While the interested parties of the Mages' Guild burn the midnight oil to examine and talk to the former Mage Dunklestein – now a map – Tulani and Arkold are under no such compunction. After an eventful day, the beds that the Sphynx had arranged for earlier felt like the very height of luxury.

Come morning, there was plenty of time to enjoy a leisurely breakfast, bathe, and change into clothes that felt a bit less traveled in.

By the time they return to the Mages' Guild, the morning is already leaning towards noon. Almost as soon as they arrive, the pair is ushered into the chamber of the Guild Master.

"Welcome back, my young friends," the old man says, gesturing with a withered hand towards some overstuffed chairs set before his desk. "Please sit down. I am Master Phelotos," he offers in a genial voice unlike that of an old man.

Nodding politely to the old guild master and uttering some quick thanks, Tulani takes a seat and arranges her wings comfortably with a light rustle.

Arkold has taken the brief respite from the road as an opportunity to get some new clothes. He's purchased some local garments to help him look a bit less like a foreigner in a time when the country – if one deems to still call it that – is at war. The effect of his rustic looking pants and tunic are mitigated by the fact he still insists on wearing his old patched (both mending and informative sorts) leather greatcoat. New clothes and a new freedom from his addiction have served to put him in high spirits and he's well and truly smiling when he takes his seat in front of the mage. "Nice to see you again, magister," he greets the elderly man as he thinks how long it's been since someone called him young.

Removing a familiar scroll case from the folds of his voluminous (and heavy-looking) brocaded robe, Phelotos says, "I must thank you for allowing us to study this fascinating artifact. We were able to learn quite a bit from it – or him, if you prefer. How much did the map tell you about the Tomb itself, though?"

"Uh," begins the wolf as he casts a glance at Tulani, " … well, not much other than it's supposed to hold some legendary artifacts and the remains of a legendary personage. I was meanin' to ask ol' Dunky abou' that when we were closer to goin' in. One thing at a time, eh?"

The black Sphynx shifts in her seat for a moment, looking uncomfortable, and a bit embarrassed at her lack of knowledge, but quickly taking some measure of reassurance from Arkold's comment, saying, "We were planning to get all the puzzle pieces first." She smiles a bit.

"Well, since the map won't be 'awake' again until Unity Day, I might as well tell you what it told us last night, eh?" the old man says with a not-entirely-toothless grin. "For one thing, you will need both the map and the assembled puzzle-key to safely enter the Tomb, otherwise any number of physical and magical traps will be activated. And you must not carry in any enchanted objects other than the map and key, nor bring a Mage or magic-sensitive person with you. Are either of you magic sensitive?"

"I think I sneezed a few times on Caroban," remarks the wolf with a grin. "But otherwise I wouldn't know a cantrip from a Khatta."

Tulani shakes her head slightly when she feels the guild master's eyes on her, stating, "Not that I know of."

"Hey, I get it," inserts the wolf, "It's anti-magic right? I mean this guy, 'e was some king of old corpse-raiser and the whole crypt is built to keep someone from goin' in and bringin' him back?"

"In that case, any sensitivity you have would be too low to matter," the man says, and pushes the scroll case across his desk to where either of his guests can reach it. "While the map would not divulge specifics, it did say that the Tomb was specially created to contain powerful enchantments, and would drive a magic-sensitive person mad. This was to prevent any unscrupulous Mages from looting the place, apparently, as you suggest Mr. Arkold. The nature of this 'anti-magic' is unknown, but Mage Dunklestein clearly had mastery of powerful magic to create this map without recourse to Necromancy."

Wiggling a bit more in her chair, Tulani eventually flops both wings off to the sides and out of the way, nodding seriously before replying, "So, 'Dunky' couldn't give any specifics as to what we should look out for, sir?"

Arkold leans over and nudges Tulani, as his hunch proves right. "So, uh, this 'anti-magic' is just there to hide treasure right? Cursed treasure too I'm thinkin'? Not some Necromancer King playin' tiddily-winks until some hapless treasure hunter comes and lets him out? I mean Dunky has been around some hundred years RTS?"

Phelotos' smile fades somewhat, as he says, "I would suggest you be on guard against everything you encounter if you enter the Tomb. Remember that it is a storehouse of artifacts from the Necromancer Wars, and so the majority of them will be malevolent and possibly even possessed of rudimentary intelligence, such as the legendary Sword of the Necromancer King himself… which the College Esoterica was able to dispose of after it had been rediscovered. But there will also be artifacts that could be a great benefit to those living in the more haunted parts of the world as well."

"Greeeat, more obnoxious animate inanimates," half-heartedly groans the wolf.

Tulani frowns a bit worriedly, before rolling her eyes in Arkold's. "I think we'll just have to worry about it when we actually leave for the tomb. We still need to get the last puzzle piece first," she says, brushing her worry away for the moment with a smile.

"My best advice is to avoid anything that makes you feel the least bit suspicious," the Guild Master says, spreading his hands in a mock-helpless gesture. "I can't really even wish you luck on your quest to find the final piece of the key."

Arkold glances wearily at the Sphynx as if expecting some sort of quip about avoiding "anything that makes you feel the least bit suspicious." "Was there anythin' else you wanted to tell us?"

Nodding, the Sphynx replies, "Caution is always the best advice… " before her eyes narrow and one of her ears flicks forward. "You can't even wish us Luck? Why??"

The wolf returns his eyes to the old mage and wiggles his fingers "magically". "He's prolly afraid he'll jynx us. Or unintentionally magick us to our doom. Don't know what sort of mage he might be," he remarks.

"Personally, I think the Tomb should remain hidden, as it has for generations now," the elder Mage tells Tulani. "Once it is found, after all, how difficult will it be to hide again? There are many people in Sylvania and Gallis – and just about any other country – who would be sorely tempted by such things as the Tomb contains, and who would not hesitate to use them for their own ends."

"If Gallis takes Sylvania it'll be just a matter of time before they find it themselves. They're a bit busier than the Sylvani, and they got more money. Personally I'm thinkin' of deliverin' some of it to Sylvania's keepin' an' help them rebuild. The resources could help them build an army," the wolf points out. "Nothin' stays hidden forever."

Tulani nods, looking serious for a moment before saying, "There might be a way to seal the tomb up again after we've finished. And who knows? We might, however unlikely, find something that would help Sylvania."

"An' better that someone like us finds it than someone like … uh, well, someone worse," Arkold adds.

"You can always come here for advice," Phelotos offers. "And whether you find the Tomb or just a dead end, the Guild is willing to offer suitable compensation for handing the map and puzzle pieces over to us, of course."

Tulani says, "Thanks, but I think we'll be holding on to Dunky for a little while longer at least."

"I'll trust you to be careful with what you find," the man says, then slowly stands up. "Now, I'm afraid I have another appointment to attend to, if you don't have any questions?"

"Heh, y'know the Collegia is no exception to the list of people who could benefit from the tomb. Still you guys are the best resource for removin' cursed items from the world that I know of. So chances are if there's somethin' crazy down there that we take out you'll be one of the first bunch of people to see it. On the other hand all this buried junk is really Sylvania's legacy. If it's as great as you make out it could be a foundation to revitalizing the "country". Or," the Jupani gives a shrug, "it could unleash hordes of slavering deadmen to prowl the forest. Which I've been lead to believe wouldn't be much of a difference. Either way it seems like a chance a man gets once in a lifetime."

The wolf follows the mage's example and stands. "No, that's it. Thanks for the help," he answers.

Tulani stands as well saying, "Thank you for your time sir."

As they exit the office, Tulani pauses to eye Arkold for a moment with mock-seriousness, and can be heard saying, "Anything that feels suspicious eh?" before grinning and giving the older Wolf a good-natured thump on the shoulder as he passes by.

An old neglected road must have been torn out to make room for the new railway, for houses seem to crowd too closely for comfort on each side. Grays and dark colors dominate the facades, and several weed-infested vine-conquered parks and memorial grounds hide within iron-wrought fences in this part of the city. But amidst it all, seeming to glow with its freshly whitewashed walls and bright trim, is the Justininople Train Station.

Its court is lined with flowering bushes, and cobbled path splits around a statue of the old Duke Kurai, standing in a heroic pose, hand resting on the pommel of a bared sword as he looks off toward the horizon. The sign over the door is written in a floral script in Sylvanian, and repeated in Rephidim Standard in smaller type underneath.

The afternoon has become predictably overcast, but doesn't yet threaten rain, frogs, blood or any other phenomenon that would require seeking cover. There are also few people waiting for the train, but travelling in such a way is still something of a novelty.

Quickly seeking out a train map, the Black Sphynx finds a schedule of stops, including Blackshire, of course, before gesturing Arkold towards the platform, and handing his ticket to him. "I've heard of the train through Sylvania before, but I've never actually been on it, this is sure to be interesting!"

Arkold stands leaning against a sign-bearing pole as he watches Tulani. "Y'know, kid, you're a bad influence on me," he tells her with a grin. "Handing treasure over to defunct lords. I must be sick again." He pushes off the sign to follow the Sphynx up to the platform where he looks around to locate something else to lean against. "I've 'eard of trains. Me, I was born in Rephidim. I'm used to techno-mystical whatnots the Temple shows off now and then. Saw a mechanical printing press once when we were looking for a print shop to make fliers."

Far down the track, the drawn-out wail of a steam whistle can be heard. As if on cue, several of the waiting passengers pull out cloths or handkerchiefs and cover their noses and mouths.

Tulani pricks her ears forward towards Arkold, listening with interest, "Really? I haven't been to Rephidim, and we don't have a lot of machines around here… " she begins, quickly breaking off and turning around as she hears the train whistle.

The wolf gives a nod and then fishes out a rag once he notices the protective doings of the other passengers to be. "It's probably nothing on Chronotopia. They say that land has more gears than people. But Rephidim has its wonders. More towards the Temple. Maybe I'll show you some day," he explains. Then he covers his nose and most of his muzzle (it's a bit long to wrap wholly in his rag) with his rag. A glance towards Tulani prompts him to warn, "Might want to cover your face Tulani."

Puffs of steam can be seen rising above the buildings past the curve of the track, and definite rumble can be felt. As the great black monstrosity of the steam engine comes into view, the shaking is enough to cause teeth to clatter. Almost unnoticed, two Titanian wolves wearing rubber aprons and armed with mops (with hammerheads at one end, naturally) step out of a shed next to the track.

Blinking in surprise for a moment, Tulani quickly pulls one of her wings easily in front of her face just enough to cover her nose and mouth.

Apparently figuring his measly rag won't be enough Arkold turns partially away from the track and grabs a portion of his great coat to shield himself from the approaching train.

The train is huge! Pistons hiss and drive wheels as wide as Tulani is tall, and the double-boilers belch steam and smoke like a dragon. The face of the engine is made to look like some sort of hideous gargoyle, complete with menacing claws above a spade-shaped plow. The reason for the facecloths becomes obvious once the machine slows to a stop: something didn't get out of the way fast enough, and is plastered across the plow and lower half of the gargoyle's jaw. The two rubber-clad Titanians attack the mess with their mops, while another Titanian leans out of the pilot-cabin of the train and bellows, "Justi… Justo… LAST STOP!"

The black Sphynx's jaw drops open at the sight of the huge black steam engine as it pulls into the station, and she just stands there for a moment staring. Her eyes turn to the gargoyle on the front while she thinks, Isn't THAT ugly!?!. Blinking quickly as she recovers, Tulani steps up to the train, looking back at Arkold.

Most of the passengers that disembark are recognizably Sylvanian by their dress, but there are also travelers garbed in Rephidim, Chronotopian and even Olympian fashions. Even as the cars are unloaded, Titanians scramble to detach some of the cars while others swing over water pipes and coal chutes to refuel the massive engine.

The wolf peers at the iron monstrosity over the brim of his greatcoat. "Seems like your kind of metal monster," he teases as he turns and moves to join Tulani on the train. "It's like the asylum got an attitude and a heaping of wanderlust."

A Jupani (or possibly just a young Titanian) porter ushers people to their seats in the passenger cabin and clips their tickets. "Wait few minutes, gotta rebuild train," he states.

Looking back dumbly at Arkold for a moment, Tulani waits for the Titanians to rebuild the cars, before heading toward one of the back seats and asking, "The Asylum?"

"Oh right," says the wolf as he shakes his head, "-you probably haven't heard of it. It's where the wealthy stick their nutter kin back on the floating rock that is Rephidim. Usually to be forgotten but not always. S'got a sinister reputation but, eh, what asylum doesn't? Most people that way assume you're meanin' that asylum when you say "the asylum". Only asylum in the whole old city district. Nasty district that is, too." As he talks he follows the girl to the seats she picked out and joins her by taking a seat by the window.

There are a few jolts to the car as other cars are removed or added from the train. Some of them can be seen out of the window on the next track, being pulled by teams of Dromodons, or in some cases pushed by burly Titanians.

Tulani ohs, sticking out her tongue and saying, "Sounds nasty!"

The wolf chuckles. "You bet. Won't find me out that way. Been around most of Rephidim an' the old city just gives a man the shivers. Too many graves. Gets a body thinkin' gloomy," he agrees.

An ominously low roar and rumble propagate down the length of the train as the huge, reinforced and refilled boilers are fired up. Several station attendants run back and forth outside, ringing bells and checking over the car connections.

Pausing to look around curiously as the train starts up, the black Sphynx smiles and asks, "Kinda like some parts of Sylvania huh?"

The steam-whistle blares again, and the train lurches forward jerkily until all of the cars are moving together. After that, the ride is amazingly smooth. Houses pass by the windows as the train begins to loop back towards the main track.

"Uh. Well now that you mention it, it sort of is. But Sylvani looks lived in. The old city looks, ah, lived out of if you get my meanin'. Like a candle that burned itself out maybe." He lifts a hand and gestures towards the window. "There are people here. Green trees and a vibrant ocean."

After merging back onto the main track, the train picks up speed quickly. Soon, the green trees and other nearby scenery pass in a blur. Unable to help himself, the porter sticks his head out of one of the windows and lets his tongue dangle out.

Face lighting up with a big smile as the Jupani comments on Sylvania, Tulani reaches over to grab him in a hug, before leaning back and saying, "It's nice to know you think it's kinda nice here, it means alot to me. So many people just assume Sylvania is a nightmare just because it's strange."

The wolf's ears go askew at the hug. He looks momentarily at a loss as he takes a moment to brush his hair back and adjust his coat. Then with a shrug and a grin he says, "There's a lot of good in strange. Besides I see here an opportunity to get in from the get-go. Or re-get-go as it were. Heh. If we succeed here maybe I don' need to trek across an ocean just to find a place to settle. Depends on what Raneah thinks. Might try an' get myself in good with whoever rules this land and then invest in it. I know most other sort of establishments won' let someone like me in – not really. I'm not their society. But this is a good chance for me. And, hey, I have a sort of sympathy for the underdog."

It took less than an hour for the trip between the capital and Blackshire, leaving the bulk of the afternoon free for Tulani and Arkold to try and arrange a visit to the castle. Blackshire Station is actually larger than the one in Justininople, since the main train-yard is also located here, and the civilian traffic is noticeably greater as well. Farmers haul wagons full of produce to loading docks, while others come to pick up livestock and other goods that the train has brought in.

Tulani stands slowly, exiting the train, once outside she has a good stretch, working out the few kinks from the short ride before turning back to Arkold, and puzzling, "Now how are we gonna go about visiting Blackshire castle?"

Arkold stretches as he steps off the train after Tulani. "That was enlightenin'. Another wonder of the modern world," he remarks. Then he glances at the Sphynx and gives her a shrug. "'Ow about we go up, present ourselves, an' ask for a formal audience with the lord of the castle?" he suggests.

The black Sphynx just gives the wolf a shrug of her own, rolling her shoulders before smiling and saying, "Sounds good. You're the one who's been around," and pausing to pat the Jupani's shoulder, just a little mockingly. "I'll trust the weight of your experience."

Arkold eyes the young woman. "Just be careful it doesn't fall on you," he remarks with a grin. Then he nods towards the road and begins off in the direction of the town. "C'mon, youngin'. Let'sfind some directions unless you want to use those wings for more than knockin' stuff over."

All of the wagon traffic flows along one of two branching roads from the station – the one where smoke can be seen rising beyond the trees.

Tulani grins, giving her wings a little flap, brushing the tip of one across the wolf's muzzle before saying, "Great idea! But we should probably get directions first anyway," before folding her white sheets of feathers, and following the wolf.

After batting at his muzzle and almost sneezing the Jupani continues on his way towards town. Noting the flow of traffic he decides to head in the direction of the rising smoke. "So what do you know about Blackshire?" he asks the Sphynx behind him. "Any strange customs? Odd people? Good places to drink?"

An empty farm cart rolls past, having just been unloaded at the train, and the Korv driver glances back at the pair and caws in Sylvanian, "Need a lift into town?"

Arkold gives the driver a non-comprehending look of confusion before he glances back towards Tulani expectantly.

Smiling to the Jupani the Sphynx cocks an ear towards the Korv, calling out in Sylvanian, "Yeah! That would be great, Thanks a lot!" She hops quickly into the back of the cart, looking to see if Arkold needs and help.

Despite being middle-aged, Arkold doesn't seem to have any trouble joining the much younger Sphynx in the back of the cart. Once up he lies back against the wood and folds his arms under his head. "If I'm stayin' here I have to learn these languages. I can't stand not knowin' what people are sayin'," the wolf remarks.

Smiling at the wolf Tulani says, "Don't worry, you'll get it. Hey! We've got a little bit of time, want a quick lesson?"

"Sure," wuffs the wolf.

"I'm Jeb, one of Farmer Poe's hands," the Korv introduces himself to Tulani. "Ain't seen you around before."

Leaning back to look up at the Korv, the Sphynx smiles and says in Sylvanian, "Nice to meet you, Jeb. I'm Tulani, and my friend here is Arkold." She pauses to gesture to the Jupani, before continuing, "We're just visiting Blackshire!" She then turns to Arkold, translating and explaining some of the word mechanics.

"Hey," Arkold offers by way of greeting to Jeb, along with a lazy wave.

"Howdy," the Korv replies in heavily accented Standard, then clucks a bit to the old Dromodon to keep it from stopping to nibble on wild grass. "Don't get many tourists here. Visiting anyone in particular?"

"The lor-" the wolf pauses mid-sentence then nudges Tulani, "-er, nevermind. You tell him Tulani. I'm trying to learn here."

"Well, we were going to try and see if we could arrange to visit Blackshire castle, and maybe talk to the Count. Do you know if he allows visitors?" the black Sphynx replies, pausing now and then to give Arkold brief translations and pointers on the language.

"Yeah," the wolf adds once he's been told the translation. "We want to arrange a meeting."

"Oh, aye, he knows some strange folk, the Count," Jeb says, then adds, "No offense meant there. But he's away on business now, so it's just the Duchess over at the castle."

Letting out a slight "Ahh", Tulani adds, "Well, I guess she's the one we'll have to talk to then," before smiling and asking, "The Count's away on buisness? Got any idea what he's taking care of?"

"Prolly more railroad stuff," the Korv comments as the wagon rattles along towards the village… which is now coming into view. "Hear tell they want to extend it all the way to Northern Shore."

"Duchess? Is the Count married then?" inquires the wolf.

"Oh no, despite everyone's best efforts," Jeb says. "The Duchess is the Count's younger sister, Eve."

"Oh, huh," says the wolf distractedly.

Turning to look over Tulani again, Jeb asks her, "You married yet, Miss?"

The Sphynx eyes widen slightly as she stammers, the insides of her ears blushing, "N-no, I haven't even thought about anything like that yet."

"Eh, poor timing then, I suppose," the Korv comments, as the wagon pulls into town.

"I gotta pick up some stuff and head to back to the farm," Jeb says, sounding apologetic. "You'll have to go on foot to the castle from here, or find someone to take you."

Finishing up a last bit of her language lesson with Arkold, and going over some easy words and phrases like, 'hello', 'nice day today isn't it', 'thank you', and 'prepare to die!' (said jokingly), Tulani hops down from the cart. "Thanks for the ride, Jeb. I think we'll make it okay!?"

"Right, guess we'll be walkin' then. Thanks, Jeb," says Arkold before he pushes himself up and then hops off the cart.

After turning the wagon, Jeb points with a wing down the same road they were already travelling on. "Just keep along this road, through the Whispering Woods. But it's a fair bit, so you'd do well to wait until morning or get a ride."

Smiling to the Korv the black Sphynx pauses to add, "Thanks again Jeb!" before moving down the road a bit through town, looking for either an inn to stay at, or a suitable ride.

"Guess we better look for a ride then. I ain't tired. Been sittin' around most of the day as it is," says Arkold as he looks on down the road. Not immediately seeing a ride that looks handy he picks up his pace until he's walking along beside Tulani. "Certainly seems this place got the Khatta's share of Sylvani's wealth."

There's a small inn at the edge of the square, where a dark-furred Eeee with slightly glowing eyes leans against a hitching post and regards the pair of strangers. Other people nod politely in greeting as they go about their business or look over the few fresh produce stands that have been set up near the fountain.

Tulani simply shrugs, saying, "It's the Count's town – if he can pay to keep it fixed up, I've no problem with that." Pausing to look around again, she checks for any sign of someone heading down the road or a suitable ride.

The wolf nods to the Sphynx. "No problem here either. I'm just surprised is all. Pretty active this way too. Good to see a town that's growing. Less work we got to do, then," he says, followed by a grin in Tulani's direction. "And looks like Countess Moneybags will be our, er, my, first noble encounter out this way."

From further down the road comes a sound like a giant, lovesick goose. People suddenly begin to hurry indoors, scooping up children and anything else small enough to carry along the way.

Tulani rolls her eyes at the Jupani, giving him an affectionate punch on the shoulder and saying, "I better make sure you're on your best behavior." Suddenly noticing the strange noise, and the people's reaction, she ducks towards the inn they passed just a moment ago.

The wolf is in the process of rubbing his shoulder as he comes to realize everyone is fleeing the streets. So shortly after Tulani heads out of sight he follows suit with his sword hand moving to grasp his scimitar grip. Though he doesn't make any move to draw the blade – at least not yet.

The Eeee standing outside the Inn doesn't seem caught up in the general panic, and just nods to Tulani. "Gut evenink," he says to the Sphynx, bowing his head a bit.

Arkold offers the bat a polite nod of his own as he passes him. Once inside the structure the wolf turns around and pokes his head out the door to get a good look at what's coming.

Nodding back to the Eeee, the black Sphynx does not duck inside the inn, but instead lets her curiosity lead her. She waits just outside the door, ready to jump inside if she needs to, and watches down the road.

The goose-monster call is repeated, louder this time, and is accompanied by a whup-whup-putt sound now. This grows in volume until something barrels into the square, shrouded in smoke and steam, with two adolescent Titanians running after it on all fours. The commotion circles the fountain once, barely missing the stands of vegetables, before finally coming to a stop in front of the inn. All the smoke momentarily hides everything.

Tulani almost starts laughing at all the commotion and the sight of the two Titanians running around after the machine, quite glad she didn't jump inside. She tries to peer through the smoke.

For the second time today the Jupani is forced to get out his rag and cover his muzzle. Despite the filter he coughs anyway the minute he inhales some of the thick white smoke. "Nice wel- koff -coming committee," he grumbles.

What slowly emerges from the mist resembles a Chronotopian steam carriage, although a heavily modified one. Seated within the open framework, clutching the steering bar with one gloved hand while waving the smoke away with the other, is a young Khatta woman dressed in fancy riding leathers and goggles. "Oh bother, I think the brakes are still twitchy boys," she says to the two Titanians that are already poking around in the still-hot engine.

"Gut evenink, Duchess," the dark Eeee says. "I do vish you vould give us more warnink ven you are drivink."

The wolf waves away some of the last traces of smoke from in front of his face before he reaches over and nudges Tulani forward. "Your country, you're the ambassador of our little expedition," he tells her with a grin audible in his voice.

Coughing slightly, and with one ear cocked forward, Tulani moves towards the strange vehicle. Extending one hand to the Khattan woman, she bows slightly, saying, "Duchess Kurai, I presume?"