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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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Chapter List
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Session 53 – Cross the Isle – Reya (145XP 116DX, 143/114 spent; 9GP 11SP), Melody (145XP 116DX, 139/108 spent), and Ganan (145XP 116DX, 139XP/115DX spent; 2WhP 37GP 20SP)

“Wake up, get dressed.” Danireya pokes Ganan as she rises out of bed and starts to dress. The room is still dark, hours before dawn.

Ganan moans and rolls over.

“I will set the bed on fire. Get up.” Danireya threatens as she pulls on her boots.

Ganan rises, dresses and casts Invulnerable Skin of Bronze. Melody and Udi knock on the door as Ganan laces his boots, and the four slip out into the darkness. Udi produces a map as they slip past the guards out of the city. A dim glow on the western horizon marks another distant battle.

“So… isn’t this going to take weeks?” Melody asks, stretching in the darkness.

“About three days.” Danireya stays taking bearings from the map, a compass and the Imperial Mountain, “We should stop in Juche, there’s no sense in actively alienating House Nellens.”

“We should stop in Arjuf too, and cross the sea. Flying right through Daoshin with House Cathak on the move is a too risky proposition.” Ledaal Ludila suggests.

“Arjuf, yes. Juche, really?” Melody questions, “I mean… what are we going to open with, how we represent House Mnemon or how we’re courting House Sesus?”

“I vote we open with telling them how we beat Sesus Dabab unconscious and almost fed him to a manse that eats people.” Ganan says guilelessly.

“Actually, yeah, that could work. To Juche!” Melody points dramatically into the distance. Danireya gently moves her arm so she’s pointing in the right direction, then starts to cast Stormwind Rider.

“By the Dragons I wish I had a mount.” Melody mutters as she draws her bow and Danireya’s spell picks them up, and the whoosh off towards Juche.

“Are we getting a little close to that battle?” Ludila asks nervously as they draw closer to the gloaming.

“We are traveling a thousand miles based on a precise bearing.” Danireya says through gritted teeth, “We swerve now, we risk missing the city.”

Ganan readies a javelin, and Melody draws her bow. Banners of black and red emblazoned with House Sesus’s mons loom closer, lit by the animas of similarly clad warriors in full retreat. There’s over two Scales of troops, with half-a-dozen burning and bonfire animas mixed in with the mortal troops (who are giving their commanders a wide berth).

One of the Sesus scions sights the Stormwind Rider and fires from a black jade bow. Melody knocks the arrow from the sky.

“I’d rather not fight the entire Sesus army, love.” Ganan says aiming at the approaching troops.

“House Sesus has thirty-five thousand troops. There’s fifty here, tops.” Ledaal Ludila says starting to shape a spell.

“Fifty we can see. Fifty right now.” Melody says, “I somehow doubt that House Sesus was fighting the Cathak legions with fifty soldiers.” She fires a warning shot at the advancing Sesus troops and they falter.

Their commanding officer roars an order to her soldiers, rallying them. Ganan sees the Dragon bellowing, and uses the wind to carry his words to her – “Death to the Usurper!” Ganan gives a large, theatrical salute to the Sesus forces, and the commander signals them to halt as the heroes speed past.

“Did… did Ganan just solve a problem by using his words?” Melody asks incredulously as they fly away.

Ludila drops her spell and they fly on.

“Seriously, are we not going to talk about how bizarre this is?” Melody says.

As they fly on from the Imperial City, signs of civil war start to become apparent: abandoned villages, refugees, and burned fields are illuminated by the rising sun.

Around noon, Danireya warns “Pendants on.” as they cross into lands controlled by the Patrician Relin family.

Blasting rays of sunlight shine up from the city of Irevasa in the Vane Valley.

“Should we investigate that?” Ganan asks, cocking his head curiously at the light.

“Thousands of miles. Precise bearing.” Danireya reiterates tersely.

“Yeah, but, sunlight?” Melody asks, gripping her bow.

“Right now, we have a real problem. The largest army in Creation descending on our capital city. Mysterious sun-light could be anything.” Ludila comes to the support of Danireya.

“Then we are coming back to check this out, as soon as Berit agrees to join us.” Ganan insists.

“Fine.” Danireya agrees, concentrating hard on keeping her bearings. They ride for another hour, putting a hundred miles between them and the mysterious sunlight of Irevasa before setting down to rest and eat.

Ludila speaks, “We’re in the foothills of Juche now. Firmly Nellens territory.”

Melody inspects the Tepet amulets V’neef gave them, “Do you think these are worth a damn? I know V’neef is married to a Tepet… but it seems tenuous to me.”

Ludila shrugs, “V’neef is allied to Tepet. Our intelligence suggests Tepet is allied to Nellens.”

Danireya holds up a hand, “Yes, it’s tenuous.” She admits, “But Mnemon is not exactly beloved. And the rivalry between Nellens and Ledaal is well known.”

“Whereas the rivalry between Nellens and V’neef isn’t known about at all...” Ganan chimes in gloomily.

Danireya inhales sharply, “Well it’s a good thing this is Tepet’s mons.”

Ludila leaps to Danireya’s defense, “The both of you need to stop questioning our matriarch.” She admonishes sternly, “You need to learn to respect the chain of command.”

Ganan and Melody exchange a look.

“The chain of command is our,” She gestures at herself and Ganan, “Matriarch. Then me, then Ganan. You are a spy from a rival House that we are enduring on the orders of Mnemon. That’s the only reason you are here.”

“That’s the only reason you tolerate me being here.” Ludila corrects, “But let me assure you, I am here because I believe in Danireya. Unlike the two of you!”

Danireya puts a stop to the bickering, “That’s enough. All of you. We will wear V’neef’s tokens. We will recruit Berit. We will check in with Mnemon and see if she has any additional orders for us before we investigate that mysterious light. Udi, Melody and Ganan are my closest companions and my most trusted friends. They have earned the right to speak their minds a dozen times over. Melody, House Ledaal are not our rivals, they are our allies, and your conduct reflects on our house – treat our allies with the courtesy they deserve.”

Melody starts to apologize, but Ludila immediately begins shaping sorcery.

“What the hell is she doing?!” Melody screams, drawing her bow.

Ganan gets up and tenses into a fighting position… as Ludila finishes summoning an Infallible Messenger, which she sends to the Ledaal scions in the south, asking them to investigating the strange lights in the Vane Valley.

“This way, you can be assured that the lights will be investigated, even if Mnemon has other uses for us.” Ludila explains.

Ganan visibly relaxes, “We should move on,” Then he adds, after a pause, “If you are ready my love.”

Danireya nods, pulls herself to her feet and begins casting again.

****

Juche Prefecture doesn’t seem as ravaged by war as Vane and Aru-Thistle. The Cathak troops seem to have been more careful about not offending their fellow Dynastic houses than they were about offending the Patricians. There are no burnt fields or refugees, but the roads are empty – none seem willing to travel.

Like the Imperial City, Juche City has been heavily garrisoned. Troops proudly wearing Nellens colors stand ready and Danireya brings her Stormwind to the ground a respectful distance away to approach on foot. It is late afternoon by the time the Dynasts arrive at the city gates. A vast garrison building exists outside of the city proper, and it appears full of thousands of soldiers.

“Know any Nellens war heroes?” Ganan jokes to Melody as they approach, and she smiles back at him.

“Who is in command here.” Danireya asks as the soldiers make to bar their entry into the city.

“I am!” Calls out a terse and clipped reply, “Dragonlord Nellens Mirar. And who are you?” An unimpressive looking soldier pushes his way forward. He wears the Nellens colors – brown and silver – but looks somewhat disheveled.

“I am Mnemon Alinos Danireya, these are my companions. I believe we have a mutual ally?” She thumbs the Tepet pendent around her neck pointedly, and doesn’t make a comment about a Dragonlord guarding a door. Rather she uses her Dragon-given powers to size Nellens Mirar up and to ingrate herself at the same time. She immediately gathers that Mirar has no intention of letting them in the city.

Mirar bristles slightly, “We’re not expecting another Tepet delegation. Especially not one led by a Mnemon.”

“We’re just looking for a comfortable bed behind sturdy walls.” Melody chimes in, spreading her palms innocently.

“We strike for Arjuf at first light.” Danireya concludes reassuringly, “Though, of course, we extend the hand of friendship.”

“You’ll forgive me if we don’t welcome strange Dragon-Blooded into our city.” Mirar says, and her troops level their weapons.

“Strange Dynasts.” Danireya says pointedly, “We are not the ones marching an army on the Imperial City. We have made no hostile move towards your House. We are entitled to hospitality.”

“Take it up with the Empress.” Mirar shoots back, “There’s a Cathak army on the march, and Juche will not become a target because we allowed enemy troops to shelter here.”

Danireya’s hands twitch through a series of subtle mudras, noticed only by Melody. Melody notices Danireya’s eyes shine with multi-colored flame, and Nellens Mirar goes slack: he stays on his feet, but the tension seems to drain from his body.

“Nellens Mirar, Juche is the city of House Nellens, but how can you defend it properly if you do not understand the city’s history? Allow us in and we’d be happy to educate you in the cities fine history.” Danireya entreats, her words opening the gates of Mirar’s impressionable mind.

“You’d do that?” The entranced Mirar says, obviously slightly dulled.

“Of course,” Danireya says, approaching with her arms spread. She gives Mirar a wide smile and a flirtatious look, “And I’m sure you could tell me more about the city in its modern state.” She says, her voice oozing with flattery as she attempts to exploit the mental vulnerability induced by her Charms with a more conventional form of manipulation.

Ganan and Ludila both shift uncomfortably, as Mirar takes Danireya’s arm in a daze and practically sleepwalks them past the guards. Melody gives the remaining guards an apologetic salute as they walk off with their commanding officer.

“Ganan, would you be so kind as to narrate an architectural history of Juche?” Danireya calls over her shoulder.

“The City of Juche was founded in the Time Before...” Ganan begins, launching into a detailed history of the city as Melody shakes her head in disbelief and despair.

****

“… until the construction of the Palace Sublime.” Ganan finally concludes as the sun starts to set, some hours later.

Nellens Mirar’s trance-like state has quite worn off, but he now seems besotted by Danireya. He suddenly snaps to full attention as Ganan’s droning history lesson comes to an end.

“Oh, but we haven’t found you anywhere to stay!” He says suddenly, rationalizing his behavior in his trance as freely deciding to help our heroes, “You must stay with me and my mother.” He insists.

“That’s very kind of you. It’s been a long day, and we have an early start tomorrow. We should like to turn in immediately,” Danireya says kindly, and she lays a hand on Mirar’s forearm, “If that’s acceptable.”

Mirar flushes bright red and nods mutely, leading them back to his estate. “Most of the household is mortal, and as are our guests. I’m afraid that without notice of your coming, the accommodations will be quite basic.”

Melody gives a loud yawn, “I’m sure they’ll be fine.”

Mirar shows them to their separate rooms, holding on to Danireya until last, and pointing out that his room is right across the hall. Danireya smiles politely and excuses herself to retire. Melody falls immediately into bed – the rooms are significantly nicer than their accommodations in Dovak, though obviously less lavish than the Mnemon quarters in the Imperial Palace.

Ludila and Ganan both linger on the Threshold of their rooms, looking at Danireya’s door. It takes them a moment to acknowledge that the other one is doing the exact same thing, then they look embarrassedly at each other.

“Early start in the morning.” Ganan coughs.

“Yes. Better turn in.” Ludila nods her head in the direction of her bed.

“Indeed.” Ganan says, waiting for Ludila to go into her room first.

Ludila almost hides her eye-roll, “Well goodnight.” She says, going into her room and closing the door. Ganan watches the door for a moment before going into his room and settling down for the night.

****

Just before first light, Ganan rises, casts his morning Invulnerable Skin of Bronze, and feels the floor creak beneath his weight. He goes to call on his wife. He lets himself into her room and finds her awake and getting dressed.

Danireya smiles at Ganan and embraces him, and the pair leave her room together as Ledaal Ludila leaves her own room. She looks at them, then quickly looks away, and goes to fetch Melody.

Melody is still asleep. After a long day’s traveling (and not on the back of her faithful mount), she can’t be roused from bed, causing Ludila to leave the room in frustration.

“You could set the bed on fire?” Ganan suggests.

Danireya smiles, “Udi, go see if these Nellens have any coffee.” She shakes her head affectionately at her sister.

Ludila returns with an aging, yet imperious looking, mortal woman, and a tray set with coffee and breakfast foods suitable for traveling. Ganan wrinkles his nose at the strong smell of the roasted beans.

“I am Nellens Imli. I can only apologize for the in-hospitality of my son. For an enlightened Dragon-Blooded, he is disgracefully inattentive to proper protocol.”

Danireya motions for Ludila to set a cup of coffee beside Melody, who immediately rises, enticed by the smell.

Danireya turns to Nellens Imli and gives a short bow, as is proper for addressing a Dynastic Matriarch, but not a fraction of an inch more. “I assure you, your son was a perfect gentleman. Dutiful in challenging us at your city’s gates. Honorable in showing us the fair city of Juche. And hospitable in offering us rooms in your fine... manor.” Danireya can’t quite bring herself to call this patrician housing a palace, but Imli doesn’t seem to take offense at her word choice.

Melody (having slept fully dressed) drains her coffee, pulls on her boots, and grabs a fresh pastry from the tray of breakfast things, and unceremoniously stuffs it into her mouth. “Okay, let’s go!” She says, slightly muffled by the food in her mouth.

Imli raises an eyebrow, but turns her attention back to Danireya, “Are you sure you won’t stay?”

“Nothing would give me greater pleasure.” Danireya answers politely, “Indeed, I expect we shall return to Juche shortly with definitive offers of lasting peace and friendship between our Houses. But I am afraid that duty dictates that we leave immediately.”

“Well if you are sure there is nothing more we can do for you,” Imli begins, then noticing Melody stuffing the rest of the pastries into her pockets, “And that you are adequately provisioned-”

“Quite adequately provisioned.” Danireya says, her polite smile not faltering, “It was a pleasure to receive your hospitality, Nellens Imli.” She calls to her companions “Ladies.” And they withdraw. (Melody stuffs another pastry into her mouth and offers Nellens Imli an enthusiastic thumbs up as they leave.)

Outside of Juche’s walls Danireya consults her map and takes a bearing for Arjuf.

“Let me drive.” Ludila says, laying a hand on Danireya’s shoulder, “I don’t need a map to find home from here. And you flew us all day yesterday. We better take these Tepet sigils off as well.” Danireya nods her assent and Ludila summons her dust devil.
****

The road from Juche that leads to the Great Coast Road is wide and paved. The Dragons fly past at a hundred miles an hour as Ludila throttles the Stormwind Rider, yet they pass precious little traffic. The Dragons are just passing the mighty city of Iron Scripture when a spear smashes into Ludila and they fall from the sky.

Ganan’s body cracks the stones of the road with his weight as he falls. Danireya shunts power into her anima, falling with a controlled grace as she pulls her shield across her body. Melody drops to the ground with a rough thud, landing face first.

Fifty ranked red and gold clad heavy infantry close in on the downed Dynasts in an instant. Their leader flicks his wrist and the spear that knocked Ludila from the sky retracts through the air, magically returning to its owner – a heavily armored woman with a full helm and tower shield of red jade emblazoned with the Cathak mons. Ludila gives a soft moan, Danireya is reassured that she’s still alive.

Ganan’s eyes flick over the assembled forces, spotting a second Dragon-Blooded with a pair of short daiklaves bringing up the rear.

“We’re not keeping these guys alive for any particular reason right?” Melody asks, picking herself up from the floor.

Danireya interposes herself between the Cathak troops and the downed Ludila, “Kill them all.” She says quietly.

Ganan cracks his neck, his anima glows for a moment in anticipation of combat, and then collapses as he draws forth Thunder’s Crash. He takes aim at the spear throwing leader, and his weapon thrums with barely contained power.

Melody, not expecting the ambush, draws her bow.

The spear-thrower orders her infantry to charge forward, and the mass of mortals advance on the Mnemon scions as she takes aim at Ganan with her spear.

The twin-bladed officer in the rear rank tears forward, pushing his way through his troops to close in with our heroes.

Danireya speaks the Burning Name and sends a gout of flame at the twin-bladed Cathak pushing his way through the takes. The flames wash over his jade reinforced breastplate, doing minimal damage.

Ganan sprints forward, swinging his tetsubo overhead to smash into the twin-bladed Cathak. His foe moves with the preternatural grace of the Dragon-Blooded, and erupts into overwhelming fire majesty, wreathing himself in protective fire even as water essence enhances his defense. Yet Ganan strikes as the hammer, and his blow lands with the force of the mountain as he steels his mind against the flame. The blow drives the Cathak warrior to the ground, smashing the wind out of him despite his artifact armor. Ganan’s anima glows with power.

Melody snaps a shot at the falling Cathak Dragon-Blooded, as she brings death from nowhere. Even before her shot hits, Melody is backing up to put some distance between her and the advancing army.

The spear thrower chucks at Ganan, whose anima erupts into its iconic display as he shifts into Earth Dragon Form. The spear forces Ganan to take a step back into the sea of surrounding mortal infantry.

“Kill him!” The floored twin-blade bellows at the Cathak troops, who launch into Ganan with a mess of slashing swords, which bounce harmlessly from Ganan’s invulnerable skin.

Danireya grabs Ludila under the arms and starts to pull her towards Melody.

The twin-blade tries to rise from the ground, but Ganan stamps on his back, driving him back into the dirt.

Ganan’s anima lashes at the mortals, tearing into them viciously. “Pitiable children!” Ganan chides and drives his foot into the ground. His anima rears up into the air as the sand-man that makes up the display flexes its biceps in a show of strength. The shock-wave from Ganan’s foot blasts the mortal soldiers back, devastating their ranks – fully half of them fall to the ground and don’t get back up, others peel off and start running for the hills. The twin-blade is thrown back to land by the spear thrower. Even the spear thrower, ten yards away, is knocked from her feet, her anima blazing around her but she is not thrown back.

“Dragons fuck in the heavens!” Melody exclaims involuntarily in Low Realm as she aims at the downed spear thrower in the space of a heart-beat, then she sends an essence backed arrow into an impossible gap in her armor. The arrow explodes into thorns, ripping her flesh and drawing gouts of blood.

The spear thrower rises from the ground on a pillar of smoke and she throws her spear at Ganan again, driving him back another pace.

In the respite, the mortals rank up again, and interpose themselves between Ganan and their commander. Again their swords ring futilely at his invulnerable skin as they try to slow him down until the spear thrower can finish him off.

“Watch Udi!” Danireya yells to Melody as she dashes back into the fray and casts fire over the mortal infantry. The flames lick at their armor and heavy shields, but the scattered troops desperately rank up to face her down as she picks off their lone members.

The Cathak twin-blade, picks himself off the ground, and rips off his helmet to breath better. His face is a shattered mess, covered in blood, and every breath seems labored.

Spear thrower makes a killing move and throws her javelin directly for Ganan’s head. There’s an all mighty burst of light as Ganan discharges his anima through his invulnerable skin as a last ditch protective measure. His bronze skin shatters, and his anima collapses, as the spear is turned aside. But the mighty blow still slashes through Ganan’s cheek, filling his mouth with blood as the skin flaps apart.

The mortals close in to hammer Ganan once more. The superior reach of his whirling tetsubo keeps them from mobbing him, but their slashing swords get under his guard and batter him. His skin is still unnaturally tough, and the mortals blades find little purchase, but they still force him further off balance.

Danireya throws fire at the mortals again, forcing them to divide their attention between the Dragons.

Ganan smashes into the remaining mortal troops, scattering them like an avalanche sweeping through a mountain forest. The remaining Cathak legionnaires break and run. Ganan stands alone, surrounded by bodies, blood dripping from his torn cheek, the ragged flapping skin exposing his gritted teeth. His anima glows again.

Melody takes aim at the wounded Cathak twin-blade, taking a deep breath to steady herself.

The twin-blade bellows orders to his fleeing troops and charges at Ganan. Reluctantly, half-a-dozen troops rally and rank up, following in his wake as he crashes into Ganan, who turns easily parrying the broken Cathak Dragon’s blades.

The mortals hack at Ganan, but between their reduced numbers and Ganan’s superior reach, they fail to land a blow.

Ganan sweeps his tetsubo through the rallied troops, turning rib cages to red pulp as he batters aside their shields with unstoppable jade.

Danireya pours yet more flame onto the twin blade, who has clearly gained a second wind. Her flames hit easily and bit ferociously, utterly demoralizing the fire aspect.

Melody loses, taking the twin-blade in the neck. He crumbles and falls, precious blood soaking the dirt.

The spear thrower sizes up her options. Her soldiers are dead and scattered, her Scale-lord dead. One enemy Dragon is downed, another spent and wounded… yet two more are fresh and menacing. Deciding on discretion, she turns and flees, leaving a blazing trail of fire in her wake.

“Let her go.” Danireya orders in a tone that brooks no argument. “We have a mission. Melody, Udi needs help.”

Ganan nods gruffly and nods towards Ludila, and Melody sets to work. Between the spear and the fall, Udi has taken a lot of damage.

“There’s bruising on the brain.” Melody says assessing the swelling, “Punctured lung. Broken leg. And the fall has reopened the wounds Sesus Dabab caused.” Her tone is not encouraging.

“She’s still breathing.” Danireya says, “Can’t you save her?”

Melody sinks her hand into the grass Ludila is laying on, feeling the pulse of living wood essence in the world. She opens her satchel of healing, and straightens Ludila out as best she can. “Stand back.” She warns, as she reaches out with her essence, pulling at the grass and plants with her mystic power. The plants weave themselves into Ludila’s wounds, piercing, draining, stitching and filling collapsed lungs with fresh air. Ludila’s eyes flutter open.

“Ouch.” She complains, and tries to push herself to her feet.

“Youll shloud resht.” Ganan slurs through his ruined face, and Ludila lays back down.

Melody takes a fine moonsilver needle and green thread-of-jade, and uses them to stitch Ganan’s face back together. The work is fine, and in fifteen minutes, the wound is hardly visible. “Shouldn’t even scar.” Melody reassures Ganan as he gingerly touches his face.

“Ganan, help Udi up.” Danireya orders as she starts summoning a new Stormwind Rider, “Melody, cover us.”

****

The lands of Arjuf Dominion are as badly scarred as the patrician lands to the east: clearly House Cathak has shown no restraint pillaging Ledaal farms and polluting the winding rivers as they trampled over the low dry hills of the Dominion. The sorcerers are struck by how the casual destruction has offset the auspicious patterns of farmland. Yet no villages have been burned or towns sacked – this land has been touched by war, but not devastated by it. An incidental casualty in the march across the country rather than a deliberate target by the Cathak Usurpers to punish House Ledaal for their support of Mnemon.

Melody sings the entire journey, and the music relieves the wounded Dragon’s pains and speeds their healing.

Blessedly, the Dragons make it to Arjuf City without further incident. Ledaal forces have secured the city, but they admit Ledaal Ludila and her Mnemon companions without incident.

Ludila leads them through the city past many impressive obelisks and olive skinned locals. The streets are filled with bohemians, artists and philosophers. But the peasants show proper deference for the Dragon-Blooded, clearing the streets for them as they pass, with their artifacts on display.

As they turn into a wealthy district of the city a voice rings out. “Hear ye, hear ye!” A well dressed Patrician shouts from a pavilion on a broad intersection, “I present ‘Free Thoughts on the Miracle of the Successor’. Heed not the House Sesus who screams ‘civil war’: they have not our interests at heart.”

“Oh my god, tear this fool apart.” Melody pushes Danireya forward, and Danireya shoots her a tired look and shakes her head.

“Blood shed and warfare are all we abhor. Don’t let them lead you astray. House Sesus does not speak for me.”

“Let him be.” Danireya warns Melody as they continue on.

“They’re fools playing dangerous games! I pray Lord Cainan shows them his mercy! For shame! For shame!”

Ganan leaps onto the stage and starts to shout over the Patrician’s speech, “He’d have you all unravel at the sound of screams, but the civil war is coming. Cainan is not going to win this.” He turns to the patrician, “It’s hard to listen to you with a straight-face. Bloodshed and warfare already haunt us, you shouldn’t even talk. Have you seen the northern farmland? Look at the cost and ever mounting loss, and you talk about Sesus?” He says slapping his palm with punctuation.

The meager crowd has swollen somewhat as Ganan makes his appeal. They seem to be siding with the Dragons, even Ludila seems to be impressed.

The patrician falters, “House Sesus does not speak for me!”

Danireya pinches her brow in frustration then takes the stage, “This is larger than House Sesus against House Cathak.” She announces, she announces to the gathered crowd, “Cathak Cainan is trying to usurp the throne through unexplained sorcery that the Mouth of Peace herself has denounced as a bogus miracle. House Sesus, House V’neef, House Mnemon and House Ledaal, are standing up for the Realm. The Regent, the Deliberative and the Patrician houses of the Imperial City are standing up for the Realm. No-one is saying House Sesus speaks for you all. But we’re the ones protecting the good people of the Realm from an ambitious warmonger. A warmonger who is attacking your people and burning your farms.”

A murmur of approval ripples through the crowd. Someone punches the air and cries “Death to the Usurper!”

The disgraced patrician stumbles of the stage and runs away in disgrace before the crowd turns violent. Danireya gives a short bow and dismisses the crowd with a wave. “If you’re going to do it...” She says affectionately to her husband, who bows in response.

“Come on, it’s not far.” Ludila says, applauding softly, and wincing gingerly as she leads them round the next bend to a vast estate. “Home sweet home.”

The building of vast marble can only be described as palatial. The immaculately swept grounds have aesthetic patterns raked in imported white sand, the boarder plants trimmed with precision to evoke awe. A vast white staircase leads to the main entrance, but Ludila leads them through the grounds, and round to a side entrance which is considerably less impressive. Ludila produces keys and lets them inside.

Aside from the lack of servants, the inside of Ledaal Ludila’s palace is even more luxuriously appointed than the Alinos mansion in Mnemon-Darjilis.

“Da-amn.” Melody says as she enters.

“I don’t think it warrants a two syllable damn,” Ganan answers off-handedly, “But this is significantly nicer than everywhere else we’ve stayed in the last three months.”

“Imperial Palace was nice.” Melody concedes.

“Nicer than this?” Ganan rejoins, pointing at a Varangian clock, the rich fur rugs, and gilded portraits.

“Actually… no.” Melody admits, “What happens if you flare?”

Ludila shoots her a warning look, “Do not destroy my house.”

A man’s voice comes from deeper inside the house, “Darling is that you?”

Ludila smiles weakly as Danireya and Ganan share an incredulous look. “No, it’s… me.” Ludila calls as a hansom man in blue and gray walks in. He’s smeared from head to toe in black soot and grease and wares a rig of blue jade which covers his arms and back and from which multiple strange and arcane tools jut on insectoid arms. He gives the short bow of one unsure of their station when he sees the strange Dynasts standing in the hall.

Ganan gives a throaty chuckle, “For just I moment, I thought we were just about to meet your husband!” He jokes, shaking his head.

“Mnemon Alinos Danireya, Mnemon Melody, Cynis Ganan,” Ludila says in a formal tone, “My son, Ledaal Liir.”

Ganan’s smile hangs stupidly for a moment, then it falls and he clears his throat, and looks at the ground.

Danireya fixes a polite, political smile. It’s a smile that turns the mouth but doesn’t reach the eyes, “Your son?” She echoes, somewhat dumbstruck, “Of course. Well, it is a pleasure to meet you young man.” She bows, the correct inclination for a Dynast greeting a stranger of lesser social station.

Melody also bows. Ganan still embarrassed, gives an awkward salute.

“Mnemon Danireya is on a diplomatic mission.” Ludila continues primly, “I’ve been tasked by the House to assist and report back on her progress. We shall be staying here tonight.”

Ledaal Liir bows again, formally, “Shall I recall some servants from the East Wing, mother?”

Ludila nods graciously, “That would be most welcome. But we strike out at first light tomorrow, then the West Wing falls back into your trust.”

“It’s a pleasure to have met you.” Liir bows again and leaves.

“Wait?” Melody questions once Liir has departed, “Your kid lives in this enormous mansion by himself?”

“Don’t be absurd.” Ludila chides, “The rest of the family lives just across in the East Wing. And in normal times my… my husband and I would be here with him.”

Danireya inquires curiously, her smile fixed and joyless, “Your husband. You’ve never mentioned him. Liir’s father?”

“There seemed little reason to. Not in Dovak. Certainly not in the middle of a civil war.” Ludila’s tone is precise and emotionless.

Liir returns, “I’ve invited some artistes to dinner tonight mother. You are welcome to join us, or I could cancel, or have the servants bring you dinner your private reception?”

Melody cuts in quickly “We’d love to socialize with some of the great artistes of your fine city. After so much time just the four of us, it will be a treat to take in some society.”

Ludila and Liir look like they’ve been taken by surprise and clearly aren’t clear on the proper etiquette.

Danireya steps in smoothly, “Though, of course, we have an early start in the morning, so we’ll have to excuse ourselves early.”

“Of course,” Liir says with a bow, somewhat relieved. “Dinner will be served at seven.”

Ganan blunders forward and addresses Liir “I knew your mother many years ago. I wasn’t aware she married. Might I inquire as your lineage?”

“Ganan!” Danireya reprimands harshly, and as she reads Ludila’s expression she shakes her head slightly but firmly.

“What?” Ganan asks, wide-eyed, “We’re all family here. Practically. I am Cynis Ganan: dam Cynis Falen Lorana, sire Ledaal Vidad.”

Liir looks helplessly at his mother, then resigned stands to attention, “Ledaal Liir, dam Ledaal Ludila…, sire Cathak Nolan.”

“You’re married to a Cathak?” Melody asks Ludila.

Danireya’s fixed smile does not drop for a moment, “She’s married to a Cathak officer. 26^th Legion. An impeccable bloodline, if memory serves.”

Ludila nods slowly, “My husband is of the highest pedigree, one of the finest bloodlines in House Cathak. Though he was cashiered from the 26^th when the Great Houses took over maintenance of the legions, and he is presently serving as an amercer under Cathak Setod.”

Danireya puts an end to the conversation, “A noble calling.” She says definitively. “Please, we’ve intruded on your home. Don’t let our uninvited attendance keep you from your… work.”

“Actually mother… as you’re here perhaps you could help me with my project.” Liir asks, apologetically.

Ludila feels her fresh wounds, “We ran into some trouble on the road. I really just need to rest… But Cynis Ganan here was one of my instructors at the Heptagram. And as he says, we’re basically family.”

Liir smiles a genuine smile, all unpleasantness forgotten, “A fellow sorcerer? Please, sir, right this way.” And he leads Ganan down to the basement as Ganan follows intrigued.

“A Cathak officer?” Melody says, the moment Ganan and Liir are out of earshot.

“It’s not as noteworthy as it sounds.” Ludila says leading them to a drawing room, and collapsing into a large chair.

Melody and Danireya share a two-seater opposite her.

“If memory serves, Cathak Nolan was making waves shortly before we set out for Dovak. Politically active.” Danireya says pointedly.

Ludila pauses, “Yes… he is ambitious. It is not improbable that he’ll be drawn to the field sooner or later.”

Danireya folds her hands in her lap, “And you don’t anticipate this being a problem?”

Ludila gives another pause before continuing, “He is a skilled fighter, and carries three potent artifacts from his House. He will be a challenge to bring down. And… I’d rather we didn’t kill my son’s father unless absolutely necessary.”

Danireya unfolds her hands and lets her fixed smile fade. She leans in and somehow seems warmer despite her stern expression, “That is noteworthy. Especially with Ganan in the field.”

A serving girl appears with tea and rice-cakes. She seems ill at ease to be serving the sorcerer’s wing, but she serves diligently none-the-less then quickly disappears.

Ludila takes a cup of tea, and sips, “Do you think Ganan would restrain himself? He doesn’t like me, nor is he the best at following orders.”

“No chance if you don’t ask.” Melody says, sipping her tea delicately, and producing a (somewhat crushed) Nellens pastry from breakfast as she wrinkles her nose at the rice cakes.

****

Meanwhile, in the basement…

Liir shows Ganan the sorcerous workshop, “So this is where the magic happens!” He jokes.

“Reminds me of my mother’s home.” Ganan says, “Dark, away from the rest of the house, shielded from the occasional explosion.”

Liir pauses… “Well… uh… that last one is the problem.”

Ganan raises an eyebrow as Liir shows him to a corner of the room. A large armor frame is bolted to the wall. Hanging on the frame is an ornate suit of armor made of bulky, overlapping plates inscribed with prayers for victory in battle.

Ganan gives a low whistle, “That’s Gunzosha armor.” Ganan says, impressed.

Liir beams proudly, “Yes, but this basement isn’t explosion-proof.” He points to the wall, “Armor frame is drilled directly into the building’s foundations. White Jade pins.”

Ganan examines the large rents in the wall and floor, “Pins are indestructible, building foundations aren’t.”

“The House hostile to sorcerers. Our matriarch is a sorcerer. It’s a highly valued skill. Very marriageable.”

“A much healthier attitude than House Cynis has, I assure you.” Ganan says examining the wall.

“But House Cathak...”

“Hates sorcerers.” Ganan finishes, as clueless as he is about Dynastic politics, he knows that.

“Hence the House divided. So I was thinking mother could help with a mystical working. Maybe summon an earth elemental.”

“Shouldn’t be necessary. We take the armor of the rack, unbolt the frame, reinforce the foundations, drill the rack back in, hang the armor. Five, six hour job maximum.”

Liir shakes his head, “The armor is non-functional and it weighs-”

Ganan lifts the armor off the frame, biceps straining as he heaves it carefully away and lays it on the floor a short distance away.

“Next we just have to take out the bolts.” (10SP spent: 4GP, 3SP)

****

At seven, Ganan and Liir are still in the basement, resetting the armor frame when Liir’s guests start to arrive. Liir excuses himself as Ganan insists that he’ll finish up and be right there.

Ledaal servants show Ludila, Danireya and Melody to dinner where they’re sat prominently at the table. Wine is poured as the other guests are seated: a collection of half-a-dozen fine minds and creatives, sharply dressed. Introductions are made, but the Dynasts smile politely and make no effort to learn the mortal’s names. One patrician turns bright-red and becomes immediately flustered.

Liir arrives into the room and takes his seat next to his mother. He’s grease free and no longer wearing the colors of his house, “Ah, I see you’ve met Tetagana Tiran.”

Danireya smiles predatorily, “We actually caught his lecture on ‘Free Thoughts on the Miracle of the Successor’ in the pavilion earlier.”

Liir laughs heartily, “Deliciously subversive isn’t it!”

“We’d prefer if he wasn’t encouraging the subversion of the Realm.” Melody says as appetizers are served.

“It’s only subversion, if Cathak Cainan loses.” Liir counters, “I’m not saying the Shadow Council has made a mistake not backing Cainan. It’s actually very sensible to watch and see.”

Danireya takes some wine, “Oh, I don’t know. With Cathak troops disrupting the geomancy of the farms to the north, you might find that Cainan is rapidly losing support among the common folks.”

Another patrician speaks, “It’s true. As much as we like to think we lead the peasants by the nose, the sad fact is that the common washer woman has as much pull as the most well-bred scion of house Tetagana.”

Dinner continues with our heroes sparring verbally with Arjuf’s elite. Ganan, kept clean by his enchanted pearls, arrives in time for dessert. He gives Tetagana Tiran a queer look but says nothing.

The Dynasts finish dinner and excuse themselves, turning in for the night in well appointed rooms. Ludila jokingly tries to show Ganan and Danireya to separate rooms, but Danireya just smiles at her as she pulls her husband into her room.

****

Danireya spends 8XP to train Speech Without Words, 3DX to train Craft 3, 3DX to buy a Performance specialty in Oratory (3DX) and Performance 4 (5DX).

Ganan spends 12DX to train Chambered Fist Charge x2 and 8XP to train Stones-From-Rubble Restoration.

****

Battle-map:

Red: Cathak Cainan's Forces
White: Mnemon's forces
Black: Sesus forces
Green: Independent

https://ibb.co/jk5v7BQ
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Dynasty of Dovak