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[Church V] Compendium V  March 1996-March 1996
                               Church & Plot
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Subject: [Church] Geod becomes more active

[Admin: This takes place the night after the encounter with Smith]

Geod sat in his room in the tower. He was recovering from the battle that
occured the previous night. Smith was a smart man and would keep the Church
on its toes. There was no doubt in Geod's mind that Smith would return. He
stood before the window looking out over Montfort. The moon was at it's
zenith casting a pale glow over the town. Street lights flickered in the
stiff breeze that whipped againt the buildings rattling windows. Every now
and then the wind would pick up and howl like a tormented soul.Geod spun on
his heels and moved to his desk. A few unread reports lie in neat pile. He
picked up the papers in his gaunt skeletal hand. He looked through them and
came across a report detailing the capture of three rebels. He would have o
pay them a visit. Geod stepped out of his room. He descended the spiral
staircase. He exited the tower and moved across the courtyard with a brisk
pace. The air was cold and damp. In the distance lighting lit up the bottom
of approaching thunder clouds. It had become habit for Geod to take
nocturnal walks. He hwaded to the main entrance of Montfort. Foreign Leigon
troops gave him wide bearth. News of him killing a FL Lieutenant had
quickly spread through the ranks of the FL like wild fire. Geod was soon
outside of town. He continued on for a while. One of the mass graves was
before him. He stood there for several long moments. He thought about
raising the dead to use as a militia, but he doubted Proctor John would
approve of it. Besides, the dead would most like turn on te Church so he
quickly dismissed the idea. He was about to turn back for Montfort when
screams of agony rosunded in his mind. Geod smiled. He loved the music
souls made when torn apart. He let out a loud laugh that ecohed about the
countryside. He knew it had to be Blayne. Geod's eyes blazed with building
anger. He was not happy that action was being taken againts the Refusers
without being informed first. He was not upset at Blayne's performance,
just the fact that he was the last to know what was going on. Geod raised
his arms and spoke some arcane words. In a brief flash he was gone.

He reappeared just outside the tower.He strode in to the the tower and
climbed the steps three at a time. He topped and moved down the corridor.
An Acolyte was emerging from his quarters as Geod approached. "You!" Geod
said in a booming voice. The Acolyte stopped and looked up at the towering
Lich shaking slightly. "Y...ye...yes your Emminence." Geod's eyes burned
with rage. "Tell Grand Inquistor Blayne I wish to see him in my office
immediately!" The Acolyte nodded and half ran half tripped down the
corridor to deliver the message. Geod entered his office, the door slamming
shut behind him with near shattering force. He crossed his room and stopped
before the window folding his arms behind his back waiting for Blayne.
--Chris Webb

After a brief time Grand Inquisitor Blayne entered the Deacon's office. 
He did not knock, Geod would know he was coming and the two were equals 
anyway.
--Phaedra Whitlock

Geod felt Blayne enter. He continued his vigil at the window. "Thank you
for coming."
--Chris Webb

He was obviously preparing to go out again and was mildly impatient with 
the Deacon's 'request', but he had his own questions for the Deacon. Now 
was as good a time as any to ask them.

"A good evening Deacon, is it not?" He said, joining Geod at the window. 
As always Geod felt a kinship with the night, and a small smile played 
about his lips as he recalled the banshee's screams again.

Such a one would be a priceless addition to his demesne, just as soon as 
he delivered Smith to Proctor John.
--Phaedra Whitlock

"Yes indeed it is. It is a shame that the sun must rise. May I ask you why
I have not been informed of you recent activities?" Geod folded his arms
across his chest and turned to Blayne. "I realize you answer only to
Proctor John, but I would like to know what is being done as well. I wish
to have a more active role in destroying the Refusers." He paused for a
moment as if chosing his words carefully. "Blayne, you have been quite busy
since your arrival in Montfort. It must be extremely tiring for you. You
should not do your tasks alone. What I am trying to say is that I should be
sharing your workload. I propose we work together. With our combined powers
none would stand long against us." Geod turned back toward the window. The
sound of baying Wolves could be heard in the distance."What sweet music
they make."
--Chris Webb

"There is a song. I heard it from a human bard when I was a vampire but 
have never forgotten it. The song was of a vampire who brought about 
eternal night. The death of the sun..." Blayne smiled into the darkness 
outside the window. "But I digress."

"Many times the wolves have been my only company in exile. I never tire 
of listening to them."

Blayne continued to stare out the window for a moment. It would look far 
better to Proctor John if he alone was responsible for bringing him a 
pacified Montfort, but failure was unthinkable. Perhaps if he let Geod 
assist him in some things and withheld others for now...

With an infinitesimal shift, Blayne's expression reverted back to 
a business-like mein. "What you say is true Deacon. I do not tire in the 
way you might think, but there are some in Montfort more powerful than I 
alone. I was going to speak to you after I reported to Proctor John in the 
morning, if he decided the time was right to take action against them."

In the darkened room Blayne's eyes slowly started to glow a dull red as 
he spoke. "There is a house of weavers who's wards I failed to break 
down. I know there is a banshee inside and that it was she who 
coordinates the ghosts that have plagued me ever since my arrival." He 
frowned recalling his failure. "If the Proctor agrees to condemn them as 
heretics we will both be required to attend and assist him as necessary."

"Some things do not require power, they require more subtle skills. 
Destroying a single Refuser will accomplish little overall, we must root 
out their entire network. One of our prisoners has told me the newspaper 
offices and this weavers shop have been assisting the Refusers. I have 
sensed others here and there in Montfort but have not been able to 
determine anything more yet."

"You were once one of them were you not? Perhaps you should seek out your 
old comrades."

Blayne relaxed against the wall negligently as he brought up his own 
question. His tone conveyed only amicable curiousity towards Geod.

"In the future I will attempt to keep you better informed Deacon, and in 
return perhaps you might do the same regarding political matters. I am 
only a weapon of the church after all, while you are one of the thinkers."
--Phaedra Whitlock


Suddenly from just outside the window a horse Laughter is heard 
by those inside the tower. The Window smashes open and through the 
now widowlesss hole a Vampire all in black appears. 

Still laughing he holds up Alabastor White hands to stop the two 
inside from releasing a powerful attack. 

"Please" His gravely voice kills there impulse to attack.
The stranger is marble white, his hair could only be described as 
coal black is startiling in it's contrast. From him rolls the power of 
a ancient Vampire. 

"My name is Raven." He says "And I never thought you'ld describe 
yourself as a non-thinker Blayne." HE laughs again. "The Blayne I 
know is a thinker that even Proctor John would fear."
--Nicholas Rodgers

Blayne checked himself before his claws could emerge. He recognized the 
man of course, the Inquisitor with Smith had shown Raven to him, but 
there were vast differences as well. Had she been taken in by an 
illusion? This one was certainly capable of it.

"Good evening Raven. To what do we owe the honor of your 'visit'?"
--Phaedra Whitlock








Date: Tue, 02 Apr 1996 12:02:47 -0800

> "Serme ete'rne'mistach, 'The Oath Eternaly Reforged' is a more apt 
> expression in this case Blayne," Replys Raven(V) as he completes 
>the ceromony, 
>
>> >     "To the Bond" 
>> > 
>> > After the little cermony Raven(v) asks Blayne to keep him off Proctor 
>> > Johns church list.
>> >     "I don't feel comfortable being a 'holy man' Blayne. Let it stand 
>> > with just you knowing that I work for you. Like the BlackSkulls, or 
>> > what ever their name is on this Plane."
>
>"Blackskulls. Have you overcome aversion to light Raven? Tomorrow at dawn 
>there is a ceremony I would like you to attend. Afterwards I shall 
>introduce you to my two wards and Captain Lattman with whom I will expect 
>you to work."

  "Yes Blayne, I overcame my aversion to light and would be pleased to meet Captain Lattman and 
the two you hold for turning, or have you turned them allready, again.

 "For now, you will go to the inn, stealthfully, and speak with Maeve, a woman there. 
  I am certain she can point out several for you. I will 
  expect a report by morning on what you have discovered about them."

 "That will be all for now. You will of course report to me each evening. 
 There ar things I will wish to discuss with you but not now. I have 
 business to attend to, as do you. Go now."

  Raven(V) bowed to Blayne to hide the flash of distaste that ran across his face at being 
ordered about like a common lacky but by the time he arose it was gone. Turning to the Window 
he called over his shoulder. 
   
  "I'll met you again at sunrise, at your offie, as I'm sure Geod would like his back."
   
  So saying he jumped out the window, and turned into a vampire bat, (with a 4 ft long wingspan 
and black as a shadow) and winged his way towards the Dragon's inn.
--Nicholas Rodgers



    Raven the Vampire winged his way towards the Dragons-inn his 
senses scaned the ground in a vain hope to pick up any emmanations of 
the mortal Raven of this plane. Seeing the Inn Raven (V) Swooped to 
the ground and changed back into his natural form. The now Man-formed 
Raven looked out of the alley and noticed .............
--Nicholas Rodgers















*****************
[Post B&S meeting]
*****************

Dalmanae prepared for bed by lying down on her cloak. She still watched 
Smith curiously though. 

"What happened at your meeting? Did you talk to the Republic people about 
the Resistance?"
--Phaedra Whitlock

I talked with them, and with Grand Inquisitor Blayne.  They're interested
in a cease fire...and, I'll go along with it.  The beauty of it is I'm not
even going to be in violation!  I'll be in full compliance with the 
provisions." <Smith chuckled> 
--Jack Smith

"What are the provisions?" she said looking at Raven. He was going to 
object no doubt.

Dalmanae pillowed her head on her arms. Lying on her stomach she was 
looking up at Smith, but then wasn't she always?
--Phaedra Whitlock

Smith replied "The Church agrees to quit trying to kill off the
dragons, and the dragons agree to strict neutrality.  Of course,
getting the dragons to agree to anything would take months.  And,
with the folks inside the Church already killing their allies in
the Republic, I expect those two to start fighting before it's all
over.  Like most cease fires where the underlying differences between
the various parties are unresolved...and the parties each feel they
can win an armed conflict...this one will break down. <Smith shrugged>
It's just a matter of time;  and probably not that long."

"Of course, the Church agrees to leave us alone, and we agree not to
attack the Churchies during the interim.  And, of course each side 
will simply prepare for the next stage."  <Smith grinned>
--Jack Smith

"Where did you learn magic Smith?  
--Phaedra Whitlock

Smith replied "My, you are full of questions tonight!  You might say
I learned from a couple of Dragons.  I wound up linking minds with
two of them...meaning that I 'remember' having wings as clearly as
I recall the first man I killed.  They knew magic, so I wound up
knowing it too..."
--Jack Smith

"That's interesting. As for questions, if I don't you'll keep dragging me 
around and not explain anything we're doing." She smiled, not overly 
bothered by Smith's methods because she understood them.
--Phaedra Whitlock

"However...as long as we're talking...why are you fighting the Church?
I doubt you're fighting for dragon-kind like I am...and you're not a
local."  Smith waited with interest...
--Jack Smith

"No, I'm not local. I'm a mercenary by trade usually but this whole 
Redeemer craze has been bad for business. They move in and declare peace, 
spread around the incense and suddenly noone's interested in starting a 
little war or hiring mercs. There is a resistance sometimes, but they're 
usually losers and poor to boot."
--Phaedra Whitlock

Smith chuckled "Yeah...and amateurs."
--Jack Smith

"Church doesn't like hiring "my kind"," her lips quirked into a smile, "so 
I've been wandering around looking for a place to do some work. Thought 
I'd rest up here in Montfort and there you were out by that pond. 
Decided to listen in and, well, the church is spreading faster than I can 
travel Smith. You had the best operation I'd seen so far so I decided to 
give you a shot. Couldn't hurt and who knows," her delicate mouth 
twisted into a wry smile, "maybe afterwards somebody'll remember me and I 
can get back to being paid for this stuff."

She smiled, pleased, at Smith. "I'm glad you asked me that question, I 
was getting worried about you." 

"So, now that you've got yourself a deal with the Church Smith, what 
about me and Raven here? Are we part of the deal or just you, and how are 
you planning to break it without breaking it?"
--Phaedra Whitlock

Smith smiled and replied "You're part of the resistance cell, so the
cease fire would apply to you...if you want to admit being part of
it.  You could just deny that you were involved, since I don't give
out names.  Naturally, I don't abandon team members.  And, I don't
even have to break the agreement;  you'll see in a few days that
what we did will take care of Montfort, and the Church as well.
You being a mercenary, there might even be some serious money in
the deal for you...Raven too, if he's interested."
--Jack Smith

"That's good to know. I'll keep my eyes open. What about you though, 
with your house gone you could use some money too."
--Phaedra Whitlock

Smith chuckled and replied "Oh, money is not that big a problem."
<Smith folded his hands and looked heavenward, a pious look upon
his face> as he said "The Redeemer will provide."  Grinning, he
continued "He really does, too.  While I was up North, I dressed
like an Inquisitor, then went in and robbed towns and banks.  I
did it in the name of the one true god, Proctor John.  The Redeemer,
at least, according to what I told them, is just a fake.  They were
most generous.  And, I'll probably let them be generous again.
If you two would like, we can spread some serious hate and discontent
up there...if the cease-fire were to happen to fail." <Smith chuckled>

Dalmanae grinned. "Redeemer forbid...."
--Phaedra Whitlock

"By the way...I'll probably be spending some time with Blayne.
I don't trust him a bit more than he trusts me, but I imagine
we each want to find out some things about each other.  Tell
me...him being an elf, like yourself...are there any issues I
should be aware of?  Things that are particularly irritating
to elvenkind...or particularly pleasing?  As long as Blayne and
I are acting like we're friends, I may as well try to be charming."
<Smith smirked>
--Jack Smith

"May as well." She grinned. "Elves are usually pretty easy-going 
about things if they've been around humans, no offense, for long. 
Your race and all the others can be kind of irritating."
--Phaedra Whitlock

Smith grinned...he could certainly agree that people could be
irritating.  
--Jack Smith

She started ticking items off on her fingers. "First, we can see 
in the dark just fine so its very annoying when someone lights 
up a lantern without warning. Takes a minute for our eyes to 
adjust and I at least don't like it. No high pitched noises either."
--Phaedra Whitlock

Smith leaned forward with keen interest and said "Really?  I hadn't
even thought about that.  I'll be sure to keep those in mind."
--Jack Smith

Dalmanae looked up startled, then her expression hardened. "Just remember 
*I'm* an elf too, *AND* I'm on *your* side. No 'friendly fire' Smith."
After a moment to see if Smith understood Dalmanae relaxed and continued.
--Phaedra Whitlock

"Blayne and I are both Grey elves. That might not mean much to 
you but it will to him. We are on average smarter than any other 
type of elves." She grinned again. 
--Phaedra Whitlock

Smith nodded and replied "Another good point.  So, my esteemed
opponent is nobody's fool."
--Jack Smith

"Est-ce que tu parle Quessir Smith?"  ["Do you speak elven Smith?"]
--Phaedra Whitlock

"Er titta, silda Dalmanae." ["Only a little silver-gleam Dalmanae."]
He chuckled...it was a good thing Red had learned a few words back
some centuries ago...
--Jack Smith

"Hmmm." 

Dalmanae slowly returned to her list, but occasionally she would smile 
for no reason.
--Phaedra Whitlock

"Since you're going to be eating with him, most elves like 
lighter foods. We're not used to the heavy, bland cooking found 
in mess halls and most human inns. Sweet things like honey and 
ripe fruits instead of fatty meats with gravy." She wrinkled 
her nose in disgust. "Being a vampire Blayne might like red 
meat though. You'd have to ask him. Not all elves are alike and 
anything I tell you might not apply to him."
--Phaedra Whitlock

Smith nodded as he considered mess hall cooking;  better than
rations, but hardly haute cuisine!
--Jack Smith

"He's not an elf any more Smith, and he's likely been apart from 
the People for a long time." 

"He's also dangerous. Since you're not taking us with you, what 
kind of back up are you going to use?"
--Phaedra Whitlock

Smith grinned and replied "There is some risk, but I've got a
few surprises yet.  PJ thought he could control me, but he
turned out to be wrong.  I committed suicide rather than align
myself with him...but, as you can see, I'm very much alive."
--Jack Smith

"If anything goes wrong, what do you want us to do?"
--Phaedra Whitlock

Smith nodded and replied "Evade.  Give me a week...if I get myself
killed or captured, and if I can contact you,  I will.  If I can't, buy a 
bottle of something good, and think about me."
--Jack Smith

For a minute Dalmanae studied her interlaced fingers. Business was 
business, but unlike Raven she'd miss Smith if he didn't show. 

"Bon chance Smith." ["Good luck Smith"]
--Phaedra Whitlock













Subject: [Church/Plot]Blayne & Smith's bowling night



After Smith conversed with Proctor John an acolyte led him downstairs to 
the Courtyard where Blayne stood speaking, giving a few last instructions 
to Captain Lattman concerning the newly arrived Blackskulls. Both men 
turned to greet Smith as he approached. 

"Captain Lattman, this is Smith of who you have heard. Smith, this is 
Captain Lattman, newly arrived from the North." Blayne had of course 
briefed Lattman on the church's ultimate plans for Smith. Proctor John 
and his Grand Inquisitor expected Vincent & Company to arrive any day now.

Introductions over with, Blayne dismissed Lattman and swung into the 
saddle of his horse, a roan steed suitable for his rank and temperament 
for it didn't seem to notice Blayne's true nature as some did.

A second horse was led forward for Smith and with a glance at the 
lowering sun Blayne rode out of the gates with Smith. Surreptitiously he 
ground the edge of his gauntlet into his thigh. The sharp pain helped him 
somewhat, but the urge to Feed was becoming very strong indeed.

"How did the meeting go Smith? Will you accept Proctor John's offer?"
--Phaedra Whitlock

Smith shrugged and replied "I don't know, to tell you the truth.  It's
not a bad deal...and I don't have any problem with Church doctrine
as long as they don't try to impose any particular constraints on me...
but unless the people of Montfort grow a backbone, you won't have
any need for my skills.  And people like me aren't very popular in
peacetime."
--Jack Smith

"Surely you are aware of the war going on elsewhere Smith. Your skills 
would be very useful to the Church. As for peace, should such a thing 
ever occur there will be no need for Grand Inquisitors either."
--Phaedra Whitlock

Smith grinned and replied "About the only thing I believe in is the
old saying...'your mind is your most important weapon'.  So if I
were helping the Church out..on a contract basis...I wouldn't have to
sing in the choir, now would I?"
--Jack Smith

Blayne chuckled. "No. Not unless you wanted to."

Conversation served to distract him during the short trip to the edge of 
Montfort and the Chadwick road. With the sun set and daylight fading to 
grays Blayne's eyes started to glow red with infra-vision, and something 
else besides. His lips twitched at the fleeting scent of a bird roosting 
for the night. Blood....

"Your companions who are now bound by the accord, tell me of them. It 
would be a shame to accidentally attack one by mistake."
--Phaedra Whitlock

Smith replied "Well, there are only two, really...both outsiders.
One is an elf named Dalmanae;  she knows her way around a
battlefield.  Raven is capable, but he's got a real hangup about
undead...show him a vampire or a wraith, and he starts getting
upset.  He doesn't like the Republic much either.  I guess that's
one reason I don't have a problem with a peaceful settlement with
the Church.  The Montfortians are a bunch of sheep...they deserve
what they get."
--Jack Smith

"Very true. Strange to know that Raven himself will become a vampire." 

In truth Blayne cared little right now. Dalmanae and all other living 
creatures were a source of life to him. It had been a mistake to go without 
for so long. A mistake soon remedied.

"Over the next rise is where a group of bandits have taken to attacking 
travellers." Blayne's lips curled into what might have been intended as a 
smile but came out more sinister than jovial. His crimson eyes were fixed 
ahead of him on the road and the hill. "I thought you would not mind if 
our 'game' served a purpose as well Smith." 
--Phaedra Whitlock

Smith grinned and replied "Sure, why not?"
--Jack Smith

"I prefer the direct approach. And you?"
--Phaedra Whitlock

Smith grinned and replied "No magic, then?  Just face to face?
For that, I like to be a bit more subtle.  Wait until they go
to sleep, then take out the sentries...go into the camp...kill
all but one, and let him wake up next to a corpse.  They tell
their friends, which is good propaganda;  assuming they don't
go insane."

"I'll tell you what;  why don't we each choose a sentry.  Whoever
makes the quickest silent kill wins the round.  Loser of the round
puts 10 Gold into the orphans' fund."
--Jack Smith

"Done. Shall we proceed then?"

Blayne dismounted and tethered his horse off the roadside in a stand of 
trees. In the dark woods he seemed to somehow merge with the leafy 
shadows, an elven trick he had perfected a very long ago.

Circling the bandits campsite they locaed two sentries on guard. Smith 
went one way and Blayne the other. 

Once Smith was out of sight Blayne transformed into vapor and drifted 
silently towards his target. It wasn't magic, not to him anyway. He 
reformed behind the studded leather clad bandit and with a quick gesture 
clamped a steel hand over the bandit's mouth to pick him up off the ground. 

Tilting the man's head sideways Blayne sank his fangs into the bandit's 
now exposed neck he drained the man dry. A final lick closed the tiny 
wounds as if they had never been. Blayne eased him to the dewy ground 
and glided silently through the trees into the Clearing. 
--Phaedra Whitlock

Meanwhile, Smith was doing his own sentry removal effort.  Moving
quietly was easy enough...that was one of the first things you had
to learn in 'wet operations'...and he knew how to move against the
shadows of the trees to avoid detection.  He tossed a pebble to make
the man turn, then slipped his wire garrote over the sentry's head.
In a carefully practiced turn and twist, he crossed the handles of
the garrote over while lifting the man on his back.  The enemy's
own weight pulling down crushed the windpipe, but not a sound emanated.
The beauty of such an attack was that the arteries that carried blood
to the brain were also crushed, so the guard quickly went unconscious.
The only problem with the wire garrote was that it sliced into the
flesh, getting Smith rather bloody....
--Jack Smith

Smith emerged at nearly the same time he did to Blayne's amusement. He 
waved his hand in an arc, pointing to the nearest bandits and himself, then 
at the other half the camp and Smith. He smiled lazily and raised an eyebrow. 

Blayne crossed the glade to the nearest of his targets. The half-elf snored 
peacefully until Blayne's mouth closed over the man's throat.... 
--Phaedra Whitlock

Smith grinned as he went to work.  A man slept peacefully, and Smith
knelt, then with a practiced move put his hand over the mouth, lifted
and twisted the head.  A barely audible snap from the victim's neck
was the only sound.  So Blayne was a vampire...funny, he didn't
*_act_* like a tax collector!  Smith reminded himself to use that
joke later...

Smith pointed to a tent and went inside with Blayne following. 
Two men slept, side by side...Smith pointed to himself, and one
of the two.  Again, each did a silent kill.

As the night wore on, with 5 kills to each of them, they entered
a tent with three men.  Blayne had finished, and Smith had broken
his target's neck...unfortunately, the victim's leg twitched sharply,
which woke the third bandit.  The bandit gasped, and lunged toward
Smith with a dagger....
--Jack Smith

Blayne turned from his kill to see how Smith was faring. The bandit's 
gasp alerted him and without thinking he MOVED into the path of the 
attack. Grabbing the bandit's arm he calmly broke it with an audible snap 
and outcry of pain from the bandit.

The dagger fell unheeded to the ground as Blayne jerked the man towards 
him. The bandit's chest expanded as he prepared to scream a warning. 
Holding his prey by the bandit's broken arm Blayne punched through the 
man's lean, rat-like face with his other. 

Blayne's expression of mingled distaste and moderate hunger was a far cry 
from the blood splattered all over the insides of the tent and dripping 
from his clothes. It took a minute to shake the corpse loose from his 
arm, and while he did he looked at Smith to see if the man was unharmed.
--Phaedra Whitlock

Smith shrugged and moved his lips silently, forming the words "Your
round".
--Jack Smith

The camp remained quiet, no one responded to the deathcry of their mate 
and so Blayne and Smith returned to their game. Six more bandits died 
without mishap. By Blayne's count there were only five left.
--Phaedra Whitlock

The two went toward the last tent...clearly, the leader's tent.
Cautiously, they entered;  Smith, at least, was a blood splattered
mess;  his clothing would need replacement, that was certain.

Inside were 4 remaining bandits, the leader, and three guards.  
Two of the bandits died silently, and Blayne and Smith prepared
to deal with the leader and the last guard.  For no discernable
reason, the man awoke...and seeing the two blood splattered apparations
before them, he yelped in surprise as he drew his sword.  Unfortunately,
he was closer to Blayne...Smith cursed his rotten luck.

The noise also awoke the leader, who reached under the furs he slept
upon and drew a sword with a distinctive bluish glow.  The sword began
arcing toward Blayne, as Smith raised his hands and unleashed a
cascade of life-force draining lightning.  It was time to send
Yewliah a snack anyway, but it was too bad he had needed to use magic.
As Blayne finished off the guard, Smith shrugged and said "Looks
like you win the game."  The leader lay upon the ground, his face
reflecting the horror of his death, and the sword badly melted from
the interaction of magics upon it.
--Jack Smith

Blayne nudged the sword with the toe of his boot. "My thanks Smith."
--Phaedra Whitlock

They then went to the last tent, and inside was a youth, little
more than a boy.  Judging by the contents, the lad could have 
been the leader's son;  but the answer was not at hand, and not
particularly relevant either.  Smith held up a finger to Blayne,
asking for a pause, then entered the leader's tent again.  He used
one of the guard's swords to chop off the head, then propped the
leader's decapitated body up on a tree.  A bit of twine sufficed
to bind the head such that the leader held his own head in his
hands.  Smith chuckled...that was an old Psyops trick that generally
kept the enemy stirred up.

He whispered to Blayne "Let's leave the kid to find out he's the
only survivor, unless you need a snack...I could use a trip to the
Inn for a meal.  I always enjoy a meal after an operation.  Since
you won, I'll buy;  and we can say hello to Fawn."  Smith grinned.
It was apparent that Smith knew Blayne was a vampire, and could not
possibly have cared less.
--Jack Smith

For that Blayne was oddly grateful. It was always an annoyance when the 
living found out what he was. Many promising relationships had been 
ruined by premature revelations.

He grinned, not bothering to hide the fangs this time. "Children are 
useless to me. Let us go."
--Phaedra Whitlock

Soon the two were back in town;  Smith, splattered with the blood
of quite a few bandits, and still on an adrenaline high, stepped
into the Inn and said "Hey Fawn, what were you wanting to tell
me about being a traitor?  Look, I'll lend you an ear!"  And with
that, Smith placed a couple ears he had 'harvested' in the operation
upon the table.  A townsman who looked on with a mixture of disgust
and nausea earned only a smirk and a chuckle from Smith...who ordered
a healthy breakfast.

He commented "Blayne, that was good.  I haven't had that much
fun in a long time.  If you have a slot open on your next operation,
give me a call!"
--Jack Smith

"I will Smith. It was a pleasure."

Blayne slapped Smith on the shoulder and then left the inn for the 
Church. Sated at last he felt *good* for the first time in weeks. Visions 
of Politi mages burning alive in their house brought a pleasant smile to 
his blood flecked lips. Life was good.
--Phaedra Whitlock










Back in Montfort Raven turned to Dalmanae and ask her

"So do you know of anybody we could meet who's still in the 
resistance?" 
--Nick Rodgers

Dalmanae shrugged and looked slightly sheepish. "I'm afraid not. Just the 
banshee woman and the dragon."
--Phaedra Whitlock

"I suggest we better find out what the other groups are doing."
--Nick Rodgers

"True. How do you suggest finding them? If they were obvious I'd know 
where they were, and so would the Church."

She frowned and said, "Let's table this for now and go back to town. we 
never did scout around and I think we could both use some pampering. We 
can get a room at the other inn and wait for word from Smith. Get some 
hot baths, clean clothes and more sleep and then go looking for Morrighu 
or Shan when we're rested."
--Phaedra Whitlock

"What about your pet ghost?" Raven looked hard at Dalmanae. 
"Didn't we send him off to contact the other cells?"
--Nick Rodgers

"My ghost?" Dalmanae stares at Raven in confusion. "If you mean the one 
that took me to Agnes' house, I haven't seen him since we came here. 
He's probably looking for the banshee or us, one or the other, if he 
didn't decide to lie low for awhile."
--Phaedra Whitlock

"I agree about heading to the other inn. Since Hugh has 
collaborated we need an Inn where we're not so well known. However!" 
Raven grins "I don't think I need pampering! Nor do we need to wait 
for Smith before we go scouting for Morrighu or Shan." 
--Nick Rodgers

"Have it your way, but I want a bath and some clean clothes. Once we get 
a room we can use it as a rendezvous point in case of emergencies and 
then go looking for everyone." So saying Dalmanae set off down the street 
towards the other inn.
--Phaedra Whitlock

Raven looked after Dalmanae and frowned. "Smart ass bitch!" He 
whispered to himself. He headed off after her. "I was only trying to 
be friendly. She definitely needs to loosen up." Dalmanae had reached 
the Inn she was heading for.

"You Paying?" Raven asked cheekily, Though with his voice he 
really couldn't sound cheeky. [admin: :)] 
--Nicholas Rodgers

Dalmanae glanced coolly Raven's way. Her disdainful airs were compromised 
however by a smile that threatened her decorum. "I heard what you said about 
me Raven. I should make *you* pay." she shrugged and the smile took over. 

"I'll make you a deal. Let me have a bath and some hot food and then 
we'll do it your way, alright? I've been on the road a long time and I'd 
*really* like to just relax, if only for a little while. Please?"
--Phaedra Whitlock

Letting Dalmanae lead the way he let her make the arrangements. No point 
in him doing anything. He was trying to figure out how to contact the 
others in the resistance. Maybe painting the resistance rules and the next 
days date.

"Damn. I should paid closer attention to how to contact other 
resistance cells." He whispered to himself again. He looked around 
for inspiration. But all he saw was a sign pointing to the baths.
Shrugging he left Dalmanae to her own devices and went in.
--Nicholas Rodgers

Dalmanae let Raven wander off into the baths and turned back to the desk 
clerk. With a small donation to the man and a lie about her 'brother', 
Dalmanae would be forewarned should he leave the bath rooms. 

She went straight upstairs to their room and locked the door. The ruse 
about the baths was only to get privacy. She *had* to report in.

Unfortunately it was too late to arrange an ambush of Smith's 'wagon'. 
After summarizing the very strange day spent visiting granaries and 
dusting crops, and requesting an un-uniformed Inquisitor keep watch on 
Raven to make sure he didn't leave the inn, Dalmanae broke the rapport with 
Blayne. 

With a groan of relief she collapsed full length on the bed. The Golden 
Griffon was the most expensive place in town but the beds were wonderful. 
Remembering she was supposed to be bathing Dalmanae left a note on the 
door for Raven and ducked into the bathing rooms herself. 

A hurried bath later Dalmanae emerged still damp but clean. She placed an 
order for room service delivery and went to find Raven.
--Phaedra Whitlock

Raven refreashed from the hot bath walked up to the room Dalmanae 
had got. Seeing the Note he decided to go for a walk. To stretch his 
legs and scout arround. 

Walking outside he noticed that the people were acting 
differently now, then when he had first arrived in the town. They 
looked scared, alot of them looked like they wished they were 
somewhere else. Raven suddenly relised that he was near the 
Dragon's Inn. Out the front where an inappropriate amount of F.L. 
troops that were trying to look like they were just hanging arround 
and failing. 'Probably looking out for resistence members' Raven 
thought. He was about to walk away when he saw Smith & "BLAYNE!" 
walk out of the Inn, looking very chummy. Stooping down as if 
attracted to something on the ground, Raven kept his face hidden from 
them. 'I don't know what Smith's up to but I hope he knows what he's 
doing.'  As the two walked away a Sergent in the F.L with two cronies 
walked up.

"Hey! No loitering." Raven stood up slowly and stared into the 
sergents face.

"Or What!?" He growled. The sergent looked up at him in surprise. 
It was the same sergent that stoped Smith from blowing up that 
family. And recogniseing Raven The sergent suddenly relised he was 
treading on thin ice. 

"Oh nothing!" The sergents voice droped to a whisper. "Doing some 
work for the Company HUH!" Nudgeing Raven's ribs.

"That's right." said Raven "Actually I've got a job for you and 
your two men." Raven spoted a dark alley nearby, "Come with me could 
you." 

He lead the three men into the alley.

"This is really important." he said to them. "Your going to have 
to swear on my blade that what I tell you wont be repeated. If you do 
theirs a hundred gold pieces in it for each of you."

The sergent's and those of his cronies eyes lit up with greed. 
"Oh we'll swear." They corused.

Raven pulled out his Scimitars. "Good!"

Swish, swish. the two thoats of the cronies spit open.

The blades of Ravens scimitars landed on the shoulders of the 
Sergent. Raven leant forward.

"We're working for the resistence" and swept his blades back. The 
sergents head fell backward, joined to his body only by flap of skin.

Looking down Raven relised he was now covered in blood. 

"Shit!" He took off his cloak and wiped as much of the blood 
off as possible. "Sorry you don't get the Hundred gold peices 
sergent. YOU forgot to swear."

Realising that He had to get clean Raven took alleys back to the 
Golden Lion. Wraping his cloak arround him he rushed back to the 
Baths and cleaned up again. When he walked out again he went to the 
clerk behind the desk. 

"You didn't see anything unusal did you." Raven passed the man 
one of his smaller emeralds that he had in a poach.

"No sir. you've just been out for a walk." 

"Good, now don't change that story or i'll came back and take 
back that emerald." Raven's hand strayed towards one of his swords.

The clerk blanched. "No sir!" he squealed. 

Raven walked back up to the room in which Dalmanae was in. 

He knocked "You in there"
--Nicholas Rodgers

Dalmanae pulled open the door and smiled at her fellow Resister.

"I ordered lunch in case you were hungry. For someone not interested in 
luxuries you were certainly in the bath a long time."

Dalmanae whirled away in a flutter of pale pink silk. Her hair was still 
pinned up, but a few tendrils had escaped to feather around her face. 
Obviously the stop had done her good. 

"I hope you like what I ordered for you."
--Phaedra Whitlock










[Dalmanae]
Dalmanae looks thoughtfully at her plate, visibly thinking over angles,
although not the ones Raven might think. "I think I could play an
Inquisitor yes, but my height... I'm a bit short for the job. [She is
4'3"]

"I could pose as a Mageguard, dont they carry documents and stuff around?
There are often some at the inn with the Inquisitors."

She smiled at Raven and then began working on the repast before her,
wondering if Smith was going to make an appearance soon.

"Smith could tell us if the church people carry special documents,
hanging around Blayne surely he must know. If not he can certainly ask."

"Would you prfer to scout out targets tonight or this afternoon?"

[Raven]
" We should not count much on Smith any more." Raven said a bit
sternly "He is one that makes the most of any plot. We should go wait
near the Inn and see if we can find some likely canditates this
afternoon. Hopefully we can find some and see what's inside that
church dungeon tonight." Raven finishes eating and gazes aprecitedly
at Dalmanae.

"Mmmm. Don't change just yet. We might need to use that body of
yours as bait if we find some likely canditates. To that end I sugest
we don't be seen together. When were close to the Inn will part
company. You go a head and when you see some likely targets coerce
them to follow you back here. I'll try and get here before you and we
can take them out in here. That way there'll be no prying eyes. Will
search them and change into their clothes. How's that sound to you?"
Raven askes expectantly as little fuss as possible.

[Dalmanae]
She preened slightly as she peeled an orange into sections.

"I think I could do that, yes."

Her lavender eyes raised to meet his. "I was beginning to think you
hadn't noticed me Raven."

[Note: We are in a private room at the Golden Griffon]

[Smith]
Smith, having finished a short but pleasant meeting with Proctor John,
strolled over to the Inn where his co-conspirators were waiting.  Seeing
the two talking, he walked over and said "Hello Dalmanae...Raven.  It
was a good meeting.  And, you'll be glad to know that we have a peaceful
settlement...<Smith grinned> for the present."

After ordering a snack, he continued "Raven, I'm convinced you're
right about Blayne...that he's a vampire...while I was over at the
Dragon's Inn, Fawn showed up and denounced me as a traitor to the
resistance, while calling Blayne a...let's see, what did she call
him?...a 'thrice cursed vampire lord'.  Good conversationalist,
though."

"Anyway, you two need to avoid eating any grain products for awhile.
You remember that powder we spread?  It was a fungus...kills the
plants, and poisons the grain in storage.  We're going to have a
bit of famine in Montfort, and that always gets people upset.
<Smith grinned>.  Hungry people revolt.  Well fed ones don't.
Of course, we spread the stuff before the peace agreement, so
we remain in technical compliance with the agreement."  <Smith grinned>.

One of the local people seemed to overhear what he had just said,
and Smith looked toward him, smiled, and commented "How's the
family?"  For some reason, the fellow seemed disturbed by the
innocent phrase.

[Dalmanae]
Dalmanae looked down at the half eaten orange in her hands. "Does it
affect fruit?"

[Smith]
He leaned back, a very satisfied look on his face, and continued
"I made sure the Presidente' knew, so his troops are protected.
And, between the Church and the Republic, some of Montfort's people
will live well enough...and, there's always a black market, so the
rich will continue to eat...but the poor, and the ordinary folk will
starve, and see their children starve. And, they'll watch others
eating.  One of two things will happen;  either they'll revolt
or they'll be broken.  Not that I would foment rebellion, you
understand...I intend to remain in compliance with the agreement.
You should too.  And, if the Church falls...<Smith grinned>...it's
certainly not my fault.  On the other hand, if the Church wins,
my hands are clean."  Smith took a drink of fruit juice, chuckled,
and said "I love it when a plan comes together!"

Leaning closer to Dalmanae he added "It reminds me of an operation
back in the good old days.  There was this country where the ruler
had turned into a liability.  So, we kept encouraging him to build
up his army, his palaces, all that sort of thing.  He actually told
his people they were too fat!  Then, with a crop problem here, some
well placed rumors there...a bit of soot in some loaves of bread..
the country exploded just long enough for our man to kill the old
ruler, get himself proclaimed the 'savior of his people' and take
over.  It was classic!"

[Dalmanae]
She grinned appreciately. It was indeed classic.

[Smith]
"Oh...Raven...I almost forgot.  You know the boys in the Committee
for Republic Security?  I talked to one of them a little while ago.
They asked me to pass on a little message they thought you might
find interesting.  Three legionaires wound up getting killed in
an alleyway not far from here.  So, nine hostages are being hung
by the neck until dead tonight.  Reprisals, you see..." <Smith
smiled peacefully>

"Anyway, I'm glad to stay neutral for awhile.  I always was a peace
loving fellow!"  <Smith grinned>
--Jack Smith


[Dalmanae]
Shortly Raven left and Dalmanae found herself completely alone with 
Smith. And unable to act due to a lack of orders regarding the 
situation.  She smoothed an errant wisp of her fine, silver hair back 
from her face, only partially concealing the smile that would not go away.

It wasn't the first question that came to mind but she asked it 
anyway. "Smith, do you ever sleep?"

[Smith]
Smith (who wasn't blind, despite the sunglasses) replied "I try to
keep it to a minimum when I'm working...but when there isn't a mission,
I try to make up for lost time.  You know, a glass of elven Strawberry
Champagne might be good.  Care to join me?"  As he looked into her
purple eyes, he commented "I've always heard that elvenkind were
possessed of particular beauty.  That's certainly true in your case...
Dalmanae...

[Dalmanae]
Pleasantly surprised and very pleased, Dalmanae smiled and accepted. 

"To lost time...?", and making the most of it she thought, realizing 
that without orders she was perfectly free to do as she pleased, and what 
pleased her now was Smith. 

She linked her fingers together and rested her chin on them, gazing into 
her reflection mirrored in Smith's sunglasses. "I've always heard that 
humans could be fascinating. Tell me, what things please humans?"

[Smith]
He grinned, lifted his glass, and replied "To lost time, then!" and
took a drink of the beverage, then replied to her question "Humans
are a strange lot in a number of ways...but you ask what pleases
them.  <Smith chuckled>  There are several aspects...at one level,
they enjoy creature comforts, such as good food and drink, a warm
fire on a cold night, and so forth.  At a more abstract level, hidden
from the immediate awareness of most, is dominance.  Humans are
social creatures, and the position within the society is determined
by such things as strength, wealth, and so forth.  Have you ever
noticed how a number of the factors in being 'beautiful' or 'handsome'
in human terms are dependent on strength and good health?"

[Dalmanae]
"Yes."

[Smith]
"Lastly... and often ignored...is the human need to transcend death.  
Humans are short lived beings, so anything that lets them believe that
they can overcome their own mortality will please them.  Some do this
through children...the belief that they live on because of their
offspring.  Others try to accomplish great things in art, business,
or politics so that they will be remembered after they're gone.  So,
anything that lets them overcome the fear of death gives them pleasure...
the Church would actually fit into that pattern!  I suspect that the
disparity in lifespans is one of the reasons that some humans don't
get along with elvenkind as well as they might."

Smith paused, took another sip of champagne> "Fortunately, I couldn't
stay dead if I wanted to!  Now, as for what *_I_* enjoy..hopefully,
I'm not boring you with all this...  After the physical comforts,
I enjoy the challenge of a tough mission...especially after I finish...
and I enjoy time with friends.  Friends who I can respect, who stand
on their own feet and are willing to go after what they want.  Friends
like you, as an example."

"You know, Dalmanae...it wouldn't be hard to take a short trip
to the Republic one of these days.  There is a restaurant there
called Manolito's..good food, by the way...that overlooks the
ocean.  There are a few tables outside, with a perfect view...on
a warm spring night, with the seabreeze coming in...it can be
very nice indeed.  There isn't much for me here in Montfort
anymore, and I have some old friends in the Republic who have an
ongoing need for professionals...like you and I.  For that matter,
we might even meet a Company contact, if you wanted to.  The
Company always has a need for talented people." <Smith grinned>
"We don't make a bad team, you and I."

[Dalmanae]
"I like working with you Smith. It might be nice to meet your friends, 
and see the Republic and Manolito's..."

She sipped more champagne as she thought about the offer. It was 
impossible of course, but then again it might be the only way to keep 
tabs on Smith. 

"I don't think much about the future, it just happens and so far I've 
always been there to see it become 'now'. I've never seen a need to plan 
for the future or leave a legacy, I just enjoy what I can. Would I be 
working with you if I worked for the Company?"

A fingertip circled the rim of her glass idly while she spoke, "We *do* 
make a good team Smith. And I'd hate to find too late that I didn't like 
anyone there but you."





"What do you do with your friends during downtimes Smith?"




"What would you like to do now?"











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