An Unwelcome Audience

8/12/97

Mordain Embassy

Within, the embassy is dark and gloomy, the only natural light from very long narrow windows lining the east and south walls. The thickness of the wood shades whatever light passes through them. The Black and red wall hangings cover north and west walls. A large wooden door lurks between two of these hangings. The floor is tiled in black, several red tiles in the center creating a motif of the EYE. A large fireplace occupies the south-east corner of the room.

Sparsely furnished with low-backed wooden chairs, the one impressive aspect to this room is a massive desk of dark-polished wood, behind which rests a high-backed armchair, carved and cushioned. It stands between the rest of the room and the large wooden door. Torches jut out from the south and east walls.

Contents:
Adunaphel
Mordain Soldiers

Obvious exits:
Office of Ambassador and Out

You feel an evil presence nearby, perhaps watching you.

Adunaphel lifts her head, her eyes focus on Xirith as he enters into the room....

The door to the office opens slowly and then framed in the dark doorway stands the tall albino, dressing in his black cloak and clothes, his long white hair held back by a steel circlet. His face freezes into a mask of terror for a moment, but it passes through a sheer act of will. He steps into the room. "I sensed your coming," he says with a deep bow.

Adunaphel takes a step closer to Xirith, her gaze holding his. She watchs him curiously as she seems to be waiting....

Xirith straightens up and shuts the door quietly behind him. He then takes a few more steps into the room, his boots clicking on the hard floor, until he stands almost on top of the Eye mosaic inlaid on the floor. "What is thy bidding, dark one?" he says in his reedy voice, which trembles slightly. His head is bent forward, unable to look directly at the wraith.

Khamul has arrived.

Khamul walk silently through the door from the office, the only thing betraying his presence a slight change in temperature in the room, or so you think..

The fire in the fireplace dies down a bit, as do the torches, casting a dull red glow around the room.

Xirith is startled by the apparition who appears near him and takes an involuntary step back, his pale face breaking out into a cold sweat, his thin lips trembling. He bows deeply, his pink eyes only on the ground. He swallows with a dry mouth. "Your lordship," he says weakly. "I am doubly honored this evening." His hands figit with the edge of his leather vest nervously.

Khamul fixes his gaze on the human, his eyes tiny glints of red light beneath his cowl. "We have been watching you for a time."

Xirith forces himself with some effort to remain standing even though his knees are trembling. He straightens up, adjusting his cloak. "Oh?" he says, mock-lightly. "I am...flattered," he says weakly, his eyes betraying his terror.

Khamul is silent for a moment more, his eyes steadily on his servant. Finally, after what seems an eternity, he speaks again. "Do you have a report for the Master?"

Xirith's voice shakes as he replies, "I have only just arrived in Rhiovad, your lordship. I have made contact with the King's advisor, called Prosek." He grows slightly bolder as he speaks, his voice getting stronger. "I did tell him that a long-expected delivery was on its way, the details of which I left vague." He finishes and clears his throat, hoping it was enough to satisfy the wraiths.

Khamul hisses, "And what of the reports from our other sources telling of the unrest in the Kingdom?"

Adunaphel allows ger gaze to move off Xirith, travelling the chambers as sher remains silent listening to her brother speak....

Khamul says, "Is there any truth to these?"

Xirith nods gravely. "I have heard much talk in the taverns and on the street. Some of it...prattle. Some of it...in earnest. The King, it seems, has made himself some enemies in many quarters. There is talk of...blood." He bows again. "More, I know not. I did but just arrive," he explains weakly.

Khamul nods, "Make it thy business to find out all thy can regarding these rumours. It is of prime importance to the Master, as his Eye begins to look ever more often to the East."

Adunaphel watchs the human male curiously....

Xirith bows, "So The Eye commands, so his servant obeys." He adds, "I will say that our influence here seems to be strong." His eyes dart to the wraith at the end of the room. "Whichever way the blade falls, we should be able to make use of it, either by defending the king or else by hastening his departure." The albino allows himself a small smile, which quickly fades as the wraiths stand watching.

Adunaphel hisses, "Have you heard of these Guardians?"

Xirith jumps as the Once Vain speaks finally. He clears his throat and fidgits a bit. "Actually, I--well, truth to be told, no. No, I know of them not," he admits with a grimace. "If it so pleases you, I shall find them out in all haste..."

Adunaphel begins to appear mildly irritated with the man before her, "Know nothing? Their remains litter the streets..are you you a blind fool?"

Khamul folds his arms accross his chest, and his eyes narrow as he stares at the man. He seems to be in deep thought, perhaps contemplating your fate?

Xirith stammers, "I-I-I have seen their remains, certainly. But as to their purpose and meaning, I know it not yet." He glances fearfully at Khamul. "I'm certain my next report will contain the answers to all these questions. I beg for more time. Humbly beg." He bows his head, his eyes cast down.

Adunaphel turns her hooded head, her deeply coloured eyes flare as she looks over to the one she calls brother. The air is filled with a chilling silence as you gain the feeling that words are being said you can not hear....

Khamul hisses as he looks at the man..."Oh? You beg of us? How much time do you need, slave?"

Xirith keeps his head and eyes lowered as he responds softly, "A very short while, your emminence. I have made contacts in the city who will provide me with all the information you desire with all haste." He bends his knee. "I do swear that The Eye shall not have misplaced its trust in me, its humble servant."

Khamul hisses, "Then you have ten days, ambassador. If you do not satisfy me at that time with information, perhaps your death will satisfy me. There are many other worthy humans in the Master's service who would covet this post, so prove thy worth. Ten days. Do we make ourselves clear?"

Xirith trembles but manages to reply, "Yes, yes, your lordship, it shall be done. Ten days is more than ample time," he says bobbing his head, his face a mask of relief. "All shall be known of the city and its inhabitants by then, assuredly." He bows again, his dark cloak scraping the floor.

Khamul says, "One thing in addition. It would be well for you to come into the King's favor. We have a plan for this. Tomorrow we will tell you of it. For now, you have your orders, carry them out."

Xirith nods and says, "As you command...I shall meet with the King and curry his favor." He produces a hankerchief and dabs at his forehead quickly.

Khamul nods and with a swish of his robe walks toward the outside door. He passes through the doorway and fades into the eastern night.

Khamul heads out of the embassy.

Khamul has left.

Xirith sighs inwardly as one of his inquisitors departs, but with Adunaphel still in the room, he is still far from relaxed. He glances at her, waiting.

Adunaphel approachs the man until she is a mere inch or two away from him. She lifts up a finger and traces lightly on his forhead in the shape of an EYE. Her touch though cold, leaves a burning sensation as it passes over your skin. She leans in close, her deep red eyes holding yours in a mesmerizing stare, "Fail the Master and I will make you suffer...tis my promise..."

Xirith is paralyzed with fear, his normally cool gaze filled instead with terror, his dark eyes filled with death. He cannot speak, and his lips form words that make no sense. His hands tremble uncontrollably.

Adunaphel trails her finger down the length of your nose, "I am glad we understand...' She then turns away from you and slips outside into the darkness....

Adunaphel heads out of the embassy.

Adunaphel has left.

Xirith collapses into a heap on the dark floor while the fire smolders behind him in the darkness.