Story : Magus Congressus

Back to: Meeting in the old stone cottage
==The Lower Chamber==
:April 22 1220
The rectangular lower room was illuminated by glowing stones set in copper wire baskets hanging from the ceiling. A large, trapezoidal block of stone had been raised from the ground to form a table with a rectangular top. Likewise, cubic pillars had been raised to act as chairs, with a slab of stone along the back to provide some support for the magi as they talk. Some smokeless candles had been lit and spread around the table to provide extra light.
Mnemosyne nodded in approval at the progress that had been made in the last couple of days. Ambrosius, Phaedrus and Bedo had worked together very well. She smiled tightly. It was a good sign for the future. If they could work together like this now, then the founding of the covenant was hopeful.
She placed some sheaves of vellum on the table as well as some quills and ink from stores she had brought with her. The need for visual aids to describe some of the things her and Ambrosius had discovered was clear in her mind and perhaps the others would feel the same way as well. In any case, some magi might like to make notes. Once this was done, she took the seat nearest the door at the foot of the table, or the head if you preferred to look at it that way.
The vellum upon the table still bore faintly scored ruling lines and pricks, and very pale inky blotches from where it had previously been used for other matters, and carefully scraped and powdered for re-use, and glowed in the flickering candle-light and steady cool illumination from the stones above.
Ambrosius stepped out from behind a rather plain looking privacy wall in the far back corner. Dressed in his full magus' robes and hand crafted fine steel chain ornamentation, he barely looked like the young man who had been, just the previous day, stripped to the waist cutting and moving stones. His hair was cleaned and slicked back, tied into a braid and wrapped with the same fine steel chain. He was startled for a moment to find Mnemosyne there already, but recovered quickly. He took the seat to the Maga's left. "Good evening, Maga Mnemosyne." he began. "It's good to finally get this meeting underway!" he exclaimed, blowing a breath out noisily. He turned to Mnemosyne. "Actually, before we begin, I wanted to ask if you thought, well, maybe we'd best post a watch in the cottage above...I was thinking of your man, Geraldous, and perhaps Sandor? I'm a bit concerned about these event with the church, and I'd rather they not have the opportunity to barge in while we sit in deep discussion."
Marcus joined them as well, dressed as usual in his simple friar's robes. He nodded pleasantly to the pair already seated and took the next available seat.
Seemingly dressed in a gown of pale blue silk, with flowers in her gleaming black hair, Eirlys came in quietly and looked about. Instinctively, she glanced upwards and was relieved to see a skylight leading to the surface. She crossed the table to take the middle seat on the side opposite Ambrosius, and sat towards the front of her stone chair, where she could see the sky.
Longinus was next to enter. His head was bowed, his arms crossed within the sleeves of his robe as usual but his normally spotless white robe was travelstained. He paused behind the empty pillar next to Ambrosius for almost a minute head still bowed. He then sat down carefully, shifting on the pillar as if settling into a more comfortable seat. He then raised his head, looked slowly around the room and spoke once, a greeting. "Salve, Magi." 
Bedo had made less effort to dress smartly for the meeting, although it was clear that he had washed the day's labours from him. He bustled down into the lower room, carring parchment, pens, and ink. He nodded politely to all present, looked at how the light lit the table, and carefully sat himself down, and set to at sharpening pens. "Have you planned a structure for this meeting Maga?" he asked Mnemosyne. "We have several reports which may be quite complex, about the sites we have visited, and from what I have gathered, the news of the mundane world will also be important. Would it perhaps be worth getting that matter dealt with first, as it may colour the reports we give on our wanderings? Although I am not a great illuminator, I am a reasonably competent scribe, so if you are chairing the meeting I am more than willing to take any notes"
"As Quaesitor, I am happy to take the role of chair to our meetings, until we elect one of our number to do so," Mnemosyne acquiesed to Bedo's request. "I think we shall perhaps leave Marcus' report for last as that may in fact take more time the others. First, I shall set the grogs to see that we are undisturbed." She nodded at Ambrosius is acknowledgement of his advice and left the chamber for a short time see give the grogs their neccessary instructions. They were to keep a sharp look out for anyone approaching and were otherwise to be left undisturbed, unless told differently. She also set a guard on the door at the top of the stairs to make matters clear before returning to the chamber.
===The Meeting Begins===
:April 21 1220
When all attending were seated and ready, Mnemosyne raised her open left hand and called for attention. "My fellow sodales, we once more meet to discuss our bold venture. Since we last met but a few days past much has happened which shall be important if we are to make the right decisions in these days ahead, which could have a profound affect on our futures for years to come."
"Bedo ex Bonisagus and Phaedrus ex Miscellenius travelled east to investigate the site of Caer Caradoc for its potential as a site for our future covenant. Longinus ex Mercere and Eirlys ex Merinita investigated Hockstow Forest to the north, Ambrosius ex Verditus and myself came west, here to Long Mynd, and Marcus ex Jerbiton looked in around the village of Church Stretton."
"I would like to now ask Bedo and Phaedrus to fill us in with the details of their endevours." Mnemosyne lowered her hand and nodded invitingly at Bedo then Phaedrus.
===Caractacus's fort===
Bedo began, "Phaedrus - please correct me if I make any mistakes, or miss anything out". 
"Sodales, The two of us, accompanied by Nenya, the cook, investigated the site of Caractacus's fort, on the top of Caer Caradoc, the sharp-edged hill that sits on the east side of the valley, north-east of Church Stretton. The is a moderate magical aura there, and some interesting features, but for a variety of reasons I shall recommend that we do not establish a covenant there. The prime one of these is that of location. The aura is limited to the area marked out by the ridge that delimits the old hill fort. That area is a long narrow area along the ridge of the hill, and any buildings constructed there would be in full view of the people of Church Stretton and any who pass along the road through the village."
He paused, and looked around the group, his gaze resting on Eirlys the longest. "From what I have seen so far of the the reaction of the Bishop of Hereford, I suspect that building a covenant that close to as strictly religious a village as Church Stretton could be troublesome."
Eirlys returned his gaze quizzically. "Buildings may be disguised, if you believe building rights may come into question with the townsfolk. Given perhaps--" she tapped her chin in thought for a moment, "--two seasons? I could devise a glamour by which a structure may be disguised or completely hidden... if the place has enough compelling features that it would otherwise make a good location for a covenant." she offered.
"Please pose your questions at the correct time, once the speaker has finished," Mnemosyne requested of Eiryls in response to her interruption, hand raised to signify her chairing of the meeting. "It is a good question though. Please, pray continue with your report Bedo and analysis." She dropped her hand.
"Buildings may be disguised - but it is all work and power we do not need to spend as we start. The Dominion aura is strong in the village, we would come and go and be seen, our track would be noticed, it is all too close to too many people - that is my opinion anyway, but if we have found nowhere else suitable, I might have to think again. Other features I shall summarise, please ask me if you require further details. Water - there is a pool which seems to be more than just rainwater. It bears further investigation, as I feel it may be fed by magic. It might be an adequate water supply - it might not. Access - difficult. It's a steep walk, with no decent track. A proper cart track would need to be built. Neighbours - apart from Church Stretton, we could see other small settlements in the forested hills to the East. It's much closer land over there than up here on the Mynd. Oh, and there's a fell creature lives in a cave in the stream on the way up, who attacked us, and has killed at least one other person. We should investigate it further, and probably destroy her. It might do us some good with Church Stretton. My feeling is that the fort is a place we may find useful, but not one where we should want to live. It also is within sight of this place, should we settle here, so can easily be reached, should we need it."
"I have two things to add here," Phaedrus broke in, " I had a closer look at the spring that feeds the pool, it had good fresh water, probably even healthy, and was enough to suply drinking water for a covenant but probably not washing water. There is good bedrock for building or digging," with a nod towards Eirlys he continued, " but a rather stiff walk to any trees and those are outside the aura." Then Phaedrus sat back to let Bedo finish.
"Apart from that place, we took a look at the castle down the valley to the south. It's quite modern, but seems to be hardly garrisoned. My gess is it was built in case the Welsh attacked this far east, but the troops are currently further west." He sat back, and looked around the group, inviting questions.
Ambrosius sat forward, stuttering slightly, "Sodalis, you did not mention, ummmm....did either of you have the opportunity to check for the existence of a regio?"
"Yes, indeed" Bedo replied "No regio up there, just a reasonable aura, although I could see that there was a regio somewhere over here on the Long Mynd. No others either I could see from up there, although the view was very good."
Ambrosius nodded appreciatively.
Mnemosyne raised her hand again, drawing attention back to her. "Do you believe this creature to be a danger to the town, and do you think it is magical in nature? What can you tell us about it?" she asked Bedo and Phaedrus.
Bedo nodded, and replied, "A black haired woman that lives and breathes under water - some type of hag? She tried to grab me and pull me in, but Phaedrus cast something that loosened her grip for a moment. As to her danger to the vill - she has a corpse there, but it may well be someone who tried to cross the stream as we did. We left what we could as markers to warn people away, but didn't see how we could warn the village, even via Marcus, without explaining what we were doing there."
"Do you think this creature could be a potential source of vis, or did you see any other indications that anything in the area of Caer Caradoc could harbour any desirable resources or potential gain?" Mnemosyne asked.
Bedo grinned slightly "At the time I was more worrying about not being drowned by her, but yes 'tis possible. My thoughts are more for the hilltop on that score, and the pool of water in particualr. It would be well to search the entire area of the fort more thoroughly, and the hillside around it too, to see if there is any apparent cause of the aura."
"Well," Phaedrus adds, " I could not leave that creature without having a look at it's hidingplace, and it had another body in there with it so it definitely seems like a threat to people from the village." "To people from the village, who wander up Caer Caradoc, certainly" Bedo agreed.
"How likely would that be?" Eirlys asked, skeptical. "Bedo thought it difficult to come up with a reason to give as to why anyone was in the area; that seems to imply that the locale is not well-travelled. If the water does indeed have mystical properties, it may possess some qualities that are preserving an ancient corpse, so the body's presence might not indicate that the creature has killed someone recently... especially if the place is remote as it sounds. I believe it would be wise to take time to research the creature thoroughly, prior to taking any action. For all we know, she's Caradog's wife, under some Roman curse." she hypothesized.
"I'm inclined to agree with you Eirlys" Bedo replied "It's not very remote, only half an hour's walk from Stretton Church, but on a path unlikely to be taken regularly. It goes east between Caer Caradoc and the hills to the south of it, but it appears from our return journey that the main track east goes to the south of those hills to a place called Hope Bowdler."
Ambrosius looked extremely uncomfortable as he disagreed. "Sodalis," he asked Bedo, "How unlikely need it be? You have already reported a body there, and....ummm....despite theory to the contrary, it is more even more unlikely to be an ancient corpse or, ah, curse. No, while I agree we need to learn more of this creature before we take any action, it is a creature that we are best equipped to deal with, and need to do so before it kills again."
Eirlys smiled gently. "In things of magic, things are least likely to be what they seem," she said. "Caradog is a figure about whom human visitors would sing fantastic songs of and tell great tales when they came to our court. If the mountain is named for this man of legend, then any magical creatures there, dangerous or no, might be..." she trailed off, trying to think of the right words, before shaking her head with a helpless grin. "I suppose I'm not quite sure what I'm trying to say, precisely. Regardless, I would propose a course of action which would address both the views of those who would be slow to act, and those who would act immediately. As the creature is aquatic, it should be a simple matter to confine her, or otherwise block off access to her pool from above. In this manner we may ensure she does not kill, buying ourselves time to discover who and what she is, before taking any other action whose consequences would be permanent. 'Twould be a shame to destroy the creature for fear of the danger, only to discover later that she was not as we inferred from the circumstances."
Mnemosyne drew attention back to herself once more with a raised hand. "Your thoughts appreciated, Eirlys. This is not the time for speculation, nor are we debating methods of... neutralising any danger it may present, Ambrosius, though again your point for a need to reach a decision as soon as possible is an important one. We are discussing the facts of Caer Caradoc."
She looked around. "Does anyone else have questions or desire clarification on Bedo and Phaedrus' report?"
Longinus, whose once more bowed head and hunched shoulders spoke volumes, looked up once at Mnemosyne and gave a small shake of his head. 
===Hockstow Forest===
Once the previous report had been presented, heard, questioned, expanded and debated, Mnemosyne moved on to the next item of business. "If Eirlys and Longinus would now fill us in with what they discovered in Hockstow Forest."
Longinus looked up immediately, shoulders straightening as he turned to Eirlys. "Maga" he said inclining his head briefly. "Would you care to go first?"
She shrugged and gave an odd, enigmatic expression. "Truth be told, I'm quite uncomfortable being so far removed from the border where Terram and Auram meet--" she glanced up through the skylight instinctively, "And besides that, I haven't quite grasped all the structure intended for a 'formal' meeting. As such, I can tell you all my impressions of the place, but Longinus would be more apt to the formulaic meeting, so as not to make mistakes in format or otherwise give offense to those who did not reveal they bore titles of royalty." She gave an unreadable look to Bedo, then turned to look at Longinus, whose shrouded guise gave her no indication of what she was supposed to do, so she stood and began to speak.
Mnemosyne made a gesture to continue with the subject in hand, as Bedo looked over to her, and made a very small puzzled-looking shrug in her direction.
"If my sodales would not mind engaging in open discussion about our findings, I confess that would be more conducive for me to sort my thoughts," she began. "If you have any questions or require clarification (as I know the cultural differences make your speech sometimes confusing to me, and I can imagine the converse may hold true as well), please do not hesitate to ask.
==== Eirlys description ====
"The Hockestow Forest is a place of mystery. Like Bedo and Phaedrus' findings, while the forest has some desirable qualities, those are offset by a number of drawbacks. It is a grand forest, with a respectable faerie aura. It is secluded and difficult to traverse for human legs, which could be either a boon or a hindrance, depending on circumstance. The foliage is quite thick, and with one known exception, sufficient lighting is an issue for... any but Phaedrus and myself, I suspect. The forest is likely to be viewed with suspicion and contempt by the humans of the area, as displayed by the wanton destruction in a glade we found within, burned to the ground and smelling of suffering and pain." Anger flared in her violet eyes even as they glistened with moisture. "I shall have to insist that you look to Longinus for any further description of that clearing if you desire it, as I shall become quite irrational and upset if I dwell upon it," she said with a thick voice.
Mnemosyne raised an eyebrow at the obvious display at emotion which overcame Eirlys. She filed it away for later pursuit, with other questions.
Longinus interrupted. "Maga, you asked that this be a discussion, so I hope you do not mind if I interrupt now with a question?"
"So long as it pertains to our report, I mind not," she replied.
"I will provide an objective description of the clearing later, but can you explain the scents, suffering, and pain, and how they can be present in a long-abandoned camp with no other evidence of violence or...anything?" 
She crossed her eyes with annoyance. "While you've already made quite clear your disdain for Herbam..." Longinus' face went flat and hard. "...I do not believe this is either the place or the time to describe how death smells. Suffice to say that the death of sentient life, for any purpose outside of the normal cycle of life and death, leaves an imprint-- and when Herbam or Animal has been the victim of that destruction and death, that imprint is quite tangible to the fair folk. Especially within our own realm. With your leave, I will now continue divulging the pertinent information." Ambrosius shifted noisily in his seat, clearing his throat in the process, while Mnemosyne merely observed the by-play without comment or expression. Without waiting for a reply, she continued. "The only area we found of a magical nature was the remains of what we both believe to be a destroyed covenant from the Schism War. It bears a magical aura, though no regio. The place has been burned quite thoroughly, and it reeks of ancient evil and death. One would imagine that anything of magical interest would have already been taken by its conquerors, but we may wish to inspect the place anyway, in case any relics of Hermetic interest might remain. There is one thing of interest which does remain, likely due to its immobility... an ancient monolith, with old carvings that form what seem to be instructions..." Her face brightened perceptibly as she spoke of it. "I believe the pillar bears great magics within, and its secrets seem to be unlocked with music and dance. I interpreted the first ring of instructions as best I could from what I know of dancing among my people (and believe you me, that if there's one thing all fey know, it's how to dance about in circles), and as a result the glade became illuminated with a magical light. From what I can tell by the carvings, each consecutive level of its magics are accessed by the addition of more dancers, and increasingly greater complexity of the dance. My curiosity is piqued and I should like to know what other secrets lie within the monolith, but I expect that it would require, ah..." she glanced at each of the magi, gauging the carriage and bearing of each, "It is like to require them that care for dancing.
Mnemsyne sat impassive as ever, her face a cold mask as she listened on.
"I don't believe any place we saw to be suitable for building a covenant. It was..." a look of puzzlement crossed her face, "It just doesn't make any sense. A faerie aura cannot be sustained without belief, and belief cannot be sustained without faerie life to feed it, or by itself spawning that life. The faerie aura remained constant throughout the entire forest with only the one exception, yet there were no signs of any faerie life whatsoever... something isn't right, there. Also, by nature of being a faerie forest, it would be quite unwise to cut down any trees, for normal trees are not like mundane ones, but are almost always sentient and aware. Such would not be conducive to building, of course. Also, within the forest we found no water sources which I think sufficient for sustaining an entire covenant, although this is but an uneducated guess." She shrugged, turning to Longinus. "That's all I can think of; can you think of anything to add?"
==== Longinus description ====
Longinus stood, his face set and hard, voice clipped, although both voice and face softened perceptibly as he became immersed in his report. "It took us the best part of a days travel to get to the edge of the forest first by cart, later by foot with Eirlys flying on ahead. A useful skill that, indeed" he said with a sharp nod to Eirlys. "The edge of the forest is a clear and fairly abrupt boundary and the foliage grows thick at the perimeter almost like a protective wall. From what we could see it looked... undisturbed. Unusual from what I understand. Once we had forced our way through this outer zone," he paused for a moment, glancing at Eirlys, then continued, "the way became a little easier, though not much. Eirlys spent most of the time aloft, assisting our route selection. We found few natural or unnatural for that matter, tracks through the forest. There was the occasional clearing, mostly it seemed natural formations around fallen trees."
 
"Late on the first evening we came upon the first signs of ...habitation. A clearing, larger than the others, had clearly contained some sort of camp. This I assume is the first clearing Eirlys mentioned. It appeared to me to perhaps be the camp of a party of charcol burners or somesuch, possibly even outlaws. As best I could tell it has been abandoned perhaps only this last winter, and may have been maintained for several years before that. The one path leading out of it headed deeper into the Forest." Longinus paused for thought.
Eirlys shuddered at the memory of the tree that had been hacked down, and dragged atop the ashes of many former victims to be burnt alive. She sniffled back her sorrow, and let Longinus continue the tale rather than dwell on that sad place.
Mnemosyne raised her hand to attract Longinus' attention and he nodded acknowledgement of her right to speak. "Just to clarify here, you saw no signs of recent life in the forest at all? No human or faerie agencies only? Or including base animal life as well?" She looked between Longinus and Eirlys both for a response.
"To my knowledge that is substantially correct Maga. No recent life, fae, human or animal" replied Longinus. "If I recall correctly, Aloysius mentioned the small animal paths not having been in recent use. Eirlys may have seen more than I however." He turned back to face Eirlys with a raised eyebrow, who only shook her head to indicate she'd seen nothing he hadn't.
When Eirlys made no move to make a verbal answer, Longinus continued. "We stopped for the night and made camp not long after, although I was already slightly uneasy at our surroundings. The next morning we forged deeper yet into the forest and it seemed to me that the trees gradually grew until they seemed impossibly large. The further we progressed in the bigger the trees got – or the smaller we got, who knows. I also had the feeling of being watched, although I saw no evidence of any watchers."
"Mid-afternoon we first encountered a Hermetic presence. I must confess that hints I had gathered from House records had led me to believe the possibility existed that a Covenant was located in the Hockestowe Forest prior to the Schism War. We ran into what appeared to be a Hermetic Ward. Aloysius, fae that he is, could not pass. Neither could our armsmen Sandor or Llewellyn. Both Eirlys and I could pass the ward without difficulty. I surmise that it was something akin to a combination of Ward against the Curious Skullion, a Ward Agaisnt Mundane Beasts and a Ward against Fae. The ward appeared to be a very large circular shape and followed a small depression in the ground."
His face grew grimmer again. "At this stage I made my first major mistake. I have gone over this in my mind and I can do naught but beg forgiveness from you all."
With a flat voice he continued. "Eirlys indicated that she wished to throw around some blind Perdo Vim spells and perhaps I should give her some space. I was thinking on the nature of the ward itself at the time and did not pay enough attention to her words."
Eirlys scowled Ambrosius but listened on, curious to know what concoction the magus was to come out with.
"Llewllyn and I followed the edge of the ward around until we were well separated and then I conducted my own investigations into the nature of the ward. After a short time of testing the ward from both sides, I extended my Parma Magica over Llewellyn and we continued in to the interior. Inside the ward the Aura was definitely Magic rather than faerie, though for low levels of Aura my gift seems to cope well enough with fae aura’s that I find it difficult to notice the difference."
"Inside the ward I found the carved monolith Eirlys has already described, though it was covered with a thick layer of ivy and little of the carvings could initially be seen. Also in sight were a collection of ruins. Scattered amongst the ruins, and indeed, apparently the reason for them, were a large collection of craters. There were two distinct types of crater, one shaped like the bottom of a perfect sphere – I surmise a Perdo effect, and one that was more like an irregular explosion, broader and shallower – possibly an ignem effect, though any fire damage is now long gone now barring some blackened stone."
"Not a single structure was untouched save one, even the pillar was leaning at an odd angle. The one untouched structure was an extraordinary enormous block of Obsidian. It is the size and shape of a low tower, perfectly flat on top. Strangely there was absolutely no detritus on top of the tower, despite the whole lying within the remnants of what must have been a truly enormous tree."
"While I investigated the ruins and tower, Eirlys danced at the pillar which glowed as she danced, conveniently providing good light for my investigations despite the onset of twilight. My investigations were necessarily brief though as the hour was late. It is possible there could still be artifacts, information or …almost anything really, still hidden amongst the ruins of the old covenant. When Eirlys was finished dancing we argued over where to sleep the night and she left."
"After she left, my investigations found the ward to no longer be working. It had been formed of a buried copper wire which I found excavated and broken cleanly."
"Llewelyn and I slept the night within the old grounds of the covenant and hurried out of the forest the next day." 
===== Questioning Eirlys =====
As he paused for breath, Bedo raised his hand, and interrupted. "This obviously isn't a quaesitorial investigation, or anything official of the sort, but I'd just like to clarify something here. Something sounds dangerous to me, and I'd just like to have it clear in my head exactly what happened. You've said that you and Eirlys argued, and that she left. You've not actually said that she broke the ward but you've said that you found it broken, and you've said earlier you left her to cast some Perdo spells. Did she say anything to indicate that she'd broken it before she left, and, to get the sequence straight, did you discover that it was broken before or after you slept the night there? I'm n-not sure whether I should be asking this of you or Eirlys, but I'm trying to ascertain whether you eventually decided to sleep there knowing that you weren't protected by the ward, or whether its protection was removed from you with you unknowing?"
"It is as I said" replied Longinus. "Eirlys did not say she had broken it, but indicated it was already broken as our argument concluded. After she left I investigated the ward and found it no longer working and the circle broken. Llewellyn and I slept within the Ruined Covenant rather than within the fae forest knowing full well that the ward was broken."
"Ah good", Bedo responded, "Whether or not Eirlys broke it, she did ensure you knew before resting there that it was destroyed". He nodded to Longinus, satisfied.
The satyr frowned. "I'd told him the ward was broken when we rejoined them within. Later, a bit past dusk yet long before the time for fleecing clouds, Longinus stated he wished to rest-- citing a desire to sleep within the ward I'd previously told him was no more. I did remind him this was not the case, before embarking upon the journey back. I did not appreciate being called a liar, but it is no responsibility of my own if another chooses to disbelieve that which I've told him."
Ambrosius sat forward. "Maga Eirlys, please be calm. I, do not recall anyone even, um, inferring you to be a liar, but I – ah - must note that you have neither confirmed nor denied that you did break the ward. Did you? Did you come upon this ward in the Hockestow and decide to break it?"
Eirlys shook her head. "Apologies for the confusion, my good Verditius- I was referring to Longinus, who after being told that the ward was no more, claimed he felt safer making an early camp to sleep within the safety of said ward. To answer your question, I did indeed break the ward, for Longinus had given me no inkling as to what I might expect. After travelling through a faerie forest devoid of life, then encountering a ward against fey, I had come to suspect that we would find the inhabitants of the forest imprisoned within. If such had been the case, I certainly would have desired to free them, for there is no greater injury one can inflict upon a fey, than to deprive him of his freedom."
Ambrosius shook his head vigorously. "I am truly sorry, Maga, but you give me cause to doubt the truth in your words. It is only when asked plainly about the ward that you claim to break the ward thinking to free the inhabitants trapped within, yet you, ahhhh," Ambrosius struggled to find the words, "...omitted such a significant motivation and truly important action in your own recounting. Did you concern your sodalis with this suspicion? Did you enter the area and seek out the imprisoned inhabitants?" Ambrosius rose his hard, to forestall any interruption. "When I suggested that we take ….ummmm…..careful yet swift action against this water witch in order to ensure the safety of this village, you presumed to – erhm - lecture on the importance of knowing as much as possible before taking any action whatsoever?" Ambrosius face was flushed, and he was clearly agitated. "Do you… do you… consider yourself to be above the advice you so freely peddle to others?" He shook his head again. "No, Maga. You make it sound as it you are providing justification after the fact."
"Justification for what?" Eirlys blinked. "I did not think the ward to be of much import, as my suspicions thankfully proved false, leaving us the mystery of a forest devoid of animal or faerie life. The difference between my action at the ward and my advice regarding the water-creature is that a copper wire is not a sentient, living being."
A little surpriced by her action Phaedrus breakes in, "You did of course assertain that the Ring you broke did not sustain any other spells than the wards?"
Her eyes widened for a moment before Eirlys regained her composure and frowned with thought. "Longinus and I both gave the ward a careful examination." she replied abruptly, before turning to Bedo with an air of indignation.
"Now, as to you" Bedo said, looking at Eirlys, "As Ambrosius has said, I have not called you a liar, neither have I as, as you seemed to infer earlier, claimed to be of Royal blood. I see little point continuing this meeting if accusations such as those are thrown around at random. A location for a covenant is moot if a covenant would be impossible to form through mistrust. I am not demanding an apology, but would you just withdraw both the remarks as inaccurate, or, if either were directed at someone else make that clear?"
"Hear, hear." Murmured Longinus almost inaudibly.
"As I have already stated, it is only Longinus who has disregarded my words as untruth. Nor have I stated that you claimed to be of royal blood, but rather the opposite-- that you did not give any indication as to such, leaving us to infer it. If such is an faulty inference, then I apologise for my own confusion; suffice to say that among the culture where I was raised, the manner in which those here have interacted with you, is the sort that would indicate one was among the royalty." Eirlys laughed, a sheepish look upon her face. "It will take some time to become accustomed to life outside of Faerie, I imagine."
"Right, I think I understand. As to the accusations of lies, you do not direct them at me, so I am satisfied. As to royalty, you misunderstand the way people behave, so I shall tell you, I have no links to royalty, so should be treated as roughly in debate as I treat you." Bedo straightened his parchment, dipped his pen, and listened again.
" Magus Bedo" said Longinus in an icy voice, "you may be satisfied but I am not. I have had enough of wiping hoofprints off my face and body, following wild paths of illogic, having my armsman threatened, being lectured on the validity of my supposed beliefs and dealing with the temper tantrums of a spoiled brat." He turned to Eirlys. "Maga, I have not yet called you a liar, regardless of the temptation you have put me under. If I ever imperfectly followed your wild chatter and missed something that later created an inference of lying, I apologise. When I call you a liar, you will know for sure and need not create an implication out of nothing." He paused, collecting himself. "For one who gives offence so readily and so obliviously, you would do well to stop taking it at the drop of a hat!"
"Wild chatter? Oblivious? Spoiled brat? You are not one to talk about giving offence when even now you insult me to my face. You claim you have not called me a liar, but then you say I have invented things, which is tantamount to the same thing. I shall do worse to you than trample you beneath my hooves if you continue in this vein..." 
"Enough!" Mnemosyne called out, her voice wintery with displeasure. "This is not the time for these discussions. We are currently hearing the reports of what was found and an analysis of its use in the furtherance of our goals. Questions should be kept to this subject. As the subject of Eirlys' actions and motivations are of such interest, we shall address them... later and at the proper time. In the mean time, I would ask that everyone keeps to the topic and maintain a civil attitude. Eirlys, you say you have no experience with formal debate, an unfortunate oversight from your Parens, but if you are willing I will discuss some of the finer points of Council ettiquette after the meeting." She looked sternly around at her gathered sodales.
"Shall we continue...? Longinus?" She dropped her hand, signifying her interruption was over.
===== Back to the subject =====
Settling himself, Longinus continued. "We made faster time going out than in, for we did not stop to investigate anything and I could feel the watchers in the woods once more. We made it out of the wood late yesterday afternoon and rested overnight close to the foot of the northern end of the Mynd before returning here this morning."
"As to my thoughts on the ruined covenant, it seems obvious that it was destroyed by a violent magical attack during the schism war. The destruction was easily centuries old. However the Pillar and the ward remained active, as did the magical aura. I saw no evidence of any habitation since that time, nor any particular Evil. As for death, I cannot say anything beyond the evidence of a magical battle. I suspect that the obsidian pillar was left behind by the victors."
"For the ward itself, it seemed designed to keep out mundanes and low-might creatures of fae and possibly other realms. However I think that any Covenant situated within such a mighty fae-forest as Hockestowe must once have, and still may, would have needed some sort of agreement with the Fae Lords. For one thing I doubt that a general ward such as we met could easily keep such out, and for another a covenant beseiged by the fae within a fae-forest must surely have a hard time of it even were they able to ward themselves sufficiently. Whatever the ward was however, it is no more."
==== Discussion ====
"For the lack of creatures we saw in the forest, I do not find that at all strange. I’d imagine a lumbering group such as the three of us would be easily avoided by mundane creatures and fae alike should they wish. Certainly I could feel their eyes upon me for much of the journey."
Eirlys shook her head. "Indeed, it would be conceivable not to see any fey. What strikes me as odd, even wrong about the place, is that I saw no recent signs that any life had been there any time recently, fey or otherwise. Every track Aloysius found was stale. It is possible that the fae of the place may have hidden their tracks from us, but to see no signs of animal life either?" She frowned. "Something is not right about that forest."
Longinus paused, waiting for any other comment before continuing again. "For general thoughts as to the suitability of the old site as a covenant location, I think there is much to be investigated yet. I do not have the arts or inclination to be a good investigator, and without wishing to malign Maga Eirlys, I do not think she has a suitable temperament. Certainly both the obsidian tower and the carved pillar need more investigation. For the founding, or refounding of a covenant I think an accommodation with the Fae Lords should be a necessity. The site is nicely isolated – given the vis I could raise a tower there immediately and no mundane lord would have any idea. If anything, a fae wood, being older and wilder, is one of the better places to look for vis sources and the ancient covenant surely had some. I did not see any stream or brook but a number of the craters from the battle had substantial water pooled in them. I suspect that with an agreement with any Fae Lords, our basic necessities of food, shelter and water would not be difficult to obtain. For my part, the site holds great promise, but much will depend on relationships with the fae. Judging by the reactions of the one fae we know to have been present, that promise may be wasted. He hesitated for a moment then continued. On the other hand, one ‘foreign’ fae reaction may be a poor indication of any response if the enthusiastic reunion of fae with fae may be taken into account. That is all I have to say for now." Finished, Longinus sat down wearily.
"For my part, I would be willing to treat with any fey nobility, should they in fact, still live," Eirlys responded with a trace of sadness which indicated she did not think it likely that they did. "It would of course, be best to have Phaedrus treat with summer lords, and I with winter, as any arrangements would require the consent of both courts," she said with a quick inquiring glance to Phaedrus. "Yet before any decisions are made that this site be the place to build upon, I would recommend a more thorough search for water and signs of animal life, for I believe food and water would be scarce. Aloysius is quite the competent hunter, and during our stay there, he had to eat from my own rations. There also is insufficient space for any fields, so grain would need to be imported. The pools of water Longinus spoke of seemed quite stagnant-- collected rainwater, I suspect, upon which I should not wish to pin the survival of many."
With a nod for Eirlys Phaedrus answers, "I would be hapy to handle the summer part of any negotiations, but since my experience of fae customs is limited to when my parrents traded with them I might need some prompting.
About water and food, since there seems to have been a Covenant there before we ought to be able to find or restore their sources.
Maybe inquiering about local legends could tell us something about why the wood seems empty?"
"So," said Mnemosyne, hand raised. "To clarify things, the monolith you found was in the same location as the ruins inside the warded area and appeared to a physical examination to have been undisturbed in centuries - with the possible exception of the obsidian structure. Do you believe that this site was warded to keep the fae out, or that rather, it was designed to keep something in? Perhaps some remnant of something left over from the Schism War?"
Longinus looked up and replied clearly and distinctly. "I have thought about this, as Eirlys posed much the same question. My answer now is much as it was then. I cannot see that it served any purpose but to keep the lesser fae and unwelcome mundanes out. The ward did not appear to be of great strength as the shared parma of an apprentice was enough for a mundane to pass. Thus it seems to me that it could not be designed to ward, in either direction, against strong magical forces. The Aura inside was definitely magical, so it surely did not keep some strong non-magical entity enclosed. The ward was covered a significant area, much greater than the near-covenant grounds. I would have expected an imprisoning ward to be... smaller, contrasting with a clear-the-riffraff ward which I would expect to be as large as one could make it."
"If this ward - or collection of wards - was created as an item, rather than a ritual spell, how difficult would it be to repair it?" Mnemosyne asked, including Ambrosius in the question for his expert advise. "It strikes me that this ward is, or rather was, one of the most useful features of the Hockstow Forest site. Would you concur?"
Ambrosius relaxed, both audibly and visibly, thankful for the distraction into his own area of expertise. "There is much discussion among the apprentices of my order, ah... when we gather, as to what the mysteries of our House hold. Once such mystery that is generally agreed upon to exist is the ability to..." Ambrosius stopped suddenly, his face paled as he realized what he was saying. "I'm afraid, Maga, that what you as is not possible for me to do...at this time."
"Thank you, Ambrosius," Mnemosyne said. "How about the two structures of interest within the warded area itself. Can you speculate further on the nature and purposes of the obelisk and the obsidian structure, please? Also, do you think if neccessary they could be salvaged for vis or indeed could be a source themselves?"
"I cannot - um - speculate on the purpose of the obelisk without a much closer examination, and possibly a demonstration, but what I can tell you is that obsidian is a material of...ah... darkness, associated, perhaps unfairly, with creatures of evil and darkness." Ambrosius placed his chin on his hand, propped upon the table, thoughtfully. "However, If I understand Magus Longinus' description correctly, the tower was situated in the ruins of a great tree - as trees, like all Herbam, require light to live and thrive. I think it likely that the tower played a part in the destruction of the tree."
"Eirlys? Longinus?" Mnemosyne asked, seeing if either of the two had anything to add.
"It is good that you have asked for speculation" replied Longinus with the faintest hint of a half smile, "for it is the only further thing I can add on these subjects. The Obsdidian tower I guess to be placed by the destroyers of the covenant for two reasons. One, it is so totally unnatural and... foreign, to the rest of the surrounds, and two, its location right amidst ruined tree is significant. The tree surely did not, could not, live and grow with the tower in place, and it is so large that it strikes me as likely having a significant place in the lives of the old covenant. Thus the destruction of the tree by the positioning of the Obsidian tower is possibly significant. Indeed, it could even have ongoing enchantments laid upon it that are significant." 
Ambrosius nodded in agreement. 
Longinus paused, losing his smile and inclined his head toward Eirlys. "As for the pillar, I suspect that any speculation on my part is as dust on the wind compared to the knowledge Maga Eirlys could bring to bear if she wished to."
Insert any answers
"Does anyone else have any questions?" Mnemosyne asked, looking particularly at Marcus who had been very quiet so far.
"I may have some questions when I make my report," said Marcus.
Phaedrus asked "Did either of you test the strength of the aura?"
Longinus blushed. "I am sorry Magus. My training has not included the testing of auras, or similar magics. I am familiar with the different auras and their effects of course, and while the wood clearly encompassed a fae aura, the aura inside the ward was just as clearly magical. I did not however ascertain the magnitudes of either. Eirlys?"
Insert any more questions
"So, in conclusion," Mnemosyne summed up. "The Hockstow forest contains some interesting artifacts and is definitely worthy of further investigation, but offers little to recommend it for the founding of a covenant."
Longinus coughed "If you will excuse me Maga, I think that may be a hasty summation. There was clearly good reason to found a covenant there once and our investigations have been extremely cursory thus far. I would be loathe to dismiss it so quickly."
Mnemosyne nodded acceptance of the correction.
== In the Cottage, Above ==
Meanwhile, upstairs, a certain amount of hustle and bustle was occurring - the faint sounds and smells of which drifted unnoticed into the meeting room below.
Nenya, commandeered help from whomever she could, and domineered those who dared stray underfoot whilst she worked earnestly upon supper. She seemed very much in her element as she worked away to produce food from the humble offerings that had been gathered.
Aloysius was [in the kitchen/sleeping area doing X, annoying Nenya, amusing Alicia, or what have you?]
Geraldous, ever the protector, gazed wearily through a slight crack in the wooden shutters, out into the coal black night. The moon was risen, and by the pale light of the sky, the dark silhouette of the Mynd lay beyond, topped by sky filled with the heroes of old. Sandor sat upon a block of stone in the corner, softly, but half-heartedly playing his rebec to pass the time; his eyes constantly sweeping towards the closed shutters and barred door. His hammer lay propped against the side of the block of stone, within Sandor's easy reach, should it become necessary. He'd heard the reports of the church nights, and knew that they were intent on his mistress - he would not let his attention lax.
The magi had been talking for most of an hour, by the candle, when seven strange silhouettes rode past the cottage on the Portway. He stared at them, intent upon reckoning their nature before raising a hue and cry. The figures were tall, cloaked, and he could not see the glint of metal about them no matter how he screwed his eyes. 
He moved from crack to crack so as to view the silent riders as they proceeded past in single file, but from the poor angle, silhouettes, and narrow view afforded, could tell little more than that some of the riders had been female.
The door was still bolted and barred, and he felt better knowing that Sandor, and even Nenya with her considerably sized pot of scalding food stood by to assist him should the riders turn about and become a problem.
== Back in the Meeting Chamber ==
===Regio of the Long Mynd===
"Ambrosius," Mnemosyne said, "would you do the honors and recount our experience along the Long Mynd?"
 
Ambrosius looked at Mnemosyne in surprise. “Me? Of…of course, Maga.
“Mnemosyne, Geraldous, Blathmac, Alicia, Llewys and I all set out on the same morning as the rest. We’d…or rather; I thought we had started with the plan to take Alicia and Llewys directly to this cottage so they could begin preparing it for our return from exploration and the arrival of everyone else. I may not have communicated this to Maga Mnemosyne, and as she was the one leading us for the most part… Anyway, as we traveled the Burway, we noted a defensive earthwork on the crest of one of the many hills of the Long Mynd. After a brief discussion, we decided to investigate the earthwork before continuing on to the cottage.
“The defensive earthwork lead to a couple items of interest, most notably was what appeared, in the mundane at least, to be a large tumulus or barrow. In the course of investigating the barrow, Maga Mnemosyne discovered a region boundary. In order to enter the region, we had to clear away the dirt and debris in the front of the barrow door. Once we entered, leaving Alicia and Llewys behind, we found ourselves in a much newer version of the same barrow structure…though it appeared to our untrained eyes that it was not, in fact, a burial mound. We also discovered that exiting the region was not as easy as entering. Indeed, when we turned to leave the way we came, we found the way barred by two large and heavy stone doors. Upon the doors was a carving of a withered tree. With experimentation, we discovered that the application of magical elements to the tree energies it, causing it to appear to produce fruit. For the duration of the fruit’s life on the tree, roughly a diameter, would be my guess, the doors opened and remained so.
“Not surprisingly, the door did lead back outside, but not to our level of reality. We were In fact and indeed, on the first level of a regio, with a second level magical aura. This level of the region which I’ll call the first, all of nature…all of reality…was, ummmmmm….intense. Every color was sharper, every blade of grass better defined.” Ambrosius chuckled. “It was about this time that we discovered that Blathmac spoke had no language in common with either myself, Mnemosyne or Geraldous. For his own protection, and for ours, I was forced to use a momentary enchantment so that Blathmac and I could share thoughts. I must say, he handled it quite well, Magus Marcus.” Ambrosius returned to the narrative. “Nature was not the only thing that was more pronounced. The elevation of the hill we were on did as well. Whereas, in the mundane layer, the hill was perhaps 300 to 500 feet in height, in the first left of the region, it was very near 1000 feet in height, if not more. Another thing that was interesting is that the items in the mundane world seemed, ahhhh...newer or more recent in the first level. For example, a long destroyed cottage near the barrows was newly burnt in the first level. The earthen defense was a fallen stone fort.
“In order to assist in our search for the region exit, I was able to cast an Intellego Vim spell that allowed me to view the boundaries of the region. Soldaes...it was massive. It covered the entire mount upon which the earthen mound rested, and then some. What's more, I could clearly see that the further up the greenway we traveled, the deeper into the regio we would pass. 
“And we did, as we were searching for the exit so that we could more safely explore. As we entered the second level of the regio, the mount became a mountain, stretch off into the clouds in both directions. The greenway became a steep mountain trail...” Ambrosius stopped a minute, a puzzled look on his face. “There was a goat...” but he let the subject drop. “The second level of the region possessed a fourth level strength in magical aura. The earthen mound had been was now an embankment, supporting a solid, sturdy looking stone wall. In the center of the ring stood a small square pavilion, perhaps a stride or two on a side and capped with a shallow dome. The dome was help up by four pillars, perhaps a four or five feet tall. The barrow had become a strange shaped oratory. The cottage, though now out of sight, was presumably still habitable...perhaps even inhabited. What’s more, there were indications that the regio went deeper yet, though by now, it was clear that we needed to head downward to go lower in the regio. 
“We opted to continue downward to return to the mundane world, a decision that, though almost certainly right, I believe was dangerous. We wandered through a magical fog so thick that we could barely track each other. I sense that if we had taken a single wrong turn…well, we would not be here now. When we finally emerged, we found ourselves at the base of the greenway. We returned to where we left Alicia and Llewys, collected them up and continued on here.
“The cottage was in much worse condition than I’d hoped and, rather than returning to the regio with Mnemosyne, I asked that we stay and prepare the place for this meeting.” Ambrosius looked around. “I think that is all.”
"Thank you for your account, Ambrosius," smiled Mnemosyne professionally. "You seem to have covered most of the salient points. If you would not mind, perhaps you could sketch a basic map of the areas we explored to help fix these things in our sodales' minds. The regio was not the most usual in the location of its entrances or exits, perhaps due to its size. We believe that there are probably multiple entry and exit points from the various layers of the regio, some more or less useful than others. A visual aid will help."
"As to the nature of the regio itself, the vibrancy and beauty of the place is consistant with the effects of a magical aura. The structure are a little different, as they could be echoes of mundane structures which have weathered the ages better, or they could have been better maintained by any inhabitants, present or former. Considering the size of the regio, the multiple layers present and the state of the structures, I think we would do well to assume that there is some presence on the Mynd, until we can reasonably determine otherwise."
As for the barrow itself, its interior possesses a spiral staircase which leads down into the bowels of the earth, which we did not explore. Given the nature of the door which allows entry and exit only by use of magic, we can presume that the structure is meant to be both entered and left easily enough by those who designed it, but was supposed to prevent that entry or perhaps exit of those less skilled. It, along with the pavillion and its potenital to act as a border to another part of the regio, must be investigated more thoroughly. In addition the third layer of the regio - which we guess to possess at least a sixth magnitude aura - and any further ones, must likewise be investigated."
"However, barring anything negative to be found on such explorations, the site has good altitude allowing us a vantage point, it is close to the village of Church Stretton without being easily accessable by mundanes, it possesses fresh running water and a strong aura. In addition, I believe that some of the structures already present may be used in the construction of a Covenant usefully."
"I now open the floor for questions." And Mnemosyne dropped her hand.
==== Questions ====
Phaedrus opens the questions with a detail, "A vantage point you say, were you able to see into the mundane valey from the regio or do you think we would have to establish routes to the outside for scouts and guards?"
Ambrosius raised his hand to indicate that he would field the question. "That is a good...er...excellent question, Sodale. I was going to raise the same with Maga Mnemosyne after the meeting." He smiled at the Quesitor. "There was no time when we could see, um, magically aided or not, from one level of the regio to another, or ah, even out into the mundane world. As far as we have yet been able to determine, there was only one entrance into the regio, that of the," he gestured over his shoulder, "barrow's hall. As it stands, and I apologize for not mentioning this earlier, the barrows of which Mnemosyne and I speak is a bare 200 meters from this cottage, perhaps even less. If we occupy this cottage with a small, er, perhaps disguised, armed force, I believe they could protect us from, or at least alert us of, most mundane threats."
"The barrow itself would make a possible gatehouse for those entering the regio," Mnemosyne agreed. "However, until we manage to identify a more convenient way to return then it exists as a one way path, which limits its use. In addition the physical location of the barrow and the boundries to the next layer lie some way apart. Further investigation of the regio may indeed reveal a more useful boundry which we can incorporate into the covenant's design and defences. However, based on current knowledge I believe such an attempt would result in spreading ourselves thinly away from any central point, which would leave us vulnerable."
"Does anyone have anything further they wish to add or enquire about?" Mnemosyne asked, looking around the assembled magi.
When no-one else speaks up Phaedrus asks, "Did you see anything indicating the availability of supplies, or something to generate the income for buying them?"
Ambrosius looked to Mnemosyne and then back to Phaedrus before answering. "I did not, magus, but I, um, wasn't really looking for anything of that type..." His voice trailed off for a second. "I can't help but to think, though...no matter where we settle in the Church Stretton area, we must needs depend on some level of trade and interaction with the town. That said, the sheer size of the regio...ah...suggests to me that we might suffice with mining, limited farming, or even herding sheep - so pristine are the grounds on the first level."
Mnemosyne nodded in agreement with Ambrosius. "The sole significant animal we saw was a goat," she added. "Presuming the creature was a normal animal, there is no reason there would not be others or that the area would not support our own herds which could provide wool, milk, cheese, butter and meat. It should be noted as well, that any products we produce can probably be enhanced with judicious use of Rego to make a superior product so even in small amounts they could potentially be the basis of at least a supporting income."
She nodded in appreciation of Phaedrus' question. "It is an excellent point you have raised, Phaedrus. Do you have any suggestions on the matter at this time?"
"I have to agree with Ambrosius, whatever we manage to produce will need to be complemented by trading, probably even beyond Church Stretton." Phaedrus answers. After a shoort considderation, this is clearly something he has been thinking about before, he continues, 
"I can think of several ways to use wards to aid farming and herding, just as we can probably win a lot by keeping our herds healthy and ensuring nothing is wasted in storage. Otherwise I have some ideas for enhancing mining and refining, but nothing speciffic at this time."
Insert more questions etc...
===Marcus' Report===
When everyone had finished discussing the Long Mynd to their satisfaction, Mnemosyne moved on to the next topic of business. "I now ask Marcus to deliver us his report on Potter's Field and the events which took place in the village after the rest of our departures."
====Events in Stretton====
"As I mentioned to some of you, things became awkward in the town the next day. Word had been sent overnight to the Bishop of Hereford that a demon walked the streets. I'm very much afraid it was you, Eirlys, that raised the countryside. Your cavalier disregard for the mores of society caused someone to cry out to an overeager bishop for aid, and he arrived the next morning with a troop of men. They searched the town, roughly, turning goodfolk out of their homes and angering everyone within miles. They set out then along the Shrewsbury road. I spent some time trying to find you, but you must have already left the road by then, and if I couldn't find you, then it wasn't likely that the Bishop's men would do so either.
"I am sad to hear that the people of this area have forgotten the old ways, and let their minds be polluted by this bishop and his servants," Eirlys responded. "The place feels defiled, and it is as though I am buffeted by an ill wind whenever I step foot within Church Stretton. I felt certain that they would merely be acting out the parts of worshippers of this imposter god in order to avoid the wrath of the nobility, but instead I find this corrupt influence holding sway over the commonfolk."
Longinus frowned and made to interrupt but checked himself.
"Given time, I should be able to set up a center of worship to my goddess, and bring the people back to following the old observances. The fuss that has arisen here was quite unexpected. I have travelled through a great deal of countryside to get here, and while I have to say there were times when people acted somewhat peculiarly, this has to be the first time that I have seen such hostility. It is better that we found out about the strange reactions of these folk now, than later when it would have been far more inconvenient."
"We didn't 'find out' anything" retorted Longinus angrily. "Your arrogant disregard for anyone or anything other than yourself might blind you but the least apprentice understands that there are different attitudes in different places and caution is a wise Magi's tool." He started to sit back in his chair then stopped. "And have some respect for the faith of others. The..." He caught himself, and sat back abruptly, his face set, lips tightly sealed.
Marcus temper had been rising throughout the exchange and now he exploded, "Eirlys, you are a fool! With no knowledge you barge in, endanger us all and raise the countryside against us. If that wasn't enough, now you deny the power of the one true God, whose power is manifest in all things. The people are devout as is only right and proper, and if you dare to try and lure them to false observances thus imperiling their souls, I will set my hand and my face against you, and seek sanctions against you from the Order; for such actions would certainly raise the Church against us even further and place your sodales in even more danger than your thoughtless and reckless actions have already done!"
[Tweak this next paragraph or so as you wish, folks, with reactions or whatever :-) JB]
"Aye, and I with you" growled Longinus
Silence fell over the meeting after this outburst. After a moment, Marcus spoke in a calmer voice, "I apolgize Eilrlys. I should not have called you a fool, that was uncalled for. And I apologize to the rest of you for my unseemly outburst. But, I can not and will not stand by while the people of this land are led to eternal damnation. If this Covenant sanctions or allows such activities, I shall be forced to leave it. But let us leave that subject for now."
"Eirlys, I bear you no personal ill will. Thus if anyone, anyone arrives here, it would be in all our interests if you were neither seen nor heard, and I suggest that we further suggest that we have never seen her nor have any knowledge of her, lest the Bishop's attention fall heavily on us which would make our activities here far more difficult than might otherwise be the case."
"Neither seen nor heard!" she repeated increduously. "I shall be practicing my arts outdoors, under the sky - not skulking around in these..." she sniffed "dank grottoes, or peering furtively from a drafty tower window. My laboratory shall be a glade with trees and a pond..."
"Eirlys," Marcus began with a long-suffering tone, "I speak of the next few days. And only suggest that if someone arrives and you are present, that you absent yourself." He held up a hand to forestall any further comment, "Please, let me finish."
"If there is a good side to this coin," Marcus said, "it is that my credit seems to be good with the folk of the town and some of the comfort I gave in the wake of the Bishop's heavy handed actions looked particularly beneficient. I think we may be able to do well enough in Church Stretton."
"There is a cottage in the town, abandoned now, but which we could rent from the laird. It is nothing exceptional, but if we can afford it, it would give us a place of residence in Church Stretton, a presence there, from which we could work to arrange for supplies of food and goods, as well as keep a finger on the pulse of the town."
====Potters Field====
"Now," he said, "as to the Potter's Field. There things are interesting. It lies southwest of Church Stretton, past Little Stretton, near where the road turns west toward the Bishop's Castle." He made a little face. "It's a half day's walk, easily, and I'm a good walker. On the other hand," he smiled, "with a little work and familiarity with the area, I could make the trip in a few moments. In any case, the place is harsh ground, good for not much of anything I would think, and a hard place to dig a grave. And," he paused, "there's a magic aura there."
"The area is well bounded by a rough stone wall which appears to be fairly old, as do many of the graves within. It seems well-tended, which fact alone is suggestive since I ask you, who would tend an entire cemetary of paupers? As I say, there is a magic aura present, although I am not sure of the expanse or magnitude -- that is not my strength."
"There are also several obelisks, arranged as is often the case so as to specify a time by their alignment. On some day of the year the sun will set between two of them and above the line of the other two. I suggest that on that day some of us be present the entire day, from before sunrise, to see what if anything occurs on such a day."
At this, Bedo who had been looking uninterested, suddenly looked up, and intereupted quietly, as Marcus paused for breath, "I have some expertise in these matters, I specialised in Astronomy when studying in the Liberal Arts. Perhaps if we are to return to examine some sites in more detail, I could travel there, and attempt to ascertain on what date this would occur?"
"I heartily encourage this, sodalis meus, and would gladly accompany you. When I studied the artes liberales, my focus was on ars musica not ars astrologia," said Marcus.
"To move on, I did not detect a regio, but as I say, such things are not my area of expertise. Depending on the extent of the magic aura, the location has some interesting possibilities as far as a location for a covenant or an asset for a covenant. It is located on the road, which has some advantages, but if the aura is restricted to the area within the walls, constructing laboratories or other buildings within the aura would be awkward to say the least. Any covenant or building there would need to have its existence disguised as something else. There is some potential there for ... something, certainly, but a few questions remain: what is the aura, is there a regio, who or what is tending the graves, and what happens when the sun aligns over the stones."
"Certainly, it sounds like this location should be investigated in more detail, and I would not be surprised to find that it can be of some benefit to our proposed covenant," Mnemosyne commented thoughtfully. "However, it does not sound particularly like this would be the most ideal place for the founding of spring covenant, given our lack of resources and uncertain status in the area. The proximity to a major thoroughfare and the nature of the place as a graveyard seem to present rather major flaws, I would guess. Would you agree with this, Marcus? Or did you find anything else which would recommend this site as a place to base ourselves, rather than simply a site of potential and interest to be investigated for vis sources or other useful resources?"
"As you all know, ego sum sectator Jerbonitis, and so the idea of being on a major thoroghfare does not fill me with the horror that it fills you, sodales mei," he smiled to show that he was gently poking fun at the Order's usual proclivity toward isolation. "I am not sure why the fact that it is a graveyard is a drawback, per se. The question to me is simply how large an area is covered by the aura and how powerful is it? If there is room to construct buildings near the Potter's Field but within the aura, then there are advantages to the location. Supplies will be easier to acquire as will news and many other things of use. However, at this point, I only think we should not rule it out until we have done a little more research."
Insert anyone else who wants to make questions or comments
===Explanations===
"Very well," said Mnemosyne, drawing the attention of the magi back to her once. "We have heard a great deal about the various sites investigated and much of interest and note. Thank you all for your most enlightening reports."
She paused for a moment and the her mouth quirked downward slightly in displeasure. "I had intended to now open the floor for discussion about our proposed course of action... However, in the course of the reports several disturbing matters have come to light. As such, I must would now like to ask Eirlys to give an explanation and more detailed account of some of her actions." The quaesitor's cold blue eyes stared across the table at the other woman.
"Firstly, I am concerned about your actions in Church Stretton, flaunting your nature and stirring up the local populace and the interest of the Church. Your lack of concern about this, and indeed the cavalier attitude in which you speak of the influence of the Church as corrupt and your blasphemous remarks. While we are in private here, your attitude worries me most strongly. In addition your previous attitude to put the matters of your Beltaine celebrations and duties as a... priestess, above those of your duties as a member of the Order are likewise worrying, and could be seen as becoming dangerously close to eroding at your oath on the Code, not to interfere with mundanes and thereby bring ruin upon your sodales - namely, us and the Order in general." 
 
"Secondly, you appear to have destroyed, through either willful desire to or incompetant ignorance of the consequences of your actions, a potentially valuable, useful and difficult to construct ward. While you chastised others on leaping to conlcusions on their judgement regarding the water creature which attacked and the evidence of a dead villager, you seemed to find it neccessary to plunge ahead and destroy a ward without consultation with your companion, Longinus, regardless of the fact you had no idea what it was actually warding against or indeed if it was acting as confinement for something dangerous within. Indeed, you yourself give justification that you broke the ward as you believed it be imprisoning something, which regardless of the any fey nature of where they inhabited may have proved extremely dangerous to be released carelessly. However, you also claim that you examined the ring carefully, but somehow failed to notice that the ward acted as a boundry between a fey aura and a magical one." 
"Thirdly, and perhaps most importantly, you have exhibited a blatant disregard for the social niceties of interaction with your sodales. You have been rude, adversarial and difficult in almost every situation. Even pursuading you to attend this meeting, after you rushed back here in such a hurry that you could not stay to accompany Longinus, seemed to cause you a problem. You have consistantly put the interests of yourself and any random thing, be it a potentially murderous water creature, which may not even be living, the fey inhabitants of Hockstow - if indeed there are any - or imaginary imprisoned victims, or indeed the local flora, ahead of of the interests of your sodales, this venture to create a new covenant and the Order itself. I must ask, given the evidence of your own actions and your confrontational and inconstant attitudes, can you actually be trusted to be a part of this undertaking? Can you be trusted to participate in our covenant and act as part of a group, instead of a impatient and selfish individual?" 
=== Eirlys departs under a storm-blackened cloud ===
 
Mnemosyne fell quiet for a moment after her speech, gaze still resting heavily on Eirlys. It seemed that the quaesitor had indeed been listening to all that had been discussed in the meeting previously and as promised there was a time and a place for everything. It appeared that now that the reports were out of the way it was time for Eirlys to respond to the various spats which had threatend to flare up several times so far. "How do you respond?" Mnemosyne asked formally.
"If you follow her cold and passionless logic, then this covenant will never amount to anything." Eirlys fixed Mnemosyne with a murderously cold stare, while we her words were clearly directed in every other direction. "In Hockstow Forest, I acted upon my intuition... such a sensitivity to the nature of a fae forest is something that possibly lies within your ken, but is nevertheless, something you will never possess." She took a quick breath before resuming her verbal torrent. "It was clear to me when we first met that you took a dislike to my fae nature, and have viewed everything that has happened since then in the worst possible light."
Ambrosius' shifted uncomfortably, his head lowered, looking at his shoes.
"Regardless, I see that you are not the only person here who takes coldly to my kind, and I am unwilling to join a company comprised so. I shall not waste my breath upon you, by trying to extricate myself from the twisted accounts that you have woven about the past few days. With your quick tongue, you would doubtless seek to use my words against me."
"I shall go now, and fetch everything that I brought here with me. If any of you try to interfere with my departure, or seek to follow me, then I shall view it as an attemtpt to render harm to me, or rob me." With that, she stood up and strode out the room, pushing aside Geraldous at the top of the stairs..
Ambrosius rose to follow after her, but stopped at the base of the stairs. As Aloysius just barely poked his nose over the edge fo the top stair to watch his mistress ascend, Ambrosius sighed, torn between the seemingly exlusive desires: to set right the breech or to seek the more peaceful path that lay without Eirlys' inclusion in the covenant. After several moments of thought and with a heavy heart, he turned back to the table and resumed his seat.
"I suggest we adjourn this meeting," said Mnemosyne quietly. "I would be happier making sure that Eirlys is safely on her way and we can resume our deliberations after a night's sleep and a chance to reflect."
She looked around for agreement and quickly declared the meeting adjourned until the following day. This done she left the underground meeting chamber and went to keep an eye on Eirlys and to make sure she did not make off with the silver, or worse. In her mind there was no telling what the irrational Merinita was capable of.
----
To be rewritten by James into IC:
Once the meeting has been adjourned, then she will simply push open the door, stride into the kitchen, and proceed straight to her bunk. Collect up her parcels, and looking very much like the character from the Narnia Books, clatter with arms full out the door and into the night without so much as a 'by your leave'. She doesn't pause to talk to anyone at all on the way, bar her grog(s), who scurry after her in confusion about present events. She takes two steeds, and rides off into the night. Anyone who walks along beside her as she leaves will get their ears filled, until she has mounted, at which point she will ride off in a great huff.
+ Longinus sat back and watched Eirlys's hasty departure while trying not to look triumphant.'''
----
=== Planning ===
:April 23 1220
The weather the following morning was fine and fair. Here and there, small white clouds scud across the sky on gentle winds.
When the last of the Magi were settled around the table once more, Mnemosyne nodded solemnly and took a deep breath, putting last nights events behind her. "Let us now proceed as I had hoped, and open the floor to debate on how to act on the information now at our disposal. Personally, I believe the best two options presented for prospective covenant sites are the Long Mynd itself and Hockstow Forest. All sites could potentially be useful and should be examined when possible though. However, this is just my opinion. What do you think, my sodales?"
Phaedrus opens the discussion, "I would like to suggest that we all visit the Regio before leaving for the other sites since it is close and if I understood Mnemosyne and Ambrosius right we might want some strength while exploring parts of it. Besides I guess all of us want to see it."
"I too would like to see the regio - but I'm not sure that I would want to live within it" Bedo added. "The magic in such places may be strong, but that can have it's problems too, as well its advantages - we should use that power, but find a way to live in a more normal aura".
Ambrosius cleared his throat. "Magus, I know very little about regios, but am aware of the...um...changes...that happen to mundanes living within an aura. It seems to me that even those changes are beneficial...or at least, not harmful." Ambrosius shook his head, "I disagree, I think. The benefits of an aura far out weigh the consequences - I perfer my forge is set up in as high an aura as possible."
"I agree with Ambrosius," put in Mnemosyne. "There are no negative effects to a stronger aura at all for those who are magically attuned. For the mundanes... Well, I am sure something can be arranged in neccessary. The advantages outweigh the disadvantages significantly though."
"I would certainly like to see it," said Marcus. "As for the best options, I still think the Potter's Field offers some compelling advantages and has been insufficiently explored. Even if we do choose a site more remote from the town, I would suggest that we consider a, 'priory' of sorts near or in the town. The events in the Strettons will impact us, they cannot help but do so, and a presence there will serve us well."
Ambrosius nodded in agreement. "Sodalis Marcus speaks true. We cannot hide behind our covenant walls and expect Stretton to never affect us." Mnemosyne too also showed her agreement with a brief nod.
"Caer Caradoc is as close to the village, but I see it as having greater disadvantages" Bedo spoke. "If anyone needs a guide, if only to avoid the creature that lives on the way there, I would be willing to help, but I fear there is little to be learned by sending people back there if it delays choosing a site. Phaedrus and I have already examined it - I would suggest we do not return until we have established ourselves more fully."
Longinus leaned forward, looking for permission from Mnemosyne to lead the conversation. When he had received it he straightened again and set himself before beginning.
"Magi, Sodalis even" he spoke. "I agree with Maga Mnemosyne. All the sites show some potential and require deeper examination. While I also agree with Mnemosyne that the Long Mynd and Hockestowe sites seem the most promising - and definitely require a more thorough investigation, I think that speculating on the various sites serves little purpose when we truly know so little about them. The advantages and disadvantages we can see here and now may be greatly outweighed but others as yet unknown." He paused and looked about the group before inclining his head and continuing. "I think we would be better served by planning out longer and more extensive investigations first - and then debate which site is the best."
"I also believe that as much as possible we should all travel to each site and explore together. I count at least four good reasons for this. One, it gives each of us our own clear impression of the site, unclouded by another's opinion or bias, for good or ill. Two, it allows each of us to use our obviously different skills, be they investigative Arts, clear thinking, organisation skills or some other. Three, it provides us with increased strength in the case of danger - and in both Hockestowe and the Long Mynd at least it seems clear that we will need to traverse into complete unknowns. Four, and in my opinion most importantly, it gives us an opportunity to learn about each other. To work together, to judge each other's characters, to forge bonds or to discover irredeemable differences." Mnemosyne said nothing, but she did not look particularly happy about something. She could not argue with Longinus' logic though.
Ambrosius shifted nervously in his seat and half raised his hand to speak. Awknowledged by a nod from Longinus, he said, "When we first met in the Three Lions Inn, I was minorly concerned that we would have no enough time to find a proper place for the seat of our covenant due to the natural limit of seasons. He had too few moons before the frost in which to thoroughtly examine all the sites as you suggest, Magus Longinus. Now...we seem to have a sound, safe location from which to work out of. Assuming that we may keep hold of this quaint shelter, I do not fear taking all the time we must to ensure our decision is the right one. I believe you are correct, Sodalis. I...ah...offer my support for what you say." Mnemosyne nodded reluctantly, adding her silent support. The sensible arguments of her two sodales could not be refuted.
Longinus let these points settle in for a moment before continuing. "Bedo, you mentioned you were a keen Astrologist. Can you provide an estimate of the appropriate dates when we should be investigating Potters field? Or do you need another trip to do your calculations?" Longinus' mouth turned up at the corner in the ghost of a wry smile. He was clearly more at ease with Eirlys now well gone. "As the Stars follow their paths regardless of our wishes, I suggest that we should match our investigations around the Potters field timing if necessary. That aside, the Long Mynd is the obvious choice for our first investigation. Not only does it appear to be one of the most promising sites, but we are right here already and together. I suggest we spend a full seven-day at least here, further exploring the Regio and environs, in strength." 
"I would say that I would need to see the Potter's field, or rather the stones there, before I can calculate when their alignment is likely to mark a date of significance" Bedo replied "Might I suggest that for the reason you suggested, we travel to Potter's Field and do that first, and if all insist on doing so visit Caer Caradoc while we are in the close neighbourhood, so that we can put it aside quickly, and then spend our time on the more useful locations. It may take me a few days to watch the processions of the stars, the moon, and the sun, to determine to which the stones are set, and when they stand in their place. Maybe while that is done is the time to visit Caer Caradoc? It also would mean that fewer of us must rest close to the village while the task is done, thus risking raising less of stir."
Longinus paused and turned to Marcus. "Magus, I imagine it may be important for you to be seen in or around Church Stretton at times, especially over the next few days after the commotion Maga Eirlys has caused. Do you think it would necessary for us to delay our mission? Perhaps as long as you attend the next Mass it will be enough?" He remained standing as waited for an answer to his questions, indicating that he had not yielded the informal floor. "In either case, if we base ourselves here at the cottage for the next week, exploring as deep into the Regio as we can but returning here every night or two, then I think you could easily slip back into Church Stretton for a visit while we search if you deem it necessary."
Marcus simply nodded, and did not interrupt Longinus flow of words.
"Looking further ahead, I believe we will also need at least a week, maybe longer to explore the Hockestowe site and the surrounding wood. And we can add travel time, at least a day each way, to that. To be honest, I don't trust anything Maga Eirlys has said about her impressions of the site," he paused for a moment, then continued, "with the possible exception of the carved pillar, so in some ways we are starting from scratch again there. There also remains the larger part of the Forest to explore, and probably some contact must be made with the Fae."
"The site at Caer Caradoc does not sound so promising, but I think we should not rule it out entirely. Perhaps we can plan for only a 2 or 3 day trip to further investigate - and possible deal with the creature en route."
"It is a good two months yet until the Summer Soltice. I think we can well afford a whole month worth of investigative effort if necessary and still have the time to establish ourselves before the Summer Season starts. I for one would rather choose our future location with some care and get it right, than stumble later on information that might have affected our decision.""
Finished, he inclined his head back to Mnemosyne and leaned back in his chair.
===A vote is called===
Mnemosyne looked around her assembled sodales. "It seems as if Longinus has a clear plan on the table. Perhaps we can modify it slightly either to allow Bedo a quick trip to Potter's Field to check on timing, or as many of us as needed visiting there briefly. As Bedo mentions, if timing is important to that site, it is best we know as soon as possible. However, minor details not withstanding, shall we vote on Longinus' plan? Perhaps a show of hands here will be suffient."' She raised her own and looked about for the votes of the other magi, acknowledging Ambrosius as he raised his. Bedo raised a hand quickly, and without comment. After a short concideration Phaedrus also raises his hand. Marcus nodded, then realized that a show of hands had been asked for and raised his as well.
Longinus bowed his head. When when the other Magi had had enough time to clearly make their choice, a marble statuette of a raised hand appeared on the table before him. He then raised his head to survey the results of the vote.
Ah, yes," said Mnemosyne slightly uncomfortably. "My apologies Longinus... I was not thinking." She coughed a little nervously and hastened on. "Well, it appears as if we have the results of our vote and the result is clear. So, unless anyone else has anything to add at this point..."
"I declare this meeting concluded and thank you all for attending," Mnemosyne spoke formally.
==All Said and Done==
When the last of the discussion concluded and the assembled magi began to go their own ways, Ambrosius approached Marcus. "Pardon, Sodale," he said softly, "but do you have a minute?"
"Of course, sodalis," said Marcus.
"I has become clear to me that, before I am to undertake any more exploration, I need to employ someone to, uhhhh...be my shield. I tell you this because, though I may not agree with much of what the church requires, I hold men of faith in high esteem and respect. I was wondering, do you know of a hale and martially skilled brother in the church that might be willing to travel with me, and is not suspicious of the Order? Barring that, do you know how I might go about finding one?"
"A warrior monk? Those are few and far between," Marcus chuckled. "There are some warriors here and there who have taken vows, but they are unlikely to want to travel with a magus. Indeed, the only religious who travel are friars, and they are not likely to be of much use in a fight. Why do feel the need for a religious? Would not a simple man-at-arms be enough?" Marcus was genuinely interested.
"In any case, I do not know of anyone meeting your requirements, but I can ask around in Church Stretton and the area and see if there might be someone suitable," Marcus concluded.
Ambrosius looked quizzically at Marcus for a moment. "Warrior Monk...? OH!" Ambrosius exclaimed. "I'm sorry, Sodale! When I said 'brother', I didn't mean...I mean, well... I'm too used to the Order, it seems. I simply meant a man of faith, be him friar, monk, man-at-arms, or peasant; a 'brother' in your faith." Ambrosius paused, gathering his thoughts. "I seek someone who is not afraid of work, and is trustworthy. In my experience, I am much more likely to find the qualities I admire in a man of faith, rather than a...an...agnostic, like myself." Ambrosius smiled ironically. "How common are these church knights that you spoke of? Are there any that are unbound?"
"You mean simply a Christian? That, amicus meus, is much, much simpler. As for the church knights ... they are few and far between here, most being involved in the Crusade. And even fewer are without bond to liege lord or bishop." Marcus considered. "I shall ask and listen in the area, there must be one who would take service with a magus. Perhaps, Geraldous or Diarmait could help with his training once he is found, since finding a trained warrior is unlikely."
"I thank you, Sodale Marcus. My only comment would be that it is not so much simply being a Christian...in fact, it seems that a Jew or a Muslim could be quite acceptable as well. I am more concerned with the willingness to, ah...think deeply, I suppose. I don't seek someone who simply believes, but someone who knows WHY he believes, and is not afraid to question or discuss it..." Ambrosius shrugged, shaking his head. "I don't know, Brother Marcus. Perhaps I was a fool to ask. The more I think on it, the more implausible it sounds. I just have seen so many grogs who go about mindlessly..." Ambrosius shook his head, frustrated. “I wish I could better communicate my concerns!"
Marcus nodded sagely, giving the impression he understood whether or not that was the truth. "I will see what I can find," he reiterated.
----
==Continued==
Next page: Decisions
Category:1220
1220Q2
12200422
12200422
Category:Mnemosyne
Category:Ambrosius
Category:Eirlys
Category:Phaedrus
Category:Bedo
Category:Marcus
Category:Longinus