Chapter 276: The Tour
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Chapter 276: The Tour
Tala chatted with Lyn and Rane, answering their basic questions while Mistress Ingrit handled the questions of all the other Archons.
Master Cazor looked to be torn between Mistress Ingrits answers and joining Tala, Lyn, and Rane, but he seemed to decide to not intrude on their clearly more private conversation.
Tala was grateful for that, and took the opportunity to smile and nod his way in thanks when he glanced toward her.
That seemed to solidify something for him, and he visibly relaxed, his attention moving more firmly to Mistress Ingrit.
-He would be able to help us test out quite a few things about our new bond. We should arrange some time with him.-
Agreed.
There was a pause when dinner was delivered, and Mistress Ingrit answered the remaining questions while the meal was consumed. Once again, most were answered simply or with a statement that such questions should be asked as part of an official information request.
-We have a few hundred of those already, by the way. Mistress Ingrit has master access over those requests, but shes allowed us to see how many there are.-
Tala was surprised. How can there possibly be that many already?
-I imagine that most people made more than one. A simple request is more likely to be answered quickly than a lengthy, multifaceted one, seeking many answers at the same time.-
That makes good sense, I suppose.
With everything pressing addressed, Mistress Ingrit dismissed nearly everyone below Refined, again with Master Rane and Mistress Lyn being exceptions.
Master Boma also seemed to have been granted permission to stay. He and Master Queue were the senior members of the Constructionists who had been invited to this meeting, and they seemed to have put in an explicit request to both be allowed to stay.
Mistress Ingrit had granted the request along with that of a few younger Librarians.
Master Cazor walked by them on his way out. Welcome back, Mistress Tala. Wed love to have you back in the arena with us, or even just for a meal. Take your time, and let us know if we can do anything to assist.
Tala smiled. Thank you, Master Cazor. Ill do that. After a moments hesitation, she added, I think I would like your help testing out a few things, if you are willing. I can explain in more detail later.
He nodded. Ill happily hear you out, and help if I can.
Thank you.
Soon enough, the room was mostly empty.
Mistress Ingrit glanced to Tala. I believe at this point, the next logical thing would be to give them a tour of your sanctum.
Masters Boma and Queue made identical expressions, eyes widening and mouths opening in smiles of undisguised glee. Several others had similar reactions, but no one seemed too surprised at the implied knowledge that Tala had a sanctum.
They probably assumed it, as I held the position of Eskau.
-And theyre right to have assumed so.-
Mistress Ingrit continued, First, though. I think we need to confirm something. Mistress Ingrit looked around with hard eyes. Everyone is to keep their aura tightly controlled, well within their own body. We will not be inside for overlong, nor are there too many of us, but even so, we will be straining the integrity of the space. Dont move around unnecessarily and dump power.
The Constructionists were nodding along, and Master Boma made an addition, We will happily help restabilize the space after we exit. What we will no doubt learn is well worth the expense.
Mistress Ingrit smiled and dipped her head. That is kind of you, and I accept on Mistress Talas behalf. She then turned back to Tala. I believe that the nature of your sanctum should now be revealed.
That caught their collective attention and the few murmured side-conversations that had tentatively started up died down almost immediately.
Tala nodded to the Archivist, standing up. So, thank you all for taking so much of your day to be here.
A ripple of mildly surprised acknowledgement came back her way. They all seemed to have seen the time as well spent. That was gratifying at least.
She smiled and decided to just dive in, My dimensional storage, now my sanctum, is something that we know of in theory, but have never properly identified before. She pulled Kit from her belt and tossed it to form a door on the nearby wall. Kit is a devouring dimension.
Master Queue frowned. That sounds like a dimensional storage version of the hostile artifacts we sometimes find in waning cities. We have procedures in place to prevent those from entering circulation.
Well, it was found near Alefast, Waning, and it is of that type, in a sense, though this one seems to be more advanced, or at least more stealthy? Certainly more patient and discreet than most. It is a creature of the void, with its power specifically oriented around dimensional magics.
Master Boma stepped forward. Wait, is the things magic void or dimensional?
Both. Like a Mage, creatures of the void can have mixes of magic. I call it Kit.
That got a mixture of confused looks from some of those who didnt know her very well.
She cleared her throat and continued. With the addition of the syphon fascia, Kit now also has illusion and physical shape changing magics, among everything else.
That sounds unsafe. That was one of the Mage Hunters who had remained, one of three Refined. The fourth member of their group was a Paragon, equaling Grediv in advancement.
Apparently, some arcanes specialize in taming these devouring dimensions, and they make the absolute best sanctums when so tamed, but the method of taming them is a closely guarded secret.
So how do you have one?
She shrugged, feeling a bit defensive. I seem to have stumbled through the process. Kit and I work well together, and I have no concern about the safety of any within my sanctum. Even so, I agree with Mistress Ingrit; you deserved to know before you step inside.
There was a collective, uncomfortable glance at Kits door.
Tala smiled and the door opened behind her, invitingly.
She heard an artificial intake of breath and realized her mistake.
Alat was slightly faster to articulate the issue, though not by much. -Right, Rob...-
Yeah, Rob is going to be a problem
Rob did indeed choose that moment to call out. KILL ME!!!!! Oh, great Mages of humanity, free me from this mortal coil. Let me pass into the world beyond!
Mistress Ingrit rubbed her own temples, groaning slightly. That is so much worse in person than in memory. That shouldnt be possible
Talas shoulders slumped as she looked through the door.
Shed decided to bring them through into her room, as it was the most normal room in the sanctum. With a thought, Rob was moved elsewhere.
Master Boma cleared his throat. Mistress Tala, please explain.
Somehow, Tala felt that fragment regard her more closely than it had before, and she got the very definitive impression of Master Xeel.
He was watching her, curious.
The fragment vibrated slightly, and Tala felt the miniscule tether between her center and that fragment buzz.
She couldnt hear words, but she got the impression, We will talk, but not now.
She was so startled that she let her voidsight vanish and refocused on the world around her.
Without that extra sight, she couldnt see the Reforged at all.
-That seems like a secret and a deeper truth in one.-
Thats for sure. She wished she could have learned more right then, but she was in the middle of giving a tour.
With an internal grumble, Tala continued the walk-around, showing them the other automata-related materials and equipment, along with resources and information that shed managed to secret away. I suppose I can move most of these books up to the library proper.
-Except for the Black Legion manual.-
Of course, not. That one stays locked away for sure.
After they left that part of the underground, she willed for just that to happen, and she somehow knew that it had been done.
Thanks, Kit.
Kit did not respond to her thoughts.
As she neared the surface, Tala decided it was time to deal with the issue shed named Rob. That decided, she summoned him to her hand just as they came back out of the underground near the endingberry grove once more.
The orbs voice cracked out in obvious surprise, even though he seemed to orient quickly, GAH! What? Oh! Honored Humans, kill me!!
Tala glared down at the orb in her hands and growled out a not-so-subtle threat, Quiet, or Ill give you to Terry to play with.
That silenced Rob immediately.
The Archons were looking at the orb with nervous curiosity.
Rane looked more curious than nervous, maybe even a mite amused at the threat of playtime with Terry, and Lyn just seemed baffled.
Master Queue was the first to speak this time, So, youre sure that the personality is distinct from the fount?
Tala didnt have a good summary, at least not one that was different than what shed already stated. Might as well test his helpfulness. Rob? Can you answer?
I am not the soul housed within my casing.
That was an unexpectedly frank answer. Tala was almost impressed. Hmmm Maybe, we can
Then, Rob continued, I violate the sanctity of this soul. I am a false personality, a false consciousness, living off of the trapped soul. The only reasonable course of action is swift justice. This heinous act demands capital punishment.
And there it is. Tala sighed. I have a total of five founts, though Rob is the only one with an artificial consciousness built atop it. I am happy to turn them over to the appropriate parties.
Tala looked to Mistress Ingrit, and the Librarian shrugged. We dont have a set procedure for such.
Mistress Elnea stepped forward. The Bandfast Archon Council is willing to take responsibility for the founts, and sponsor the effort to determine the best course of action to decide their fate.
That got a round of nods from everyone present.
Master Boma was frowning, even as he nodded. Mistress Tala?
Yes?
You threatened the orb with Terry. Is that the terror bird that I remember being with you on occasion?
Yes, thats Terry.
The Fused tilted his head to one side. But why would that be
Terry flickered into being beside Tala, likely called by the repeated, rather loud, uses of his name.
He was the size of a large horse.
Magic spun up through the group of Archons, even as many of them stumbled back in shock.
Tala stepped between Terry and the Archons, holding up her hands. Stop! This is Terry.
Collectively, the Archons let their spellworkings die down.
One Archon had fallen to the ground, one of the librarians who wasnt even quite Fused yet, and he was staring up at Tala and Terry. His eyes flicked to the endingberries, then back to Tala. Devouring dimensions, endingberries, trapped souls, and now a terror bird? What other horrors do you have in here?
The cat chose that moment to finish weaving through the crowd and hop onto the downed Archons lap.
The man squeaked in surprise, and Tala saw many of those around him tense.
To his credit, the librarians tone was mostly level, though his hands were trembling, while he tried not to move, What manner of beast is this?
Tala stifled her laugh. That, master librarian, is a cat.
There was a moment of silence before Master Boma glanced her way, obviously confused. What?
That is a cat, Master Boma. Nothing more or less.
A ripple of nervous chuckles passed through those gathered around, and the young man tentatively scratched the cats head.
The kitty purred, pressing into the hand.
Tala glanced toward Terry, cleared her throat, and tapped her shoulder meaningfully.
The terror bird flickered to rest on her shoulder, sized appropriately for the perch.
Now, shall we finish the tour?
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Chapter 276: The Tour
Tala chatted with Lyn and Rane, answering their basic questions while Mistress Ingrit handled the questions of all the other Archons.
Master Cazor looked to be torn between Mistress Ingrits answers and joining Tala, Lyn, and Rane, but he seemed to decide to not intrude on their clearly more private conversation.
Tala was grateful for that, and took the opportunity to smile and nod his way in thanks when he glanced toward her.
That seemed to solidify something for him, and he visibly relaxed, his attention moving more firmly to Mistress Ingrit.
-He would be able to help us test out quite a few things about our new bond. We should arrange some time with him.-
Agreed.
There was a pause when dinner was delivered, and Mistress Ingrit answered the remaining questions while the meal was consumed. Once again, most were answered simply or with a statement that such questions should be asked as part of an official information request.
-We have a few hundred of those already, by the way. Mistress Ingrit has master access over those requests, but shes allowed us to see how many there are.-
Tala was surprised. How can there possibly be that many already?
-I imagine that most people made more than one. A simple request is more likely to be answered quickly than a lengthy, multifaceted one, seeking many answers at the same time.-
That makes good sense, I suppose.
With everything pressing addressed, Mistress Ingrit dismissed nearly everyone below Refined, again with Master Rane and Mistress Lyn being exceptions.
Master Boma also seemed to have been granted permission to stay. He and Master Queue were the senior members of the Constructionists who had been invited to this meeting, and they seemed to have put in an explicit request to both be allowed to stay.
Mistress Ingrit had granted the request along with that of a few younger Librarians.
Master Cazor walked by them on his way out. Welcome back, Mistress Tala. Wed love to have you back in the arena with us, or even just for a meal. Take your time, and let us know if we can do anything to assist.
Tala smiled. Thank you, Master Cazor. Ill do that. After a moments hesitation, she added, I think I would like your help testing out a few things, if you are willing. I can explain in more detail later.
He nodded. Ill happily hear you out, and help if I can.
Thank you.
Soon enough, the room was mostly empty.
Mistress Ingrit glanced to Tala. I believe at this point, the next logical thing would be to give them a tour of your sanctum.
Masters Boma and Queue made identical expressions, eyes widening and mouths opening in smiles of undisguised glee. Several others had similar reactions, but no one seemed too surprised at the implied knowledge that Tala had a sanctum.
They probably assumed it, as I held the position of Eskau.
-And theyre right to have assumed so.-
Mistress Ingrit continued, First, though. I think we need to confirm something. Mistress Ingrit looked around with hard eyes. Everyone is to keep their aura tightly controlled, well within their own body. We will not be inside for overlong, nor are there too many of us, but even so, we will be straining the integrity of the space. Dont move around unnecessarily and dump power.
The Constructionists were nodding along, and Master Boma made an addition, We will happily help restabilize the space after we exit. What we will no doubt learn is well worth the expense.
Mistress Ingrit smiled and dipped her head. That is kind of you, and I accept on Mistress Talas behalf. She then turned back to Tala. I believe that the nature of your sanctum should now be revealed.
That caught their collective attention and the few murmured side-conversations that had tentatively started up died down almost immediately.
Tala nodded to the Archivist, standing up. So, thank you all for taking so much of your day to be here.
A ripple of mildly surprised acknowledgement came back her way. They all seemed to have seen the time as well spent. That was gratifying at least.
She smiled and decided to just dive in, My dimensional storage, now my sanctum, is something that we know of in theory, but have never properly identified before. She pulled Kit from her belt and tossed it to form a door on the nearby wall. Kit is a devouring dimension.
Master Queue frowned. That sounds like a dimensional storage version of the hostile artifacts we sometimes find in waning cities. We have procedures in place to prevent those from entering circulation.
Well, it was found near Alefast, Waning, and it is of that type, in a sense, though this one seems to be more advanced, or at least more stealthy? Certainly more patient and discreet than most. It is a creature of the void, with its power specifically oriented around dimensional magics.
Master Boma stepped forward. Wait, is the things magic void or dimensional?
Both. Like a Mage, creatures of the void can have mixes of magic. I call it Kit.
That got a mixture of confused looks from some of those who didnt know her very well.
She cleared her throat and continued. With the addition of the syphon fascia, Kit now also has illusion and physical shape changing magics, among everything else.
That sounds unsafe. That was one of the Mage Hunters who had remained, one of three Refined. The fourth member of their group was a Paragon, equaling Grediv in advancement.
Apparently, some arcanes specialize in taming these devouring dimensions, and they make the absolute best sanctums when so tamed, but the method of taming them is a closely guarded secret.
So how do you have one?
She shrugged, feeling a bit defensive. I seem to have stumbled through the process. Kit and I work well together, and I have no concern about the safety of any within my sanctum. Even so, I agree with Mistress Ingrit; you deserved to know before you step inside.
There was a collective, uncomfortable glance at Kits door.
Tala smiled and the door opened behind her, invitingly.
She heard an artificial intake of breath and realized her mistake.
Alat was slightly faster to articulate the issue, though not by much. -Right, Rob...-
Yeah, Rob is going to be a problem
Rob did indeed choose that moment to call out. KILL ME!!!!! Oh, great Mages of humanity, free me from this mortal coil. Let me pass into the world beyond!
Mistress Ingrit rubbed her own temples, groaning slightly. That is so much worse in person than in memory. That shouldnt be possible
Talas shoulders slumped as she looked through the door.
Shed decided to bring them through into her room, as it was the most normal room in the sanctum. With a thought, Rob was moved elsewhere.
Master Boma cleared his throat. Mistress Tala, please explain.
Somehow, Tala felt that fragment regard her more closely than it had before, and she got the very definitive impression of Master Xeel.
He was watching her, curious.
The fragment vibrated slightly, and Tala felt the miniscule tether between her center and that fragment buzz.
She couldnt hear words, but she got the impression, We will talk, but not now.
She was so startled that she let her voidsight vanish and refocused on the world around her.
Without that extra sight, she couldnt see the Reforged at all.
-That seems like a secret and a deeper truth in one.-
Thats for sure. She wished she could have learned more right then, but she was in the middle of giving a tour.
With an internal grumble, Tala continued the walk-around, showing them the other automata-related materials and equipment, along with resources and information that shed managed to secret away. I suppose I can move most of these books up to the library proper.
-Except for the Black Legion manual.-
Of course, not. That one stays locked away for sure.
After they left that part of the underground, she willed for just that to happen, and she somehow knew that it had been done.
Thanks, Kit.
Kit did not respond to her thoughts.
As she neared the surface, Tala decided it was time to deal with the issue shed named Rob. That decided, she summoned him to her hand just as they came back out of the underground near the endingberry grove once more.
The orbs voice cracked out in obvious surprise, even though he seemed to orient quickly, GAH! What? Oh! Honored Humans, kill me!!
Tala glared down at the orb in her hands and growled out a not-so-subtle threat, Quiet, or Ill give you to Terry to play with.
That silenced Rob immediately.
The Archons were looking at the orb with nervous curiosity.
Rane looked more curious than nervous, maybe even a mite amused at the threat of playtime with Terry, and Lyn just seemed baffled.
Master Queue was the first to speak this time, So, youre sure that the personality is distinct from the fount?
Tala didnt have a good summary, at least not one that was different than what shed already stated. Might as well test his helpfulness. Rob? Can you answer?
I am not the soul housed within my casing.
That was an unexpectedly frank answer. Tala was almost impressed. Hmmm Maybe, we can
Then, Rob continued, I violate the sanctity of this soul. I am a false personality, a false consciousness, living off of the trapped soul. The only reasonable course of action is swift justice. This heinous act demands capital punishment.
And there it is. Tala sighed. I have a total of five founts, though Rob is the only one with an artificial consciousness built atop it. I am happy to turn them over to the appropriate parties.
Tala looked to Mistress Ingrit, and the Librarian shrugged. We dont have a set procedure for such.
Mistress Elnea stepped forward. The Bandfast Archon Council is willing to take responsibility for the founts, and sponsor the effort to determine the best course of action to decide their fate.
That got a round of nods from everyone present.
Master Boma was frowning, even as he nodded. Mistress Tala?
Yes?
You threatened the orb with Terry. Is that the terror bird that I remember being with you on occasion?
Yes, thats Terry.
The Fused tilted his head to one side. But why would that be
Terry flickered into being beside Tala, likely called by the repeated, rather loud, uses of his name.
He was the size of a large horse.
Magic spun up through the group of Archons, even as many of them stumbled back in shock.
Tala stepped between Terry and the Archons, holding up her hands. Stop! This is Terry.
Collectively, the Archons let their spellworkings die down.
One Archon had fallen to the ground, one of the librarians who wasnt even quite Fused yet, and he was staring up at Tala and Terry. His eyes flicked to the endingberries, then back to Tala. Devouring dimensions, endingberries, trapped souls, and now a terror bird? What other horrors do you have in here?
The cat chose that moment to finish weaving through the crowd and hop onto the downed Archons lap.
The man squeaked in surprise, and Tala saw many of those around him tense.
To his credit, the librarians tone was mostly level, though his hands were trembling, while he tried not to move, What manner of beast is this?
Tala stifled her laugh. That, master librarian, is a cat.
There was a moment of silence before Master Boma glanced her way, obviously confused. What?
That is a cat, Master Boma. Nothing more or less.
A ripple of nervous chuckles passed through those gathered around, and the young man tentatively scratched the cats head.
The kitty purred, pressing into the hand.
Tala glanced toward Terry, cleared her throat, and tapped her shoulder meaningfully.
The terror bird flickered to rest on her shoulder, sized appropriately for the perch.
Now, shall we finish the tour?
Chapter 276: The TourTala chatted with Lyn and Rane, answering their basic questions while Mistress Ingrit handled the questions of all the other Archons.Master Cazor looked to be torn between Mistress Ingrits answers and joining Tala, Lyn, and Rane, but he seemed to decide to not intrude on their clearly more private conversation.Tala was grateful for that, and took the opportunity to smile and nod his way in thanks when he glanced toward her.That seemed to solidify something for him, and he visibly relaxed, his attention moving more firmly to Mistress Ingrit.-He would be able to help us test out quite a few things about our new bond. We should arrange some time with him.-Agreed.There was a pause when dinner was delivered, and Mistress Ingrit answered the remaining questions while the meal was consumed. Once again, most were answered simply or with a statement that such questions should be asked as part of an official information request.-We have a few hundred of those already, by the way. Mistress Ingrit has master access over those requests, but shes allowed us to see how many there are.-Tala was surprised. How can there possibly be that many already?-I imagine that most people made more than one. A simple request is more likely to be answered quickly than a lengthy, multifaceted one, seeking many answers at the same time.-That makes good sense, I suppose.With everything pressing addressed, Mistress Ingrit dismissed nearly everyone below Refined, again with Master Rane and Mistress Lyn being exceptions.Master Boma also seemed to have been granted permission to stay. He and Master Queue were the senior members of the Constructionists who had been invited to this meeting, and they seemed to have put in an explicit request to both be allowed to stay.Mistress Ingrit had granted the request along with that of a few younger Librarians.Master Cazor walked by them on his way out. Welcome back, Mistress Tala. Wed love to have you back in the arena with us, or even just for a meal. Take your time, and let us know if we can do anything to assist.Tala smiled. Thank you, Master Cazor. Ill do that. After a moments hesitation, she added, I think I would like your help testing out a few things, if you are willing. I can explain in more detail later.He nodded. Ill happily hear you out, and help if I can.Thank you.Soon enough, the room was mostly empty.Mistress Ingrit glanced to Tala. I believe at this point, the next logical thing would be to give them a tour of your sanctum.Masters Boma and Queue made identical expressions, eyes widening and mouths opening in smiles of undisguised glee. Several others had similar reactions, but no one seemed too surprised at the implied knowledge that Tala had a sanctum.They probably assumed it, as I held the position of Eskau.-And theyre right to have assumed so.-Mistress Ingrit continued, First, though. I think we need to confirm something. Mistress Ingrit looked around with hard eyes. Everyone is to keep their aura tightly controlled, well within their own body. We will not be inside for overlong, nor are there too many of us, but even so, we will be straining the integrity of the space. Dont move around unnecessarily and dump power.The Constructionists were nodding along, and Master Boma made an addition, We will happily help restabilize the space after we exit. What we will no doubt learn is well worth the expense.Mistress Ingrit smiled and dipped her head. That is kind of you, and I accept on Mistress Talas behalf. She then turned back to Tala. I believe that the nature of your sanctum should now be revealed.That caught their collective attention and the few murmured side-conversations that had tentatively started up died down almost immediately.Tala nodded to the Archivist, standing up. So, thank you all for taking so much of your day to be here.A ripple of mildly surprised acknowledgement came back her way. They all seemed to have seen the time as well spent. That was gratifying at least.She smiled and decided to just dive in, My dimensional storage, now my sanctum, is something that we know of in theory, but have never properly identified before. She pulled Kit from her belt and tossed it to form a door on the nearby wall. Kit is a devouring dimension.Master Queue frowned. That sounds like a dimensional storage version of the hostile artifacts we sometimes find in waning cities. We have procedures in place to prevent those from entering circulation.Well, it was found near Alefast, Waning, and it is of that type, in a sense, though this one seems to be more advanced, or at least more stealthy? Certainly more patient and discreet than most. It is a creature of the void, with its power specifically oriented around dimensional magics.Master Boma stepped forward. Wait, is the things magic void or dimensional?Both. Like a Mage, creatures of the void can have mixes of magic. I call it Kit.That got a mixture of confused looks from some of those who didnt know her very well.She cleared her throat and continued. With the addition of the syphon fascia, Kit now also has illusion and physical shape changing magics, among everything else.That sounds unsafe. That was one of the Mage Hunters who had remained, one of three Refined. The fourth member of their group was a Paragon, equaling Grediv in advancement.Apparently, some arcanes specialize in taming these devouring dimensions, and they make the absolute best sanctums when so tamed, but the method of taming them is a closely guarded secret.So how do you have one?She shrugged, feeling a bit defensive. I seem to have stumbled through the process. Kit and I work well together, and I have no concern about the safety of any within my sanctum. Even so, I agree with Mistress Ingrit; you deserved to know before you step inside.There was a collective, uncomfortable glance at Kits door.Tala smiled and the door opened behind her, invitingly.She heard an artificial intake of breath and realized her mistake.Alat was slightly faster to articulate the issue, though not by much. -Right, Rob...-Yeah, Rob is going to be a problemRob did indeed choose that moment to call out. KILL ME!!!!! Oh, great Mages of humanity, free me from this mortal coil. Let me pass into the world beyond!Mistress Ingrit rubbed her own temples, groaning slightly. That is so much worse in person than in memory. That shouldnt be possibleTalas shoulders slumped as she looked through the door.Shed decided to bring them through into her room, as it was the most normal room in the sanctum. With a thought, Rob was moved elsewhere.Master Boma cleared his throat. Mistress Tala, please explain.Somehow, Tala felt that fragment regard her more closely than it had before, and she got the very definitive impression of Master Xeel.He was watching her, curious.The fragment vibrated slightly, and Tala felt the miniscule tether between her center and that fragment buzz.She couldnt hear words, but she got the impression, We will talk, but not now.She was so startled that she let her voidsight vanish and refocused on the world around her.Without that extra sight, she couldnt see the Reforged at all.-That seems like a secret and a deeper truth in one.-Thats for sure. She wished she could have learned more right then, but she was in the middle of giving a tour.With an internal grumble, Tala continued the walk-around, showing them the other automata-related materials and equipment, along with resources and information that shed managed to secret away. I suppose I can move most of these books up to the library proper.-Except for the Black Legion manual.-Of course, not. That one stays locked away for sure.After they left that part of the underground, she willed for just that to happen, and she somehow knew that it had been done.Thanks, Kit.Kit did not respond to her thoughts.As she neared the surface, Tala decided it was time to deal with the issue shed named Rob. That decided, she summoned him to her hand just as they came back out of the underground near the endingberry grove once more.The orbs voice cracked out in obvious surprise, even though he seemed to orient quickly, GAH! What? Oh! Honored Humans, kill me!!Tala glared down at the orb in her hands and growled out a not-so-subtle threat, Quiet, or Ill give you to Terry to play with.That silenced Rob immediately.The Archons were looking at the orb with nervous curiosity.Rane looked more curious than nervous, maybe even a mite amused at the threat of playtime with Terry, and Lyn just seemed baffled.Master Queue was the first to speak this time, So, youre sure that the personality is distinct from the fount?Tala didnt have a good summary, at least not one that was different than what shed already stated. Might as well test his helpfulness. Rob? Can you answer?I am not the soul housed within my casing.That was an unexpectedly frank answer. Tala was almost impressed. Hmmm Maybe, we canThen, Rob continued, I violate the sanctity of this soul. I am a false personality, a false consciousness, living off of the trapped soul. The only reasonable course of action is swift justice. This heinous act demands capital punishment.And there it is. Tala sighed. I have a total of five founts, though Rob is the only one with an artificial consciousness built atop it. I am happy to turn them over to the appropriate parties.Tala looked to Mistress Ingrit, and the Librarian shrugged. We dont have a set procedure for such.Mistress Elnea stepped forward. The Bandfast Archon Council is willing to take responsibility for the founts, and sponsor the effort to determine the best course of action to decide their fate.That got a round of nods from everyone present.Master Boma was frowning, even as he nodded. Mistress Tala?Yes?You threatened the orb with Terry. Is that the terror bird that I remember being with you on occasion?Yes, thats Terry.The Fused tilted his head to one side. But why would that beTerry flickered into being beside Tala, likely called by the repeated, rather loud, uses of his name.He was the size of a large horse.Magic spun up through the group of Archons, even as many of them stumbled back in shock.Tala stepped between Terry and the Archons, holding up her hands. Stop! This is Terry.Collectively, the Archons let their spellworkings die down.One Archon had fallen to the ground, one of the librarians who wasnt even quite Fused yet, and he was staring up at Tala and Terry. His eyes flicked to the endingberries, then back to Tala. Devouring dimensions, endingberries, trapped souls, and now a terror bird? What other horrors do you have in here?The cat chose that moment to finish weaving through the crowd and hop onto the downed Archons lap.The man squeaked in surprise, and Tala saw many of those around him tense.To his credit, the librarians tone was mostly level, though his hands were trembling, while he tried not to move, What manner of beast is this?Tala stifled her laugh. That, master librarian, is a cat.There was a moment of silence before Master Boma glanced her way, obviously confused. What?That is a cat, Master Boma. Nothing more or less.A ripple of nervous chuckles passed through those gathered around, and the young man tentatively scratched the cats head.The kitty purred, pressing into the hand.Tala glanced toward Terry, cleared her throat, and tapped her shoulder meaningfully.The terror bird flickered to rest on her shoulder, sized appropriately for the perch.Now, shall we finish the tour?
