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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 54 – A Wind Swept Rock – Reya (150XP 120DX, 143/114 spent; 9GP 11SP), Melody (150XP 120DX, 147/108 spent), and Ganan (150XP 120DX, 148XP/118DX spent; 2WhP 37GP 34SP)

The heroes assemble for breakfast next morning, once again rising ahead of the sun. Ganan has recast invulnerable skin of bronze, and Melody excuses herself, dragging Ganan after her as Danireya and Ludila plan the last leg of their journey.

“Should we meet Cathak Nolan in combat, Reya wants him taken alive.” Melody informs Ganan.

Ganan shrugs noncommittally, as the others join them.

Ludila explains the last leg of their journey, “We fly more or less due west from here to reach the Palace of Vines. Shouldn’t take longer than four hours or so. The Palace is a well fortified Ledaal manse. I’ve taken the liberty of having my servants refresh our traveling supplies, but if there’s anything else you need that I don’t have to hand here, we can get it there.”

The others shake their heads as Melody checks her supply of arrows and medicine, satisfied that she has sufficient supplies.

Ludila continues, “Then the dangerous part of the journey begins. We’ll by flying over the inland sea. I know that worked out fine for us last time, but it’s really not something to be complacent about. We should take two riders: Ganan and I, Melody and Danireya. A bad wave could knock us into the sea, to say nothing of Peleps warships. We’ll be deep into land dominated by House Cathak… who, as we have already established, have no great love of sorcerers. If they see us, I expect they’ll fire on us.”

Melody raises a hand, “Question, not that I’m complaining, why do you get Ganan instead of letting the love birds fly together?”

Danireya answers, “If we get knocked into the sea, I’d rather my children not be orphaned. We will fly first, charting the way. Ludila and Ganan will follow behind, catch us if we fall. House Cynis and House Ledaal have more plausible deniability if they’re caught.”

“Wow. Cheerful.” Melody responds, “Okay, so… we’re doing this?”

The flight to the Palace of Vines is more of the same. Ganan’s wounds have healed with rest, but Ludila is still clearly beaten up. They arrive in time for an early luncheon at the Ledaal manse, and whilst they are not greeted as warmly as in Arjuf, they are admitted without incident.

The Mnemon scions are treated to meats and cheeses as Ludila excuses herself to make her reports on the progress of the war and receive further briefing.

Melody speaks, “Are you sure we’ve got everything we need before we descend into hell here? We should have brought Berit a cask of that brandy...”

“We can all swim, right?” Ganan asks.

Melody shakes her head and mimes, “I only doggy paddle.”

Danireya pinches the bridge of her nose, “I don’t think Ludila swims. She never did as a kid. But swimming isn’t exactly going to save us if we fall in the Inland Sea.”

Ganan considers, “Not on its own, but it helps to know who to pick up first. If it comes to that. I don’t think we need anything else.”

Danireya nods in agreement, “Berit doesn’t need a bribe of brandy. She’s a warrior.”

Melody chuckles, “How many warriors do you know? Because I haven’t fought alongside a legionnaire who wouldn’t be put in a better mood by a bottle.”

Ledaal Ludila returns, “Are we ready to depart?”

“Unless your family is going to lend us some kind of first age sky-ship, then we’re as ready as we’re going to be.” Danireya quips, and the quartet leave the manse.

Standing looking out over the inland sea, they take their bearings for the island of Iora. There are no Peleps’ ships on the horizon: a good start. Danireya and Ludila start summoning Stormwind Riders and the Dynasts pair off and launch into the sea.

Hours pass as the spray of salt and sea assault the Dynasts. Our trio is protected from ruinous aspect of the spray by their artifacts, but they still get wet. They ride boldly over the waves, navigating not only with skill but grace. Hours pass as the Dynasts channel their own primal power into the spell enduring the tempest for longer than any mortal sorcerer could hope for. The sun sets and a light appears as lamps are it in Iora.

The Dynasts make landfall on a rocky beach far from the main port.

“Now that was surprisingly straight-forward.” Melody says as the Stormwind Riders dissipate.

Ganan sights something further down the beach, “What’s that?” He asks, raising a hand to his eyes.

Melody sighs, “I had to open my big mouth.” She nocks and arrow as Ganan advances on a one-man cutter, wrecked on the rocks.

As they approach, a pained voice calls out to them from the shipwreck, “Stop! Who goes there?”

The Dynasts look, but can’t see the owner of the voice. The boat itself, however, bears the Imperial Mons.

Danireya steps forward, “I am Mnemon Alinos Danireya. These are my companions. We are here on Realm business. You are traveling under the Imperial Mons: identify yourself and we will render assistance.”

“We will?” Melody asks, quietly.

“We are on a schedule.” Ganan adds.

Danireya sighs, “We’re here to keep the Realm from tearing itself apart. We’re not going to pass-by.”

The voice calls out, “Tereya Phine, Conveyor, Imperial Post… I was run a-ground as night fell. My leg is trapped.”

Danireya nods, “Ganan, go free the Conveyor. Melody, keep a sharp eye for bandits.”

Ganan moves forward, not particularly cautiously, his bronze body pounding over the beach. He heaves himself into the boat in a single, fluid motion, to find the wounded Conveyor indeed trapped by broken planks in the boat, which have shifted apart, then come together, pinning the leg between water-tight boards.

“It looks bad.” Ganan calls back with absolutely no tact or delicacy, “You sure Melody shouldn’t look at her before I move her?”

Danireya defers to Melody.

“How long have you been here Conveyor Phine?” Melody calls out.

Phine grimaces and shouts back, “I don’t know. I blacked-out. It was already after dark when my boat got in trouble. Maybe an hour?”

Melody considers, “No it’s fine. Too long to do any good. Not long enough to avoid anything bad.” She shouts back, then adds quietly to Danireya, “It’ll hurt like hell though.”

Phine looks up at Ganan, “I heard that. I have good hearing.”

Ganan grunts, looks at the boat, and smashes one of the jammed planks with a one-handed palm strike, freeing Phine’s leg. Though he lacks medical training, Ganan doesn’t bother ask if Phine can walk, seeing the floppy shattered remains of what was once a right knee. Instead he lifts her, and carries her back to the others, who have moved up the from the water side. Gingerly, he lays Phine down on the ground. Blessedly, she’s passed out.

Melody straightens out the leg, “Well she’s going to lose the leg. May as well make it clean. Can I get a little light?”

Ganan drops into Earth Dragon Form, and blazes with white light. Melody sets to work: she cuts away the tattered pants of the Conveyor’s uniform, draws a tourniquet, scalpel and a bone-saw from her satchel and sets to work. Ganan’s anima hasn’t had the chance to drop before Melody is done, the ruined leg cleanly sheared away, stitched and bound. Melody carefully props her patient, still wearing her own delivery satchel, upright and retrieves some smelling salts to revive her. The Conveyor recovers slowly. She doesn’t scream but she looks at her stump transfixed as Melody talks her through wound care.

Ganan makes the most of his light by picking his way back to the cutter. There’s nothing else of value in the boat – the sail is ruined, one oar is missing, there’s no cargo and any provisions have been ruined. He takes the remaining oar and shapes it into a crutch (7SP) working it with tools and his own hands before heading back to rejoin the others.

“I’ve never not made a delivery.” Phine says, still not looking away from her leg.

Ganan hands her the crutch, “No reason to break that record. I assume you’re heading for Berit?”

Phine grits her teeth, “I might be heading in that direction.” She answers, guardedly.

Danireya helps her to her feet, “Well, we are going to see Berit. We’d be happy to escort you if we’re going in the same direction.”

“But… Why?” Phine asks suspiciously.

Danireya spreads her palms, “I am Mnemon Alinos Danireya. Cathak Cainan is marching an army on the Imperial City. The Regent, bless his incompetent soul, is desperately trying to defend the city from this insurrection. I’m here to recruit Berit to that effort. You’ve met my sister Mnemon Alinos Gracious Pealing Melody, and my husband, Cynis Ganan. This is Ledaal Ludila. Now, you could be delivering a missive from Cathak Cainan himself trying to recruit Berit to his side, but you’re wearing an Imperial uniform, and we are trying to defend the Realm: that means we’re here to defend you.”

“Conveyors have a fearsome reputation.” Melody says with a salute, “Hopefully four Dragon-Blooded can make up for you missing a leg.”

Phine actually smiles back at her and shakes her head. Then she catches herself and bows, awkwardly due to the missing leg. Ganan ducks under her right arm and she takes the crutch in her left, and they proceed to The House of the Rusted Sword. The road is paved but narrow, and the climb is difficult as the road winds up the exposed cliff-side at a sheer angle.

The Dynast’s reach Berit’s manse in the middle of the night and knock boldly on the door. There’s no answer for several minutes.

“Do we knock again?” Melody asks, and Danireya holds up a hand and shakes her head.

Eventually the door opens: black and white liveried guards stare hard at them then usher them inside. The five of them are taken to a receiving room, where a red-headed woman in a white jade reinforced breastplate and black clothing bids them to be seated. She has a white jade grand goremaul, propped by the fireplace. Her tightly curled hair is cropped shoulder length, the better to be swept back before battle.

The woman speaks, “Well this is a fine honor guard for the Imperial Post.” She holds out her hand imperiously for the delivery.

Tereya Phine unbuckles her satchel and hands over her package. Danireya discretely looks as the parcel, perhaps the size of a small book, changes hands. Danireya notes the mons on the seal – a Patrician house, but not one she recognizes.

“Despite appearances,” Danireya begins smoothly, “We’re actually here on separate business. We came upon this courier as we made landfall. She was injured, paths converge.” She smiles politely, “And diverge. Our business is with Berit.”

“This isn’t Berit?” Melody whispers to Ganan, who shrugs and mouths back ‘go with it’.

Riven Dusk, Berit’s trusted lieutenant scoops up her goremaul and the package delivered by Tereya Phine, and she sweeps out of the room without another word.

The Imperial Conveyor struggles to her foot, she bows again, just as awkwardly and begins to hobble from the room.

“Tarry a little.” Danireya calls out, “Tereya Phine, I assume you’ll be retiring from your post, no?”

She nods slightly, “Yes, mistress. I have… family across country.”

Melody furrows her brow, “Across country? Your boat is wrecked, I don’t think you’re getting off Iora.”

Tereya Phine, grits her teeth, and stands waiting to be dismissed.

Danireya turns to Melody, “Are we not acquainted with the Tereya family? Quite prestigious, if memory serves. I believe you’re close.” Melody seems to be drawing a blank so Danireya prods, “In the Imperial City.”

“Swift’s family?” Melody asks.

Tereya Phine breaks all pretense of formal protocol, “You’re friends with Kingfisher Swift?” She asks eagerly.

Melody is too well versed in Dynastic etiquette to question this, “Some time ago we fought together.”

“We’re actually returning to the Imperial City after this.” Danireya lets the comment hang pointedly for a moment.

Phine awkwardly lowers herself to prostrate herself on the floor, “I beg you, honored Dragons, please take me with you.”

“We resisted the urge to tamper with your package, but I can’t help but mention that I didn’t recognize the seal.” Danireya dangles in front of the Conveyor.

“Oh, that’s House Tereya’s mons.” Melody answers offhandedly, “Swift uses it.”

Danireya blinks hard and turns slowly to Melody to give her a hard stare. She slowly turns her attention back to the bowing Patrician. “A Tereya Conveyor for a Tereya package. What are the odds?”

“What indeed?” A woman with eyes like the sea, sweeps into the room, stepping over the prone Patrician as if this is something she’s well used to. She dressed in black jade plate, with a matching daiklave at her side. Her hair, the color of black jade is cropped short, and her face square and set – chiseled and determined. Unlike the guards and the other Dragon-Blooded, she wears scarlet under her armor rather than white. “An envoy from House Tereya comes to invite me to the Imperial City. In the middle of a civil war. With an escort of four Dragon-Blooded. Long odds indeed.”

Melody nudges Ganan, “Is this Berit?” Ganan shrugs again, as Danireya and Ludila rise to their feet. Melody and Ganan also stand; Melody smoothly, Ganan awkwardly.

Berit’s eyes narrow on Melody, “I am Berit. Who the fuck are you?”

Danireya bows, giving her best winning smile as she tries to size Berit up and she seamlessly adjusts her bearing to match (though Berit seems unimpressed), “I am Mnemon Alinos Danireya, this is Mnemon Melody, Ledaal Ludila and Cynis Ganan. We’re here to recruit the greatest living general in the Realm, with the promise of five legions to render under your command now, and more to come.”

Berit raises an eyebrow, clearly interested despite herself, “The last I checked, House Tereya doesn’t have five legions. Who do you represent?”

“I am here on official business on behalf of my House and my Matriarch. Although… our aims do align with that of House Tereya.” Danireya says, casting a look down at Phine, “Mnemon has aligned her cause with the defenders of the Imperial City, and committed two legions to its defense. But that really is an unlikely coincidence.”

Berit gives a wry smile, “Mnemon. My sister, Mnemon? Wants to give me five legions? And she supposedly called me, what was that, ‘greatest living general in the Realm’?” She shakes her head in disbelief.

Danireya lies smoothly, “Actually, she said: ‘That bitch sister of mine would be a disaster on the throne, but the biggest mistake our mother ever made was to alienate the greatest general the Realm has ever known. Do whatever it takes to see she fights on our side and not the enemies.’”

Berit casts a look of distaste at Danireya.

Melody cuts in smoothly, “Don’t shoot the messenger. I certainly don’t think you’re a bitch, and I have no idea how you’d be on the throne. But everyone from the most educated woman to the filthiest peasant agrees you’re the greatest general in the Realm. Frankly, I’m surprised, but encouraged, that you haven’t accepted Cathak Cainan’s overtures of alliance.”

Berit’s eyes narrow as she flicks her attention back to Melody, “If you’ve come to wake me up in the middle of the night to irritate me, then mission accomplished. But I don’t, for one moment, believe that Mnemon is offering me five legions. She only has three.”

Danireya produces Mnemon’s scroll and passes it over to Berit, “She’s actually offering you command over all her forces. But I’ve only been on the case for four days, so I’ve only managed to recruit two more legions so far.”

Berit unrolls Mnemon’s message, “This… this is authentic.” She mutters, “Mnemon wants to form a triumvirate with me and our sister, I can only presume that’s Rulinsei so I’ll always be outvoted 2-1, because I don’t see what else Rulinsei’s offering. But she’s offering me command of her armies… Five legions? Cathak has eight.”

“And House Peleps has the entire Imperial Navy.” Danireya turns to Melody, “Everyone keeps forgetting that.”

Melody nods, “It’s pretty important. Also V’neef.”

Danireya turns back to Berit and bows again, precisely so as to not cause offense, “That would be why we need you.” Her tone is sincere and somber as she makes a genuine appeal, “The Realm needs you. We are fighting to protect the Realm from a Usurper, we’ve moved the bulk of our forces into a battle that I don’t think we can win. You… you are the last great hope of the Realm. Because if we don’t stop Cainan now. If we allow Cainan to sit on the throne, then this war is over. House Mnemon does not have a general fit to shine your boots. Your victory over Evisa Drinks-the-Sky is legendary. Whatever offer Cainan has made you, we’ll match it.”

Berit clenches her teeth, “House Cathak has not seen fit to ask for my aid.”

“More proof of how disastrous Empress Cainan will be.” Melody smiles widely. Ludila shakes her head in disbelief.

Berit holds up the scroll, “This offer speaks about stopping the usurper. It also alludes to a lasting alliance for our triumvirate.”

Danireya nods, “I’m not going to insult you. Mnemon wants to secure the Realm from the Usurper, yes. But she also wants to be Empress. Her offer is simple, back her for Empress and sit at her right hand. Berit, matriarch of Great House Berit.”

“I want the legions.” Berit says simply, “All forty of the Imperial Legions. I do this, and when we win, and Mnemon gets the throne, then I get the legions.”

Danireya considers, “If House Cathak wins, what do you think you’ll get? Do you think Cainan will elevate another House? A military house?” Danireya shakes her head, “He won’t allow a rival as powerful as you to just sit here. He’s not your mother. You have no shortage of options. I’m sure patrician houses beg you to join them every day. Perhaps House Tepet has sent envoys. Mnemon is offering you everything you have spent your life working for. I can’t offer you all forty legions.” She pauses, “But I can offer you fifteen. Mnemon will not allow her enemies to hold their legions after the war. The four Cathak Legions, and their four Imperial Legions, the four seized by Peleps, and the three seized by Ragara. House Berit will be the mightiest single military force in the world, you’ll rival the forces of the Realm itself. This I can offer you, but no more. Cathak Cainan shows you exactly why.”

Berit takes the seat previously occupied by her lieutenant and motions for the others to sit, and they do, “Interesting that you mention Ragara.” She says, “He was here, my brother, today, at a reasonable hour no less. He was concerned about not prolonging this war.”

“He was trying to lead you like a lamb to slaughter.” Melody exclaims slapping her palm, “Weren’t you paying attention, do you think Cainan will really just leave you here?”

Berit waves dismissively, “I don’t see how my lot will be any better under Mnemon.”

Melody leans back, “Well that’s easy. Your mother wanted to build a Realm she could control. With endless politics and arcane sorcery. Cainan wants to build a Realm he can control. With military discipline and a hella-large army. But Mnemon...” She smiles and shares a look with Danireya, “Mnemon would love to build a Realm she can control. But Mnemon, unlike your mother, is not completely insane. Mnemon sees the Bull of the North. She sees the Mask of Winters. The Deathknights. The returning Solars. The loss of the Caul. Must as Mnemon wants to control the Realm, she realizes that if the Realm is destroyed there’s nothing to control. That is why she committed her forces to Jiara. That is why she’s not marching her armies on the capital. That is why she’s willing to give the greatest general in the Realm a sizable military force. Because taking the throne is only the beginning. She needs you to keep the throne. Hence…”

“Triumvirate.” Berit says, she tents her fingers, clearly interested. The wheels in her mind turn, and our heroes can only guess at her thought process. An almost imperceptible smile crosses her face, and then it’s immediately dashed. “‘Everyone keeps forgetting that.’” She mutters darkly, as her expression sours.

“I beg your pardon.” Danireya questions.

“House Peleps. Five legions against fifteen? Well I’ve fought longer odds. But with the Imperial Navy against us… we don’t stand a chance. If we had…” Her expression curdles from ‘sour’ to ‘putrescent’, “But we don’t. And we’ve got V’neef to deal with,” Berit points at Melody accusingly, “You were right, she won’t stand idly by whilst Mnemon takes the throne.”

Danireya smiles, “V’neef is on our side.”

Berit cocks her head up sharply, “I beg your pardon.”

“We needed the merchant navy to delay the Cathak-Peleps long enough to reach you.” Danireya interlocks her fingers, “Triumvirate.”

“Me, Mnemon and V’neef?” Berit says with surprise and obvious contempt.

Melody steps in, “I was born a peasant. But I’m good with animals. Training them, raising them, riding them. The Empress… the old empress, your mother, didn’t want Found Eggs training animals. She wanted them in the Legions or in the Order. It didn’t matter what I was good at, or how good I was. You wanted to found a military House. It didn’t matter to your mother how deserving you were – she didn’t want a military House. She wanted wine-makers and socialites, because the strength of the Realm and the deserving of her daughter didn’t matter to her. But none of that is your sister’s fault.”

“And I suppose things will be different under Mnemon?” Berit scoffs.

“You’ll have your Great House and fifteen legions, who the hell cares?” Melody says flippantly, then as an aside to Ludila, “Usually I have tea to sip when I make bold statements like that.” And she mimes drinking from a cup with her pinkie extended.

“And what of House Ledaal?” Berit asks.

Ludila clears her throat, “House Ledaal does not believe House Sesus can stop Cathak in the field. We do not support Cainan, but as of right now, we do not believe the Mnemon-V’neef coalition can prevail. If, and I stress, if you were to join Mnemon, Ledaal Cycel has indicated that the Flashing Tempest Council would seek to join the coalition, and we would commit our legions to your over-all command. Though we expect you to leave the command structure intact. In essence, Danireya is low-balling you – you are being offered eight legions.”

“There’s one more thing I need.” Berit states simply.

Danireya invites her to continue.

“A peasant has stolen a gem from my manse. I was in pursuit when Ragara and his entourage arrived unannounced, and well, they’re old but they’re not a gang anyone can afford to turn their back on.”

“Kill the thief. Retrieve the gem. Done.” Melody says, rising to her feet.

“Return the peasant, here to me. Alive. Destroy the gem if you like. But there’s a complication.” Berit stands and motions for them to follow, they leave Tereya Phine lying on the floor. Berit leads them to a study, shutters closed, a map of the Blessed Isle dominates the room. Tiny figurines map the position of legions and fleets. A glowing green, glowing spot appears on the mainland. “I think he’s heading for Myion and House Cathak. With Ragara and his goons a stone’s throw away, I can’t leave the manse undefended. But you…”

“Can kill the gem, retrieve the thief.” Ganan quips, “We’ll be back before sun-rise.”

“Good.” Berit states simply, “If you’re not, I’m killing your Tereya messenger.”

Danireya thinks better than to argue the point. Instead she takes out her compass and takes a bearing from Berit’s map. She bows, and leaves the room, and the others follow after. As soon as they are out of the manse she starts casting.

Melody warns, “Are you sure this is a good idea? Isn’t this pretty perilous on a clifftop. In the dark.”

“What, you want to wait here?” Ganan teases, “Let’s get this done!”

They race across the water in the dark. A large moon casts a pale light on the black waves. Despite the journey being far shorter than the last stint, it’s more perilous. Twice the treacherous darkness threatens our heroes, but they speed through without incident, Ledaal Ludila glowing with arcane power.

In a matter of minutes, they reach the mainland, and speed past a discarded fishing boat. The Dragons strain their senses into the dark.

Danireya raises her voice about the wind to ask Melody, “Can you track him?”

Melody balks, incredulously, “You want me to track a peasant, in the dark at a hundred miles an hour, from the back of a dust devil?”

The terrain is, mercifully, open as the Dragons reach the point (to the best of their knowledge) where Berit’s map was glowing green.

“Spread out.” Ganan calls to Ludila as they search for the black shape of a man moving against the darkness. Ludila’s Stormwind stops hugging Danireya’s trail as they go wide, expanding the search.

A farmstead looms a few miles away, and Danireya calls for Ludila to check it out. Ludila veers off: the glowing light of her anima moving with impossible speed.

Ganan points and yells, “There!” The Dragons converge on a dark shape moving away from the farmstead. Moonlight flashes from something bright, reflective and green in the figures hand, as he dips into a rocky ravine.

Danireya sights a third Stormwind Rider closing in from maybe a mile away. The harnessed tornado is hard to mistake as it moves with unnatural speed directly at them.

Ludila closes the gap and Ganan leaps from Ludila’s Stormwind, tackling the hapless peasant and wrestling him to the ground as Danireya and Melody arrive.

“Defensive positions.” Danireya calls as the rival Stormwind shows no signs of stopping. She banishes her own wind, signaling to Ludila to stay in the air as she draws her shield.

“Hand over the gem!” Ganan barks in High Realm. Melody approaches the men, and repeats the demand in Low Realm, with Danireya following close behind.

The man looks up at Melody in terror, “Is that a joke?” He asks, and shows the palm of his hand – the gem is embedded in the flesh, “You have to help me, save me from the witch!”

“Kill the gem, retrieve the thief.” Ganan repeats as he pulls his tetsubo from the rocky wall of the ravine. He stamps on the peasants arm, pinning it to the ground and brings his weapon down heavily on the peasant’s outstretched arm. Melody turns to look away

There’s a sickening crunch as the gem and every bone in the peasant’s hand is shattered. A piercing white flash follows. The peasant is transmuted into inanimate stone, and Berit’s voice emanates from the statue’s mouth: “I see that, if nothing else, you have your matriarch’s ruthlessness, Danireya. I still want the thief returned to me; see that no further damage is done to my statue.”

The Dynasts climb from the ravine, in time to see Ragara and his entourage set their own Stormwind down a short distance away.

“V’neef said you’d be here sooner than I’d expect.” Ragara approaches, his hands empty and his arms spread wide. He moves with the deliberate slowness of old age, but his wicked looking soul-steel daiklave is slung over his back.

Danireya calls back from behind her shield, “That’s funny, V’neef warned us that you were spying on us!”

Ragara smiles, the moonlight catching his teeth, “Spying on you? In the Imperial Palace? Where every doorway is warded against scrying, and every magical message is overhead by Mora? You flatter me.”

“What do you want Ragara!” Ganan calls, hefting his tetsubo into a ready position. Ragara stops advancing, and signals for his companions to hang back.

“To prevent a bloody civil war. I begged Cainan not to do this, but I’m just an old man. House Sesus is throwing their lives away on a pointless cause, but no-one else has to die. V’neef is willing to surrender the Imperial City. I can arrange strategic marriages between Mnemon and Cathak – your houses are already linked, Cainan holds no ill will. He needs a mystic advisor, who better than Mnemon to be the power behind the throne? I can’t save House Sesus, but Cainan and I both want the Realm to come through this as intact as possible: he’s no radical, he wants to bring military discipline to the Great Houses, but he doesn’t want to destroy them!”

“Cainan is marching an army against the capital. The civil war has already begun.” Danireya calls back.

Ragara nods, sadly, “Begun? Yes. But involving Berit won’t change the outcome: Cainan will still win. All you’re doing is delaying the inevitable. Mnemon… is blinded by hatred. She will never forgive me for the sins of my past. This can be a quick war, or a bloody one. Choose life, walk away.”

“Or what!” Ganan shouts, his blood pumping in his ears.

Melody raises her bow, “Shit, Gan. Come on.”

Danireya remains cool.

Ragara takes a step back, “In my youth, I believed violence to be the ultimate authority: that I could solve my problems by killing my rivals. I have changed. I implore you not to do this.” He raises his hands in a non-violent gesture.

Danireya speaks quietly, “Melody, lower your weapon and back up. Gan, load that statue on Udi’s Stormwind. We’re leaving.” She gives Ragara a respectful bow, “I don’t know what you’re trying to do here Ragara-”

Ragara cuts her off, the whole ravine shakes when he speaks, “Why does everyone expect me to stay home and do nothing as you children rip my mother’s Realm apart?” His own entourage backs even backs off, “I am trying to stop the war that Cainan has started and my sisters are hell bent on escalating. I am trying to save the Realm.” He takes a deep breath and the tremors stop. Calmer now, “A marriage alliance. Think on it.”

Udi swoops in with the others and picks up Danireya, and they make a speedy exit as Ragara stands there watching them leave. Danireya looks back until she can no longer see him, brooding on his words. In it’s not long before they arrive back at V’neef’s manse.

Her guards let them in, and she carefully examines the petrified peasant for signs of damage. Once she is content, she addresses them, “I have to say, I was sure that once you saw the gem was fused to his flesh, that you’d bring him here unharmed. Then I could smash the gem in front of you and see the look on your face.” She straightens up, “But I suppose this is better. Tell me, how familiar are you with the Immaculate Texts.”

Ganan smiles smugly, “Very.”

“Do you recall the story of when Daana’d led our ancestors to the Blessed Isle for the first time? What did she do once the last ship landed?” Berit smiles, sadly.

Melody sighs, “Do we have to do Immaculate history hour?” She taps her wrist impatiently.

“‘Oh my people, wither would you flee? Behind you is the sea, before you the enemy. You have left now only the hope of your courage and consistency.’” Ganan quotes, “She had the boats burned.” He explains to Melody.

Berit inhales sharply, “I can’t allow The House of the Rusted Sword to fall into the hands of Ragara, or House Cathak.” She gestures for them to leave the manse. “We’ll cross into Wading Crane Rookery and take the overland route back to the Imperial City.”

Melody groans, “I need to sleep, can’t we leave in the morning?”

Ludila takes Melody by the arm and calmly leads her out of the manse, “I believe she’s tampered with the manse to make it explode. Probably a good idea to leave now.”

Berit and Danireya summon Stormwind Riders, Berit scoping up her entire house-hold on her dust-devil. Berit’s anima starts to glow and Danireya follows after her. No sooner to they make it back to the shore on the mainland, is the isle of Iora rocked by a massive explosion that lights up the night. The House of the Rusted Sword is annihilated and the lonely cliff it sits on slides into the Inland Sea. Danireya is relieved to see Tereya Phine on Berit’s Stormwind.

They fly through the night and into the morning, finally they cross into the dry salt-plains of the Tarpan Wastes. Danireya struggles for breath as the salt stings her throat and eyes. She struggles to stay awake having flown through the night and the day before. She grits her teeth against the fatigue.

Ledaal Ludila starts to cast a new Stormwind to take over, but Ganan lays a hand on her shoulder. “You’re just as tired, and you’re wounded. Danireya will ask if she wants your help.”

In the afternoon, they finally set down outside Juche. Danireya staggers forward and Ganan catches her under the arm. Melody yawns and stretches. The Nellens guards square off against Berit’s armed forces for a moment, but Nellens Mirar pushes his way through the crowd and calls for calm.

Mirar speaks, “Mnemon Alinos Danireya, welcome back to Juche.” He says with a broad smile.

“Dragonlord Mirar,” Danireya says weakly, “I’m afraid we’re going to need a little more space than your mother’s fine mansion.”

Mirar pens a quick missive, and sends a runner off. “Assuming you’re going to disappear before dawn again, you can stay in the barracks.”

“Your hospitality is much appreciated.” Danireya bows.

Berit looks at her sideways, “You just have friends everywhere don’t you?”

Melody pushes past, “Sleep now. Mock House Nellens later.”

The Dragons turn in, and a handful of Berit’s guards on rotation keep watch. The Nellens barracks are spartan to say the least, but having been kept up all night and all day, our heroes don’t seem to mind.

****

“Wake up.”

Berit’s voice wakes the heroes. It’s firm, yet urgent.

Melody grumbles, “Did Cathak decide to destroy House Nellens?”

Ganan rises and looks around, “No I think we’re being betrayed.”

Nellens legions have Berit’s troops surrounded. A number of heavily armed Dragon-Blooded, including Nellens Mirar, have the heroes surrounded.

“Technically, we never had an alliance to betray.” A woman in jade plate, carrying a matched pair of short daiklaves announces, “I am Nellens Gazal.”

Danireya rises and sweeps her hair back, “Nellens Gazal, it’s an honor to meet you. Can I go out on a limb and assume that you’re taking us prisoner in order to buy good graces with House Cathak?”

Gazal smiles, and bows, just a fraction, “House Sesus is out in force, burning and pillaging. Only Cathak stands between the Sesus legions and Juche. Cathak Cainan has not attacked our domain and he is poised to take the throne. But now it seems that a grand alliance is forming to oppose Cainan, and the leaders of which have walked right into my barracks.”

Melody quips, “Don’t forget, that alliance is made of House Ledaal, who are jealous of your prosperity, House V’neef, which was formed by stripping you of assets, and House Mnemon… which, you know, Mnemon.”

Gazal gestures at Melody, “Well put.”

Danireya shrugs, “House Ragara will pay more for our corpses than Cainan will for us alive. I’d kill us, hand us over. Enjoy House Nellens’ new position under the Cathak-Ragara regime.”

Gazal raises an eyebrow, “The Cathak-Ragara regime?”

Danireya nods, slowly, “Cathak is mortgaged to Ragara. Eight legions is good for taking a Realm, but it’s Ragara coin that’s going to keep them in power. But don’t worry, I’m sure you have solid links to House Peleps. And a rich military tradition respected by House Cathak.”

“And I suppose our lot would be better under Mnemon?” Gazal says.

Melody smiles wryly, “Even Mnemon hasn’t found a way to magic money from nothing. After House Ragara has been cast down, who do you think is going to step into the position of the ‘Imperial Bank’?”

Gazal folds her arms over her chest, “V’neef.”

Melody bobs her head from side to side, “Yeah, probably. But we could really use your help here? Cainan doesn’t want your help, V’neef does.”

Danireya speaks plainly, “As you say, Cainan is poised to take the throne – without you. And Cainan has no use for you. But a grand alliance is forming to stop him – and we could use your aid. Right now, as you hold us at spear point. During the war, where we are still outnumbered. And after the war, where your mercantile skills will be invaluable.”

“Or you could hold us prisoner and piss off Mnemon.” Melody rejoins.

“You’re really not going to threaten to fight your way out?” Gazal says, almost disappointed.

“That’s implied.” Ganan snarls, “But there is a third option. You could just let us go. If Cainan wins, well, no need to ever let him know you had us. If we win, we owe you for letting us go.”

“That’s a pretty crappy reward either way. But it’s risk free.” Melody adds.

Gazal rubs a temple pensively, “I’d by lying if I said I wasn’t curious to see how this plays out. But I’m inclined to go with Plan A, and use you to buy good graces with House Cathak.”

“We can pay you.” Danireya tries, “We’ve already fought our way through House Sesus and House Cathak. We’ve stared down Ragara himself. And that was before we had the Empress’s Daughter fighting beside us. Even with Berit here, we can’t win. But we can devastate your legions. Maybe even kill you. Or we can just pay you a ransom to let us go. Four talents of jade – physical, uncut talents. But the money is sitting in the Imperial City, so if you want it you need to let us go before Cainan conquers it.”

Gazal, clearly amused, responds, “And I, what, take you at your word that you’re ‘good for it’?”

Danireya inhales slowly, “Let Ludila and Berit go to the Imperial City. Ludila will pick up the money and bring it back here. We’ll stay as your honored guests until the ransom arrives. A day to fly to the city, and a day to fly back.”

“Ledaal Ludila seems too beaten up to fly through a bandit infested war-zone even without carrying a vast sum of money. You three go,” Gazal points at Danireya, Melody and Ganan, “And Berit can stay here as my honored guest.” She addresses Berit, “Who knows, I might even be able to make you a better offer?”

Danireya extends a hand to shake, “You’ve got yourself a deal.”

Gazal smiles and shakes, “And you’d better deliver, or no amount of jade will buy you out of what I will do to you.”

Danireya, Ganan and Melody cautiously leave the Nellens barracks, and Danireya summons a Stormwind Rider as Ganan casts Invulnerable Skin of Bronze. They fly off over the jagged mountains heading straight for the Imperial City.

“This four talents of jade...” Melody broaches, in-flight, “This is my loot right? From the manse where you wouldn’t let me have anything else?”

“Yes.” Danireya and Ganan answer in unison.

“Cool. Cool. Just checking.” Melody broods for a moment, “What are the chances of going back and picking up some more brandy?”

Ganan answers, “Well, as the manse is sealed and V’neef has the hearthstone needed to unlock it, I’d say ‘pretty slim right now’.”

Melody considers for another moment, “And we know House Nellens won’t betray us because… ?”

“They didn’t kill us in our sleep.” Ganan answers succinctly.

Danireya adds, “And I think they genuinely want to recruit Berit. Think about it. Before we arrived in the Imperial City, V’neef was trying to put her own coalition together with House Tepet. That much was obvious from her Tepet guards and these Tepet pendants she gave us. She obviously expected them to get us passage through Juche, and when we arrived Mirar spoke of Tepet delegations coming to the city. We know V’neef met with her brother, who’s to say she wasn’t trying to recruit her sister to her cause as well? And that Nellens Gazal isn’t trying to continue V’neef’s plan – either with or without V’neef?”

Ganan responds, “Ragara claims that V’neef told him about our plans.”

“And on its own, that means very little.” Danireya says firmly, “Maybe V’neef is betraying us. Maybe she’s feeding Ragara information to try and recruit him even as he is trying to recruit her. Or maybe Ragara is just a lying bastard.”

****

As they fly over the mountains of Raiton’s Perch, the Dynasts settle into grim silence. Hours pass and they fly past a smoldering ruin: Danireya reckons it to be the city of Star-of-Prose, but the city has been destroyed down to the bed-rock and no stone remains upon stone.

After six solid hours of flying, they come across a battlefield. Hundreds of soldiers lie dead in the mud. Red-and-gold clad victors pick their way through the dead, sticking swords into red-and-black clad wounded and corpses.

Melody shoots down a Cathak javelin as they speed through the battlefield, and Ganan batters aside a second one with his bronze limbs. None of the Cathak troops can move fast enough to cut them off, and in a minute they are clear and out of range.

****

After twelve hours of flight without rest, they finally arrive at the Imperial City. Night has fallen.

Two entire legions of troops, proudly displaying banners of Mnemon purple and white, are now encamped outside of the city. The guards of the city gates display the Imperial Mon, rather than the insignia of their patrician houses, but they stand aside to let Danireya’s Stormwind pass, identifying them by sight.

As they fly up to the palace, the Dragons see hundreds of notices plastered over the streets, most of them bearing Tepet Fokuf’s likeness, and almost all of them written in Low Realm. Melody translates a few of them:

“The Regent Confides that Every Woman will Do Her Duty.”
“Tepet Fokuf: The People’s Champion.”
“An end to bickering. Support the Empress’s Regent.”
“Keep Calm and Obey the Regent.”
“Miracle of the Successor? FAKE NEWS!”

“Do we need to-” Ganan begins.

Danireya grits her teeth, irritated by hunger and worn down by exhaustion, “First we get Berit.” They enter the Imperial Palace and retrieve Melody’s jade. “Right, let’s go.” Danireya insists.

Ganan and Melody share a look. Melody speaks, “Right now? In the dark? Let’s sleep on it. Have breakfast, leave in the morning…”

Before Danireya can respond, Amon Mora appears, as if from no-where. He bows by way of introduction, then speaks in a clipped and formal tone, “I’m afraid I must insist you spend the night in the Palace, and breakfast with the Regent on the morning. Breakfast will be served with the rising sun in the Regent’s bedchambers.”

Melody scoffs, “As if that’s going to happen!”

“Mnemon Alinos Gracious Pealing Melody, I am not a peasant messenger boy. I have at my disposal a vast staff who could have requested your presence at breakfast. This is not a request. And I have attended to you personally, that I may demonstrate this fact.” As Amon Mora speaks, armed officers of the Imperial Force rank up behind him, and a number of dangerous looking spirits materialize.

Ganan leans over to Danireya, “My life was much simpler when the only notable Dynast I knew personally was Ragara Bhagwei.”

Danireya sighs, “Very well. We’ll stay the night. Breakfast at dawn.”

****

They sleep in the Mnemon wing, and rise well before dawn to dress, primp and head to the Regent’s bedchambers. To their surprise, they find the Regent, Tepet Fokuf (a mortal scion of House Tepet, balding and run to middle-aged-spread), dressed and awaiting them. Not only is breakfast prepared, but travel rations have also been set aside. Cynis Ganan carries the treasure box with its four jade talents, the better to make a swift exit.

Tepet Fokuf welcomes them, his voice commanding and his manner assured and confident, “Mnemon Alinos Danireya, Mnemon Alinos Melody, Cynis Ganan – a pleasure to meet you. V’neef has spoken most highly of you, most highly indeed.” He smiles warmly, “I had half expected you to be bringing Berit back with you to the Imperial City, but no matter.”

“Actually Your...” Melody flounders, “Regent, we were just about to fetch Berit here now. She’s two days away by sorcery.”

“Hmm.” Fokuf considers, “And House Cathak’s army is three days away by foot. The All Seeing Eye, such as it is, reports that they have broken House Sesus in Numinous Rolling Wave. It is said that Sesus Raenyah herself lost an eye in the fighting.”

Melody points at the door, “Well let us leave now and we’ll have a full day for Berit to prepare the defenses.”

Fokuf shakes his head with a sad smile, “I admire your courage Dragon-Blooded. Still, it must come easier for the Exalted than for us mortal men.” He pauses, “I have ordered the Deliberative dissolved. I posted the Legion of Silence to ensure that the senators left their seats in an orderly fashion. And I have expelled those I suspect of being loyal to the forces marching upon us from the city. I am… grateful for the support your matriarch has shown, but I will not allow her troops inside these walls. People say I am a fool. I am a figurehead, but I am not a fool. Mnemon desires her mother’s throne, and though her forces march to defend the city today, if Cainan were to fall tomorrow they would besiege us before his body had cooled.”

Danireya helps herself to breakfast, “Are we under arrest Regent?”

Tepet Fokuf holds up his hands in surrender, “I just said I was no fool. And I value my life, no you’re not under arrest. Quite the opposite. I want to surrender to your triumvirate.”

Ganan swallows a mouthful of breakfast, “You want to what?”

The Regent lays out his position, “I was given this post as a sacrificial lamb. Either the Empress would return and slay me for my impudence, else a warmonger like Cathak Cainan or Mnemon would seize the throne and behead me. I have used what time I have to empower the Deliberative, and to aide my house to the best of my ability by approving adoptions and trying to cling to our alliance with V’neef. But my usefulness is at an end. If Cainan takes the city, he will kill me. If Mnemon defends the city from Cainan, well, as I said, she will turn on me before Cainan’s body is cold. But… if I surrender the city to Mnemon… if I hold no power, no office, no Exaltation, then I am no threat to Cainan. He will have no reason to seek me out and kill me. And should Mnemon prevail? Then I will be the one to have handed her the reigns of power: as heartless as she is, that has to count for something.” He speaks with a deliberate and measured slowness, as if his position should be immediately self-evident. He is cool and collected, a competent statesmen.

Danireya considers, the Regent is nothing like his reputation… but then, need he be? Would it suit a mortal in his position to appear less competent than they really are? “And these posters,” She questions, “‘Keep Calm and Obey the Regent’?”

The Regent’s smile falters and turns weak, “V’neef informed me that you were going to try to recruit Berit, and that Ragara was going to try to stop you. With greatest respect, I have heard of Ragara but I have not heard of you. I didn’t expect you to return, much less to succeed.”

Danireya stands, “We’ll fly through the day and night. Prepare to surrender the throne to Mnemon tomorrow. I’ll see to it that Mnemon allows you to live out your days in peaceful contemplation of the Immaculate Texts.” Not waiting to be dismissed, she leaves the Regent’s chambers.

Ganan and Melody grab the offered supplies and follow after her.

Danireya sends a sorcerous message to Mnemon informing her of the Regent’s surrender, and to expect Berit on the morrow. Then she once more summons her Stormwind Rider and sets out to cross the thousand miles to Juche once more.

On the journey back to Juche, the dragons are forced to detour: the Cathak legions, tens of thousands of soldiers bedecked in red and gold, swarm over the countryside. Thanks to Melody’s wilderness skills, the Dragons aren’t forced to a complete stop, as she directs Danireya, adjusting their course on the fly. Ganan works the box holding the jade, smoothing over Cynis iconography with a thumb, and carving Mnemon and Nellens symbols joined in friendship with his finger-nails (7SP).

The Mnemon legions encamped outside of the Imperial City had seemed of invincible vastness: ten thousand upright soldiers flush with victory and fresh from the conquest of Jiara, purple and white banners fluttering in the sun. The forces they now see, fresh with the blood of their Sesus cousins, vastly outnumber the Imperial City’s defenders. Simply flying through them is as impossible as flying through a wall of lava.

Juche has clearly shifted to a war footing as well. Boarder forts are manned, and light beacons as Danireya’s Stormwind is sighted in the distance. They fly over the mountains uneasily, straining to see signs of an ambush – mortal bandits aren’t much of a threat to the flying Dynasts but if House Nellens is determined…

It is well after dark by the time the dragons arrive. Ganan refreshes his enchantment, turning his skin to bronze once more. A flight of dragons, maybe two-thousand fighting troops, are encamped outside the cities walls.

“Aww, I was hoping to go in for cake with the Most August Conclave.” Melody gripes as they land in front of Nellens Gazal.

Berit and Ludila are both fully armed, and Berit’s soldiers seem unharmed. Ganan walks forward with the box of jade. Melody gives a little whimper as the money changes hands.

Nellens Mirar counts the money, “Four talents. Pure jade, uncut.” He smiles apologetically to Danireya.

Berit turns to Nellens Gazal and extends an arm, and the women shake.

“You have a non-aggression pact.” Nellens Gazal confirms, as she signals that Berit and her forces are free to go.

“A non-aggression pact?” Danireya questions as Berit advances.

Berit smiles, “You weren’t expecting me to just sit here and wait to be rescued were you? House Nellens has agreed to take no hostile action against our Tripartite Alliance in exchange for mutual consideration. Now, back to the Imperial City, Ledaal Ludila?”

Ludila’s wounds seem to have been healed, and she looks far better rested than our heroes as she begins to summon her own Stormwind Rider beside Berit. Danireya and the others let Ludila carry them on her Stormwind, as Berit takes her household and Phine. It’s impossible for our heroes to sleep whilst riding on a dust devil, but it’s easier for Danireya at least to rest as a passenger.

****

Melody spends 8XP to train Mother of Beasts Mastery x2.

Ganan spends 8XP to train Blazing Dragon-Smith Arete and 3DX to train Craft: Artifact 1.
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Dynasty of Dovak