Editing Volume One: The Vampire of the Dungeons (section)

====<big>The Oracle of Night and Hagalta</big>====


*Act 4
*Under black clouds partially covering a purple sky, a Son awaits his Father, a New King broods, a Crown Prince sits and a War God watches over them all; each is pondering the past and planning the future.  
Realmer looks around a bit, then begins speaking quietly to Benedict, "Odd timing. Xozla bringing up the Rockguard... ... ... I know something." Realmer just stares past Benedict into the distance with an intense look of knowing in his eyes and his tone. "Problem is... Jurt and Nina know too. Actually it was Jurt who told me, but only because Nina found out. Do you or King Random have anyone actively seeking it for Amber?"
*'''Michael James Watson'''
Ben and Vane look at each other.
Vance-"Yes. Macsen, Dalt's son is seeking it on Random's order. He has the Red gale blade Wayfinder. It seeks out the owner''s desire but takes them in risky paths. We have certain suspicions. Why?"
*'''Daniel Eric Van Campen Sr.'''
"Well, I don't know where it is, but I do know who has it... what has it. A Squirrel."
Realmer retells Jurt's narrative about how he, Jurt, acquired this information. "He only told me because Nina found out... I think because of her tie to a Primal Creature as well; the Phoenix."
Realmer looks at the faces of the men gathered around the poker table and says, "I know the tale is true because of a Lie Detecting Magic that was in effect when he told me."
*'''Michael James Watson'''
Ben considers the information.
Vance-"So Jurt has a primal beast companion? That explains a lot to be sure. The blade is on a primal beast. That explains why Macsen seems to get close then have to change directions. He has been dowsering his way across shadow up and down the Jeweled Road for a couple years now."
*'''Daniel Eric Van Campen Sr.'''
"Hopefully the information will be helpful in his quest. I was tempted to seek it myself, but I already have so much to do; arranging a meet and greet for the King, a meeting with Julian and Nina to invite them to Council, a walk on the Pattern, a deal and Ritual with a Trio of Dufiro, unlock my Fey Powers.... I'm swamped."
Realmer taps out his Bone Pipe and it returns to its Bone Staff form.
"And speaking of having things to do, where is my Father? How long does it take to have a Vision? Or is it the walk back?"
*'''Michael James Watson'''
Vance, "There are tales of supplicants sitting the seat then committing suicide. Was he despondent the last time you saw him? Sadly, despair is one of the reasons people seek oracles.
Some people never come down til they are dragged. Some sit there till they perish"
*'''Daniel Eric Van Campen Sr.'''
"I would say so, Vance. He certainly wasn't his normal rage filled self. Perhaps I... or we, should go up there after him. Is that permitted? Would there be any dangers in doing so?
*'''Michael James Watson'''
Vance-"Well, madness, rage filled violence, catatonia.. So...no danger to me whatsoever. I am staying here. You however...."
*'''Daniel Eric Van Campen Sr.'''
"Let's give him just a little more time, then I will go up after him. Benedict, I would like you to accompany me if I have to go; you've been here before and I have not. And I know he could beat me in a sword fight or fisticuffs easily... even in a weakened condition. Psychically however, I am sure I have the advantage. Another quarter hour then we go."
*'''Michael James Watson'''
Ben, "No. I won't set foot on that stair except at the order of the King"
*'''Daniel Eric Van Campen Sr.'''
Realmer glances at Martin and says, "I presume you also have a reason for not wanting to go up there?" He sighs and does not wait for a reply. "If I must go it alone then so be it... I always have Bob."
The Beholder floats down to eye level with the group then says in a slow deep voice, "I'm not going up there either: I'm with these guys. This place creeps me out."
"Bob." Long pause. "This is not the time to vex me. I know what I'm getting in for and I'm willing to accept the consequences. And you ARE going with me."
"Of course I am, Master. I wouldn't have it any other way."
Realmer pulls out the Yellow Mandalay Stone and uses it as a Meditation Focus. He clears his mind. He sets his Psychic defenses. He strengthens his resolve. When 20 minutes have passed, he will put the Stone with the others and head for the Stairs without a word. Assuming Hagalta has not arrived by then.
*'''Michael James Watson'''
AS you start up Martin steps up beside and starts climbing with you. Ben-"Martin! Get back here now!"
Martin turns, looks at Ben, "sorry Sir, you do not have the authority to order me anywhere. I'm just going up a bit"
*'''Michael James Watson'''
Ascending the stair is suddenly like walking between world, a footstep a new world. fractions and glimpses of places and peoples
*'''Michael James Watson'''
Sharp lights flash occasionally in different colors.
*'''Michael James Watson'''
If you focus on a point as you climb it becomes more real but its a sense of not the present bu the past.
*'''Daniel Eric Van Campen Sr.'''
Much like walking the Pattern and Shifting Shadow at the same time, Realmer thinks. He sets his mind and continues, determined to retrieve his Father.
*'''Michael James Watson'''
Climbing higher gives a sense of the unreal, a feel of vast age of the uncountable eons of chaos. of the endless places of infinity.  Time passes.
*'''Michael James Watson'''
Reaching a slab of broken arches between pillars. a space a dozen yards across and several hundred wide. One stone seat rests in the middle.. Hagalta stands silently beside it
*'''Daniel Eric Van Campen Sr.'''
"Father. It is me. It was me. I did hear you. I was there with you. I have come for you. Please, come with me, Father; there is much we must discuss."
Realmer's tone is that of a concerned Son. Though his Mind specifically chose that tone and way of speaking to his father.... the other part of him, his Heart, is sincere with the words spoken and tones used. Somewhere, within the Vampire of the Depths, there is feeling for his Father.
*'''Michael James Watson'''
Hagalta stands... "I'm lost.. Id rather face the axe then cause all saw. Folly. Its all folly..."
Looking down. Looking at Martin uncomprehendingly then back at Realmer
"Your mother is safe?"
*'''Daniel Eric Van Campen Sr.'''
"Yes, Father, my Mother is safe. Come with me Father. Let me help you find your way."
Realmer extends his left hand, slowly, towards his Father. He is prepared to incapacitate Hagalta with a Stone Binding if needed... but he would prefer a softer way.
"Please Father... I heard your call and felt your despair. Let me help ease your mind. I am ready to listen, Father; without judgment."
Realmer leaves his hand extended towards Hagalta... his Father, waiting for him to take his hand.
*'''Michael James Watson'''
He shakes his head... 'I need sleep. sleep of the dead. My Clan...must know what I've seen. I feel your intent..You think me weak...I am not. I am mighty and woe is mine to wield..But I shan't... The help i need is sleep. I can feel the tendrils of Entropy scratching at the door. A mindless beast of destruction. And the door has been opened. Oberon came out. Old Ones of Chaos went in. I'm a son of Dworkin..and i have seen in his mind.. Sleep... Sleep of the dead. Can you give that to me?"
*'''Daniel Eric Van Campen Sr.'''
'Yes, Father, if you will let me. Lower your defenses and let me give you what you desire. I don't think you weak; only tired and in need of rest. Let me give it to you."
Realmer shifts his focus from the Stone Binding Spell hanging on his Sigil of the Spiral of the Four Winds to the Sleep (Quell) Spell hanging on his Sigil of the Pattern. Considering his Father's desire to sleep, the Spell will work better than normal and he will be less likely wake from environmental effects; sounds, smells, movement, etc.
Even though a Stone Binding Spell would keep him better under control, Realmer knows it would not feel like sleep to his Father once the Spell was Dispelled. Realmer knows the need for 'the sleep of the dead' and would not deny any man that luxury... that need.
Realmer moves in close, looking into his Father's eyes, now moving his hand closer to Hagalta's hand, still moving slowly, carefully. Once strong eye contact, or physical contact, is made, Realmer will say, with a STRONG Psychic push:
"Sleep deeply, Father. Wake not; I will make sure you are safe."
Then he will release the Sleep (Quell) Spell with the intended target being Hagalta.
*'''Michael James Watson'''
"Amber.....Take me to Amber. Don't lose my heart glass. "
He slumps, Martin bracing him from falling.
"What think you? Take him to Amber from here? We could take him to the Castle trump. Or Vulsar.. That card brings him to a med tech group. They could put him in stasis. Or... call Arlo. he can put anyone into a cell in the dungeons. They are magically protected from a prisoner harming themselves or others. He could put him right into Brand's cell."
*'''Daniel Eric Van Campen Sr.'''
"Call Arlo; now. Quickest and safest; for everyone involved. We can consider medical needs and different accommodations later."
Realmer searches Hagalta for his Heart Stone... surely the red crystal he showed him at the Fane of Zilla. Once found, Realmer will put it it the 'safe pocket' within his Robes/Garb.
Realmer rests his hand on his Father's brow and implants a Psychic Imperative/Hypnotic Suggestion: "Sleep deeply and soundly, Father. You are safe. When you wake, you will feel refreshed; as though you have slept a thousand days and nights."
Realmer looks to Martin. "Do it."
*'''Michael James Watson'''
When you pick up the glass heart you get a sudden and overwhelming flash of a series of instances from Hagalta's life all overshadowed by repeated sacrifices on different alters on top of pyramids with various sizes of watching crowds. A pain where the knives cut and a view of him watching his beating heart put on a fire to cook over and over.
When the moment passes you see Martin with and Open Trump. Arlo stands straddling the portal reaching toward Hagalta and Martin starts moving him. Random, Brand, and Flora stand behind him. Arlo grasps an arm and Hagalta spins teleportally and vanishes.
Arlo-"Done. He is in Brand's room and the pattern is holding him asleep. Are you both coming across?"
*'''Daniel Eric Van Campen Sr.'''
Realmer shakes his head to Arlo.
"Go ahead, Martin. I will get Benedict and Vance. Plus... I need a little time to myself. Oh, and thank you; for standing with me when no one else would. It is appreciated and will be remembered." Realmer moves his Bone Staff to his left hand and extends his right to Martin. He will shake it firmly, if he accepts.
"And if you would, wait a moment before leaving; I'd like to get a few step away from the top before being left alone... this place creeps me out.
Realmer turns and moves swiftly to the stairs and begins his descent; he only slows his pace once he is a score of step or more away from the top. He does not look back.
Once alone, he thinks of all that has happened and the choices he has made. He thinks about his Father and Mother... his Grandfather and Grandmother.... Once well down the steps, he draws out Dworkin's Trump and tries to make contact with his Grandfather. He knows it will be difficult, considering the 'distance'. He focuses his Psyche through the Mandalay Stones to boost his Psyche then stares at the image of Dworkin and attempts to make contact.
*'''Michael James Watson'''
After shaking hands Martin watches you steps down the stair and waits. Turning to the Trump gate he passes his hand over the card, closing the gate, Arlo's foot remaining with him in Amber. Looking about Martin steps over to the Seat, inhales deeply, exhales and sits.
*'''Michael James Watson'''
Dworkin answers almost immediately. "Realmer....What happened?"
*'''Daniel Eric Van Campen Sr.'''
"I was ambushed by King Random. A powerful group of Random's finest and I tried to bring Hagalta to us... we caught him in the midst of a Vision at the Oracle of Night. We went there, I am there now... Hagalta is in Brand's cell beneath the Pattern. I'm not sure if I feel relieved or betrayed. Just thought you should know. I should be back in Amber shortly... relatively speaking."
Realmer leaves the contact open in case Dworkin has anything to say. Realmer's thoughts are many, but not scattered.
*'''Michael James Watson'''
"Random is a master of misdirection. Take your time but don't walk the whole way. I'll investigate Hagalta from afar and I'll speak with him when you get here."
*'''Daniel Eric Van Campen Sr.'''
"One last thing of note; I have his Heart Stone... and his missing eye. We'll talk soon."
Realmer breaks contact and puts the Trump back up the same sleeve in the same pocket as before... may need to keep it handy. Realmer walks the rest of the way down, ordering his tasks and desires in his mind before reaching bottom... so much to do. Realmer wonders if there is any of his ale left on the table... he could use a stout drink about now.
*'''Michael James Watson'''
Vance and Ben are playing gin at the poker table when you arrive.
Ben-"Did you find him? Where's martin?"
*'''Daniel Eric Van Campen Sr.'''
"We found him. He's in Brand's cell now, sleeping the sleep of the dead. I told Martin to go back to Amber through Arlo's Trump, I left quickly so as to not be alone up there. Is there any of my ale left?"
Realmer looks over the table and nudges the cask if it is still there.
*'''Michael James Watson'''
There is. Ben collects the cards out of a sense of order.
*'''Michael James Watson'''
Vance-'The sooner we leave the better. This has been a strange enough encounter without the scenery. Xozla was and interesting character...."
*'''Daniel Eric Van Campen Sr.'''
Realmer fills his cup from earlier, drinks deeply then drains the rest of the cask in the cup and repeats the process. Then he puts the cask and cups back into his pocket.
*'''Daniel Eric Van Campen Sr.'''
"Indeed he was. Still not sure if I like him or not. Still, most likely will have to kill him one day. Best not to dwell on it. Nice armor, though. Make a nice trophy. Back to Random's Poker Game or off to Amber? King Random was in Amber for the arrival of my Father."
Realmer looks to Benedict and Vance, then back towards the stairs. "I think we should leave the table here... makes a nice addition to the place."
*'''Michael James Watson'''
Even Ben chuckles.
*'''Daniel Eric Van Campen Sr.'''
Realmer draws out his new Trump of Atadrexy and begins concentrating. "Atadrexy; I need to get my poodle at the very least."
Realmer waits for Vance and Benedict to make contact with him, then he steps through.
*'''Michael James Watson'''
Ben and Vance step through and start toward the door.
Realmer feel a Trump contact
*'''Daniel Eric Van Campen Sr.'''
Realmer puts away the Trump in his hand, then attempts to identify what ever he can about the type of Trump contact to give him whatever advantage possible, then he lets the contact in cautiously.
*'''Michael James Watson'''
It feels like an Amber Trump
*'''Daniel Eric Van Campen Sr.'''
He lets it in cautiously, guard up. "Yes? Who calls?"
*'''Michael James Watson'''
"Arloxedra.. Is Martin with you?"
*'''Daniel Eric Van Campen Sr.'''
"No. I thought he came back via the Trump to you." Realmer feels a chill up his spine and the hairs on the back of his neck rise.
*'''Michael James Watson'''
"No, he broke contact after you started down. We have not been able to reach him'
*'''Daniel Eric Van Campen Sr.'''
"Bugbear Bladders! Of course something like this had to happen on my watch. I have a feeling he is still up there. Do you want to pull me through and go with me or meet me there?" Realmer asks as he reaches for his Trump Deck and immediately starts shuffling, seeking out the Oracle of Night card.
*'''Michael James Watson'''
"we'll meet you there. " He breaks contact