Oliver D. Bernuetz's Regions - Ralios - Chronicles of the 2nd Age

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Sometime in 907....

A smoky backroom in an inn in the City of Kitor. Stronghold of the Carmanian Shah.  A slight figure sits cross legged at a low table.  The shadows seem to caress the figure as a lover and its features are unseen.   The figure draws deeply from a hookah on the brass table before it.   A large woman with a tulwar slung on her back stands beside a curtain.  A discreet cough is uttered beyond the curtain.  The woman looks to the figure for guidance and takes a slight wave of a seemingly negligent hand as consent given.  The woman looks through the curtain and two young men are ushered into the presence. 

The two men are young, no more than 19 or 20.  They are slight and their clothes are fairly nondescript. Neither would stand out in a crowd.  Another gesture and permission to sit is conveyed and the two place themselves before the brass table.  No food or beverage is offered to the pair and they sit with their nervousness poorly concealed.  After some tense moments the figure behind the table speaks.  Its voice betrays nothing of gender being raspy and low pitched and odd enough that it could be that of a man or woman alike.

“Words have been spoken into the Shah’s ear.  His right ear.  Tales have been told of Spolite witches plotting and scheming against him in a far off land.”

A pause for a draw from the pipe.

“He has asked me to send truth seekers to this land.  If the Shah were to send seekers he would send Hazars or sirdars but I think to myself who best to send?  And I think, no warriors.  I will send those who seek in silence and darkness.  I will send a thief and a spy.  But one more as well I think.  I will send a magi as well.” 

The figure nods at the darkness of a corner and another slight young man emerges.  The seated pair  stifle their recognition and the magi seats himself.

“The three of you will travel to this land of Ralios and determine the truth of these rumours of witches resurgent.  Find the truth and return.”

The figure nods again and the woman pulls a pouch out of her bodice.  She tosses it at the middle of the three men and he catches it.

“Inside is information and funds.  Use these to travel to Ralios and seek truth.  Now go and return as soon as you know enough.  Take the time you need.”

The figure retreats to his pipe and after darting brief looks of confusion at each other, (they know better than to dare ask unnecessary questions), the three depart along with the woman.  After they have gone a tall man emerges from a hidden doorway.  The figure addresses him somewhat contemptuously.

“These are your rivals?  Your enemies?  These fledglings?  They are gone now and may come back.  Ralios is a large land full of distractions and accidents and there are Spolite witches there and perhaps they do plot against the Shah.  We shall see.” 

The figure shrugs.

“You have your favour now and I owe you nothing more.  Be gone,”

Last updated May 17, 2010

Last updated August 28, 2017

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