The Eye of Anubis: Book Ten

yalenusveler · Post by **yalenusveler** » Mon Mar 16, 2009 10:51 am

"I agree...we need to get into the temple of Osiris" Andre said, finally coming after a longer than usual thinking and pacing fit. "That..doesn't seem right at all to me. An Osiris temple would be the last place to be haunted. And with the desecration being performed on the falkovnian dead being a mimicry of Osiris' dismembering at Set's hands..the temple is a good place to investigate." Andre shook his head and muttered "Maybe we can catch Cavendish asleep."

NeoTiamat · Post by **NeoTiamat** » Mon Mar 16, 2009 1:18 pm

Kitchens, Falkovnian Compound, Muhar, Har'Akir
August 26th, 761, 7:40 PM; Day 162 of the Menetnashte Expedition
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Whistler wrote:"...For them, it turned out for the better." The gunsmith gives Mandisa a soft smile. "Certainly, it is nothing to regret."

"The Snefru and her priests said that if power didn't come from the gods, then it must come from a demon or something else unholy." Mandisa said miserably, hugging herself and otherwise looking like something of a wreck. The crying subsided, the Akiri girl just growing too emotionally drained to keep sobbing. "And I'm not a priest..."

DocBeard wrote:"...look, I don't know for sure, but I might be able to help you. At least to figure out why this happens." Tomas trails off for a moment, standing back up and placing the fixed tray on a table. He offers the girl a hand up, speaking with the cautiously shared pain of someone who's gone through this himself. "I know you don't have much reason to trust me, but it's got to beat going day to day terrified of someone seeing you cut yourself and deciding you're a witch or some fool thing."

Through tear-strewn eyes, the Akiri girl looked up at Tomas, then at Otto. Who were these strange, kind men, looking so much like the Falkovnians yet so utterly unlike them. There was a brief flicker of indecision as who knew what strange possibilities flashed through Mandisa's mind. Were they demons? Ghosts? Some foreign trick? Who knew? Then she made her decision.

She'd trust them.

"Alright..." Mandisa said with an explosive release of breath, taking Tomas's hand and getting to her feet. She gave the two Lamordians an uncertain look. "Please... if you can help... make it go away..."

There was a sudden yell from the main Akiri chef, and Mandisa jerked once again, a guilty look on her face. She responded in quick Akiri, then turned to the two Lamordians. "Sorry, I've got to go. Um... I'll ask to bring you your meals, alright?"

Another yell from across the kitchen.

"I've got to run!" Mandisa whispered, half-bowing and grabbing a few cucumbers from a nearby tray. "Please... don't tell anyone else? And thank you."

With those words, the Akiri girl scurried off.

Vedarrak's Office, Falkovnian Compound, Muhar, Har'Akir
August 27th, 761, 9:30 AM; Day 163 of the Menetnashte Expedition
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Your rooms at the barrack had been comfortable enough, a bit small but certainly nothing that a group used to tents would find claustrophobic. Edmund and Dieter were already there, though with little information beyond the fact that the Falkovnian resentment of the Akiri ran deep in the lower ranks, ever since the two soldiers had been murdered on the water run.

"They're just waiting for a chance to go at the locals." Dieter had said. "But the commander's keeping them on a tight leash."

Somewhat more curious, however, was the fact that the three Professors, Carter, Marchand-Renier, and Devereux hadn't shown up at the barracks, and neither had Remy. Come morning, their beds were still unslept in.

===============================================

The next morning, you were escorted by an unsmiling Falkovnian soldier to another meeting with the Kommandant of the Falkovnian encampent, Ambassador Marcos Vedarrak. As before, Vedarrak's office was a comfortable, spare room in the finest traditions, with a workman-like desk, covered with a variety of documents and reports, though on the second trip you began to notice a certain method to the madness of the apparent organization.

"Good morning." Ambassador Vedarrak said when you had arrived, still the same debonair officer of before, clad in a formal uniform of dark material. He had been reading a report when you had entered. "I trust you slept well? Lieutenant Schiffer reported that you had encountered some of our ever-friendly locals yesterday."

If Vedarrak knew or suspected that you had gone on a little detour before heading back last night, he gave no sign.

"And also that you suspect Cavendish is out and about as well." Vedarrak nodded to Charles and Andre. "I've requisitioned some dossiers on the man, they should be here later today."

"Thankfully, neither locals nor Cavendish need be a further problem for us, as we are going to be moving out of Muhar tomorrow morning." Vedarrak said with a small smile. "I've passed out orders for the troops to get their kits together, so all we need now is a destination. Which, despite our best efforts, we haven't been able to find, so perhaps you can help."

"Where is the Tomb of Menetnashte?"

Kaitou Kage · Post by **Kaitou Kage** » Mon Mar 16, 2009 1:24 pm

"I...don't think we quite know exactly," Kuzan explained, "We mostly found Muhar because of my prayers for guidance."

He glanced around. "Will the professors be coming, too?" he asked.

DocBeard · Post by **DocBeard** » Mon Mar 16, 2009 2:00 pm

Oh, great, the elephant in the room.

Tomas is mildly less...stupid than yesterday. He is not quite himself, mind, but he is more willing to be a large scholar-knight in heavy armor with a big sword instead of the class clown. Crossing his arms, Eisenwald looks to the others before offering, "We're mostly graduate students and assistants, sir. -forgive my intrusion but are herr Professors quite well? They are not ill, I should hope? Or Remy, who had some trouble with the travel across the Sebula..."

Rock of the Fraternity · Mon Mar 16, 2009 2:34 pm

"Of course I would also like to know where our dear comrades are," Lia notes in a soft tone of voice. "But I have another question: why do you, commandant, wish to go to the sepulchre of Menetnashte? What is it you hope to find or see there ...?"

NeoTiamat · Post by **NeoTiamat** » Mon Mar 16, 2009 2:45 pm

Vedarrak's Office, Falkovnian Compound, Muhar, Har'Akir
August 27th, 761, 9:33 AM; Day 163 of the Menetnashte Expedition
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

"I'm afraid they ended up working late yesterday on getting things in order for the expedition to the Tomb. We had a spare room in here, so I opted to let them stay there and let them sleep in."

Rock wrote:Lia notes in a soft tone of voice. "But I have another question: why do you, commandant, wish to go to the sepulchre of Menetnashte? What is it you hope to find or see there ...?"

"Ah, Miss Mournswaithe, for the very same reason as you." The ambassador gave Lia a thin-lipped smile. "For the archeological wonders that are there, certainly. Lord de Casteele wanted to be doubly certain that such as prize as Menetnashte's tomb isn't lost."

"And though I hate to say it..." Vedarrak coughed discreetly. "But I do believe your expedition could use some additional security. You seem to be shedding personnel at an unfortunate rate."

Kaitou Kage wrote:"I...don't think we quite know exactly," Kuzan explained, "We mostly found Muhar because of my prayers for guidance."

"How, then, were you planning to find the tomb in the first place?" The Kommandant asked mildly.

Rock of the Fraternity · Mon Mar 16, 2009 2:51 pm

"Our 'rate of shedding' is hardly a matter which can be laid at our doorstep, herr commandant," Lia replies with a dismissive flip of her wrist. "After all, treachery is solely the responsibility of the traitor.

I must say I am surprised that Vlad Drakov and Balfour De Casteelle are in such agreement as to be able to engage you and your merry band for a dangerous voyage into Har'Akir. What does the Hawk of Falkovnia win by this ... collaberation?"

Kaitou Kage · Post by **Kaitou Kage** » Mon Mar 16, 2009 3:01 pm

Kuzan pointedly jabbed his elbow into Lia's side. "Please excuse her," he said, smiling at Vedarrak, "She really doesn't know any better. I heard she failed her Etiquette and Being Ladylike classes in the university so thoroughly that they just gave up on her." He gave her a very direct look that seemed to say, Please stop saying stupid things that will make our lives more difficult than they need to be. Then he cast a hapless glance at Tomas, silently praying the Lamordian would do something to help, like grab her butt again.

"We will find the Tomb with the same prayers," the priest went on, just as mildly as when the Kommandant pitched the question. "With the gods' blessing, I can locate a place and know how far I am from it, even if I've never been there. It just has to exist. Since leaving the Jackal's Ruse, I've managed to locate a few oases that we'd never have found otherwise." Not to mention the trail to Kamarn-Quse.

Professor? Kuzan reached through one of his earrings to the like stone that Carter held, Everything okay? We saw you didn't get to quarters last night, just want to make sure you're okay.

NeoTiamat · Post by **NeoTiamat** » Mon Mar 16, 2009 3:08 pm

Vedarrak's Office, Falkovnian Compound, Muhar, Har'Akir
August 27th, 761, 9:35 AM; Day 163 of the Menetnashte Expedition
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

"Really now." Ambassador Vedarrak said mildly, with a glance at Lia. "My condolences, Miss Mournswaithe."

"Well, Kuzan, I wish you best of luck with your spells." Vedarrak said. "I've been using various scrying magics for nearly a week now, and had patrols out searching for it, and we've had no luck. Nor has Lord de Casteele back in Dementlieu. It appears to be warded quite thoroughly from divination."

The sending stone was silent. No message returned from the magical ether to Kuzan's ear.

DocBeard · Post by **DocBeard** » Mon Mar 16, 2009 3:10 pm

"...so we've got a few hours before the Professors wake up." Tomas concludes, adjusting his coat and tipping his hat. "I'm going to go ask around."

The fact that this gives him an excuse to investigate the suicide cult is just a coincidence, mind. Tomas would never mislead anyone.

"See you." Tomas adds, sticking his hands in his pockets and heading for the door.

Kaitou Kage · Post by **Kaitou Kage** » Mon Mar 16, 2009 3:15 pm

"Well, then," Kuzan said, "I will try my best. Meanwhile, can you have someone take us to the professors? I think we'd all like to touch base with them personally. We can all meet together and go over our notes again and make sure our personal affairs are in order for tomorrow."

Oh, yeah, maybe that.

"One other thing," he mentioned, "Do you have any of the ointment used for Sight magic? It may not be much, but at the very least, I might be able to detect any other, ah, incidents with soldiers not really where they are supposed to be." If Cavendish is here, they might be able to get the drop on him still and deal with him before he follows them to the Tomb. And freebies are always nice.

Rock of the Fraternity · Mon Mar 16, 2009 3:16 pm

'He can't find it without us,' Lia thinks as she rubs her side. 'They can not find it without us - or rather, without Menetnashte.'

It is a good thing Lia wears a mask, because there is no way for her to keep from smiling at this.

'So. If we manage to lose this lot, then ... Wait. Of course, Carter and the others may very well serve as collateral against our providing Vedarrak and his dogs with the location of the tomb. And meanwhile, that little sand-rat is leading the Dilisnyas to the place as well.

Tricky.'

"And which specific spells have you been using, herr kommandant?" she asks, ignoring Kuzan's slanderous remarks and not even looking at him.

NeoTiamat · Post by **NeoTiamat** » Mon Mar 16, 2009 8:56 pm

Vedarrak's Office, Falkovnian Compound, Muhar, Har'Akir
August 27th, 761, 9:45 AM; Day 163 of the Menetnashte Expedition
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Kaitou Kage wrote:"Well, then," Kuzan said, "I will try my best. Meanwhile, can you have someone take us to the professors? I think we'd all like to touch base with them personally. We can all meet together and go over our notes again and make sure our personal affairs are in order for tomorrow."

"Perhaps later." The Ambassador shook his head. "It was quite late when we finished our discussions, and I doubt you've anything that cannot wait till they awaken. Sebastian in particular was quite exhausted, I'd rather not bother him."

"I'll be certain to tell you the moment they awaken, however." Vedarrak assured Kuzan. "Shouldn't be too long."

Kaitou Kage wrote:"One other thing," he mentioned, "Do you have any of the ointment used for Sight magic? It may not be much, but at the very least, I might be able to detect any other, ah, incidents with soldiers not really where they are supposed to be."

"Not the worst idea, certainly." Marcos Vedarrak said after a moment's consideration. "Not a bad idea at all..."

The Kommandant reached into one drawers and after a moment's search, withdrew a pair of neatly labeled wax-paper pouches. He handed them to Kuzan.

"If you find whoever is causing these 'incidents', I would quite enjoy talking with him or her." Vedarrak's smile did not reach his eyes. "So would the men."

[OOC: 500 gp worth of material components for True Sight.]

Rock wrote:"And which specific spells have you been using, herr kommandant?" Lia asks, ignoring Kuzan's slanderous remarks and not even looking at him.

"I've mostly used variations on the clairvoyance spells developed by the Radiant Tower, though I understand that Lord de Casteele has used more elaborate scrying rituals, as well as certain legend-collection spells. Also the Discernment of Location ritual they derived at the Brautslav Institute back in the '40s. Possibly others, if memory serves."

[OOC: Clairvoyance, Scrying, Greater Scrying, Legend Lore, and Discern Location]

There was a knock on the door, and a soldier entered the room, looking a little pale-faced. He said something in Falkovnian, which caused Vedarrak to frown and rise from his desk. "A moment, please. Something appears to have come up."

The Kommandant exited the room, this being faster than shoo-ing the lot of you out, and stood in the open doorway. Speaking quickly, the soldier began to speak. And as he spoke, Vedarrak's face grew grimmer and stormier with every word.

[OOC: A chance to speak half-privately, so long as you talk quietly and don't do anything unfortunate.]

Kaitou Kage · Post by **Kaitou Kage** » Mon Mar 16, 2009 9:02 pm

"Thank you, sir," Kuzan accepted the packets with a smile and tucked them into his magic satchel.

After Vedarrak stepped outside, he turned to the others. "He gave me enough to use the Sight twice, but I definitely think it is worth stopping by Faruq's to get more just in case. The Sight will only last for about ten minutes, and I can only call on it once per day. It will have to be used carefully. If you think it is valuable at a certain time, please tell me so."

Rock of the Fraternity · Tue Mar 17, 2009 2:09 am

Lia gives Kuzan a cool look and rummages around in an inner pocket. The next, she thrusts a small package at the priest with just enough force to impact his stomach - not painfully so, but perhaps uncomfortably so. "Four more for you," she says in a very bland tone of voice. "And after that little chat, I am happy I did not bother to purchase any powerful divination spells."

Lia's voice drops and she gestures for the others to come closer. "Last night, someone animated one of the corpses on display on the stakes out front. Its puppet-strings were snipped because the guards were alerted to the thing's presence, but it was headed for the temple of Osiris. Cavendish must be setting one of his traps in there, hoping to spark off further conflict between the Falkovnians and the Akiri."

Café de Nuit

Welcome, friends, to our establishment.

The Eye of Anubis: Book Ten

Re: The Eye of Anubis: Book Ten

Re: The Eye of Anubis: Book Ten

Re: The Eye of Anubis: Book Ten

Re: The Eye of Anubis: Book Ten