Well pleased with our evening we headed back to the Ice Wolf where comfortable beds awaited. In the morning a hearty breakfast set us up for the day and as we ate we discussed the upcoming day; with Iron Panther doing the hard work for the circus, it left us more free than usual.
Olvir was keen to head to the Coliseum to make enquiries about the tournament, we wanted to check out the Moon Market and Song wanted to offer up a prayer to Vanileth (at least in part because she wondered what had become of Van-Oris). The market wouldn’t be open till midday and would be the best place to buy a suitable offering so with breakfast done we headed out at a leisurely pace to the coliseum.
It turned out to be a day full of gods. Looking around the coliseum we were approached by an attendant who told us, when Olvir asked, that there were a couple of altars to Kashlyk Ashak, one near the entrance and a larger one in the bowels of the Coliseum where perhaps more fervent prayers were offered up by competitors. Olvir asked if we might visit it to offer a prayer ourselves and the attendant nodded and led us through the great doors into the depths of the coliseum where an altar stood centrally, dotted with offerings. Our attendant fetched himself a candle to make his own devotion, and he stepped around to the other side of the altar to allow us some privacy.
Olvir explained to Song what his prayer was for as he laid his old tetsubo reverently upon the altar, a weapon which had served him well and which made a worthy sacrifice. He opened a cut in his hand and laid his own blood on it. Understanding the nature of Olvir’s sacrifice, Song laid her own knife on the altar, allowing it to taste a little of her own blood as she did so. She bowed her head and spoke quietly, in Old Realm, asking Kashlyk Ashak to hear the words of Olvir Boarcatcher, Chosen of Luna, who asked his favour, and Song of Falling Rain, No-Moon of Luna who prayed for us, and Caelan, Chosen of Sol Invictus.
She’d said only a few more words before the shape of the attendant standing across from her caught her eye as it changed, growing larger and shifting into something a lot more reptilian. Kashlyk Ashak stood before us, looking curious and a little expectant. Song, only a little fazed, continued her prayer, asking for his favour for Olvir in the arena and his wisdom in teaching him new fighting skills. She bowed to the god as she finished and he nodded in appreciation. It had been a long time, he finally said, since any of our kind had been to the coliseum and he welcomed us back, bidding us follow him to where we could talk at leisure. We walked with him up to the great doors which led out into the arena but instead of opening onto the dusty ground they opened into his sanctum… a reflection of an arena far grander than the one we’d’ve expected with tiered seating all of Moonspire could fit into, carved in obsidian with trailing vines. The top boxes didn’t even have stairs to reach them – were they only for aerial beings to use? A set of steps led to a central box which he led us to and gestured upwards where a table laid with extravagant foods awaited and we graciously accepted his hospitality as we sat to talk.
Olvir had training on his mind: it was the reason he’d wanted to make his prayer. He told briefly the story of the fight against the blood apes and admitted the First Hoplite had been the first in many years to have broken his grapple – and so he sought training to improve himself and hopefully, ensure it’d not happen again. Kashlyk nodded, considering options, and asked how old we were. Song understood the nature of his question but Olvir replied simply with his age: an answer swiftly clarified when Kashlyk expressed some surprise.
Olvir also asked about the tournament and whether the god would consider it cheating if he used – or deliberately didn’t use – his Charms. Kashlyk smiled. It wouldn’t be cheating to hold back, but he was rather hoping Olvir would demonstrate his prowess – it would make for fine entertainment.
As we ate we spoke of the Spire, wondering if he’d have any insight and as it turned out he did. There was another apart from the Prince in the city who claimed it but Kashlyk was initially a little wary of speaking her name. She was currently masquerading as a Scavenger Lord in negotiations with Prince Telenka for access though held a rightful claim to ownership... or at least, she felt so. Of course, what was ‘rightful’ depended on perspective and hers was that she’d claimed it for long enough and was strong enough to keep it. No-one else had tried to take it and over the years she’d used it to store her own things – and presumably held as property that which had already been there when she took it over.
The Prince had a claim on it as well, of course, but he was mortal and she not overly concerned with his claim – it meant little to her. She negotiated for access mostly to prevent anyone else doing so, and would probably ensure that her alias met with some unfortunate accident whilst there to put any others off exploring and retain title to her territory.
Song pressed for a little more information and Kashlyk, pondering these things, concluded we ought to be armed with the information. She had taken the sobriquet “Daughter of the Amber Moon”, he told us, though her real name was Adiubande and she was the Censor of the East. That meant a being of considerable power and one with force at her command should things come to a confrontation.
Kashlyk also felt it right we know more about the tower itself after it became apparent we were relatively in the dark about is purpose – and what a purpose that had been. In years gone by, he said, there were factory cathedrals which built many Wonders the like of which this age can only dream of. They created artifacts in vast numbers... the kind of artifacts people would pay a lifetime for these days, and the particular artifacts the Spire produced were things which flew. It seemed our suspicions about airship docking platforms might have been right, as Kashlyk revealed that the Spire used to float to some great height.
It was old now, he said, and had lost much of its capacity as the manses which had powered it also grew old. Manses which powered it? Our question was somewhat obvious, but we were nevertheless curious enough to ask. It would need more Essence than a single, grand manse could provide to create such Wonders, he said, so there were others which fed it along Essence lines. The Spire manse itself was claimed by the Censor but there were at least five smaller manses around and about it. He knew the rough location of one – it could be found underneath a large pond about ten miles due East of the city. We thanked Kashlyk for the knowledge imparted: it gave us many things to think on - but we were grateful for it.
Taking in the view of the coliseum from the central box Olvir asked whether it was a memory of a real coliseum somewhere else. The god replied sadly it was – in a great city to the South, now lost, where he’d served for many centuries. Bringing the conversation full circle and back to the present he said he could indeed teach Olvir a trick or two and he should return in a few days. Olvir tentatively enquired after the price, the words of Strikes as Thunder making him wisely wary, but Kashlyk told him he’d enjoy the teaching and there would be no additional cost or favours owed.
By the time we’d left Kashlyk’s abode it was past midday and the Moon market was open. Buoyed by the promise of teaching from the god of the coliseum Olvir set out to buy some weaponry he could use in the tournament, settling on a trident and net and we’d spent a while looking around the stalls and making a few purchases when Caelan noticed we had a shadow. As Song looked over bolts of cloth Caelan checked out the scruffily dressed girl, not more than twelve years old, who’d been tailing us. She continued watching as Song bought a length of fabric suitable to her needs and as we left the market with her still trailing us, Song slipped away from the others to take the form of a bird and follow her from the rooftops. She tailed Caelan and Olvir back to the Ice Wolf before heading back, shoplifting herself dinner on the way and making her way to the poorer end of town. Bird-Song flew down to a window ledge to see her passing some of the stolen food to some younger kids, all in a similar state as herself.
Teela had been tracking the girl since Olvir had got back to the Ice Wolf too and thought she could probably help, so scavenged a few birds and left them in a pile for the kids to find. Song gave the little teyra a shoulder to rest on as they both headed back, having seen enough for the time being.
She explained the situation to Caelan and Olvir as we wondered if she’d been paid by someone to follow us or if she’d just seen our jade in the market and thought we might make easy marks. If we spotted her again, we decided, we’d take it up with her – but for now, we had other things on our minds. We headed upstairs for some privacy to discuss Adiubande. We were due to talk to the Prince anyway and had every intention of still doing so, but now knew that even if we agreed access with him we’d face opposition from her. Kashlyk had told us she’d likely react with aggression if we entered the same negotiations.
Caelan felt she had even less claim on the tower than the Prince did. He commanded the city of which the Spire was a part, whereas she’s simply claimed it when no one else was around to.
Olvir as usual took a less combative stance. If we only wanted to go in and take the airship plans, surely that could be negotiated? We’d not need to challenge her ownership, simply seek out one thing before leaving. Caelan was thinking more of exploring and taking what was found, whatever that might be. The place she claimed as Sanctum was only hers because no-one else had taken it – and she could find another one if it came to it. Why could we not do what we wanted with it? We’d need to stand strong and challenge her ownership if it came to it.
In the First Age, Song pointed out, it was we Chosen of the Celestial gods who controlled such towers. There was no reason why we shouldn’t again; though she cautioned the others, the Censer of the East would be a powerful adversary with a great deal of resources to call on and she was doubtful of a victory if it came to conflict. She’d prefer another way, if one could be found.
Olvir was wary of making a powerful enemy and wondered if perhaps we ought not to try to enter the tower just yet. We’d be stronger in months or years to come, he pointed out, and the tower wasn’t going anywhere. Caelan, though, had Brightwater on his mind and if there were things in the tower that would help his situation he was greatly inclined to take them – Adiubande had no clear claim to them either, he said. We should hold firm to that line and that at least was one thing we could all agree on.
We’d talk to the Prince first and Song would see if the Academy held any more information about Adiubande which might be useful. Then we’d need to decide whether to talk to the Censor or risk the spire without her involvement.
The exceptionally light silk Song had purchased in the market found use as she crafted small canopies as they talked. Each one had a small scrap of parchment hung beneath upon which she’d carefully painted Vanileth’s name and now with discussions done, we left the Ice Wolf and made our way out of the city to find a quiet area on the edge of the forest where trees occluded most of our view of the buildings except the Spire. Calean helped start a small fire which lifted the canopies far enough above the trees for the wind to catch them and toss them high into the sky. Song offered up a heartfelt prayer.
Hear us, Vanileth. Hear the words of Song of Falling Rain, No-Moon Chosen of Luna, of Olvir Boarcatcher, Full Moon Chosen of Luna, and Caelan Swift of Foot, Bright in Heart and Strong in Spirit, chosen of the Unconquored Sun.
Guide our footsteps upon the earth as we seek that which will lead us to the sky. Call for fair winds and fair trade that we may free to the skies a ship the like of which has not been seen in these heavens in centuries. Guard us through perils of conflicts with those who oppose us.
Cherish your servitor Van-Oris who seeks to glorify your domain with all the enthusiasm in Creation, and offer him your patience as we do.
Grant us your blessing and your spirit in our endeavours, that we might offer you prayer from the heights of Creation’s skies.
Vanileth, God of all flight created not born, heed us.
There was no thunderous response, only the occasional snatch of bird song, though she felt she’d done all she could to be heard. But as we made to leave there was a whispering of wind and a small aerial sprite materialised, bringing us Vanileth’s words. He thanked us for our prayers, gave us his support in our aims to restore airships to the world and thanked us for our words about Van-Oris. We rather hoped he’d be generous to the little bird god.
Back at the Ice Wolf we took in a meal before heading out into the surrounding forests, the two Lunars both taking new forms and Caelan enjoying hunting in yet another new locale. We made our individual ways back to the tavern where sleep was full of dreams of flight... sent to us, perhaps, by the god who’d inspired such works in the First Age. Giant gondolas aloft on air currents, a regal airship hovering above a city providing entertainments to visiting nobles, a metallic dragon circling a huge, deserted city and consuming it in fire, an expedition sent to the Elemental Pole of Air and struggling against the forces of nature arrayed against them all filled our dreams. There were even dreams of ships which flew both in the air and under the water, and the technicians who dedicated their lives to working on the great artifacts, and families who spent their days in ritual prayer and work on the creations, whose feet never touched the ground.
The dreams showed us scenes of stepping aboard the sun itself as it made its way across the heavens, thrust high into the skies by a golden train and sailing across the skies in a moonsilver and obsidian chariot which took us to the moon.
We dreamed of piloting the simplest gliders and sitting as the helmsman of the most complex craft aloft - and when the sun finally made its way into the heavens and we awoke, we felt refreshed and exhilarated, full of hopes for the skies.
Olvir and Caelan took themselves off for some sparring practice in the morning. Olvir needed to get some practice in with trident and net and soon enough figured out that the trick in the arena would be using the trident to disarm his opponent. As such, Caelan ended up disarmed a lot over the next few hours.
Meantime Song had hit the books in the Academy which allowed her use of the library in return for a small fee. She soon discovered that all references to the Censor of the East had been carefully removed – books were listed but could not be found. Whoever had seen fit to perform literary sabotage had done their job well: there was plenty of information to be read about the Censors of the North, West and South as well as the three of the Centre but not a single notation on the Elemental Dragon who held the office of the East.
She did discover more about the Moonspire however: there were no less than seven manses which were linked to it and had, presumably, fed Essence to it when it was working as a forge. The manse housed within the Moonspire – presumably below ground – could house the coliseum it was so large. Of the smaller linked manses, there were references to three more of them in addition to the one Kashlyk had mentioned.
First there was a small water manse beneath the city accessible via an underground stream followed for two and a half miles. Second was a small cairn some seven miles north-north-west of the city and thirdly a rare air manse located in the sky, two miles up, often shrouded in a cloudbank.
Meeting back at the Ice Wolf she shared the information before the afternoon saw Olvir taking himself to the Prince’s stables for a little more practice. They were somewhat surprised when he announced he’d just picked up net and trident and was planning on entering the tournament, but the head of the stables let him loose on a group of slaves and he soon proved he was more than able. He even gave some of the more experienced fighters a few tips and they took the advice well, recognising his skill.
Song and Caelan meanwhile had dressed up for the Prince’s soiree and on arrival were made welcome and shown into a large ballroom where a number of other people were already circulating. One familiar figure stood watching from a corner – Song, with her ability to see the immaterial, recognised Kashlyk Ashak and nodded in acknowledgement, telling Caelan in quiet tones where he was. He likewise turned to pay respects, guessing roughly where he’d be from Song’s directions. The god of the coliseum gave a lizardly grin and wandered away, leaving them with the feeling they’d just passed some form of test. Caelan and Song made polite conversation with a few other guests and gently promoted the circus before music announced the entrance of the Prince who began working his way around the assorted parties. His schedule was carefully managed by his staff and they watched him make various business dealings and arrangements, including reparations to a man who’d been assaulted in the city.
Prince Telenka of the Fierce White Light was introduced by a courtier. Extending the welcome of the circus they were pleased when he said he’d likely attend on the first night; but more importantly they asked for a private meeting regarding the Spire. He said he was already talking to a few people – this Caelan and Song knew, and told him they understood, but that our offer may well prove to be of more interest. He wasn’t one to be swayed simply by persuasive argument however and went on to ask if there’d be anyone who might speak for us. Caelan and Song exchanged a look before the young solar mentioned that Kashlyk Ashak thought well of us and the Prince could perhaps speak with him for a recommendation. Prince Telenka managed his surprise well and with a raised eyebrow suggested if they were fooling him then it would be the god of the coliseum they’d answer to. They nodded confidently as the Prince agreed to a meeting before bidding them farewell for the time being and moving on.
The two remained a little while longer since few others had departed and were thus still mingling when the door was opened to admit a striking woman with jet black hair and pale skin, wrapped in a cloak. The assembled courtiers made room for her and a few bowed, alerting all to someone high in station. Catching Prince Telenka’s eye she bowed to him and he likewise. Song recognised her from the books she’d studied earlier in the day; this was Ethris, god of the city. She used to have significant associations with the tower in the past – but that wasn’t the case these days.
After exchanging a few words with the Prince, Ethris startled most of the room by making Song and Caelan the next people to speak to. A mutual friend had suggested she meet them apparently - Song suspected Kashlyk’s involvement. She and Caelan talked of their purpose in the town though kept discussions light while people looked on, wondering why the city god favoured two relative strangers. That was a secret between them and the gods.