As the power waggon first enters the warehouse, Dharak taps both of the newcomers on their respective shoulders. He then mindspeaks to them: *A warning, brothers: Remember that all Kandar in this world are not as accepting of our people as are Duplar and Kylar. Nearly all of them are racist, Kandar-supremacists -- it's just a question of degree. These Karazthan aren't as bad as some -- Jathren seems to be a person of some importance in their organization. But Kandar the ones who really pull the strings.* *Be wary: They will want to exploit your technical knowledge -- and you might be able to use that as a bargaining chip to eventually gain access to another mirror and get home. Though I gather that the one you came through was the first functioning mirror any of this lot have seen in their lifetimes. Just remember who your friends are, and don't easily give your trust to anyone, human or Kandar." Roy's neck hair stands up as he hears the eerie voice in his head. He starts to pull away from Dharak, but when he realizes the content of the message, he 'listens' through to the end. Not looking at Dharak, he gives a very slight nod. Hank, for the second time, has a very bad reaction to Mindspeech... .oO(AA! Getoutgetoutgetou~!) ...before getting a handle on himself. The idea of someone reading the info _right out of his mind_ worries Hank immensely- especially since Dharak just confirmed his suspicion that information may be what keeps him alive. He doesn't even nod, he just thinks an acknowledgement. When they dismount the waggon, Dharak inclines his head slightly at the two Kandar authority figures. "And, as you can see, your little mission picked up a few recruits along the way. I am Dharak, a teacher of my people, and aided your agents of my own choosing. I'll gladly tell you about our experiences, and as for compensation..." he pulls his cloak aside to reveal the energy weapon on his belt. "This should do nicely". Galtheyn's eyes widen. "There will be plenty of time to discuss compensation", the woman replies. Something in her manner suggests that her idea of fair compensation and Dharak's might not quite correspond. Though he has been among Karazthani before, this time Ryzar remains silent. After stepping down from the waggon, he remains close to Reylorna -- in a bodyguard-like fashion. It's Duplar who speaks next. "Ma'am, am I to understand you are the acting guildmaster?", He says. "That is indeed the case", she replies, "My name is Kala d'n Konyen; I have been sent here upriver from Keylin. While Askardath remains indisposed, I am going to be in charge. Thereafter, I will be head of security, to replace Kurluis Zavan, who died in the tentacles of that creature which irrupted into the workshops". "Then Askardath still lives?", Jathren says, "When we left, his life was still in the balance". "Yes, but only just", she replies, "He is still in a deep coma. He's in the care of the Priestesses of Valarna. The tell me the believe he will wake; the foretellers of the Mind Tower tell me the same". "I am of course at the Guild's service, but I rather feel we should ask these travellers for their stories than demand anything". "Of course", she says, "I am not proposing that we have the wizard mind-ream them. And since you've all travelled a long distance, 'as soon as possible' does not preclude the travellers being shown to the guest accommodation upstairs to rest, and to take a meal in the refectory before they tell us their stories". "Galtheyn", she orders her colleague, "Will you show them to the guest rooms?" She takes Duplar and Jathren aside. "That 'teacher' I do not trust", she tells them, "I'm instructing security to watch him like a hawk. And he is *not* to be permitted to retain that forbidden weapon". -- Tim Hall Weblog: http://www.kalyr.com/weblog Photos: http://kalyr.fotopic.net/
