Editing Volume Two: The Adask War Wizard (section)

====<big>Adledross: Summoning Dufiro Again and Answers</big>====


*'''Michael James Watson'''
As dusk comes on Fortunadas leads the parade of Realmer and the masons up the hill and leads them to their spots. Each lights their candle at Fort's direction with a Cantrip. Arnold is the closest to Realmer.  
Fort steps up to the table and lays the tome on it. Realmer takes his space at the second table. Fort whispers, "Vatra will probably be addressed at some point. Take care what it says to Jatakil. This is an Avasa of Knowledge and Reggie has been working with him a very long time. While this is his binding book, I didn't quite want to say anything till now, inside this circle. Giving the Dakota wonderboys a binding tome for a Dufiro seems a particularly stupid thing for Reggie to do. Unless....Jatakil is no longer a Avasa. If he is a Masoja the summoning would be enough to attract his attention and probably enough to make him show up when summoned. They would think they had summoned him into a sacred circle and might try binding him. Now the binding spell here works, and my prowess makes me think I could bind him using it but the wonderboys could not. Try binding a Dufiro against their will with an inferior tome is a good way to get turned into scrambled dodo eggs. Reggie also gave them a tome to summon me. I may be over the threshold of Dufiro Life but I think if I was truly that far over I would know. I've read my book a hundred times and if I didn't know better I think its a fake. Enough to attract my attention and pique my curiosity enough to show up. I don't know what Reggie;'s game is but its messy and there are parts I don't understand."  
"I've 4 points to bargain with Jatakil for.  
"First, Reggie's Life Path includes a term as a spirit of Rot. His binding name will reflect that and the reason for it will tell me much. His first Avasa was rage, after a punishment term as Rot. He has bitter enemies. I am willing to bet the Rage Council is the only one that was willing to accept him. Some Spirits of Rot never rise out of the Spirit ranks and become sort of like messengers and lackeys eternally.  What councils denied him will be something Jatakil might admit in conversation.  
"Second, Why North Dakota? These ritualists were part of a long line of masonic ritual and somewhere along the line someone bound Reggie to that rock. I doubt the wonderboys or their grandfathers had the juice to do that. Someone was angry enough at Reggie to bind him to a desolate crap hole like a masonic lodge in the Badlands.   
"Third, Who serves willingly, who serves bound? Vatra was bound, but found it profitable. Here is where Vatra might talk.. I have placed Arnold in a place outside the ritual locations. His presence or absence won't change the ritual. Use your judgment. If Vatra is pissing Jatakil off, kill him or teleport him or something as soon as you think he is. He will wake up tomorrow and meet us along the road. He'll be pissed but the ritual will be over."  
"Fourth, what is Uzgata's summoning name and binding name. By then he might be willing to trade those away. If not, well, we will have learned a great deal on way or another.  
"Now, if you want to tell me something, ask me something, or speak directly to him without him speaking directly to you, signal me. Three raps on the stone table. And then, what you suggest to me or to Jatakilmust be small steps. Give up nothing for free. Don't volunteer your name, history, lineage They don't need them. They will recognize you by your Heartfire. giving the your name, history, and lineage just gives them things to trade once you have summoned enough to cross over the Dufiro Life line yourself. so.... Any questions?"  

*'''Daniel Eric Van Campen Sr.'''
Silvermane whispers back, "No, Master; I don't have any questions. I understand my roles and responsibilities here tonight and will execute them with precision and without hesitation. If I must make a judgment call, it will be swift, decisive and final. If I must speak, I will be succinct, take things one small step at a time, and give nothing away. You can depend on me, Master. I'm watching your back."
*'''Michael James Watson'''
"Good. Tomorrow ill be sub-commandeer again. Tonight I am Fortunadas Enright, Arch Mage. ah... Alex.. standing Tyler.. if Zatonic were here too we might have quite a bargaining position. The Dufiro love them."
He steps up and opens the tome. He sets two cups out and directs you to fill them with brandy. "If he drinks, we drink"
He looks to each of the masons who look terribly nervous. after a lifetime of masonic rituals and secret rituals and even rituals speaking to Uzgata and his cadre, they realize now this is far beyond what they ever anticipated. They were used yo fogs and whispers in the dark.. This is High Church.
Fort inhales deeply. When he speaks the voice is clear and loud and forceful. It is exacting. He speaks first in the language of fire Elementals then moves Fire language of Spirits, just a refined elemental language. He speak the summoning name strongly calling him as a Fire Elemental then a Spirit of Fire and a Avasa of Fire. He calls on him as an Avasa of Knowledge. The Tome lists his goals as a Masoja of Knowledge though it does not summon him as one.
The sky crackles with energy.
The clouds fro the region gather and spin wildly, lighting rocking around in the clouds far from ground. The display reaches high in the sky and the troopers below can hardly avoid seeing it. The colors swirl wildly
around the clouds sweeps an arc of lightning that seems stable, flying around the loud formations in reds, oranges and yellow.
Fort leans over. "See the red lighting? That's a Fire Arc. It is a thousands of fire Elementals bound with numerous fire spirits willingly and a Avasa of Fire commanding it willingly. Its a lighting bolts of liquid metal. It a weapon for a Masoja. Whatever his book says he I at least a Masoja. And if he has one, Uzgata will have one. Now we wait. He will give us a show of power then take form. He will drink, then speak."
The noise is deafening. The lightning stretching out but seems to funnel down into the circle. As it swirls it become smoke rather then clouds and settles into a owl like creature of fire. Landing, It looks at the candle holders, anger on its visage. It sees Alex and pauses.. Turning slowly it looks at Realmer, then slowly faces Fort.
Dipping its flaming beak in the brandy, is sips and pulls its wings in, flaming against its chest. Sitting, 12' tall.
"Summoner.. You have the Saint of Battle outside the circle. I think you do not fear me enough to bargain with me. Shall we see? "


*'''Daniel Eric Van Campen Sr.'''
Silvermane nods his head to Fortunadas when he notices Alex standing Tyler. When he is directed to fill the cups, Silvermane does so. When the Summoning begins, Silvermane does his parts with precision and timing, as is called for.
When Fort leans over and begins speaking to Silvermane, he listens intently and nods his head slightly in understanding and acknowledgment.
When the Avasa Dufiro manifests, Silvermane watches with great interest, but does not move a muscle, flinch or wince, nor utter a sound.
When the Fiery Owl drinks, Silvermane waits for his Master to drink first, then he the Apprentice drinks last.
Silvermane watches and waits. He keeps the Dufiro and the Circle as his main focus, but also keeps an eye on the Apprentices... especially Arnold/Vatra.
When Rituals are not being performed, Silvermane keeps his left hand casually resting on his left hip near his Fighting Knife. His right hand is held in front of his midsection and slightly away from his body, ready to perform Somatics for Ritual or Spell as the situation may require.
*'''Michael James Watson'''
"I call you Jatakil. It is not your summoning name, nor your calling name. I see in this tome you are a Avasa of Knowledge. I shall call you Jatakil and you may call me Fortunadas."
It flutters its wings.."You use an old book summoner. it offends me and I would rend thee. I have rusted, you scare me not with your playing. You have a Shifter of some kind acting as the Saint of Battle. Such theater is unworthy. "
It bends and drinks again. "At least the ancient tome you use lists my drink. This is a fine beverage. what is it? Origin, not type."
Fort looks to Realmer, "tell him"
*'''Daniel Eric Van Campen Sr.'''
Silvermane looks to the Fiery Owl and speaks in the same Tongue and as close to the same Dialect as possible. His tone is respectful and purely informative; showing little to no emotion.
"It it called Napoleon Brandy. It is named after a town in the country of France in a Shadow called Earth. It must be made from at least 90 percent Ugni Blanc, Folle Blanche, or Colombard grapes and it is twice distilled. This particular vintage dates back to the time of Napoleon Bonaparte and is said to be from his private stock."
*'''Michael James Watson'''
Jak looks over Realmer, "Is this my snack, Summoner?"
Fort chuckles.."No, I summoned you to bargain for knowledge. If you are uninterested, you may depart. I have your lover Uzgata's book ready next."
*'''Daniel Eric Van Campen Sr.'''
Silvermane raises an eyebrow and says, "I am stringy and of little nourishment. I am sure you would find my flavor distasteful."
*'''Michael James Watson'''
"You think to enrage me? Summoner, It takes more then that. Very well. Knowledge.. ask."
Fort turns over a paper. "Uzgata's life path includes a term as a spirit of Rot. Yours includes two terms as spirits of Rust, one as a demotional term. I'd like to know why Uzgata incurred enough hatred to be punished so."
The owl rises in fire and powerful psychic energies slam against Fort. Fort Raises his hand toward the fiery display. Realmer feels his body grow cold as his psyche is tapped. He feels the power of the Dufiro attempting to bind Fort to the summoning table. Fort's response pushes Jak back and his fires flicker and cool, showing a owl with feathers. It shakes as the power ceases. Realmer felt the might of Fort's psyche and realizes Fort's is greater then his own but not by a much. And its somehow feels differently directed, of a different resonance. In thinking about it he thinks he saw some type of High Order imprint of a type he has never seen before. Something less then the amber imprint but still High Order and unbroken.
"I see you are not a shade or an actor, but truly Fortunadas of Knowledge. this is not the place I expected to make my binding of you. Yet I see the minor wizards in candle-bearing stances... I sense the circle were forged nearby but I am not summoned in it. What has befallen Uzgata?"
Fort takes a drink, and motions Realmer to as well. Seeing the cups rise Jak leans and drinks as well.
"You assault me, attempt to Bind me, and expect me to answer YOUR questions? I feel you are a Masoja.. Of Knowledge, but something else. My guess is you are also a Masoja of Binding. That makes sense. The pillars round the summoning circle below the masonic lodge house.. They were meant to bind me. if we are to bargain further---answer my question."
Jak flutters his wing, feeling flickers of fire.
*'''Michael James Watson'''
"Very well. He served Rot because he broke a Combat Pact and turned on his master in the battle of the Fall of Worlds. He turned against Hspalak of Life and Warfare. After that.. he was summoned repeatedly and bound to poor service. Once freed he sued the spirits of Guard, Defense, and Growth and was denied. He pleaded the Avasa of Guard, Speed, and even Fire and his petition was blocked each time by Hspalak. Only Rage would accept him. "
Fort nods, "And after that a Term of Conflict made him acceptable to Fire. Hmm....I almost feel his anger. Why did he turn on Hspalak? "
"Am I forgiven for my attempt to bind?"
"Almost..Why?"
"Hspalak followed Nur Al Din. Uzgata wanted the power of All Worlds to go to Borax and sided with him, breaking the bond in battle. "
Fort looks over at Alex. Alex raises both eyebrows in understanding.
"You know I am friends with Nur Al Din."
"Since I believe you are Fortunadas of Knowledge and that is truly the Great Alexandir, then I know you are friends with the Dufrieanalat. I do not wish to be your foe now that I have tasted your resolve"
*'''Daniel Eric Van Campen Sr.'''
Silvermane is impressed with Fort's Psychic Prowess, but even more impressed that he holds a powerful, non-broken Imprint of unfamiliar Origin... with a strength approaching that of the Pattern of Amber. He guesses a Shade Imprint... much like his own original Imprint of the Shade Pattern of Ambir.
When Fort drinks from his cup, Silvermane, drinks from his own as well. He listens to the information provided by Jak with great interest. He still keeps watch over Arnold out of the corner of his eye.
*'''Michael James Watson'''
"Your attack gave me the answer I needed for my first question and I suspect I know the answer to my second but I will bargain for it anyway. Why was Uzgata bound to a masonic Temple in North Dakota?
Jak"That you might guess, so I will make a simple bargain. Your Heartfire is of a Dufiro of Knowledge but it burns with a High Order Imprint I have never seen. I can guess too but would hear it."
"Done. My imprint is the Sigil of York, forged by Tolknor, my father, while the shade of Amber in our realms still stood. It is a Primal Pattern of a second Order."
"Uzgata was bound there by Rascalas of Binding on the order of Hspalak of Life and Warfare. He believed he might have no hope of return to the realms of the Dufirosim. But Uzgata is mighty and clever. he could trade only tricks of fire and small battle wisdoms. to those mehums it was enough to gain generations of devotion. In time they contacted us that were bound to him. Myself, and several others. We together drew Avasa, young ones and bound them as Vatra slavering over there is. "
*'''Daniel Eric Van Campen Sr.'''
Silvermane looks at his Master out of the corner of his eye and raises an eyebrow slightly at the pronouncement of his Imprint. Realmer had heard of the Sigil of York in passing once, but assumed it a Lesser Sigil or perhaps a Shade Pattern... but not a Primal Pattern of the Second Order.
At the mention of Vatra, Silvermane looks over at Arnold. He has a feeling one of the Dufiro is about the taunt the other and that he might have to get involved... left hand still casually resting near his Fighting Knife.
Silvermane shakes his head sadly and says under his breath, "They so craved Real Power they were willing to take the tiniest scraps of It, thinking it a full meal, not realizing they were being used and led to their own deaths."
*'''Michael James Watson'''
Jak turn and looks to Realmer, 'Yes indeed they did, Amberite. Worshipful Master Hector over there saw himself as a wizard of great power because he had been gifted with a fire avasa that wore him like a codpiece. the fire avasa would produce a few fire spells, a few fire strikes, and speak in fire tongue through his mouth. All of those fine upstanding gentlemen wore avasa of fire at some point, many for decades. They walked their homeland thinking themselves mighty. When they lay with their wives, mistresses, and in a few cases their daughters, they performed like mighty gods of lust filled with the fires of the Dufirosim.. Yet they bleed power into Uzgata every day, giving him a drop more blood to stretch his arms out for vengeance. There stands Vatra of Fire now. See him quivering in fear that I may demand his life force for some trifle just to see him squirm. "
Vatra-"We served as bound. Free me if you like Ruster. My Arnold never indulged in mistresses or daughters and what he gave to Uzgata was a sip compared to what I gained from him. If you mock those you bound you will be known by your quality when I rise to Masoja. We bound ones know your aspirations. Death or Warfare.. You are too weak for either. seek the Council of Wisher to see if they will change the reputation you earned! "
*'''Michael James Watson'''
Fort snorts and reaches for the brandy. Jak starts to retort, sees fort drink and quickly turns to drink, as if given permission.
*'''Daniel Eric Van Campen Sr.'''
Silvermane grabs his cup with his right hand at nearly the same time as Fort and drinks when his Master does. He turns his attention to Arnold/Vatra, looking at him, studying him, but says nothing.
*'''Michael James Watson'''
Jak raises his head from the bucket and the wings flame up fully, but he tucks them behind him, looking at Vatra about to speak.
Fort says, "There does seem to be some question of who is bound and who serves. You served two terms a rust. I assume Uzgata bound you. My next bargain is for Uzgata's allies and who serves and who is bound?"
"You ask much Summoner. Will you force treachery from me? Do you think your power....."
Fort takes a sip of the brandy, Jak stops mid sentence, growls, and drinks.
"I don't need to force you, Jatakil. I've put a first knot on your binding already. For a time I can make you dance. You can feel it. I'm tempted to bind you to this table and see what use the Adledross can make of you for the next thousand years. or we can bargain and I may release you. What Masoja does he have in unbound service?"
Jat licks his beak. "Dufirosim are close to Chaos, proximity being a curse. Someone stole a shadow of the pattern from the Abyss and he stole a great queen of the abyss as well. He was aided by his Son and by a traitor to Chaos. He is known by the name he earned in the Abyss and in the Black Zone. But the Chaos lords dare not speak his name in fear of invoking his cult to greater heights. What is his name, and which queen did he steal? What I his son's name and who is Chaos's traitor? Where did they take the Abyssal pattern of Amber? A name for a name, Dufiro of Knowledge."
Fort looks to Realmer.."You may answer him. Though you might be a little thirsty first"
*'''Daniel Eric Van Campen Sr.'''
Silvermane drinks from his cup when his Master drinks from his, already seeing the pattern emerging, he keeps his right hand at the ready to grab his cup and drink when his Master does.
As Jak begins asking about the Stolen Pattern, Silvermane wonders how much about it his Master knows and is about to knock three times upon the table, until Fort hands the answering of the questions to him.
Silvermane picks up his cup and drinks, placing it back on his table then speaks to Jak,
"A name for a name, Jatakil. Vance is the one who stole the Pattern from the Abyss. Now, the Masoja in unbound service to Uzgata."
*'''Michael James Watson'''
Jatakil smiles, "Vance, son of Delwin....excellent.. Gretril of War, an Ally and a very enthusiastic one. -Masoja of War. His path is Fire Elemental, Spirits of Combat, Speed, & Fire. Avasa of Conflict & Fire. Masoja of Warfare. He has a bloody apatite and likes fighting. He dreams of ruling the council of combat'
*'''Daniel Eric Van Campen Sr.'''
Silvermane takes another sip of brandy then says. "Agrom, son of Vance. Another name from you, Jatakil."
*'''Michael James Watson'''
"Agrom? yes... His cult hall attracts a strange collection of peoples. alright.... Ill give you the double ended arrow in Uzgata's quiver. Straxxrix, a Masoja of Knowledge and a very powerful and powerfully unhappy one. Not bound but stuck to Uzgata because of their time as Rotters. He was Fire Elemental, Change Elemental, Spirit of Combat, Rot, Paper, & Change, Avasa of Fire, Shifter, and Knowledge. Masoja of Knowledge. he has aspirations. "
*'''Michael James Watson'''
Fort-"That's a powerful life path. He sounds ancient. "
Jat-"He is.. If he is accepted by the Shifters he may not make a mess of things. But the Death Council covets him.. When this Uzgata mess is over it will be interesting to see where he jumps"
*'''Daniel Eric Van Campen Sr.'''
The moment Jak stops speaking to Fort, Silvermane again grabs his cup and takes a sip, then puts it back on the table in front of him before speaking again to Jak.
"Vek'Osho helped them. Another name; an important one, as I know the name I just gave was."
*'''Michael James Watson'''
“How should I know what names you know? Vek..the hendrake Bonewarrior.. thought so. He was freed from fealty in Hendrake.. makes him dangerous. If you see him, tell him a price is on his head from the council of death. very well. an important name.. alright. Unkanat She is an ally to be sure. She started as a Fire elemental. then Spirit of Combat & Rot. Avasa of Conflict, Rage, and Fire. Finally Masoja of Combat. She aspires to Warfare & Death.. Beware her. She is Uzgata's Child. Made of himself alone." 
*'''Michael James Watson'''
he raises his hand to Realmer, looks to Fort-
*'''Michael James Watson'''
"Summoner... I serve Uzgata because his way has been rife with folly and power follows folly. Many of his followers revel in folly. he has thousands of fire Elementals and hundreds of Earth Elementals. He has several thousand spirits of fire.. he has a hundred earth Spirits, 2 Illusion Spirit and one rot spirit. Half a thousand fire Avasa and near that Combat Avasa. Near a dozen Masoja. Most serve to gather crumbs of power from his war. most are not....patriots..but the lower, the most willing to serve.. Trade me no more names... Bind me or free me."
*'''Michael James Watson'''
Fort looks at Realmer, tapping the 4th card.."What do you think? Have we enough to work from or shall we ask one more?"
*'''Daniel Eric Van Campen Sr.'''
Silvermane replies, "One more."
*'''Michael James Watson'''
Fort puts the card down.."Uzgata's summoning name, and binding name..."
*'''Michael James Watson'''
Jatakil howls, spinning into the sky bringing his colorful cloud work with him
*'''Michael James Watson'''
Alex walks up beside Arnold, blades drawn. Fort makes a hand sign for Wait
*'''Michael James Watson'''
Jatakil coalesces.. "I can give you his summoning name as an Avasa of Rage. that is the best I can do. and it will be a treason he won't forgive. but what I want...I doubt you will grant. that book of mine. it is my Avasa tome. But it is mine... Bind me to it... Keep me till you leave this battle world. then...Place me in the Library of Amber. What better place for a Dufiro of knowledge. "
*'''Daniel Eric Van Campen Sr.'''
Silvermane looks to his Master and is about to shake his head 'no', but stops and taps the table three times.
He communicates via Hand Sign, but still tries to partially hide them from Jak.
-Only the King could authorize that. Or maybe... the Unofficial Librarian; he knows about Dufiro and has at least one bound to him or something he carries. We have a mutual respect, but are not friends. Advise.-
*'''Michael James Watson'''
Fort looks uncertain.Hearing a snapping of fingers, Alex signs.. "Tir no'gath has a library."
*'''Daniel Eric Van Campen Sr.'''
Realmer signs to Alex -Thanks- Then signs to Fort -I'm mostly confident I can make that happen without too much fuss-
Silvermane turns to Jatakil and speaks.
"The Library of Amber is above my pay-grade. I counter offer with the Library in Tir-na Nog'th. How long do you wish to remain there?"
*'''Michael James Watson'''
"The main library at Fantalin, in The dufirosm section till a space in the Amber Library can be secured. And I'll cooperate on this battlefield till Fantalin."
Fort signs" I didn't know they had a Dufiro section but I'm new to access at the Amber level...possible? "
*'''Daniel Eric Van Campen Sr.'''
Realmer signs to Fort -Yes, it does have that section and I know the Dean well. He wants me to teach there one day soon. I am confident I can make that part happen. Amber will take time and favors, I'm certain. Do you close the deal, Master, or do I?”
*'''Michael James Watson'''
"You know the dean. Close the deal."
*'''Daniel Eric Van Campen Sr.'''
Silvermane turns to Jatakil and speaks.  "Jatakil, I know the Dean at Fantalin and can make that happen. Bargain struck. You may call me Silvermane. Deal sealed."  He picks up his cup and drinks.
*'''Michael James Watson'''
Fort starts to speak. Vatra says loudly, "Summoner, will you bind him using his Avasa name?"
Fort snaps his head at Vatra in surprise. Smiles widely and turns back to Jatakil who looks suddenly crestfallen. "Your Masoja binding name, please.".
Jatakil looks at Vatra, "I will not forget. Zagasa------------------etcetcetc."
Fort summons his full psyche and pulls Realmer's as well. Realmer feels and sees as fort ties the binding note around the tome, dragging the fiery owl into the tome.
Just before it finishes...Fort says"so you know, Jatakil of Knowledge, I've found your true name. ". And Fort speaks it to seal the binding. If a book could howl it would.
Fort picks up the book and casually runs his foot over the circle breaking the ring and ending the ritual.
*'''Daniel Eric Van Campen Sr.'''
Realmer looks to Vatra, "And I will not forget either, Vatra. Thank you."
Realmer turns to Fort. "So, Fort... do we have enough to defeat Uzgata? And do we need to do any further Summoning this night? And who holds onto that Tome?"
*'''Michael James Watson'''
Fort tucks the tome in his satchel. " we have enough to be well prepared. And I have this cooperative tome to delve..later.... Now....Alex, I'm going to fulfill your dreams...take me to bed....before I passout. ". As soon as he says it realmer feels a wave of exhaustion roll over him....his psyche is used totally and He suddenly feels his strength and endurance failing too. Woozy and feeling faint he starts to fall. He feels him self picked up like a babe and cradled in the titans right arm as he goes slack...He sees fort picked up similarly.
Fort mumbles..."Vatra....kick over the bucket. No one else may drink it. "
He holds his head up till the bucket spills...Realmer 's last sight is Fort resting his head on Alex's massive arm as he heads down hill