Reflections on the Past, Part 6:
	In most of the Broken Pattern realms that I have visited, I have 
cultivated a reputation of respect, often aided by fear.  Those of 
Chiare did not respond well to fear, unfortunately, so I had to rely on 
respect.  Still, I expected to be treated well.
	Of all the things I had expected in Chiare, an interrogation was 
not one of them.  Especially when it involves spells to determine my 
truthfulness.  I am not prone to extremes of emotion.  Still, I was 
rightfully annoyed that I would be questioned in such a manner.  I kept 
my answers short, and to the point.  Had a lie been needed, I think I 
could have masked such from them.  Fortunately, I did not need to 
attempt such a deception.
	After a brief stay in our room/cell, we were summoned to the 
Karcist Almirant.  Again, we were subjected to spellcraft, this time to 
determine the presence of any active esoteric phenemenona.  I managed to 
conceal my gloves from detection, and the spell actually proved useful 
in showing certain things about my companions.  Jeanette's jewel seemed 
to swallow up the glow of the spell much as my gloves did, though the 
effect was far more obvious.  Her gloves seemed like claws, hinting at 
some combat enchantment.  Reed's detection equipment was visible, as was 
the death shroud surrounding Madrak.  Finally, Sunfall's juniave 
appeared somewhat different under the glow, with a more pronounced hook, 
and a cross near the base.
	The judgments of the Karcist Almirant were all in our favor, and I 
was surprised to discover that Sunfall would be allowed to undertake the 
Circle of Runes and prove her right to become a Karcist.  The only 
blemish was Rex...he had disappeared before the audience, and was 
nowhere to be found.  I was not sure whether to be disappointed or 
relieved, to be honest...Rex was a powerful but dangerous ally.
	We went to the Circle of Runes, and Sunfall completed her walk 
successfully as Reed took reading with his instruments.  Sunfall's 
juniave seemed to slightly enhance the Circle, which gained power during 
her walk.  Again, under the Sign of the Broken Pattern, the juniave 
appeared to have a hooked blade and a crossbar near the base.
	Then, a surprise.  A Tannist named Hua Jiang accused Sunfall of 
being a demon.  I admit that though I gave little credit to the 
accusation, I was a bit worried.  Even if she was a demon, she was too 
valuable to risk losing at this juncture.  I attemped to intercede, but 
was forced to wait and watch as she was tested by the Karcist Almirant.  
She passed the test - Hua Jiang attempted to attack her, and was easily 
subdued.  It was interesting to note Jeanette's use of a quick spell in 
the subdual process...quicker than my form of magic.
	I undertook the Circle of Runes for purposes of examination  
immediately afterward.  I noticed that the Circle was still being  
enhanced by the presence of Sunfall's junaive, and asked for the others  
to leave so I could finish without distraction.  It was comforting and  
disturbing to find the Circle stronger than it was before Begma's  
destruction.  I would have to speak to Sunfall in private, at some  
point.
	We left that night, and travelled down the river to the sea, where  
we chartered a ship.  Our destination was the furthest Broken Pattern 
that I had successfully traversed...the island of Thule.  There, I was 
respected...and several of the Kings feared me, as well.  The last 
challenger to my power in Thule met a horrid death as the Flaw 
overwhelmed him.  I expected to be treated well, and to have few 
problems in arranging the defenses for Thule's Broken Pattern.
	Of course, I was disappointed...