Unexpected Bargain

The Story So Far

          

          The Guardians have awakened to find their power reduced. The death of Second-in-Command Guardian, Envalair, is a heavy blow to the Upper Circle, but worse is the loss of their Sight, as is the broken magic and the sundered ancient Astrolabe, which is missing.

          First Guardian Malandar Cor'Esardan Denarlin has travelled to the Human realm of Ostravah in search of a link to the fated Twins – the Humans who are needed to help locate the shards of the missing Astrolabe, and who will be charged with wielding this artefact to re-calibrate the Veils of Time. Much lays altered across the realm, however, and so far he has only picked up the trail for the Tarvia – otherwise known as The Key. The presence of an illegal source of magic (a Neidar Ba'raie), may yet prove to be either the answer to his problems, or a magnet for their enhancement.

          Solancei, Duchess of Ivanor, cousin and Shield to Princess Iambre, has disappeared after fighting a duel in the backstreets of old Zanzier Town. At heads with the Princess over issues of behaviour and duties, her disappearance may yet prove of a personal nature, but it may also be linked to the foul developments that punctuated the jackal fight. So far Chief Eso, Solancei's mentor and Iambre's Head of Security stands without a lead either way.

          Worried for her friend, and for the revelations that this jackal fight was not the first attended by her Shield, Iambre now fears for her friend. If she has broken her oaths as a Shield, it will not look good for Solancei, but if made common-knowledge that her Shield and handmaiden has broken the laws to pursue illegal sports, this news could spell personal disaster for Iambre. With Solancei facing capital repercussions either way, for now Iambre must trust in the Chief's skills to straighten out the mess. A banquet awaits...