ROLEPLAY

#12 : Feylin

Fey-Lin was assisting to Avendale’s Taliari’s assembly. She was especially hoping to speak with Kaaon, but the Kamis were smiling on her; Nammeho, the Tryker, was there. She managed to speak with her directly at the end of the assembly. She accepted to answer her questions regarding what she’d seen.
Fey began by asking questions about the hostage, because she needed to find out who she was.

Nammeho: Oh… she was very tall, a bit like you and hair the same color, but longer, with green clothes. Looking a lot like you, I think.
Fey: You could describe her mask to me?
Nammeho: I didn’t get close enough to see the details, but she had a tattoo, a pink one, I think.
Fey: Ukio.
Nammeho: You think you may know who it is?
Fey: Né, nobody told us about someone who’s vanished.
Nammeho: She must have been new to the area. Poor girl…
Fey: And him? Could you describe him?
Nammeho: The homin? He was terrifying. Short of stature, long brown hair, drunk or drugged as hell if his speech was an indication of it.
Fey: What makes you say so?
Nammeho: His voice… slurred. He spoke like he was twisting the words.
Fey: I have troubles imagining that.
Nammeho: I don’t know how to explain it, I’ve never heard a voice like that and I have heard a lot of drunk Trykers trying to speak.
Fey: Maybe an accent?
Nammeho: Well, now that you say this… he sounded slightly like a matis.
Fey looked at a Tryker, behind Nammeho, a short one with long, brown hair.
Fey: Say, can you say something, please?
Nammeho looked at the Tryker closely.
Nammeho: He looks a lot like this, but I spoke with him at the bar yesterday. He doesn’t have the same voice at all.
Fey: Ukio. Did he sport a tattoo?
Nammeho: I didn’t see his face. I’m sorry, I was too afraid he’d see me.
Fey: Népaï, népaï. How did they travel? Mektoub?
Nammeho: No, they were both on foot.
Fey: That’s a long way to go on foot. Did they have any bags?
Nammeho: I think only the Tryker had one.
Fey: Only one? A big one?
Nammeho: Not even. He held it with one hand and held a weapon in the other.
Fey: What did he wear?
Nammeho: He had a robe and no shirt.
Fey: And he travelled that way? He must have been pretty confident in his abilities.
Nammeho: Yes, or raving mad, I’m not sure which one. He was screaming strange things.
Fey: Like?
Nammeho: That he’d make the Lakes pay, and that they wouldn’t mock him again after that. And he said something about the chaos goddess… that was just delirium.
Fey: Ukio. I don’t have any other question now. Ari’Kami.
Nammeho: I hope I managed to help you.
Fey: I hope you did.
Nammeho: I’ll go home, now, but do not hesitate to send me an izam if some other question creeps into your mind.
Fey: Seelagan, Nammeho.
Nammeho: Lorandoy, Fey-Lin.

Feylin quickly summarised those informations and transmited them to the other detectives.

#13 : Laipoko

Laï-Poko was meditating, alone among the slavenis, in the vicinities of Jen-Laï. She remembered her conversation with Pao-Len, Osquallo and the Amazons around a campfire, and about the informations received from Fey-Lin.

She wasn’t an expert of Atys and all of its tribes and cultures… but a thought came to her unbidden in that moment of calmness. Fey-Lin let them know that Nammeho described the captor like a madman, saying he would make the Lakes pay, and they wouldn’t mock him again after that… Just like that Black Sap (Sève Noire) Laï-Poko had heard in the past, the one Fey-Lin seemed to know, in one of Jen-Laï’s assemblies. She couldn’t help but think their words and attitudes were very similar.

She turned and looked sadly at a slaveni: Yui, unfortunately, I fear this will just bring us closer to the Hidden Source.

#14 : Bakyl

Ba’Kyl was sitting at Fair Haven’s tavern, late one night. There wasn’t anybody to disturb him, except for the untiring tavern keeper, who was silently washing his cups. His face twisted in pain, holding back his tears, he was writing his last letter to Anonyma MacFay.
“My dear Anonyma,
I’m tired of lying, tired of the sins gnawing at me. I am the Killer. The horrible homin who took captive the Zoraï sought by the Theocracy. It was me since the beginning. I studied the goo to save my child, I used the homina to test my remedies. I tested them on me also. My daughter will die if I don’t find something very quickly. I know I sacrifice a life for another, but I am desperate. My wife is dead from that unheard of disease and she has the same symptoms. Her time is short. Anonyma… I promise I will take away my life when this is all over.”

I will never forget you,
Ba’Kyl


The unfortunate was closing the envelope when a dark shape leaned towards him. Cruel, shiny eyes, a disquieting smile on his lips, he called to the Tryker once with a voice both seductive and twisted. Ba’Kyl left the bar to join with the shadow.

Ba’Kyl fell to his knees in the presence of his master.
- Did you complete your mission?
- Yes, Master.
- What a strange idea you had… is the GT3 experimentation exciting rebellious feelings inside you?
- I couldn’t know. If you had told me, I’d never have done it.
- You are but a pawn. Know your place, slave. Do not defy me again, or your sister and daughter will pay the price of your acts. Maybe I should make some tests on them too…
- Master! I beg you, you gave me your word!
- Don’t break yours and everything will be fine.
- And what of… Anonyma?
- I do not intend to lay a hand on her… it’d be terrible to lay waste to such a pretty face. But you spoke too much. She asked me too many questions not to suspect something. You will be punished.
- Master I…
- Silence.

Ba’Kyl’s master caught him by his braided hair and made him drink of a scarlet drink. The poor Tryker couldn’t help but drink the foul beverage. His body became cold, prone to seizures. His heartbeat went down… so low… he had to fight to keep his consciousness.
- Do you hear me?
- Who are you?
The master raised an eyebrow. Could it be…
- I am your master. Your life is mine. Do you know who I am?
- No, my master.
- Good boy… this stage is over.

#15 : Paolen

Pao-Len Seng thanked the assistant of the archivist and sat at the desk he let her use. In front of her were two chests containing the archives she needed to consult. All of those documents were relating to Zoraï Initiates who had been abducted. Breathing deeply, she opened the first chest.

She was surprised to realise the first amber cube she took was from her birth year, 2553. Many Fyros hominas, all of them Zoraï citizens or residing in the Jungle, had been kidnapped that year by an obscure sect named the Great Dragon’s Cult. Pao-Len was even more surprised to read Valandrine among the names of the survivors who were found. She skimmed through the summary, not finding any direct link to the case she was on. At the bottom of the document, there were a few lines on other kidnappings that had happened everywhere in the world, twenty years earlier. Pao read through the archives of those events. It was about the first wave of abductions by the Cult. Victims from everywhere, this time, among which a Kwaï. The text seemed to relate the acts of the sect to the behavior of the kitins –who were attacking Pyr at the time. Pao-Len put her hands to her mask. This would lead her nowhere.

The Initiate prayed to the Mother and the Kamis, prayed for guidance, for help in her task. Time was short. On a hunch, she opened the second chest. Her hand flew upon the cubes lined under her eyes. She took the farthest one on the left. The document was about a dynastic envoy taken by a marauder group under the name Massaï. The envoy’s name was familiar to her: Kai-Kyo. Could it be Fey-Lin Liang’s dead husband? Pao shook her head, trying to concentrate. The text was lacking in details regarding the inquiry, but the captive had been found before his execution. He was grievously wounded by the tortures they had inflicted upon him by his captors. Pao felt a sickening feeling come upon her as she took up another cube.

This one was different, slightly emphatic. The text was dated from 2552 and treated of an attempt made on Tao Sian, First Dynastic Healer, while she was going to Emperor Dexton. Elements of the abductor’s interrogatory were skipped and the archivist concluded his tail by insisting on the close ties between the Empire and the Theocracy. Pao concluded the propaganda was due to the upcoming war between the Empire and the Kingdom.

The Initiate took up another amber cube. That particular report was about a raid on a Matis food convoy towards the Withering, during the plague that decimated the Theocracy, aduring the years before the second swarm. Again, a dynastic envoy, named Ki’Atal, was taken by the marauders. Followed a long list of inquiries, but also of pressures made by the marauders. This case was not concluded. They probably had to stop in order to prepare for the Exodus.

Closing the chest, the tired Pao-Len went out to have a breath of fresh air. From the top of this floating building, the view on Jen-Laï was breath taking. Pao-Len was dreamy. Her thoughts were unruly. She set her back to the wall of the building while crazy theories were making their ways through her brains.

#16 : Zendae

Things were moving up. Following the investigation of the Zoraïs at the Black Circle’s camp, the Amazons came back to the Hovel, thinking of validating their informations by questioning the Goo Heads.

Going south from the Kamic Circle in the Garden, Thalys, Zendae, accompanied by Osquallo and the tryker Ranka, followed the cliffs before going through the plains of madness.

They didn’t really have any plan yet. How could they get the truth from them? That’s what they were thinking about on the way there.

- I’ve got an idea! Shouted the Tryker “but… it’s dangerous.”

They stoped to hear him out.

- Hu… very dangerous.
- What is it?
- Well, you pass yourselves out as slavers too… and I’ll be your prisoner.

Interest sparked in Zendae’s eye.

- I like your idea, Ranka.

They took his armor from him and dressed him in a simple smock they torn and dirtied thoroughly. The Tryker was wondering if he shouldn’t have shut his mouth when he noticed Zendae’s evil smile while she was helping him with his disguise.

- Gosh, I can’t wear my tribe’s colors, Zendae said.
- I’ve got a black legging you can have, said Thalys.
- Me too, said Osquallo.

She ended up wearing Thalys pants and Ranka’s shirt.

- It doesn’t fit very well, but it will be good enough.

Phao Zhu, the metis, found them using her magic device. She was still flushed when Zen told her with a smile:

- Aaaaah! Good you’re here, Phao! You’ll be a crying Zoraï! Another slave!
- Good idea, said Ranka, feeling less… alone in his uncomfortable position.
- Three slavers for two slaves. It rings a bit more of truth.

The group started on the road, Ranka whining, Phao still enigmatic.

- We won’t let you in their camp, we’ll tie you to a tree.
- They need to be seen, otherwise, they won’t believe we’re merchants.

Zendae chose a tree that was away from the cuttlers, but not too close to the camp. It would be ridiculous losing the merchandise that way.

- Ok, I won’t tie you too hard, hu? Zendae was laughing.

Ranka was hugging the tree closely.

- Are you ok, Phao?
- Yui, yui.
- That won’t do. You should be sad, nec?

Ranka was doing a terrible acting job, crying aplenty, while Osquallo was poking at him with the sharp end of his sword. Phao managed a decent suffering stance, good enough for Zend to feel some compassion towards her friends.

- Will that do, Zend? Whispered Osquallo in her ear.
- Sil, sil, she answered. Let’s go.
- Who stays to keep watch over them?
- I will, said Thalys.

The pair entered the camp without much trouble. The place was quite weird, at the end of a great plain, its back against a dark cliff. The trees were beautiful, but a kind of darkness seeped through everything. Something deep, subtle. There was a Goo source, flanked by a pair of totems like a god, exhaling a purplish fog, like the breath of some hellish creature.

They walked up the their leader’s tent, where he stood with his guards.

Zend noticed the leader was a homina, not a homin. Maybe the gooheads weren’t so stupid, after all…

- It’s not easy getting through the Hovel, said Zendae, we nearly lost our merchandise.

Osquallo laughed.

- At least, the small one is easy to hide, he said.
- A friend of ours is supposed to have passed by a couple of days ago. He was with another Zorai, did you see him?

Lira nodded and delivered a short account of his visit.

- Good! When was it, Naete?
- Nearly a week ago.
- Yes, he did well. As usual.

They spoke at length about the risks of traveling through the various conditions. The Goo Head’s leader asked thoughtfully:

- You don’t bring any Goo samples?

Zendae winced and answered as well as she could.
- Hu, samples? No. There’s been some troubles with the Theocracy and the Black Circle had delay their delivery.
- It’s hard to get around without being noticed, these days, said Osquallo.
- If you don’t bring any gross materials, you won’t have any refined merchandise.
- Yes, you’re right. Understandable. That’ll be for another time, said Zendae.

Os and Zenda looked at each other, wordlessly decided they had what they were looking for and they’d better leave before they were discovered as frauds.

- We’ll continue to travel through the night, said Zendae. Maybe we will manage to join with him.
- Sil, said Os. We’ve still got a way to go and I’m hungry.

Before leaving the camp, Osquallo and Zendae rapidly questioned the Zoraï pedler, who had also met the Tryker outlaw. He even traded a bad Lopper ax against some food and remedies.

Their breath came easier once out of the encampment.

- We’ve found some clues, whispered Zendae while Thalys was undoing the knots.
- Nu don’t like this place said Phao. Ranka was still crying.
- Walk, slaves!
- Faster or I eat you!
- They passed by here, they went north. He traded goo against something else. Refined samples.

Ranka grunted.

- Né Lao, that, said Phao.
- Poor Kwaï… she’s in a hell of a mess, whispered Ranka.
- We’ll have to inquire north and tell this to Pao-Len.
- Sil.
- You’re thinking the marauders, Os? Asked Ranka, projecting on what was north.
- Sil. Their camp is north and we suspect the use of goo in their… hu… technology.
- It’s far north, but if we think of Jen-Lai, it’s far too.
- Su didn’t take toe easy road.
- Unless he needed to pass through here at all cost? Said Ranka. It’s weird to come get Goo here when he already had some, no? I don’t understand.
- Nec, Ranka, from what I understood, he traded the raw stuff for some kind of a concentrated form of it.
- Maybe they’ll know something at Jen-Laï. The city’s researchers have had some experience with the goo.
- I hope the goo’s unrelated to the kidnapping, said Zendae, holding tight to her lance.
- Ah yui, poor Kwaï.
- A subject of experimentation? Asked Thalys.
- Probably, answered Osquallo.
- Oh, né… said Ranka, striking his face with his palm.
- We need to find something… faster.

#17 Anonyma

Olorin’s shoulder was wet with the young Tryker’s tears. He was trying to comfort her as best as he could, but he was having a hard time of it.

- How? she asked. How could such a gentle homin be the perpetrator of such gestures? He was so warm with me.
- Are you sure he wasn’t trying to manipulate you?
- I don’t know… I don’t know anymore.
- What do you remember of him? Did he ever tell you where he lived?
- No, he only told me he explored the bark. I thought he did it in his own fashion. Peacefully.

Olorin eyed her somewhat tenderly. “Poor little darling”, he thought, “I don’t know if we can still talk about peace on Atys”.

- Was there anything strange about him?
- Oy, now that you ask it, he behaved… weirdly… just once.
- Tell me more.
- I told you one of your old friends courted me?
- Yes, I know about him, he answered, sparing a painful thought about that Tryker who went marauder.
- When Ba’Kyl began his courtship, I believed it was more honest to let both of them know the other existed.
- I can understand that.
- Ba’Kyl told me right away he wasn’t scared of any kind of competitor. So I decided to present them to each other.

She sniffed noisily, trying to pull away from his embrace.

- And? What happened?
- I don’t know… as soon as he knew who was the other one, he changed his attitude. He apologized to the other one, saying –and I quote-: “I’m sorry I was bold enough to think I could oppose you”.

Olorin was puzzled. Even though he knew the young marauder, he couldn’t help but feel that way when faced with such a reaction. He would need to find a way to have him shed some light on those events.

- Listen to me, Anonyma. You need to describe Ba’Kyl to those leading the researches. I’ll talk to Osquallo so he can ask them to come.
- I’m afraid.
- I know. We’ll ask the MacFay and the Larmes to protect you.
- You’ll watch over me?
- I’ll do my best. I have to see him first.
- See who?

Olorin didn’t answer. He was already thinking about the letter he would send to his old friend.

- Olorin? What’s wrong?
- Sorry, I’m just lost in thoughts. Don’t worry, I am confident your clan will protect you.
- And the Larmes?
- You know very well Amaurea always watch over you.
- I know.

Anonyma knew she had always counted on the Matis and that she could always count on her.

- I have to go. Don’t leave the main cities without an escort, and don’t stay alone in places where people don’t go, ok?
- Oy, I’ll stay with my brothers.
- Thank you.

Olorin stood up, kissed the young homina on her forehead and went out. His mind was pointing directly towards the Hidden Source… “You’ll give me an explanation, I promise!” His face was just as grim as his thoughts.

#18 Phaozhu

Thalys and Phao-Zhu looked at each other when the young Tryker went to them. Phao was wondering if her friend knew her.

- I can tell you things about the Zoraï you’re looking for, she said.

Gesturing for them to follow, she ran to one of those few solitary places in Fair Haven. Once protected against wandering ears, Anonyma sat on the boards of the city.

- I’ve received a message from the Tryker who’s abducted that Zoraï.
- Iu’o name? Asked Phao.
- His name is Ba’Kyl. I met him at the assembly, a few days ago. He was nice to me. But then, he told me everything in that message and I was terrified.
- What does he say in his letter? Said Thalys.

Anonyma told the two Amazons that Ba’Kyl’s wife had died on Silan and he wanted to find a remedy to save his daughter who was suffering from the same disease. He was planning to make experiences with the goo. And once finished with this, he’d end his days.

- Why do you tell us that?
- I heard the Matis talk about Osquallo. He’s a friend of my friend. I guessed you were looking into that kidnapping.
- She is Thalys. I am Phao-Zhu.
- Oh, I’m sorry. My name is Anonyma.
- Can you describe Ba’Kyl to us?
- Long, braided hair, blood red tattoo under his eyes. When we first met, he was only wearing a robe, a blue one, I think.
- What color was his hair?
- Brown.
- Thank you, said Thalys while standing up. Is there anything else you remember?
- He was saying his name was some sort of pun, but he didn’t want to tell me why. Please, don’t hurt him when you get him.
- We can’t promise that. Others have a say in that matter.

#19 Olorin

Olorin was very angry. Anonyma hadn’t listened to him. He should have guessed, the Tryker’s need for freedom is way stronger than their notion of safety. He still had to be comforting to her.




Dear Anonyma.

You shouldn’t have gone alone out of the city. I kow outlaws deserve their fate, but your safety is also very important. Your meeting with your lover wasn’t all that safe either, but there seems to be something positive to be found in it.

I will still trust you and hope there’s still some of the Tryker I knew before in him. His words were true, we can hope it’s still that way. His feelings for you appear to be sincere, and it’s true his people would be hard on him if they knew about it.

The things you tell me about Ba’Kyl trouble me more. If the days of his daughters are numbered, just as those of his hostage are, the researches have to be even more thorough.

We have to inform those in charges of the searches and inquiries.

Be very carefull, my dearest Anonyma.



Olorin closed the envelope, tied it to an izam’s leg and let the bird fly before picking another parchment up.



Osquallo, my friend,

I know you actively participate in the searching for that poor Zoraï girl. Therefore, I need to let you know some things.

Anonyma has contacted Ba’Kyl again through a message sent by izam. He let it be understood the days of the Zoraï were numbered, just like those of his daughter were. He told her his adopted daughter was also a Zoraï and would soon come from Silan. It is all I know and it may not help the search, but I thought you should know.

The other track I was following leads nowhere. The Tryker seems sincere in his feelings and told her he’d also join the manhunt. Both look alike, though. That may help you some.

I wish you the best of luck, friend.

#20 Ba’Kyl

The master left his slave some place in the lakes, ordering her to wait upon his return. The sun would rise soon. He took up his Zyn cristal, made it glow, then vanished.

He went to the Knoll of Dissent and walked towards the Majestic Garden, up the Psykopla knoll, avoiding any eye who would be so bold as to dare setting itself on him while he walked. The Zoraï was waiting for him. She was bound so tight her sap had colored the ropes. Xiao-Mei was dead tired. The Tryker cut her free.

Master: I found a way to destroy you.
Xiao: I wanna die, just let me…
Master: No.
Xiao: I don’t wanna live that way. Let me… I can’t…
Master: It has to be that way. Soon, your pain will recede and you will be the loyal servant of one of the most illustrious marauders ever to live. You will know no fear, only devotion.

The Master shuffled in his pocket, drew a vial from it. The liquid inside it was of a purple, scarletish color. Xiao tried to crawl to freedom, but he rooted her in place to keep her from getting away. He went low and murmured in her ear: “You drink this, or I use a soiled syringe to inject it in your sap. Your choice.” Xiao couldn’t hold to her sanity anymore. The outlaws words were spreading in her mind like venom. She let go, abandoned. The mastered kneeled beside her, brought her head on his thigh. Delicately, he set his hand on her mask, bringing the vial to her lips. She closed her eyes and drank the poisoned drink.

Xiao: You’re a monster.
Master: I know.
Xiao: I hope they get you and make you pay for your infamy.
Master: Maybe someday, they will. But you won’t be there to see it.

Her body was starting to get cold, her heart slowing, laboring.

Master: I will destroy Atys. It needs to be punished for creating me.

***

The Zoraï wok up hours after, beside a fire. The tryker dryed her face and gave her some soup.

Master: Listen to me… I will tell you who you are.

#21 Osquallo

Osquallo was reading Olorin’s letter while preparing his packs for a trip to the Jungle. On his way, he met with Lai-Poko, at Zora’s stables, to whom he told a word about the letter before being on his way.

Sometime later, he met her again, accompanied by Fey-Lin, at Thesos’ assembly, after which they decided to get to Jen-Lai and talk about their search.

Osquallo was a bit late.

Fey: Ah, I was starting to believe you intended to settle in Zora!
Os: Transporters are sometimes a little deaf.
Lai: Fey sure knows about that…
Fey: Né, the Trykers transporters are highway robbers anyway.
Os: Some would say the Trykers are highway robbers…
Lai: As I was telling you, Fey, Os talked to me about a letter.
Os: Sil. Some Tryker lady would be in contact with a tryker homin who would be linked with those events. He pretends the Zoraï we’re looking for is in danger. He’s a fellow named Ba’Kyl.
Fey: We need to see her at once.
Os: Her name is Anonyma. Talking to her seems highly appropriate, yes.

Mindae, Phao-Zhu and Ranka chose that moment to make their appearances. Fey-Lin and Osquallo summarized the whole situation, from the abduction to the letter, to Mindae who was still unaware of the whole situation.

Fey: I think I saw her at Avendale’s last assembly, where I questioned Nammeho. She had given me a flimsy description of the kidnapper.
Ranka: Did he vanish?
Os: I wouldn’t know where to find him.
Fey: Oh né, there was a Tryker just behind us while we were talking, one who closely matched that description. She said it couldn’t be him, but that probably was that Ba’Kyl, since Anonyma was there.
Ranka: Sure thing. That means he has to imprison his captive somewhere while he goes alone in Avendale.
Fey: Osquallo, what do you mean by saying he’s linked to the kidnapping? Is he the captor? An accomplice?
Os: Well, he obviously knows something, but that is a little vague. I can’t say much about this.
Fey: Vague is not really an issue if that Zoraï’s days are numbered.
Lai: You spoke way more on our first meeting…

And then, Zendae entered the room too.

Fey: Hey! Say something, don’t just look at her!
Os (blushing): Sil. It seems the daughter of that Tryker homin is also in danger. She’s another Zoraï.
Fey: Hostage?
Os: Not impossible.
Lai: A Zoraî, daughter of a Tryker?
Os: The letter says she’s to come from Silan soon, but there’s no mention of her name.
Fey: The opposite’s been seen, Lai. All depends on the mother.
Lai: Ukio.
Fey: She’s to come from Silan?
Os (looking at the ground): Yes, I told you, it’s pretty vague.
Fey: It seems… very…

She sighed.

Ranka: Who told you all that?
Os: A member of my guild who knows that lady pretty well.
Ranka: He seems to know a lot about that Ba’Kyl.
Os: It’s her who told him all that.
Ranka: Ukio.
Os: This Ba’Kyl, if I understood well, wrote her a lot of letters.
Ranka: We hasve a name, a physical description, the leitmotiv… why not start putting on “wanted” notices everywhere?
Zen: Hu, who’s coordinating things?
Os: Fey, I’d say.
Ranka: Fey-Lin, wouldn’t it be best to get an arrest warrant for that Ba’Kyl? For goo traffic, since we don’t even know who’s his prisoner?
Fey: Well… I don’t know anything about those international procedures. If there are any. Those may not even exist. Especially between the Theocracy and the Federation.
Ranka: We could also focus on the Forest and try follow his tracks from the Gooheads.
Os: Especially after the Road of Water’s incident.
Lai: Who would believe the Theocracy would be entangled with such a story?
Fey: Those who wants it.
Os: The Fyros, the Matis… those who would have an interest in it.
Fey: Better to set a trap for Ba’Kyl. Maybe we could get Anonyma to take him on a date?
Ranka: Wouldn’t he smell the ambush? Unless he’s upset for his friend… she could pretend to be in danger.
Fey: If he’s in love, it’s probably not going to be too hard to get him to show his nose.
Ranka: Yes, let’s use his soft spots.
Os: If she accepts to take such a risk.
Fey: Pretend to threaten her… I disapprove.
Ranka: She could pretend to be sorely ill.
Fey: Well, it’s a plan. We still need to meet with her.
Os: Or she could pretend being harassed by a douche.
Ranka: That too.
Zen: Won’t she try to protect him?
Fey (looking at Ranka): A tryker rival would seem adequate to me.
Ranka: After what he did?
Os: She wouldn’t have said anything to my colleague if it’s been the case.
Fey: Paï, we have to talk to her about it anyway.
Os: Sil.
Fey: She should know better what’s likely to get him out of his lair without having him pannick. Os, can you contact her for us?
Os: I can contact the one who sent me that letter.
Fey: Yes, ask him, please. Let’s hope we soon get good news.

Once home, the Matis picked up a quill and a pen, and started writing a letter for Olorin.


Deles Silam, Ser Olorin.

Following reception of your letter, I spoke to the other searchers who are implied in this story and they would like to meet with your friend. The general idea is to flush that Tryker out, but we will need her to do so. This story has lasted for far too long and we have to bring it to an end quickly.

I count on you to talk to her on our behalf,

Osquallo Velae.

#22 Luth

The MacFay cousins were upset for Anonyma. People were actively hunting Ba’Kyl, now.

Luth had noticed him close to the northern waterfall. He seemed… distant… and Luth didn’t try to capture him. Anonyma seemed to believe in his innocence… or at least, in his victim status.

Thoughtfull, Luth got back to Avendale… where he found out a letter stuck to his guild hall’s door.



You’re late. I tracked and found the killer two days ago. Are you mocking me, or are you simply an idiot? I’ll tell you where he is, but you’re the only one responsible if he gets away before you manage to get there.

Darkmoor.

You are definitely useless.



Luth smiled. He thought he knew who wrote that letter. “Anonyma and the homins”, he thought.

He wondered what he should do. Let the Theocracy know, risking condemnation and execution for Ba’Kyl –and tears for his cousin anonyma- or… throw his clan into the hunt. “Family first”, he thought.

He left to see Enotacim –his cousin. Swords, guns and amps would see some use.

Once the call to the clan had been made, he thought to write a letter to Olorin.



Nair-Olorin,

We think we know where the marauder manipulating Ba’Kyl is hiding. Join us in Darkmoor with your friends from the Larmes

Seelagan al sella,
Luth MacFay, sul tala.

#23 Denakyo

Having a look at the Jen-Laï’s panel, her eyes were pulled again to toward that notice about the kidnapping.

She knew she couldn’t do anything about it. She had taken enough hits for it, but she couldn’t help but think about that young homina, who could have been saved… nearly asved… who had had enough time to leave a short message behind.

The notice was growing old, now. She gently caressed the parchment with her fingers. It was now washed by the wetness of the air,. She sighed. If they hadn’t found her by now, they wouldn’t find her anymore. Whatever the reason for which she was abducted,… an ordinary homina, no ransom. Theyre weren’t millions of possibilities, just millions of fates, some worse than others.

She closed her hand into a fist and let a tear run down along her mask. This story touched her more than it should. She needed to think of something else. She needed to stop thinking of letting a notice of her own on the panel too. Her own situation wasn’t that good, there could be reactions.

Tonight, she passed by Zora’s Kami, purring on its altar. She kneeled discreetly and whispered in his ear while giving him a small offering:

- Kami, please save her… help the homins find her. May one, at least, escape this fate. I pray thee…

The Kami didn’t answer. He just let his claw run along the homina’s mask, looking at her in a strange, serious way. She shivered, stood up and left for the jungle, nearly running.

#24 Olorin
The Matis didn’t visit his own appartment all that much… and was now discovering it could be a mistake.
Two letters were waiting on the floor for him to pic them and read them, one from Osquallo, the other from Luth MacFay, a cousin of his friend Anonyma.

Reading the letter from his friend, he couldn’t help but wince. He have had some hope she could be spared, now that she had told what she knew to Thalys and Phao Zhu. He had to know more on their plans before risking his friend’s life.

« Well, let’s read Luth’s letter… » but every thought deserted his brains. He couldn’t believe it. He knew the MacFay to be efficient, but that…

And besides, it looked like they knew for sure Ba’Kyl wasn’t acting alone. Was it the Macfay’s famous loyalty? Always believing the words of one from the clan.

« Ah, Anonyma… are your hopes leading us on some false track? »

It wasn’t time to be hasty. The other pretender would probably take that for cowardice, but such opinions were a illness coming from his new allegiance. Olorin took 2 parchments and started a letter.

« Ser Osquallo,
I don’t know your intentions towards Anonyma, and I confess I was hoping she could be kept away from all that once she told Thalys and Phao Zhu.

However, if you believe she still has something to do in order for those atrocities to cease, I can’t set myself in justice’s path.

You can find her in Avendale and arrange a meeting, but I trust you with her security.

One more crucial information I have to give you. They MacFay think Ba’Kyl had an accomplice, and they believe they found his lair. He would be in Darkmoor. They are asking the Larmes to help them put an end to those atrocities. I will ask them to keep the suspects until your detective team can come. I don’t care all that much to spare Ba’Kyl and his accomplice –if he exists-, but we have to know what all this is hiding.
Make haste. I fear the MacFay want to end all this very quickly.

Hoping the time of our next meeting will be short,

Olorin »

His first letter finished, Olorin began the other one.

« Woren Siloy, Luth,

Thanks for letting me know before you commit yourself to that course of action. However, I have to ask you to be patient before begining your attack.

You may be aware an inquiry has been called by the Theocracy regarding Ba’Kyl’s plots and crimes. I know you do not like them overmuch, but I think it would be better to avoid a diplomatic incident by killing those people off before they can question them.

Besides, we need to know what’s behind all this.

I have asked one of those implied in the inquiry, one who is a good friend of mine, to let them know we have a very plausible lead. They should join us there as soon as possible.

Would it be possible for you to just capture them and keep them stuck into Darkmoor?

Thank you all for the love you bear to my dear Anonyma.

Olorin."

#25 Luth
He was arming himself. He had his mektoub, hi handgun, some ammos and was putting on some reinforced clothing. An Izam with a message attached to his leg landed on his saddle and waited for him to pick up the message. He read Olorin’s message and smiled. The Matis didn’t know the MacFay all that well.

He mounted and left for Darkmoor with Winn, his lightbird. The unsavory water and the deformed stingas of this smelly pond were searched searched again. It was Winn who screamed from above, signaling that there was a homin on a root, up in the north of those blasted lands.

He came closer… a Tryker, armed with a dagger, speaking words with no sense. Ba’Kyl, probably.

Luth walked up on the root, climbed down from his mektoub and picked up his gun. Winn was flying in circles around his head.

« Nair-Ba’Kyl, you are under arrest. Throw down your weapon and surrender without a fight. We will help you and heal you. »

The mad Tryker seemed to emerge from the fog of his inner thoughts. He looked into Luth’s eyes and said :
- It’s all over…
Winn sang at those words and Luth cranked his gun.
- Under stars and wind, never.
He shot.
Ba’Kyl’ screamed in pain, but Luth didn’t hear the words he said –nor did he care. He tied up the poor soul, comforting him with a few words…

- All will be fine.
- Let me die!
- The clan will shelter you.
- Yuk… never! Don’t!
- We’ll find something, even if we have to ask the…
Luth let it hang and gagged Ba’Kyl.
Faced with the incredulous eyes of his prisoner, he picked him up and set him on the saddle.
- I’m bringing you to Avendale, nair-Ba’Kyl. You will be treated for… whatever you’re afflicted with.
The road to Avendale was long. Ba’Kyl was sequestrated in the guild hall, striped of everything he owned and wore and put under Enotacim’s watchful eyes.

The clan met. Luth made sure it was clear for everyone how important it was to help that Tryker overcome madness. Then, they would need to find out his degree of responsibility in the recent affairs.

They all agreed. So was the clan. For Anonyma, they would try to save Ba’Kyl, but they were not healers. They decided to ask the N’ASA and Zorroargh. However, some MacFay said some difficulties may arise if it became known that Ba’Kyl was kept by the clan. Should they contact the Theocracy?

They pondered together for a while, then wrote to the Taliari and Cryai leaders of Avendale: Vannox, Kaaon, Noemie and Jazzy.

“Nair-Talai,

My clan has captured Ba’Kyl, the Tryker we suspect is responsible of some kidnapping in the Theocracy. He’s crazy and we’re not sure the cause of his madness is natural. We keep him here because one of our cousins believe in him.

I am well aware that the Theocracy will be a problem. What would be your recommendation? We don’t want to let him go before he’s heal. Only then will we let him face they law, as long as it is delivered justly by a jury made in equal parts of Trykers and Zoraïs. We choose to behave this way because SELLA!

We need your help and your advice.

Luth MacFay »

#26 Noemie

After receiving word from Nair Luth, Noemie gathered the sisters.

They debated for long about… everything but Luth’s letter. As usual, they drank and ate more than was really reasonable.

Later on, Noemie decided to send him the following answer:

Nair-Talai,

The sisters are not aware of all this business. Our position does not take into account the Tryker named Ba’Kyl.

He’s a Tryker and deserves rightful justice. If he is crazy, he has to be taken care of first. Have an embassy tell that to the Zorais.

Do this because SELLA!

Noemie.