The Mark of the Sorcerer
That which never lived can never die. Hirondal is copying an old tome when sees something from corner of his eye. Tries to see it three times and fails, finally looses his pen. Must have fallen from his desk.
Goes via temple and library. Give description of Goddess here and library, the Old Book. Messenger from Archwarden Jeanne: A tomb has been discovered in crypts below Citadel. Dresses in Spellfinder black. Description of Citadel. Hirondal goes along and protect workers Cutscalp and Legbone. Without Hirondal it would be tomb robbery. Mark on wall “eye within an eye”
Inside the tomb they find skeleton clutching scroll.
Hirondal goes back to Citadel tells Sister Jeanne
Things keep vanishing (stolen by demons). Hirondal meets kitchen maid Annya.
Examines scroll. Hirondal summoned to meeting with Loremaster Laveroux and Weiling who tells story of demons in east. old man blind in one eye “like Meryvan” “don’t need all three eyes”
Hirondal meets Trig (another apprentice) for drink. They discuss the mysterious scroll and discuss election of new Keeper. Trig says he saw Jeanne with lots of sacks full of gold. Trig shows Hirondal a new ring. (He’s engaged?)
Gates of Citadel are shut so Hirondal leads Trig inside thru crypts.
Hirondal shows Trig the old tombs. Are they alone? There is a cold draught and feels like they are being followed
Election of new Grand Master – its sister Jeanne.
Trig is murdered
Hirondal wakes from nightmare. A shadow is following him.
Hirondal summoned to meet Temple Elders. Archwarden, Keeper, Keymaster, Loremaster, Wardmaster
Trig has been found dead in crypts.
Cutscalp and Legbone are interviewed. Cutscalp says someone very strong strangled Trig, which rules out Annya who is also interviewed. She is an orphan taken in by temple. Suspicion falls on Hirondal. Goes to Brother Laveroux. Shows scroll. Tells story. Weiling says it was Mara. Laveroux is concerned for Hirondal and makes him Master Sorcerer – immune to charges – then announces he is leaving with Weiling for long journey. Hirondal tries to find out what Mara means. Runs into Annya again. She says Mara means Demon. She is obviously more than just a common maid. Continues trying to work on scroll. Description of Old Book, written in Mereyvan’s blood.
Goes to see Trig’s body and sees that the ring is gone.
Imprisoned
Laveroux has made Hirondal Spellfinder, but he doesn’t know any magic to speak of. Admires reflection in mirror. Sorcerery is an almost extinct art yet things continue to vanish and Trig has been murdered. He tries to sort Laveroux papers but cant understand a word. Then realizes that they are all written in mirror writing maybe the scroll is as well. It is but spell still wont work. Looks in pawnshops for ring. Goes to tavern and meets with Annya “Had any bad dreams lately?” Meets with Valera (f) Trig’s friend. She hasn’t got the ring either. Discuss magic and the spell. Maybe you need something to make it work? Goes back to the tomb.
On the way back Jeanne arrests him for tomb robbery. He is confined to his quarters. Sees shadow outside. Shadow gets closer. Desperately smashes open door with help from Annya – she says she is running away as well. Beware of Jeanne!
Trial
Hirondal and Annya escape via the tunnels. No sound of pursuit at first then they hear something else. It’s Gwaul. Annya picks up a rusty sword and defends herself. Hirondal protests at desecration. (Crucially Hirondal doesn’t take part in the fight and doesn’t get a good look at Gwaul. It has the ring. ) Hirondal forces door open. Eventually they find themselves at the Court of the Lords of Midnight (Thieves). Annya is a Duchess. This is all too much for Hirondal who decides to give himself him and return to citadel.
He is accused of tomb robbery and can’t account for his movements when Trig was killed. The trial is interrupted when Annya’s body is found.
It’s Trig’s girlfriend Valera. Trig’s corpse appears. “Have you got my ring?”
There’s a fight. Jeanne says something like “Nomen Matra Nullos!” (In my mother’s name) It’s a special spell but from her lips has no effect. And she gets killed for her pains.Eventually Hirondal saves the day, ironically seizing a two handed sword.