toward him. Its jaws descend crushing Madrak, and incidently the ship.

The Void then strikes it and it bellows like a thousand whales.

The ship lists, tilts, and snaps.

Vance's whole body trembles with the struggle of containing the Void from
infinite destruction.

Everywhere people are knocked into the water.

Vance to Krinac: 'Grab onto whatever floats with one hand, and keep the
other pointed at the Void...no matter what.'.

The high King is still frozen there, immobile as the ship goes down around him.

Vance to Krinac: 'If I can't contain the void...I'll do everything I can
to push it away from Thule. Even if it rips apart ShadowPaths and adjacent
Shadows in the process.'.

Jeanette grabs a handhold, and tries to make her way towards the High King...

Allyna grabs the High King's hand, focusing on the card in her hand. "Your
Majesty, you must go to the Watery Flame, for your own safety!"

There is mass panic and confusion, Jeanette saves the High King from being
tossed overboard, and grabs his attention so he hears Allyna's words.

Vance to Krinac: 'Can we assume my luck has me on one of the few parts of
the ship that is still afloat? The bow should be somewhat buoyant...'.
High King Menelius says, "The horses of Lir, yes, we must go."

Krinac to Vance: Yes, you are afloat, and controlling the void, barely. The
creature seemed to RESIST the void somehow."

Vance to Krinac: Vance blinks.

Scafflech submerges as quickly and mysteriously as he arrived.

Jeanette nods, "Take his hand, you... and can you reach anyone else?"

Vance to Krinac: 'Did the Void do any damage to it?'.

Sunfall is floating on her back, somehow buoyant even in the waves.

Miraculously, Vance is still afloat, leaning over the rail of the bow of the
ship. The bow bobs unsteadily, but it has not submerged. He continues to face
the Void, hands trembling as they are held in front of him.

Rex treads water to Aranor, grabs him, and tows him toward the shore.

Krinac to Vance: YES you did hurt it. You drove it away in great pain, but even
the touch of the Void didn't kill it.

The ironclad slowly begins to move to rescue you.

Vance calls out again, "I...could use...help..." His gaze seems to indicate
that his concern is not for his own safety, but based on the Void's continued
presence.

The High King, Jeanette, and Allyna disappear.

Ariadne swims to her father's side, "Tell me what I must do."

Vance sighs. "Keep me afloat, for now."

Vance to Krinac: Vance wonders if anyone here has a power that could
help him banish the Void...

Vance to Krinac: Vance tries to banish the Void.

Krinac to Vance: Slowly you get the void under control, you may pose it ebbing.

With Ariadne helping him, Vance focuses his undivided attention on the Void.
It fights him as it slowly shrinks, moving unpredictably in jerking motions.
Finally, it diminishes to the size it started at, and Vance wearily closes his
hands together. He then slumps on the rail.

Rex struggles to shore, dragging Aranor in and dropping him there. His face is
pale, pale...no. A silvery sheen has tinted his skin, and continues to do so.
His eyes flash bright silver, and his gaze falls upon the phenomenon on the
lake.

Vance to Krinac: 'Can I pose it disappearing, now?'.

Krinac to Vance: Hang on, Rex is going to try to help... give him his chance.
The Void remains still as Rex stares. Slumped over the rail, Vance makes a
fist with one gloved hand.

Rex calls out, "Vance...I'm ready to try, if you still need help. Remember
last time!"

Vance seems to nod, though it is hard to tell from this distance.

Rex takes a deep breath.

Krinac to Vance: Rex does something, and the void immediately contracts and
closes.

Vance slides off the rail in a state of complete and total exhaustion, falling
into the water.

Rex continues to stare at the Void.

Suddenly the void shrinks and disappears.

Vance to Krinac: 'Ariadne is going to have to take me to shore, I assume.
Vance should be unconscious or close to it.'.

Rescue boats are put ashore from the ironclad, and everyone is gathered in.

There is no sign of Madrak.

The sailors from the ironclad want to know what happened to the king, Andra
reassures them that he departed along the wings of a teleport spell.

Rex helps Aranor rise, and seems to be looking for someone. His skin goes
somewhat less silvery, but his eyes remain shining.

Engela staggers through the water looking less than her best over to Rex, "Are
you well?"

Ariadne swims with Vance's unconscious form to a rescue boat, and the two are
taken to join the rest.

Middenriddle is huddled on the shore, "I'll make a fire." He begins to rub two
soggy sticks together.

Merope joins Ariadne for a moment, "I'm going to look for injured, I memorized
two spells for this morning, so I still have one ready."

Rex rejoins Engela, nodding, and the three of them find Midden. "Aranor, are
you up to helping poor Midden here with your talents?"

Sean swims slowly to shore, with Shamus helping him along.

Vance to Krinac: 'Er...I'm unconscious. That'll hinder my response to
Merope.'.

Vance to Krinac: 'Besides, being unconscious is dramatically appropriate.
Makes Rex feel more useful.'.

Merope nods to Ariadne, "Take care of Vance." and joins the search for the
wounded, stripping off her dress and diving into the waters of the lake.

Krinac to Vance: Ok, I'm just balancing too many NPCs as you noticed.

Aranor nods, and mumbles over the soggy sticks. They light.

Sunfall joins the group. Her clothing appears dry, and she seems completely
unharmed.

Meanwhile in the chamber of the Watery Flame the High King thanks his rescuers.

Vance to Krinac: 'I'll pose Ariadne and Merope, if you wish.'.

High King Menelius says, "You both did me a great service today, but I have no
time for gratitude now, come we must see that ships are sent out to rescue the
others."

Krinac to Vance: Thanks.

Jeanette nods, "We shall assist in any way we can, of course."

Ariadne seems unnerved as she gazes out to sea at the remnants of the ship.
Her look is that of a person who's found out they're a small fish in a -very-
big pond.

Ariadne turns, examining her father for injuries. His breathing is slow, but
regular.

Lady Engela says to Rex, "I believe that you stopped the void there at the end."

Vance to Krinac: Vance tries to decide how long is dramatically
appropriate to leave Vance unconscious. The longer it is, the greater the
impact of the deed, and the more useful Rex feels.

Krinac to Vance: Leave it until I get back, then I'll jump ahead a few hours.

Rex nods wearily to Engela. "I think you may be right. I wish I knew how."

Merope swims to shore with a wounded sailor. After placing him in the hands of
others, she head back into the sea to continue helping the wounded to shore.

Allyna turns to Jeanette, "I've already used up my last trick. Have you got
anything that might be helpful?"

Middenriddle looks for more firewood.

Jeanette shakes her head, "Nothing more than quick effort, I fear."

Allyna says, "Well, do you remember the way, at least?"

Ariadne says something quietly to herself. "... said... heir to... "

Jeanette nods, "I think so. We can at least get moving."

Allyna says, "After you, then."

Rex says "Aranor, keep tending the fire as best you can. I go to help the
wounded in. Engela, will you tend to their hurts?"

Aranor nods.

Jeanette leads on, heading for the boats.

Merope swims back with one more sailor. She then heads toward her discarded
dress, saying with a downcast expression, "Those remaining in the ocean are
beyond my help now."

Rex and friends run their little aid station on the shore.

Vance remains unconscious.

Engela makes an expression of distaste, but helps with the first aid.

Krinac: "I'm going to jump forward in time about two hours when everyone
is dry and reassembled. (well except the generic sailors)"

Vance is now able to speak and move again.

Vance sits up, wearily.

The High King returns with Andra to talk to him.

Krinac: "Oh and yes Madrak is also among the missing."

Vance is helped to his feet by Ariadne, and looks to the High King.

The High King approaches the couch upon which Vance is resting, "Sit, rest,
tell me how much of that went as you expected?"

The High King does not appear angry, more like overawed or shocked.
Vance sits back down. "Nothing after the monster appeared. Especially when I
used the Dark Well against it. -Nothing- survives the Void."

You say "Yet I only wounded it."

Jeanette nods... "I could feel... power... rolling off it."

Allyna says, "What is the Void?"

The High King says, "That wasn't a monster, it was one of the Horses of Lir.
One of the creatures that pulls the chariot of the god Lir. Until today I
thought them no more than legend."

You say "The Void, or the Dark Well, is the ultimate manifestation of the
break in the Broken Patterns. It is the danger that all true initiates fear,
except I can actually summon it forth."

Allyna says, "Broken Patterns like the Watery Flame?"

You say "One of many, yes. Each Broken Pattern manifests the break in a
different fashion."

Vance glances around. "Where is Madrak?"

Allyna nods. "What do the other Broken Patterns look like?"

The High King says, "I would advise you not to summon the void again here in
Thule. It appears you angered Lir. You know the priests will demand your death
when word of this gets out."

Rex turns to Vance. "I have not seen him since the Beast struck. I suggest we
begin looking, soon, when we have our wits regained. Tell me, Vance, what
exactly did you wish of me, when you asked me to help you touch the Void? A
joining of the minds, to work together...if such is possible...or simply to
wield my power in your aid?"

Vance manages a chuckle. "I doubt a priest can inspire fear in me, after what
I witnessed." He then frowns as he looks to Rex. "Your power, you said, dealt
with entropy and altering reality. It was my hope that you could somehow assist
me. As you did."

Andra says quietly, "When word of this gets out King Orepheus may have his way
and human sacrifices will begin again."

Vance sighs. "Madrak could see death. Could he have seen his own?"

Rex nods. "I find I have more to learn about the nature of my curse than I had
thought."

Jeanette nods, shivering a little, perhaps at the thought of human sacrifices...

King Menelius nods at Andra grimly, "This could cost me my throne, but now I
have little choice but to believe you."

Vance hmms. "Perhaps there is yet away to turn the creature's appearance to
our advantage. After all, were I truly sacriligeous, I should have been killed,
correct? Which leaves two possibilities - I was not meant to die, or I am more
powerful than Lir. Which do you think, Menelius?"

The High King considers, "I am going to handle this by appealing to a power
higher than that of any king of Thule. I am going to take you to Clieto."

Sean shakes his head gingerly--he appears to have been struck by debris at
some point. "Madrak's dead. I was right beside him, I saw the creature strike
him... nobody could have survived that."

Andra gasps!

Merope and Ariadne seem stunned.

Vance frowns. "He took your death, Sean. He saw it, right before I began. He
must have sacrificed himself to save you from your fate."

Vance nods wearily to the High King.

Allyna says, "There are tales of people living in the bellies of great beasts
of the sea. I heard two of them when I was on Sight."

Andra stammers, "That is forbidden even to mention to one not _born_ to the
royal house, even to a High King."

Vance glances at Andra. "Extrordinary times demand extrordinary measures."

Sean looks at the ground.

The High King says, "I know, but it is Clieto's words that I obey. She
foretold that I would see one of the Horses of Lir, and that I would bring
those responsible to her."

The High King says, "Come with me, to the house of Clieto."

Krinac to Vance: If this is the Clieto of legend she would be more than a
thousand years old.

The High King stands, and leads the way for all of you.

While all of Thule is a marvel of architecture, you are led to the very top of
the hill, where a lone palace stands. A palace that is a work of art, marble
raised to its highest form.

A troop of guards are at the gate, but they part for the High King.
He leads you within, everywhere is marble, red, white, black, often inlaid
with gold, and fine traceries, but always polished to a mirror sheen so that
you can see your reflection in the stone.

Allyna looks around, observing everything.

Vance does not speak during the journey. Ariadne and Merope walk together at
his side.

The room is a small and round composed of dark black marble and inlaid with
gold. The walls must be muffled somehow for all sounds seem to just damp down
and die off, creating an unnatural quiet. A dozen pillars line the edges
supporting a dome.

Beneath which lies what at first glance to be a casket. It is a large box of
dark marble, in which lies the body of an old woman. She is thin and withered.
Little more than skin and bones, and yet somehow a remnant of beauty still
clings; a memory of how she must have looked in her youth. The box is sealed
with a lid of transparent crystal, and hazy vapors swirl within.

Three attendants sit in the room. They are all young girls (about 14 to 16
years of age) of exceptional grace and beauty. All of them look more than a
little stoned. One of them is holds a hookah. She occasionally takes a puff,
and expels it into a tube, which runs into the coffin.

Vance crosses his arms, and waits silently.

Rex looks interestedly at the water-pipe.

Aranor looks more interestedly at the girls.

One of the girls speaks in a dreamy voice, "Vance of Kashfa, holder of what
was once mine you have come at last."

Vance frowns, but says, "Why have I been summoned here?"

Vance to Krinac: 'Uh, oh. She's cutting a tad too close to home...Vance
is on his guard.'.

Sean glances at the women pensively, but his attention is focused mostly on
the woman sealed in the coffin.

A different girl speaks, "To learn what you must know."

Vance nods. "Then, let the lesson begin."

One of the girls speaks, "The ritual that destroyed Begma requires three
things."

Vance's full attention is captured instantly, at those words.

Rex listens intently.

Jeanette becomes quite attentive, as well.

One of the girls speaks, "A person who has walked that shadow of the Pattern
and survived."

One of the girls speaks, "A person who walked the Pattern of Amber and
survived."

Vance seems to have a question on his lips at the first statement, but waits.

One of the girls speaks, "Oberon's stone, The Jewel of Judgement"

Sean glances at Reed, then back at the woman in the coffin.

You say "Can the first and the second be the same?"

One of the girls speaks, "No, it requires two people."

Vance frowns. "A traitor, then."

Allyna says, "Or a captive."

One of the girls speaks, "Not necessarily either, for the ritual need not
destroy, it can heal, forming a new true image of Amber. Such as was done in
Rebma, and the vanished kingdom of Tir-na Nog'th."

Vance frowns. "Is that not a manner of destruction in its own right? Begma was
not a true image of Amber before, so such a change would destroy Begma's
identity."

The High King, Ariadne, and Merope are kneeling.

Vance does not kneel, but stands with arms crossed.

Allyna says, "There is only one stone?"

One of the girls speaks, "Such is the nature of the Pattern. To shape reality
into its image. As the nature of the Void is to destroy."

One of the girls speaks, "There is but one Jewel of Judgement, although it may
have shadows."

You say "What must be done by the pair to enact this ritual?"

Allyna says, "But only this one Jewel will work the ritual?"

You say "If it requires Oberon's stone, Allyna, no lesser will do. A shadow is
not the true object."

Allyna says, "You don't mean by 'shadow' what I know the word to mean."

Rex listens with interest.

One of the girls speaks, "Do you have need of that knowledge? You know enough
to prevent it."

Rex says "The knowledge of restoration, of healing, could serve us well."

Vance frowns. "Need is an interesting question when it comes to knowledge. To
not have information makes it difficult to judge when it is necessary. But I do
have need of other information."

Allyna says, "What does this Jewel look like?"

Vance to Krinac: 'I encourage independence from Vance OOCly, but ICly
she's cramping my style... :)'.

One of the girls speaks, "Very well, but upon your heads be it. The pattern
wielder must walk the shadow of the pattern bearing the Jewel of Judgement,
healing the void as he goes."

Vance nods. "Noted. Any with me that attempts to use that knowledge to their
own advantage will die."

Jeanette nods. "And the other path, that we may prevent it?"

Vance snorts. "Simple, Jeanette. Guard the Patterns and take the Jewel."

One of the girls speaks, "The wielder of the broken pattern must go ahead, and
be waiting at the center. When the pattern wielder reachers her, they make
love."

Sean blinks.

Rex raises his eyebrows.

Vance hmms. "I assume they must be of different sexes, then?"

Aranor grins.

One of the girls speaks, "Yes, when the ritual is complete, the design is a
shadow no more, but a true pattern."

Engela blushes.

Vance finishes for the girl, "The power of creation inherent in the mating of
male and female. I understand."

Allyna says, "Does anyone know what this Jewel looks like?"

Vance ahems. "All in good time, Allyna. They are seeresses, not witnesses."

Sean asks, "Could someone be tricked into being part of the ritual? Not
knowing what it would do?"

One of the girls speaks, "Not so, I was there. It was I who helped Oberon heal
the mirror of the Pattern and made Rebma what it is today."

The listless tones of the girls recital drain any emotion from the speech.

Vance gazes not at the girl, but at the casket. "Then you are the mother of
both Rebma and Thule."

One of the girls speaks, "Yes."

Allyna listens.

Vance glances to Allyna. "The Jewel has been worn by Oberon in public events,
but it was thought to only be a symbol of authority. I have not seen it
personally, but a description can be garnered."

Allyna says, "If she was there, she has seen it."

Vance then turns back to the casket.

Vance to Krinac: Vance has to dig for his books in order to describe it.

One of the girls speaks, "Oberon, husband, lover, betrayer, I betrayed Lir for
you, and you were just using me to increase your own power. You denied me the
power you gave me, but this day, I deny you. The Pattern shall not consume all."

Vance thinks hard. "Oberon had a Rebman wife...but her name was not Clieto."

One of the girls speaks, "No, he called me other. I was known as Faiella."

Vance nods. "Faiella, I would ask you other things, but one of my companions
wishes to know the appearance of the Jewel of Judgment. If it would not strain
you, I would like to know as well. If it would, I have one more question for
you."

Allyna reaches into her satchel for a pad of paper and a charcoal pencil.
One of the girls speaks, "It is a small red stone of no particular prominence,
the size and shape of a human eye."

Allyna says, "No distinguishing marks? Flaws?"

Vance frowns. "An eye...very well. I do not know if any powers of vision
remain to you, but there is one thing that has concerned me since my arrival.
Madrak saw a doom upon Thule. We have grasped at shadow, but have no concrete
proof of anything. I must know if that doom remains...for I cannot leave it
behind me."

One of the girls speaks, "The doom was not upon Thule, but upon me. I have the
mark of the true Pattern now, but Oberon stole the agelessness from me. Yet I
would not let my spirit go while I had this one last duty. Now I go. Guard
Thule. Protect it from Amber."

Sunfall mutters to Vance, "... agrees with... the... told me... in the..."

Sunfall whispers "The ritual agrees with what the stranger told me while she
was in the cell in Chiare."

Vance nods. "Rest, Clieto who is Faiella. The torch has been passed."

Vance turns to the High King. "I will be taking my leave of you here,
Menelius. Have our things brought to this place, and then we will leave."

Sean bows his head.

Allyna sketches.

The three girls wail at once, and begin sobbing in the voices of normal young
girls, "She's dead... she's dead...Clieto is dead..

The High King looks at Vance, eyes full of tears, "You may have whatever you
need."

Rex bows his head.

Vance gazes directly at the High King, and nods as he continues. "The Horse of
Lir tested our worthiness to see Clieto. She blessed us, and used the last of
her powers to send the saviors of Thule where they needed to be. Do you
understand?"

Vance looks at Allyra. "Your Trumps will provide our passage, though none
outside those here will know of it."

The High King nods "I understand."

Allyna says, "Where are we headed, then?"

You say "Back towards...Kashfa, I believe. I have a hunch that is a longshot,
that I need to play out."

Allyna says, "I don't know Kashfa. I almost certainly haven't an Image-- Trump
of it."

Jeanette nods...

Jeanette says "Could you draw one from our description?"

You say "Get me in the Golden Circle, then, or as close as you can to Amber
without entering it."

Allyna says, "You seem to think I've travelled much further than I have. I can
work on one from a description... But it might not work."

Sean glances at Vance. "What are you going to try?"

Vance frowns. "Then, just get me out of this Shadow, and I'll do the rest."

Allyna says, "I've never heard of Amber before today. Or Kashfa."

Vance glances to Sean. "I won't say publically yet...not till I know more."

Sean frowns. "Well, how about privately, then. I might have an idea."

Vance shakes his head. "No offense, Sean, but I barely trust myself with what
I plan next. I am willing to listen, but you'll just have to trust in me for a
short while."

Vance to Krinac: 'And, yes, Sean would get the same answer if he had a
player. I still find his arrival in my group suspect.'.

Sean crosses his arms. "You ask us to trust you, but won't trust us in return?"

Jeanette says "He trusts us enough to ask for our help."

Allyna says, "We should steal this Jewel. If we have it, we needn't guard all
these broken Patterns, only one Jewel."

Jeanette nods, "If we can."

Vance looks directly at Sean. "I told Madrak to guard you, and he did, knowing
what I asked of him. Tell me again how I am wronging you now..."

Allyna says, "We have two options. We can travel to Logal, or take the time to
try the Kashfa Image. Trump, if you prefer."

Jeanette says "What and where is Logal?"

Allyna says, "Logal is the sphere I've usually called home. It was a wonderful
place... But there was some political trouble, and the Empire had to crack down
on it. It's pretty much dead."

Jeanette nods.

Vance continues to hold his gaze on Sean.

Sean flinches, looking at Vance for a long moment. "This is not the time, nor
the place, Vance. I'm offering you another option, but at a certain price to
myself."

Allyna says, "And the Chasm Jumpers-- Broken Pattern Initiates... They will be
under orders to kill me."

Jeanette says "We have already been to Kashfa. Would a messenger suffice?"

Vance nods to Sean. "We will discuss it after we arrive in Logal, then." He
turns to Ariadne. "Now is your choice. I cannot offer your birthright until the
crisis is past...unless you come with me now."

Vance doesn't answer Jeanette, instead focusing on his daughter.

Ariadne says, "You are blessed by Clieto. I am ashamed for ever doubting you.
I will come."

Merope says, "You will break Pleione's heart to leave without saying good-bye,
but I wish you luck husband."

Vance nods, and squeezes Ariadne's shoulder. To Merope, he says, "I know.
Please break it to her gently, my wife. Tell her that our daughter prospers by
coming with me." He glances to Jeanette and says, "We're going."

Jeanette nods, "Then go we do."

Reed looks at Sean, "Go ahead and tell him. Vance, Sean has something
important he is trying to say. You should listen."

Vance says to Sean. "Are you willing to speak in front of the others, Sean?"

Sean reaches into his vest, withdrawing a single trump card. "I can do better
than that." He doesn't turn the card around just yet, though. "I want you to
know what this means. I'm breaking a promise to help you, because I trust you
in this."

Vance nods. "I value that, Sean. I ask much, but only because the need is just
as great."

Sean says, "I know." He turns the card around. It bears the image of Rinaldo.

Allyna says, "May I look at that a moment?"

Vance's expression doesn't change, as he gazes at the card for a long moment.
Suddenly, he smiles. "My guess was close enough, it seems. I was waiting for
you to tell me who your mysterious benefactor was. You could not have survived
a Broken Pattern that far out without aid."

Vance glances over to Reed. "And you?"

Sean shakes his head. "No. I met Rinaldo long after that, and only briefly."

You say "Perhaps, Sean. Or perhaps you were watched."

Sean shrugs. "Being watched and being helped are different things."

Vance doesn't press the issue, apparently not wanting to touch Sean's pride at
this point. He instead looks to Reed.

Reed says, "It is no secret that you and Rinaldo are not on the best of terms.
There was no good reason to say anything before now."

Vance nods. "We may be on poorer terms, yet. But now I have a dilemma. Do I
use your Trump to contact him, and perhaps get a quick way to my goal in the
process?"

Sean says, "I can't answer that if you don't tell me what your goal is."

You say "In part, it relies on his wife, Coral. I may persuade her, or I may
have to kill her."

Sean frowns. "Persuade her of what?"

You say "Helping our cause."

Allyna says, "She is the one who has lost her homeland?"

Vance nods. "And of the Begma royal family."

Allyna says "Surely she would cooperate with us."

You say "No, that is not sure at all, Allyna."

Sean says carefully, "Well, given that her brother's already been killed, I
don't think she'd be hard to persuade, unless you're leaving something out."

Allyna says, "Why not?"

You say "Think it over. The royal family of Begma had access to that Broken
Pattern. And someone with that access caused the destruction by participating
in the ritual."

Allyna says, "She was at her wedding. You witnessed this? You are her alibi."

You say "The wedding was not a sufficient alibi. We don't know exactly when it
occurred, or how long it took before the destruction was total. She could have
Trumped back in time for the wedding."

Sean frowns. "I can't believe she'd deliberately contribute to her brother's
death."

You say "You assume she is in her right mind, Sean. I cannot make such an
assumption. Brand was not suspected by the Amberites until it was almost too
late."

You say "And...Rinaldo is Brand's son."

Sean sighs. "What, treachery is in the blood? I don't believe that."

Allyna says, "Then how can you risk telling her?"

You say "Treachery, no. But insanity can be passed down the family line...or
through power. We do not know what forbidden lore Brand had, or what his son
may have."

You say "I can risk it in my own way, backed by all of you. If necessary...we
will take her down. I hope that can be avoided."

Vance to Krinac: Vance isn't telling the whole truth, obviously. He
would confide in Madrak...but he's not here anymore.

Krinac to Vance: Too bad, and no corpse either, Bwah hah ha.

Allyna says, "How will you know?"

Vance says simply, "Trust me...I'll know."

Allyna says, "May I see the card? The Trump?"

Sean glances at Allyna. "All right, but don't activate it."

Allyna says, "I won't."

Sean hands the card to her.

Vance to Krinac: "The eye quote from Clieto clinched my suspicions. I need to
see what's under Coral's eyepatch...it's just too damn convenient to be
coincidence."

Allyna peers at it, curiously.

Sean asks Vance, "Is it worth going back to Kashfa for this now? Shouldn't we
keep warning the other Broken Pattern lands?"

You say "It is. Besides, if we're in Kashfa, we can continue our journey to
warn the others fairly easily. Otherwise, I have to ascertain where Logal is in
the grand scheme of things. We have to disappear via Trump, to give the High
King the clout he needs to salvage things here."

Allyna returns the card to Sean, shakily.

Jeanette nods. "It makes sense. We started around the ring from Kashfa... we
can simply pick it up on the other side, and complete the rest in the other
direction."

Vance to Krinac: Vance has to go over his old logs. "Coral and Rinaldo
in the center of the Pattern sound like the closest to what happened...but I
think Vance was told that Merlin was the cause."

Allyna says, "Who drew this?"

Sean takes the card back. "I don't know, Allyna. Why?"

Allyna says, "It's very... Professional. I've never seen one like it."

Sean nods. "It's the only one I'd ever seen, before we met you. Should I
contact him, then?"

Allyna says, "Unless you'd prefer another of us do it."

You say "When our gear has arrived, you can...no. Let -me- Trump him."

Sean frowns. "Why?"

You say "I want to start things off on the right foot, Sean. Trumping him
gives me bargaining power...and, if you wish, I can claim that I discovered
you, instead of you revealing yourself."

Rex asks, "What about Calamus? Are you planning to leave him?"

You say "If he comes back with our gear, he can come along. But I won't fetch
him myself...we cannot be seen leaving this place."

Allyna says, "No one would recognize me."

Jeanette nods, "Girl's got a point... and perhaps she could draw an Image that
could get us back here, later."

Allyna says, "Takes too long."

Sean shakes his head. "He helped me, Vance, and gave me the card in case I
needed to talk to him. I think he'd probably prefer to hear from me, first."

Jeanette says "Why should it take so long? An hour, two?"

Vance nods. "Yes. But the question is simple. Do you want him to know you
broke your pledge. If not...I can say that I searched your items while you were
asleep."

Sean sighs. "I'm not sure lying to him is going to help things, but..."

Vance waits, listening.

Allyna says, "Maybe for the person who drew that one. In a rush, perhaps... An
Image which would fade not long after it was used... But to make a real one,
days."

Sean hands the trump to Vance.

Jeanette ahs. "I see..."

Allyna says, "It is not a trivial working."

Vance takes the Trump. "When our possessions have arrived, we shall go.
Allyna, you have until then to make whatever drawings you wish of this place."

You say "As for the rest of you...prepare yourselves. The greatest trial of
your lives may lie in Kashfa."