It has been a day since Envoy and Chiaroscuro were brought in, and the unnerving repetition of the wails of prisoners and the clankings of chains in some nearby torture cellar has caused the mongoose to lose all track of time. Now Envoy is sleeping, and Bem stands nearby with apparently no interest whatsoever in the surroundings, when guards arrive at the door…

A black-robed saluki peers in at the cell's occupants. "Chiaroscuro Themyst?" he pronounces.

Chiaroscuro's ears perk. "Yes, that is I." He stands slowly.

"You will come with us." Inquisitor Zeffel appears almost bored as he stands back from the door to let the guards crank it open, then gestures for the mongoose to precede him down the corridor.

Chiaroscuro nods, following behind the saluki. He keeps shaking his head slightly after every several steps, a disconcerted look on his face.

The guards slide the door shut behind the mongoose with a disturbing clank. A look in the saluki's eye suggests that Chiaroscuro will not be returning soon…

The Inquisitor gestures with a hand nearly hidden by a black sleeve. "This way."

Chiaroscuro nods, moving as directed, silently.

That way… appears to descend toward the lower dungeon levels, such as they are. Ceramic walls pass numerous blank doors, most of which appear to lead to 'inquiry' rooms as yet unoccupied… Some of which suddenly resound with howls, others of which only house a broken sobbing. Inquisitor Zeffel never changes his stone-faced expression once as he leads Chiaroscuro through the hallway of horrors, accompanied by six guards.

They suddenly stop before an unoccupied room. "Ah. Excellent," the saluki mutters. "In here."

The room consists of a table and two chairs, some sort of plastic tapestry on the far end depicting the Temple's now familiar Star-and-Anchor sigil. The flat pearlescent rectangles on the ceiling are dark; instead, a single brazier provides light.

Chiaroscuro thinks a silent prayer. .oO(The righteous one fears the den of no snake. The righteous one fears the den of no snake. Rik' preserves.) He looks at the door, then to the inquisitor, then follows inside.

Inquisitor Zeffel gestures for Chiaroscuro to sit. Two of the guards move in, their wolfish faces showing only a hint of scorn for the Kavi-ish prisoner, and the others close the door slowly.

Chiaroscuro sits as directed in the chair, maintaining his silence. Through the returned buzzing in his skull, he focuses on the inquisitor as best he can.

The saluki reaches into the folds of his robes to pull out a notepad and consults it briefly. "Now we can begin," he says as he takes his own seat. "To begin with, I see that like your fellow prisoner, you are an Exile… Only apparently of Kavi descent, in fact, possessed of a 'slightly different' metabolism and physique, according to the medical examiners' notes. Perhaps you are, thusly, not aware of the gravity of your crime against the College Esoterica… ?" His voice rises just a little at the end of his statement in questioning.

The saluki's long silky ears drape down his robe as he removes his hood. A refined canine, perhaps aristocratic, and thusly an attitude quite familiar to Chiaroscuro: one who holds the power of life and death over him at this moment.

Chiaroscuro says, "I do not believe I have committed any crime, sir; though it is obviously thought different by others. What am I accused of?"

"Trespassing in the College Esoterica," the saluki says as he reads through the list. "Nonpayment of fees commensurate to the interviewing of a respected senior mage of the college, whose time, it must be understood, is quite valuable. And accomplice to the murderess of the mage Isstan. I have already spoken with the honored and well respected Life-Mage Latania, and she has been, ah… Quite vocal in describing your fellow prisoner and the seriousness of her conduct. However… "

Inquisitor Zeffel leans forward. "I think that perhaps there is another explanation… This Envoy of Lothrhyn. How long had you known her?"

Chiaroscuro starts slightly at 'murderess', but regains his composure. "I have known lady Envoy for over three months."

The saluki makes a note. "Very good. And in this time, she struck you as… perhaps different in some way? Mentally imbalanced? Guided by political agendas contrary to the interests of the Temple and of Rephidim?"

Chiaroscuro shakes his head… "She is not insane, sir. Different, yes… but she is an Exile, as am I. We are shaped by different worlds than this one."

Inquisitor Zeffel frowns slightly. "Different," he says. "Describe this 'difference', as you see it."

Chiaroscuro ponders this for a moment… "She is… curious as the most curious child, yet knows more than a thousand might know. She sees things plainly, and speaks plainly, not… " He focuses for the word, with difficulty. "In metaphor, as you or I might."

Chiaroscuro says, "She seems to make friends with all she knows, and has a spirit of great pureness. That is what I find different about her." His voice nears wistful tones as his statement ends.

"I am not certain that the mage Isstan would be greatly comforted if he could hear your statement. Mage Latania has much less sympathy for the murderess than do you," Inquisitor Zeffel observes. "She describes Envoy as… Ah. Childish, wilful, and destructive. One to intrude in matters that do not concern her." He continues to write, and then fixes Chiaroscuro with his dark eyes. "Describe what happened from your own point of view."

Chiaroscuro says, "Envoy had wished to speak to Isstan on a matter. She presumed he could be found at the College, and as I had a pass there from Chaos Mage Haskalah," enunciating the name clearly, "She sent me to find him. I did, and arranged yesterday's meeting."

Inquisitor Zeffel writes down Haskalah's name. Clearly someone will be getting a visit from the Temple soon.

Chiaroscuro continues. "I went with her that day to the meeting, as a… " A pause, and a searching for a word. "protector of sorts, and as a friend. I shall tell you now, as this may be revealed later: I do not like snakes, and in my former world, have had training to be able to defeat them in combat. I had no intention of harming Isstan, but simply protecting Lady Envoy should something go wrong."

Inquisitor Zeffel takes more notes. As Chiaroscuro mentions his dislike of snakes, the saluki's eyebrows go up.

Chiaroscuro focuses, eyes shut for a moment in recollection. "Envoy spoke to Isstan, who seemed… slow to respond, and cryptic in what he did say. Isstan agreed to cast a memory-transferring spell, between he and Envoy. He set runes, and muttered for hours."

Zeffel takes notes. "And what memories was this spell to transfer?" he asks.

Chiaroscuro pauses, and speaks with carefuly chosen words. "I recall mention of a 'priest-King', and mind mages. More than that, you should ask Lady Envoy of. They spoke of things I did not know, nor tried to remember."

"I see." Zeffel's frown deepens a little. He gestures for Chiaroscuro to continue. "So, Isstan was involved in some sort of memory transfer spell. What happened then?"

Chiaroscuro says, "After the spell took effect, I was watching… Isstan began to shake, and blood came from his mouth. I told Lady Envoy to stop the transfer, Isstan was being hurt. Under most cases, I would care little of this, but lady Envoy had asked me to ensure the snake's safety as well as hers. She told me to pull Isstan from the circle, and I jumped towards him in a dive… " Here the mongoose adds hand motions to illustrate. "Grabbing him and pulling him out."

Zeffel continues to take notes.

Chiaroscuro says, "The spell then apparently ended. Isstan was in poor condition, and I went to retrieve a Life Mage, to… ", pausing and speaking the next words in a a self-incredulous tone, "help save him. I ran into apprentices in the hall outside, told them, and continued down the hall to… Lathiala?'s office, where I quickly convinced her to return with me to the room."

"I see." Zeffel continues to write.

Chiaroscuro says, "There, the mage and Lady Envoy had an argument. Lady Envoy wished to stay, in case her presence might be of use to aid Isstan, or if the spell was still somewhat in place. Lady Envoy also recommended a Mind Mage be brought, for the same reasons. The mage, who ought to have been tending to Isstan, argued against this, and also attempted to throw us out for trespassing. When I showed her my pass from Mage Haskalah, she tore it up, and demanded more strenuously that we leave, calling for guards.

"The guards were in place at this time," Inquisitor Zeffel says. "They report that Envoy proved obstructive to Latania's attempts to clear the room so that she could begin her healing rituals. This delay cost minutes that could have been instrumental in reviving Isstan from his current extremely critical condition." He taps his notepad. "Somehow… I do not find your story extremely convincing, Exile."

Chiaroscuro spreads his hands out in front of him, in a 'palm-open' gesture. "It is the truth, sir. I find it hard to believe that one such as myself, with many reasons to let a snake die, would try to save his life. But it is the truth that I speak, so that you will know all.

"Let us instead, consider another possibility." The saluki leans forward. "You were befriended by a mentally imbalanced Exile, who apparently convinced you that her intentions were benign. She beguiled or coerced the weakened and psychologically taxed mage, Isstan, to take part in a ritual in which she could use her abilities to overwhelm him, perhaps to seize his mentality. Did you watch them closely at all times?" The saluki snorts. "You admit a dislike of snakes. Perhaps the murderess took advantage of that and assumed that you would not be watching closely. Any road, the task accomplished, Envoy then decided to make sure that the destruction would be complete by erasing her tracks, and ordered you to pull the snake away. This you did, thus making yourself an unwitting accomplice in her crime, to destroy one of the most respected mental mages in the Naga empire."

The saluki watches Chiaroscuro intently. "You were of course, an innocent bystander, pulled into these deep wells of political intrigue unknowing of the consequences that they would have."

Chiaroscuro shakes his head vigourously. "I cannot believe that of Lady Envoy… she would not do such a thing." His voice quavers slightly, as if not wholly convinced, then he shakes his head again. "She would not."

"You may not be aware of this," Inquisitor Zeffel says as he leans forward. "But your fellow prisoner… " His voice faintly underlines that word. "Has been reported to be involved in a number of other highly suspicious affairs. Incidents that have been enough to cast shadow upon the career of a most notable and respected Arch-inquisitor… Incidents perhaps, reaching to high treason against the Temple and against the stable society that we all have struggled to keep afloat upon Sinai's skies."

Zeffel shuffles papers. "For instance… I have recorded here several visits to the Arch-Inquisitor Melchizedek, which then resulted in the anomalous disbursal of Temple funds for… " He pronounces the word scornfully. "Personal uses. An action that Arch-Inquisitor Melchizedek, to say the least, was not known for."

Chiaroscuro shakes his head, as if the act of denying will keep doubts away. "She would not… not her… " his ears perk. "Melchizedek. He was the one I first saw when I came to the temple for 'processing'."

"Consider her actions," the saluki urges Chiaroscuro. "Can you say they have always been blameless? Might she not have been instead, working her wiles upon you, to involve you into crimes against the highly respected and necessary institution, the College Esoterica? She used Melchizedek. Perhaps she used you too. And knowing of your dislike of snakes – well, it is only your word against hers."

Inquisitor Zeffel taps a pencil on his notepad and looks at Chiaroscuro expectantly, perhaps even sympathetically. It's always hard to see someone realize that perhaps, they might be the ones to be executed, their partners gone scot free.

Chiaroscuro says, "I have never known her to do any wrong… none. She has helped me many times. SHe would not… " He half-chokes on the word. "… use me.""

"That's what they all want you to believe," Inquisitor Zeffel says matter of factly. "Then the knife goes in."

Chiaroscuro just sits in stunned silence. It's never even occurred to him Lady Envoy could be manipulating him. .oO(It's impossible. it *can't* be. It *CAN'T* be. … can it?)

Inquisitor Zeffel continues, "From the reports that the guards provided, it seems evident that at least one of you was responsible for the Mage Isstan's near-death condition. It could be argued that, knowing escape would be impossible, it was decided to send you from the room with a plausible cover story, so that you might conceivably escape. However, that attempt failed." His eyebrows descend in a frown. "Now it is only your word against hers… And your fellow prisoner could very easily claim that it was your fault, some interference in this 'spell', that resulted in Isstan's death. The death of a licensed mage is a very serious matter."

"Indeed, the Naga empire is taking a surprising interest in the matter. Perhaps they suspect greater political matters are at work here… Having to do with 'priest-kings' perhaps?" The saluki watches Chiaroscuro, waiting for some kind of response.

Chiaroscuro glares slightly at the inquisitor. "I did not try to 'escape'. I searched for a life mage and found one, bringing her back. What is more, I stood with Lady Envoy even as the guards came." His glare drops, eyes becoming dull. "I know nothing of the politics of this world, sir… but I do not think Envoy is a part of them, not as you would try to make me believe."

"Mmm. You did exactly as Envoy instructed you to do." The Inquisitor makes a note and then looks up. "So then. Do you maintain that Envoy, though you have known her for only three months, and you are not cognizant of her true motives and goals in her inquiries, nor in her pursuit of this spell, is innocent of all wrong doings?"

Chiaroscuro considers this for a long moment, then nods. "I believe that she is innocent in this, in actions… and motives." He says the last two words in a less certain tone. adding them more to try to convince himself than the saluki.

Inquisitor Zeffel tsks quietly. "You place a great deal of trust in the actions of an Exile you have admitted yourself is… Different." He turns to a new page and begins writing swiftly. "And you claim that your only actions were to watch, and to attempt to break the spell, then to summon guards and the assistance of Life-mage Latania?"

Chiaroscuro says quietly, "It is because she is different than many here I have that trust." He considers the question, then nods. "Those were the only actions I did to affect the situation, sir."

Inquisitor Zeffel takes the sheet he was writing on and turns it about to face Chiaroscuro. He says flatly, "Sign here. This is your testimony."

Chiaroscuro peers at the sheet, squinting slightly as he reads…

The sheet reads for the most part, as Chiaroscuro stated events occurred, with notes from Inquisitor Zeffel that the mongoose was not attentive during the time the spell was cast, and that the mongoose denies being more than an unwitting assistant to Envoy.

Chiaroscuro says, "Sir? If I might ask that this sentence here be rephrased."

"Yes?" Inquisitor Zeffel frowns down at Chiaroscuro's pointing hand.

Chiaroscuro says, "It states 'Chiaroscuro denies any willing accomplicy or conspiracy to commit the crime, nor any knowlege of Envoy's motives'. I would ask it state 'Chiaroscuro denies that he intended to harm or kill Isstan, and any knowledge any was intended.' The" present reading seems to me as if I am being pressed to say Envoy might have had intentions to harm Isstan, which I do not believe."

Inquisitor Zeffel adds the statement without comment. Then holds out a quill pen for Chiaroscuro.

Chiaroscuro signs where indicated, 'Chiaroscuro Themyst', then slumps back in the chair slightly.

The saluki stands. "Very well. You will be moved to another cell, Exile, until further questioning has been completed. You may wish to contemplate whether Envoy will be so… charitable in her description of your actions in the meantime."

The guards lead Chiaroscuro out and to a smaller cell. More meaningless meals pass, a steady diet of gruel and water, only the lighting and darkening of torches signifying a passage of time.

Chiaroscuro grows slimmer as time passes. A Kavi's spare diet is starvation for a mongoose's metabolism, and the guards do not seem to know or care that he is weakening.

At last Inquisitor Zeffel comes to the cell again, and leads Chiaroscuro to the same room. There, he places the signed paper before the mongoose and asks in a very quiet voice, "Do you wish to change your statement?"

Chiaroscuro looks up at the inquisitor, eyes large in a gaunt face. "It was the truth then. It is truth now.", he says in a strained tone.

Inquisitor Zeffel says, "Very well." A slow pause.

"Chaos Mage Haskalah has spoken for you and says that you are indeed granted access to the outer wings of the College Esoterica, sufficient to reach her office. Furthermore… " Inquisitor Zeffel continues in his careful, quiet voice.

Chiaroscuro listens, eyes locked to the inquisitor's.

"She has posted bail for you. As of now, you are free to leave the Temple provided that you return when you are summoned as a witness in trial. A failure to appear will reflect poorly upon your statement and constitute grounds to order the Templar to search you out, wherever you have gone. You may return to your home." Inquisitor Zeffel stands. "You owe the Mage Haskalah a great deal, Exile Chiaroscuro Themyst."

Chiaroscuro shudders in relief, head dropping to his chest. Then he is still for a long moment… before speaking in a voice almost gone of energy. "And what of Envoy?"

"Her role… Is still being sharply questioned by the Naga Empire. According to Inquisitor Faline, her testimony has been most interesting." He glances toward the mongoose sharply. "And revealing of numerous political ties that suggest anything but an innocent in her dealings. It will be most interesting to see how this case turns out. But for the moment, we are continuing to hold her for inquiry."

Chiaroscuro speaks again in the same half-void tone. "I want to see her."

"That will not be permitted: she is to see no one," Inquisitor Zeffel says. He stands and gestures to the door. "Be grateful that it has been decided you are most likely the lesser-involved of the two and are thus, less likely to abscond from our jurisdiction. Lieutenant Askente will escort you to the Temple entrance."

Chiaroscuro mumbles "I want to… " before starting to babble in a un-understandable tongue, body unmoving except for his mouth.

"Guards! Take the prisoner to the lower infirmary," Zeffel orders. "And I expect a full report from the doctor on duty."

The door cranks open and the two guards on the inside move forward to seize Chiaroscuro.

Chiaroscuro keeps muttering, 'Envoy' the only understandable word. He gives in easily to the movements of the guards.

The guards take Chiaroscuro away, hustling him down the lines of cells as other prisoners stare wildly at the babbling mongoose. They can only wonder what torture has driven him into this state of mind without even a single mark on him…

[Excerpt from Inquisitor Zeffel's notes.] The prisoner was determined to have succumbed to hysteria due to a lack of food. Food rations should be increased by 50% if the Exile is again incarcerated in the Temple. No evidence of mental magery was discovered, and a check for post-hypnotic suggestions proved negative. Chiaroscuro Themyst was released on his own recognizance, the Mage Haskalah having paid bail, and transported to his home, a small upstair room in a seedy tavern in Darkside. The fee for the taxi has been added to the bail due.