Stories with Amurru: Seeking Shelter

Twenty-Sixth Day, Eighth Moon,
Twenty-Third Year of Recent Awakenings

In accordance with the will of Her Majesty and in upholding the duties charged to me as Court Chronicler, I hereby submit the account of Stories with Amurru: Seeking Shelter.

Shortly after the eighth bell on the twenty-fifth day of the eighth moon, the scent of freshly turned dirt permeated the castle.

As the rich scent flitted through the air, those gathered in front of the Sorcerer's portal watched as dust and dirt combined to form the figure of Amurru the Wise.  The towering, muscular minotaur greeted the group warming, making note that there were new faces he had not seen before. "All are welcome to hear the Stone's tale, but be warned the dangers inside... the tale told is of a time of strife, and one must be careful, lest they be caught up in it themself."

Amurru warned that this tale was lengthy and explained because of this he would not seek the tales of heroism he normally did. He did warn that this page would be dangerous and rife with emotion.  The Wise One moved to the bone pedestal and began to sprinkle it with earth and sand causing the pages of the tome to blow and flicker.

A brief pause accord when Princess Maeveen appeared in a wash of moonlight. She bedecked Amurru’s horns and hooves in crafted covers of shimmering bronze and dark gold.  She squealed with glee that it was a present from both her and Sir Varick before once more vanishing in a flash of light.

Amurru once more returned to seriousness, cautioning those present "Any may enter the first four dreams as they choose, but the fifth is special... it is of a time outside of your war, and yet connected to it...To enter the fifth, all four must be completed, doing so will tether you to the events, and let you see further. Amurru will return in four days to unseal the fifth dream, but only those who have completed the first four will be able to enter it."

After the Amurru disappeared once more into dust, the debate began about the best way to divide the groups. With Major Vincint and Dame Eeva taking charge, the large group split into two. Dame Eeva and Captain Vessa lingered behind to watch over those who were slipping into sleep.

A small, square chamber greeted those present as they slipped back into alertness. A metallic coil dangled from the ceiling.  Master Orson, Sir Alrik, and Dame Eeva stood surrounding an iron and woodwork golem and chatted about the Triangle and Renart.  Master Orson explained that this being was created by Renart and had taken notes on his previous experiments, having been there to help him. Sir Alrik bid Master Orson recharge him and the dream paused.

Those present now had to figure out a brief puzzle to recharge the golem Moe. Once the golem was recharged another scene of the memory started. During this scene, the golem Moe proceeded to sass both Master Orson and Sir Alrik. Such moments of wit include Moe naming Sir Alrik, "What is this? Bearded human who gives commands. It is tolerably handsome I suppose though its arrogance leaves little room for charm. I shall call it Bearded One."

As they prepared to leave the dream once more froze, causing those present to figure out their way out. Once out, Sir Alrik and Dame Eeva escorted Master Orson and Moe with a small group of soldiers and rangers through the art gallery. A loud burst of noise erupted and the group was shortly overtaken by a variety of clockworks.  Those present in the dream world could choose to take control of Sir Alrik, Dame Eeva, and the soldiers, or fight in the battle themselves.  Two similar fights followed this one, one in the Courtyard and another in the tunnels filled with clockwork spiders. The banter continued to be exchanged among those present.  Sir Alrik noted importantly that they would not have sent people if they were not on the right path restoring and questioning Moe.

Eventually those present in the dreaming were transported to the treasury. A moment was given by the dream for those present to catch their breath. Sir Alrik and Dame Eeva assured the golem Moe that he would be safe there as he responded with bantering wit. Just as Sir Alrik turned to close the door he paused and realized that Miyako was in the room.

A brief exchange happened between Miyako and Sir Alrik as Miyako tried to get him to return the golem to her. Sir Alrik refused, instead trying to get her to turn herself in and submit herself to justice, "So we meet at last. I take it you are the shadowed menace that has been trespassing the peace of the Queen's realm these past moons. Surrender yourself to the Queen's Justice and She may yet show mercy on you."

The two continued to exchange words, with Dame Eeva and Moe interjecting here and there. As Sir Alrik bid the soldiers with him to prepare, Miyako responded in kind.  Shadows peeled back and sank into the floor leaving an enormous clockwork construct in their wake.  The construct stomped into the office as Sir Alrik turned to the Miyako, "Take the big one down with the men, I'm going for the head of the snake."

Those present in the dream were only given the choice to control Dame Eeva this time. The ones in this Chroniclers group choose to join in with the Dame.  The clockwork monstrosity stood easily taller than two people and had four arms, each with a different weapon. The monster was bedecked in iron armor.  The combatants fought valiantly with Dame Eeva, dodging swinging axes and attacks of viscous mortar.

Once the creature was defeated the dream once more started. The sassy Moe alerted the group to the fact that Sir Alrik had been captured by Miyako and was being held, hostage. Miyako helped her katana against Sir Alrik’s throat. Miyako tried to bargain with Dame Eeva. The Dame leveled her crossbow at Miyako and Sir Alrik. She warned that one knick of the blade and all the shadows within it would permanently kill Sir Alrik. She cautioned the Dame against taking her shot.

An emotional exchange occurred between Dame Eeva and Sir Alrik. Sir Alrik stared at the crestfallen Dame and his tone was tinged with preparedness, "There are things I regret... mistakes I've made, things left unsaid. But my time with you isn't one of them. This moment... isn't one of them. Take the shot."

Dame Eeva took her shot indeed, but it was not aimed at Miyako.  As the apology slipped from Dame Eeva’s lips the crossbow flew through the aid and landed soundly in Sir Alrik’s chest. A flash of golden light appeared as Dame Or materialized.  This caused Miyako to release Sir Alrik in surprise, leaping back and avoiding the fae knight's sword just barely.

Dame Eeva rushed to Sir Alrik and started tending to him. Miyako familiarly acknowledged Dame Or. Dame Or started at Miyako, silent and expressionless as she turned her sword.  Miyako narrowed her eyes, "Have it your way then, this machine has caused me more trouble than it's worth already."

As Miyako disappeared, fading into the shadows Moe mechanically remarked, "It is a most unpleasant specimen even by human standards, we can hardly imagine why the Master replaced our company with it."

Dame Eeva held her hands to Sir Alrik’s chest, staunching the flow of blood. She called out for help in the background as Master Orson answered the golem, "Nor can I, my friend."

The dream shimmered before going still and everyone begin to pinch themselves to return home.  As the groups began to wake it was quickly realized that not everyone had made it through the dream uninjured. Dame Josie had sustained a heavy wound to her right side that was quickly treated by Nurse Arlenia. Master Ammanas, Serjeant Ilatai, and sera Aleysia were quick to aid in getting her to the infirmary and tended to.

The page separate from the newly completed chapter finally showed itself, but only to those who had been through all four of the previous pages. The ominous title, The Creation of Evil, sat separate from all the other pages in the book. Per Amurru’s previous words he will be back in three days. This is believed to be Moon’s day the twenty-ninth of the eighth moon.

Please note that this is a particularly dangerous memory, both difficult in its battles and long in its length. It is not recommended that anyone undertake this lightly. Any who chooses to participate in the battle does so with caution and awareness.  If you are unsure please reach out to a member of the Royal Winter Watch or Royal Army to schedule a group or make note of any planned trips.

Those present included Amurru the Mountain, Lord Marshal Dame Eeva, Captain Vessa, Major Vincint, Corporal Vincint, Dame Josie, Sir Darvis, Lieutenant Ilatai, Serjeant Tristan, Mistresses Filusue, Merrynn and Rikka, Master Ammanas, sers Armos, Izrith, Salestain and Venture and seras Aleysia, Arlenia, and Serabia and this chronicler.



This chronicle will be subject to changes and corrections. I humbly ask all readers to please indicate to me discreetly, any falsehoods I may have mistakenly communicated. It is by means of the conservation of the Past that we continue to serve Her Majesty and give substance to those that follow.

In service to Her Majesty Queen Vivienne, The Office of the Chronicler, and the Denizenry of Her Majesty's Realm.

Mistress Kaira
Court Chronicler