"I'm Ousel and ousel means me." Ousel hopped over to Cairee's forearm. "All the air-weavers are talking of an orange-hair bird-mouth. I came to see. It's true. You are a bird mouth. Do you have any crawlers or little hops?"
Cairee blushed a little to hear that she was being talked about among the birds. "It's lovely to meet you Ousel. My name is Cairee. I don't think I have anything for you to eat," her hands instinctively went to pat the pockets of her robes, but only found her pocketless nightdress. "But I'm sure we can find some for you."
She rang for a porter, and asked for some worms and bugs to be brought for Ousel. The young woman did her best to pretend like this was a normal request, and soon the blackbird settled on the window sill, enjoying her breakfast.
Cairee sat near the window as well for her morning meditations. She cleared her mind and deepened her breath, focusing on the light of the sun. Her connection to Saiph felt warmer, her power stronger. Tears rolled gently down her cheeks as she grinned at the sky. "Thank you," she whispered.
When her meditations were over, Ousel was still on the window sill. "If you're thinking of staying a while, you should come meet my friends," Cairee said, and opened the door, politely waiting for the bird to exit first.
ymythy stepped forward into the embrace without speaking, and allowed the silence to linger for a spell. ”That sight... something from your past? Or an omen of a possible future?” Distressed as she was with what she had seen, he judged it not the best of times to announce his own dream and thus suggest her own might have a deeper meaning behind it – after all, one strange dream could well coincidence be, but the two of them being granted what seemed a vision the same night would make that more unlikely.
Zahra clung to Tymythy's strength as if drawing it into herself to shore herself up. She didn't say anything until Tymythy spoke. "Not from my past. But part of me worries it may be the present or near future. What if my parents are in danger while I'm here?"
She released her grip on Tymythy but still felt emotionally shaky. "Thank you for indulging me. I needed something steady to ground me again. And it's a new day so there will be other things to focus on other than my nightmare."
She went over a poured herself a glass a water. "But enough about my drama. How was your night? Hopefully your dreams were much more pleasant than mine."
Dounia sleeps a bit longer, then finally gets up to join the others in the common room. "Did everybody sleep well? Do we have a plan today?" She clearly assumed that somebody else would figure all that out. After all, "her" challenge was done; the mirror challenge was for one of the others to sort out.
She went over a poured herself a glass a water. "But enough about my drama. How was your night? Hopefully your dreams were much more pleasant than mine."
”... They were strange enough,” Tymythy answered after a short pause, not willing to lie about his own dreams even though speaking the truth might put more weight to Zahra’s own distressing visions. ”I was walking through an endless desert, hauling the carcass of a gigantic snake with me. To where, or for what purpose, I have no idea. I was reminded of previous prophetic words, of the necessary of looking for an unconventional solution, and visited by two spirits of power... but what they truly wanted from me, or what they offered, I can’t be sure of. Such is the way with visions, I have found. Were I still home with my clan, the shamans and shouldermen would take my dream and pick it apart, and in it find both meaning and directions. But I lack their talents in such things.”
Zahra listened to Tymythy and her mood brightened a bit. "Strange, maybe, but it sounds positive overall. At least no one was dying, except for the gigantic snake, but that must have made your weapon happy."
She yawned and flopped down in a chair. Even though it wasn't usual that Zahra sat in silence, she sat quietly lost in her own thoughts.
When Dounia joined them, Zahra shrugged. "No plan as of yet but I guess we should come up with one. We'll need Cairee to have a proper discussion."
It was like a cold morning in the desert.
The daughters and sons of the wealthy gathered in groups under heavy cloaks while they drank cider that smelled of the hair-of-the-dog. Even before the crowd recognized The Black Birds each of the team members could hear a buzz of people talking about the dance of the two accomplished practitioners ... "Oh, and here he comes now."
Matched with the good word of the Dwarves, the Judge's good opinion, and some noticeable favour from the table of Hallwyn (via Iolanthe) the Black Birds noticed their reputations growing in the arena. They were becoming persons of some regard.
Otherwise, the attendants seemed distracted. The second and third mornings were met with a buzz of excitement, attendants staring and talking to others about the lists. This morning, however, people barely looked away from their private groups. People suddenly remembered to go place their bets when before they were chomping at the bit to place a risky wager on the dangerous game.
-
If the guests were showing signs of distraction then the challengers were looking like they had been through the wars.
Something about the cloaked exchange of words of The Adherents of Aureolus showed a slight wain of confidence.
Perdition's Cavaliers had lost their polish. Once quite regal, they all now looked very common and not without scares like everyone else. Scares were the equalizer.
The Bonds of Gruumsh were battered to be certain but, of all the groups, their morale seemed strongest. Their wounds from yesterday were generously healed and Batbayar's leg was splinted with steel.
The Twins were the best off. Arnie seemed oblivious and well-healed. Mar was a little wounded still but rested and eager.
The Hazard Guard?
The Hazard Guard were a walking wound and ghostly white with weakness and fear. There wasn't a member that didn't have some condition be it concussion, wound that threatened to reopen, or useless arm. They hadn't lost a team member yet. They were all going to go down together.
Cairee opened her bedroom door and a small black bird flew into the common room. It circled the room twice and lighted on the back of the chair nearest Cairee. It sang in sharp notes that changed wildly and created a beguiling melody. Then it seemed to nod at Cairee.
Zahra found the temperature quite refreshing and invigorating as they assembled for the fourth challenge. She felt a warmer reception from the crowd today and it contributed to further lightening her mood. She smiled brightly and waved to the spectators.
As she assessed the other teams, she wondered what they must look like to the others. Were they looking as haggard as some of the others?
Zahra was amazed that all the Bonds of Gruumsh were present and she silently applauded them for their dedication. She admired Batbayar's physical strength and emotional strength for being present to compete.
She waited for announcements to be made and the beginning of the fourth challenge. Was it really only the fourth? It almost felt like years since they started.
Tymythy ignored the whispers in a mixture of embarrassment and pride. Clearly last night’s display had caught some eyes, and what warrior didn’t want his efforts to be recognized, but he had been “performing” for an audience of two – him and his mentor. It had not been meant to entertain the masses, although he did understand the benefits in terms of patronage. And it would be futile to try to correct these people, so he’d just take the compliments and leave them to their misunderstanding.
As the remaining teams gathered Tymythy could see many convictions of superiority had vanished alongside the shine of freshly polished armor. If some of the challengers had entered what they saw as a bit of fun and games, they had come to realize the price of failure. His attention went to the orcish team, noted both the wounds Batbayar wore like badges of honor – although ones that would slow him down for some time to come – as well as the absence of the heroic Khol. Had she joined their ancestors? Or had the healers manage to coax her spirit to stay but she was too weak to continue? He would love to approach Tyerror to ask, but this didn’t seem the right moment. The new challenges were soon to begin, and they should all focus their attention to them.
Dounia's eyes widened in surprise as a bird flew out of Cairee's room. "Where did he come from?!" she asked. "How come you get a bird? I didn't get a bird." The bird shrieks a strange song. "You should be our herald! Are you tame? Do you want a cracker?" Dounia grabs one from the table and offers it to the bird.
Dounia couldn't help preening a little as she saw the people in the stands take notice as they entered the arena. It was an odd sensation - after all, Cyra had always taught her to stay unnoticed, to be invisible. She rather liked being allowed to take up space, to be visible, for once. Though she wasn't naive enough not to recognize the danger that came with that. She thought back to the little huddle that Tymythy had spotted yesterday, and she wondered if Candor had received her note.
It was weird to think that the Sisters were out of the competition. They had been so strong, so prepared. Was it only dumb luck that had seen the Blackbirds through so far. She looked around at the other teams. Cairee's siblings were the only ones looking pretty good. The orcs were hurt, as were the Cavaliers. And the Hazard Guard - Dounia took a hard second look at them. They should be done. They were hurt, emotionally and physically, but she knew they wouldn't quit. As long as the Cavaliers were competing, honor and duty wouldn't allow the hazard guard to leave the field. Even if it meant they died. Dounia felt a wave of empathy towards them. At least if she and the others decided they wanted to quit, there was nothing stopping them.
"Let's find Yoy'ya, and tell her what we need," she suggested as she headed up for breakfast.
Cairee opened her bedroom door and a small black bird flew into the common room. It circled the room twice and lighted on the back of the chair nearest Cairee. It sang in sharp notes that changed wildly and created a beguiling melody. Then it seemed to nod at Cairee.
""Stand back! All of you ground-thumpers! I defy anyone who attempts to betray or otherwise harm Oha'beem! There. That should settle things."
"Where did he come from?!" she asked. "How come you get a bird? I didn't get a bird." The bird shrieks a strange song. "You should be our herald! Are you tame? Do you want a cracker?" Dounia grabs one from the table and offers it to the bird..
Cairee stiffled a giggle at the blackbird's warning. Clearly the creature was proud and already fiercely loyal. She didn't want to offend. Or provoke an unpleasant pecking. "This is Ousel. I think she's a gift from Saiph. She appeared at a moment of need in my dreams, and was in my room when I woke. Ousel, these are my friends. Dounia, Zahra, Tymythy. I trust them with my life. Everyone, this is Ousel." Ousel cocked her head to one side, sizing up Dounia. After a moment she pecked the cracker out of the thief's fingers and flew to the back of a chair.
As Ousel proceeded to get crumbs all over the carpet, Cairee addressed her friends. "I've been thinking about the mirror challenge. I think this is one where I should take the lead. I've asked Saiph for several blessings that could help us navigate. Do we have 75gp of our own money we can spend? If so, here's how I suggest we spend the money Yo'ya raise." She laid out her spending plan. "We could also try to tie ourselves together as the last team did. But we should be prepared for it not to work, as the challenges seem to adapt to each teams' strategy. Dounia, can you fasten a length of rope with loops that we can slip our wrists into, that tighten and release easily?"
Zahra instinctively ducked as Ousel flew around the room as it was quite unexpected and the sorceress was still a bit rattled.
Once she realized that this new arrival was a friend of Cairee's, she gave what sounded like a mixture of relieved sigh and a delighted chuckle.
She joyfully clapped her hands together, "A black bird for the Blackbirds! How wonderful! I'm very pleased to meet you, Ousel."
Zahra dutifully listened to Cairee's plans, grateful that someone had a logical way forward. She nodded in agreement with everything proposed.
Something about the cloaked exchange of words of The Adherents of Aureolus showed a slight wain of confidence.
Cairee noticed each member of the Adherents looked older, tired. "Depending so heavily on arcane magic in each challenge is draining them," she told the others. She almost felt sorry for the team. Her connection to Saiph was a source of relief and joy. Their faith seemed to diminish them.
Perdition's Cavaliers had lost their polish. Once quite regal, they all now looked very common and not without scares like everyone else. Scares were the equalizer.
"Look, the Cavaliers are standing further apart than usual, except for Prince Keone and Sir Pellius. I wonder if they've had a falling out. Did anything happen last night?"
The Bonds of Gruumsh were battered to be certain but, of all the groups, their morale seemed strongest. Their wounds from yesterday were generously healed and Batbayar's leg was splinted with steel.
"See Batbayar's leg? He's going to be significantly slower today." She whispered a small prayer to Saiph, asking her to watch over the Orcs during their challenge.
The Hazard Guard were a walking wound and ghostly white with weakness and fear. There wasn't a member that didn't have some condition be it concussion, wound that threatened to reopen, or useless arm. They hadn't lost a team member yet. They were all going to go down together.
Cairee's heart dropped. "Oh my, they really should drop out. But I think their strong sense of faith and duty means they can't, or won't, quit. They won't allow themselves to resign while serving their princess." She looked around for Princess Allisette. Surely she would see the state of her champions and command them to stand down.
Her siblings seemed to be doing well. Cairee knew she should be grateful. But her nightmare was fresh in her mind, and she eyed Arnie and Mar with a little suspicion.
Cairee couldn't fathom someone who could be so lacking in compassion. This Allisette was unreadable through her disinterest in her own team. They were so devoted and she was ice. There was no understanding it. Was she even paying attention?
Ousel flew to Cairee's shoulder and perched there. She whispered in Cairee's ear with the tiniest of voices, "Are you going through a door? Ground-thumpers go through doors here and then they become water. Are you going to become water? Will I become water?"
Yoy'ya joined the group as Cyn and E'gama were entering the arena to get some food from the tents. E'gama looked serene and Cyn had a ridiculous flyaway lock of hair.
Yoy'ya, "Do you have an hopes for gifts?" She noticed Tymythy watching the orcs and guessed at his thoughts. "The kid's in the healing tents still. They say she'll pull through. Apparently, she had a scrap of life. You know the elves, 'An ember of spirit to fan back into flame.' Orcs are like that. Ferocious at the moment of death. As far as the rules go, I've asked, and she may be able to rejoin the final challenge. Caveat, only if they choose the escutcheoned door as their final challenge."
She joyfully clapped her hands together, "A black bird for the Blackbirds! How wonderful! I'm very pleased to meet you, Ousel."
A black-winged bird? An omen if there ever was one, considering the name they had given to their team, as well as last night’s dream. He bowed at the bird when Cairee did the introductions. It would not do to disrespect what might well be a herald of the Great Spirit.
”It was true that another team already used a rope… but it is an easy enough thing to try, regardless. We might also get something to mark our passage, just in case getting lost is an issue beyond what magic those mirrors might contain. Ink, sticks of charcoal, paint… whatever we can get. Simple arrows drawn on the floor in the direction of our passage should help us keep track of our movements.”
Yoy'ya, "Do you have an hopes for gifts?" She noticed Tymythy watching the orcs and guessed at his thoughts. "The kid's in the healing tents still. They say she'll pull through. Apparently, she had a scrap of life. You know the elves, 'An ember of spirit to fan back into flame.' Orcs are like that. Ferocious at the moment of death. As far as the rules go, I've asked, and she may be able to rejoin the final challenge. Caveat, only if they choose the escutcheoned door as their final challenge."
”Thank you, the news are most appreciated,” Tymythy murmured. In a way, it was a shame such a grand doom had been wasted… but on the other hand, who knew what heroics she would manage in the future if the spirits allowed her to survive even something like this? She could well be a legend in the making. ”Perhaps, after today’s challenge, she will be hale enough to entertain visitors? Courage and determination like she displayed should be honored.”
Dounia thought a moment about Cairee's request, then nodded. "I know just the knot for the job. But it might not...probably won't work. But no harm trying."
To Tymythy's suggestion, Dounia said, "Good idea! I can attack some chalk to my sandals, and make arrows with my feet. And have some paint too, maybe, for the walls. Cairee, can you add chalk and paint to your list?"
Thinking about the scoreboard, she said, "We should try to keep our eyes open. That's worth a fair bit, and nobody has full points for that. But I guess if it's that or "lose ourselves" or die, we should probably close our eyes." It was clear Dounia meant to keep her eyes open as long as she was able.
"Is there something we can use to tie ourselves together that isn't rope? But I guess whatever is strong enough to not be cut would also put us in danger if it can't be cut."
A thought occurred to Zahra and caused her to ask, "If we do get separated, how do we find each other? Would having whistles or bells help? Maybe we could find each other by sound...if it's too scary to open our eyes."
Zahra's eyes got wider and wider as Cairee shared bits of information about the other groups as they gathered. "How do you know so much? Did Saiph give you the ability to read minds?"
"Do you have an hopes for gifts?"
The sorceress looked to Cairee and said, "Cairee has a list, right? Mainly we need protection for our minds, specifically Cairee."
A black-winged bird? An omen if there ever was one, considering the name they had given to their team, as well as last night’s dream. He bowed at the bird when Cairee did the introductions. It would not do to disrespect what might well be a herald of the Great Spirit.
When Tymythy bowed Ousel twisted her head sideways, brought it back and then bobbed it twice in return.
"How do you know so much? Did Saiph give you the ability to read minds?"
Cairee smiled at her friend's question. With Ousel on her shoulder the cleric felt closer to Saiph than she ever had before. She was calm, centred, and confident, and felt she could see the challenges and the other teams with a new clarity.
Ousel whispered in Cairee's ear with the tiniest of voices, "Are you going through a door? Ground-thumpers go through doors here and then they become water. Are you going to become water? Will I become water?"
Her confidence flickered at the question. She took a deep breath and answered, "We're going through a door so that we can protect a lot of people. It's dangerous though. Would you like to wait for us here?"
"Good idea! I can attack some chalk to my sandals, and make arrows with my feet. And have some paint too, maybe, for the walls. Cairee, can you add chalk and paint to your list?"
Cairee added Dounia's requests to her list and gave it to Yoy'ya. "Tymythy, we'll need to give Yoy'ya 115 gold pices and 30 copper to cover everything."
- 5 Potions of Resistance (one for each of you and our new teammate - Cairee can cast it on herself) (25 regular = 125 here X 5 = 625)
- 4 Cure light wounds (50 regular = 250 here X 4 = 1000)
- Chalk (1 copper regular = 5 copper X 6 = 30 copper)
- Paint (8 gp regular = 40 gp here)
2050 from Yoy'ya and 115 gp & 30 copper of our own money
While they waited, Cairee filled Cyn and E'gama in one what she had learned about the mirrored door. "It seemed un-trapped and un-locked, though that could change for this challenge. Dounia, you should check for traps just in case. It had strong magical auras. I could sense a charm and illusion aura for sure. It's very powerful. Even standing in front of it gave me a vision of a friend on mine. He was badly hurt. It was very...distressing. I think the this challenge will make it very difficult to stay focused. We must do everything we can to ignore what we see, ignore the feelings of fear or anger or worry, and keep moving forward. I've prepared some blessings to help us with this."
When their benefactor returned, Cairee gave Tymythy, Dounia, Zahra, Cyn and E'gama each a potion of resistance. "Take this if you feel you're being tested or tricked, or if I tell you to." She gave Tymythy, Dounia, Zahra and Cyn each a potion of healing. "I'm sorry, E'gama, we could only afford 4. I'll heal us when I can, so only use these on yourself or a teammate as a last resort."
She also handed everyone a piece of chalk. "In case we're separated."
"Dounia, can you make the loops on the rope so that two people can walk close together? We should each have a buddy to keep an eye on. I suggest Dounia and I at the front, Cyn and E'gama in the middle, and Tymythy and Zhara at the back."
While Dounia worked on the looped rope, Cairee took the incense and found a quiet spot away from the crowd. She sat cross-legged facing the sun. Ousel landed on her shoulder, standing guard as Cairee lit the incense. She breathed the perfumed smoke deeply. "Dni Mder Etne Cfo Et Ir," she chanted, slowly and quietly.
When Cairee returned to the group, her eyes looked a little glassy. Her robes smelled faintly of sage and oranges. "Is evryone ready?"
Her confidence flickered at the question. She took a deep breath and answered, "We're going through a door so that we can protect a lot of people. It's dangerous though. Would you like to wait for us here?"
Ousel whispered in Cairee's ear, "I am afraid of the doors and I don't want to become water but I will try."
-
When their benefactor returned, Cairee gave Tymythy, Dounia, Zahra, Cyn and E'gama each a potion of resistance. "Take this if you feel you're being tested or tricked, or if I tell you to." She gave Tymythy, Dounia, Zahra and Cyn each a potion of healing. "I'm sorry, E'gama, we could only afford 4. I'll heal us when I can, so only use these on yourself or a teammate as a last resort."
Cyn, "Whoa, wait a minute. I thought we were looking into E'gama and I dropping out of these challenges. I think I expressed my desire to keep my backside where it is."
She also handed everyone a piece of chalk. "In case we're separated."
Prince Keone seemed to have made some kind of decision and stepped away from his group, "Judges! This is unacceptable. When did The Blackbirds gain reinforcements?! We should all be allowed to take on new team members. This is unfair dealing and and shows a kind of favouritism from the Ovarvatch Elves!"
A trio of elven judges came down from the stands. Cairree recognized them as Ila (whom she'd spoken with last night), Irama, and Enmai. Ila addressed the competitors, "There are many tools and opportunities in the challenges. The Black Birds made these allies in their last challenge. Perdition's Cavaliers had the same opportunities. This was deemed fair by a panel of our wisest."
Prince Keone, "Really?! The same opportunities?! Which allies should we have made, the giant tarantulas, or the Ooze?"
Some laughter came up in the crowd but not much. Princess Allisette started paying attention from the western castle. A group of her retinue began to follow her down to the arena. Porters for Hallwn seemed to wake up and draw nearer.
Prince Keone stepped into Ila's way, "Didn't I see you and one of the members of the Black Birds speaking in confidence last night? I call foul!"
Booing came from the stands.
For about the length of a breath Ila looked offended, "If you think I have acted inappropriately I will excuse myself as judge but I assure all here I have had no improper communication with any player." His words were measured.
Hallwn's annoyance at the games lawyering was obvious from a distance and the eastern castle had gone quiet. Porters started arriving as Allisette and her retinue appeared.
As Cairee was dividing their gifts, she noticed that Prince Keone was paying close attention to the Blackbirds. She offered a friendly nod and turned her attention back to her team.
"Whoa, wait a minute. I thought we were looking into E'gama and I dropping out of these challenges. I think I expressed my desire to keep my backside where it is."
Cyn's words took Cairee aback. She hadn't realized they had been serious. They had all been allowed to stop fighting, to survive the challenge, because of this deal. Surely they wouldn't be allowed to back out of it so easily.
Suddenly Prince Keone was protesting and the judge's arrived, and the debate over Cyn and E'gama became very public. Cairee could see Allisette making her way over.
"Fair judges, Prince Keone, Princess Allisette," Cairee bowed respectfully. "We attempted an alliance as a tactical measure, and it was successful. However, our new allies have expressed an interest in leaving the Blackbirds before our next challenge. While the original members had every intention of welcoming them into our team, we do not wish to force them. Ila, Irama, and Enmai, are they allowed to step down? If they may do so, we will not stop them."
Cyn, "Whoa, wait a minute. I thought we were looking into E'gama and I dropping out of these challenges. I think I expressed my desire to keep my backside where it is."
Zahra looked both surprised and apologetic, "You were serious! I thought it was just some after-challenge jitters. I'm sorry but I hadn't asked the judges but we should be able to do that now."
Just then Prince Keone started drama that involved the very situation. The Perdition Cavaliers were a group of experienced warriors and the favourites to boot. Why was he suddenly so concerned about them?
Zahra watched the situation seem to be blown out of proportion as the judges were involved and even the aloof Princess Allisette began making her way down. The sorceress took offense at the suggestion that the judges had shown them special favour. No one had even spoken to any of the judges until after the ruling had been made in the challenge.
The easiest way for this to be resolved was to give both sides what they wanted and have Cyn and E'gama sit out. Just as Zahra was formulating the words to say so, Cairee gave a very eloquent speech suggesting that exact thing. Knowing that there wasn't anything that she could say that was any more convincing, Zahra watched expectantly to see their response to this nonsense.
The silence at Hallwn's table wasn't lost on the sorceress. Obviously the sooner this could be resolved, the better.
Dounia saw the so-called Prince staring at them, and was tempted to stick her tongue out at him. She remembered her dignity and just managed to avoid it.
Sighing, she said to Cyn and Egama, "Look, if you guys don't want to help, I don't want to make you. But if you're not on our team you might be back in prison. Your call."
But from the sounds of it, the cavaliers were going to make a stink about it anyway. She opened her mouth to argue, but Cairee beat her to the punch. Dounia shut her trap and waited to see how it would fall out. As she waited, she began tying knots in the rope.
Cairee's solution was so simple and rational that it seemed impossible to argue with and the frustration was clear on Prince Keone's face. And there was something more. Cairee's voice sounded clearer, more melodious. It rung in the ears as she spoke.
Ila turned and discussed the matter with the other two judges. He turned back, "That is acceptable to us but our previous decision was made based on the new members being true members of the Black Birds. They may quit now but you will have to forfeit the points for having turned them to your side. Ten points. Otherwise, the Rangers of Khabazala must compete in at least this challenge with the Black Birds."
Prince Keone, "Well ... well that would certainly work."
Allissette came in hot, "The Black Birds did what no one else attempted to do and succeeded and you try to nullify it. This is exactly what I would expect from an Eileandoran! Trying to cut away the good work of others. Changing the location of the the hazards so that they can skim a few point, coins, or honours! Never trust a Maegan!"
The Perdition's Cavaliers cracked. Lord Badrelow had his sword half out of his scabbard when Lady Shiply put her hand across him. Her hand was on her sword just the same. Sir Pellius was looking at Keone for some order and Prince Keone himself looked lost but was holding his friend back gently.
Ousel flapped her wings in all the excitement but stayed perched on Cairee's shoulder.
Tymythy knew better than to get in way of Cairee’s silver tongue, and settled for giving the complaining competitor a neutral look. Equal opportunities? Perhaps the Ravens should pay someone to target this princeling specifically in his next challenge – that would be equal, yes?
Allissette came in hot, "The Black Birds did what no one else attempted to do and succeeded and you try to nullify it. This is exactly what I would expect from an Eileandoran! Trying to cut away the good work of others. Changing the location of the the hazards so that they can skim a few point, coins, or honours! Never trust a Maegan!"
Surprised that the princess came to their defence, Tymythy struggled to recall what they had been told.. there had been something about the controversy of inviting both the princess and her sworn enemy, the third son of another monarch… this would be prince Keone, then, he assumed, not having been overly interested in memorizing the webs of feuds of the myriad other guests. An error on his part, he now realized, but such matters of lords and rulers were not things a humble hunter and warrior bothered with.
Now that his attention had been drawn to the woman, though… he noted the ring adorning her finger and thought back to the night after the second challenge, when he had spied one of prince Keone’s men slipping away with a servant woman wearing a particularly impressive ring. Was the princess conspiring with the prince’s men against their lord? That was a bold move, one worthy of applauding… if her gambit didn’t get her killed, that is.
”Remember what I said about one of the cavaliers and a serving wench with an expensive ring?” Tymythy leaned in to whisper. ”Well, there is the ring again.”
"They may quit now but you will have to forfeit the points for having turned them to your side. Ten points."
Sacrificing 10 points would lower The Blackbirds into second place. It could be enough to keep the diamond out of their hands. Though it was looking less and less likely that the Adherents would win, which was Cairee's main concern. She waited to see if any of her team objected. No one spoke up, so she turned to Cyn and E'gama. "I don't know what Hallwyn will do if you leave. You may be risking re-imprisonment. But the choice is yours."
The Perdition's Cavaliers cracked...
"Remember what I said about one of the cavaliers and a serving wench with an expensive ring? Well, there is the ring again.”
Cairee watched the Cavaliers with concern. What would cause them to act out so, and in front of the judges and another team? Her eyes went to the Princess and her ring, then to Prince Keone. Was this an act? Why would the Princess be so indifferent to her own men, and so invested in the Cavaliers?
Most of the teams were struggling in some way or another. Surely some were at risk of serious injury, or even death, in the next challenge. The Cleric couldn't let them compete as they were, not if there was something she could do about it. She turned back to Ila. "I'd like to offer all of the competitors a blessing from Saiph, if they'll accept it." Once those who were willing gathered nearby, Cairee raised her hand to her pendant, and prayed. "Saiph, please share your love and warmth with all here today, heal their aches and their hearts, so they may face their challenge with a clear and settled mind."
No one spoke up, so she turned to Cyn and E'gama. "I don't know what Hallwyn will do if you leave. You may be risking re-imprisonment. But the choice is yours."
Cyn looked Prince Keone in the eye but spoke to Cairee, "I didn't want to participate but now this prig of a prince opened his mouth we're in."
E'gama, "Greenboughs and softwinds, Prince Prig. You've gone and done it now."
She turned back to Ila. "I'd like to offer all of the competitors a blessing from Saiph, if they'll accept it." Once those who were willing gathered nearby, Cairee raised her hand to her pendant, and prayed. "Saiph, please share your love and warmth with all here today, heal their aches and their hearts, so they may face their challenge with a clear and settled mind."
Prince Keone took a step back and none of his team made a move to accept the offered blessing. Alissette took a beat and waved for her team to go forward.
Batbayar looked conflicted then he patted the younger orcs on the back and the Bonds of Gruumsh stepped forward to receive blessing. The old woman nodded in approval, "Hunt while game is plentiful and a wise orc knows when to keep their head out of the rain."
The Twins stepped forward. They seemed curious more than anything, curious and wary.
The Adherents stayed put half a dozen feet behind Prince Keone. They watched with disinterest like they were watching some anthropological event.
Everyone who came near bathed in the warmth of Saiph's light. Ila and the judges stood close soaking in the blessing like it was the sun itself.
Princess Alissette, "Well Prince Maegan, what will you do now? Here are people who offer their enemies aid while you try to connive and lawyer."
Prince Keone, "I don't care about your pretence for honour. There are winners and there are losers. We will fight for what we deserve and do it how we see fit. But I don't expect an Anjou Princess to understand that you can't get through life ... by laying down."
The Hazard Guard began to reach for weapons.
"Yes!" Dounia exulted when Cyn and E'gama said they'd compete. She didn't want to lose the points, but more than that, if they dropped from the team, it felt like cheating to her. They'd taken them on as Blackbirds, for better or worse (hopefully better). It would be wrong if they didn't even compete once.
Then Cairee, perhaps predictably, decided to use some of her god-given power to heal the competitors. Dounia rolled her eyes, but made sure to get in nice and close. She was still sore from yesterday.
As the warmth washed over her, she suddenly thought back to Cyra, telling her to stick close to Cairee, that she was good. Funny that two people have told me to be more like Cairee. One who loves me and one who hates me. She wondered where Cyra was now, and if she'd ever have the opportunity to talk to her again. To ask her about her history?
Tears started to form in Dounia's eyes, and she blinked them angrily away. After all, she wasn't going to remember any of this, was she?
Suddenly it seemed like there was going to be a fight. She sidled over to Zahra, who was good with names. "What's going on? I lost track of who's who on these teams."
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Zahra was very impressed with Cairee for offering Saiph's blessing to all who wanted it. Surely this kind of unselfish act would diffuse the situation and allow cooler heads to prevail.
"What's going on? I lost track of who's who on these teams."
Zahra whispered back, "Prince Keone and Princess Alissetta are sworn enemies in the real world. I'm a little surprised this didn't happen sooner."
When the Hazard Guard reached for weapons, Zahra felt the need to physically stand between the two groups. "I know that everyone is being stretched to their limits by the challenges, ourselves included, but can we all just take a breath? It is admirable that both Prince Keone Maegan and Princess Alissetta D’Angoument garner such loyalty and devotion from their people but this is supposed to be a celebration of our Radiant Host Hallwn and not a tavern brawl. Can we not just agree to respectfully continue with the challenges and show our host that he made wise choices by inviting all of us? I would much prefer that than for him to regret our presence."
Cairee's observations of Prince Keone and Princess Alissetta left her more confused than before. There was a chaos bubbling just below the surface. Everyone was backed into a corner and trying to act the way they were required to act. It had nothing to do with the Black Birds or their new teammates. The Clerics attempt to keep the peace somehow made the chaos more pronounced.
Her blessing did little to diffuse the situation. As Zahra tried to talk them down, Cairee stood beside her, Ousel on her shoulder, quietly backing up her friend. This time she silently prayed for common sense to prevail.
The Hazard Guard, Princess Allissette's crew, stopped advancing but kept their weapons half drawn. Allissette looked at Zahra and Cairee like there were no others in the stadium and for a second the princess seemed at a complete loss, fragile. She recomposed herself.
"We can 'take-a-breath'. We can put our arms to sleep." The Hazard Guard sheathed their weapons. "But we cannot 'respectfully continue with these challenges'. I command my guard to withdraw from the contest. I will not have them measure themselves against such filth."
Prince Keone, "The members of The Black Birds have spoken eloquently. I have had good hospitality here and will not displease our host by pushing further."
Ila the judge worked to change the direction of the moment, "Very good. Chrizdoff, I believe you have a challenge to begin."
Chrisdoff the second herald took the place of the absent Tandyraman, "The Black Birds are ahead in the lists. Blackbirds! Please declare which door you shall attempt."
All the groups parted and the crowd in the stands started to talk about the games like little had happened.
Zahra took a deep breath when the princess repeated her words to take a breath and was visibly relieved that things weren't going to escalate. She stole a look up to where she expected Hallwn to be watching to see what his reaction was. However, she couldn't tell anything specific from his body language.
When Princess Alissetta used the situation to withdraw her team, Zahra wondered if that was her plan all along. To provoke Prince Keone to act unfavorably and then blame him for their withdrawal. After what Cairee had whispered earlier, Zahra was glad that the Hazard Guard would remain safe and not be decimated by another challenge.
Their team was asked to declare their door and so after a quick glance at the others, Zahra replied, "The Blackbirds choose the Mirror Door."
Whatever was going on between her and Prince Keone was a riddle Cairee couldn't solve, but she was relieved that the Hazard Guard withdrew. Perhaps Princess Alissetta wasn't as cold and indifferent as the Cleric had thought. Though it was strange that she had put forth a team for several years in a row. Unless she didn't remember doing so?
As they readied for their challenge, Cairee whispered to Ousel, "If you're sure you'd like to join us, I think you should sit in the hood of my cloak and keep your eyes closed." Once the small thrush was settled, she gently covered her, making sure she was comfortable and could easily get out if needed.
Their team was asked to declare their door and so after a quick glance at the others, Zahra replied, "The Blackbirds choose the Mirror Door."
”We shall conquer what painful truths and false visions of the future the mirrors show us,” Tymythy declared, nodding his head to Cairee, the one chosen to lead them through this maze of mirrors… and perhaps visions or memories or both.
Zahra looked up to see Hallwn looking down. His outward expression was easy to read. Impatience. Displeasure. Unamusement.
Tymythy noticed one of Prince Keone's retinue, Lord Badrelow the immense yet slightly older warrior, develop a strange look on his face but what it meant the young spearman couldn't tell.
Ousel walked over Cairee's shoulder and snuggled into her hood. Before becoming completely concealed, Cairee could hear the blackbird whisper, "thankyou"
Dounia wasn't too sure what had happened, but couldn't help grinning when the Hazard Guard stepped down. The look on that big fighter's face meant...something. Dounia shrugged - it didn't matter. They were that much closer to winning! And Cairee had a plan to get them through the Mirror Door, so today was sure to be a cinch.
She had her rope ready, and stood with Cairee. She clapped her hands together and said, "Okay, Blackbirds! Let's do this!" She waited for the other teams to declare, so they could get this show on the road.
The Hazard Guard cursed under their breath and spat at the ground between them and the Cavaliers. They were furious at having to turn away but, underneath, there was relief to. Beside The Black Birds there were only four more teams to compete. In how many competitions past did the winners only prevail on account of them being the last team standing?
Perdition's Cavaliers declared next for the iron banded door, the challenge the orcs only completed yesterday. On the metal plate there was now an engraving of three cloaked figures with sharpened boney fingertips.
The Twins watched Cairee as she moved to the mirrored door. Arnie nodded to Mar as they turned towards the portcullis doors and the arena challenge.
The Bonds of Gruumsh chose the brass door and the hall of traps while the Adherents of Aureolus, wanting to take the iron banded door, found they had to change to the Ash Doors and the halls of riddles.
-
Before them, the Black Birds saw the old tarnished silver mirror with a small iron handle. The mirror only reflected themselves back.
Chrizdoff, "Ready! Set! Begin!"
Dounia gave everybody their assigned loop, locked her wrist in, and then examined the door. For the other teams it opened easily, but a more difficult challenge could mean a trap on the door.
The door was a perfectly rectangular pane of clear glass set over a fitted silver plate. Its' hinge pins weren't visible. There was no handle. The ground held no swing mark or groove. Did it swing inwardly? A push? There was no film on the glass that might transmit a touch poison. There was no tiny wizard's sigil or tiny relief of a glyph that would indicate a magical trap.
Nothing.
In the clear reflection inside the mirror's space there was only the team with the arena behind them. Cairee saw no image or flash of Flyson.
Tymythy noted the strange look in one of the Cavaliers’ eyes as he made his pledge… his team had already braved the challenge of the mirrors. Did Tymythy’s words evoke some memory whose memory still pained the elderly warrior? A reminder not to take mere visions lightly – he’d do well to remember that in the challenge ahead.
Tymythy stared at the strangely selective mirror, that of all the living things behind them chose to only reflect the images of its challengers. As Dounia examined the door and found no locks to pick, no hinges to fiddle with, no handholds to pull. The next obvious move seemed to be to touch their own reflections, so see if they could pass through the mirror… but such mystical matters came with their own dangers, which Tymythy knew he was ill-equipped to deal with.
”Cairee, do you want to take the lead?” the hunter asked, with some trepidation in his voice – no matter how much magic he was getting exposed to recently, it was not so easy a thing to overwrite a lifetime of superstitious tribal traditions, and a deep-seated belief that magic was for those deemed worthy of it, and certainly not something for a warrior to meddle with.
While Dounia looked over the door and Cairee prepared herself to lead them, Zahra cast her spell to protect herself from the potential physical dangers that were ahead.
She then slipped the rope that Dounia had tied onto her wrist and checked her bag to make sure all the additional supplies were present.
Dounia shrugs, "It looks clear. It doesn't look like a door. I don't see how to open it. Maybe just push? Do you want me to push it?"
The sorceress gave the door a slight frown when Dounia said it looked clear. "I'll check for magical auras in case that tells us something more."
Zahra spoke arcane words in concert with the proper motions in order to reveal hidden magical auras to her senses.
Cairee looked in the mirror. Only she and her friends were reflected back. Still, she couldn't help but remember the sharp fear that had pierced her when she'd looked in the mirror a few days ago.
While Zahra focused on the door, the cleric turned to the others. "I think you should take your resistance potions now. Whatever is beyond will likely strike as soon as we enter." She took a moment to murmur her prayer to Saiph, asking for her own blessing. "Remember to keep a close eye on your buddy. We're all responsible for getting everyone through this." Dounia's hand was attached to the rope just behind Cairee's own. She grasped it and gave it a squeeze.
Zahra spoke arcane words in concert with the proper motions in order to reveal hidden magical auras to her senses.
Zahra's mind expanded, her eyes dilated. She could feel magic coming from this place. From this feeling she could start to see three distinct colours, one was faint, one was moderately powerful, and one was quite strong. Another few breaths and she could see all the auras were coming from the door.