Message From Beyond, by Chris Hoekstra

Story name: Message From Beyond
Author: Chris Hoekstra

Date: Unknown
Location: Metamor Keep (Deaf Mule)

Overview

Kee delivers a message to Rickkter from a man in his dreams.

+ Story info (Spoilers!)

Summary

Kee finds Rickkter in the Deaf Mule, and tells him he bears an important message from Dyson Hetfield. Rickkter chokes on his tea, unable to believe it is him. Kee proves it by telling him the last thing Dyson told Rickkter, and also by giving Dyson's physical description. The message he wished to give Rickkter is that he is still alive, but that "They" have set up traps for him. He knows that Rickkter's "Keeper" is in contact with "Them", which prevents him from taking direct action. Rickkter tells Kee to tell Dyson that he will contact the Foundation.

Kee asks for an explanation, but Rickkter refuses to elaborate, hinting at the danger of speaking out loud. Rickkter thanks Kee for the message, and Kee departs, wondering when he will next hear from Dyson.

Characters

Main characters:

• Kee: A messenger for the Keep. As a fellow former native of the Eastern Kingdoms, he is a good friend of Rickkter's. Dyson picked him to deliver the message, as he is the most psychically receptive person around who wouldn't be adversely affected by relaying it.
• Rickkter: A mercenary and bounty hunter from the Eastern Kingdoms.

Supporting:

• Dyson Hetfield: Rickkter's old friend. Ten years ago he disappeared, leading Rickkter to believe he had died. In truth, he has been trying to escape the pursuit of his enemies. Four years ago, they stopped actively pursuing him, but it is only recently that he felt safe enough to contact Rickkter.
  • In Kee's vision, he was heavily tanned, well-muscled wth a hairless chest, light brown hair with a cowlick and goatee, and the tattoo of a tiger on his forearm. He wears baggy black pants, a dark green vest, and a golden-wire pendant of the House of Asaruludu on a long chain.

Locations

• Legani: A place that Dyson knows very well and where he is currently hiding. Apparently it is unexplored by most of civilization.
• Mount Dundalark: A mountain where long ago, according to legend, ancient beings carved one of the most beautiful murals. It is dangerous to travel there, being populated by creatures such as yalises, simurghs that live on the cliffsides, and translucent-bodied creatures.
• Pillars of Davidson: Landmarks near the region of Legani, marking the boundary between known lands and the unknown. Dyson sailed beyond them to escape from his enemies.

Society

• Asaruludu: A noble house. Its signet is of a half heart. Dyson wears this signet around his neck.
• The Foundation: A mysterious group that may or may not practice "the ancient art". Rickkter decides to contact them to help Dyson.
• "Them": Dyson's enemies. "They" have access to powerful magic such as Rickkter's Keeper, and have many followers. "They" are watching the normal routes out of Legani for Dyson, though "They" have given up actively searching for him.
• Keeper: A sentient entity whom both Rickkter and Dyson's enemies are involved with. It uses magic from other worlds, which Dyson's enemies have control over, but which Dyson was able to use to track Rickkter. It isn't aware of everything Rickkter does, and it doesn't always watch him, but it pays close attention to "violations", like names spoken aloud or actions. It is very good at adapting to magic, employing a variety of blocks and tricks to prevent nullification.