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[Xeen] Compendium 4 -December 1995
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Jarrad's reply to Thai was instantaneous. ::To the bitter end::  
The follow-up image made it clear that it was PJ's ending that 
would be bitter. 
--Paul Khangure

He could swear he felt Thai wince. She brushed off the inappropriate 
reaction and followed Zephillia, elves trailing after.
--Phaedra Whitlock

Zeph turned to her men, relayed what Thai had passed on telepathically
and followed the mage to an adjoining room. The others were left
with their thoughts in silence. 

Would this rag-tag team be able to put away any differences, egos
or hatreds they had for one another long enough to join arms?
--Dave Smart

Zephyr, with a straight jaw, began to walk for the room that Zeph 
and Thai had entered.  He was one of the first to walk forward, 
and he glanced back to the others as a sign that they should follow.  
Many knew that Zephyr did not need to fight for this cause, as he 
could survive outside of the church easily, but for one man to fight 
another one's battle for absolutely no reason other than to right the 
wrong, had to be an indication of valor, bravery, and unselfishness.  
Zephyr had come too close to Jarrad and Thai to let them fight this 
on their own. 
--Joe Christl

The slender, green-eyed maiden stepped from the shadows that had 
always hidden her, but she hesitated on her answer. Instead she 
watched the ex-Deaconess leave with Jarrad and the other High 
Inquisitor, followed by Zephyr. Then she turned her quiet gaze 
towards Semareth. 
--Cathy Mosley

Watching Thai and Zeph leave, with Zeph's elven guard, Semareth 
wondered at this other High Inquisitor. Indeed, there were two High 
Inquisitors who did not believe in Proctor John's Redeemer. He 
wondered what god it was that Zeph did pray to every day, if at all.

Semareth watched Zephyr follow quickly after Thai and Zeph. He looked 
down at Cari, who had emerged from the shadows. 

++You wish to go, do you not?++

He knew his excuse of protecting Cari was a poor one to explain his 
willingness to travel with such unlikely companions, but he didn't see 
anyone challenging him about it. He glanced down and checked that his 
sword and dagger were safely secured to his belt, then waited to see 
what Cari would do.
--Nick Takayama

For the briefest moment Cari felt surprise that Lord Semareth would ask 
her what her desire was. She knew that most here knew Semareth as a man 
who was both powerful and dangerous, and his manner often enhanced this 
image. But since their meeting, she had known a sense of safety in his 
presence, and at times peace as he taught her of Sha'aljien. 

But now she couldn't deny her desire to be part of this quest and in 
honesty she sent ::Yes, Lord Semareth, I do. I realize that there is 
only the slimmest of chances of succeeding, but not to try to stop the 
continued horror, would be a crime I do not want to live with.:: She 
looked over at the Elven soldiers who were waiting in the hall, and 
added ::Perhaps to feel like this is foolish, for none of us can see 
the future - but I was one of many who participated in the battle to 
free Eldarion and the others from the flames. To stop one horror, we 
helped unleash another 
--Cathy Mosley
 
Semareth chuckled slightly as he motioned Cari towards the door.

++You have such 'noble' causes dragging you forward, Cari. But I 
would like you to think on the question, "If none of us can see the 
future, where and when are we now?" and if your statement does 
indeed hold... we are all blindmen in a pit of vipers.++

He looked up at the elven guards as he straightened up, but the light 
seemed to shy away from his eyes.

++It is best we follow them now++ He motioned her forward.
--Nick Takayama

A faint blush rose on Cari's cheeks as she realized how determined 
and idealistic she sounded, and she realized that she barely could 
remember a time when she had not been focused on her committment to 
the resistance. And while her choice to follow Sha'ljien had opened 
a new path she had only been walking it for a short time. She looked 
up at Semareth, noting and puzzling at the darkness of his eyes, and 
sent ::I don't know by what divination they chose this point of time 
to seek the Sword, so we may well be facing a pit of vipers beyond 
these walls.:: 
--Cathy Mosley

Dryctor, having already commited to going, nevertheless hung back to 
see what Semareth was going to do. He did not trust this one but if 
Thai wanted him along and Jarrad did not object Dry would just have 
to live with it. But he was going to keep an extra sharp on one him.
  
After Sem made his desion Dryctor also headed into the room with the 
rest.
--Barron C. Featherston

The next room seemed colder after the warmth of the fire. Thai 
shrugged and lit a new fire, this time without the use of magic. 
The ritual actions gave her time to decide which questions needed 
to be answered now, and which could wait.
--Phaedra Whitlock

Draca chose to bide her time, waiting until only she and 
Strawberry remained.  She finished her 'snack', then rose to her 
feet, and joined the two leaders and their respective entourages.  
Taking up her wax tablet, she wrote:  "I cannot deny that I have 
certain misgivings regarding the company we shall keep, but I 
intend to try my utmost to put emotion aside.  I will go."
--Margaret Tayti

Thai frowned. ::The elves are being honest with us Draca. I admit 
my experience with them in the past has soured my opinion of the 
species, but here and now, we need Zeph more than she needs us. 
Without the information she posseses on her cousin and what tricks 
he's learned in the last century...::
--Phaedra Whitlock

Jarrad stayed to watch the others, his casual lounging made him 
almost unnoticable as he was stationary and quiet.

He watched as Zephyr headed straight after them, and smiled at 
the man's courage. Semareth and Cari conversed, and while that was 
happening Draca finished her snack, and then headed off towards the 
room the others had departed towards.

When Semareth and Cari had finished their conversation, they too 
headed towards the room, leaving Strawberry and Dryctor in the room.

Jarrad had no doubt whatsoever regarding Dryctors choice, so he 
walked over to the corner Strawberry was standing in.

"Are you having second thoughts? I don't blame you if you are, and 
noone else will. If you do not want to continue on this quest, and 
are not committed to it, then it would be best, both for yourself 
and the others, to remain."

Jarrad waited, wondering which way Strawberry would flip. He was a 
dragon, yet did not realise this. Maybe he should start the thought 
process. It would depend upon his choice.
--Paul Khangure

Strawberry shook his head no. "I am ready to follow Thai to the ends 
of the world. I have no place left in Ifreann. My world is as dead as 
Tynntagial. My only hope is that we will be successful." He shuddered, 
unable to conceal the fear that gnawed at his insides. He wished 
there was another way, but knew there were none. He would follow.

Then leaving Jarrad's company he moved towards Draca. Meeting her, 
he asked if there were any stores remaining. Regardless of his 
raging fear, his hunger grew.
--Dave Smart  

To Thai Draca sent:  *I have depleted the cold storage.  Do you 
wish me to hunt before we leave?*
--Margaret Tayti

Thai looked startled at first, then nodded.

::It is custom to replace what was used during our stay. We may be 
here another night, so perhaps you should. You look much better, how 
is Strawberry?::
--Phaedra Whitlock

*He will be fine.  He was fortunate that he did not breathe in 
too much, for I wasn't in much shape to deal with an overdose...  
I have  before, for the elders use Dragonsbane in trace amounts for 
ceremonial purposes, and when I was visiting the Isle, an 
overzealous hatchling tried an ...experiment.  Not pretty...  
<indicates Zeph> She has no idea how fortunate her squad is... I 
have a small quantity of Elfsbane, and the dosage knowledge to 'port 
it directly into their stomachs in just the right amount to leave 
them feeling miserable for a few hours...  a tactic I would only 
utilize when _extremely_ angry, don't worry... Tell her if 
you like, but that decision is yours...*  

She saw Strawberry's approach, and knew what he'd likely ask... 
Recovery from magical plant toxins often increased the appetite, 
for the body needed to replenish the energy used to purify itself.. 

She nodded, then wrote out a list of his likely choices from the 
larder, and their locations, and handed him the wax tablet to study 
a moment.  [She'd sketched a map on it...]  She left the tablet with 
him, and went into the room with the hearth, knowing that he'd 
return the tablet once his foraging was finished...

She once again took a seat on the corner stool, and unclipped the 
strap of her harp case at the hip, using it to lower the case down 
her back, then swinging it around into her lap with her other hand.  
Reaching into the case, she took out a leather belt, a pouch, her 
sling, and the hip quiver that contained her short spears and 
spear-thrower.  [some of these items are visibly longer than the 
object from which they were removed...]  She returned the Harp case 
to its usual position by lowering it over her head between her 
wings, then re-clipping the strap at the hip.

The belt, stone pouch, and quiver she girded about her slender 
waist, then tucked the sling into the belt as well.  Turning to 
Jarrad, she sent:  *I am about to leave on a small hunting foray.  
If you wish to join me, you are welcome, but be warned... First, 
you'll probably have to borrow Shaitan if you want to keep up, and 
second, you will likely have the job of babysitting a pile of 
carcasses.  I need the steed's strength more than your skills, I'm 
afraid...  I _am_, after all, hunting for TWO dragons, the assembled 
masses, and hoping to dry some meat tonight to augment our stores.*

She grinned, and awaited his reply..
--Margaret Tayti

Jarrad smiled back, and politely declined her invitation.

::Things are at too much of a crux in the matter here. I want to 
keep an eye on it for a while. Enjoy your hunt however, and take 
care to watch out for low flying malicious dragons.::

Then he added as an after thought,
::And high flying malicious dragons::
--Paul Raj Khangure

As they walked towards the next room Cari continued ::Lord Semareth, 
I know you have said that you are here to observe  . . . but is that 
worth facing those vipers? For I suspect we are going in nearly 
blind.:: A faint laugh ran through her thoughts, at herself and her 
'causes,' and she added ::For me old habits don't die quietly, so I 
am willing to go. . .:: 
--Cathy Mosley

Semareth resisted the urge to glance down at her as they walked 
towards the door together. Instead, he thought to himself --A person 
with a cause is like a horse being led by the reins. They know not 
what it is their master is leading them to, be it water or horse 
butchers.
--Nick Takayama 

When they entered the room Cari noted that Thai was by the fireplace, 
and that the fire on the hearth was already starting to take off the 
chill. 
--Cathy Mosley
 
Something about the fire seemed distorted to Semareth, but the harder 
he looked, the more normal it seemed. Within seconds he could not 
tell what he had seen. He shook his head and found a comfortable 
wall to stand against. The fire's roar was altogether too loud in 
his head. 
--Nick Takayama

The warmth was welcome and Cari noted how those in the little band 
had settled within the room. She glanced up at Semareth; well aware 
that he tended to be reticient about his reasons. But now she had 
the subtle feel that he was distracted by something. It could well 
be the members of the group that disturbed him, though she doubted 
that was the whole of the issue.

As he leaned against the wall, Cari came to the conclusion that 
Semareth was not going to make any further effort as far as speaking 
of their intentions. From the looks of suspicion they were getting 
from the others she knew that some declaration needed to be made. 
Otherwise Semareth and she would be left sitting in this tower - 
until either the surviving party members returned or Semareth and 
she went out to seek the mages Thai had mentioned. And knowing 
Semareth's attitude towards magic-users, she doubted that they would 
have much help getting home. She sighed inwardly, deciding that 
rolling a granite boulder up a hill might be a little easier. She 
also knew that she was tired, sore, and hungry.

She stepped back and looked up at Semareth. ::Lord Semareth, with 
your permission I shall offer my aid in this quest.:: She paused, 
and noted that he still seemed distracted, which unusual for the 
High Inquisitor, and it worried her. She hated to disturb him but 
due to the necessity she prodded gently ::And if she asks of your 
intentions . . .?::
--Cathy Mosley

Zeph stood and watched patiently as Thai built the fire. The newly
created heat was a welcome. She basked in its glow for a few brief
seconds and wished it could always be so. Ifreann had become such
a cold and desolate place. Colourless and bleak. If it had not been
for her warriors -her comrades in arms, she would of succumbed to
despair and laid herself down like a lamb to the slaughter near a
half century ago.

::Thai,:: she began. ::If your comrades are not willing to follow
us, we will part. No animosity or bad blood between us. But if they
should decide to go forward with the quest at hand then I think it
would be best if we part from this wonderful palace -this wonderful
world as soon as possible. I'm afraid the longer we stay the more
difficult it will be for us to leave (meaning herself).:: 
--Dave Smart

Thai seated herself at a table and propped her elbows on it, her 
darkly beautiful face reflecting wry sadness. ::You need not go 
back Zeph. And if you do I will go with you. My situation remains 
the same whether the others accept you or no. I need the 
information, and if they don't accept my judgement in this.... I 
think they will though. Jarrad and Zephyr have and for that I'm 
grateful. They are much alike at times, and both are good 
companions to have with us.::
--Phaedra Whitlock

Zeph nodded, an appreciative smile crossing her lips.
--Dave Smart

::Is there no place in your world where Xeen cannot go?::
--Phaedra Whitlock

:: Taking a poker, she prodded the timber that was slowly turning 
amber and stared deeply into its energy. ::There is a place that I 
can guarantee our safety within the realm of my time, my world. 
There, we will find Brother Benedict. A wise and respected man. He 
will be capable of not only furnishing us with the tools that will 
be required for our future task, but also provide us with advice more 
valuable than any forged weapon.:: --Dave Smart

::I look forward to meeting him. Are there many Proctors?::
--Pheadra Whitlock

::The number of proctors remaining is insignificant,:: Zeph related, 
sadly. ::There remains but very few free people left in the world 
for shepherds::.
--Dave Smart

The room grew smaller with each guest who entered till finally it
was filled with all who had once stood in the common room. Zeph
turned to Thai with a smile, ::it would seem as though we have a
party.:: Then to the others, "I am truly glad to see all of you
here," -she placed a nod in Semareth's direction, and would of
tossed him a wink if not for the fact that she only had the one
good eye. "With the knowledge of what risks that lay ahead of us in
our quest, it is truly an outstanding expression of bravery for all
of you to be standing here now. I salute you!"
--Dave Smart

Thai smiled, pleased that Zephillia did so and pleased at the 
support of her people. Was this what she had envied Eldarion for 
having, so long ago in a moonlight glade? 
--Phaedra Whitlock

Semareth hesitantly returned the nod. There was something in this 
woman he could respect. The fire no longer roared so loudly in his 
ears, saving him what was surely going to have been a raging headache.
--Nick Takayama

Cari realized that Semareth had not "heard" her questions, though 
now he seemed to be aware of his surroundings. But something was 
definitely wrong - unless Semareth was in deep meditation he was 
always alert. She decided to wait a minute before communicating with 
him again. Instead she followed his gaze towards the Elves.
--Cathy Mosley

He listened and watched as Zeph introduced her companions, noting 
their fine elven build and well defined features. They were indeed a 
beautiful race, though if they were seen in battle the opposite 
would be equally true. As Zeph spoke, the room seemed to grow dark 
around the group, though the people themselves remained clear as 
day. Semareth blinked, and rubbed his eyes. Now it seemed as if 
there was nothing around the group of adventurers but a gaping void, 
or perhaps the gaping maw of some gargantuan creature. Suddenly, a 
roar, louder than anything else he had ever heard blasted around 
him. He steadfastly resisted the urge to cover his ears, straining 
to make sense of the painful deluge of sound. It ended abruptly, the 
silence filled in by a high pitched ringing in his ears. 
--Nick Takayama

She looked up when Semareth rubbed his eyes. She wondered if he had 
hit his head when they had been drawn here, and started to ask, when 
she sensed that Semareth was in pain. Nothing showed in his 
expression. Cari knew that he would resent a probe, but her worry 
drove her to try a light touch. All she got was a quick impression 
of great noise. Then it was over and she withdrew quickly.
--Cathy Mosley

When he looked up, it appeared that no-one else had experienced what 
he had, for they all seemed quite pleased with themselves and their 
pitiful little group.
--Nick Takayama          

His head was still ringing. Checking his ears out revealed they were 
bleeding slightly. He just stared at his bloodied gloves, and it was 
then that he realised what he had heard.
--Nick Takayama

::What in the name of . . .?:: Cari started, startled and horrified 
by the blood on his gloves; a head wound was more than likely. She 
reached out and touched a bloodied hand, and firmly said, ::Lord 
Semareth, you must sit. You are more hurt than you realized.::
--Cathy Mosley

Semareth leaned back against the wall. Cari was sending to him, but 
he blocked her out for now. His ears still rang slightly, but they 
had stopped bleeding.

He looked down once more at his bloodied gloves, then shot a stunned 
look at Cari.

The pain in his head prevented him from sending back to her, so he 
spoke quietly, his voice uncertain.

"Sh'aljien is dead. The Cataclysm draws nigh."

A tear dropped from the corner of one dark eye, and he turned his 
face from the group as he wiped the blood and tears from his face. 
--Nick Takayama

Every emotion was a jumble. Cari felt momentarily turned to stone as 
she stood there, staring up at Semareth. She had never seen Semareth 
caught in such vulnerability, and was unsure how to handle it. Nor 
was she sure what to do with his pronouncement. Sh'aljien dead? A 
god dying? She was so new to the concept of faith that the idea that 
Sh'al being gone hadn't penetrated her consciousness yet.

Her concern overrode everything else. There was still a strong chance
of a head wound, which could have occured before Semareth had been 
drawn to the future. Or . . . another idea came to her. Perhaps 
something had been done to him during the four days he was missing. 

She kept an eye on the rest of the group, in case any decided to 
disturb them  while Semareth was composing himself. There were many 
here who considered Semareth a threat, and she was unsure how they 
react to his vulnerability. She doubted that either Thai or 
Zephillia would let things get out of hand. That was the only mercy. 

When he seemed to have control of himself Cari turned back to him, 
hiding her expression of concern from the others, and tried to send 
to him ::Lord Semareth, is it possible that something was done to 
you by the Proctor? Some illusion to destroy your faith in 
Sh'aljien? You were missing four days after you went to his office.::
--Cathy Mosley

With the warmth of the fire and natural radiance from everyone that
filled the quarters, Zeph removed a cloak that was no longer
required. She eyed her men and beckoned them to sit by her right
side. They made a small formation along the bench she now sat on.
All told they made a platoon of 13 inquisitors. Of her small army,
eight were men. Her number one -Tel, a tall middle-aged elf with
silvery hair and strong bold features, Legolas -Jarrad's new
friend, Vlademir -a jovial elf of above average proportions, Tenor
& Westron - a pair of elves who loved nothing more then to sing and
dance, Elendil, Guldur and finally Elrond -a handsome but doleful
fellow. The females were tall (5'6 to 5'10) and lean as their race
went. There was Celesta -the youngest and a mage in the workings. 
Zeph had carefully taken under her wing at a young age and felt the
girl held great promise. Followed by Katrinna -Celesta's cousin,
Galadriel -a beautiful maid with a heart as rigid as stone, and
finally Flannora who grew up within the confines of the church for
her entire family, like most, were completely decimated by the
wrath of Xeen. 

Zeph sat with them and smiled a smile that dictated her sense of
renewed confidence. She was beginning to feel as though perhaps -
for the first time ever, they had a chance to over come The
Destroyer -Xeen.
--Dave Smart

Thai included everyone now in her communications, broadcasting 
to the elves as best she could now that it was time to begin. 
::Zephillia, what can you tell us about previous attempts on 
Eldarion-Xeen?::
--Phaedra Whitlock

The question piqued everyone's attention. Zeph stood and took her 
place at the centre of the room. With a grim look she began her 
story.

"The first attempt on Eldarion-Xeen was attempted many decades ago. 
My cousin, Eldarion's own twin sister -Elana, had sent me and my 
great-uncle off to safety at the far reaches of Tynntangial, while 
she paid her brother a visit. Her plan was to get close enough to 
strike a lethal blow to his wicked heart." A tear traced its path 
from her lone eye as if the tragic event had merely happened near a 
fort night ago. "*She failed*. Her dagger had struck true, but 
there was no heart to kill. Rumour has it that he still possesses 
her head and consults with it time to time."
--Dave Smart

"if that rumour is true we will have to see about freeing her spirit 
when we defeat Xeen"
--Barron C. Featherston   

She turned to Dryctor who had spoken. "Yes," she said. "It is one of 
my greatest goals to rescue her helpless spirit."
--Dave Smart  

"That was the first of many failed attempts. He is truly a force to 
reckoned with. The more we threw at *him*, the more mages and 
warriors that faced him, the more apt the failure of our endeavour 
would be." She then lifted the patch from her right eye. The horrid 
scar that was revealed looked out of place on was otherwise a 
perfectly beautiful face. "*This*, this was a gift from Xeen. 
Several years ago, I lead a couple of mages into Eldarion's keep. 
We had all the confidence that three powerful mages could muster. 
We thought we had landed undetected near Eldarion's thrown. We 
thought...almost to the end that we were. There, upon his awful 
thrown of elven bones, sat my once cherished cousin -asleep, or was 
he feigning sleep. I would now guess the latter. We crept silently, 
like three blind mice, unaware of the trap that awaited us. As soon 
as we were past the threshold to his chamber, an eye revealed 
itself and before we had a chance to rally, Stephron (the name 
produced a lump in her throat) disintegrated in a flash. A fragment 
of his bone struck my eye. I wailed in pain and I too would have 
perished in a flash of light, if not for my other partner -Cleo. It 
was he, that thwarted Eldarion's attack upon us long enough to 
afford my. I obviously made it, but my glorious friend did not."
--Dave Smart

Though Semareth was her primary concern Cari knew that since they had 
thrown their fates in with the others on this quest knowledge was 
essential. And at the moment Semareth was not in any shape to heed 
Zephillia's words. As she listened a vague idea began to shape itself.
--Cathy Mosley

She wept openly now, the memories fresh as the day. "It could be 
said that my evil cousin's keep is littered with the bones of 
Tynntagial's finest mages. Let ye be warned (the sniffles ceases 
and a stern frown covered her face) no matter what powers you 
possess, no matter how cunning you may be, Eldarion-Xeen is a force 
you have never witnessed in your past, for you would not be here 
today if you had. He has single handedly destroyed all the ancient 
proctors and Darkguards of the Redeemer's black church. He has 
destroyed many an elven army of mages and warriors. His powers are 
equal if not greater that that of a god gone insane. What chance do 
any of you -*we* have in facing him? If a stand with Eldarion-Xeen 
is in our fate, then we must not make light of his singularity, but 
rather prepare to battle him as a well prepared team. With our 
*wits* rather than our *brawn*, for he is as close to any god-like 
creature on this plane of the living as one can be."
--Dave Smart

"It is also safe to say HE has not face the like of us either."
--Barron C. Featherston

"True. I wish not to belittle any of you.  For I believe you
all to be courageous. The proof is here in this room. But *please* 
pay heed to my warning. No one in this room is a match to Eldarion-
Xeen."
--Dave Smart

"Hmmmm if it wasn't for the fact that the cure is worse then the 
disease I would almost like to take Xeen back with us to kill them 
sooner. But then we'd need a way to kill Xeen back then. Better to 
just get rid of him now and just take the sword back"
--Barron C. Featherston

"Perhaps you are not to far off with that train of thought. All 
ideas are welcomed," responded Zeph.
--Dave Smart

Dry mouthed and emotionally spent she decided to yield the floor to 
the others. More details about Eldarion's resume and plans to 
exploit whatever weaknesses he may possess could wait for the day 
they rejoined Proctor Benedict.
--Dave Smart

"I think we have a few surprises in store for Xeen. Since you don't 
seem to know me we must not have met in your past. That could be due 
to the 'good' proctor cleansing me or to my having found a way home. 
You see, I am from a different plane of reality, a world called 
Sanctum. Magic in Sanctum is unlike any here in this realm and has 
proven to be undectetable by those of this place. Using spells from 
my world I can cloak up to 5 people in a way to allow them to move 
undetected as well. I could go in with a force of mages and or 
warriors without Xeen knowing we were there. Once in his presence I 
have a powerful spell that may or may not kill Xeen. even if it does 
not kill him it should leave him vulnerable to the rest of the force. 
This will be an all or nothing shot for me as once I cast the spell I 
will be unable to defend myself in any way for 6 hours so if our 
force does not pevail I will be at Xeen's 'mercy'.
--Barron C Featherston

Now seated, Zeph took a drink of water that was made available by one 
of her guards. Her dry throat welcomed the coolness of the liquid and it
rejuvenated her vocal chords and thus she soon responded to Dryctor's 
statement.

"Aye. Your magics may be of a different make-up, and perhaps your
techniques to make a party undetectable may become quite useful, but 
don't let these facts breed over-confidence. What you may consider a 
trump card -a surprise weapon to use against Eldarion, (she eyes 
*everyone* from her seat) may in fact turn and take a bite from *you*, 
instead of your intended foe. *Remember that*!"
--Dave Smart

The Spell is one developed by the gray elves of Sanctum durring the 
drow wars. It is a flame that burns magic. it inflicts as much 
damage as a normal flame would but cannot be put out as long as any 
magic is present in or on the target. It was designed to combat the 
Deamon trakkers called forth by the Drow. these d'artegent trakkers 
are what I thought I had heard when that dragon was coming for us 
when we met. I only hope that the sword is not also caught in the 
'mage flame' and destroyed. I will use the flame only if it looks 
like our only chance of overcoming Xeen. 
--Barron C. Featherston

"Do not worry about the destruction of the sword -Xeen," Zeph said
matter-of-factly. "No flame -not even the heat from Bellatrix (SP)
herself could destroy Eldarion or his sword..." She lowered her
head and stared into her tin mug. "We tried flame to destroy HIM, 
but he walked through it as if it were a curtain of silk. Never
mind what he did with the harnessed power he gained from the fires."

Zeph went silent again. Perhaps it was time for another to come
forward with ideas on how to over come the dreaded Destroyer...

An audible gulp could be heard from the most distant corner. There, 
sitting idly by himself, Strawberry wore the face of a nervous man.
--Dave Smart  

Cari focused and broadcast, so all could "hear." ::If I understand 
what you have said, High Inquisitor Zephillia, Eldarion's strength 
increases the more magic is thrown at him. And I have noted that you 
said that Elana found no heart to stab. My first thought is that we 
must use as many of our non-magical resources as possible - though I 
have no doubt that this has also been thought of. So it would be good 
to know what has been tried in that regard. The second idea that came 
to mind - Is he using some type of illusion as a front to be 
attacked? Or are there rumors  . . . legends of him hiding his heart 
or soul away?::

She wasn't sure how Semareth would take her forwardness, but as she 
had told him - old habits died hard. The feel of this room reminded 
her greatly of resistance cell meetings she had participated in. 

To Semareth she sent ::Lord Semareth, perhaps you should speak with 
Zephillia, to learn if there Eldarion could possibly be the cause 
Sh'aljien's death. . . if this new demon has gained enough power to 
challenge the gods themselves.  . . There could be a chance to 
resurrect Sh'aljien.:: She still hadn't dealt with her own emotions 
- it was hard to learn that the god you were learning to have faith 
in was dead. That was if Semareth in full control of his facilities 
- and not delusional with some injury. She was hoping that Thai might 
help sort that out. 
--Cathy Mosley

After Zeph had answered Cari and Dryctor, Jarrad spoke up from the 
corner where he had been observing the group.

"Is Eldarion-Xeen in elven form, or draconinc form, or both? How 
much honour in its own convoluted way does he retain? Dragons can 
be tricked or riddled with, and a normal dragon's word is inviolate."
--Paul Khangure

"I have never seen him in another form other than his own," answered 
Zeph. "But others, who have survived his assault or prisoners from 
his cult, have described him in many shapes and forms. He is to say 
the least an insane god, who can play with or pervert the forces of 
nature and thus play any part he deems desirable within it. But I 
ramble. Most stories are but wives' tales to scare naughty children 
into submissiveness." A chill rang its course down her spine as the 
last of the sentence rolled off her tongue, for she knew most 
stories to be truer than false. "As for tricked or riddle with, 
you definitely have something there that we (she nods in the 
direction of her small group of inquisitors) have not yet considered. 
I like it. Perhaps it would be a good use of our time to discuss this 
venue in more depth." 
--Dave Smart

"As for an approach, just let him know there are travellers from 
another time to see him. His curiosity, both at why we came, and why 
we make no pretenses of secrecy, are sure to intrigue him. We would 
almost certainly be guaranteed an audience ..."
--Paul Khangure

Zeph nodded thoughtfully. The idea played joyfully in her mind.
--Dave Smart

"If we act totally unexpected, we should have a much better chance 
than brute strength."

Jarrad paused, assessing the others as they pondered.
--Paul Khangure

Thai paused and sent to everyone ::Zephillia, when I was a child my 
mother told me the elves of Mount Kalador travelled all the planes 
searching for magics to bring back home. When I visited her once 
more to ask about Xeen she told me that the dragon was the ultimate 
magical power on this plane. My question is, how likely is it that 
Eldarion-Xeen knows the magic of Sanctum? If the stories are correct 
then he must and Dryctor's indetectability will not work against him.::
--Phaedra Whitlock

"Thai, the folklore you speak of is not far from truth as some from 
your time would hope. It is for the mentioned lore you speak, that 
the Redeemer foresaw his death by the hands of *Dragon-Xeen* (his 
prophecy was slightly off queue, for he was ultimately destroyed by 
the one who would become the Dragon-Xeen) and set forth, his evil 
church under his own name, to destroy all magics and dragons. He and 
his apostles failed! We will not follow that path." She grinned. "As 
for Sanctum. I cannot say for sure. Perhaps the wise one, Proctor 
Benedict, may be able to shine more light upon this subject. I do 
not want to rule out the possibility that nothing in our collective 
powers, known or not known to Eldarion will fail or work. It can only 
be stressed that cunning and wit are our strongest defenses and weapons."
--Dave Smart

Zephyr smiled a little, knowing that he had several skills at his
disposal.  He drew in a breath and said, "Well, It is good that I have
an ability in both swordsmanship as well as in spellcasting.  I can
use my spells to enhance my strength and attacks in use of a sword;
that is another plus.  We will have to determain who can make a non-
magical assault work to our advantage.  I also seem to be lucky to be
non-elven or draconian, as certain herbal-bane's will affect most of
us.  Short of inhaled or ingested poisons, I do not think I will be
influenced in that regard."
--Joe Christl

::I do not think magic is the answer here. Even with you 
Dryctor, and Zephyr and myself and Draca, Eldarion-Xeen has in the past 
destroyed far more powerful mages. He enslaved the entire draconic 
race at one point, and can only have gotten stronger since.::
--Phaedra Whitlock

Zeph nodded in agreement "true, so true. Which brings us back to Cari's
-have I your name correct?" Cari nodded a quick affirmation. "Which brings
us back to Cari's question. Has an attack upon Eldarion been enterprised 
in which no magics were ever used. I would have to say *yes*. Yes ,we have
engineered plans to confront Eldarion on a level where no magics would
be enlisted as a main source of weaponry. But we have never implemented 
such a plan. It is to say the least, a risky proposition to face Eldarion-
Xeen regardless of whatever strategy. Now to answer your second question.
Illusions, Eldarion-Xeen is but a master. Effortlessly, he can turn the 
most robust of minds into pablum. And of legends and rumours, they are
countless. Some true, others false. To some, he is revered as a god,
while others fear him as one. And with most gods, soon follows dogma."

For the first time, Strawberry made himself known. He stood, cleared
his throat attentively and spoke. "I would have to agree full heartedly
with Sir Jarrad's views here. As a matter of fact, I believe they are
in direct line with Deac- (uhhum -throat clearing due to faux pas) -in
line with Mistress Thai and Zephellia. A match of our combine wits
against that of Eldarion-Xeen may be our only path. He may be in fact
no longer entertained by the endless days of his tyranny and thus would
be quite amused by such a challenge. Perhaps...as far as putting his
sword up as collateral in some sort of bet." Then realising as he spoke,
that the price may be to dear when it came time to offer the counter bet
in such a scheme with a mad god like creature, Strawberry bowed his head
and made for his seat. "Excuse my intrusion, please continue on with
your discussions."

As he sat he noticed Thai there beside him. He offered a rosy smile 
for he was blushing slightly, feeling as though  he may have made a 
spectacle of himself. 
--Dave Smart

Thai sent reassurance and a sense of strength to Strawberry through 
the crystal. [Private]::Do not worry Strawberry. We have all the 
time in the world to come up with a plan, and if I did not think we 
could succeed I would not have brought you from the frying pan to 
the fire.:: She smiled at him to underline her message. 

Thai had seen the questionning looks from the others when she 
insisted Strawberry be healed and allowed the choice. Despite his 
seeming lack of martial qualities, she believed in her heart that 
he was something special. Whatever it was, she preferred his honest 
fear at facing someone so powerful to overconfidence that might kill 
him or others.
--Phaedra Whitlock

"That is brilliant Strawberry," Jarrad stated as he paced in thought.

"Such a high stake would surely add to the intrigue. Even an insane 
Xeen would not be likely to pass up such a wager. It must get 
extremely boring ruling and destroying everything.  The question is 
what would he ask for as our stake. More likely than not, he will 
want your head [heh heh heh ... sorry], probably as a servant or some 
other subserviant position, not dead but forced by oath to serve him. 
The others he will want in similar positions or killed. I hope he 
doesn't ask for more than us, I doubt Brother Benedict would 
appreciate us wagering his church for instance."

After Zeph's recommendation to head for her church, Jarrad glanced 
at Thai to see if she was ready. Instead he saw Semareth swear a 
blood oath to see Xeen dead. Now Jarrad knew he could trust him to a 
certain degree. 
--Paul Khangure

Thai raised an eyebrow at Zeph. ::That seems reasonable, although 
there is still the question of what will harm Eldarion-Xeen. You and 
your elves would have to come in separately though. Perhaps some of 
us would go with you and some go directly to Eldarion if he WAS 
curious.::

::If he is still in Daventry, are there any passages that could be 
used to get you in? Has anyone ever come in by the sea?::
--Phaedra Whitlock  

Zeph was about to answer, but a hand from her number one darted out 
and gently but firmly grabbed her arm. She turned. She and Tel locked 
eyes and seemed to communicate silent volumes. Zeph then smiled, 
whispered into Tel's ear and returned her attention to Thai. "We may 
discuss the layout of Daventry, passages secret and not, some other 
time. My men and I grow tired with the evening for we had tracked long 
and hard before running into your group earlier and thus require a 
much needed rest. There will be plenty of time to discuss such details 
when we arrive at the house of Benedict. If it is your desire to do 
so. Again, I give you my word that his church is safe as safe can be 
in Tynntangial." 
--Dave Smart

The concept of rest was a welcome one to Cari, and she had no doubt 
that they would all think with clearer minds when they woke. And from 
what Zephillia had mentioned earlier, this Proctor Benedict could 
well offer more information that they could use in their planning. 

She sipped at the cocoa that Thai had brought over and welcomed the 
warmth that spread down her throat to her stomach. She was hungry, 
but figured she could live to morning. It wasn't the first time she 
had gone to bed hungry, nor the last. And the cocoa did help.

She glanced up at Semareth, and hoped once they had a moment's privacy 
that he might explain what had happened with him. He did seem better, 
and there had been the faintest hint of silver in his dark eyes. For 
the most fleeting of seconds. All she knew right now was that she 
felt confused and concerned.
--Cathy Mosley