Editing Volume Two: The Adask War Wizard (section)

====<big>Rasak and Benedict's Personal Military Course</big>====

*'''Michael James Watson'''
Arriving at the trump location Realmer sees many other people arriving through a similar trump. People looking around uncertain, asking each other names, places, time, etc. The land is darkish, like twilight toward evening. Hills in the near range and mountains beyond it. Looking around he sees Carston who sees him at the same time and starts walking toward him. 
"Sir, Thank you for the recommendation. I know Julian recommended me to here but it was yours that made them decide on it. King Julian has hired me to help him prepare their army. Strange for a warrior realm how disorganized they are. I understand other CHAD members will be coming as well."
From behind you hear, "Good gods, are you following me?"
Looking you see Fortunadas approaching with a wide smile. 
"I just saw one of the funniest things I ever saw. Someone gave Alexandir Kos Korag an order to disarm and when he tried to spike the guy, the guy spun under his blow and hit Alex like a hammer to the gonads. I always knew he depended on magic too much."

*'''Daniel Eric Van Campen Sr.'''
"Carston, good to see you here. I had heard you were working for Julian, from Tesa; I think the position suits you better than following me around. But should you tire of yelling at troops, feel free to contact me at any time."
"Fort, it is you who is following me, for if I had not decided to attend..." he looks at all the CHAD troops, then back to Fort "then none of you would be here." Realmer looks serious for a moment, then smiles and chuckles.
*'''Michael James Watson'''
Tesa sounds nervous, realizing she may have made a mistake coming here. “That's one of the biggest men I've ever seen before..."
Looking that way Fort says, "Oh my colorful lovely, that's the God of War his own precious self, Alexandir Kos Korag, King of Tosa, god emperor of the biggest ego that ever walked on three feet. Keep your distance. Now, I am a far less crazy mass murderer then good king Alex and I'm a much warmer companion to be sure. But in case it comes up, asking Alex if he was really a Blacksmith's son makes him testy. As for you, Realmer, I have no idea what you mean. We had Random's OK to come here a week ago. I had to translate from Thari to Crazy violent arrogance tongue' that Mr. Big Shoulders couldn't bring his personal cohort of titans..."
A man that looks quite like Benedict comes up and blows a whistle. With him attendants tart walking among the crowd, giving each a ring, telling them not to try it on.
*'''Daniel Eric Van Campen Sr.'''
Realmer clears his mind of all else and prepares himself for what is to come. He pays attention to the man who looks like Benedict and follows any order given without question. Realmer has been around military types before and worked with an army once back in his Adventuring Days so he has some idea of what to do and how to act.
*'''Michael James Watson'''
The man stand on a tree stump. "I am Banidoc. I am the son of Benedict of Amber. I will lead you in the first 3 years of your training. In your hand is the ring of compulsion. As you see I am putting mine on. It is the master ring. Once you put the ring on you will do anything I say, even to the loss of your life. But more importantly you will do as I do. If I raise and arm you will. If I kick you will. In this world you do not need to eat. Nor drink, nor piss. The air you breath is filled with nutrients enough to sustain you very well. What we will do for the next 3 years, 25 hours a day, 370 days a year is exercise. Run, jump, and you will do so like marionettes. Your mind will be numbed to not focus on anything but the task. You will however fell the muscle pain. as your body learns to accept the punishment."  He puts the ring on.  "All of you are soldiers, warriors of some kind to be invited here. All of you have killed. Some of you have been killed. That...will come later. Now we run. If you agree to these terms put the ring on. If you have changed your mind the bell is over there. Ring it, drop the ring, and you will be transported to whatever place you came here from. You have been warned."
*'''Daniel Eric Van Campen Sr.'''
Without hesitation, Realmer puts the ring on. He knows his life is not his own now, much like before with The Entity. And just like that experience, he knows he will emerge the other side stronger and better. He is ready. He runs when Banidoc runs. And so begins another life in Hell for Relmopator, son of Satura & Hagalta, Grandson of Verna & Dworkin.
*'''Michael James Watson'''
Tesa, "oh damn... the Snikura seems easy by comparison..."  
Fort, "well my colorful lovely, are you Snikura as well? I took the art in my youth, before the folly of such things was made clear. I was a warrior, a priest, a wizard and a follower of Conf in those days. ah to be young. Its a pity I won't have a chance to woo you for the next 3 years." He puts the ring on.  
Snickering she says, "Well, the course is 10 years I hear." She puts the ring on. So begins another life in hell for Tesa, Daughter of Conf, granddaughter of Tolknor.
*'''Michael James Watson'''
A yell is made and the bodies line in single file. a spell is cast and all clothes are removed. The assistants walk down the line, each casting spells that remove jewelry, body paint and body hair. Photograph are taken. fingerprints are taken. blood samples are taken.
One walks and looks at Tesa. "Your name is 32. You will remember no other name. No place. No rank. no experience before being told your name. What is your name?"
32 says, "I am 32"
An assistant at Fortunadas, "Your name is 33. You will remember no other name. No place. No rank. no experience before being told your name. What is your name?"
33 says, "I am 33"
the third assistant steps up to Realmer, "Your name is 34. You will remember no other name. No place. No rank. no experience before being told your name. What is your name?"
*'''Daniel Eric Van Campen Sr.'''
34 says, "I am 34"
*'''Michael James Watson'''
At a pace of 7 miles an hour a year goes by in 62,000 miles.
The terrain is rugged but the running path is well worn. Long stretches are flat but much of it is hilly fading into mountainous. The first year goes by in a blur on non-comprehension. there is no self there is nothing by pain and movement. Even an Amberite's endurance would be tested by the maniacal pace set by Banidoc.
On the 366 day awareness of effort returns. Not a name. Not a history. No memory of grievances or triumphs. Knowledge of effort, place, terrain, weather and pain. There are hand movements with no context. the amber battle hand signs are taught on the run, without context, fingers moving, hands moving.
There are songs sung without understanding. Languages learned without comprehension. Just memorization. Each hill has a name learned. each river, plain, cave, forest. Types of trees are named, types of grasses. a sense of night and day and the passage of time is learned by rote.
As year two winds on the familiarity of the terrain comes. That tree, this rise, this downhill. Run here, jump there. This river, swimming this lake, diving off the cliff, the higher cliff, the much higher cliff. Jumping into the black pit and falling till splashing in wet blackness. Swimming in pitch black, and seeing the light come.
Running that course 12 times. Knowing its the second set of 12 times its been run.
The third year begins and there is no more pain. There is deep breathing and a determination to run. Faster, 9 miles an hour, 10 miles and hour...
The third year ends after 10 months and the runners have learned the space of Rasak. The hills, the rivers, the oceans, the dark caverns. Awareness comes.. they remember their names.
Banidoc stops in a dell in the forest. The 500 people in this session. there are 50 camp fires and around each 5 rolled canvas tents. Somewhere in the run the methods for setting up the tent we given in a time of unawareness.
The Runners stop as he does. He turns and orders 50 rows of 10. Then leads each ten to a camp fire in the great dell. A sense of individual effort returns.
Banidoc walks from group to group. asking names, 21, 28, 31, 470, 499.
Tents are ordered set up. Names are paired off, 31&32, 33&34, 35&36. sleep is ordered.
Upon waking 32 cries out in helpless fear, pain and deep soul searing despair and a bodily exhaustion mixed with fear and a new feeling of endurance. She is not alone in her angst. Others cry out as might be their nature, or worse, as if it would not have been their nature.
Knowledge of individual abilities returns with no name save a number. No rank, no memory, no history. But skills and languages taught. communication occurs by hand sign as if they were a native language. Numbers look on each other in a 3 year growth of hair and 3 year without bathing unless they swam.
Suddenly a new thing shatters their minds.. Cooking meat. They see tables in the distance piled with foods of many varieties, food cooking, drink in pitchers and tankards.
Banidoc stand on a stump.
"Soldiers. You may eat. Dismissed"
They run for chow call pushed on by starvation.
*'''Daniel Eric Van Campen Sr.'''
As the order of Dismissed is given, 34 does not hesitate to rush for chow like everyone else. He moves as fast as he can, taking advantage of his thin lithe body to slip between the other soldiers and gain a better place in the Chow Line.
When 34 gets his food he does not bother to move any further than needed to find a place to sit, saving a place for 33 next to him. He and 33 were assigned to the same tent, that makes them a team; teammates watch each other's back.
But 34 did not wait to eat until seated; he began eating the moment food hit his plate. 34 eats ravenously of any and all food given, offered or provided. He drinks with a thirst that seems unquenchable; washing down every other bite of food with several large gulps of whatever is handy.
When 34 sees 33, he motions him over to have a seat next to him in the place he had saved, possibly using a Battle Hand Sign without even realizing it.
*'''Michael James Watson'''
Tesa waking up


*'''Michael James Watson'''
The last 2 months of the third year are a celebration of the completion of the first section. There are 50 camp fires and some compulsion keeps groups together about 70% of the time at their own fire. Groups cook together from the common stores where there is not a complete. Most of the days, and nights are spent in listening to guest speakers who walk from fire to fire. The compulsion to sit and behave, and listen when they talk is strong.
Fraternization is encouraged and since no one is wearing clothes there is a great deal of it and only the degree of modesty that in native to individuals. People race, wrestle, but not knowing who each is makes it hard to argue about things unknown.
Number 42 makes his rounds through the women in the group though few take a second swing at a clearly massive man at 12' tall. Number 32 passes on the experience but she and 33 do so regularly. 32 and 34 take a few rolls if 34 allows it.
Among the guest speakers are numerous elites as well as a few other experienced warriors with story telling skills. They talk of wars and battles Amber has faced but no mention is made of anything after, nor including the Black Road War.
Camping groups are directed in the lat month to fitness games among camps. Running, jumping, climbing, swimming. No prizes other then bragging rights.
During the 2 month interval, Banidoc is not seen.
*'''Daniel Eric Van Campen Sr.'''
34 spends most of his time with his own group, but does wander a bit to familiarize himself with the faces and the names (numbers) of those in this session with him; he sizes each of them up as well.
34 listens intently to the guest speakers and learns what he can from each of their stories'. 34 seems to have a voracious appetite for knowledge and he feeds it as often as possible.
[Realmer has always been an asexual person, despite his male gender and good looks in his youth and again now. Though he has attracted the interest of females and occasionally males, Realmer has never had an interest in sex or romance; his interests have always been directed towards matters Academic and Arcane. And during his decades as an Adventurer, his altered physical appearance prevented sexual interest from others, so he never had to even think about it. And later as a Vampyr, when his good looks returned, his body had no sexual drive. Even after coming to Amber, Realmer has shown no sexual or romantic interest in anyone. But the mind in the body now is not that of Realmer, and the body can override the mind, from time to time.]
34 seems a bit hesitant to Fraternize with 32 at first, though it is not because she is unattractive, nor because he dislikes her, or because she has been with others... 34 is unsure of his hesitation... he can feel his bodily urges and knows the release would be beneficial... but he declines the first time 32 offers but in a way that let's her know to try again later. Eventually, 34 does Fraternize with 32, but no others.
34 is very competitive in the Fitness Games and strives for the top spot always, regardless of the competitions or participants... even if he does not place well in any given competition, he will strive to do better the next time he competes. 34's competitive nature only increases after Fraternizing with 32, but not in regards to her, but because the release has allowed him to focus more on the physical nature of the competitions and the enjoyment of physical exertion... and exhaustion.

*'''Michael James Watson'''
On the first day of year 4 the attendees wake in unison and step out to form blocks of ten;3,3,3,1. The one is in front of the three rows. Group 30s has 32 standing in front.
Waiting as the sun rises till noon when Banidoc comes out and climbs up on a stump.
"You are formed into Fire Teams. Each member will take turns as Fire Team Leaders.
"All teams: You will find you have a camp that is composed of 10 two piece tents, 10 folding camp stools. A camp box with cooking supplies. 5 waterjons holding 5 gallons of water. A company tent with a cook stove. 5 woodsman axes. 5 hand axes. And 10 body harnesses. Fire Team leaders-You will know what items to assign to what pacing of individuals to make transportation even. We will begin our run in a few moments. Make your assignments and prepare to move. Every night you will set up camp, cook, clean, participate in the days activities, then sleep, in the morning you will strike camp and move. Your fire team leaders will maintain order during their term. "
"Make ready to move!"
32 assigns equipment accordingly and lines the group in order. The run begins and is a fat paced 10 miles and hour run for 3 hours. Camp set up and food is stacked in readiness to be cook. The days activity includes group calisthenics, kata drills, Ti chi, run and jumps.
In the months that follow weapon drills, weapon katas, mixed weapon training, and in the mindless repetition with boredom suppressed the lessons are bored into the memories of the compelled individuals.
In the second year freedom of movement is allowed and drill instructors come ad hone the rote memory skills into thoughtless battle skills. Games are included. Various footballs, rugby, home game, and team sports. Tactics are taught on a simple level at first but grow to become natural and obvious.
In the third year battle drills become serious. Wound occur causing pain but no blood loss. Fatal strikes to the neck and head bounce off harmlessly. A month of culturally significant dances is done to the general confusion of all, save 33 who excels at them.
As the 11th month of the 3rd years starts full movement occurs and the Celebration of completion begins. Banidoc disappears.
During the second celebration there are more campfires and more BBQs. Horsemanship is begun to be taught to those unfamiliar with it. Acrobatics are taught and 32 excels at them. Parkour is taught and 42 excels at it.
Karate and ti chi continue without compulsion.
The parties are not as frequent as people have settled into knowing people they get along with. 42 seems to have a fawning circle of people drawn to his naturally powerful presence.
The first day of the 7th year Banidoc calls everyone to order.
"You will remember your names only. This begin the Battle Sessions. You will do movement drills, battle drills, mock combats, and tournaments. These will be in couple, teams and split session. You will face different races in mock battle. There will be lectures in large and small groups. There will be periods of compulsion in this activities and period of freewill. There will be little sleep. The actions will not be scheduled but when called must be managed."
"Lastly, you will learn the Laws of Amber, having heard her history and her failures you will learn of her glory, her kingdoms her allies and her enemies. You will have little sleep. You will maintain your camps. Remembering your names you will use them as well as your numbers. and Know, your future assignments may depend on your performance. "
"First, as the sun rises, we run"
And the running begins.

*'''Daniel Eric Van Campen Sr.'''
34 learns the equipment. 34 learns the daily jobs. 34 learns the weapons. 34 learns the drills. 34 learns the katas. 34 learns his lessons. 34 learns well. 34 is a soldier. 34 does.
34 enjoys the competitive games and the teamwork associated with them. 34 learns horses and how to ride them. 34 learns acrobatics and parkour... he likes both.
34 likes the battle drills and mock battles. 34 does not mind the wounds or the pain. 34 is a soldier. 34 does.
Year 7.... Realmer, #34, is ready for the Battle Drills; his body is ready, his mind is ready, he is ready. Realmer is a soldier. Realmer does.
*'''Michael James Watson'''
During camp time and socializing time during those 3 years, 32 & 33 seem to spend a lot of time together. Publicly much of it is quiet. 33 is gregarious and make light of his missing memories and entertains people with a outstanding singing voice, musical talents, theatrical presence. Nightly the camp can here their enthusiastic fraternizing.
*'''Daniel Eric Van Campen Sr.'''
During the camp & socializing time of those 3 years; 34 spent most of it observing the habit of others. If asked to join in, he did. 34 is very well aware of 32 & 33's nightly habits and has an arrangement with 33 to trade off tents for their nightly fun and an another arrangement with 31 to share whichever tent is not being used for fraternizing for sleeping or whatever the need.
*'''Michael James Watson'''
Years 7, 8, & 9 are the most strenuous sine they are constant exercise and constant challenges to memory, and judgment.
While wilderness survival has been taught all along now it is focused to fight and survive in many terrains. Burning sands, freezing mountains, swamps and clover fields.
Live weapon melee and war-field battles with healing each night. Drills, wargames large and small.
while individual weapon skills are constantly trained new skills are added. Metalwork teaches forge and iron work, the making of weapons up to a high degree. Leather work is done. Pioneering.
Horsemanship and dottlemanship are a daily part of the drills. and the horses and dottles are cared for communally. Cavalry skills are taught from mounted couched lance to fighting long spears, cavalry sabers, to morning stars. Rope work is a part of horsemanship.
Artillery is taught to many people with no experience with it. catapults, ongers, ballista, arbalists.
Archery is trained from thrown weapons, to bows, crossbows, and bolt and clockwork-guns. Firearms are taught from matchlocks to Vulcan cannons.
Classroom discussions held at meal time discus the vat array of military weaponry that exists throughout shadow. One night includes a overview of the Amber Star Fleet. One the Navy.
A general over view of musical items is taught with an emphasis on drums and horns,, especially in their use on the battlefield. Banidoc hates the bagpipes but they are taught as well for their battlefield use.
Throughout the year as live battles large and small are done medical training is taught with an emphasis on field treatment.
The final two months are a Celebration of Knowledge where instructors ask questions on all topics learned in 9 years. These quizzes occur in small groups and large to enthusiastic group.
The Celebration includes BBQs, cooking classes, singing, and much revelry among the survivors.
In 9 years the rings of compulsion have have forced participants to complete all tasks until the celebration of Knowledge. Then people are allowed to leave if they wish. None do.
The beginning of the 10th year begins with Banidoc returning.
"Soldiers. The final test comes. You will remember your names. Your pasts, your fears ad follies. The Rings of Compulsion will block no memory. You all came to Rasak with skills enough to make someone recommend you. You have learned many things here. What you were and what you have become must fuse together in the final year and they will be forged in fire and blood.
"This morning we travel to the World of Adledross This is a warrior world. It is deep in shadow and the rules are this; You will be an army of 5 cohorts, each of 100 soldiers. Each Cohort has 10 fire teams. You will be on one side of the continent and must fight your way to the other. You will fight foes of may kinds n many terrains. They are summoned to fight from all across shadow. Your woulds will heal normally. If you die you return to the starting line to start over. Victory is rewarded. You will live off the land. Scavenge food and supplies, weapons, lodgings.
"Command will change from time to time. The wearer of the green bands answer to the Wearer of the green Band with the unicorn emblazoned. They are the Commanding General till they wake without it. Show that you can take orders as well as give orders.
"And you will not be alone. We are not the only ones who use Adledross. Four other warrior empires send 5 cohorts at the beginning of each year. You will meet them and ally with them. They know of Amber. We know of them. But they are not major realms. They are clusters and mighty realms in Shadow and one day many of you may see them, even serve with them again. Fight together, win together."
"You enter Adledross dressed in boots, trousers, shirt, coat, and bearing two knives. One a fighting knife. One a utility knife. Everything else you must scrounge. Your magics will work if you have such skills but no thing may be conjured to the world. Some of you had companion beasts. Bound mounts, familiars, and boon companions. They will be reunited with you on Adledross. Remember who you are now. Introduce yourselves. But remember you are still soldiers of Rasak, still wear the ring of Compulsions, and no rank beyond here matters till you leave Rasak. Be you kings or knights, Masters or gods, does not matter. Your titles will not save you, your companions will. Good Luck, Soldiers of Amber. March to the trump gate. Leave everything else behind.
*'''Daniel Eric Van Campen Sr.'''
Year 7: Relmopator.... Realmer.... a name with no past but the one here in Rasak. What kind of name is Relmopator, anyway? It does not matter; #34-Realmer does what the Instructor does. Realmer does what the Instructor says. And when Realmer has Free Will, Realmer does as he was taught. Realmer does.
Years 7-9 are Realmer's 'favorite' by far; finally putting all that physical training and learning to practical use.... bringing all learned so far together in a cohesive manner.... during these years the previous training methods begin to make sense... Realmer likes things that make sense.
Realmer also likes working with his hands. He discovered he really enjoys and has a knack for crafting useful things; weapons, horseshoes, armor, saddles, etc. He puts much effort into his crafting, making sure his creation is of the finest quality he can make it.
Once Realmer learns how to make things it gives him a better appreciation for taking care of his equipment, not that he didn't before, but now even more so does he care for and maintain his equipment, his creatures, himself.
Though Realmer puts equal effort into learning and practicing all forms of fighting and combat, he realizes during the Archery and Artillery lessons that he does prefer distance combat over close combat. He has a great interest in the various forms of Siege Engines and while learning how to operate them he studies their design and how they physically work; the mathematics and engineering of the thing. He also has a similar interest in the Clockwork Guns and when they are taught how to 'field strip' them he pays great attention and studies the inner workings carefully. When an Instructor said all soldiers should be able to field strip their weapon with their eyes closed, Realmer was one of the first to learn how to do just that.
When music and musical instruments it taught, Realmer pays close attention with a keen interest... he likes how the arrangement and timing of tones and sounds can keep all the soldiers of an army in sync, raise the moral of troops and inspire fear and dread in the enemy. Yes, Realmer likes music; there is something about a formulation of notes that causes an effect that greatly appeals to Realmer. And once Realmer hears the bagpipes it becomes clear to him that he MUST learn how to play this unusual instrument of leather, wood and wind that wails such haunting tones as to stir his soul.
During the battles, Realmer puts all he has learned here in Rasak into play; not just what he has learned from the Instructors and Guest Speakers, and not just what he has learned from his experiences here, but also what he has learned by observing those around him during camp times, celebration times, the times between lessons and drills; Realmer took the time to learn all he could about the habits and traits of those around him so that during drills he would know how best to defeat them if they were on opposing sides or how to min/max their weaknesses/strengths if they were on the same side. During the battles, Realmer learns from his previous mistakes and the mistakes of others. When he dies or gets injured he learns why it happened and how to prevent or lessen it next time. Realmer finds the blood and gore of battle neither appealing nor repellent, but natural somehow, just like working with wounded or dead bodies. Realmer takes many opportunities to act a his teams field medic; it feels somehow natural to be working with blood and organs and body parts.
Year 10: I am Relmopator Barimen. Son of Satura and Hagalta. Grandson of Verna and Dworkin.
As Banidoc speaks thoughts and memories try to flood in, integrate, but Banidoc is still giving orders. Realmer stops the flood of thoughts and memories and focuses only on Banidoc's words, his instructions, his orders, our mission. As he moves towards the Trump Gate, Realmer lets the memories of self and past flood back in and begin to integrate.
34: Magic. Spells. Bob the Beholder. Graso the Horse. All excellent assets for a soldier.
Relmopator: Weapon Skills. Physical Training. Forging and Crafting Skills. Horsemanship. Tactics and Stratagems. By the Primal Beasts! I'm becoming a War Wizard.
Realmer/34: This year will prove to be most interesting and will surely be a test of my mettle. The past 9 years I have been heated and hammered upon to create a strong weapon and this year ahead will certainly harden me and sharpen me into a lethal weapon; yet I must remain flexible enough to withstand the stresses of combat and not break or shatter. I am Relmopator Barimen; an Amberite, an Adask, an Academician, an Adventurer, an Ambassador, a man that has suffered Hells of torment and pain throughout his life and come away stronger from each.
I am a Survivor. I am a Sorcerer. I. AM. A. SOLDIER.
*'''Michael James Watson'''
Bagpipes? Figures...
*'''Daniel Eric Van Campen Sr.'''
I HAD to. I just HAD to. They kind of fit Realmer too. Think about it...
*'''Daniel Eric Van Campen Sr.'''
had you not mentioned them I would not have thought of them. Might have chosen trumpet so he could join in with Random when he jams. But.... bagpipes it is
*'''Michael James Watson'''
Sure. And I already have a whole spiel when random hears that of all The musical time at np. He had to pick bagpipes. Hilarious.
*'''Michael James Watson'''
When Tesa remembers who she is she falls to her knees weeping uncontrollably. Shaking, grabbing her hair and yanking in despair. Fort comes to comfort her, looking to Realmer then Tesa.
She looks at Fort, “You knew....you knew the whole time.....how could you?"
"I didn't 'Know' completely but I could feel it. I felt connected but not sure how. It felt right... Don't deny it. Yes I knew who I was the whole time but not much more. I'm A thrice crowned bard. I can't be made to forget. I just didn't know you were....who you are.. I promise. Don't let it ruin this between us.. "
She stands, looks to Realmer, "Get him away from me now, please"
*'''Daniel Eric Van Campen Sr.'''
Realmer steps between them and faces Fort.
"Please, respect Tesa's wishes, Fort. Give her distance and time. And might I recommend that we remain respectfully discreet about this matter and not make it any more awkward or any worse than it already is. Please, Fort, walk away."
Realmer waits until Fort leaves; if he does not, Realmer will attempt to politely escort him away from Tesa.
*'''Michael James Watson'''
Fort looks Realmer in the eyes and they seem somehow glowingly inquisitive. "Of course. I'll be around obviously." He whispers in a nearly native Montagarian, "Tell her Conf won't have to choose. It's her of course. And between you and I, siblings of Amber...well, it happens"
*'''Daniel Eric Van Campen Sr.'''
Realmer raises his eyebrow at Fort's nearly native Montagarian and whispers his response in Montagarian as well.
"Yes. It does happen. But not normally like this. Consent with foreknowledge of the facts is usually the norm. I will see you around."
Realmer turns to Tesa and speaks quietly in Thari.
"Would you like some company? Or do you want to be alone now?"
*'''Michael James Watson'''
Fort smiles, "well, certainly. Will that be what you will tell her of your own behavior?
He walks off.
Tesa.. "No...it's clearing.....what kind of people would create a place like this? I wanted this....I didn't know...now I do. Live a d learn? Yes?"
*'''Daniel Eric Van Campen Sr.'''
"Yes Tesa; live and learn. I wasn't sure of exactly what this Place was going to be like either, but had heard enough about it to avoid the Place for the last four decades or so. I chose this also; but despite the Hellish qualities of this Place, it will make me a better soldier, a better person, for it. And you as well. Honestly; if Carston can survive this Place, you can as well."
Realmer said the last bit about Carston with humor, not disrespect. He smiles at Tesa and gives her a wink and a slight chuckle.
Then Realmer is quiet for a few moments as they move towards/through the Trump Gate; he looks ever so slightly uncomfortable.
"I hope there are no issues between you and I, Tesa. Unlike Fort, I didn't know who I was or who you were. As it should have been for everyone here. I don't regret what happened between us or feel that either of us took advantage of the other. I just hope matters between us are solid."
*'''Michael James Watson'''
She smiles, "well, no offense but I would never have considered a roll with you. Not sure why except you don't give off that vibe...Fortunes though, he sort of exudes it... And he didn't know who I was....just That we somehow felt connected....sometimes that's enough....but I was a child whore till I was 9 and said no...killed my first man...prayer to Conf for strength, like I had prayed to the illsigi & Ranken gods, but in the end, it was Conf who answered... I think he had been answering for years before we actually spoke...I never met Fortunadus till here....but...I'll sort it out. Till then we have our traveling orders"
*'''Daniel Eric Van Campen Sr.'''
Realmer chucks her on the shoulder and says, "That we do. Let's move like we've got a purpose."
*'''Michael James Watson'''
She stands to get ready, grabs your arm, "Realmer... Are we solid? I'd like to think so but I should make a confession since we have gone through this now. I always thought of you as a employer. Properly too. I've known Gangdis since I first came to Amber and he has looked out for me so what he told me was he thought you could use my talents and you would almost certainly pay far more then the going rate for a come-along thief. Opportunity to make a contact in the royal that might lead to future riches. I planned to give good service, but I was also planning to ride your coattails as long as I could. Hope you understand..I'm for hire..I try to stay away from street crime these days and you were a path to a richer life.. "
She looks around as people are stacking equipment and moving to assemble for travel. Looks at him.
"I didn't expect to find friends. Carston is more a mercenary then I am but on Adagalasck he and I became friends. I'd like to think we did too. This place...it really makes one consider what one is loyal to. "
*'''Daniel Eric Van Campen Sr.'''
Realmer pats Tesa's hand comfortingly, the one grabbing his arm, and smiles at her warmly.
"Oh, Tesa, we are certainly solid in my tome. When I hired you on Gangdis' recommendation, I only expected and considered you, a professional Padfoot for hire. But you proved yourself to be more than that and proved that your services were more than worthy of what I was overpaying you for them" he pauses to wink at her, "but more than that, you showed loyalty and trust, you stood by me during the hardest years of my Ambassadorship in Adagalasck... and that made you my friend, Tesa Resa. Carston too."
Realmer does not help Tesa gather gear, but works independently of her to get more done faster... and to show his respect for her skills and capabilities. But stays close enough to converse.
"If you want riches beyond your dreams so you may 'retire' in comfort and style, just ask and I will give you a world all your own to do with as you wish. But if you wish adventure and power... and for tales to be told of you for centuries to come... stick with me and you will get both, before your days are done. But first, my friend, we must get all of this through that Trump Gate. By the way... where is Carston? I haven't seen him since last night. Busy morning and all, but still, where did he disappear to? I have not heard the bell ring today. Or ever since arriving. I wonder how common or uncommon that is."
Realmer continues to pack up to get things moving towards the next phase of his training and his new life.
*'''Michael James Watson'''
Carston was in another Fire team in the 200s, Number 208. He sees you as you are getting ready and comes over.
"Well, 34, I'd like to thank you for your recommendation to this place...I've been a soldier in the armies of Wall, and Ichkolai, and eventually Imperial Tosa. I was an adventurer too for a time but I was never more then a grunt, knighthood aside. What I am because of this place is more then I could imagine. I'm not sure why King Julian wanted to hire me, but I tried to be worthy of the confidence he seemed to have in me.. Now I think that I may do well there. "
*'''Daniel Eric Van Campen Sr.'''
"Well, 208... Carston, the reason why I recommended you and why Julian hired you and recommended you as well is because you are a steadfast soldier; you are practical, frugal, direct, you know good equipment, weapons and horse flesh, but most of all, you give it your all, every time. You are reliable and dependable, Carston. I am glad to know you and will hire you away from Julian whenever you are ready for it. Good Fortunes, 208 Carston. If I don't see you out there, I'll see you at Graduation."
Realmer extends a hand to Carston, number 208.
*'''Michael James Watson'''
He shakes the hand, nodding, "You seemed pretty bookish..But you remind me of King Venki now. if it comes to it, I'll be for hire though Julian and I get along pretty well. He has good work ahead for him and I like being part of it. But, regardless of if its you or Julian, its wise to remember when you deal with my people that one never leaves CHAD. Duke Micholt, Duke Dolki, that nightmare Jeremy Fairhand, friggin King Alexandir; all keep their CHAD cards up to date. So will I. see you on the other side"
*'''Daniel Eric Van Campen Sr.'''
"Oh, I understand the minds and ways of Mercenaries... not too different than that of an Adventurer's... which is exactly why I hired you and may continue to hire you; 'hired help' is more honest than 'followers'. Travel Well."