The days have been pleasantly cool, though the nights have been often bitter cold. It's still nothing to compare to Nordika, the Isle of Avarin or the southernmost tip of the Savan, but has made it necessary to rely upon the hospitality of the villagers along the way. Bhuz has been sharp enough to figure that it would be best not to wander into a town full of Eeee with Srinala in tow, lest they think her some sort of runaway sacrifice, or a goddess in the flesh. The Aelfin and the Fnerfs, however, have by and large been unconcerned with such things – and while they inevitably have contact with the Ashdodite Eeee, it doesn't extend into an adoption of the Seven Sisters as their own deities.

Srinala is unable to fly, and even if surgery or Life Magic could be used to repair her maimed wing membranes, it's uncertain that she would have the muscle tone – and years of experience – required to make use of them. Another discovery was slow to come – She is blind. Although the "phantom Sunala" may have responded curiously to Watches-Quietly's hand-signs, there is no indication that Srinala is able to see … but her typically keen Eeee hearing and ability to echo-locate has allowed her to greatly compensate for a lack of vision. Her eyes seem to not be of the science-defying Sylvanian sort, but just what they appear to be - blind, pupil-less eyes, no more capable of seeing than Inri's third orb.

Watches-Quietly has spent the most time with Srinala, when the bat isn't asleep (which seems an inordinately large portion of the time). Srinala, for her part, has caught on quickly enough that Watches-Quietly's ability to speak is a secret to be kept from Bhuz and from strangers. But when they're alone, the spotted feline girl has been giving Srinala's ears quite a workout, trying to teach her songs, telling her stories, and playing games. Srinala seems fascinated enough by it all, but she never smiles, never laughs, and she seems doomed to make even the cheeriest song sound like a dirge. Her imperious and commanding nature has tried Bhuz's patience several times over, but Watches-Quietly patiently accommodates when the request is reasonable enough, and politely declines when it is inappropriate.

Her greatest accomplishment so far, perhaps, has been to help Srinala to walk on her own. Inri has been contributing much in the way of her own herbal medicine know-how, but it appears to mostly be a matter of Srinala's unfamiliarity with dealing with reality, than a lack of the requisite muscular strength. Srinala has fallen many times, and is more thin-skinned than any noble Elijah has ever met, but despite her vehement protests, at Watches-Quietly's urging, she tries again regardless.

Now, after several nights staying in inns, cottages, tents or camping under the stars, the Forbidden Zone of Shabar has come into view. Even though the sun has vanished to the west, the liquid sky over the stone forest glows eerily, casting a glow that replaces that of the Procession that has so often been obscured by gray winter blankets of cloud. The amber glow of fire-light shining through windows of polished horn and translucent chitin can be seen at a bend in the river, and a spot of light flares, and then another, as a lamp-lighter makes his rounds along the dock. There are several barges tied at the docks … and a flare of light pops into existence in the air above for a few seconds, then dies down once more, as a round silhouette glides soundlessly across the mundane trees outside the border of Shabar, toward the village.

Bhuz grins. "There's the poofal-fly-majinger we saw earlier, of the li'l-four-ear-folks," he announces, pointing at the hot air balloon as it adjusts its slow angled descent toward what must presumably be a clearing beyond the trees lining the riverfront. He turns to look back toward Elijah. "This hovel-hey is Wyrmwood, on the frip of Shabar. Flap-maizhas, quad-auds, quad-pads and otherfolk can be found here. Not many surf-maizhas, though. I should be able to grib here, no mess. But there still might be someone who doesn't groob to the squeaky-miss." He thumbs toward Srinala.

Even if she can't see, Srinala has certainly mastered the art of casting the cold look, and does so in Bhuz's direction. Even with Bhuz's ever-changing jargon, she's picked up enough of the context to tell when she's being referred to.

As Bhuz paddles his boat toward the docks, it can be seen that the collection of barges is fairly exotic indeed. There's one that at a glance looks Nordikan in design – or possibly Himaatian, given the filigrees and the faces and figures of felines that grace its structure. It's enclosed, and evidently a transport, rather than for hauling crops up and down the river – and an occupied transport, at that, given the lights visible from the deck, runner lanterns, and curtained portholes. Aside from the lights, however, it's painted in conspicuously dark tones, giving it a somewhat sinister appearance.

This is even more so, given the contrast between it and another barge, this one white, save for the garish trim and gaudy ornaments, including a parade of Eeee figurines forming the supports for the banisters on the outer deck. It looks as if some Babelite carnival has floated into town, save that the barge doesn't look nearly large enough to support more than a small traveling show more humble than the trappings on the boat would suggest.

Other barges are far less ostentatious – humble flatbeds that carry bushels of grain, pots of sugarfir preserves, bundles of Saskanar fruit, and other produce and wares aimed for markets up or down the river.

Elijah firmly ties the boat to the dock and then kneels down to help the boat's four passengers up onto the pier. "This might be our last touch of civilization before we wander deeper into Shabar, so we'd best enjoy it and replenish any supplies we can think of." He glances at the Eeee ship. "We may want to avoid that until we find a safe place for Srinala to stay. I worry how they might treat or react to her."

Bhuz gets up on the pier, then assists with the others. "Most non-groobly, I'm sure." Inri helps Srinala get up to where Elijah and Bhuz can get hold of her, and in short order, she's on the more solid deck. "Want to avoid what?" she squeaks. Watches-Quietly follows up quickly behind her, adjusting the blanket that is wrapped around Srinala not solely to keep her warm, but also to shelter a little from prying eyes.

Inri clambers onto the deck last, carrying with her a couple of packs, then sets them down, looking out to scan over the village, though there's not really much to be seen at the moment.

"There is a barge here of sorts, painted white with Eeee decorations," the Vartan replies, putting a hand against the Eeee's waist for support. "Let's find a room for the night and figure out what to do after that."

Bhuz nods. "The Wyrmwood Wayside is a snogzy place to doozel," he says.

Watches-Quietly signs, "Is that good or bad?"

Elijah smirks. "We'll find out soon enough." He looks back at the other boats. "The black one looks unpleasant."

Srinala squeaks, "Is this Shabar? When we are done here, I shall be wanting passage to Babel." She makes her way along the dock, scanning the dock back and forth as she squeaks.

"This is but the first leg of our trip. We are on the fringes of Shabar and intend to travel into the Forbidden Zone." He strolls alongside the bat, keeping his free hand resting on the hilt of his gunblade at his side. "Why do you wish to go to Babel so badly, Srinala?"

Bhuz hastily finishes securing the boat, slings a pack over his shoulder, then picks up his pace to catch up with Watches-Quietly and Srinala. "It's been a splentabulous time with you felapeeps. I hope you have a granspiff time in Shabar! Don't forget to keep vising up. Never know when a flysnapper might try to mang you from above."

Srinala turns to regard Elijah, and just looks at him blankly.

The Vartan offers a copper coin to Bhuz. "Will this get you back safely? You've been a wonderful guide."

Bhuz's ears perk at the sight of the lantern-light glinting off the copper coin. He gingerly holds out a palm under the Vartan's talons, so as not to risk it dropping and plunking down between the planks, or something similarly un-groobly. "Many gravities, Elijah-maizha! Most deliteriousatiously so!" He takes the coin, happily sniffs at it, then tucks it into one of the many patched-on pockets in his jacket.

Elijah rests his hand back on his sword. "Thank you as well. I hope we can meet again sometime. If you ever feel like moving to Rephidim, let me know. I can probably find you a job and housing."

Ahead, an inn is easily available – the Wyrmwood Wayside, as the sign says in Standard, Babelite, and Aelfin. It certainly looks cozy all right … It looks like half of the building was constructed with Aelfin concerns in mind, and then someone built another inn of more standard proportions adjoining it, and the two merged with a bit more construction in the middle. It has something of a look of having somehow grown there, what with its appearance of having been built up a little bit here, a little bit there, and a wonder that it stands intact.

Bhuz grins and nods. "With this, I can stay for the Harvest Tide bohoozafestacular!"

"Take care of yourself, then." Elijah grins and focuses back on Srinala. "Now then, surely you have a reason for wanting to go to Babel, don't you? Is there something you have to do or someone you need to see?"

Despite its less-than-professional outward appearance, the windows in the main room glow warmly, and there are faint strains of music from within – though not the bawdy type of revelry one might expect in a tavern such as the Three Thieves' Inn, or the organized gaiety of one of the more upscale "hang-outs" in Rephidim.

Srinala's ears swivel to focus on the sounds, and then she says, in a slightly different, more airy tone, "But it's where we last met … you remember, don't you? The night of Carasa's coming-out party." Her tone has a more snobbish bent to it. "Of course, the band was so terribly dreadful. Your uncle was always the pinch-shekel. But still… " Her voice trails off, and then she blinks a few times, sightlessly. "… still … I have need of transportation there. It is a personal matter. You would not understand." Her voice seems to have changed quality yet again, though it's still quite obviously her speaking, and not some spell.

Elijah looks oddly at the Eeee and shakes his head. "Child, you will not know if I shall understand or not unless you tell me. You are blind, you can barely walk, and have no money of your own. Many of your people would think to kill you before you even made it to your destination. Before I judge it proper to send you away to what might very well be your death, I would like to know the reason you wish to go."

Srinala stops walking for a moment, and continues to stare off at the inn. Her mouth works a bit, and her ears flick. "It's because … Mother … and Father are there," she whispers in a shaky voice. She begins to shiver, and Watches-Quietly rushes back to her side, rubbing one of her hands between her own, and trying to lead her again toward the inn.

The Vartan grinds his beak and stops walking, gently trying to halt Watches-Quietly and Inri as well. "Who are your mother and father, Srinala?" His tones are hushed and he lowers his head closer to the Eeee's face to hear her voice better.

Srinala shudders violently, her eyes wide. "I am the Sea of Souls, the bell that tolls, I am the sacrificial maid. I am the one you ask, I am the wearer, the mask, I am the altar upon which you are laid."

Bhuz takes several steps back, his ears flicking in obvious discomfort. "Ah … Elijah-maizha … I'm tinkering the cold is grogging her nog… "

Elijah frowns. "Let's get a room. We'll discuss this more when I know that no other ears can hear us." He tries to calm the bat and hugs her against his side to warm her up. "Inri, I may need your help with that." His eyes momentarily flick to her belt where she keeps a few of her magic supplies.

Inri nods, then signs, "I'm not sensing any active magic." Nonetheless, she helps Watches-Quietly tug Srinala with more urgency toward the inn, while Bhuz pushes open the door – crafted for larger visitors and their wings, thank goodness – letting a blast of cold air rush in with them, and a blast of warmth from the hearth wash over them as well.

A plump Aelfin behind the bar – standing on a stool – smiles cheerily at the newcomers. "Hail and well met," the Aelfin repeats in Babelite, then Khattan, then Standard, eyeing the visitors to see which language they respond to.

"Good evening. We would like some rooms, if you please," the Vartan scrawks in standard. "Also a hot meal and bath if you offer them."

The Aelfin matron nods and looks over the group. "How many? We have no more than three," the Aelfin admits, apologetically. "That is, unless you'd be willing to accept Aelfin quarters. All the river-traders caught between cities are stopping here for the holiday, after all."

Elijah taps his beak. "Three rooms will be fine. There are five of us, but we are all quite used to sharing." He digs around in his shekel purse again.

The business of bargaining for the exact price is dealt with – It would seem that this is a haggling sort of town – and a little while later, Elijah and his companions have the last remaining rooms made for persons larger than four feet tall.

Inri checks out Elijah's room, and is in there for a little while. At last, when she opens the door again, there's the faint aroma of incense, and she has a number of candles positioned around the chamber. The door opens silently at first, then creaks on its hinges as it opens the rest of the way. She bows to Elijah, signing, "This should suffice, even for the Eeee."

Elijah nods his approval and steps inside, gently guiding Srinala into a chair and motioning for the "Savanite" cub behind him to follow.

Watches-Quietly closes the door, and though it creaks again as it swings at first, it silences to a whisper again as it closes the rest of the way. Watches-Quietly's first two steps are muffled, and then they are audible again as she walks further into the room. She smirks … then walks back to the door, patting on the floor. Satisfied that she correctly understands the boundary of the effect, she at last finds herself a spot to sit down on the edge of the bed.

Srinala swivels her head this way and that. "I do not like it here. It is too … quiet."

Smirking at Watches-Quietly and then sobering at Srinala's voice, the Vartan sits down on an open patch of floor. "The silence is not permanent, and is for your protection so that we may speak without being heard by anyone outside. Srinala… were you repeating something you heard when we were speaking earlier? The bit about the party I mean."

"The party? Yes, there was singing downstairs. I wish to go there. I much prefer music to this … silence," Srinala declares.

Elijah sighs. "You must remember that in this world actions have consequences, and certain things might cause you to get hurt. We do not know if we can trust the people in this town, and until I do, I have no intentions of any such thing. Just remain calm and remember that you are safe and among friends. Now, I want you to tell me more about your mother and father and why you wish to see them so badly, especially since they left you to the existence of a sacrifice victim."

Srinala's brows crease, and she shivers again. Watches-Quietly picks up a blanket and drapes it around the bat, though her touch on the bat's shoulder seems to do more good than the blanket. "Mother does not care. Father does not know." She looks up again, though her gaze doesn't quite line up correctly to face Elijah this time. The acoustics do seem to be a bit off in the room, though they can still understand each others' speech just fine. "I … am the ones who are not. I am the memories of the dead. No. I am the memories the living have of the dead. That is what I am."

The Vartan smiles at Watches-Quietly and bows his head in thanks before addressing the bat again. "I do not know what that means, or how such a thing can come into being. Do your parents have names?"

"They must," Srinala says. "I know this … but … I do not remember it." Her eyes begin to well with tears. "I know … I know what it is. I'm … I'm mad, aren't I? I'm a Screaming One. You must have stopped me from killing myself." She looks up, gazing at the ceiling. "I was … one of them. At the edge of the pit in Babel. I fell, and the High Princess, she was pleased. I was an acceptable sacrifice. But what was my name? Why doesn't anyone have a name?"

Elijah rubs his beak. "You … you are memories of people dying?" He shivers, remembering stories he's heard about all of the interesting ways people die in Babel, like horrib nests and the like. "Do you remember who taught you to speak or anything about the world you were in before you awoke?"

Srinala gazes at the ceiling some more, then says, "I remember many things. But that I do not remember. I have always known. Even though Sunala-" and here she uses the "lower-case" version of the name, "- did not know Silent Sign, I know it. I do not know why. Who could teach me that? I remember your face. You have a kind face, although you have been in a battle."

"I've been in too many battles to count. I was a soldier in the war between Babel and Rephidim – but I appreciate the compliment." He cups his chin in his hand and adopts a thinking pose. "I think I understand. I've been led to believe that spirits carry shreds of memories, and I would guess that those memories are now part of you … although how they got there is lost to me. Perhaps that is what you mean by being the 'Sea of Souls'?"

Srinala moves her jaw, then says, "Perhaps. I … I am a mirror. I am the clay in your hands. You draw down nearer. I wear the mask you demand. My face … is how you remember me … my place … is where you wish me to be."

Elijah's brows pinch together. "Srinala, do you know what you are saying? That sounds more like something you have been taught to say than something with any true meaning to it."

Srinala closes her eyes tightly, and she chokes, then sniffles. "I'm … I'm trying! I am!" she cries.

The Vartan sighs and pats the Eeee's arm. "Child, I did not mean that as a criticism. I have battled cultists and fanatics and argued semantics with the most wild religious devotees on Sinai. I ask my questions for your sake as much as my own. I would like to help you separate yourself from the strings that cling to you from whatever purpose you were intended for, for Sunala or whomever it is. Do you understand what that means?"

Srinala covers her face with her hands. "Maybe … maybe that is what I am!"

"You are what you tell yourself you are, not what others say." He frowns in thought momentarily. "My intentions for going to the Sanctuary of Amber in Shabar is to find answers to what I am. Perhaps they can offer you guidance as well, if you are willing to journey with us and take it."

Srinala shudders again, but pulls her hands away from her face. "I … It … It pleases me … " She tries to sit up straight. "It pleases me to travel with you. You have been … most kind," she adds more quietly at the end.

Elijah smiles. "It pleases me to have your company." He nods at Watches-Quietly. "And for my daughter to be able to continue to have the company of the friend that I know she cares very deeply for."

Watches-Quietly smiles hopefully, even though there's no chance that even echo-location should be able to pick that up. Instead, she nods encouragingly.

Srinala, however, doesn't seem to respond to that, particularly. "Of course. I … I think I owe her … my … something. I'm not sure." She hugs her torn wings about her body.

"I think it's okay to talk here, Shinyfur." The Vartan winks. "Inri might be able to help you find out what happened on the magic side of things, but I'm no expert. Would it be safe to leave you here to get settled in while I go out to see who our neighbors are?"

Watches-Quietly covers her mouth with a hand, then giggles. "I'm so used to keeping quiet that I forgot I didn't have to be!"

Srinala turns toward Watches-Quietly, then says, "I … won't be going anywhere. I'm feeling very tired again."

Watches-Quietly looks to Elijah. "I'll keep watch over her, and get her settled in."

Elijah gets up and stretches. "I'll be back later, then. Make sure they get me something warm for dinner, I feel hungry enough to eat a Dromodon at the moment." He fuzzles the cub's head and quietly slips out the door and back towards the lobby.

The door creaks, then silently shuts behind the Vartan. Down the zigzagging stairs, he is soon back in the lobby. Supper is being served, and given the goods passing through here, there's as much variety as any tavern in Rephidim. There are Fnerfs, Aelfin, Eeee, even a few Gigis – though Bhuz keeps the whole of the bar between himself and his sun-furred brethren. There are a few other felines, though they are black-furred, and dressed in dark swathes of cloth, veiling their faces, and with capes about their shoulders, with violet attire that leaves their midriffs and most of their arms and legs bare, save for velvet leg-wrappings and gloves. Their attire has a vaguely – but not precisely – Himaatian flair to it – helped along by the fact that they're feline.

Elijah looks curiously at the felines, mostly because he figures that their choice of outfits must leave them a bit chilly. He settles himself down close to Bhuz, since he's the only familiar face in the crowd at the moment. "Is your room all right?"

Bhuz nods. "Right-o-raising, it's finetabulacious." He adjusts his chair a bit as the large Vartan sits down, craning his neck so he can see past the bird. His gaze conspicuously goes off toward the area next to the fireplace where the aforementioned dark-furred felines are clustered together.

"Know who they are or where they're from?" the Vartan asks, following Bhuz's eyes.

Bhuz shakes his head. "Not from around these gigs. I … ah … haven't had the spinola to quericolate them about that."

Elijah nods and looks to see if there's an empty spot to sit near the group of felines. "What about the Eeee ship?"

Actually, it looks like there's a pretty definite clearing right around the felines. Though there are occasionally curious glances in their direction, none of them are as brazen as Bhuz's gaze, and nobody engages the felines in conversation.

Bhuz shakes his head. "Looks like big-city-Babola-fancy stuff to me. Way out of my pond."

The Vartan taps his beak. "Well, the most they can do is tell me to mind my own business. They might have interesting news about Rephidim." He pulls himself up again and walks over to the cats' table, clearing his throat and gesturing to a close spot nearby. "Pardon me, but is this taken? I will not disturb you if you wish to be left alone, but I do not believe I have seen your like before and am a bit curious as to where you hail from. My name is Elijah."

Six eyes of varied colors fix upon the Vartan, peering through veils. They then glance at each other, and at last the middle one, with eyes of green, purrs, "It is, as you say, 'open to all'. You may sit where you wish, Elijah." She has an accent, but it's not Himaatian. The felines, incidentally, are Kattha, not Khatta – That is, they have digitigrade legs, unlike the more human-like plantigrade legs that Khattas (and Aeztepans and Gigis) have.

"Thank you." He eases himself down into a chair. "I am here from Rephidim. My first impulse was to think you were here from the Himaat but now I am not so sure. I don't believe I've heard an accent such as yours before."

The green-eyed feline looks back at Elijah again, and only nods in response.

Elijah works some of the soreness out of his shoulders. "I hope I'm not prying too much. If you feel I am, simply say so and I will stop. I'll admit to being curious, but my intentions aren't to offend." He relaxes and grins a bit. "May I ask your name, Madame?"

"Kagesa," the feline murrs.

The door opens, and a fourth black feline enters. The cats at the table immediately divert their attention from Elijah to the newcomer, as she walks over toward the table. The newcomer regards Elijah with mismatched eyes – one blue, one gray – then nods to the others, and sits down at the table.

"It is an honor meeting you, Madame Kagesa." The Vartan bobs his head in a clumsy bow. "What brings you to Shabar?"

Kagesa looks to the newcomer, then back to Elijah. "We are servants of the Lady. We journey, but the storms caused trees to fall, and the way to be blocked. We wait here, until we receive word that the way has been cleared."

"Who is the Lady?" He quirks his head to the side. "Perhaps I can be of some aid with the trees, especially if they block my own path deeper into Shabar."

The black feline shakes her head. "They block the way to Ihtoli Maqahamok, up the river, not to Shabar. The Lady has come far, from across the ocean. She is not to be disturbed tonight."

"Are you traders, then? Or is your mistress on vacation?" Elijah folds his hands across his chest and smiles, trying to look casual.

Kagesa answers, "She seeks knowledge."

Elijah quirks an eyebrow. "Knowledge about what?"

Green eyes regard Elijah steadily. "That is her concern."

The Vartan bows his head again. "My apologies. I ask because if she seeks knowledge, she may consider journeying into Shabar after all. The Champion of Amber is the most knowledgeable man I know – or was … although I am sure that his replacement is just as wise."

Kagesa only nods, though her veil hides any accompanying expression.

Elijah coughs into his fist. "I also ask this because I and my companions are traveling there, but our only means of transportation for such is by foot. We are skilled at holding back the beasts of Shabar and would make excellent companions. But this is something that should probably be discussed with your lady, and I do not wish to sound as though I am hoping to gain a free ride from you."

The veiled feline nods again. "I will mention it to our Lady."

The cat with the mismatched eyes mrowls something in another language to Kagesa. The language sounds vaguely familiar – something Elijah has heard somewhere during his travels. It sounds archaic … bookish … Olympian?

Elijah passes his room number to the feline. "Thank you. I know that you have no reason to trust me at my word, but I am an honorable man and my companions are easy to travel with." He indicates Bhuz. "He was my last traveling companion and can vouch for me as well. But for now I should get food for myself and my family. I will be in this room if you wish to speak further with me. It has been a pleasure meeting you, Madame Kagesa."

Kagesa bows her head politely enough, though the others make no move in response to the Vartan.

The Vartan bows back and then slips off to order the food to be delivered to his room. Thankfully he's familiar enough with Watches-Quietly and Inri's tastes to find something suitable to their tastes, although he takes a wild guess and picks out a random dish with fruit and bugs for Srinala.

Back upstairs, Elijah finds that Srinala is back to what seems to be her most typical state – asleep, again. Elijah has judged just fine on Inri's and Watches-Quietly's tastes. Watches-Quietly nibbles on sauteed strips of Rughrat meat, gnarlroot bulbs, bits of onion and pepper on skewers, while Inri picks morsels of stuffed skedat – using the upturned shell as a bowl – with a mix of greens and potatoes. The fruits and bugs are set aside for now, in case she awakens for a "midnight snack". If nothing else, the spotted cats had more than enough fish, and the variety is quite welcome.

Partway through the private meal, Inri asks, "Did you learn anything?"

Elijah licks some grease from his palm after doing an impressive job at clearing a Bromthen leg of just about every scrap of meat clinging to it. "Not much. There are four Kattha downstairs with a fifth that they refer to as their 'Lady'. They dress Himaatian, but one of them spoke in Olympian. They were rather vague about why they were here and who their mistress was, but they did not seem dangerous. Apparently she is journeying to some place called Ihtoli Maqahamok for 'knowledge'. I suggested that they travel to the Sanctuary with us if they seek such a thing, but I do not know if our offer will be accepted. I was just a stranger in a room full of people giving them odd looks, after all."

Inri nods. "But you didn't notice anything distinctive about them beyond that?" She mulls quietly, then says, "Well, I haven't learned much myself. I was anxious about the other barge out there. There are some Eeee staying on it. I am not certain, but I think they are priestesses and their entourage, and I will wager that they are from Babel, or one of the larger cities, at least."

"I didn't notice any in the main dining hall, although with Srinala with us, I think I would like to make a point of avoiding them until I have a better idea of what she is and what they might do to her. I could just be acting overly paranoid, but until I know things are safe it seems to be the best route to follow." He fishes out a chunk of potato from the dressing of his meal and gulps it down whole.

Inri shakes her head. "I can't fault you for 'paranoia'. Something strange is happening here, and when illusions are involved, one can't be too careful."

Watches-Quietly frowns in memory of the whole incident back in the cave.

"That reminds me. Have you had time to sort together the dreams you were having back on the Gigi coast?" The Vartan absently wipes his hands off against his chest and checks on his dye job for any spots that might be in need of a touch-up soon.

Inri shakes her head. "I haven't had any more of those since we continued our journey. It was only back near the coast – presuming it was based on our location, and not on an element of time."

Elijah sips from a mug of hot tea. "How do you mean 'time'?"

Inri says, "That if we'd just stayed there a while, it might have gone away anyway. I'm assuming that it had something to do with our location. But it could have been something else that triggered it … and made it to linger several days before fading away. I really have no way of knowing for sure, without replicating it … and that's not a very attractive idea."

The Vartan nods. "Do you have a better idea of what the images were, now that you've had time to think on them?"

Inri shakes her head. "It was … broken. Somehow. I've just been … relieved to be without it … but reserved enough not to get too comfortable, in case it might pop up again."

Watches-Quietly frowns. "I went outside briefly to the wash-house. I think I saw one of those priestesses. I … I really didn't like the way she looked at me." She shudders. "I really don't think we ought to have anything to do with them. I've just got this really bad feeling."

Inri rubs her temples. "It was like … listening to a conversation … across a crowded bar. There's too much noise … Someone nearby starts talking … I'm not really listening to what he's saying … but it makes it harder to hear what's being said afar that I'm listening to. That's what it was like, I think."

"It might be a good idea to have some magic wards set up in the rooms if they can be managed. It's a shame Shade is not here. Either way, I have no intentions of deliberately running into any Babelite priestesses. Most of them havesome intentions of harm, either mental or physical … or intentions of corruption." He nods to Inri. "You might try to focus on any images you see. I'll wager that you might be able to do some research at the Sanctuary if you can find one solid image or phrase to grasp."

Inri nods. "I'll set up what I can. Shadow Magic isn't the strongest for such things … but it can at least dampen effects. Or, at the very least, I can make it harder for a mage at a distance to fine-tune his spells, if he can't observe what the result is."

Elijah look at the sleeping bat. "How has Srinala been holding up? The trip to Shabar will not be easy for her, and I might not be able to carry her all the way, if I have to distract a wyrm."

Inri looks to Watches-Quietly, pausing thoughtfully.

Watches-Quietly volunteers, "She can walk, of course. She still sleeps a lot. She also complains a lot … but she doesn't really cause any trouble or anything. When she gripes, half the time I wonder whether she really means it, or she just feels like she should be complaining. The other half, I wonder what it's like to … I don't know … live all your life in a dream, then wake up? It can't be good."

"The illusion lied so much about other things, I wonder if it lied about Srinala's birth. Like whether or not she truly would have been stillborn unless the priests had done something, or if they trapped her mind somehow. The poor child – I wonder how many others the Babelites have done this to. I cannot believe that Boghaz worshipped these monsters." Elijah frowns.

Inri frowns thoughtfully. "When I was in Rephidim, when I was staying in the manor of … Haut Mikide … I recall reading some books that purported to tell the stories of the Seven Sisters. They were nothing like the Sisters worshipped in Babel … oh, maybe a little, but they were pranksters and tricksters and impish things at the worst. It is something like how, sometimes, the nobles wear little horns on their heads and capes and dress up in red suits and claim to be 'Naughty Little Daghs' – please pardon the phrase – and the ladies giggle and chatter at how cute if vulgar it all is."

Inri looks to Elijah. "We are seeing the worst of the Seven Sisters – We're seeing the 'real' Seven Sisters, as they're seeing a revival unlike previous years, for all we know. The Sabaoth is gone. For so long, he was the real and present god of the Babelites. Maybe the 'Sisters' that Boghaz worshipped were the watered-down, sanitized versions presented for foreign consumption."

Watches-Quietly frowns. "I can't see him worshipping 'naughty little imps'. That sounds silly."

"So the trend has grown worse? I suppose the war did not help. Nothing fuels a war greater than belief, and I remember the princess' speech when word of it reached the knights. Of course, it was religion that got the knights into trouble as well." He frowns at the memory and shakes his feathers out. "But the war was started four years ago. Srinala is maybe … sixteen … eighteen at the most? If this was done to her at birth, then whatever part of this was also done at birth, wasn't it?"

Inri frowns and nods. "It would have to be. Life Magic required to accelerate growth to that magnitude would be … formidable. And one would have to wonder why a product of that sort of magic would be kept in some ruined cave, guarded by a peasant with a chipped chitin sword."

"So some aspect of this can't be that newly done. Although perhaps in smaller villages the religion was much more powerful. I still don't quite understand what precisely happened, or what she truly is. Is she a body that had a mind planted into it? Was she forced into this state at birth?" Elijah's feathers rustle. "The only thing I can see someone desiring of her is some chance at a glimpse of a loved-one long dead."

Inri says, "We may have to do some research on Babelite religion. The Sanctuary of Amber … It has a rather extensive library, does it not?"

"I would think so, although I have never visited it myself. Considering that it is considered as the source of knowledge for the Knights, one would think it would." He smiles and lies back. "By the way, if we get a knock on the door it's all right. And I think that now that Bhuz is going to remain here, we can use our voices once again." He suddenly gets an odd look on his face and grabs his pack, rifling around in it for that amber "bowl" he brought along.

It's still there, unharmed.

Elijah polishes the bowl on his arm and then holds it over his eyes as best as he can without crushing the lip against his beak. Curious, he looks at Srinala through it.

Srinala seems to glow faintly, when viewed through the bowl, and a tendril of "light" traces off, fading away as it points off to the northeast.

The Vartan removes the bowl and holds it out to Inri. "Take a look. This was given to me by the Champion of Amber a long time ago. Is Babel northeast of here?"

Inri looks through the amber, and follows the trace. Her eyes widen as she regards the image filtered through the translucent featureless "mask". She nods. "Babel. Or somewhere very close to it."

"Might explain why she desires to go so badly. Do you know what that might be a sign of? A scrying perhaps?" Elijah taps his beak. "I would wonder if something is not being projected into her magically, but I do not know if that is possible."

Inri shakes her head. "That I cannot tell you. I am not familiar with the use of this, and it does not display any symbols that I can interpret. The thickness or brightness of the line, or the way it flows might mean something … but I have nothing to compare it against to be able to draw meaning from it. All we know is that there is some sort of magical connection."

Elijah nods. "Then that is something I am anxious to look into as well." He yawns. "Watches-Quietly, you seem to manage better with Srinala than I do, would you be all right if I carried her to your room while Inri and I share this one?"

Watches-Quietly nods. "That would be fine." She actually looks a little relieved.

The Vartan kneels down and tries to lift the bat without waking her. He's managed this with sleeping children more times than he can count, but the Eeee is a bit more delicate and might not be as deep a sleeper as a child is.

The bat stirs a bit, though she doesn't actually open her eyes, and makes some mumbling-murring noises. Inri, however, sucks in her breath. "Elijah," she hiss-whispers. "It … vanished. Now it's back again."

Wincing at what he has to do to test a certain part of the theory, he jostles the bat a little bit to try and wake her.

The bat whimpers, and murmurs, then groggily wakes. "Mmuh?" Inri, meanwhile, reports, "It vanished."

Elijah grits his beak. "Srinala, wake up … were you dreaming?"

Srinala's eyes flutter open, out of habit, perhaps, rather than utility. "Muh … Mother? It was so cold. And I saw the stars … I … Elijah?"

Elijah brushes the Eeee's hair from her face. "Srinala, Inri and I think someone was using magic on you while you slept. We traced a thread of it from you leading towards Babel."

The blind bat squeaks, "… why?"

"Perhaps because while you sleep you are closest to the stage you were at before you awoke in the cave? We don't know, but we intend to find out. I'm going to put you in Watches-Quietly's room and she will keep an eye on you tonight. Tomorrow we head towards Shabar and find our answers." The Vartan nods to the two felines to punctuate his point.

Watches-Quietly nods and opens the door for Elijah.

The black-furred Eeee yawns widely. "All right … just … as long … as I get … to go … back … to … sleep… " Her eyes close again. Inri sighs, as she looks through the amber mask.

"Can you see if the tendril is reaching towards her or stretching away as it forms?" the Vartan ponders.

"Away," Inri says. "It's originating from her, and going away."

Elijah nods. "So she is either sending as she sleeps, or is re-establishing a link. I'd like for you to set up those wards in the room. It may do no good at all, but I'd like to try just to make sure. I'll get her settled in bed. Watches-Quietly, could you get the dishes cleared away? I'll help you when I come back." He adjusts the bat's weight in her arms, although she's so delicate that it almost hardly matters.

A short while later, and Inri has loaded up the room with as many wards as she can, bolstered with a number of herbal talismans of dubious magical property just for good measure. (After all, sometimes even talismans of dubiousmagical property actually work because a spell-caster believes that they'll work against his spells.) Srinala sleeps through just about all of it. Watches-Quietly has the dishes cleared away by the time it's all done, and when she comes back, she reports that the mysterious black Katthas in the main room are gone – and most of the boatmen have turned in for the night as well.

Elijah tucks the amber mask away once again and pushes his pack against his bed. "I may want to stay here for a bit longer … just some time to rig up a harness to carry Srinala with on my back and maybe my pack against my front. Normally I'd encourage that we let her walk and strengthen her legs, but it is not good to dawdle in Shabar, especially in the Forbidden Zone." He gives the kitten a good hair ruffling with his beak. "We'll hear from their mistress soon or not. They didn't seem dangerous, just a bit secretive."

Watches-Quietly asks, "So … when will we be heading out?"

"As soon as we can. I don't want to stay here too long, especially with Babelites hanging about. Within the next day or so." He starts to chip at some of the overgrown sections of his hooves and get them in shape for a long walk.

Watches-Quietly gives Elijah a hug. "All right. I'll go get some rest, then – and keep an eye on Srinala."

Elijah hugs his daughter back. "Good night, Shinyfur. I'll see you at breakfast."