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12:53, 29th March 2024 (GMT+0)

Part 58 - The road.

Posted by DworkinFor group 0
Dworkin
GM, 2740 posts
Renegade Lord of Chaos,
creator of the Pattern...
Fri 30 Mar 2007
at 16:04
  • msg #1

Part 58 - The road

And so it is that they leave Charyk again, though this is a different Charyk, and in somewhat better repair than the last one.

Beyond the gate, shelters are being erected.  More substantial than the simple canvas ones where the people spent last night, but still not true houses... though those will come, given time.  Most of the refugees are too busy, or too far away, to notice the strange troupe of riders as they head out along one of the paths into the surrounding forest.  A few, though, do notice.  They offer words of thanks, and gestures of respect, and a few of the braver children attempt to run alongside the trotting panthers.

They fall behind, long before the group are under the shelter of the ancient woodland.

The track runs as straight as possible, considering that it must, perforce, weave around the great trees.  Accelerating now, the questors move through a world of slanting golden bars and green shadows.  Occasionally, at least at first, distant shouts reach them, or the sound of axes, far off, in the gloom.  Soon though, even those distant noises are gone, leaving only bird song, the sounds of their own presence, and, once, the warning bark of a fox, startled by their passage.

On they ride, and the forest grows denser around them, though their path remains clearly visible.  The trees are more gnarled now, and draped in great curtains of moss and strangling creepers.

For hours they ride through this primaeval woodland, and the sun, all but invisible above the canopy, moves across the sky in its appointed course.  There is a brief pause at noon, or thereabouts, for food and water, and then they move on again.  They are making good time... the odd weakness of the boundaries between worlds near Charyk makes the journey far easier.

The road, when they run onto it, is something of a surprise, appearing so suddenly... a broad band of black material, hard and rough, with two incongruously bright yellow bands running along its centre.  A small dead animal lays flat, across the bands.  Above the riders, the sky is clearly visible for the first time in hours, though it is more turquoise than blue, now, and there is a band of thousands of tiny, jagged moons laid across it, visible even in the daylight.

They follow the road for only a few hundred yards, certainly less than a mile, before turning back into the forest on the same side from which they first came onto the strange highway.

The road they travel now has a surface of packed dirt beneath the softer layers of dead leaves.  It climbs slowly, and then, eventually, starts a steep descent, zigzagging down the hillside.  Once they are forced to cross a fast-flowing stream which has worn a gulley across their path, but it doesn't reappear to cross their route again after the next turn of the switchback.

Eventually the trees start to thin out, and the road becomes less steep, taking a more direct route now, emerging from the woods into open farmland, in late afternoon sunlight.  At their backs, above the treetops, the mountains rise, until their ice crowned peaks scrape at the sky itself.

Something which is almost, but not exactly, a cow watches over a gate, as the band of strange travellers pass it by.

Ahead, there are houses, raised on piers of stone, a village.  Green tiled rooftops sparkle like wet glass, and beyond them a river can be seen, flowing lazily in broad, slow loops and meanders across its broad flood plain.

A wooden post, alongside the cobbled road, supports a weathered board which bears the faded legend, "Village of Rachenby - Saddler's Inn, Best Foode In Skund Vale - 2 Myles."
Cyan
player, 4579 posts
Forged of dust,
sunlight, and tears
Mon 2 Apr 2007
at 12:32
  • msg #2

Re: Part 58 - The road

Riding upon the back of the giant panther is an astounding experience.  Cyan has done so before, of course, but now?  Now she is centered, better able to appreciate the ride.  Mostly.  An occasional glance at both Dorian and Aaron demonstrates some concern, and her mind continues to wander back to what they left behind in Charyk.

Answers.  Many of them, leading (of course) to questions.  But now, at last, some mysteries are solved (or so they believe).  They know the Broken God, and its connection to Charyk.  And Cyan cannot help but wonder - was all of this somehow planned milennia ago?  That this war, or something like it, would talke place with the weapons involved?

Perposterous.

And yet...

The smooth muscles bunch and shift under her as the panther speeds onward.  Cyan briefly considers stabling issues at their next stop - not all concerns must be profound.

The worlds shift about them, but with skill - whomever holds the reins, they are careful with their changes.  Cyan appreciates that - though speed is of the essence, this will leave them in good condition once they arrive, rather than discombobulated from travel.


And what of Aaron?  His plans?  Has he begun them?  Another quick, sapphire glance toward their leader, and Cyan wonders about this, and many other things Aaron has said.  Perhaps, she muses, they will all find answers in Amber.

Berd, for his part, remains silently asleep upon Trista's shoulder for the moment.  Every now and then the drake opens his eyes, searches for Cyan, then relaxes again.  At the moment he seems pleased to remain where he is, despite the panther's rolling gait.

Then the village, and Cyan leans back upon her 'steed' to check for the others.  "Do we stop here?  Aaron?"  She looks to him, then at the group as a whole.  "Or do we continue?  I am well to do so, unless someone sees pressing need."
Trista
player, 101 posts
In truth lies freedom
...and pain.
Mon 2 Apr 2007
at 16:02
  • msg #3

Re: Part 58 - The road

The Hell Ride turns out to not be so hellish. Trista had conjured images of frantic shifting, exhausted muscles, and a weary spirit. She had been prepared for the worse. However, their travels had been deliberate, thoughtful, though certainly far from slow; they changed nuances and landscapes at a much quicker rate than she could have traveled alone. She’s grateful for James and Aaron leading them on their way.

A sign pointing to a quiet little hamlet appears and Cyan asks if any need a break. The question surprises Trista for although she can travel for long stretches of time without tiring, others usually need to be refreshed. Perhaps it’s something not so odd after all, considering the caliber of people with whom she travels.

Her eyes land on the little dragon with a smile. Another thing for which she was grateful. Berd’s presence proves comforting. As long as Cyan does not object, he’s welcome to travel with her at any time.

She turns back to Cyan and then to whomever leads them, “I don’t feel a need for rest. However, a 15 minute stretch of the legs might prove helpful to prevent muscle cramps once we’re in Amber.” The body can respond in unpredictable ways when forced to be in one position too long.

A hand absently pats the sleek, black fur of the panther below her. “And you are magnificent,” whispered words to her steed so unlike the horses she normally rides. “Silken and elegant. I’m grateful for the ride.”
Aaron
player, 1611 posts
Truth in my mind,
Worlds at my fingertips.
Wed 4 Apr 2007
at 00:07
  • msg #4

Re: Part 58 - The road

Aaron moved along with his comrades, this particular entourage wasn't something he'd expected when he originally joined up with this group, what seemed millennia ago.

He was energized. A new vitality seemed to move through him, powering his thinking, his understanding for what lay ahead. This was but one reason why he was letting James guide the way for the first half of their journey. Aaron would need to prepare himself for the application; he wanted fresh understanding of the Pattern before his arrival at Amber.

Their actions at Charyk had taught him many things about the malleability of worlds, and many of those things seemed to require a cautious hand. He had begun to question what the Pattern was capable of on a massive scale, and whether the responsibility of such alteration was anyone's right.

But he had made his decision. It would surprise many, he believed, but he knew in his heart that it was the right decision. He looked to his fellow comrades and nodded to himself.

What would he sacrifice for these people? How far would he go to keep them alive?

He grinned to himself, for he had truly discovered his purpose. It was an amusing thing, this fact, for he had seemingly known it all along; yet, he required finality and confirmation. His journey was not yet over.

Cyan inquired of him, wondering as to whether the place ahead was to be their first destination. He frowned, considering.

"Unless anyone else here wishes to stop, it may be well that we can carry on." He turned, looking to James. "What say you, James? Need to take a breather and straighten our path? I can take the burden off of you, if you'd like."
Dworkin
GM, 2749 posts
Renegade Lord of Chaos,
creator of the Pattern...
Wed 4 Apr 2007
at 16:32
  • msg #5

Re: Part 58 - The road

Whether they will stop there or no, the road runs straight through the heart of this village, and so they move towards the small cluster of single-storey houses,, interspersed with a few larger buildings.

There are, of course people there, and their arrival draws some stares from those who are about.  The people themselves have pale skin, with a definite grey tone, and their eyes seem, mostly, to be of a violet, red, or a light golden colour.  Their hair seems to range from black, through shades of grey, to almost pure white.  In contrast to their almost monochrome appearance, their clothing is a riotous display of clashing hues.

As the group pass the villagers, standing in carefully at the edges of the road to leave the  the thoroughfare clear, soft, almost musical voices reach their ears, murmuring questions about the identity of the peculiar strangers.
James
player, 602 posts
This thing's to do
Hamlet (IV, iv)
Thu 5 Apr 2007
at 13:06
  • msg #6

Re: Part 58 - The road

James had made a point of seeking out Ahmad again.  Or rather, since James still struggled to pick the numerous panthers from each other, he had got Morgan to 're-introduce' them.  James had enjoyed travelling with Ahmad before and didn't see any point switching mounts.

"Let's just get clear of the village, Aaron, then we'll stop for a stretch and a toilet break for those who need it."

"I'm okay to continue, but I'm not sure how it will work changing leads.  It might be a good idea to try it now before the influence of Charyk fades completely."

"I've been trying to get Amber's sky.  Bleys always thought that was the surest way of homing in.  This is the first time I've tried to come this way, so progress is still a little slower than I'd like."

Cyan
player, 4581 posts
Forged of dust,
sunlight, and tears
Thu 5 Apr 2007
at 16:10
  • msg #7

Re: Part 58 - The road

"I am well to continue Aaron."  Cyan turns her amethyst eyes up to the sky, studying it curiously.  "If the sky in Arden is the same as that of Amber, James," she says, calling upon her memory of the forest, "you have a few shades through which to pass."  She grins at the solid soldier, then waves at one of the people at the side of the road.

"Certainly our passage through here will be immortalized in song.  I wonder how many of the ones I know derive some sort of beginning in...."  Cyan's voice trails off, and she looks down at her hands for a long moment.  With two, quick motions, she strips away the thin gloves and tucks them in her sash, before raising her hands up to eye-level.  Trusting the panther to keep to the road, Cyan studies her fingers, her palms.

There, the long, ugly scar on her hand where Kalika's blade fell.  The twisted finger, replaced by the power of the Broken Pattern.  She flexes all her digits, rubs them against one another.  The calluses are old, changed.  More suited to the swinging of a blade than they had been previously.  But still, enough remains.

When she speaks, her voice is hesitant.  "I was wondering.  Did anyone take up my harp?  Or does it remain with the Brintizzi?"
Morgan
player, 154 posts
Catlord
Thu 5 Apr 2007
at 16:20
  • msg #8

Re: Part 58 - The road

Morgan and his friends seemed in good spirits this morning, the unladen ones (and Leareth, with Morgan) frisking from branch to branch overhead, taking to the ground again only reluctantly, as the trees thin. Indeed, the pall on their spirits cast by seeing the black road is cast off as soon as they leave it again.


Anna, under Trista, flicked an ear back and rumbled a soft purr for the compliment.

Ahmad, of them all, didn't seem bothered by the substance, instead enjoying being in the lead, with James. At mention of stretching, he pauses to tease with a stretch of his own.
Berd
player, 831 posts
Remove the candle,
the flame remains.
Thu 5 Apr 2007
at 16:28
  • msg #9

Re: Part 58 - The road

Berd sits idly upon Trista's shoulder, a little tired from his morning exertions (eating).  He seems more interested in the people at the side of the road and the clouds in the sky than the journey.

He does, however, occasionally glance nervously down at the massive, jet-black cat upon which Trista rides.
Trista
player, 104 posts
In truth lies freedom
...and pain.
Thu 5 Apr 2007
at 17:55
  • msg #10

Re: Part 58 - The road

Trista agrees with a nod of her head to James, getting through the town and away from the crowds would probably be a good idea before a short break. And though some might not realize it, all would need a break eventually. They were still human, more or less. A forced break now might mean none would be needed later.

The people, though, catch Trista off guard. No doubt, the traveling band provokes curiosity, but for all of them to come out to watch… the woman had not expected this. As James speaks with Aaron about the shifts and Cyan enquires about a missing harp, Trista’s stormy eyes roam the crowds, landing on several in turn. She wonders at their lives, their dreams, their despairs. As always, she feels connected to Shadow and to the denizens of the Myriad Worlds.

These are the folk she strives to save by traveling with the companions.
Tahirah
player, 126 posts
Let's...not look into
your future again, OK?
Thu 5 Apr 2007
at 18:57
  • msg #11

Re: Part 58 - The road

Tahirah rides one of the panthers awkwardly - not only has she never ridden a panther before, she's never ridden anything at all.  For her first time to also be at some speed and through strangely changing landscapes...

She keeps her robe and hood tight around her, so that no one can see she also has her eyes closed for much of it.  Periodically, she whispers a thank you to the panther, when it shifts to keep her from falling off...

Through the town, she draws herself up, however, doing her best to balance herself.  People staring was something she was accustomed to, and even if only passing through never to return...if she was going to be talked about, she intended to leave the right impression.
Roman of Chanicut
player, 431 posts
Thu 5 Apr 2007
at 19:14
  • msg #12

Re: Part 58 - The road

Romans original riding beast had been lost in the fall of Charyk.  No great loss there.  It had been a loyal enough beast, but in the end it was just another mount.  Even if it was less unsettling than the panthers.

The sights are stil a little strange to Roman - but for the opposite reason than any of the others.  The people are not strange because they differ from a "normal" human but because they are like them.  And so like each other.

When a rest is suggested he reluctantly decides to speak "No point in wearing ourselves out, but if we can continue we should.  We need to make the best time we can if we hope to unmask this traitor in time" If there's any need to.  The traitor is hardly likely to want the Pattern to be destroyed.  And when it comes to games of betrayal I'd put my money on the Amberite
Banglen-Yp
player, 445 posts
Off the beaten track
            ''Who am I?''
Fri 6 Apr 2007
at 05:19
  • msg #13

Re: Part 58 - The road

 

Following along on her designated mount, Banglen-Yp had thanked it properly before climbing up, decided that Tiger the kitten would be better of with her than riding a big cat of his own, as much as he wanted to.

She did let him sit in a front pocket so he could enjoy the view, however even if he did ended up cross-eyed a couple of times as he tried to take it all in.  When he grew up he wanted to be a big cat like these, no doubt about that.

Enjoying and encouraging any extra leaps, bounds and whatever else the panther was happy to make, both the strange blonde and the kitten seemed quite exhilarated by the ride.

 
Dworkin
GM, 2750 posts
Renegade Lord of Chaos,
creator of the Pattern...
Sat 7 Apr 2007
at 14:58
  • msg #14

Re: Part 58 - The road

The road leads on, through the village and, beyond the last of the houses, it crosses the river on a narrow bridge, constructed of stone slabs laid flat upon pillars.  No parapet or rail blocks the view of the water, which flows sluggishly below, reflecting the blue sky.  Fish can be seen, moving among the boulders which lay strewn across the shallow riverbed.

Beyond the water, and a little way from the village, James calls a halt, in a meadow which looks like countless others on countless worlds.  Lush grass, small insects buzzing lazily among the wildflowers.  Somewhere, unseen in the vast vault of the sky, a bird is singing its joy to any who care to listen.

Half an hour, to stretch their legs, and then they set off again.

Slowly, as the sun slithers down towards the horizon, the colours of the clouds, of the sky itself, change, becoming darker.  The panthers communicate their concern to Morgan.  They smell rain on the strengthening wind.

By sunset, the road is climbing again, away from the river, and as the sun finally drops from sight, the rain starts.  Large drops, and warm, splashing into the dust of the highway.  There is shelter, though, less than a mile ahead, where the road passes under the shadow of a forest, leaving the farmland and meadows behind.

The road here is surfaced with hexagonal ceramic tiles, each about a foot across, many of them cracked, and some missing.  The group pass a ruined structure, on their left, an ancient fortress, all black stone and rusted iron, shrouded in sickly yellowish ivy.  Somewhere nearby, wolves howl, but they come no closer...

A dirt road, and the land dropping steeply again, until the way passes along the edge of a stinking, foetid swamp, where large creatures move, invisibly, in the gloomy miasma which enshrouds the diseased landscape.  Then the road rises again, at last...

A rutted track, and the rain continues to fall, seemingg to grow colder and heavier with each passing mile, each passing minute...

Now they pass out of the sickly woodland, onto a plain of shattered stone, and still it rains.  The rain does nothing though, to damp down the eerie greenish fire that burns all about the horizon...

Darkness now, on a road of seamless grey stone, and a city of tall buildings in the distance, blazing brighter than any noonday sun, in all the colours of the rainbow, the lights spelling out mysterious words and phrases (who, or what, are Budweiser, and Ford?).  The strains of loud, discordant music echo across the distance from the city.  Another road runs next to theirs, wooden beams laid on stone chippings, supporting rails which, steel bright in the rain, reflect the distant city's lights in twin lines of fire...

The first flare of lightning shows that things will not get much better now, and the crash of thunder rumbles across the sky an instant later.  And the rain redoubles in force...
Dorian
player, 1680 posts
My spirit is broken,
my days are extinct.
Sat 7 Apr 2007
at 16:35
  • msg #15

Re: Part 58 - The road

The battle was done, and the company of heroes somewhat rested. Dorian remains quiet as they prepare for the journey and ride off. He stays close to Cyan, taking care not to be too close. His concerned glances have now faded to merely comfortable, familiar closeness. He says little to her or to Berd, knowing little needs to be said. Yet, under the surface, a story unfolds.

As they cross through the forest, however brief, Dorian's eyes stray to the greenery around them frequently. Such saturation of life and nature is rare for him. His world was rugged and barren. Plant life rarely stood higher than a man's knees. Trees and wood were rare. He tries to memorize each detail.

The movement seems to energize him. His eyes are brighter with each twist and turn through the path. At one point, he reaches up and pulls the hood of his cloak back. Dark curls play free in the breeze.

The ride is hardly difficult for Dorian, who has learned to discipline his body as well as his mind. He has ridden for a week with only minimal rest, when times required it. Rest, though is always welcome.

With the rain, the hood returns to its usual place. He tugs the black cloak tighter around himself. He pondered how much of the rain was necessary for their travel towards Amber. It seemed odd, but he wondered if it rained in Amber at all. He had traveled long enough to know it need not, but he suspected it did. In either case, the rain was a good reminder of their destination.

The odd city of lights, glass and noise reminded him of somewhere else he had been recently. He had gone their seeking discordant auras and psyches, an easy place to hide amongst other minds should he need to do so. While his own psyche would invariably stand out in such a crowd, he could use the cloud of miasma to hide a trail. More than that, such psyches were malleable. Had Cyan known the entire crowd was his weapon? Would it have mattered had it come to blows? He thought of that awful blade, intercepted by only an Archon, an enemy. Death had hovered inches from his heart. No, it would not have mattered. Of course, that was not the enemy he thought to meet there.

He remained wordless, astride the others. Rain drizzled from his hood. He waited for their decision. Aaron and James knew best how to arrive at the destination. At the first flash of lightning, his head turns. He extends his senses.
Morgan
player, 155 posts
Catlord
Sun 8 Apr 2007
at 01:04
  • msg #16

Re: Part 58 - The road

Catherine is more than happy to leap up and use the tree path with Banglen-yp's encouragement.

The one beneath Tahirah  eventually reaches her tail up, wrapping it around Tahirah as a sort of belt to keep the woman in place. Losing her rider would be embarassing.



As the storm intensifies, Morgan leans tight against Leareth, his cloak covering the both of them. He shivers, glaring at the darkened sky.  "I thought we'd at least left these plagued things home." Long experience embitters the words. A laugh escapes him, though. Perhaps they will end up passing through his home after all.

The glowing city and greenish fire he determinedly ignores, hoping one of the sorcerors will mention if it is anything to worry about.
Aaron
player, 1613 posts
Truth in my mind,
Worlds at my fingertips.
Sun 8 Apr 2007
at 02:58
  • msg #17

Re: Part 58 - The road

Aaron cast a look in Cyan's direction, frowning in thought. Her disappearance had occured so long ago, that Aaron hadn't even considered her belongings (save for her blade, of course... he never forgot a weapon.)

"Cyan, I can't answer for everyone, but your harp may be in the Brintizzi's care. If not," Aaron smiled slightly. "Well, I'm sure any one of us can certainly get you another, or, if I take into account the possibilties of the Myriad Worlds, I may even be able to find a right reflection of the exact one."

He sighed, shaking his head. "Either way, though, they wouldn't be the exact instrument. I can sympathize with losing something so close to your own hands."

"A sad thing," he said quietly, and mostly to himself. "It's been a long time since I've heard your music."

Aaron closed his eyes in the rain, letting the mad torrent soothe his mind and body with its rhythmic tattoo.
James
player, 604 posts
This thing's to do
Hamlet (IV, iv)
Sun 8 Apr 2007
at 04:32
  • msg #18

Re: Part 58 - The road

"Stop, Ahmad."  James speaks quietly, he seems subdued for some reason.  Possibly it is the weather.  Not having a cloak of his own, James has been wet through long since and while he ignores the rain streaming from his hair and clothes he looks cold and pale.

"I can answer that, Cyan.  I took your harp for safekeeping as Dorian took your sketchbook.  I had it with me in your camp when I came after Chance, Luke and Aaron.  I had to leave it when we duelled and in the rush to leave it was left behind.  I'm sorry, Cayn, truly, but the harp is lost."

James turns towards the city and stares with hard eyes.  "It is strange that our path should come here.  This is as close to my home as I have come since I left.  See those signs?  Budweiser is a type of beer.  Ford is a type of car, a horseless carriage like the one Jonnee once drove."  James paused, thinking.  Jonnee would probably feel some familiarity here as well, James had often noted the almost parallels between their respective homes.

"Morgan, the panthers seem uncomfortable when we travel on a road.  Could you spread the word that there's nothing to worry about.  It's made of a substance known as bitumen; a mixture of tar and small stones that sets hard to produce a smooth, hard, tough surface.  It's completely safe."

"Aaron, do you want to take it from here?  I'm worried that this...place means I am leading us astray.  To my home rather than Amber.  You might at least be able to get us out of this rain."

Morgan
player, 156 posts
Catlord
Sun 8 Apr 2007
at 05:56
  • msg #19

Re: Part 58 - The road

Ahmad quickly slows, twitching an ear back to catch the conversation.


Morgan nods to James.  "Thank you for the consideration. The road itself didn't worry us, we've gotten used to such things. And this one here's fine. It was just a reminder of bad memories. The substance, you call it bitumen?, is or at least looks like, what the blackmoss left behind when the Storms drowned it all. "

Sliding from Leareth, he grins up at James, and offers his silver flask.  "Mind, I don't remember much of the black invasion, not like a lot of them. Too young. Still. Absent friends."  Apparantly, Morgan'd decided this trip would need more alchohol than the last one, as he pulls another, less filigreed flask out and drinks to his own toast.
This message was last edited by the player at 06:01, Sun 08 Apr 2007.
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