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The silence is palatable as everyone waits to show there cards and see there comparative worth. In the end no one wins. Everyone is a loser for we all had to show our hands at the table.
I look up at the beast. No emotion in my eyes. This part of the game I have seen played before. Never with such stakes, but ultimately the same. "Time to flip your cards. This part of the game is over."
Doesn't take anyone with half a skull to realize a ritual is being performed. Unlike Tor the prayers I know are just a handful that the Old She Wolf use to sing to me as a child to chase away the nightmares lingering in the dark. I grip the Golden Aquila tight in my pocket to where my fingers hurt and most likely bleed. Reciting the prayer my mother taught me and I turn recited to Maia. "Child O' Child,
I wait for Wardja's call. Never expecting to win in this house of 9's. Was a stacked house from the beginning, and I promised to see if through. ...To Johnny I promised to play a straight game. Still at a loss as to how to find, and save Sunshine. Once Wardja finishes his move I push in my bottom chip. I already got what I wanted from this game. I learned. "Your right, there will be a Reckoning. Snake." Only way someone will walk away winning from this table is if the Daemon wills it, or Fate plays a trick on it.
As I watch my friends eyes flicker away for what may be the last time. I just hope I can do right by him. The toast in essence mourning his death. Just happy he was able to see the sentiment. I hope in turn I can do right by Sunshine. Her piercing blue eyes still have a hold on me. The image of she screaming out for life as Emrit was stitching her up as her life blood dripped between my fingers. Why does this image have a hold on me so? Why do her eyes still have a hold of me? I shake off the memory. Time to play this part of the game to its conclusion.
I figure no matter how the final round plays out. I may as well have my part of it end with a tough of class. I raise my drink. "May your last hand be well played." And over to the Daemon who I expect to win this game within the game. "To Johnny." And as I did for the previous round. I leave my cards face down on the table without looking at them.
I shake my head. Shame he doesn't understand.
I expect the Changeling to bid 8. Will see if my theory checks out. I finally turn to Leprade after he has had time to think and sulk. "Your hand is empty, you played your bottom chip. Your allies quiet says everything. I offer you a fresh card. Now its up to you. Make your choice." Putting in the final wedge that I can play. And hopefully Leprade will side with us and give us knowledge we seek before he meets his fate.
I close my eyes and run my fingers across the cards, and try to focus. Drowning out most of the noise of the crowd and visual distractions. "I bid one." I look back at Trizo. Rook Spoiler:
Going to try and get you a write up over this scene before the end of the weekend. A lot to explain over my current move.
I call. I plan on playing conservative this round and save as many of my chips for the grand finale.
I know I am looking at a doomed man. I would show sympathy except for the fact that he brought about his own ruin. Greed, jealousy, heresy... I have no pity for the man. Five remain, and the Daemon sits on top. Can't beat it in its house. I am here to learn. The game is just that. When the fresh hand is dealt I don't even look at my cards. I play the game based on the other players actions. Psyker vetch can't read what I don't see. Even so I can feel a palatable dread building as the 9th turn is just one round away. I concentrate on the people around me and my environment. I plan on walking away from this table by games end.
Looking at Leprades face, and the tinge of desperation that slips from his lips puts me on edge. I've seen this look before is in back alleys and burned out hab blocks. The hair stands on my neck as the danger from this man is tangible. I can taste it. There is a hidden wager going on separate from the one at the table, but this hand will decide both. I am looking at a scared animal, a cornered one. This time I wait for Wardja's move before I push in my 17. Follow protocol's this time. Otherwise there is good odds I will be eating a bullet. I provoked enough this round. The cards will tell there tale soon enough. Still a lot of game left.
I match the raise.
I can't help but laugh. "We'll Intelligencer if your right it will gain you 17 more throne, and I will be a bit poorer. If... But if I am right, you are out of cards. All that sits before me is false resolve, and bluster."
I haven't won a hand since the first. Time to make my push. I am guessing Trizo's isn't as sure of his hand as he would like. Leprade I think is bluffing. I can taste a hint of desperation in his move. Granted I was wrong earlier with Trizo. But if I get them to both push, then I will force one to play against the other. Another thread to snap in there alliance. "Excuse me for speaking out of turn Gentlemen, and Lady. I have to say Intelligencer your move has me intrigued. I was content to let the hand ride with a simple call. Now...Regardless of what anyone else does. I will match you throne for throne this hand til I see your bottom dollar." I give him a warm reassuring smile, and take a sip of beverage to wet my lips. I wait for Wardja's answer. Lets see if Leprade bluff's as well as Trizo or blinks and folds his hand.
I smile at Wardja's play. Show's some balls. "I call" in a very relaxed manner. Focusing on the on the other players. Figure if I manage to live through all of this. This game would be a story to tell that no one would believe. Back to betting packs of lho sticks, a few throne, a bottle of rot gut over a smile girls smile.
I choose to keep my hand as it is. Keeping my cards face down on the table, and clear my mind of what I have leaving it a blank. Instead I focus on the back of my opponents cards and try to see what tales they tell.
I look at Leprade with a bemused expression. "You work with the cards you have been given. Your hand is what it is. You win some, and you loose some. How you play the game and what decisions you make is how you will be remembered, and judged by others. You try and cheat players and dealer..." I casually glance over to Trizo, before return my gaze to Leprade." "...You will find you will soon be out of Aces." "I raise by 10." I realize the Daemon has been showed us how to beat Trizo's Psyker. Granted I already looked at my hand. So I seperate the cards I don't want to keep. But I put my hand face down on the table and wait for the next draw. "You don't look comfortable in your chair Arbiter. Should we ask the house to bring you another?"
I applaud. "Well played! Anyone's game at this point." Happy that my chips will keep Wardja in the game awhile longer as my luck at the table has been slowly going south with each hand. Even though my cards have been solid. There is no reward for coming in second. We both need to stay in as long as possible for the long game. Lets see if I can work on Leprade a bit. Need to chip around the edges to get to Trizo... "Fate is a fickle thing. Isn't it Intelligencer? Win one hand loose the rest."
Mostly because I don't like the Daemon's games playing with nine's. I do what I did last time. "I raise one."
For an instant I see Johnnie, and just as quick he is gone again. Don't worry Johnnie. I'll find her. I have no idea how, but I will. I don't see any reason to raise. Lets see where the cards fall.
Wardja has been playing his hands very carefully and steady. Pushing all his chips in means he has a good hand. Regardless of who has the better hand. I have to keep up appearances. My cover may be blown, but his isn't. Daemon not included... "I call."
Conservative Draw. "True enough. Violent world indeed." "Funny, they have been saying that since Oremor was first settled. Yet the Wolf always remains." "They say it only shows itself only when it has to defend its pack, and is ready for the kill..." I level my eyes on Trizo, and settle them onto Leprade. I expect no to little reaction from the Yelloback. But wouldn't mind making the Arbite sweat a little.
Hand is decent enough to invest the 10 chips. I toss them in when the dealer looks my way. Even though Ivaanov and the others are alive and away. Deep down I feel I am still playing for time. I need a read of what's going to go down on round 9. While the table is important. The plays beyond the table is what interests me when I have the leisure to look about. But it by no means that I will lessen my barbs on my nemesis. I will let Wardja squeeze the corrupt Arbite till he sweats. "So Trizo... I heard you have had a recent shortage of soldiers lately. They defecting or are you just loosing them?"
Hoping good fortune will smile on me. Its time to stop playing like the pomp, but as the Wolf that I am. And bare my fangs proudly. Just hope the witch doesn't interfere.
Interesting card being played as I watch the finger bone carving set on the table. I watch as the Daemon measures Wardja's worth as he declines the offered glass.
Seeing Trizo's discomfort I take my seat. The Daemon confirming what I already suspected. Jeremiah telling me of the ship docked above. Knowing the Old Man is close, or here. Though telling me the man shuffling cards works for him. Makes me feel a lot better. It means there are more friendly eyes watching. We can use all the help we can get. "Guess when you play enough hand's it doesn't matter who sits at the table. Intimidation is an empty card to be played in a game of that level. We all know that..."
I smile as I put on my furs. Feeling the warmth and care that went into each stitch. How long it must have taken to get furs white. Rinse and after rinse; Aebena must have rubbed her hands raw to get them so clean. I also feel the weight of the weapons and equipment stashed within them. I slowly start making my way back toward the playing table. Stopping occasionally having idle chat. Or speaking with whoever dain's to make my acquaintance. Each time forcing Trizo and Leprades men to make a judgement call if I am talking with a real threat, or not. No matter what happens I want to make sure I get back to the table well before those two, and make it a point that I brush my hand across Leprade's chair before taking my seat.
"Thanks, you as well." As I watch Jeremiah return to the safety of his retinue. Jeremiah's words have me think about the Old Man. I don't fear him. He didn't build our relationship that way. Though he certainly could have. He built it through trust and respect. Both of which he has got. I would be a fool to think for a minute that anyone of us here including the Daemon are all just playing cards for a bigger game. What scares me is who or what sits around that table. I wait a minute longer in my spot around the pit before I decide to move. I have no desire to watch those below get butchered. I will see enough blood and meat soon enough. Time for me to circle the crowd. Complement a Lady on her choice of earrings. As a Spire Noble if they would be willing to tell me a story about the house crest they are wearing. Nod and smile as I pass complete strangers. I know I am putting them at risk, and the fact hurts. As each casual glance is marking them to Trizo and Leprade's dogs. But each person I do so too weakens them as they have to divert more resources to find out who is a real contact and who is fake. I hope to find more true allies in the crowd. If the crowd is so blood thirsty to ignore my advances and enjoy the carnage in the pit below. Then Oremor was lost long ago. If no one stops to engage me in conversation. I will slowly work my way to where my furs and weapons are and quietly don them. Then head back to the card table. My guts tells me the most important players are still sitting there. All the while I try to keep focused. A knife in the crowd is the most dangerous.
Jeremiah's words have weight to them... Numbers have power, cards have meaning. I turn on my micro bead. Speaking to Jeremiah for the others to over hear. "Aye its good to have friends." Not looking up. Figure Jeremiah highlighted Uriah enough. I don't need to add to putting the man in danger. "Have a feeling we will be covering each others back's before the night is through. If things go well tonight. I would love to introduce to another card player. Best card sharp I have ever seen." Turn the micro bead off. "On a personal note. Thank the mamzel for vouching for me. You have more freedom of movement than I do in this house. And I don't want to mark anyone..." An idea just flashed, and I break into a smile as I continue my conversation. "I plan on stirring the Churaptus nest. I would appreciate it if you would escort the mamzel to safety. I doubt I would have the honor of doing so myself." "Aye. My gut tells me things are going to hit the fan then." I flip the micro bead back on for a short burst of a whisper. "Beware the 9th." Micro bead off.
I watch as Lady Cinzia walks away. The scent of her perfume still hanging in the air. I pray I will have the opportunity to ask her about it later. I am sure its another clue, but she needs time alone to compose herself. I will respect that. Seeing Jeremiah coming up and filling the space where Lady Cinzia and her bodyguard were just a moment ago fills me with a bit of ease. As I listen to his words I know I have new cards to play. The game is still alive. Now how do I say Inquisition, without saying Inquisition.... got it. "Sounds like your counting your cards well. Don't gamble against the one that sits across from me. Its like going against the house dealer." "You have me at a bit of a disadvantage. I don't know of which mamzel you are speaking of?" It could be Srina. But a Mamzel is an unwed lady from a noble house, and she is a smile girl. That's if I remember nose bleed talk right. Think I would remember crossing paths with a woman like that. Maybe Jeremiah will throw me another bone. "I expect that certain parties will do what they can to make sure I won't leave the card table tonight breathing. If it wasn't for old scars being opened I would have to say it is a very enjoyable game of cards." I look back at Jeremiah waiting for his response. Rook
Spoiler: Do we have a code word that is a signal saying Inquistional Forces, or the Old Man is here?
Quietly over the micro bead. "Would be a shame if Trizo's psyker got a headache, and wouldn't be able to concentrate. That he and Leprade's hands would suffer and play poorly." As I look into the pit below. I hope the other teams do there parts. And hope the Sgt keeps his cool better than me. That there is a time for revenge. Its just not now.
The scent of Lady Cinzia's perfume almost reminds me of the scent of K'lei-eth's garden, but it is so subtle that I am not certain. I think back of the mural on the staircase of the Astropathic Choir... "Aye, more of an Old Protective Soul." "I understand well, Lady. Sometimes a look will convey more than a evening of conversation. Things are understood without being said." Talking to her I catch glimpses of a younger woman standing before me. I wonder what she must have looked like back in the day. Seeing her strength of character and poise. Krade is a lucky man. "I am glad I was able to bring comfort in removing some of your doubts." Seeing the far doors open in the pit. I tense with frustration. Frag it wasn't enough time...
After a long moment. I realize I forgot something from earlier. "Lady Cinzia. I understand there was an incident at one of the VIP entrances. Do you have any idea of what happened?"
As I slide my chair away from the gaming table I wonder if I am Oremor's worst actor, or if we were made before we even stepped foot into the Gran Pallazzar. Thinking about our missing team. I am more certain it is the later. Whispering through the microbead. "People best think about relocating." Noticing Sigmut in the crowd I don't even pause and keep moving. He is my hidden Ace up the sleeve. Which reminds me... Quietly over the microbead. "I need my Furs. Trust me I have a reason." I try and track where everyone from the gaming table has gone. Expecting Trizo and Leprade to have several crosshairs ordered on me already. I know I am bleeding heavy before the night is through. Just as long as I keep breathing and fighting. I mentally kick myself loosing sight of what was once Johnnie. It still holds the most cards. I am almost surprised by the tug at my arm by Lady Cinzia. I know full well she knows how much danger I am in, and that just by mere conversation she has most likely endangered herself. Then again, what I know of Krade. Would he have married any less of a woman? I turn my head slightly and whisper into the Lady Cinzia's air. "Aye Lady, I am the last of the Dawnstar's. Unless there was another than my mother who avoided that fate that dreadful day. I am also Alpha of the Duct Wolves. I am Savalos Thul." "In fairness I have to say it is your Husband who knows me. For it is he who recruited me to his cause, and protects one whom I cherish as my own little sister. We have shared many of the same teachers, and associates. Yet I have never met him personally." I take a deep breathe. While still trying to read the movements of the crowd hoping it will reveal more hidden players. "Respectfully I can not give you more of an answer in a crowd of so many ear's accustomed to learning gossip."
Seeing Leprades winning hand drop to the table I actually laugh out loud. While it would have been nice to win that round in reality it meant nothing. Not my money, or my chips sliding over to the other side. Just a loan to the loyal Arbites from the front of the house. I accomplished what I wanted to and wrote those chips off before I picked up my first card. Bought more time for Dunkan to save the others. Hopefully it was enough. Got what I needed out of Trizo. My only goals for the night is to make it out of hear alive, and in the process to keep irritating the man. "Well played Leprade." I hope my attitude makes it clear that I don't give a slime rat's tail who won the last round. Or any round for that matter. Glad that my Father's Scerrido is on me. Now that the round is over and the next intermission is starting. I have to be the most alert. At the table I was safe. Many a time I have watched people get dropped by a hidden blade in a crowd. Now that card game is over. The real game begins. Will be interesting to see if I get approached, or if the assorted crowd has already marked me as a dead man. Then the brief exchange words from the Changeling hit me. Do not worry, when this house of cards falls, there will be time enough for everyone. My laughter breaks into a warm and confident smile. I still have a few cards left to play. Rook
Spoiler: Will try to get you a write up in the next few days. Have a lot I need to flesh out for Sav's reasoning.
The Daemon's words ring true. Which I find unsettling as I know it is talking on a greater scheme than Trizo's little empire. the Hive? Oremor? the entire sector? Who knows what it has foreseen. By the Throne I hope we can stop it. Looking in my hand I see the cards still talk to me, and accept them for what they are worth. I wonder how many cross hairs are now pointed at my back. Likewise I hope by these revelations I have made allies I can count on. Maybe unseen ones now taking action in the crowd. If I am wrong I won't make it out of this pleasure palace alive. One thing is for sure Leprade isn't sitting so comfortable. I am sure he has read all the report of Yellobacks dead in the streets. Corrupt Arbites dying by my order by Iacton and Sigmuts hand. But he I am sure he also read the reports of what happened in Aebena's hab block. The the Yello's butchered there. He knows full well what is capable of that carnage. What sits next to him. Even if the Daemon decides to stay loyal for now. I planted the seed, and I am betting Leprade is going to be the first to crack. The first card to fall. I ignore Trizo for now. Everything comes down to the fall of the cards, but more importantly how the long game now plays out around and beyond the card table.
"I raise Twenty. Two cards for the draw." Ah well cover is blown. And I find it liberating. This round gave me all the information I needed. Its not enough that Trizo killed most of the Duct Wolves, and most of my friends. Now I know he is the one responsible for the killing of both my parents. He forced most of my cards onto the table. Lady Cinzia knowing my family line, and in turn me telling her of my Mothers passing. Also knows that Trizo murdered her, as well as my Father. Jeremiah now seems the game behind the game. All the facade is lost. The unknown variable. The Old Man... Keramiah Tor. His voice. My gut tells me he is an ally. I take the mop off my head. No sense hiding when the ruse is over. Wolf taking the sheep skin off. Already marked by my enemies. May as well make it easier for my allies to spot me. Srina the Smile Girl is probably watching. Hopefully Iacton and Sigmut are in the crowd as well. Maybe this show will take all eyes off Wardja completely and allow his cards to be played freely and secretly. Time for me to up the game. "Powdered wigs don't suit me much. Neither do fools. You should be careful Trizo you are almost out of cards. And the ones you have left are collapsing around you." Saying that I then turn my gaze away from Trizo and stare into straight into the Changelings eyes. And speak in a low voice directly to it. "We are enemies you and I. Nothing is going to change that. Just who we are. Ying and Yang as they say. But there is a level of respect between us. So know this my honored enemy. Before I am done with him. I will let you have your turn." I take a shallow drink to wet my whistle. Turning back to Trizo. "Your problem is that you don't respect anything or anyone. And that will be your undoing."
Not taking my mind off the game. I still attempt to read the cards as Trizo returns his barb toward me. While I can tell he suspects. His barb is still vague. He is still fishing to see who I am. Start with a misdirect, while telling the truth. Use what K'lei-eth taught me. "Oh I never knew your kind traveled off planet." "The Venerable Dawnstar is doing well I suppose. Always doing what she chooses. Travels a lot. I suppose that is how you met her aquaintance?" "How about yourself Lord Trizo? Reading the gossip vids I understand you are loosing a lot of your street 'reputation' recently as well as a number of your soldiers? Must be very frustrating for you."
Seeing Wardja let the hand slide I take the initiative, and toss in 20 chips for the raise. "Care to join me Master Trizo? Or has the last hand blunted your bite?" Time to strike while his temper and pride have the better of him.
I am glad Jeremiah obliges me and tells me his story. Giving much needed time. Hopefully it is enough, but I plan on buying some more. Waiting for Wardja's call. I already know I am going to raise looking at my hand. I will burn every chip I have if I need to if it means I can save the rest of our teams lives. I also take measure that Jeremiah is starting to see the game behind the game, and hope he is an ally we can rely on. He showed me one of his cards. The fact that he openly called himself a scoundrel. The name of his reputation; like myself as a Hive Ganger. The reputation of station not the man. I nod respectfully at the conclusion of his story. "I hope Lady Luck will smile upon me as she did you that day." Now that the seed has been planted. The question remains... can I trick Trizo into giving up Sunshine? Remembering Johnnies words before the Hitchhiker took over. And watching there actions at the table. My gut tells me that Trizo still has Sunshine. I just have to figure out a way to sweeten the pot and draw him out. And for the life of me I have no idea how to do it.
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