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June 19, 2004 |
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Shaded Hills Square - Stillwater, Begma...
Several arrangements of stone and marble tiles, each one a mosaic representation, make up this large public square. Pooled fountains and iron benches are scattered about beneath dangling lamps, intermingled with shading trees and carefully pruned flowerbeds. It is a place where children play with their hounds. Where couples young and old alike stroll casually, hand in hand. Romantic carraige rides are popular among tourists; the horses clip-clopping endlessly around the four avenues that surround the square, audible at all hours.
The rolling hills to the west of the square give this neighborhood its name. Perched high are the lovely mansions of many Begman nobles and wealthy merchants, their affluence affording them the best possible view of the city. Just to the north is the governmental palace and the Begman Seat, as well as several city offices including the city guard barracks. Southwards is the wealthy commercial district filled with shops offering an endless variety of luxury items imported from Amber and elswhere within the Golden Circle.
Dai is sitting in a cafe with Yosannah at a window seat table, two large wolves curled up at his feet although the locals might think that they are enormous dogs. He is sipping a steaming hot cup of coffee at the moment, his eyes blood shot from little rest and overexertion. "Thanks for coming Yosannah. I really needed to talk to you."
She appears distracted, offering him a soft smile and then letting her gaze linger out the window. Her hands are cupped around her own mug which remains full and untouched. She nods and, after a moment, poses, "Not a problem. Why don't you begin then. Please."
Dai sips his coffee and leans down to pet one of the wolves with his free hand. "I need a few things. The first thing being complete and total silence of what I am about ask for. Nobody and I mean nobody hears that you are helping me or what I am asking for. I know I don't need to stress it so much with you but I need to cover my ass here."
Her eyes roll to him and the creatures at his feet. The subtle smile lingers, forced it seems, "Of course. But if it makes you feel better, I understand you need to state it."
Dai smiles slightly and nods. "Thanks. Okay, this is what I need. Firstly, I need a spell that coincides with your...../talents/ in a certain area. Something that I and others would be able to perform. I also need you to get in touch with Hank and Nash for me. I need their assistance with something behind the scenes. If they agree to meet me and hear me out, tell them I am here and if they come, to come in disguise. Something that won't freak out the residents here and as two poor farmers or something that will not be noticed by anyone." He sips his coffee again. "That is about all that I can think of at the moment in terms of what I need help with from you. Things may change or they may not. I'm hoping they don't as I would like to keep your involvement and that of the others to a minimum so as not to cause consequences."
Yosannah's brow furrows. "I'm sorry... what does this have to do with Ryker?"
Dai shakes his head. "Nothing. Everything. I am yet uncertain as to what happened to him or where he is, if what I am asking has something to do with it or not. I spoke with Lisle about it and she is already out looking for him as far as I can tell."
Yosannah sits quietly for a moment before asking, simply, "Why?"
Dai shakes his head and says quietly, "I can't tell you that Yosannah. All I know is that trouble is headed this way. Riva and I are on bad terms at the moment. I got the impression from something she said that something bad is about to happen. She won't speak with me and after that arguement, and frankly I don't want anything to do with her either. And I need to be prepared for whatever is about to happen. I wish I knew more, I wish I could tell you more, but I can't."
She rubs at her face and eyes with her hands, massaging. "... I don't believe this..." she mutters.
Dai shrugs. "Whatever it is, she tried to pursuade me to decline this position. So if it is something that gives her pause, then I need all the help that I can get. I have no support coming from the company at the moment. Please Yo, I need your help."
"Why Dai? I don't understand. What is Begma to you?"
Dai takes a deep breath. "Ryker is the one who wanted me here as general. Have you ever known Ryker to do anything with cause Yosannah? Ryker is my friend and, and this if you tell anyone I'll really lose it, my mentor in warfare."
Yosannah purses her lips, seemingly biting back a comment. Instead she suggests, "What you're asking me to do is dangerous. Not just for those I would do it against, but for the horsemen. Maybe even Ryker. This could quickly turn into another reason, in a long list of reasons, for us to be hunted. I..." she allows her voice to trail off and rolls her fingers into a fist.
Dai shakes his head. "I'm not asking for direct involvement Yosannah. It will not be tracable back to the Four I swear. This is going to be me and me alone. By the time they get here, you, Nash, and Hank will be safely back at home. Ryker will remain wherever he is."
Yosannah offers him a sympathetic smile, "It's not that easy Dai. My mark... my talents are not particular easy to disguise." She runs a hand through her hair, "It's almost like signing my name. Oh no, it'll be recognized if anyone cared to even take a glance." She exhales slowly and seems to consider for another moment. Slowly, she begins to nod, "I'll help you. Though not with a spell." She reaches into a rear pocket of her pants, wincing as she shifts her right leg under the table. She extends her hand to him, displaying a small, irredescent globe no larger then a golf ball. Inside it seems to swirl purple and blue nimbus. "With this."
Dai takes the globe cautious and glances it at while at the same time obstructing the view of anyone else who might be around. "What is it Yo?"
Yosannah regards the item as it is held in Dai's hands, "A contagion globe. An Item Pestilence and I created together and perfected over the years. When broken, they can billow over almost half the length of a football field." She studies the item almost proudly before inquiring, "You do know what a football field is, don't you?"
Dai grins. "Ya. It's third and ten and I need a hail Mary to win the game. Thanks Yo. I appreciate it."
Yosannah nods, "That one contains a particularly potent virus. It will most definetly kill an average shadow indiviaul. I can make them in verying degrees. You let me know what you need."
Dai nods. "I will. First, I need to identify my enemy and then I will let you know exactly what I need. Thanks Yo. I owe you. A lot."
Yosannah nods, pensive. She rises, "I have to go." She's all business tonight.
Dai nods and stands. "Take care Yosannah. I hope to speak with you again soon." He bows to her.