Chapter 12 Sakbe.....
Copyright © 2001 by the players of Emerald Sphere of Sighs.

From: Chúrisan Sóruna [2001-04-13 19:20:51]
Subject: moving again
"Excellent, and none too soon." Chúrisan gestures to the left of the group, where a large Jakkohl is dragging away the better part of someone's left leg.
"Moooove Out!"

Led by some local guards (who claim to know the way to the next access point north on the Sakbe) the expedition resumes its march along the forest road. The porters are making good time; they're eager to get away from that place of death and demons.

From: Game Master [2001-04-14 13:46:45]
Subject: Lions, Tigers and......oh no
The woods seem less peaceful as the group steams ahead at a quick clip. All eyes are alert and ears scanning the area for anything out of the ordinary. The shaded forest gives the impression that it is later in the day than it actually is; and this too seems to heighten the tension of the group as a whole. After several hours one of the guards yells out, "Sirs, Noble Orun, Noble Churisan, this is the area that I remember as the spot where we can mount the Sakbe".
"Good", Orun answers, "As we will be losing daylight soon and I have little desire to camp in these woods this night". Orun raises his hand and the party comes to a rest. He motions to Churisan to set up a guard, which, he notices, is already being done. He then gives the hand signal for Ruqu to come to him. A brief conversation with the lad and he is sent running back to Neshkriuma with the message that Nesh and three of his rear guard are to go in search for this potential way up onto the Sakbe. It is at this point that, as he scans the group, he notices that the Kerdu is missing. He briskly makes his way back to where Hrissu is standing and, with a quizzical, concerned expression, says…
"Noble Hrissu, singer of the wondrous songs, I know of your devotion and caring for others and therefore am baffled not to be able to find the Kerdu among us. Have you hidden him with some form of magic"?

From: Chúrisan Sóruna [2001-04-15 13:57:37]
Subject: and the barbarian too
"Ohe, that foreigner, the one from the north, ah, Deshnah? Where is he?"

From: Neshkriuma hiKharsama [2001-04-16 10:50:04]
Subject: Runner aerobics
The advance party of Neshkriuma, Ruqu and three warriors sets out in search of the road. About 45min later Ruqu returns, somewhat less out of breath than he has been in the past; it seems he is getting accustomed to his new activity level.

"Noble lords," he says, "my master would have you know that he has found the entrance to the great road some ten minutes march from here. He holds it now and will await the arrival of the main body. He suggests you make ready ropes and poters to more safely raise the litter-bound to the road's surface."

From: Almodhim hi'Harisaya [2001-04-16 18:08:46]
Subject: Meanwhile, back at the litter...
Almodhim wakes with a start and finds herself in a litter. She finds herself a bit embarrassed, thinking that a warrior such as herself should pull her own weight. She readies herself to get up, and finds that she has been strapped in. "Lo, this will never do," she mumbles to herself. She wriggles around and grabs hold of her dagger; promptly cutting her way out of her bonds. She brings herself up to her feet, feeling weak, but curious. She finds herself looking for the sorcerer who healed her, to get some questions answered. She goes to move in the direction of the voices, and finds herself on her knees. Perhaps she is not as well as she thought she was. She brings herself back to her feet, slowly, and opts to stay in one place to gather her strength.

From: Adzul hiOgeado [2001-04-17 05:45:56]
Subject: Adzul Staggers over
Adzul staggers over and says "you must rest easy or your wounds will reopen and I regret it may be some time before I can use my magics again. Please go back to your litter and rest."

From: Almodhim hi'Harisaya [2001-04-17 16:12:09]
Subject: Shaken, not stirred.
Almodhim speaks to Adzul "Noble priest, are you not one of the sorcerers who helped me? You know by my garb and stature that I am a warrior, and cannot easily rest. And I do not relish the thought of being bound to the litter again! Is there not some task, something useful I may do?"
Almodhim takes a step toward Adzul, but shakily falls to her knees...

From: Chúrisan Sóruna [2001-04-18 14:00:21]
Subject: where are they?
Chúrisan arrives at Almodhim's litter, and uses his best Tirrikamukoi voice: "Hoi! You have been severly injured, warrior. If you wish to leave us, that is naturally your privilege. If not, we are more than willing to bring you with us, but we are pursued, and in dangerous terrain. We cannot wait for you to stagger along. You must stay in the litter and regain your strength while we march, or rest here by yourself. Please decide now."

Then he turns and speaks loudly so all can hear. "Will someone please report: what happened to noble Chamangesh, and Deshnah the foreigner?"

From: Neshkriuma hiKharsama [2001-04-19 09:40:40]
Subject: umm...
"Noble One," Ruqu says to Churisan, "forgive my impertinence, but my master bade me return immediatly with your orders or he would assume me come to harm and send another."

From: Chúrisan Sóruna [2001-04-19 14:48:29]
Subject: to Ruqu
The harried ex-soldier responds curtly:
"My compliments to him, and he and the guards should return at once. Tell him we are stopped here while we determine what has happened to Chamangesh Srugashchene and Deshnah, both of whom are missing. You and he should watch for them on the way. Now go."

From: Neshkriuma hiKharsama [2001-04-19 16:15:37]
Subject: Roger, out.
Ruqu salutes smartly (well, sort of; he's new to this soldiering thing) and hurries off. About 20 min later, Neshkriuma returns with Ruqu and two of the three guards who went with him. He looks hot, dusty and irritated.
"Good Churisan, my man's report was somewhat confused," he says, looking disapprovingly at the harried runner who seems currently engrossed with his boot tips. "I gather we have misplaced some party members. I have taken the liberty of leaving one man behind to keep watch on the approaches to the road while we sort this out. He is well hidden and will be able to report any developments before we are forced to leave the safety of the forest's cover. I myself know nothing of their fate."

From: Almodhim hi'Harisaya [2001-04-20 07:16:15]
Subject: Think I better lay down now
Almodhim speaks to Churisan, "Noble warrior, I see that you are responsible for this party. I ask you to forgive my rudeness and outbursts...I have come from death's door and am not quite myself. I know your haste, and would not hinder it. Thus, I will hie me back to the litter, and compose myself."

From: Hrissu hi Metumel [2001-04-20 12:06:10]
Subject: Good Orun
Hrissu looks at Orun calmly. "Do not worry, Noble Orun, our companions shall return to us soon. They have business together. Your old friend shall return in the merest flicker of time."

From: Game Master [2001-04-20 16:42:28]
Subject: Ummm. uh, let's just get going.
Orun looks quizzically at Hrissu and ponders his response for a moment. "I know, noble priest, that you are an honorable man and would not have let our guests leave without good reason". Orun's voice is thoughtful and well measured, "I am also sure that there is an equally good reason why no one was informed of their departure. So I will inquire no further". Orun then turns to Churisan and, with an equally measured glance, motions for the column to move ahead to the spot that Neshkriuma has discovered.

The party loads up again and starts their trek, Nesh guiding the party through the undergrowth towards the Sakbe road. It is a slow go as the litters and other carried items are forced to weave their way through the heavy maze of bushes and trees. About twenty minuets into the trek the party comes across Deshnah and the tattooed Livyani magic user. The group neither hesitates nor breaks stride as the two fall in at the head of the column and speak to those there. The forest darkens quickly as the sun begins to hang low in the sky, the tall trees robbing you of its warmth and golden glow.

You approach the side of the Great Sakbe roadway and marvel at its ominous weight. It doesn't seem possible that this is a man made structure. It appears to have been thrust up by the gods from deep inside the land. It seems immovable, unshakable; were the planet to fall away into nothingness, the Sakbe would remain. The forest trees cast long, straight shadows against the solemn face of the heavy stones. looking up, almost 10 meters above your head, you see the lip of the road you wish to travel on. Your pathway to the road seems to be a long diagonal fissure that was obviously created during an earthquake quite some time ago. The roadway and the wall supporting it, had split and slid sideways for several meters, creating a diagonal overhang on the east side of the Sakbe and an almost staircase looking protrusion on the west side. At the top of this rubble staircase you can make out where the empire had "fixed" the separation. It is also obvious that they had sealed up this additional access to the road, but that many years of erosion on cheep building materials have undone almost all their work. You also remark that nature has had some assistance from many of the inhabitants of the realm in clearing a path here.

"It is clear that any able bodied person can climb this ruble to the overhang". Orun surmises. "At that point I would imagine that one would need a bit of assistance. The litters and the gear will take a bit more thought I fear. What say you Churisan? You have a mind for building such aides do you not"?

From: Game Master [2001-05-03 15:24:56]
Subject: clarification time
As it does from time to time, life just went through a hectic time of 18 hour days and loads of stress. I apologize for my inability to answer you questions in a timely manner. Some of you have expressed some confusion over what the Sakbe road looks like, so let me, hopefully, bring you a better idea of its structure. In cross-section the road looks like a set of 3 stairs, with the lower stair on the "inside" (that is the side that you are on, the west side of the wall) , so the vertical face (usually some 9-15m high,not counting the crenelations on top) is presented toward the boundaries of the Empire (that would be the side to the east and the side with the overhang described earlier). The wall that you are facing is actually 9m tall, a bit shorter than my earlier description (which I have changed, so, no you're not crazy, it's the GM). The rest of the description still stands and it is still quite the climb. The main difference is that you can see all three levels from your vantage point. Sorry if there has been some confusion. The rest of your questions have been answered by private posts. Let the game continue!!!

From: Neshkriuma hiKharsama [2001-05-03 17:01:04]
Subject: Up, up and away.
I am certainly no engineer," Neshkriuma says to Churisan, "but perhaps it might help to have Ruqu climb to the top with a rope."

From: Game Master [2001-05-04 12:18:46]
Subject: Deshnah's post
As speculation mounts as to which would be the best method of getting to the top of the roadway you hear a low, foreign- tounged, chant coming from against the wall. Turning you find Deshnah, with a rope around his body, shoulder to hip, rubbing his hands together and speaking some words of magic. A few moments later and he begins to climb the wall without the worry of hand holds or footing, sticking to the surface like a Chri-fly. Once to the top, Deshnah slips over the lip of the wall and the large coil of rope comes back at the ground. Immediately after that, Deshnah crawls back out from between the crenelations and , like a spider on a wall facing head down, he smiles and signals that the rope is secure.

From: Neshkriuma hiKharsama [2001-05-07 14:43:30]
Subject: Slings and arrows
Neshkriuma calls his porters forward and secures two lengths of rope from his baggage. He fashions these into a sling for one of the litters. He then sends Ruqu, carrying a third coil, climbing up the line that Deshnah made fast. The plucky little runner hesitates only a moment, eyeing the spider-like wild man as though he might, in fact, lure little Ruqu into some sinister web. Visibly relieved to arrive safely at the top, Ruqu signals that his rope too is secured.
"Now, Neshkriuma says, "with a couple of strong backs and one more rope we should be able to get the litters and our gear to the top, though the next to climb should be a guard element." He signals to the men he commands as a rear guard and orders them to the top of the road to take stations.

From: Game Master [2001-05-07 16:01:34]
Subject: Orun's Post
Orun makes a quick dash for the rubble of the crevasse and makes his way up, brushing aside the lose stones and dirt as he goes. It is obvious that not all of the party members will be able to climb the full 9m of rope so these, make shift, stairs will work well for at least 3/4 of the climb. He motions to Adzul to follow and tosses down a short segment of rope, of which he holds the other end. "Grab hold noble Adzul, it will help to keep you in balance".

From: Hrissu hi Metumel [2001-05-08 10:16:15]
Subject: Ambling
Hrissu smiles slightly, watching the proceedings. He is not concerned with haste or with danger. His mind seems occupied. Is he counting the stones in the wall?

From: Chúrisan Sóruna [2001-05-08 15:10:03]
Subject: engineering
Churisan speaks to Dlarumei:
"Lady, I have been trying to figure out how to get the two stretcher-bound people up onto the wall. Their bearers can't climb and carry them as well, and short of building a frame and block and tackle at the top of the wall, we can't pull them up without tipping the stretchers and dragging them along the wall. Perhaps you could use magic to lift them?"

From: Neshkriuma hiKharsama [2001-05-08 16:03:51]
Subject: chiming in
"Perhaps with a rope attached to the sling from below and climbers on each side, we might manage to keep the litters away from the wall. If a boom is needed, we certainly have enough manpower to construct one. We could also remove them from their litters and haul them up; they aren't unconcious and could assist us."

From: Game Master [2001-05-09 11:02:43]
Subject: Dlarumei speaks to Churisan
Dlarumei looks at Churisan through the dark wooden mask of a priestess of the Prince of the Blue Room and speaks with a light and slightly amused tone.

"Noble Churisan, you honor me with your question. I must, however, admit to a failing in my trainings. I have never studied the fine arts of levitation and, at this moment, I truly regret having made that oversight. My abilities rest in the more aggressive arts. I must admit to not being as well rounded as I now find I should be. But, on the other hand, I have full confidence that you will devise a method by which we shall gain access to the roadway above without incident".

She then returns her attentions to Ssrivan and his company who are preparing him for the ascension to come.

From: Chúrisan Sóruna [2001-05-09 18:04:11]
Subject: Up, On and Moving Along
"Right then," says Churisan to himself. Then he starts giving orders: most of the remaining soldiers to stand guard around the base of the wall; most bearers to start climbing up, carrying bundles only if they have tumplines or backstraps and can be carried with no hands; axes, more rope and a couple of small pulleys to be retrieved from baggage and the latter to be taken up to the top of the wall. While two strong guards chop down saplings for a frame, Churisan climbs up to the top and surveys the scene. "This will take a bit of time," he says to Orun and Neshkriuma. "Perhaps you would care to take a small party up to the next tower, and scout out a suitable campsite. There should be one within a mile or less." Then he gives another round of orders: saplings to be hauled up by rope, bundles below to be prepared for lifting. At the top, he has the thick poles cut to proper lengths, and lashes together a frame, anchored between two adjacent pairs of merlons (the high parts of the crenelated top edge of the wall) and extending 3 feet up and out from the wall. Suspended from the frame are the two pulleys. He runs ropes through the pulleys, and has squads of sturdy bearers on each. Shouting down below, he has the porters secure supply bundles onto each, and orders them hoisted very slowly, to test the frame. There is some creaking and flexing of the green wood, but both bundles rise up safely, and are pulled in and onto the top of the wall. "Two more!" he says, and lowers himself down to oversee the preparation of the litters while another pair of heavy bundles goes up. Almodhim's improvised stretcher requires considerable securing, and he checks Ssrivan's palanquin as well. When the second set of supplies is up, he has the ropes lowered and secured to the four corners of Ssrivan's palanquin. He attaches two extra lines as well, safety lines that are not run through the pulleys, but just down over the wall to be held tight should anything slip. Then and only then does he call out, and order the porters above to carefully, gently, haul up the still rather scorched locksmith. The palanquin rises, swaying slightly, but still level as it reaches the top. Waiting hands reach out and pull it in over the wall. The routine is repeated for Almodhim, a bit more briskly this time. Once the two invalids are up, then the rest of the baggage follows quickly. The guards waiting below check to make sure Hrissu has finished his count and climbed up (and Churisan politely invites him if he hasn't come already), and the guards follow, scrambling up the path and ropes. There's a brief pause while ropes are retrieved, gear is stowed, the frame is unlashed and packed (we'll bring our wood with us); and then group is once again on the march North. From the top of the wall there is a fine view, and the evening breeze has come up, delightful and cool. Ahead in the distance is one of the towers that occur regularly along the wall, giving shelter to travelers. Beyond in the distance to the northeast is mighty Thenu Thendraya peak, and the vast range of mountains called the Guardians of the North.

[ooc: sorry if I've pushed things too far along here. All are welcome to interpose or edit]

From: Chúrisan Sóruna [2001-05-10 14:46:33]
Subject: to the tower
As the bearers are carrying the last of the packs down to the lowest level of the road, Orun and Neshkriuma come striding down the road from the north. Churisan rises and they speak briefly. Churisan salutes them both, bows, and turns to the priests "Excellencies, our warriors have advanced to the tower beyond, and report it to be suitable for our evening's repose. It is a mere hour's walk. Shall we proceed?" He then puts the minions in motion: bearers below on the lower level, palanquin and stretcher on the second tier with the guards and priests.

(OOC: for those not fully versed in Tekumel trivia, as Kevin mentioned, Sakbe roads are like "great walls of China", but with three levels. In cross-section they look like a flight of 3 steps. The narrow top tier is reserved for Imperial messengers and high priest-officials. The second tier is for persons of quality: legion officers, priests, members of High and Very High clans, and the like. No wheeled traffic is permitted on the higher levels (so no steaming heaps of Chlen dung to soil exalted feet). The lowest and widest level serves the common travelers, merchant caravans of Chlen-carts and human porters, soldiers on the march, etc. Our bearers will be expected to walk on the lowest level. All the PC's are of sufficiently high clan or rank (or both) to stay on the second level, except Deshnah the shaman and maybe the Livyani priest, but as they are part of our entourage, they're ok there too. I'm not sure about our guards. As part of our entourage they might march with us, or as lowly guards they might be down below with the bearers. I suspect the latter. I've made a small gif file that has a crude diagram of the Sakbe in cross-section and sent it to Kevin. In theory he can upload it to the site. If not I can send it to people as an attachment. Happy traveling G)

From: Neshkriuma hiKharsama [2001-05-10 16:19:53]
Subject: Back to priesting
Wearied from the many hats their perilous journey has forced him to wear, Neshkriuma is content now to fall in beside the wounded and tend to their care. He sends Ruqu and his cook ahead to prepare a much deserved rest for all.

From: Adzul hiOgeado [2001-05-11 11:07:29]
Subject: Adzul's actions
Adzul will trundle along with the rest giving due thanks for the rope that was offered him. (OOC sorry I had a very busy week and something had to give. I will be more diligent in checking in the future.)

From: Game Master [2001-05-11 17:02:27]
Subject: Tower or bust.
The party, definitely glad to be on the Sakbe, marches slowly along and watches as a brilliant sun sets off in the distance. The sky shifts in hue from light orange to deep red and then slowly to black. Several ornate paper lanterns are removed from their safe storage amongst the porter's caravan. Flame is set ablaze in small crystal bowls and secured into the bottom of the lanterns. The lanterns are then hooked to long poles and raised up. This allows the light to fall down on the group without shining in one's eyes. After the sixth lantern is raised, Orun gives the signal that the light is sufficient and the party moves on. The night air is warm, with a gentle breeze blowing up from the south east, carrying a muted scent of the forest behind you. Soon the tower comes into view and with it the wonderful smells of cooking food. It has been a long day, with little rest, and this fabulous odor lightens your step and quickens your pace as your make your way to the tower which you will call home for the night. The light from the fire within and the smells of dinner make this cold stone waystation as inviting as any Clan House you could think of at the moment.

When you arrive at the entrance to the tower, you are greeted by Neshkruma's chef and several of his servants. They entreat you to enter and find a place to sit and enjoy the repast. It is obvious that places have been set for the priests, warriors and travelers of higher class and that the slaves, servants, porters and the like have had accommodations made for them off in the corner. There is a large cauldron of bubbling stew set in the center of the blaze, several game birds on rotisseries around its border and several lidded pots dotting the stones of the fire ring which produce fresh baked bread when opened. This feast to the senses is broken when Orun speaks. "Noble Churisan, set some guard to post please, we need to secure this area before we indulge ourselves this evening". He then grabs a few porters and sets them to loading the party's belongings into the tower, packing them along the walls to leave as much room as possible for movement and sleeping in the tower itself.

"Once Ssrivan is comfortable," Orun announces, "we can use his palanquin as a door for one of the entrances, unless our noble locksmith has any objections to that idea?"

Orun then inclines his head and waits for any sign, be it wheeze or nod, from Ssrivan as to whether or not this is a suitable suggestion.

From: Ssrivan hiTlokhar [2001-05-12 06:37:15]
Subject: Tower Doors and Night Safety
Ssrivan looks up from the patient ministrations of his personal servant and clears his throat carefully. The sound is nowhere near as rough as any of the others he has made on this journey.

"It appears our path was better than we knew, as it was strong enough to speed my recovery some" The voice is rough, but beginning to resemble Ssrivan's wonted timbre. "I would suggest checking the corners of the opening for peg holes. If you drive a set of wooden pegs into them, you will have something to secure the upper ends of the palanquin's handles to. I also have a set of small silver bells on string in my pack that can be hung in the darkness of the archway to alert us of incoming visitors. It is not perfect, but the best I can do under current conditions." His voice sounds strained at the end, as though this conversation took a lot out of him. His look of relief as he gulps a refreshing draught from the cup delicately placed before his lips by his ever-attentive serving girl is most gratifying.

From: Chúrisan Sóruna [2001-05-12 11:18:39]
Subject: guards set
Churisan reflects to himself that the officious Orun seems to have forgotten that while he may be an officer, he is not Churisan's officer, and that it's interesting how breeding will tell. Then he goes and confers with the headman of the guards. He makes sure that there will be teams of 4 guards keeping watch through the night, divided so that there will be at least one or two veterans on each watch. Then he removes his armor and settles down to a much needed rest and meal.

From: Almodhim hi'Harisaya [2001-05-13 13:44:12]
Subject: food, glorious food!
The litter of Almodhim is placed along side one of the thick stone walls. She heaves herself up and out, and she looks hopefully around her. A porter spies her, realizes her need for food and hurries off to fulfill that need. He returns with a draught of wine and some delicious, crusty bread. Almodhim falls on the food ravenously. This is the first food she has been afforded in at least 30 hours. She sits right back down in the litter, gorging herself with little regard for how anyone else might be regarding her.

From: Adzul hiOgeado [2001-05-14 05:39:26]
Subject: Adzul's actions
Adzul will enjoy the meal, and then take a last look at the injured doing what he can for them. He will then retire for some much needed repose.
From: Neshkriuma hiKharsama [2001-05-15 09:34:10]
Subject: Putting (butting) heads together
Pleased that all have eaten their fill, Neshkriuma dismisses Ruqu and the cook. Naturally they will sleep with the porters and servants. They are both given instructions to have the baggage packed and the morning meal prepared by first light. He then bids all to gather at the fire. "Well," he says, "the first stage of our journey has been successful, if not uneventful. We have lost some, but the Weaver has seen fit to restore our number. Certainly there are those who must rest and heal, but perhaps now would be the time to discuss what may come next, while we have some measure of freedom and safety to do so. What do you envision, noble Orun?"

From: Game Master [2001-05-15 14:32:13]
Subject: Fire side chat.
"Noble Healer," Orun say to Neshkriuma, " I am honored that you would choose me to be the one entrusted with the vision for the noble gathering. But, in fact, it is Dlarumei who has been given this honor and entrusted with the knowledge of our future. I would defer to her for our enlightenment." Orun makes a yielding gesture to Dlarumei and she stands.

"My fellow travelers," Dlarumei's voice is soft and sure as she address you, "I am first to thank you for your unmeasurable patience. You have all added great honor to your clans and wealth as well upon completion of our journey. If you don't mind, I will dispense with the pleasantries and make this as simple and short as possible. You all know that we seek the Emerald Sphere of Sighs and that it is rumored (very reliable) to be north of Sarku City, over the mountains and along the cost. Our basic travel plan is to take the Sakbe north to Sarku City and, shortly before we arrive there, exit from this wonderful roadway and enter an underground passage which travels below the city. This is done for the sake of time, as to venture around this obstacle would add many weeks, if not months, to our journey. Traveling under the city should keep us from harm's way during this Festival of the Dead now underway within the city itself. As you know, many a traveler falls victim to these festivals and we have no intention on becoming just another sacrifice. This underground passage is an old passage used by the tube carriages. Reports have informed us that there are still some of these carriages in the tubes. As some of you know, we have several of these carriages in use under Monru. I have several disks, the ones imployed in the use of these carriages. We are not sure if they will make the carriage work, but we will try. If it does not work, it will only add a few days onto our journey. But we should be relatively safe in this tunnel. Certainly more safe there than trying to travel above ground. After that, we will be traveling mountain passes where our troubles might be bandits and profiteers. If we arrive there in good measure, we should not have to deal with inclimate weather. After that we will need to scour the coast line to find our landmarks and discover the chamber of the Emerald Sphere of Sighs. Once again I apologize for you not being told these things before, but as you well know, there were too many extra eyes and ears in Monru to divulge specific information. Here there may still be a pair of untrusworthy persons but we can deal with them in any way we seem fit if we discover them. I would like to point out to anyone who may fall into that category, that I have many "interesting" ways to deal with traitors." If you could see behind her mask, you are certain that there would be slight smirk present there. She then sits and continues to pick at some of her bread.

[OOC- I am still working on the upload thing that George mentioned. It is a good idea, but it is having problems. Either that or I am; not sure on that one yet. I will also be more specific with this post (adding names of places and the like when I get home to my books and maps. I will add those to this post later. So if you have specifics about areas in this post please wait a day or two and see if I answer it for you. Thanks :) ]

From: Hrissu hi Metumel [2001-05-15 17:19:23]
Subject: Finished!
Hrissu walks up to the campsite, having been gone for an hour or so.

"Three thousand four-hundred and twenty nine... most auspicious."

He beams proudly for a moment, then absently picks up a crust of bread. He chews it thoughtfully.

From: Neshkriuma hiKharsama [2001-05-17 13:50:52]
Subject: Up to speed
"Thank you. There were those new to us that had need of your information. It seems there is little to do for now. All have supped, the watch is posted and the wounded have been tended to. Let us pray that, for a few days at least, we will have little to worry about beyond sore feet. If none have more to say, I shall retire for the night." Neshkriuma goes to the bed that Ruqu has prepared for him and begins to remove his armour, confident in the ability of the OAL to guarantee an undesturbed night's slumber.

From: Hrissu hi Metumel [2001-05-17 15:59:54]
Subject: Oh, no problem.

Still chewing, Hrissu smiles, as though to say "What, that? It was nothing."