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

====<big>Adagalasck, the Adask and Ninaaratres; Mistress of the Cold North Wind</big>====

*'''Michael James Watson'''
There is something in the air. Some worlds have clouds, just like those. Some have a heavy heat, as this one does. It seems as if it is always night, even under the brightest sun. It has a touch of static that arcs every few moments. There is a sense of old blood. There is a feel of old feuds. The entourage of the Arch mage moved along quickly, the wind propelling them, faster then those walking or riding that they passed. Coming out the hilly region of Varci, next to the Great lake of Ciambia. Members of the entourage said the great lake was the largest lake in the world, though there were bigger ones in the Stair Vales. Crossing the great fruitful plains of Orvania stretching as far as the eye could see in all directions. Wild grains inter-spaced with vast communal farms, tending cultivated grains. The farms steads were eager to serve the entourage, each trying to out -generous the last. Gardens rich with produce were the area of work for the children in these great hamlets in farm form.  Along the way the Archmage Ninaaratres, whose sudden appearance shocked the natives, performed blessings, weddings, casting of the corn, and even a funeral. Her presence was always welcome, though the awe of the populace was often palpable. She had requested Realmer and Xorit attend her during these occasions but otherwise was quiet and aloof, secluded by her acolytes as they traveled. Crossing the plains a sense of the rise of the landscape told of a gentle rise in the landscape of the course of days. Eventually a row of rocks loomed ahead. As the land flattened out the wall of rocks was mighty, 100' feet at least, with a single passage. 
*'''Michael James Watson'''
The Archmage comes beside Realmer, having traveled and kept her distance till now to a large part. “The Rocks of the Orvania. The Clan of the Wild Grasses spent thousands of years clearing the rocky ground we just spent 7 days passing through and the land we will pass through for the next 7. Once it was an impassable rocky ground. But they plowed every inch of the land and removed all the rocks, bringing them to this high point of the long vast plain. Its been lived on in one or another for 15000 years. Tomorrow we will pass the Rocks and go down into the horse plains of the Wild Grass Clan. We will come to the city of Nia, where the Stair of the Orvania, ruled by the Horse Lord Trualta of the Wild Grasses, Master of the East Wind and Lord of the Air. He is a quiet man, but powerful. He may not be there or he may be upon the stair. He may know that I have trapped  Hagalta, Master of the South Wind and Master of Stone, beyond the arch. He may not. We pay little attention to what occurs out-world. I recommend you answer him in as brief a fashion as possible should we engage him. Otherwise I intend to travel across the sea quickly. Once we reach the sea, out of the sight of land, my Wind will come to me. Then we can bypass this slow travel and take wing to Blomsia, and my stair. Once there I'll summon my sister and then we three will hold conference. Agreed?”
*'''Daniel Eric Van Campen Sr.'''
Realmer takes an immediate liking to this place; it reminds him of his years as a Vampyr, always in the dark of night or in dark places delving. He didn't mind the crackling in the air at all; he rather liked the feeling of power and ancientness that this place emanates.
When he is required to attend Nina as she performs her 'godly duties' for her 'worshipers', he feels odd performing 'Cleric duties' at her side.
When Nina draws close and speaks with Realmer, he listens intently and savors the history of this land.
"Agreed. Brief and respectful."
*'''Michael James Watson'''
As Realmer considers the "worshipers" and the "clerical" duties it occurs to him that they don't seem to revere her in the way one might revere a goddess or holy figure. They seem to treat her as a favorite great aunt. Like the beloved sister of all their grandfathers stretching back into the ages. Like Belgarath and Polgara, like Gandalf. And its noted that these people are not the people of her Stair or Wind. These are the people of the Horse lord and the Wild Grasses Clan. She lets a humble farmer with his large family and farm workers escort her to the seat of honor, the seat at the head of the table, with all honor, then at the last second she demures, sitting at the right hand chair and helping the humble farmer own to his regular seat. a gesture of respect that will be remembered on this farm as long as stories are told of the day the Arch Mage of the North Wind shared their table. Sometimes she even pours their mugs of beer as if she was one of the family. From farm to farm its often the same.
*'''Michael James Watson'''
They do not speak ill of the Horse Lord Trualta, but they also do not speak glowingly about him. His herds and people pass by, take food and livestock, but never enough to starve the people. He is often available for those clerical duties and has a reputation for suddenly appearing if a farmstead has health issues with their livestock. He's stay for a month or so and afterwards the livestock lines will be healthier for many generations. He is also known to cause storms to not devastate farmed lands urging the storms out over the wild grain regions instead.
*'''Michael James Watson'''
He does wield High and Low justice and while he allows his horseman some abuses he is harsh on raiders. And he is on good terms, so they say, with the Adask Master of the South Wind and Master of Stone, Hagalta.
*'''Daniel Eric Van Campen Sr.'''
As Realmer sees more of how Ninaaratres, the Arch Mage of the North Wind, interacts with the people of the land and how they revere her, he feels less odd and less 'clerical' about his 'role' in those gatherings. With Nina's permission, he will help anyone that needs it, using his magic, potions or poultices as needed.
Since arriving in this Shadow, Bob has been in the form of an Albino Raven, usually perched upon Realmer's left shoulder, if not flying overhead or nearby.
Realmer listens carefully to the people's opinion on Trualta and is displeased to hear he allows his followers to abuse the people of the land, no matter how minor. And that he may be on good terms with Hagalta does not bother him much; 'on good terms' does not always mean 'thick as thieves'. He will reserve his judgment until after he has met and gotten to know Trualta, should that happen.
Realmer converses with his team as well as Xorit and his team as time and circumstances allow. He will also converse with Nina when it seems she wants to.
*'''Michael James Watson'''
A lot of the farms have minor issues they would never bring to Nina that they will for you; small livestock issues. Tesa seems to be quiet during the traveling, out of her city element. Carston seems more comfortable. He often visits the blacksmiths and seems to know that trade. He and Gangdis seem to always fond what ever weapons re around and enjoy sharpening them and repairing them in ways even the blacksmiths are impressed by. Gangdis, as an Elite, of course learned Metalworking at nasty Place and used it for centuries in the military.
*'''Daniel Eric Van Campen Sr.'''
Realmer helps with the livestock and other issues as best he can. He is not an animal husband, but he does know his natural ways of healing and his potions and poultices are quite efficacious if he does say so himself. He is pleased that Gangdis and Carston are pitching in where they can and understands Tesa's 'out of element' quietness. Realmer will also entertain any children that approach him with some Cantrips and minor illusions... nothing scary, something fun to make them laugh.
*'''Daniel Eric Van Campen Sr.'''
He will use his Magics to repair, rebuild or strengthen structures, to rid homes or farmland of pests (insect, mammal, avian or reptile), he will dig wells or clear land... all with the aid of Magic, High or Low order as the job requires.
*'''Michael James Watson'''
Crossing the rock wall the land slopes down toward a distant sea. A Dark blue water. The wild grasses are vast but on either side of the rock wall are farms that almost make villages.
But the thing that is most shocking is the Stair of Orvania, near the sea. Its a massive structure, thin, of stone and vines, stretching up into the sky several miles. Its wide.
As you approach you note the stairs have balconies of different styles. Every 30 or 40 feet from the top to the bottom.
As you look it over Nina comes up beside you.
“The Stair of Orvania. 1500 Walkways into shadows. Each a vast and different land. Peoples, technologies, magics, all different. Color Magic. Ice magic. Odd foods. Odd peoples.. Different time ratios. The Wild grass clan has been exploring them for thousands of years. They have war forces in them. The Odaraxta have one Stair larger then it. Their war forces are great. Emilie has two such towers. I have three. There are a few others. There are some small stairs and a lot of tiny ones. When the wars start its hard to stop them. Once Hagalta enters the land again, he will almost certainly raise the red banner. Once he does, you'll have to find a way into the Stair of Henexiumia. Satura will almost certainly be there.”
*'''Daniel Eric Van Campen Sr.'''
Realmer stares in amazement at the sheer size of the Stair of Orvania. He is even more amazed/impressed by the fact that there are Shadow Paths leading to and away from it. Knowing there are many Stairs, great and small, throughout this Shadow, all with Shadow Paths leading to a multitude of Shadows is quite intriguing to Realmer. He nods his head in interest as Nina speaks.
"As I have experienced myself, wars can take on a life of their own and drag on for many years or even decades longer than anyone expected or wanted. And I am sure you are correct about Hagalta, he is quite hot-headed and seems to have a real grudge against me... especially since I 'openly defied him' by sitting in Xorit's Clan Box in support of Trixta during the final battle drill. I am surprised he showed restraint in the use of Farslayer against me... but perhaps he fears the Amberite Blood Curse and thought better of it." Realmer goes quiet for a moment then asks, "Where is the Stair of Henexiumia? Why do you think she is being held there? And where within would you guess Satura to be held?"
*'''Michael James Watson'''
"Its been ages since i was in the Hexex Stair. It has certainly changed. It is far to the west. on the last land of the West Wind. The Odaraxta lands are not as peaceful as the Wild Grass or my own lands. They are often the brunt of the Odaraxta passions and battle lust. As for why I know she is there.. his first wife, Uxtrasa, and his son and daughter, Xorax, and Drixtra are there. Knowing Uxtrasa, I'm sure she keeps Satura on a short leash. Probably an actually leash and a ball gag if i know here. She is a cruel woman even among the Odaraxta. That Xorit i fighting the Reunion is going to add bile to the war. Once we are under the north wind we will need to make plans. "
*'''Daniel Eric Van Campen Sr.'''
"Agreed; we must make plans. We will need much information" he looks to Gangdis and the rest of his team, "Knowledge is Power and we will need as much of both as possible to accomplish this endeavor. May our travels to the Land of the North Wind be swift and uninterrupted."
*'''Daniel Eric Van Campen Sr.'''
Realmer tries not to think on the images that came into his head when Nina described Uxtrasa and her cruelty towards his mother.
*'''Michael James Watson'''
Traveling down to the Stair it dominates the sky more every mile. As her entourage approaches the city surrounding the base a force of horse exit the it.
A thousand horse spread across the path and ride at a leisurely speed but seem to traveling using the Wind to move them as Nina has been.

*'''Michael James Watson'''
At their head is a fine horseman, well dressed and armed


*'''Michael James Watson'''
Nina nods, "Trualta. The Master of the East Wind and Lord of the Air. "


*'''Michael James Watson'''
Nina strides out from the group, remaining mounted. She turns, motioning for Realmer to follow her. Riding out a hundred yards from the small group. The other force stop a mile off and Trualta and a pair of horseman ride out
*'''Daniel Eric Van Campen Sr.'''
Realmer follows, Bob as an Albino Raven on his left shoulder.
*'''Michael James Watson'''
He raises a hand, "Hail and fair winds. Mistress of the North Wind. Welcome to the land of my Stair. Does thou come to take my land and people from me?"
*'''Michael James Watson'''
Nina laughs, "Well, do your people tire of the grasslands and wish to seek the cold north."
*'''Michael James Watson'''
Trualta ""Well, then that's it. I'll retire to the Green Fey. Make sure t water the horses."
*'''Michael James Watson'''
Looking to Realmer-"I would have assumed i would have heard if you had born fruit. Yet you have a kin beside you. "
*'''Michael James Watson'''
Nina-"Its complicated. Do you wish to speak about it here or someplace more comfortable?"
*'''Michael James Watson'''
Trualta-"You know the way. " He turns to his men and speaks briefly to them. They ride off and the force rides west. Trualta turns rides a few steps and fades away.
*'''Michael James Watson'''
Nina-"I shall leave it to you to explain your heritage. Call me a cousin if you wish. However, my relation to Amber is of little importance. Few have come from Amber in the ages of men. Nor is my marriage a topic of public knowledge. "
*'''Daniel Eric Van Campen Sr.'''
"I will take your advice and keep it brief and I will not lie" he replies. "But I feel a bit uncomfortable mentioning my mother's name."
*'''Michael James Watson'''
Nina-"that is understandable. Though he might know of her. And since this war is mostly about her he will know eventually.".
*'''Daniel Eric Van Campen Sr.'''
"I will not offer up the information, but will answer honestly if asked" he says with a sigh.
*'''Michael James Watson'''
Riding into the city her presence is a shock. Shop keepers, good wives, everyone stands aside and watches her go by. They don't applaud just watch her go by. There is a a sense of them not wanting to insult their lord by speaking to her.
Nina travels quietly.
Turning down a small ally she dismounts and enters a small door. She waves for you to wait.
Moments later she emerges.
Getting on her horse she continues.
In time the group enters a massive plaza at the base of the stair. There is considerable up and down traffic and a large body of mounted guards.
*'''Michael James Watson'''
Riding up the senior guard comes out bows deeply.
“Mistress of the North, the Stair Lord awaits in the Tower of the Wind”
Nina nods, “I was told.”
Guard-”The first Path is our stables. Shall we tend your horses while you are within?
Nina nods.. “Yes. Sir Carston, will you attend the Horses and our gear while the Horsemen tend our weary beasts? Lady Tesa, why don't you stroll around and see about the town a bit.”
Walking up the stairs, with Realmer and Gangdis, and Xorit to the third path.
*'''Daniel Eric Van Campen Sr.'''
Realmer nods to Carston and Tesa then proceeds up the stair with Nina, Gangdis and Xorit, remaining silent the entire time.
*'''Michael James Watson'''
The path opens to a warm brightly lit land. A massive castle on the left has guards that escort the group to a balcony the size of a football field, covered with light clothes. By the edge is a series of tables well furnished with food and drinks,. Food of a fish style and drinks of light wines.
Trualta sits, smoking a long pipe. He rises and shakes hands with Nina and motions to the tables. The breeze off the harbor is warm and salty.
*'''Michael James Watson'''
Trualta -"Some mysteries are too good to wait for. I consulted my auguries"
*'''Daniel Eric Van Campen Sr.'''
Once Nina has sampled the food and drink, Realmer will partake of the food, but will only drink water, as he does not like wine. If Nina does not eat then Realmer will not either.
*'''Michael James Watson'''
She does and partakes of the wine, "So what did the Auguries tell you?"
*'''Daniel Eric Van Campen Sr.'''
If there is nothing else to drink upon the tables, Realmer will drink the wine, but very sparingly.
*'''Michael James Watson'''
Trualta-"That Hagalta is having family issues. And that he has taken his forces trapped outside the Arch onto the jeweled Road to Amber"
*'''Michael James Watson'''
Nina chuckles.
*'''Daniel Eric Van Campen Sr.'''
Realmer does his best to remain calm and look calm... he know Random will want to know this information immediately... but circumstances prevent, for now.
*'''Michael James Watson'''
Trualta-"So, young Lord, you are somehow related to Hagalta and Nina both? That is quite a surprise. Hagalta never mentioned Amber but it makes sense. You are Adask, clearly, is he your father?"
*'''Daniel Eric Van Campen Sr.'''
Again, Realmer keeps his expression and demeanor calm and respectful. He bows his head politely to Trualta and says, "No, not to both, Lord Trualta. My name is Relmopator and I am son of Satura, but not Hagalta to the best of my knowledge. And I am grandson to Dworkin of Amber, so cousin to Nina. And yes, I am Adask, but to be honest it is recent news to me and that is why I have come to Adagalasck."
*'''Michael James Watson'''
Trualta-"I see. Well Satura is certainly Adask, though of the pale variety.. As is her daughter by Hagalta., Dwynwen. Uxtrasa. and her children, Xorax, and Drixtra are of the gray race of the Adask, while Ninaaratres here is of the blue variety. Have you come to support the reunion or the severance?"
*'''Daniel Eric Van Campen Sr.'''
"My reasons for being here did not involve either, Lord, as I was unaware of the situation until shortly after I arrived. I came to visit family I recently heard resided here, investigate my heritage and hopefully bring my mother back to Amber with me when I leave."
*'''Michael James Watson'''
Xorit has said nothing and is sort of the elephant in the room.
*'''Michael James Watson'''
Trualta-"So you did not bring War Chief of the Trixta to convince me to support the Severance? He knows he is not allowed to ask me for such a think. Nor technically should he ask Ninaaratres. Have you done so, Trixta?"
*'''Michael James Watson'''
Trixta, "No, my fight is my own. Hagalta's fight is his own."
*'''Michael James Watson'''
Ninaaratres-"Neither has asked me to support their side. I have not announced yet that i intend to support the Severance and my armies shall speak that to the War Chief of Clan Kalota on the field of battle. I no longer feel he should hold his clan, and he should not hold stair or Wind. I do not ask for your support at this time. I support the Severance, and once it is proven, i will support the Reunion of the Odaraxta under Xorit."
*'''Michael James Watson'''
Xorit pales noticeably in surprise.
*'''Michael James Watson'''
Trualta laughs.
*'''Daniel Eric Van Campen Sr.'''
"And my being here now is truly an odd timing of circumstances. Upon learning some of the Reunion and Severance I have decided I do not support the Reunion, but I cannot claim I support the Severance either, except by not supporting the Reunion."
*'''Michael James Watson'''
Trualta "I see. Well. I have long supported Hagalta in his clan, Stair and Wind. It has long been the policy of the Wild Grasses Clan to support the Odaraxta clan in their rights."
*'''Michael James Watson'''
Trualta-"However, i will not drink, share bread, or trade salt with the man"
*'''Michael James Watson'''
Xorit inhales. Wanting to speak but not daring to speak.
*'''Daniel Eric Van Campen Sr.'''
"I see. Please forgive my ignorance of Adask culture, but does that include the right to hold someone against their will? And use them as leverage against others?"
*'''Michael James Watson'''
Trualta-"Satura? I think you will find that she is not an unwilling participant in her marriage. Though how he acquired her affection i do not know. I do know his other wife is not pleased about it but she has already behaved improperly in my presence. I would aide you, short of war. is there something you would have of me?"
*'''Daniel Eric Van Campen Sr.'''
Realmer is shocked silent for a moment but recovers quickly. "Lord Trualta, your offer of aide is gracious and I am honored, but I would not know what to ask for nor what might cause war with Hagalta. But my goal is to at least visit with my mother and find out if she wishes to leave or why she wants to remain. And should she wish to leave, help her to do so."
*'''Michael James Watson'''
he nods.
*'''Daniel Eric Van Campen Sr.'''
Realmer takes a sip of wine forgetting what it is and tries not to visibly choke it down. He covers by saying, "I would also like to visit with my other cousin, Emilie, if possible and learn more about my Adask heritage while I am here, if time and circumstances permit."
*'''Michael James Watson'''
Trualta-"Yes.... Emile, her Amber name...So you will be traveling far on your quests?"
*'''Daniel Eric Van Campen Sr.'''
"So it would seem, Lord Trualta. I am unfamiliar with the geography of these lands but since each Stair Lord is named after one of the Winds, I should guess each resides at the far points of the map. Plus it will give me more time to learn more about Adagalasck and the Adask people."
*'''Michael James Watson'''
"Lord Realmer, Lord Xorit, I can not declare my clan against Hagalta at this time, nor will I side in the Reunion of the Severance. But I can give you both a sign that will give them pause as they see it. A symbol of my personal regard but not the regard of my clan, stair or Wind.”
Speaking to a attendant, who nods, and runs off. Trualta waits away from the tables for a few moments.
The attendant and a soldier come leading two fine horses. One a black one, one a gray one with a multicolored main and tail.
“These companions are of the wild grasslands. Call them in your need and they shall come to bear you. They are warriors of their own might, and runners of the long trail. The black one is Dact and will bear Lord Xorit. Graso is the gray that shall bear you, Lord Realmer. They are sturdy, and of the stable of my own companions. When you reach land beyond the sea, call them, and they will come.”

*'''Michael James Watson'''
Xorit stands, and upon getting a nod from tau walks to grip the muzzle of the black making friends.
*'''Michael James Watson'''
Xorit"You honor me, Lord, and I shall never forget it. My gratitude is yours"
*'''Daniel Eric Van Campen Sr.'''
Realmer stands as well and follows Xorit's lead and introduces himself to Graso. "My great thanks Lord Trualta, I am honored to have such a gift and a symbol of your regard. Is there anything that I might be able to do for you, Lord?"
*'''Michael James Watson'''
"My clan, Stair and Wind? No there isn't. For me personally...Do not drink, share bread, or trade salt with the man.  Lady, will you walk with me for a bit while your companions seek the land below?" Nina rises and nods, and the two stroll off together.