Mists of War - DM Downrightamazed

Game Master downrightamazed

@Imuri: All the dragons are where the heavy-duty fighting is, and are all pretty large; adult or bigger. There are none by you. Nearest one is by the Temple of Cultural Exchange, Tokine's temple, 'bout a 10-minute walk, 5-minute hustle.

The First Duty of scions of the Great Houses is understood to be to their House. Elders of the Houses' first duty is to the Empire. So, your first act would be to verify the safety of the City House, then the Shoto estate outside of town. En route to these Duties, it would of course be understood that any enemies of the Empire you may happen to encounter would need to be struck down.

Big Hat concentrates on the orcs, her eyes glowing bright violet as magic courses through her. "They were under a spell, a spell of great, great power cast by a...oh...oh ancestors preserve me." Her eyes cease to glow and she looks at the three of you, her face pained. "The spell is so powerful and far-reaching. It was cast by an archmage. There is an archmage! Not since Marianasu has there been one, and even he is barely more than legend. This is terrible!"

Calm yourself, Big Hat, Imuri replies. The enemy has its champions and the Emperor has his. We know the gaijin - they are less willing to die and less exacting in their training than are we. Certainty is our virtue, not there's.

After making sure there are no soldiers outside, the samurai opens the door to Swift's flat. We make for the Shoto city house. It is placed to be accessible to both the palace and the lower wards, so we will disable these catapults and anything else we encounter. Once there, he looks meaningfully at Swift, we will acquire the remaining tools and warriors we need to punish this threat.

Imuri's eyes grow cold. They sent a platoon of thirty orcs to a minor dojo. They will not be expecting unscathed warriors to attack them from these streets. We must be quick to surprise everyone, and we must be willing to give our lives for the Son of Heaven.

He takes a final look outside and holds the door open for Daisuke and Big Hat first.

We move.

Kyras returns Azami's gaze before speaking. "They could have just put a bag over our heads and led us here in chains. Is everything in this country so secretive?" Without waiting for her to answer the rhetorical questions, he continues. "What do you think that the Black Dragonflight meant about the 'groundlings'? I doubt that they're offering their assistance. I'd worry about a double-cross. Of course, that's pretty much expected in these parts."

Her stare becomes more intent as she slowly says, "Groundlings?" Azami's eyes then click away, flicking about the room for something - perhaps anything - that would give her more information about where they are, ways of escape. "I heard nothing about 'groundlings'; I heard no language I could understand. As for double-cross..." her gaze returns to Kyras, "we both have seen the extent to which one can trust them."

She begins to walk the perimeter of the room, eyes scanning from ceiling to floor as she walks, taking account of the space they have available to them. "When did you hear 'groundlings'? It sounds like something a dragon might call earth-bound folk like ourselves."

@Imuri: The four of you move quickly through the quiet streets of the Low Wards. You do not have to go far before a target presents itself; in a small courtyard is a catapult. There are two trolls hoisting ammunition into its basket and 15 orcs manning it. Apparently breaking the illusion once breaks it permanently for all creatures under the glamer. Four of the orcs are keeping a watch, and since it is just afternoon and therefore still rather bright, sneaking up on them would prove quite difficult.

"I will go directly to the catapult and disable it if the rest of you can keep them busy." says swift. "I can teleport. That way we can have them trapped between us, with me inside their group and the rest of you outside. Big Hat, Shoto, do you still have fire for the trolls?"

Kyras has an awful feeling in his stomach. If Azami could not hear or understand the Dragonflight, it might explain why everyone was so interested in him. "I certainly heard them talk about sending groundlings in. I only caught maybe half a sentence as we ran by them, but they were certainly plotting something. I would have said something, but I assumed that you could hear it. If I'm the only one that can hear it, which I can only guess has something to do with the Dragon that currently shares my body, that would explain quite a bit."

'Change your face, so they cannot find you.' The voice of the Dragon echoes "helpfully" through his head, the arcane secrets of such a spell now apparent and obvious to him. He motions to Azami. "I have to make the attempt to disguise myself. This might look a little strange. I'm somewhat unclear on the magic. As usual, the knowledge just pops into my head."

With a few muttered words in Draconic, the features of the gaijin fade away, replaced by those of a fairly non-descript Imperial citizen. He stands in the attire of a normal guard. Hopefully, by not standing out, those who would do him harm might not know who he even is.

"I will go directly to the catapult and disable it if the rest of you can keep them busy." says swift. "I can teleport. That way we can have them trapped between us, with me inside their group and the rest of you outside. Big Hat, Shoto, do you still have fire for the trolls?"

Swift's comments bring a nod from Imuri. The fire I have is very limited, but we can create fire once we defeat them and bring this catapult down.

Turning to Big Hat, he say If you have fire for them, wait until Swift and I act. We will catch them off-guard and you can add to their confusion. Daisuke, you will charge orcs after Big Hat announces herself. They will be easy to engage and I will surprise a troll.

Imuri breathes in rapidly and feels the fire well up in his blood. As soon as Swift prepares to step through the shadows, he becomes invisible and charges one of the trolls.

Attack roll 1d20 + 12 ⇒ (12) + 12 = 24
Damage 1d10 + 2d6 + 6 ⇒ (5) + (3, 3) + 6 = 17

Initiative 1d20 + 9 ⇒ (8) + 9 = 17

Status:

Hmph. is all Azami says to the magical change in appearance, finishing walking the perimeter. Can you switch back as you wish? It might surprise whomever is coming to meet us to find a native here instead of a gaijin.

Then she looks up. Assuming that anyone is coming, and this isn't just a way to keep us out of the way. She stares hard at the entryway from which they came.

@Imuri: The orcs and trolls are taken completely by surprise as you rush forward and carve a giant gouge out of one of their number's torso. The troll roars in fury and drops the large rock it had been carrying.

Big Hat finishes a quick chant in an arcane tongue and a blast of glittering dust explodes over several of the orcs who shriek in anger and frustration as it gets in their eyes, blinding them.

Swift appears on the catapult and strikes down one of the orcs, the one who had been manning the lever. The troll turns to face you as the remaining orcs try to organize themselves, and its lightning-quick movements are nothing at all like you expected. The creature's anger at you has fired its adrenaline, apparently, and it takes a bite out of your side, drawing blood from deep puncture wounds.

Troll attacks Imuri:
1d20 + 8 ⇒ (20) + 8 = 28
Confirm Crit: 1d20 + 8 ⇒ (7) + 8 = 15 - fail
Damage: 1d8 + 5 ⇒ (8) + 5 = 13
The troll has AC 16, touch 11, flat-footed 14, hp 63

@Tokine: You make your way to the Inn of The Graces, where Rhon/Arthion and his company are staying, and when you arrive it is total chaos.

There are thankfully few civilians, though you can already spot at least a dozen wounded and dying, and several dead on the street. Rhon has his rapier in hand and is fending off one silver-clad soldier. He ducks a strangely clumsy swing and uses the opportunity to finish him off. The elf then backs up and frantically starts paging through his spellbook.

In the street itself, the gorumites Naradil, Fezza, and Gwen are mowing down enemy soldiers. A grey shadow flickers in and out among the enemy ranks as Ghar practices his lethal trade. Even Princess Erudima is staunchly holding her ground, crushing one soldier after another with lightning-quick strokes of her magicked rapier. Earenthil unleashes a brutal blast of lightning that arcs across a dozen soldiers, killing them instantly.

After beheading an enemy, Fezza does something that makes bile rise in your throat. She takes a great handful of blood, soaking it into her leather gauntlet, and inscribes the Eye of Gorum on the wall nearby, consecrating the battle to the Lord in Iron. You see that she and the other two must all have been doing this for a while as the symbol is everywhere, making a chain of warrior's power around this area. They all glow faintly, a ring of Gorum's power, here, in a city beloved of Shelyn. You can almost hear him laugh.

It occurs to you, and this is not to take anything away from Rhon's group, but for platemail-clad warriors, these enemies are going down awfully easily.

There is a sick slicing noise as several magic bolts fly from Rhon's fingers and slay a troll that was coming up the alley. Suddenly he notices you. "Madame Curator! What are you doing here? What of your temple? Is it safe? These orcs are everywhere, surely they must be there, too."

You see that, despite their extraordinary skills in battle, these warriors are still badly outnumbered.

@Kyras and @Azami: You hear footsteps. They are soft, light, and perfectly measured. The footsteps of a martial master. A voice speaks. "I mean neither of you any harm. Please do not be alarmed."

A man in perhaps his late thirties comes around the corner. His robes are of fine cloth and he is very well groomed. His are bright and intelligent and he is quite handsome. Tucked in his belt is a daisho set, and while the sheaths are quite ancient and battered, the weapons thrum with power. His garments are plain, an earthy brown tinged with gold thread, and the encircled twin dragons of the empire are sown into the sleeves.

"I am here to take you to speak with the emperor. Will each of you take my hand, please?" He holds out one of his hands to each of you.

For everyone:

DRA:

Imuri status
Hp 26/48; AC 23 this round {Combat Expertise}; FRA: full-attack wounded troll while it's still flat-footed

The young Shoto focuses his outburst into a frightening kia as the troll's teeth tear into the reddened, burned flesh at his side. Determined not to face two trolls, he steps aside to finish the cuts on the wounded beast's midsection to remove it from the battle.

Full attack troll 1 1d20 + 8 ⇒ (9) + 8 = 17
damage 1d10 + 2d6 + 6 ⇒ (1) + (1, 4) + 6 = 12

Attack 2 (ki for axtra attack 1d20 + 8 ⇒ (8) + 8 = 16
damage 1d10 + 2d6 + 6 ⇒ (4) + (2, 4) + 6 = 16

Attack 3, pray to the ancestors for the crit 1d20 + 3 ⇒ (6) + 3 = 9 : {

Imuri chooses his steps carefully, moving lightly to position the trolls in one anothers' way if possible, and shutting of the advance from as many orcs as he can until one fo the trolls is felled.

Tokine fights against the stitch in her side. "Rhon, I have learned of those who are behind this attack. My Temple may be under attack and I have risked much in coming here, but the news I carry is vital. I left my acolytes on their guard, so hopefully they have reacted quickly. But more importantly, we are not the target of these attacks. I pray they are defending themselves well and that Shelyn protects them, but with what I learned, I had to come warn you." She pauses for a breath and wipes at the tears and grime on her cheeks.

"I came upon a group on Erinyes. They are taking orders from one called Galzkk. They spoke of deceiving the paladine of Izmir and Lesotho. And I suspect they seek to deceive you as well. They spoke of taking you and the Princess alive...and I do not think these silver warriors are the means they seek to use...but you speak of Orcs too?"

She looks about confusedly, but continues, "They also spoke of Kyras. They have plans of grabbing him as well, but I hope at the Palace, the Guard will resist any such attempt." While she talks, she continues to watch the battle unfold around her.....such destruction... but also Rhon's reaction to her news.

Kyras's head spins at the sheer surreality of the situation. The trip to their current location was confusing enough, and now this stranger wants them to hold hands. Kyras longs for Warbane, where things are simple: someone gives you money and tells you who to fight. There isn't backstabbing, intrigue, or strangers asking anyone to hold hands. Still, when in the Empire of Mists, you have to play by their rules. With a raised eyebrow in Azami's direction, he grabs hold of the man's hand. "Sure. I presume you'll hand us off to someone else to hold hands with, then another and another after that?"

@Kyras: The man smiles at you. "Oh, no. Your journey ends with me. Please forgive the circuitous route you were forced to take. I hope all will be clear in a moment." He looks expectantly at Azami.

@Tokine: Rhon looks shocked at your appearance. "Tokine! Nagano-sama! My goodness, you...you're not hurt, good. Erinyes? Galzkk. I know that name. Galzkk Inimitareh, he is the ancient black dragon staying here, leader of the deputation the Black Dragonflight has sent, so that would make sense they were taking orders from him, but...take us alive? And Kyras?" Rhon looks thoughtful. "I...Tokine, that half-elf from last night, his name is Deinor, he is...complicated and deceitful, but also could aid us. I'll tell you more about that later. I would have brought it up this afternoon at tea but didn't want to tell everyone, especially not Kyras. Not yet. As for orcs..." Rhon intones the words of a spell, and touches you lightly on the shoulder. "Look at the silver warriors now..."

He cast Resistance on you, make a Will save please, add +1 for the spell.

@Imuri: Whoops, yes, sorry. The trolls were adjacent, loading ammo.
Troll attacks Imuri:
1d20 + 8 ⇒ (11) + 8 = 19

The trolls reconfigure as you continue to shred the torso of the one you already attacked. Howling and flailing, it tries to bite, but fails. It yells in anger at both you and its companion, who is moving out to aid the orcs going after Daisuke and Big Hat at the urgings of an orc that is barking orders at it. Swift presses his attack on the orcs that charge in at him, taking out one but just nicking the armor of the other one.

"Shoto. Demons approach our position." Stealing a glance at Swift's quiet warning you spot a group of four black-winged Erinyes converging on your battlefield. Their bows are burning with black, infernal flames.

storing the second gem, S.P. waits for some reaction from the first.

Hrrm, nothing yet, he thinks. But what do I really expect? I must attend to duty.

heads below ground to

perception 1d20 + 17 ⇒ (13) + 17 = 30

Four erinyes, thinks Imuri. We will see whether the Black Dragonflight is behind this, or whether they oppose this enemy.

He takes another slash at the troll to finish it off and murmurs to Swift without looking. You have disabled the catapult, Swift? We should burn the ropes and leave before they arrive.

Sense Motive (1d20 + 11 ⇒ (8) + 11 = 19) Are they locked onto our combat, or merely coming this way?

Attack troll again 1d20 + 10 ⇒ (15) + 10 = 25
Damage 1d10 + 6 ⇒ (10) + 6 = 16

Second attack 1d20 + 5 ⇒ (13) + 5 = 18
Damage 1d10 + 6 ⇒ (5) + 6 = 11

Status:
AC: 21; Hp 26/48; Full attack troll, prepare to throw fireball and leave invisibly. If the troll gets back up, I'll take an attack of oportunity.

storing the second gem, S.P. waits for some reaction from the first.

Hrrm, nothing yet, he thinks. But what do I really expect? I must attend to duty.

heads below ground to ** spoiler omitted **

perception 1d20 + 17

Oops, I think you missed this post here...?

I certainly did. I will get a repley up soon

Will save w/Resistance -> 1d20 + 12 + 1 ⇒ (13) + 12 + 1 = 26

"Ohhhh...so this is part of the deception against the paladine. They also said they would catch them sleeping."

She takes a few more breathes taking in the fight. If these can put up such a defense and still be in danger, what of my people?

She turns back to Rhon a solemnity in her eyes, "I pray there will be a later...I can give you any assistance here, but then I must try to return to my Temple. People will look to it for help...look to me...so please heed my warning and stay safe..." She doesn't finish the thought about the cost.

Magic rushing thru his body makes it difficult for the Sifu to concentrate but more distracting is the thought that someone has dared to attack the heart of the Empire.
After checking the security of the Room With No Doors, he heads toward the area of greatest turmoil he can detect with his Earthen senses. perception 1d20 + 21 ⇒ (6) + 21 = 27
Concern for the children of the Palace weighed him down, but he will defend the place as a whole first, then, hopefully, the threat to them will be ended.

HRRUM, HRRUM, HRRUM,, he howls as he travels, his rumbling shaking the very ground of the palace complex as if the Earth itself would strike out.
As it very much will!

If Kyras feels odd holding hands with this man, then he cannot possibly imagine just how uneager Azami is to do so. But given that Kyras has already taken his hand, Azami does the same, wordlessly. But she takes in the measure of the master, his weapons and his carriage. Surely, if he wished them dead, they already would be so.

@Kyras and @Azami: The man smiles. Noting your unease, he inclines his head politely and speaks. "Fear not. This will be very brief." There is a sudden blackness and a dizzying tilt of the entire universe, and you are in a new place.

@San Pen: Your heightened senses have led you to the tourist district, by the Inn of the Graces, where you recall Princess Erudima and her retinue are staying. You blast through the earth at incredible speeds, bursting up in a courtyard you sense is not overrurn...

...bursting up, you are looking at the alarmed faces of Rhon and Tokine. There are enemy fighters everywhere, currently held at bay solely by Earenthil's team of stout-hearted warriors.

Tokine and San Pen, give me initiative rolls and Perception checks, please.

@Imuri: The troll takes the punishment you dish out, clearly hurt by your skillful strokes, but it does not go down. The four furies are clearly locked in on your position and heading right towards you, arrows nocked.

Swift has not quite finished disabling the catapult; his way is blocked by three orcs who are protecting the launch mechanism, which is the last thing he needs to destroy before he can withdraw. Daisuke and Big Hat are holding their own, but it is obvious that while they can easily handle the few orcs by them, the troll is a far more dangerous foe for them.

The troll in front of you attacks again, but is far too clumsy to land its claws on you. You can tell the creature is hurt, but are not quite certain how much more it will take to finish it off. Its regenerative powers are astounding.

Troll attacks Imuri:
1d20 + 8 ⇒ (2) + 8 = 10

Initiative ->1d20 + 3 ⇒ (15) + 3 = 18
Perception ->1d20 + 7 ⇒ (14) + 7 = 21

"San Pen? What has brought you here?"

Troll attacks Imuri:

1d20 + 8

What's up, boss? I don't rate a full attack?

Kyras keeps a wary eye on the strange man who brought them to the strange room and kneels down. He slowly rolls up the left pant leg, as requested. "Go ahead, do what you need to do."

DM Downrightamazed wrote:

Troll attacks Imuri:

1d20 + 8

What's up, boss? I don't rate a full attack?

Heh. He's not a full troll.

@San Pen: you notice immediately that the silver-clad warriors are not paladins and fighters at all, but common filthy orcs and trolls and hobgoblins, and oddly clumsy ones at that. Apparently they have a glamer cast on them such that they look identical to the gaijin due to speak tomorrow night.

@Tokine: The Sifu looks quite different -- his eyes are ablaze with arcane energy and his already-tough exterior is coated with dragon scales. His movements are far quicker than usual.

@Kyras: The man looks at you and smiles, a little sheepishly it looks like, as he unstoppers the liquid. "I am sorry. But this will sting rather a lot. Here - " he hands you a different flask with a mild, golden liquid in it. It gives off the scent of jasmine. " - this is a healing potion. You will need it." Without warning he expertly splashes the blue liquid against your leg. There is pain, it is true, but you have weathered far worse.

Damage: 1d4 ⇒ 3, the potion is a CLW

@Kyras and @Azami: as Kyras hisses briefly at the pain, a heavily diluted acid of some sort burns away a layer of skin, revealing an amazing tattoo that stretches across the Dragonborn's entire calf and disappears up his pant leg. It appears to be a combination of strange eldritch characters and a distinctive, spiraling design.

It is immensely beautiful, glowing slightly and throbbing with Kyras' pulse.

Your host speaks. "Azami-san, the Plum Blossom syndicate attacked your family, sank your father's ship, destroyed all you love because the Kagawa controlled the holdings of this man's sister, Bethany Erodal, whom they mistakenly believe has this tattoo. Your destinies are intertwined. Kyras-san, this tattoo, this is why they seek you. This is why the Black Dragonflight and others besides wish to harm, control, or kill you."

"You are the Gate of Destruction."

Percep 1d20 + 21 ⇒ (6) + 21 = 27
init 1d20 + 1 ⇒ (10) + 1 = 11

"San Pen? What has brought you here?"

It is frrom this spot the Earrth crrys out in angerr at the trred of enemies.

facing the disguised foe
takes a firm stance by stomping each foot Wham! Wham! Wham!,
then slamming each hand together Slam! Slam! Slam!
roaring as he does, HURRM! HURRM! HURRM!

Who darres strrike against the Empirre? Who has called the verry Earrth to it's defense?

WHO DIES FIRRST?

Kyras sputters a bit in shock at the revelation and in reaction to his skin peeling away. He is quiet for a moment, then downs the potion. He grimaces at the rather bitter taste. "Good, I was worried it was something serious," he says sarcastically. He looks at the tattoo, staring at the pattern. "So what exactly does this mean, and how'd it get there? I certainly didn't put it there."

Cure Light Wounds 1d8 + 1 ⇒ (3) + 1 = 4

facing the disguised foe

takes a firm stance by stomping each foot Wham! Wham! Wham!,
then slamming each hand together Slam! Slam! Slam!
roaring as he does, HURRM! HURRM! HURRM!

Who darres strrike against the Empirre? Who has called the verry Earrth to it's defense?

WHO DIES FIRRST?

Oops, forgot the game stuff

Hhm- evidently failed to make strong eye contact. I knew I should have smashed a brick on my forehead.

The troll stretches its neck out for another bite, inviting Imuri's blade to the exposed area. The erinyes are here, he thinks to himself. Ancestors forgive me, I though I would do greater things than I have. He swings to kill the troll while barking back at Swift. We have no time, my friend. You must finish.

Status
AC: 21, Hp 26/48, ki pool 2

Attack troll 1d20 + 10 ⇒ (20) + 10 = 30
Confirm 1d20 + 10 ⇒ (8) + 10 = 18
Damage 2d10 + 12 ⇒ (9, 3) + 12 = 24

Is he still up? Cause I either need to full attack, shuriken the other troll, firebomb the catapult, run, or some combination thereof. : }

@San Pen and @Tokine: An answer to the Sifu's question comes quite quickly as a group of a dozen orcs breaks off and comes after the two of you. Rhon's attention is taken up with the casting of a spell. At the same time, you notice a large group of flying creatures -- Erinyes around a large black dragon, by the look of things -- have taken off from the palace and are headed your way.

You are in a target-rich environment, all 12 orcs are within 50 feet.
Initiative order is:
Tokine
Enemies
San Pen

@Imuri: The troll makes a strange shrieking noise as your blade pierces its thick hide. The creature does not go down, but is clearly on its last legs now. There is a slashing sound and the distinct *SPROING* of gears being freed from their moorings and Swift says "Done! Shoto, whatever fire you have, now would be a good time!" You hear the ninja jump clear, vaulting over one of the last few orcs.

It is at this moment that four flaming arrows come streaking down out of the sky, two punching through the troll, bringing it down flat on the ground, and two more smacking into the catapult. From behind you you can hear the Erinyes calling out: "Brave citizens of the empire! Stalwart defenders! Fear not, for we are here to help, let the might of the Black Dragonflight aid you on this day, as we drive back these foul barbarian invaders!"

Big Hat's jaw literally drops.

@Kyras and @Azami: The man looks earnestly at Kyras. "The pat answer, Kyras-san, would be to say 'it has been there since your birth,' but I do not believe that is true. You have been born a second time, have you not? After sleeping off the witch's curse you arose as The Dragon. In this second birth, coming now on the cusp of a great magical confluence, you have been chosen -- blessed or cursed is up to you to decide -- to be this gate; The North Gate."

"As to how it got there, I do not know. There are far greater powers, my friend, than we can possibly imagine. Greater even than the gods."

Since the man is being accommodating enough with his answers, Kyras presses on. It's rare enough in these lands to be able to ask a question plainly, much less expect to have it answered honestly. "The gate to what, exactly? And if I'm the North Gate, does that mean there are others?"

@Kyras: Your host shakes his head, then nods. "Yes, there are others. Gates of Deception, Protection, and Knowledge. Where they all lead, though, I do not know. Some say the four gates are from whence came the Telestari, those early travelers to the Land. Others say they lead to yet-unexplored planes, others say the gates do nothing by themselves, but if all four are ever together it would lead to the utter destruction of the Land, and thence its recreation."

He trails off, looking over at his tapestry. "Truly...a new dawn."

Azami, note that this man is not looking at you when he says this, nor does his statement seem to betray any knowledge of your vision.

His attention snaps back to Kyras. "Your sister sought this knowledge, with an unending passion and obsessed focus. It drove away...drove away many around her. Her colleagues and friends. Others."

This is the ruse. Imuri thinks to himself. Stage an attack with a mercenary army disguised as your greatest threat. Then become the defender to counter the suspicions the Shoto voiced and demand complaince in exchange. Do not give yourself away/

Bluff (to imply that I trust the Black Dragonflight) 1d20 + 11 ⇒ (11) + 11 = 22

We are grateful for your intervention, sisters. If you will destroy these remaining orcs, Imuri thinks to himself ...and follow the first order os assassination..., We have an objective, and other catapults. He then lifts a clay bottle from within his obi and swiftly consumes the results.

CLW 1d8 + 1 ⇒ (4) + 1 = 5

Status
AC 21; Hp 31/48 : { Ready to take down another catapult!

Tokine sees the immediate threat on the ground, but is worried by the more sinister threat above. She springs into action.

With the butt of her glaive she traces a stylized bird in three quick strokes. She steps into the design and stamps the butt of her weapon, ringing the chimes. The design flairs to life, and flutters up around Tokine, leaving a brief shimmering field before both the field and the bird fade.

She then steps up beside San Pen and readies her weapon. "Let them come and break upon the Rock and the Sea." She then swallows hard and hopes the chimes don't betray the slight shakes she feels in her arms and legs.