Bassai slithers to a stop, momentarily contemplating the edifice towering before him. Trying to envision if he would have an easier time finding what he sought if it was ruined and buried, instead of the active hive it is now.

Bassai flickers out his tongue. "Tekki, be on your best behavior, I am not sure how your presence will be received."

The Savanite slave nods his head solemnly, his tail twitching ever so slightly at the sight of the gates and the armed guards.

Bassai bypasses the main public entrance for one of the smaller ones, that deal with the more mundane and less spiritual aspects of temple life.

One of the Temple Guards motions for Bassai to stop at the gate. (The fact that the gate is closed should be sufficient regardless.) "State your name and your business," the wolf barks.

Bassai stops at the guard, "Yes, thank you. I do indeed need asssistance. My name is Bassai, and I seek the Champion of Roses."

The wolf looks to Bassai, squinting a bit, as if trying to place the name, but evidently he doesn't try all that hard before he gives up. "The Champion of Roses? You'd be better off seeking the Templars Elite at Golgotha."

Bassai says, "ah, I am new to Rephidim, and do not know of thiss location. Could you provide me with directions?"

Bassai says, "The Champion of Roses and I have met on two occasions, I would not be wasting her time with a meaningless, unannounced visit."

The first wolf looks as if he's more inclined to just brush Bassai off, but then proceeds to give Bassai some directions that would take him – if Bassai is not mistaken – all the way around the central mountain of the island, away from the city. A carriage or some other means of transportation than walking (or slithering) would be a necessity, to be sure.

The second wolf dares to interject, "You … know the Champion of Roses? She was just… " He looks to the first one. "Well … er … " He stands to attention.

Bassai fixes a stare on the second wolf, not a threatening gesture but a focused one, "Yes, we have assisted each other."

The first wolf's gaze shifts to the second, then back to Bassai. "Proper procedure for most people would be to go to Golgotha and wait to be admitted there. But do you have any specific business? Have you any identification?"

Bassai says, "I have my calling cards, do you wish for something more official?"

Bassai says, "to ansswer your first question, yes, I have specific business with it. It will not take much of her time."

The wolf looks at Bassai, then says, "Let's see the cards."

Bassai hands a card to the first guard that states: Bassai, Archaeologist, Nijusiho Institute of Naga Archeology which also has official temple stamps of authorization.

The guard raises an eyebrow as he looks at the cards, then calls over an Eeee in Temple garb, and shows him the cards, whispering him some directions. The Eeee nods, then flaps off, as the wolf hands the card back.

Tekki does his best not to fidget.

Bassai says, "I have more extensive certificates if that is insufficient, but I do not wish unnecessary delay"

"Do not be impatient," the first wolf responds. "Your arrival was not expected."

*flapflapflapflap* The Eeee flutters back into view, lands, then nods to the wolf.

Bassai nods, "I understand."

The first guard says, "You may pass," even as the gates slowly open just enough to let Bassai and Tekki in, one at a time. The bat, meanwhile, scribbles down some notes, looking at a timepiece nearby.

Bassai nods, "Thank you for your assistance" and slides through the gates, expecting the cheetah's speed to keep him apace.

Tekki does not disappoint Bassai in this regard, keeping close behind … though at enough distance so as not to risk bumbling into his master.

The first wolf calls after, "I suggest you pay a visit to the offices of the Inquisition," as the gates close.

Bassai nods, "I sshall."

Past the gates and into the temple, a large main passage branches off into several smaller corridors, a veritable labyrinth of passages. Templars (in the more generic sense) head this way and that, dressed in robes that indicate their station and branch of the Temple – most of them lowly acolytes.

There are also a few Savanite slaves, though it is rare for them to go alone. There seems to be an inordinate concentration of poodles amongst those of higher station in the Temple hierarchy, judging from this random sampling.

Bassai slithers confidently, ignoring smaller labyrinthine options, despite having no idea where to go. Appearances must be maintained, and it is unlikely the Inquisitor or the Champion of Roses would be stationed in an alcove.

The Temple's layout is not quite as easy to navigate as it ought to be. There are several corridors blocked off for maintenance, or for some other, less obvious reasons, and there just aren't any helpful signs or directories in evidence. Perhaps it is simply assumed that anyone in this part of the Temple, if they have any business being here, already knows the way around.

Bassai slides to a halt with a slow ssschss of scales, "Tekki, ask one of these the shortest route to the Inquisitor" His voice is low, to not attract attention.

Tekki nods, and seeks out one of the few cheetahs who is going about on an errand without a master to follow immediately. A few hand-signs are exchanged, and Tekki returns, making a hand motion to point toward one of the branching corridors that Bassai already came through to get to this point.

Bassai slides to progress beside Tekki, "Good, very efficient of you."

Tekki does his best to subtly indicate when to make a turn here or there … or when he has to pause to go over the directions again in his head to make sure he didn't miss a turn or jump the gun. He has to backtrack once, but eventually a side passage leads into an area that is not as well lit – There are some of those strange light panels that can be found through most of the Temple (in addition to wall-mounted torches), but here they flicker more erratically, and sometimes go dark entirely for several seconds at a time.

Bassai spares some interest for the flickering light panels, but attends to the business of hand.

After exploring the door options, it appears that a set of doors off to the left might yield an Inquisitor's office. It doesn't presently have any guards posted outside it to ask for directions, however. A grilled panel to one side of the door is hinged to be opened to have some limited communication with the occupant of the room.

Bassai says, "This area does not seem well travelled Tekki, you are sure you were not led astray? Yes, that must be it."

Tekki looks around. He doesn't really look all that certain of the location, and just gives his master a reluctant "yes" nod.

Bassai slithers closer to the door, to deliver a confident knock upon its surface, when he halts, trying to discern any noises from within, and if he has arrived at an inopportune moment.

Bassai listens at the grill, his hand paused in the air to knock.

A voice comes from within the room, "… but enough of the game of 'Twenty-One Questions'. Really, I never understood why so many of you Templars insist upon such silly vows. But – ah ah! I mean no particular disrespect… "

Tekki watches his master, then subtly stands at the corner of the alcove leading up to this door, watching the hall in case anyone should approach.

Bassai hesitates to knock, suddenly doubting the first guards helpful suggestion. He instead listens a moment longer.

"… Now then," comes a male voice – perhaps a poodle? "I suppose I should let you know a little more about why you were summoned here, and why I've been asking you so many 'yes or no' questions. You see, there are many rumors going about – especially concerning the former liaison with the Templars, and ideas that the Knights Templar have become a little too … independent of the normal Temple hierarchy… "

Bassai turns to his slave, signing: Tekki watch… Oh! You are, good. This is not something I should be hearing… . But Bassai does not withdraw.

"As you know, due to the untimely death of one of my comrades – and dear friends – it has fallen to me to take up the business of acting as Temple liaison to your Order. I understand that you have been especially cooperative with one of my former colleagues – but it is unfortunate that events have taken turns that they have. You see, there are allegations that this particular person used the Knights Templar to perform certain personal errands not in the interest of the Temple at large. Ah! No response is necessary. I am not claiming to place any BELIEF in such allegations. Totally groundless, of course, or our dear friend Melchizedek would no longer be alive, let alone still in the service of the Temple."

Bassai tries to discern images through the grating

Tekki's ears flick at a creaking sound, and he looks both ways down the hall … then relaxes a bit, and flashes Bassai a "false alarm" sign.

Bassai nods to Tekki, signing, Tap me if I am not looking at you, we must be as silent as possible .

The grating offers a very poor view of the room beyond, but it's much better lit than this alcove, to be sure. Two persons are in the room, both the same height, approximately, and both in robes with a touch of magenta.

Bassai wishes the robes were more revealing and less concealing, and tries to find any recognizable from beneath them. He stays in the shadows behind the grate, watching and listening for any approach.

"… Now, I recognize that the Knights Templar have long served faithfully. I would hate to see certain changes made that would detract from that body's autonomy … and how it maintains its honorable traditions. That would be simply dreadful. But, you see, I must be confident that I have the full cooperation and loyalty of its members. And I think it only fitting that since certain shadows have been cast upon yourself, it would be all the more meaningful if I should find you trustworthy and obedient. You ARE trustworthy and obedient, after all, yes?"

Bassai feels his mouth water as if he was being presented with a well baked pig, he listens.

Moving about a bit more, it seems that one of the robed persons is moving about far more than the other. The moving form must be the one speaking. There's a bit of bright yellow-green along with the magenta in his robes. The other form is facing away from the door, so mostly what can be seen is a magenta cape, but the person is standing more or less still and at attention.

Bassai signs behind his back to Tekki, Be aware of hiding spaces – This is ending soon .

Bassai stares at the cape, as if intention would let him see through it. Who is that?

"… There is no proof, per se, but the charges against Melchizedek and his accomplices are particularly severe. We are talking about murder, treason, abduction, destruction of Temple property, destruction of artifacts, and much, much more. But … really … I just can't bring myself to believe such things of you. Of that cold, heartless Melchizedek, yes. But of you? One possessed of such rare beauty? Never… " Through the grating, it looks as if the speaker is reaching toward the second figure's face.

Bassai feels his coils tensing.

*shink* There's another movement, and a yelp, then nervous laughter. "Now, now! That's hardly the way to act to an Inquisitor. Ahem. Put that away, Templar."

There is another movement … It's a blade, being sheathed across the second figure's back. The first movement was too fast to see through the grating.

Bassai holds his breath like a swallowed sparrow, trying to see the blade or other recognizable artifacts.

Bassai quickly casts his gaze around, seeing if there is a convenient doorway to duck in, out of sight of this one, lightly sliding a coil, to test his ability to move quietly and quickly if need be.

The speaker's voice drops an octave or thereabouts. "Very well then, let's drop the pretenses. I tire of such childish games regardless. After all, you've foresworn the use of your own tongue, so I hardly have to worry about you SAYING something. So let's make it clear. You know what I want. And I'm in charge now. I OWN you. I don't care if it's beneath you or if it violates one of your silly vows. I have the power to, if I care to, destroy your little world."

Bassai thinks, So that is why she knows the Silent Tongue.

An escape would be somewhat awkward. The best bet would be to dart out into the hall, and jog down to another alcove … and pray.

"But that can wait. I'll let you think about it some more. You are dismissed." The speaker waves his hand … and immediately the second figure spins around. There's a light chiming noise that can be faintly heard down the hall.

Bassai turns, darting out into the hall, looking for another alcove, signing to Tekki, Come! , and trying to maintain silence.

Tekki darts out, and ducks into another alcove, his ears flattening back and his tail twitching in distress. Even if he couldn't hear that conversation, somehow he knows something is up.

Bassai searches for some place in which to conceal himself.

In the next alcove, the door to the Inquisitor's office can be heard sliding open … and then there are several loud boot-steps pounding into the corridor. A couple of lupine guards come down the corridor … but fortunately the path of the Templar's departure – and the approach of the Jupani guards – is in the opposite direction of the path Bassai took to find a new hiding place.

The guards turn into the alcove where the Inquisitor's office was – either to enter or perhaps to take up positions. The Knight, meanwhile, is moving at a swift and angry pace down the corridor.

Tekki peeks around the corner, then looks to his master with a worried "What now?" look on his face.

Bassai desperately scans for some place to hide, or alternatively to look sufficiently confused by.

Bassai signs to Tekki, We still try to meet her, but not this close .

The alcove Bassai is in seems sufficient only to hide himself from someone in the hall … until they should pass by. Conversely, the same applies to the guards, for they can't be seen from the hall.

Bassai signs to Tekki, Come, we may yet catch her, and heads further down the corridor, hoping it loops back to a main passage as he suspects it does.

The suspicion proves to be correct. The corridor, aiming away from the guards (and the Knight's path of departure) turns and then rejoins one of the main passages, allowing a way to "loop back" without passing the Inquisitor's office again.

There's no immediate sign of the Knight, however. She had a head start, after all – and didn't have to take a detour.

Bassai listens for sounds of the Knight's impending arrival or recent departure.

Back in the main corridor, there's a bit more traffic than in the hall which held the Inquisitor offices and … questioning chambers. It would be difficult indeed to pick out the sound of a particular set of footsteps.

Bassai heads towards the traffic, assuming he has missed her, looking for someone of low rank approaching to resolve this question on.

A young technopriest acolyte (a Rath'ani) passes by within nabbing distance.

Bassai hisses, making an authoritative gesture, "Excusse me."

The raccoon looks up to Bassai, adjusting his spectacles. "Uhm … Yes, sir?"

Bassai's eyes fix on the young Rath'ani, "I sseek the Champion of Roses, and have misplaced my way. Where might I find her?"

The raccoon mouths an "Oh!" and then points down the hall. "She was heading for the gates. I'd be terribly careful. She seemed rather … ah … uhm … Concerned by Weighty Issues."

Bassai nods dismissively, "Thank you for your asssistance, and your warning. Come Tekki!"

Tekki nods and follows closely behind his master, leaving the raccoon behind.

Bassai says, "Tekki, you run faster than I, sprint to the gates and await the Champion of Roses, if she appears before I do, ask her with utmost courtesy to please wait."

Tekki has a bit less trouble getting back to the gates than into the offices of the Inquisition. There DOES seem to be a certain order to the arrangement of the passages – if not entirely intuitive on a first try. By the time Bassai gets to the gates, he finds the two wolf guards, Tekki … and the Champion of Roses.

Bassai slithers swiftly after his disappearing slave, heading back to the gates.

The Champion of Roses doesn't look particularly happy. But then, that could be said for any Knight Templar, and even if a Templar DID look particularly happy, those masks of theirs should take care of that pretty effectively.

Bassai sees the group awaiting his arrival. He slides forward, looking only at the Champion, "Thank you, you are so kind to wait."

The first wolf says, "We mentioned that an archaeologist was looking for her, and then your slave showed up."

Tekki bows to his master.

Bassai says, "Thank you, and thank you Tekki, the directions we received to the inquisitor were rambling and confusing, when we finally found the location, the guards said she had just left"

Bassai says to the Champion of Roses, "I wish a moment of your time."

Bassai slithers towards the door with the intention of taking the conversation away from the guards.

The Knight just turns around, and starts walking away … making an off-hand "come along" wave with her left gauntlet as she heads outside.

Bassai progresses with the Champion, waiting for a suitable moment at a suitable distance.

The Knight just walks along. The court outside the Temple is fairly devoid of traffic, and the streets nearby even less busy, at this hour of the evening. She evidences no intention of pulling over to one side to chat.

Bassai says, "My apologies for interrupting your busy schedule, I have a few private issues to discuss with you. Is there somewhere appropriate you have in mind or shall I speak as you walk?"

The Knight gives no visible answer, save to continue walking along. Funny. Most Knight Templars would RIDE the way back to Golgotha – or fly. It would be a rather long walk through the city.

Bassai will wear off his underscales with all this rushing along cobbles, he starts speaking. "Cast your memory back to the night at the pit. You spoke to me with the Savanite speech. I wish to speak to you about them."

The Knight's helmet turns back toward Bassai. Was that a glare? But then, ANY look through that face-mask would be interpreted as a glare, perhaps. The warrioress continues along … then turns off toward the side, into an alley that leads toward an enclosed loading dock circle for a cluster of warehouses near the Temple.

Bassai follows, wondering if this is how Tekki usually feels, to the Knight's final destination. He signs back to his slave: See if you can spot someone following us, and looks around himself as well.

The snake's backward glance reveals a not-terribly-stealthy warrior blocking the entrance to the alley. A glimmer of light on white armor and a magenta cloak would suggest someone with similar attire to that of the Champion of Roses, only with less decor.

Bassai does not feel reassured at the sight.

Tekki's response is a head nod to his master that pretty much confirms what Bassai can already see with his own two eyes. Tekki must not have noticed it even a moment sooner.

Bassai's feeling is of traveling down a tight constricting throat to a trap, an academic alone with two warriors in an alley has easily predictable results … He follows.

The alley opens up into a wider, circular area enclosed by warehouse loading platforms, the dirty cobbles meshed with the print of Dromodon hooves and wagon wheels … and also the hoof-marks of some other beasts that are presently standing here – three warhorses (for lack of a more precise term, since they aren't truly 'horses'). There are two warrioresses waiting with the three beasts, facing the Champion, Bassai and Tekki as they enter the area.

Bassai feels a wave of relief, and seeks a beast wearing a saddle suitable for his use.

The Champion stands behind Bassai, her arms crossed.

Bassai turns to face the Champion, "Are these provided for us, or do you have an urgent mission?"

One of the warrioresses whispers loudly, "If you're going to ask 'yes or no' questions, you'd best ask just one at a time. I wouldn't recommend frustrating her."

The Champion waves off the warrioress, then signs, "My mission is none of your concern. What did you wish to ask of me?"

Bassai says, "Of course, my apologies."

Bassai says, "I wish to purchase or rent some of your slaves; I understand they have archaeological experience."

Bassai says, "I am in need of ssome."

The Champion signs, "I have no need to sell slaves."

Bassai says, "I wissh to examine their knowledge to see if it is useful, a short time with them would be sufficient."

The Champion signs, "You inconvenience me."

Bassai signs, with his back to the other warrioresses, … and I want to know what destroyed the mind of Kame Ikata.

Bassai says, "I have only one slave to explore with, that is also an inconvenience"

Bassai signs, I do not want the same to happen to him

The Champion signs, "I have only one slave with any such knowledge, and I will not let you near him without good reason."

"Is this one bothering you, Mistress?" one of the warrioresses asks. Something about her tone of voice hints that she's a bit eager for a "Yes" response.

Tekki casually glances about the circle. Or maybe he's looking vainly for some convenient escape route.

Bassai says, "It is awkward for me, to organize an expedition so far from the Nagai empire. Do not interrupt, I am sure if I was bothering her she would have threatened or cut my head off by now."

Bassai holds his hands empty in front of him, in a casual position, indicating he has more to sign, but looking as if it is just a way he stands.

The warrioress addressed by Bassai moves for her sword, but at a motion from the Champion, she stays her hand. "Tell me of this expedition," signs the Champion.

Bassai signs, I have heard an expedition to the frozen wastes was organized by Lord Titus, then abandoned, and that the Savanite crew mutinied.

Bassai says, "It will be a small expedition, so far just myself and Tekki, which is why I so wish to borrow some experienced people."

Bassai says, "For the glory of the Nagai Empire, obviously."

The Champion signs, "Your information is not entirely correct. I did purchase a single slave who was on such an expedition. But I will not loan him to you."

Bassai signs, I do not know where it is, I want to see what they have seen.

The Champion signs, in phonetic, just one word, "Golgotha." With that, she climbs up onto the warsteed's back, as the two other warrioresses do the same.

Tekki's tail-fur bristles out, and he dives to one side, to keep clear of those massive hooves!

Bassai nods, feigning disappointment, slinking down low to slowly slither away into the shadows

Bassai swipes his coils quickly out of the way.

The three warbeasts gallop out of the alleyway, joined by a fourth rider just outside the alley. Around the corner, they are quickly out of sight, and the hoof-beats recede into the darkness.

Tekki rushes over to Bassai, checking to see if he is in one piece.

Bassai says, "Thank you Tekki; your concern is admirable and very pleasing."

The cheetah lets out a breath, and then bows his head to his master, upon seeing that the snake has not been trampled.

Bassai sighs, appearing to lean on Tekki, but actually giving him a one armed squeeze, "That damnedable knight, refusing to help. This is a tremendous setback. Let'sgo look for a carriage to return to the tavern. I do not trust these streets."

Tekki nods again, and accompanies his master out to the street, to wave down a carriage. There are a few of those rolling by at intervals, fortunately.

Bassai signs, We may be still being watched, pretend until we're in the carriage. I have a lot to tell you, close against Tekki's chest.

Bassai thinks, Quite a lot indeed…