[Jaunt] Fear! Fire! Foes! Awake!

[willyousee]

[Usually Alcuin sticks to thoughts only on the Network, so his urgent voice live-streaming in Investigator's minds may be the first time they have ever heard him do this - but the message is more important than the method.]

The Sun Temple will be under attack within the day! Soldiers - Sentinels they are calling them - march on the Temple and are killing any they come across, villager or monk. Messages are being sent conventionally, but there is little hope they will get through. We're rallying all that we have, but I fear we will be too few with so many gone to the summit.

Please, someone carry word to the heads of the provinces at the summit and prepare them! I doubt they are meant to emerge from that place alive.

Comments

[bypartisan]

Nearly all of it. He was having me guard the shrine entrance. Let me just relay it to everyone.

[And Byerly will memory share the whole of Masshuu's dialogue with the "foreign dragon."]

Another interesting tidbit of information: Aikawa made some deal with one of those 'foreign dragons' for power. I'd lay down odds that he'll be returning with a lovely new tattoo come the end of Jaunt.

[willyousee]

Power. [Alcuin's voice has gone a little bland, a little tired.] Blessed Elua protect us from self-righteous ambition.

So. She bears a power which the Trumps do not wish the local population to access. That sounds familiar. She has done nothing wrong that I have heard tell of. Have you any information on her?

[bypartisan]

I did have the opportunity to observe a rather interesting conversation.

[Which he'll share the memory of.]

[willyousee]

The Binder... [Alcuin speaks quietly and slowly, obviously thinking furiously.] Well that has interesting implications. I wonder if she will keep that skill... I cannot imagine the Trumps will allow it if it has the kind of power I think it might, but even at a lesser level it might... Hm. And she is headed to the palace. I wonder if her binding works both ways.

[bypartisan]

It is something to wonder about, isn't it?

[willyousee]

Yes. But not at the moment except as it concerns what we face at present. Though.... Can she unbind your spirit from Masshuu's control?

[bypartisan]

That's a good question. I'm actually being somewhat useful in this state at the moment, but eventually I'd like my body back. Certainly before we leave.

[willyousee]

[Have you ever received the telepathic equivalent of a sidelong glance that says there is a topic in there to be revisited later, Byerly? Well now you have.]

.... How closely are you bound to Masshuu's side? Can you go see her?

[bypartisan]

Not too very closely. I certainly have the run of the castle and the surrounding grounds. So yes, I could.

... I will. When I have a spare moment.

[willyousee]

You know your needs best. As I understand it, spirits are more difficult to injure. If you find it better to remain in that state, I trust your judgement.

[bypartisan]

[Alcuin can't see it, but Byerly is smiling.]

Thank you. That's very flattering.

Needless to say, I trust yours as well.

[willyousee]

I am not certain that I have quite earned that yet, but I thank you. You will let us know if there is anything we might do to assist, yes?

[bypartisan]

Of course.