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Compendium Chapter 8 - January 1996
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"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

Semareth relaxed slightly, but scowled disdainingly at the sculpture 
which remained in the corner of his vision. The obsidian on his left 
wrist grew colder by the minute, had done so since the statue had been 
revealed. Perhaps it was a figment of his imagination, but it felt like 
an alien beast gnawing it's way up his arm, numb as if some poison were 
slowly being drawn up his arm.

He absently adjusted his sword and knife into a more comfortable 
position, a warrior's habit. It had been long since he had championed 
Sh'aljien onto the battlefield, but he was more than ready.

Benedict's recounting of 'history' had intrigued him. Obviously things 
had not gone well for the group. Jarrad presented some argument, but 
Semareth was too busy assessing the story Benedict had told. He could 
picture a vivid image of the battle as it had happened, and of his own 
escape. The odds must have been terrible.

A small voice entered his mind, ::Lord Semareth?::

He looked down, and saw Cari's questioning face glancing up at him.

++ Yes, child? ++ he replied, though he knew he was looking at a young 
woman, approaching maturity.

:: Well.. I wish to accompany you on this journey... so we can continue 
our lessons. :: She reminded him of their theological lessons that 
Semareth had begun with her back in another time. 

He smiled, and touched her chin gently with his forefinger.

++Very well, Cari. So shall it be. ++

Then, to Benedict, he spoke, "Cari wishes to pledge the same to both you 
and your people. It is her will, and therefore her destiny that she join 
us in this journey.". At his side, Cari nodded to indicate that Semareth 
spoke her wishes true.
--Nick Takayama

Proctor Benedict turned his gaze to Semareth, then to Cari and back.
He said, "That is very noble of the young woman, but why can she not
make this request herself rather than through you, Sir Semareth?"
--Michael Dew

Semareth raised an eyebrow. 

"Cari's mindspeak is her only means of communication -- except for 
writing -- and even then she is perhaps too timid. You wish her 
to speak for herself..."
--Nick Takayama

Proctor Benedict nodded in understanding at Semareth's words.  He turned
to look at Cari, trying to soften his gaze.
--Michael Dew

Cari nervously looked up at the Proctor. His garments of office 
still caused the hair on the back of her neck to rise -- she had  
spent too long in fear of the signs of the Redeemer. However, the 
outcome of this journey meant too much to her.
--Nick Takayama

Benedict noticed the young woman's trepidation.  In as soothing
a voice as he could muster, he said, "It's okay to talk to me.
I am not like the other proctors you have known.  Just tell me
how you feel, honestly and from the heart."

Finally finding the courage to address the proctor directly, Cari
sent via mindspeak
--Michael Dew

::I too, swear not to endanger your people, Proctor Benedict:: 
she sent to him.
--Nick Takayama

Proctor Benedict smiled broadly.  Saying to her, "I know, sweetheart.
You wouldn't harm anything or anyone who was good, would you?  Thank
you, dear.  The people of Haven are grateful."
--Michael Dew

Cari stood near Semareth. She thought that the Proctor looked vaguely 
familiar, and from his rather long speech, it seemed that he had been 
at some of the momentous events of the last thousand years. She smiled 
innocently at him, and though she too had offered her word, she had her 
doubts that any of their oaths would buy them what they needed from the 
man. 

She glanced at the statue - both beautiful and hideous all at once. 
She refused to believe that was Semareth's ultimate fate. As far as 
she was concerned, she would pray that if they were to die it would be 
in this time, fighting to avenge Sh'aljien.
--Cathy Mosley

"I swore an oath in Zephillia and her elves' presence. I swore to work 
with her, and not harm her people." Stated Jarrad in a deceptively mild 
tone of voice. "If such a vow is not enough, then there is little else 
we can do or say to convice you otherwise, is there?"
--Paul Khangure

"What you say to my High Inquisitor when not in my presence is between
you and her.  If she will not accept your vow, then that is an issue
you will have to discuss with her.  What *I* want is a vow *to* me and
issued on *this* ground!"
--Michael Dew

"So be it" Jarrad replied. "I swear, that I shall do my utmost to ensure
the safety 
of the innocents of Haven."
--Paul Khangure

Proctor Benedict considered Jarrad's words.  They seemed rather hollow,
as the knee-jerk response to his request, and not necessarily sincere.
Still, the church's wards did not tell him that the man was lying in
his intentions.  There was no deception behind the words, whether they
were generally sincere or simply lip-service to appease him.
--Michael Dew

Jarrad suddenly brought to mind something Benedict had said to Thai.

"You say that we were unsuccessful in regaining the sword from Xeen, but 
that we somehow escaped and returned back to Montford at that time." 
stated Jarrad. "Could it be that you turned us away, leaving us no other 
option but to try and get the sword in our own time? I find it difficult 
to believe we confronted Xeen and survived without the sword. That 
suggests we never made it to him. For you to help us, to tell us all you 
know about Xeen, that itself could prevent the very history you talk 
about. You are a major player in this time Proctor, did you consider that 
your own actions could cause such a calamity?"
--Paul Khangure

Benedict listened to Jarrad's words, somewhat bemused, and correctly guessing
where this was leading.
--Michael Dew

Jarrad then continued "You never mentioned exactly where you knew 
Thai from. Was it in the battle with Eldarion which you talk about? That 
she recognised you as the proctor to be, before you had assumed that 
role? If she recognised you there, that would give her even more reason 
to fight, thinking that you were with Eldarion, and that you then were 
teh keeper of Haven. She could have thought you to have been betraying 
Haven, as you think her to betray Proctor John. You were with Eldarion 
at one time weren't you, now you are against him. Why can the same not 
be true for Semareth and Thai, for any others who were in the church but 
rebelled when they discovered what they were doing? I know the position 
you are in, to risk the knoweldge of Haven travelling straight to Xeen's 
lair if we go there, but you can change the entrances, you do that 
often. Give us the chance to head this whole calamity off before it 
occured, before John murdered 500 people, and razed the town of Montfort."

Jarrad stopped his oration, rather impressed with what he had said, hoping
it made 
sense to the others, Benedict in particular.
--Paul Khangure

Benedict sighed.  These people would have to be far more attentive to the
details of what was said than they were displaying currently if they even
hoped to outwit the Dragon-Demon and recover the Sword.  Speaking, Benedict
said, "Jarrad, I will address your points in the order you raised them.

"Whether you find it difficult to believe that you could confront Xeen and
survive without the sword is irrevelent.  The fact is, unless Xeen partic-
ularly wants you dead, he is not a threat.  Many people, including Zephillia
and myself, have had audiences with the Dragon-Demon.  They are certainly
tense, and dangerous, but not suicidal.  But, for argument's sake, let us
assume that you are correct in your 'suggestion' that you never made it to
Xeen in the first place.  
--Michael Dew

"There is a key differience in this case." Jarred countered. "Xeen knows of
our 
presence, and has announced the game is afoot." Mentally sending, Jarrad 
transmitted all the information and images he had of the elven visitor to the 
citadel, and the message Xeen delivered, gore and all. "Do you know who the
elf was?" 
--Paul Khangure

Benedict was not pleased that he had been interrupted.  But, what Jarrad
told him *was* disturbing.  "Then Xeen has already declared you an enemy.
That changes the whole perspective."  Benedict was silent a moment, lost
in his thoughts.  Then, answering Jarrad's question, he said, "No, I do
not know who the elf was.  Whether he was one captured from Haven after
the Holocaust, or was one who was trapped in Daventry, I cannot say.
Those were hectic and confused days, and an accurate tally of who had
escaped and who had been captured was not possible.  I daresay there are
*still* residents of Haven that I have not met...too scared to come in
contact with anyone, much less someone of power as myself, regardless of
their intention.  *That* is how scarred and how scared my people are!"
--Michael Dew

This does *not* automatically mean that I refused to help you.  There 
are many hazards between here and Xeen's lair, not the least of which is 
that cursed beast Dardt.  Is it not also possible that Dardt prevented 
you from completing your quest, perhaps even prematurely returning you to 
your own time?
--Michael Dew

"Yes it is possible. The only reason Dardt would return us, rather than 
eliminate us on the spot, would be at Xeens direction. Xeen would 
consider it an enormous game to trick us into going back and causing so 
much havoc, wouldn't he?" 
--Paul Khangure

"Indeed, and it is very like Xeen to toy with his enemies, as 
I no realize he views you.  'Pawn to Queen 2' he said.  Hmmm..."
--Michael Dew

Is it not possible that Xeen itself cast you back?  Yes, I am a major player.  
And yes, my actions may cause or prevent what I have come to know as 
'history'.  But if you do pose a threat to Haven, I would rather deny you 
assistance and have Proctor John slay five hundred than be directly 
responsible for allowing Xeen to destroy a city of tens of thousands.
--Michael Dew

"You are a major player, and Xeen knows it. If he is wiley as I think, 
He would no  doubt love the idea of having you do something to cause such 
destruction. He is manipulating everyone." said Jarrad.
--Paul Khangure

"My friend Jarrad, you truly do have considerable insight in your adversary.
Yes, Xeen will attempt to manipulate everyone.  And it is therefore critical
that we all know...I mean, really *know*...what everyone's intentions are.
His power does have limits, though.  He cannot, for example, control the free
will of another without considerable effort and preparation.  That little
display that you so graciously shared with me," his voice twisted in friendly
sarcasm, "was quite a bit of handiwork, in a cruel and sick sense.  But what
he can do is infuse confusion and mistrust.  He can affect how we view each
other, and what we think each other's intentions are.  For this reason, we
must be very, *very* careful."
--Michael Dew

"Yes, we must. But we must not let him instill a lethargy, or so deep a 
sense of mistrust as to fragment our position." said Jarrad. "That is the 
game we play with ourselves, before we even get to Xeen"
--Paul Khangure

"No, I did not mention *exactly* where I knew Thai from.  And, yes, I recog-
nized her from the battle with Eldarion.  But, I had known who she was long
before then.  As I had mentioned, she had participated in crimes against my
friends, Eldarion being one of them, but not the only, nor the most important.
And, while your argument is certainly feasible, it assumes that I denied your
request for assistance, which I have as yet not done.  Further, if I had *not*
denied your request for assistance, and history unfolded as I know it anyway,
then your argument falls to shreds.  Yes, I fought alongside Eldarion.  But I
--Michael Dew

"The more I look at it, the more it seems impossible to control what 
happens. Anything you do could cause the past you say. Anything you do 
not do could cause it. Having us killed now, could cause it, we escape, 
and have no choice but to go back to or time and try for Eldarion's sword.
--Paul Khangure

"Again, very true, Jarrad.  I cannot forecast what events will cause or
prevent the 'history' I have come to know.  This is where the battle of
wits with Xeen begins.  I know the results of one outcome.  They were not
successful, and the consequences were terrible indeed.  It is even conceiv-
able that those consequences led to the current state of affairs, so that
when you traveled to the future, you came to *this* future, failed again,
with the same causality as before...an endless time loop.  It may be very
possible that there *is* no way out.  But, the only way to be sure, is to
keep our wits about us, to try to predict what Xeen is doing and how he
will do it, and to analyze what *is* going on around us to see if it could
be related to Xeen in some previously unforeseen manner.  That has certainly
been *my* motivation."
--Michael Dew

We are here, to destroy Xeen, or remove the sword from his presence. 
Support us in this, support us in defeating what menaces your people. IF 
we can change the past, what would happen if we eliminate the Proctor 
John, before anything happens. Where would that leave us, leave Eldarion 
in the past. Would it be possible to have a combined sword of Xeen, and 
have Eldarion with his sword of Xeen in the same time? Would they be 
drawn together to destroy each other? or repelled apart. Would the 
cause paradox and shatter. There is too much unpredictability, and for 
you to assume that an action you take guarantees an event not to happen 
seems extremely dangerous. Would you have it that Haven was destroyed, 
but in the process, time was undone back hundreds of years, and Eldarion 
never got the whole sword of Xeen, and Tyntangial was never defaced? 
Haven would never have been built, never existed, could  not have been 
destroyed. Are you really willing to stake everything, the future of 
millions of peiople, over generations of time, in many planes, on a past 
you know to have happened, governed by such a myriad of circumstances, 
not the least of which is Xeen's penchant for gaming?"
--Paul Khangure

Again, Jarrad fired off a barrage of questions with no place for Benedict
to interject.  When he was finished, he addressed his concerns.  "Certainly
if you were to change things in *your* time that were different than I
remember them to be, then the future will change accordingly.  The interactions
between the two Swords of Xeen would be unpredictable, as you said, but I
would guess that the curse that would draw the bearer's together for a duel to
the death would still be in force.  Whoever would bear the weapon would have
to be careful to avoid Eldarion...he has already proven his prowess against
all the other bearers!"  A slight smile flicked across the proctor's face,
but there was a great sadness behind it.  "And, Jarrad, I have not 'guaranteed'
any outcome based on any action I take or do not take.  I can give a prediction
with certain margins of error, but there are no guarantees in life.  And I
would never endeavor to make one.  No, your scenario of sacrificing Haven to
save Eldarion would not be preferable, as some other bearer of the Sword would
simply take his place.  While Tynntangial *might* be saved, another part of
Ifreann would be similarly destroyed.  Am I willing to stake everything on a
past I know to have happened, without knowing what consequences my actions may
produce, without knowing how time will unfold *this* time around, without
knowing how random change will play, if at all?"  Proctor Benedict was quiet
a long while as he considered the question.

"My friend Jarrad, do I have a choice?"
--Proctor Benedict

"No, you don't. But neither do we."
--Paul Khangure

do not fight against him now.  Let us be clear that the Dragon-Demon Xeen is
*not* Eldarion!  Eldarion began to die ever so slowly when he first picked up
that cursed sword.  When he finally defeated the last bearer of a Sword of
Xeen, the entity that was Xeen was finally reunited in the last surviving
sword.  Once united, it quickly transferred itself into Eldarion's body, and
any vestige of the Elessidel remaining was blown away like ashes in the wind.
Eldarion is dead.  Xeen is all that remains.  And it is this reason that
my situation and that of Thai and Semareth are not alike...Proctor John is
*still* Proctor John, but Xeen is *not* Eldarion.  Further, the defense of
Haven is not just in the magical entrances...if that were all, Xeen would have
destroyed us decades ago.  That is merely the first line in a series of
magical and mundane defenses the city has...you now possess the knowledge,
though you may not know it nor be able to recall it, of how to surpass those
defenses.  While you may not be able to retrieve it, Xeen would.  And, you
would likely die in the process.  And, lastly Jarrad, I did not say that
the town of Montfort was razed...only the Inn.  You will have to pay much
greater attention to detail if you hope to confront Xeen successfully."
--Michael Dew

"To raze the inn, is to Raze Montfort's heart. I heard you correctly, but
spoke 
from my heart. I have only spent a little time in Montfort, but for the Inn
to be 
razed, would be to rid Montford of a huge chance of avoiding the Dark Guards.
--Michael Dew

"There were many in Montfort, possibly more than not, who did not
consider the Dragon's Inn to be the 'heart of Montfort'.  It is
a matter of perspective, and we will have to be careful there.
Especially when dealing with Xeen.  You must understand his
perspective if you hope to confront him."
--Michael Dew

"True. I let emotion rule briefly, adn that can cost too many people too 
much. Emotion has its time and place, but that was not it." answerd Jarrad.
--Paul Khangure

AS for Xeen not being eldarion, that may be true. HOwever, Xeen called 
Zephilila cousin. Whether that be game, or a residual of Eldarion lies 
trapped within the body, hating everything that happens, is unknown is 
it not?"
--Paul Khangure

"Jarrad, you just admitted to Xeen's penchant for games.  Surely
you could see that this was in play here?  Xeen knew that it
would evoke an emotional response, and that emotionaly responses
will surely work more against than for you.  He was seeking to
exploit a weakness.  He is no more a cousin of Zephillia than he
is of me, and he is no cousin....."  Benedict stopped and thought
a moment.  No, perhaps that wasn't true after all...
--Michael Dew

"Yes, I begin to know his penchant for games. What I ask is certainty 
that Eldarion isn't in there, having a huge game by making us think only 
Xeen is left. To chalenge someone with ELdarion's knowledge and memeory, 
is a differnt manner, than a dragon who never met us before, nor knows 
much about us."
--Paul Khangure

Proctor Benedict looked around at the others, to see if they had any
contests to put before him.  Semareth had spoken, and Benedict had
answered.  Jarrad had done the same, with similar results.  He was
willing to put up with their petty tests, if, in fact, they could
offer the possibility of ending the reign of terror that the Dragon-
Demon held over his city.  As long as that possibility remained, he
would be patient.
--Michael Dew

"I am not contesting with you, jsut trying to do something that 
will save hundreds of thousands of people, from pain and misery. 
Just as you do here."
--Paul Khangure

Proctor Benedict smiled.  "Only we have different views on what the
outcomes of our actions may be, based on our different perceptions
of the world around us.  I have one hundred years' more experience,
but one hundred years that need not turn out as they did."
--Michael Dew

"Yes we have different views, but I hope we can ally on some course of 
action."
--Paul Khangure

As his eyes fell upon Draca, he stopped momentarily.  He was startled
to see one of her kind here...he had long thought they were all dead
or had left Ifreann for safer abodes.  She had no idea how much danger
she was in here.  Before anyone could detect this mental revelation,
he continued his glance over the others.
--Michael Dew

Jarrad was watching carefully for this moment, and noted the 
Proctors tiny reactions. Benedict knew. He waited, watching 
carefully to see the reaction when Benedict looked at Strawberry.
--Paul Khangure

That was the last straw.  Draca drew herself up to her full 
height (five feet tall, but somehow feels like eight or so...) and 
summoned her wings.  In her eyes there burned a wrath so consuming that 
even Jarrad, with whom she had shared a fair amount of information, took 
an involuntary step back, hand gripping his sword hilt.

The cripple no longer looked harmless...  She did, however exert 
sufficient control to send instead of speaking, to ensure that her accent 
didn't interfere with her message.

[ {} denotes words in dragon]

*Semareth called you a fool.  I shall begin by saying that I 
believe that to be the greatest understatement I have _ever_ 
encountered.  You _demand_ my assurance that I will not harm your 
precious Haven, when YOU have _already_ SIGNED ITS DEATH WARRANT!  You 
have the  {ARROGANCE} and gall to keep _THAT_ for seventy years, letting 
it slowly drain the life out of the very rock upon which Haven is built, 
and then want MY PROMISE to do no harm to the 'flock' you are slowly 
killing?  In different circumstances, I might find your attitude 
humourous, but it merely saddens me.

Since it seems that you have no understanding of your actions, or 
their consequences, allow me to 'educate' you... all of you..*

With those words, she clamped her sending to Cari and Semareth 
shut, and broadcast her life-sense to the others.  (Jarrad will now 
understand _fully_ the basis of her reaction when they arrived)

She first showed them the tendrils of life-force that surrounded 
them all, explaining how they enabled her to sense the injuries of those 
around her.  She demonstrated how even the plants and stones had a life - 
the pulse of Iffreann herself.  Then, she turned to the statue, sending:  
*I have shown you things as they _should_ be... now see them as they _are_*.

She extended her senses deeper, tracing the sickness of the 
place.  There were children and elders in the infirmary, dying of unknown 
causes... their threads lead to the statue...  In some small patches 
aboveground, plants failed to thrive... they fed the statue... in the 
depths of Haven's caverns, clear springs turned brackish... the statue 
pulled the life from the very rock upon which it was set...

One by one, she broke contact with her 'audience' the Proctor 
last, and, shuddering, turned to them all.  *Such is the curse of my 
nature... always to know and share the suffering that surrounds me.  I 
apologize to any that feel offended by what they have just witnessed, but 
remember this... 

What you have shared for an instant, I will feel for millennia to 
com, for in losing a portion of my 'humanity', I have greatly extended my 
life.  The human that I was also felt these things, but expected to die 
within a century... a seemingly bearable period of time...
--Margaret Tayti

From the corridor Thai had continued to monitor events in the room 
and had almost begun to relax, feeling the situation was not 
entirely beyond repair, when Draca began to broadcast. 

::Draca, the Proctor means well I'm sure. Whatever his other 
failings, and I believe they are many, he truly wants the best for 
Haven. You know and I know you have no wish to harm Haven, please 
tell HIM that so that we may get the information we need to defeat 
Xeen. It's the only way he'll let us help him and his people. He's 
been protecting them so long with so little to show for it I don't 
think he CAN trust anymore without hearing the words he wants to 
believe.::

As her mind voice withdrew Thai added, more to herself than to 
anyone else, ::Even a child can see this place is dying. It must 
break the Proctor's heart.::
--Phaedra Whitlock


Zeph followed Thai from the parlour. She could feel the tension as
she left tug at her like static. "Oh well, things could of been
worse," she mused.

Reaching a private area, Zeph took hold of the other woman's hand
for the second time and yanked. "Thai wait!" she hissed.

The yank was hard and firm, but not harmful. Thai let herself twirl
around to face her new ali. Her expression spoke volumes, but of
what? (she could still not read this woman) However explosive Zeph
had expected the meeting to be with the proctor, she did not expect
this. She had assumed Thai was made of sterner stuff. Well, the
proctor did have a talent of getting under a persons skin, no
matter how tough that hide might be. Nerves were obviously brittle
on both sides.

"Thai, talk to me!" Zeph demanded softly.
--Dave Smart

Thai jerked free. ::High Inquisitor, I sided with you when all the 
others could see of you was the church we'd left behind. I came here 
thinking we were allies, I even promised to help protect your 
people....:: Thai broke off angrily and started walking off her 
aggression again with Zeph beside her.
--Phaedra Whitlock
  
For a brief moment, Zeph took on a defensive look then shook it.
--Dave Smart
  
::None of this is important. Xeen is all that matters and Proctor 
Benedict can't let go of the past long enough to see what he's doing. 
I ask whats wrong and he rants about something that I haven't yet done 
and blames everything on me. I havent DONE anything Zeph! Cant he see 
that? Why can't people give me a chance to prove I've changed!"
--Phaedra Whitlock

It was all Zeph could do to refrain from chuckling. The soft bubbly 
laughter caused Thai to turn on her heels angrily and face Zeph. ::What 
is so damn funny?:: Obviously, the inquisitor found humour where there 
was none to be had. 

::Why you are my dear friend,:: replied Zeph.
  
Thai blanched. The two stood toe to toe without a telepathic word
between them. The silent silence was seriously quiet. Breaking the
monotony, Zeph straightened up and cleared her silly grin from her
face and beckoned, ::don't take things so hard with the proctor. 
He...he's just trying to rattle your cage. Rustle up your feathers. 
Get under-::

::I get the picture,:: Thai interrupted haughtily. 
--Dave Smart

Despite herself she started to smile back. It wasn't Zeph's fault, 
maybe, and the Proctor WAS the most annoying male she'd ever met 
in her life.
--Phaedra Whitlock

::He -I for that matter, is not care free with his sense of trust.
Don't take it the wrong way Thai; trust must be earned not simply 
taken for granted. No matter what a persons convictions may be. I 
am sure you agree with this bit of philosophy.:: The two resumed
their walk. ::Besides...these are trying times. Benedict's eyes
have seen many things that we are ignorant too, and he has every 
right to be cautious.:: Her words came out with a defensive edge, 
if only slight. How strange to be on the defense on her ground.
--Dave Smart

That wasn't really the problem and Thai knew it but how could she 
trust Zeph now? The Proctor had badly shaken her self-confidence with 
his revelations. Until now Thai had believed that there was a way and 
she would succeed, but it seemed she was wrong. Not only had she 
failed to get the Sword, she'd failed to protect the people counting 
on her and caused the deaths of five hundred more besides. 

Knowing that, how could the others ever trust her leadership, and if by 
some miracle they did how could she serve them better than she had 
before? She didn't know and that was the worst thing of all.
--Phaedra Whitlock

After another repose of silence between the two fair ladies, Zeph went
on, knowing there was more bothering Thai than Proctor Benedict's 
attitude towards her and her comrades. ::As unlikely or odd our alliance,
we must band together to depose the evil that surrounds us; whatever our 
petty differences may be. You know that, I know that, Benedict knows 
that!:: Noticing the tired look on Thai's face and imagining a similar 
one on her own, Zeph suggested, ::Perhaps a good meal in our bellies then 
a peaceful rest. Afterwards we can meet with Benedict again and convince 
him of your sincerity in helping us destroy Xeen. If he refuses to help 
at that time, I won't stand in your way if you wish to head out on your 
own. What say you?::

Waiting an answer, Zeph's mind raced, "now how in the hell am I going to 
get Benedict to see it my way?"
--Dave Smart

Thai stopped at an embrasure [window] to watch the people of Haven 
scurrying at their tasks. ::I've never had a friend before, 
except my cousin. Do you mean it Zeph?:: Zeph realized her answer 
was oddly important and thought about it before she spoke.

"Yes, I mean it." She too had a strong bond held with her 
cousins, Eldarion and Elana, long ago.

Thai smiled. ::Then I say that a meal sounds wonderful. I missed 
Draca's lunch while talking with the eagles and Shaitan [refering 
to the missing post I have yet to rewrite, see Compendium when it 
comes out]. 

With Zeph leading the way Thai soon found herself in a cavernous 
[literally] kitchen/dining area in one of the volcanic vent holes 
where its smoke would attract no unwanted attention. 

Strawberry and Zephyr were still there and between the four of 
them and Zeph's elven Legantors everyone could find a tale to 
tell for the amusement of the others. Time passed and Thai drank 
quite a bit of the wine grown in the volcanic soil of the old 
volcano, it was the only luxury available to Haven and therefore 
a necessity, before the Proctor's messenger arrived with a summons 
to his office.
--Phaedra Whitlock

The kitchen staff were never so busy. Between the ravenous elves
who accompanied the newcomers (who ever they may be), Strawberry
seemed to have an endless appetite. Cutlery clanged and dishes
chimed in an endless symphony. Once in a while a voice would break
through the clatter to ask for this or that to be passed down the
table. When all was said and done, bellies were full and content. 

"I say! The good proctor's staff has out done themselves here,"
said Strawberry with an accompanying burp to add compliment to the
chef. "A truly magnificent brunch!"
--Dave Smart

After the others had dispersed the High Inquisitor took Thai back to
where Proctor Benedict waited. 

She settled into a chair and laced her fingers seemingly casually in 
her lap as she studied the Proctor. 
--Phaedra Whitlock

Proctor Benedict turned to his High Inquisitor.  "Thank you, Zephillia.
Would you be kind enough to tend to our other guests?  We will be fine."

Zephillia looked towards Thai briefly, and then back to Proctor
Benedict.  "As you wish, proctor."  As she left, Benedict turned
back to Thai.
--Michael Dew

Speaking calmly Thai began. 

::I have no desire to hate you Benedict, but you have to decide
what it is you want of me or this meeting is useless. You ask for
an apology and I gave you one. I am not sorry for what you claim I
will do as it is based on our failing here which I refuse to
believe lest I make it true. In any case it is irrelevant to what
needs to be accomplished now.:: 

::I am sorry for what you've been through, both of you, but I've 
suffered too. I did not simply leave the Church one day because 
the dew sparkled a certain way on the grass. Proctor John found 
out what I was doing and tortured me. He killed me Benedict, over
and over again until I wanted nothing more than to stay dead. 
Life was reduced to agony and suffering with no end in sight. 
You might understand the hopelessness that I felt but I hope you 
never do. That is MY past. I understand how important it is to 
you to protect your people Benedict, and how it feels when one 
dies, when there is nothing you can do. All you can do is your 
best and sometimes it isnt enough but you keep trying because 
they look to you. Its hard.::

::The High Inquisitor was correct when she said we needed to
calm down. I mean you no harm Benedict, at least not at the
moment.:: She grinned ruefully. ::Earlier I would gladly have
thrown you to the wolves but that was then and we have
more important things to do than attack each other. You're upset
because of the situation you're in, but if there is any hope
to defeat Xeen you must put aside your hatred and deal with the
me that is here now, not the person I may become. Logic and clear
thinking is the only hope we have to succeed in this.::
--Phaedra Whitlock

Proctor Benedict had a look of frustration on his face.  He seemed
distracted somewhat, and did not quickly respond to Thai's onslaught.
Finally, he answered, saying, "Ms. Silverrun, this mind-speak that you
use is very...well, very difficult for me.  I cannot explain why.  Is
there a reason you do not use your voice, like everyone else?"
--Michael Dew

Thai smiled slightly. ::Proctor John removed it. He may have 
thought my screaming would alert someone to what he was doing to 
me. Perhaps he was just making sure I didn't use my magic to 
hinder him. I do not know.:: 
--Phaedra Whitlock

"Oh.  I see.  Would you like to have it back?"
--Michael Dew

Thai was at first skeptical, then disbelieving and finally stunned
when she realized he was serious. '...and he took me up onto a high
mountain and offered me the kingdoms of the world...' Thai took a 
deep breath to clear her head. Did he have any idea how much she 
wanted her voice back? She leaned forward slightly as if to gauge 
his intentions.

::Its something physical he did to me. You really think you can....::
--Phaedra Whitlock

"I can."
--Michael Dew

::Oh....:: The pleading expression she gave him was almost 
painful to see. ::I can't promise you anything in return Proctor. I 
can't jeopardize what chances I have of succeeding. You understand 
that don't you?:: 
--Phaedra Whitlock

"This is merely for my convenience.  I have no intention of 
asking for any quid pro quo, nor would I desire you to jeopardize 
any quest that did not harm Haven," said Proctor Benedict.  
"Besides, given the opportunity to undo something Proctor John 
did, I am honor-bound to pursue that opportunity."
--Michael Dew

She swallowed hard. ::Nothing is free. What do you want?:: 
--Phaedra Whitlock

"All that I have wanted from the beginning: assurances that you
intend no harm against the people of Haven."
--Michael Dew

::I want the Sword of Xeen. I dont intend harm to anyone in this 
time zone. Didn't I say that already?:: She frowned trying to 
recall the previous conversation.
--Phaedra Whitlock

"So, you have no intentions to harm Haven, then?" Benedict prodded.
--Michael Dew

::I just TOLD you I did not!::
--Phaedra Whitlock

"Just answer the question, please."  Proctor Benedict was stubborn.
--Michael Dew

Thai glared at Benedict. What was wrong with him? Losing control of her 
temper Thai's emotions started to seep through the crystal network until she
was shouting in mingled frustration and anger. ::I HAVE NO INTENTION
OF HARMING YOU OR ANYONE ELSE IN HAVEN!!!::
--Phaedra Whitlock

"Good."  Benedict smiled, and relaxed noticeably as well.  He closed
his eyes briefly, as if in concentration, and simultaneously Thai
felt a strange feeling in her throat.  In a few seconds, it was gone,
and Benedict was looking at her, still smiling.

"Go ahead and try it," he said.
--Michael Dew

Thais anger melted away as she felt her throat then glanced at herself
in a mirror. "...hello...?" A radiant smile bloomed on her face. "I
can speak! Thank you! You have no idea what this means to me."
--Phaedra Whitlock

"Now, then, as for your questions.  I would have liked an apology
specifically for what you tried to do to my friends; namely,
their attempted execution.  Their names were Eldarion, Elana,
and Therion, perhaps you remember them?  But, I don't want 
lip-service...I want to know *why* you are sorry you took part
in their cleansing.  And be very careful, Ms. Silverrun.  I will
know if you're lying.
--Michael Dew

Thai leaned back in her chair. "I don't really care if you do."

"I cant explain it to you Benedict. Suffice to say that it wasn't
until I met two heroes that I learned that power isn't everything,
that it is hardly anything at all. I don't much like the person I was
then and am trying to change, but I hurt a lot of people unnecessarily
and now I wish I hadn't because Jarrad deserves so much better than me.
I know its not enough for you, but I am sincere Benedict."

She thought about it for a moment. She DID regret what she had done,
but how to tell this stern, stubborn old man, an elf! that she 
felt guilty every time she thought about Therion and Eldarion. 
Elana was a blank and Thai had no feelings one way or the other 
for her, but the others.... A part of what she felt was mirrored 
on her face but no explanation came to her so she remained silent 
and lifted her eyes to await his response.
--Phaedra Whitlock

Proctor Benedict sat back and considered her words.  He received no
warnings that she was being deceptive, although his wards were not
always foolproof or completely accurate.  As she spoke, he studied
her posture, her facial expressions, and her gestures in an effort to
uncover further meaning in what she was saying.  Everything seemed
to coincide.

"You are at conflict with yourself, correct Ms. Silverrun?  You have
had a revelation that has turned you from seeing servitude to Proctor
John and the subjugation of innocents as something desirable to
something loathed, and you have yet to come to terms, to justify,
your previous actions in light of your recent revelation.  Is this
correct?  Tell me, Ms. Silverrun, what was this revelation?"
--Michael Dew

Thai hadn't thought of it in quite that way but yes, that was the 
gist of it. The phrase 'subjugation of innocents' made her 
distinctly uncomfortable, and Benedict did resemble some of her 
more unapproachable teachers when giving her an examination.

Best to avoid that topic entirely, but did she really want to 
reveal anything more personal than she already had? A quick look 
up showed him to be waiting expectantly for an answer. She sighed 
inwardly and studied her slender hands against the blood red of 
her mage robes. "After I met Jarrad I started to think about people 
as people, not objects. Thats all."

She shifted uncomfortably in her seat, uncertain what he wanted to hear.
--Phaedra Whitlock

Proctor Benedict sat silent for quite some time.  Thai wondered
when, or even if, he was going to say anything more.  He finally
did, saying only, "I see."  Thai wasn't sure how he had taken what
she had said, but it seemed that he wasn't going to pursue the
matter further.

Shifting in his seat, Benedict then added

"And there is one more apology I want."  Proctor Benedict's
voice cracked.  "But I know I won't get it, because you just
said that you won't give it.  When you went back, without the
sword, and tried to take it from Eldarion, there was a struggle,
as I said.  You were defeated, as I also said.  But what I
didn't say was that we did not emerge without casualties.
There were some injuries, and with the help of Therion they
were healed.  But there was one death.  You killed someone
who was very close to me, someone who I cared about a great
deal, and it *was* you who killer her, Ms. Silverrun!"  By
this time, Benedict's cheeks were wet with tears.  His voice
had risen in a combination of anger and anguish, rage and
remorse.  "YOU KILLED HER!  YOU KILLED NIARI!!"  His head
dropped into his hands, and he sobbed, the pain of a hundred
years past welling up and engulfing the man as if it had
happened that morning.  He sat there for several minutes, his
heart wracked by the memory of that terrible, terrible day,
when he lost the only person he had really loved in a thousand
years, and lost her so soon after learning that she returned
it.  Their love had just begun, and Thai had intruded and
ended it in a blinding flash.
--Michael Dew

Taken by surprise Thai's jaw dropped, then she started to tremble. 
Like a nightmare she remembered how it had felt when Jarrad had 
nearly died, when she'd believed him dead. The pain of it was 
unbearable and Benedict's pain was as genuine as hers had been. 

Without thinking she moved around the desk to comfort him. Benedict 
half turned into her and so she sat on the edge of the desk holding 
him like a child and stroking his shoulders. 
--Phaedra Whitlock

He finally regained his composure.  Wiping the tears from his
eyes, he said to her, "My apologies.  I thought I was over it,
but I guess when you appeared here, it brought it all back."
Then, more to himself, but aloud, "I cannot let that past
happen again."  To Thai, "I will assist you, to the best of
my abilities.  We *cannot* let the past unfold as it has
already.  We can NOT!"
--Michael Dew

When Benedict started to withdraw Thai pulled back as well but 
not as far as before. ::I'm sorry...:: She stopped herself and 
started again. "I didn't know. I'm sorry."

"One of the Inquisitors nearly killed Jarrad once. I wanted to 
die, I wanted revenge, I wanted to make the man suffer for taking 
Jarrad away from me. I'm sorry Benedict, truly sorry to have hurt 
you like that. The past won't be like that this time. I swear it."
--Phaedra Whitlock

Proctor Benedict knew that she was truthful.  Even had his wards 
not told him so, his senses confirmed it.  This was more than he 
had bargained for! If there was any way, *any* way at all, to 
change the past and prevent the death of Niari, he would sacrifice 
almost anything for it.  He took Thai by the shoulders and hugged 
her briefly.  After he released her, he looked into her eyes, his 
slightly reddened from his previous outburst, and said, "Thank 
you.  You don't know how much it would mean to me to change what I
know to be history."  Then, bowing deeply before her, "I am at 
your service, Thai Silverrun!"  When he stood, she could see that 
his eyes had returned to normal, and the previously flushed cheeks 
also showed no sign of his emotional outpouring.
--Michael Dew

Thai brushed at her own eyes and wished she could do that. By now 
she probably looked a mess. She smiled bravely and stood, reflecting 
to her surprise that she and Benedict weren't so very different after all. 
After this was all over she'd have to find him. Perhaps they'd become 
friends. She smiled. More likely they'd argue like feline and hound but 
one never knew.
--Phaedra Whitlock

"COME!  Let us gather the others and prepare a feast!  We celebrate our
new friendship tonight, for this evening will mark the end of the reign
of Xeen!"  Proctor Benedict held one hand out towards Thai, inviting her
to take it, while the other arm beckoned down a hall out of the parlor
where the others had been taken.
--Michael Dew

With a last sniff Thai nodded. ::Don't tell anyone I have my voice 
back please. What noone knows Xeen cannot discover.:: Stepping back 
she straightened her skirts and then placed her hand in his.
--Phaedra Whitlock

"As you wish, Thai."
--Michael Dew