”Teamwork.” Aerith said. ”Between my telekinesis and your athleticism, we can do this.” She sounded certain, even though Mahmoud was being asked to take most of the risk. ”With two days, I am confident that we can make this work. Are you ready?”
While technically she could fly as a dragon, she wasn’t willing to transform in such a place. She knew that the rulers were watching what occurred, for the place was certainly monitored. To reveal herself was unthinkable.
Mahmoud nods, unconcerned. "I will succeed at this task. Just point me in the right direction and I will retrieve the books you need."
Everything in the Spiral Archives is written in Ancient Osiriani due to age. It takes some time to decipher the cataloguing system, but the index is a great help in that endeavor - especially as it catalogues all of the scrolls copied from the personal library of Hakotep I! Unfortunately, you're having difficulty locating them as they're not where they're supposed to be. It's possible that the scrolls have been moved or hidden - meaning the usefulness of the index is dubious at best. Looks like tomorrow's research is going to be tedious....
Your second day of research is significantly more productive than the first. You locate the missing scrolls! They're a huge pile at the bottom of the well and contain several references to the Sky Pharaoh and his participation in some ancient war. The Sky Pharaoh is represented by a very distinct hieroglyph of a winged pyramid. According to the scrolls, the Sky Pharaoh was convinced that an attack was coming from enemies who lived in cities in the clouds, and that he was frantically searching for a weapon to defeat them. Apparently, the pharaoh eventually succeeded in finding this weapon, but all that remains of the scrolls that detail this weapon are a handful of ragged papyrus scraps depicting confusing geometrical patterns.
In a separate part of the Spiral Archives, you locate a large collection of tablets bound in cloth marked with the Sky Pharaoh's winged pyramid hieroglyph. They contain a number of transcribed recollections of several courtiers at Hakotep's court. These accounts make passing references to the Sky Pharaoh having access to stolen Shory magic.
The best find, however, is a dusty, otherwise unremarkable scroll containing a lengthy passage about the burial of Hakotep I, with a passing reference to his tomb having wings. The scroll also contains a tantalizing fragment of the confession of a member of a group called the Sacrosanct Order of the Blue Feather, who claimed that when the Sky Pharaoh was interred, his heart and funerary mask were stolen from his tomb before it was lost to the skies. These two objects supposedly contained the pharaoh's soul, but his body was left behind in the tomb. This confession was extracted in -1560 AR, some 50 years after the pharaoh's death. There are also references to considerable efforts by Hakotep's successor, Pharaoh Djederet II, to round up members of the Sacrosanct Order for questioning. The results of the interrogations were recorded on a collection of scrolls called the Scrolls of Inquiry, but this collection is not held within the Spiral Archive.
You weren't able to finish reading the last few writings you'd found, but it's approaching midnight, which means your pass is about to expire.
Aerith read at a feverish pace. She hadn’t done so since she was young, possibly in her 20s, cramming for examinations. A child, really. Now the fate of the realm rested on her ability to take information in. Using very trick at her disposal she devoured the knowledge. Orders were barked as she demanded that a certain scroll be taken away or brought to her. Time was of the essence, and she couldn’t stand the idea of getting so close to what they had come for only to be stopped by an arbitrary deadline.
It's very strange: both the Scrolls of Inquiry and the scrolls detailing the Sky Pharaoh's weapon are nowhere to be found. At least some of them should be here, but you're beginning to believe that they've been deliberately removed. The only way to be certain is to go back through and cross-reference everything to see if that reveals where they might be.
-------------------------------------------------
On another note, you've heard of the Sacrosanct Order of the Blue Feather. It's a secretive sect of the priesthood of Nethys dedicated to the collection and preservation of knowledge.
-------------------------------------------------
As you're preparing to rest for the night, a slave knocks on the door of your room. "Her Excellency Miminofrah of Sothis requests that you join her for breakfast tomorrow at dawn."
It had been a very long two days. And while Aerith had been in her element, but frustratingly, it had not been enough. It was as if though their prize was within reach, and she was steps away from reaching it, but she was stopped by the pettiness of court politics. "A few days." How was that just two?!
She was ruminating on how much she preferred being bitten by zombies when a knock came on the door. Seeing that the messenger was powerless, she made a mental note to not take it out on the unfortunate. Osirion society was, she reflected, most inequitable. Humans lived such short lives, and so many of them were forced to spend it in the most dehumanizing ways by others. While she was powerless to effectuate a change in that, the least she could do was to remind herself to be polite to those victimized by the system.
"Thank you." She said. "Please relay our gratitude at the honor bestowed upon us."
Mahmoud grunts after the messenger leaves. "Now we must pay the price for the favor she bestowed upon us, it seems. Maybe if we please her, she can get us some more time in the archives? I don't want to fight that construct if we can avoid it, but with the haty'a seemingly working against us we may not have a choice."
When you arrive at the Palace of Gentle Reeds a few minutes before dawn, you see a number of ugly local camels being harnessed to chariots. Muminofrah waves excitedly at you from her pleasure barge and motions for you to join her. As you enjoy a light repast of bastela , she tells you the exciting news.
"It's so dreadfully boring here all the time, so I've decided to fix that! We're having a chariot race! I've already told Deka to declare a public holiday so that everyone can enjoy the spectacle. I'd love it if you participated; I might even have a special prize for the winner." She bats her eyes at Mahmoud dramatically.
It did not take a genius to see that Muminofrah's attention was not focused on Aerith. Her noble name and courtly knowledge merely smoothed the path for Mahmoud's rise in court. She did not know whether she should feel glad for her comrade, or whether he was owed an apology. Given his profession, having a patron such as Muminofrah...well...it would make most others jealous of his status. However, it was also clear that her interests went beyond mere charioteering.
Knowing when best to stay quiet, she instead said the minimum of what was demanded for pleasantries, while stepping aside for Mahmoud to answer. He knew better than her if a chariot race was something he could partake in. For the prize was his to win...or to forfeit, as the case might be.
Mahmoud bows to Muminofrah and indicates with a gesture that he must confer with Aerith before answering. He whispers to her, "I am willing to participate, though I do not think I should try to win unless you think it will gain us further access to the archives. I'd prefer it if you continued to speak for me, since I believe you are less likely to offend her."
"Oh most illustrative one." Aerith said, turning from Mahmoud. "I speak for Mahmoud Rannay, called the Blade. Once a son of Wati, now in service to the Grand Mausoleum of Pharasma. A trusted companion of my house.” She ensured that she stepped to the side so that she did not block her vision of Mahmoud. After just enough pause to allow the gaze to linger, she continued.
"My companion is no charioteer by trade, but I have never seen him hesitate in the face of danger. His devotion to those he serves is without peer. As your excellency has bestowed upon him this honor, he shall take the reins. For the dignity of our cause, and as tribute to your generosity."
"Excellent!" Muminofrah claps her hands in pleasure. "We'll see if he can chauffeur you to victory!"
You're provided with a light chariot capable of holding two people and pulled by a single grumpy camel. Mahmoud is given a long whip to encourage the camel as needed. Almost twenty other charioteers line up at the start line near the wharf where Muminofrah's barge is moored. When everyone is ready, she blows a kiss before throwing a thunderstone on the ground, signalling the start of the race.
------------------------------------------------
As soon as the thunderstone *cracks* against the ground, all of the chariots surge forward. As there are approximately a score of them, this immediately creates a tangled mass of chariots and camels.
- Weave Around
- "EVERYBODY MOVE!!!"
Aerith gripped the chariot so tightly that he knuckles turned white. Nothing about this seemed safe or “fun.” Not for the first time she questioned her life choices. But she knew that she represented her House and that she had to put on a brave face. So she focused on what she knew: manipulating the flow of arcane magic to nudge fate and fortune in their favor. All the while she tried to strike a stately pose while Mahmoud saw to the actual driving of the chariot.
Mahmoud takes a deep breath. He believes this race is important, because he thinks that if they win, they can ask the Fan-Bearer for another boon. Another day inside the Archives is imperative for them to discover the origins of the necromantic surge and track down the forgotten pharaoh, and his goddess clearly desires that this should occur. He wipes off a droplet of sweat.
Years of performing has taught Mahmoud how to maintain an imposing stony demeanor, such that when he has the attention of an audience it is chilling and frightening. He cracks the whip and barks a loud, threatening cry at the milling crowd, aiming the chariot behind the largest group so that if they hastily move out of the way in the same direction they were going, there will be a smooth path between them.
Charging at the mass of chariots, Mahmoud forces his way through brute force. The way ahead isn't clear, though, as excited spectators are also in the way.
- "EVERYBODY MOVE!!!...again"
- Create a Distraction
Mahmoud looks quicky to Aerith to suggest she continue attempting to intimidate the crowd while he tries something different. He launches his heels over his head and proceeds to roll across the field on the other side of the mass of spectators. After a triple somersault, he leaps around behind the crowd in a breathtakingly athletic dance, hoping to rejoin the chariot with Aerith still in it as it passes beyond.
”Move-“ Aerith called out at the commoners, only for her eyes to be drawn to the absolute spectacle that was Mahmoud’s performance. No manner of imperious command could compare to the sight of The Blade. Which normally wouldn’t have been an issue, but given the people in the way…
Mahmoud's surprise performance creates a brief window of time for Aerith to guide the chariot through the crowd. The way is clear, and by going through the crowd, you're able to avoid the bridge up ahead that appears to still be under construction. Instead, you're taking an alternate route.
You continue on unimpeded for a short time before something strange happens. A chariot comes charging out of a side alley and attempts to run you off the road! You don't recognize this chariot as being among the competitors at the start of the race, and the driver and passenger are both wearing funerary masks that you've definitely seen before....
- Forewarned is Forearmed
- Take Them Out!
"Those aren't competitors." Aerith called out to Mahmoud. "And...oh no...they're trying to run us off the road." She finished, her voice and face dropping as she held on tightly to the chariot.
Mahmoud curses under his breath. He doesn't think the chariot is particularly maneuverable, but it may be that the best way to prevent the cultists from harassing them further is to clip their wheel and perhaps flip them over.
The two chariots slam into each other, and both you and the masked driver begin attempting the subtle maneuvers required to clip the other chariot's wheel.
Mahmoud stares across the alley at the drivers of the opposing chariot, daring them to make a move, and he attempts to recognize when they are prepared to act so that he can respond before they actually do.
Using her telekinesis, Aerith tugged on Mahmoud’s right arm, signaling he should turn right. She then called out ”Quick, turn left! They are going to crash into us!”
The other chariot surges to the left as you race past it on the right. That's when crossbow bolts fly at you! Looking to the rooftops, you see a pair of masked snipers.
- Dodge
- I'm hit! I hope it isn't poisoned....
Relief was short lived, as breaking free from the other chariot had led them straight into an ambush. Aerith quickly made the arcane motions required to nudge the crossbow bolts to the side.
You dodge some of the bolts and move others out of the way. You need to lose the ambushers before things escalate, though, and there isn't much time if you want to have a chance of winning the race as well.
- Multiple Sharp Turns
- Find a Hidden Alleyway
”We need to escape.” Aerith said, as much to herself as to Mahmoud. ”There?!” She called out, seeing an alley up ahead that they could drive through. One that looked wide enough…
Mahmoud says a quick prayer to the Lady of Graves and tries to drive the chariot in such a way as to lose the enemies following them.
You wait until the last possible moment to pull the reins. The camel almost falls, but the Lady of Graves seems to have heard Mahmoud's prayer as the chariot flies around the corner and into the alley. It's barely wide enough for you to fit, but you manage to come through unscathed. This appears to have been the correct choice, as you exit the alley to find yourselves in a quiet neighborhood. You hear the sound of chariots up ahead, so if you're quick, you should be able to rejoin the race. Unfortunately, a housewife in the building ahead of you has chosen this moment to empty her chamber pot from a second-story window. And the sidewalks are lined with laundry....
- Duck the Laundry Lines
- Dodge the Mess
"Down!" Mahmoud barks, as he hunches down into his seat and makes himself as small as possible to avoid being clipped by the lines above.
If it wasn’t for her magic, there was no way that Aerith would have responded to his warning in time.
You swing onto the sidewalk, staying low to avoid the laundry lines, and rush down the street. Emerging in the middle of the market district, you find yourselves behind a camel merchant busily hawking his animals.
- Dodge the Merchant
- Camel Spit
They were close. Close to getting back on track and thus back on their own two feet. All she had to do was…avoid a camel and its spit.
You easily dodge around the camel merchant and his animals. You're in the home stretch now, and it's a straight shot to the finish line. Your maneuvering through the alleys - despite the ambush - ended up being the right decision as it was apparently a shortcut. You just have to get ahead of one chariot, and you'll be the winners!
- Outmaneuver It
- Outrace It
They were almost there. Almost. There. She desperately wanted to be finished with this. Part of her wanted to use her magic to interfere with the other charioteer, but she hesitated as it might lead to a crash. Instead she settled on merely trying to outmaneuver him.
"Hyah! Hyah!" Mahmoud shouts, as he tries to pull on the reins with some semblance of competence. He may not have the skill of a practiced driver, but his intuition gives him an idea of what to do.
You swerve around the chariot - and more masked figures fire at you from amid the crowd at the finish line!
- Dodge
- Fire Back
”Almost there! Mahmoud, daggers?” She called out, as she focused on…not being filled with bolts.
Mahmoud stands, doing his best to keep his balance as he shifts from foot to foot to line up a shot with his dagger, and he tosses it carefully to ensure it bounces back afterward.
Aerith makes the incoming projectiles swerve as Mahmoud hurls a dagger. As the masked figures fall, you make a final dash for the finish line, crossing it mere seconds ahead of the second-place finisher.
Muminofrah is ecstatic! In addition to the prize for winning (a gem-encrusted camel statuette ), she offers Mahmoud a special gift. "Since you were so entertaining, I'll grant you your heart's desire. You need only ask." She bats her eyes enticingly.
Mahmoud bows deferentially and mutters in a very quiet voice, "I am honored to accept your favor, O great one. Uh... I... would like another pass... for Aerith and me to access the Spiral Archives. If that is acceptable to you."
Aerith’s mind was abuzz with thoughts, which raced faster than the chariots had. In the forefront was the question of whether someone in the Court was passing information to the cultists, for how else did they know to see the ambush? It was troubling, to say the least.
However, what was not troubling was Mahmoud’s response.
Muminofrah looks disappointed but grants you three more days of access to the Spiral Archives.