Last Errands Before Ainigton (13 Feb 2003) Thomas and Simon rush about the palace complex, in search of their friends.

Inside the West Gate of the City
The walls of Mirari are whitewashed stone, luminescent in the moonlight and shadowed where age has caused some of the whitewash to flake away to reveal the gray stones. They stand perhaps fifty feet tall and are crenellated on top, with each block carved into the rough shape of an angel with wings outstretched to nearly touch one another. Defenders stand their ground upon the battlements, keeping the enemies at bay, and a medical camp has been set up to one side where groaning soldiers are tended to by nurses and robed healers.

Thomas's keen eyes pick out Rachel and Hannah on the battlement, armed with crossbows, and Lord November nearby calling orders to the archers. There is no sign of Angel or Redmane, or of Nymuae.

Simon trails behind Thomas as the two make their way to the West Gate in search of their friends. Ahead, an armored sergeant shouts orders to peasant-clothed men rushing by with bundles. Seeing them, he calls, "You two! Commander Craine wants every able body on the walls or bringing up arrows! Our men are out there, doing their bit for Mirari!"

"My friend and I am already doing all we can for Mirari," Thomas calls back in reply. "Have you seen Lady Jill or Redmane? The situation is critical and we need to locate them."

"Who? Nay, I've not seem them, lad," the sergeant calls back. "Get along, then, if you've no business here!" He turns to direct men bringing up bundles of bolts from storehouses.

"Come, Simon, let us check the situation," Thomas says calmly and walks toward one of the walls, looking for a ladder or staircase up.

In the distance upon the battlement, Thomas sees Hannah lift her crossbow to fire in response to the shouted orders of her father. He can also hear the whir of arrows as they are released a moment later.

Ahead is a massive staircase that runs from a distance down the side of the wall, up to a broad ledge halfway up the wall, and winds back again until it reaches the top. Several people who look like farmers, clad in fur-lined cloaks against the biting night cold, brush against Thomas as they hurry toward the stairs.

Eyes like icy-green steel, Thomas makes his way up the staircase confidently. "I'm gathering the battle is not going well," he tells Simon. "How much do you know of what is intended?"

Simon shakes his head. "I haven't got a clue; I didn't hear that there was going to be any kind of attack tonight!" He stays close to Thomas nervously, trying to stay out of the notice of the soldiers.

Lord November, at the top of the stairs, glances to the newcomers. "You and you, take those to the bowmen at the far south!" he calls, directing them down the side. "They'll be running low by now." Then with a surprised look, he catches sight of the black-haired lad striding upward. "Thomas! And who is that with you? He seems familiar."

"He whom I sought in the catacombs. He is with me and no threat to anyone. In any event, what is the situation? Where is Redmane, Lady Jill, and the like? I need to speak with them urgently," Thomas replies, then shifts his cloak back some to free up his mobility.

At November's words, Hannah swings about, eyes searching for Thomas. When she sees him and notices that he is accompanied by Simon, her expression darkens and she hisses loudly between her teeth. While she does not aim her crossbow directly at the boy, she does point it in Simon's general direction. "I can tell you that, Lord Thomas, if you come this way so that we might speak more easily."

Lord November eyes Simon narrowly. "Best keep a close watch on him," he advises, but motions them forward so that they can see over the battlements. The sally force has actually pushed the enemies back some distance, and the defenders are keeping the other enemies at bay so that the sally force won't be overwhelmed. "With Lord Melchizedek and Lord April at the fore, we are doing surprisingly well! There is hope that we may permanently blunt the edge of their sword. As to Lady Redmane and Lady Jill, I did not note their departure, but I see that my daughter may have word of them."

Thomas nods to Lord November's explanation of the situation as he looks over the battlements. He then looks toward Hannah. "Lower the crossbow, Hannah," Thomas says in a tone far from a suggestion. Then, with a wave for Simon to follow, he approaches her.

Simon mutters, "I feel so welcome," as he notices Hannah's look. He stops a pace back to gape at the battlefield however. "There are so many of them..."

Hannah's eyes flash in response to the tone in the Lord Explorer's voice, but she does as he suggests. Then in a more neutral manner she tells him, "Knight Redmane and the Lady Jill are no longer in Mirari. They have crossed back over into the mortal realm. They received news that the Destroyer may be planning an assault there, from a messenger named Kuon." Thomas can tell by the look on her face that she does not personally know this messenger, but she continues. "The Lord of Horses also accompanies them, I believe."

Lord November stares intently out at the battlefield, not only at the roil here but across the sea of trolls and goblins, to where the other side churns and froths against an unseen threat. "How much longer can they remain distracted and divided?" he murmurs to himself.

"Back over? Great. I need to locate them immediately and I have no way back across," Thomas growls. "Where is the messenger, Kuon?"

Hannah says to the dark-haired Explorer, "Kuon is with them, as well. As for getting back to the place from whence you came, hmmm..." The daughter of November pauses to think for a moment before continuing. "There are two ways I know of: walking the Royal Siege, or walking a Siege of the Wind. I do not know how to command a Siege of the Wind myself, but the Queen may be able to help you in traveling by the Royal Siege."

"I doubt she would spare the time, considering the situation. In these times I wish I knew how to cross the Siege, myself," Thomas replies, looking irritated. "Perhaps my heritage would allow me access to the Royal Siege directly -- but I suspect it only applies to the current ruling family; not one related to one in the past. Did Kuon say what sort of attack was suspected?"

A tall man in polished armor clambers up the stairs and strides to Lord November's side. "Have you not sounded a retreat yet, milord? The longer this goes on, the fewer men we will have to defend the walls!" he says, voice sharp.

Lord November says stiffly, but with a concerned look toward the distant silhouette of the black unicorn, "Commander Craine, I shall trust in the leadership of the Lord Protector. He will signal us when it is time to cover his retreat. Until then, anything else were to invite a conflict of orders that would surely bring upon us the defeat you fear."

Hannah shakes her head. "No such hint was given, milord - at least, not to me."

"Well, having me here isn't of terrible benefit to anyone. I'm just one person," Thomas says. "I guess I should best seek a way back across. Thank you, Hannah." He then turns to Simon and looks at him intently and asks, "Do you know anything about this or what is intended? Even a trivial comment could be key."

Simon, startled, looks up from where he was staring at the carnage. "No, he said that the Books were the key, and that he counted upon my success," he says, frowning. He bites his lips, a hand to his forehead, and tries to think back.

Hannah adds, with a thoughtful look, "And yet ... yes, I do believe I remember reading of such. You may be able to command a Siege of Wind yourself, Thomas. There are legends about the Lord of Field and Stream that tell of his appearing suddenly where he was the most needed, as if by some powerful magic." She eyes him curiously. "Do you recall anything about this?"

Commander Craine frowns, and surveys the battlefield. "Indeed, our Lord Protector fares rather well, and yet I fear that battles can turn very quickly, Lord November. Best be ready for that moment. I shall ready our troops to reinforce them when the time comes, milord." Lord November returns a nod to him as he departs down the stairs again.

While Simon thinks, Thomas detaches the old emerald green brooch he wears on his cloak. He hands it to Hannah and says, "Give this to Rachel, should I not return. It's not much, but it's all I really have." He then looks at her oddly and adds, "The Lord of Field and Stream? It was something I used to refer to myself as, because I considered all the open lands of the world as my home. I've had passing thoughts that perhaps I could have done that at one time, which may have explained how I crossed over before, then got trapped, but -- I'd need clear land, not city streets for something like that, I'd imagine. And second, I know nothing of how to do it now, other than what I remember of watching Lord December some time ago."

Hannah takes the brooch slowly, then turns it over in her hand. "Well. It was an idea. I thought that could perhaps be another of your many talents. But if you cannot recall such a thing, then it is best you ask the Queen for aid in walking the Royal Siege." She nods in the direction of the camp set up for the wounded. "Her Majesty is tending to her fallen soldiers there."

"Well, I will have to try and remember, before I distract her from helping the wounded. Thank you, Hannah," Thomas says with a nod. As he turns to leave, he pauses a moment and says, "You do not wish to leave Mirari at this time, I imagine, or I would have asked you to come with me. It was an honor to have met you, Sir Lefallon, and Rachel. Even if we do not meet again, I will not forget you. The walls will hold. You all will survive."

Lord November returns his attention to Thomas and his friend. "Fare well, Lord Explorer. I shall not forget you, and nor will my daughter, I suspect. I pray that we shall meet again in happier circumstances."

Hannah nods and says quietly, "Yes, I prefer to stay in Mirari for now. Redmane also asked if I would accompany her to the mortal realm, but I feel that I most needed here. Godspeed, Lord Thomas. For all our sakes, I wish that you return safely. It was an honor to have met you, as well."

"He said... He said that he had business elsewhere, and that perhaps it might be some time until he returned," Simon recalls. He makes a face. "Then he ruffled my hair and told me that he counted upon me to be sensible and use my time wisely, should I get back before he did. And then he left. That was it."

Thomas breaks the intensity of expression for a moment and offers a small smile to those present. "I do hope we will meet again. Perhaps at dawn, when this night finally ends. I will move as fast as a falcon on the winds to try and bring and end to this siege from the other world," he says softly, then pats Simon on the shoulder. "Come on, Simon. We've got the edge of reality to walk. You up to it?"

Simon looks back at the gory battlefield. "If this is fantasy, I think I'm ready for a break from it. Lead on, Tom," he says.

As Thomas turns towards the healer's camp, Hannah looks after him for a long while, then tucks the emerald brooch into a pouch that hangs at her belt. She sighs but resumes her post at the battlements, reloading her crossbow for yet another volley.

"Well, the last time it should be like this. Come on, we have a world, and friends, to save," Thomas says, then heads off from the group and back down. Instead of making a direct way towards the camp, his green eyes search the area looking for some gardens from whence he can attempt to walk worlds.

In the springtime, the Royal Gardens must be a sight to behold with trees lining the edge, screening out the nearby cottages and shops, hedges and flowers laying out the lines of a maze within, with a fountain of a maiden pouring water at this particular point to relax the senses. It is winter now, and the water in the fountain has frozen, and the jar appears to have poured out its last. Icicles dangle from the branches of the leafless trees and some snowmen on the edges, carved into the semblance of knights and dragons, have gained long beards.

From here, only the upper levels of the Palace of All Seasons are visible, and they can be ignored with a minor effort. The moon shines overhead, coating the icescape with a frosting of pale gold.

"Well, time to see if I'm the legend this world made me to be, eh," Thomas says to Simon with a grin. "Just stay close to me and I'll give this a shot. And I know I didn't say this earlier because of all this chaos and confusion, but, it is great to see you again." With that, Thomas marches out into the center of a clear patch of land. He kneels down quietly, one leg tucked under him to ask as a spring, should he need to immediately return to his feet. "What is it Lord December and the others said? It's a talent, if you have it, within yourself. You just have to find it," he thinks, going into much the same frame of mind he used when he was practicing glamour. He slows his breathing down, listening to the light breezes that blow around him in the icy garden. He focuses on just that sound, and in his mind, he visualizes the Siege pattern in the snow around him, etched there by the blowing winds.

The wind stirs his wild hair, leaving a chill feeling. Simon looks up to Thomas. "What are we doing here again?"

"Shhhh," Thomas says quietly. His mind goes back, remembering the stories Hannah told him. The day he met Oberia and Randall for the first time. His rather arrogant introduction of himself to them as "The Lord of Field and Stream," and the grin he gave them. He thinks over all the fragments of the life he remembers in this world; the times he stood atop the mountains and faced into the chilled wind. Wind, it will tell you a lot, you know. The scents on it will show you your enemies -- or conceal you from them. It can reveal whether a monster is real or not, just by the movements around it. And, it gives birds the greatest gift, flight. He holds his arms out, feeling the breeze blow through his fingers and imagines what it would be like to ride the winds, as a bird. What it would be like to grab the freedom it offers and just go. He focuses on what he imagines that sensation would be like -- to ride the winds, the Siege of the Wind, through to the other world.

This time the wind does seem to pick up, and Simon pulls his cloak up to shield himself from it, shivering. As Thomas stretches his arms out, he feels a sense of nearness, of a vast divide between worlds ... but also that it is not yet close enough. It is as if he could feel the winds breaking over his fingers, not solid enough to grasp and draw around himself and Simon.

A mental image comes to him of frosted forests that he remembers, his first vision of Mirari, when Lord December brought him through first. And of dawn, when the armies of daylight invade the realm of the night. Perhaps it is then and at that time that the Siege of the Winds can be called.

Thomas drops his arms and laughs. "Close. But I cannot open the gateway here. I have to be outside the city. I fear using the Royal Siege, though, as it may be guarded on the other side. With the Siege of the Wind, it's harder to block. Let us go speak to the queen briefly on the dangers of using the Royal Siege at this time," he tells Simon and gets to his feet.

"All right," Simon says as he settles his hood back again, now that the wind has died down. "But how did those other people go back home, if they didn't use the Royal Siege?"

"They probably did. But, they could have walked into a trap. Or after they came through, someone could have blocked it on the other end. If I was plotting, I would have laid a trap on the mortal side to snare anyone coming through after me. Especially since that is the way most would travel," Thomas says and hurriedly heads back towards the healer's camp.

Simon tags along close behind. "All right, then, but now you've got me worried about us. What's your plan for getting around it?"

"Deal with it as we come to it," Thomas replies with a grin. "But, it may just be my paranoia. I need to consult with the Queen on it. If all else fails, we take the Siege of the Winds. We just have an army to sneak by! That could be fun!"

Simon wrinkles his nose in a gesture very reminiscent of Sir Lefallon's, or perhaps it is the other way around. "Gee, sounds like fun," he says in a flat tone.

"Oh, come on, it would be fun. I've had to sneak through worse," Thomas replies with a grin.

As they approach the West Gate, the tempo of the battle seems to have risen somewhat, for the defenders are more numerous on the battlements than before, and Commander Craine has mustered troops ready to defend the retreat of the sallying forces. The wounded camp looks as if it has more beds presently available than patients, but the tense looks of the healers suggest that they are preparing for what is surely to come.

The Queen welcomes Thomas with a distracted look, standing from the leg-cut man she was tending, but her expression changes quickly when Thomas explains his need, first to a briefly angry look as she answers his concerns that, no, she would never have let Lady Jill go if she sensed any kind of danger to her in the proximity of the Siege, then a grateful smile as she assures Thomas that should he wish to go, she will certainly send him through; only look after her daughter, if he can, and make sure that she returns safely.

"My only concern was that after they used it, that it would be detected and then blocked. I wouldn't think to even question if you would send her through if there was danger waiting," Thomas says with a nod. "And, I will do my utmost to look after her, and bring a quick end to this battle for all our sakes."

One of the Queen's Own leans over to whisper to her, glancing toward Simon meaningfully. The Queen says firmly in reply, "I shall trust the Lord Explorer to do what is right. Are you prepared, Lord Explorer?"

"Did they take the mirror with them when they went over? Other than the thought we may need that, I am prepared," Thomas replies.

The Queen shakes her head, answering that it was last seen in the possession of Lady Nymuae, who is even now defending the East Gate with all the magic at her command. "Do you wish to see her first?"

Thomas twitches at hearing that. "It might be useful to deflect magic. As loathe as I am to talk with her, I suppose I must. It may aid in protecting everyone on the other side," he says, looking frustrated.

"Very well. Return when you are ready, Lord Explorer," the Queen says, and assigns a page to show Thomas the way.

Thomas nods slightly to the Queen, then nudges Simon and leaves. "One more thing to fetch, then we cross over. Boy, won't this be fun," he grumbles as they follow after the page.

It is eerily quiet at the East Gate, though the courtyard appears similar to the West Gate, with battlements topped by angel-carved blocks and defenders waiting warily behind them. There is an electric feeling to the air, and even the wind has died here.

Compared to the West Gate, there are many fewer men here: the walls must have been robbed of defenders to provide for a sufficiently strong sally force to do damage to the western army.

A lone woman stands on the guard tower by the gate, loose black hair catching in the wind, flickering in the moonlight. She stares out across the ghostly plain.

"Whatever you do, don't let her antagonize you, Simon. I'll keep this as short as possible," Thomas says to Simon, then looks up at the tower. He then lets out a shrill whistle to get her attention.

Simon looks around and then up at the woman. "I'd be careful about distracting her," he whispers to Thomas. "It may look like not much is happening, but I can feel the energy in the air. Some kind of magical standoff, I guess."

The dark haired woman turns about, slowly, and gazes down. Her stare has an unfocused quality to it. She gestures to Tom with one hand, vaguely, but does not try to call down the fifty feet to the ground.

"Possibly," Thomas says, then looks for a stairway up the tower.

Like the West Gate, large stone steps wind up one way, then the other to reach the battlements.

"Wait here. I'll see if I can fetch the mirror," Thomas tells Simon. He then makes his way up the steps.

Simon leans against the wall of a nearby building, then decides against it quickly when he realizes the cold stone leeches away body heat. He rubs his hands together and blows on them instead, looking up to watch Thomas climb to the battlements.

When Thomas reaches the battlements, Nymuae is staring out over the field again. It looks deathly white in the moonlight, almost glowing. The cold is vibrant, like death waiting to grab the unwary. Across the emptiness, almost out of sight in the darkness, a silent army of the undead waits, in unnatural stillness. "Lord Explorer," Nymuae says, her voice oddly hollow. "I am glad you came."

Thomas quirks a brow at the comment. "I came to ask to borrow the mirror. I was intending to traverse to the other world and figured we may need it's defense," he replies quietly. "But, why are you glad to see me? I am of no help against the undead out there..."

She shakes her head. "No, not for that. But I am glad to hear that you are going to Ainigton. I gave the mirror to Angel and Redmane already. Will you give me your hand, Lord Explorer?" she asks. Nymuae does not look at him as she speaks, her eyes on the field beyond.

Thomas looks at her eyes intently. "Why?" he asks.

She pushes back the sleeve on her dress, exposing her left forearm. A stylized golden lion's head glows there, as if recently tattooed. "It's not permanent," she says. "But it is the power of the mirror to draw those who bear its mark to it, if summoned. I wear it so that Angel or Redmane will be able to call me to them. If I pass the mark to you, they may do the same for you. It may make ... finding them in Ainigton, easier."

Mirari soldiers stand quietly, crossbows loaded and readied, their faces shrouded by thick fur-lined cloaks. They too keep their eyes on the field below, and the rows of skeletons dressed in tattered armor, but theirs are attitudes of tense wariness. Several glance toward Thomas, before returning their gaze outward again.

Thomas extends his hand slowly. "Understood. You cannot leave your post now; not with those below you," he says, then looks out towards the creatures below -- oddly, not feeling fear, but pity for those so trapped in the Destroyer's service.

The skeletons are perfectly still, but their eyeless gazes are something like those of tigers at rest in cages. If there weren't a wall in the way, then sudden, dreadful energy might be unleashed.

"Somewhere, the true danger lies. It may be here. It may be in Ainigton. I wish I knew." She lays her palm against the back of his hand, gently, and he feels a sudden surge of warmth at the contact. "Once, I thought that knowledge was finite, that if I learned more, there would be fewer mysteries in the world. Now I know that the more I learn, the greater the mysteries become. I think .... " She takes away her hand. The mark of the lion is on the back of his hand now, the mate of the image on her forearm. "Go where you feel you are needed, Lord Explorer. And if you or the others have need of me -- I will come. Do not doubt that."

"I wish I knew too, but all we can do is to keep searching, unafraid. Every answer creates new questions," Thomas replies as he looks down at the back of his hand. "But, it doesn't mean you should quit trying to find the answers. It's what makes life worth living; not the end product -- the journey and what you discover on the way." He starts to step away, then adds, "We'll bring an end to this battle as quickly as we can. Be careful." With that, he makes his way back down.

The Royal Siege
As with most of Mirari, a blanket of snow covers this landmark of the Palace gardens, mutingthe features of the angel statue, her sheathed sword. The interlocking paths that curve in circles about the statue are hidden beneath the blanket of snow, but the line are still marked, the snow being of a different depth where they cross. Instead of Ainigton's American Flag, the banner of Mirari flies from the post set where all three circles intersect.

At Thomas's return from the East Gate, the Queen leads him and Simon to the Royal Siege and bids them to stand within the circles of the Siege, before the angel statue. "As with the Lady Knight Redmane," she says, taking her own place outside the circles of the Siege but likewise facing inward, preparing to commence the magic that will transport the Explorer and his friend across the Realms. "I lay this charge upon thee, Lord Explorer Thomas: Seek my daughter, and ensure that she returns here safely." A slow second, and then she looks into Thomas's eyes, moonlight glittering in her own. "Are you ready?"

"I am," Thomas replies firmly. "Either I will return with her safely, or give my life in the attempt. I wish all of you well, and hope to see you again soon." He then pats Simon's shoulder and takes in a deep breath. "Be prepared for anything on the other side," he whispers, then he places his hand on his sword's hilt.

The Queen raises her hands and spreads them out slowly, as if asking a benediction of the Heavens. At first it seems as if nothing is happening...

... save that the moon seems to be brightening, for the reflections on the snow have grown stronger, and then the trees themselves cast forth light. Pale moonlight surrounds Thomas and Simon completely, and then with a silent whisper ... he is elsewhere.

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