A Disgusting Turn of Events Things have not gone well. Fendrith and I, quite concerned about changes in Shandor's behavior, discussed matters with Lorgath, who has accepted a job as my spymaster. It was decided to confront Shandor, to discover if he is still trustworthy, or if he needed handling. Much comes out far too quickly at that point. I was already concerned about Despil and his recent spying using mirrors thoughout Chaos and the assassinations he likely committed. Merlin is pretty much forced to commend him for his handling of the Hydra incident, and doesn't want to any more than I. Still, we cannot pin anything on him... the man is Teflon. Once Shandor admits that Despil hired him to kill Audrey-Manette, her mother (Lady Rhiannon), and Keliith, we realize how serious this has become. The four of us decide to contact Flark, needing someone with political insight to help us evaluate the situation. Much information is exchanged, a severe price for us to get working together again, especially after what Flark did to me. But now, unified once more, we pulled in Keliith and Audryey-Manette. The discussion that followed took hours, with us seeing Despil conspiracies behind every rock. In the end, we decide to evacuate those we care about to the relative safety of Keliith's Pattern-Realm. Built on the ruins of the Blue Crystal Cave, it should afford more than ample concealment for the next part of the plan. Shandor was to report back to Despil that he succeeded with all but Keliith. Lorgath was given a suitable falling out, and released to do his spy work. I was place in control of the Keep during Audrey's absence, since I was the likely candidate. I spent much of the time making the Keep as fortified as I could. Now, at the expense of much of it's total power, I can lock it against most anything I'm aware of. Once the shields go up, only Audrey-Manette, Fendrith, or I can get in. The defenses are linked with a 'show true form' spell that my sisters explain is absolute. I found this out because I was trying to find a way to foil Despil's defences. It's still rather embarassing to have been discovered on my 'recon' mission. Once that was done, I'm left with little to do. I attempt to trump Audrey-Manette to tell her of the new defences, but get a null-connect. I realize that Shandor must have already 'completed' his mission, which means I'm now 'on stage'. Locking the door, I flee to Corwin's Pattern, attempting to learn about the power I ganed there, and stumble across Gracian, who offers to teach me what he's learned. The Pattern is a powerful defense, and a useful tool. Practicing, we hellride back to the Keep, Fendrith, Gracian, and I. All goes well. The power to traverse Shadow turns out to be very much like Fendrith's. However, that is all he can do in relation to Pattern. He does do it faster than I, even when hellriding. Now I sit down and, with the help of my friends, study the integration of Pattern with my other talents. I'd asked for some information on the Mirror Realm from my sisters, Kiri and Kara, so when they return I'll have a lot to discuss. I've already proven that there is a compatibility between Pattern and Magic, it'll only be a matter of time before I make it work. Once my studies are done, however, I'm going to have to act. I still don't know what to do. I feel like I'm avoiding the issue. I thought about turning up on Despiil's doorstep, waving a white flag, and asking for his terms of surrender. Then I considered it... if I were him, intent on the throne... marrying the King's daughter, having her pop out a few heirs, and either keeping her wrapped up in her recording career or keeping her dead would be the way to go. None of that being particularly appealing, I continue to amuse myself with my new studies.