(OOC: Re: Auger’s religion skill check - Ritha Demsha is the goddess of nature, forests, the lands and animals. The panther could be the goddess taking an earthly form, or perhaps one of her devotees, a powerful druid, has assumed the form. Or perhaps the beast has come at the call of the goddess or a druid.

Auger has not yet been asked specifically why he is personally in the Vale, although the question posed by the Red Cypress is open-ended and could be interpreted in that way. We will say that Auger has revealed the Spoiler information. Nothing bad happens as a result.)

Granophyre recovers his composure and adds in his sagely basso, “I seek clues to my kind’s past, the answers to which perhaps you already know. I bear no antipathy toward the people of the Vale of Deshar, or the Vale itself, and yet it seems my passage is one which your followers attempted to thwart. If I have offended, it was not with the intent to offend. I would know the reason for your interest in my undertakings: what threat a mere scholar such as I could possibly pose.”

After what seems like a long time, during which the silence pulls upon you, seeming to invade and saturate your very soul, the voice returns.

“My way is to nurture the growth of natural things, to allow the cycle of life to unfold. Death and pain are part of the natural order. But my devout children call upon me for help. There is cruelty driven by forces from afar here. I answer their call. Moreover, I have seen into the future, a sight I loathed to behold. Of that I will say more in a moment.”

“Warlock: Your master is known to us, and we weep for her kind. She sees what we see.”

“Shield-bearer: The opium lords plant and grow as farmers upon the land. It is not my concern what the children of men do with the spoils they reap at harvest. However, when powers from afar exert themselves upon my devout children, I answer the call for help. The Jenghen Empire has earned my antipathy. I will clear a path.”

“Strewn: We read the winds of fate, whose direction changes, predictable to none, for that power answers to a higher authority than the gods. We saw the future: a fiery rain descending upon the lands and seas, a great cataclysm, linked to your quest. We erected boundaries to halt you, to halt that eventuality. But when your actions turned to protecting the people of the vale, we looked again, and we saw deeper into the future, that your actions run parallel to, but are not responsible for the potential holocaust. You may even stop it. How, none can say.”

The giant panther inhales, bares its teeth, and roars, a bone-chilling noise which raises the hackles on your necks. But it does not move. Soon, the voice of the Red Cypress continues.

“I dispatch my devote followers to aid the people of the Vale. They are your allies, but only in protecting the Vale. Your way is treacherous still, but we will not thwart your passage. If in your last moment of need, you call upon the Red Cypress, you will be heard.”

As the Red Cypress finishes speaking, and seemingly gives it’s blessing for their presence in the Vale, Snow feels compelled to address the tree himself.

”You have knowledge of the future and the happenings of the Vale. For my own purpose, I have seen visions given to me at the library of the Elves, deep within the great tree there. These have led me to the Vale in search of my Father, a man of learning with a thirst for discovery. Much like Strewn he has an interest in the past and the Old Mystics. Are you aware of such a person passing through your lands?”

He looks on with wide eyes in the hope that he might find out some nugget of information that could fill in some of the blanks in his own quest.

The same groaning voice replies to Snow, “If your father lives he has not shown devotion to me, nor has he made himself an enemy of the Vale. The rest you will have to discover on your own.”

The followers of the Cypress now advance toward you and stop a few steps away. They are both proud and respectful. “We will spread the word of the Red Cypress and of you. We will lead our countrypeople. Yet, we have not studied the art of war. Where would you suggest we begin, heroes of the Vale?”

Snow nods solemnly, but isn’t too disheartened. At least he hadn’t heard the worst, that his father is dead or a part of this holocaust.

He looks at the The Cypress Tree and the giant panther for a long moment, wondering what power they could bring to bear if called upon.

He turns his attention to the tree’s followers, asking for advice in the art of war. Well, there really is only one in their party experienced enough to answer that. He has his own opinions of course, but for now keeps them to himself.

Are there enough people in the Vale that will raise up arms for this cause to stand against the Jenghen or the Poppy Lords? He hopes so. He ponders how he himself could be of help.

"Although I have been taught of war, and have fought many battles of many kinds, I have never led an army. Unless you have anyone else, more fitting, in mind, I would gladly advise you of what I know." War against a different opponent, perhaps, but an enemy is an enemy, and one bird in one stone is better than nothing. She'll worry about the other bird, and another stone, when the time comes. 

"People all over the vale that we encountered have already been showing signs of revolt," Varielky continues unless someone else says anything. "We have told them to wait, however, so that their lives would not be lost in futile skirmishes. The Vale must unite and fight as one. For that, the people need weapons, armour, and anything else that would help them fight. Your... powers, if you can give them, but otherwise, the things I mentioned before. We have already told some people to gather - whether by producing or otherwise - as many of those as possible. Mainly in the village of Asni.

"If you can grant your powers to more people, that would be most efficient. Otherwise, having your men aid in arming the people of the vale, and guarding them while they make their weapons, should also be a top priority. If it can be done without the empire or any other hostile forces noticing, that would be best. Unfortunately, I don't believe they would allow the Vale to prepare for a revolution."

Chapter 12 - El Harrouch School for Girls

The Red Cypress druids, who, you learn, call themselves the Aseklu, thank Varielky, nodding grimly at the wisdom of her words. “We will do as you say,” they reply. 

The path through the wood, you now notice, has closed. You ride beside the Aseklu with their good graces upon waves of thickets which carry you carefully through the forest and back to the dirt path. The druids bid you well, and then, half of them, in twos and threes, depart for various points in the Vale, while the other half of their number head to Asni. 

The sun has set, and the sounds of night on the Bantu foothills have returned. Akkara hides behind the rolling horizon, not two miles south of you, but above it, El Harrouch Castle is visible, lanterns and braziers throwing soft light for miles. The aerie, yet higher, above the castle, is now concealed in the clouds which spread out as far as you can see.

In the moonless night, the path is dark and unlit, so that if Varielky holds a hand before her she can only barely see its shadowy form. 

Upon leaving the forest Auger is caught up in the final words of the Red Cypress. Call upon it at need. Something to remember.

As he looks around in the darkness, he notices through his improved vision, how Varielky cannot see. Using his rod, Auger reaches up to the Yemma's Diadem and draws forth a simple mote of light which brightens the local area. Looking around for a suitable spot to leave the mote, Auger decides on Py's tail section, where the light remains attached.

Let me know if that bothers you and I will find another point. Would you fly up and a little ahead of us to light our way?

To the others he says, "Well we have been granted a benefit and a perhaps a partnership at times with the Red Cypress's forces. This is not a thing we should take lightly or use easily. Still it is comforting to know we will not have them chasing after us, and they may find other ways to help, should it align with their needs." Looking ahead Auger motions to the castle and then the town as he says, "If I did not know we were being sought for some reason I would prefer we went to the town first to learn more of what we seek. But we are pursued and perhaps it is best if we are not seen. Would it be foolish to attempt entering the castle straightaway? Or should we learn more and just risk the town and an Inn perhaps for this evening?"

After giving time for the others to state their inclinations Auger suggests perhaps sending Snow in with his disguise to at least learn the way to the girl's school they seek.

Snow laughs joyously as he rides the thickets through the forest and back to where they entered. "Now that is a way of travelling I could get used to, my thanks", he says to the druids before they leave.

As Auger mentions the possibility of continuing to the castle or heading back to the village, he looks about. "The alternative is to camp here and await the morning. The less we are seen in the village the better, and it seems the route to the castle is fairly obvious. It is just figuring out where the school is right? To stop us wandering around aimlessly". 

(OOC: For my benefit, we want to go to the school to check the records to find the address of the lady whose name I have forgotten right now? Is that all we are doing here? I am aware Auger wants to check out the aerie, but not sure if that has been said in character yet? Apologies for my poor memory and inability to read back through the posts :-) )

"Thank you," Varielky thanks Auger, although it takes a moment for her eyes to get used to the sudden illumination. "But if this ends up drawing undue attention, perhaps it is preferable if you allow me to struggle for a bit more. I may not see much out here, but there doesn't appear to be too much to see anyway. I can at least see the path right beneath my feet, so I shouldn't stumble upon every rock in the way." Of course, Varielky is grateful for the light, but she worries that if they're suddenly attacked, she'll be very limited by what the small light illuminates. 

(OOC: @VolcanoLair, That's right, Auger has said nothing in character about the aerie. I believe you are correct about what we need to do in El Harrouch.)

Hearing Varielky, Auger lets the light fade away while they talk through possibilities. Responding to Snow, Auger says, "I hope it is as simple as all that. This may take another search through archives which would be time consuming." Auger looks down for a moment before remembering, "Of course this time we will have Strewn with us, which might make such a search go faster.

"One thought occurs to me. We are probably being pursued as a group. Perhaps separating or at least pairing up, we can cover more ground and throw them off our trail? What do you all think of that? Some go to the town, others to the castle and perhaps...," Auger looks above them, towards where he is drawn, "...perhaps all the way to the aerie above."

“Regarding when: I think it would be unwise to tempt fate by attempting to enter the school while it is in session,” says Granophyre. “Therefore, I suggest that night time may be the best moment to search for the information we need, uninterrupted. I am adept at exploring primary sources of research and believe I can find Safiya's forwarding address within thirty minutes, so long as the school's records are in good order. Regarding how: on its way back from exploring the southern slope, my construct was able to locate the entry to the school. It is a grand doorway to the castle’s lower level, reached from one of its south-facing gardens, most easily accessed through the castle's southern gate.”

Here is a map of the area. You are currently beyond the right (northern) border of the map.

Snow looks at Strewn with a frown on his face.

”Are you suggesting we break in? I had it in mind that we would simply talk our way in, and ask to look at the records”.

“Are we able to find out if there are any wards in the school? Those that stop the use of magic. And if there are, do they stop effects that are already present or just the casting?”.

His mind is a racing with possible ideas but most include the use of magic at some point.

Granophyre weighs his reply to Snow, “El Harrouch Castle is the summer residence of the Shian Princess. The last time I imposed upon her highness’ hospitality — mere weeks ago — I was detained against my will due to the Empire’s interest in me. With the Jenghen Governor and Emperor now here as well… let us say, I am most eager to avoid confrontation of any kind and believe revealing myself now would be folly. 

“I acknowledge your concern, for I am reluctant to engage in trespassing, especially given that we speak of doing so on the grounds of a place of learning. Yet my intention is not menacing. I suppose these are the justifications of one who knows better, yet I cannot accept that the Empire’s ill will alone should halt my research. If you do not accept my reasoning, such as it is, I will think no less of you. Indeed, I feel confident enough in my powers to manage this task on my own if need be. Truly it is not my desire to willingly break the law of the land, much less, to ask any of you to do so on my behalf.”

"I will join with you Granophyre. In truth I like the idea of being in and out before we are noticed. Assuming we can pull it off of course." To Snow, Auger adds, "My understanding is that the magical wards do things to keep Py out but our magic casting should still be possible. Your abilities, that allow us to meld into the background. It is remarkable and beyond my understanding. I would suspect it will be highly useful for what we intend to do." To Varielky Auger says, "There is no fighting to do here. We only seek information. Would you join us as we sneak about in the castle? Perhaps our scouting around can help us understand more of what the people of the Vale face in their coming battles."

As Auger speaks he again finds himself looking up to the aerie high above. "Perhaps, after we are able to acquire the information we could find ourselves up at the aerie. I must confess I feel drawn to it, though I don't know why."

"Only rarely does something we do on this journey not end in fighting," Varielky replies, "but I will join you, for exactly that reason. I will only help you in case we are attacked, though. I will not take out a guard who happens to patrol the area." Assuming nobody finds it more trouble than help, Varielky will join the others.

“As you have all seen, I am not averse to bending or breaking rules, so I am happy to proceed as you direct. I merely wondered if this time our goal was within the bounds of a simple request. It seems not”, Snow confirms to the others.

”But you misunderstand by wariness Auger. It is not due to Py being kept out of places like the Abziri Dacha that I raise the issue of magic. In the Kalahata Guild Hall my magic was blocked from having any effect. If they have similar defensive glyphs…”, he leaves the thought hang.

”But of course I will do what I can, when I can”, he continues with a grin.

”And I for one will be much happier having you with us Varielky”.

He looks up at El Harrouch Castle, “No time like the present then?”

“Under ordinary circumstances, I would hope that to answer a simple request such as for Safiyah’s current whereabouts would be a simple courtesy,” Granophyre says to Snow. “We can hope that such social customs will be habitual once more some day, but I fear things here will get worse before tegu improve.”

Together, you reach Akkara, as a final roc-rider, their saddle laden with a row of melon-sized bundles, flies low over the town then flaps upward into the clouds following the tram line.

Where the road meets the city gate, a group of Imperial garrison fighters on camels stands guard. As you near the gate, you see a woman before you hailed by one of the guards, who speaks to her brusquely in a Khazaran accent. “Name! Business!”

“Azimut! Bringin’ threads an leather to m husband, a tailor w an emergency,” she replies — a middle aged, stout woman wearing a hijab. 

“Everyone thinks their business is an emergency,” retorts the guard, who glares at her for a long moment then shoves her through into town. 

“Hurry up then!”

The other guards seem to be dozing in their saddles. 

You take this opportunity to edge away from the road and the river before the guards can spot you. The town doesn’t boast a wall per se, but the way is not particularly clear either. You trip over roots in the bordering woods, or else slip quietly through backyards until you come around to the western edge of town, near the castle, where you must either walk through a narrow alley deeper into town, or else come out into the open on a rocky slope up which you see the street leading to the castle’s northeast gate. Taking the alley and remaining hidden, you soon reach the Main Street. 

Stopping here to reconnoiter, you see the still-busy citizenry — despite the late hour — of servants and groups of private guards managing errands in haste. Up the main road, at intervals, ornate carriages are pulled by finely liveried horse teams proceeding uphill to the castle gates, where you see one depositing its passengers to join what seems to be a grand ball at the castle, judging by the music emanating from, and the shapes of dancing guests visible upon the gilt open terraces.

"Well well, it seems there is a party going on. At least noise shouldn't be too much of an issue", Snow says watching the castle terraces with a smile on his face. The music emanating from the castle cheered his mood for a while, until the task of the day interrupted his enjoyment.

He turns to look to the South, where Strewn had mentioned was the easiest access to the school, trying to find a path to the Southern gate. "It seems the town is lively despite the late hour. We four travelling down the main street might not cause too much attention. Possibly less attention than trying to sneak and being spotted, as long as we make no immediate move to get close to the castle".

He turns to Auger and Strewn, "Unless one of your pets can scout a discreet route around to the South?"

As he looks out on the street Auger tries to gauge how much they might stick out on the main road as Snow suggests, considering their traveling garb and weapons. And the hubbub and bustle of the people in the street.

"Perhaps Varielky would appear to be another guard, Snow you could be an entertainer and I could be some servant. On Imperial business of some sort if we have to talk our way through something. I think we would want to move in a bit of a rush as to fit in with how people are moving about. Perhaps with some separation where we move in pairs or apart from one another. I think between possibly using Py to send brief messages to each other and your abilities to send messages, Snow, we can keep ourselves sorted out and moving in the same direction. Master Strewn, that would leave it to your golden helper to see to the proper route. What do you all think?"

"A guard," Varielky wonders in amusement, "that's what I am anyhow. A plan that doesn't even include lying, I like it." 

Varielky pulls her unbraided hair backwards, organises her clothes a bit and takes a deep breath. She wants to meet the image of a personal guard shechas in mind - whether or not it truly fits what the other guards look like. However, for Varielky, there's not much to change anyway. As long as she remains calm, there shouldn't be much difference between the image in her mind and what she usually is.