… Kill the abominations. The phrase seems to hang in the air around the unusual group. The soldiers all look to the man giving the orders, then back to the group. Their eyes narrow and slowly … they move in.

Amy chitters in warning, her hair turning red as she spins around with her weapon held ready, trying to see in every direction at once.

Olivia backs up a pace or two and takes a deep breath. She wonders, even in this landscape, if she can still hear the clock ticking, her one link to reality.

Olivia now seems to cock her head to one side, as if hearing something in the distance. Then she nods to herself. "They may not be able to hurt us, if this is just a representation of what's inside Bravil's mind. Can they, Natasha?" the Skeek asks softly.

In a voice equally as cold and authoritarian, the Rokuga raises one hand with an open palm, and another toward Amelia. "Stand down, Blacktail, and stay your men, Commandant. We are emissaries of the Collegia Esoterica, and retinue. We intended no trespass."

"They cannot kill us," Natasha answers quietly, "But as for harm, it is possible."

The Kadie seems hard pressed to tone down her posture, but manages to at least face in the same direction as everyone else. Her tail twitches wildly, but she's not in quite as aggressive a stance as before.

Olivia's eyes flicker with some nervousness, but she nods again. "Understood," she replies. "I'll be careful, but knowing that does help."

The human only laughs at Qing and lifts his sword from his shoulder. The fingers of both hands curl around the hilt of the weapon and he lowers it, point centered on the Rokuga. "I do not take orders from a monster," he says. He draws the blade back.

But before he can actually do anything, someone behind him takes hold of his hands and pulls the human backwards. Now clutching the human's arm, a lanky male black Khatta in full armor and robes of green is looking between him and the group, saying, "Do not be a fool, Theobold. The Rokuga speaks the truth. You may not recognize the robes but I do. Everyone, lower your weapons, now." The group of soldiers grumbles, but do lower their weapons.

Still chittering a bit, Amelia lowers her own weapon in response, but her hair remains red.

Olivia eyes the newcomer with interest and lets out the breath she didn't know she was holding. "Well, that was timely," she quips, to no one in particular.

Qing's hands fall and fold, and he nods curtly at the green-clad Khatta. "Mage Zhu Ye Qing, Collegia Esoterica, Imperial Branch, credentials supplied on request. Our delegation apologizes for our intrusion, our intended arrival was at Blitzheim, and it seems we are far afield. It is as yet an imperfect method, though quick." He gestures at Natasha. "My associate… " he says, prompting an introduction.

"Ulbrecht Von Warner, captain of this company," the Khatta says with a curt nod towards Qing. He releases the human's hand and hisses at him, "Return to your post, Theobold. I will deal with them." The human glares at the feline, but obays the order and walks away.

Leaning towards Olivia, Amy whispers, "What is Bravil's real name, anyway?"

"You are quite far off course if your intended destination was Blitzheim," the Khatta then adds as he approaches the group. "I assume your arrival was some sort of ritual. If Bosch was able to shift it, then their power is indeed growing."

Natasha is looking over the other soldiers as they disperse back to their posts and meals. Not seeing anyone she recognizes, her attention returns to the group. "An interesting way do put it, Mage Qing," she remarks quietly to the reptile. Then louder to the other Khatta, she asks, "Where are we?"

Olivia whispers back, "I think the family name is Von Ril, according to what Miranda told us. As for his real first name, it may be Bravil for all I know."

Qing cranes his head to look around, as if trying to get his bearings. "Indeed, combining schools can have unpredictable results, and Boschian influence even moreso. We are fortunate to have been pulled to a relatively hospitable location, diplomatic complications notwithstanding. As my associate asks, we would inquire as to our location, Captain."

Amelia whispers to Olivia, suggesting, "I think 'Bravil' may just be a twisting of 'Von Ril', like 'Natasha' is made from parts of her real name."

Olivia nods appreciatively at this. "You may be right," she agrees. "So we should be on the lookout for anyone with that last name… or for anyone with the first name of Bannan. I think he's another relation."

Ulbrecht laughs at that. "Hospitable? You have landed anywhere but. You are standing no more than two miles from the border of Bosch itself, in the Vol Ril Barony. We are on patrol out from Sperrestadt, the seat of the barony. Captain Bannan of one of our border outposts had informed us a few days ago that there have been some unusual rumblings from within those cursed lands," the Khatta says in reply to the question. "Even the air sometimes burns with the scent of that land when night falls now."

Olivia starts and exchanges a quick glance with Amelia, giving her an "I-told-you-so" look.

"Ah-ha!" Amy squeaks at the mention of the location and the Captain, smiling to Olivia. "We should go see the Captain then, right?" she asks Natasha.

"Possibly, yes," Natasha remarks in a whisper to Amelia and holds up her hand. "Captain Ulbrecht," she says louder, "Are we close to the outpost of which you speak? The ritual has left Mage Qing and myself drained and defenseless for the moment. For our own safety, we should withdraw to the closest point of defense if possible."

"You wish to go to the outpost? That would be ill-advised with its proximity to Bosch," Ulbrecht answers as he looks away towards the horizon. The sky in the direction he looks shimmers and twists as blue fades to reds, then oranges. Even the spartan clouds in that direction seem to twist and bend, creating shapes which almost appear as mocking faces in the sky. "Even though you travel with one of the bloodfur, I could not promise your safety."

Qing glances between his 'associates'. "A moment's rest then, if you are amenable, Captain. Once sufficiently prepared, two mages and our bodyguard should be sufficient, if the distance is not more than a day or two of travel."

The Kadie's tail twists briefly at the 'bloodfur' mention.

Olivia casts an eye over to Amy at the Captain's last words. "I assume he means you," she says. "Is that a term for a ferocious warrior or something?"

"Something like that," Amelia replies, a bit reluctantly.

"Mmm. Follow me, then," the Captain says and waves towards the group to follow. He turns and marches off into the camp, presumably heading towards the large, central, tent. "I would have preferred if you went to Sperrestadt," the feline says, "It is safer there. But, if you must, then we will escort you. It would reflect badly on our Lord for two Mages to be killed in his territory."

Amelia hurries along to keep up with the strides of the longer-legged types.

Olivia waits for Qing and Natasha to walk with the Captain, then follows along in their wake, trying to take in the sights of the soldier's camp.

It may be against the code of the company to smile because no one in the camp is. Wary and curious eyes watch as they make their way through the camp. In particular, Amelia seems to attract the most stares out of everyone, including Qing. "Who is your Baron?" Natasha inquires as they walk.

Qing hisses, "We appreciate your concern and diplomacy, Captain," and pours himself along with the others.

The captain is in the middle of pulling back the tent door when the question registers with the Captain. Ulbrecht looks over his shoulder and asks, "You say you had business in Blitzheim, and yet you did not familiarize yourself with the county rulers of Chronotopia?"

The Kadie tries not to glare back or feel uncomfortable under the scrutiny, and tells herself they're just impressed by her weapon.

Natasha waves her hand dismissively. "The request was urgent, Captain. We did not have time to review the current land holdings before departing," she answers. "Please forgive our ignorance of your lands. Please, who is your Baron so we may know to whom we owe our gratitude for his assistance."

The Captain's brow goes up at the explanation. After a moment or two, he steps inside the tend and holds the flap back for the others. "You are in the Barony of Viktor Von Ril," Ulbrecht replies.

Olivia nods to herself and takes note of that name for future reference. She then waits for Natasha to go inside so that she can walk in after her.

"Thank you, Captain Warner," Natasha says with a small bow. She then ducks and enters the tent.

Amelia turns and salutes the assembled soldiers before ducking inside.

Qing follows along quietly, tail disappearing a second or two after he actually enters.

As Amelia ducks inside, she hears a few comments, "I thought the Bloodfurs were all mass-murdering monsters? … Maybe the Mages are escorting her to Blitzheim to face trial for her crimes? … Yes, but then why isn't she in chains? … Because that would just give her more weapons."

The inside is spartan. On one 'wall' hangs a symbol of the Great Gear. On the other is a map (presumably of the territories). Various locations are marked with red pins and a list of names is also attached wall next to the map. Off-center sits a small folding wooden table surrounded by an assortment of uncomfortable looking chairs. The Captain pulls out chairs for Natasha, Olivia, then Amelia. As for mage Qing, he removes the chair completely and then sits in it to the side. "Please, sit and recover" he says.

Climbing into the chair, Amelia feels like a child. Her feet dangle and the table-top comes to mid-chest on her.

Olivia takes her seat on the outside of the group, next to the Khatta, folding her skirt around her as she does so. She finally notices that her clothing has gone back to being midnight blue again. Shaking her hair over one shoulder, she sees that is has changed from brown to white, as well. She sighs and suddenly feels very old without her usual bright colors on.

Natasha settles herself into into the chair. She folds her hands upon the tabletop and waits for the others to seat themselves.

Qing coils up to occupy the offered spot, folding his arms and nodding. He looks at his companions thoughtfully.

"May I ask what your business in Blitzheim was?" Ubrecht asks and looks to Mage Qing.

The mage nods again. "Our purpose was multifold, and our arrival here, while unexpected, was fortuitous. Under authority of the dean's council, we are gathering information on Boschian influence and corruption. We would also establish relations with the local nobility for permission to operate within their borders… as you said, our knowledge is sorely lacking, and we prefer a direct approach. Generalized research is a tertiary objective. We also seek certain personages, but that information is restricted by order of the council."

"I … see. And these personages, are they wanted for crimes?" Ulbrecht inquires. He interlaces his fingers, then places them in his lap. The feline's expression is inscrutable as he he fixes his gaze upon the Rokuga.

The Kadie raises her eyebrows at Qing's prevarication. Maybe having a fixed expression on one's face has advantages after all.

"Captain, you said the leader of the outpost was a Captain Bannan?" Natasha inquires in an attempt to shift the topic away from themselves. "Can you tell us of him so that we will not accidentally offend?"

"That is restricted," repeats Qing. "But I can allow that we do not have any aggressive intent, nor any intentions toward custody at this time."

The captain's eyes narrow at Qing's answer, but his attention on the Mage is thankfully short lived. Ulbrecht's gaze shifts over to Natasha. "Captain Bannan Von Ril is Baron Viktor's son," he answers, "An exceptional soldier and leader. He volunteered for the position at the outpost, even though it is one of the most dangerous locations at the moment."

"You said earlier that there were unusual things happening in that location, Captain," Olivia breaks in at last. "Could you please tell us what those might be, so that we are more prepared as we travel there?"

"Ah, yes. The lands of Bosch have long been our enemies. We cannot allow the madness and chaos of that land to spread," Ulbrecht answers. "The creatures of that land are consumed by madness. That is also, thankfully, their weakness. But recently, the attacks against our border guard have become more organized. It is as if something is directing them and reigning in that madness for some sort of purpose. We have lost many brave soldiers in the past weeks." The Khatta then pauses and asks, "Do you know the law of how those wounded by Boschian talons must be treated?"

Amy leans in closer with interest at this part.

Olivia shakes her head. "I'm afraid I do not, Captain."

"With extreme prejudice," murmurs Qing. "Merciful death is better than a parody of life. It is a law we agree to with our presence."

"Indeed," Ulbrecht says with a nod. "It is better to die with honor at the hands of your comrades, than to become a monster and destroy them." Looking to Natasha, Olivia, and Amelia, he explains, "The lands of Bosch and its minions can corrupt all that it touches. To spare those wounded by it's corruption, we are bound by honor to end their life and burn their bodies."

"There are no other ways of fighting off the corruption?" Amelia asks. "Can the afflicted's own willpower stave it off at all?"

"Mmm," Natasha comments and nods slightly. She frowns, but says nothing further.

"Even if it could, Bloodfur, would you want to live out your remaining days with a twisted body, reviled by all those that see you?" Ulbrecht asks Amelia. "Stories say some can survive with their minds mostly intact, but … it is still a greater mercy to end their nightmare."

Olivia's eyes darken and she manages not to recoil in her seat. Could this be how Bravil lost… ? Did the soldiers… ? she thinks to herself, mind whirling. She shakes herself out of her reverie, just in time to hear Ulbrecht's answer.

"Maybe with magic though," Amelia says quietly, wondering if Chronotopians of this apparent era used magic for anything beyond warding.

Qing hisses, "Perhaps with time, our studies will reveal something. We are here to learn, after all. For now, the policy is one of necessity, the spread of corruption is insidious and rapid."

"Using magic against anything of Bosch, or of any Forbidden Zone for that matter, would be extremely dangerous, Amelia. It would take someone of great skill and control to not have their own magic twisted and used against them," Natasha says quietly. "Few could manage it effectively."

"Please understand, we are not an unfeeling people," Ulbrecht says and holds up his gloved hands. "As Mage Qing said, corruption spreads rapidly. We must act for the greater good of all. Taking the life of our comrades is never done easily."

"I am glad to hear it, Captain," Olivia says in a low voice. "I'm not sure I would have the will to do it, myself. But then, I do not live in a place where such extreme measures are sometimes necessary."

"Well, if there are no more questions, I will leave you now. We do not have much, but I will have some food sent in for you. We will break camp and head towards the outpost in four hours. I hope that is sufficient time for you to recover from your journey," The Khatta says as he stands. With a short bow, he exits the tent.

---

After a meal composed of a variety of boiled vegetables for the vegetarians, and more variants of sausage than can probably be listed in an hour, the camp breaks down and prepares for moving out. With military precision, the camp is packed and on the march in under an hour. The pace is fast for the short legged, unfortunately. But, a few of the Rhians have some sympathy for Olivia and Amelia and offer to carry them part of the way. The landscape around them as they march shifts from plush fields of grass to a barren and parched landscape. The ground is cracked and hard and the air has odd scents. Sometimes of blood, sometimes of burning wood, and sometimes, of all things, of candy. The soldiers, seem to grow more tense as the terrain worsens. Here and there mounds of decaying … bodies(?) can be seen on the plains. At least one can assume they're bodies given the large numbers of buzzing insects.

"I keep telling myself this is all in Bravil's head," Amelia says to Olivia, "Can you still hear the clock?"

Olivia concentrates for a moment while she steadies herself from where she's perched on one of the Rhian soldiers' shoulders. "It's ticking is very, very slow, but yes, I can still hear it. I'm glad of that, too, or else I'd be really weirded out right now!"

Mage Qing has settled into an even and sustainable slithering pace alongside Natasha, his long body streaming along the path of least resistance. His arms are folded under his mantle, and a pair of the familiar blue wisps trail behind his head, following and bobbing along like a row of spectral ducklings.

Natasha walks along quietly. Her brow is furrowed as if more in thought than paying much attention to the land around them. Uncharacteristic of her, even Natasha has a wisp of blue following her. Captain Ulbrecht points to one of the mounds and says, "See? The Bosch creatures have been making more incursions into our lands as of late. Even the air is rancid with their smell."

"Were they killed, or did they just expire?" Amelia asks.

"Those were likely killed by a patrol," Ulbrecht remarks. Up ahead on the worn path lays another corpse. Well, perhaps a corpse anyway. It's moving. Slowly, but it's moving.

Amelia hops down from the shoulders of the Rhian who was carrying her, and rushes towards the body with her weapon drawn. "It might be a wounded soldier!" she calls out.

"Your men are well trained and disciplined, Captain," hisses the Rokuga. He looks about to continue, but as Amelia hops down, he raises his head a bit. "Blacktail, stop. Don't go any closer."

Olivia taps her soldier on the shoulder and says to him, "Up ahead there, do you see? Something's moving out there. Can you tell what it is, before Amelia gets too close?"

The Kadie stops, and glares back at Qing for a moment before saying, "Well hurry up then, he could need help!"

The Rhian that Olivia rides on says, "Yes. Captain, it's one of the outpost guards. The robe color is correct." So Amelia was right: it's a soldier. His robes have been ripped to shreds; his armor gouged and missing in several places. It's also dragging itself along with one functional arm. The other just hangs limply at its side.

"He does, Blacktail," the reptilian mage says, simply. "The company will deliver it. Action we take on the matter would be regarded as interference unless our aid is requested."

Ulbrecht waves to several soldiers, shouting, "Secure the immediate area. Theobold, your're in charge of the company while I check the fallen. Wait here." The human, Theobold, nods curtly as Ulbrecht steps away from the group and walks towards the fallen soldier.

Amelia stands in place and just twitches. "Sorry, I forgot the chain of command," she says.

The captain kneels down beside the fallen soldier. Whatever may be being discussed between them cannot be heard by those gathered. After a short bit, Ulbrecht looks up and towards Amelia then motions for her to approach.

The Kadie hurries over to the Captain's side!

"I hope something can be done for him," Olivia murmurs to her Rhian guide. "Do you think there's any chance at all?"

"Have your friends seen battle before?" Captain Ulbrecht asks Amelia, his expression cold and determined.

Qing nods toward Amelia, then looks toward the horizon and beyond. "I think what may be ahead could be of greater concern, Weaver. He is an outpost guard… I could be wrong, but I think that means he isn't of the patrols. This could imply something amiss at the outpost itself."

To Olivia's question, the Rhian shakes his head slowly, "No. He is already gone."

"Yes," Amelia says, figuring Olivia's experiences with Valicross count as combat.

Olivia's eyes flicker to the Naga. "You're probably right," she says, and looks as if something is bothering her, but she doesn't elaborate. In response to the soldier, she sighs and hangs her head.

"All right. Go tell them that the outpost is under attack. We are duty bound to go to their aid. I cannot promise your safety any further. We will do what we can, but anything may lie ahead," Ulbrecht says, tone somber and dark. His attention returns to the fallen soldier. The Khatta's gloved hand reaches down and touches his forehead, saying, "May the Great Gear grant you peace that could not be found in this life." The mutilated man simply lets out a quiet breath and grows still. Ulbrecht then stands and waits for Amelia to leave his side.

Marching back to the others, Amelia says, "The outpost is under attack. The troops are going to try and recover it, but won't be able to protect us at the same time, so we're on our own if we follow."

Qing's countenance is even more grim than usual, but he murmurs, "This may be exactly what we have been waiting for. To battle, then. Blacktail and Weaver, you will defend myself and the madame. Allow nothing to close with us. We shall bring our power to bear."

"Right!" Amy says, turning towards the outpost. This is something she understands, at least.

Olivia turns her head to Natasha now and says, giving her a meaningful look, "I know there's danger to us all if we follow, but I agree with Master Qing. I think the outpost is where we need to be."

In the distance, Ulbrecht draws his sword. He draws it up into a formal salute and then brings it down on the fallen soldier, hard. There's a sickening crunch and the body grows deathly still. The captain then walks back. When passing one of the company, he says in a quiet voice, "Burn the body."

Natasha eyes the horizon grimly. "So be it. We have come this far, we must press on," she agrees, "Captain, we will continue with you and assist in whatever way we can." The captain looks over the unusual collection of Rokuga, Kadie, Khatta, and Skeek … and then salutes. "Thank you. We must hurry. The force is said to be huge."

With word of thanks to her guide, Olivia hops down from his shoulder in a leap that is surprisingly graceful for a small Skeek. Then she checks under her jacket to see if she still has both rows of throwing knives slung across her body and is grateful to find that she does. Gonna come in handy sooner or later, she muses.

"The outpost is under siege," Captain Ulbrecht calls out to the soldiers, "And the foe is many. I will not lie to you and say that our future is certain. I could spend my time telling you all that you fight for. But, each of you understands that. Each of you has a reason to be here, whether it be someone you love, for your country, or to find purpose in your life. So, I have only one order for all of you, live." The captain then turns towards the horizon as all the soldiers of the company draw up in lines. Each draws they weapon, then in unison they stop their right foot once. Pointing his sword forward Ulbrecht says, "Onward."

The final stretch before the outpost blurs by as the company marches forward at an astonishing pace. The group crests over a ridge. The land drops down before them in a gentle slope. Ahead stands a stone outpost. Smoke pours from the ramparts. All around it are misshapen monsters, screaming and hissing. Rocks fly, crashing into the walls with a wrenching thud. Creatures scramble and hiss as they try to scale the walls, only to be shot down by those manning the ramparts. As one falls, the next merely uses the corpse as a stepping stone and further launches up the wall. At the gate, four legged beasts slam again and again into the door with their misshapen heads. Just to the sides are the crushed remains of earlier attempts to break the gate; the creatures beat their heads on the door until they had crushed their own skulls.

"By all the gods… " Olivia mutters, looking down at the horrible scene below and gripping the hilt of one of her knives convulsively. "We have to get through that?"

"Hah, we aren't too late!" Amelia cheers, her cheeks and forehead turning red now. She holds back from rushing forward though, not wanting to get too far ahead of the mages. "Are you gonna blast 'em from here?" she asks Qing and Natasha.

Qing surveys the chaos, his two upper arms reaching out to grasp the wisps, snuffing them. "Captain Von Warner's company will no doubt help with that, Weaver. And Blacktail, I will join you, after a fashion." With the wisps gone, all six arms stretch out, palms held to the sky except for the one with his spurred ring. "Warriors of the Alabaster Hall, disciples of the Crystal Spire, hearken unto me. Bind to my service the shining twins, Veksuel the Golden Chisel, Machsuel the Silver Hammer. A witchdoctor of the Old Realm commands it." Streams of spectral vapor pour from reptile's palms, and the crimson trickle moving down his arm evaporates. A pair of tremendous Naga in ornate armor coalesce, identical but for their weapons, one carrying a long polearm with a wicked spearhead, the other a massive maul.

After the guardians of Mage Qing flow into being, Natasha says grimly, "Indeed, it is time to aid as best we all can." She steps away from the group and reaches up to the trailing wisp. She plucks it from the air delicately and whispers to it, "Spirits of the sky and protector of that which flows for eternity, come to me. Obey the call of the Warders, for the blight once again tries to devour the lands. Shield these warriors from from that seek them harm." Her hand then collapses around the wisp and with a snap of her hand she hurls it into the air. It streams out, the tail expanding and rippling as it circles the group. The energy crackles and twists, forming into a new shape of a winged dragon of Khattan legends. Without a sound, the creature of magic swirls and twists around them, stirring up the air and constructing a shield of wind.

Olivia watches as Qing's and Natasha's guardians come into being and whistles low, her eyes widening. "Well, ah, I'm impressed," she says in awe.

"Can we fight now?" Amy asks, cutting through her own awe at the manifestations.

Ulbrecht and his soldiers watch in almost awe as creatures of magic burst into being around them. Though with their training, they do not flee. Instead, once the creatures have formed, they face forward once more. Ulbrecht lowers his sword towards the outpost. "For Chronotopia," he growls … and the company of soldiers charge down the ridge towards the chaos. That likely answers Amelia's question.

Her fur completely red now, Amy points to the silver spirit-Naga, and says, "You're with me!" Without waiting for an answer, the Kadie rushes towards the battle, swinging her halberd over her head.

Olivia draws two of her knives from her belts and nods to Natasha. "I'll be in your area, trying to make sure that none of the enemy approaches you. You have to keep up that wind dragon, he's going to help us a lot!" she calls, then lopes on ahead, her eyes scanning the field.

The silvery Naga surges after Amelia as the Kadie leads the charge, his maul resting on one plated pauldron. His golden twin isn't far behind, the pair of them crossing over each other as they weave toward the din, smoke, and bloodshed, their long hisses seeming to echo from far away, but carrying hints of eagerness.