abraxaslogs | MEANWHILE AT CASTLE THORNE

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MEANWHILE AT CASTLE THORNE

MEANWHILE AT CASTLE THORNE

Once the hour is up, the execution courtyard of Castle Thorne is a great deal emptier than it had been. The portals are gone with no trace and life is trickling back into those frozen by wild magic. The banners resume their fluttering, the sounds of the castle resume, and guards stumble as they complete steps they’d started. Throughout the courtyard and beyond there’s a general sense of bewilderment as time resumes.

It doesn’t take long for any of the Thorneans to realize what’s happened - they’ve lost a large portion of guests and prisoners. Some guards begin rushing out of the courtyard to search for any who may have lingered, lesser mages stagger in to lend a hand and investigate.

And many eyes turn quickly to those who remain. Any prisoners who have lingered are immediately seized and returned to the dungeons. Welcomed guests are rounded up and herded back to their rooms, where a guard remains posted at each door and will not allow them to leave. While they remain unshackled, it is clear that even welcomed guests will not be treated with impunity.

One by one, everyone will be interrogated regarding the events of the day.

Thorne is not happy.

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[ She smiles warmly at him and folds her hands on the table. It's obvious that she is pleased to be the one to bring this proposal to him. ]

Ambrose would like to offer you the chance to head up a task force comprised of a few mages. Your job would be to remain in communication with those who have fled Thorne, via the Horizon. We want to know who went where and what they're doing. And outside of the Horizon, you would have command of our mages to help prevent attacks on our kingdom.

[ There's a pause, and she tilts her head a bit. ]

Is that something you would be interested in? There's no hurt feelings if you decline.

[It's a task similar in spirit to his previous work, defending the interests of the First Order— and aside from the satisfaction of getting back to what he's always been best at, he can see a powerful opportunity in learning from and training with the mages assigned to this task force. A significant, mutual benefit. Kylo's mouth tugs towards a smile that probably wants to match Jolene's.]

It seems our interests align conveniently. This attack— with the power they demonstrated, your visitors could have harmed Thorne directly. Using the opportunity to herd the summoned into the arms of your enemies suggests they have a plan of their own for the Singularity... or at least they seek to disrupt yours. [He pauses briefly. Considers. Amends:] Ours.

The runaways have been targeted and misled. I'm as interested as you are in discovering what designs are being made for them now. You can count on my assistance... provided I can count on this being the last time I find myself confined or summoned to your dungeon for the crime of lending it.

[His smile twists a fraction. Yes, he understands why the caution was necessary, and would likely have done the same in their position, but that doesn't mean he has to enjoy being subjected to it.

That said, he seems more amused than annoyed, presently. As much as it's possible to tell the difference.]

You might want to reconsider the policy towards your guests in general. Few of them will be as... understanding as I am.

Of course. Please understand that you have my personal apology for all of this. All I can do at this point is escort you upstairs.

[ Jolene might be the highest ranking apprentice, but she is still an apprentice, and she doesn't get the final call on things like security and the treatment of the guests. Not yet.

Raising a hand, an image suddenly appears in the air, translucent and shimmering. It is the two mages who orchestrated it all, albeit from clearly a different time and place. Thorne has ears everywhere, and these two cause whispers. ]

This is Oliver Abbott and his associate, Elizabeth Francis. The last we'd heard, they were across the sea in Ikorr. We're not sure how they got back into Thorne without triggering our wards.

[Down here in the dungeons, there isn't much of Jolene's feelings or intentions that Kylo can read— but he does have his suspicions, informed by his experiences in somewhat similar circumstances. He's been the highest-ranked apprentice himself, after all. The future successor. He can recognise a personal apology and read between the lines.

But she moves on, and after a brief pause where he studies her face curiously, Kylo follows. He isn't much for forgiveness, the giving or the seeking of it— he'd much rather focus on shaping the future to be better than the past. It seems that's Jolene's focus too.

That, and Oliver Abbot and Elizabeth Francis. Kylo's eyes narrow as he studies the magical holograph.]

She didn't speak. I can show you what he said, but I doubt you will find it useful. They brought the prisoners to the execution yard through a portal, and your Oliver Abbot gave a brief speech about the aims and qualities of the Free Cities and Solvunn. They created gateways for the runaways to flee through, and left together by a third. If they were telling the truth, there's no way to track the portals— which is unfortunate. I'd want to know where theirs was headed, and I suspect so would you.

[His head tilts slightly, dark eyes poring over the features of their faces more as an aid to concentration than anything else.]

The portals, the spell... Time for them is halted. I could feel... it wasn't a dampening like this. But there was a... weight. A saturation. [He shakes his head irritably, frustrated, and offers what might be what passes for an apology, or at least an admission of limitations in Kylo Ren speak:] I have much to learn of your magic, and it will be easier to take you with me to remember it. As for these two— I don't remember reading about Ikorr. I take it they are enemies of a different flavour? Considering how little they seemed to care where Thorne's summoned help ran to.

[His lips pull into a curve.]

Traitors, perhaps. To possess such power.

Yes, unfortunately certain incantations will render portals to be untraceable. We'll hear again eventually, I suspect.

[ She nods grimly and sighs, letting her hand fall and the image fade away. ]

Ikorr is one of the two feuding major cities in Nocwich, which is to the east across the Singularity. They fight over who will have control over the region, vampires or werewolves. They keep to themselves, and we leave them alone so long as none of their kinds come to Thorne. I suspect that these two were taking advantage of the fact that no one would want to deal with vampires to find them.

Then they broke character and made this specific effort to interfere with Ambrose's attempted use of offworlders to reach the Singularity. And as they've proven to have the power to cut a doorway even into the heart of your kingdom and leave again without leaving a trace, where they were won't help you find where they are.

[Which Jolene clearly already knows, given her resignation and the fact that his task isn't to track them down, but still. He's had some experience living with the threat of a hidden enemy hanging over his head.]

But in effect they have played their hand, and Thorne hasn't lost as much as it appears. Those of us who chose to remain were the ones who are willing to co-operate. The true successes. The runaways were always an untested, disloyal quantity, and that's all the Free Cities and Solvunn have inherited.

What can you tell me about them? Oliver Abbot and Elizabeth Francis. Their aims, beyond frustrating Thorne. What do they want? I find it hard to believe they were simply protesting Thorne's treatment of its prisoners.

Which is precisely why we are far less concerned with the location of runaways. We'll find them all sooner or later, but it's not a tragedy if we don't waste the manpower.

[ She pauses and considers what to tell him. ]

We actually don't know a great deal about either of them. Only that they have been flitting about the fringes of the kingdom, saying that our handling of the Singularity is wrong.

Without offering their opinion on the right way to handle it?

[His brows raise slightly. It's possible of course— the two hadn't exactly laid out a manifesto at Jon's execution, for whatever reason, and it wouldn't be the first time he's encountered a Resistance without much of a plan for after the revolution, but still...]

Not clearly, at any rate. From what we've gathered, Oliver has been coy in regards to his own plans. Before, he seemed to be more focused on convincing others that our judgement is wrong, but this is the first time he's taken any action, in regard to both the crown and its people.

[ Her mouth twists just a little, and she looks back down at her parchment. ]

He might just want to run off and start his own commune. It certainly wouldn't be the first time it's happened.

[Mildly:] I don't remember reading about that in the library.

[But he's not here to press Jolene into potentially compromising conversation. She knows he's interested in further detail— whether there's more to be supplied is her call. However...]

A strange way to begin one, not giving the prisoners you just liberated the chance to show their gratitude by joining it... unless you believe Oliver intends to select his chosen from the field once he's had the opportunity to observe their actions and determine their individual suitability. That would be a purpose more easily achieved with the prisoners taken out from under Thorne's wards and left in the care of its enemies.

It's not all that interesting, trust me. Worst part of Abraxan history class, by far. At least the Free Cities do more than farm.

[ She's quiet for a moment, thinking this over. When she says that she's not clear on Oliver's intentions, she means it. ]

Now, don't take this as written in stone, it's only my opinion, but I think this isn't about choosing sides at all. I think it's mostly about chaos. There's power in chaos, power that can be harnessed in all manner of ways, including magical. And there might be something that he needs us to take our attention away from. If we have to contend with escapees and the involvement of the other nations, then we won't be watching when he does whatever it is he wants to do.

[Amused by Jolene's lingering irritation with the less interesting aspects of her education (a sentiment he can absolutely relate to), Kylo's mouth pulls into a rare, lopsided smile that only fades once she begins offering her theories on Oliver's motivations— his expression settling back into one of careful, focused consideration.]

He's certainly stirred plenty of it. Chaos and disruption. And, perhaps, damaged whatever confidence Ambrose had begun to gain for his project among the general population.

[But it's the topic of distraction that catches Kylo's attention. His brow furrows slightly— clearly, there's a theory of his own he's chewing on, and broaching the subject might require a little... delicacy he's not exactly built for.]

It is always easier to move unnoticed in another's shadow. [He pauses, eyes raising to meet hers carefully. He very pointedly does not look towards Jolene's escort.] Do you think it possible Oliver has agents among the guard? Individuals who might have had unsupervised access to the prisoners that were held here.

[Because if so, the steady look in his eyes suggests, Kylo thinks he may have a lead on how Oliver was able to get past Thorne's wards.]

[ She is unafraid to lock gazes with him, and she arches one eyebrow, green eyes flashing as she considers her response. ]

I suppose anything's possible. Would you like to speak with Grigory? He oversees security. If anything were amiss with the guard, he would be responsible for it.

[ The guards on either side of her shift uncomfortably. She does not pay them any mind. ]

But just between us, he is the only mage of standing not from Hayle. I can vouch for all the others.

[Interesting.]

Then perhaps it's best I speak with you. It could be simple coincidence, but considering... [You know, the attack. Kylo pauses to consider, then continues:]

One of the prisoners who hadn't been involved in any difficult behaviour I am aware of was taken from her cell shortly after our return from the Horizon and never returned. I assume you would know if that was a sanctioned action.

[ Her eyes widen with alarm. This was obviously something she did not know of, and she begins scribbling again in earnest. ]

I heard nothing about this. Who was this? When? Never returned? This is... this is outrageous.

[ Gesturing vaguely at the door, she glances up with a sharp glare to the guard on her right. ] Why are you standing there? Go, figure out who took a prisoner and where.

[Aha. He has no reason to doubt Jolene's sincerity— her reaction is one of genuine surprise, alarm, even distress. A pity, really, that Thorne's policies towards the imprisoned had been opaque enough that Relena's disappearance hadn't caused more of a stir. Kylo casts his mind back, attempting to recall the details.]

Her name was Relena. Not long after our return from the Horizon, her friend said that she was taken from her cell by a group of guards, and that no-one would tell her anything about where she had gone. At the time... [Kylo pauses. Hm. He's not trying to twist the knife, but...] ...it didn't seem out of character. We have all been expected to obey the High Mage's directives despite being kept in the dark, and many of us had been forced to cross the Horizon against our will. Why would the disappearance of one prisoner seem unusual? But perhaps...

[Perhaps someone else took advantage of the voicelessness imposed on Thorne's prisoners to carry out an agenda of their own. If Kylo were Oliver, it's certainly where he would choose to make his move. He holds Jolene's gaze carefully.]

Would Oliver have been able to use one of us to slip past Thorne's wards?

Relena. [ There's a brief moment where it's clear she's scanning her own memory to peg the name to a face. ] I remember her. Death. She was... [ Well. Jolene trails off, then adds a rune next to Relena's name on the parchment. ] Do you know if the friend is still in Thorne? And if not, could you find her in the Horizon?

[ She knits her brow, chewing the inside of her lip for a moment in thought. ] "Use"? In what way do you mean?

[He doubts most of the Summoned will have passed up the opportunity to run, as ill-advised as he considers the action. But, regardless, he can find her. Or failing that, someone she's spoken to. The runaways aren't exactly tight-lipped, and if nothing else Kylo feels confident he can enlist Jaskier's help to unravel the mystery. The bard has a way with gossip.]

I doubt she would have remained in Thorne. But I can find her.

[As for his theory...]

I don't yet know how similar your magic is to the Force. But there is a connection, now, between each of us and the Singularity. The prisoners were able to reach the Horizon from their cells even with the... dampening, of the dungeon. Perhaps that connection can be used as a conduit.

When you find her... tell her that we won't come for her. And that we're sorry for what happened to her friend. I'm sorry. And I'll find her.

[ Jolene's voice is grim, but determined, and sincere. Unfortunately, unless whoever took the girl was taking care of her, Jolene doesn't know that she's alive. It's been weeks since they got back from the Horizon.

Her cheeks are hot with anger and indignation. She has a very long letter to send when she's done here. ]

I'm not sure that Oliver would be capable of such a thing. I'm not sure that any Abraxan can utilize that particular magic without being ripped asunder. It's why we had to bring you all here in the first place. And even if, by some miracle, he can... how could he have accessed her in the first place, and why her specifically?

[ She's thinking out loud now, and she seems to catch herself with a hint of sheepishness. ] Sorry. This is all very bewildering.

[Kylo seems more pleased than alarmed by Jolene's rapid-fire thinking out loud, and he certainly sees no reason for her to be embarrassed. Working together on a puzzle like this is exactly as energising and satisfying as he'd always hoped it might be, back in his own galaxy— where people had never been particularly willing to indulge him. For some mysterious reason.]

It is. [Bewildering, that is. He leans in.] My guess would be that Oliver was able to have his agents infiltrate your guard to smuggle her outside of Thorne, where he was be able to use her, and the Singularity that connects us all as a bridge, to... tunnel through your wards to reach the other prisoners.

[Just a theory, he underlines with the slightest hint of a smile. He has no answers to offer. There is one further point to be made, however. An opportunity, perhaps.]

But if Thorne's policy of treating its guests as threats has allowed its enemies to move unseen through its very heart... perhaps you have more leverage to advocate for change than you imagine. We have much more to offer Thorne as fully informed partners than as tools... and now, you may have the evidence to prove it.

I don't want to imagine a world where he's capable of touching that connection at all. He shouldn't be, no one in the history of Abraxas has been known to successfully cross that border. It should be a biological impossibility.

[ She pinches the bridge of her nose and sighs loudly. ]

A discussion will be had, I assure you. The basis for which these things have been decided, who's dangerous and who's not, it's all in the book. The book which only Ambrose can read. I'm hoping that recent events have changed his opinions, given that at least one of those protecting him was declared a danger to be caged. But if he doesn't change his mind, it could be a thousand years or more before anyone else can read those pages.

The book is flawed.

[Kylo sounds... very certain of that, for reasons he isn't about to volunteer freely. Instead:]

Either the information in the book is inaccurate, or Ambrose is incapable of reading it, and continuing to put your trust in an instrument that has proven nothing but its inability to predict who will betray or protect Thorne would be foolishness. The kingdom's interests would be better served by a test on arrival. A period of probation, with each of the newly summoned paired with a proven ally to supervise and observe their integration.

[Or any number of alternatives. But, as Jolene has already said, she's not in a position to make policy. Kylo exhales slowly, offers a twisted smile that probably wants to be more wryly sympathetic than frustrated, (the effect, unpracticed and awkward, isn't particularly warm) and leans back, aware there probably isn't much more to be gained from speculative discussion in the dungeon.]

Suggestions to be raised at a later time. Shall we go up? Or should I wait to be called on, once you've concluded your business here.

[It seems to Kylo like Jolene would be in a stronger position with his memories of the attack to draw on, after all, but he can see how she might need to follow things through down here first.]

[ Preaching to the choir here, Kylo. Jolene just gestures in response.

She stands to walk him to the door. ]

It's been a long day, and I suspect I'll be working on this into the wee hours of the morning. I'll come find you tomorrow. For now, please have a good dinner and get some rest.

Thank you again, Kylo.

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MEANWHILE AT CASTLE THORNE

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thank you for your patience!

❤️

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