The Inquisition: Sanctuary
Young Barzhil's piety within the Citadel sanctuary almost earns him the Lokhikhor's knife, while Uzay seeks sanctuary of a different sort
Sort Date: no date set
Location: Dark Citadel - Central Chamber
Game Date: 11 December 3046
Description: Dark Citadel - Central Chamber
The worship area is very dark and cast in dim shades of red and black. It is difficult to see far in this place, and what can be seen is made possible only by the glowing red light emitting from a deep and menacing pit, and small clusters of candles throughout the cavernous temple.
The ceiling above must be several hundred feet high at its peak. While standing still, the sounds of bats above can faintly be heard. Through the flickering, several protrusions from the walls can barely be made out. They may be balconies of some sort, but then again, there is no way to tell for sure.
The floor is of deepest black marble, covered in some places by a thick, plush red carpet to form aisles leading to the glow of the pit. Near the pit, the faint outline of what must be an altar can be seen.
Contents:
Glowing Pit
Oak Chest
Obvious exits:
Antechamber , Library , Priest's Alcove , and Out
[+TIME] Middle-earth date is:
Sterday, Day 11 of December.
Execute the +TIMEFRAME command for year information.
Real time is: 00:49:55 MDT on Sat May 16 2009.
A solitary figure kneels before the pit, his head bent as he listens to the whispers of sound that always seem to linger in this place, his two hands - freed now of their offering, which has already been deposited in the box - clasped together before him so tightly that their knuckles are almost white. A thin, reedy youth in a sand-coloured robe that is bleached to dusky grey by the hungry shadows. Rapt in prayer, he seems.
[Lokhikhor(#32438)]
The doors to the city open, and in strides the robed figure of the one known as the Lokhikhor. His hood is raised, masking his features save the ruby red glow of the fire that reveals his bearded chin. With purpose his feet carry him on, until he passees by the kneeling youth there he pauses and looks down.
"What are you doing here?" he demands in a low, rasping voice. "How did you get in?"
[Uzay(#22125)]
Barzhil was not as alone as he thought, perhaps, for the Steward of Black Tower is seated in something like a trance toward the rear of the sanctuary. He clutches a candle in his hands and stares with startling concentration into the flame, oblivious to the melted wax cascading in rivulets over the backs of his hands.
Perhaps the youth's prayers are over - as it is, he gives little sign of startlement as he scrambles to his feet in a single fluid motion. "I ask the Eye for guidance," comes his murmured response to the barked question, a dry reedy whisper that is sucked away by an updraught of wind. "I entered by the door." His head, which had remained bows, lifts now to glance up toward the cavernous ceiling, as though to say 'is there any other way?'.
[Lokhikhor(#32438)]
"These halls are for the Priesthood of the Dark Citadel, and their guests. No others may enter, under pain of death." The Lokhikhor snarls, and whirls about, drawing a cruel looking knife from within the folds of his robes. "Tell is your name, boy, so I can tell the Master whose blood he's about to receive..."
[Uzay(#22125)]
Having been disturbed by the voices in coversation, Uzay speaks up, "That man is my quest, I am here at the please of the High Priestess. Put away your blade - he is not our enemy."
The youth stares at the knife, and yes, his sharp features do pale at the sight of it. He swallows nervously, his adam's apple bobbing up and down, before he manages a husky, wavering response. "The guards did not refuse me entrance. I serve the Ey-"
The words break off suddenly at Uzay's speech, and he bows his head. "Steward. I believe you have caused quite a stir within Farside's walls." Gone is the tremor of earlier.
[Lokhikhor(#32438)]
And gone is the outrage of the Lokhikhor, but not until he has turned about to look upon Uzay. A low snarl can be heard as he does indeed return his blade to his robes, and dragging back his cowl he lets his gaze meet with the Steward's own.
"You let strays into our halls, Steward?" he asks. "I can see why the city has forgotten its place."
[Uzay(#22125)]
"Strays?" questions Uzay, obviously unafraid of the Inquisitor. "This man is a learned scholar, and a trusted confidant of mine not to mention a pious man, who is welcomed by the Priesthood to pray and sacrifice as he is called by the spirit of our Master. Barzhil," the Steward stands and beckons the younger man to join them, "tell our honored guest who you are, and our plans. Also," he says to the scribe directly, "excuse me for not responding to your missive. I directed a messenger of mine to do so, and they seem to have failed. (ICly asked a PC to do it, and they never did.)"
Barzhil moves to Uzay's side, surreptitiously taking an extra step away from the Lokhikhor. "As the Steward says," he inclines his head to Uzay again, "I seek only to glorify the Eye, to do Its bidding and to root out heresy. I am a scribe of Farside," here he hesitates, as though uncertain what title to address the stranger by, then sighs and goes on, "and as thus I was most concerned when the Steward here raised issues concerning the supposed beliefs of my Tower leaders. To that end, I watch and listen, and learn what I may, through whatever opportunity the Eye provides. Currently I am instructing the Gondorian woman in our tongue, and our ways, though alas the Lady Azradi has commanded that only she is to undertake the woman's religious instruction - which would seem to confirm our fears. A pity, the Gondorian really seemed most receptive to the Eye."
[Lokhikhor(#32438)]
Long and slow moments pass by as the Lokhikhor hears this, and his eyes slide to Uzay once more after looking Barzhil up and down appraisingly. "So this is the man you spoke of. He appears to have seen and heard a great deal, Steward. What is to stop him making similar reports to his Farside masters?"
[Uzay(#22125)]
"His fear of the Eye. Certain, what can be called omens, or unexplainable phenomena, surround the circumstances of his involvement with me. I trust him because he speaks piously, but more importantly, I trust our Common Master in all things - I do not fear his treachery, I do not fear Farside, I do not fear you, and I not fear my own death, because everything around us is directed by him from beginning to end. If our Lord has directed this man to be a traior, for instance, what can I possibly do to prevent it? The Lord will show the proper course of action when the time comes."
Uzay dismisses this matter with a gesture and continues. "Would that the High Priestess were here, because I have need to ask her permission on a point of insight I believe I have just received. Currently, my tower is in a state of disrepair, both in terms of its headquarters and in terms of organization. On that basis, I should like to call forth those men who I know are loyal to me and to the Faith, and take up residence here with the Priesthood. In so doing, these two bodies, the Citadel and Black Tower, can bolster one another for the coming storm."
The young scribe, Barzhil, listens in silence to the words of Steward and Lokhikhor, declining to comment. At the last, however, he state quietly, "Once it was my intent to join the Citadel as a student, but I believe the Eye has placed me where I can be of the most service."
[Uzay(#22125)]
"Barzhil, what is your impression currently, concerning your status with Farside? I leave it to your judgement, but if you feel that your purpose for being there is no longer acheivable, or it proves to be the case in the future, you are welcome to openly declare yourself a member of my Household."
[Lokhikhor(#32438)]
The lip of the Lokhikhor curls at this, and he holds up a hand. "Wait, scribe," says he. "First I wish to hear what fear would seem to be confirmed by Azradi's decree. Tell me what you know of their plans."
Barzhil considers that, tilting his head slightly. Then he shakes it, and offers a reedy response. "It is a kind offer, Steward. But I believe my place is in Farside. There are many there who are open to the teachings of the Eye, whatever the views of the current leadership." The young man's lips twist at that.
The Lokhikhor's words cause a frown, but he answers them as best as he may, "It is feared that the Lord Alphros and his sister have turned from the teachings of the Eye to follow other, false Gods, and would impose their beliefs by force on the rest of Umbar. The steward here knows more than I." Neatly he diverts attention from himself.
[Uzay(#22125)]
"And concerning this we have already spoken, Inquisitor, but Lord Alphros seems to deem himself a God, equal or better to the very Master of Middle Earth, owing to some source of esoteric knowledge he possesses, which has descended to him from his Numenorean ancestors. It was to discover the precise nature of this relic, perhaps a series of documents, that I conspired with the scribe. Alas, because he is know to associate with me, under the ruse of being my accountant, it seems to me that he will never be able to earn sufficient trust." Uzay pauses. "Unless, we give them to understand that my dear spy /is/ a double agent? After all, Barzhil, I doubt you will ever be left alone in a position to access Alphros' private quarters. Perhaps we stand to better benefit by some other plot."
[Lokhikhor(#32438)]
"I have heard that Eruphel is a close friend of Alphros," muses the Lokhikhor then. "Is there truth in this? And how deeply does their friendship run, scribe?"
The scribe blinks, bird-like, at the Lohkhikhor's question. "The Lord Alphros sequesters himself away from others while the Regent Eruphel and he have had cordial relations in the past, he sees little of her or any other. The Lady Azradi, however - she and Eruphel would appear to be very close."
Only then, his answer given, does he turn to Uzay's words. "That is true," he concedes. "The Lord sees no-one, and it might take years before trust was given. Did you have anohter suggestion, Steward?"
[Uzay(#22125)]
"Eruphel, prior to becoming Lord of Seaward, was herself a member of Farside, and she was a Corsair, making it very likely that she and Azradi are closely associated, Azradi of course, being their Fleet Master." Uzay ponders for a moment, then asks of Lokhikhor, "What is your reaction to the notion of our Scribe telling Alphros that he is a double-agent? Like as not, he would simply have Barzhil killed or exhiled from the Tower - at the very least he will disregard anything that is said. Others of their house, however, are hardly as clever. That corsairess for instance, what is her name, the one that tags along with Azradi like a shadow? Alimah? Perhaps we can take advantage of her. Do you know her, Barzhil?"
[Lokhikhor(#32438)]
The Lokhikhor does not answer regarding Barzhil's future as a double-agent, but he does spend a moment in thought ere he shakes his head. "You need look no further than Eruphel, for our spy. I have just come from her chambers, and brought her to heel regarding your fate, Steward. Anger burns in her breast toward the other Towers for their lack of aid in her paltry little raid, and she is concerned with the state of Seaward's affairs. Harrieed enough, or seduced, we may be able to use her in prising the information from Azradi."
[Uzay(#22125)]
"So be it - Barzhil, you shall remain as my eyes and ears in Farise. I should point out, however, that Eruphel is Jugartha's lover. If she is in truth againt me, this fact may prove problematic."
"Alimah," Barzhil confirms. "I am acquainted with her," he answers haughtily. "She often serves as guard to the Gondorian woman. You wish me to feed her false information, claiming it comes from Black? I fear she will know little more of Lord Alphros' plans than I." To the rest of the words he gives no comment.
[Lokhikhor(#32438)]
"I am well aware of the affair between Eruphel and Jugartha," replies the Lokhikhor. "It was most useful in breaking her pride. Another pressure mounted upon her shoulder, Uzay... we have the power to give her all that she wants. If played right, she will be the tool we seek."
[Uzay(#22125)]
"Useful in breaking her pride? I do not understand," says Uzay.
The conversation having drifted away from Farside, Barzhil stirs, and murmurs softly "If you will excuse me, I have duties to attend to. May the Eye's will be done!" He bows to both and then slips away, his loose outer robe rustling as he goes.
[Lokhikhor(#32438)]
"Jugartha is dismissed, and banished from the Citadel," explains the Mordain agent. "It is a chink the armour she deludes herself is so strong, and she was ready to defend him stoically. This can be used against her, alongside her obsession with restoring Seaward's wealth and power."
[Uzay(#22125)]
"I cannot say I disapprove - he is a strong and able man, but far too conciliatory. What are your plans concerning Eruphel, then?"
[Lokhikhor(#32438)]
The Lokhikhor sneers then, and answers: "She despises your Tower, and resents the power it acquired through Ajnabi's rule. More than anything she wises to supplant you, and bring the real power to Seaward. This will never happen, but to let her believe it may... that could be her weakness. What do you possess that she desires most?"
[Uzay(#22125)]
"Hitherto, I had some measure of authority over Jugartha and the Paladins, but that is no longer of any relevance, it seems. In truth, I had and have nothing to do with the former Emperor but if she considers me her adversary, and you can turn this to some to advantage, then my all means foster this rivalry. Speaking of the Paladins, who is in charge of them now, yourself I presume?"
[Lokhikhor(#32438)]
"The command of the Paladins is the privy of the Dark Citadel, I am told," answers the other, "and since we are their masters, then yes, I am in charge of them. However, all orders shall come from you, or the Haradrim High Priest, for there are some among the Paladins whose memories are long, and pride swells in their breast over old grievances with Mordor. Another time I would quell such malcontent, but we have need of their numbers right now."
...(Fade)... Players: Barzhil, Lokhikhor, Uzay
