An airship makes its way over the Savan, heading southward and making the final jump to Safar, Jewel of Xenea, bringing with it a handful of well-off hunters and tourists who have either spent some time hunting the Basin in the Half Valley, or just stopped over there for the novelty. Or, at least, that covers most of them. At least two of the passengers have totally different stories.

One of these persons is a young black Khatta dressed in Himaatian finery. He doesn't look out of place amongst the wealthy entrepreneurs and nobles, certainly, but he travels alone, without the retinue one would usually expect of someone of his station. The nobility, after all, never carry their own luggage. There's also something oddly primitive about the sole weapon he carries – an obsidian dagger, finely crafted, with a sharp edge, but easily broken if brought into contact with a blade of more rigid material.

Now that the ship is almost over, a curious fellow has emerged from the more 'normal' mass of passengers. He might be lizardlike in shape, but he's completely covered from head to toe in a gray cloak and robe, any exposed parts being wrapped in broad pieces of cloth. Where the face would be, a round laquered wood mask, featureless except for mirthfully shaped eyeholes, rests over the person's face. He strolls around, with a bounce in his step, rolling coins over his knuckles, and presenting flowers to whomever approaches him.

The ship, the Prize Catch, is no luxury liner, but it's sturdily built, and has decent accomodations. The nobles travelling here are certainly not the pampered poodle types who might break down in tears if they get any mud on them. No, they're the pampered sort of poodles who would just have a servant wipe it off for them.

Well, not POODLES, all of them, but a fair number of Gallees. The Catch flies a Gallisian flag, and correspondingly a lot of its passengers hail from there. That makes the conversations difficult to follow for most of those who AREN'T, since Gallisian is the language to speak here.

Jynx leans on one of the side guard rails, toying with his ebon dagger. His face is emotionless, and his eyes stare down towards the ground, giving an empty gaze that goes beyond even the surface below. Scratching an ear, he shifts his weight a bit, ready for the trip to be over and to be away from all the well-to-do nobles on the ship.

A Gallee collie with a beret perched on his head – flopping over one ear and leaving the other bare, as is the fashion – dabs his brush against his palette, then applies a bit of paint to the canvas stretched out on the easel before him. "Ah! Why so sad, monsieur prince? Just look! All the beauty of this wild land before us!" He breathes in deeply and exaggeratedly of the air. "Here, we are FREE! Free from the petty concerns of the court and all those trifle nonsenses!"

The masked shiga pays no mind to the language barrier, simply by remaining silent. Here and there, he threads a flower through a poodle matron's hair when she isn't looking, or makes gaily coloured beetles appear from his hands and buzz away. His path takes him towards Jynx and the collie, whom he stops before, tilting his head at a quizzical angle.

Another collie – this one of the female persuasion – stands near the artist, looking out over the railing. She is dressed to the nines – whereas her husband (as their matching rings identify him) is dressed more for his work, complete with paint splotches. "Free, yes, but it's so DANGEROUS here! And lawless! There are all those wild Savanites running about, killing civilized people. And then … pirates!" She gasps, but there's something about her expression that suggests it's mixed more with a bit of awe or – some other emotion, who can tell? – than with just fear.

The black cat forces a fake smile towards the canine, "True, it'll be a welcome change to get away from it all for a while," he lies, still acting the part of a noble, "but some things are harder to leave behind than others you know." He fights a glare at the collie's wife, however, "I doubt you have anything to fear, the Savanites are peaceful."

"Yes indeed, the prince speaks true," hisses the reptile. "Far, far more danger from waashu and brigands, yes? I here there are even waashu brigands in the air! Fierce they are, they ride jelly-clear waashu… you do not even see them until, swoop! He pluck you off the deck with a snicky-swish sound! They like the rich ones, yes."

Jynx gives the masked lizard a quizzical look. Waashu brigands? "I haven't heard of them before, but you have more to worry about with pirates than the Savanites."

The lady Gallee laughs at this, covering her mouth politely. "Oh my! That sounds positively preposterous!"

"The waashu, that is," the lady collie amends.

The artist smiles to Jynx. "So! What brings you here to the wild Savan? I am here to paint the great wilds, the great beasts … and the great men that hunt them!"

The jester pirhouettes for no real reason. "It is, it is my lady, but no more preposterous than the sky gardens you hear so much of. Popberries pop, floatmelons float … know what a thrashtendril does? You ask a sailor sometime, yes! Kee, hee, hee, no flying Savanites for us when there are so much more exciting things!"

Taking his eyes off the strange shiga, the Khatta cracks a small grin to the Gallah. "I'm here to visit some old friends, and probably do a little 'hunting' of my own. I have a lot of ties here." He toys with his hunting dagger a bit more.

The artist nods. "That's a fine weapon you have there. It looks as if it has a story behind it." He pats the rapier at his own side. "Alas, monsieur, I have not so much a story behind my own weapon. A gift from my papa, who wanted me to become a Chevalier." He grins. "I am dangerous with a sword … but far more proficient with the brush, alas! And thus I could not resist fate's beckoning."

Jynx smiles, this time a genuine one. "There's a long, long story behind this one, but I'd prefer not to go into it." He inspects the painting, glad to have his mind diverted – at least momentarily. "Fate's a funny thing, really. What are you painting now?"

The jester listens curiously, his body language overly exaggerated as he weaves back and forth with his gloved paws held together.

The painting is of the landscape of the Savan, and a railing of an airship … and a brooding young Khatta prince looking out and away at some undefined point in the distance. Either this artist is very fast, or Jynx has been standing there longer than he realized.

The artist smiles. "Well, monsieur, I paint what I see!" He winks, grinning … and then his grin fades.

From the Korv's nest of the airship, the spotter cries out, "Skull and crossbones!"

"Lovely, lovely, lovely," singsongs the jester. "Even a fool like me can see the emotion in it. Not a cloud in the sky, but for one on the deck. I … eh?"

The black Khatta earblushes; this isn't what he expected. "It's very nice, thank you. You have real talent. You'll need to be fast if you're going to paint Bromthen forest ho – " The young cat is cut off by the Korv's call, and his ears shoot up to attention. "Pirates! Just perfect." Jynx's hair stands on end; he still remembers his last run in with these guys.

A sleek airship makes its way across the sky, and it's evident that this airship is its intended destination. Shadows of winged warriors can be seen taking off from the craft, forming an advance flight wing to more quickly close the distance.

A few Korv warriors with chitin wingblades and bladenet harpoons launch off from the Prize Catch to meet the intruders … but a quick headcount suggests that they aren't quite prepared to disuade a party of this size so easily.

The robed reptile peers at the airship in the distance. "Well, this won't do at all. No, no, not at all."

The artist starts packing up his brushes and paints. "Marie!" he cries out to the lady next to him. "Get below decks!" She makes no sign of moving, however, her gaze transfixed upon the airborne battle about to be joined.

Jynx readies his obsidian dagger, and gets low in his usual defensive crouch. Out of the corner of his eye, he notices the lady canine. "Are you nuts?" he yells, "Get below now!"

"Come, come, my dear," hisses the reptile imploringly. He reaches a gloved paw out toward Marie. "Bickering and bloodshed is no sight to inflict on delicate eyes such as yours. You must follow me to where it is safe, then remain whilst I return here, yes?"

The artist throws a burlap sheet over the canvas and folds up the easel. Looking to the cabin stairs, he sighs and just lays the easel against a post. No time to do things nice and tidy, with company coming. "Marie!" he calls out again. The collie blinks a couple of times, as she returns to her senses, and she makes a dash for the steps.

The avians clash in mid-air, and it is quickly evident that the losses are mostly on the side of the defending Korvs. Some of them break off, circling back to try to provide a last-ditch defense of the ship's envelope. Fortunately, it was often boasted by the captain that the envelope is reinforced with zolken strands. Perhaps the usefulness of this material will be demonstrated. For better or for worse.

"You return?" Jynx says to the jester, "What are you gonna do, heckle 'em to death? You get below too!" He turns his attention back to the raiders, himself not truly prepared for a fight.

The sleek pirate ship closes in much more quickly than the winds would explain. No, there's only one good explanation – These are no mere riff-raff. They have a mage in their number.

The lady collie pauses at the steps leading below-decks, and gasps, "It's the flag of … Captain Dash!"

"And sit idly by until they come below to drag me away? Tut-tut! Better to die laughing than to be skinned when they come below! Hoo, hoo… " The reptile pauses at Marie's exclamation. "THE Captain Dash?"

Jynx's fur lies down for the time being, and he stands straight, his muzzle scrunched in puzzlement and brow furrowed, "Captain who?"

Marie nods, gasping breathily. She points … and as the airship draws closer, an emblem of a skull with a fashionable hat (tipped at a rakish angle) is evident, a bejeweled dagger (or so it is painted) in its bony jaws.

The jester twirls again. "Why, his exploits are legend, my boy! Cut-throat fop, pillaging the skies with the utmost of style!"

The artist makes a growl deep in his throat. "I'll paint him RED if he touches any of my artwork!"

The Khatta's fur stands upright again, and he gets back to his ready position, "Well, whoever he is, he's not welcome." The name sounds somewhat familiar however. Captain Dash… Maybe Jynx read about him?

"I'm sure he has an appreciation for art. Now, weren't we shooing your wife below decks?" The lizard makes busy 'away with you' motions with his paws at the lady.

The lady collie blushes and ducks down below decks. She then lets out an alarmed bark, as the ship rocks with impact – the airship made a sudden burst of speed at the end, and has rammed the Prize broadside! The fliers keep the remaining airborne defenders occupied, and disappear above the envelope or below the deck, while several ground-bound species of pirates spill over onto the deck!

As the prow of the airship crashes through the railing, it would seem that this is NOT a safe place to stand.

The jester tumbles across the deck as the ship lurches, fetching up against a railing. "Oof!"

Jynx bolts backwards as fast as he can, flailing about for a handhold or level space to regain his balance.

A wooden lever provides a good hand-hold for the Khatta. Or so it seems. A mutt crewman with a black spot over one eye cries out, "Yaaa! Don't pull that! That's the landing platform release lever! The lowering ropes are broken! There'll be nothing left of you after you hit the ground!"

The black feline grasps at the lever, only to have his heart freeze at the crewman's words. He lets go of the lever, looking around for another handhold and hoping the platform stays secure.

A quick glance at the deck reveals just where the landing platform is. It's a simple matter to get OFF of it and somewhere slightly more secure, once the error is pointed out.

The masked reptile clambers back to his feet, and glances around shiftily, making for the cabins for something to put his back against. "Hmmm… "

There are several supporting posts to provide solid backing. The rigging, on the other hand, provides more of a trap than any security … though it greatly hampers the movement of the fliers.

There are also numerous crates and boxes set out on the deck … plus a grand piano that some noble somehow had hoisted out there and more-or-less firmly fixed in place.

(Perhaps that's part of the little adventure that resulted in the broken landing platform.)

Jynx jumps away from the platform, grasping at the support posts to stabilize himself. He gives a look back to the attackers' ship, hoping to see what the pirates are up to now.

"Taran-tara!" cries out a swaggering fox in the most fabulous (and overblown) attire that a pirate could ever wear, brighter red than his own russet fur. "It is I, Captain Dash, and I mean to lighten your purses … and brighten the lives of your womenfolk!" He laughs boisterously, and starts trading sword-blows with three Gallah crewmen. He's far too good at this – He looks as if he's got enough sword-skill that he's investing quite a bit into showmanship.

Once Jynx finds a firm foothold, he does a double take at the pirate – or is it a pirate? The pirates he dealt with weren't quite like that. "Is this guy for real?"

There's a shriek from below-decks, and the lady collie dashes up onto the deck, pursued by a Korv pirate with a patch over one eye, and with one leg-claw replaced by a wooden peg. "Arrrr, me sweetie! *KAW!* Come back, and I'll croon a love-song to ye!"

The jester watches from the wall of the cabin, then dances foolishly around the deck. "It's Captain Dash, Captain Dash! A pirate bold is he. No namby-pamby cut-throat thug could be as swashbuckly!"

The fox's blade sticks one Gallah through, then slices across the face of the second, then – in the same arc – across the neck of the third. All three go down, and don't get up again. Real pirate or not, the crewmen certainly aren't acting.

Prying his eyes off of the strange assailant, Jynx looks over towards the lady Gallah and her pursuer. Readying his dagger in one hand, he makes a leap at the attacker, slashing at the bird.

Alas, the Khatta's dagger-stroke misses its mark, as the pirate is not as absorbed in the pursuit of female collies as he appeared to be. However, the bird is unable to parry with his own blade – a good thing, since the obsidian would probably not survive the impact unchipped.

The Korv attempts a reposte, but this time it is the agility of the black Khatta that provides the defense – as the chitin blade cuts naught but air. The tip of the prince's cape snaps the crow in the face, prompting an angry *caw!* from him, but otherwise does not slow him down.

Jynx returns his attack, thrusting upwards at the avian rogue. "Leave your hands to yourself!"

This time, the Khatta's dagger is well-aimed … but the Korv displays his skill by parrying it. A large black chip flies off of Jynx's dagger and lands onto the deck. As the bird's blade is pressed against the dagger and holding it back, a wicked gleam comes to the bird's eye, as he caws, "Aha! You should know better than to only have ONE weapon against a pirate!" A glint of light catches off of something in the Korv's free wing-claw.

The reptile's dancing puts him on the center of the broken landing platform, where he stands at his full (unimpressive) height. "So, Captain Dash! You're here to loot, and deal some roguish smiting! I appears to me that this softish lot isn't much good at fighting! Would such a brave soul as yourself stoop to robbing nobles soft and fat? I ask, O Captain flashy Dash, where's the challenge in that?"

Meanwhile, in the background, the fox gleefully exchanges blows with the Gallah crewmen. He stops for a moment to give the jester an incredulous look … just enough to distract him so that four crewmen can close in on him. Quickly seeing his predicament, however, he slashes through one of the rigging ropes … and swings on it, across the deck to safety. "Taran tara!" he cries out, slicing the air with his blade, as if this is all just jolly good fun.

Sweating, Jynx reaches up, claws popped, to grab the Korv's other attacking arm, distressed at the damage done to his precious obsidian blade. He kicks at the bird's stomach as best he can, now only wishing to get done with the fight.

"Oh, very nice, my pirate friend, you've shown you're most savant!" The reptile places his hands near his mouthlessly laughing mask, in an exaggerated gesture of surprise. "Is showing off for clumsy rabble, upstaging guards your wont?"

The Korv is unprepared for the kick, perhaps being too used to fighting his own kind (which are not quite so able to deliver that sort of attack so well as the plantigrade feline). The kick serves its purpose, winding the bird, and the Korv is unable to parry with sword or off-hand dagger. The pirate loses grip of his chitin dagger, and it falls to the deck, the tip imbeding itself lightly in the wood.

The black Khatta springs to his feet, grabbing up the dropped dagger and readying himself for another attack. He watches Captain Dash and the jester out of the corners of his eyes. How can they act so merry in a situation like this?

The fox pirhouettes as a Gallah guard tries to surprise him. "Heads up!" the vulpine cries, as he relieves the crewman of what used to be upon his shoulders. He quickly leaps past, at last coming up to the lady collie, who has so far spent her time running away from one pirate, then the next.

Cornered, the collie gasps at the sight of the pirate. "Captain DASH!" she gasps.

"In the fur!" the pirate says with a wry grin.

Meanwhile, the Korv tries another swipe at the Khatta … but minus his balance and his off-hand dagger, his attempt is wild and angry … and easily parried.

Jynx parries the swing with the stronger chitin dagger, and gives a return swing at the bird's midsection. With all the chaos around him, the cat doesn't go for any specific swing, just content to get the attacker away.

The jester's voice gains a mocking lilt to it he watches the fox chase Marie. "So, not content to slaughter men, and fight nobles slow and weighty! Now he has to 'pose his will on a defenseless lady!" A rose appears in one of the shiga's hands, and he touches it to his mask in a pantomime of sniffing it. "It's sad, the legends that I read spoke of a fox with honor true… It pains my heart to see him prance in a mock of derring-do!"

The Khatta's dagger thrust catches the Korv pirate in the gut. The bird lets out a choked caw, and stumbles to the deck. His fate is not evident, but the crimson stain on his frilly shirt suggests he won't be getting up very soon, at least.

The black Khatta shudders. No matter how many lives he takes, he can never get used to it. He gets to his feet, and prepares for any other attacks.

For a brief moment, it appears that the fox pirate is tempted to have some words with the jester. But just then the artist leaps in, sword drawn, and adopts a fencing pose as he stands between Captain Dash and his wife. "En garde, brigand! This lady is spoken for!"

Jynx spins to watch the Gallah defend his wife, and his ears droop. If the other victims are any indication, the painter is already a dead man.

The fox grins, then says, "But, my good fellow, do remember how the contract goes! … " He makes an easy jab with his blade which is blocked by a parry from the artist. The fox pirate seems mildly surprised – but his attack was lazy and the sort of thing one might only use if one were certain that the opponent were just a pampered poodle who waved a sword like a featherduster. The artist is no Chevalier. Merely competent.

The black Khatta starts to make his way towards the foppish captain. Perhaps if the Gallah can keep him occupied, Jynx can sneak up behind him and make a quick move. Of course, he could also lose his head, but that's how it goes!

The jester crosses his arms indignantly. "So you require a contract on your lusty journies? A man whose only hope with girls is by power-of-attorney?"

Time seems to slow down, as the Khatta makes his move, and the Gallah puts up a doomed defense of his bride from the attentions of the fox pirate. Captain Dash grins. "… 'Til death… " *clang!* The metal sword – yes, METAL, after all – snaps the artist's chitin rapier in half, "… do us … "

The artist manages to drive the fox backward, toward the jester, onto a wooden platform flush with the deck.

Jynx nearly stumbles into a supporting rope that runs up to a pulley, but deftly avoids a clutzy encounter at such a moment as this.

The Khatta wobbles after dodging the rope, trying to pick up speed as he makes his way to the fox. Tail thrashing, he readies himself for a pounce, hopefully before the Gallah meets his doom.

"… part!" says the fox gleefully, as he thrusts with his sword. Jynx's attack catches him off guard, and his blade does not strike true. Nonetheless, it still manages to wound the artist, who crumples to the deck, moaning, falling back and off of the wooden platform, against a pile of crates.

Jynx stabs at the strange captain, hoping to the Star that he doesn't decide to whirl around and finish his death stroke on the cat. He digs his foot-claws into the planking to get a better foothold, attempting to stay at the fox's back.

The Khatta manages to get in a really good thrust and follow-up with his daggers, but Captain Dash's sword is quite capable of parrying. Fortunately, the chitin blade is the one to take the brunt, and it is compact enough not to get shattered by the glancing blow. The fox pirhouettes away, toward the lady collie who is standing just beyond the edge of the landing platform.

"Aha, sweet damsel!" says the fox, as he quickly takes the collie's hand and kisses it, then removes the wedding ring. "I suppose you shan't be needing THIS anymore!" Not that the artist is actually dead, but this all sounds like a rehearsed line. Maybe it's from one of his books. The lady collie swoons.

The artist, felled but still conscious, growls weakly.

The jester dances backward from the fighting, to stand by the lever near the platform. "How will our noble Khatta prince fare in this pirate fray? Captain Dash is such a boor… Feli, jump AWAY!"

"You know," says the fox, at last turning to address the shiga, "your rhymes are REALLY annoy – " His eyes go wide.

The Khatta jumps backwards on impulse at the words of the jester, but almost freezes up mid jump. Feli? How did he know – *FWUMP!* The distraction makes Jynx land hard, and he falls to his tail, staring at the jester.

"Thus ends our little drama, an end to slash and taunt." The reptile leans on the lever, and then abruptly jerks at it. "The curtains falls, the lights go dim. Captain, exuant."

*click* The smell of fear reaches the nose of the Khatta and jester, as the landing platform – minus its supporting cables – falls away from the deck of the ship, through the shaft down through the below-decks … and still going. The fox shouts an expletive that isn't worth repeating, and which fades out anyway. The collie lady, just on the edge of the platform, does not fall as well … but one arm and one leg dangle dangerously over the edge.

Getting to his feet once more, Jynx runs over to the painter's wife to help her back up, his attention also torn between the injured painter and the strange jester.

The collie lady gasps as she comes to just enough to realize her predicament … and as she's pulled away from the brink of disaster by the Khatta.

The jester 'sniffs' at his rose once more, then tosses it into the void left by the platform, and makes his way over to the artist to inspect the wound. He doesn't sing-song anymore, just tears a strip of linen from his robe while he gingerly inspects the wound the artist bears.

"Thank you," manages the artist weakly. "I owe you my life, Prince. I would have been victim to another one of those stupid … puns!" He spits out the last word, then collapses back, focusing on his breath and clutching his side.

"And you, jester," the artist manages to laugh. "I hope someone writes THAT down in the latest novel. Ah … probably not."

Jynx helps the lady over to her husband, then kneels down beside him. "Yes a very good move… " He looks at the jester skepticly, trying to match the muffled voice to a face. "Seems like there's a lot of novel characters running around these days. Are you alright?"

"The pen is yet mightier than the sword, my friend," hisses the reptile. It's hard to tell what his expression is behind the mirth-mask. "Take this cloth, and press it to your wound… I don't know much of anything about healing, I'll have to see if the ship's doctor is in one piece… I don't know if the brigands will stop looting simply because their idiot captain is gone."

The artist furrows his brow as he regards Jynx. "You … you're awfully good with a dagger. You … you couldn't be … " He shakes his head, discarding that thought. "My apologies, monsieur! But I never got the name of my benefactor?"

There's still much mayhem going on … but it DOES seem to be having an effect on the morale. Some of the pirates are making a cautious retreat. A few are just out-and-out bolting. All the enemy fliers have retreated, leaving the few remaining Korv defenders the airborne advantage – such as it is.

The Khatta looks about himself, he had forgotten that there were other rouges on the ship. For now though, he disreguards them, since they seem to be leaving he hand his companions be for the moment. "Daggers run in my family, it seems. My name is Feli Kurai, which our comical friend here seems to already be aware of." He looks at the jester, expecting an explanation.

The artist blinks several times. "THE Feli Kurai? No! It can't BE!" He coughs, then says, "But … you're dead! You fell off an airship! Over the Savan. Or was it over Rephidim? Or was it … ?"

Jynx looks startled, "The Feli Kurai? What do you mean 'the', you've heard of me?" A very puzzled expression crosses the feline face, "I've fallen off before, but I'm quite alive… "

"Oh!" says the artist. "A bit of airship lore I picked up during my travels. Ahem. I guess the story was a bit, ah – ACK!" An axe imbeds itself in the wooden post right above the artist's head. "Ah, if you don't mind, perhaps we should try to crawl to safety?" He grunts and strains as he tries to do just that, though exactly where "safety" is, is a little hard to pinpoint.

The jester's voice seems to hold a smile now. "Oh, he's always dying, from what I've heard. Remarkably resiliant chap, isn't he? I'll see you again in the City of Hands, O Prince. I better find a healer for the artisan and his wife." He excuses himself to check on the lady for a moment.

The black Khatta jumps as the axe hurtles by, "Perhaps we should try below decks. Here, let me help you." He puts the Gallah's arm around his shoulder, and helps him to stand. On his way to the entrance, he shoots the jester that puzzled look again. Where has he heard that voice? He looks to the collie again, "Airship lore?"

"City … of Hands?" says the artist … but the strain of crawling is too much for him, and he passes out, collapsing on the deck. Still breathing, though. Another dagger – no, a cleaver – sails by, flying over the railing of the ship. "Take THAT, scoundrels!" The cook runs by, and smashes a Jupani pirate on the head with a hard chitin frying pan.

Alas, the collie doesn't answer Jynx's question about airship lore. He's light, though. Must be from eating that skimpy gourmet stuff that artist-types seem to like in places like Gallis. Or maybe he's a starving artist.

The masked reptile attempts to help the collie lady to her feet, clasping her paw to guide her along with Jynx and the artisan. "I'm sorry about your ring, madame."

Jynx, who is also pretty light, struggles with the unconcious collie, trying to get him below decks so he can get a better look at the wounds. He avoids all the chaos above decks, and makes stright for the cabin entrance.

The collie lady's ears are flush, as she comes to her sense. "Phillipe!" she shrieks, and dashes over to the collapsed artist. "Oh, Phillipe, forgive me! I'll never read another one of those trashy romances again, I swear! Oh, Phillipe!" At least she helps move the artist below-decks.

As Marie lends a paw, Jynx heaves a sigh of relief. He may be getting older, but he is still somewhat small. The going is made easier as the fight dies, and the cat leads the collie couple down below.

Convinced the collie's wife no longer needs his help, the jester bows a little. The masked jester says, "I'll see to fetching a doctor. I must bid you all adieu, for now. This business of fox flushing takes rather more exertion than the stories really told."

---

Some time and many hassles in customs later (snakes asking, "Who are you? Where did you come from? What are you doing in Safar? Why are you travelling alone?") but made easier by good references from fellow passengers (and wealthy ones at that), and after a secretive boat ride up the Xenean River (along with the inevitable hikes past the waterfalls), the "Khattan Prince" arrives in the City of Hands on a simple boat that is poled to shore by a team of Savanites and Jingai.

Waiting at the shore is a small delegation. Two pretty female cheetahs with familiar faces smile and wave, taking a break from clothes-washing. An even younger girl with a sunny expression bounces up and down, waving excitedly at the incoming boat.

Far more serene is the Priest-Queen and her entourage, who await the arrival of the Unlucky One.

A great weight seems to lift off the cat's chest as he sees all of his friends, almost as though he were returning home. A smile spreads on his face, and he returns the waves almost kittenishly. Hello! he signs with exaggeration, the equivalent to a shout.

The sunny Savanite kit bounces up to Jynx, and presents him with a garland of jungle flowers (carefully cleaned of any resident bugs or nasty things) and graces his neck with it. "I missed you!" she signs excitedly.

Further away from the bank, a gray hooded and caped figure exchanges sign with a particularly thin Savanite, who has a few feathers dangling from ties around his ears.

Stepping from the boat, Jynx bends down and hugs the Savanite kitten, "I missed you too! Have you been behaving good?" He smiles up at the twin sisters, his eyes full of joy for the first in a long time.

As the honor guard leads Jynx and his friends up away from the banks, there are many other cheetahs in the City who bow or wave to him. Even if they may not know him personally, he is well-remembered among these people. Musicians play Creen-flutes in the streets for him, and children dance about with their face-fur blackened with mud. (Nevermind what their parents think.)

The black Khatta, face still smiling, nods greetings to all he passes, almost to the point that his neck hurts. He follows the guards, almost surprised that they were this aware of his comming on such short notice.

Another boat poles to shore, this one bearing a Kiriga. It looks an awful lot like that crazy Master Long Tooth, only not as fuzzy in the face, possibly younger. He also looks fairly urgent, leaping out of the boat before it fully reaches the shore, and treading water until he reaches the banks. Then, with soggy strides, he runs up toward the cheetah with the yellow feathers, and the gray-hooded figure.

The gray-cloaked figure turns, and glances at the Kiriga. He holds one paw up to the Savanite, then leans toward the other lizardlike fellow.

The Kiriga bolts up to the cloaked figure, and speaks in hushed but excited words … that, alas, Jynx cannot hear amidst all the merry-making.

The sunny kitten belatedly responds to Jynx's question, "Yes, I've done my best! Did you bring Eve?"

Jynx notices the little side conversation going on between the reptiles, but is unable to make anythiung out. He turns his attention back to the little cub, "No, I'm afraid not. My parents made her go home, but I promise I'll have her come with me next time." He smiles down at Sunny, then looks up to see where he is being led. All this just to look for an artifact?

The gray-cloaked figure slaps his forehead, and his shoulders slump. He mutters some things to the messenger, and his body language quite clearly states that they aren't happy things.

The Kiriga nods several times, wiping at his brow, but the gray-cloaked one seems to be the one doing the whispering for now.

Just a little down the way, there are some familiar cheetah warriors grinning from ear to ear as they see Jynx approach. There's a big plump Bromthen forest-hog set out. Well … it DOES look like it's been heavily dug into, but it's the thought that counts, right?

The black Khatta chuckles at the scene, his mouth watering at the remembered taste of the Savan delicacy. He waves a paw of friendship to his hunting companions, signing greetings to them.

"Dig in, or fight the Creens for it!" signs one of the hunters, and then he slaps the Khatta on the back.

Reeling a bit at the heart slap, the Khatta grins, "Looks like you guys worked it over nicely, the Creens wouldn't even have enough for a meal!" He winks, then tears off a piece, biting into it. The cooked juices taste wonderful in the cat's mouth, and he has to fight to keep from wolfing it down.

The gray figure mutters with the Kiriga some more, shifting his weight from foot to foot in an agitated manner. Every so often, he casts a longing glance into town, the sun reflecting off his smooth rounded mask.

Third-Vision walks up to Jynx, giving him enough time to stuff his face (which, thankfully, he doesn't need in order to 'speak'), and then signs, "We got advance word from Safar that you were coming. What brings you to the City, Unlucky One?"

Jynx starts a bit as the Priest-Queen signs to him, and tries to clean up as best he can before continuing. "You mean besides just getting chance to come here?" He smiles, but then his face sobers substantially, "Actually, the reason I am here is more than just a courtesy call, and is best discussed in private as it is of great importance. I apologize for the short notice."

The Priest-Queen nods. "I have another visitor who has a matter of great importance to discuss. I trust you both enough that I should hope I can entertain you both at once. Shall we go?" She glances to one of her servants, who heads over toward the gray-cloaked shiga.

The cloaked reptile's conversation with the Kiriga stops short for a bit as the former stands upright, taken aback. If the reptile wasn't wearing a mask, he'd look aghast. "That's terrible! I'll… I'll make my report, and return to Rephidim as quickly as possible."

The dark Khatta blinks, that strange shiga again. Oh well, if Third-Vision trusts him, Jynx supposes he can too. He follows behind the Queen.

Across the City of Hands, the two guests are taken to the throne room of the Priest-Queen. The palace now looks like it is a complete structure, rather than a work in progress, even though there are still signs of additional features being added here and there – but in the way of artwork, not structural additions.

Within the throne room, under the blank gaze of tall, elongated statues of figures (possibly cheetahs) in Templar-like armor and robes that ring the ceiling in alcoves, the Priest-Queen reclines on a pile of pillows, with her guests before her, and servants attending them.

The smell of honey-locusts drifts through the air, intermingled with spiced Bromthen bits.

Jynx awaits for the Priest Queen to start the conversation, trying to show good manners. His stomach growls at the smell of the food, but he ignores it.

The jester Jynx met before is also kneeling nearby. His head hangs a little lower than before, and he too respectfully waits to be addressed.

Trays of delicacies and drinks are brought to the guests. The Priest-Queen nibbles on a chunk of Bromthen truffle, to signify that it's okay to dig in, and then she signs, "What business brings you here this fine day? The City of Hands is blessed by your presence alone."

The jester politely takes a honied locust, and it disappears beneath the bottom edge of the mask. There's some crunching noises… and after a few moments, the shiga helps himself to some more of the candies insects. "I originally came here in the hopes of finding volunteers for a currently moving operation… unfortunately, it's taken a wrong turn, so I'm afraid all I can do is ask how the orphanage is working out before I return to Rephidim to set things right."

The black Khatta likewise nibbles on a truffle, trying his best to display the manners he's have to had used since he was a kitten. He waits for the shiga to be addressed first, not wanting to be an interruption.

The Priest-Queen smiles and signs, "It is controversial, but you have given new hope for the freeborn cubs. I am afraid that our resources are being stretched to their limits – but every cub saved is worth the effort, for sure."

The shiga sits up a little straighter, visibly heartened. Now that his hands are free, he signs back. "That is a relief to hear, O Priest-Queen. I haven't heard back from my attache' since I travelled out of the Empire, but it would appear things are moving smoothly there. Perhaps it will give the Twelve-times-Twelve more time to consider their diplomatic options." He puts his hands down so Jynx can get a sign in edgewise.

Jynx waits for Third-Vision to give her reply before he brings his story forward, even though it gnaws at him.

The Priest-Queen nods to the shiga, signing nothing more on that topic, then turns to Jynx. "And what of you? It would seem fortune has graced you." She smiles.

The cat frowns, "I wish it had your majesty, but I'm afraid quite the opposite is true. It is my regret that the news I bring is anything but good. " He sighs, "recently, I have been doing some… family research, and it led me to many new travels, both good and ill. On this journey, I came upon the knowledge of something very disturbing… "

Third-Vision nods a "go ahead" nod to the black Khatta.

"In Half-Valley," continues Jynx, "I learned of a secret sinister order called 'The Society of Cinders', and to help a friend, I masqueraded as a member of this group to learn more about them. There fanatical goal is to exterminate all the humans on Sinai, and to change all the other races into their 'primitive' types." He pauses.

"Primitive types?" queries the Priest-Queen, evidently confused.

The black feline nods, "They said that all the creatures on Sinai were once 'natural', some sort animals I guess. They say that the humans made all the races the way they are today, perverting them or some such. They believe they can make the world peaceful if they turn everyone back, leaving a themselves as they are to lord over the world."

"And they can do this?" the Priest-Queen signs, an incredulous expression on her face. "I shall consult the Twelve at once!" She snaps her fingers, summoning a servant. He bows to her, then dashes off, sprinting as only a cheetah can.

"Yes, there's more," says the Khatta. "In order to accomplish their goal, they need this certain artifact, once owned by the Lord Calderas. Appearantly, it had great powers, enough to destroy entire realms, which I saw to be true." A pained look crosses Jynx's face, "they believed this artifact to be in the possession of a family member of mine, which is how I became involved in all of this, but it turned out to no longer be in her possession." He looks up to the Priest Queen, "That's where you come in."

The Priest-Queen's eyebrows raise. She signs, "And how is that?" In the slow interchange of sign language, enough time has passed for the panting messenger to return. Shortly thereafter, some robed and regal-looking tall Savanites file into the chamber. Twelve of them, to be exact. A court recorder paraphrases Jynx's account for their benefit, and they nod and take seats to watch.

The shiga, having spent all this time munching on locusts, looks on thoughtfully.

For the time being, the Twelve offer no commentary, but just watch the black Khatta.

Jynx grows slightly nervous as the regal mages enter the room, their very presence imposing. "My relative's husband was Lord Calderas, whom the artifact is named after. When he tried to use it, it destroyed his lands and drove him to become a mad beast. I suppose while he still had some thread of sanity left, he sent the artifact away on an airship to have it destroyed, but the crew of the ship were enchanted by the artifact, and while over the jungles of the Savan, they fought over it. The ship was destroyed and the artifact was lost somewhere in the jungle." He pauses to rest his paws. "The Society does not yet know of this, and are still persuing my relative, but it will just be a matter of time before they gain this knowledge, or someone else for that matter. I ask your help in finding this Star-cursed object, and destryoing it"

One of the Twelve – Twilight-Wing – signs, "Can you tell us any more of this artifact? What does it do? What does it look like? How long ago did all this happen?"

The black Khatta blinks, not realizing that he would be asked questions by the Twelve. "I-I'm not sure what it looks like. I didn't spend much time with the one person who saw it, and I don't even think the Society is sure. I suppose this happened a few decades ago, during a war Lord Calderas was having with one of his own Lords. From what I've been told, the artifact can change people into what the Order called 'primitive' types, or beasts, supposedly the forms people had before they were changed by the humans. I was also told it could be used as a weapon of destruction." The cat sweats.

Twilight-Wing signs, "This interests me. Are you certain it changes forms, and not just minds? This makes me think of the Beastlands, in the Desolate Band. This accursed place did not exist during our era. By all reports, it was not known until some time during the last generation or so. It is a place where mindless monsters can be found, though with the forms of rational races. Their origins are unknown. The Nagai hold it to be a place of Chigai." The word "Chigai" could also be translated "demons".

At the mention of Chigai, the jester's mask shifts, as if he were scrunching his nose up under it.

"I-I'm not sure," replies Jynx, "the Society seemed convinced that it would change people back to their original forms, so as to better deal with the natural world. My gran-, er, relative just mentioned that it turned her husband into a mindless beast. I wouldn't be surprised if it were capable of both, since I've seen firstpaw the destruction it is capable of."

Another of the Twelve nods. "It is a pity the lands are so blighted. The Beastlands are home to forests of warpwood trees… " He lets this sign trail off, as he returns to paying attention to the Khatta.

The Priest-Queen signs, "We need some way to locate this artifact in order to set out to obtain it. Do you have anything associated with it? Perhaps something a Seer could obtain a reading off of?"

Jynx grimaces, "I'm afraid I didn't bring anything with me except the dirt on my shoes-" he stops, "Wait, the land was affected by the artifact… would that work?"

The Priest-Queen looks toward one of the Twelve – an Earth mage. "It is possible," the Earth mage signs. "Can you obtain a sample?"

The Khatta shrugs, and pulls off his princely shoes, "Well, I suppose this is all I have, if this will work for you."

The Earth mage motions to a servant, who brings the shoes to him. He smiles faintly as he examines the shoes. "This will do, I think. Very clever, Unlucky One."

Jynx smiles and nods to the mage. "I pray that it will be enough." He turns back to the Priest Queen, "You see how dire the situation is that I am in. If these maniacs, or anyone else for that matter, get ahold of the artifact, it could be the end of the world."

"I dearly hope it is not as powerful as you fear," the Priest-Queen signs, "but your warnings will be well heeded. We will do whatever is necessary to provide you a way to find this artifact in a timely manner." She turns to the Twelve and dismisses them … along with Jynx's shoes. At this point, she looks thoughtful, and signs, "I shall have new shoes made for you as well."

The black Khatta smiles, "No hurry, your highness. I'm perfectly happy barefoot. I do suppose I'll need some when we begin our search," he looks up, "that is, if we are going to search?"

The Priest-Queen nods. "We have some severe issues to deal with at present, which require my presence here. But I will send my best with you." Her expression suddenly turns very sad. "There has been an incident in Rephidim. Terrorists have attacked Temple officials in our name. My sister, Long-Lope, was fingered as the ring-leader … and … " She rests her hands at her sides while she composes herself.

The shiga looks on soberly. "Is there anything I can do, Priest-Queen? My business will be returning me to Rephidim shortly."

Jynx frowns, his fur on end. "Have they harmed her? I was not aware of this, I'm sorry… "

The Priest-Queen shakes her head. "No. Rephidim does not have her anymore. The Emperor-Potentate has her. She is to be tried … and it has been made quite clear that she will be found guilty … and executed."

"But… how did… why… (curse)." The shiga falters, then starts signing quickly again. "What will you do? This can't be right, they must be mistaken!"

The black feline's ears droop, "I am very sorry to hear this, it is ill news. I apologize for bringing yet more." He grimaces, "Is there anything that can be done? Anything I can do? I can't believe they would dare do this to a member of the royal family!"

The Priest-Queen signs, "We are doing our best, but our actions must be guarded, or we risk starting a war with two nations we would rather have as allies. We cannot survive such a fruitless battle." Third-Vision looks down. "I must not jeopardize my people, even for my sister."

Jynx frowns, "I am very, very sorry, your majesty."

The jesters mirth-mask is a sharp contrast to his signs. Somewhat shakey at first, they grow faster as if gaining momentum. "Then you must send me, Priest-Queen. I have no official affliation with the City, and I have some unofficial contacts in Nagai. If the situation warrents, I might be able to resort to more direct means. If I'm caught or suspected, they'd only consider it an extremist Nagai faction, and internal terrorism. As far as I know, Pathfinder is still safe in Rephidim, though I'd have to send a messenger to warn my contact there to do whatever is safest for her."

Third-Vision signs, "You are both truly heroes. I and all of the City of Hands am grateful for all you've done, and all you strive to do."

"Are your other sisters safe?" asks Jynx, "Is Moon-Brow… safe too?" He bows at the kind signing, "Thank you your majesty, but we are just servants."

"She is here, in the City," Third-Vision signs. "Moon-Brow is safe. Perhaps you shall see her during your stay. In any case, I shall see to preparations at once. My aides will provide you access to our libraries and any informative assistance we can provide."

The now humorless jester nods. "So be it," he hisses, aloud now. "Feli, will you be going on your quest for this… this dangerous artifact thing?"

"Thank you your majesty," Jynx replies to the Queen. He then turns to the shiga, and nods, "I will," he replies in sign, not thinking to switch back, "as soon as her majesty is ready for me to set forth. The artifact must be done away with, as soon as possible."

The reptile nods. "Best of luck, then. If I don't get back from Nagai, well… it was great flushing foxes with you."

Jynx eyes the shiga, "Who are you, if you don't mind my asking… "

The Priest-Queen raises an eyebrow at the "flushing foxes" comment.

By way of answer, the reptile raises a gloved paw, and removes his mask. The Wooden Shekel's face bears a hint of a smile for a brief second. "It'd be difficult to explain, O Priest-Queen."

The Khatta shakes his head, "You! Of all people!" He crosses his arms, looking angry, then grins. "Good hunting, and flushing!" He extends a paw to the reptile.

The Priest-Queen signs, "So, you've already been introduced?"

The Wooden Shekel clasps Jynx's paw warmly. "You might say that, Priest-Queen. We averted a little incident… I… uh, don't suppose you read pulp novels?"

The Priest-Queen smiles and shakes her head. "No, though one of my sisters has read some fairly ancient ones."

Jynx nods, ending the shake, "Yes, we have met on many occasions." He stretches and yawns, "If you don't mind your highness, I'm fairly tired from my trip… "

The reptile replaces his mask. "Yes, and I ought to see what information and resources I can use from the City for my little… business trip."