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Dynasty of Dovak	By : JohnDoe Category: +A through F > Exalted RPG Views: 4983 -:- Recommendations : 1 -:- Currently Reading : 1
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Session 51 – The Triumvirate – Reya (135XP 108DX, 135/103 spent; 9GP 11SP), Melody (135XP 108DX, 131/100 spent), and Ganan (135XP 108DX, 131XP/103DX spent; 2WhP 32GP 14SP)

The Blessed Isle, Icas Prefecture, City of Noble
Realm Year 768 Season of Descending Earth

Cynis Ganan stands in Ledaal Ludila’s workshop in the city of Noble. She watches him work with distracted fascination as he moves shirtless around her forge, setting blocks and tweaking tools as he creates his own firewand from scratch (10SP spent; 10GP 5SP earned).

Meanwhile, Mnemon holds court in the Villa of Arhat, a former Iselsi manse now held by House Ledaal. She has assembled a vast collection of powerful descendants together, over three dozen powerful Mnemon women, and a handful of men. Nanals, Alinos, Danireya and Melody all stand together. Mnemon Tinis stands near the back of the room with his daughter. Danireya catches Donta’s eye and her niece gives her a respectful nod.

Mnemon herself stands in the middle of the assembled crowd. Though she looks scarcely older than thirty, she stares down, imperiously at her assembled clan. She stands perfectly still, her hands folded neatly in-front of her. Mnemon Rulinsei stands at her sister’s side, watching over those assembled.

Mnemon inhales. The sound immediately silences those assembled and all eyes fall on Mnemon, but it is Rulinsei who speaks calling the Conclave to order.

“As you all know, our Matriarch has pacified the rebellious Satrapy of Jiara, and in so doing has proved not only the military supremacy of the Realm but also the diplomatic supremacy of House Mnemon. We have returned from the Threshold in triumph, that our Matriarch may claim her rightful throne, only to find that a pretender stands in our way.

“House Cathak stands against us. Their,” She pauses and smirks, “‘Matriarch’ has been restored to youth by some unknown means. Cathak Cainan has mobilized his legions and declared Regent Tepet Fokuf until to rule.

“House Ledaal and House Sesus both have spoken kindly of our Matriarch’s victory. House Ledaal has been vocal in their support, but have yet to commit troops to the field. House Sesus has been… less vocal, but has already committed troops, marching them south to cut off Cathak forces, denouncing Cainan as a ‘Usurper’. We can count on them to oppose House Cathak, but not necessarily to support our allies.

“House Ragara and House Peleps have all but declared for Cathak. Ragara Banoba has released announcements proclaiming Cainan’s youth a sign from the Dragons. Several high ranking Peleps admirals have also expressed similar sentiments.

“House V’neef has not declared one way or the other, but seems… unlikely to side with us. Likewise, whilst House Tepet had been publicly appreciative of our House during the Jiara campaign, we expect them to follow House V’neef. House Nellens will almost certainly side against House Sesus, and move to block their troop movements through Nellens holdings.

“House Cynis, has withdrawn en-mass to the Threshold. They have concentrated their power in Greyfalls, and the War Manse there. But as the other Houses recall soldiers and Satraps to the Blessed Isle, we leave the Threshold vulnerable to Cynis conquest.

“In response to House Cathak marching on the Imperial City, the Regent has ordered what forces he has to secure the city ‘against all aggressors foreign or domestic’. The degree of support the Regent has from the Deliberative and Patrician families is… unclear. This is the first act the Regent seems to have taken on his own initiative, so naturally we suspect that there is an unseen puppet mistress pulling on his strings.

“The Mouth of Peace, unsurprisingly, has called for peace. She has, however released a statement disparaging those ‘who would take youth as a sign of the Dragon’s favor.’” Rulinsei stops speaking and looks around the room carefully, reading the faces of those assembled.

Danireya looks around the room as well. There’s a distinct aura of unease: even with the neutrality of House Cynis, there is an obvious feeling that House Mnemon and Ledaal cannot stand against the united forces of Cathak, Peleps, Ragara, V’neef, Tepet and Nellens.

At last Mnemon speaks, “You are the finest of my children. I have gathered your forces here whilst I consulted with the Mouth of Peace. After communing with the Dragons, I am steadfast in my resolve. I will not allow a pretender to rule in my mothers stead. I will not allow Cathak Cainan to seize my throne. But the path to victory is unclear.”

Mnemon’s voice is firm and level. It is a voice well-familiar to all those assembled. But even though she speaks with calm certainty, there is none-the-less a murmur of doubt and disapproval around the room as she speaks, which dies into a deathly silence.

“With respect Matriarch,” Danireya speaks in to the silence, “There does seem to be an obvious solution.”

Mnemon’s eyes narrow, “Those of you who are not part of my inner circle may leave. Prepare yourselves for the coming struggle against House Cathak and their pretender.”

In milled confusion, the Mnemon scions begin to leave. Alinos walks out shaking her head in disbelief. Nanals taps Danireya on the shoulder and mouths ‘good luck’ as she follows her daughter from the room. Danireya goes to follow after her mother and grandmother, but Mnemon Rulinsei reprimands her, “You stay.”

Mnemon Alinos Gracious Pealing Melody stops leaving the room as well, and goes to her sister-in-laws side, “I’ve got your back.” She whispers.

The room empties save for perhaps a dozen scions who are sure of their position enough to stay. Mnemon’s inner circle is not a formal body, at least not to Danireya and Melody’s knowledge, but those who remain are not dismissed, and no-one save Danireya is asked to stay.

“Explain yourself.” Mnemon says. Her tone is calm and still: it is an instruction to be obeyed, not a request but not a reprimand either.

Danireya takes a deep breath and looks around the room, “Surely one of you has told her.” She begins, she looks carefully at those assembled.

Rulinsei glares at Danireya with her one good eye, “We will fight, and we will win.”

Danireya laughs easily, “Of course we will win.” Mnemon cocks her head regarding her great-grand daughter carefully, studying her for any sign of mockery or insincerity.

Melody whispers at Danireya, “I really don’t think they know whatever it is you know Rey.”

Danireya’s brow furrows theatrically, “V’neef.” She says simply. Mnemon’s expression visibly sours at the mention of her sister, “Of course we can’t stand against the rest of the Dynasty with just the backing of House Ledaal, but why in the name of the Dragons should V’neef stand against us?”

Mnemon Rulinsei glares at Danireya then turns to Mnemon. She drops her voice, but not by much, “Perhaps your daughter was mocking you when she spoke of Danireya’s supposed ‘brilliance’ Matriarch.”

“No.” Mnemon says simply, “Mnemon Alinos Danireya has never disappointed me before.” She addresses Danireya directly, “My sister is unworthy of our mother’s blood. She is young and her inexperience shows in her every movement. She crudely apes the trappings of power, and the fact my rivals compare her with our mother is an insult to me.”

“And it’s an insult to V’neef, of course.” Danireya looks around the room, looking incredulous, “One of you must have told her. No? Really?” She shakes her head. Melody is worried that her sister has finally cracked under the pressure, “My Matriarch, you do know who it is that V’neef ‘crudely apes’?”

Mnemon’s eyes narrow, her perfect composure mired by a look of naked hatred and frustration, “She is aping our mother, the Scarlet Empress!” She snaps.

With a laugh Danireya responds, “She’s aping you. She admires you. She’s trying to be just like you, and failing because she’s young and foolish. Where you command respect, she can only fawn.”

“Me?” Mnemon repeats, dumbstruck, “V’neef is trying to be like me?”

Danireya nods, “She wants to be just like you. And if anyone foolish enough to try and rival you looks at V’neef and sees your mother, then all they really see… is how like your mother you are. Reach out to V’neef. She will join our cause, and bring House Tepet with her.”

Mnemon scoffs, “Reach out to V’neef? Preposterous.”

“Matriarch,” Mnemon Melody adds, “You will be Empress. But you need allies. Your… disdain for your sister is well known, and if you don’t reach out to her then she will be forced into the camp of your enemy. But my Matriarch is no fool. If she says V’neef admires you and will join us, then it is so... And we need naval power to combat House Peleps.”

“I propose more than reaching out to her Matriarch.” Danireya says, pressing the advantage whilst she has it, “There can be one Empress, and there is no-one better suited than you. But your detractors see you as controlling and inflexible. V’neef is an accomplished way-finder, and her House’s skill at plying the seas in undeniable. If we bring her to our side, we would be foolish to try and micromanage her. Likewise, your sister Berit is one of the most accomplished generals the Realm has ever seen. You are a great diplomat and an unrivaled sorceress, but you are neither admiral nor general. You need a triumvirate: you as the first among equals, Berit to lead our armies and V’neef to lead our navy.”

“Berit is a has-been, and I have mortal daughters older than V’neef.” Rulinsei shoots back.

“And you have Mnemon’s name.” Danireya responds without missing a beat. She looks around the room, “Unlike the lesser houses, we can be assured the support of every Mnemon. But that is not enough. We need support from outside of the House. That’s what Berit and V’neef will bring us.”

Sour-faced and balding, senator Mnemon Oroth speaks, “She’s right. In the Deliberative it has often proved wise to present our initiatives through other Houses. We are, ironically, too strong. That strength is what has united Cathak and Peleps against us. But winning V’neef and Berit to our cause would send a powerful message to the other houses. Both that we are strong enough to win over rivals but also secure enough in our position to stand should-to-shoulder with them.”

Mnemon takes up a brush and a scroll and pens two short missives. She stamps and seals them, and places them in Danireya’s hands.

“I am not an ogre.” Mnemon begins, “I am prepared to admit where I have misjudged a person. And whilst I expect the best from my House, I am under no illusions about the management of this campaign: it cannot be ‘micromanaged’ and I will trust in the judgment of my generals. If you think Berit and V’neef can be persuaded to stand with me against the pretender, then so be it. Such is your charge. Go forth, and do not return unless it is with my sisters’ loyalty. V’neef is still within the Imperial City. Berit can be found on the Isle of Iora, deep within Cathak territory.”

Danireya bows deeply, “As you command, my Matriarch.” She turns and leaves with Melody following after her.

As soon as they are out of the room, Melody speaks, “Well… banishment from the Realm. Could be worse.”

“I was being fully serious. We can convince V’neef and Berit to join us. We have to convince V’neef and Berit to join us.” Danireya says, her eyes having taken on a far-away look as the wheels turn in her mind.

“Okay, okay. I’ll admit, you know Great House Matriarch V’neef a lot better than I do. I’m just a lowly Coin-taking-Legionnaire. If you say it can be done, then I believe you. I’ve got your back.” Melody nods solemnly.

“Good, let’s get Gan and Udi.” Reya nods.

****

Reya finds Ledaal Ludila painting a shirtless Ganan as he polishes his new firewand. They are discussing the Zarlath Collapse enthusiastically: Melody can’t follow the conversation at all, and Danireya is amazed that Ludila actually seems to know what’s she’s talking about.

Danireya clears her throat to get her husband’s attention, he beams at her innocently.

“Done already?” He asks smiling broadly.

“How long did you think it would take to say ‘we’re screwed’?” Ledaal Ludila teases, “It’s Mnemon and Ledaal versus the entire Dynasty.”

“Maybe not.” Danireya says slyly, “Put you’re shirt on, we’re going to make friends and influence people.” She turns and walks out shaking her head.

“Can I store this here?” Ganan asks Ludila, pointing to his old firewand as he shucks on his shirt.

“Sure.” Ludila shrugs.

“You coming Udi?” Danireya calls from outside as she begins summoning a Stormwind Rider.

Ludila and Ganan hurry out as Danireya whips up her sorcerous transportation.

“Do you know where we’re going?” Melody asks.

Danireya grins, devilishly, “Not really, no. North-ish. All roads lead to the Throne.”

She whips up a Stormwind Rider and they blaze off towards the Imperial City. They see few travelers along the way, Melody remarks on this being unfamiliar with the Blessed Isle and Ludila informs her of the miracle of the Great Coast Road.

“Well established trade routes.” Ganan adds and nudges her playfully.

Melody shakes her head at the light bit of foolishness, but Danireya grits her teeth, thinking of the Cynis forces on the Threshold and the vulnerability of Dovak. Some four hours later, the Imperial City comes into sight. Troops are deployed outside of the city, and Ganan starts to cast Invulnerable Skin of Bronze on the approach. Danireya sets them down gingerly a respectful distance from the troops and the Dynasts approach on foot.

Danireya puts herself at the forefront, “My name is Mnemon Alinos Danireya, this is Gracious Pealing Melody, Cynis Ganan and Ledaal Ludila.”

The soldiers lock shields and level spears at the Dynasts, they appear ready to attack when a powerful voice calls out from behind them.

“Melody?” The voice calls curiously, and the jade clad woman it’s attached to pushes her way forward through the troops. The brown skinned woman is short and muscular, her pale short violet hair contrasting with her white jade armor. A token, a red haired icon of Daana’d hangs from her waist and a mighty orichalcum warclub is swung casually over her shoulder.

“Swift!” Melody calls, running forward and embracing her old friend. “Danireya this is-”

“Kingfisher Swift.” Danireya says, bowing respectfully, “I know. She’s very famous.”

Swift shakes her head, “Fifty years ago maybe. What’s you’re business here?”

“We’re here to convince the V’neef to stand against the coming armies of the Usurper, Cathak Cainan.” Danireya says, then as an afterthought adds, “And the Regent… if he’s still in the city.”

Swift holsters her weapon and folds her arms over her chest, “Well then I have good news. She’s convinced. V’neef stands ready to defend the Realm against against all aggressors foreign or domestic. Nice to have met you.”

Danireya and Melody both note the choice of language. Mnemon Rulinsei had briefed them that Regent Fokuf had declared the Imperial City would stand ‘against all aggressors foreign or domestic’.

Melody looks at the motley Scale of troops arrayed before them to defend the gate, “House Cathak is coming here with eight Legions of troops.” She gestures at the houses outside of the great city’s walls, “You can’t defend the city from Cathak on your own.”

Danireya sees a glimmer of resentment in Swift’s eyes whenever Melody mentions House Cathak. She holds up Mnemon’s letter, “Mnemon wants to formalize an alliance against Cathak. Difficult to do from outside of the city walls. The four of us aren’t exactly able to conquer the Imperial City on our own.”

“But you could be assassins.” Swift says flatly, “Cathak Cainan is a usurper, true enough. But are you going to stand here and claim that Mnemon doesn’t have designs for the Throne?”

Melody responds, “Mnemon led her troops to Jiara, to reclaim the Threshold from the Anathema. Of course she wants to be Empress, but she is not the one who started this war by marching against the Deliberative and the duly appointed Regent. We’re trying to save the Realm, not conquer it.”

“V’neef needs allies to hold the city. Mnemon is extending a hand of friendship. If we were assassins, we wouldn’t walk in the front door bearing Mnemon’s seal.” Danireya adds.

Swift sends a runner ahead, “I will take you to the palace. Whether V’neef chooses to see you is up to her. But I warn you now that the Regent is admitting no-one and V’neef already has visitors – you might have to get in line behind every senator who hasn’t fled the city.”

“Thank you.” Danireya bows, “We’ll risk it.”

A couple of guards peel off and follow the Dynasts as Kingfisher Swift leads them through the streets of the Imperial City. Ganan shuffles, uncomfortably, through the streets bringing up the rear as the guards corral them from behind. The architecture of the city has changed significantly since he was last here: even more buildings crowding the geometry of the capital.

Melody walks alongside Swift, complaining about being cashiered out of the legions. They banter easily back and forth, even with Cathak on the march, Melody recounts the story of how she won her orichalcum powerbow.

Danireya takes in the sights of the streets. Clearly hasty preparations have been made for war: windows boarded up, civilians swept up off the streets, barricades set up at every interchange.

They arrive at the Imperial Palace and Swift leads them to V’neef’s quarters. In the antechamber, blue-and-white liveried guards are camped at one end of the room: several of them are clearly Dragon-Blooded, and they are all heavily armed. At the other end of the room are half-a-dozen elderly looking Dragon-Blooded, eyeing the guards suspiciously: they don’t appear to be fellow petitioners, but whilst they don’t share a common uniform like V’neef’s guards they do have the look of an honor-guard about them. Melody studies them carefully, catching well hidden hand-gestures and other visual signals denoting they are in deep, hidden conversation with each other.

Swift’s runner emerges from V’neef’s chambers, “V’neef will see you now.”

“Good luck,” Swift says, leading her troops back to the gate, “Don’t try anything.” She cautions.

Danireya leads Melody, Ganan and Ludila into V’neef’s chambers. They find she already has company: a truly ancient Dynast, who looks even older than those assembled outside, sits having tea with V’neef. He doesn’t have the look of a warrior about him, but he is bedecked in white jade articulated plate. His hair is gray down to his beard, and he has the look of a powerful man run to fat. He has a certain resemblance to Ragara Haseti… and to Ganan’s eyes, a surprising resemblance to Mnemon Alinos as well.

V’neef rises to meet them. She approaches Danireya warmly and kisses her on the cheek. “Mnemon Alinos Danireya. It’s been too long. Do you know my brother?”

Danireya gives her best court smile, and curtsies, “Only by reputation. It’s truly an honor to meet Ragara, though I must say I’m surprised to see you. I was under the impression your armies were marching to sack the capital?”

Ragara regards Danireya carefully, “Mnemon Danireya. I was under the impression that Perdurant Vault was safely tucked away in my armory.” He gestures with a tea cup at the priceless, looted, artifact slung over her back. He lets the words hang for a moment before setting his cup down and smiling congenially, “But to reassure you, I have no armies. My son, Ragara Banoba, leads the House that bears my name; Banoba has declared for Cathak Cainan, and it is Cainan’s army which marches on the Imperial City, to seize it, not to sack it.”

“Oh, well in that case Perdurant Vault was issued from Banoba’s armory to Ragara Haseti.” Melody smiles, mockingly.

“I’m sure you can explain how it ended up in Mnemon hands another time, Mnemon Melody,” Ragara continues, “I have come to the Imperial City to try and avert the coming storm. Peace is my ambition here. Why have you come?”

Danireya hands V’neef Mnemon’s letter, “To deliver this. Mnemon sees that you’ve secured the Imperial City against the Usurper, and we want to help. My Matriarch proposes an alliance.”

“An alliance,” V’neef echos, showing her brother Mnemon’s seal before breaking it and unrolling the letter, she scans it quickly, “This… is surprising.” She rolls the letter away and tucks it into her clothes.

Ragara sighs heavily, “Surprising? Hardly. It speaks to our sister’s desperation. She would plunge the Realm into a civil war which she can not possibly hope to win. Rather than negotiate, she wants to sacrifice your House to her ambition.”

“Cathak has eight legions. Sesus has seven and Mnemon has three camped in Incas Prefecture: I wouldn’t say Mnemon couldn’t possibly win. Mnemon winning is all but certain, the only question is how much damage will be done to the Realm before she does. Mnemon, the hero of Jiara, is reaching out to you now because she recognizes the good you’ve done securing the city and whipping the Regent and Patrician’s into action to defend the Realm. We can simply stand aside, let Cathak exhaust themselves fighting you and Sesus, then sweep in once you’ve bled them dry. But we’d rather stand by your side and protect the Realm, together.” Danireya counters, glowing with a soft blue light as Essence eases her words.

“Cathak has eight legions. Peleps has the Imperial Navy. The Imperial City cannot hold against a protracted siege, and Peleps dominates the coast.” Ragara responds calmly, “If the fate of the Realm wasn’t at stake, I’d admire your bravado. But it is. And the path forward is the path of peace. Mnemon needs to set aside her jealous desire for the Throne, and do what is best for the Realm.” He turns to Ledaal Ludila, “Surely House Ledaal recognizes that there are threats arrayed against the Realm that require our attentions.”

Ludila raises her shoulders in an affirmative shrug.

Melody cuts in, “If we’re concerned about the fate of the Realm, make peace by getting the man marching on the capital to stand down. Don’t lecture the women trying to protect it.”

Ragara sighs, “I’ve tried. Pasiap knows I have tried. But Cainan is gripped by Essence fever: he feels he must claim the throne, and claim it now. He will not be dissuaded, but he can be reasoned with. House Cathak holds House V’neef, and House Mnemon, in high esteem. If you do not make an enemy of Cainan, this war can still be averted.” He turns to V’neef, “If you welcome Cainan to the city, the Blessed Champion of the Dragons, then you kill this bloody war in its crib.”

Danireya scoffs, “House Sesus will never let Cainan usurp the Capital. If you welcome Cainan into the city, you exchange a siege from Cathak, who want to take the city to legitimize their rule, for a siege from Sesus, who care only about shaming Cathak. For everything else, Cathak is a House of honorable warriors. Far better a siege from them than from the House renown for sabotage and espionage.”

Ragara rises, heaving the groan of an old man, and he shakes his head sadly. He lays a hand on his sister’s shoulder, “My life has been long, but my biggest regret is the blood I shed lusting for our mother’s throne. Do not repeat my mistakes, sister.” He walks from the room, stopping in the doorway to address the Dynasts, “Mnemon would rather rule over a kingdom of bones than continue as Matriarch of a Great House in a strong and prosperous Realm. Think carefully where your loyalties lie.” Then, he leaves.

“My brother,” V’neef toasts, finishing her tea. She fishes out a wine bottle and five glasses, and pours them all a drink, “Before you arrived, I was seriously considering his proposal. I still am. But I am intrigued by this letter from Mnemon. She writes about joining forces, a ‘triumvirate’: Three Excellencies, three sisters, to protect the Realm with Mnemon ‘primus inter pares’. I would be the ‘Mistress of the Seas’. I assume Mnemon would take the title of ‘Empress’, even if she is too coy to commit the words to the page. And the third would be… Rulinsei?”

“Berit. We’re hoping she will take command of our armies.” Danireya says, studying V’neef carefully.

“Berit? Mnemon, Berit and V’neef – Protectors of the Realm.” She smiles and takes a drink, “You’ll never convince her.”

Danireya takes a deep breath, “Well, one problem at a time. Right now we’re trying to convince you.”

V’neef sets down her glass, and looks at them intently, “You’re being serious, aren’t you. Mnemon is really reaching out to me to form an alliance?” V’neef scrutinizes them carefully, “Very well, I have three conditions.”

“Name them.” Melody entreats.

“Firstly, I expect Mnemon to commit at least two legions to the defense of the capital. She’s got three to the South, and one in Darjilis, she can spare them.”

“That only leaves us one to hold off Ragara to the South, but certainly the greatest threat right now is the Cathak legions. Mnemon recognizes that and will commit the troops.” Danireya agrees.

“Good. Then we have an alliance to stop Cainan seizing the throne from the moment her reinforcements arrive. But if Mnemon wants an alliance to install her on the throne, I have two more conditions. My second condition is simple: nothing is final until everything is final. Until Berit agrees to join this triumvirate, then I don’t agree either: if you want to convince me, convince Berit.”

Ganan drains his glass, sets it down and folds his arms over his chest, but says nothing.

“She’s our very next stop.” Danireya reassures V’neef, and she takes a small sip of wine.

“Not your very next, I hope. Because I need something from Pangu across the river.” V’neef continues, “House Cynis has alchemical soils. I’ve spent years trying to unlock their farming secrets for my vineyards, but now they’ve abandoned their holdings. I need bold sorcerers, preferably with Cynis blood, to cross the river and bring their enchanted soils back here.”

“Is now really the time to be thinking of wine!” Ganan angrily erupts.

V’neef is unfazed, “The Imperial City is perhaps the most densely populated city in the world. We import a tremendous amount of food – even during peace time. I’ve directed the Merchant Navy to keep us supplied the best they can, but the Cathak-Peleps alliance can still starve us out in a matter of weeks. It is imperative that we stop them in the field – that’s where your legions come in. But if we can combine Cynis soils, with the magics of the Imperial Palace and my own know-how, we might be able to stretch ‘weeks’ into ‘months’ – perhaps long enough for Sesus and the other Houses to break the siege.”

Danireya bows, “Your terms are acceptable. We’ll return with the soil.”

They leave the room, the blue-and-white guards allow them to pass, Ragara’s entourage has already left.

Danireya turns to Udi, “Ludila, Stormwind back to camp and redeploy the legions-”

Ludila finishes summoning an Infallible Messenger to report back. “Or I can just come with you. Whichever.”

Melody whispers to Ganan, “That is a useful spell.”

“Fine.” Danireya says, pinching the bridge of her nose, “Quick trip across the river, grab some enchanted soil, back by nightfall. Ganan, any ideas?”

Ganan thinks for a moment, “My aunt, Cynis Rasoni supplies brandy-wine to the family. Rasoni brandy-grapes are grown in alchemically enhanced soil, just off the river. She keeps a small manse, we should be able to find samples. Can’t carry a vineyard into the threshold. Uh… which way is out?” Ganan looks left and right at the maze of the Imperial Palace.

Danireya points decisively in one direction then pauses… “I only know the Mnemon wing… Udi?”

Ledaal Ludila laughs, “I have no idea! Melody?”

“Why in the name of the Dragons, would I know the way around the Imperial Palace? Where’s that guy who hates everyone?” Melody shrugs her shoulders.

“Amon Mora?” Ganan asks.

“That’s not a bad idea,” Danireya says, letting the wind carry her words to the Keeper of the First Imperial Seal, asking that he send someone to escort them out from V’neef’s quarters.

“You say that, but it is a bad idea.” Ganan insists, “Amon Mora is a creepy, sadistic, son of a bitch who’s just as likely to let us rot as he is to help us out of here.”

“The thought had crossed my mind.” A deep, milky, baritone voice comes from behind Ganan. The tall, if hunched, blue skinned form of Amon Mora leers at Ganan – his black, gold-trimmed clothing immaculately pressed and crisp. “But I assumed that it was best not to have Cynis Ganan roaming free around the Palace. This way please.”

The Dynasts follow Amon Mora back the way they came. Melody tries to engage him in conversation.

“Do you have any thoughts on the impending siege? The Usurper’s so-called Miracle?”

“Cathak Cainan is not an ideal choice to sit upon the throne.” Mora says, with notable disdain in his voice, “But he’s a better choice than Mnemon.”

Danireya sucks her teeth, “And, why do you think that?”

“Creation is rife with the Anathema. The Dynasts pillage the Realm to line their pockets. Cainan will bring military discipline to this failing Realm. Misguided. The Realm turns on the bureaucracy: it is the Imperial Service which collects the tribute, builds bridges, assigns lands, makes the laws. The military is such a small part of that equation, Cainan’s single-mindedness will be ruinous. But at least he plans to take action. Mnemon lives in the shadow of her mother, and she is a pale reflection of true power.”

“That’s not true!” Danireya shoots back, “Mnemon has great plans for the Realm, and more power than you will ever wield.”

Mora smiles to himself, “That might be true. Do you care to share any details?”

“You’ll find out when she sits on the throne.” Melody cuts him off.

“So Mnemon still has designs on the throne that Cainan has claimed?” Mora sighs and shakes his head as he shows the Dynasts the exit.

Danireya starts to summon a Stormwind Rider, when Melody cuts her off.

“Wait, for real, do you know where you’re going? It’s not like we can just wander north this time?”

“I know Pangu,” Ganan interrupts, “Head north, I’ll direct us.”

The Dynasts fly out of the Imperial City, heading north. The countryside is quiet as they race towards the Imperial River: there’s no sign of the Cathak or Sesus legions, at least, no obvious sign.

Ganan’s eyes strain the horizon for dust plumes, and glinting steel, “The legions must still be a few days off...” He comments.

They skim across the Imperial River to the north bank. Ganan steers them along the estuaries, pointing out Pangu city.

“There’s usually more river traffic.” Ludila points out, “Barges, water markets...”

“Casinos.” Ganan adds, “Drug dens. Go that way.”

They eventually come to an impressive, horse-shoe shaped building set into a vineyard. The grounds look abandoned and stripped bare, but the manse itself is constructed from priceless green jade and it seems sealed against intruders.

Danireya sets them down outside the building, and starts to bark orders, “Udi, take samples from the field. Ganan, get us in the manse. Melody, cover us.”

Ganan walks to the great double doors that lead into the manse. There’s no obvious lock, or mechanism for opening the manse. He scrutinizes the design carefully, the wheels of his mind turning like a millstone wearing down the problem.

“Guys, we might have a problem here.” Melody says, pointing out smoke rising from the far end of the vineyard.

“Gan, keep working on the door. Udi, Melody, rank up.” Danireya readies her shield as an enormous plume of fire raises out to the sky and starts to advance on them.

Eventually a fang of red-and-black clad corsairs come into view. Their leader’s anima lashes out violently – a column of blood red flames, streaked with pitch black smoke. He carries a massive, two handed Grand Daiklave of red jade. Whilst the leader is clearly Dragon-Blooded, his companions do not seem so blessed. Their skin is charred and burned, and their weapons look distinctly mortal. Yet their frames are unnaturally twisted, as if warped by sorcery and they shuffle along beside their leader like grotesque marionettes.

“And so the Cynis cowards come home to roost at last.” The Dragon-Blooded crows, “I am Sesus Dabab, and I am your doom!”

“Sesus Dabab,” Danireya begins, “I am Mnemon Alinos Danireya, these are my companions, Mnemon Melody and Ledaal Ludila. We are here to get aid against the Usurper. We’re on the same side.”

Dabab’s anima leaps up into the air as he charges at them, hoisting his sword over his head.

Udi surrounds herself with a sphere of crackling lighting.

Melody sights the charging Sesus scion, “Shame.” She mutters to herself as she lets fly with a killing shot. Dabab’s expression doesn’t change as the arrow heads towards him, but there’s a puff of smoke and the smell of brimstone as one of his minions disappears then reappears in the path of the arrow. Melody’s shot takes it straight on, and it crumples to the ground bleeding.

“Neat trick!” Danireya mumbles as Dabab closes and swings his mighty sword. Danireya raises her shield to block the blow but is pushed backwards by the mighty impact.

Danireya shoots a blast of flame at the flaming Exalt before her. Dabab channels the fire into the ground, diverting it harmlessly.

Dabab’s remaining three minions lurch forward and batter Danireya who holds them off with her shield.

“Sorry Rey.” Ludila says coyly as she blasts Dabab with a bolt of lighting. The bolt bursts out, catching Reya and the minions in the blast. The Dragon-Bloodeds’ jade weapons conduct the blast, as do the minion’s steel, and none escape the storm. Electricity arcs between the combatants, wracking them terribly.

Dabab crashes forward, sprinting past Danireya to close with Ludila. He swings his mighty sword and smashes at Ludila as she desperately tries to turn the blade away with a bolt of lightning. Dabab’s swing arcs through her defenses and sends bites into her torso, smashing ribs and drawing blood.

Dabab’s minions lurch at Danireya, stabbing at her with long spears, ripping into her.

Melody fires at Dabab again. He pulls his blade back over his head, and another minion is sucked into the path of the blow, appearing in a cloud of smoke.

Danireya turns her mystic flames on the minions, enveloping both of the remaining grotesques in killing fire. Reya rises from the flames, her own anima condensing into a swirling mandala of frozen ice crystals before collapsing into a raging snow storm.

“No more meat shields.” Melody smirks to herself and she fires again, the blow staggers Dabab off-balance.

Danireya screams, “For the Realm!” and she charges with her shield in front of her, crashing into Dabab, smashing his face in with her shield, with a spray of blood. He looks at her with an astonished look of amazed respect.

Ludila shoots a blast of lightning at Dabab’s back. The Sesus scion drops to his knees, defeated.

“Give it up Sesus Dabab!” Danireya reprimands sternly, “Drop your weapon or die where you stand.”

Dabab lets his weapon fall to the ground and places his hands on his head. Melody advances on him, covering him with her bow as she arcs round to check Ludila.

Ludila labors for breath, “I assume you have some rope?” She says, grinning at Danireya.

“I have rope.” Melody says, “Cover me.”

Ludila takes aim at Dabab as Melody advances and binds his arms. She ties the rope tight, then empties her canteen of water over the ropes.

“Let’s try that again, Sesus Dabab. I am Mnemon Alinos Danireya, this is my sister Mnemon Melody, and our companion Ledaal Ludila. We are here to win allies against Cathak Cainan, the Usurper, in defense of the Realm. It was my understanding that House Sesus stands against Cainan, was I mistaken?” Danireya folds her arms imperiously over her chest. The ash from the still burning vineyards peals away from her, leaving her immaculately clean, and her fresh spear wounds no longer bleed, indeed she hardly seems marred at all.

Dabab looks up with fierce defiance, “Against House Cathak, and all the Usurper’s allies. I am here to secure supplies for the war effort, by repatriating them from the cowards of House Cynis.”

“Betcha couldn’t open the manse.” Melody taunts as she starts to dress Ludila’s wounds.

Dabab burns with shame, “I knew it was only a matter of time before House Cynis sent someone to empty the treasures of this manse. I planned to simply wait.”

“Empty the treasures?” Ludila adds, “You mean you suspect this manse is full of treasure?”

Dabab, grits his teeth and nods, “This manse was home to Cynis Falen Rasoni. She died on the river three days ago on the way here. The last harvest withers on the vine, her sisters have not come to empty the manse yet, if they even know Rasoni has fallen.”

“That’s what I call a for-tu-i-tous circumstance.” Melody grins, “Wouldn’t you say so ladies?”

“If Ganan can get us in.” Danireya says coolly, allowing herself a small smile.

“We’re in!” Ganan bellows as the doors of the manse yawn wide.

****

Danireya spends 8XP to train Auspicious First Meeting Attitude.
Melody spends 8XP to train Heartbeats Before Death and 5DX to train War 4.
Ganan spends 8XP to train Feeling the Dragon’s Bones.
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Dynasty of Dovak