~ The Council of the Knights of Rinder: [Archive] [Home] [Previous Turn] [Next Turn] ~

Emma seems perplexed by the idea of a dispute between the Dukes of Welten and Raimead. Of course, being from Seden...a relatively distant place geography-wise from the other two duchies, she's not aware of what the political situation might be. She looks toward Naeron again, curious if he cares to answer the note of challenge in Sir Klare's words.

Inwardly, she files away the possibility that Duke Bryant of Raimead might also have some skeletons in his closet that might limit his choice as heir to the throne. Obviously Sir Klare would not be voting for him...and perhaps with good reason if the Duke held withheld resources from a neighboring duchy in time of great need. Such a man would be ill-equipped to deal with leading a nation.

Of course, Emma has a hard time connecting Sir Klare's unvoiced suspicions to the image of Duke Bryant that she remembered from his castle. Both he and his wife, Rebecca, seemed quite nice and had obviously shown great concern for the welfare of Rinder and the border forts in assigning them the mission to retake Dillend.

Naeron looks to Sir Klare with a smirk on his face, his violet eyes fierce. "Subtlety is not your strong point, Sir Knight. Why don't you just say what you mean? Sir Bryant's men have guarded the foothills for ages, and my sword has tasted its share of Hobgoblin blood. I bear a scar from one of the foul beast's scimitars for my efforts. If you're just sharing a little tidbit picked up over too many flagons of ale, perhaps you should reconsider your source!"

Quickly Emma steers the conversation back to a safer and less volatile topic, that of the necessary credentials of a king. She responds to Sir Judd's answer:

"A man of fairness and with a good heart is exactly what we need," Emma agrees, "And if you choose such a man, Anhur and the rest of the gods will favor him in the defense of our nation."

Meanwhile, at another tavern halfway across the city, Hannibal listens to the plan, becoming somewhat amused at the mention of Rinder's six. He hadn't really realized till that moment the reputation they had all garnered for themselves. Partly out of curiosity and partly to toot his own horn, Hannibal decided to play on Rinder's fame.

"Rinder's Six? Ha!!!" he barks, looking around the table for a reaction. "Gents, where I come from there's a price on their heads. What say ye about these so called heroes? Any mention of names so that I might have the honor of knowing whom I'm killing?" Hoping he wasn't going to far, he nonetheless was taking great joy in hearing of his own exploits from another point of view...'My god they actually fear us!' He muses to himself.

"I've heard of three in particular who we must watch for," Rayton says to Hannibal. "There is the warrior, the battle-priestess, and the mage. All are strong in their own means. Yet we cannot dismiss the others, for any one of Rinder's Six poses a challenge to our plan. I don't mention the others because I don't know them."

Rayton then proceeds to suggest that he, Pale Thunder, the sidekick, Morden, Hannibal ("Mouser"), Canter, and Storm, head back to the lair to gather the necessary weapons and tools for the job.

Hannibal shakes his head slowly, staring off over Rayton's shoulder as if deep in thought. "We need to return to our quarters to collect the rest of our belongings...can we meet you back here in thirty minutes, maybe an hour tops?"

Rayton narrows his eyes, then looks to Morden. He exhales slowly, turning his head dramatically back toward Hannibal. "I don't think so, Mouser. You're with us now. From here on out, the only way out..."

"On the edge uh my blade," Thunder finishes, staring across at Storm.

Hannibal swallows, knowing that this jeopardizes the plan to check back with Emma and the others. But he doesn't push the issue, knowing that there are greater things at stake here. Crayne, observing the conversation invisibly from his spot along the wall, takes a gulp. He follows the others--none of whom know of his presence--outside into the street.

Crayne stands outside the Dull Blade's suddenly put in the middle of an important dilemma. With so many possibilities entering his mind, Crayne stands there with his mind racing away. For the moment it was clear to Crayne that what was of most importance was that he should tell his three friends. First and formost, however, the question entered his mind over Hannibal, Storm and Canter's involvement in all of this. What had they gotten themselves into? Certainly it was a complication that Crayne could have done without.

Nevertheless the problem had now presented itself and perhaps the three could come up with something that could help the Rinder's Six out in the current dilemma. However, they would have to be careful for the situation was one of great delicacy after all. What was at stake here was the Duke's loyalty to his Kingdom and to accuse the man of treachery would mean that the proof would have to be a plenty. Also, seeing as Rinder's Six would be pointing the blame it was crucial that Hannibal, Storm and Canter could explain themselves when questioned. This could so easily turn into a framing of Rinder's Six if they were not careful. He had seen such things in his past and he wouldn't let it happen to his friends. He promised himself.

Crayne follows the group of assassins and his three friends. He waits for his best opportunity to speak with one of his friends without the others hearing. As the group turns one of the long city corners Crayne sees his chance. He sees Hannibal lagging behind a little and knows that Hannibal's senses are probably the best of the three.

He quickly whispers to Hannibal, "Hannibal! It is Crayne! I know everything and will tell the rest! Stick with it, but be careful!" Crayne leaves it at that knowing that anymore could bring unwanted attention to Hannibal.

Hannibal's chin shoots up when he hears Crayne's voice. Understanding the mage's words, he gives only the a slight nod, showing his understanding. He hopes that Crayne had heard the plan and could act accordingly...'And for god's sake wizard, tell your allies in the castle not to strike us down coming through the windows!!!' He thinks to himself.

Crayne then quickly heads off invisibly through the streets of the City of Seden. He is so deep in thought that occasionally he nearly collides with a passer by, but his more than adequate dexterity prevents him from doing so. Crayne takes little note of the City as he wonders through its many streets. His head is kept low as he follows the city's cobbled streets pondering over the treachery of the Lady Hannah and her father.

'What a mess,' he thinks to himself. It is then that he notices Emma, Cy and Naeron just coming out of one of the many taverns within the city of Seden. He quickly makes his way off down an alley and brings himself out of his spell of invisibility making sure that he was not seen.

He then reenters the street and smiles as he sees his friends again as Sirs Judd and Klare depart. "I see that you have dined well!" Crayne says, "That I am pleased!" He approaches the three quickly; his staff waves eagerly in the air.

"Come! What I am to tell you is of great consequence. Let us go and find a more suitable venue."

When Crayne is satisfied that he has found a suitable place to disclose the information, he commences with his findings: "Right!" Crayne says, rubbing his hands together. He looks around the three anticipated faces that watch him as he strides about the room in a lecturing fashion. "I have learnt and have indeed confirmed that the deception is true. That the Duke of Seden and her daughter Hannah wish the death of the Knights and even ourselves."

Emma's eyes widen a bit with surprise...not so much from the discovery of Duke Elgar and Hannah's treason...but rather at Crayne's success. "Well done!" the priestess says, encouraging him to continue so they can understand how the mage came by the information. Inwardly, she's quite proud of Crayne for undertaking such a dangerous mission on their behalf. He would make a fine investigator, she thinks.

Crayne nods, continuing. "It hurts me deeply to tell you this and at the moment my anger is just about being controlled by my common sense. Perhaps your words will help to calm my soul! I don't know!" he says slamming the foot of his staff against the ground. "Anyhow! I will begin! On wondering through the corridors of the palace I happened to be lucky enough to listen in on a conversation between the recently returned sister Hannah and her sister Lady Katherine. It is clear from this conversation that Katherine is still in the dark as to the treachery that is to be carried out. So her innocence must be stated when bringing this to the attention of the law.

"Sister Hannah asked a favour of her sister -- to take a man named Rayton to her chamber on his arrival. Katherine agreed so despite the warnings of her small entourage who was with her during the meeting. It is clear from what I can understand that Katherine's unquestionable trust for her sister does her wrong." Crayne says this as he scratches at his chin stubble.

"On conclusion of the meeting it was then that I followed Katherine to her bedchamber where she slept and past about an hour. It was a tap on the door that woke her from her slumber and brought me from my attention to my books. You see in that time I had done a little memorising and began to consider the complexities of a spell which I had been told about by Dire. Quite interesting you know!" Crayne says as he suddenly realises that he is going of track, "Sorry!" he says as he looks at the frustrated faces before him, "As I was saying: there was a tap at the door. Rayton it was. He stood there just under six foot. A bit of a scruffy looking sort with a gruff voice and complexion that was dark. Although it made me wonder whether the complexion was just down to him not being a regular washer. Anyhow, he also carried a short sword and a dagger if I'm right in saying. It was then that Katherine led this man to her sisters chamber as requested. Little did she know that she was leading more than one person to her sister's door," Crayne says with a grin on his face.

"You were in their bedchambers?!" Emma says with some disbelief and amusement. Just how far had Crayne gone to procure all of this information on behalf of Rinder's Six?

Crayne smiles, continuing: "It was now that everything would become clear. Lady Hannah confirmed with Rayton that he had received her instructions as to which I can only assume was the assassination of Rinders Knights. Rayton in reply also mentioned that he had recruited another three members within his ranks to help him in upcoming ordeal. Then she told Rayton of our sudden presence and how that would complicate matters. She promised him payment in a week's time on his success. Rayton then left abruptly."

"Payment?" Emma asks, "Did she say where?" Then the priestess realizes she's interrupting again and pipes down. "Sorry," she whispers.

Clearing his throat Crayne then continues, "Then I saw it as a good opportunity to follow Rayton and see where it would lead me. In fact he led me to a tavern called the Dull Blade's where he met with a man that called himself Morden. After a brief discussion about the three new recruits -- as to which the three had apparently passed a test which I can only assume involved a brawl of some sort for Morden mentioned something about a strong dwarf if I recollect correctly.

"Anyhow, it was then that a few others joined the conversation. One of them was called Pale I think. It was then that these three new recruits entered into the bar. Standing there in doorway was Hannibal, Canter and the dwarf Storm."

"Ahhh!" Emma says with some surprise and admiration for Hannibal and the others. It appeared that the other half of Rinder's Six had met with some measure of success as well.

Cy lets out a chuckle, smiling broadly.

Crayne smiles as he sees the three faces light up in suprise, "Yep! That's right! Half of the Rinder's Six. Anyhow, after regaining my composure it was then that the true instructions regarding this operation was shed to light. From what I can remember these were Rayton's exact words for I scribbled them down in my spellbook:

"'Tomorrow morning the Council will begin its deliberations. They are expected to meet all day at the Great Forum in the hallowed Round Room. There are but two ways in. But we will use neither doors. We will be waiting on the roof above, and at the right moment, enter by breaking through the great glass ceiling. The right moment will be after the Knights have eaten their midday meal, which should be tainted with the necessary poisons, which I have arranged. This will slow the Knights' reactions and allow us to slay them--there should be ten in total--more easily than were they in their usual, 'heroic' states. You three,' Pale, sidekick, and Morden, 'will enter through the eastern glass panel, just above the eastern entrace to the Round Room. You three,' aka Hannibal, Canter, and Storm, 'will smash through the western glass panel."

"Poison? And an attack through the glass ceiling..." Emma says aloud, putting one finger to her chin as she begins to think. Perhaps Anhur could help them foil such a plan...

Crayne finishes reading from his scribbled notes and continues, "Then he went on to explain our presence and how they intended to poison us too. Charming I'd say," Crayne mutters to himself. "It was then that the meeting came to an end. Hannibal, Canter and Storm were ordered back to the lair until midnight when they would scale the walls and enter the Great Forum. I managed to tell Hannibal of my presence at this meeting so they know that we know exactly what's a foot."

Crayne then pauses for a breath, "That then just about concludes my afternoon. What we now need is a plan and one that is carefully thought through. For a lot is at stake here and we certainly don't want to end up being framed. We must let them proceed to a point in their plan where we will be able to prove the Duke's treachery in all of this. I think what I am trying to say is that timing is going to be of critical importance."

Naeron claps Crayne on the back. "You, sir wizard, are the man of the hour! Wars throughout history have turned on events such as these. I think people will be talking about you long after you and your spellbooks have turned to dust."

"I agree! Excellent, Crayne!" Emma nods, "At least the others know that we'll make preparations to play off their little masquerade now. I think we just might pull this off!" She looks around at Naeron and Cy, confidently.

Crayne smiles broadly, "Thank you both for your compliments! But as I have said before it is you around me who deserve as much credit. Although....." Crayne ponders, "I was pretty cool wasn't I?" he says with a raised eyebrow.

"Yes. A plan," Emma agrees, "I've been thinking of several possibilities. Anhur can grant me several divinations to seek out poisons, and even mute their ability to harm someone after they've been ingested. I can also pray for his guidance in questioning anyone that we might capture in the course of foiling the attackers' plan. He provides a power known as a "Zone of Truth" that prevents people from lying while within the presence of one of his priests. That, at least, ought to insure the Knights of Rinder support our accusations...as if our action in preventing their deaths through poison and ambush won't be enough.

"In the event that the attack still commences, I can use several spells to postpone it. Anhur provides a charm enchantment much like the one you've used in the past, Crayne, but it affects a larger group of people...focusing them on my voice. So, perhaps when I present our case, I can call for his blessing and make sure the Knights and the attackers are enthralled long enough for us to prepare ourselves adequately."

Crayne looks at Emma after her suggestion and smiles, "Your plan is one of merit Emma and your skill with priestly magic astounds me. However, I must make my opinion clear here for I believe we must act upon the situation in a different manner. I believe the use of magic in the upcoming endeavour could cost us dearly. For as we know magic is not highly regarded in this kingdom and is often looked upon with a frown. To start firing off so many spells would in my mind only put suspicion and doubt within the minds of the Knights. Furthermore I do not mean to offend in any way whatsoever but a priestess of a God of War may be frowned upon too. With you firing off so many spells would they not think it possible that you may have charmed one of the assassins into confessing? Perhaps! I do not know and can only ponder."

Carefully trying to keep herself from being offended by Crayne's words, Emma does her best to remain calm. Sometimes, it seemed as if the wizard took delight in hurting her, but she was coming to realize it was because he didn't really understand Anhur or her religion.

"If I might interject for a moment," she says, not in an angry voice, but a very polite one instead, "Magic may not be highly regarded in this kingdom, but the powers and words of the priesthood of Anhur are. And Anhur is not simply a God of War...he is the God of Justice, first and foremost. I think the Knights of Rinder will recognize that and welcome it. Many of them probably pray in his temples, after all. I'm certain they wouldn't mind me casting a few divinations on their behalf to insure their safety. Perhaps you're thinking that Anhur's 'magic' is akin to the kind that you and Dire practice, Crayne. I assure you, it is not, though I recognize the importance of your art and it certainly has its place as well."

She pauses to think for a moment, "Of course you may be correct in respect to the Enthrallment prayer. That might be going a little too far, but it is quite subtle...requiring only a simple gesture and a quick prayer, nothing that can't be accomplished just prior to the presentation of our case. If the rest of you think it is too much though, I'll withhold such a prayer. It was only a suggestion, after all..."

"I beg your pardon Emma!" Crayne interjects, "For I am in no means trying to suggest that Anhur is simply of God of War. I have learnt from you and all that you represent that that is certainly far from the truth and I would wish for you to not think that that is how I regard the religion of Anhur. Nevertheless, I have seen and heard it looked upon in that manner by the uneducated much as magic is scorned by those who do not understand. Perhaps my point is a small one or one that dosen't exist at all for the Knights I am more than sure will not see Anhur in such light. I do apologise for any thoughtless words that I have put accross for I regard you and your religion with a very high regard. However, I still think that we must refrain from using magic as much as possible without telling the Kinghts first.

"What also must be made clear here is that so far I can only recollect that the three assassins Morden, Pale and his sidekick will be involved in the attack. At the moment I am not certain that Rayton will be involved at all in the upcoming attack for he has not implied that he will be. Thus, I also do not believe that these three know of the Duke of Seden's and his daughter's involvement in all of this, so trying to gain the truth out of those maybe useless anyhow."

"Ah, you're quite right," the priestess says, "It might not provide us with very much information. I'll keep that particular prayer in mind, though, in case the knights request such a service from me...or if we happen to capture Rayton, Lady Hannah, or even the Duke, himself."

"I think we should tell one of the knights now so that our story can be backed up," Crayne opines.

"Are you certain?" Emma asks, "Perhaps I'm being paranoid, but we haven't met all of the Knights yet and we're not certain if some of them might also be involved. After all, one of them, presumably will represent the Duchy of Seden, correct? Duke Elgar or Lady Hannah might have enlisted his aid. I think it's unlikely, but it is possible. And, telling the Knights ahead of time, simply seems like an unnecessary risk to me right now. I feel like we have the element of surprise firmly within our grasp at the moment. No one knows that we know what we know...except for us."

The priestess pauses for a moment to puzzle through that last convoluted phrase, then nods as she thinks she got it right. "And, as long as we can keep that element on our side, I'd prefer to do so. I don't think the Knights of Rinder will begrudge us for keeping silent, if we are successful in stopping the final attack. And, I think it improves our chances of turning the tables on all of these traitors."

Crayne listens to Emma, then speaks: "What I believe is crucial is the poisoning of the Knights' food. For in times of war I am more than sure that precautions are taken against such evil endeavours. Thus, I have a hunch that the Lady Hannah may well be involved here for who else has unquestionable access to the Palace's kitchens. It would be so easy for her to carry out the poisoning of the food. I think I will play a part in all of this. If I can find out when the food is delivered and where it is coming from then I believe I can prevent the food from being poisoned. Also, if it is the plan for the Lady Hannah to poison the food then I will be there at the time and can catch her red handed with a vial of poison. I just hope that I can catch her when there are witnesses are about. It shouldn't be hard for there are soldiers littered about the palace and the kitchen staff should be present. Invisibility may play a part here, too."

After listening to Crayne's and Emma's suggestions, Naeron proffers a few of his own. "I think we have a little time to prepare an ambush of our own. I think we should talk to Sir Judd and see if we can retain the services of a couple of Knights whose presence won't be immediately missed. We need to scout the roof immediately and see what the possibilities might be, catch them scaling the walls. Crayne is right about the kitchen. I think again he should have two knights to corroborate and examine all the preparations. If there is nothing to be seen, we will have to insist that no one eats and try to convince the Knights to start the proceedings immediately. With any luck, we can nip this in the bud."

"Hmmmm...," Emma voices the sound, appearing to disagree partly with Crayne and Naeron's assessment, but not wanting to come across like the devil's advocate. "I think you've both put a lot of thought to this," she finally says, "And there is much wisdom to what you suggest. I certainly think that a scouting trip on the roof might help us. I'll offer only one word of caution, though. As Crayne says, he has a 'hunch' that Lady Hannah will be the one that poisons the food in the palace kitchen...but we're not sure about that. But even if he's right, and we managa to foil the poisoning attempt and capture Hannah, I fear that it might tip our hand too soon. The guilt of Lady Hannah would be assured...but not necessarily her father...or even this Rayton and his accomplices. Many of the culprits would be free to claim innocence or at the very least escape.

"Let me suggest this course of action, and tell me what you think of it, instead. We allow the food to be poisoned. I use Anhur's divination to determine what food the knights may have, and what food they may not...even going so far as to inform that it has been poisoned, and that Anhur has revealed it to me. If they care to test it...or don't believe me...I can use Anhur's other power 'Hold Poison' to cancel its affects after they become evident in whoever attempts to eat it anyway. The cure won't be permanent, however, but it can be maintained for quite some time...long enough to find a cure. I'm even willing to be the test subject, if necessary, in order to prove myself to them.

"Regardless, I think that our potential gain is much higher by allowing the poisoned food to reach the knights meeting chamber," she finishes, "It gives our adversaries a false promise of hope in their treacherous crime...just before we turn the tables on them, thereby allowing none to escape judgement. I think we need to turn the tables simultaneously on all involved...not one step at a time, or we risk losing some of them."

Crayne shakes his head strongly. "I do not believe that allowing the Knights to be poisoned is a good idea for we do not know what the poison is. I certainly do not want it to be the case that we sacrifice the lives of some Knights to prove a treachery. You say you have magic to safeguard against such events, but do you have enough to stop ten people from being poisoned? Also, what if the poison was to be instant? I'm sorry but I do not think it a risk worth taking. I believe that we must catch the poisoner for he or she will be crucial in putting forth our case at the end of all of this. If the infiltrator is one from outside than I have ways and means to deal with that outcome should it present itself. Also, if Lady Hannah is to be the poisoner then what a bonus that would be."

"Then I believe it crucial that we make our move by announcing to the Knights what is going on. And who better to catch the villains than Storm, Hannibal and Canter, who sit on the roof waiting along side them?!"

"I agree with you wholeheartedly on that point," Emma says, "Storm, Hannibal, and Canter must distinguish themselves as soon as possible...and since they've already gained the trust of Rayton's men, it should add that much more to our efforts to capture everyone."

"Indeed!" Crayne responds, "I believe this move should be made just before the food is going to be served." Crayne adds. He then pauses for a moment, thinking. "If it is the case that Rayton will not involve himself in the assassination then I'm presuming that Hannibal, Storm and Canter will be able to tell us of his location where he can then be arrested by Seden's guards. Then and only then I believe your spell Zone of Truth might come in handy. If we can inform and tell the Knights all about the spell and what it does, and ask them if you can proceed then I think it more likely that they will listen to you. Hopefully then Rayton will reveal Hannah and the Duke of Seden's involvement in all of this. And hopefully I would have caught the Lady Hannah red handed with the poison and hopefully be backed up by some witnesses."

"If Rayton and Lady Hannah aren't present during the attack," Emma suggests, "Then, it is imperative that we find a way to uncover their involvement, forcing them to implicate themselves. And, since our adversaries have lowered themselves to underhanded deception, why not fight fire with fire? If they are not present in the meeting hall, they will be unaware of the success or failure of their attack. Since Hannibal, Storm, and Canter will already have their trust, we should send them back to Rayton and Lady Hannah for payment. To pull off such a deception, we must tell the Knights that they will have to trust us a bit further and take themselves into hiding until we can capture the masterminds. Perhaps a few of them will assist us in arresting Rayton when he goes to accept payment from Lady Hannah in order to pay Storm, Hannibal, and Canter?"

"Your point is well made Emma! However, I believe that a week would be a very long time for the Knights to be in hiding. If the Kingdom thought the Knights to have been slayed in an assassination plot...Well let's just say I don't think it would react too kindly. I do not think that the Kingdom can take another hit as big as that. For a week is a long time at war. Plus is it not the case that Knights were

going to put forward there recommendation for King? A new King must be found as fast as possible and this event would only ensure its delay. I believe we must sort this as soon as possible and reveal the traitors to the Kingdom of Rinder."

"The final culprit sounds more difficult to catch, though," Emma says, "What of Duke Elgar? I don't think Crayne mentioned anything in his observations that tells us if the Duke is working with Lady Hannah in this...or if she's working alone. How do we catch him? Would Anhur's Zone of Truth reveal if Hannah's father is involved or not once we question her?

"I truly don't mean to argue with any of your plans," Emma finally says, "I think all of them could succeed with some luck and planning. It's just that as a priestess of Anhur, I want to maximize our chances of catching all of these treasonous criminals, and I think the best way to do it is to deceive Lady Hannah and Rayton into thinking they've succeeded so they slip up and show their true colors. I'm certain the Knights of Rinder will have to believe us then. What do the rest of you think?"

"You speak wisely Emma! I am not certain that the Duke is involved in all of this at all but I must assume that he is. I am, however, more than sure that a truth spell cast upon the Lady Hannah will reveal all that we require. Please, if my assumptions about the spell is incorrect then please inform me."

"Let us hope," Emma replies in a concluding tone, "that that are." She then stops to think for a moment on how to best combine elements of everyone's proposals. She looks out the window of the tavern into the street, seeing that their conversation has taken them through the late afternoon and into the evening. "Let us do the following: Crayne, you will go to the castle again and into the kitchen. Stay there and keep watch over the food as it is being prepared. Don't leave there until the food does. If you see Lady Hannah administer the poison, jot down in your notebook who else is about, so that we can be sure we have witnesses. But don't stop her! For Morden and his men will not attack until the Knights have eaten the food.

"Meanwhile, Cy, Naeron and I will go to the Great Forum and check to make sure that the assassins--as well as Canter, Hannibal, and Storm!--are there, as planned. If we can get a message to them, great, if not, we may have to wing it. But we have to be sure we are not seen by the assassins or the game is up.

"As the meeting of the Council begins, we will be present. We should be introduced, at which time, I will cast Enthrall to make sure the Knights will give our address their undivided attention. Then at some point the food will arrive and with it, you too, Crayne," she smiles at the mage. "I will proceed to warn the Knights of the poison, demonstrating by eating a bit, myself if necessary.

"Hopefully, the assassins on the roof will see the Knights reject their food. If they abort their attack, then Canter, Hannibal, and Storm can arrest them right there. If they continue with the plan, and attack anyway, then the Knights will be fully healthy and defend themselves, Crayne will have some magic to defend us with, I'm sure, and I will be able to kick in a little something if necessary.

"In the best case, we will be able to capture some prisoners. Then perhaps the Zone of Truth I can create will be of use, but that may depend on who is among the prisoners. In any case, Canter, Hannibal, and Storm will be able to lead us back to the thieves' lair."

With all agreed, more or less confidently, they set out to prepare themselves. Emma considers a visit to the Temple of Anhur, but realizes that time may be of the essence. Naeron still thinks that they should find Sir Judd and tell him of the plan, but realizes that he has no idea where the Knight is at this time and to embark on a citywide search could be a fruitless waste of time.

Soon, Crayne departs from the group, retracing his steps back to the castle. He finds an out-of-the-way spot to cast Invisibility on himself again, and manages to sneak inside as the group of minstrels leaves the main hall. After some time spent wandering around the labrynthine corridors, he finally finds himself in the kitchen. The large room is just about deserted by now, what with it being quite late at night. But he knows that come sunrise it will be bustling with activity, and sets about finding a comfortable spot to sit and wait. "Not quite luxury accommodations," he thinks to himself, "the sacrifices I make!"

Hannibal, Storm, and Canter follow Rayton, Morden, Pale Thunder, and his sidekick back to the lair. They all head down, and once below Rayton leads them into one of the chambers where he opens up two large wooden chests. Inside are coils of rope and metal hooks. "You'll need these," he says, handing a coil of rope to Thunder, and another to Canter.

Morden opens the other chest and pulls out a couple of daggers. He hands one to Thunder and another to his sidekick. He then slaps one in Hannibal's hand and another in Canters. He stops in front of Storm. "I don't think you need another," he says with a chuckle.

A few minutes later they are off, ascending to the street and slowly making their way across town, avoiding any official-looking people. They arrive at the Great Forum from the side alley. Rayton then turns to the others.

"Remember: wait for the Knights to eat the poisoned food. The poison should take no more than a couple of minutes to begin working. Then smash through the glass ceiling and attack. All the Knights must die. And if Rinder's Six are there, them, too. No prisoners. No survivors."

Morden nods, as do the rest. Hannibal looks to Canter and Storm smiling weakly. Then Rayton turns and walks away, his figure fading into the dark night shadows of Seden.

"Let's go," Morden says, lowering a coil of rope from his shoulder. Hannibal does the same, taking the grappling hook in hand. Thunder takes the third, and soon they are thrown high and over the edge. "Up," Morden orders. In a few minutes all are on the roof. It seems to go on forever, as the building is very large. But in the center is a raised section, perhaps three feet higher than the rest of the roof. It is in the shape of a perfect circle. At opposite ends of this circular structure are glass panels (at the east and west sides), flush with the rest of the marble. The panels are curved, following the round outer edge of the structure as if concentric circles, though they don't go around completely. They are perhaps ten feet in length (rounded).

Morden leads them over to the structure. "Look down," he suggests. Peering through the panels, they can see into the massive room below.

"No wonder they call it the Round Room," Hannibal quips as he looks down. The raised structure on the roof is, indeed, the ceiling of the Round Room. It's center point corresponds exactly with the center point of the circular meeting room below, though the room is actually of greater diameter than the raised section of ceiling. There is a large, round table in the very center of the room, with chairs surrounding. There are also chairs lining the outer walls of the room, presumably for other attendees of the meeting.

"Secure the ropes," Morden then says, taking his grappling hook and securing it near the eastern panel. "When we jump through, we'll have these to help us." He tosses three more ropes onto the roof so that there will be a total of six, one for each assassin.

"What next?" Hannibal asks once he sees all of the ropes are secured.

"Next? We wait."

Meanwhile, Emma, Cy, and Naeron find their way to the Great Forum. It is an impressive, large building with tall columns in front. It appears to be the main building of some sort of academy, though in the middle of the night, there is no one around to give them a guided tour.

"Now how are we going to do this?" Naeron asks. "I've got some rope, but we cannot simply jump up there else we risk being discovered, ourselves, and exposing Canter, Hannibal, and Storm."

"That building," Cy says, pointing to a building across the alley. "We go up the other side so as not to attract attention. Then we can look across from the roof."

"That sounds good," Emma says. "But I don't know about all this climbing. I'm no Hannibal Smith--we never learned that at the Temple!"

"I'll go," Naeron says, pulling out his rope and leading them down the alley. "You two stay here. I can hide in shadows fairly well and can move pretty quietly." With that, he throws the rope hard with a quiet grunt.

In a few minutes he is on the roof of the building next to the Great Forum. Sure enough, from his position he can see six figures. He can't make out many details, but he is sure it is them when he sees Storm's outline. With a smile, he creeps back to the edge of the building and rapels down it's edge.

"It's them alright. They're just sitting there, ready to move," Naeron reports as he recoils his rope and catches his breath.

"Nice work," Cy says. "It is almost sunrise, we should go."

"Yes, we still have our speeches to write..."

The kitchen is now the hottest place in the castle--literally. The fire in the oven is in full force, and the army of cooks and aids descends on the large room as the sun begins to poke its head above the horizon. Bread is being baked, porridge is prepared for breakfast. Chickens and other foul are brought in to be roasted. Potatoes are mashed.

But Crayne grinds his teeth, watching through the window as the day grows brighter. And Lady Hannah has yet to appear. To make matters worse, one of the chief chefs opens a large cabinet, filled with jars of powders and smaller vials of seasoning. "Any one of those could have been swapped or even just refilled with the poison!" Crayne thinks, "and no one would know!" Regardless, from his perch atop a large set of cabinets in the corner of the room, he watches the whole scene.

By midmorning, the food is being assembled on the large center tables and prepared to be placed in carts to be transported from the castle to the Great Forum. The chefs are constantly tasting their recipes, and always going back to the spice cabinet. As the roasted meats are placed on the table, a chef grabs a handful of spice jars and vials, shaking them over the large platters. He looks up, suddenly standing up straight.

"Lady Hannah!" he says.

"Don't mind me," she replies monotone. She just stands there in the doorway, not moving. Her eyes search the room. "Be sure your food is extra tasty today, Master Chef. We don't want to be unappetizing hosts for the Council, you know."

"Yes, of course!" the chef replies, violently shaking the spices onto the platters. Lady Hannah smiles and nods, then slowly turns and leaves the room.

"Okay!" the chef announces to all present, "Let's load 'em up!"

Crayne shakes in frustration and disbelief, carefully lowering himself from his perch so as to stay with the food on its journey to the Great Forum. She never even took a step into the room! How could he have witnessed her poison the food?! No one witnessed her poison the food! In fact, no she never even touched the food!

Meanwhile, the Knights begin to gather at the Great Forum. There is much to do as they arrive on horseback, parting the crowded streets as they approach the grand building. Commoners line the sidewalks, pointing and waving to the legendary Knights of Rinder. Emma, Cy, and Naeron, rubbing their eyes from the previous night's activities, nervously approach the building.

"Let us hope things go as planned," Naeron whispers to Emma.

Feeling a little queasy with anticipation, Emma tries to steady herself. Arguing with a priest or two was one thing. Addressing the Council of the Knights of Rinder was another. Telling them of the treachery upon them was something she had never dreamed of. "Or, depending on where you are in this whole scheme, let us hope things don't..."

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