***********************************
Compendium Chapter 7 - January 1996
***********************************


On an inactive volcanic island, far to the east of Tynntangial, the last 
known enclave of civilization had been built within the hollowed out caverns
beneath the island's surface.  It was here that the last of the Church of 
the Redeemer's had been built.  It was a reminder for the hard pressed 
survivors of Xeen's wrath not to give up hope.  The city of Haven had 
quickly grown around the church, to its current size of twenty thousand
people.  Elves, dwarves and humans, banded together out of misery, had
made this society what it was...a society where the most dangerous job to
have was not as a soldier or Inquisitor, but as a simple farmer/gatherer, 
forced out of necessity to climb out of the safety of Haven to the island's 
surface, to bring food to the beleagered populace.  It was on the surface
where death could quickly swoop down upon you, in the form of one of Xeen's
minions...dragons of dark nature, always seeking to destroy.

Proctor Benedict had been informed of the arrival of his High Inquisitor, as
well as other...guests.  He had quickly dressed in his best robes, and made
his way to where the newly arrived were waiting.  He was an unremarkable elf,
except for his eyes, which twinkled with power, and commanded respect.  He
entered upon High Inquisitor Zephillia, and embraced her as a father would
a long missing daughter.  "Zephillia!  We had feared the worst.  I sent out
what few griffon rider Legentors we had left to seek your whereabouts.
Only five returned, with news that Dardt is once again on the rampage, the
other half of their number having fallen to his fire."
--Michael Dew

Only Proctor Benedict could make her comfortable in the light of
her full name. She always hated the ballerina like sound of her
name and preferred the stunted version. However, her full name
seemed to roll off the proctor's tongue in such a way that always
made her feel safe and at home. He was her benevolent father figure
and she accepted his hug warmly and his news sadly. With a bitter
taste on her tongue (due to her angst of being in part, responsible
for the missing Legentors and anger towards the fate that spun the
course that lead to their demise) she said, "I will explain all,
when time makes itself available, Sire, but now I must introduce to
you our guests and newly joined alies." That said she held an
outstretched arm towards Thai, Jarrad and the others who formed an
organised line behind her.
--Dave Smart

Proctor Benedict looked past the High Inquisitor, at the strangers behind her.
Men and women of action...of power, he had not seen many of their like in 
decades.  He turned his eyes back to Zephillia, and gave her the questioning 
look she knew too well.
--Michael Dew

Semareth stood taller than most around him, his arms crossed in front of 
him. As he waited for the 'pleasantries' to end, he considered what the 
Proctor had said about the griffon riders. "A lot of men to lose just 
looking for someone...", he grumbled, before realising that Zeph was as 
much a High Inquisitor as he was. "Is Benedict any different a Proctor, 
though?", he muttered, images of Proctor John bubbling to the surface of 
his thoughts.
--Nick Takayama

She stood slightly behind Semareth and she too studied the Elf before 
them. Proctor Benedict carried himself as a man of command. She had her 
own prejudices to deal with. Too many years when the term "Proctor" meant 
someone who would have seen her burned, but she understood that the 
future they now stood in had given different meanings to many of the 
words she had feared.
--Cathy Mosley

Thai stepped through quietly, almost silent as a full elf. She moved off 
to the side to allow the others to enter the room and studied Proctor 
Benedict through her magic. The aura of command and the respect he was 
given freely by the elves around him was enough for her to relax 
slightly. She studied the room for weaknesses, both the people as well as 
the walls, ceiling and floor. She couldn't extinguish the nagging 
feeling, right or wrong, that Eldarion already knew all about this place 
despite Zephillia's precautions. 

The private greetings over Thai stepped forward to greet the Proctor and 
deliver the formal greetings. She'd made a special effort to improve her 
appearance and found that Proctor Johns glamour was still in effect as 
was her lack of voice. It was a mixed blessing, if blessing it was. 

Sweeping a respectful curtsy Thai then straightened and handed Proctor 
Benedict a green crystal. 
--Phaedra Whitlock

Semareth tweaked an eyebrow at this. Thai was rather flagrant with these 
crystals it seemed. He wondered if they were all the same.
--Nick Takayama

The good Proctor graciously accepted the crystal, turning it over
in his hands several times while studying it intensely with his
eyes.  There was something...familiar, about this, and yet he
couldn't place his finger on it.  Almost startled, he turned his
attention to Thai when her voice suddenly entered into his mind.
--Michael Dew

::Proctor Benedict. The High Inquisitor has said little about you, only 
that we would need to speak with you before we could continue our quest. 
In speaking further with her it seems her quest has become ours and we 
have come to seek what wisdom and guidance you might be able to give us. 
Allow me to introduce everyone. This is Jarrad, my second-in-command. 
Zephyr, Semareth, Draca, Drake Argon, sometimes known as Strawberry, 
Dryctor Ben Rei and...:: Jarrad quickly supplied the last name without 
batting an eye.  ::...and Cari.::
--Phaedra Whitlock

After being intoduced to Proctor Benedict, Jarrad nodded politely, then 
waited, keeping an eye on all in the room, and noticing several of the 
others doing the same. Supplying Cari's name when Thai came to it, Jarrad 
realised they had not met, and would have to arrange a chat.

It would be interesting to hear what Zephillia would and would not say.
--Paul Khangure

Again, a source of interest for Semareth. Thai was now naming leaders of 
a group in which all were conscious members. He nodded as Thai mentioned 
his name, showing his respect for the Proctor -- for his position -- he 
had no reason as yet to respect the man.
--Nick Takayama

Old instinct said to become inconspicuous, but Cari kept herself from 
going further into Semareth's protective shadow.
--Cathy Mosley

::My name is Thai Silverrun.:: she added as an after thought, far more 
interested in what Proctor Benedict might choose to tell them and what 
they would have to find out on their own.

Thai wondered idly if it might be worthwhile to betray Zephillia and 
these others to Eldarion in return for the sword but dropped the idea. 
She'd promised to protect Zeph's people after all and it might not be 
necessary.

She smiled at Proctor Benedict sincerely and hoped he would indeed be 
helpful.
--Phaedra Whitlock

Semareth pretended to be adjusting his sword as he assessed the 
environment. He took in everything. He did not expect a battle to occur 
here, but there was no point in taking risks. He took a step back so he 
stood beside Cari.
--Nick Takayama

She saw that there was still a hint of wariness about Semareth, and she 
couldn't blame him - they were getting further into unknown and chancy 
territory. 
--Cathy Mosley

To Benedict, Zeph then added, "at risk of sounding petulant, our
voyage has been quite strenuous and sleep lacking, perhaps we may
adjourn to the parlour and have some tea? There, we may speak of
how we came to find Thai and her men, and how we vanished." Then to
Thai she sent via the crystal (which Benedict will now be capable
of hearing), ::now that proper introductions have been established,
perhaps you can select a few key delegates, while I leave my men to
show the rest of your party to our mode of hospitality.:: She
smiled back at Thai, awaiting her response, with no indication of
pernicious intent. Her warm features were reflected by their
surroundings. Indeed this was a safe place if indeed their was such
a place in all of Tynntagial.
--Dave Smart

Proctor Benedict turned to his High Inquisitor and said graciously,
"But of course, my child.  How absolutely rude of me not to offer in
the first place!  Please, have someone from my staff meet us there
with tea...and some cookies, if that is acceptable?"

High Inquisitor Zeph nodded her approval.  With a quick hand gesture,
she gave the appropriate orders, which were relayed quickly to the
kitchen.  As Proctor Benedict motioned, Zeph led the entourage to the
parlour.
--Michael Dew

::I'm not certain delegates is the correct term.:: Thai thought as she 
glanced over her motley band. 

With a raised eyebrow she queried Draca as to her plans. At some point 
Draca and Strawberry would have to talk and for all Thai knew Draca 
might be in need of further meditation as well. Travelling through the 
desolation must have been an ordeal for her.

Zephyr went with Strawberry and the elves and after a few minutes a much 
smaller group settled into the room Zephillia had dubbed a parlor. 
--Phaedra Whitlock

There was something deeply disturbing about the 'feel' of Haven, 
however.  As they were led to the parlour, Draca was painfully aware that 
much of the place was dead, or dying.  She shuddered, then pulled her 
life-sense in as closely as she could.

Now was not the time to seek it out...
--Margaret Tayti

Feeling the shudder which emanated from Draca, Jarrad spared her a quick 
questioning glance, before Benedict began to take up all his attention.
--Paul Raj Khangure

Once he had made sure everyone was seated comfortably, Proctor Benedict
stood to address his guests.  "Ms. Silverrun...before I can offer you
my *wisdom* and *guidance*..." the Proctor had emphasized these last
two words as if to make a point, "I must first tell you something.
Perhaps this will change our whole relationship to each other, and
perhaps not.  You see, although you may not remember it, we have met
before, and under considerably more adversarial circumstances!"

He paused for the dramatic effect, and got it.  Thai had a confused
look on her face, and most of the others had similar expressions
of confusion and concern over where this might lead.  Turning to
Zeph, he noticed that she was wearing the expression a child might
when its deception had been discovered.  "My dear, how could you
not tell her?  And more so, how strange to hear you call her an
'ally'!  But, these are strange times indeed!"
--Michael Dew

Johny on the spot! Zeph shifted her stance slightly and her flesh began
to shade in a way that matched her hair. Finally finding her words, she
was about to begin her elaborate explanation, but Thai spoke (figuratively)
first.
--Dave Smart

Thai hesitated, wondering what he was talking about. Did he know what she 
saw through her mage sight? Which deception of the High Inquisitor's did 
he refer to? Thai knew of at least three, possibly four, already and 
almost regretted not having met Zephillia in the past. 

She didn't like the word "adversarial" coming from her "host" either. 

::I'm afraid you're mistaken sir, unless you refer to something I haven't 
yet done. I don't recall ever having met you and I do have a good memory
for faces. Perhaps you should explain.::
--Phaedra Whitlock
  
Again the proctor looked at Zeph questioningly. It was time for an 
explanation. Finding her words (I don't know where), Zeph cleared 
her throat emphatically and began her attempt to clarify certain 
aspects of the situation that now presented themselves so boldly. A 
clear and quick report of how Thai and her crew were found and how 
their alliance was created was then submitted. Why she had never 
disclosed the Proctor's true identity would not be forth coming. 
She would leave that to their host. Saved by the bell, a servant 
entered the parlour, bearing hot tea and crumpets.

Meanwhile, Legolas and the other elves lead (whoever does not go 
into the parlour) to comfortable quarters and hot meals were 
promised to follow. Strawberry's stomach growled enthusiastically 
in response.
--Dave Smart

Proctor Benedict smiled broadly at his High Inquisitor.  After a brief
pause, he asked, "So, you are going to leave my introduction to me,
then, hmmm?  Zephillia!  I thought I had trained you better!"  He
scowled playfully at the elf.
--Michael Dew

A frown crossed Semareth's face. The 'host' was being far too enigmatic 
for comfort. 
--Nick Takayama

Turning back to Thai, he continued.  "No, Ms. Silverrun, I am most
definitely *not* mistaken.  I never forget a face.  However, to be
quite truthful, we never did quite *meet*, face-to-face.  But, as
Deaconess for a certain...Proctor John...you were quite well
known in the Montfort area."

Semareth stiffened when he heard the name of Proctor John.  Without
even turning from Thai, Proctor Benedict addressed him.  "Relax, High
Inquisitor Semareth.  Do not forget that I still outrank you."
--Michael Dew

Inwardly, Semareth scoffed. Benedict had misjudged him there -- he had no 
attachment to Benedict's rank in the Church of the Redeemer, just an 
acknowledgement of the man's position in society. To believe that 'rank' 
would prevent anything was a ill-held thought.
--Nick Takayama

Again towards Thai, the Proctor said, "Your notoriety was quite
widespread.  That is how Zeph came to know you as well, isn't that
right, Zeph?"

She nodded in agreement.  A slight smile was beginning to creep across
her face.  Or...was it a smile?

Chuckling softly, the Proctor corrected himself.  "Excuse me, my lady.
I should have said, 'That is how Zeph came to *hate* you.'"

Thai looked obviously confused, and mildly hurt.

"But that is all in the past, for it would appear that my High Inquisitor
has gotten over her animosity towards you in favor of a common goal, or
she would not have called you an 'ally'.  Did you not notice that she did
not call you 'friend'?  Or, Zephillia, was that for my benefit?"

She shrugged coyly.

The Proctor's demeanor became noticeably more stern.  "At any rate, Ms.
Silverrun, let it be known that *I* have not called you a friend *nor* an
ally, nor will I until you have proven your motives and intentions to me.
The fact that my Zephillia has apparently sided with you, if for the
moment, is in your favor.  The fact that you were removed as Deaconess to
Proctor John is even more in your favor.  However, that is not quite
enough."  Then, softening a degree, "Perhaps, an apology for the grievous
acts you participated in against my friends, my dear old friends, so
long ago..."  His voice wavered at the last words.  Barely noticeable, a
tear welled in his right eye.
--Michael Dew

Semareth caught himself reaching for his sword hilt. The man
played with words like a politician at a time when his people were nothing
but scavengers, living in fear. He took a half-step forward, noticing the
reaction it drew from those around him. 
--Nick Takayama

Proctor Benedict noticed the move, but made no outward sign of it.  He
sighed inwardly.  Was this the best reaction that this man could make?
--Michael Dew

"Are you such a fool, that when we offer you help, you refuse us
until we bow obeisance and wash your feet? Look at your people, 
floundering in squalor and fear and tell me,", he paused, looking down 
at the Proctor with steely eyes, "that you are so worthy that we should 
pledge _to_ you, instead of fight with you. It seems to me that you have 
done naught more than calm the babies while the house burns down around 
you.". He shot a glance at Zeph. "Your High Inquisitor is a woman of 
action -- it is a pity that when we are willing to fight with her, a 
man of words lies between us.". He stopped, staring sidelong at the 
Proctor. His tall frame seemed made of stone as he waited.
--Nick Takayama

Tel glared intently at Semareth throughout his speech. He was truly
tempted to step up to the man and wreak havoc upon his sorry hide,
but remained at Zeph's side, surrendering to the restraints placed
upon him by his vow. As a result, he simply turned to eye Zeph as
if somebody had kicked her mother. She did nothing. Benedict was a
man who could handle his own battles. And effectively!
--Dave Smart

Proctor Benedict turned slowly to face Semareth.  His eyes flashed an
intense fire, and it was clear that only by extreme self-control did he 
not strike out at the man.

"'Fool'?  '*Fool*'?  'FOOL'??  How *dare* you stand there and profess to
judge me!!  How *dare* someone who allied himself with the likes of Proctor
John," his face twisted at the name, "to the point of *assisting* in the
oppression, persecution, and *extermination* of the innocent stand before me
and proclaim his morale supremacy!!  My dear Semareth," he sneered, "where
were you when the Dark One was waging war against Tynntangial while subverting
the rest of Ifreann?  Were you not High Inquisitor to his closest agent?
And where were you the time before that?  Were you there over one thousand
years ago to resist the Dark One then?
--Michael Dew

Hurriedly Thai sent a command to Semareth to calm down. She well 
understood how he felt and longed to throw her own suffering in this 
Proctor's face. The flames in the fireplace roared a little harder until 
she realized what she was doing and released them. ::We must stay in 
control of ourselves Semareth, else he'll call down Zeph and the elves on 
us in righteous indignation and the only winner will be Xeen and Proctor 
John. If it helps, I think the man is mad.::
--Phaedra Whitlock

"Have you ever watched your loved ones turned against you and eventually
destroyed?  And have you ever administered the last bastian of civilization
in a desperate attempt to keep these miserable people alive against the likes
of the Dragon-Demon Xeen?  Yes, these people *are* floundering in squalor
and fear.  And it is everything that Zephillia and I can do to keep them as
safe as they are from that hideous creature that sits upon the throne in
Daventry.  Have you ever been in that kind of position?  Have *you* ever had
to watch as these poor, desperate people look upon you for a solution, when
there is no solution to be had?  Have you had to tell the weeping mother that
her son is the latest snack for that cursed dragon Dardt, knowing full well
that he was not the last?  Have you had to watch as your little hovel is
gradually eaten away by disaster and despair while there was nothing within
your power to stop it?

"Tell me, Semareth, how much do you know of your adversary?  How much
experience do you have with the Dragon-Demon Xeen?  A year?  Ten years?
Fifty?  Come back and talk to me after your first thousand.  I was but 
a child then, but knew far more about the Enemy than any of you here could!"
--Michael Dew

Thai glared at him. It was precisely because of this information that they 
had come. Was he going to tell them or not?
--Phaedra Whitlock

He paused, letting the effect of his words sink into the minds of his
audience.  "I have seen too much in my time of guests who were labelled
'friends' that were in fact agents of the Enemy, the endorsement by my
dear Zephillia notwithstanding.  It is the way of the Dark One, and the
way of Xeen.  They use similar tactics, making one wonder if they are not
one and the same, or perhaps controlled by yet another, unthinkable evil."

He pondered his own words for a moment, then continued.  "I will *not*
accept the word of *anyone*, be he stranger or close friend, when the
safety of Haven is at stake.  If I am a fool for taking no chances with
the lives of the innocent, then I have been a fool my whole life, and you
would do well to be more...foolish!"

Semareth boiled.  More of this stranger's double-talk.

"My dear Semareth, I believe I have something that might interest you.  
Then again, it might not, but I will show it to you all the same."  Proctor
Benedict clapped his hands twice, paused then once again.  After a very
brief delay, two seeming monks entered, clad in crimson robes and hoods that
obscured every part of their bodies and faces.  Even High Inquisitor Zephillia
Elessidel was unaware of their existence or function.
--Michael Dew

Draca listened to all the 'discussion' in silence, resisting the 
urge to bring forth her wings and assume her true form.  This man's 
rantings made little sense to her, for she knew a great deal about Xeen 
from her teachings as a child, and failed to understand how the Proctor's 
age could compare with the Wise One's _experience_ of the demon-drake..

The concept of holding someone responsible for actions they had 
not yet committed was also alien to her.  Didn't this man understand the 
workings of time paradox?  She allowed the emotion felt by the Proctor 
and the others to flow over her, trying to limit the extent to which she 
was affected.
--Margaret Tayti

Proctor Benedict nodded, and the two figures walked over to a large curtain
that was hanging closed before an alcove in the parlour.  They drew the
curtain aside, revealing what was kept behind.  All could see a masterful
statue carved in shining black of a man kneeling, his face contorted in
pain and anguish, and his arm outstretched, reaching for Heaven.
--Michael Dew

Semareth looked over casually. But what he saw made his heart go cold.
--Nick Takayama

Jarrad gazed at the interesting piece of artwork, it seemed the sort 
of artwork a power hungry lunatic would keep, the sort that had the 
soul of evil trapped within. Fables of men turned to statues for 
eternity, feeling but not being able to express anything, sprung into 
his mind.

Suddenly that face snapped into focus, Semareth's face. Jarrad glanced 
at Semareth's face, then at the statues. Come to think of it, the 
expression in Semareth's eyes at the moment, loked very similar to 
the statue. He had obviously recognised himself as well.

Jarrad slowly probed out, reaching towards the statue, seeing if 
anything lay alive underneath it. The armor seemed to still be imbued 
with a resistance to psionics.

Slowly working around, Jarrad discovered no chink in the armor, so 
decide to concentrate on the bare face. He sent the probe straight 
into the statues mouth, open as if screaming in agony. Half 
concentrating on Benedict, half on the statue, he worked the probe 
carefully, not sure what traps may be in such an evil thing.
--Paul Khangure

"Look closely, guests!  You, as well, Zephillia!  Does anyone see a
resemblence?  Anyone at all?  Semareth, I should think that you do, for it
*is* you!  Surely you did not think that that obsidian hand that your Proctor
gave to you had only the functions that he shared with you?  Oh, no, it
slowly began to consume your flesh, until finally it had eaten away every 
last bit of your body.  You may actually still be alive in there, there is no
way to know, and believe me, I've tried!  Knowing Proctor John, that may very
well be, for he had a sinister pleasure in devising cruel and hideous ways
to torture people.  After his demise seventy years ago, I came into possession
of your body.  I chose to keep it.  I keep it here to remind myself
daily that absolute power corrupts absolutely, in hopes that I can delay the
onset of that corruption.  I know that I cannot prevent it...men have tried
for millenia to resist the temptation, no matter how benevolent their
intention.  But if I can stave off my spoiling until someone can take the 
reigns, then I have done my duty."
--Michael Dew

Seething though he was, something inside him told him that this was not 
necessarily how it had to be. In the beginning, the hand had been merely 
an attachment, then it had seemed to blend to his skin... but as time had 
gone by, it had not encroached on his body, but was now pulsing with 
veins as his body sought to reject it. 

Still nothing told him to trust the Proctor any more than he had trusted 
Proctor John. The same arrogance was there, the eyes which seemed too 
confident, and the body language indicating a man too sure of his own 
ability.
--Nick Takayama

The sight of the 'statue' chilled Draca to the bone.  It was one 
of the things she had feared when she first encountered Semareth.  Her 
eyes went cold, and her face assumed an unreadable, yet somehow menacing, 
air.  Still she kept silent, the depth of her emotion evidenced only by 
her collarbones, where two circular patches, one green one gold, began 
glowing _through_ the fabric of her shirt...
--Margaret Tayti

::Sir, you have yet to tell me what it is that I have done. I don't
deny that I may have done the things you accuse me of. I've done many
things I am not proud of in my life. If an apology is what you want I will
give you one in whatever manner you wish but if you wish me to be sincere
you will have to tell me what it is I've done without further word
games.::

Thai nodded towards Zephillia, ::The High Inquisitor has already told
me she hates me for my part in Proctor John's Cleansing of Eldarion. 
Despite that we found common ground and agreed to join forces to destroy
Xeen. I also promised to try to save the remnants of her people and that
promise still holds.::
--Phaedra Whitlock

"That may be well and good, but the last time I saw you and Semareth, you
were in the employ of the strongest Dark Guard in the Dark One's realm.
And, despite your alliance with Zephillia, you have yet to denounce your
former employer!  What assurances do I have that this is not some ploy
by Xeen to bring his Sword into Haven and destroy us all?  He has been
trying to do that for decades now, and but for my intuition and vigilance,
he has not succeeded.  But he is infinitely clever, and his ruses and
deceptions are sometimes impossible to see through.  That is how he
Ascended the first time, and that is how he will, or is, Ascending
now."
--Michael Dew

::Proctor, I have no need to denounce Proctor John. If your grasp of 
our history was more complete you would know that shortly after the 
Cleansing you recall so vividly I turned against him and started to 
undermine his staff. Several of the people with me took part in this. 
That is the past. What matters now is Xeen. We were told that you had the 
knowledge that we needed to have the slightest chance of destroying Xeen 
and that is the _only_ reason we came here.::
--Phaedra Whitlock

Proctor Benedict sighed.  "My *grasp* of your history is more complete
than *yours* is, my dear Ms. Silverrun.  You seem to forget that you've
traveled forward in time!  You've skipped the past eighty years, and as
such you have *no* idea what has transpired!

"So, I'll tell you a little about yourselves, or at least what the
outcome was.  Yes, you undermined Proctor John's staff.  Very well,
I might add.  *Too* well."  His eyes narrowed, and his face contorted
in a scowl.

"After you left, The Dark One recalled Proctor John to his Keep in
the north.  There were, shall we say, 'disciplinary procedures' that
were taken.  When Proctor John returned, he had an even tougher iron
fist than he had had before.  Five hundred people were chosen at
random and executed, without even so much as the mock ceremony of a
cleansing.  The Dragon's Inn itself was razed, the protective wards
notwithstanding.  Montfort was put under martial law, *John's* martial
law, with those cursed Limpia squads as the enforcement.  There was
no longer any pretense that the church was a religious center.  They
had moved from covert subversion to overt suppresion.  THIS was
Proctor John's retaliation for your 'undermining'.

"But you weren't there to witness it, were you?"  Benedict paused.

"I suppose you might be wondering what the history books say next,
especially about yourselves?  I'd be glad to tell you!  When you
returned from this quest, did you head for Proctor John to employ
the lovely Sword of Xeen you had successfully wrested from the Dragon-
Demon of the same name?  No, because you *hadn't* successfully
wrested it from the Dragon-Demon Xeen.  And you did the only thing
you could...you hunted the bearer of the only Sword that you knew...
Eldarion.  This time your encounter with him would be less than
friendly."  Benedict's eyes narrowed again, as he turned to pour
himself another cup of tea.  Taking a sip to whet his whistle, he
continued.

"You finally caught up to him in Chadwick.  He and his friends had
just defeated Soros and his allies, and were liberating the lands
of one Baron Therion, Lord of Chadwick.  Feigning alliance, you
infiltrated his camp, sought Eldarion Elessidel, and mercilessly
attacked."  Turning to his High Inquisitor, he shot, "You remember
this, don't you, dear?"

Benedict took another sip.  Putting his cup back on its saucer, he
proceeded.  "You did not succeed.  Eldarion had seen your return,
and alerted his friends that he suspected you would try to take the
sword by force.  When his suspicions turned out to be true, the
ambush was reversed.  From hiding places, and safe areas nearby,
Eldarion's friends and allied soldiers rushed to his defense, and
the attack was put down.  Though some of you escaped to meet a
different fate," Benedict glanced at Semareth, "Many of you did not
survive."  He looked from person to person, indicating who was
referring to.  His eyes stopped on Thai.  "You fought a courageous,
desperate battle, but it was for naught.  You were outnumbered, and
the element of surprise had been compromised."

Putting his cup and saucer down on a nearby table, Benedict added,
"However, it was not completely a one-sided victory.  You did inflict
casualties."  He paused.  A very long, uncomfortable pause.  "Very,
very grievous casualties," he said very slowly, as if remembering
the incidents first-hand.

Snapping from his trance, he concluded, "So, you see, my dear Ms.
Silverrun, this is the history that *I* am familiar with.  It is
an unfair burden that you will have to overcome, but a burden you will
have to overcome nevertheless if I am to help you."
--Proctor Benedict

::You seem to know everything already sir. I'm afraid I am confused as 
to what you thought I could say in my defense. I did not lie to you and I 
will not lie now when I say that if you do not trust us, trust someone, 
and tell them what went wrong the past will happen again and nothing will 
change and we will die and your people will die and nothing will change.::
--Phaedra Whitlock

She stood up and brushed her dress straight. ::I'm afraid I cannot
prove what I say to you however. These others in my group are all good
and decent people who will help you because they too do not like what
they have seen of Tynntangial and Xeen's handiwork. If you are wise
you will trust them, and I hope that together you will all succeed
and return safely.::

A wistful expression flickered across her face briefly and was gone.
Thai met Proctor Benedict's eyes and sent privately, ::I think I should
never have come here into the future. That you don't know me means
that I must have died early on. If that is true then I never got a chance
to make up for any of the things I did. I came here because it would
please the person I've come to love. I know it is not the best of reasons
but it is the only one I have. Proctor Benedict, whatever I've done to 
cause you upset or hurt, I am sorry and I apologize. I never intended 
harm to anyone, ever. I was young and very foolish then, and I learned too
late that there is a better way.:: She shrugged and returned to wide
broadcasting. ::I think I had best go now.::
--Phaedra Whitlock

Jarrad froze.

For the first time, his mind raged within itself, one side supporting 
Thai, totally commmitted to whatever she wanted to do, and determined to 
stay with the woman he loved. The other side was committed to seeing the 
church destroyed, or at least its present form destroyed. 

So shocked was Jarrad by the emotions which raged within, he lost control 
of his mental shield, pieces of the inner battle slipping through to 
anyone with a crystal. His face locked in a blank stony stare, directed 
at Benedict.
--Paul Khangure

Semareth felt the strong mix of Jarrad's emotions impinging on his 
thoughts, and it took him several moments to recognise them for what they 
were.

When he did, he turned his head sharply in Jarrad's direction, the barest 
hint of a predatory grin on his face. He permitted himself a moment of 
this familiar game, then wiped his face clear of emotion.
--Nick Takayama

He was about to announce that he would under no account remain with the 
elves should Thai be sent away, but go against Eldarion themselves, when 
Zephillia stood, and began reassuring Thai. 

Jarrad continued to glare at Benedict, wondering what the man new about 
him. He regained complete control of his shield, terminating any leaking 
anyone had felt.
--Paul Khangure

Semareth felt the strong mix of Jarrad's emotions impinging on his 
thoughts, and it took him several moments to recognise them for what they 
were.

When he did, he turned his head sharply in Jarrad's direction, the barest 
hint of a predatory grin on his face. He permitted himself a moment of 
this familiar game, then wiped his face clear of emotion.
--Nick Takayama

Proctor Benedict returned a private message to Thai (at least, he *hoped*
it was private, having not fully worked the nuances of this crystal mind-
speak which the ex-Deaconess used), ::Ms. Silverrun, the future is always
changing.  What you see here, and what your life was or wasn't after your
departure, is but one of many possible outcomes.  Remember this.::
--Michael Dew

::Remember?:: She stared at Proctor Benedict with her conviction 
violently unmistakable.:: Sir I doubt I shall ever forget this place.:: 
--Phaedra Whitlock

Thai stopped and sniffed back the tears starting to blur her eyes.
Now was hardly the time to start crying, not in front of everyone. She
turned to Zeph. ::Zephillia, if I could speak to you alone a moment 
before I go...?::
--Phaedra Whitlock

Semareth glanced quickly in Thai's direction, caught off guard
by her last comment. He sent to her before he could stop
himself.
          
++ This is no time for uncertainty, deaconess. Steel yourself
for the way ahead, do not be swayed from the path which leads
to redemption. ++

As he said those words, he realised the preaching tone of his
mind-speak. Perhaps, though, this journey was more than they
thought. Perhaps it was a journey of salvation for the wrongs
they had committed. He sent again,

++ You cannot afford to leave now++ this journey was more for
her than she imagined.
--Nick Takayama

In response to Thai's request and her sudden flood of emotion, Zeph
stood up suddenly and assured her there was no reason for her to
leave. ::Please...Our journey has been wrought with danger and
stress. Perhaps a moment to regain our self control is what is
needed here.:: Then looking back at Benedict, then Thai, she sent,
::can't we just all get along?:: {no,no -edit that out!}

Then looking back at Benedict, her expression of one requesting the
other to bury the hatchet (not in the back of Thai's head).
::The quest before us is too great to simply forfeit at such an
impasse. Thai?:: She grabbed on of the woman's free hands. ::If you
need to speak to me now in private, I will follow you, but I
believe with every instinct of my being that it is important for
you to stay.:: The words were almost an echo of what Thai had
earlier received by Semareth. ::No one said it was going to be
easy.::
--Dave Smart

Thai studied the floor and shook her head. ::Semareth, Zephillia, Jarrad, 
I am being reasonable, not emotional, in making my decisions. Proctor 
Benedict has no reason to trust me but he and these elves need you all 
and you need the information he possesses. This time the quest is more 
important than the people in it and unless Proctor Benedict CAN find a 
way to trust me then I must go. I won't go far, I happen to believe that 
this thing is too important for me to abandon it.:: 

She glanced at Semereth. ::Perhaps MY goddess is trying to tell me I 
need to do this alone. Perhaps she is not, but I have said from the 
beginning that we needed information more than anything and the High 
Inquisitor says that only Proctor Benedict has that information. We 
cannot force him to help us, either he will or no of his own free will. 
If my leaving will make him trust you all, then so be it. Take what 
opportunity he gives you and do the best you can.:: She smiled slightly 
but there was no humor in it. ::If you need me you know how to find me.::
--Phaedra Whitlock

Semareth sent a mental nod of assent. If this is how Thai wanted it to 
be, and if she claimed her goddess' hand in the matter, then so be it. 

Indeed, he did know how to find her - the crystal had already proven 
itself once - and the thought was oddly comforting. He knew not why; 
perhaps he and Thai had something in common. He dismissed the thought 
off-hand.
--Nick Takayama

Proctor Benedict met Zeph's gaze and he nodded.  She quickly followed
the distraut Thai.

To the others, he added, "You have come asking for wisdom and guidance,
both of which I have the capacity to give.  And, I will gladly give both, 
in ample quantities, to any who would aid Haven.  However, I will deny
both, to my very end if need be, to those who might threaten Haven, whether
intentionally or through negligence.  And I do not intend to meet my end any
time soon."  To Semareth, who still seemed to be seething, he added,
"High Inquisitor, is not the first rule of combat to know thy enemy?  If you
would call me your enemy, do you know me?"
--Michael Dew

Laughable thought -- Haven was but a place of no importance in his 
mind... but finding Sh'aljien's "killer" was a different matter.

He turned to look at the obsidian sculpture as he replied, folding his arms.

"I do not know you, leader of the folk of Haven. Nor do I consider you an 
enemy of mine... ", his eyes glanced perfunctorily over the statue. It 
was him, no doubt, but something had shifted inside him... somehow the 
statue was him, but he was not the man who would end so.

"You could strike us dead where we stand -- or try to -- if you think 
Haven would be any safer without us, but it would be a waste, indeed. 
Whether or not I end like that --", he gave the statue a dismissive 
gesture, "or not, I intend to see Xeen dead." He turned his steely gaze 
to Benedict. "And if you help me - _us_ - then I swear on my life that I 
will not endanger your people."
--Nick Takayama

Proctor Benedict considered the words from Semareth.  It was the first
concession that he had heard from anyone Zephillia had brought in, if
it could be called a concession.  And to come from this man Semareth!
Benedict did not underestimate the value of his words.  Besides, he had
promised on his life not to harm the people of Haven, and had done so
on the holy grounds of his Church.  Benedict would have known if Semareth
had been lying, and he had not.

"*That*, my dear Semareth, is all that I ask."  He bowed graciously
towards the man, all animosity now a thing of the past.  When he stood,
he looked at the others expectantly.
--Michael Dew