Editing Volume Two: The Adask War Wizard (section)

====<big>The Dworkin Intervention & Fallout</big>====

*'''Daniel Eric Van Campen Sr.'''
Realmer does not stop his Pattern Mindwalk once he hears Aries summon Dworkin, instead he continues until he reaches the center and leaves the Pattern up before him, just in case it must be used defensively or otherwise. He knows that once Aries leaves the realm that Nina will most likely know and possibly seek out Realmer to figure out what happened. If she is angry or tries to attack him he will at least have a Pattern Defense in place already.  He turns to his companions. "Well, I guess the meeting with Julian and Nina is not as pressing and vital as it once was, but I still think I should meet with them and discuss some matters before we move on to other things."
*'''Michael James Watson'''
Tesa and Dorna stand unsure. Gangdis looks confused.  Dworkin appears in a moment. 7', black, He is wrapped in a bathrobe that shifts into a wizards robe as he shifts to his Dworkin form.  He scowls at Aries. "Really? Really? Time issues alone I'll never get back in time.. what is so important to namedrop me, son? Where are...oh fuck."  Moments after he arrives Ninaaratres and Emiliesa appear each looking angry in their own way.
Nina yells, "Get thee from my realm miscreant wizard! You are not welcome here!!!"
*'''Michael James Watson'''
Dworkin looks at Emiliesa who remains silent, but on guard with powers marshaling.  Dworkin says, "Nina, are you totally deranged now? Its hardly your realm. Hell its belongs to none of the Wind Lords. Pick a king among you if you like but it doesn't give him title. Title does not pass. Now, why am I here, Aries?"  "I arrived here at Relmopator's invitation to discuss putting a university here. When Nina saw me she sent me to a stair realm for a lovely 500 years. Now i needed the break but i would have preferred someplace with more water. Maybe a few more trees."  Emiliesa yells suddenly, "Then try a thousand years in eternal fire!" Waving her arm Aries disappears.
*'''Michael James Watson'''
Dworkin frown, waves a hand and two things happen. Emilisa is slammed against a wall and quickly taped to it with sticky gray tape, including her mouth. Secondly Aries returns, looking scorched.
*'''Michael James Watson'''
Dworkin yells, "Family Meeting. Attendance required."  Julian arrives looking as if he was running, in a evening kimono.  Caine arrives, looking fresh from a sea battle, smelling of smoke, but smiling,. a blade in his hand.  Satura arrives, falling a foot to the ground, as if she was longing, she sits up in surprise.
Giovanni appears, looking as if he was eating soup, sitting, balances to stand.  Tesa looks surprised to teleport across the room  A black haired man in ninja attire, looks shocked, throws stars at Dworkin that stop mid air. Attempting to draw sword Dworkin sends him to the wall to be covered in gray tape.  Lastly, Arloxedra looking like he has been hiking in mountains, staff in hand.  Dworkin, "Well, that's a surprise.. I expected to get Julian and Caine, and Satura, but its a surprise to see the rest of you."
*'''Daniel Eric Van Campen Sr.'''
Realmer arches an eyebrow and looks at the assembled faces.  "Well grandfather, it could just be a matter of proximity. Tesa was across the room and you brought her much closer, Giovanni was in the city, and I'm not sure about the ninja or Arlo, but I would guess that they were in the vicinity of Adagalasck. And speaking of the Ninja..."  Realmer uses the Unseen Hand Cantrip to snatch the hood off the ninja's head to reveal his / her face.
*'''Michael James Watson'''
Caine walks over, looks at the black haired face, and smiles.  He says, "Anyone want to start a war with Borlak? That's Hiroaki, his son. He was apparently doing some night work. Dworkin do you know where he was...hey...why is my wife duct taped to the wall?"  Gangdis says, "Bad manners."  Giovanni snorts.
Julian says, "He was probably in my chambers. There are 10 or so others in there dead. I was chasing this one. "
Dworkin says, "I didn't intend to bring him here though its interesting he is here. I can settle a couple things. Those of you not attached to walls sit the hell down."  He walks up the Julian and starts to raise his hand. Nina screeches, "Noooo!!!!! no!!!! no....." with a whimper, "please no......"  Dworkin looks to her. "There is a price for being a leader of men. You knew not to attack Aries. After this they will make their own choices."
Placing a hand on Julian's forehead a humming occurs and Julian looks confused. Dworkin turns and puts a hand on Caine who twitches away at first. Then he too looks confused.  Nina looks at Relmopator with anger in her eyes as well as tears.  Dworkin says, "Ninaartes. You will need to walk the primal spire again. You have lost your imprint."   Turning to Emilisa, "So have you."  Julian walks to Nina and lifts her, kissing her lightly. Caine scowls at Emiliesa and withdraws a trump, "Dworkin, I assume you don't need me?" Dworkin shakes his head. Caine goes on, "Random. Yes its really me. Pull me through" He steps through the trump. Emilisa screams and writhes in furious anger.  Dworkin looks to Nina, "The bonding is gone. Whatever is left is love. "
"Aries, do you want to stay or go?"  He says, "Go..Realmer, after this gets sorted out, call me. Julian, a university is a good idea, if you have not done so already, make him Chancellor of it and I'll help from Fantalin." He withdraws a trump and steps through.  Dworkin walks to Dorna, "Forget. Sleep"
He looks at Realmer, "Well, I'm done. This is your room, you clean up the mess" He disappears.
Arlo says while pulling a cig out with a shaky hand and lighting it, "I assume we need drinks?"
*'''Daniel Eric Van Campen Sr.'''
"I do so enjoy our family get-togethers."  Based on the look on his face and the tone of his voice, no one can tell if Realmer is being sarcastic or serious. He withdraws a thin cigar from a pocket in his robe, lights it with a flame from his fingertip, draws in deeply, holds it for a moment, then exhales multicolored smoke. He looks to Arlo.  "Yes Arlo; drinks. Strong drinks. And lots of them."  He looks to Julian: "Perhaps it is best that I leave Hiroaki, Nina and Emilie to your care."
*'''Michael James Watson'''
"I have no idea what to do with this one. I don't want a war with Borlak but if he sent ninja against me I think i already have one. If any of you have a better idea then cutting his throat, I am listening."
Silence fills the room.  Arlo says, "Well, Julian, as I see it you don't want his blood on your hands. We don't want his death curse. I can handle this for you if you like."  Julian looks to Realmer, "What do you think?"
*'''Daniel Eric Van Campen Sr.'''
Realmer looks to Julian with an eyebrow arched, then to Hiroaki with brows furrowed. He purses his lips a bit then looks Hiroaki in the eyes.  "Hiroaki, Son of Borlak, Grandson of Oberon, Great Grandson of Dworkin, know me: I am Lord Relmopator of Amber, War Chief of Clan Kalota of the Odaraxta, Son of Hagalta and Satura, Grandson of Dworkin and Verna the Primal Adask. Your fate has been left in my hands. All of your men that came here to kill King Julian are dead and you might have been as well had it not been for the... untimely intervention of the progenitor of our family. King Julian is now aware of both your and Borlak's intentions towards him... as is Caine and soon, King Random."  Realmer pauses for a moment.  "You are a lucky man, Hiroaki. You should be dead twice over at least..." he looks to Julian and Arlo with a wicked smile for each, then back to Hiroaki "yet still you live. And you shall continue to do so, provided you call off any and all hostilities against Amber, the Royal Family of Amber, and their interests. And I suggest you tell your father to do the same. If you agree to my conditions, you are free to leave and live, if not..." he pauses for effect. "Call it compassion, mercy, weakness... I don't really care, but you owe your life to me, Hiroaki... they wanted to kill you. So, do you agree?"
*'''Michael James Watson'''
He laughs, "Julian will kneel before the Horde or die before it. Normal comes to claim his birthright. What was promised him...I recognize no debt. Dworkin did this. None of you have the glass balls to face me blade to blade. So kill me. My curse is ready."
*'''Daniel Eric Van Campen Sr.'''
Realmer does not hesitate, he draws HIS NP Dagger and moves like a flash (Robe: Engine Speed) and slashes Hiroaki's throat deeply, making sure to severe both arteries and veins on both sides as well as the throat. Then he shoves the blade deeply into his heart while looking him in the eyes. He moves the blade around a bit, then pulls it out, flings off the blood and sheaths the blade.  "Bring on the curse."  Realmer inhales deeply through his nose, as though snorting something, then exhales sharply. Then he smiles calmly.  "So... what's next on the agenda?"
*'''Michael James Watson'''
Arlo steps up as Realmer speaks, producing a blank trump. Turning it to face the recently dead body the trump glows, and the body disappears. Turning to look at Realmer with a scowl. He turns the blank trump to face himself and he vanishes.  Julian laughs, "Well, war is good for industry. We better get on a war footing fast. Xorit is Bannerlord of the Odaraxta and he has nominally pledged to me. I can offer him land and lordships for a more oath-bound service. And tell him if he wants to challenge for the Trexcat, Gaxag, and Darxti banners he better do it fast. He may have to cut the Shaxta out of the Odaraxta no matter how much that hurts.. Fast Realmer. A few dead ninja are not the same as a dead son of Amber. You're in it for certs. Tesa, welcome to the family."  He kneels next to Nina, still sitting on her knees. "Come beloved. Your binding never held me to you as much as my heart did. We can't wallow."  Nina stands and goes to her sister, writhing in anger against the primal duct tape. She places a hand by her temple and calms her into sleep.  "Her anger is deep...Beloved....She may not recover. She has done something horrible..We may have two curses to deal with. I can't.... do more then make her rest. Send her to the realm we put the Ice statues in. I can't. My imprint is gone, I've lost my stair. I lost the Wind. She has no imprint and has lost her wind. I must get back to Blomish immediately if I am to recover them. We can argue there...”  Julian moves the Emilie and raises a hand. She vanishes.
He comes and takes Nina's hand, speaks a word and they vanish.  Tesa looks to Dorna.  Gangdis says, “Well, company is coming”
*'''Daniel Eric Van Campen Sr.'''
Realmer's mind is already racing; realizing the consequences of Dworkin's actions, accepting the consequences of his own actions and the all of the events that would soon unfold because of both. He looks over the faces of those still in the room and ponders many things in an instant. Satura, his mother who just watched him murder a man in cold blood, mind not all there, she might now fear him which is unfortunate. Gangdis, his Bodyguard and Advisor who has experienced more wars, battles and Amber Family issues than anyone he knew seemed at ease but ready for anything. Tesa, his Partner who had had a rough life almost beyond his reckoning, whom he had trained with and fought beside, who seemed she would back him regardless of the insanity level. Dorna... she looks so peaceful and sweet when she sleeps. Giovanni the Protector who watches over Tesa... he seems capable and he his is an odd outlier of the Family and Realmer likes odd and outliers. And Bob, always there, always out of site, always watching and listening, always in his head listening, always ready. He recalls Datarik is still here, possibly still in his room, but unlikely still asleep after the noise... his local knowledge and advice will be invaluable. Xorit would need to be contacted immediately, he would need to know what had just happened, the Banner Lordships of the other Clans were up for grabs, the Clans of the Odaraxta must prepare for a new war... several perhaps, and those Orders needed to be given soon. The South Wind was open and up for grabs, and Lord Relmopator of Amber, the Vampire of the Dungeons, Field Commander of Amber's forces on Adledross, and now the new War Chief of Clan Kalota of the Odaraxta of Adagalasck, was about to make another power grab, hopefully before anyone even knew that a power void ever existed.  ~Bob; new image time. Always appear as a white raven when you're not hiding or in combat. Also, time for a War Council. Go get Datarik and bring him in here. But let him know who you are and what you're doing first; I don't need him surprised, I need him ready.~  Realmer takes a few breaths and lets it all sink in... then, before anyone else breaks the silence, he speaks.  “War Council!” Realmer calls out, but not loudly, just authoritatively. “Everybody in the room just saw what happened, now here are the consequences.” He pauses as he looks over the faces again then says, “Somebody wake up Dorna.... never mind, I'll do it” he says with an evil grin. Realmer uses a Pinch Cantrip on Dorna's butt cheek to wake her up.  “As I was saying...” glares at Dorna as though she had fallen asleep during a war council, “the consequences: the South Wind is open for the taking, Xorit now has many opportunities to claim, including up to three Banners if he fully swears oath to King Julian... and I will need Xorit's help, and all the Clans of Odaraxta... but the Shaxta will be a problem. And eventually, we will need the help of all other Banners as well. Because first, I intend to claim the South Wind.” Slight pause. “I am family to Emilie, the former Mistress of the South Wind and Lady of Fire, and I am Adask and Fey, as was she and as many of those who reside in the South Wind Region are.” Again, slight pause. “Aaand because we don't want Krelat of the Shaxta or anyone else for that matter, claiming that much power and influence now... because secondly, Borlak's Horde is coming here to wage war.” Another pause. “We need to help Julian unite the peoples of Adagalasck and prepare for war. We are going to need to secure the Arch soon and garrison more forces there... I get ahead of myself.”  He sighs, takes a deep breath. By this time, Bob has certainly returned with Datarik and is perched somewhere as a white raven; Realmer says aloud.  “Bob; locate my Ward, Sadashi, and bring her here in a polite and informed manner befitting her station. Make sure she is ready for travel, but do it quickly.”  Realmer looks around the room at each face as he speaks, gauging their reactions.  “First; we need time to plan so we are all going to First Step; the Time Flow is faster there, five to one. Plus Xorit and the other Clan War Chiefs are there. And my mother is coming with us. She will need our protection until I can establish a secure base of operations; the King has been generous in her care, but now that I am here and involved in local politics again, she is my responsibility. And Giovanni, you don't have to get involved if you don't want to, but I would welcome your experience and advice, if not your sword. So... until Sadishi arrives, I am open to questions and advice.”
*'''Michael James Watson'''
Giovanni nods, standing,”Like it or not, my presence here has left a cold bowl of soup nearby and I'm still pretty hungry. I'm a solider, at times a soldier of fortune. I'll stay because I guard Tesa fo the sake of my sister, which I will now do openly. But, give me a silver piece and You'll have hired my service for the duration. Call me the Count, or Count Solvi, when speaking to others until I introduce myself. I'm not much of an advisor, I tend to get distracted, but your idea of a fast time realm sounds solid and we should get their fast. ”
Gandis stands and goes to help Satura as she attempts to stand. “Ole Son, your mother is not well. Her scatterbrain is almost a visible fog around her. If the Flowing Horde is coming I suggest you get her out of here. Send her to Amber perhaps. To Random and Dworkin. Random will almost certainly be angry, and Arlo is there now telling him all about it, the snitch. But the Flowing Horde will come here, not there.“  “Tell King Random that Hiroaki died in a time of war. Assassins In King Julian's bedroom is an act of war. Borlak is moving against Adagalasck. And just between you and I, Julian said you did what he was going to do but you were quicker. I can't deny my own knife was just a bit slower then yours too. And Tesa had her snikura blade palmed against her wrist as well. Once Dworkin brought them all here and stuck Hiroaki to the wall, his life was measured in minute one way of the other.  Tesa asks, “Will Amber ally with Adagalasck?“  Dorna glares back.
Bob returns with Datarik, putting on dressing clothes, “Its war? But against who? The word of you taking Odaraxta is just now making the rounds of the clans. Not that they will object...Xorit will be delighted.. your bird was unclear. What word from the King?”
*'''Daniel Eric Van Campen Sr.'''
"Datarik, the enemy is known as the Flowing Horde and they come from outside of Adagalasck. I will explain in detail when we reach First Step and the Clan Halls, after we gather the Clan Lords."  "Tesa, I'm fairly certain Amber will come to our aid. Especially now that Julian and Caine are free from the influences of their wives. And by the way, he," points to Giovanni, "is your uncle on your mother's side and your protector. You two should get acquainted when you can."  "Giovanni, consider yourself hired." Realmer tosses an Amber Goldwing to him.  "And Gangdis, you are correct. My mother would be much safer in Amber and though I don't relish a conversation with King Random at this time," he sighs loudly, "it must be done. And sooner is better than later."
He pulls out Random's Trump and attempts contact.