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ye." Cat's mouth twists, and in the flickering lanternlight he picks up the fortress and places it. "I have just returned from a journey in the Ashen Lands. Further north there have been reports of wraiths in human shape; this is not common knowledge, and I went with a partner to investigate. "The reports are true. We were camped by a pool when our reflections rose from the water and came toward us, speaking in our voices though their faces were shadowed. We fought them, and my partner barely survived. I know not who summoned these new wraiths, but I mean to find out. Would you be willing to join such an endeavour?" Qoren's expression darkens as Cat tells his tale. "These are certainly ill tidings you bring. I would also be curious as to the origins of these human-like wraiths, especially since they seem to be of the Ashenland variety, as opposed to our own. I would be honored to join you on such a mission." Cat's eyes are pensive. "Alas, my duties have once more become pressing, and Rahen demands my presence for various matters of state. I will not be able to go. However, if my partner recovers soon, she will accompany you and any others who are called to this...duty." Qoren for a moment returns his concentration to the board, noting the placement of Cat's fortress. Qoren continues, "Although how much help I could provide, as opposed to others you might choose, I don't know." Qoren picks up a Master of the Hunt from the board, "I find it disturbing that a person of your skills was surprised enough by them to let your parter be hurt. I'm assuming that magic was not involved in your unpleasant surprise." Qoren moves his head up quickly to look at Cat once again, as an odd thought strikes him, saying, "Or was it?" "Skills?" For a moment Cat's mouth twists, and Qoren is reminded of the time he woke in the woods to a friend's scream, of claws raking away his eye. "Something older than magic, I think. Something capable of overcoming a mage who does not know its shape...and since its shape is fluid, like molten metal, even an exceptionally skilled mage might be overcome." There's a warning in those words, however veiled and ciphered. It almost seems that Cat would say more, except some force, some other duty, prevents him. Returning to the game, Qoren moves the piece in his hand to above the traitor piece, touching it lightly, and then removes the Master of the Hunt. "Capture," Qoren says in a preoccupied manner. He proceeds to take his move with the traitor piece, placing the it closer to Cat's fortress. In a voice that is scarcely a voice, Cat says, "If only you knew where the true fortress *is.*" Qoren isn't sure he heard correctly, however. "When do you need to leave?" Qoren asks. "I can be ready to leave almost immediately. Considering the amount of leave I've accumulated, it won't be a problem for me to take even a month or two off from the wall. Also, is there anything in particular I should bring?"
Back: Qoren's Prologue 1 Chess knight image courtesy of Mystiqal's Animated Icon Library.
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