Something doesn't make sense here.

[Mike Havran]

I dunno...Azure's castle and its throne room had existed for long time before the gem gate was create, and we don't know the reach of the Snarl's tendrils...did they really build a castle around the rift without noticing it? Also, Soon's wife perceived there was something weird before being killed; did the many court mages and high priest visiting and/or working in the throne room really never noticed the rift? I would expect them all to have their magic sensing spells "on" while in the throne room (searching for spies, scrying sensors, imposters, charmed people...etc.).

No, it hadn't. The castle and tower and throne room were all build after the riff had been sealed. I recommend you to read strip #411 again

[Clistenes]

No, it hadn't. The castle and tower and throne room were all build after the riff had been sealed. I recommend you to read strip #411 again

True. I was confused by the fact that Soon was a paladin from Azure City who served its temporal ruler before learning about the rifts.

I guess the rifts/gates are immovable, then.

[Bulldog Psion]

The only problem is, that although Soon might not be able to find his way to the coordinates, he would definitely know the difference between a huge, flat plain of sand and Windy Canyon. So if he was there, he would know the plain where Girard's message was left wasn't the right spot, just by virtue of topography.

He might not be able to find Windy Canyon, but he'd have no reason to scrounge around out in that open plain.

[Belril Duskwalk]

The only problem is, that although Soon might not be able to find his way to the coordinates, he would definitely know the difference between a huge, flat plain of sand and Windy Canyon. So if he was there, he would know the plain where Girard's message was left wasn't the right spot, just by virtue of topography.

He might not be able to find Windy Canyon, but he'd have no reason to scrounge around out in that open plain.

Epic. Illusionist. Also, by virtue of being an Epic Illusionist: Epic. Wizard. If Girard wanted to hide the entirety of Windy Canyon in the flat expanse where he told Soon the Gate was, he almost certainly would have the magic to make it appear so and Soon would have good reason to believe such illusions to be in place.

If you are looking for something hidden by an epic level illusionist and your only clue is the coordinates you were given by a person you trust, you assume the coordinates are right and your eyes are wrong, because a full-power illusionist has more than enough magic to trick your eyes.

Of course, Soon should also have seriously considered that a Chaotic individual that does not like him is not a person to trust, but sometimes Lawful Good people make stupid assumptions concerning the honesty of others.

[blazinghand]

True. I was confused by the fact that Soon was a paladin from Azure City who served its temporal ruler before learning about the rifts.

I guess the rifts/gates are immovable, then.

There's a depiction of the rift pre-gate as well on comic #267 high in the sky.

[ReaderAt2046]

I guess the rifts/gates are immovable, then.

They definitely are. Hinjo says so in panel 8: (http://www.giantitp.com/comics/oots0411.html)