Clerical duties (David)

[David B.]

Draven would interject.

"The island magic is housed within the heartstone of the High Chancellor. If he dies, and the stone is broken before it can be fused with the next Chancellor, that would cause it. The four of us together could combine our strength to hold it afloat for a very short period, minutes at best, but the island weighs one hundred million tons at least. Only the stone can carry it."

[Preston Salabim]

"Then during the festival, the Chancellor must be protected and ready to be moved at a moments notice."

He'd think back to what they wanted.

"They invaders wish money, our order to be dissolved, but they also wish for all of our texts of magical theory, spellbooks, and knowledge of magic creation to be handed over. The most sensitive of those need to be moved to our hall immediately. That information can not fall into the wrong hands."

He'd turn to Draven.

"Can I trust you to see that done?"

He'd start to pace.

"Tyrell. I want you to coordinate with our guards to ensure we have evacuation routes for citizens and dignitaries ready to be deployed at a moments notice. Zane, I want you to ensure that our military is not only on high alert but ready to mobilize for an attack from within the walls. Not just at the portal. "

And finally, he'd turn to face the former leader of the Clerics.

"Joaquin. I would like you to accompany me to speak with The High Chancellor about this. You can fill me in on our response capabilities on the way."

And to try and make his point he would start for the door. It was time to move.

[David B.]

Joaquin stepped out to follow, clearly meaning what was said. That he would obey until such a time that Preston was unworthy of obedience. The others, seeing his resolve, followed suit, moving out to do what was told!

Joaquin spoke as they moved.

"We have a standing army of five thousand, though we took a hit and the chancellor thought to give them time off for the festival so much of them have been put on leave. I can issue the order to recall them back to action but morale may take a hit."

He continued as they exited the sanctuary.

"Inside the walls of Ayatlan, most objects are enchanted in case of a hostile force. Something our high chancellor saw in a movie once, when he was a kid. "Puw Gammaf Isheree", when spoken using magicks, can bring the statues to life to fight on our behalf, putting about five hundred more of them in the home defense. If they intend to attack, it would make sense to protect the gate but I believe that's the obvious choice. My other suspicion is that the enemy is already here."

[Preston Salabim]

"I would agree. If it was another attack sending an army through the gate would be foolish with even more people here. We have likely already been infiltrated."

The hit to morale was regrettable but necessary.

"We will compensate soldiers losing their leave with an increase in pay to help offset the morale loss."

He would be making a beeline for the Palace.

"What I am concerned about is how they plan to kill the High Chancellor. If they have people in the city it is possible they will already have people in place to strike. And if the reports from 63 are anything to believe. The enemy will have no problem with a suicide mission."

Meaning going down with the island.

[David B.]

Joaquin would answer.

"Hmm...if there was a traitor in our midst, that would do it."

He got straight to the heart of shit.

[Preston Salabim]

"And how would you propose we flush out the traitor"?

[David B.]

"Hmm...I really don't know. My abilities lie in destruction, fire, and in strategic planning. Tyrell controls oversight. He's good with seeing the big picture, and his magic involves wind and water. Zane controls darker forces, usually working in subversion and espionage. Draven is great with illusion and more universal energies like space, time, etcetera."

They made their way outside, down the dias and through a large courtyard that led to the main center of the High Chancellors offices.

"Were it me, I'd use Draven to create a new Chancellor- himself. Then keep me here to kill the one who comes for him. You would be with the high chancellor who would veil himself as Draven. But to be honest, without knowing who the traitor is and is capable of, it's possible they could be planning for just such an occassion. Especially if the traitor is one of us clerics."

[Preston Salabim]

"Would that not make Zane more suited than Draven to be the decoy? If he is used to infiltration already."

[David B.]

"You'd think so, but Zanes powers are not as refined in the areas of illusion. He's great at misinformation, redirection, and things of that nature, but he practices a lot of the dark arts and I do not believe the high chancellor would wish him representing the face, in case it should come to a war."

[Preston Salabim]

"You know them better than I. I will trust your judgement on this. The safest place to guard him would likely be my study. From what I understand of the magic protecting it and our hall."

[David B.]

"True. You will take him there alone, then?"

They entered the small palace of the high chancellor.

[Preston Salabim]

"The Clerics are more useful on the field. I have someone I trust to watch my back if we need to buy a few moments."

[David B.]

He nodded.

"We'll follow your lead, then."

They started up the long carpet in the High Chancellors arena, some mages gathered about here and there. Sitting on the great central seat was he, a book open in his hand and reading.

"Welcome back to Ayatlan, Elder Cleric."

He spoke, snapping the book closed with a hand and turning to look at them, waiting expectantly.

[Preston Salabim]

"Thank you High Chancellor."

He'd say with a sweeping bow.

"I've come to request a private audience with you, if I may be so bold."

[David B.]

Joaquin scowled.

"I will not leave. For all I know, you're the traitor. With two of us here, it's less likely something will happen to him."

His hair started burning a little brighter.