Session 13

With Zandrill still glowing with the success of having qualified as an Initiate of the Circle, the Albioners left Akihabara to return to Sapporo. Their journey was quiet and a couple of days later they were once more in Heremod's adopted home town.   Heremod immediately departed to report to his master, Tokinara-sama. Meanwhile, the others checked in to the Rampant Dragon. They were pleasantly surprised to see a familiar face in the common room - Tandris, Ermenred's brother, whom they had accompanied from Albion on their way to Honshu. He reported good trading and that he'd made plenty of useful contacts. He was even hopeful of establishing a Sapporo branch of his company. He said he needed a few more days to tie up loose ends and hoped they could travel together on the return trip to Albion. Colby and Ethulwulf began their quest to sample all the sake and geisha that Sapporo had to offer. Meanwhile, Ermenred studied his mystical tomes as much as possible. He also stored spells of his own on magical scrolls for future use.   Heremod had an audience with Lord Nakamura, ruler of Sapporo. He then watched a seppuku ceremony performed by a disgraced samurai. He then bathed and meditated to cleanse his soul. Today Heremod passed the entrance examination to be allowed to train in the famed Niten Dojo. The next 2 weeks would be spent in concentrated study of the art of fighting simultaneously with 2 blades. Meanwhile, the others relaxed in their own individual ways.   A most important event occured today - Heremod took, and passed, his graduation examination at the Niten Dojo. He had indeed learned much during the past 2 weeks, although much practice was still required before he would become a true master. In celebration, Tokanari-sama took him to the Floating World to partake in pretty much what Colby and Ethulwulf had been doing for the past 2 weeks.   Heremod was reunited with his companions today. He told them of what he had achieved at the Niten Dojo and also that he intended to return to Albion with them. Tandris was now ready to depart so everybody collected their belongings and headed out.   After a quiet journey through Honshu and over the Sohei Bridge, the Albioners reached the strip of No Mans Land separating the eastern empire from the lands of Albion. They made camp for the night in some ruins previously laired in by the troll which had ambushed them several weeks earlier. Ermenred surprised everyone with an magical display of a hitherto unseen magnitude. He explained it as a more powerful version of an incantation to protect him from attacks. During the night while Zandrill was on watch he spotted some Albioners driving wagons to the east.   Although mildly curious as to why they were travelling at 4am nobody felt like investigating. At last the Albioners set foot back in their home country as they stepped through the gates of Eastward. A milita man, who must have recognised everyone from their description, said he had a message from Sir Harken to go to nearby Eastward Abbey. As it was but mid-afternoon the group headed straight there. Sir Harken was not present himself. Instead Sir Balain, commander of the Eastward Chapter House, passed on a message that Sir Harken needed assistance and requested the group make haste to meet with him personally in Littlebrook. A night was spent in an inn in Eastward, where rumours circulated regarding Lizardfolk in the vicinty of Castle Fortuna and also the fact that many merchants from Hishan were now travelling around Albion. The following day the group headed out to Waymeet.   A quiet jaunt along the King's Road ended at Waymeet. The Albioners went and visited various friends and family they had in the vicinity to tell them of all the exciting events that had occured in Honshu. Marik also had news of an arcane nature which captivated Ermenred. Colby was concerned to hear that Lord Pricius had been released by Duke George. As his daughter was still a minor then Lord Pricius was well within his legal right to have kept her locked up. Apparently Lord Pricius was "taking steps" to seek revenge on those who had offended him. Luckily Colby was convinced he had not broken any laws by his actions so was not a fugitive, he just had a powerful noble as an enemy. The following day the group headed out to Littlebrook.   Another quiet journey saw the group arrive safely in Littlebrook. They headed directly to see Sir Harken. He gave them a private audience and requested their assistance. The knights had been very busy investigating the Sir Calmet incident and now drastic measures were needed. The task was to seek out the long-lost Valley of the Shrines and perform a reconnaisance. Evidence of what Sir Mangarak and his heretics were doing was needed. If at all possible, Sir Harken would like Sir Calmet captured - ALIVE - as he should provide vital clues to whatever foul and nefarious plots were being hatched. After the meeting, Ethulwulf had a private chat for a few minutes with Sir Harken. When he emerged he seemed relieved and happier than he had been for some time, though simultaneously deeply focussed and determined. The group's plan was to head for Mount Macarack Abbey to research the mysterious Valley of the Shrines.