by Dorin » Wed Jun 18, 2008 1:38 am
A cough sounded through the hall, interupting discussion quite suddenly. An unusual thing at that, as the room had been completely deserted save those guests which had remained behind upon the expulsion of everyone else. The lot of them (you) were alone, or had been up to ten second ago. A figure strode quietly through the middle of the room without a care in the world. As if having been present the entire time.
A woman a crimson dress that seemed almost to bleed, truly astounding effect; a very minor enchancement, which still visually impressive. The cloth seemed of spun silk, wrapped about the woman's frame to the point movement should have been difficult at best. Yet, she moved without a hint of strain or stumble. Hair spun up and secured in a bun.
Striding to the throne, she inspected the sword quietly, "Hmm, very impessive work. I never would have guessed the late king possessed such strength of will. Or...perhaps the strength of all the kings of old, who can be sure?"
She turned to reguard the party quietly, arching her brow. Her hair and eyes the same deep chestnut color, more a living color than even the finest woodcraft.
"You will all go, investigate as instructed, but take no lives."
Who was she to speak in such a manner?
"I am Del'hia, High Wizard of the White Tower, and Mouth of the Conclave."
Oh, was that all?
The woman spoke words that were portents of doom. Frightening things to flow from her lips, not only her affiliation, but her position itself. The Conclave, a cabal of mages steeped in more myth and rumor than actual fact. Their numbers, agenda, even membership was completely unknown. They could be a dozen or so powerful archmages with an interest in politics, or hundreds of people from greater to lesser power with hands in every possible facet of daily life. Their purposes were never clear, and whatever ends they served, it always was part of some deeper plot known only to themselves.
And the one ruling fact of all. When the Conclave proposed a mission, it spelled incredible danger for the lives of those involved.
However, the group was, in theory, more powerful than any army or lord in the entire world. Not because of their completely unknown strengths; but their trade. The one thing which gave them power over any being they wished.
The Conclave dealt in the most powerful of all commodities, information. If there was a devestating secret to be had, the Conclave would most likely know it. Blackmail, against or for, was a common inducement to get compliance. One never knew what they knew.
One thing of the organization was always clear, the so called "Mouth" the only visible portion of the entire group. Relaying the decisions of, possibly, the entire group, or simply a self-appointed leader of some guild if spies and shadows, who was to know.
This Del'hia was living flame, beautiful and capable of inflicting great harm on a touch.
That she was High Wizard, a lessor factor than the first, but no less dangerous. The White Tower was the formal wizard college in Mesair. It's High Wizard was both a guild head, and a powerful spellcaster outright. With deep pockets, and great resources to call upon if need be, most of which was readily known to others.
"I caution you, the words I now speak are enspelled, they will be locked in your minds. They will never come forth if you try to repeat them, should you try and force the issue, your tongue will burn to ash. Should someone try and take them from your mind, your heart will explode and render you dead. Those of you with knowledge of mage-craft know this to be true." She cast a gaze as those educated lot who knew very well she spoke truth. "The heir does indeed live. I was one of the witnesses to his birth. I ask you to seek information of him, and keep it from Darion, whatever you do.
"The man's regieme must past, and the restoration of the house of Sillis Kathar, progenitor of the current line of kings come to pass. Only a direct of decendent of Trema deserves to sit on that throne, and only the heir can do that. Will you, do this?"