The journey into Shabar has been long and slow, but between Inri and Kasaris, the wagon and its occupants have been hidden from the view of wyrms and any other predators that might challenge it – until, that is, flying scouts from the Sanctuary of Amber were sighted, and petitioned for escort the rest of the way.

Now, the wagon has been lifted up by teams of rakhtors, to be set down upon one of the ringing platforms of the Sanctuary. Elijah has had time to recuperate from his wounds sustained in the battle against Amenlichtli and her followers, and Inri has been picking up some pointers from as practiced a teacher of the ways of Shadow as one might hope for. Ariel has slipped off, as is her wont to do, but another holiday has rolled around … meaning that Kasaris is freed from the confines of her wagon again, just in time to visit the Sanctuary of Amber during Landing Day.

The wagon is not the only vehicle resting on the landing platforms. There are airships from various parts, the majority of them reflecting shipbuilding styles of this continent. Banners flutter in the intermittent winds that swirl around the Sanctuary, depicting the crests of varied Lances: the Roses of Magenta Lance, the Ashes of Black Lance, the jagged "Sound" of Cobalt Lance, the dark swirling Shadows of Violet Lance, the glittering Diamond of White Lance, and other sigils of what Lances remain, even if only represented by a single warrior that has carried on the tradition in the aftermath of the war and the Temple's neglect.

But the gathering of banners is not restricted to the Lances of the Knights Templar. There is also the emblem of Emerald Lance – of Abaddon – and banners with emblems that look to be of Abaddonian origin, tied with the Knights there, or the Silent-Ones. Amongst the various banners, there's also one conspicuously wispy banner that seems to be fashioned of smoke or mist, and emblazoned on it is the rune of the Spirit, framed by the Olympian laurel and a wreath of flowers.

Elijah, the brown-feathered Vartan, is followed by his companions – the black Kattha, Kasaris, and her four priestesses; Inri, the curly-tressed Savanite with form obscured by swathes of bulky cloth; Watches-Quietly, the "Savanite" attendant; and Srinala, the blind Eeee who is the very image of a Babelite death goddess, save for her small stature and frail frame. Bhuz had parted ways with the others some time back, shaken by the events in Wyrmwood and eager to get as far from any memory of Shabar as possible and to return to his simple life on the river and the seashore.

A small contingent of monks walks out to the docking platform, led by a weary-looking Rath'ani that Elijah recognizes from a long time ago. "Welcome, travelers, to the Sanctuary of Amber on the eve of this high holy day," the old raccoon says in a thick Chronotopian accent, bowing low. "I am Brother Dante, of the Brotherhood of Amber. May the Star shine brightly upon you all."

Elijah hastily drops to one knee, causing his pack to jangle noisily and the handle of his sword to scrape against the platform. "It is an honor, Brother Dante. I hope my message reached the Champion." He raises his head up and jerks his beak towards a cluster of the other ships. "Are the knights having a gathering of some sort? Should we postpone our business until their mater is done with?"

Brother Dante nods solemnly, and absently adjusts his spectacles, which have slid a fraction down the bridge of his muzzle during his nod. "Your message reached the Champion, and I discern that the messenger is still about." He looks askance toward the mysterious, ethereal banner. For a moment, out of the corner of Elijah's eye, it seems as if a pair of little circles pop into existence where the "head" might be on the rune of the Spirit, blink, then vanish. "All the Knights that could come have gathered, and many of their allies as well. This gathering may last for some time – There is no need to postpone any business, for there is no telling when it might then be tended to."

Elijah smirks at the banner and nods, his expression growing solemn again. "Why are they here, if it is proper for me to know or not? Has the Sanctuary been under attack?"

"In a manner of speaking," Brother Dante says, and then he nods to some acolytes – a Kavi and a Skreek, who look quite unlike the stereotypical sort, with their earnest demeanors, and who bow to the Vartan and his companions, immediately helping with the luggage. As they do so, Dante adds, "Please come. I can explain where we do not have to compete with the winds for volume."

Kasaris regards the acolytes with lifted eyebrow, but doesn't object to the help.

The Vartan's ears flatten as he carefully drops his pack from his shoulders and sets it with the rest of the luggage. "I would like to be given a robe if possible. If my brethren are here, they should not see me muddied and naked as I am." He brushes a taloned finger against his eyepatch self-consciously and shuffles after the Rath'ani.

The Vartan is given a chance to wash and to change, and robes and a cowl of violet await him. At last, he is led to a chamber that is suspended somewhere under the central dome that the Champion of Amber would meditate in. It's a room that has a slightly conical shape to it, in that the ceiling is slightly arched, but the room consists of descending concentric ringed steps that go down to the lowest point at a "stage" in the center. About these rings are seating for the audience, which would consist of a gathering of Knights Templar and brethren from all over Sinai, though not the whole of their number. The banners seen outside are repeated here, identifying delegations. A banner stands for the Lance of Shadow … and there can be seen Shade and Vague, adorned in the robes of their stations.

Watches-Quietly can be seen seated next to Shade – Or, that is, Pouncer, for she has cleaned the dye out of her fur, apparently deciding to do without the disguise any longer. "Inri" is seated there as well, still keeping her extra arms concealed, and between herself and Pouncer is seated the blind bat known rightly or wrongly as Srinala.

Down in the center of the chamber, a serpent is slithering up to a podium. He wears glittering emerald-colored mail and scaled sections of plate, along with sections of drapery that serve as his robes. It is the Emerald Champion.

Feeling as though a large rock is sitting in his stomach, Elijah quietly strides through the assembled knights and moves to stand with to the two Shadow Lancers. "I do not feel that I have any right to be standing with you, but I am glad to see the both of you once again." He pulls his cowl down to hide some of the brown feathers around his beak.

Shade inclines her head in greeting, and Vague shakes his head. "If some are to be heeded, we haven't any rights to stand with each other at all – " But his comment is broken off as the serpent begins to speak.

Elijah's eyes glint quizzically at Vague from the shadows of his robe, but he lets the question lie, instead inclining his head to the Emerald Champion to listen.

"Brethren of Sinai, you have heard the news from the Temple, and the offers of Xenea and the Silent-Ones. I simply wish to make it known to you that, so far as the Knights of Abaddon are concerned, you have always been our brethren, and no matter the dictates of the people of this 'Temple', you are always Knights. We have filed a petition to the Temple to protest their intention to acquire the arms and armor of the Knights Templar. Many of these weapons and pieces of armor came here all the way from Abaddon, and even those that did not have a long and glorious history. … "

Vague nods at the speech, then leans over to whisper, "The Temple plans to disband the Knights Templar, and replace us with new 'Orders' more to their liking. The gathering here is to discuss what we're to do about it. The Knights Templar enjoy a unique position in regards to the Rephidim Temple… "

"… though you have been offered positions within the Temple hierarchy - within the Inquisition, the Guard, and elsewhere – and for some of you, lucrative arrangements, I have come here to represent my fellows on Abaddon to let you know that your swords shall always be welcome alongside ours, … " the Champion of Emerald continues.

"Disband us? Who will defend Rephidim if the war blossoms again? And what is this about offers of Xenea and the Silent-Ones?" The feathers of his neck tickles the inside of his hood as the feathers bristle. "I should have never left Rephidim."

Vague nods. "It originated as some popular notion amongst the nobility, that the Knights Templar are too weak, too uncontrollable, too counter to the values of the First Ones. They want to start over with a 'clean slate', I suppose … and create new Orders, though this time they intend to make certain that all the members pledge fealty first not only to the Temple, but to the First Ones. Oh yes, and it seems that they're already lining up several new 'Guardians' who will lead these new orders. Amazingly, a great number of them happen to be poodles," the winged feline whispers, sighing. "However, they can't forcibly reassign us. They're offering us positions within the Temple elsewhere. There are a number of proposals that we simply reorganize ourselves with what resources we have, as a force apart from Rephidim – or perhaps any nation, while we're at it. The details need some work."

The Champion of Emerald continues on and on, recalling great acts of valor on the parts of the Knights Templar, and the long legacy of heroism that they represent, and explaining in excruciating detail how the Knights of Abaddon have a long history of heroism, too, and that their values are far more in line with each other, than the Knights Templars' values mesh with those of the present-day Temple.

"I'd like to see a poodle try to fit into my armor," Elijah snorts softly, trying to keep his voice down. "The Temple has gone insane, trying to make their own mockery of the knights. I'd like to see an army of poodles fight Plaguebringers or the undead." He shakes his head. "I come here seeking to forgive the Temple of past sins only to find more heaped upon me. What have you and Shade considered doing in the matter?"

Vague shakes his head. "I don't know that it's the Temple as a whole, but I think it's a matter of who controls the resources in the Temple. We've been allowed to shrink more and more. And now, it would cost a great many shekels to build us up to be a viable fighting force again. So, while they're at it, why not just build a wholly new force, one more in lock step with the Temple, under the authority of the Guard? I wouldn't be surprised if they turn out to actually be under the command of the Audit, from what I've heard." He shakes his head again, then says, "Well … I've been waiting to see what you think on the whole matter. The Sanctuary of Amber could well be a new base for what's left of the Knights, as I'm not certain they'd let us keep Fetiss. Shade, I think, might be considering going off to Xenea, or with the Silent-Ones." Shade shrugs noncommittally.

"It would appear that we are also being petitioned to go to Abaddon as well." Elijah nods to the Emerald Champion. "What chance is there of us actually losing our armor and weapons? I am willing to give up Golgotha, but I wish there were some way to keep from losing our sanctuaries." He gives Shade a gentle tap on the shoulder and idly jerks a thumb in the direction of two spotted felines and a tattered and frail-looking Eeee.

Shade nods, and signs, "Should I escort them elsewhere?"

The Vartan shakes his head at Shade. "I just felt you should know that they were here, including your former sister. I have not told her that you are my lancer, but if there is any peace you may wish to make with her, this may be your chance."

Shade nods solemnly, casting a glance toward the others for just a moment.

Vague glances to Shade, then says, "Our detractors don't have a leg to stand on. It was some idea proposed by one of their Guardians-to-be, I heard – but that's just rumor – that they 'recycle' our armor for the new Orders. However, possession is nine tenths of the law – or something to that effect. It isn't really theirs to take. What we'll have a harder time defending, though, would be all of our far-flung outposts. The Audit is hungry to sell off our lands and use the revenue to finance the new Orders … or their own pockets."

"Hmmm … we may have enough allies within the Temple left to put some pressure on keeping what's ours. The rest … perhaps there's some way we could buy the outposts and satisfy the Audit." Elijah taps his beak. "The latter will take some thinking though, as I do not know what our resources fully are after being gone for so many months."

Vague nods. "That's a good idea. We do have some resources. Sad to say, I heard that the Champion of Ashes plans to go with the Temple's offer – basically, to retire comfortably – but he's accumulated some wealth, and he's offered up a considerable amount of it to help fund whatever path we take."

"… and I thank you for allowing me to speak before you," the Champion of Emerald finishes, and then he bows and slithers away from the podium.

The Vartan sighs. "He was one of the last of the Champions who had fought through the war and survived. But after losing his arm, I cannot blame him. He's probably older than my father is." He brushes a hand against his robe. "Shade, what was this about the Silent-Ones?"

Shade looks back to Elijah, and signs, "I have been extended offers to serve with my brethren in Xenea, and on Abaddon … and beyond. I am carefully considering all of them, but like Vague, I await your decision on any of these matters. I will not abandon my fellow Lancers, if I am still needed."

"I would hate to lose you, Shade. You've saved our lives with your wards countless times." Elijah manages a smirk. "Have I gotten any offers in my absence? I would hate to feel forgotten in all of this excitement."

Vague smirks. "Let's see. Priest-Queen Jade-Eyes has extended an offer to our entire Lance in Xenea, there's the matter of the proposal of the Brotherhood of Amber to offer sanctuary to any Knights who need it – and a base of operations, if that's called for … of course, there would be the open invitation of the Knights of Abaddon … no offers, I'm afraid from the Confederacy." Vague winks. "And if you go with the Temple, I think there was a hint that you'd get a nice juicy position with the Air Guard with enough of a salary to make you almost nobility."

Shade signs, "If only we were Gallee, we'd all get offers to join the Cuirassiers and Chevaliers."

Elijah lets his breath out slowly. "I will have to consider this. I doubt that if I chose to remain with the Temple that I would be allowed to remain a Knight, and I do not like the idea of abandoning Sinai for Abaddon, although I have no qualms against lending them the aid of a sword. I think I will need quite a bit of time to think on – " He stifles a laugh at Shade's signs. "I wonder how they keep from sneezing with all that powder on inside their armor."

Shade strikes a mock "thoughtful" pose, as if Elijah has suddenly posed a remarkable question for her to ponder.

Vague nods. "I personally am not inclined to sign up with the Temple. There are good people there, some people who really don't want to see this happen … but I don't think I could bear having this whole ordeal hanging over my head. I would sooner return to Paradys, but I'm not ready to retire just yet. I've still got a few good years in me." In the shadow of his cowl, his muzzle can vaguely be seen to adopt a faint smirk.

"I'll have to also speak to Pouncer about this. I suspect that whatever happens, the family will have to move. Perhaps I should sign the Shoppe completely over to Red and whomever he feels fit enough to run it with him … just as long as they never ever change the name." The Vartan looks up at the podium. "Is anyone else here to speak with us?"

Vague looks up, and it appears that some of the audience is starting to move … but then a white Kattha in elaborate robes and an overly large hat strides up to the podium, tapping the ground with the bottom of a staff that jingles with each step. She clears her throat, then mews, "I'll make this short and sweet. Hello! I'm Ariel! And I'd really love to have my own knights! I'd be happy to make room for all of you in Olympia! And I am perfectly all right with those of you who worship the Star. Thank you!" And before anyone has a chance to get in a wordedgewise or do much more than blink and wonder how she managed to get in there, the Kattha strides off, beaming.

Vague clears his throat, then says, "Now, I think we'll be having a recess."

"The frightening thing is that she really is Ariel. Is the Champion of Amber around? I need a chance to thank him." Hesitantly, the Vartan flips his cowl down. He's among his brothers and sisters and in a holy place; it should be all right here for now.

Vague nods, and points over toward the banner of Amber – not easily seen before, since it's situated at a position that was previously obscured by the Xenean delegation, which has now cleared the room.

"Thank you, and it is good to see you both again. We've been a team for so long now that it's been a bit difficult being on my own." The Vartan puts a gentle hand on Shade's shoulder and gives Vague's shoulder a friendly shake. He then adopts a much more formal poise and moves to speak with the Champion.

As the Vartan approaches, the Champion of Amber rises and inclines his head in greeting. "Welcome to the Sanctuary of Amber."

Elijah drops to his knees in front of the Champion; for a moment he places his hands and head against the floor in a gesture of gratitude for his help, and as a silent acknowledgement of the new Champion's right to his post. Before he makes too much of a scene, he draws himself up again with as much grace as he can manage. "I have brought your helm with me. It has served me very well, but it does not belong to me."

The Champion bows. "My predecessor predicted that the one who borrowed it would not be the one to bring it back. If the possible future was not changed, my only explanation would be to suppose that the one who returns it is much changed from the one who first borrowed it. I pray to the Star that any changes may have been for the better."

"I do not feel as much guilt as I once did, and I have my father again. Only time will tell for the rest." The Vartan glances back at the assembled knights. "What does your lance intend to do with the new order? Would you have the means to serve as a base for the Knights?"

The Champion says, "We have the facilities for the present number of Knights, though we would be woefully inadequate to house the Knights at full strength. It is our hope that, failing all else, our sanctuary could serve as at least a temporary base of operations."

"I have to confess for myself at least, the prospect of working from the Sanctuary of Amber sounds very interesting. Firstly because it places us near Babel, and with all of the oddities I've heard coming out of it as of late, I wonder if we may be able to do the most good here. But you also are probably aware that I have a family and children back on Rephidim and if I am stationed here or anywhere outside of Rephidim then it may be best for the well-being of my family if they move with me. Would they be able to manage here well enough for schooling and friends?" The Vartan casts an eye around the chamber, looking at the other knights and trying to get a look at anyone else who might be here.

The Champion nods. "We have some facility for the training of youths, but if we are to house a full-fledged base for the Knights, we will most certainly be establishing stronger ties with the communities on the edges of Shabar. I imagine that your efforts in Wyrmwood will have earned a great deal of goodwill there."

Elijah shakes his head. "You deserve more thanks than I. If it is safe of me to ask here, who was the ally you mentioned that carried your dream to me while I was in Wyrmwood?"

There are a few members of Black Lance present, though there's no sign of the Champion of Ashes himself. There is a single Magenta Lancer, and a few younger felines – Perhaps Magenta Lance decided to circumvent the Temple's sanction and begin training squires on its own? There are also some fairly conspicuous Titanians who have taken up the banner of the Cobalt Lance, despite its tragic fate in the Coalition Wars.

The Champion of Amber replies, "We have in our number a refugee from Babel, a Dream Mage who may be referred to as 'Brother Dhan'."

"I'm afraid that all of this has given me a great deal to think about, and all of the paths there are to take have their diamonds and pits. Are we being cut off from Rephidim completely or simply by the Temple?" The Vartan eyes the Magenta Lancer, trying to place which one it is.

It's Blossom, judging from the ornamentation and the leg form of the warrioress. The Champion of Amber answers, "Officially, only by the Temple. How Rephidim will accept us remains to be seen, but they are already making plans for Golgotha. They even intend to redecorate it and rename it, so that it no longer presents a visage that suggests that of a skull. We shall have to see what can be done about the Sanctuaries there."

"I do not like the idea of poodles crawling through the halls and picking the flowers of Rose's garden to pretty themselves." Elijah's hand curls into a fist for a moment, and then uncurls as he stares blankly at his palm. "But we can take cuttings of the flowers and make it grow again elsewhere. I suppose that I am simply disappointed that we couldn't at least lose it in some glorious battle and instead look to be abandoning Golgotha so a bunch of poodles can play pretend. What do you know of this new order that's being erected?"

The Champion of Amber replies, "So far, I have only heard of two Orders that have names. One is the Order of the Guardians of Sanguine Hall, which shall be based at the place it is named after. The other is the Order of the Silver Star and Anchor, which is intended to take residence in Golgotha. I do know that the tradition of anonymity will be deliberately done away with, for it is the wish of those arranging these Orders that each of these 'Guardians' be a distinct personality … a Temple-appointed hero or heroine for the public to admire and emulate."

"It is because of that very reason that I think I will do my best to campaign against moving all of the Knights to Abaddon or to other worlds. I suspect that should war ever break out again, this new order won't be as heroic as people think." The Vartan shakes his head. "Besides the Champion of Amber, have any other lances already made a solid decision as to what they intend to do?"

"It is too soon for most to decide," the Champion of Amber says, "but the Champion of Ashes has chosen to retire, and his Lance, which is the largest, is splitting up – Some are going to the Guard, while others are waiting to see what the rest of us will do. The Bronze Lance has resolved to take the positions offered it within the Technopriesthood, for they were hardly separate from it to begin with."

"Will we be losing the sanctuary in Bosch because of it? I do not see the Temple as being all that eager to scoop up that particular tract of land." Elijah looks a bit dubious.

"In name, the Temple will have it, but it is likely that it will end up in the hands of one of the Chronotopian orders, as they have a vested interest in combating the horrors of Bosch. Gallis is almost certain to want nothing to do with it," the Champion replies.

The Vartan nods. "I think I may consider sending word to my father on Paradys of this. Normally he'd want absolutely nothing to do with the Temple, but he may be willing to offer a home to the Knights as well if we are no longer affiliated with them. Considering the amount of ordinance and explosives, it may be a good idea to have more than one sky island to our names. Either way, this is far too much for me to make any sort of concrete decision on my own just yet." He looks back at Pouncer and then at his own arms. "You would not happen to have any black dye in your possession, would you? After this, I am not sure if it is right of me to continue my charade, even if I do not feel that my reason for adopting it is done with."

The Champion of Amber says, "I'm quite certain that the scribes would have an ample supply, if you deem that necessary."

Elijah shrugs. "I don't know. I'd chosen this because I felt that I had no purpose and needed time to let go of the anger I gathered during the war. I do not feel any less anger, and more than ever I am not sure of which direction I should go in. But I also do not know how much time I have to make my decision. If I resume wandering around Sinai I do not wish to return to find that my lancers have left on their own and the decision has been made for me – nor should I force them to sit and wait for months until I return."

The Champion of Amber says, "This I cannot tell you with any certainty. This is not something that will happen over a night. Though we have been informed of the Temple's intent, it will take time for these things to be put into action. It will take time to assess our holdings, to attempt to acquire them and sell them. It will take time to reshape Golgotha into their image. It will also take time for them to put their nominees for the Guardians through at least a token period of squirehood before naming them the heroes of their new Orders. This will be a process of several steps, and the timetable is unknown."

The Vartan nods. "I think I may instruct Shade and Vague to try and get plans together to see if there is some way the Sanctuary of Shadows can be moved, likewise with Rose's. That may keep them busy for a few months, but I may also be asking for the impossible." He shakes his head. "Perhaps the best course of action will be to ask them, and discuss this with my family. Most of them are here by the looks of it."

The Champion of Amber nods. "At the very least, requests must be replied to. Our service to the Temple demands at least that much, and the petition on the part of the Knights of Abaddon will likely buy us ample time to make certain we reach all armories and caches of the Order before the Temple can. Even if the Sanctuaries themselves cannot be moved, the articles within them could at least be transported. New foundations can be laid, and stone and mortar will be always available, after all."

"Nobles running through Golgotha and changing things just strikes me as a feeling of a child running through a chapel with buckets of paint and a brush. I suppose that every child must move out of the home of their parents someday, but it is not an easy thing for me … especially with the thought of what I am leaving it to." Elijah shakes his head. "I have much to discuss with my brethren. I should begin now while we are still together. Thank you again, Master Amber."

The Champion inclines his head. "May the Star guide your way. I do not foresee any easy path in front of us, but perhaps this may grant us a freedom we did not have while being stifled by the indecision of the Temple over what to do with us when we were no longer convenient."

"As long as that does not mean that Rephidim is left with nobody to defend it, you may be right. But a token army will not keep it safe in battle. That is my biggest concern over all of this." Elijah bows a bit less melodramatically to the Champion and then walks over to Pouncer, Inri, and Srinala.

Shade and Vague have already departed, along with most of the other Lancers, though Elijah's traveling companions – and family – await him. Pouncer looks up to her father. "How bad is it?"

Elijah scoops the cub up and hugs her. "In all honesty, I think that has yet to be determined. You heard the news about being disbanded and the attempts at taking the Knights property. I won't know how much we can salvage until we salvage it, but this does not look to be the end of the Knights. Unfortunately it may also mean moving the family elsewhere. Where that may be, I've not decided yet … as I should not discuss such a thing without you and Shade and Vague present. You would probably gang up on me if Idecided to move to Gallis without asking you, after all." He smirks.

Pouncer's ears flatten. "Not Gallis, Papa! Please!" She grins and mock-struggles against the Vartan's grip.

"Let's try and find a room. Once we get settled in, I'd like to get opinions from you all." He looks at Inri. "Especially you, as the decision we make will probably affect your decision as to what you wish to do for your own path."

Some time later, the Vartan is in one of several rooms set aside for himself and his family. He won't be having to take the floor during this stay, unless he really wants to. Several smaller cabins branch off from this central chamber, which is paneled with pieces of amber, and seems to be almost devoid of anything resembling a straight, angular surface, save for flat surfaces to serve as tables and ledges.

Inri, Pouncer, Shade and Vague are present. Srinala's high-pitched snores can be faintly heard coming from one of the branched chambers.

Inri pours tea for those assembled, for the moment doing without her charade of having only two arms. Shade's expression is hidden, but there's a tangible tenseness about her. Not that she hasn't her own strangeness in the form of the pair of wings she acquired some time ago.

Elijah sets his robe aside after changing back into his traveling clothing for now and looking more like his present adopted persona instead of a Knight. "First and foremost, the thing that is always the most important to me is that whatever decision we make, it not be one that puts me in a position where I am neglecting my children and family. If we move from Rephidim, I would prefer it to be in a place that will be less likely to bein the middle of a war zone or will be utterly devoid of opportunities for their education or chances for them to have friends and live lives like any citizen should. Ideally, I would also like someone to be there to care for my family in my absence, someone that I trust. Normally, that has been Moon-Brow … but with the move, that may change." His eyes follow Inri long enough for her to know that the last bit was aimed directly at her – an offer made lightly enough that it can be ignored or left to be pondered over if she so desires.

Elijah says, "I do not wish to force anyone into a place, role, or a situation they may object to – so what you have to say now is of utmost importance to me."

Inri takes a breath, and says, aloud, "I have been considering some moving of my own. Lady Kasaris has offered me an apprenticeship of sorts. I have no intention of joining her priesthood, but it is an opportunity to learn more of Shadow Magic … that I cannot imagine could be surmounted by any other."

Pouncer's brow wrinkles in a regretful, worried look, but she bites her lip, saying nothing on the matter.

"If you are sure that such an apprenticeship would not be dangerous, I would not deny you the opportunity." He dips his head. "I will miss you, of course, but I've also no right to chain you with me." He glances at Pouncer and makes a nudging motion with his hand, hoping that she'll speak what's on her mind.

Pouncer looks to her father, then shakes her head. Inri, however, catches the exchange. "Have you something to say, Pouncer?" she asks.

Pouncer swallows, then says, "I … It's just … we'll miss you."

Elijah smiles, his gaze trailing downwards. "Pouncer, you've been taking care of Srinala these past few weeks, and it has shown me that you are more responsible than I have given you credit for. Because of that, I would like to ask you plainly … Would you object if I named you the guardian of your brother and of the family when I am not here? I think caring for Srinala has taught you a bit about what that would entail."

Pouncer's eyes widen. "That's … I don't know if Enos would be so thrilled about that. But … if you think so … I won't let you down, Papa."

"As long as you don't abuse the authority, I'm sure it will be fine. I'll also need you to continue taking care of Srinala, since I'm not too sure how healthy it is to continue to travel with her when she should be exercising. There is supposedly a dream mage here from Babel; he may be able to lend a hand." The Vartan turns to his two lancers. "I do not feel that I have accomplished what I set out on my quest to do just yet, but I also do not expect the two of you to twiddle your feathers until I return. Unless you object, what I would like for the two of you to do is try to salvage what you can of the Sanctuary of Shadows so that it can be rebuilt elsewhere, and try to gather seeds and clippings from Rose's garden as well, since its care was put into our lance's hands. Do you object to this, or have anything to add?"

Shade shakes her head. "It's the least we can do. I'm certain I can persuade Blossom to lend us a hand."

Vague follows Shade's signs, then says, "I'm with Shade. There are too many people too eager to grab what they can, so we'd best secure what we can before that happens. Even if nothing's been proclaimed yet, I wouldn't be surprised if there aren't already some nobles in Golgotha measuring the windows for lace curtains."

Elijah nods. "For now then, I would like things to be moved to Fetiss for storage. If at all possible you might even see about moving the skull as well, as I'd rather see it preserved than turned into a poodle head." He winces. "Have you gotten word from the Guard in the Temple or from the street folk? I am curious how the common people in Rephidim are taking this news."

Vague says, "Nothing has been officially announced yet. It's obviously not a top secret to anyone here, but I don't believe that this has become public knowledge yet, though there have been rumors for some time that we might be fading into obscurity."

Elijah turns to Shade. "Has the Shoppe been managing all right in my absence? How are Enos and Moon-Brow managing?"

Shade signs, "The Shoppe has been as blessed as ever. Enos has been keeping busy with his studies, and apprenticing to a Skeek tinker by the name of Kia, in the Bazaar. Moon-Brow has been her usual self, always finding something to keep herself busy."

The Vartan drums his fingers against his knees. "This question is for the lot of you. If we relocate outside of Rephidim, do you think it would be best to sell the Shoppe if we cannot be around to manage it? Not that I will be any more of a manager if I move, but I'm not too sure what to do if I am no longer even living there."

Pouncer frowns. "I don't know, Papa. I don't know if Enos was just being a dreamy-head, but I remember him talking about how he'd do things if he ran the store someday. But then, he also talks about everything else he wants to do when he grows up, and he can't very well do all of it." She shrugs. "I suppose we just can't be everywhere."

"There is always the option of turning it over to Red for period of time. Give him full access to the profits and the books and what-have-you until he is ready to retire and after that naming a successor, which may be Enos if he proves himself to be an able worker." He nods to himself. "I will also admit that having something of an income to keep the both of you clothed and fed – now that I doubt that the Temple will be paying us – is also something I should consider."

Pouncer gnaws on her lip, then nods. "Yes, income is nice."

"I see three choices as to where to set ourselves up, at the moment. Here in Shabar will mean living in a Forbidden Zone, but it will also give us close access to Babel, which appears to be the central source of a great deal of trouble. There is also the option of Fetiss, but that will be isolated and probably only populated by knights and squires and priests. Another option is Paradys, if the current Baron is willing to offer us room there. But it would also isolate us from the rest of the Knights, and depending on where the island is at the time, it might also isolate us from Sinai during the times it is over Forbidden Zones." Elijah lets his breath out. "Do any of you have any other suggestions or preferences?"

Vague shrugs. "That seems to pretty much sum it up, barring abandoning Sinai entirely. And I wouldn't want to go so far as that."

Inri says, "Shabar sounds the most stable, if terribly isolated."

Elijah smirks. "I will confess that a small part of me is hoping that Rephidim will call upon us should they ever be attacked by a foe that sends their poodle knights scrambling, hopefully allowing us to return to where we belong. But despite that, my vow to keep Rephidim safe is still very much in force, even if I can no longer defend her on the front lines. I will not leave Sinai … at least not permanently – although I do admit that the prospect of visiting Abaddon is interesting, as is meeting the brothers and sisters we have there. Some link to them needs to be established at least, as we may found ourselves depending on them for supplies for a while."

Shade nods. "I think it is a foregone conclusion that when a trial faces Rephidim, nobles playing at being knights will not be able to muster up quite the same spirit as the Knights Templar."

"Yet another concern of mine. The morale of a nation is very important." The Vartan sighs. "This has made me decide to put the two of you on another chore while I am gone, if you think you can manage it. I want you to start looking for new squires for our lance. It is time that we start to rebuild our own numbers with a new Lancer Eclipse and a new Lancer Silhouette. If Rephidim knows that we are simply moving elsewhere, but are making an effort to grow instead of fade away, maybe that will help things. Do you two feel up to the task?"

Vague and Shade look at each other, then nod to Elijah. "I won't take it lightly," Vague says, "but it's something that has to be done."

Elijah rubs his temples. "Then I think I've assigned the two of you enough tasks to do while I am gone. You are both my most trusted friends, and I think you will do well. I will try and return as soon as I can, and if I get word from Rephidim of some dire turn, I shall come running as fast as my wings can take me – but I think the both of you understand why it may be a while before I can don my armor again."

Vague and Shade both nod. Inri says, "I suppose … we have our plans for now, then?"

"It looks like it. Pouncer, you and Srinala can either choose to stay here or continue traveling with me. The choice is yours, but keep in mind that you are not a burden to me at all." The Vartan leans back in his chair and folds his hands across his lap.

Pouncer scratches her head. "Well … where are you going next?"

"I have no idea at all. I was thinking of asking the Champion of Amber to point me in a direction. Either that or just picking one myself." He rubs his beak. "Although if you have a destination in mind, I think that can be arranged as well."

Pouncer smiles. "That … I'd have to think about. It's a big world." She sobers a bit, quickly adding, "Babel is right out."

"I agree with you in that respect. Perhaps we should consider crossing the ocean to Ai, someplace where Srinala will be less noticeable. I'll leave you to think upon it yourself for a bit." Elijah scratches at his neck and looks at Vague. "Go and tell the Champion of Amber our decision then, and spread the word to the others. Do you know where Lancer Thorn is? I would have expected to see her here alongside Blossom for such an issue."

Vague nods and stands. "Not all of the Lancers are here. Some are back in Rephidim, making sure Golgotha isn't prematurely picked over, and some are on Fetiss. But I'll inform the Champion of Amber." He bows to Elijah.

Elijah bows back. "Thank you for your prayers for me while I have been gone, my brother. I have felt them in my travels. Should I not see you again after this, I wish you to know that I know the two of you will manage just fine in my absence, and I shall try not to prolong that absence if I can manage it."