Scene 1:

 

Tunis, 1574. The holding of the city by the Spanish is about to end. A siege and blockade of John of Austria's garrison is about to break through. The French and Dutch have aided the Ottomans in their effort to retake the city. In these last few weeks, the Barbary Corsairs are picking away at the defenses. The men of John of Austria have been living among the people or Tunis. A 19-year-old Ernst has hired a room from a widow, whose husband died in the first siege.

 

Eventually, the cannons do rain down on the city. Ernst and Miguel escape, and they are some of the only Christians to escape. Most of the rest of the men of the city are made into galley slaves. And the widow that Ernst lived with realizes she is with child with the Christian who lived with her for that year...

 

Flash forward 27 years. Maryam is on the doorstep of Freiherr Ernst von Zdar Lhota. Ludovic witnesses this. Ernst puts off Life Sight, he sees no auras, no effects, and sees nothing unusual about her aura. She is human. He then initiates a Life effect to find out if they are related; she is indeed her flesh and blood daughter.

 

"I am Maryam. My mother is..."

 

"Ludovic, can you give us a moment?"

 

"Of course." He ducks down the hallway. Ernst invites Maryam into the office, pulls out a chair for her. "So I assume you know that this is quite the surprise for me."

 

"Sir, I must let you know that... my mother died about a year ago, and I have taken this much time to journey and to find you. She said it was important I do so."

 

"I... I do not mean to diminish the importance of you being here, but what was so important that you needed to find me?"

 

Maryam, a bit taken aback, "She felt I should know my father. And I have to say that I happened to agree with her. There was nothing further for me in Tunis, and with her dead I had no possible way of supporting myself. No one would marry me." 

 

"I understand, and if I had known of your existence prior to now, you would have heard of me and I would have supported you. No one should go without both their parents."

 

Maryam is unmoved. "I am here now. And I wish to get to know you and if possible find some place for me here. I have not journeyed alone; I have come with my half-brother. He is currently being held in the guard post... as a 'guest.'"

 

"In the short term I can find a place for you. You will not have to live on the streets while we find out what the next step is."

 

"What is the next step?"

"At this point I do not know. But I will not leave you in the lurch. Let's go see your brother."

 

Passing by in the hallway, Ernst says to Ludovic, "I may as well formally introduce you to my daughter, Maryam. She comes from a very different time in my life, long before you and I met." He chuckles. "You will treat her as you would treat me."

 

"Of course."

 

"I know I could count on you."

 

"Do any arrangements need to be made?"

 

"She needs a place to stay for at least the short-term. I'm not sure if you know of any places available until we can find something more permanent." Ludovic agrees.

 

Zayed. He is a large young man, about 19, tall, much darker than Maryam, bald. Can only speak Arabic which is why he was detained. Ernst sees no auras, he's a human. (0 - 28)

 

Scene Two: Kepler

 

Salih's new sanctuary. He has received many coins that will become associated sympathetically with the famous heads of state of Europe. And then there is a knock on the door. This is unexpected, because only Gans and the cabal knows. 

 

"Excuse me, who is it?"

 

"Herr Cavus, it's Herr Kepler, may I come in."

 

Salih pauses. "One moment." And he opens the door and goes out into the hallway. This avoids the Ward.

 

"I am terribly sorry," Kepler says, as Salih scans his Resonance. He can see that Kepler has brought one of the items to him. He is acting as a agent of Fate. The item is in his vest pocket. "I... I know that you were not to be disturbed, I asked Herr Gans where you could be found, I tried the coffee shop, I tried all your usual haunts in the castle... I have urgent need of your aid."

 

"I am been crammed in here for far too long. Do you mind if we go for a stroll?"

 

"Not at all, let's go out into the square."

 

Kepler is acting sheepish and he seems grateful and relieved he is going out to the square. When he was talking about Gans, Salih saw a tiny flare in his aura. That suggests that Fate brought his item here through Gans, and that Gans wouldn't have been able to help himself telling him. That would've been strange, though, because Gans knows Fate. It bears more investigation.

 

Kepler says, "I have two requests, one far more serious than the other. I'll start with the more serious one. I am going back to Graz in Austria again to try to retreive my family's treasures. Because as you may have heard," h esaysd petulantly, "my family and I have still not been paid by the Emperor." 

 

"I had not but I am disappointed to hear that."

 

"I know that Herr Brahe is doing his best to make sure I am compensated. I know that Freiherr von Zdar Lhota and HErr KEelmen have tried to help. The pursetrings while loosened this winter, have not been enough to fulfill my entire sslary. The problem is that the reports I am hearing from Graz are dire, rumors of religious conflict. I have something very important to entrust to you. Because you are one of the only men ast court I trust implicitly.

 

"Thank you, I take that very seriously."

 

He takes a scroll out of his chest; this is the item that was meant to come to him. He says, "This is my will. If I do not return, the dispoistion of my legacy is within this document. You may bring it my wife Barbara. I ask that you do not break the seal unless you hear otherwise by what has happened to me in Graz. I have told no one of this, not even Gans. I told him I merely speak with you due to matters of research."

 

"The second is a more personal favor and one that might be considered a bit... socially awkward. But I believe you are the best man for the job... either you or Herr Kelemen, I'm not sure which. What d you know of Herr Brahe's daughter? He has many, I mean his eldest." "We've met briefly and spoken not at length. It would be improper." " You will hear shortly that a wedding has been arranged between her and his apprentice Tegnagel. I wish to ask you this because I don't think it would be a wise idea to bring this to Herr Kelemen or the Freiherr. Tycho has tried to be helpful, but in the past he has been an obstacle. Our relationship runs hot and cold. There is... a reason his daughter is getting married so quickly. I will let you deduce the rest. This rumor could be powerful in the right hands. So that I ask you hold it in your pocket. IF I do not return AND Barbara is not given the money Kepler is very very still. Well, this could be a very powerful weapon at court. Salih looks at him seriously. 

 

"I will give you a code to give to Barbara, that only she can recognize. That way you do not have to be sullied in any way. I know your place and reputation at court is precarious, as a Turk." "These are not the actions I would counsel you to take." "No, but they are the actions... THEY want me to take." And he points upward. (28 - 46)

 

Scene Three: Gate

 

Matthieu constructs the Death Gate. The discussion, earlier, where Matthieu asks what kind of security and key we should add, and whether an extra effect can or should be added to the punishment for unauthorized use. Location: Prague/Benatky. Imbue Item, Ghost Gate. (46 - 56)

 

Scene Four: Opera

 

Maier and Lorant. Maier is assisting Lorant with composition of the opera. As Maier learns more of the plot of the opera, and sees Perun. "That's an interesting choice. Where did you get that?" Lorant cites the Slavic influence as a cultural and political choice. Maier says he's dropped enough hints about Zalmoxis... but is he a hero, a villain, or an anti-hero. Maier is intrigued by Z as a character. They talk about the use of Perun as a sky-god. "Why did he take his vegeance on Zalmoxis?" "A sacrifice is demanded. He lays down his life to save Pythagroas's knowledge. The preservation of knowledge is the most important thing." Maier embraces this view. Solo violin through most of the piece. Crescendo at the end, orchestra revealed. Lots of drums, cymbals, timpani.

 

Lorant and Maier are in one of the larger, more acoustically sound rooms. Candle lit, but dim. A chill wind for April blows through the room. The candles gutter, and some fall to the floor. Some also fall onto pieces of paper. Lorant controls the Beast, but just for a little bit, and then for good. Lorant shuffles papers into his arms. Maier walks over to the window, and sees that it is sealed. (56 - 1:05)

 

Scene 5: Zayed

 

Maryam acts as an interpreter for Ernst's conversation with Zayed. He tells him the same thing about a place to stay, and then escorts to the two of them to Ludmila's. Zayed's overall mood is stonier. "So. I honestly don't know where to begin. This was not how I expected my day to go. I am surprised and happy to see you, but I am also at a bit of a loss?" "My mother was obviously not sure if you'd survived the siege. So many Christians were taken into slavery. by the corsairs. So when she was on her deathbed and she said I should try to seek you, I thought it was the fantasy of a dying woman. But, about a year ago, I began utilizining some of the contacts and sent out messengers to find out what had happened to this man. And one of them came back with the news you'd not only survived, but thrived. When I found this out, I recruited my brother and we traveled into Christendom. We started in Italy and made our way here just today. I wanted to respect my mother's dying wish, but I came here for another reason. I fear for my future. My brother is... well, he's not all there. He is strong but silent. His mind is not right. He is good for fighting, and for protecting me, but not much else. I would not be able to enter his household; he too cannot find a wife. I did not want to fall into... ruin and ignominy, I wanted to... start anew." "That's where I come in?" "If you cannot help us, sir, then we will move on. But..." she reaches into her scarf and pulls out a tiny silver chain with an icon of the Virgin Mary. "You left this behind. This is who I was named after. She named me after the mother of the Prophet Jesus. She... she loved you, sir. I know there was nothing that could be done, but she loved and trusted you. I think her dying wish was more for me than for her. If you catch my drift." "Of course." " I will make no untoward demands of you. Take the time to make your decisions, but I don't know where we'll go." "There are no... decisions that need to be ade here. We will, my colleague Ludovic will find a place for you to stay for now, we will find appropriate work and lodgings for your bother, and we will find a n apropriate way for you to be taken care of. Whether that means staying in Prague and working with me in some capacity, finding a place where your skills..." "I have learned Italian and German..." Ernst interrupts her. "There is much for you to do here. You have entered into the seat of power in Europe. There is always something for somebody to do. You are free to accept what I find, or move along. You've done a lot of travling, I understand..." She begins to cry, in gratitutde. She then stops her weeping and dabs at her eyes. She says something in Arabic to Zayed and looks back to Ernst. "I thank you." "You do not need to thank me. You are my daughter." 

 

(1:05 - 1:15)

 

Scene 6:

 

"I hope your trip is productive and quick." "I know I am setting up a lot of contingencies..." "What is it you fear?" "I fear being caught up in the religious upheaval. I don't wish to be cowed by any religious authority. They may have already appropriated my estate and done what they please with it. I'm hopeful there is something of it left." "I'm sorry I cannot go with you to assist." "That would not be advisable," Kepler laughs. "Perhaps, but I still wish that I could. I will do all that you ask of me." Kepler thanks him and suddenly Salih feels Mana flow into him from the clock and from Kepler. The resonance is some of the purest, strongest Mana he has ever felt. Kepler dabs at his forehead, he is sweating. "Are you all right?" "I'm still a bit feverish. I've held this fever for about six months. I wish it would break. It gives me the most awful nightmares." He stares at the street. "Thank you. Thank you very much, I should go." (1:15 - )

 

Scene 7: 

 

Install the gate in Rudolf's garden? The one in Benatky is more deathly; the one at Prague more abstract, astronomically, with some select memento mori. No Feign Death effect. (1:30)

 

Scene 8: 

There is a spirit in this room, it is a spirit of wind, it has been subjected to a spell effect, that binds it, and it was summoned by Libuse. They then see multiple wind spirits. "What the hell is this?" "I don't know. Should I talk to them?" "Try." After a minute of conversation, Maier says, "They say the music summoned them. I don't believe them because of what we both saw in their auras." "Do they want us to keep performing, or stop." "Obviously, to stop. There is something about this music that drew them here and roused them to anger. Do you have any idea what that could be." "Ask us what they would have us do, do they not want this to be performed? Do they seek to threaten us. What is their endgame. Censor us?" "They don't seem very intelligent. They seem very weak and that they were drawn there against their will. I put no Spirit magic in this music. My theory is that perhaps they were already here. Before the music started. She is a crafty one. And enigmatic to boot. She knows of your cabal and she lives outside the city. I've never had much use for her and I really don't know what her motivations are either." Latin: "I'm going to send this one back to his mistress, and send a message back with the others." Lorant tears forth his blades and attacks the one that was here already. Maier's enchantment signals them, and they attack, flinging fiery candelabra and heavy objects. Lorant and Maier are both hit. Banishment. ( - 1:42)

 

Scene 9:

 

Ernst arrrives on Matthieu's doorstep with Maryam and Zayed. Matthieu obviously looks deeply with his Legacy sight at them, and sees that Ernst and the girl are related. Their clothes are exotic and made not nearby. "Can I help you?" "Can we come in for a minute?" Into Matthieu's chambers, 3 of them. "WEll, I would like you to meet my duaghter, Maryam, and his brother Zayed." Matthieu sees his mind is damaged. "They will be staying in Prague for the foreseeable future. I'm coming to you because Zayed need work. It's not best for him to be wandering idle. There are not as many places who will be forgiving of his position." Ernst thinks that they should move into the other room. "I don't know what I'm going to do with them. I did not expect this." "My question is what their long-term goals and purpose are here. We could offer them employment at Benatky." "I feel she has more going for her than he does. She has loyalty and responsibility to him. Finding him a job would release her to pursue her goals. Whether it's a husband or some other goal." "Where is she from, what was her life like?" "She has been dealt a hand in life that... would not have been mine to give her if I'd been able to." "I ask again, what are the disadvantages of taking her to Benatky." "I do not see a disadvantage for him, because I believe he'd thrive there. She may also have a role there, but I do not want that would be." "Would it be best to ask her where she would be more comfortable, city or country?" Matthieu thinks she could be house staff. Ernst says he appreicates his advice. "I can find something here for him if need be but I believe he'd be better off at Benatky." They re-enter the room and Ernst apologizes for not introducing Matthieu -- Dr Demont -- earlier. "I trust him implicitly and we may actually have somewhere for the two of you." "I would like to suggest we seek Salih to find out what her ties are." Ernst agrees. They decide to go to the coffee salon to meet in the evening. 1:59

 

Scene 10: 

 

Ernst brings Matthieu, Zayed and Maryam to the coffee salon. Salih sees the four of them arrive. "You are here already, we thought we'd have some time." "It's been an interesting day." Salih greets them both in Arabic. They are pleased to hear someone speaking their language. Salih bestows exceptional luck on himself then speaks with them to put them at ease. 6 successes. And he sits them down, serves them coffee himself, and speaks politely with them. For Salih, this is a great moment, to see people from his own culture, in his own place. He welcomes them to the city, asks them about their journey, small talk. They were tense when they came in, and now they're relaxed. "Ernst, will you help me get the next course." Salih brings him into the back. "This is an interesting day for you as well!" "Not what I expected." "You have a lovely daughter." "She reminds me of her mother very much. I spoke with Matthieu earlier, and my responsibility is to make sure they are taken care of. It's my duty as a father. Obviously you see that the young man has some troubles." "He was quiet." "And she obviously wants to take care of him, and it's not appropriate for them to be many places. So Matthieu suggested Benatky. His concern is obviously that they may have something attached to them." "Of course. They are not carrying anything with them. But I only survived in this city because of the Emperor's protection. I am pleasantly surprised that they came this far." Ernst explains how he was detained. Salih is still wondering how they made it this far. He says he is returning to Benatky tomorrow. "I will not send them if they do not wish to." "I don't think it's a matter of persuading." Salih returns to the room with Fate Sight. The three of them are connected, and she was meant to find him, but not unnaturally or through magic. "So! You've journeyed over a 1000 miles." "It was a long trip." Merchant ship to southern Italy and then roads the rest of the way. They could travel, but it is a difficult task. "So what do you have in mind now?" "Sir mentioned there might be a place for my brother and here now." "Would you want to stay in the city, or outside." "I don't... I'm not sure. I don't know what is better for us." "Well, your father -- I suppose you don't know much about him personally." "We were able to find him through his reputation." "Your father, Matthieu and me, we run a school a half-day's ride outside of the city. It is for the sons of nobility. It is isolated, a place to rest. If you wish to stay in the city, you are welcome to." "I believe whatever you and he and the doctor recommend." E: "I know you haven't had a lot of choice. I want to give you that choice." Matthieu explains he is doing the best for him. "It will be a good choice for your brother, but it is not an obligation." S: "You've been on the road a very long time, I am going to the school tomorrow, you are welcome to come with me. It has been a long time since I have  someone to talk to." "What sort of work will be there?" "You should relax and rest." M: "What can you do?" Maryam: "I helped my mother and we used most of my stepfather's bequest to travel here." M: "There is plenty of work to be done." S: "Do you read German as well as speak it?" Maryam: "No, I do not read. I have been able to pick up languages." E: "On the way?" Her German is accented and near-fluent. And Ernst realizes she is remarkably adaptive and intelligent and she wasn't getting a chance to use it. "You are a bright girl and work can be found. You obviously learn very fast." She is modest. "It took me several years to speak German. You are obviously talented." "If you believe it is best, I will go with him." "Do *you* believe it's best?" "I don't know, I honestly don't, I believe it's the best right now." Ernst and Salih tell them they can feel free to come back to Prague. S: "This is a very different environment." 2:23

 

Scene 11:

 

"Can you trace back where they came from?" "I could but that would require me going into the spirit world. I'm not sure if we should. Is this not a matter for the Consilium." "We don't know if she sent them here directly. She could have summoned them five miles away and then they came, attracted by the music. If this music has a resonance to them. I believe they were telling the truth. They were very simple spirits." "I wish to discuss this with my cabal."  "I will set up a spirit ward around the school." Lorant uses the Death Gate.

 

Maryam and Zayed go off to bed guided by Salih. Ernst and Matthieu. And Lorant arrives. "So Libuse sent spirits to spy on us. And Maier wants to go to the consilium." Lorant conveys the scene using Telepathy. Ernst is able to pinpoint their motivation. They were attracted by the music and then wanted to destroy it, like moths to a flame. Ernst tells them this. They came into the school. "Would you like me to try to find them?" L: "If you believe it's wise." M: "As opposed to the consilium." L: "I am not a fan of going to the consilium for every single thing." E: "I will spend some time with those spirits and find a motive." Back to Ernst's office? Salih returns. Infodump.

 

Ernst gets one of the banished wind spirits. It was more difficult to summon than it should have been. Perhaps because it was already summoned. Ernst activates Spirit Tongue. "What do you want," it says with a mixture of fear and impertinence. E: "I was about to ask you the same thing." It turns to Lorant. "Him." "Yes, you came after him." "He is speaking lies and slanders." "And is that why you went after him?" "He should not be saying those things." "What things is he saying?" "Our mistress still has affection for the Hierarch. We are bound to her, and so we must… the music… he speaks lies." "What lies." The spirit begins to distastefully sing the crescendo of the opera. Zalmoxis summons Perun, and strikes down Zalmoxis as a sacrifice as well as the anti-Pythagoreans. "He confuses our mistress's Hierarch with a god and this is dangerous. He is not a god. These are dangerous things to do especially with Veles on the loose." Ernst swallows. "You should be wary of being close to him. If he performs this in public, it will embarrass a great number of people. Including the Hierarch." L: "What is he saying." Ernst tells everyone. L: "It is a metaphorical, allegorical…" The spirit chants, "It's not!" E: "Do we have a problem here?" L: "No." M: "What is the problem here exactly?" L cannot believe it is embarrassed by something from 2000 years ago. Ernst says, "You will leave Lorant alone. I will enforce this if necessary." "Yes, of course." "We are done here." Ernst releases it from the summons while Matthieu asks what is the nature of the embarrassment.

 

E: "What are your feelings about the Perun part of your opera." L: "It is the culmination of the story. The climax." E: "Are you worried?" L: "Art is always dangerous. Who knows what the Emperor will censor. Now I have to worry about Perun?" M: "Perhaps it's not a case of censoring art, just censoring yourself." M tells about making his abacus in the shape of the Emperor and decided against it. "Do we want to make a possible enemy of Perun?" M: "I will talk to the man himself instead of going through his stalking horses."

 

Perun/Libuse/Veles. Ernst has knowledge that Zalmoxis is involved.