Friday, June 24, 1066 SE
Returning from the Katarina Palace early in the morning following Katarina's first royal ball, Branna, Marigold and Mon withdraw to their respective rooms rooms and take some much needed rest. The King will be visiting the Legendary later this afternoon, and tonight's opening night of The Enchanted Winter: A Tale of Lost Love will draw all of the island's nobility to the theater, presenting the best opportunity for anyone wishing to strike a blow against the monarchy.
Finding their roommates already in bed, Marigold and Branna are soon asleep. Though he lays down in his covers, Mon does not need to sleep. As Mon meditates, he hears Herald entering the room but soon his steady breathing indicates the cad has fallen asleep. As Mon processes the events of the day and wonder at Dr. Sadistik's purpose in revealing himself to the actor, he suddenly notices the absence of breathing from Herald's bed. He hears the rustle of a leaf falling from a tree, and something lands on his head. Gingerly picking it up with his fingers, he feels it is a playing card.
Intrigued and vaguely worried about his roommate's health, Mon turns on a light. Herald inhales sharply before turning over in his sleep and facing the wall. Sure enough, Mon finds that the item that landed on his head is a playing card, specifically the seven of spade. A strange black stain covers the bottom quarter. The actor does not know the significance of it, nor why someone would want to deliver this to him.
In the morning, the trio reunites in the Palace's cafeteria. Pageboys deliver boxes to Branna and Marigold, while a pageboy entrusts Mon with a box Dhuka received.
They receive packages from pageboys. Each of them has one, and an extra one has been sent to Dhuka. Mon accepts the gift meant for Dhuka. Looking inside, he finds a pink unicorn stuffed animal, and a note that reads as follows:
Dear Dhaka,
I’m sorry about what happened to you, and I do apologize. Here’s a small token of appreciation, with the hope that I will see you soon,
Marquess of Sidorov.
Marigold opens her box. Inside, she finds a note from the Marquess of Sidorov. Her note reads as follows:
Dear Marigold,
I would like to express my sincere gratitude for the absolutely stunning jewelry you created for me. It was the talk of the ball yesterday, and its impact was beyond my wildest dreams.
The intricate details, the flawless fit, and the overall elegance of your finely crafted earrings and necklace were truly remarkable. I received countless compliments throughout the evening, and I felt exceptional and confident wearing your amazing creations.
As a token of my appreciation and affection, I am including a small gift that has been in the Sidorov household for a few generations. May it be of use to you!
Thank you again for your exceptional talent and dedication. I will cherish the memories of that night forever.
Inside the box she finds the Scrivener's Pen, an item that was crafted by a powerful wizard who sought to bridge the gap between imagination and reality. The wizard spent years experimenting with various materials and enchantments before finally creating the pen. However, the wizard soon realized the immense power of the pen and decided to hide it away, fearing that it might fall into the wrong hands. The pen has been lost and found many times over the centuries. It has been used for both good and evil, and its power has been the source of countless legends and tales. Some say that the pen is a gift from the gods, while others believe it to be a cursed artifact that should be destroyed.
Branna opens her package and finds a note. It reads:
Dear Branna,
I would like to express my sincere gratitude for the absolutely stunning dress you created for me. It was the talk of the ball yesterday, and its impact was beyond my wildest dreams.
The intricate details, the flawless fit, and the overall elegance of your finely crafted dress were truly remarkable. I received countless compliments throughout the evening, and I felt exceptional and confident wearing your amazing dress.
As a token of my appreciation and affection, I am including a small gift that has been in the Sidorov household for a few generations. May it be of use to you!
Thank you again for your exceptional talent and dedication. I will cherish the memories of that night forever.
Inside the package she finds the Vest of the Clothier, a magical garment that allows the wearer to change the appearance,
texture, color, size, and format of their clothes. After using an
action, the wearer activates the item with a keyword, and then briefly
describes what the outfit will look like. The clothes are then
transformed, and fit the description. These items appear nonmagical,
even when detect magic is used.
Finally, Mon opens his package. There is no note inside, but as he looks at the mask, he has a flashback to a time where he was walking next to Dr. Sadistik, who was showcasing some of the artwork he owned. Mon clearly remembers Dr. Sadistik stopping by the mask, and pointing out to Mon that this Tanuit Mask, weathered and worn, is carved from a single piece of ancient wood, its surface etched with intricate patterns that seem to dance and writhe. The hollow eyes, however, appear to gaze into the soul of the beholder, while the mouth, a gaping maw, suggests a primal, timeless hunger. The mask's symbolism of a fractured personality is profound and multifaceted. It represents the duality of existence and the constant battle between light and dark, order and chaos. The hollow eyes might symbolize the emptiness and isolation often felt by those with a fractured psyche, while the gaping mouth could represent the unquenchable thirst for wholeness and connection. The intricate patterns may be seen as a metaphor for the complex and often contradictory thoughts and emotions swirling within a fragmented mind. The Tanuit, an ancient civilization that once dwelled in the northern forests of what is now Sezja, were known for their deep spiritual connection to nature and the spirit world. Tanuit artisans crafted such masks for various rituals and ceremonies. These masks were believed to possess the power to transform the wearer, allowing them to commune with the divine and transcend the limitations of the physical world. By donning a mask, an individual could become a vessel for the spirit world, experiencing a profound shift in consciousness.
Mon remembers feeling powerless at the time, and, strangely enough, was aware he did not yet have a mouth.
Remembering the card he received during the night, Mon shows it to Branna and Marigold. Marigold explains the meaning of the Seven of Spades to him. The Seven of Spades, a mystical messenger from the tarot deck, whispers of introspection, a moment to retreat into the quiet corners of your soul. It beckons you to journey inward, to seek the wisdom hidden within the depths of your being. This card is a gentle reminder that challenges, like the rugged peaks that rise from the earth, are not obstacles but stepping stones to self-discovery. Embrace the transformative path that lies ahead, for it is a journey of profound personal growth. As you navigate the winding roads of introspection, trust the compass of your intuition, guiding you towards the hidden treasures of your inner world. The insights gained along this solitary pilgrimage are priceless, illuminating the path to a more authentic and fulfilling life.
Marigold reminds Mon that Dhuka is probably hungry, since she was told to stay in her room last night. Mon puts a plate of food together, then heads out of the Palace. Once he's away from everyone, he turns invisible and, after entering the Legendary, travels the secret passages to Dhuka's room in the roof rafters. She's pleased to see him, and is thrilled she received a present. She unwraps the package that was supposedly sent by the Marquess, and sees that it is a pink unicorn doll. Mon also offers her the plate of food, reminding her to stay inside her room today, so that when the King comes to visit, there wouldn't be any trouble.
His errand now completed, Mon heads to the waterfront, to the Drown Sailor's Stitches. He asks Orest, the shop's owner, if he recognizes or can identify the playing card and the mask. After some negotiating, Orest tells the actor the magical properties of the card and explains that the mask is evil. After some thinking, Mon remembers the rustles of leaves, and mentions them to Orest. Orest believes that the card came from the Fey realm. Mon relates his experience with the Raven Queen. Remaining uncommitted, Orest agrees this may be the origin of the card.
After departing the Drown Sailor's Stitches, Mon heads to the Anchor's Luck, where he meets with Captain Popov. After a short breakfast for the Captain, he and Mon head out on the Tall Tale, traveling around the island. The Captain takes him to a series of shoals near the shoreline. Finding the perfect cove, Mon drops into the water, and hides the Tanuit Mask in its case at the bottom of the sea in a small hole in one of the shoals, placing a rock in front of it to ensure it does not get dragged.. He then suns himself dry. They then return to Katarina.
While Mon and Captain Popov are cruising the waters off Katarina, the last-minute preparations to welcome the King to his tour of the Legendary are interrupted by the irruption of the Cardinal and his men, holding a warrant to arrest an escaped convict and for other seditious individuals. A rumor soon spread through the theater like wildfire that they are looking for Matviyko, who escaped from the Cathedral prison last night, and for Mon, who acted as his accomplice. Hearing the commotion, Sir Gregory comes down from his office on the third floor and confronts the Cardinal, accusing him of sabotaging the Legendary's efforts in preparing for the King's visit.
As the Cardinal's men spread through the theater, Marigold asks Luba if she would be willing to act being sick, before explaining her plan. Luba gleefully agrees. Using makeup, Marigold quickly transforms Luba into a measles-infested, sick-looking woman. When the Cardinal steps on the scene, Luba approaches him and begins coughing. The Cardinal shoves her away from him and storms off, pestering against a foolish staff who would let such a sick person be in the theater with the King soon to arrive. Marigold grabs her kit back, and smiles as she returns to her work station. Finally, after an hour, the Cardinal and his men depart the Legendary, leaving a mess behind. Yurchik tells every to redouble their efforts and get the place spotless again.
In the early afternoon, as Mon hides the Tanuit Mask under the sea, the King's carriage arrives at the Legendary. He is accompanied by his son, Prince Yegor, and by the Archduke's daughters, Verushka and Yula. The King thanks his welcoming committee, then walks from department to department, asking pointed questions on the operations of the Legendary.
When he arrives in the props department, he expresses surprise at the various mechanical and magical props. He pays particular homage to Marigold's bubble machine. Marigold offers her prototype to the King, who thanks her for the gesture but politely declines. Yula asks the prop maker if she could have it. Marigold agrees, and gives it to the Archduke's youngest daughter.
Moving to the costume department, the King is happy to see Branna again. He asks her if she's ever considered making a ceremonial yet practical leather armor that he could wear at regal events. Branna agrees to look into it and draw him a few proposals. As the King and his entourage leaves, Verushka sidles up to Branna and softly asks her if she's seen Matviyko. When Branna tells her no, Verushka requests she keep him safe if he does show up.
After the King departs the Legendary, Yurchik gathers everyone, and informs them that tonight only one early dinner serving will be available at the Palace. Everyone should be back at the theater by 6. He reminds them that the King will be in attendance with Prince Yegor in the Archduke's booth, with the Archduke and his family. The Cardinal will also be here, which could make for a volatile situation given the search earlier today.
As Marigold and Branna sit down for dinner, Mon returns from his boat trip. Prompted by Branna and Marigold, Mon gathers some food and heads up to Dhuka's room. A feeling of dread assails him as he opens the door. Her secret room has been ransacked, and there is no sign of her. Mon softly calls her name, and the child emerges from a secret hiding place above the flipped kitchen table. Leaving Dhuka alone for a minute, Mon finds a pageboy and sends a message to his friends. Following his directions, Marigold and Branna soon arrive in Dhuka's wrecked room.
As the friends begin picking up the pieces of Dhuka's life, they recognize costumes and props that have gone missing in the last few months. Mon tells them he will be reaching out to the Marquess to see if Dhuka could be welcomed to Sidorov Manor. Branna mentions that perhaps Dhuka should stay with Lady Sirenko, as this would be a less obvious place for the Cardinal's men to look for her. Clearly someone knew she was here. Either option should be done in daylight, Marigold reasons. As Mon picks up a few things, he finds a cookbook called Cooking for Royals By Chef Andreii. Idly flipping it open and perusing its pages, he discovers fragments of the Cardinal's journal:
Date: September 20th, 1051 SE
The kingdom is gripped by a pall of despair. The Faceless Fever sweeps through our streets, claiming lives young and old. The once vibrant halls of the castle are now filled with the sounds of mourning. Her Highness, Princess Elara, the apple of the King's eye, has succumbed to the insidious plague. The King is inconsolable. Anya, Elara's nursemaid, has refused to accept her death. She insists that Elara was taken from her, snatched away in the night. Her persistence is unsettling.
I find myself torn between grief and opportunity. As the King's most trusted advisor, it falls upon me to guide him through this dark hour. But beneath the surface of sorrow, I see a glimmer of hope. The King's vulnerability is a potent weapon, one that I can wield to shape the destiny of Sezja.
Today, I attended the funeral. The procession was somber, the mourners' faces etched with grief. As I stood beside the King, I observed the reactions of the nobles. Some were genuinely moved, while others seemed more concerned with their own interests. It is a reminder that even in the face of tragedy, the pursuit of power and influence never truly ceases.
Later, in the privacy of my chambers, I pondered the implications of Elara's death. The King is utterly devastated. He is more susceptible to suggestion than ever before. It is time to begin my plan.
Date: October 1st, 1051 SE
The King's grief has deepened. He spends his days holed up in his chambers, refusing to see anyone. The court is paralyzed by uncertainty. The nobles whisper of a curse, of divine retribution for the kingdom's sins. I have begun to subtly plant the seeds of doubt in the King's mind. During our private meetings, I speak of ancient prophecies, of lost civilizations that possessed the secret to eternal life. I weave tales of a chosen one, a savior who can halt the plague and restore the kingdom to its former glory. The King listens intently, his eyes filled with a mixture of hope and skepticism. I must be patient. This grand plan of mine will require time and careful execution.
Today, I attended a council meeting. The nobles were squabbling over resources and blame. It is a testament to the chaos that has engulfed the kingdom. In the midst of this turmoil, I see an opportunity to consolidate power. If I can convince the King to embrace my vision, I can become the true ruler of Sezja. As I return to my chambers, I feel a surge of excitement. The stage is set. The King is receptive. The time is ripe for action.
Date: November 15th, 1054 SE
Dr. Sadistik, has finally revealed his startling discovery. Elara is alive, hidden away in his secluded laboratory. He has been conducting experiments on her, harvesting her blood, which possesses extraordinary properties. This is a turning point. The prophecy is not merely a myth. It is a reality within my grasp. With Elara's blood, I can create a new era, a kingdom free from disease and death. The people will worship me as a savior, a god among men.
The King's obsession with Elara has deepened. He spends hours poring over any scrap of information about his dead daughter. That troublesome servant Anya, whose own infant daughter was spared by the plague that took Elara, suspects that the King’s daughter is still alive. I will soon act swiftly against her! Meanwhile, I must ensure that the King remains under my control. A slip-up now could jeopardize everything. Today, I attended a banquet hosted by the Duke of Eldoria. The nobles were eager to curry favor with the King. It is a reminder of the fickle nature of power. Those who were once my enemies now seek my patronage. As I return to my chambers, I feel a sense of exhilaration. The future is bright. The kingdom is mine for the taking.
Date: December 10th, 1057 SE
That silly nursemaid Anya has been putting her nose in business that does not concern her. Her dedication to uncovering what really happened to Elara led her to a secluded estate on the outskirts of the kingdom. She found evidence of a hidden laboratory, filled with strange devices and medical equipment, and records of experiments conducted on young children, suggesting that Elara was still alive. Armed with this evidence the King and his men raided the laboratory and discovered the truth. Elara is alive, and had been held captive by a mastermind who fortunately had managed to flee just before they broke into the laboratory. The necromancer, for that is what the King believes he was, had been conducting horrific experiments on her, harvesting her blood for his own nefarious purposes.
The King’s joy at Elara's survival and being reunited with his daughter has tempered by fear. He is consumed by guilt, believing that his failure to protect his daughter has led to this catastrophe. He has kept her return secret from everyone but his most confident advisors, for fear the population will want her executed for being a necromancer’s vessel. As I return to my chambers, I feel a sense of unease. The King's trust is wavering. I must reinforce my position, to remind him of the dangers that lurk beyond the kingdom's borders.
Date: January 5th, 1058 SE
Elara has been returned to the castle, hidden in a set of chambers and heavily guarded. The King is overjoyed, his sorrow momentarily eclipsed by the miracle of her survival. Having managed to escape, and with no evidence tying him to the laboratory, Dr. Sadistik's experiments continue in secret. The blood of the chosen one is a powerful elixir, a key to unlocking the secrets of immortality. But I must proceed with caution. The King's trust is fragile. One misstep could unravel everything.
As I return to my chambers, I feel a surge of determination. The future is bright. The kingdom is on the cusp of a new era, an era defined by prosperity and eternal life. But to achieve this vision, I must remain vigilant. The road ahead is fraught with danger, and the stakes have never been higher.
Date: February 12th, 1059 SE
My carefully constructed facade has crumbled. The King has discovered the truth. That harlot Anya was behind my downfall! My punishment will be swift if I ever cross paths with her again. He is furious, his eyes filled with betrayal and disgust. I am a prisoner in my own castle, stripped of my power and influence. The nobles are divided. Some remain loyal to me, their fear of the King's wrath outweighing their moral qualms. Others have turned against me, eager to distance themselves from my disgrace. As I return to my prison, I vow to one day reclaim my rightful place. The King may have triumphed for now, but his victory is short-lived. I will return, and when I do, the kingdom will tremble at my name.
Date: March 1st, 1060 SE
Exile is a harsh mistress. The island of Katarina is a desolate wasteland, a far cry from the opulence of Sezja. The days are long and monotonous, filled with the constant drone of the sea and the mournful cries of the gulls. Despite my circumstances, I have not lost hope. I have spent my time studying the ancient texts, seeking knowledge that can aid in my return. There is a prophecy, a hidden power that can turn the tide in my favor.
The King believes he has won, but his victory is fragile. The kingdom is divided, the nobles restless. A spark of dissent could ignite a flame that would consume his reign. I have sent messages to my remaining allies, reminding them of their loyalty. They must be prepared, for when the time is right, I will return to Sezja and reclaim my rightful place.
Today, I wandered along the beach, the salty air stinging my face. I thought of Elara, of the kingdom I once ruled. It is a bittersweet memory, a reminder of what I have lost and what I must regain. I also saw a woman who looks very much like Anya walking through town with two little children. Her presence here unsettles me. I must discover why she is here, and inflict sweet vengeance on her for everything she cost me!
As the sun begins its descent, casting long shadows across the desolate landscape, I feel a surge of determination. My exile is temporary. My downfall is not the end. It is merely a chapter in a larger story, a story that will culminate in my triumphant return.
As Mon reads the entries, Dhuka tells Marigold and Branna she thinks her mother was a nursemaid for the King in Sezja. At least, that's what Anya told her before she went missing.
Realizing the note Dhuka had supposedly received from the Marquess of Sidorov was fake and that the present was meant to track her, they decide they must move their plan forward, and contact Lady Sirenko immediately to see if she will shelter Dhuka.
As they discuss the situation, Branna notices that the eyes on the unicorn have been replaced by two marbles with a faint magical signature. Someone is spying on them! She peels the eyes off and drops them off in the closest latrine.
They then resume their discussion of where to relocate Dhuka. With someone now aware they were considering moving her to Lady Sirenko, the best place is for her to stay at the theater. Mon dispatches a message to both Lady Sirenko and the Marquess advising them the Cardinal and his men may search their residences looking for the child.
Mon then wonders aloud whether Dhuka could go with Sir Paul Stal. The richest man on the island may be thrilled to needle the Cardinal. Marigold suggests that perhaps they could take an apprentice with them to the mainland, and given Dhuka's preference for boys' clothes, it wouldn't be too hard to pull off.
Mon finally reveals what he's read from the Cardinal's journal entries. He tells them the Cardinal has been plotting to dethrone the King, and that Anya and Dhuka's mother, who was also called Anya, was a nursemaid in the King's employ. With the Cardinal's plans laid bare, and with whomever was spying now aware that the journal entries have been found, time is of the essence!
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