Roman arrives, alone.  Just as well... Baerin would likely have found the location uncomfortable, at least for the brief moment before it killed him.  The chamber is hot - hot enough that all of the surfaces glow with a fiery light, the chamber's only source of illumination.  There is no air, only a stinking poisonous smoke emanating from slots in a large iron block in the centre of the space.

At one end of the chamber is an opening, twenty feey high and perhaps as wide, though the shape is irregular.  Beyond is blackness, and the glittering of a myriad stars.

A three-faced seven-armed demon stands, naked and clearly male, in the opening, and in every hand he holds a sword.  He waits amid the heat and the fumes, his hide covered with scales and plates of chitin.  All of his eyes are on Roman, and the plates of his faces slide and shift in a hideous approximation of a trio of smiles.

The demon speaks, and his voice is like the cries of a thousand enraged beasts, "Welcome home, Master Roman." He steps aside, allowing Roman entry to the dark space beyond the opening.  "Should you wish to pay your respects, the Mistress of Chanicut is not home currently, but is expected to return shortly."

"Good Turning, Threntz." Roman replies.  "How stands it with Chanicut ?  Is my Uncle Senghiz well ?"

"Chanicut stands as it always has - on its own feet.  There are houses allied with Chanicut, and houses opposed to it.  Some of the allies were enemies when you left, and some of the enemies were allies then.  House Sordash, a loyal friend in all times, has been broken, divided among the enemies who threw it down." Threntz explains in perfect, albeit hideous, harmony.  "When Sordash fell, there were some in Chanicut who were alarmed that Feldec and Vorn might be emboldened, and strike.  But they never did."

The demon shifts its weight slightly, scales and plates sliding over each other with a soft rustling sound.  "Your uncle was well when last I saw him, which was recently.  I believe that Mistress Chanicut is visiting him at his demesne, though, as I said, she is expected home shortly."

"Thank you, Threntz.  Do you think that Uncle Senghiz will return with the Mistress, or must I seek him out at his demesne?" Roman asks, while considering his options.  Leaving immediately might be taken as rude...

The question brings a prolonged silence as the demon appears to rack its memories, until finally it speaks again, "I cannot say for certain, Master Roman.  I have not been informed that he will return with Mistress Chanicut, and I have not been categorically told that he will not."

Its faces bear an expression which is probably as close to apologetic as they have ever been, "If I might make a suggestion?  Were I in your position, I would wait inside, in comfort.  Mistress Chanicut should return soon.  If your uncle is not with her, then you will not have wasted very much time in waiting.  An alternative course would be to make your way to his home by the most commonly used route, thus increasing your chances of meeting them on the way, should they in fact be coming here."

"Good advice, Threntz."  Roman answers on consideration.  "I believe that I will go in, refresh myself, rest a little and if the mistress is not returned after I have rested enough, I will then decide what to do."

Threntz bows and stands aside, gesturing for Roman to enter the portal.  "As you wish, Master Roman.  I shall inform Mistress Chanicut of your presence immediately upon her return."

The Ways of Chanicut are much like any of the others in the Courts, insofar as they are entirely dissimilar to any of the others in the Courts.  Thousands of years of occupation by the same family tends to imprint their dominant traits onto their environment.  While that environment shifts constantly and unpredictably, certain forms of matter and energy eventually start to appear more often than pure chance would dictate.

Gradually the occasions when those forms appear become... not exactly more common, but less uncommon.

Thus it is that Roman finds himself passing through familiar chambers.  Places that he has known all of his life, sparsely populated by people, many of whom he recognises as servants, and a few as distant relatives.  He finds his way to a place where he can clean up after his journey, his body shifting constantly to accommodate the conditions around him, even as those conditions shift to accommodate his presence.

Then he finds himself a place to rest.

And a short while later, as such things are measured in the Courts, a whisper passes through the chamber, coming from the very walls themselves... Mistress Chanicut has returned...

Threntz had promised to inform her, and Threntz would not fail in so simple a thing, so Roman waits a while longer in case he is sent for.

If that does not transpire,  in a reasonable time then he sends a servant demon to deliver his card, requesting an audience, to pay his respects.

Roman does not, in fact, have to send a servant.  Instead one comes to find him and request his presence in the parlour of Mistress Chanicut.

He is led through the shifting halls of the House, and eventually shown into a chamber decorated in a style which was referred to, some time ago when it was still popular, as "Static Baroque".  The walls  are all of solid stone and wood, carved in intricate rectilinear patterns.  Tapestries hang on the walls, partly concealing them, and the images on those tapestries do not move.

The rugs upon the polished wooden floor are likewise still, as is every item of furniture in the chamber.

In the centre of the floor is a shallow pool of water, where brightly coloured carnivorous fish swim, feeding on live mice which are occasionally taken from a large metal bowl and dropped into the water by the matriarch of House Chanicut.

She sits near the pool, surrounded by a shroud of shadows, even if the rest of the room is brightly lit by candles.  The shadows move, and not all of their movements match her own.  Senghiz stands close by, smiling at Roman, with his head cocked to one side, though he says nothing.

And then the woman extends a hand, her arm stretching to reach past the pool.  The shadows flow with it, swirling like smoke in a draught.  "Welcome home, Roman.  To what do we owe your unexpected return."

Roman advances to briefly take the offered hand, bowing over it.  "My Lady."

Releasing the hand he takes a step back.  "My Lady.  Travelling in Shadow, I discovered creatures of power, that I had not heard of before.  And I learned that one faction of these - a large faction - wished to erase both Poles of our Reality, to remake it all as they wished, and they may have the power to do so.  Certainly they can travel in Shadow.  The creatures are called Archons, appearing as wheels of metal blades, fire or lightning.  THe detroyers name themselves Seraphim."

"Having obtained information about these creatures - a story in itself - I thought to bring it here, in the hope that we might assess the danger and prepare if necessary.    Or - if it is good, there may be some other advantage in it."

The hand withdraws, the arm that supports it reducing to more usual proportions, and the woman smiles, and there is genuine warmth in the expression, even seen through the umbral cocoon, "We know of these... Archons.  Agents throughout Shadow have reporting their activities almost daily of late, but unfortunately we had, thus far, been unable to ascertain their intent in any detail."

"We knew they were hostile, and destructive, but that was the sum total of our knowledge concerning their goals."

The shadows move around her, and she stands, dropping one last mouse into the pool as she walks around towards Roman.  Senghiz follows hard on her heels.

"If you have more information concerning their objectives and methods, then we would gladly hear it.  Walk with us, Roman."

The wall to Roman's left parts, the edges of the opening flowing back over themselves as the gap expands to reveal a blizzard and admit a blast of frigid air, and the Mistress of Chanicut steps through, the shadows hardening around her to become a glistening translucent shell...

"There is much to say." Roman answers, accepting the invitation to follow.  "THe first is that they are riven into factions and are susceptible to further division.  A faction calling themselves Nephilim opposes the destroyers, and the Seraphim defeat at Charyk has doubtless caused some within that faction to question their loyalty - some even seem toe have gone rogue, working only for themselves."

Trusting to a combination of his shapeshifting and the Mistresses magic to handle the cold he goes on.  "One of the Seraphim's most potent weapons is a thing called 'Broken God', fragments of a dead hero.  These fragments possess the ability to dampen all - or nearly all - uses of Power in their vicinity.  We shall need a counter to that, fi we are to be ready to face them."

"We had heard that these creatures possessed the ability to prevent shifting, but our source at that time was... unreliable."

Senghiz chuckles, his heavily furred shoulders shaking, "He was House Feldec, and you were expecting reliability?"

"We were assured that the methods being used would produce reliable results.  As it turned out, they did.  Roman has confirmed that... unfortunately it is too late for our source.  In future we shall take the time to investigate even the most outrageous claims thoroughly."  Mistress Chanicut pauses suddenly, "Ah... but we were forgetting... " and a ghostly apparition appears before her.  Lexy, Alexandra Boisjolis, as she was last seen at the Courts.

"What of your cousin?  Did you hear aught of her in your travels?  Her father grows increasingly concerned."

"I met with some people who had travelled with her for a time - but they had parted company, and...other concerns seemed to be more pressing." Roman answers.  "After the battle at Charyk, the Seraphim threat seemed of greater concern."

He continues "However, I did obtain information concerning the Archons that may be of use.  Although a certain personage who may no longer be among the living attempted to claim it for himself..."

"A pity.  House Boisjolis have always supported us.  It would have been good to repay some of that support."  The apparition fades.

"Was the person who tried to claim the information known to us?" Mistress Chanicut leans closer, smiling hopefully, and there is a predatory gleam in her eye.  "I hope you will not attempt to kill me if I ask for the information, my dear Roman."

"Do you have it with you, or is it all... " her hand lifts to tap one finger against the side of Roman's head, "... in here?"

"It was Qiexz" Roman replies.  "he sought to claim this knowledge for himself, alone.  Making a rather bad enemy of a surprisingly capable Shadow Sorceror in the process.  I decided that protecting him from the consequences of his greed was none of my business.  If he still lives I fear he may be upset at that, and seek to pass on a rather different story - even though I saved his life. But ingratitude is to be expected from one such as he."

Roman smiles.  "Fortunately for us, I am not so greedy, and I happen to have a copy with me.  Indeed, consulting with wise Senghiz was an important reason for returning to our homeland."

"Qiexz!" she spits the name, dripping with vitriol, from a mouth twisted into a snarl of hatred, "That fool has long been a thorn in our side, but protected by Helgram and Minobee, ingratiating himself with them, and using their friendship to advance his cause, while our own people, like good Senghiz, have languished in growing obscurity."

"If he is dead, and you had any part in that, even if your report is the full extent of that involvement, then you have our gratitude."

Mistress Chanicut turns to Senghiz, "Speak with Roman.  We grow weary."

"Yes, of course, My Lady." Senghiz replies, with a deep bow.  She starts to walk away then, and Senghiz smiles at Roman, "Shall we talk here, or would you prefer somewhere more stable?"

"'Twould be less risk to the documents to take a more stable position" Roman points out.  "Shall we proceed to the library?  Or have you somewhere else in mind?"

Senghiz shifts to a more human form, and drops into an overstuffed armchair with a relieved sigh.

Because of the delicate nature of most of the contents, a great deal of effort goes into maintaining conditions in the library within a range which is most tolerable by those contents,

By the looks of things, Senghiz appreciates it too.

"Ah, Roman, my boy... I'm glad that your documents forced this choice on us."  He stretches and yawns, "I know she's your grandmother, and all, and head of the house, but I think the Lady Derris is becoming... " he pauses for a moment, considering his words carefully, "... ah... confused would probably be the most polite way of putting it."

"She has, of late, permitted the Ways to fall further and further towards Primal Chaos.  And while she has always been a little harsh, she has become increasingly cruel.  Just last week she had two of the servants put to death because her tea was served at the wrong temperature.  The worst of it is that the servants in question where a gardener and a chimney sweep, and just happened to be the first two she saw."

"I'm doing my best to protect her, and I've persuaded the servants to maintain this room, no matter what she may order, but it is tiring."

"The good of the House comes first, of course." Roman answers.  "And I must admit that Mistress Chanicut seems to have grown...a little eccentric since I was here last."

"But let us consider the Archon situation - it wou;d be good to before it becomes a crisis."  Roman continues, and starts to lay out the documents.

Senghiz starts reading through the documents, occasionally going back to examine points again, or asking for clarification and explanation.  Twice he asks if Roman has witnessed the behaviour described, and both times Roman is able to confirm that he has.

In both cases, Senghiz responds with a frown and a shake of his head.

Finally, after some considerable time, he steps away from the table, looking at the papers as if they were some sort of poisonous reptile he had just found coiled up in his bed.  "I believe we may have a problem.  This information does not match that which Derris has been given.  Unless she has lied to me about it.  She recently spoke to myself and other senior house members, and told us that the Archons are a threat, but one that we can easily deal with, if they even come here."

"Either she is lying to us, or she has, herself, been lied to.  I rather hope it's the latter, because if she is lying to us, then we're probably going to be arrested soon, and very likely put to death.  But if that was the case, why would she permit us review and discuss these documents?"

Roman shudders.  "They're a threat.  I could have told you that.  I hope our defences are good enough, but I'd definitely want to warn Suhuy.  They want to destroy the Logrus, and they might have the power to succeed.  I don't know the limits of their Broken God, but they'd be dangerous even without it.  In fact I hope that nobody here has thought of talking to or, worse. allying with the Seraphim - they'd be too good as assassins.  And with their agenda, anyone trying to use them, would be more likely to be used themselves"

"They definitely do seem to be a threat."  Senghiz's lips curl into a humourless smile.  "I can warn Suhuy for you, if you like.  As for the rest... you know how things can be here.  I could easily believe that some of the other houses might be trying to forge an alliance with these Seraphim.  Particularly the weaker ones.  They might believe they would gain a useful advantage, while not fully realising the danger the Archons represent."

He glances at the documents again, frowning, "Do you really believe they could destroy the Logrus?"

Senghiz picks up a sheaf of papers and starts sifting through them.

"I have no idea if they could really destroy the Logrus.  I am sure that they think that they can, and it is certainly possible could do a lot of damage trying.  I don't know the limits of their Broken God."  Roman rubs his beard.  "But then I'd have found it hard to believe that a sword could cut Logrus tendrils, before I saw it happen."

"Speaking of swords, there is a weapon that might be able to counter Broken God.  But it's well guarded by Archons."

That brings a sharp glance from Senghiz, "A weapon, you say?  That sounds useful.  Do you think you could get it if you had some help?  I might be able to persuade your grandmother to release some of the house troops to assist you."

He starts to pace back and forth, talking exitedly and gesturing with the sheaf of papers to emphasise his points...  "Imagine if somebody from Chanicut were to save the Courts from these creatures.  It would likely improve our standing among the other houses, and that would likely improve that person's standing in Chanicut.  And if somebody, such as myself were to sponsor that person, obtain resources for them, especially if few others are taking the threat seriously, then that sponsor's status would also be much improved."

A sudden stop, and Senghiz wheels to face Roman, "What do say, my boy?  Can you do this if I can get you some men-at-arms to accompany you?"

"it might be reachable, but it would require a specialised and strong force - capable of fighting the bladed Archons, at least.  I'd want some capable of dealing with the lightning Archons too." Roman answers.  "And we need to be able to tunnel through ice.  Any surface or air approach would be mobbed by an army of Archons."  He looks Senghiz straight in the eye "Nothing less would be even worth trying"

"Bah!  Is that all?" Senghiz asks, "I could do all of that myself, where I but half my age.  By the sounds of it talented shape-shifters and Logrus adepts would be ideal for the task.  If not for this irritating... Broken God, did you call it?"

"So you need somebody who would be able to do all of those things, and not have their abilities taken from them."

He ponders for a moment, then, "House Boisjolis has some new trading partners who might fit the bill.  I'm sure that, given their friendship with Chanicut, they can be persuaded to allow us access to the Khayoudh to negotiate some sort of military support."

Roman declines to point out that a Logrus Adeot might choose to take te power for himself.  Demon allies seem safer in that score, if they are trustworthy.  "Have House Boisjolis released much information on these Khayoudh?  I don't doubt their abilities, but commitment, courage and loyalty are important - as well as the matter of whatever payment they might expect."

"Better than that, boy.  I've met one of them, a couple of months ago.  They can fight, and that's for certain... " Senghiz replies, then adds, with a chuckle, "Your biggest problem might be getting them to stop.  Their parents raise them to avoid any signs of weakness, and their priests teach them that leaving the battlefield while an enemy still stands on it is a sign of weakness."

He ponders for a moment more, "Payment should be easy enough - they're a simple people who seem happy with the usual shiny metals and pretty stones, but Falmer Boisjolis told me a delightful tale about a group of Khayoudh mercenaries who had a choice between two employers.  One employer offered more pay, but the other had more interesting foes."

"The Khayoudh took the lower pay and the more interesting fight."

'An interesting fight, I can offer them" Roman replies.   "But the plan was for a hit-and-run raid.  Of course, if they don't mind going to near-certain death, that might not be a problem.  But tere are a lot of Archons on that world, and it's quite likely that they'll just keep coming until all the attackers were dead."

Senghiz tugs at his ear as he ponders Roman's words, "I see your point.  A force of berserkers might not be the best choice if you want to hit and run.  Hit and hit and hit again would be more their style."

He suddenly seems to notice what he's doing, and snatches his hand away from his ear with an irritated frown, "However, if all else fails... they might serve as a distraction while a small group from Chanicut escapes with the weapon."

"Although it might be better to recruit elsewhere.  As I said, I'm not entirely certain that I trust your grandmother at this point.  Either she has some scheme of her own, or somebody who has her ear has their own scheme.  In any case, she's been less than stable of late."

Then he looks at Roman, and smiles, "In fact...  What would you say to coming to stay at my home while we work something out?  It would take us away from Derris' direct influence, at least."

"Oh, I wouldn't mind them staying and dying if they wished it.  But I would hate to explain to a race of berserkers how it was that I managed to return while their kin did not." Roman replies with a wry smile.  "Some peoples have strange tastes - and all too often a regrettable tendency to expect others to share them."

Roman returns Senghiz' smile.  "I think that a quiet stay with my dear Uncle might be wise, it takes time to get up to spped with the political developments here.  And we have documents to study, without distraction"

"Splendid." Senghiz looks at the documents, spread out on the table, and starts to collate them into a single sheaf again.  "I'll speak to Derris.  Tell her that you've had a tiring journey and that I think a few days somewhere quiet will do you the world of good.  I believe she'll listen to me."

"I'll also tell her that we'll keep her informed of any conclusions we reach regarding the Archons, and how to deal with them.  It probably would not be a good idea to mention this weapon, as your grandmother would be just as likely to order it retrieved and used against certain of the other Houses."

True to his word, Senghiz speaks to Mistress Chanicut, and convinces her that Roman would benefit from spending a few days in a more peaceful location.  Within three hours, Roman is entering Senghiz's demesne.

Senghiz had not exaggerated when describing his home as "somewhere quiet".  Deep pile carpets and heavy velvet drapes, all in a dark bottle green, deaden all sounds.  The ceilings are high, lost in shadow, and there are no windows, save one, in the whole manse.  The two are met by one of the servants, who bows to the men before starting to flutter her hands in a complex sign language.

"Thank you, Ordeia, some tea would be excellent.  I believe we'll take it in the study."

The only window in the house is in the study.  Beyond it is a strip of ground, about three feet wide, and then the Abyss - infinitely deep, as far as anybody knows.  If there is a bottom to it, nobody has ever discovered it and returned to tell of the tale.

While they wait for the tea, they make the usual small talk, while gazing out of the window.  Only their reflections in the glass gaze back at them.  After the tea arrives, and Ordeia leaves them alone again, the conversation turns to the matter of the Archons.

"You mentioned a weapon, Roman.  But you didn't describe it's nature?"

Romn relaxes, noting Senghiz's care to choose servants who might find it hard to communicate with others.

How much to tell him ?  "The weapon takes the form of a crystalline sword, but it I have cause to believe that is capable of wielding massive amounts of energy. I have encountered shards of the sister-weapon and seen them deliver energies capable of hurting Archons - and, I am given to understand, negating Broken God fragments.  Sadly I was unable to obtain one of those fragments, but a complete weapon will make up for that misfortune."

Beyond the window a trail of fire slopes down the sky, fading as it drops into the Abyss.  Senghiz watches it in silence as he ponders Roman's description of the weapon.  Then, "Interesting."  He holds out his left hand, palm up, and a book simply appears resting in it.  It's a large, leather-bound volume, demon hide by all appearance, with hinges and clasps of iron.  Iron letters are set into the cover, glowing red hot and seeming to writhe and squirm.  Roman can see that they spell out the words, "Lux lucis in antiqua mysteria".

He opens the book and starts leafing through it, saying as he does so, "Of course, that might make things easier.  If the sword can injure Archons, then with luck all you need is for somebody to lay a hand on it, and fighting their way out will be easier.  Ah... here we are."

The page bears an illustration of a sword and a staff.  Both appear to be crystaline in nature and wreathed in some form of energy or flame.

"Could that be them?"

Roman looks more closely.  "Perhaps."  he states.  "The brother weapon was referred to as the Spear, which is not an exact match, but perhaps close enough. I shall need to examine the text, to be sure."

Senghiz passes the book to Romam, "By all means.  Take as long as you need.  As I recall the text describes it sometimes as a staff, sometimes a spear, and occasionally as a lance.  It doesn't seem to have a blade in this sketch, but perhaps the crystal is sharp enough to act as one, or the power within it acts as one."

"While you catch up on your reading, I'll see what I can do about raising you a small army of Khayoudh, or would you prefer me to find something a little more stealthy, if I can?  And I can send word to... "

He is interrupted by a gentle rapping at the study door, and the servant, Ordeia, hurries into the room again.  She makes a brief series of gestures, and Senghiz's face drops, "Well, that didn't take long.  There are some Chanicut soldiers at the door who want to speak to you.  They must have been sent almost as soon as we left."

So much for taking as long as he needs!  And now a choice.  With his dear grandmother acting strange it is possible that these men were sent to do ill.  But if they do not and he doesn't meet them, then it is all too likely that her suspicions will be aroused, and that a not-too-likely fear will become reality.

And so he goes to find out what these soldiers might want.

Senghiz follows Roman, after taking a few moments to conceal the documents.  Thus he is a short distance behind his nephew as Roman approaches the troops.  There are eight of them, armed and armoured, with Chanicut's crest clearly displayed on their surcoats.  Seven of them are in the entrance, while one has walked further into the room and is looking about the place.  His armour is more ornately decorated than that of the others.

Roman moves near, and the leader draws his sword, "Roman of Chanicut, you are hereby bound, in the name of Lady Derris of Chanicut, to stand down."

"What is this about?" Senghiz demands from a little distance off, "This is my home, and I have the ear of the Lady Derris herself.  You must treat her grandson with respect, or she will hear of it."

"My orders come directly from the Lady Derris, sir."  The officer's eyes snap back to Roman, "You are to accompany us back to House Chanicut immediately."

This doesn't really make a lot of sense.  "Perhaps you could explain the purpose of this." He answers, instinctively beginning to shift to demon form. "I see no reason for so many soldiers to be dispatched to ask me to return when I had barely departed the place..."

"You are to return with us, immediately, sir." the officer repeats, "This is a direct order from Lady Derris, and we do not question her orders.  If you do not come with us, we are authorised to use force to ensure your compliance."

Behind him, the rest of the troops fan out a little, and ready their weapons.  The officer gestures for Roman to walk out of the house, "Please come this way, sir."

"If you will pardon me, your story is somewhat difficult to credit.  Why would my dear grandmother give such orders ?  And so shortly after a pleasant visit with her, too ?" Roman answers.  "I believe that I must decline to comply until I have adequate assurance that you speak the truth."  He stpes back, with his hand on the hilts of Wormwood.

"We are not privy to her reasoning, sir.  We simply comply with her orders."  The officer steps back also, and lifts his own sword.  Lurid green flames appear and dance along the blade.  "If you do not stand down, we will be compelled to use force against you."

Behind him his troops ready their own weapons, four of them have spears, and the rest swords.

Senghiz raises his hands, "Please... this is my home."

"Nonetheless, sir, our orders are to bring him to the Lady Derris."

Roman looks to Senghiz for advice.  He's at least right that it is his home.  At worst he will provide a face-saving reason to go along with these men....

Senghiz looks at Roman and shakes his head, "If it were up to me, I'd go with them, were I in your place.  They wear Chanicut livery, and say they have orders from Derris.  If they have been sent by her, and you refuse to go, then she'll likely send a larger group, with orders to be less... polite."

He moves closer to Roman, "I'm sure it's nothing.  Derris likely forgot to speak to you of some matter and thought this the fastest way to call you back."  His hand comes up to rest on his nephew's shoulder, and he smiles reassuringly.

"I can imagine ways of obtaining livery." Roman mutters, not very content with Senghiz spoken argument.

More loudly, he states.  "Good Senghiz has persuaded me.  I will go."  Senghiz may as well get the credit, if this is real

The troops take Roman into... not exactly custody, though they do move to surround him at a respectful distance, and their commander leads the whole group out of Senghiz' home.  The documents, of course, remain safely ensconced in a drawer in the study.

A carriage is waiting, harnessed to a quartet of scaled grey creatures, not entirely unlike horses, and Roman is instructed to board it.  The team of beasts hiss and mewl like giant cats, and then set off, pulling the vehicle behind them.  Most of the troops walk behind the carriage, leaving Roman alone inside, while the officer rides alongside the driver.

Perhaps surprisingly, Roman finds himself taken back to House Chanicut.

He is escorted into a room, not one he recognises, and Mistress Chanicut is there alone, seated in a high backed chair.  She raises a hand and waves for the troops to depart.

When she and Roman are alone, she smiles at him, and says, "I'm sorry to call you back so soon, Roman but there is an urgent matter I must speak of."  A pause as she studies he grandson's face, "Tell me... what is your opinion of Senghiz?  Does he seem... normal to you?"

A bit of a tricky conversation, this.  Roman pauses a moment to consider how to respond.  Keep it diplomatic.  "I have been gone for a while, and I have only been back a short time.  But Senghiz seems much the same to me, as I remember.  Perhaps I might notice a difference in time..."

"I see." Derris continues to smile, but her expression does not match her tone of voice.  She rises out of the chair and walks forward, reaching out a hand to touch Roman's chest as she starts to circle around him.  Once behind her grandson, she leans close, and whispers, "You were always my favourite Roman.  The only one I ever trusted."

And she moves again, completing her circuit and starting back towards the chair.  Before she reaches it, she stops with her back still turned, and says, "Did Senghiz, dear Senghiz, tell you that he believes me mad?  Oh, he hasn't told me that in so many words.  How did he put it again?  Ah... yes... "  Her voice changes, becoming a passable imitation of Senghiz' own, "My Lady, I believe that the strain of recent events may be taking a toll upon you.  Tiring you, and impairing your judgement."

She turns then, her face a mask of fury, "Do you believe I am mad, Roman?  I have only the well-being of House Chanicut in mind!  I make alliances that will strengthen us, and Senghiz implies that I am weak, and foolish.  Do you believe him?"

Definitely uncomfortable!  Roman struggles to think of the words.  The unvarnished truth could be fatal.  Lying possibly worse!

"He, Ahhh, intimated some concerns with recent decisions." Roman says.  "For my part, I think it's only fair to...make my own observations before coming to a conclusion.  But I would never consider you weak, or even foolish". Well maybe foolish. Maybe

Derris lifts her right hand, spreading the fingers with the palm turned away from her.  She turns it this way and that, studying it closely.  There is a ring on her middle finger, which seems to have distracted her, absorbing all of her attention.

A smile, and after what seems like an age, still looking at the ring, she finally says, "My favourite, you see.  This is why... I can always rely on you to speak truthfully.  Senghiz fancies himself head of the House, you know?  Oh... he pretends otherwise, and makes no overt moves for the position.  But one day, and not too long hence, I shall die, suddenly.  And for some reason Senghiz will be seen as the best choice to replace me."

The hand is lowered, and balls into a fist, "He will, reluctantly of course, accept the position as leader of House Chanicut, and all that I have worked for will be undone."

"He thinks that I haven't seen the strings being pulled, the movements in the shadows, the wheels being set in motion.  He believes that I am unaware of the whispered conversations in locked rooms.  And he is certain that I know nothing of  the visitor who regularly comes to his home in secret.  Always they seek to interfere in the politics of the Courts!  Cursed Amberites!"

That last is almost a shriek, and she reaches out to grasp Roman's right wrist in a grip like an iron vice.  She lifts it and gazes at his hand, and her voice is quiet, calm, as she asks, "Roman, the best of all my grandchildren, would you kill Senghiz for me, if I asked it of you?"

To kill Senghiz?  Things ave gotten bad here.  Maybe coming back wasn't the wisest of moves.  But maybe there is a way out....  "I confess that Senghiz has been good to me, and I would find it difficult to kill him.  But if the Amberites are involved, maybe we should be careful?  They're devious.  They eat and drink conspiracy.  If you found out about the meetings maybe it was because the Amberite wanted you to find out - if it isn't one if their tricks.  Maybe they want Senghiz dead.  That's the problem of dealing with them, getting past all the deceptions."  Roman feels quite good about that.  Hell, it might even be right!

"My own allies told me of the meetings, Roman, my dear Roman."

Derris releases Roman's hand, "They witnessed two of them, from hiding.  Nothing can be concealed from them, and they are faithful to me, and I to them."  The Mistress of House Chanicut laughs suddenly, the sound broken, and with an edge of hysteria to it.  She moves back to her chair and sits, for gesturing Roman to move closer.

"Sit, Roman, sit."  There are other chairs in the room, but all are much lower than Derris', meaning that even seated she would tower over a sitting Roman.  She brushes the fingers of her left hand over one of the chair's intricately carved armrests, then lifts the hand to lick a drop of blood from a fingertip.

Apparently at least one of the carvings has a sharp edge on it.  Perhaps worryingly, she appears to enjoy the taste of her own blood.

"Senghiz has been good to us, yes, to all of us.  But I fear that time may be coming to an end.  I ask you again, Roman... If I asked you to do it, would you kill Senghiz?  For me.  The head of your House."

She cocks her head to one side, and smiles, as the silence stretches out.

Finally she laughs, and says, "Do you see, Sand?  He doesn't answer me.  he has doubts, I suppose.  Is that it, Roman?  Do you doubt me?  I command you to answer.  I am the leader of this House, soon to be ruler over the Courts themselves.  You would do well to speak when I command you to do so."

The air in the room seems to crackle, and sparks of red, blue and orange dance through her hair and around the tips of her fingers.

"Answer Roman.  Would you kill Senghiz, at my command, or do you doubt me?"

"Of course I have doubts!" Roman responds.  "How can I not ? To kill one of our own, on the word of outsiders ?  How can we trust them that far ?  Senghiz has always been loyal to the House.  How can we know that this is not part of their plan ?"

"Ah... "

Derris tilts her head down, studying her fingers, where a last spark still dances.  Whe she lifts her gaze again, her eyes are yellow and the pupils are cruciform, "I remember when you were young, Roman.  We would sit in this very room together, though it has changed since then, so perhaps you do not recognise it.  And we would talk.  I would tell you stories.  Do you remember that?"

"Always, at the end of the tale, you had questions.  You never could simply accept them.  You always had to ask where the hero went after the tale ended, or why the conquering army stopped where it did, or why the wandering princess was not devoured by a manticore...  Do you remember?

She turns over her hand, and the spark skips into her palm, and she enfolds it in a loose fist.  "You always had questions Roman.  And I see that you have not changed.  As always, I will do my utmost to answer them."

"Senghiz has been loyal to Chanicut, Roman.  But he has changed, while accusing me of changing.  I trust my allies, Roman, but they are not the only ones who have seen this.  I have seen it with my own eyes.  With each passing day I have seen him grow less and less reliable."

"That is why I do not trust him.  It is why I let you go with him, and then summoned you back.  I did not wish him to grow suspicious while he was here.  This way, we can talk, while he is far out of earshot."

"In what way is he less reliable?" Roman asks.  "If it is only a matter if aspiring to take your place - something I am not yet convinced of- that would be a matter of House politics, and one where killing would be a last resort.  And I must say that I found te manner of your summons back somewhat disturbing."

"He is conspiring with others, Roman.  Amberites and worse." Derris replies, staring at her fist as she speaks.

"I have allies who would support Chanicut and make us as strong as any House in the entire history of the Courts.  We would rule all.  One day, Roman, you might rule all.  You were always my favourite."  She opens her fist, turning her palm upwards, and the spark sits there still, like a tamed firefly moving in a slow circle in her hand.

"And Senghiz would destroy my allies.  Destroy the future of Chanicut.  The bright... " and the spark flares for a moment, "... future that I have been forging."

"Would you rule the Courts, Roman?  The sole king, with as much power and authority as the Amberite Random?"

"Join me, and that will be your destiny."

"To be King of Chaos as it is, or ruler of a poor remnant, surviving only because we would not be worth the effort it would take to destroy us." Roman answers quietly, voice deepened with concern.  "My Lady, there are creatures out there who would destroy the Courts, to remake the entire Cosmos to their desire, with no Logrus to inhibit them.  And I fear that they might have the power to do so - and if not they can cause great harm to us.  Are those the ones you call 'allies' ?"

"The ones that I would call allies are the ones that have shown that they can help Chanicut stand against our enemies.  The ones who would provide troops to back us when the other houses turn against us.  Chanicut will survive, even if I have to sweep all those houses into the Abyss."  There is a hard edge to Derris' voice.  An edge of barely restrained rage.

And then it softens.

"Do you have the papers with you, Roman?  I would be interested in seeing them now.  I am interested in seeing anything that might help Chanicut endure the coming storms."

"The Huse comes first" Roman murmurs, although he is far from sure how to follow that duty at this point in time.  "Your guards were most insistent that I return with them immediately.  I thought it better to leave the notes with Senghiz to study, rather than try your men's patience by demanding the time to gather them up.  I doubt that they would have permitted it, even had I asked."

"Sometimes people can be a little too... zealous... when it comes to following orders from those who hold the power of life and death over them."   Derris seems to be having trouble resisting the urge to smile at that thought.  She falls silent then, the tip of one finger tapping against her lip as she considers.

In the sudden quiet there is a faint whining sound in the room, like a mosquito hovering somewhere.

Derris' tapping finger stops, and her clenched fist hammers down on the arm of the chair.  "SILENCE!  Do not speak to me like that in my own House!  You need me as much as I need you!"

The spark reappears from behind her, growing brighter and larger, until Roman can clearly see that it is a small hoop of lightning.  Derris sighs, "This, Roman, is Zakkiel.  One of my allies, and an enemy of those who conspire with Senghiz.  Sadly, he has not learned to hold his tongue."
This message was last edited by the player at 14:11, Tue 02 Apr 2013.

Roman bows ironically.  "Zakkiel of the herenethi, might I ask who you serve, what aid you offer, and what price you ask?" he inquires.  Perhaps the Archon may offer something.
This message was last edited by the GM at 12:53, Sat 13 Apr 2013.

The Archon hesitates a moment, before answering, + WE SERVE ONLY OURSELVES.  IF YOU MEAN, RATHER, WHO WE CHOOSE TO ALLY OURSELVES WITH... WE ARE OF THE MALAKIM. +

+ WE DEFEND OUR PEOPLE FROM THREATS, WHETHER INTERNAL OR EXTERNAL.  THE SERAPHIM ARE AN INTERNAL THREAT, AS ARE THE NEPHELIM.  THEIR WAR SPREADS, PROPAGATING WAVES OF ENTROPY AND DESTRUCTION AMONG ALL ARCHONS.  IF YOU HAVE THE MEANS TO DESTROY ARCHONS IN NUMBERS, OR MORE OF OUR BREEDING WORLDS, THEN YOU REPRESENT AN EXTERNAL THREAT. +

+ WE OFFER SUPPORT, IN EXCHANGE FOR SUPPORT, BUT WE WILL NOT TOLERATE THAT WHICH WILL LEAD TO THE END OF OUR PEOPLE. +

Zakkiel circles around Derris as it speaks, + WE HAVE NOT REVEALED THIS BEFORE.  IT IS OUR BELIEF THAT NEITHER THE SERAPHIM, NOR THE NEPHELIM, MUST BE PERMITTED TO GAIN A FOOTHOLD HERE, OR IN AMBER, AND WE WORK, COVERTLY, TO PREVENT THIS HAPPENING. +

So, Chaos to be a Protectorate, forbidden from acquiring the power to defend itself Roman thinks, summing up the Archin's words.

Those thiughts, he keeps to himself.  "The Nephilim seem harmless enough.  The Seraphim, however seem to be a true threat.  What aid could you offer against them?  Your faction has not made itself known in the battles that I have heard of."

+ WE MALAKIM ARE NOT POWERFUL IN OUR OWN RIGHT.  WE COULD DO LITTLE IN OUTRIGHT BATTLE AGAINST THE SERAPHIM OR NEPHELIM, FOR EXAMPLE. + Zakkiel explains, + WE WORK, INSTEAD, TO UNDERMINE THEM.  TO HINDER THEIR AMBITIONS.  AS IN THIS CASE - WE LEARNED OF A PLOT BY THE NEPHELIM TO GAIN ACCESS TO THE COURTS, AND WE WORK TO PREVENT IT. +

+ IT IS IN CHANICUT'S INTEREST THAT WE SUCCEED.  IF THE NEPHELIM COME HERE, THEN THE SERAPHIM WILL COME TO CHALLENGE THEM.  THEY WILL FIGHT HERE, ON YOUR TERRITORY, AND THE DAMAGE WILL BE TERRIBLE. +

The Archon pauses for a moment, letting the words sink in, + WHILE WE HAVE LITTLE CONCERN FOR YOUR HOME, WE ARE CONCERNED ABOUT EITHER FACTION GAINING ENOUGH OF AN ADVANTAGE TO ANNIHILATE THE OTHER. +

+ SO WE OFFER AN ARRANGEMENT.  IF CHANICUT WILL ASSIST IN PREVENTING THE SERAPHIM AND NEPHELIM FROM BRINGING THEIR WAR HERE, WE WILL PROVIDE INTELLIGENCE ON THE HOUSE'S ENEMIES, AND SOME SUPPORT SHOULD BATTLE AGAINST THEM BECOME INEVITABLE. +

"If the Seraphim have no designs on our portion of reality, then your proposal would seem to have some value." Roman replies neutrally.  "I can see that this is a matter that requires careful consideration."

+ DO NOT CONSIDER FOR TOO LONG.  IT WOULD, PERHAPS, BE MORE ACCURATE TO SAY THAT THE ATTENTION OF THE SERAPHIM IS ELSEWHERE, FOR THE MOMENT.  YOURSELF, AND YOUR ALLIES, HAVE FORCED THEM TO CONCENTRATE ON THE FULFILMENT OF GOALS WHICH YOU HAVE, THUS FAR, OBSTRUCTED. + Zakkiel actually sounds impressed, but not for long.

+ THAT WILL ASSUREDLY CHANGE SHOULD IT COME TO THEIR ATTENTION THAT THE NEPHELIM ARE MAKING OVERTURES TO GAIN SOME MEASURE OF POWER HERE.  AND IT WOULD COME TO THEIR ATTENTION.  AFTER ALL, WE WERE ABLE TO DISCOVER THIS SCHEME, SO YOU MAY REST ASSURED THAT THE SERAPHIM, WITH THE RESOURCES THEY HAVE AT THEIR DISPOSAL, WOULD ALSO BE ABLE TO DO SO. +

Derris bangs her fist on the arm of the chair, "That is why Senghiz must die!"

+ NOT NECESSARILY.  IF THERE WERE SOME OTHER WAY TO FORESTALL HIS ALLIANCE WITH THE NEPHELIM, THEN THAT MIGHT BE SUFFICIENT. +

Interesting  "Senghiz has enough wisdom to understand the realities." Roman replies.  "And his death may not be the best solution."  He turns to the Archon  "If the Nephilim wish to gain influence here, a simple cutting off of contact with Senghiz would be a setback that they may seek to remedy by cultivating a replacement.  It may be better to stall, if that will be sufficient to keep the Seraphim away.  What do you say ?."

Zakkiel hangs silently, save for the quiet crackling of a million small lightning strokes.  Then, + YOUR POINT MAY HAVE MERIT.  WE ARCHONS ARE TENACIOUS, WE DO NOT SIMPLY GIVE UP AT THE FIRST SETBACK.  NOR THE SECOND. +

+ WOULD SOME OTHER COURSE OF ACTION SERVE TO DISCOURAGE SENGHIZ, AND OTHERS OF HIS ILK, FROM FURTHER DEALINGS WITH ARCHONS?  WE DO NOT KNOW - WE HAVE LITTLE EXPERIENCE DEALING WIRH YOUR PEOPLE. +

"And I know little of what would discourage an Archon." Derris replies, "Death, certainly... "

+ NOT NECCESARILLY.  AN ARCHON WITH REMAINING LIFE FORCES COULD SIMPLY ELECT TO FORM A NEW BODY. +

"Interesting.  Not death then."  Mistress Chanicut studies Roman, "What of you, Grandson?  What do you have to say?  You know of our people, and have had dealings with Zakkiel's.  Can you suggest a plan to end this situation?"

To Lady Chanicut, Roman says "The House would not benefit if some other were to ally with one of the stronger Archon factions.  If there were war between the Archons here, I do not think that the Seraphim would greatly respect our diagreements"

To Zakkiel he state "So long as Archons are seen as powerful enough to be useful allies, someone will choose to deal with them, if they can."

To both, he continues. "For now, from our side, it seems to e that a delaying tactic is best.  If we can persuade Senghiz to draw out negotiations, we may keep Nephilim involvement in this realm at a level too low to provoke Seraphim involvement.  Archon tenacity may work for us there.  From the Archon side, more might be possible.  Perhaps the Nephilim might be persuaded to abort their plans?  Do you know what they desire from an alliance, and how importantly they view secrecy?"

+ THEY SEEK AN ALLIANCE IN THE HOPES OF CONTROLLING THIS REGION.  DENYING IT TO THE SERAPHIM. + Zakkiel responds after a brief moment of thought, + AND THE COURTS ARE SIMPLY THE EASIEST WAY TO ACHIEVE THAT.  A PRESENCE IN THE COURTS GIVES THEM ACCESS TO THOSE NEIGHBOURING REALMS THAT ARE ALLIED TO THE COURTS.  BY REACHING AN ACCORD WITH SENGHIZ THEY HOPE TO GAIN THE BACKING OF CHANICUT, AND THE MOST DIRECT WAY OF ACHIEVING THAT WOULD BE TO ELEVATE SENGHIZ TO LEADER OF THE HOUSE. +

The Archon seems to grow restless, and starts to circle the room.

+ WE HAVE SEEN THIS APPROACH IN OTHER PLACES, USED BY BOTH NEPHELIM AND, OCCASIONALLY, SERAPHIM.  OFTEN THEY ARE SUBTLE - EVEN THEIR INTENDED ALLY MAY BE UNAWARE THAT THEY INTEND TO PUT HIM IN A POSITION OF RULERSHIP.  RIGHT UP UNTIL THE MOMENT WHEN IT HAPPENS. +

+ AND SECRECY WOULD BE IMPORTANT.  THEY DO NOT WANT THE SERAPHIM TO COME HERE BEFORE THEY HAVE A CHANCE TO GAIN THEIR ADVANTAGE. +

"So, the Nephilim might abandon their plan, if they believed that the Seraphim knew of it?" Roman inquires.  "It should be possible to convince them of that, the more so since a slain Archon reforms elsewhere.  If the Nephilim agents here were to be attacked by Archons, that they believed to be Seraphim, for instance?"

+ WE... + Zakkiel starts to answer doubtfully, then falls silent, as his lightnings seem to grow more agitated.

+ THAT... MAY WORK.  IF THEY BELIEVE THAT THE SERAPHIM ARE ALREADY HERE IN FORCE, THEY WILL NOT OPENLY CHALLENGE THEM, BELIEVING THAT THEY HAVE TOO STRONG AN ADVANTAGE.  WE HAVE SEEN THIS BEFORE.  WHEN ONE FACTION HAS A DECISIVE ADVANTAGE, THE OTHER DOES NOT ENGAGE. +

Zakkiel is circling the room again, moving in rapid bursts of frenetic activity. + THE SERAPHIM, UNDER HARBONAH, OUTNUMBER ANY OTHER FACTION.  IF THE NEPHELIM CAN BE CONVINCED THAT THE SERAPHIM KNOW OF THEIR PRESENCE HERE, AND HAVE THE STRENGTH TO DESTROY THEM, THEN THEY WOULD, IN ALL LIKELIHOOD, WITHDRAW. +

+ DESTRUCTION, WHILE NOT ALWAYS FATAL, IS NEVER ENJOYABLE. +

The Archon comes to a halt, hovering directly before Roman, and says, + TELL US OF YOUR PLAN. +

"To call it a plan would be stretching a little." Roman replies.  "But your forces could impersonate Seraphim, could they not?  And your intelligence would let you ambush and slay the Nephilim here?  And when those Nephilim reform and report, they should spread the message we wish."

+ A DANGEROUS GAMBIT, BUT ONE WHICH COULD PRODUCE SIGNIFICANT RESULTS IF SUCCESSFUL. +

+ WE MALAKIM ARE FEW, BUT IT WOULD SEEM LOGICAL THAT THERE ARE ONLY A HANDFUL OF NEPHELIM HERE, AT MOST, OR THERE WOULD BE MORE EVIDENCE OF THEIR PRESENCE.  WE CAN SUMMON MORE OF OUR ALLIES.  MORE THAN ENOUGH TO OVERWHELM THE NEPHELIM. +

Zakkiel seem excited by the prospect, and Derris gives Roman a smile (albeit a small one), "I told you my grandson could help."

"Roman, if this works, then Senghiz will owe you his life.  Success will mean that I will spare him, as a reward to you.  But know this... if he ever threatens my control of Chanicut again, then he will die, in the most slow and painful manner I can devise.  And I have had a great many years to consider these things."