"Yes," Cyan states quietly.  "I would.  For I am not a sword, and no doubt if a sword could speak, it too would do the same."

She flicks an emerald glance at Left.  "Should one wish to make the mistake of viewing such as a weakness, one may do so," she states aloud.  "There is no weakness in flexibility, nor admitting one is incorrect.  Through such honesty with oneself and other, and the knowledge it brings, one may grow stronger."  A shrug follows.  "Not all may believe this, mind."

She returns her gaze to the colossal form of Harbonah.  Berd stirs fitfully on her shoulders, but she calms him with a touch.  "I question not your strength, Harbonah.  Certainly we see the results of the lack of your leadership.  You can hold the Seraphim, keeping them focused to a point.  And in truth, I can see you hold the well-being of your race and your people within your heart."

Her eyes narrow.  "But you are not consistent in that."

"I understand you slew five hundred danioti recently?  Danioti 'suspected' of treason?  Were they truly treasonous, or merely a convenient example against those would might consider such?  For 'five hundred' is a strangely even number."  She shakes her head.  "This does not help your people.  It does not make them strong.  It merely kills them.  And it shows them that killing other Archons is perfectly acceptable to reach their goals.  Indeed, it sets the example."

She raises her hands.  "How can a race grow strong, how can a race grow, when the leader inspires his own people to slay one another?  One might argue that 'the strongest will survive', but eventually the race will be nothing but the few strong remaining.  And slaves."  There is no accusation in her voice, only a quiet firmness.  "One can be strong, but fair.  Strong, but discerning.  Strong, the moreso for not giving in to one's own angers."

She studies the Archon before her for a long moment before speaking again.  "They listen to you.  They accept your decisions.  Yes, in fear of your might.  But are their memories so poor that they require frequent reminders, even when you cannot find a true target?  Is your hold over them so weak you must kill some of them to ensure control over the others?  I think not."

"Could it be different?"

Harbonah burns more brightly, hovering above the tiny bubble of protection,+ FIVE HUNDRED, YES.  OUT OF THE EIGHT HUNDRED AND TWENTY THREE THAT WERE HELD.  EIGHT HUNDRED AND TWENTY THREE DANIOTI AMONG ONE THOUSAND FOUR HUNDRED AND TWO SERAPHIM WHICH HAVE TURNED AGAINST US... AGAINST ALL ARCHONS... SINCE WE STARTED THIS CAMPAIGN TO HELP OUR PEOPLE.  YES, THEY HAD TRULY TURNED AGAINST US.  FIVE HUNDRED SEEMED SUFFICIENT TO PROVIDE, AS YOU SAY, AN EXAMPLE.  DANIOTI BECAUSE THEY PROVIDED THE BULK OF THE TRAITORS.  SHALL WE TELL YOU THEIR NAMES? +

And the flames dim, + WE DID NOT ORDER THIS LIGHTLY.  THE NUMBER OF BETRAYALS WAS RISING, SO WE DECIDED TO SHOW ALL ARCHONS WHY WE HOLD POWER. +

+ YOU SAY WE INSPIRE OTHERS TO KILL EACH OTHER?  BUT, IN TRUTH, WE ARCHONS KILL DUE TO OUR VERY NATURE.  IT IS PART OF OUR BEING.  WE NEED NO INSPIRATION.  IT COMES AS EASILY TO US AS MOVEMENT. +

He remembers their names.

That, more than anything else, convinces Cyan.  Slowly, she nods.  "I see.  I have wronged you with this accusation as well, Harbonah.  I would not have done so myself, but despite the deaths, you showed restraint, even as now you demonstrate regret."

Restraint and regret, at least from what she understands of him.  He could have obliterated them all.  Harbonah has no reason to lie, here, and in fact has been quite straightforward.  And why should he not be, given his personality and circumstances?  He has never, ever shied away from gloating, from scornful words, and certainly has not cared for the opinions of others.

"I shall have to be more careful with my judgements," she muses, her topaz eyes lambent.  "It is too easy to think the worst of one recently considered 'enemy'.  It was wrong of me to do so."

The bard shakes her head.  "As for the killing...."

Breathing in, Cyan slowly nods.  "You have resisted the urge, evidently, even in this circumstance you discuss.  The Nephilim resist.  Perhaps, as you suggest, this is only a short-term thing, but is it not possible one can learn to resist for longer and longer?  That one can, in fact, change?  I have seen Archons change.  I have seen their priorities shift away from the gathering of power to something different.  Is it not possible<i>, Harbonah?"

A bow of the head, an opening of her hands.  "In truth, yes, you have the greater experience.  In truth, you <I>are an Archon.  But perhaps I have the benefit of standing without the circumstance, of looking at it from a different perspective.  Harbonah...many beings begin their lives killing.  Killing is a means of control, after all.  Archons, with pressure toward needing control thanks to space issues...is it possible that they have learned to kill?"

"I wish understanding, to better create a bridge.  To better assist.  To better be capable of finding a way to end this war without the destruction of one or both sides."  The bard offers a sad smile and a shrug.  "My questions, though impertinent, are not meant to offend."

James watches silently as Cyan and Harbonah discuss possibilities, recriminations and leadership philosophies.  It is far from the confrontation James had expected when arriving on Hosk but James understands that for these two, at least, the outcome is no less important.

For his own part, James had finished his own work some time ago.  The substantive alterations had been made and the final form stabilised as far as James was able.  There was still plenty of tinkering to be done, a lifetime's worth, maybe even for an Amberite.  The two unstable zones nagged at him whenever he concentrated on the Pattern but he couldn't tie off all the loose ends without defeating his own purpose so they remained, though James did what he could to ensure the surrounding areas could not be compromised.

All told, James had found the experience very educational.  He had understood the traditional uses of Amber's blood-ties to the Pattern, but there were clearly far-reaching possibilities that had not yet been explored, except possibly by Dworkin and Fiona and they weren't telling.

When it came to the Archons, and particularly Harbonah, James remained cautious.  He had barely taken off his armour in two days, despite any discomfort suffered.  He remembered all too well the stories of treachery and death at the hands of the Seraphim.  For James, the fact that Harbonah remembered the names of those he slew meant only that he had a good memory, not that he felt regret.

Harbonah pulses brightly... once, twice... and then dwindles in size.  Less than two yards across he passes through the bubble.  + POSSIBLE TO CHANGE?  YES.  BUT IT IS UNLIKELY TO HAPPEN AS THINGS STAND NOW.  YOU SAY THAT THE NEPHELIM HAVE CHANGED, AND NO LONGER KILL...  YOU ARE MISTAKEN.  THEY STILL KILL THOSE WHO OPPOSE THEM, JUST AS WE DO.  JUST AS ALL ARCHONS DO.  THE ONLY REAL DIFFERENCE BETWEEN SERAPHIM AND NEPHELIM LAYS IN WHO THEY CHOOSE TO KILL. +

+ WE WOULD SUPPORT CHANGE.  BUT WHILE ARCHONS STILL NEED ROOM TO LIVE, THEY WILL ALWAYS FIGHT THOSE WHO WOULD TAKE THAT ROOM FROM THEM.  WE SOUGHT TO CHANGE ARCHON NATURE BY TAKING MORE ROOM, BUT UNTIL WE HAVE THAT ROOM, FOR ALL ARCHONS, OUR NATURE SERVES US WELL.  AND WHILE WE STILL SEEK THAT GOAL FOR ALL, WE ARE FORCED TO RULE THE ARCHONS RUTHLESSLY.  IF WE HAD NOT, THEY WOULD HAVE ALL TURNED AGAINST EACH OTHER, AND REFUSED TO WORK TOGETHER.  WORSE, THEY WOUD HAVE TURNED AGAINST US - AND WE WERE THE ONLY HOPE OF UNITING ALL ARCHONS. +

The Archon drifts towards James, waves of heat washing over those who stand within the bubble, + YOU HAVE DONE WELL HERE.  YOU HAVE SHOWN THAT YOU ARE PREPARED, AND ABLE, TO MAKE REPARATIONS.  TO SET RIGHT THE MISTAKES THAT OTHERS OF YOU GROUP HAVE MADE.  EVEN TO IMPROVE ON THE WAY THINGS WERE.  FOR THAT, WE THANK YOU. +

Banglen-Yp draws his attention next, + YOU HAVE OFFERED US A NEW HOME.  FOR THAT WE ALSO OFFER THANKS.  WITH ROOM TO SPREAD, TO GROW, ARCHONS MAY HAVE LESS NEED OF THE OLD WAYS.  THE CHANGE IN OUR NATURE MAY COME, NOT IMMEDIATELY, BUT SOONER THAN IT WOULD OTHERWISE HAVE DONE. +
This message was last edited by the GM at 14:09, Tue 26 Feb 2013.

"That you admit the possibility gives me hope," Cyan admits.  "As do the Nephillim; they have chosen not to kill those of the Myriand Worlds, but rather to study and in some cases assist them.  This is a step in a direction different than 'destroy all', is it not?"

She bows her head for a moment.  "Everything must begin somewhere, Harbonah.  Similarly to your assertion to support change."  With a sigh, she raises her eyes to the burning sky.  "I am most glad to hear of this."

Her jaw tightens.  "I comprehend the need to rule ruthlessly, to enforce control until such is no longer needed.  And until there comes a change, the need will remain.  I could not do such a thing.  It is not within me.  But I fully comprehend the need for it."

Berd stirs uneasily upon her shoulder, perhaps considering memories of his own.

She listens as Harbonah addresses the others - James and Banglen-Yp.  Luke stands silent, possibly wisely in the face of his capacity to irritate those to whome he speaks.  A small smile touches her face - a sad one - as Harbonah manages to put a criticism of his enemies into his thanks to James.  Some things do take time to change, though she appreciates his consideration.

Perhaps someday he will see his own guilt in this war, in the deaths of uncountable victims of the Seraphim.  It may change him further.

But she must play the hand she has been dealt, and the only winning card is Harbonah.  In the face of that, Cyan must swallow her misgivings, swallow a desire for justice - not for herself, for she has set that aside already - and accept him.

And realize that in some ways, she has misjudged the Archon and his goals.

"We still must find this man who summoned Banglen-Yp here, and discern a way to open a gate to her own...own...home, I suppose," she murmurs.  "Or perhaps Berd may find that avenue.  Or even..."  One eyebrow cocks.  "Is not this being who brought forth Banglen-Yp and trapped the Sencathi supposedly a master of 'Trump'?  Trump and the palanqueti partaking of the same science, same energies?  Perhaps I myself might be capable of finding a means.  Or James, with his own power - it far exceeds mine, though in a different direction."

"It lies within our grasp, to be sure."  Pacing, she glances up at Harbonah, her eyes dark rubies.  "Will you hold from hostilities while we seek an answer?  Will you refrain from using your weapons, your Hounds?  I mean to bend my full effort toward this answer - given our...association, you know well that it and the strengths of my companions are not inconsiderable."

Her jaw sets.  "Should you wish confirmation of my stance, you may take it from my mind."

• You are welcome to this new home •  At least you can try it • to see if you like it •  I promise will not harm any of you unless you do something bad there •  It is my home as well and I will defend it •

• I was brought here as a weapon to destroy all the Archons • but that was not my choice and I choose not to do it •  Now •

Harbonah hangs before Banglen-Yp for a few moments, as if considering her words or, perhaps, merely puzzled by them.  Then he shifts away from the blonde woman, moving to hover at a poit more or less at the centre of the group.

+ HOW SOON CAN WE BEGIN THIS MOVE?  MUST WE SEARCH FOR THIS MAN, THE ONE WHO HOLDS THE KEY? +

• The others are coming back • from both places •

Cyan lets out a small sigh of relief as the 'confrontation' between Harbonah and Banglen-Yp ends without any rancour between them.  Harbonah's power is vast, and she remains unsure about the metallic sphere...but Banglen-Yp's power has never shown limits.  Indeed, every time it faces something new, she merely reaches a new apparant level of strength.

Unsurprising, the bard realizes, in the avatar of a universe itself.

Lords of the West, but I am a very small thing in this company.

Shaking out her hands to still their trembling, she faces Harbonah once again.  "I have wracked my mind to find an alternative, Harbonah.  Berd may be capable of reaching to another place...but he cannot guarantee it will be the correct one.  I, myself, must know a place before I open a gateway to it.  James -" with a gesture to the silent, armored man "- is a master over this reality, but not others."

Her lips thin and an edge enters her voice.  "We must find Dworkin.  He drew Banglen-Yp here.  He can send her home, and from there...there are numerous ways to open a gateway between the realms."

"But we must find him."

Her emerald eyes sharp, Cyan turns to face Harbonah.  "I can do this.  I have done similarly before.  I am under no compulsion, and this is for the benefit of all; you may trust me to see this through.  Hold off, Harbonah, on the war, on the destruction.  I ask only this.  Give us time - this group, whose record, yes, even a record against your own forces, speaks for itself."

"I didn't do it for your thanks, but I appreciate the sentiment." James answers with ill grace.

For all that James is glad that a peaceful resolution to the war may be at hand and despite Harbonah's apparent honesty, there are some things that James will not easily accept.  He understands well enough the need for strength, even ruthlessness, in those who would rule but there are limits.  James would not lightly forgo justice for those who had been duped into service and led to slaughter; for those needlessly slain, maimed and tormented as a  result of the Archons' drive to conquer; and what Harbonah had done to Cyan was beyond James' capacity to forgive.  He was willing and able to suppress such feelings in the interests of attaining peace, but they were there all the same.

"Cyan is right.  There are other ways, but they are likely to take longer and would be less reliable.  Finding Dworkin is almost certainly the way to go.  I can do that.  Probably.  In theory I can find practically anything.  In practice, Dworkin knows more about the power I use than pretty much anyone.  If he doesn't want to be found, I'm going to struggle."

The Archons come swarming in again.

Gone is the precisely constructed dome.  Instead they form a chaotic, ever-shifting mob around the bubble.  A few dart forward, hanging poised before Harbonah for a moment, only to move away again, just as quickly, and be replaced by a few more.  Two move to hover behind Banglen-Yp, and one of those appears to be made of fragments of stained glass.

Three more move to take up position near Cyan and James.  They seem subdued, and reduce their size considerably as they approach, until they are no larger than coins.  The missing bodyguards, returned in shame.  Most of them.

Left speaks quietly, for the benefit of the non-Archons, + They renew their allegiances to Harbonah.  Very important.  He has been away long enough that the alliances which hold the Seraphim together could easily have fragmented. +

+ It is likely that only the thought that he might return soon prevented that happening.  Even so, there are less of them now.  Deaths or defections have reduced their numbers.  Though not significantly. +

"James."  Cyan shifts to lay a hand on his arm.  She understands his anger, and no doubt frustration.  Harbonah has committed grievious crimes, with hordes dying at his command.  He has poisoned universes, stolen energies, wreaked havoc across the Myriad Worlds, not to mention the hurts that strike closer to home, the personal hurts.  And now he is their best hope for a peaceful solution, one not requiring risky plans or genocide.

The universe has a terrible sense of humor.

It might be within Cyan to forgive.  She knows the kernels of that have begun to sprout, at least for her own pains.  Understanding breeds a possibility of rapprochement.  That thus far the understanding has only been in a single direction is a cause for concern.  If the Seraphim are to co-exist in this reality in any way, there needs to be a change in their way of thinking, much as the nephillim have changed.

Even so, there is hope now.

"We shall seek out Dworkin, then," she affirms.  "James, we have accomplished so much so far."  A small laugh escapes her.  "Surely this cannot be beyond us?  We will find him.  And this...all of this, can be ended."  A sudden, giddy burst of emotion sweeps over her, an almost hysterical relief.  For a moment she grips his arm tightly, holding herself up on his strength as her knees shake.  Had her plan been put into motion, had this parlay not taken place...

Fortunately, James is strong enough to bear her weight.  Strong in many ways, even to leaving aside his justifiable fury; he astounds her.  "We will do this, James," she swears.

In comes the massed Host of Archons to swear fealty, including two who take up positions close to Banglen-Yp, one of which more brilliantly coloured than even Right.  Cyan studies this being with interest for a moment.  "Thank you, Left.  I am glad to see this, though sorrowful for the losses."  And then her bodyguards return, sadly lessened.  Cyan spares them a cold look for a long moment, her eyes darkening to burnt amber, then twilight shades.

"So.  The danioti return from having foresaken their charges.  Well you should be abashed.  The Herenethi stood fast; where is the vaunted duty of your own kind?"  The General blinks, her eyes clearing to brighter topaz, and Cyan shrugs, a sad smile playing about her lips.  "And yet, understandable.  The world is changing, bringing upheavals in all things.  Come then, make yourselves known to me.  Some of you have fallen in this pursuit, and I would know who to grieve, and who to welcome in their return."

She frowns.  "I will require one messenger.  Right must know of the current situation, and cease hostilities.  Left, what say you?  Is this wise, or should I bespeak him directly?"

And she raises her hand to indicate Banglen-Yp's escorts.  "And what is the purpose of these two?"

• Our purpose is the same as it has always been •  To be what we are as best we can •  No more and no less • Banglen-Yp replies to Cyan's question, her voice and face both puzzled.  Behind her, the stained glass Archon suddenly holds a ball of mirrored squares revolving at its core, a bright imitation of the sphere that Harbonah holds.  • It is all any of us can do •

Left considers for a moment, + A messenger, I think, would be less distracting for Right, in case he is involved in something important.  Perhaps one of the failed bodyguards would like to redeem themselves? +

And the Archons who had deserted their posts seem to pick up at that, growing slightly in size and becoming more active...

"My apologies," and Cyan bows to Banglen-Yp.  "I often forget you are many in one - I thought these to be two new escorts, Archons both."  Sometimes, with Banglen-Yp, it's hard to tell.  "Wise words," she murmurs, turning back to her own escorts.

"And further wisdom from Left; hardly surprising, well as you know Right."  Tapping her lips with a finger, she studies the errant bodyguards.  "Suriel," she decides - how Cyan can tell them apart is a mystery, even to herself.  But having spent time among the Archons, she has grown used to their body language, so to speak.  Archons are motion incarnate; it is how they express themselves.

"Yes, Suriel."  A nod.  "You will redeem yourself and your comrades simultaneously.  A team, yes?  You work together to protect me?  Then you must trust one another as well, within that task.  Well, then.  Upon Suriel rests the responsibility to make up for your brief dereliction.  Upon the rest of those who left, the responsibility to guard us with one less in Suriel's absence.  Equal in weight, these things.  Do not fail one another."  A cautionary note, but with no edge to it.

"Go, then.  Goodspeed, and a deft touch in avoiding difficulties along the way.  This message must be delivered."

James takes Cyan's weight on his arm easily enough, and waits while she marshals their escort.  The fact that the danioti left did not overly concern James, but he is deeply disappointed to find that they were unable to either resist or avoid squabbling over control of his little follies, even to the point where one of them was destroyed.  Cyan's rebuke is well deserved.

James concentration remains on Harbonah.  Were it any lesser creature, James would happily indulge himself with a good, old-fashioned staredown.  But engaging in a contest of wills with the lord of the Seraphim would be dangerous as well as foolish and any hope that he might be cowed into good behaviour is certainly futile.

"We will find Dworkin." James concurs, rather abruptly.  "Will you be sending an observer, Harbonah?  I'm not real happy with the idea of you constantly looking over our shoulders, but if it helps maintain the truce then so be it."

+ BY YOUR COMMAND. +  Suriel bobs twice, before streaking up and away to seek out Right and deliver the message.

Harbonah shifts slightly, like a human turning his head to look at a person they are talking to, and addresses James + THERE WILL BE NO NEED TO SEND AN OBSERVER.  WE SHALL ACCOMPANY YOU OURSELVES.  SHOULD NEGOTIATION BE REQUIRED, ALL TERMS AND CONDITIONS WOULD HAVE TO BE AGREED BY US IN ANY CASE.  EFFICIENCY AND EXPEDIENCY WOULD BE SERVED BY OUR PRESENCE. +

The Archon pauses for a moment, before adding, + WE SHALL NOT INTERFERE IN YOUR ACTIVITIES, NOR SHALL WE... LOOK OVER YOUR SHOULDER.  WE ACCEPT THAT YOU WANT THIS TRUCE, AND WOULD NOT UNNECESSARILY RISK ITS FAILURE. +

+ IF YOU REQUIRE ASSURANCES OF OUR NON-INTERFERENCE, WE WOULD BE WILLING TO BE HELD WITHIN ONE OF YOUR OWN FOLLOWERS, THE DANIOTI PAHADRON, WHICH YOU NAME LEFT, UNTIL OUR PRESENCE IS REQUIRED. +

"I rather expected your presence," Cyan murmurs, waving a short goodbye to Suriel.  There are a myriad of reasons for Harbonah to come himself - to ensure of no treachery, regardless of his words, to ensure the job gets done properly, to see more of his enemy(s)...and then there's the efficiency thing.  "Well then, we shall be travelling companions."

She studies him for a long moment, then shakes her head.  "I, for one, find it unnecessary for you to be confined.  You evidently wish this truce as well, and so long as we are in accord that our actions must be considered, rather than be hasty and without council, your assistance could be considerable."

A rueful smile follows, more at the situation than in any humor.  "And there is the matter of confinement upon your people.  You are no danioti, but still it cannot be comfortable."  Then her sapphire eyes sharpen.  "But I have two questions, Harbonah, before we continue."

"The first is this: how will you ensure this alliance you leave behind does not fall apart into squabbling in your absence?  I well recall such issues during my own...tenure...in your employment."  Her jaw sets, and Cyan shifts slightly to squeeze James' armored forearm.  It helps keep the memory at bay, and she breathes out slowly, relaxing.

"The second: what is the device we have seen you carry?  What is its use, and will it be an issue during our sojourn?"

Berd's head rises at that, and his eyes brighten slightly.  Not in threat, but concern.  The little drake has been quiscient during the discussion, allowing his daughter free reign with her decisions, but his minds have always been watchful.

To Harbonah's offer of confinement and Cyan's response, James adds simply, "I agree."

Beyond that, James awaits Harbonah's answers.  Some scrutiny of Harbonah's artefact seems a wise precaution but it is the former question that most concerns James, destabilisation of the Seraphim faction could render any agreement irrelevant.

Besides, if Harbonah was to be confined anywhere, James would suggest that it be within Banglen-Yp, he being fairly confident that Banglen-Yp could simply eat Harbonah before he caused too much mischief.

That arm you're leaning on wouldn't happen to be the one you opened up in James' duel with the General would it, Cyan? :P

+ THOSE WHO ARE LEFT BEHIND WILL KNOW THAT WE INTEND TO RETURN, AND THAT, WHEN WE DO, THE GOAL OF A NEW HOME FOR ALL ARCHONS WILL BE FULFILLED.  OUR RETURN, AND THE CHANCE OF THAT NEW HOME, CAN BE USED TO HOLD THEIR UNITY.  FOR A WHILE, AT LEAST. +

+ HOPEFULLY IT WILL BE LONG ENOUGH. +

Harbonah considers for a moment, and the orb can be seen slowly rotating in all three planes. + THIS?  THIS WAS OUR OWN... ASSURANCE... AGAINST FURTHER TREACHERY BY OUR FORMER GENERAL. +

The sphere drops, landing with a dull, booming impact which is out of all proportion with its size, and striking hard enough to crack the diamond underfoot.

+ IT CONTAINS A SEVERAL FRAGMENTS OF THE BROKEN GOD.  WE NO LONGER CONSIDER IT NECESSARY, AND WILL LEAVE IT HERE, GUARDED BY OUR FOLLOWERS.  HAVING A PURPOSE WILL ALSO HELP THEM TO MAINTAIN UNITY. +

+ THEY WILL NOT BE ABLE TO OPEN IT.  ONLY WE KNOW THAT SECRET. +

Left waits for him to stop speaking, before adding her own answer to Cyan's concerns, + Carryng Harbonah would do another Archon no injury.  Once within, he could not deliberately hurt his host for fear of being trapped permanently, should that Archon die, or simply choose not to release him. +

"A pity you cannot select an interim leader, someone with the power to hold control," Cyan muses, considering Right.  "But I expect such trust only goes so far."  She eyes the globe with some distrust, having now learned of its true contents, and Berd hisses at it spitefully.  "Glad am I that we will leave that behind...though a slice of Broken God might come in useful dealing with Dworkin," the General momentarily muses.

Cyan shakes her head, the shadows leaving her eyes; they glitter like topaz in the burning light.  "I would leave Harbonah free, Left.  For one, I hope to work in tandem upon this quest.  For another, I wish there to be no confusion to his presence, nor danger for his life; I am working to end this war with as little loss of life as possible, and that is all the better if we function as a whole."

Turning, she studies the vast being of flame.  "That is, if Harbonah agrees that he is dealing with beings of a sort with which he has little to no experience.  Beings capable of opening gateways to other universes, capable of imprisoning the sencathi as a whole.  We - especially James, who is experienced with such people - must take the lead to avoid a precipitous incident that might doom both us and the possibility for all of our peoples to come away without further deaths."

She purses her lips.  "It is a difficult thing for an Archon to accept another's lead.  In this case, it is necessary.  But no constraints lie upon those agreeing to this - those who take the lead do not command; they lead out of expedience and efficiency, to see the quest through to the best possible end.  And we will listen to each other's advice, and discuss matters openly."

Harbonah considers briefly, + WE HAVE COMMANDERS WHO CAN ASSUME CONTROL, FOR A SHORT WHILE.  NONE ARE HERE THOUGH.  WE CAN SEND THOSE SERAPHIM WHO ARE PRESENT TO CARRY WORD OF THIS TRUCE.  THAT SHOULD KEEP THEM SUFFICIENTLY OCCUPIED, AND SHOULD SERVE TO REDUCE THE LIKELIHOOD OF A REBELLION AMONG OUR OWN FORCES.  NEWS OF A SWIFT AND ACCEPTABLE END TO THIS STRIFE SHOULD ASSURE CONTINUING LOYALTY. +

The Archon leader starts to dwindle, becoming smaller, but no less intimidating, + WE ACCEPT YOUR TERMS.  WE ARE, AND ALWAYS HAVE BEEN, ENTIRELY REASONABLE WHEN DEFERRING TO THOSE WHO MIGHT HAVE MORE KNOWLEDGE... AND MORE EXPERIENCE... OF A SITUATION WITH WHICH WE ARE UNFAMILIAR.  IT WOULD BE FOOLISH NOT TO DO SO. +
This message was last edited by the GM at 19:18, Sat 13 Apr 2013.

The terms and assurances discussed by Cyan and Harbonah seem reasonable to James.  There is one point, though, that James wants to amplify.

"The most obvious place to seek Dworkin is Amber.  He's supposed to live somewhere in Kolvir, though finding the place can be difficult even when you know what to look for.  That's likely to make things difficult.  The last time I was there we were at war.  You're an enemy commander.  Heck, you're the enemy commander.  My family could make life difficult for us.  Equally, you could do a lot of damage just from what you learn from being there."

"So here's what I propose.  If we hit trouble, I'll do my best to get you to a safe place and I expect the others'll do the same.  But I want your agreement that there'll be no spying, no sneaking, no funny business at all while we're in Amber or any of the worlds of the Golden Circle."

"If we can agree that, then I think we should probably be on our way.  Do you or Berd want to handle travel or shall I lead?"

+ WE ARE ABOUT TO ACHIEVE OUR GOAL - A HOME FOR OUR PEOPLE.  WE WILL NOT JEOPARDISE THAT. + Harbonah's harsh, metallic voice booms out.  + ADDITIONALLY, WE SHALL BE, AS YOU HAVE SAID, IN THE STRONGHOLD OF AN ENEMY.  IT WOULD BE DIFFICULT FOR US TO WANDER UNATTENDED AND UNOBSERVED, AND DANGEROUS, SHOULD WE BE FOUND. +

The Archon leader falls silent for a moment, then, + YOU WOULD BE MORE FAMILIAR WITH OUR DESTINATION.  WE DEFER TO YOUR KNOWLEDGE. +

Cyan waits as Harbonah and James hash out the details of their current trip.  As always, James shows solid sense and levelheadedness in his dealings, even with their 'former' enemy.  She tries to picture how things might have gone if certain others of her compatriots had been at the meeting.  It produces a shudder.

Surprisingly, Harbonah shows similar tact, deferring to James' greater knowledge.  Could it be true?  Have they misjudged Harbonah through this entire war?  Not that he has not committed many crimes - terrible crimes - but is it possible that his sole purpose has been what he perceived as the salvation of his race?  Certainly he seems more...agreeable and flexible than other Seraphim have proven.

Is this all a misunderstaing - on his part and on theirs?  Must he only see that other races have value as well?  And if he does...would he become as fierce an advocate for them as he has for his own people?

Anything is possible within the Myriad Worlds, Cyan knows.

"Well said, both of you," she murmurs.  "I believe James should take us to Amber.  True, it will be a longer route, but safer - the Underflow is a chaotic place right now, full of forces both Archon and otherwise, and not all of those forces would be pleased to see either of our two groups.  Besides which, Berd has difficulty reaching the Underflow near to Amber - he names it 'calcification'."  Cyan shrugs, knowing the general meaning of the word by not the specific reason for Berd's choice.

Standing, she searches the world with her eyes.  "Left...you will accompany us, along with Right's chosen wards?  Harbonah, do you have aught to prepare among your followers before we leave - delegations and so forth?"

"It's a pretty good description." James acknowledges Berd's assessment.  Calcification certainly seems appropriate to James' understanding of travel in Amber's vicinity.

"I'm right to start as soon as everyone's ready."  James calls the Pattern to mind and considers his options.  It is tempting to head straight for Kolvir.  But Pattern-walking directly onto the mountain would be incredibly difficult.  A conventional approach via Arden or by sea would almost certainly bring the group to the attention of one of James' uncles, and that might not end well.  James reluctantly concludes that the best choice, while slower, would be to make for the Golden Circle and then seek information on the current situation in Amber before proceeding.  And since Cadiniagart is the Golden Circle world James knows best, that is his current objective.

First, though, some gradual changes to remove the more remarkable features of the local landscape...

With a means of travel decided, it remains only for Harbonah to delegate responsibilities to the host of Archons which still hovers above.  A few are assigned to carry instructions to those who will command in his absence.  Most are simply ordered to carry word of the truce to those who still fight.

It takes almost an hour to ensure that all of the Archons know, and understand, their tasks.

And at the end Harbonah expands somewhat, and the other Archons hurtle into the heart of him.  But instead of vanishing into Harbonah's internal space, they instead pass straight through, each of them curving away in a different direction to vanish into the distance...

Left explains the odd ritual, + He marks them as his servants.  When they speak to other Archons, those Archons will know that the words these messengers speak come directly from Harbonah, and that the bearers are serving his will. +

And finally, none of the host remain.  Harbonah hangs silently for a while, like a man taking a last look at a familiar place which he may never see again.  Then...

+ WE ARE READY. +