A small air skiff carefully maneuvers through the stone spines of the Shabar Desert, flanked by a flight of wyrms ridden by the Black Lance – what better way, after all, to ward off any attacks from the native wyrms?

Aboard the skiff, the Temple Liaison to the Knights Templar is ferried with a small entourage, toward the Sanctuary of Amber, on a special mission.

Esther appears to have exchanged her Temple robes for a decidedly more martial look. She is wrapped in shiny black overlapping plates of chitin, including a broad breastplate with the Star and Anchor symbol boldly painted in green. On her head is a fully-enclosed helmet with respirators, similar to what the Knights Templar wear; and over all this, a tabard and cloak of Esther's hallmark gray-and-green. She carries an iron-tipped quarterstaff in her hand, using it for the moment as a cane to steady herself on the deck of the skiff.

Captain Shimei walks up to the Arch-Inquisitrix, and salutes her. "Arch-Inquisitrix, the air mage informs me that we should soon be within sight of the Sanctuary of Amber. It won't be much longer now."

"Good, Captain," she replies, her voice oddly muffled through the helmet. "No sightings of Babelite forces or hostile native creatures?"

Captain Shimei says, "No, Arch-Inquisitrix, the Babelites have not challenged us. We've managed to evade any patrols outside of Shabar, and they have no presence that we know of inside the Forbidden Zone. The Champion of Ashes and Black Lance are keeping the wyrms at bay. Those horns they blow every now and then are supposed to have something to do with that … plus the fact that they're riding wyrms of their own. Nasty creatures, I understand. As of yet, there is no sign of any welcoming party from the Sanctuary."

Esther says, "Nor would I expect one, my friend. I am sure Amber sees this visit as merely an attempt to strong-arm them back into the fold. I know that is how many in the Temple see it, too."

There's a shrill whistle that cuts through the air – a sign that the destination has been spotted. Sure enough, up ahead, suspended between a ring of stone spires, is the Sanctuary of Amber.

The Sanctuary seems to defy gravity, and certainly defies any easy explanation as to the whys and wherefores about how it came into existence. Buttresses rise from the ringing columns toward a central structure that looks something like a child's top toy, only far more complex in its structure, with multiple landing platforms ringing a central, radially symmetrical body.

The whole of the structure is covered in panels of amber, making it glitter in the sunlight that somehow filters down through the seemingly liquid sky, even though no sun is visible (yet another one of those weird quirks about Forbidden Zones).

"Bring us up!" barks Captain Shimei, temporarily charged with the command of the skiff – a short-range craft actually carried by a larger airship for the journey across the ocean and part of the continent of Ur.

The ship starts to drift upward without dropping any ballast … a maneuver made possible, of course, by having an air mage parked on the rear deck of the small ship.

Esther, having read and studied much about Shabar and its "natural" phenomena but never actually visited, marvels at the spires. "You see the radial portions there, Shimei?" she shouts, trying to be heard over the breeze. "They used to form a land bridge, connecting to the spires!"

As the ship continues to rise, it can be seen that there is a cluster of monks standing on the platform. Five of them, at a quick count.

Shimei raises his eyebrows. "Really? I thought that they'd just built the whole thing out here long, long ago. Not that I'd have any idea how they'd do that, after actually seeing it for the first time."

Esther gazes at the glittering amber slabs. "You've got to hand it to the First Ones for their crafstmanship, I guess."

The air skiff glides in toward the landing platform, lightly touching down under the air mage's guidance. Here in the Forbidden Zone, navigation is far too tricky to trust to anything else, and even with the increased use of motors to move airships these days, it wouldn't be safe to try to use them this close to the surface … let alone inside the increased quantum uncertainty that typically accompanies Forbidden Zones.

Black Lance splits off with its wyrms, and maintains a holding pattern outside the perimeter of the ring of stone spires, rather than attempting a landing with the ornery creatures at the Sanctuary.

As the air skiff finishes settling, the gangplanks are lowered. No ties are secured. One could argue that it's simply because there aren't any winds to speak of … but, of course, if no ties are made, none need be cut for a hasty departure.

Captain Shimei salutes the Arch-Inquisitrix. "Landing is complete. We are ready to disembark."

Esther nods to Shimei, and, unhurried, makes her way toward the gangplank.

Arch-Inquisitrix Esther is accompanied off of the air skiff by her retinue of guards, Captain Shimei leaving the skiff in charge of a lieutenant for the time being.

The lead monk, a Rath'ani, presses his hands together, bowing to the approaching group. "Welcome to the Sanctuary of Amber, Arch-Inquisitrix. I pray that your journey here was uneventful?"

Esther pulls off her helmet with her free hand and shakes out her long hair. She then nods in return to the monk. "Actually, yes, it was. Thank you for your courtesy. And you are… ?"

"I am Brother Hezekiah, Arch-Inquistrix," the aged Rath'ani says, bowing once more. "Please forgive me any discourtesy, but we here of the Sanctuary of Amber are anxious to determine the intent of your visit here. When the Champion of Amber was with us, we had grown perhaps too accustomed to his knack for foreseeing the arrival of any visitors, and hence we were caught by surprise at your own appearance. Though, I assure you, Arch-Inquistrix, your exemplary record is known of and admired here."

"I come bearing questions," begins the Arch-Inquisitrix. "Some I ask on behalf of the Temple, concerning in particular the secession of Shabar. But others I ask for myself, and, I hope, the greater good of us all."

"Ah, certainly," says the Rath'ani, and then he gestures toward the walkway leading to one of the arched entrances to the central structure. "If you would like, we may retire to the interior of the Sanctuary. Though if you would prefer other arrangements, we will do our best to accommodate."

Esther smiles. "I would be highly honored to stay within the interior of the Sanctuary. I have heard much about this place. It is beyond my imagination that I might be allowed to explore it."

The Rath'ani's face crinkles in folds of skin and faded fur as he smiles in return. "Very well, then. I shall see what hospitality we can provide you, though I'm afraid that luxuries are few here." He and his fellow monks lead the way across the bridge, and through the archway.

Esther is led through the corridors of the Sanctuary, most of them curving about in concentric circles about the central hub of the structure. At last, they enter the central chamber, with a high ceiling composed of an amber-colored dome, through which can be seen the turbulent "liquid sky" of Shabar.

A strange, vaguely box-shaped contraption floats in the air near the domed ceiling, intricately crafted so that each corner resembles a winged figure. One has the face of a lion-Khatta. Another has the face of a Vartan or Aquilan. Another has the face of a human. And another has the face of what might possibly be an Aeonian. The wings of these figures stretch to touch each other, forming the sides of the "box", and within the box are several spinning wheels.

The box moves one way, then the other, changing directions and rising or lowering in seemingly random fashion. Every once in a while, sparks of electricity jump from the box to one of the supporting columns of the chamber, and the air smells of ozone and incense.

Far below this strange contraption, four humans in robes of white and amber wait, holding ceremonial staves, their faces hidden by featureless masks of amber.

Esther momentarily ignores the Amber Lance, and gazes awestruck at the device hovering above their heads. "What on Sinai is that?"

Brother Hezekiah says, "Ah … a device of ancient construction. Fortunately, it hasn't required any maintenance since … well, since as long as we have records. We believe it has something to do with the reception of visions within this chamber."

"It is… " Esther stops. "It is not an exaggeration to say, I have never seen anything like it."

Brother Hezekiah smiles. "That is probably because, so far as we know, it is the only such work of its kind. In any case … the Amber Lance is here to meet with you. Should I bring some chairs or cushions for you?"

Esther nods. "Oh, yes, certainly." She turns to the Lancers, and bows. "My apologies, gentlemen, for behaving like a schoolgirl. My profound condolences at the loss of the Champion."

The Lancers bow as one. Meanwhile, a couple of acolytes – two Korvs, no doubt more at home suspended in the air than most of the other species present – pull out some chairs and throw-cushions for the guests of the Sanctuary.

One of the Lancers – and it's not evident which one, since no moving lips can be seen – says, "Yes, it was an unfortunate loss."

Esther turns to one side. "Shimei, the guards are dismissed. They may wait outside and make themselves comfortable. You're with me."

Shimei nods, and waves his hands at the guards, but they need no further order, hearing the words of the Arch-Inquisitrix. Brother Hezekiah bows. "We will leave you alone, as well, though we shall remain just outside, if you should need anything," the aged raccoon says, as the monks file out.

Now, Esther and Shimei are alone in the chamber with the four Lancers.

Esther sits down in one of the upright chairs, as collapsing into a cushion would not be comfortable in her armor.

Captain Shimei takes one of the proffered chairs, carefully shifting his scabbard so he doesn't sit on it.

"How may we be of service?" asks one of the Lancers – a female voice this time.

Esther lays her staff and helmet on the ground before her. "First, I will discharge my duty to the Temple by bringing up the subject of your secession from Rephidim. As uncomfortable as that topic is, I would like to start by getting some clarification as to your reasons for doing so."

One of the Lancers replies, "With the death of the Champion of Amber, we learned that the Temple gained a renewed interest in making certain that our Lance did not shrink in number, quite unlike its interests in the other Lances of the Order. They wished to orchestrate the appointment of a new Champion of Amber."

"… against your wishes?" Esther offers.

Another Lancer adds, "We foresaw this – by our own judgement, not by supernatural means – as an effort to put in place a new voice of 'prophesy' in the service of new interests in the Temple. We deemed it better to cripple our own standing as prophets than to risk becoming the voice-piece for false prophesies created for political purposes."

Esther looks like she's seen a ghost – and then her expression shifts into one of terrible rage. Between gritted teeth, she spits, "Who? Who tried to do this?"

There is a pause, and then the female voice answers, "The Captain-Astromancer himself."

Shimei sits back a fraction of an inch in his chair.

Esther is incredulous. "The Captain-Astromancer!" she hisses. "Are you sure?"

Esther says, "It was no agent of his?"

"There is always the possibility," replies one of the Lancers, "of such a thing. But the most secure of codes were correct, and every means we had of verification pointed to the Captain-Astromancer. We did send a return query by other channels, and it was verified again. We have no reason to doubt the authenticity, save for our disbelief at such a drastic change in position. We had thought him sympathetic to the Star, given his relationship with the Savanites."

Esther pounds her armored fist into her other hand. "It is not even a question of sympathy to the Star!" she exclaims, winding up nearly into a shriek. "It is the replacement of the ancient traditions of your Order with a blatant, self-serving lie!" Esther takes a breath. "If this is really true… it seems impossible, since from what I know of Captain-Astromancer Archelaus, he is a man of honor. But… "

A Lancer answers, "Thus our difficult position. We are not proud of the shame we have brought upon the Order by our withdrawal and our apparent treachery to all we hold dear. But to allow this to happen would have been a far greater treachery."

Esther sinks in her chair. "Yes, of course. I understand all too well."

"Does this answer your question satisfactorily?" asks a Lancer.

Esther sits with her face in her hands for an uncomfortably long moment.

Shimei, perhaps forgetting himself in light of the shocking revelation, puts a gloved hand on Esther's shoulder. "Arch-Inquisitrix?"

Esther, remembering herself, pats Shimei's hand and sits back up. "Good sirs, it seems clear to me now that there are two Temples."

Esther relates all she has observed to the Amber Lance concerning the religious turmoil in the Temple over the last several years. Protest marches by young military officers. The lack of replacement and overly dangerous assignments of the Templars. The First Ones Veneration Act. The persecution… even to the point of bullying Temple Scouts. The resistance from within the Inquisition itself … and the Arch-Inquisitrix's theory that it all points to a conspiracy – not even of religious fanatics promoting the First Ones, but of a cynical grab for power.

The Lancers only nod thoughtfully in response to Esther's accounts. "Some of this, we had heard of, though not all of it. What news we receive passes through many hands, and even the visions of the Champion of Amber during his last days were not to be taken for granted."

Esther says, "With respect to the new Champion they wished to install, do you know who it was to be?"

"Brother Balaam, of the Priesthood," says one of the Lancers. "He had some experience in the Guard, and was a reasonably able warrior, but most of his career has been with the Priesthood. He is most certainly devout of the First Ones."

Esther says, "And the orders for the installation: do you still have them?"

The Lancer bows. "We were under orders that they were our eyes only. But we are also aware that as Temple Liaison, you are to see any such orders." One of the Lancers, draws forth a wooden scroll case and walks over, handing it to the Arch-Inquisitrix.

Esther nods as she accepts the scroll case. She opens it and examines the contents.

The document has a modicum of the requisite honorifics, but it's mostly pretty short and to the point, as the Lancers described it. The standard protocol is there, and Esther can also observe some imbedded coding in the "decorative border" that the Lancers would most likely not be privy to. So far as Esther would know, this came from the office of the Captain-Astromancer, with his personal seal.

Esther narrows her eyes at the scroll. "This does not appear to be a forgery, but neither does that make it genuine," she says, rolling it back up and putting it in its case. "Be assured that I will get to the bottom of this."

"To say that we are grateful would be an understatement, Arch-Inquisitrix," one of the Lancers replies as the other one returns to the group of four.

"Was that the only issue you wished to ask us about?" inquires another Lancer.

"Well," Esther sighs, "to finish my official duties, I hereby officially implore you to reconsider your act of disobedience against the Temple. Do you have an official response?"

"Officially," responds the voice of evidently the eldest of the Lancers, "we respectfully submit that we are unable to comply in good conscience."

Esther lowers her head. "And would you be disappointed at any unfortunate delays in the transmission of this reply to the … appropriate authorities?" she inquires.

"So far as we are concerned," says one of the Lancers, "you are the appropriate authority insofar as our responsibility for reporting to the Temple our response. What you do with our response is beyond our control and concern."

Esther smiles wryly. "Very well, then. The Temple's concern in this visit is now ended."

The four Lancers nod in unison.

"And now I have some private concerns," says Esther, reaching into a large belt pouch. She pulls out a well-worn scroll. "This is a copy of the Final Prophecies. I have been studying it carefully during my trip here."

"As have we," replies one of the Lancers. "Unfortunately, the Champion of Amber was not entirely clear in his communications during his final moments. We have been studying his written prophesies diligently, and comparing them to what little news we receive from the outside world."

Esther says, "I believe I have deciphered the first Prophecy."

"Yes?" replies one of the Lancers. "The 'angel' of metal and jewels?"

Esther says, "That's the one. Although what I have discovered may apply to the third Prophecy as well – the one who uses a name higher than his own."

"It is of our opinion that it may be possible for any given prophesy to refer to more than one topic at a time," adds one of the Lancers. "But we cannot be certain of that, to our frustration."

Esther clears her throat. "I received a letter from your brother Shadow, who is even now on assignment in Zahirinee. In a magical pool he saw a vision of a Silent-One arriving from beyond the gateway worlds. He was taller than the rest, and he wore the ensign of the Star, and many of the Savanites worshipped him as though he were the very embodiment of the Star Itself. But those who doubted or denied him, he burned with fire."

One of the Lancers recites, "What was thought the first was not, and the one that was first shall call those who were first, but who are no longer what they were before. One who by blood shall call others false shall himself be even more false, deeper than blood. He shall claim a name higher than his own, and in his name, much sorrow will come to those who have suffered greatly already. His return shall be celebrated, but a song of rejoicing will soon become a funeral dirge, and what was once bound shall be bound again, even while it claims the contrary."

Esther says, "I am not well-studied in your religion, sirs, but it seems to me that one making such a claim, were he not in fact the Star, would be the Darkness Itself."

A Lancer says, "There would be no greater blasphemy. And I should note that we are under the impression that 'first' is used in multiple contexts. This prophesy from Zahirinee would seem to be a contender for an interpretation of the first of the Final Prophesies. We will endeavor to learn more of this."

Esther says, "I cannot articulate why, but I feel as though the first and third Prophecies are connected. You say there are alternate interpretations?"

One of the Lancers answers, "If you read the written transcript, you may note that the reference to 'star' is not capitalized. We do not believe that this refers to the Star, but is rather a symbol for something or someone else of exalted status. Likewise, we believe that the reference to an angel is meant as some sort of symbol, rather than referring to either an actual angel or one pretending to be one."

"One theory we have had," says another Lancer, "is that 'the heavens' and 'heaven' may not refer to a spiritual Heaven, but rather to Rephidim."

Esther opens the scroll and re-reads the first Prophecy. She wears a concerned scowl.

Esther says, "Perhaps I was wrong to relate Shadow's letter to the first Prophecy. Your interpretation is intriguing."

The female Lancer says, "It just occurred to me, in light of your mention of the prophesy from Zahirinee, I may have a theory as to what the 'one that was first' might be. I happen to know that the Priest-Queen of the Savan is believed to be the first of seven sisters. Before that, the Priest-Queen before her was believed to be the eldest – for a time. One prophesy that plagued their family claimed that the first-born of their parents would bring destruction."

"And in Shadow's vision, the current Priest-Queen, Jade-Eyes, bows down before this Star-man," offers the Arch-Inquisitrix.

"I am at a loss, however," continues the female Lancer, "as to what exactly 'those who were first' refers to. I do not believe it refers to the First Ones."

Esther chuckles briefly. "I doubt a Priest-Queen would call upon the First Ones in any event."

"As for the prophesy concerning the sky garden and the vast ocean," adds a Lancer, "it's our theory that the 'vastness' refers not to a measure of space, but of time. The prophesy may well indicate something happening over a great amount of time, and may refer to the past as well as the future."

Esther reviews her scroll further. "And as to the fifth Prophecy," she says speculatively, "is there not a parable of the Star concerning a jewel of great price?"

"Yes," answers one of the Lancers, "though it is not clear what the 'store' might refer to, 'of the very jeweler who had crafted it and determined its price'. To 'determine its price' might mean to 'test' something. But why would it need to be tested?"

Esther ahems. "I know it may seem odd to hear theological speculation out of an Inquisitor, but hear me out."

The Lancers nod.

"It seems to me that the Star is, if I may say it, appallingly generous," the Jupani begins tentatively. "It dispenses salvation at a low price – devotion to the Star and attendant moral purity – yet naturally an immortality of glory is very valuable, a 'jewel of great price'."

Esther says, "Now the greatest of the Silent-Ones sects, the 'Keepers of the Flame,' does not teach this. They use the very same holy book as the rest, and yet they teach that salvation can only be obtained through obedience to their priesthood. And they command a far, far higher price."

Esther finishes, "And to protect their own interests, these priests discourage reading the book for oneself, calling those who do and who differ with the priesthood to be heretics – 'a flawed imitation'."

This prompts head nods.

The Arch-Inquisitrix, despite her imposing outward appearance, wears a (perhaps uncharacteristic) humble expression. "Sirs, I know you have strong faith. I want you to know that I do not." She pauses to take a breath. "At least, not in the 'packaged truths' that have been offered to me throughout my life. My father and grandfather used to tell me all the old stories – my friend Shimei can surely attest to this as well? – about the Star and His intermediaries the First Ones, whose descendants made up the divinely-appointed Temple Rephidim."

Shimei silently nods agreement.

"Then I went to work for the Temple, and I found it was just as full of corruption and falsehood as any group of mortals. I am sure that these 'Keepers of the Flame' are no different," Esther continues. "Well, good Knights, my passion and faith is in the truth. The truth about Sinai, the First Ones, the Star, the Prophecies, the Temple – I live for it alone. I nearly died for it once, and I expect no less for the future."

The Lancers continue to listen quietly.

Esther says, "Now if there is one place I know I can learn the truth … it is here. Prophecies of Amber have never failed. It is something about this place, and, I'd wager, about that device over there."

Esther points to the terrible chamber, tossing back and forth in the air, riding on snapping bolts of lightning. "The Champion is gone, but is there no one else who can ascend and discover the truth?"

"We have not yet come to a decision as to who might replace the Champion," answers one of the Lancers.

Esther leans forward in her chair. "But don't you see? It's not the person, it's the place – this place, even this very room, the center of the Forbidden Zone that is Shabar. Prolonged exposure to it tends to produce foresight. I'm willing to bet that intensified exposure takes place in the chamber."

"What are you leading to, Arch-Inquisitrix?" asks one of the Lancers.

Esther sits back up and fixes her jaw. "Can not one of you step into the chamber of visions, to clarify Amber's Final Prophecies?"

The Lancers look at each other. Finally, the one who sounds the eldest says, "We will have to confer on this. Considering the gravity of the situation, it is not a possibility that can be easily dismissed."

Esther looks grave. "There is one other option, and if you think it an insult, I humbly beg your forgiveness." She continues slowly, "If you cannot risk one of your number, I will volunteer to enter the chamber."

Esther says, "I would be lying to you if I said my heart did not hunger for certainty, if indeed it is possible thus."

The Lancers turn to look at Esther. "We will definitely need to confer upon this," one says.

Esther stands up, and then bows deeply. "Then I will leave you now. I thank you for your time and your hospitality."

Later, in the chamber that has been set aside for the Arch-Inquisitrix's use, Captain Shimei opens the door, admitting a black-armored Jupani in an ashen cape. His right arm, although armored, is cleft at the forearm … and where the arm ends, there continues a sword, though the blade is presently scabbarded.

"Thank you for coming, Ashes," the Arch-Inquisitrix says quietly, now dressed in humble traveling tunic and trousers. "I may have a special request for you in the coming days."

The Champion bows low to the Arch-Inquisitrix. He's not the sort to have a Vow of Silence, but he's still not one to speak unless absolutely, positively necessary, and even then, as efficiently as possible.

Esther peers at Ashes. "Do you have any Lancers with you who could conceivably pass as me?"

The Champion of Ashes nods.

"Excellent. Here's what I'd like to do," Esther offers. "When Arch-Inquisitrix Esther's business is finished here, she must be seen returning to the Temple. But at the same time, she may also need passage to Zahirinee, Xenea, or even Golgotha. Is this feasible?"

The Champion of Ashes nods.

Esther digs through a pack sitting on the plain desk. She pulls out her formal Temple robe. "The hood is ample. Your Lancer should be indistiguishable so long as she observes reasonable cautions. Captain Shimei can run interference long enough to get her back to Golgotha."

Another head nod from the Champion.

"Meanwhile, Shimei, I will undoubtedly have some letters that need delivering, and I'll need you to cover for my absence quite a bit," the Arch-Inquisitrix adds to Shimei. "You can tell people I have influenza for a while. Hopefully, if all is not lost, that should be enough."

"As you wish, Arch-Inquisitrix," says the Captain. "And I shall pray for your fast recovery and return of good health."

Esther breaks into a brief laugh. "Go on," she says. "You're both dismissed. I need time to think."

Both the Captain and the Champion bow and make their exits, leaving the Arch-Inquisitrix alone in the room.

Esther reaches into another pack that is sitting at the foot of her bed, and produces two books that have been her companions for the past several months – the Book of the Star, and The Compendium of the First Ones. She sits on the bed with one in each hand, weighing each in turn, and looks off into space.