Azhtar, also known as Jade-Eyes (for appropriate reasons), sits at one side of the circle of pillows, sipping at a teacup before setting it down on a low table located in the center of the ring. She looks to her two guests – the winged, one-horned Exile known as Envoy, and the green-eyed kit known alternately as Kaela … or Princess Emerald-Eyes.

Azhtar looks to Kaela, and signs, "You should know that Melchizedek has chosen to have Envoy go along on the journey to the City of Hands."

Envoy thanks Azhtar for the tea, and signs to the two cheetahs, "Inquisitor Melchizedek has assured me that the City will remain quarantined no matter what Azhtar's threat assessment reports."

Kaela nods slowly, her eyes lowered ever-so-slightly. Her own tea cup sits on the table before her, a light steam rising from its contents. "That's good," she signs. "She knows the ruins… the traps… " Her signs are half-hearted, though.

Azhtar signs, "I must confess, I am worried. Melchizedek has been behaving strangely as of late. But then, things have been strange."

Envoy sips her tea, and watches the conversation.

"I have been trying to discern whom we might trust to go along," Azhtar signs, "but for reasons I think it best not to explain yet, I find it too dangerous to make use of my contacts at this time. I fear that I may be losing favor with some of my friends, for I have been making many costly mistakes with my carelessness."

Kaela fidgets a bit, blinking.

Envoy blinks, not having heard of Azhtar's network of allies before. She sets down her cup and signs, "I know of one person that could be trusted, and serve as a warrior if needed."

Azhtar reaches behind her side of the piles of cushions, and pulls out a rolled-up parchment. She removes a leather binding, and straightens out the map on the table. They appear to be hand-made copies of maps of the City of Hands ruins – or at least the areas explored by Titus' expedition.

There is also an area map of the jungle, including the abandoned village, and an indication of the borders of the Forbidden Zone.

Envoy looks at the maps, trying to discern if they were made before or after the expedition.

The dates on the maps would indicate that they represent updates after the expedition, though there's no way to tell if portions of the map might be reflecting information obtained from earlier diagrams and maps.

Kaela looks down at the maps, her own efforts more focused open determining which buildings are missing from the maps…

The map is not entirely complete. One particular glaring omission would be the monastery that Kaela found the hidden cache in. There is no indication of it. Just an area marked as "jungle".

One area of note of possible interest: There is a mark warning of the presence of "flesh-eating plants" … corresponding to the location where Zoltan and Envoy encountered the Bromthen forest-hog.

The indicated route of travel followed by the expedition crew from the abandoned village to the camp at the City of Hands gives this particular zone wide berth.

Envoy signs, "Who made these maps?"

Azhtar signs, "These maps represent a composite of maps included in the reports submitted to the Office of Records, and to Inquisitor Moffat, who partially oversees matters of historical and archaeological importance."

"Officially," Azhtar signs, "they do not exist."

Envoy blinks, then signs, "Will he know that these nonexistent maps are missing?"

Azhtar smiles and shakes her head. "These are copies. Nothing is missing," she signs.

Envoy nods.

Kaela looks to Azhtar. After a few moments, she signs, "There are buildings missing."

Azhtar signs to Kaela, "Which would those be? And where would they be located?"

On the map, the Map Room is labelled as "Cosmic Model Chamber". The palace is indicated but is labelled simply as "Palace". No mention of "Priest-King" occurs anywhere.

Kaela considers this for a few moments, thinking.

Kaela signs, "If I tell you… you'll have to tell the Inquisitor… There is proof inside… of who the Priest-King is."

Azhtar looks down at the map, then back to Kaela. She signs, "Perhaps some things should not be added to this map, then. There is no sense of taking chances of this falling into the wrong hands. The information contained herein at this time does not represent anything particularly controversial."

Envoy points to the 'Cosmic Model Chamber', and says in a whisper, "This is why the quarantine will remain in effect."

Kaela nods softly. "The Inquisitor knows that the Priest-King was a magic-using Savanite," she signs. "I… acted dumb when he asked me, but he knows… or at least suspects."

Azhtar sighs, and signs, "He knows many legends."

Azhtar signs, "But I know of many legends as well. And I have read all the reports. I have made arrangements to have the basic supplies we should need for our journey as soon as we arrange for passage. Rephidim is currently drifting away from the Savan, so I hope I may find a way soon. But there is something else… "

Kaela looks up at Azhtar.

Envoy watches?

Azhtar reaches behind her again, and lifts a cloth-wrapped bundle, which she sets down on the table in front of her, moving her teacup to one side. She unties the bundle and pulls apart the folds.

Lying upon the cloth are two crystal hands. One is poised in the sign of "Star". The other is poised in a sign that may either mean "Earth", "Foundation", or "Anchor", depending upon the context.

Envoy blinks three times, then signs, "Where did you get those?"

Azhtar signs, "That is not something that should be known. But are these of any importance? I have read the reports of crystal hands found at the site. These became available in Rephidim very recently."

Kaela swallows hard. Slowly, she reaches under her tunic and withdraws the pendant from beneath. The star and anchor, inscribed in a second star…

Envoy signs, "Those are very important, and the reason why the quarantine will remain in effect despite the fall of the Priest-King."

Azhtar's eyes go wide at the sight of the pendant.

Envoy is more surprised by Azhtar's reaction than the pendant, which she's already seen.

Kaela looks over to Envoy. "I… don't know what the hands are for… but… this pendant belonged to Princess Emerald Eyes… "

Azhtar signs, "That is the badge of the Priest-Mages," by way of an attempt at explanation. She carefully wraps up the crystal hands again and puts the bundle aside.

Azhtar signs, "The ancient faith of the Savanite Priesthood held that they came from a land beyond the stars to this earth, but that some day, the Star would send a great airship which would take them back to the stars again."

Envoy nods, and signs, "Eventually Sinai will pass out of the region of… nevermind."

Azhtar looks curiously to Envoy. "Please – what were you going to say?"

Envoy signs slowly, "This world is isolated by a kind of Forbidden Zone in space. Eventually, it will pass out of this region, and star ships will be able to visit here again."

Azhtar looks at a loss as to what to make of Envoy's statement.

Envoy rests her hands in her lap. She's used to that look from people…

Kaela blinks at Envoy. And first ponders her sanity, but shrugs a bit. She's a slave, and didn't really get a full education.

Envoy simply signs, "I am not of this world, and am not bound by its mythology," by way of final explanation.

Azhtar looks mildly offended, but she looks back to Kaela. "I have heard that Abana is doing better. Do we wish to risk taking her along to the City of Hands?"

Kaela pauses. After several moments, she signs, "I… wouldn't bring her… unless we aren't coming back… "

Azhtar nods. "I must return. I cannot stay there."

Kaela nods a few times. "None of us can stay there… unless no one knows we've gone."

Azhtar signs, "That certainly will not be the case. Princess, shall I be taking you along? If you wish to go, arrangements will be made – and Lord Titus will have to cooperate."

Envoy signs, "You can organize the surrounding tribes to begin reclaiming the City though."

Azhtar nods. "That is something else which is on this map, though I have not made it overly evident. Note the 'decorative' clusters of trees here and there in the jungle. These particular 'ferns' mark the locations of tribal settlements. I cannot vouch for complete accuracy by any means. Some may have been destroyed by slavers, or relocated."

Kaela pauses, then nods to Envoy. "Do you think I could? They… couldn't start until after we left… "

Envoy signs, "Once they know the City is safe, and that the slavers will not follow them there, they will begin the process on their own."

Kaela nods a few times. "Then I wish to go… "

Envoy signs to Kaela, "Are you certain? If you go, your adversary in the Mikide household will know."

Azhtar signs, "That brings us to the matter of the Twelve-times-Twelve, then. I have tried to go over what scant resources I have on legends of the Savanites. So many may be of little use, since they are evidently meant as morality tales, not an attempt at history."

Kaela signs, "There's nothing Jezebel could do, even if she finds out… "

Envoy signs to Azhtar, "Kaela has performed magic in the City before."

Azhtar signs, "Really?" She looks back to Kaela. "I did not realize… "

Azhtar signs, "It is unfortunate about your sister, Princess. There are many legends about the breaking of spells, and to have two Marked sisters – and royal at that – would surely be a measure of some power."

Envoy signs, "She used it to defeat the Naga golem of the Priest-King."

Kaela looks back quickly. "It… was no magic," she signs. "I only told the golem to leave, and it did… it was more as though… it obeyed me."

Azhtar offers, "If the Priest-King created the golem, then as a descendant of him, the same lifeblood flows through the Princess. It must obey her as if she were the one that summoned it … though not so strongly, since she is many generations distant."

Envoy signs, "Are you two related to each other?"

Kaela signs, "We must be, somehow. Only those with royal blood are marked with green eyes… Others are marked in more… conspicuous ways."

Azhtar signs, "Perhaps distantly … but I have no heritage. I never knew my parents. If Melchizedek knows who they are, he has not told me."

Envoy signs, "You could be cousins then."

"It is of little matter," Azhtar signs. "The Princess Emerald-Eyes' mother would be the Queen, and her father the new Priest-King, if there were an empire."

Envoy signs, "But you might be able to work magic as well, Azhtar."

Azhtar smiles, looking down. "Not all Savanites are born to be dancers."

Envoy blinks three times at that.

Envoy signs, "Three females travelling together may draw undue attention. Who would you choose as a fourth companion, Azhtar?"

Azhtar signs, "Melchizedek has sent me on errands before. I will have the proper paperwork. But there will still be dangers. We will need a fighter."

Envoy signs, "A Zelak would be convenient, but not able to keep a secret."

Azhtar nods. "If necessary, Melchizedek may be able to acquire a mercenary or warrior to accompany me. But I worry about whom I may trust."

Kaela pauses. "Haji may be able to come," she signs. Admittedly, three Savanites and an exile is probably not the most reputable group to send on this sort of mission, but…

Envoy signs, "May I suggest the Exile, Janus?"

Azhtar signs, "That is a possibility… " Her ears flick faintly.

Envoy signs, "Another possible choice might be Zoltan, the Vartan. He does not understand sign, though."

Azhtar smiles faintly, "Actually, that might prove to be an advantage."

Kaela smiles a little bit.

Envoy signs, "He already knows many of the City's secrets."

Azhtar nods, looking down. "I will pursue all three of those options, then. If we end up with more than one fighter … I shall certainly not complain. We shall need a strong back to carry our supplies, after all … and it would be so amusing to have someone else carry our baggage." She smiles.

Envoy signs, "The natives near the City may provide additional help."

Azhtar signs, "Or they may be hostile. Those tribes that remain in the jungle are not there for being passive."

Envoy blinks, apparently shocked at the idea that not all Savanites would treat Kaela as royalty.

Kaela nods at Azhtar slowly, thinking.

Azhtar points to an outlined "Stay Out" area on the larger map. "For example, the slavers know well that there is a settlement here. Many have tried to enter … and have not returned. And some of my friends have sought to contact them, in hopes of finding a place of refuge … but they are hostile to outsiders."

Kaela signs, "Even to other Savanites?"

Azhtar nods. "Even to other Savanites. It is said that even their shamaness is a fierce fighter."

Kaela nods softly, frowning a bit.

There's a light rap at the door … and another … and a pattern of knocks.

Envoy signs to Azhtar, "Will I be required to act as a… master… on this journey?"

Kaela turns to look towards the door as the knocks sound.

Azhtar signs, "That depends. If you would pardon me… " She gets up and walks to the door, and slides it open just enough to crack. She then slides it open further, revealing a Savanite cub standing outside, dressed in white robes.

Signs are exchanged, but Azhtar's back is turned, and she's blocking a view of the cub's hands.

Azhtar nods, and then the cub scampers off, the pitter-patter of his paws fading away as he sprints down the hallway. The door slides shut, and Azhtar returns to her place, facing her guests again.

Kaela glances over at Envoy for a moment.

Azhtar signs, "The Star smiles upon us indeed. We may have a fighter."

Kaela looks back at Azhtar and smiles quickly. "Who?"

Azhtar smiles faintly. "I will allow him to introduce himself. I believe he will have particular interest in our quest."

Kaela blinks slowly.

Envoy watches the door.

Azhtar picks up her tea and sips at it, looking faintly anxious.

Janus pads down the hallway counting doors, avoiding looking at the office of Melchizedek with studied indifference. A moment or two later he stops and turns and raps hard on the door.

Azthar sets down her tea, and strides around to the door. She cracks open the door … then slides it the rest of the way open. She bows her head, and gestures for the tall dark cat to please enter.

Envoy smiles, and waves! "Hello, Janus."

Janus slips inside the room and looks around, noting the people who are present with raised eyebrows. He glances at Envoy and chews on his lower lip. "Aren't I supposed to be mad at you?"

Azhtar slides the door shut behind Janus, and goes over to pour him a cup of tea.

Envoy blinks at Janus?

Kaela swallows a bit. She really doesn't like Janus much, but remains still.

Azhtar brings the tea to Janus, bowing her head to him again.

Janus grins a little bit at Envoy, "Never mind." He turns accepts the tea, bowing his head in return, "Thank you."

Azhtar signs, "I presume you have already been told at least part of it, but we will be journeying back to the Savan, on a fact-finding mission for Inquisitor Melchizedek. The services of a strong fighter such as yourself will be required."

Envoy looks to Kaela, and wonders why she seems uncomfortable now.

Janus grins a little at Kaela and sits down several paces away before nodding to Azhtar. He balances his cup in one hand and signs, "So I was able to guess. Where in the Savan are we headed?"

Azhtar signs, "To the same place as you were sent last – except that I am instructed that time is to be allowed for you to investigate the surrounding area to your satisfaction as a condition of your employment."

Kaela sits very still, just quietly watching Azhtar.

Azhtar returns to her seat, looking at Janus.

Janus grins crookedly and signs, "That is almost worth going for free. When do we leave?"

Azhtar signs, "As soon as we have passage secured. All other arrangements have been taken care of. But due to the nature of this mission, we cannot use a ship from the Temple fleet. We could use a Templar vessel, but that is to be avoided if it is possible. Inquisitor Melchizedek does not wish to abuse his standing with the Order of the Star-and-Anchor."

Azthar adds, "… which is strained enough as it is."

Janus chuckles shortly and mutters, "Somehow I'm not surprised." He signs, "All right. What is the nature of the trip? Given what happened last time, I doubt we're there to see the sights and dance through the flowers."

Envoy looks to Azhtar.

Azthar signs, "The purpose of the trip is to see that I arrive at the City of Hands, whereupon it will be my duty to examine the site and to deliver a report back to Inquisitor Melchizedek about what threats are yet posed by it. My report is meant to verify whether the quarantine is sufficient to handle any danger."

Janus nods and signs, "Fair enough. I assume that since they are here, Envoy and Kaela will be coming along?"

Azhtar nods, and signs, "That is correct. Kaela and Envoy have experience with the City that would be invaluable."

Envoy nods to Janus.

Azhtar signs, "If you are willing to go, then we are mostly set. I will arrange for you to be contacted when we are ready to go. In the meantime, you should be prepared to head out immediately. Depending upon what arrangements are secured … we may have to leave quickly and with little forewarning."

"I will handle basic matters such as provisions and materials to set up our camp," Azhtar signs.

Envoy signs, "May I make use of the Temple Library in the meantime?"

Janus nods thoughtfully. After a moment he signs, "I can be ready to leave in an hour from this moment, and after that, can stay ready."

Azhtar nods. "I will see about obtaining permission for Envoy to be in the Library … and an excuse so that she will not be questioned as to why she is in there."

Janus tilts his head and signs, "If I am with her, she should not be questioned."

Azhtar smiles and nods to Janus.

Azthar signs, "Then it would seem that, save for a vessel, we are all set."

Janus nods, looking down at his hands and staring at his teacup like he's not sure what it is. He takes a cautious sip before signing, "It would seem so."

Envoy signs to Janus, "Why are you supposed to be mad at me?"

Janus looks over at Envoy and chuckles. He sets his teacup down and stands up, "Come on, and I'll try to explain it on the way to the library."

Envoy bows to Azhtar and Kaela, and follows the cat.

Janus nods to Azhtar and Kaela before stepping out into the hall, "It goes something like this . . ."