Palantir

They should be ok - after all Ranevargar has instructed Kieran in the awakening routine. ... Hmmm!

Lol - what could possibly go wrong with something as straightforward as waking a heretofor uncontrollable construct?

Yep! Your message was clear - that's why used 'brass monkeys' with its reference to a specific cold weather effect. Oh my! I had a bout of re-reading some of the Pern books only just recently. - she featured Bronze Dragons to some extent but my favorite was the little White Dragon.

Lol - I've heard of brass monkeys but brass dragons is a new one on me.

Yes! - How perceptions change.

Chapter 32. Aglaron, High King of all the Realms, considered the belated but insistent request for communication from the Lore Master with puzzlement and a sense of loss, and, pointless as it must be, accepted out of courtesy and the strength of their long and close association. "Lord Uirebon? Do you seek a formal audience with me?" "No, My Lord. I seek permission to join you in person." "For what purpose? To observe the overthrow of the High Castle and the collapse of balance th

That's for sure - especially when they're not no used to the heavy packs - still, they have got the 'boost' advantage to keep them going (I wonder why Ranevargar cautioned them against using it too much?).

Thank you, Yes, Kieran's curiously abundant access to power has enhanced Kryl's abilities as a protector way beyond anything the companions expected, and Tan's dazzle idea helped too.

tense

Yes, those water skins are 'precious' as Mr B describes them but either the hosts or, more likely, Ranevargar had an understanding what the journey might entail and provided supplies accordingly. Evidently the water skins hold about 3 litres each so, with 12 strapped on his back, Krol is carrying most of their water - as well as big pack of other stuff. Even if it totals up to 80 or 90 kgs that's a load he can well manage. And remember, the companions are also carrying their own 3 litre water skin so that's another 15 litres as well. My own hiking experience tells me that Mr B's allowance of 2 litres per day is going to leave them feeling awfully parched. The tally shows they have more but maybe he regards that as a reserve for whatever reason. Maurice? lol - wait till you meet him then.

Yes, quite a shock - and yet another new thing to consider and adapt to.

Chapter 31. Kieran opened his eyes reluctantly, resisting the demand from his body that the three hour’s sleep Mr B had insisted on hadn't been enough, and saw the slight head movement as one pair of watchful eyes reacted. "Yes, Krol, it’s time to wake everyone and get organised." Krol's neck feathers lifted and his strong rush of anticipation and excitement washed away Kieran's lethargy. He sat up and couldn't help smiling at the curious sight of every other form deeply asleep,

Lol - poor old Maynor (cough! Cough!) - I wonder what he'll try next? Hmm!

Hey! Neat idea - wish i'd thought of it. Yes, a real problem - but I think Ranevargar might come up with some ways to keep Maynor guessing, after all he, can do nothing but think.

Oh My! Sometimes the comments are better than the story.

sky

Ranevargar seemed confidant that he'd instructed Kieran enough for a successful calming, so lets hope he's right - he's been very canny about lots of stuff so far so why should he be mistaken this time -Hmm! Erasing all his memories of Kieran and Co leaves Ranevargar with a very scant base of information to figure what's going on with his Pearl - and he was already puzzled about K's ability with access when he had all the facts. Uirebon, the Lore Master, has retired to a sanctum in his own Realm to try and clear his mind of Maynor's influence. The High King is in the High Realm preparing his defenses against Maynor's Challenge - and we know hardly anything about Lady Narello, the remaining Realm Ruler.

Oh my! I sure didn't expect anyone to know a quote about 'Maurice'. I had to look up Steve Miller - pardon my ignorance - and then I didn't have a clue what 'pompatus of love' meant. (Evidently Miller said it means whatever you want it to mean, which is a neat way use lyrics. ) SO - don't you worry baby - Rhys is right here, right here!

I think he might be tough enough - but Kieran and Ranevargar are too sneaky with the link Maynor doesn't even know exists. Lol - any connections with LOTR are entirely welcome - but 'Maynor' isn't one, at least not on my part. The name came from a site somewhere on the Web with a whole stack of names for elves and their meanings. I'm sure there must be some degree of influence from Tolkein's world though. And - I've already rewritten two sections of the story which I decided, after a re-read, were too similar to passages in LOTR.

Lol - I was quite surprised myself when Mr B said it, but somehow it felt Rhys-like so I kept it.

Chapter 30. "Wear your packs through the Wall, everyone." "We’re coming straight back, Woorawa. We don't need to." "I hope not, Rhys, but it's a sensible precaution." Kieran agreed with Woorawa and reached to undo the double lashings holding his pack securely to the Panther saddle. It took a bit of effort but soon he was waiting, pack on his back and shocked at the weight, for Mr B and Tan to catch up. "What about the Panthers, Kieran? Do you want them to wait here while we g

Time is of the essence, yes, and more speed would be better, but Oh My, they're astride panther like creatures which are taller than horses and built for speed - what an experience! Yes, Maynor has taken the Pearl physically, but to have any useful access to its power and abilities he'll have to break Ranevargar's connection completely - a 'difficult and drawn out process'. Ranevargar is very hopeful that the Maynor will be too busy with the more pressing needs of his Challenge for a while.

space

Ranevargar seems to be a canny old bird - it was almost prescient that he taught Keiran how to use a secret link. Disappears? from inside his protected castle? - unthinkable!

Lol - I don't know about 'no special powers' - the above is a real 'gem' in its own right.