The two Korvs, Gergesene and Kensington, split upon landing to accomplish their separate missions. Both were successful, Kensington has obtained some intimidation in the form of a heavy crossbow from the armoury, and Gergesene has closed the keep and sought out his few allies. The two have rejoined, with Sir Steinhardt accompanying them, and now seek Sir Silberglascht within the keep.

Gergesene brings Steinhardt up to date in a non-stop spatter of amazed exclamations. "Light of the Star, Sir Steinhardt, not only did we discover your very likeness, some kind of Boschian copy, which was dispatched by the force of true steel, but we also learned from the Mage Talia that it was Hehner who'd ordered her to comply with his lie of a false Jael and a false heir to the Kaizer. It is as if the very foundations of the Grand Machine were to tremble!"

Gergesene shakes his head amazedly as the three head for Hehner's office. "How could Sir Silberglascht possibly believe that the Lords would be deceived by his imitation Jael, and furthermore, swayed from acknowledging Lord Ruthven as the best choice to guide our land through the coming years? Truly Bosch must have clouded his vision while holding forth visions of glory and power."

The Cervani knight feels a chill pass through him, and shakes his head in disbelief. "Know you this as truth, then? I cannot simply throw aside my beliefs in what I hold sacred; believe that a Landsknecht would… Have you anything other than the words of Mage Talia as proof?"

Despite his disbelief, doubt nags at Steinhardt's heart. When searched for earlier, Hehner was not to be found in his office, as he should have… A small thing, but given all else…

"Awk! What more proof d'ye need than a carriage fulla witchery?" squawks Kensington. He pauses to put one footclaw in a loop on a crossbow that looks like it was meant for siege operations, and begins struggling to crank it. "That *mph* Boschian thing that looked just like ye? The *erph!* witch's willin'ness t'leap from a movin' carriage? That mocked-up Jael? "

Kensington trots after the two knights to catch up again, the crossbow loaded with a vicious looking quarrel.

Steinhardt stops suddenly, and wheels to face the crossbow carrying Korv, eyes widening in surprise. "You jest!" His voice holds no conviction. The Cervani's gaze moves to Gergesene. "He cannot be serious!"

"He tells the truth," Gergesene confirms. "My sword bit into that Boschian copy's armor."

Gergesene looks up toward Hehner's office. "That thing had unworldly strength – I hope that there is none guarding Sir Hehner, or that he himself is not one of those things."

Steinhardt closes his eyes for a moment, head lowering. After a brief moment, he again moves ahead; not much further until all questions are resolved… "Even that Boschian… 'copy,' is not proof against Sir Hehner… I pray your accusations are false… " {… for that could mean that my brother… }

"Perhaps not," Gergesene replies firmly. "But it is a question that casts shadows over his name. And such shadows can only be dispelled by thorough exposure to the Light of the Star."

This time it would appear that the elder knight is in his office where he belongs. The Cervani is standing before his bookcase flipping through a large ledger. He looks up as the knights and corsair enter. "Oh, hello Gergesene. You had a visitor earlier who… Steinhardt! Why aren't you at the Parliament?"

Confusion washes across Sir Silberglascht's face as he sees the expressions of his visitors, and their weapons. "What's wrong?" He closes the book and returns it to an empty slot in the shelf.

Steinhardt bows slightly upon entering, then says, without preamble, "It appears I was killed on the trip there, though I knew nothing of it until but a short moment ago."

( That's confusin'… maybe I'll just let the knights do the explainin'. ) Kensington takes to leaning on the doorframe, one wing resting on the stock of his borrowed weapon.

"I see," Hehner replies. His frown suggests he doesn't.

Gergesene moves into the office and stands to one side of the desk, like a grim executioner with his two swords behind his back. He is about to speak when Steinhardt makes his surprising statement, then looks back and forth between them. ( Does Hehner pretend innocence then? )

"Out with it man! What brings you here all flustered?" The old Cervani straightens, to stare with more ease into the Korv Landsknecht's eyes.

Steinhardt shakes his head slightly, almost wincing, and waits for Gergesene's (likely overenthusiastic and dramatic) response.

Gergesene flutters his wings. "I deeply regret the necessity, Sir Silberglascht, but recent events have cast long shadows across the land, as you are undoubtedly aware." He looks steadily at the older Cervani knight.

"I am aware of many things, perhaps you could call attention to those items you wish me to focus on. My many duties sometimes let slip these things from the foremost place in my mind." Hehner's body is old, and stooped, his rack full of points and his pelt graying, but his gaze remains one of a strong knight.

"Fortunately, the light of the Star – which is to say, truth – is known for its power to banish such shadows, which are doubt and distrust. Pray, swear by the Star and the Grand Machine, Sir Silberglascht, that you will be as honest with us as we will be with you?" Gergesene holds his hand out to sign the Star, then waits for Hehner's reply.

The brow of the Cervani furrows, then he signs the five points of the gearstar. The end of the gesture is almost dismissive, though Hehner's scowl remains. "By the Star and my place in the Machine, I will tell you the truth; It is that I am insulted that you think I would not keep my word as a knight. What shadow are you suggesting I am a part of."

Gergesene looks almost relieved. "It was possible that you too might have been replaced by one of… Them. Some sort of Boschian doppleganger, created to take the place of our nation's leaders."

The Korv knight senses that Sir Hehner is less than enlightened by this explanation, and hastens to go on. "Do you know the mage, Talia?"

"Bosch creatures disintegrate if they leave Bosch… every schoolfawn knows that. I assure you I am quite whole." Sir Hehner slaps at his arm in demonstration. He sends a glance at Sir Steinhardt before answering Sir St. Germain in a more guarded tone. "Yes, I know her. She should be at the Parliament with her son."

Before Gergesene can speak, Steinhardt explains, voice thoughtful and eyes slightly unfocused. "I was to meet Sir Hehner in his office this morning to receive orders moving the Mage Talia and her son, whom, I was informed, had been located, to the Parliament building… "

Gergesene boggles a bit. Sir Hehner much as admits his complicity?…

"And why is she to be in Parliament with her son, if I may ask, Sir Silberglascht?" the Korv knight bursts out.

"I think yer presuming a bit much, Gerry," sniffs Kensington from his station by the door. "That thing we fought by the Parliament sure didn't turn t'dust until ye whacked it." He grins beakily. "Sir Hehner… say it one more time, so we kin be certain. Yer absolutely SURE ye sent the witch Talia, and her son to the Parliament? Would ye swear by it?"

Gergesene gives Kensington a truly confused look, then back to Sir Silberglascht.

Sir Hehner looks at the Korv in the corner, and that unconcealable heavy weapon in rather obvious view, before responding. "Yes. Mage Talia, and her son Jael. I sent them to the Parliament under Sir Steinhardt's supervision. The reason? So she could present the boy to the legislative houses, and inform them that she bore the Kaizer's illegitimate child."

The Korv knight looks stunned again. "And… Where did this boy come from? How did you find him?"

"Ahh, good, good. And ye've met Jael before? Ye'd know him on sight, would ye? Very familiar with what the boy looks like?" presses Kensington. He exchanges glances and a brief nod with Gergesene.

Gergesene blinks at Kensington's questioning, having started to be lulled a little by Hehner's certainty.

"No more than you would," The elder knight answers the corsair before returning his gaze to Gergesene. "He came from the School of Practical Mechanisms, and I found him with Talia's directions. I know, it is quite a shock to find that the Kaizer had another son, much less one by a Mage. Still, he should be shown to the Parliament."

Gergesene frowns. "The hand of Bosch is in this," he says with great certainty.

Gergesene leans closer to Sir Silberglascht. "Now, did you see Sir Steinhardt off to Parliament, in a carriage with Talia and her son?"

Steinhardt frowns slightly and listens silently. With luck, Hehner is not connected to Kensington's monster of Bosch…

Kensington caws, "Oh, I quite agree, Sir Hehner. What proof would ye be presentin' that Jael be Talia's son?"

The elder knight straightens some more as the Korv leans in, but he does not step back. "No. Sir Steinhardt came to my office as requested, I gave the boy to him and sent him to pick up Talia. I have many duties, and watching carriages depart is the least of them. I had no reason to doubt a Landsknecht." He looks directly at Kensington, "though I'd like to hear yours."

Gergesene looks at Sir Steinhardt.

Gergesene kaws, "That must have been… "

"Perhaps you'd like to explain how you know the boy better than his own mother, while you're at it. What are the reasons that make you doubt my word?" Sir Hehner continues to focus on Kensington. "You all seem very sure of something, enough to come here heavily armed. I'd like to know what."

Steinhardt nods slightly at Gergesene. "Aye," then turns to Sir Silberglascht. "'twas not I who took the lad, Sir Hehner. By such time as I reached this office, you were not to be found… " He trails off.

"Heh, heh, doubt ye? We wouldn't be doubtin' ye, Sir Hehner, no," replies the corsair, grinning oddly. "Whether or not I think the boy is Talia's son don't mean more'n a bucket o' bilge. But ye'd 'ave t'present more'n the witch's good word to Parliament that the lad's her son, aye? Papers? Someone to vouch fer 'im?"

( Gerry's right, bein' polite t'nobles ain't too bad, when ye think of it with th'right angle. Kinda fun, really. ) Kensington reflects.

Gergesene shoots Kensington a worried look. Maybe the crossbow is giving his cousin a false sense of security.

"The son of the Kaizer is not some pedigree pet whose lineage must be proven. If I may venture my opinion, you don't seem to be the type to spend much time in Parliament." Silberglascht slouches forward to glare at Kensington, which inadvertently forces Gergesene to give him some room. The old knight seems almost like a carrion bird with his neck stretched out. "I am sure the necessary committees will be established to verify all claims."

Gergesene starts to say, "It would have been good if you had, Sir Silberglascht, because – "

Steinhardt claps one hand onto the Korv's shoulder, his voice overriding that of his more… enthusiastic friend. "I fear information exists that could… conflict with that claim, Sir Hehner."

The old knight inhales strongly, then says, "Yes… ?"

Kensington quite simply states, "Ye didn't send the right Jael."

Gergesene looks perplexed. ( Who can I believe – Sir Silberglascht, or Talia? Or is Bosch working to everyone's confusion? )

"So Jael is not the real Jael? Interesting." Silberglascht's wizened gaze focuses on everyone in the room, then returns to Kensington. "You seem so sure of that, more even than Talia is of her own son. Maybe you know more than she does, maybe you know where Jael is hidden. Are you the one responsible for that? What justification can you provide for knowingly concealing the son of the Kaizer?"

Gergesene looks up at this, shocked. "Why would his own mother… " He looks close at the aged knight. "Why exactly did Mage Talia ask to present her son to Parliament, Sir Silberglascht?"

Steinhardt's eyes close for a moment, then he takes a vested interest in no particular point on the floor.

"Ye'd 'ave t'ask Gerry about that bit. I'm just along fer the ride," replies the corsair belatedly. He sweeps a wing at the Landsknecht. "Take it away, cousin."

Gergesene grimaces, thinking it through. Why would Mage Talia want to present a false Jael? She knows well where the real one is… Either Sir Silberglascht is lying… Or else there is a Boschian duplicate of Hehner.

Hehner holds Gergesene's gaze, "I'd like to know what ride I am being set up for. What are your intentions with that crossbow? Have you appointed yourself my judge? Some things are better to brought out into the light, not hidden away like so much ugly garbage, so what aren't you telling me?"

"Confession I hear, let's the light of the star shine on the soul," the old knight adds.

"I believe that Bosch is playing all of us against each other," the Korv knight says, deciding that it's best to play it straight. "The Sir Steinhardt you met was in fact a Boschian demon, who did indeed crumble to dust after I bit it with good, sharp steel, and Jonas broke off its horns. The Jael that you sent with him was an actor. And Mage Talia told us, after she had leaped from the carriage rather than play a further part in this play of lies, said that she had been told by Sir Hehner that she had best cooperate lest he renew the search for her true son. It all led us to think that you might have been employed by Bosch to cloud the succession to the Kaizer by a farce of false heirs."

Kensington grins after the explanation is through. "And so ye see… this here crossbow be fer… emergencies, of a sort."

"So you are suggesting my complicity in trying to put a false heir on the throne?" The old Cervani states. "Well Sir St. Germain, Jael is a bastard and no more an heir than Mage Talia is Kaizarina. Ruthven is a lord, but for all he professes to be like the Kaizer's son, he has no more title to the position than Sir Steinhardt's brother. There are no rightful heirs, and that is why Parliament now chooses. If they elect an untrained, unprepared boy, then does it matter which one? He will have to grow into the role, and that being the case, one unaware of his heritage till a few weeks ago will be just as good as one of his peers. I find it very interesting that you have taken it upon yourself to decide these matters."

The Korv knight stiffens. "Sir, the Grand Machine cannot be built upon lies! If Bosch is attempting to elect a false heir to the Kaizership, I should think that would concern all of us very much!"

Steinhardt looks towards the elder Cervani. "You lied, then, and attempted to lie to parliament?"

"It'll sure as sin matter if'n the boy is a puppet," Kensington rasps, tapping one talon on the floor. "The Kaisership be a high seat, an' when yer sittin' that high, ye can spit on anyone ye please. Perhaps ye've prepared an umbrella, hmm?"

"Look at Talia… Bosch is gnawing at her insides even now. Do you not think it would touch her mind as well? I used an actor because SOMEone was needed to convince people of Jael's existence. It would have been much easier had someone not decided to make my job a great deal more difficult by hiding the boy. I am still a knight, and I still have honour, and I was trying to bring the truth into the light, and to do that, I needed a lie." Silberglascht's eyes do not leave Gergesene's at all during this. "I have no need of Talia or her son for personal gain. Her motivations to keep him hidden come from motherly concern, where do yours come from?

Gergesene gasps at this bold admission.

Steinhardt shakes his head and whispers softly, "Bosch, or the fear thereof?"

Sir Hehner glares at the corsair in the corner. "I am not bypassing the legislative process by deciding what facts are known, and what are hidden. I have not concealed my intentions from Parliament, only the lords who stand to benefit. If the members of the houses have not shared this information with the public, that is their prerogative. They have the right to decide what serves stability, not you with that crossbow. Tell me now who has been grasping power beyond their due."

The Korv knight says firmly, now glad that he hasn't revealed that he knows Jael's whereabouts, "You threatened an old woman should she not help you in your designs, Sir Hehner. You ordered her secretly concealed in the keep so that others would not find her, and locate her son. And you are even now, attempting to present a counterfeit Jael to Parliament – no doubt assuring yourself that the true Jael would be found someday, even if he were not, say, already slain by Bosch in case he did show up – what kind of Landsknecht does these things?" He clutches Silberglascht's wrist. "By the Star, what kind of Landsknecht are you?"

Kensington snorts through his beak. "Maybe Gerry and Sir Steinhardt can't say it, but I'm thinkin' yer lyin' right now. If'n all this be true, ye wouldn't mind comin' with us an' explainin' yerself t'Lord Ruthven himself, aye?"

"One loyal to the interests of Chronotopia, " the old deer answers, without trying to remove his hand. "In the absence of a true heir, anyone can be elected to that position. Have you no faith in the system? Who benefits from the lack of an heir, or this squabbling? Who did you publically swear allegiance to in the Cathedral on the day of the Funeral? You accuse me of acting in my own interest, well I accuse you of conveniently forgetting your oath of abstinance with politics and suppressing things for your new master!"

Steinhardt, forgotten, perhaps, in the storm, speaks softly, sadly, "And thus, perhaps, Bosch wins."

The old Landsknecht fixes a look on Kensington, "and I will not accompany you to my private execution."

"Very well, then," caws Kensington, shrugging. "It don't be matterin' much. Yer private ex-… rather, Lord Ruthven's on 'is way 'ere anyway."

Sir Silberglascht's eyes don't leave the corsair Korv. "Who are you to speak so slightingly at me? What service have you done for Chronotopia, or are you only interested in how it serves you? It is very easy I'm sure, to spectate and criticize without ever acting. Unless you have some proof of motivations beyond your greed I suggest you mind your manners, otherwise I will show you the sharp end of a sword where I'm sure you will find some."

Gergesene kaws! outraged at the accusal. "If you truly believe this," he says loudly. "Then why did you not simply speak these things before Parliament? Why not simply say that there is a son – that you request more time to find him, that you ask him to step forward and be recognized if your fair speech should reach his ears? Why this subterfuge, why this villainy of deceits?" He snaps his beak shut, and then says more quietly, "Perhaps it is best after all that the truth is revealed. The entire truth from first to last. And may the Star help those whose lives are forever changed in the unveiling."

"And I, as Sir Steinhardt," the Korv says more quietly. "Will take only small comfort from knowing what we do, is to oppose Bosch – and everything it represents."

Sir Hehner draws himself up to his full height to look down on Sir. St. Germain, "why did you not bring him to the Parliament yourself them, when you had him all this time?"

Steinhardt winces and shakes his head as his words are turned from their meaning.

"I? I hardly have him," the Korv knight says pointedly, turning his wing-hands up to show they are empty. "Whereas, you have claimed to have him, and are now admitted as lying."

"You would hardly attempt such acts on meer suspicions, you know more than you are saying, and for all your promise of the truth you have answered very little. You have such pure sounding motives, to oppose Bosch! There are none in this, the waters were poisoned from beginning. I am the Kaizer's age, and Talia's years could make her my daughter. Have you ever wondered why she fears Ruthven, and he hates her so? I suggest it is because he saw the lineage spawning desire in the eyes of a girl so young he was afraid to touch her. I say that knowledge has prevented any peace between them. I say there has been no honourable choice since the Kaizer's perverted one, and all this is just the final throes of a machine flawed since conception; Events you insist in prolonging with your actions, that serve only Ruthven's cause." Hehner growls.

Gergesene turns to Sir Steinhardt and Kensington, dismissing Hehner's statement as mere shadow-casting. "So then, my companions; we seem at an impasse in the revelations. Shall we wait until wiser heads than ours, and more forceful hands as well, can ask questions?"

Kensington flicks a wing at Hehner, sneering. "I'll talk t'any man 'owever I please. Aye, the machine be flawed, but so is yer plan. We know about it, so ye might as well come clean and let another party sort this all out, like Gerry says."

Steinhardt frowns at Gergesene, "Wiser minds or more forceful hands are little needed if cooler heads would only prevail. Heated argument will only fan the flames of dissension."

"Out! I will not be sit and judged by Ruthven's private pawns." Sir Hehner orders.

The sound of hoofsteps are covered by the raised voices from the small stone room. It is almost as if the sound of his name summoned him from far away; Lord Ruthven appears in the doorway, behind him, Sir Vandenberg, Sir Amruk, and five other Landsknechts fill the corridor.

Steinhardt curses under his breath. {Just when the situation could not possibly become worse… }

Gergesene huffs. "By the light of the Star, I may think Lord Ruthven the best candidate so far, but it is not for him that I do this – Mage Talia asked me to keep her son safe – " he stops, realizing that he's made an admission that he can't take back, and watches Hehner, judging his reactions. Then continues, "That means from everyone. Until I know who can truly be trusted." His eyes widen as he sees who might have heard his statement.

Sir Silberglascht looks at Sir Steinhardt, Sir St. Germain, and the Korv corsair. "I see your job was only to delay me long enough for your master to arrive."

Ruthven's eyes narrow at Gergesene. "You obviously do not trust anyone, or were you simply locking the gate for me?"

(Well, at least everyone is in one place. Maybe now this'll get sorted out,) muses Kensington. He shifts slightly to keep mostly out of the doorway, leaning on a wall.

The Korv knight looks abashed. "I hadn't thought of you, Lord Ruthven, when I asked that – Star! Or Commissar Jonas, who must be on his way here. I wanted to make sure that Sir Silberglascht would not escape before we had a chance to ask some good questions."

"Jonas is a criminal and a traitor." Ruthven snarls. "He refused my direct orders and tore his commission up before my very eyes. Then he had the nerve to threaten me. He has been banished from Chronotopia."

Gergesene looks boggled at the news.

Steinhardt shifts slightly, trying to watch everyone at once. {Mayhap I should have 'settled down' instead.}, he thinks ruefully. This situation is not getting any better.

"It would seem that not all of Lord Ruthven's servants are as loyal as you are, Sir St. Germain." Hehner adds quietly, pressed into the corner of his desk and bookcase by the occupants of the room.

Kensington sighs. "More tangled than the rigging on a zone-bound ship."

"If you see him… kill him on sight. I have enough traitors to deal with as it is." Lord Ruthven looks towards Hehner, eyes narrowing even more. "I hope that the answers you received from this man were useful to you."

"Jonas was no man's servant," the Korv knight says hotly. Then calming a bit, he says, "If he spoke badly to you, Lord Ruthven, I'm sure it was because he is not Chronotopian-born, and thus unaware of our ways. He has a good heart; he fights for what is right."

Gergesene sighs. "In any case, yes, we have many answers."

"Pathetic excuses. I would not be here if he could be trusted to do what is right. It is all I hear from anyone instead of seeing action." Ruthven points to Hehner. "It is time for action now… arrest him!"

Sir Silberglascht returns Lord Ruthven's narrow stare. The age of the knight shows so starkly in comparison with the other stag, the elder's shoulders curled with his years at the desk, but Hehner's eyes still burn. "Oh yes, there were many answers. I will not be insulted, and then arrested like a common criminal. I demand the right to trial by combat, against Sir St. Germain."

"I must insist, Lord Ruthven, that Sir Silberglascht be given a fair – " The Korv knight's beak shuts and then he turns his eyes toward Hehner grimly.

The corsair's eyes pop wide open. "You? Against him?" He's able to keep from laughing, but his face still carries a bemused expression.

"I am a Landsknecht," Sir Hehner answers Kensington. "I will have my dignity and honour. None of you can refuse me that!"

Lord Ruthven scowls for a moment, looking between the Korv Knight and Hehner, then his expression melts away into blankness. "Very well. But not here. We should go into the main hall where there's room. It is your right, Hehner, but I am not pleased by this… "

Steinhardt, and Kensington can see the eyes of the Korv Landsknecht take on a strange expression.

In Gergesene's eyes, the room grows brighter. It is as if the light of the star was shining down through the stones of the keep, and revealing the inner workings that underlie the world. He can see large shadows of gears, turning in the walls as they take on the light, and slowly vanish.

Gergesene stares into the distance, feeling holiness all around. A curious feeling: he has always held to the catechism of the Principia Mechanica, but to see it is to feel manifest that which is faith.

The walls, and all they contain, continue to glow brighter until everything vanishes in the luminance. The furnishings of Sir Silberglascht's small office fade as well, till nothing remains but the ground Gergesene stands on. The landscape is indistinct, composed of colours that shift but still seem to contain some order. Despite all that disappears however, the group surrounding the Korv remains.

Gergesene says softly to the others, Kensington especially, "Do you see the Grand Machine, my friends? I believe… I have been granted a vision of the Star itself." His eyes are still lost in the distance, head turning, trying to see everywhere.

They remain, but in a twisted parody of their existence they do not stay unchanged. Sir Hehner grows, like a giant strong buck, double in size. Sir Vandenberg's visage twists, to look like a human on one side and remain a deer on the other. Beside him, Sir Amruk doubles over, clutching his stomach as a horn grows out of his eye. Sir Steinhardt's chest buckles, as if some great growth was protruding up underneath his armour.

The others are shifting as well, Sir Amruk becoming twisted as one side of his body strengthens and the other weakens. No Landsknecht remains the same, even Gergesene feels pain. Looking at the source of it in his claw-hands, he sees they are gone; The Korv's wings are now a Khatta's arms, leading out to black paws.

Gergesene gasps at the transformations… What can this mean?

Of the knights, only Ruthven remains unchanged, centred in it all like a pillar of order. Behind whatever Gergesene has become, his Korv cousin also remains true to his form.

Gergesene's words fall like dark shadows from his mouth, and pool into the form of a knife.

Gergesene suppresses a shudder and signs the Star rapidly before clasping his wing-hands together. He commands himself, that whatever this fearful vision portends, it shows only potential… Not what he truly is. ( I am not an assassin, ) he thinks to himself. ( Whatever is being shown here, the Star surely means as a warning of some kind. Not condemnation! )

Looking directly at Gergesene, Ruthven states passionlessly, "It has to be done, we have no other choice." He draws his blade and slashes into the knight nearest him. The crippled body falls, making no noise. Ruthven swings again, his gory sword slashing through another knight. They stand unresisting, awaiting the blade.

Gergesene looks horrified at Ruthven's action and moves to stand before Sir Hehner, not making any move to draw his swords or pick up the knife. "Let there be no more killing today," he insists. "The Star is merciful, not cruel! It will redeem all of us, no matter how far we have fallen, if we accept it."

Sir Amruk dies with the blade entering his other eye. Sir Vandenburg is split down the middle, turning into two half beings. Sir Hehner turns in response to Gergesene's cry, "I do not deserve this."

The giant of a Cervani is then whittled down into little pieces by Ruthven's sword, till he lies like a broken statue on the ground. His fingers wiggle like worms, and the blocks in a travesty of life, refuse to die.

"You only hold sin too dear to your heart," Gergesene protests. "Let it go, and repent! Let Brother Salvatori's death be not for nothing, fellow knight." He realizes that he stands unarmed between Ruthven and Hehner… And yet it is as if he were not even there?

"A curse upon me, may the winds tear the mainsails, may the mainmast snap… " rasps Kensington. The crossbow falls from his claws, as he walks behind Gergesene, drawing his cutlass. "Should it, or should it not be? Either way… ye shall die this day, cousin. Mercy on yer soul, and mine." With that whispered, the corsair strikes, plunging his blade through his cousin's back.

Gergesene whispers, feeling the sharp cool blade, "Have I failed?… " He crumples.

A knife lies in front of where the Korv-Khatta falls. A metal blade, with the cogwheel star in its hilt. With his ebbing strength Gergesene feels his hand close around it.

Gergesene, with thoughts crazily spiraling about his small Korv brain, holds up the knife to look at it, hilt up, blade down, so it is oriented properly. There is something he can't quite remember. "What is it I hold?" he whispers. "What is the true answer?"

Ruthven finishes his slow dance of death, leaving the bodies of ten Landsknechts around him. He smiles at the corsair. "We are successful, but listen, do you hear? You didn't kill the Khatta."

A second blade slices through Gergesene's back, pinning him to the ground. Above, Ruthven's voice cheerily says, "I'd rather see things get done properly, and the only way I seem to be able to accomplish that is to do it myself."

Gergesene blinks. Khatta? But he's not a Khatta. He's a Korv. He struggles to manifest wings, believing if only he could see them, then the others would see them as well.

The sounds of the two fade in the distance, but Gergesene's grip on the knife remains strong. He is not dead, just dying, and remains so for a long time.

"… I'd rather see things get done properly, and the only way I seem to be able to accomplish that is to do it myself." Ruthven finishes his sentence, casting one final glare at Hehner before storming towards the main hall. "I would rather fight you myself."

"That will be my pleasure." Sir Silberglascht replies, following after Ruthven.

Gergesene blinks twice and looks down at his hands. ( It was a vision… But what did it mean? Nothing good, of that I can be sure. )

Steinhardt places a hand on the smaller knight's shoulder and looks down at him, concerned and questioning.

"I had a vision," Gergesene says softly to his friend-in-arms. "I cannot be sure what it meant… But it has occurred to me that where Bosch has made one doppleganger, there may be more. And the wrong side may win this duel."

Steinhardt frowns, then nods. "You may be impulsive and occasionally brash, but your heart is true. If you need aid, but ask." He claps the knight on the shoulder again, and glances at the leaving lord and knight.

Gergesene shudders. "We were all transformed to terrible monstrosities, even you, even I, and Lord Ruthven appeared unchanged… But it was he who acted evilly, for where I would have held out the promise of redemption to all, he then slew all those transformed, and me last of all. And I held at the last a knife with the Star upon its hilt… " He looks up at Steinhardt. "I think we will all be well served if the clergy were to make sure that none of us are touched by Bosch."

"I remember the unworldly strength of that doppleganger. If Sir Hehner is one such, then Lord Ruthven has no chance. But if… " Gergesene hardly dares to breath the idea, so perfidious and yet, possible it might be.

In the main hall Ruthven's voice can be heard saying, "You will of course allow me to warm up first." "By all means," is Sir Hehner's reply. The sound of hoofsteps on the stones indicate their preliminary practice swings.

A wingclaw sets itself on Gergesene's shoulder, and a voice behind him rasps, "Are ye all right, cousin? Ye look a bit woozy."

Gergesene jumps!

Sir Amruk's head pops in the doorway, "Sir Steinhardt, Sir St. Germain… and you also. Come, they're getting ready to start." He gestures for them to join the other knights at the main hallway.

Kensington peers at the Korv Landsknecht, his crest puffed out from a furrowed brow. "Ye look like ye've seen a ghost, Gerry. C'mon, we'd best witness Ruthven's and Hehner's 'settlement'."

Gergesene holds his winghand over his heart, breathing fast. "Sir Steinhardt… Kensington. It seems to me that we must try to delay this fight. All is not what it seems. We need time."

Steinhardt looks after Sir Amruk. "And we do not know which is the agent of Bosch, if either. If no other opportunity presents itself, we simply cannot allow them to kill each other… " The Cervani trails off.

Gergesene moves after the others. "Then we must delay them."

"Agent of Bosch? What are you talking about. This is a duel of honour." Sir Amruk glances down the hall again.

"It is more than that," Gergesene replies to the Landsknecht. "The hand of Bosch is at work, trying to cloud the succession – or even place their own upon the throne of the Kaizer! We have seen signs that may mean that one or the other of those about to duel are chosen by Bosch as its champion… "

Kensington looks very confused, but follows anyway, the crossbow in tow.

Ruthven and Hehner are located in the main hallway for the 3rd and 4th levels. The corridor runs the entire length of the keep, with side passages branching directly off on either side. The ceiling is a good 30' high, and the walls are far enough apart for a Korv to easily fly between them, though Gergesene has been the only one to do that. Surrounding the two at a distance are Sir Vandenberg and the other knights. The combatants are finishing their preparations.

Sir Hehner steps back into a stance, slipping his sword up in front of him. Strangely, the he has removed his helmet, and with it his headrack. It would appear the knight's antlers were more of the vanity variety. Even with his hunched, scavenger-bird stance, there is a spryness to his step. "Are you ready, Lord Ruthven?"

Steinhardt's face turns grim, and he advances into the hall towards the two.

Ruthven eyes his opponent. "Quite ready." he replies.

Gergesene follows close behind Steinhardt. If this so-called duel isn't stopped, there will be a tragedy.

A baffled corsair trails along into the room. "Bloody protocol and rules… s'givin' me a headache again, and no grog in sight to deaden it with."

"Halt! Sirs, I beg of you!" Steinhardt continues moving closer, eyes fixed ahead on Ruthven and Hehner.

"Yes, Sir Steinhardt?" The elder Cervani stands up into a more relaxed, and hunched position. "What is it?"

Gergesene looks about the room to identify the other knights present. There must be some he knows, whom he can ask to bring ministers and holy oil. His eyes alight upon Sir Vandenberg. He hurries to his side while Sir Steinhardt attempts delaying, and whispers, "Could you please fetch, or send someone to fetch the chaplain, and a quantity of holy oil? I believe that there may be Boschian chicanery at work… And even if not, then last rites may well be required after this duel."

Steinhardt draws to a halt by the Sir Silberglascht, and takes a deep breath. Speaking quietly, he begins, "Sir, as champions are allowed, allow me to take your place in this duel." It's more a plead or order than a request.

"Sir St. Germain." Lord Ruthven says sharply. "What is it that you are whispering about?"

The Cervani nods to Gergesene's request, "I will be back momentarily. Ask them to wait for my return." He quickly heads for the stairs.

Gergesene says more loudly, "I believe that it is important we observe all the forms. Chronotopia is troubled, Lord Ruthven, but not so much that we should cast aside its laws and rules. Therefore I have asked that a chaplain be present to minister to the combatants… And in case that last rites are required."

Sir Hehner looks Sir Steinhardt in the eye, with an odd, sad expression. "You take part in accusations against me, and now you want to stand in my defense against those words? Are you sure that is your wish?"

"Delays… delays… DELAYS!" The Cervani almost roars with frustration. "With you it is always 'I must wait' or 'I must do this first'. Idiot… your allegiance slides like the hands of a clock, one day you swear your undying loyalty to me… and another you seek to hamper me at every turn. I asked you to go to Bosch to PREVENT this, and because of your ill-sightedness the plague has become worse." Ruthven weighs his iron sword in his hand, and slices through the air with it in one practiced swing. "Look well, coward. It is because of you that it has come down to this. The blood that falls on these grounds had no need too," his voice grows softer. "Had you only obeyed orders. Needless… "

Steinhardt nods slowly to Hehner, "I take part in searching for the truth, and feel that, through no small fault of my own, I have brought this upon you… " He pauses, and tenses as Ruthven speaks.

Sir Silberglascht puts his hand on Sir Steinhardt's shoulder, pulling him aside and leaning close to whisper. "My friend, I tell you this in confidence, and expect on your word that you will not share mine. As I told Sir St. Germain, there are no honourable choices in this matter, and I am guilty of some self serving ones. Had I been more forthright with you, things may not have come to this. As it is… "

Strangely, the admiration that he felt for Lord Ruthven at first, Gergesene muses, has transformed to annoyance now that he knows the noble better. He looks inside to ask himself, is this truly the person that he believes should rule all Chronotopia? Would Ruthven be a fair leader? "I seek delay because I believe that we do not yet have the true answers," he says moving forward to the side of the dueling area. "Duels do not determine justice. If you fall, Lord Ruthven, you have answered nothing and Chronotopia has lost one of its prime candidates for the Kaizership. Whereupon if Sir Hehner falls, we will never know if he was truly innocent and insulted… Or not. If we are to serve honor, we must go the full distance to do so, not take blood where it suits us to do so."

Kensington's beak opens and closes silently, his face twisted in fury. He starts to remark, but recalls his promise to Gergesene, and simply glares at Ruthven. (Gerry's letters… gah, they weigh more than an anchor on me.)

"… I have not always acted in Chronotopia's best interests. I would rather my dishonour die with me than see the light. Do you still wish to fight on my behalf?" The knight looks with old gray eyes at Sir Steinhardt.

Steinhardt's voice lowers further, that only Hehner will hear him, "What you have said will go no further. Know that my guilt in part requires me to do this, but I admit there are also… other reasons. I will take your place if I may. There is little other choice."

Kensington folds his wings in front of himself angrily. (Pompous rack-head. I almost wish he was a Boschian nightmare. I'd rip his antlers off and watch him turn to dust like that one back at the Parliament. I wonder if Hehner's lack of antlers means he can't be a Bosch-thing? Hmm. )

Ruthven's grip on his sword tenses, and then loosens. "How am I expected to react? My most loyal men betray me, I have agents of Bosch running through my streets, and I must wring blood from stones to get even the simplest of my orders followed. The vermin leaves the nest because the nest was not burned… and now the plague infects all of Chronotopia."

Sir Silberglascht puts both hands on Sir Steinhardt's shoulders. His voice is quiet, and reverent. "Bosch has always corrupted from the inside, and the only way to resist is through nobility of purpose. I wish the years had not ground mine down, that my honour was still as strong as yours. Thank you, and fight well."

Sir Vandenburg reappears on the stairs with the Keep's chaplain, "Ah good, it hasn't started."

"Milord," Gergesene says more quietly, walking slowly around the dueling area to his side. "You must set the good example that others can follow. To call for blood without being sure of the strike is to encourage the slaughter of the innocents with the guilty. We are Landsknechts; we hew to an old and refined code of honor that sometimes war with what we would like to have happen. We see the Star from afar, and know sometimes how far we have to climb before we can achieve its glory. All of us… " He looks around. "Is the truth not important to all of us? True justice?"

Kensington mutters some things to himself, looking at Ruthven, then at Hehner. He leans his crossbow against a wall, and casually meanders over to where Steinhardt is.

Steinhardt nods to the elder Landsknecht. "I will do as I can. As I must." He turns, and begins moving towards Ruthven, loosening and drawing his sword… attempting to loosen up in what time he has. {… ah, but Sir Hehner… fight well? Winning is not an option… you both must survive.}

"Call for blood? I did not call for this." Ruthven gestures to Hehner with his sword. "He was the one who challenged me, I did not call for blood. I tried to prevent it."

"Lord Ruthven," Hehner interrupts, "Sir Steinhardt will fight in my stead, he has requested it."

"But he challenged me, Lord Ruthven – and you then took the challenge before I could answer fairly," the Korv continues, letting his voice rise in strength and holding out his wing-hands to all. "That was done out of anger. All of you, my brethren, Lord Ruthven, please. Let this duel not be fought with insult and dishonor burning in our heart, but with a thorough cleansing of our souls so that we do not go to the Star tarnished. Chaplain, will you bless us all?"

Lord Ruthven studies Sir Steinhardt coldly. His hand tensing and loosening on the hilt of his blade.

"Ahem… I figured ye'd be takin' Hehner's stead, so good luck on yer fight, Sir Steinhardt, yer boldness is respected," rasps Kensington. He bows, his head dipping closer, mumbling, "Remember the old fairy tale 'round here? "Always burn yer antlers." Hehner 'asn't got any t'take or burn… " He stands from the bow, gives Steinhardt a long hard look, then jerks his bill over at Ruthven. He stands away.

Steinhardt stops long enough to turn and bow to Kensington. His face is completely composed and calm, not betraying the whirling storm of thought and emotion it masks.

Chaplain Volker steps forward, holding the small pot of oil with the stylized gears across its surface. He dips a wand into, one topped by the cogwheel star, and murmurs the words. "Prime Gear, let this oil smooth our transition and movement in the grand machine that you drive, let it allow us to slip gently into our place, and cover our flaws so we do not impede the workings of the world."

The corsair backs away from the makeshift arena as the rites begin, and leans against to wall by his crossbow to watch the proceedings.

Ruthven bows his head and digs the tip of his sword into the ground as he leans against the hilt.

The priest raises the wand and with a flick of his wrist, blesses first Ruthven, then Steinhardt, then all others assembled. Finally Volker touches the wand to his head before replacing it in the pot. "We are all a part of the Great Machine."

Gergesene smiles hearing the familiar words, and lowers his beak as well. A trickle of worry still runs down his back though, as he remembers the vision. Has he done all he can to prevent whatever disaster of which that dream was to warn?

Steinhardt bows his head, resting his swordtip lightly on the ground… but he doesn't hear the priest. His thoughts instead race over that simple phrase… {Always burn your antlers… ?}

Lord Ruthven raises his head again. "Is there anything ELSE, Gergesene… or may we fight now?" The blessing seems to have no ill effects on the Cervani, he appears as whole and healthy as before.

Gergesene looks over to Sir Steinhardt. "Walk with the Star, my friend," he murmurs, then silently shakes his head to Ruthven.

Steinhardt raises his head slowly, and watches his opponent. He finds himself weighing his chances, as in the practice yard, and almost smiles.

Ruthven slips into his fighting stance. His blade is a heavy metal one, and he holds it ahead of him with his body turned half sideways. While his motions show great skill, they also the rust and flaws that accumulate with inadequate practice. The Lord has lost much of what he once had as a knight. He doesn't seem overly concerned, and his expression is quite a happy one.

Gergesene moves to stand next to Kensington, adjusting his chitin chest-plate. He looks across to Sir Hehner, feeling somehow guilty. Silberglascht's methods were bad, true, but still, he cannot help but weigh Hehner's question.

Deep eyes studying his opponent, Ruthven circles. His sword held out in front of him.

Kensington nods at the larger Korv. "Don't worry yerself, Gerry. I gave Steinhardt some fightin' tips. I'm sure we'll learn somethin' one way or another."

Steinhardt waits passively, sword held at the ready, moving slowly… watching his opponent… that phrase continues to run through his head – almost a battlechant? {always burn your antlers… }

Suddenly, Ruthven leaps in and slices at Steinhardt's leg with his blade. His swing misses and he dances back… the smile on his face is almost taunting, as though he intended to miss all along.

Again the Cervani Lord dances in and strikes with his sword. This time scoring on Steinhardt's arm.

His parry might have failed, but his armor did not. Steinhardt remains defensive, unharmed, his face impassive… watching. {always burn… }

Ruthven roars and leaps in, swinging with all of his might, his wild attack is easily parried however by the younger knight.

Steinhardt's blade brushes aside Ruthven's strike with a caressing hiss… {… antlers} … and flicks upwards towards Ruthven's head.

The blow hits, and there's a sickening crunching sound as Ruthven staggers back. The struck antler is now dangling by a small piece of tissue, the spot where it rested bleeds a little. He reaches up and yanks the antler off, then casts it to the ground. "Winter is coming." he says, wiping blood from his forehead as it trickles down from the empty socket.

Another flurry of blows, and another… and neither Cervani manages to land a telling blow… Then, once again, Steinhardt's sword slips high through Ruthven's defense… and bounces off armour.

Gergesene whispers to Kensington, "I mislike this situation… As much as Sir Silberglascht went about his business the wrong way, still there was a grain of truth in it."

Gergesene frowns. If only there was a way to speak to Mage Talia and to Jael, to find out what they themselves wanted…

Ruthven attacks Steinhardt's shoulder again, his blow scores again, and again the knight's armor holds.

"This business don't sit well fer me neither," replies the Korv, narrowing his eyes at the strike on Ruthven. His beak jerks around, following each sword thrust. "The cannon's been fired, though, and there's nothin' t'do but wait till the cannonball hits."

Steinhardt's return blow, also ineffectual, skitters across his opponent's armored side. Like damage in turn.

Gergesene whispers back to Kensington, "The challenge was given by Sir Silberglascht… If we could only convince him… " He frowns. Would the older Cervani Landsknecht yield so easily? What is really at stake?

Finding an opening while his opponent's sword is occupied, Ruthven stabs at Steinhardt's leg. His swordtip glistens with blood as he leaps away.

The corsair winces as Steinhardt is injured, one of his wing-claws curling into a fist. "It be Sir Steinhardt's fight now, Gerry."

A gasp from Steinhardt… his face still impassive, the knight continues to fight… though he begins to favor his leg as he moves.

Gergesene closes his eyes at the sight of blood. It is the duty of Landsknechts to do and die… But today it seems like a waste. Thinking of Ruthven's words, he tries again to see what he could or should have done differently.

Few thoughts come to the Korv Landsknecht's mind as he watches the duel. It continues, almost with textbook execution of technique on both sides. Lord Ruthven and Sir Steinhardt seem equally matched. The younger knight's skill, endurance and armour stand against Ruthven's more elaborate, and atrophied technique. As the battle drags on, finessed moves give way to heavy hacks and wilder swings. Ruthven's tactic is to snipe and wear down Steinhardt. The knight focuses on knocking the Lord's other antler off, and once that happens, with no cataclysmic result, he just settles for any score he can manage.

Gergesene looks shaken, having almost come to believe that Ruthven might have been a doppleganger. But the false Sir Steinhardt could not have come from nowhere. Where?…

"A nugget o' truth bought at a steep price, any way we look at it… " murmurs Kensington, mostly to himself.

Gergesene starts walking around the edge of the dueling arena to Sir Silberglascht's side.

… another blocked swing from Ruthven, and Steinhardt's sword arcs through Ruthven's breastplate deeply enough to lay open the tunic beneath. The younger knight falters back a step, mouth gaping in surprise…

Gergesene is about to touch Silberglascht's hand, intending to speak some diplomatic words, when he hears the sudden change in the tempo of the battle and looks up. What –

Ruthven's eyes go wide, he wasn't expecting such a fierce blow. Quickly, he grips his sword and narrows his eyes. The Lord rushes in and in one swift and powerful movement, buries his blade into Steinhardt's chest.

Gergesene gasps! with sympathetic pain, holding his winghand over his heart.

Kensington looks away. He realizes he'd been holding his breath, and it comes back out in a long sigh. The dismayed Korv says nothing else.

Sir Silberglascht is following the fight, watching with earnest the young knight fighting in his place. He gasps in horror, seeing exactly what it is the Landsknecht saw. One word escapes his mouth, "Bosch!" It describes the sight perfectly.