====Part 6 of the [[FoundationoftheNine Foundation of the Nine]] - Introductions====
**Date:** 11 November 659 CE
**Location:** [[TheScholarsGuild The Scholar's Guild]]

"This is their plan, to divide us from within. It is how these evil ones work.  We cannot allow our fear to rule us.  If we wish to live though this day we must work together, not against each other." [[Omi]] says trying to look wise.  [[Omi]] continues.  "We are all strangers here.  I do not know half of my allies, and ignorance breeds fear.  Before we continue at each others throats, we should state our names and our purpose here.  Through knowledge we can find the way to truth."  He nods gravely around the room.  "My name is [[Omi]], I have come from far to the east, a captain of the warrior's guild.  I have made my way here after learning that the wraiths were on the move here.  I could not stand by and let my brothers in arms, the [[TheScholarsGuild Scholars]] be slaughtered unawares." He glances at his tall companion, "This is my student, [[RenjiYoritomo Renji Yoritomo]]." [[RenjiYoritomo Renji]] bows, "He has come to assist an old man with his quest."

[[VirgilBelmont Virgil]] speaks after [[Raven]]. "I am [[VirgilBelmont Virgil Belmont]].  I stand by the [[TheScholarsGuild Scholars]] to defend them, as my family has always done, though I fear I may be the last.  Know that the Belmont's dieing breath will be in defense of the [[TheScholarsGuild Scholars]] and their ideals."
 
[[Alaistar Rolo]] is listening but whenever he's not talking he's tending to [[Alexi Tessa�s]] leg.

"This is foolishness!" [[WuWong Wu]] says, "While the shadows plot against us you would have us take roll call!" The young woman who had been glowing during the battle gives [[WuWong Wu]] a dirty look.  "You dishonor our father brother.  Master [[Omi]] is right, if we do not even know our allies we have no chance in the coming battle."  She continues.  "My name is [[DeviWong Devi]], daughter of [[RamaWong Rama]], former Zion of the [[TheScholarsGuild  Scholar�s Guild]].  These are dark times, and I wish my father was here to guide us.  But wishes cannot return the dead, and so we will all have to live with my brother" she nods at [[WuWong Wu]], "and I, and pray that we have half the guidance our father did."  She finishes and glances at the man in white next to her.

He looks at her for a long moment before he speaks,  "My name is [[Chen]]." He says and pauses for a long moment.  "Once, long ago I was like the monsters at our gates, a hollow, lost of even my own free will."  

At that the white haired alchemist balks, "A Hollow! Amongst us! What kind of charade are you [[TheScholarsGuild Scholars]] running!" 

[[Chen]] sighs, "Focus your hate on me if you will, I deserve no less for the actions of my past.  But though the kindness of [[RamaWong Rama]], and the [[TheScholarsGuild Scholars]] I have found a path to peace.  I am my own person once again, I have recovered my soul, and I swear to you, I am not a traitor, I would never betray the kindness that the [[TheScholarsGuild Scholars]] have paid me in my darkest hour."

[[Miyen Mi-yen]] focuses her gaze on the man in white for a few moments but says nothing.

[[Alaistar Rolo]] looks at [[ZinRaishin Zin]] quizzically.

[[ZinRaishin Zin]] returns [[Alaistar Rolo]]'s gaze, thoughtful, but on edge.  [[ZinRaishin Zin]] says nothing.	

[[Winter]] speaks next, "I like [[Chen]] have known the [[TheScholarsGuild Scholar�s Guild]]'s kindness, they took me in, when I was delivered to them by those they did not trust." She glances at [[ZinRaishin Zin]] and [[Alaistar Rolo]]. "And they raised me, and treated me as their own daughter.  They can never be a replacement for the family that I lost to the Lord of Light's evil, but I would not trade them for the world.  I do not know if there is a traitor, but I would bet my life on it not being amongst the [[TheScholarsGuild Scholars]]."	

[[Nicodemus]] speaks, "The trust of a child is an endearing thing."  

The older man in orange nods, and speaks, "It is true, children speak from the heart, not their minds.  There is something to be said for the wisdom that comes with age."  He continues. "I am [[TomoLuKang Tomo]], I have been with the [[TheScholarsGuild Scholar�s Guild]] since before the time of [[RamaWong Rama]].  I was there when [[Chen]] appeared at our doorstep.  It has been long, and we have been though much, but I will not forget our tenants upon which we were founded.  To not turn away from truth, to not turn out those who seek shelter, whatever the past is, the [[TheScholarsGuild Scholars]] look to the future.  There have been dark times where we have forgotten these things.  I feel only that the trouble we experience now is payback for our past transgressions."

[[SebastianNemo Nemo]] speaks, "In all due respect to brother [[Nicodemus]] I must also side with the child."  He steps forward, �I am [[SebastianNemo Sebastian Nemo]], Magus of the [[TheAlchemists Alchemists Guild]], and I came here seeking knowledge and to continue my work." He nods at [[TomoLuKang Tomo]] who nods back.  "There has been no love lost between our two guilds, but I have found nothing but kindness within these walls, 
though there has been some mistrust." He says glancing at [[WuWong Wu]]. "I know you are newly arrived brother [[Nicodemus]], brother [[Justin]], and brother [[Leonardo]], but hear my words.  The [[TheScholarsGuild Scholars]] are not your enemy."

[[Justin]] speaks, "Perhaps what you say is true brother, but it is not all [[TheScholarsGuild Scholars]] beneath their roof, what of these others!"

[[Nicodemus]] continues coolly, "Yes, the [[TheScholarsGuild Scholars]] are a most trusting group.  Do they also vouch for the others here?"

The Arabian man steps forward, looking angry, "You would accuse me?  I guess you have no reason to trust. But I assure you I am not here to cause difficulty.  I am [[MustafaOmarMohammed Mustafa Omar Muhammed]]." He pauses.  

[[Nicodemus]] looks bemused, "Ah so the [[TheBrotherhood Brotherhood]] has come to the [[TheScholarsGuild Scholar�s Guild]]."

[[MustafaOmarMohammed Mustafa]] continues, "I am here to do what I can to stop evil, the other members would not come, but I could see the evil building here.  I don�t believe the corrupter is at work here, but his influence is great, and I would be spitting on my ancestors memory if I did not investigate."
The girl in the blue Sari steps forward next, the swords jangling at her hips.  "I�m afraid I do not have an impressive story to tell, or strength to add, perhaps not even wisdom.  I followed [[MustafaOmarMohammed Mustafa]] here to do what I could; I am [[NeruKazi Neru Kazi]], of the [[TheSocietyofSecrets Society of Secrets]].  The gifted were in danger so I came.  Nothing more, nothing less."

[[WuWong Wu]] is about to speak, but [[DeviWong Devi]] glares him down.  

He mumbles about the [[TheSocietyofSecrets Society]] under his breath as [[AshamAshari Asham]] steps forward and begins to speak in his deep voice.  "My name is [[AshamAshari Asham]], and this is my quest."  He pauses on the last word, looking grimly at everyone in turn.  And he says nothing more.

The girl covered with tattoos speaks. "I am [[Raven]], I have come to the [[TheScholarsGuild Scholar�s Guild]] looking for my sister, she has been missing for many years I fear that she may be dead.  I come to lend what skills I have to what appears to be a just cause."

[[Nicodemus]] speaks, "I suppose it is our turn then?  I am Brother [[Nicodemus]], this is Brother [[Justin]]" he indicates the silver haired man to his right, "and this is Brother [[Leonardo]]," indicating the bald man to his left.  We came to see brother [[SebastianNemo Nemo�s]] progress, and have a space to conduct our work.  We had just arrived earlier this evening, when the fighting broke out we were as surprised as any."

"Now what of those that brought the fighting on their heels." He says looking at those who have yet to speak.

The woman with hair and eyes the color of liquid mercury speaks in level and calm tones, "Among others titles, the people of the Middle Kingdom have named me [[Miyen Mi-yen]], and while there is quiet, I will tell you what I know. I have been tracking the Wraiths and Hollows for many seasons and discovered their efforts to recreate a machine; one I believe will bring a more powerful Wraith into this world.  I have found many who have been involved in its construction, the Alchemists Guild, [[PoratomoRaishin Po]] and this alliance of Clans.  What all of their motives are I cannot say with certainty.  I did see a Snake Wraith claim an Alchemist Guildsman, of that I am certain but I have not seen that face among us.  I came here after trying to destroy the machine the Dragon Clan has been building at its strong hold in Luoyang as it appeared to be the only one nearly complete and functional.  They are however missing a part, an essential piece which I believe might be held here and they have come for that piece.  Given their move to capture this chamber, I believe they may have brought the rest of their working components with them, to complete here before the new moon.  And with us unable to escape, they can choose whomever they need of the gifted gathered here to finish their plans and bring across their master.  I have come to stop this from happening."

[[Alaistar Rolo]] looks at [[ZinRaishin Zin]].

[[Chen]] looks at [[Miyen Mi-yen]], recognition flooding his face.  

[[TomoLuKang Tomo]] nods, and says, "So the [[LifeSpark Life Spark]] has returned to us after all these years."  

[[ZinRaishin Zin]] cocks an eyebrow and says, "An honor to meet you [[Miyen Gray Lady]]."

[[Justin]] says, "The demon of the four kingdoms here.  I would have thought her taller."

[[RenjiYoritomo Renji]] smiles at [[Justin]], "You haven't seen her fight." He winks at her.

[[Miyen Mi-yen]] bows her head in a nod of recognition towards them and remains silent.

Now [[Alaistar Rolo]] looks at [[ZinRaishin Zin]].  [[ZinRaishin Zin]] says, "I am [[ZinRaishin Zin]], like [[Chen]] I have walked a dark path.  Yes I am [[PoratomoRaishin Po's]] brother; yes I have served dark powers in the past.  Believe me or not, I have changed.  My brother, in his final act of defiance trapped me within the other world.  The world that the wraiths occupy.  They fought me there, captured me, tortured me.  I believed I would spend an eternity in that place, paying for the crimes I had committed in life.  But days ago, my jailers left, I escaped, and found my way out.  They are moving, and what they are striving to do has them so preoccupied that they are letting all their defenses slip.  I do not know if they are building [[PoratomoRaishin Po's]] machine, but if they are, it is so important to them that they will forsake all else.  They must be stopped."

The heads turn to the last three who have not spoken.

�I am [[Alaistar Rolo]]. As has been mentioned I was once a slave to [[PoratomoRaishin Po]]. No longer. I am my own master now. No man's slave. But [[ZinRaishin Zin]] has been a great friend and a teacher. Until his disappearance after the battle with Po we worked to thwart [[PoratomoRaishin Po]] and the wraiths. [[ZinRaishin Zin]] finally returned to me with the message that the wraiths were on the move and that the [[TheScholarsGuild Scholar's Guild]] must be warned. So I came.  This is my wife [[Alexi Tessa]], and our child. She does not know this place or the language. She speaks only Russian.�

[[Miyen Mi-yen�s]] companion steps forward as all eyes drop to him.  "My name is [[Hugh]]." he says simply, and draws one of his long daggers from his person, and displays it for all to see.  The dagger is long and thin, and made of a silvery gray metal that looks like solid mercury.  The hilt is simple black and looks old and used, though the blade gleams like it was newly made.  The hilt has no decoration save for 13 gold rings binding the leather.

[[SebastianNemo Nemo]]'s eyes go wide at the sight of them. "My god�the weapons." 

"THEIF!" [[Nicodemus]] declares standing. "Here is your traitor! The thief that stole from the guilds centuries ago!"

In a swift motion [[Miyen Mi-yen]], [[RenjiYoritomo Renji]], and [[VirgilBelmont Virgil]] draw swords and stand between [[Hugh]] and the Alchemists.

[[VirgilBelmont Virgil]] speaks, "Save your accusations Alchemist! I fought along side this man, regardless of what you think he may have done, he is not our enemy."  

[[RenjiYoritomo Renji]] smiles, "If you�re going to draw steel, I'd be happy to dance." His eyes shift from black to white as he draws his power.

[[Miyen Mi-yen]] holds her weapon steady, ready to fight whoever might attack at the defense of her companion.

[[Omi]] says, "Peace friends, put away your weapons." he says looking at [[RenjiYoritomo Renji]]. "And your words." he says to [[Nicodemus]].  [[Omi]] continues, "Now we know who we are.  Now we must figure out what the wraiths are doing."

[[Nicodemus]], still standing continues. "No you cannot pass over this.  That man has the weapons that were taken from the guilds.  A thief in your midst!"

"And I steal the souls of men." [[Miyen Mi-yen]] says in a ++sarcastic but ++measured tone.  "We have all acted in ways others might disagree with, but for now we are all on the same side, and that is how we will survive this coming battle."

�STEAL THE SOUL OF MEN?� [[Alaistar Rolo]] shouts.  �Then you are no better than a wraith!�

[[Hugh]] speaks in a rogue gravely voice. "I took the daggers so the wraiths could not have them.  The Alchemists were going to sell them to the wraiths."

[[Alaistar Rolo]] mumbles softly, �Centuries ago�

[[SebastianNemo Nemo]], still in shock, speaks to no one in particular. "They are beautiful, and built with no rune structures, amazing.�

[[ZinRaishin Zin]] says, "Now is not the time for rumors!"

[[Miyen Mi-yen]] looks [[Alaistar Rolo]] squarely in the eyes.

[[Hugh]] says, "It is not a rumor, I was there."

[[Nicodemus]] says, "You lie! The Alchemists have never worked with the wraiths!"

[[Alaistar Rolo]] stares back with anger in his face, not breaking the gaze.  Once she establishes that she has not sucked out his soul through the gaze, 

[[Miyen Mi-yen]] turns back to [[Nicodemus]].

[[Hugh]] says simply, "I know what I saw." He flips the dagger and it disappears into a fold of clothing.

"And I have seen an Alchemist, side by side with a Snake Wraith."  Her tone still calm.

[[WuWong Wu]] says, "But why would the wraiths want the weapons? The legends say a man stole the daggers, but left out any other details.  What do they do?"

[[Alaistar Rolo]] asks �Why do we focus on a knife, what is it compared to the value of a soul? Did no one else hear the demon's words?�

[[ZinRaishin Zin]] says, "These are the weapons made with the molds Po tried to steal [[Alaistar Rolo]]."

[[RenjiYoritomo Renji]] says, "I heard, I also hear that she is 8 feet tall, and killed men by bleeding on them.  Wraith's spread rumors about those that fight them, to keep them from building support amongst the populace.  Surely you know this."

�I apologize. I misunderstood. I thought she . . . I apologize.� Says [[Alaistar Rolo]].  

[[Miyen Mi-yen]] gives [[Alaistar Rolo]] a small nod, hearing his words.  "This argument is fruitless.  Regardless of the past or what rumors have been told, we are on the same side against these Shadows. Most of us" she stresses the first word, most, "have already drawn blood against the Wraiths tonight.  Those actions are what matter now and for the future."

[[SebastianNemo Nemo]] still lost in his own thoughts says, "That is no simple knife.  They only made two; they were supposed to be a conduit, a structure to root the soul in place as it revolved between worlds.  It�s fascinating to read the implementation.  It�s too bad there is only one; they were supposed to be a mated pair."

[[VirgilBelmont Virgil]] says, "[[Miyen Mi-yen]] is right," he sheaths his sword, the flames dieing out.

[[Nicodemus]] sits, and [[RenjiYoritomo Renji]] sheaths as well, and returns to sit by his master.

[[WuWong Wu]] says, "So what do we do, we are no closer to the truth or a path."

[[TomoLuKang Tomo]] says, "The way to the truth is never easy."

[[Miyen Mi-yen]] sheaths her sword but stays standing near her companion.

[[ZinRaishin Zin]] says, "Platitudes will not save us, we need a plan."

"We need to prevent them from completing their machine."  [[Miyen Mi-yen]] says, "Are there other components to it here?  They would be the easiest to destroy first before moving directly against them."  She looks towards the Alchemists when asking about materials here
 
[[Justin]] says, "Do you have plans for the machine? We brought many supplies with us, as well as the vast storerooms here.  What did they require to complete it?"
 
"From what I saw in Luoyang, they were missing a central crystal", her hands outline its size and shape, "but there could be other details they require that I did not notice.  Have you already obtained this piece?"
 
[[Alaistar Rolo]] says, �[[Winter]], I need some paper and a writing implement.  I think I may be able to help.�  [[Raven]] pulls a scroll case and ink and hands them to [[Alaistar Rolo]].
 
[[Justin]] says, "A [[WuleiCrystal Wulei crystal]]? of that size? what could they want that for?"

�Years ago,� says [[Alaistar Rolo]], �I was sent by [[PoratomoRaishin Po]] to steal a book from what I believe now to be a wraith.  I was assisted by a woman named [[Sparrow]].  I looked through the book before returning it to [[PoratomoRaishin Po]]. I did not know the language but I do remember the pictures.� He continues to sketch furiously.
 
[[WuWong Wu]] says, "I know we had one, in storage, but where..."  [[DeviWong Devi]] says, "[[VirgilBelmont Virgil]], go get the records."

[[Raven]] looks up "[[Sparrow]]?  My sister! Where, when did you see her?�  [[Miyen Mi-yen]] looks at [[Alaistar Rolo]], waiting to hear his response.

[[VirgilBelmont Virgil]] stands, and bows to [[DeviWong Devi]] and rushes off.

�14 years ago in the ""Wu"" Li Province,� answers [[Alaistar Rolo]], �He took a castle during a full moon.  I staved off the hollows while she trapped a wraith.  
Then we searched for the book.  She bid me to leave and return to [[PoratomoRaishin Po]].  I waited for her in the woods until just before dusk and left.  I have not seen or heard of her since, but [[PoratomoRaishin Po]] was never a great communicator.�
 
[[SebastianNemo Nemo]], and [[DeviWong Devi]] look intensely at [[Alaistar Rolo�s]] sketches, [[Raven]] hangs on his every word.

After [[Alaistar Rolo]] finishes, [[Miyen Mi-yen]] says to [[Raven]], "She was alive two summers past when we parted.  She had hunted me for the Lord of Light... [[PoratomoRaishin Po]]."
 
[[ZinRaishin Zin]] says, "But [[PoratomoRaishin Po]] was long dead two years ago.� And looks troubled.

[[Raven]] says, "Where did you see my sister?"

"The eastern border of Sichuan Province." [[Miyen Mi-yen]]says to [[Raven]].

Not looking up from the sketching [[Alaistar Rolo]] asks, �How do you know that [[PoratomoRaishin Po]] sent her?�

"She said she was going to take me to the Lord of the Light."  [[Miyen Mi-yen]] frowns, "It seemed that he and [[PoratomoRaishin Po]] were the same man.  Perhaps I am mistaken."
 
[[SebastianNemo Nemo]] and [[DeviWong Devi]] speak to each other as the others talk.  

[[SebastianNemo Nemo]] says, "But transferring that sort of energy though a [[WuleiCrystal Wulei crystal]] would disperse it, you would need a rune structure here.�  

[[DeviWong Devi]] says, "No see, it�s ingenious really, the [[ColdSteel Cold Steel]] would deflect the incoming interference and focus the beam.  This must be a gated of fire, to slightly deform the beam.  There and that must be ice...or wood perhaps."
 
"I believe you are correct.  I just don't know how it could be. I saw his body.  Is it possible she hunted you for years without communication with [[PoratomoRaishin Po]]?� asks [[Alaistar Rolo]].
 
[[SebastianNemo Nemo]] says "No simple wood can hold that sort of power, it would have to be living pine, and runicly reinforced though I know no one alive who has that skill."
 
"Many things are possible."  [[Miyen Mi-yen]] shrugs, "If his body was still whole, perhaps he was brought back to life.  I have seen that too many times to be counted."
 
[[DeviWong Devi]] says "It is mostly a lost art but it can be done. What concerns me are those." pointing at the top of the drawing. "To activate it would need both moonlight and sunlight, if I�m reading this right..." She turns to [[Alaistar Rolo]], "Are you certain this is how the drawing was laid out?"
 
�Yes.� Answers [[Alaistar Rolo]].

"It does need both moonlight and sunlight."  [[Miyen Mi-yen]] confirms.  "They had doorways open to provide the light the last time I saw it working.  Perhaps through there we can gain entrance."

[[DeviWong Devi]] says, "Doorways? To the sewers?  You have seen this machine before."

[[Hugh]] answers, "Yes, we have."

[[Alaistar Rolo]] clenches is fist and his face becomes taut, "I should have destroyed the body, foolish!"  [[Alaistar Rolo�s]] head drops and he quietly says "I beg your forgiveness" to no one in particular.  [[Miyen Mi-yen]] gives [[Alaistar Rolo]] a reassuring smile as if to suggest that it will be alright.

[[VirgilBelmont Virgil]] returns with a large tome and hands it to [[WuWong Wu]].

[[Alaistar Rolo]] turns excitedly to [[ZinRaishin Zin]], "Can you sense him? As you did me?

[[VirgilBelmont Virgil]] says, "I have a report. The wraiths are building rune structures outside of the main gates, they are corrupting the runic defenses but I don�t have the skill to know what they are doing."

[[Omi]] says, "[[VirgilBelmont Virgil]], take [[RenjiYoritomo Renji]] and [[DeviWong Devi]] to the gates, find out what they are up to."

[[ZinRaishin Zin]] says, "I can try." He closes his eyes and begins to meditate.
 
[[Alaistar Rolo]] says, �I will come.  I don't think I can be of any more help here.� But he stops to see what [[ZinRaishin Zin]] comes up with.
 
[[SebastianNemo Nemo]] says, "No, I need you to stay here and explain this drawing.  If they are building the machine you are the only one who has seen the plans.  [[Miyen Mi-yen]] please assist as well; if you�ve seen it in operation you will be invaluable."

[[VirgilBelmont Virgil]], [[DeviWong Devi]], and [[RenjiYoritomo Renji]] get up and leave.
 
"I will answer what ever I can, upon one condition." she says to [[SebastianNemo Nemo]].
 
[[SebastianNemo Nemo]] cocks an eyebrow and says, "What condition?"
 
[[WuWong Wu]] begins digging though the tome in his lap.
 
"Upon your word that this machine will never be reconstructed by you or any of your Guild."  [[Miyen Mi-yen]] locks eyes with [[SebastianNemo Nemo]].  "That you will not let that happen."

[[ZinRaishin Zin�s]] brow furrows in frustration.
 
[[SebastianNemo Nemo]] looks at [[Miyen Mi-yen]] and pauses for a long moment.  "I must figure this out on my own then.  I cannot promise that I would not use knowledge, any more than I could promise not to draw breath.  I beg you to reconsider, as all of our lives, nay all of the world may rest on us understanding this contraption but I respect your convictions."  He turns back to the drawing lost in thought, mumbling to himself.

[[Miyen Mi-yen]] nods to [[SebastianNemo Nemo]] and turns to [[TomoLuKang Tomo]].  "Is there any other way into that chamber?"
 
[[TomoLuKang Tomo]] says, "Not unless we bore through solid rock, the rings are built with only the main entrance. So that the flow of energies is directed.  One way in, one way out.�

[[ZinRaishin Zin�s]] eyes flutter open, "Something is blocking my senses, containing them within these walls.  My senses are trapped as we are."
 
�Can you locate the source of the blocking?� asks [[Alaistar Rolo]].  

Just then [[VirgilBelmont Virgil]] returns. "Unsurprising.  [[DeviWong Devi]] says that the wraiths have built a ring around the main gate to contain us.  She doubts that we could even open the doors or magically sense outside."  He continues, "They have gone to investigate the doors to the chamber where the wraiths are inside�.

[[WuWong Wu]] looks up, "There is a crystal in that chamber, as well as various other supplies, I have the list here."  [[SebastianNemo Nemo]] comes over to the book, he starts comparing lists back and forth.  [[Miyen Mi-yen]] goes to look, a brief hint of dismay on her face that quickly drops.
 
[[SebastianNemo Nemo]] says, "No this list is wrong, see there was a transfer of the crystal, it�s in another chamber."

[[WuWong Wu]] looks, "Yes it appears so.  It was moved to the sun room by my father.  Strange why would he do that, and almost hidden amongst other records."

[[VirgilBelmont Virgil]] says, �[[AshamAshari Asham]], [[MustafaOmarMohammed Mustafa]] with me, let�s retrieve this crystal�.  The three leave.
 
[[Miyen Mi-yen]] looks more hopeful.  "They will have to come out for it." she says softly.  "They may believe it to be in that chamber.  We can destroy the one they retrieve and then set an ambush for the Wraiths when they try and claim it."  She frowns, "But I fear that will not be enough."

�How many are left? I know only that the battled appeared over when I awoke.  How did it end?� asks [[Alaistar Rolo]].
 
"There were still at least 27 Wraiths outside.  And more than two hundred Hollows."  She frowns, "Dragon, Snake, Rooster, Monkey, Tiger and the Ox Wraith" she says softly, shaking her head with some confusion.
 
Suddenly [[Chen Chen�s]] head snaps up, nearly in unison with [[ZinRaishin Zin]] and [[Hugh]].  They say almost in one voice. "The wraiths are on the move!"

[[Mi-yen]] looks between the three men expectantly, her hand on her sword hilt.  [[Raven]] is first to the doors, with [[WuWong Wu]], [[NeruKazi Neru]], [[Chen]], [[ZinRaishin Zin]], [[Winter]] and [[Hugh]] following, [[Miyen Mi-yen]] right with them.

�Wait� says [[Alaistar Rolo]], �how do we know it's not another trick?  They distracted us once! We cannot leave this place unguarded.  We've already established they must come out for the crystal.�
 
[[Omi]] says, "I will remain."  

[[Nicodemus]] adds, "The Alchemists will hold this hall."

�I will assist here.� Says [[Alaistar Rolo]].
 
[[Chen]] says to no one in particular, eyes distant, "They are coming for the crystal, [[VirgilBelmont Virgil]] is under attack now." So [[Raven]], [[ZinRaishin Zin]], [[WuWong Wu]], [[NeruKazi Neru]], [[Chen]], [[Winter]], [[Miyen Mi-yen]], and [[Hugh]] are going everyone else is staying.

Before [[Winter]] leaves, [[Alaistar Rolo]] asks, �[[Winter]], is there somewhere close by [[Alexi Tessa]] and the child can go?�  

[[Winter]] as she runs out, "No where safer than here."

Belongs to categories: AllEvents