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Post by Warhammer Gorvar on Jul 8, 2011 13:19:52 GMT 1
A story i'm going to work on. It's original as in it's my own work, which has been influinced by Georg R; Martin's A song of Ice and Fire (check it out for the love of god if you haven't read it) and D&D.
It'll be a story of a Half-Orc Barbarian called Gorvar who arrives on a continent with set seasons all year long. It'll be politcal intrigues, treachery as well as some good old adventuring only high fantasy can provide. Anyways i'm going to post the background of the Kingdom of Three Seasons and the list of characters. Tell me what you think!
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Post by Warhammer Gorvar on Jul 8, 2011 13:22:24 GMT 1
Premise.
This is the tale of Gorvar Half-Orcen and his trustworthy wolf, Wolfgen and his bard, the halfling Togo Chubb. They have arrived on the continent of seasons, where the three kingdoms have united as one strong entity, after the war of the seasons. The kingdom of Winter, the kingdom of Summer and the kingdom of Spring.
However after having saved the life of a subject of the King of Winter from assailants, Gorvar and his compagions find themselves trapped in the selfish ambitions of politicians, princes, noblemen and other, more malificent forces.
Who will become the ruler of the Kingdom of the three Seasons? And will Gorvar survive the political murder that comes along wth it?
Background.
The continent of seasons was one of the first lands setteld by the now extinct elven race. As a firstborn race, the elves were the first to tap into magic recklessly. Because of it's ill use, the continent was the victim of a magical mealstrom which forever threw several portions of it in a single season.
The land that would become the Kingdom of Winter would be forever thrown into snow, the land that would be known as the Kingdom of Summer would forver be graced by the summer sun. The land of spring would forever be in bloom. The land of fall however was quickly desserted.
After the time of elves have past, the kingdoms of men came. And as always, men fought amongst each other for land and power. It was during the war of the seasons, two hundred years ago that a threat was found.
The king of Fall, King Hanalius, consorted with dark powers to win over the other three kingdoms, using demons and the living dead to bolster his ranks. Only combined could the three other kingdoms defeat king Hanalius. The King of Spring, the half-elf Halmadir, led the attack on the kingdom of Fall and slew Hanalius himself. Fall was destroyed by the throes of dark magic, and it's inhabitants were forever cursed.
After the war, Halmadir united the three kingdoms into Kingdom of the three Seasons with himself as supreme king, and the kings of Winter and Summer as his allies. For two hundred years, the peace lasted under Halmadir's elven eyes. However, even half-elves are not immortal, and while he weakens, corruption in the three kingdoms are undoing the sacrifices made during the war of the seasons.
King Fanran Winter and Queen Cerdica Summer are the current rulers of their respective kingdoms. Fanran lost his daughter to her having eloped to Cerdica's eldest son while Cerdica lost a fertile piece of land to Fanran because of debts made in a failed expedition to a lost dwarven kingdom.
The increasing tension between Winter and Summer and the illness of King Halmadir Spring some predict, will cause a second war of the seasons.
It is in all of this where our hero comes in.
Background.
The continent of seasons was one of the first lands setteld by the now extinct elven race. As a firstborn race, the elves were the first to tap into magic recklessly. Because of it's ill use, the continent was the victim of a magical mealstrom which forever threw several portions of it in a single season.
The land that would become the Kingdom of Winter would be forever thrown into snow, the land that would be known as the Kingdom of Summer would forver be graced by the summer sun. The land of spring would forever be in bloom. The land of fall however was quickly desserted.
After the time of elves have past, the kingdoms of men came. And as always, men fought amongst each other for land and power. It was during the war of the seasons, two hundred years ago that a threat was found.
The king of Fall, King Hanalius, consorted with dark powers to win over the other three kingdoms, using demons and the living dead to bolster his ranks. Only combined could the three other kingdoms defeat king Hanalius. The King of Spring, the half-elf Halmadir, led the attack on the kingdom of Fall and slew Hanalius himself. Fall was destroyed by the throes of dark magic, and it's inhabitants were forever cursed.
After the war, Halmadir united the three kingdoms into Kingdom of the three Seasons with himself as supreme king, and the kings of Winter and Summer as his allies. For two hundred years, the peace lasted under Halmadir's elven eyes. However, even half-elves are not immortal, and while he weakens, corruption in the three kingdoms are undoing the sacrifices made during the war of the seasons.
King Fanran Winter and Queen Cerdica Summer are the current rulers of their respective kingdoms. Fanran lost his daughter to her having eloped to Cerdica's eldest son while Cerdica lost a fertile piece of land to Fanran because of debts made in a failed expedition to a lost dwarven kingdom.
The increasing tension between Winter and Summer and the illness of King Halmadir Spring some predict, will cause a second war of the seasons.
It is in all of this where our hero comes in.
The story so far....
Gorvar and Togo arrived at the harbor town of Icepeak where they save King Winter's advisor from an attack by Rohak Rebels. This leads to the duo being travel members of the King Fanran Winter who travels to the Capitol of Spring and the Kingdom of Three Seasons for an upcoming tournament with a hefty amount of prize money.
Togo has shady dealings with Lord Percevalt Valen aka Prince Percevalt Hanalius, the last of the royal line of the Kings of Fall. Percevalt instructs Togo to deliver a message to Queen Cerdica of Summer, which could spark a war between Summer and Winter.
Meanwhile, Queen Cerdica is stuck with King Fanran's estranged daughter, Soliana Summer nee Winter, as her daughter in law and her grandchild being the second heir to the Summer Kingdom. She plans to retake Rohak by any means, good or ill and supports the Rohak Rebels with their war against Winter, but does not get involved. Her wish for a proper summer heir beside her son seems to claim fruit after an affair with the knight Ser Jorric of Emberfire, who is her host on the way toward the tournament.
When the caravan crosses Rohak, an situiation with the locals, after their punishment by the murder attempt at Icepeak, escalates which forces Gorvar and Togo to flee from the King and join up with Queen Cerdica of Summer. However the Queen betrays them and only thanks to Soliana are they able to escape. Gorvar's thanks and praises made Soliana stronger and now has her eyes locked on the Throne of Summer.
Because of the rebellion in Rohak, King Fanran forges an alliance with his old friend Lord Luc De Schacht of Spring, aka the Lion. This alliance was made by marrying Prince Frederick of Winter with Eveline De Schacht. However the constant manupilations of Fanran on Frederick has made the son bitter towards his father.
Prince Hanalius on the other hand is playing both kingdoms against each other as he collects magic items to free the people of their curse inflicted on them by King Halmadir, planning to revive the kingdom of Fall and take revenge on all three kingdoms. To this end he has made an alliance with Rohak and the Red dragoon leader Diana Bloomsburry.
Meanwhile, King Halmadir does whatever he has in his power to stop the war from escalating further and has send his army forth to break up the parties, but at the cost of the safety of his roads. On the road, Gorvar and Togo meet up with Lady Tor Vollen of Spring who was ambushed by bandits. In exchange for a lift, the duo join her to Neromapia and become her champions for the tournament.
However Hadgar of the dwarven house Drurgen, who partially organised the tournament with King Halmadir, is looking for champions for an expedition to the lost dwarven city which has no name to find a threat which may prove larger then a full out war between the four kingdoms....
His wife, Myra the future seer claims the fate of the Four Kingdoms may rest on the shoulders of Gorvar and Togo.
Characters
Neutral characters
Gorvar Half-Orcen: A half-orc barbarian and the union of two mercenaries. His past is a mystery that only his wolf knows. Some whisper he lost parents in a raid and was sold a slave until he escaped, others claim they died on the job and was raised by their peers, while some even whisper he killed both himself for losing control over his orcish rage. He fought in several wars and has even slain dragons, a rare feat amongst even the strongest of warriors.
He arrived in the kingdom of Winter recently, in search of coin and worthy foes to slay.
Height: 1 meter 80. Weapons: Two one handed axes and a longbow. Armour: light chain mail and leather trousers.
Wolfgen: a large wolf hailing from the lands to the far north, and one of Gorvar's oldest friends. Despite his age, he is still swift and can quickly snap into action, at the cost of someone's arm.
Height: 0.90 meters Weapons: Fangs. Armour: black fur.
Togo Chubb: A halfling bard who loves to sing a good song, eat a hearty meal and enjoys the company of women. It was because of the latter he was chased by a mob of angry husbands and brothers who wanted to claim his head. However, he was protected (claimed) by Gorvar. Being greatful to his savior, Togo follows Gorvar to every adventure and in every inn sings a tale of Gorvar's latest adventure.
Height: 0.90 meters Weapons: Lute, his cunning wits and a short sword. Armour: a green travel stained hood and brown leather armour and trousers.
House Dyrr
Guldor of the House Dyrr: The Drow/dark elven Prince and leader of the Dyrr caravan. Like the other drow caravans, he travels across the world gathering artefacts, funding and weapons to reclaim their lost island kingdom from the Wild Wizards and Orcs. A witty buisiness man who has contacts everywhere and sells about anything, to wooden spoons to hired assassins.
Height: 1 m 80 Weapons: Daggers, cave troll slave bodyguards Armour: a Red tunic with blue trousers House Symbol: A golden Spider on a red backdrop
House Drurgen
Hadgar Drurgen: a dwarven warrior/explorer who wishes to find the lost dwarven kingdom whose name has long been since forgotten. With his small army of fellow dwarves, he goes around the Kingdom of Three Seasons in search of funds or insane enough voluenteers to venture into the deep tunnels filled with unspeakable horrors to reclaim the lost kingdom.
Height: 1.20 meters Weapons: a two handed axe. Armour: dwarven armour House Symbol: An Ax and a Hammer over an Anvil.
Myra Drurgen: One of the clerics of Khardrazan and Hadgar Drurgen's wife and mother to their children. She is one of the few clerics who can both heal and see the future. Because of the bound she shares with her husband, he is her most loyal follower into the ways of the cave spirits and warns him of a coming war that can threaten the entire world, not just the Kingdom of Three Seasons.
Height: 1.20 meters Weapons: none Armour: cloth robe House Symbol: An Ax and a Hammer over an Anvil.
House Spring
King Halmadir Spring: the ailing king of the kingdom of Spring and one of the few half-elves left in the world. His history is mostly a mystery, although he claims his father was the steward of the last kings of elves before they all vanished. He fought in the war of the seasons and slain the evil King Hanalius himself. He has many sons and daughters from his wives over the years, though all human, and is a fair and just king. However, as his health declines so does the stabilty of the Three Kingdoms.
Height: 1 m 60. Weapons: an elegant elven longsword Armour: the last intact elven armour seen outside of a museum, regal robes. House Symbol: A leaf with twin arrows crossed behind it.
Lord Luc De Schacht: The Lord of Westend Keep, a keep build on the crossroads between the three kingdoms. An old college friend of current King Fanran Winter and was bethorthed to his sister before she passed away. He is loyal to Fanran winter first, before King Halmadir.
Height: 1 m 80 Weapons: Shield and Sword. Armour: Yellow-Black armour of House De Schacht. House Symbol: A black lion on a yellow leave backdrop.
Martin De Schacht: Luc De Schacht's eldest child and son. A fiery and brash lad, but with a heart of gold. He is good friends with Frederick Winter, but their relationship seem to be more deep then just friendship.
Height: 1 m 78 Weapons: Longsword of Westend. Armour: Yellow-Black armour of House de Schacht. House Symbol: A black lion on a yellow leave backdrop.
Eveline De Schacht: Luc De Schacht's second child and daughter. A sweet girl who is very devout to the Allfather and her family. She has a crush on Frederick Winter for some time now. Height: 1 m 65 Weapons: None Armour: Green robe, befitting her status as a noble of Spring. House Symbol: A black lion on a yellow leave backdrop.
Lady Sarina Tor Vollen: The widow of Lord Tor Vollen, but stil the ruling Lady of the small mountain province. She is a half-dwarf bastard whom Lord tor Vollen fell in love with and married. When he died, she was left with his province to care for and their children and grandchildren. Feeling her own time is coming to an end, she wishes to see her home of Neromapia one last time during the tournament.
Height: 1 m 50. Weapons: Armed guards Armour: Noble clothing House Symbol: A Eagle
Jacob Tor Vollen: Lady Sarina's eldest grandchild and most loyal to his grandmother. A educated fellow who has a fascination for knights and tapestries. The half-dwarf blood has run out by is generation, but he still retains a small bushy beard similar to a dwarf.
Height: 1 m 76 Weapons: Armed Guards Armour: Noble clothing House Symbol: an Eagle
House Winter
King Fanran Winter: the current king of the kingdom of Winter. A cold man on the outside, but like a house in the heart of a cold storm, a warm man on the inside. He believes in honour and family, and the right to defend one's home. His son Frederick is his heir since the departure of his daughter Soliana. Though he does not admit it, he is heartbroken to this day by his loss, an insult he has not forgiven the Summer bloodline.
Height: 1 m 80. Weapons: shield and sword, royal guard. Armour: the armour of the King of Winter. House symbol: a white wolf.
Prince Frederick Winter: the son and heir to King Fanran Winter. Like his father, he believed in honour and family until the departure of his sister and the forcefull aquisition of some fertile land from the kingdom of Summer. He has made alliances and friendships with all manner of folk who keeps him informed of tidings from over the three kingdoms.
Height: 1 m 75 Weapons: shield and sword Armour: normal plate. House Symbol: a white wolf.
Jonathan, Hand of the king: King Fanran's right hand man. He is a coward, but a excellent listener and advisor. He has an undyng hatred of Rohakians for reasons unknown.
Height: 1 m 70 Weapons: None Armour: nocle clothes. House Symbol: a white wolf.
House Summer
Princess Soliana Winter/Summer: the young princess of Winter who eloped with Prince Harold of Summer after her father refused a marriage. A kind woman and loving mother to her child, but is barely welcome in Castle Summer if only because of her son, Fenris.
Height: 1 m 68. Weapons: none Armour: regal robes made from a combination of Winter and Summer. House Symbol: a white wolf (former) a dragon (current)
Prince Harold Summer: A handsome blonde haired man who some claim is the best sword of the land. Under orders of his mother, he was to seduce Princess Soliana Winter and broke a marriage between the Kingdom of Winter and Summer, with their son being heir to both. However, King Falstan refused the marriage and Harold was forced to take the then pregnant Princess with him. Although he cares for Soliana and their son, he has so far not remained faithfull to her.
Height: 1 m 80. Weapons: the Sword of the Sun. (a longsword made from a meteorite) Armour: the golden armour of Summer. House Symbol: a dragon.
Queen Cerdica Spring/Summer: Current Queen of the Kingdom of Summer and daughter to Halmadir Spring. A strict woman who only shows softness to her blood and those few she counts as friends. The death of her late husband (the last of the male line of Summer) Hondrich, has left her in charge of the kingdom. Although loved by her people, she was forced to sell a portion of her land to the Kingdom of Winter to settle debts made by Hondrich on the failed expedition. This percieved insult made her obsessed to reclaim that portion of land, going thus far to broker a marriage between the Winter and Summer family. The refusal of the marriage between her son and Princess Soliana, the sickness of her father, and her grandchild the bastard Fenris (although she loves him deeply) has spurned her even more to reclaim the sold land.
Height: 1 m 60 Weapons: Royal Guard Armour: Queen's robe's of Summer. House Symbol: a leaf with twin arrows placed behind it (former) dragon (current)
Ser Feren: A former knight of Winter, who has defected fully with Soliana to the kingdom of Summer. He has grown to be one of Cerdica's closest advisors and serves her loyally. He is one of the few people in Castle Summer who looks out for Princess Soliana, despite Cerdica's strict orders.
Height: 1 m 75 Weapons: shield and sword. Armour: normal plate. (red) House Symbol: a white wolf.(former) dragon (current)
Ser Jorric: A Knight of Summer and a Dragonrider. He inherited his father's castle and lands around it after he died in a Northmen invasion. A young and brave man who is utmost loyal to the Crown, although the reasons of his loyalty is the continuiatin of carnal pursuits with the Queen.
Height: 1m 70 Weapons: Lance, sword and shield. Red dragon. Armour: plate armour (red) House Symbol: Dragon
House Fall
Prince Percevalt Hanalius: the last surviving heir of King Hanalius seeking revenge of the Kingdom of Three seasons. He has hidden amongst the noblemen of the Kingdom of Winter under the guise of Percevalt Vallen, a self-made noblemen. He will go to any length to claim vengeance on King Halmadir and his bloodline, whilst reparing his own kingdom of Fall and finding a cure for his cursed countrymen. It is unknown how he survived the Fall of his house nearly 200 years ago.
Height: 1m 65. Weapons: twin daggers, dark magic, werewolf bodyguard Armour: noble clothing House Symbol: a black bat.
Ser Brutalis: A werewolf and bodyguard to Prince Percevalt. Being the first of the cured werewolves, he swore an oath of loyalty to the rightfull heir of the Hanalius bloodline. He can switch between a human form and a werewolf form easily, even if the sun is above in the sky.
Height: 1m 80. Weapons: sword (human) claws (werewolf) Armour: leather armour (human) fur (werewolf) House Symbol: a black bat.
Ser Sky're: The lead harpy and bodyguard to Prince Percevalt. Like Brutalis she is one of the first cursed beings, cured by the prince. She is a tactical mastermind and defended the forests of Fall in preparation for the awakening and revival of the fallen kingdom.
Height: 1m 70 Weapons: Sword (human) Talons (Harpy) Armour: plate (human) feathers (harp) House Symbol: a black bat
People of Rohak
Diana Bloomsbury: the daughter of a merchant and a skilled archer. Despite the protests of her family save her uncle), she joined the Red Dragoons shortly after Rohak was sold to the Winter Kingdom. She quickly took leadership of her cell of the Red dragoons and led many attacks against Winter caravans after the deaths of her Red Dragoon Uncle and her fathe,r which was unrelated to the acts of his brother. She is loyal to Rohak first before the crown of Summer.
Height: 1 m 65 Weapons: Dragonbone bow Armour: leather armour with a red dragon painted on it. (later a phoenix) House symbol: Red Dragon, later a Red Phoenix.
Francis Bacon: A childhood friend of Diana and a fellow member of the Red Dragoons. His mother was raped and killed by a drunken Winter soldier, which caused him to join the dragoons.
Height: 1 m 75 Weapons: a old two handed sword. Armour: Leather armour with a red dragon painted on it. (later a Phoenix) House Symbol: A Red Phoenix
Lord Tyrone of Northend Keep: one of the Winter lords of Rohak, and one of the kinder ones. Having seen the unjustice commited by other Winter lords on the Rohakians, Tyrone and his son Albert have moved away from the Winter style of ruling and are becoming more and more independant, which culminated into him and other likeminded lords to defect to the Summer Kingdom to aid Rohak.
Height: 1m 80 Weapons: a longsword Armour: plate armour House Symbol: Wolf (former) Red dragon (former) Red Phoenix (current)
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Post by Mister Buch on Jul 8, 2011 13:27:14 GMT 1
I've been trying to plan out a fantasy story, myself. I must say, this is a million times more professional than what I have written down! The middle of my page says, "Guy who looks like plague doctor?! Maybe villain, maybe ROMAN?"
Looking good, Gorvar. The attention to detail is pretty cool, suggests you're enthusiastic about the project.
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Post by jklinders on Jul 8, 2011 14:11:44 GMT 1
Looking good Gorvar. I do have a couple of quibbles. Nitpicky crap really but essential if you want your character descriptions to work. You have your Halflings at about 2 feet in height. That's barely past my knee. I know they are small, but that's smaller than a toddler. Likewise at 3 feet your dwarf character may be a morsel short as that's only waist high to an average height human. Of course if you are going with character sizes that are smaller for the dwarves and halflings than the fantasy norm feel free to tell me to STFU.
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Post by Warhammer Gorvar on Jul 8, 2011 15:05:30 GMT 1
No no no, it's ok Linders dude! I apreciate your feedback! I'll crack up the height a little bit for the halfling and the dwarf, i had a feeling they were a tad to short haha.
Thanks for the feedback guys, i'll prolly start writing the first chapter tommorow. I'll also edit the character list when more characters are introduced.
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Post by jklinders on Jul 8, 2011 15:35:12 GMT 1
I was thinking around 90 cm (3 feet) for the halflings ala Lord of the Rings and between 105 cm and maybe 120-135 (3.5 feet- 4-41/2 feet) for the Dwarfs. That would make the dwarfs just tall enough to handle large weapons while still being short.
Edit Never mind, you beat me to it. ;D
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Post by Warhammer Gorvar on Jul 8, 2011 15:39:35 GMT 1
Or I read your mind and then made the edit?
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Post by Clint Johnston on Jul 8, 2011 17:48:07 GMT 1
Perhaps you don't need to say he's a half orc... It's in his name.
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Post by Warhammer Gorvar on Jul 8, 2011 19:29:01 GMT 1
It's a name he made for himself really, since to him it's what defines him. Being something of both worlds, but from neither. So he strikes out on his own, based on his own merits. An half-orc.
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Post by Warhammer Gorvar on Jul 9, 2011 15:02:44 GMT 1
Chapter 1: Enemies from within and without.
The snow continued to float down gently as the time of day turned into night. Already, everyone was inside their houses where they tried to keep warm. Even for the inhabitants of the kingdom of Winter, few were foolish enough to stay outside in the cold, dark night if they did not have to.
The docks of Ice Peak were abandoned, save for one man in black who ran from several others behind him. ‘Get him, get him!’ one of the pursuers shouted as they turned around the corner. The man gasped for air as he ran as fast as his feet could carry him. He knew they would kill him if they caught up with him.
The sound of snow crunching under his feet and the chill on his face slowly blurred out as he felt his heartbeat racing and his temperature rising. He was near the city guard’s station, one more crossing and-
He fell on the snow as he crashed into one of the cloaked men who took a short cut. Already the men fell upon their prey and dragged him to the wall. ‘Thought you could get away from us, Winter scum?’ the one man who shouted from before growled as he drew a knife. The knife had a hilt made of a gold-like metal, but the blade was just as deadly as any other knife. On the hilt, there was a small dragon with two wings embedded on it.
‘P-please.’ The man begged.’ I didn’t hear anything, I swear.’ ‘You did.’ The man with the knife held the blade closer to his prisoner’s neck.’ And for the sake of our families back in Rohak, we cant let you life.’ ‘We’re all subjects of Fanran Winter here, aren’t we?’ the man tried to keep his fear under control, but was failing miserably.’ C-cant we just, talk this out?’
He received a punch in the gut, which made him topple. ‘We do not serve that old fart, we are loyal to Queen Summer and to her only.’ He raised his dagger in the air. A distinct smell of urine flew in the air, which made the others chuckle. ‘Look, wolf-boy there pissed his pants.’ One of the others said. ‘It’s going to smell worse I na second.’ The man with the knife grinned and was about to plunge it down.
‘Stop.’ A gruff voice thundered behind him.
The cloaked men turned around to see the intruder. He was a tall man, although man was a strange word of saying it. He was an half-orc. He had long black hair in the shape of a pony tail, green skin, very buff arms, small tusks that came from his lower jaw. He already had draws both his war axes, one for each hand. He had a long cloak behind him for warmth, but they could see he was dressed as a warrior.
‘Let him go.’ The half-orc glared. ‘This is none of your affair, half-orc.’ The man with the knife said. ‘Please, sir!’ the captured one pleaded.’ Help me, help me!’ ‘Shut him up!’ one of the other’s slapped the prisoner across the face.
‘You will let him go, or you will die.’ The half-orc stepped closer.’ And then your wolves, your kingdom is known to have, will eat your bones.’ ‘Are you threatening us, half-breed?’ the man with the knife chuckled. ‘You, against the six of us?’ As they laughed, a howl was heard in the night. It was close, very close.
This time, the half-orc grinned. ‘Who said I was alone?’
A figure leaped out from the darkness of the alleyway and tackled one of the cloaked men down. A sickening crunching sound and the horrified cry followed. ‘My arm!’ the victim yelled.’ It got my arm!’ The half-orc roared and charged into the fray. His axes swung from left to right as blood was thrown over the snow below them.
One by one, the cloaked men fell until only the man with the knife remained as he held the prisoner before him, the dagger near the man’s neck still. ‘You-you don’t know who you were messing with!’ the man with the knife said. ‘I know I am dealing with a coward, and a weakling.’ The half-orc replied.’ Let the man go, or my wolf will feast on you as well.’
A large black wolf stepped over to the half-orc as it licked it’s chops of blood, bone and human flesh. ‘No, no!’ the man panicked.’ You will not have me, you will no-‘ The man stopped mid sentence as he felt a sharp pain in his back. As he felt behind him, he felt it was a dagger of sorts, lodged in his back.
‘Rule number one of being an crook, always have a escape plan ready.’ A oddly chirpy voice said as the dagger was pulled away. ‘Rule number two..’ another stab which made the man with the knife fall to the ground as his prisoner escaped.’ Always look behind you if you take a hostage.’ The dagger was pulled away again, but it came through the man’s chest for the third and final stab.’ Rule number three, never mess with Gorvar Half-Orcen and his loyal compagnion, Togo Chubb.’
The last thing the men felt was a small foot that kicked him off the sword and the cold snow mingled with hot, warm human blood.
‘Nice one, Togo.’ Gorvar said as he placed his axes away. ‘Always waiting until the fight has mostly been ended, as usual.’ The Half-orc smirked a little at the small figure behind the slain man. His friend was a Halfling male, who wore a green travel stained hood and brown leather armour and trousers. His feet were covered in hair and his ears slightly pointed, the sign of his heritage. He cleaned his shortsword (or a sword for his size) at the dead man’s body before he slid it in it’s scabbard.
‘I have to stay alive to feed my wife and kids at home, don’t I?’ Togo smirked as he took a lute that was placed on his back.’ Ah, my livelihood still undamaged.’ He said as he kissed it. ‘Thank you!’ the former prisoner said.’ Thank you, thank you, thank oyu for saving my life!’
‘Your welcome.’ Gorvar said as he went to one of the corpses and started looting anything on him. Currency, weapons that were use-able, rings. ‘Urghm....what are you doing?’ the prisoner asked. ‘We don’t have any of your currency here.’ Togo replied as he joined in the looting.’ Another reason why we decided to save you. Oh look, a belt in top shape, mine!’ he exclaimed with joy as he held it above his head.’ Gorv, look!’
‘Very nice, Togo....’ Gorvar replied uninterested. ‘But...’ the man said.’ Isn’t that a bit...barbaric?’ Gorvar glanced at him.’ What is your name?’ ‘Urghm, Jonathan Federichson, sir.’ ‘Well Jonathan, we just saved your life and my profession just happens to be a barbarian, so do not be a fool and anger the man that saved you.’
‘What I mean to say is sir Half-Orcen, I mean no disrespect. My lord is King Falstan Winter himself, he is in town here for buisiness! He can reward you far better then those half frozen-‘ he spat at the man with the dagger.’ Traitors can.’
‘Wait, your boss is the king himself?’ Togo asked, to which Jonathan nodded.’ Gorvar, we can totally bank on this!’ ‘It does sound interesting...’ Gorvar rubbed his chin as he petted his wolf.’ Very well, take us to your king then.’ Jonathan smiled and led them out of the alley.
The trio arrived in a large inn where there was much merriment. Most of the tenants were drunken and well fed soldiers who all wore grey armour with a wolf embedded either on the chest, or their cloak, or their helmet. ‘Jonathan!’ a young man with dark hair and handsome features and a royal grey attire smiled and walked over.’ I was worried sick you would not return.’ ‘The father of the North blessed me Prince Frederick, for I was attacked by ruffians. My...guards, did not make it.’
‘I see...’ the young prince said sadly.’ I will inform their families.’ He looked over to the half-orc and the Halfling.’ And who are they?’ ‘They are the ones who saved me, milord.’ Jonathan replied.’ There names are-‘ ‘I can ask their names myself, Jonathan.’ Frederic smiled as he walked over.’ Greetings, I am Prince Frederick Winters, Duke of Avaland Keep. On behalf of the Kingdom of Winter, we thank you. How may I call you?’
‘My name is Gorvar half-orcen.’ Gorvar replied with the same attitude he would to any common man. ‘This is Togo Cubbs.’ ‘At your service, my liege.’ Togo bowed deeply, which nearly threw his lute of him. The wolf ran past them as he followed several of the white wolves around the inn. ‘That was Wolfgen.’ Gorvar said.’ He drew first blood.’
‘A wolf that fights alongside you?’ Frederick said impressed.’ Not to many people or cultures do that, save ours.’ ‘We have known each other for a long time.’ Gorvar said.’ Your servant said we were to meet your father.’ ‘Ah yes, my father. Right this way.’
The four men walked up the stairs and quickly made passed several bedrooms where the sounds of a other kind of merry making were heard. ‘I like this place already.’ Togo smirked. ‘We are on the route to the Capitol of the Kingdom of the three Seasons, Neromapia.’ Frederick said.’ Some men’s urges have to be...sated during the long journey. That is why we are here in this dock then at Castle Winter.’
‘Why are you headed there?’ Gorvar asked. ‘There is a grand tournament there in honour of the arrival of one of King Halmadir’s friends, the dwarf Hadgar...something, I forgot.’ ‘Sounds like fun.’ Gorvar replied. Frederick nodded as he knocked on the door of the largest room in the inn.’ Father, we have visitors.’ ‘Proceed.’ An elder, but firm voice, said.
Frederick entered the room, where he was greeted by two guards as his father was busy overlooking a map. King Faran looked old, but still fit enough to wield a sword. He had a short white beard, a mixture of black and grey hair, and wore the royal grey long cloak and armour, topped with a crown in the shape of a wolf.
‘I see Jonathan has returned...and two visitors.’ King Faran said. ‘Yes, they-‘ ‘I can ask them myself Frederick.’ Faran interrupted.’ Why don’t you go back downstairs with the men, they need to know their leaders are looking over them.’ ‘....yes father.’ Frederick gave a quick bow and walked out of the room.
‘Now then.’ Fanran walked over to Jonathan, who was already on his knees.’ What did you learn?’ ‘There were indeed some Rohak rebels here milord, but my saviours have dispatched them.’ ‘Bah...’ Fanran growled.’ Those peasants need to know who there masters are now. We bought their land fair and square, I treat them just like my subjects, they ARE my subjects, yet they treat me like an invader!’
‘They still serve Queen Summer, my king.’ Jonathan remained on his knees.’ Or so they claim.’ ‘We will see to that...’ Fanran gave a savage smirk before he turned to the duo.’ You saved a valuable man of mine, my friends. How can I repay you?’ ‘I wouldn’t mind a warm meal, a cold drink and a well bosomed girl to boot, your majesty.’ Togo smiled as Gorvar rolled his eyes.
‘Done, Master Halfling.’ Fanran said.’ Go off with one of my men, he will see to your needs.’ Togo bowed deeply as he followed the man at arms. ‘And what of you, Master Half-orc?’ The king asked.’ We do not see your kind often here on this continent, more so then halflings.’ ‘I came here to seek coin.’ Gorvar replied.
Jonathan’s face turned pale.’ Y-you cant speak to a king like that!’ ‘I speak whatever pleases me.’ Gorvar said. Fanran stepped closer to the half-orc.’ Is that wise, Master...?’ ‘Gorvar, your majesty!’ Jonathan answered. Fanran nodded at Jonathan before he turned to Gorvar again.’ In this room, there are six elite guards who have slain werewolves as a rite of trial with only their dagger, there are a hundred more downstairs who I can order to come in here and end you. Is it wise to antagonise me?’
Gorvar smirked.’ King Fanran Winter, you may be king...but you are not my king. I have slain dragons, fought wars, even slain a few self-appointed colleagues of yours. I fear no man, but I do treat them all equal unless their actions conflict with my believes.’ Fanran’s men came close as they were about to draw their swords.
Agonizing seconds slowly passed by as Fanran read into Gorvar’s eyes. Gorvar held his hand close on his weapons, as did the guards...until Fanran started to laugh. ‘Master Gorvar!’ Fanran slapped the half-orc on the shoulder.’ You are the kind of man I like. Fearless, strong, free...I could use more men like you for the tournament.’
‘I only fight for those who cant fight themselves...and pay me for my services.’ Gorvar replied. ‘Fair enough, but how about you come along with us to the tournament, plenty of gold to be earned and fame. Also I will give you and your friend a bag of gold for saving my servant here.’ ‘That is kind, thank you.’ Gorvar bowed.’ And quite an honour.’ ‘If you ever reconsider and wish to fight in my name, I will be waiting.’ ‘Thank you, your majesty.’ Gorvar bowed.’ But right now, I think I require rest more then anything.’
‘Of course, I’m sure there is some room for you somewhere.’ Fanran said.’ We will leave at dawn tomorrow morning.’ The half-orc merely bowed and walked off.
‘Your-your majesty, you let him talk to you like that? He’s but a half-breed!’ Jonathan said as the door was closed. ‘I do not care for the manners of a foreigner, I only care in his actions. Right now he saved you, so you can tell me the Rohakians are still plotting to kill me. I will write a letter and send it tomorrow to the overseer there, make some....examples there. I look after my people, even if I bought them because of Hondrich’s mistakes.’
The king walked over to the table where he began to write the letter. ‘My King...there...are rumours Princess Soliana will be going to the tournament, as well.’ Jonathan said. The king stopped writing for a moment.’ I know...’ he replied as he finished the letter a moment later.’ That bitch Cerdica would do anything to spite me, even if she hated Soliana.’ ‘This insult cannot stand your majesty, can you not ask King Halmadir for aid?’
‘No. Halmadir is an old man, he was even older then I am right now when I was but a lad. I will not trouble him with my worries. Although at the tournament, I will speak to Queen Summer to make sure she is not instigating the Rohakians against me, but knowing an Summer, they would all be lying out of their arse anyway.’
‘As you say, your majesty.’ Jonathan bowed deeply as the letter was send.
- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -- - - - - - - - -- - -- - - - - - - - - - - - - Meanwhile, hundreds of miles away at Castle Summer, it’s Queen was not content. There were few days she was content. But this was not one of them.
‘How do you mean we cannot buy Rohak back, yet?’ Cerdica glared. She was a beautiful woman, even when angered. She had long black hair and a tanned skin. She was born a Spring from her half elven father Halmadir, but sicne her eighteen years here she has grown just as ‘Summer’ as it’s people.
‘I’m sorry, your majesty...’ Steward Rederico kneeled before her.’ But because of the way economy works...the price for Rohas has gone up again. Even if we win the tournament next week, it will still take three more years before we can buy it back.’ ‘My people are under Winter rule for nearly ten years already, Rederio!’ Cerdica shouted.’ For ten years they have been forced to work and toil in the fields to fill Winter bellies!’
‘Mother please.’ Her son said a she stood next to him. He was a handsome blonde haired man who some claim is the best sword of the land. In his shining golden armour, he was always at his mother’s side. ‘Rederico is only doing his job, and I will make sure I will the tournament and get us closer to buy Rohak back.’ Cerdia sighed and counted to ten in her mind.’ ...thank you Rederico, you may go.’
The steward bowed and ran off, grateful to still have his head. ‘Curse Falstan and his bloodline!’ Cerdica shouted. ‘I hope you don’t mean my wife and son with that, mother?’ Harold smirked. Cerdica shook her head and tapped hr son on the head.’ You know what I mean, Harold. You are worse then your father was sometimes I swear.’ She stood up from her throne and motioned her son to walk beside her, which he did.
He always managed to turn her mood around somehow. He liked to think it was because he was so much like his father, whom she loved deeply before he died. ‘No, I love Fenris.’ Cerdica said.’ I love all of my family, except.....her.’ she glared. ‘I know mother, but we cant risk to lose her. If she leaves, not only will my son be motherless, we will lose the one bargaining chip we have to get Rohak back.’ Harold replied.’ Besides, she is a nice woman.’
‘She is a Winter.’ His mother stated.’ That means she is the enemy. For two hundred years, you grandfather Halmadir Spring, maintained the peace he helped create. But that does not take away Winter and Summer fought each other thousands of time before. Atrocities were committed on both sides. The Avalan Massacre on our behalf, the destruction of Madrad on theirs... ‘
She shook her head. ‘Even now we continue fighting, but in game of politics rather then swords.’ ‘Well then....’ Harold took his mother’s hand.’ During that tournament, I will smite every Winter hound I see.’ Cerdica smiled and kissed her son on the forehead.’ That’s my boy.’
‘Your majesty!’ one of the guards in a bright red armour with a dragon emblazed upon his chest stepped in.’ Princess Soliana and Pricne Fenris Summer!’ A young woman with blonde hair and regal clothing entered the throne room as she held a small boy with blonde hair in her arms. ‘Your majesty..’ she did a small curtsy to Cerdica.’ I wish to ask you something.’ ‘Oh hello Fenris!’ Cerdica smiled and took the small boy of Soliana’s hands.’ How are you, ooh look at you, your growing up aren’t you?’
‘Your majesty.’ Soliana began again.’ I wish to-‘ ‘Ask me something, I know.’ Cerdica replied as he tickled the small boy, whose laughter soon filled the room. ‘ What is it?’ ‘Well...do you really wish me to go see my father?’ the princess asked.’ I mean, we...did not leave on friendly terms.’ ‘Of course we want you to come dear.’ Harold smiled and took his wife’s hand.’ If he sees you, maybe he will change his mind on disowning you. Besides, I’m sure he would love to see his grandson.’
‘You...think so?’ she gave a weak smile. ‘Of course.’ Cerdica replied.’ Even your father’s heart cant be that cold enough to hold on to something so stupid for so long.’ ‘I...I think so to, your majesty.’ Soliana smiled. ‘Good, prepare your bags dear.’ Cerdica said.’ We’re leaving tomorrow.’ ‘Alright.’ Soliana said.’ But, can I have Fenris back please? It’s nearly his naptime and-‘ ‘I can do that myself dear, I was a young mother once to you know.’ The Queen replied and took her grandchild with her to his nursery.
Soliana’s gaze remained on her son with sorrowfull eyes. ‘she still doesn’t like me, does she?’ she asked her husband. ‘She’s starting to open up to you.’ He smiled and strayed her cheek as he lied to her.’ Just give it a bit more time, love.’ ‘Alright.’ She smiled and kissed her husband deeply.’ You care to have a walk with me in the garden one last time before we leave to Neromapia?’ ‘Maybe later tonight dear, I have some business to take care off.’ Harold said as he kissed her.’ I see you at dinner, alright?’ With that he walked off.
Soliana remained in the throne room for a moment before she decided to follow her husband. It was not the first time he blew her off, but recently it was coming in together to frequently. She had a feeling, but she wanted to be sure. The red guards merely gave her a quick nod, Queen Cerdica made certain that any who were kind to Soliana were to be punished.
She missed Castle Winter sometimes. With it’s Grey Stone, Wolf statues, the warm glow of braziers and steam that heated the floor constantly from the geysers that ran below them. She missed the tapestries and flags most of all. A wolf was a savage, but socially animal. Dragons were fiery, but lonely.
The kingdom of Summer only had a few dragon riders amongst them, not enough to warrant a House symbol really, she thought. She went around the corner, passed more red-like bricks which made Castle Summer. They were made of Madrad brick, the best brick the kingdom had to offer. It made sure that it kept the warmth of the eternal Summer Sun out, and the cool in.
She went around another corner...and found Harold gone.
She blinked but slowly stepped forward as she listened carefully. Frederick told her once that’s how wolves hunted, keep their ears open, utilize their senses. She missed Frederick most of all, her father seemed to blame him for mother’s death. Soliana almost died herself when she gave birth to Fenris, but she would not have dared to blame another child of hers if something like that happ-
She heard a grunt. No, several grunts, and thuds. She walked over to an door, from a maid she noticed. She carefully peeked in through the keyhole as the sounds became louder, and louder, and louder.
She saw Harold in the arms of the servant girl, a scrawny little thing, pretty enough. She was wailing like a banshee when he was on top of her, every thud, every moan registered in Soliana’s mind. She gasped, betrayed. The love of her life, the father of her baby, the reason why she left Castle Winter and her family. Harold was sleeping with an servant girl, way below her status. She stormed off as tears fell down her eyes.
Cerdica smiled as she strayed her sleeping’s grandson’s hair when one of her men came into the room. ‘Your majesty...’ he whispered to not wake the child.’ I have news from Ice Peak.’ She nodded at him and reluctantly moved away from her grandchild and went outside. She closed the door behind her.’ What is it, Feren?’
The man was a winter obviously. A pale skinned man, strengthened by the cold of his homeland. Except he was willing to betray his king for her, and any enemy of Falstan winter, was a friend of hers. He was her third hand of sorts after her son, her favourite knight. ‘Our rebel cell was killed there by an half-orc and a half-ling.’ He said.’ They travel in Falstan’s company now.’ ‘An Half-orc and a Halfling?’ she asked.’ That is odd, barely no other race except humans come here....’ ‘What should we do, your majesty?’
‘Nothing.’ She replied.’ Deny we have any connection to them.’ ‘And if Falstan decides to hurt the Rohakians?’ ‘Then...’ she smirked.’ He will know how it feels like to wake the dragon.’
TBC
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Post by Warhammer Gorvar on Jul 9, 2011 18:29:25 GMT 1
Still working on the cutting off between characters and settings, any hints or tips?
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Post by Warhammer Gorvar on Jul 10, 2011 23:04:20 GMT 1
Chapter 2: To catch the conscience, of a king.
Togo harped on his lute absentmindedly as he enjoyed the morning bliss. The sleeping form that had her arm around him and the small, soft breaths she took was all he needed to wake up peacefully. Suddenly the form stirred and yawned. ‘Morning.’ He said with a smile.
‘Hmmm...Togy...’ she moaned as she kissed his chest, her face hidden behind her long black hair.’ Do you have to go today?’ ‘Sadly, I have to, my fair lady.’ He replied with a false sigh.’ My journey takes me to Neromapia and the tournament there.’ She sighed and strayed his chest with her finger.’ Alright....you’ll return soon?’ she looked up to him with her big blue eyes. ‘Of course.’ He lied to her with the sweetest smile before he kissed her deeply.’ Perhaps we can...enjoy each other’s company one last time before I leave?’
She nodded and kissed him deeply. The door went open as a guard entered.’ I’m sorry to interrupt Master Chubb.’ He said as he moved his gaze away from the young girl who barely had enough time to cover her chest.’ But Lord Vallen wishes to speak with you.’ ‘Oh yes!’ Togo said.’ Tell him I’ll be there in five...’ he glanced a the girl before he looked back at the guard.’ Make that ten minutes.’ ‘I will, Master Chubb...but make it quick, Lord Vallen does not like waiting...’ he closed the door.
‘So many people who need my services, so little time...’ he tisked, much to his lover’s amusement.’ So, where were we?’ The woman smirked and returned the question by lowering herself into the blankets. Togo sighed of joy and rested his head on his arms as his lover took matters into her own hands, literally.
Fifteen minutes later, Togo the bard walked down the stairs, a new and fresh man. He nodded at the men who were already awake before he went outside the large inn, where he went to a light post across the street. Under that lightpost was a man, dressed in normal Winter noble clothing, being gray and white. But unlike the normal blonde haired Winter-people, his was chestnut brown.
As Lord Vallen turned around, Togo only needed one glance to know he was bad news. His face was smiling, but had that kind of faked smile. A smile an assassin would give to his target, instants before the target died. He had a short moustache and a small beard in the shape of a pointed arrow. He also bore a necklace with a small bat embodied on it. The bat was a strange companion to the white wolves scattered around the cloak and tunic, but then again the continent of seasons was a strange place.
‘My pardons Lord Vallen.’ Togo bowed.’ I was...occupied this morning.’ ‘I know, Master Chubb.’ Vallen replied with a smirk.’ With Lady Tundra if I am not mistaken. Risky business sleeping with the daughter of a lord.’ ‘That is how I life, Lord Vallen...’ Togo looked around him to make sure no living soul could hear them.’ Or should I call you Lord Hanalius?’
‘Lord Vallen is just fine, thank you.’ Hanalius replied with a now less amused smile. ‘ Do you have it with you?’ ‘Of course.’ Togo said as he rooted through his backpack. Out of it he took a small leather bundle, which he handed over to Hanalius. The man took the bundle and carefully unfolded it. It was a necklace in the form of a pentagram and a red crystal in it’s center. At every point of the wicked star was a strange rune embedded in it, which hummed a dark and primal tone.
‘One of the last elven necklace, found In a dragon’s hoard.’ Togo said.’ Just like my letter said you needed.’ ‘The amulet of Handranel....’ Hanalius strayed it’s smooth cold surface.’ This can dispel magic curses on numerous individuals...’ he smiled.’ Truth be told...i expected you to cheat me, Master Chubb.’ ‘I may cheat on welfare, Lord Vallen, but I am a man of my word when money and services are concerned.’ The Halfling chuckled. ‘You have no idea how much joy this item will bring me...you sure it works on Lycanthropy?’ ‘I tested it out before we left on a fleabag, yup.’ He nodded.’ I don’t know how much juice it will have or how many of them you can...well ‘save’. Togo made quote marks above his head.
‘It is a start, thank you.’ Hanalius placed the amulet away.’ I heard you and your barbarian friend are headed to the capitol?’ ‘If the bird you heard it from is the same one who saw me get acquainted with Lady Tundra, then yes. Why?’ ‘I need you to hand over a letter to Queen Summer.’ Hanalius said as he gave the Halfling a bag of gold for the amulet, and a letter destined for the Queen.’ I could ask one of my servants, but the Summers have a nasty habbit of shooting their arrows first, then feed you to their dragons before asking questions.’
‘The Queen, eh?’ Togo took the items.’ What’s in it?’ ‘A promise and evidence of support when a war would break out. Especially what King Falstan will do when he goes around visiting Rohak.’ Hanalius replied. ‘You do trust me a lot.’ Togo said.’ The question is, why?’ ‘Because there is money to be made, Master Chubb. And I know one of the three things you can only think of is money.’ ‘Money, wenches and song.’ Togo chuckled as he slipped the items away.’ Very well, Lord Vallen, I will deliver the message. I’ll find a way, don’t worry.’
‘Good, because let me remind you, Master Chubb, my birds can turn into beasts of prey when failure becomes involved.’ He said with a smirk.’ And that failure can extent to your wife, your son and the three other bastards you spawned with other women. You are lucky with Lady Tundra, her death would be unfortunate for my own estate and my possibility to marry her step-daughter. But your children...defiantly.’
The Halfling stared for what seemed an eternity at him. A chill wind swooped past them which ruffled Togo’s curly hair, and dried his fear sweat of his brow. When the wind passed, Togo’s smile returned. ‘You can hold off your birds, my good Lord.’ He grinned.’ I will deliver the letter, and would like only to see your feathered friends if they are to reward me for my services, with coin if you please.’ ‘I will make certain of that. Good travels, Master Chubb. I hope your journey to Neromapia will be uneventful.’ With that, Hanalius turned and walked off, and was soon followed by a large man In a long brown cloak and hair. When Hanalius and his cohort disappeared from out of view, Togo leaned on the light post as he gasped for air. ‘Holy mother...’ he said.’ What did I get myself in to again?’
Hanalius smiled as he looked at his amulet. ‘A powerful item, my lord.’ The man behind him said.’ I can smell the magic of it.’ ‘We can at least free fifty more with this cant we Brutalis?’ Hanalius asked his cohort.’ Before it needs to recharge?’ ‘I think so....us werewolves require a lot of magic to turn us back into shapeshifter, but if this amulet did lay within a dragon’s hoard...defiantly fifty at least.’ ‘Excellent....soon our people will be back in it’s former glory. Halmadir and his kingdoms will fear our return and respect it’s ascension as the howls of werewolves, vampires and other beings he cursed my people with knock on his gates.’
‘And what of your alliance to Queen Summer?’ Brutalis asked, to which Hanalius casually swayed his arm above his head, as if her name was only a nuisance. ‘Cerdica only cares for the return of Rohak in her hands and her bloodline. She will not see past my support as a way to reclaim my kingdom. The Three Kingdoms will feel the wrath of Fall and respect us we should be, like in the days of old.’ ‘Yes, my king....’ Brutalis gave a predator-like smile.’ For every Fall, there is a Rise.’ ‘And we will make it so.’ Hanalius replied as they walked off into the market, which slowly came alive with it’s morning traffic.
- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -
Gorvar looked around as the lands of snow slowly dwindled away as they moved away from Ice Peak, towards the south in one massive convoy. It consisted of carts, riders, men at arms and of course, packs of white wolves. The beasts sometimes ran off to find prey, but always returned to the convoy as if they were domesticated animals. He saw peasants working in the fields, who cheered and bowed as King Fanran and prince Frederick passed by on their horses with their armoured guard. ‘Your people love you.’ Gorvar stated as he and wolfgen walked next to the king. ‘They do, and the feeling is mutual. I may be many things, Master Gorvar, but I am no monster. I love my people as if they are my own children.’
Fanran smiled and waved at several travellers who immediately went off the road for him and kneeled deeply. ‘Frederick, my purse please.’ Fanran asked his son. ‘Of course father.’ Frederick handed a small sack over. Fanran took out some golden coins and threw it over to the travellers who thanked their king with whoops and cheers. ‘Their king is generous, I can see why they love you;’ Gorvar said. ‘I always counted me as one of them, even with my birth.’ Fanran said.’ I visit the taverns near Castle Winter regularly, I fought in every war with them, frequented the brothel tents as well back in my younger days.’ He chuckled.’ Something I tell my son to do more often.’
‘I wish to wait for the right woman, father.’ Frederick smiled nervously. ‘Ah, there is no harm in a little fun, I swear your mother had to much of an impact on you at times, Allfather rest her soul...’ he shook his head sadly. Frederick nodded at his father, to which Fanran smiled back a little.
‘You fought wars?’ Gorvar asked.’ I thought the peace with the kingdom of Summer lasted for two hundred years.’ ‘We have other enemies.’ Frederick said.’ We have regular Northmen attacks, the horrors of the kingdom of Fall to the south and...sometimes Orcs, I’m afraid to say. My apologies.’ ‘Don’t apologize.’ Gorvar said.’ My father was one of the few enlightend ones. He killed for a reason.’
‘Where is your father?’ Frederick asked. ‘He...’ Gorvar took a moment to reply as images flashed in his mind. A burning camp, dead bodies everywhere, the smell of death and fire still fresh, his father lay dead on the ground, the cries of his mother as- ‘Master Gorvar, are you well?’ Frederick asked. ‘My father is gone.’ He said as he snapped back to the present.’ He was a good man, for an orc.’ ‘I am sorry for your loss.’ Fanran said. ‘I thank you, your majesty.’ Gorvar said.
Days went past as the convoy made it’s way to the Kingdom of Spring. Everywhere, the people of Kingdom Winter cheered at the convoy and many innkeepers offered free lodgings, which the king denied and paid for himself, plus a tip. Gorvar knew the type. It was easy to be generous if there was enough coin to be spend, he wondered if Fanran would be the same man if his coffers were empty.
Togo sang ballads on his lute as he told the company another adventure he and Gorvar had, back in their homeland. Full of dragons and princesses they were. Wizards and dark knights, towers and evil crypts. Beautiful women and ugly trolls. All the stories Togo told were true to some degree, but other facts such as the slaying of the thousand headed saurian and the defence of an village from an evil necromancer and his horde of the living dead were all a tad exaggerated.
The thousand headed saurian had three heads, and he defeated it with the help of three other adventurers, with Togo included. The evil hordes were only few and the evil necromancer was but a beginner. But great stories they were, and the men, women and children of Winter loved them all.
Jonathan, the king’s hand Gorvar heard, even wrote down the stories so the king could read them at a latter date. Of course Togo asked royalties, which the king gladly gave. How the Halfling got away with things, Gorvar never knew.
But that ended a week later when they arrived at Rohak. The banners of the white wolf were replaced by that of a headless dragon, and the once happy villagers all glared at the passing party. The farmers and travellers all had tanned skin and dark hair, a contrast to the blonde haired white skinned Winter people. ‘These people are not to happy see us.’ Gorvar pointed out. ‘We should leave this place father and take a detour, Snowbloom is just fifteen kilo-‘ ‘What, a king is not allowed to walk in one of his provinces?’ Fanran asked.
‘Your son, may be right my king.’ Jonathan said.’ Rohakians are not known to be...friendly at this time.’ ‘I made my mind, we will go past Rohak.’ He said with determination. ‘Yes, my king.’ Jonathan bowed as Frederick grudgingly accepted the path.
The convoy rode towards a town, where the inhabitants closed their doors as the king passed by. The farmers in the fields did not even waste a glance at the convoy. ‘There are more farmers here then up north.’ Togo said as he rode on his pony. ‘Rohak is Winter’s bread basket.’ Frederick said.’ Most of our food comes from here since our crops are not well accustomed to the cold, hence we eat meat like our wolves do.’ ‘Then how come they hate you?’ Togo asked. ‘Rohak was part of the Summer Kingdom once, but when the kingdom tumbled into debt, father offered to buy Rohak for the debt to be paid off. The people never really got over that.’
‘I treat them like the rest of my subjects, yet they still spit in my face.’ Fanran grumbled. ‘Cant blame them if they are only your subjects for two years.’ Gorvar said. ‘Bloody ill tempered lot, they are....’ he kept grumbling. They rode into another town where the people, instead of glaring, quickly went out of the way in fear.
‘This is new.’ Togo said. ‘And there is why.’ Gorvar pointed ahead. The Halfling raised his eyes to the direction his friend pointed, before he looked away in disgust. ‘Heads on pikes, yay...’ he said.
The convoy passed rows of heads on spikes as it went on for several meters. Most of the heads were still fresh as the flies did not swarm around them as numerous as the others did. ‘Traitors to the crown.’ Jonathan spat.’ Must be the ones related to the assassins in Icepeak.’ ‘Wait, you killed these men because their relatives almost killed you in the dock?’ Togo asked.’ They had nothing to do with it!’ ‘It is to show the Rohakians that we do not show tolerance to traitors.’ Jonathan glared.
‘So you punish those who have nothing to do with a crime they may or may not know about?’ Togo asked.’ Clearly the definition of stupidity and logic differ in this land.’ ‘You dare insult my people?’ Jonathan glared. ‘I insult anyone and everyone, for that is my profession, Sir Jonathan.’ Togo said.’ I also point out that by prodding the caged animal, you will only anger it until it lashes out.’ ‘Then we will keep executing them unless they stop.’ ‘I hope you enjoy farming then.’ Togo lit his pipe.’ Because you will have no Rohakians left by the end of it.’
Jonathan merely scoffed and rode towards his king. As he rode, he almost fell of his horse as something hit him across the head. The smell of rotten vegetable infested in his hair as he glared angrily at where the projectile came from.
In the crowds of people, there was a small boy who quickly ran to his mother and held on to her. Jonathan glared and raced his horse towards them.
‘Did you do this?’ he cried out angrily.’ Did you throw that piece of garbage at me?!’ he stepped off his horse and took the boy by his arm. ‘Please milord!’ the mother begged.’ He is but a child, his father’s head was one of the first on the pikes...’ ‘If anything you should give him a medal.’ Togo smirked.’ The boy has a good arm on him.’
‘We will see of that, guard!’ he called a soldier over.’ Hold his arm.’ ‘What are you doing?’ Togo asked as Gorvar and the king and prince rode towards them. ‘I will warn him what a action can do.’ Jonathan glared and drew his sword. ‘What is he doing?’ Gorvar asked the king. ‘Injuring a noblemen by ill means is punishable b cutting one’s hand off.’ Fanran replied.
‘Injured?’ Gorvar looked over at Jonathan.’ He’s fine!’ ‘The law is the law.’ Frederick said.’ Especially when Rohak is involved.’ ‘His father is already dead, show some mercy for the love of the Allfather!’ Gorvar cried out.
Jonathan raised his sword, but found the mother was in the way.’ Get out of the way!’ he cried out and tried to drag the woman away. She kept sobbing and held on to her son. When she refused to move he slapped her hard across the face which made her squirm on the ground.
Jonathan, as a hound possessed by blood, started to kick the woman, as spittle flew from his mouth.’ You bitch! You Rohakian whore!’ He raised his armoured foot and struck down to hit the woman across the face. But the foot never got there.
He gasped for air as Gorvar raised the hand of the king by his neck, red eyes glared deeply into his soul. ‘I regret killing seven men two weeks ago, if only to save a man who is a coward who only strikes women and children.’ He squeezed harder, which made the man turn a paler colour. ‘I can amend that mistake right now...’
‘Gorvar!’ Fanran shouted.’ Let go off him at once!’ ‘Only if he let’s the boy and his mother be!’ Gorvar shouted in return. ‘You DARE?!’ The king glared at him as the royal guard drew their blade. A feeling of déjà vu of two weeks ago went through Gorvar. But he was not in the inn this time, but in a village where the darker side of the Winter kingdom reigned.
‘King Fanran Winter!’ Gorvar shouted. ‘ You may be king...but you are not my king. I have slain dragons, fought wars, even slain a few self-appointed colleagues of yours! I fear no man, but I do treat them all equal unless their actions conflict with my believes! You will order the boy to be unharmed or you will lose your Hand.’
Fanran glared at the half-orc as Jonathan seemed to stop moving.’ Fine....i give you my word, now let him go!’ Gorvar nodded and dropped the man, who crawled back to his king.
Togo motioned his pony close to Gorvar as Wolfgen growled at the royal guard. ‘You insulted our patron, not very smart....’ Togo said.’ Especially if he has a little of people to do nasty things with us.’ ‘We fought worse...’ Gorvar said.’ The innocent have to be protected at all costs.’
‘You have abused my friendship and trust, Master Gorvar!’ Fanran shouted.’ That makes you no better then these Rohakian swine!’ he drew his sword.’ I want his head to be out on a spike!’ The crowd ran off into the sunny fields as the royal guard drew their swords. Frederick glanced a apologetic look at Gorvar as he also drew his sword.
‘Kill them, kill the-‘ ‘We’re under attack! The east’
The king looked to left where he saw a large group of red masked people with a red dragon roughly painted on their leather tunics ran towards the convoy and charged in. From behind the lines arrows peppered the Winter soldiers as militia slashed at their wolves and soldiers. ‘Protect the king!’ Frederick shouted as he fought of the rebels.
Gorvar drew his axes and slashed away at the Winter soldiers as Togo hid behind him and stabbed away, like his friend was a shield. ‘And the day started so well!’ Togo cried out. ‘Not now, Togo!’ Gorvar shouted as he blocked an sword’s strike before he killed the owner.
He felt a hand on his shoulder and turned around to slay it’s owner, but he stopped as he saw a red headed girl pulled at him. ‘This way.’ She said and ran towards the fields. ‘Come on!’ Gorvar grabbed Togo on threw him on his shoulders as he ran. He gave a quick whistle as he ran into the field. Wolfgen jumped from out of the chaos and ran into the fields as well.
A horn was sounded which made the Rohakian rebels retreat into the fields with an amazing speed. ‘Hunt them down!’ a bloodied Fanran shouted.’ I want their heads!’ ‘Father!’ Fredrick urged.’ We do not have enough men for an attack, and they know the way of the land. We cannot win now.’ ‘I will not run away like a coward!’ ‘We are not running father.’ Frederick said.’ We are regrouping, let’s go to Neromapia. Send a message there to Castle Winter to suppress the riot. After the tournament, we will return and make sure this rebellion does not begin before it starts.’
King Fanran looked at his son deep into the eye, before he gave a quick nod. ‘Aye, you speak truth son.’ The king replied. Let us go to the Spring kingdom, and tell King Halmadir of this Summer treachery.’ ‘You think Cerdica is involved?’ Frederick asked. ‘Those bows were made from dragonbone, I know where their support lays.’ He glared.’ No-one attacks my kingdom and gets away with it. No-one.’
- - - - - - - - -- - - - - - - - - - - -- - - - - -- - - - - - - - - - -- -- - - - - -- - Cerdica groaned with joy and lust as she felt her lover inside of her. ‘Yes....’ she groaned and dug her fingers into the carpet as she felt his hands tighten on her hips. He was a young one, even younger then Harold. She always wanted young knights, plenty of stamina. Even now the pace quickened even more. ‘My queen...’ he groaned with joy. She closed her eyes, and pretended it was her husband Hondrich who was making love to her, the way she wanted. ‘My queen...’ the young knight groaned again.’ I have to...’ ‘Me to.’ She replied as she felt her climax rising. ‘Is it alright?’ he asked in between gasps for air. ‘Yes, yes Hondrich, yes!’ she shouted.
The boy, eager to please despite another name being called, groaned and filled his queen with his essence. She was not to old, she could have another child if she wanted. She might, say it is from a estranged cousin. She lay down on her stomach as the young knight fell to her side. After recuperating and catching her breath, she got up and refreshed herself.’ Thank you, Ser Jorric.’ She said.’ Your services are ...appreciated, now leave.’
Ser Jorric blinked at her, but when he saw her glaring eyes, he quickly dressed and fled the room. As she dressed into her night robe, there was a knock on the door. ‘I don’t want to be disturbed.’ she said. ‘I think you should be, my queen.’ Feren said through the door.
‘Oh it’s you Feren, come in.’ she said with a small smile as the older knight came in. ‘I hope I didn’t...intrude, milady?’ he asked. ‘No, we were just done.’ She said.’ Ser Jorric is a good host.’ She referred to them being allowed to stay at Ser Jorric’s castle and how he wished to make the Queen and her family feel as comfortable as can be. In some areas more so then others. ‘If you say so milady.’ Feren said as he wished to change the subject.’ I have news from our friends in Winter.’
She motioned to Feren to close the door, which he did immediately.’ What is it?’ ‘He has more men and other lords under his sway. Four of the nineteen provinces are with him, and his own troops are growing as well.’ ‘I’m starting to like this Lord Valen.’ She replied with a smile.’ Which lords?’ ‘He has send a letter and a deed to us with the names. But sadly, that letter is on the Halfling who recently travelled with Fanran Winter himself.’ ‘You said recently?’ she noted. ‘He and the half-orc displeased the king by saving a Rohakian child. The Red Leather Dragons saved them and are taking them here.’
‘The Red Leathers attacked the convoy! That’s to soon!’ she shouted.’ The rebellion will fail this early on. Icepeak, Snowbloom and Frostwyrm’s bones are but a stone’s throw away!’ ‘I know your majesty....but there was nothing they could do.’ ‘True....’ she said.’ If I were them, I would also attacked that bastard myself if he dared threatened one of my own.’ She glared at Feren.’ He did threaten one of my own.’
‘He woke the dragon, milady?’ he asked. . ‘Indeed.’ She smirked.’ Make preparations for the third and fifth legion to support the rebels, and make sure my son’s escort is well protected for when he rides to Neromapia. Harold can take care of himself but I do not wish to lose my grandchild and daughter-in-law.’
‘Oddly kind of you, milady.’ Feren said. ‘Soliana is still important to me, if we lose Rohak and the dragons do not suffice, we will use her as a hostage.’ She said as she poured herself some wine. ‘If we’re lucky, father will understand my side of allow me to regain Rohak.’ ‘I will make the orders...but what of the letter milady?’
‘Bring me the half-orc and the Halfling, after all. The enemy of my enemy is my friend.’
TBC
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Post by Mr. Glow on Jul 11, 2011 3:08:17 GMT 1
People smirk a lot on the continent of seasons...
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Post by Warhammer Gorvar on Jul 11, 2011 8:58:28 GMT 1
They're arrogant bastards aren't they? ;D I'll work on writing down more words though, writing in a second lingo doesn't work to well after a while if you repeat the words over and over again o.o Thanks for reading though! Edit: I changed a few grammar things here and there, and sadly there is a tad less smirking now
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Post by Warhammer Gorvar on Jul 13, 2011 21:38:06 GMT 1
Chapter 3: Spring at last
Castle Spring was one of the few intact relics the elves left behind. It was an ideal blend of masonry and elven wood magic. Both graceful and strong, beautiful to look at and yet instilling fear and awe.
It had the form of a large oak tree, but with a large base and many towers that seemed to be like branches of said tree. Although it appeared to be made out of wood, it was made from both proper quality rock even dwarves would find themselves impressed with, and the strongest wood any tree in the world could bear fruit to.
Truth was, the castle was build around a tree where needed, and in the event of a siege it was possible to life of the fruit, an infinite food source. Rationing would never be needed. Halmadir smiled weakly as his hands strayed one of the branches, and wonderd how long the three would last when he died. A hundred years? A thousand years? Two thousand? More?
His hairs were long and gray, the signs of age and stress were seen all over his face. Cracks and ripples and bags under his eyes from the nights of sleep, lost to worries of kingdoms and family. Even his pointy ears were half deflated, a mockery of his heritage. ‘So ends, the line of Spring...’ he said with a sigh of regret.
‘Your majesty?’ one of his aides asked. All of his aides and indeed, most of his subjects all wore either long green robes or green tunics with white trousers. Even the soldiers of Spring had a motif with green in their armour, just like the soldiers of Summer had red on theirs and grey and white for the soldiers of Winter. His house symbol was that of a leaf with two arrows behind it, to symbolize the heritage of his people and the eternal spring which graced his land. It was seen on every tabard and flag around the kingdom.
‘Nothing.’ Halmadir smiled weakly.’ Please, send my old friend in.’ His aide bowed and walked off. A few moments later a dwarf walked towards Halmadir with a big, smug grin cracked over his lips.
‘Halmadir Spring!’ the dwarf cried out with joy.’ Long time no see!’ ‘Hadgar Drurgen!’ Halmadir replied in kind as he walked over to his friend. He placed his hand on Hadgar’s shoulder before he knelt down to hold him.’It has been a long time.’ ‘Aye...’ the dwarf smiled.’ It has.’ ‘Thirty years?’ ‘Abouts.’ Hadgar concurred as the two parted.
Halmadir motioned his dwarven friend to follow him as they walked towards the balcony which gave an excellent view over Neromapia with it’s bright colours of flags, buildings and people wearing all kinds of colours, as I a rainbow exploded and it’s remain fell down over the city, and much of the land.
‘I hope your journey was well?’ Halmadir asked. ‘As fine as always I suppose.’ Hadgar rubbed his beard as his hand went into all kinds of pockets on his person, as if in search of something.’ Cave trolls attacked us a lot of times when we left Khardrazan. My wife says something down there is spooking them, but i don’t give it much notice.’
‘But Myra is a cleric, isn’t she?’ Halmadir asked.’ There is always some truth in her words.’ ‘I’ve been married to that woman for five decades, Halmadir. In that time she predicted a lot of prophecies where someone would drop a bottle of wine, or the son of one of my top generals would go father a bastard and that I would die, being stabbed in the back.’ ‘And all of those have happened so far, except the last one?’ Halmadir nodded at his guards who opened the gate that led to the balcony.
‘Aye...’ Hadgar sighed.’ Worst of all, these prophecies always happen when I’m shagging her. How do you think I felt when she blurted I was going to die alone in the dark, being stabbed in the back? Praise cave spirits I managed to keep it goig, or else Eldrik wouldn’t be here. Speaking off....’ Hadgar said as he finally found one for the things in his pockets.’ Got a letter here from your son.’
‘Amroth!’ Halmadir took the letter.’ I wondered when he would write, I know Whiteberg is a long way but still.’ ‘Eldrik said your son has his nose to deep in books and tomes, rather then drinking and women like other students should do.’ Hadgar continued the search for the missing object.’ Where is the sodding thing....?’ ‘Amroth always was a kind boy who could only do one thing at a time.’ Halmadir placed the letter away for later reading.’ His mother would have been proud.’ ‘He declined being a prince though, and he is your last male heir.’
‘I cannot force him to do something he does not want.’ Halmadir said.’ Not after what happened to Hirondir.’ Hadgar nodded with understanding when his friend mentioned his eldest son.’ I understand...but Hirondir died by the hands of fate itself, nothing to be done about that.’ ‘I know, but it made things clear. I will not force my children into doing something they do not want to do.’
‘What of Cerdica?’ Hadgar took out a pipe from his pocket.’ Ah, there it is.’ ‘Cerdica....’ Halmadir sighed.’ I don’t know, she is the only one who has heirs herself. My grandson Harold and his son, Fenris.’ ‘Cerdica married Hondrich Summer, and she rules his kingdom. Now I don’t know much about human politics, but if Spring falls into her hands, who will keep the peace between Summer and Winter?’
‘I see you heard of the incident in Rohak?’ Halmadir asked with a deep sigh as they stepped up the stairs. ‘Aye.’ Hadgar lit his pipe.’ I’m not saying your daughter is a bad ruler, but ever since Hondrich died she became a true Summer. She’ll abuse the power. If it weren’t for you it would have been open war already.’ ‘I rather not think of it.’ Halmadir nodded at the other guards near the top, who opened their gate as well. ‘ I’ll figure something out, and speak both to her and Fanran when they get here.’ ‘If you say so laddie.’ Hadgar inhaled a vast amount of smoke before he exhaled.’ Aaah, good stuff...’
The king of Spring smiled as they stepped into the sunlight and gazed down on the explosions of colours, which was Neromapia. ‘Beautiful, isn’t it?’ Halmadir asked as he leaned on the balcony, looking over his kingdom. ‘Bah, you sissy elves and your trees.’ Hadgar chuckled in between puffs.’ Give me a fine ale, a pile of gold and a good bossom to rest my head on.’ ‘Myra’s I hope.’ Halamdir rose his brow. ‘If I was going to cheat on my wife, she would be the first to know. Hell she would be the one knowing before I do.’ Hadgar laughed.’ A little warning old friend, if you marry a woman again, don’t let it be a mage or a future-see person or whatnot.’
‘I’ll keep that in mind.’ Halmadir said as he looked over his kingdom again. A long moment went by before he spoke again.’ Hadgar...do you believe mankind is ready for this burden, to watch over this mortal world?’ ‘I think so.’ Hadgar exhaled a blue smoke which lingered around him.’ Your people are gone Halmadir, and all your descendants are human. My people are declining nor thriving while the humans are popping up all over the place. If that isn’t a sign from the gods that a new era has come...well, the only thing missing is a messenger to come down and kick us in the bollocks to get the point across even more.’
The old king laughed long and hard before he stopped to cough.’ Oh, you should have stayed here with me and be my advisor.’ ‘After the entire War of the Seasons ordeal? Not a chance, dwarves don’t belong this long up top anyway. Besides your halls would’ve been littered with half-dwarf bastards anyway. Speaking off....how is she?’ ‘Sarina married a man in Tor Vollen, a noble.’ Halmadir replied.’ They have four children together, and many grand children.’ ‘Sounds like my genes anyway.’ Hadgar smirked.
‘I still think you should have stayed here to take care of her.’ ‘Maybe, rather not think of it....’ the dwarf said as he looked in his pockets for some more black powder to smoke.’ The past is the past, and I got the future to look forward to.’ ‘Yes, the reason why you are here.’ The king turned to see his friend as the midday sun reached it’s zenith.’ The Kingdom with no name.’ ‘The tournament is in a week, think some folk would join up on my expedition? After all part of that prize money coin is mine.’
‘Some Summer Nobles are willing enough to go I’m sure. Cerdica is gathering gold still to buy back Rohak. Note it wont be as many nobles from the previous expedition.’ ‘Aaargh.’ Hadgar swayed his hand at the mention of the previous expedition.’ Hadhod was a bloody fool, an warrior who thinks he was an treasure seeker. He didn’t investigate other colonies we lost first so we know what we are facing down there besides cave trolls.’
‘Your wife said the cave trolls were fleeing the tunnels?’ Halmadir asked. ‘Exactly, they got me curious though. If we’re lucky, it’ll be the old dwarven ancestors awakening to help us reclaim the deeps.’ ‘And if we are unlucky?’ Hadgar looked up to Halmadir as he doused his pipe, having lost the urge to continue.’ Then pray whatever is down there is to shy to come out.’
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‘You are safe here now.’ The red haired girl said as the rebels slowed down their pace when they reached the red leaved forest.’ We will rest here until your transportation arrives.’ ‘Oh, thank you Holy mother....’ Togo gasped for air.’ I was getting tired.’ ‘You were sat on my shoulders the whole time, Togo.’ Gorvar said as he pulled the Halfling of his back and paled him down on the ground. ‘Yes, but since we share such a strong connection, I feel your fatigue as well, my good Gorvar.’ Togo replied as his cheeky self. ‘You saved us.’ Gorvar said to the red haired girl, ignoring Togo’s endless praises.’ I thank you.’
‘You saved my brother, Rom.’ She replied.’ It is the least we can do.’ ‘Though because of you, we lost a good shot at killing Winter!’ one of the others glared at the half-orc. ‘There are more chances I’m sure;’ Gorvar replied to the masked man.’ Who are you, and where are you taking us?’ ‘We are the Red Dragoons, a organization of militia who look after Rohak even before King Fanran was to lazy to deal with trolls or northmen invaders. Us people from Rohak may just be farmers, but like all people of Summer we are eager to fight while those of Winter are to cold and slow to do such a thing.’ The red haired woman replied. ’I am Diana Bloomsbury, this cell’s leader. We are taking you to the land of Summer. It’s there you will be save from Fanran’s temper.’
‘Cell?’ Togo asked.’ You mean there are more of you?’ ‘We are spread all over Rohak, Master Halfling.’ Diana replied.’ We are supplied by the Queen herself in case of an revolt like this. It wont be long before Rohak will be back in the kingdom of Summer.’ ‘You are very loyal to a woman who sold you out two years ago to settle debts.’ Togo said as he sat down to rub his knees.
Faster then a rock to hit the floor, the Halfling had a knife put on his throat and was surrounded by ten angry swords. Gorvar was to draw his weapons, but both he and Wolfgen were surrounded as well by men armed with dragon bone bows.
‘She did not sell us out.’ Diana glared.’ She asked us to make this sacrifice so the rest of the kingdom would not suffer. And she promised to reclaim us, as you can see by our weapons, she plans to uphold that promise. Do you understand now, Master Halfling?’ Togo had great trouble with stopping his fear sweat from being seen.’ I see your point...pun not intended.’ Togo replied with a smirk.’ My apologies.’ Diana glanced at the man who spoke earlier to Gorvar and nodded.
The man nodded in return and muttered something in their native language, which made the Red Dragoons go back to their respective posts. Togo rubbed his chin and Gorvar walked over. ‘You, me. A word.’ Gorvar took Togo by his arm and dragged him to a quieter area.
‘Look, I didn’t know they would be that zealot-e.’ Togo defended himself.’ I swear, nobody on this continent has a sense of humour anymore.’ ‘Tell me about it.’ Gorvar grunted.’ But that’s not it....isn’t this suspicious?’ ‘Suspicious? Other then going from ‘we saved you’ to ‘we’ll gut you for insulting our Queen’ I didn’t see anything suspicious.’ ‘Exactly. They know we were involved in the deaths of their families by killing these men at the docks two weeks ago. If anything they should’ve killed us in the ambush rather then lose their opportunity to kill King Fanran to rescue us. It seems someone higher up wants us alive.’
Togo’s hand immediately slipped over one of his pouches where he had the letter Lord Vallen or Lord Hanalius safely placed away. He had half a mind to show the letter to his old friend, but then he recalled what Hanalius said to him. ‘My birds can turn into beasts of prey when failure becomes involved. And that failure can extent to your wife, your son and the three other bastards you spawned with other women. ’
He was a gambler, but he didn’t risk telling Gorvar this. Especially since these birds of prey could well be following him still. He loved his kids and the women he spawned them with. He wouldn’t want them to get hurt by his doings. ‘Someone higher up? Like the Queen?’ Togo asked. ‘Don’t know...maybe.’ Gorvar replied.’ We don’t have anything she would want though. You know her son is supposedly the greatest swordsmen in these lands.’ ‘The tournament maybe?’ Togo pointed out.’ Increase her chances with you around. Or...’ he took out his lute.’ She heard of my amazing skills as a bard and has snatched me from the jaws of death to hear me sing a song? And like always you get dragged along into my adventures.’
Gorvar cracked a small grin at his friend’s reply. ‘I have no doubt of your skills as a bard, Togo. But I don’t think she would risk uncovering her proxy war for of you.’ He took out some dried meat from his backpack and threw it over to Wolfgen, who ate it happily.’ We’ll see when we meet her.’ Togo nodded and got back on his feet.’ I think I can walk now.’
Wolfgen sat up suddenly and started to growl as it looked overhead. ‘Good.’ Gorvar pointed above the trees.’ Because we have company.’ The half-orc drew his longbow as Togo his sword, how much good it would him against what manner of foe they were about to face. Gorvar only needed to hear one roar, a mix of a lizard cry and the roar of a lion mammoth.’ ‘Dragon.’ He sighed.
As if the name itself called the beast, a dragon crashed through the leaves and landed in the middle of the clearing. It had red scales which covered his face and upper body while armour of sorts covered his underbelly. Gorvar saw a rider was sat on the dragon, who held tightly to his spear and a shield with a dragon emblazoned on it. The knight, for only a knight could have such armour, had red armour and a visor in the shape of a dragon’s head. Wolfgen kept snarling at the rider and his mount, but did not move just yet.
A moment later, two more dragon riders landed and moved towards Gorvar. He lowered his bow as he recognized the mark of Summer from the Red dragoons. Wolfgen kept snaring, but a quick pat on the head from Gorvar calmed him down. ‘Are you Queen Cerdica’s men?’ Gorvar asked as Diana and the Red Dragoons brought water and food to the knights, and a recently slain deer for their mounts.
The one who landed first opened his visor. ‘I am Ser Jorric of Castle Emberwind.’ He said.’ The Queen herself has send me to find you, Gorvar Half-Orcen and Togo Chubb.’ ‘We thank you, Ser Jorric.’ Togo bowed.’ I hope we were not to hard to find?’ ‘The Queen looks after her own, and those she deems as allies.’ Jorric smiled.’ She would like to speak to you both.’
‘And where is our glorious savior?’ Togo asked. ‘She is at my castle still, preparing for the upcoming tournament.’ He replied.’ I plan to take you there on Dragon-back.’ ‘You...want us to fly on dragons?’ Togo asked. ‘Do not worry, we are fully trained in riding with-‘ But before Jorric could finish his sentence, Togo was already sat in front of him, clipped in so he would not fall off. ‘Come on Gorv, it’ll be glorious!’
Gorvar shook his head at his companion’s lunacy at times. He knelt down in front of Wolfgen and whispered something no-one could hear. The wolf licked the half-orc’s cheek and ran off into the wilds. ‘Where did your wolf go?’ Diana asked. ‘He’s gone, but will return when I need him.’ Gorvar replied and stood back up on his two feet.’ Diana, I wish you the best of luck for your upcoming battles if they would occur. I know your plight and how hard the struggle is.’ ‘I thank you Master Gorvar, I hope our days may cross soon, and that you will find yourself in a proper Rohak. May the sungod shine your path.’ ‘Likewise.’ Gorvar saluted Diana and walked towards a dragon rider.
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The red leaves of Rohak were soon replaced by proper green leaved trees as King Fanran and his convoy, though sadly lessened, arrived in the lands of Spring. When they moved towards a gate, it was already opened and a rather large riding party already went ahead to meet with them. Although the banners on the wall and the wall itself were green, the riders were all yellow and black. The rider’s standard bearer bore a Lion in front of a leaf, the House Symbol of the De Schacht family, one of the larger noble families of the Spring kingdom.
Their leader was a graying man with a short mustache. He was around his fifties one could guess, but he was still in good shape. ‘King Winter, it is an honour to greet you on my lands.’ The man smiled and shook Fanran’s hands like equals. Even though Fanran was king of Winter and the people respected his authority, he was only a noble of equal standing to a man like Luc De Schacht.
‘It’s an honour to meet you again as well, Lord De Schacht.’ Fanran smiled as Luc shook Frederick’s hand. ‘ I did not expect to see you so soon.’ ‘We saw from afar what happened in Rohak.’ Luc said as his party rode on with the convoy.’ We came here to meet you in case those dogs try their chances again.’ ‘We appreciate the gesture.’ Frederick smiled
‘Bit of a shame they didn’t.’ a younger man who rode next to Luc said.’ I yearn to fight proper enemies then just bandits and Orcs.’ ‘This is my son, Martin.’ Luc said.’ Although he is born a Spring, he does have some of Summer’s fire in him.’ ‘Well, I’m certain we’ll fight the Rohakians and the Summer’s soon enough. It is good to see you again Martin’ Frederick smiled at Martin, who returned the favour. ‘Likewise Frederick, it has been some time since we both graduated from Whiteberg.’ Martin replied.’ When we get to the keep, we should get some ales and talk of the good old times. If father does not mind of course?’
‘Of course not. In fact, my castle is at your disposal, King Fanran and Prince Frederick.’ Lord De Schacht said.’ Westend keep is just ahead. It is only two more days travel to Neromapia. But the tournament is only two weeks from now, so you can still for as long as you wish.’ ‘I appreciate your kindness, Lord De Schacht.’ The king of Winter said as he glanced at back where he saw both their sons chat.’ I’m sure our sons have a lot of catching up to do.’ ‘As do we.’ Luc replied.’ If you wish, could we speak in private please?’
Fanran nodded and turned to see his son again.’ Frederick, I’ll be riding ahead with Lord De Schacht, lead the convoy to Westend Keep please.’ Frederick nodded at his father before he began talking to Martin again.
Fanran and Luc rode ahead, with only both one guard at the far back of them so they could have some privacy. ‘Those two are as thick as thieves again.’ Luc chuckled.’ Some things never change.’ ‘True.’ Fanran replied.’ But still an odd saying for a man who lives in the Kingdom of Spring.’ ‘Westend Keep is on the crossroads to all three kingdoms, Fanran.’ Luc replied with familiarity to the king.’ We receive traders and travelers from all three, and it is hard to not be open minded if you do own a crossroad like these.’
‘This coming from the man who shouted ‘I rule a land, not a road!’ when Thorval the Horrible attacked your Keep to get to Madrad?!’ ‘Did I say that?’ Luc asked.’ I have to admit I was to drunk to remember anything of that battle. Still no idea how we won...’ ‘I was nowhere near you when that happened.’ Fanran replied.’ I defended Icepeak from his naval fleet, Hondrich attacked the Orcs and trolls who wanted to take advantage of the invasion and Halmadir was defending Madrad with half of the Spring Army.’
‘Oh yes, I recall!’ Luc said.’ I defended the lands here so Thorval couldn’t connect with Bargarus the Infamous at Marrid. Gods, never realized twenty years ago we were at the edge of total annihilation. ‘We are now.’ Fanran said.’ With Rohak being supported by Cerdica...’ ‘You are worried war will come, old friend?’ Luc asked concerned as the conversation took a heavier tone. ‘I KNOW it will come, Luc.’ The king of winter replied.’ Every last one of my seers have seen war in their future. They also said that the coming of an man with mixed heritage with his wolf as black as night would bring peace. Hence I took Gorvar Half-Orcen with me to Neromapia...but so far he has failed me.’
‘What happened? ‘He nearly killed my Hand by choking him. He is still in a coma, healers say he’ll wake up in the next two days. But to be fair, he already gave me his council on the question you will ask...’
Luc nodded.’ Yes...my daughter, Eveline. She is only two years younger then your Frederick. They would be a good match. Though I think this marriage will not be just that, is it?’ Fanran looked his old friend deep in the eyes.’ Yes, it will be a blood alliance. When Summer attacks, I want my old friends at my side. Friends I can trust. And what better way to give you my son like I was supposed to give you my sister.’
‘Hilda...’ Luc closed his eyes as he remembered her.’ I still love your sister to this day, Fanran. Even if my wife tried to get that thought away from me. She hated me for calling out another’s name in bed during the wedding night.’ ‘How is Belinda now? And you? Still alright I hope?’ Fanran knew Luc and Hilda were close before she died of a flue thirty tears ago. It was pretty certain they already were intimate before an marriage would’ve already taken place.
They all studied at Whiteberg together. The good old times when the only worries were not completing essays in time and the budget for the month would be wasted on booze and toys. Luc loved his sister dearly, having grown from friends to something more. Fanran speculated Luc took her death the hardest. Then again, he felt exactly the same pain when his wife died when she gave birth to Frederick. But unlike Winters who buried the pain in their souls of snow, the people of Spring were always elaborated on their pain and loss. He mourned Hilda for fifteen years until he had to marry Belinda Droghan of Wind Coast. It didn’t help she looked just like Hilda at the age she died.
‘We made up a long time ago.’ Luc smiled.’ And she was the one who suggested our daughter to marry your son.’ ‘I’ll tell my son when we arrive at Westend Keep, it’s about time I have some heirs. Especially after what happened to Soliana....’ A long pause followed after muttering her name.
‘Is she still writing letters?’ Luc asked. ‘No, nor did I intend to read them. No child of mine will ever fornicate with a Summer. Never.’ ‘Alright.’ Luc said.’ But what if war breaks out? And we do win over Summer?’ Another long pause. ‘She and her bastard child are still blood. If House Summer falls, I will look after them. Send them to Icewall, out of my sight with no claim on my throne.’ Luc nodded and left it at that.
A smile appeared over his lips.’ Come on Fanran, race you to the Keep.’ ‘No Luc, I’m to old. You are to old. We both are for Allfather’s sake.’ ‘Ah, King Winter is to scared he’ll be saddle sore when he gets to my Keep? Is that the problem?’ Luc grinned. ‘After thirty years of me beating you in everything Luc, you still think you have a chance against me in racing?’ Fanran held his reigns tight.
‘Well if you are a cowardly wolf puppy, I don’t blame you.’ Luc pretended to check his nails. ‘Oh, challenge accepted you Lion bastard.’ Fanran grinned like a wolf and raced off to the keep. ‘Not fair, cheater!’ Luc shouted and raced after King Winter. As their guards gave chase, despite it being broad daylight, a small black bat hung upside a branch, and maintained watch.
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Soliana smiled as she strayed her sleeping’s son cheek. Fenris was the only sunshine in her life, ironic since this was the land of Summer, where it was nearly constantly warm sunny weather with nightfall rains nearly every day. Harold tried his best to make her feel comfortable, but he acted more like a big brother or a good male friend then a husband.
She followed him a few more times, and found him in bed every time with the same maid. She knew her name and everything. Hilary Baker, daughter of the town’s baker. She already has a child from a unknown father, but when she saw the dirty blonde hair of Hilary’s son, she knew exactly who the father was. Nobody else knew except Feren, the only real friend she had here. The only confidant she trusted.
She hated Harold, she hated Cerdica, she hated her father (to whom she actually named her son after to try to appease him) , she hated Hilary Baker and her bastard son, she hated both Winter and Summer! She walked away from her sleeping son as he tried to compose herself. This was not the way a princess was supposed to be-
She stood motionless as a bat stood near her open window. It was a large black one, with small bits of brown fur. It held a letter in it’s mouth, and did not move. Soliana moved closer to her baby, willing to give her own life to save her son. Bats were evil creatures that only came out in the dark because they were cursed for having aided the Kingdom of Fall during the War of the Seasons.
‘G-go away, shoosh!’ she took a book and waved it at the creature. The bat merely cocked it’s head to the left before it dropped the letter and flew off. Soliana blinked and picked up the letter. The door behind her opened, which revealed a worried Feren.
‘Are you alright, your highness?’ he asked concerned. Soliana smiled a little as she read the letter. ‘Yes.’ She said.’ I’m fine.’ ‘Just to let you know, Ser Jorric returned with the Half-orc and the Halfling if you want to see them.’ ‘I’ll come downstairs with Fenris shortly, he should have had enough sleep for one day.’ Feren bowed deeply and closed the door, but Soliana didn’t care. The letter only had four words, four words of hope in this darkness.
‘You are not alone.’
TBC
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