<html> <body> And I'm back safe and sound! Had a wonderful time with my family. Here is the next part! --------- Metamor Keep: Divine Travails of Rats by Charles Matthias and Ryx Pars II: Denuncio (t) Saturday, May 12, 708 CR Versyd was more than enthusiastic at the opportunity to prove his quality as a mount. He reared and galloped with a fiery gait, managing the long winding path from the Glen commons, down the narrow wagon trail to the lake, and through the overgrown path that meandered about the shore toward Murikeer's villa in the far southwest. The wagon track from the Glen was lost around a bend in the lake, but in the distance they could see a single boat plying the waters in search of a catch of fish. Malger, despite his distraction, could not help but be impressed with Versyd's stature, gait, and comfort. He would not have suspected a Keeper would be so eager to serve in such a capacity, mount for a rider, but the idea of an intelligent horse who could become a man and fight at his side began to appeal to him. He would make the stout fellow an offer of employment when they returned to the Glen. He dismounted as Versyd pawed the earth and snorted his pride. Malger patted him on the neck. “Wonderful! I think you brought me here even faster than yesterday.” The white-furred skunk Kozaithy greeted him from the front entrance to the villa. “Malger! Welcome back! It is good to see you again. And you as well, Versyd.” She stepped over and petted the horse on his snout. Versyd snorted playfully and pawed the ground, warm eyes savoring the attention. “It is always good to see such loveliness. It brightens all of our days.” Malger churred as he sketched a deep genuflection, doffing his feathered cap with a flourish of one arm and his bushy tail. Behind him Versyd snorted at his frippery. “Where might I find your... ahh, prey, milady?” The marten asked as he straightened. She laughed at the flattery and her eyes gleamed at his pointed observation, her lush tail whisking amiably side to side behind her. “Muri is exploring an old library on the second floor. Just remember to walk on the left side of the stairs.” Malger thanked her again and then entered the villa. The advice was well put because the stairs to the second floor were caved in on the right side and several of the boards looked particularly rotten there as well. He tread lightly and, apart from some worrisome groaning which accompanied setting his foot to each step, was able to ascend without incident. The library was not hard to find as he only had to follow the trail of cleared dust. Murikeer had used his magic to sweep all of the cobwebs, dust, and mildew from a decade of neglect into a pile in one corner of the room. Shelves filled each wall outlining half a dozen tall, deep set casement windows that had long ago lost their glass to time and the elements. Whatever had once adorned the shelves of pale hardwood had likewise been lost; either removed or to expose, rot, and vermin. His young friend stared with one good eye at the empty shelves with a determined glint, one hand couched under his chin in thought. The first light coming over the mountains streamed in through the eastern side of the chamber to grace it with a surprising illumination. “Good morning to you, Muri,” Malger smiled at the room. It was easily as impressive as any library he had seen in southern manors, though a far cry from Metamor's mind-boggling vastness. “I'm sure you'll have those shelves filled in no time.” Muri turned his head slightly to glance over at his visitor. “Malger, greetings.” He smiled and offered a hand as Malger neared. The two shared a companionable handshake. “Aye, I knew it was you climbing the stairs. Come in, come in!” The stairs up which Malger had climbed, ever so carefully, ascended through the center of the chamber near one end of the building's main length. Above their head dusty thatch was losing its battle against the elements and added even more light through numerous holes. Muri showed him around, though he need not have moved, guiding Malger around weak points in the floor where moisture had established a beach head. In one corner a slim dogwood tree even grew toward the light of a shattered window. “I think I'll try to save that tree, right there where it is.” “That's ambitious.” Malger raised a brow at the skunk's ideas. “As it grows it will damage the floor further, or collapse through.” Murikeer chuckled and waggled his fingers. “That is what a few simple runes are for, my noble friend! Stronger floors, and trees that don't grow quite so huge. And should it prove more challenging than my runes can contest there is a woodpecker in yon Glen very capable and conversant with magics to mold wood, guide trees, and preserve both!” He paused at the window to glance outside. The water glistened with a light riffle in the morning brightness. “But it is not my home, or library, that brings you a'visiting again so soon, is it?” “As much as I enjoy hearing of your plans for your new home – and I certainly intend to help you realize those plans – there is another matter I must discuss with you.” Murikeer nodded and his jaws fixed in a grimace. “It is Sir Matthias isn't it? He asked you to do for him what you did for me.” “How did you know?” “He lost his youngest child, the one gifted as he was with the mysterious powers of the Sondeck.” Murikeer's gaze roved out the window once more, following a heron as it glided across the lake. “His misery is well-known. And with our worries about Marzac's corruption, it made sense that this might be the way.” The heron gone from sight Murikeer turned to look at his visitor again, hands clasped behind his back. “I am ashamed that I have in some small way brought this thought to him. I assume you have refused his request?” “I am going to fulfill it.” Now was Murikeer's turn to blink in surprise, his tail bushing voluminously. “What? Why?” he rasped. “My lady insists. But... I am afraid for him as well. There is something very wrong here that I cannot put into words. I am here to ask for your help.” “What would you have me do?' “Tonight, late tonight, I will meet with Charles in one of the caves beneath Lars' brewery. The bruin has already agreed to allow me the use of one of his cellars – no, he knows not what it will be used for but he is not one to turn a noble's coin away. I want you there to watch, unobserved, in case something untoward happens.” Murikeer nodded. “Of course, I will help. Tonight? That does not leave me much time to prepare but I will do what I can. When will Charles arrive?” “I suspect after his family is safely asleep. He wants to do this in secret.” “Another sign that Marzac may be guiding his thoughts and actions.” Murikeer flicked his tail and narrowed his eye. “I will arrive early and keep myself masked from all sight and scent. Will there by anyone else there?” “Misanthe will be there to tend our bodies while we dream. She should be able to let you know what happens in the dream.” Murikeer reached out one hand and grasped his shoulder. “Malger, please. Is there not some way you can stop this? This is Marzac you contend against, not a mere grieving father.” His gaze was dark and worried. “This is not a safe request. I have faced this darkness twice already, each time it is craftier, more... aware and ready to counter what we bring to bear, than before. I would wish to bring in my Master, for he has faced it with me and is far stronger than I. If only James were not on patrol! He has faced this thing himself and defeated it!” Malger sighed and shook his head. “I wish I could, my friend.” He rested one hand on Murikeer's outstretched arm. “But my Lady demands it and I will not break my word to her. I will not deny her what she asks of me. If you can summon your master or any others who you think can help, I would welcome any aid they can provide as well, if this taint of Marzac is, indeed, manipulating his actions. But it must be tonight.” The skunk peered at him for several seconds, his whole body tense. And then with a long sigh he let go his friend's wrist and lowered his snout. “I can see you mean to do it and there is nothing I can do to stop it. Very well, I will be there ere the fall of dusk to prepare. I will need some time to myself now. There is much I must do as I am sure there is much you must do as well.” “Not so much, but aye. I shall meet you at the brewery ere the dusk.” ---------- May He bless you and keep you in His grace and love, Charles Matthias </body> </html>