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Post by Warhammer Gorvar on Jul 18, 2011 18:57:32 GMT 1
Chapter 4: Blood and Steel.
Togo never flew on a dragon before, there were times he clung on to one while Gorvar made a killing blow, but he never did fly on one before. The sensation of the cold wind on his face, the clouds and lands below them passed under as if they were mere minuscule rocks on the ground when you walked over in a fast pace.
These were the precious moments Togo enjoyed life to it’s fullest. He looked over to Gorvar and his dragon rider. He shouted for Gorvar, but the wind was to loud for his half-orc friend to hear. As if a dream was coming to an abrupt end, the dragons swooped down towards a brown and red castle below. “It’s Castle Emberwind!” Ser Jorric shouted so Togo could hear.” My castle and now the queen’s temporary place of lodgings.” Togo looked at the red bricks that made it’s walls and towers, the brown tiles it’s rooftops and the golden inscriptions of dragons that decorated the center of the castle. It had a empty moat, but Togo’s clever eyes saw small holes from the castle that led into the moat. His memory reminded him the Kingdom of Summer had a major export of oil.
The dragons flew over the lands that the castle overlooked and landed square in the middle of the courtyard. Exhilarated Togo fell off the dragon as Ser Jorric undid his belt. “That was AWESOME!” the Halfling cheered. “An excitable little guy, isn’t he?” Gorvar’s dragon rider said. Gorvar merely nodded and stepped of the beast.
Stable hands with fire retardant dragonscale armour ran towards the dragon riders and their mount and took the winged beasts by their reigns as if they were but mere winged horses. “The Queen is in the throne room, milord.” One of the hands said to Jorric. Jorric merely nodded and helped Togo up.’ Come Master Gorvar and Master Chubb, the Queen does not like waiting.’ “Monarchs never do.” Gorvar said to himself.
Togo smiled as bright as the sun itself as the two walked inside the castle. The tapestries were bright red with a golden dragon placed on it. Nearly every carpet, flag or even paintings had a red and golden motive to it, completed with a dragon lurking somewhere. “I see you like dragons a lot.” Togo said. “The people of Summer are the first and only people on this continent, or any continent we know off, that have mastered to tame and ride dragons.” Jorric said with pride.” That is why all of the former houses have dispatched their House symbols and all replaced it with dragons.”
“So does Winter, doesn’t it?” Gorvar asked.” With replacing theirs with wolves?” “Yes.” Jorric replied.” But their mutts are nothing compared to our majestical beasts. You have seen how they treat them. They don’t keep them on leashes!” “It shows trust, where you bind your dragons.” Gorvar replied. The knight looked at the half-orc, before he cracked a smile. Forced Gorvar knew. “ Maybe so, but dragons are dangerous still unless they have been trained properly. You know fully well how dangerous a dragon can be.”
“The dragons I fought were larger then yours, and more primal. But yes, I can imagine.” Gorvar said. “However-‘ Togo interrupted.” I do like your Castle’s more then those of Winter. They are so gray and boring. And hard to travel towards with all the snow and spiked barricades.” “The kingdom of Winter has faced more Northmen attacks then we have, for they fear our dragons more then their wolves. Quite frankly, it’s their own fault really.”
“How so?” Gorvar asked. “We offered plenty of aid beforehand when there is an invasion. Either gold or the return of Rohak would suffice, but they refused each and every time.” Jorric said. Gorvar merely nodded and kept to himself, to which Togo was grateful for.
Gorvar was a good and loyal friend, but he was not an ambassador or a man who played tactfully. He verbally abused his patrons if he saw a wrong and treated Kings as equals. After years of traveling, Togo still didn’t know of Gorvar was insane, stuck to his principles no matter what the cost, or even worse...he was suicidal.
The red plated guards opened the door as the trio entered the throne room of once again, red and gold. On the throne was a tanned woman with long black hair, who wore a golden crown and a long red robe. Jorric knelt before her.” My Queen, we found the two you asked us to retrieve.” “Thank you Ser Jorric, you will be repaid for your services.” She said with a stern voice as Jorric quickly stood up and stood behind her with two knights, one pale compared to Jorric and with blond hair and another in golden armour.
“So...’ she sat up.” You are Gorvar Half-orcen and Togo Chubb?” “We are, your majesty.’ Togo bowed.” And we thank you for our rescue from Fanran and his hounds.” “A enemy of Winter is a friend of Summer.” She said with a small smile.” I am grateful you were smart enough to break ranks with Winter.” “A choice that was enforced on us.” Gorvar said. “You rather you would have stayed?” Cerdica frowned.” If so, one word and I can hand you back to him.” “ Then why would you have risked saving us?” Gorvar asked.” I do not like being used as a chess piece, Queen Summer.” “You forget yourself.” Cerdica pointed out. “ Lest you forget, I saved you from death for no reason other then to thank you for saving that boy’s life. Now you repay me with ill manners?”
“Excuse me, your majesty.” Togo said apologetically and tucked at Gorvar’s leather trousers and pulled him closer so what they said was for their ears only.” Gorvar, for the love of the Holy Mother, stop pissing off monarchs! Cant you just stop talking for five minutes? Let me do the talking, okay?” Gorvar grunted as he folded his arms. “My apologies, your majesty.” Togo bowed again.” My friend’s Orc side has a nasty side effect concerning manners.” Cerdica leaned on her hand.” Very well, it is forgiven. If that is the case, I wish your friend to have some rest in one of our chambers. By dawn you can go to wherever you wish.”
“We would be grateful, your majesty.” Togo replied. He turned to leave with Gorvar. “Except you, Master Chubb.” Cerdica said.” I wish to speak with you, privately.” “Of course, your majesty.” Togo said.
Gorvar raised his brow at the Halfling, who raised his hand and gave his friend a thumbs up. Their little code for everything was alright. Gorvar nodded and walked out of the room as knights escorted both the Queen and Togo to an separate room.
Outside of the throne room, a blond woman with a child ran towards him. “Excuse me.” She said.” Are you Gorvar half-orcen, the one who traveled with King Fanran Winter?” Gorvar nodded. “I am.” “My name is Soliana Summer, I’m-“ “You are King Fanran’s daughter.” Gorvar said.” I know.” “How is my father?’ she asked.” Is he well? I heard rumors he has taken ill?” Gorvar raised his brow again.” He was fine when he last ordered his men to take my head.” “Oh....alright...” she sounded disappointed.
“You miss your father?” Gorvar asked, to which she nodded. “He is a good man.” She said as if to defend him.” He just needs time to think about my little Fenris here is all.” She strayed her son’s hair affectionately. “Your father is a good man to his family and subjects, as long as they do as he says.” Gorvar said.” Princess Soliana...if I were you, I would not hope on your father for any friendship between Winter and Summer.” ”What are you saying?” she asked. “Your brother still misses you, if you can you should write to him. My father once told me ‘Sitting around and postponing judgement is for the weak, seize the initiative and embrace it.’ ”
“Wise words.” She said. “As wise an as Orc can give, I guess.” Gorvar replied. “I will consider them regardless, may the All father and the sun god watch over you, Master Half-orcen.” “Likewise.’ Gorvar returned the gesture and walked off to the room he was escorted to by an guard.
In the Queen’s room, Cerdica unwrapped the letter and glanced over the names and places. “These are all near Rohak...very good.” She smiled before she looked at Togo who was nipping some wine.” Thank you Master Chubb, you have made me a happy woman today.” “I’m glad I was of any service to you.” Togo drank from the wine.” Oh, this is good.” “It’s Madrad wine, next to it’s quarries they have excellent wine yards.” She replied as she sat down, Ser Jorric and her son Harold always at her side.
“Worth a visit I’m sure.” Togo said.” I hope Lord Vallen will be pleased as well?” “You received this letter from him personally?” she asked. “I did, why do you ask your majesty?” “Because of all the other letters I received, none came from him directly. It was always a second in command or someone else who gave it to any messengers and travelers headed through Summer. Tell me, how does he look like?”
“Very odd actually...’ Togo recalled Lord Vallen, or better yet Lord Percevalt Hanalius and the threats he made to ensure the success of this errant.” Chestnut brown hair, an friendly face, an overall nice guy.” He lied about the last. “I see...” she read the list again.” Very well, thank you Master Chubb you may be excused. Harold.” She called to her son. “Can you escort Master Chubb here to the guest room?” “Of course, mother.” He bowed and stood next to the Halfling. “I’ll make sure you are rewarded properly in the morning.” Cerdica smiled at Togo.” Tonight, I have plans to make.” “As you wish, your majesty.” Togo bowed and walked alongside Harold out of the room.
“You wish me to warn the third and fifth legion, my Queen?” Jorric asked. “Yes Ser Jorric, I want them to move across the Rohakian border by nightfall. Also send a letter to all the Lords and ladies of these four keeps, they are perfectly encircled around Rohak and will provide a buffer zone.” She said. “Yes My Queen.” He bowed his head and walked off. “And what of our guests?” Feren asked. “I want them to be got rid off.” Cerdica replied.” Anyone who has seen Lord Vallen and who is not a Summer can not be trusted, I want no ties that leads to him or me.” “You wish to kill them?” he asked. “Yes, say they tried to steal a dragon’s egg or something. Make an excuse.’ ‘As you wish milady.’ Feren bowed as well and walked off.
Cerdica granted herself a smile as she looked at the name on the letter and the map of the kingdoms of Summer and Winter. It was perfect, by the time the tournament in Neromapia would begin, Rohak would be hers again, and her father could do nothing but accept. “The messages are send my queen.” Jorric said as he came back in her quarters. “Good..” she smirked.” Close the door behind you Jorric, I want to reward you for your services.” Jorric tried his best to hold back a smile as he closed the door behind him.
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Hanalius stirred his drink as he absent mindedly listened to Lady Tundra’s prattle. She talked about fashion, about the rumours of a scandal where Lord Avaland slept with an Drow merchant, about how her mother was the perfect role model in the role of being a good wife and so on. Hanalius did not bother bringing up her mother slept with an Halfling (like she did with Master Chubb) while her father rather sticked to his own gender, since he couldn’t get a word in between her nonsense. Sometimes she said something useful, but most of the time it was near torture hearing her talk.
And he was to marry this woman, gods help him. It was a relief when Brutalis came in, he had half a mind to gnaw his arm off. “My apologies milord.” Brutalis bowed. “Be gone, servant.” Lady tundra rose her nose in disgust.” Me and Percy are talking.” “What is it, Brutalis?” Hanalius asked. “It’s best for your ears only, milord.”
Hanalius nodded and stood up.” I’m sorry Elena, but I’m afraid duty calls.” “But we were having such a good time...” she pouted.” How can we have a good marriage if you spend no time with me?” “I’ll make it up next time.” He pecked her cheek.” I promise.” He forced a smile and walked off with Brutalis as another of his servants came towards him. “Make sure Lady Tundra arrives home safe.” Hanalius said.” Even if you wish to push her off a bridge...”
“Of course, Lord Vallen.” The servant said and walked off to tend to Lady Tundra’s needs. “Percy, my king?” Brutalis asked with a coy smile. “Don’t say a word, Brutalis.” Hanalius said as they went to his study. “My apologies milord, I thought you would be called differently, like Percywercy or Percysnjoes.” “Keep at it, and your fur will become a carpet for my master bedroom.” Hanalius smirked.” So, what have you called me for?” He waved his hand over a bust of a werewolf’s head, which transported them.
When they re-appeared, it was in a castle of sorts with different men and creatures going around, busy rebuilding it. All bowed down a moment at the return of their master before they went off again to do their duties. Some repaired the broken down walls, others hung up tapestries of black bats and brown stags while the creatures in the depths of the castle created wicked weapons.
“The letter arrived at Queen Summer’s castle, she send two regiments over to Rohak and has already asked the traitor lords around it to provide aid.” “So soon?” Hanalius asked.” The tournament has not even started it, it was supposed to happen AFTER.” He sighed.” Nothing goes right....the traitor lords will aid them, yes?” “Some have even replaced their wolf flags with dragons.” Brutalis replied. “Good, because our army is nowhere near ready. Did the amulet of Handranel help?” Brutalis gave a wicked grin.” Come my king, I have something to show you.”
He led Hanalius to the balcony of the castle, which was located in the middle of a dark, foreboding forest. No villages were nearby, no other castles, no towers. Just Fall Keep. It was a brown castle, which fit perfectly with the trees as a bit of camouflage from afar. The castle was in a bit of disrepair, although recently it was being rebuild.
Brutalis pointed toward dozens of amulets similar to the one from Handranel which levitated across the balcony. They all were lit dimly, but with every passing moment they began to glow brighter again. “We managed to get another two hundred of our people back with the amulet milord, they are now busy preparing for war.” “All werewolves this time?” Hanalius asked. “Yes, we have plenty of Cyclops and men to build our weapons and castle. The bats and stags that swore loyalty to your bloodline have kept their bargain with providing letters to our allies and keeping watch over this forest, respectively.”
“And where are my warriors?” Hanalius asked. Brutalis took a amulet, the one of the Orc Seer Thor’gal, which granted it’s owner the gift of looking from afar. “This one should be recharged enough from the magic of this forest, try south my king.” Hanalius took the amulet and placed it on his neck. He closed his eyes, and from the darkness he began to see. He was an invisible eagle of sorts and flew towards the south over the darkened woods. He saw the stags keep watch as they ate, the bats resting until they were called for, and other woodland creatures that did their duties towards the forest.
As an eagle, he finally reached a clearing to the south, where he saw a battle being waged. An large group of werewolves charged into Northmen lines as they bashed shields and spears apart as half women-half birds flew overhead and rained down arrows from the heavens. Northmen were good warrior, and a constant threat to the the Kingdom of the three Seasons.
The Northmen with their horned helmets and axes fought as if possessed, but were no match the fury of Hanalius’ new growing army of monsters. None tried to run back to their boats which they used to sail the river to find a new place to attack. Admirable, but foolish.
He hated the term monsters, they were his people. Cursed by Halmadir Spring after the defeat of the Kingdom of Fall.
As a eagle, he landed on a tree branch and saw the battle reach it’s bloody end. As the last warrior fell down, the werewolves began to feast on her corpse first. A sign of respect to the warrior who lasted to longest. As her blood and limbs flew around in a bloody mist, a blood chilling howl went trough the forest, which the harpies picked up with tscreecheseches and the other animals of the forest.
Hanalius opened his eyes, and was human again. “Did they please you, my king?” Hanalius asked. “They did, Brutalis.” He said as he handed the amulet over.” Who commanded that battle?” “An harpy called Sky’re, a shapeshifter as well now. Smartest military mind I have seen so far. You met her when you released the first harpies.” “I recall.’ Hanalius said as he felt his arm where she made her claw marks.” Reward her for her services, and make her the prime commander of my forces. When you are done, come with me to Rohak.”
“Rohak?’ Brutalis asked as he placed the amulet gently with the others. “Yes, if this war starts early, I better want it to start on my terms.” “As you wish my king.” Brutalis bowed.” But what should we tell Lady Tundra, she would miss Percy a lot.” Hanalius rolled his eyes.” I’ll deal with her, don’t worry...’ he sighed.” You are a horrible man, Brutalis.” “That is why I am here for, my king.” Hanalius gave the werewolf a quick smile before he returned to his estate in the Kingdom of Winter with the magic gateway. Brutalis chuckled as he glanced over the forest. The sounds of the bloody victory reached his ears and nostrils...and it felt good.
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Fanran smiled proudly at his son.” You look just like I did on my wedding day.” Frederick was dressed in a ceremonial gray and white attire with a black cape. His sword was at his side as a dozen attendants fussed over him. “I’m not sure I’m ready, father...” Frederick said. “I thought you said you liked Eveline?” Fanran asked as he shoo’d the attendants away. “I do but...as a friend.’ Frederick said. “Son..’ Fanran took his son by his shoulder.” I know this is hard for you, trust me. Me and your mother were also arranged, but we grew to love each other. It does help she has had a crush on you for a long, long time.” “Martin told me she did.” Frederick nodded.” Still, it’s a big step.” “You are a man for a while now my son, you fought and killed and drank, but you never had a woman. Not after Nurse Susana who thought you the basics.”
“Father, please...dont remind me.” Frederick rubbed his left temple. “You’ll do fine, son.” Fanran smiled proudly.” I know I never said this much but...you always made me proud son.” Frederick looked stunned as those words came from Fanran’s mouth. “You....you are?” Fanran nodded.” I know I was hard on you, and it was my fault I reacted that harshly for the death of your murder. But I never regret the day you were born, and I know your mother who is standing next to the Allfather right now is proud of you. Who knows, she might return as your daughter if we’re lucky.”
Frederick smiled and held his father.” Thank you father, thank you....” “It’s alright son.” Fanran replied. They both held each other for a short moment before Jonathan came in. “My king, the bride is waiting.” Jonathan smiled as he leaned on his cane. “Thank you, Jonathan.” Fanran nodded before he looked back at his son.” You ready?” “I am.’ Frederick stood upright. ‘Good, try to bear with the ritual and have fun at your wedding night, alright?” Fanran smirked.” It’s for the best of the kingdom.’
Frederick chuckled and walked off as his nervousness was dissipated with good cheer. Fanran and Jonathan walked close behind Frederick as the music began to play. It was a mix of trumpets and violins and drums. The trumpets alerted the crowd to stand up and pay respect to the new royal pair. Despite merely a few days having passed, the crowd was immense. There were quite a few people who came from Winter to celebrate the marriage between House Winter and House De Schacht. Even several Drow merchants were present, who provided the feast.
The Drow, like their elven cousins who have all but disappeared, were also a dying breed. They were an offshoot of the mighty elves who build the mighty keeps of Winter, Spring, Summer and Fall, but exiled themselves to an island north of the continent of Seasons where they tapped to deeply into dark magic. Hence the darkened skin added with their point like ears. The magic made them decadent, full with traitorous intentworshipersppers of a hedonistic life style.
When their island home fell to an alliance of Orcs, Northmen and Wild Wizards several thousand years ago, the survivors were forced to scattered across the winds. Many, like these Drow, became merchants that traveled in Caravans. Although not trusted as much, the Drow always had the finest silk to sell and the best food to eat. Some claim they are gathering funding to reclaim their island home, but as the years go on and the Drow population dwindled that theory was all but gone. Strange meat and fish and drinks were there, added with the normal roasted boar and potatoes.
The bride looked away from the dark elves and smiled as she saw her groom come towards her. She was dressed in the finest green silk her mother bought from the Drow. Like her mother she was blond, and had a cute and adorable smile. She dreamed of a wedding like this since she was twelve, and prayed very hard to the Allfather every night. And now her dream came through.
Frederick stood next to her and offered his hand, which she gladly accepted. The nervousness of yesterday and the day before was completely gone from his face, which made it all the better. The music ended as the old priest in a green and white robe went toward the couple with a tome. The priest held open his tome as he spoke the ancient language of the elves. “Sons and daughters of Wolf and Lion, hear me. We have come here today to witness a union between the Prince of Winter and the Princess of the Westend. We pray to the Allfather that-“
“Fanran.” Luc said as he squeezed in.” We have a problem.” “What is it, your missing the wedding.” Fanran replied. “Two regiments of Summer have entered Rohak, and several of your keeps around it have turned traitor.” Luc said as he showed the reports. Fanran’s mood soured immediately. He growled to himself but kept it discrete for the sake of his son. “My forces have gathered nearby, send them to sack Lady Valena’s keep.” He told Jonathan.’ No traitor well get away this easily.” Jonathan nodded and walked off as fast as his cane could carry him.
“My men are also ready.’ Luc said.” They’ve been anxious for a fight for a while now.” “Good, then we’ll let them see how Wolf and Lion fight.” Fanran grinned and walked off with him.
Frederick turned his head to see his father, but he found him nowhere. “Something wrong?’ Eveline held on to his hand. “My father has gone...” he said a bit disappointed. “I’m sure he’ll be back soon.” She smiled at him.
He could not help but like her. Maybe there was something nice about this marriage after all. He glanced at Martin who was to his left as Belinda De Schacht was to Eveline’s right as their witnesses. Frederick smiled at Martin, who gave a sad smile back. Frederick knew how to read people, and the smile Martin gave just now was solely that of sorrow. Was it because he would lose his sister, or was it because...he would lose Frederick?
Eveline tugged Frederick’s hand a little as the priest was about to finish reading the old text. “You may seal the union.” The old priest smiled as he closed the tome. Frederick forced himself to feel happy and kissed Eveline deeply. The crowd cheered and the Westend keep nearly shook from it’s stone roots from the applause. Frederick and Eveline waved at the crowd, but sadly both their fathers were not there. Eveline did not seem to care, and waved to her heart’s content. But Frederick was worried, where was his father?
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“I don’t like this.” Gorvar leaned against the wall as Togo drank from his bottle of wine. It was the luxurious guest room, and like the rest of the castle it was again red and gold that dominated the room. “Like what?” Togo asked in between sips of different wine. “This. Waiting, I have an bad feeling about this.” “Oh hell Gorv...” Togo sighed.” Don’t say that, most of the time you say that something bad happens!” “My father always told me to trust my gut when politics are involved. And my gut says Cerdica wishes us dead.” “We saved that kid, she’s just grateful.” Togo replied hastily. “I don’t think so, there is something behind this, there always is.“
Three knocks were heard on the door. Gorvar pushed himself off the wall and opened the door. “Princess?’ he asked confused as she rushed in. “Quickly, you must leave.” She said as she closed the door. ” The Queen wishes you dead.” “Told you.” Gorvar grinned as Togo nearly choked in his drink. “What did we do?!” Togo asked. “I don’t know, but one of my friends told me the Queen was going to kill you both and claim she did it because you two would steal an dragon egg.” “I bet it’s because you insulted her, Gorvar you big idiot.” Togo said.” Is pissing off monarchs what get’s you high?!”
“Why are you telling us this?” Gorvar asked while he ignored Togo’s accusations. “‘Sitting around and postponing judgement is for the weak, seize the initiative and embrace it.” Soliana smirked. “ Cerdica has always been dominating over me, it’s time I did something to hurt her. Your escape would be the start.”
‘Do I sense you intend to become the new Queen?” Gorvar asked as Togo gathered his things in a haste. “We’ll see.” She said as she walked over to the wall Gorvar just leaned on. She muttered something musical as slowly the bricks disappeared and revealed a gateway. She turned to see the two stunned adventurers.” Go now if you want your lives still.” “No need to tell me twice. Thank you Princess!” Togo bowed quickly and ran off, lute in hand. “What about you?” Gorvar asked as he slipped his longbow behind his back. “I’ll be fine don’t worry.” She smiled.” I have friends here who can help. He is the one who told me if this passage.”
“Tell him I said thanks.” Gorvar bowed his head.” You are the only decent person I’ve seen who deserve a crown, I hope next time we meet you have that crown.” With that Gorvar ran into the gateway and disappeared.
Soliana smiled and said the elven words in reverse, which closed the gateway. She went back outside where Feren was waiting for her. ‘Did it work?’ Feren asked as the two quickly made haste as the normal guards returned to watch over the guests.
“It did.” She replied.” Our new friend knows more about this castle then Cerdica does.” “This is your first strike against her, princess. You are doing yourself proud.” ‘This is just the start, Feren.’ She grinned as the two heard the alarm sound off.
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Diana and her Red Dragoons stood side by side with the Fifth regiment. Sparkles of red armour and dragonbone bows reflected from the fading sunlight as it began to rise over the near night heavens. The two forces joined together and stood vigil near Lady Valena’s keep, one of the Winter nobles who defected to Summer. They were told this was a hastily assembled army, send to meet the Fifth regiment.
The Commander of this army, Commander Harris, was an friend of Diana who provided her with the dragonbone bows. He fought several Orc incursions before, but never faced a human cunning foe. “Where the hell are those traitorous wolves...?” a noblemen said annoyed as he tried to calm his horse. “Don’t know.” Commander Harris replied.” But with the force our scouts saw, we don’t need any help.” He took out his binocular as he saw the enemy army finish it’s positioning. He could only see infantry, wolves and archers. Where were those cavalry, and the supposed reinforcements of Westend keep?
“Archers!” his shout went through the regiment as the archers, including Diana, knocked their arrows against their dragonbone bows. In the distance she could see the large army appear over the hill. A cold chill ran over her spine. “Winter dogs...” a dragoon next to her spat at the ground. “Fire at the infantry, the spearmen will take care of the wolves.” Their commander shouted.” Their cavalry cannot attack from the front, and their infantry is no match for Summer steel! Today we fight not just for Rohak, but for the entirety of Summer! Pray to the sun god and remember your training! We can win this!”
The men and women cheered at the prospect of victory and steadied themselves. A series of howls ran over the hill as a sea of white fur raced towards them. “Fire, fire at the infantry, now!” Diana released her arrow and saw it fly until the darkness consumed it. The infantry of Winter fell down in numbers, but not many. It seemed they had proper shields and could see better in the dark then expected.
The wolves charged into the spearmen ahead of them, and many were slain as the yelps were heard. However here and there was an unfortunate soul who got devoured alive as Diana guessed of the screams. The Winter army fired their arrows, which killed a few of the Dragoons and Fifth regiment archers. “Another volley!” the commander cried out. Diana knocked another arrow to her bow and took her aim. However the Winter army did not move. Not after a second volley, or a third. Something was wrong.
She broke formation and went over to her commander. “Where are you going?” the dragoon next to her asked, but received no reply. The man shook his head and drew another arrow. “Commander!” she shouted and ran over.
“What are you doing here, Captain Diana?!’ he asked.” Why aren’t you at your post?” “The Winter Regiment isn’t moving!” she shouted.” They haven’t moved, their archers keep us pinned and there is no cavalry!” “What are you saying?!” “It’s a trap, we’re being pinned down!”
As if the ruse was discovered, the sound of a horn was heard from the hills. The infantry of Winter quickly made an opening where the grey cavalry came through, like blood from an open wound. From the forest to their right, a regiment of mounted knights of yellow and black rode forth. The knights of Winter had grey armour with a wolf shield, and the yellow and black had a lion shield. The commander cursed. “De Schacht joined sides with the Wolves after all, pull back!” He pulled an flag bearer to him.”Tell the dragons to provide covering fire! ”
“We are going to leave Valena to die?!” Diana asked. “We cant handle cavalry out here, and the Winter’s have arrows that can slice through dragonscale! We need to-“ The commander fell down as an arrow went through his windpipe as another hail of arrows went through the ranks. Diana knelt down next to the Commander in a bid to help, but the man was already dead before he even touched the ground.
“The commander is down!” one of the men shouted.” The commander is dead, we’re dead, we’re-“ Diana slapped the man to the ground before she faced the men.” Spearmen, stand firm against the horsemen! Archers, retreat until that hill and provide covering fire! Signal the dragons to attack their archers!” “Who made you in charge?!” one of the Summer Nobles rode to her. “You have any better ideas, milord?!” Diana glared. The noble was about to speak, but fell silent as the Winter and De Schacht cavalry hit the Summer spearmen hard on their flanks, already weakend by the wolves their attack from their fronts.
“Infantry, envelop around the spearmen!” she ordered as the archers took to the hill.” Protect them from the cavalry!” Above her, three dragons flew overhead in a arrow shaped positiononeAs ne they exhaled a river of fire which struck the Winter Archers head on.
However one of the three was soon shot down by De Schacht archers who were stood below the hill. Diana led the survivors of the battle away as the Summer archers and the red dragoons fired away, their arrows scared away the combined wolf and lion cavalry. As she saw from atop the hill, she realized this was no hastily assembled army, but a mere vanguard. They only fought a small portion of the Winter-De Schacht army, a mere distraction so the main force took out the stronghold.
Valena’s keep was beginning to burn as the main bulk of the enemy army breached through the keep. Through Harris’ binocular, she saw their allies being butchered like cattle. She searched for Lady Valena, and soon found her trapped in a room with a few men. The door burst through and soon she was the sole survivor of the room. At first Diana thought they were going to capture her, but a few moments later Diana quickly put the binocular’s away, disgusted.
“What’s happening there, Captain?” the noblemen from before asked. “They sacked the keep, and are raping her in front of all the men.” Diana glared and mounted a horse, given to her by one of her dragoons.” We rally with the Third regiment at Northend keep.” “We cant leave, the Queen expects a victory!” “She can expect death now! We have not enough men nor are we placed good enough to win any battles here! At Northend we will stand a better chance. If you wish to die, be my guest, but I’m fighting for my home as well here, and right now half of it is being pillaged and burned!” she pointed to the keep burning.
“Captain!” a fifth regiment corporal saluted her. “ The men are ready to march, the Winter army is not following us.” She nodded.” Very well, let us go.” She looked over the burning keep one more time as she swore she heard a scream lost in the wind. “ We will win this war, yet.”
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Eveline held on to Frederick as he moved in her. She seemed to enjoy herself, for her gasps and moans were become louder with every thump of their bed’s wooden form against the wall. Frederick remembered the basics enough alright, but he did not enjoy it. He had to keep reminding himself that he was doing this for his father, and for the kingdom. He envied her joy, for he found none.
He felt something rise from within him, the climax Nurse Susana talked about so much in every lesson. Every time she had one during their lessons, and one he never truly had. He grunted as he felt his essence flow in his new wife, the grunts lost to her moans. “I..i love you, Freddie.” She gasped. “I love you to.” He replied, but he wasn’t sure if he lied or not.
She fell asleep shortly after, but sleep was not something that came to Frederick easily. Quietly he dressed himself in his trousers and gently stood up from the bed. He looked back at the sleeping form of Eveline and smiled a little. He didn’t hate her, but he still couldn’t see her as his wife. Maybe it did need some time to love her, he thought.
He kissed her forehead and left the room as he closed the door gently. Outside it wasn’t as chilly as Castle Winter, but it was more pleasant because of it. Westend Keep was more of a cylinder shaped building, build to fight off invaders with five defensive rings. He walked towards one of the windows, where he watched Martin wathed something from afar. “Cant sleep?” Frederick asked. “Oh, hello Fred.” Martin smiled.” No...my father is out there.” He pointed in the distance. Frederick peered through the night, and saw a faint fromht, as if rom an early sunrise. “The war has begun.” Martin sighed.' That is Lady Valena's keep, the men whisper that she threw her lot with the Summer's and now is paying the price for it.'
“But, the tournament is in a week and a half!” Frederick shouted.” Halmadir wont allow this!” “By the time he finds out, Rohak will either be in our father’s hands or Cerdica’s. But...you are right.” He turned to see Frederick in the eye.” This’ll start something big, and not even King Halmadir will be able to do anything about it.” He turned back to watch the faint light turn brighter.” Allfather help us...” “Allfather help us....” Frederick agreed.
TBC
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Post by Warhammer Gorvar on Jul 21, 2011 16:03:35 GMT 1
Interlude.
In one of the guest quarters of Castle Spring, a dwarven female was meditating. She was a cleric, one of the few chosen by the cave spirits to be gifted with magic powers. Most clerics were healers, valuable in the constant wars the dwarves of Khardrazan had with the cave trolls. They could heal broken arms, legs, split skulls, anything that could be healed naturally, but accelerate it so a warrior with a broken arm could fight in the same battle, good as news.
For that, the clerics of Khardrazan, or any dwarven city, were respected and only answered to themselves and their circle. Myra, the long brown haired woman in black robes was one of them. But unlike the other clerics, she was also gifted by the cave spirits with the power of foresight. She foresaw her marriage with Hadgar Drurgen, House Drurgen’s most gifted warrior and general. Her visions began to lead her life as she did whatever it took to make the visions come true. As the circle commanded. They believed the cave spirits gave birth to the dwarven race and picked only those worthy enough to do their bidding. The cave trolls were creatures that were first created and failed to uphold their standards to the cave spirits, for that both races were at war.
The vision of her marriage with Hadgar meant she had to break her affair with an married general of an minor house. Like she saw, Hadhod left Khardrazan with a heartbreak and led his house into a failed expedition to the kingdom with no name. She requested to be an aide to the Drugen campaign to reclaim an nearby lost colony in search of more information on traps and sentinels that guarded the kingdom with no name.
It was in that campaign she met Hadgar, who immediately fell in love with her, just as the cave spirits wanted. They were married after a night of intimacy a few months ago that was already beginning to bear fruit in her womb. They would have three children, despite Hadgar’s urgings to have more. She told him of the visions, that there would only be three children and that the future was set in stone. But he did not believe her and even laughed at her visions when the twins were born.
His laughter faded when there two eldest fell ill and died, as if they were punished by the cave spirits themselves. He never did blame her, she knew his love for her was to great for that. Again, as predicted. He even sacrificed contact with his bastard child in Spring for her, Sarina she was called Myra thought.
“Morning, love.” She heard her husband’s voice boom in their room. It was a nice and large room with plenty of plants, flowers and paintings that decorated it. She had the shutters closed and lit a single candle with some incense to help her meditations. She smiled as she opened her eyes.” Good afternoon, you mean.” She said as she sat up and doused the candle.
“Bit early for looking into the future, isn’t it?” Hadgar asked as he opened the window, which gave a stunning view over the city of Neromapia below. Already, banners for the upcoming tournament were already being set up. “The cave spirits have no sense of time as we do, my heathen husband.” She chuckeld and kissed him deeply.” How was your morning with your old friend?” “Ah, don’t ask.” Hadgar replied as he let her go gently and looked outside the window.
She already knew what was on King Halmadir’s mind. She saw it last night in her sleep. A wolf and a lion fought a dragon as a leaf fell off a large tree and withered away before it even touched the blood stained ground. Myra learned to not always tell what she saw in her visions to her husband.
“War has erupted in Rohak.” Hadgar affirmed her vision.” So far three villages and a keep are burned to the ground. His advisors say three thousand people already died. His northern lord, De Schacht, joined Winter along with other lesser lords who have a beef with Summer or want in on Rohak’s land. Several Winter Lords deflected to summer and entire dragon roosts from the east side of the Summer Kingdom are being emptied to be used for war.” “How is the king taking it?” she asked. “Not well.” Hadgar replied.” He’s rallying his army to force a ceasefire. Probably about fity thousand men at least, you know Summer has the most population ratio on this continent. He...is leaving the forest of Fall nearly undefended.”
“Like I foretold...” she sighed. “Like you foretold.” Hadgar agreed.” You sure coming here was a good idea? You know I gave up mostly on the Kingdom with no name after Hadhod went missing.” “Fall is going to be rebuild sooner or later. It’s people are waiting to be saved rather then want revenge. But the man leading them out of the darkness is going to bring them both.” She held her husband’s hand.
“Then why hold this bloody tournament? Why cant we tell Halmadir?!” “He will never believe us my husband. True he respects those who practice magic, but pointing out his greatest achievement is a failure and how his death will crumble the three kingdoms of seasons into civil war? That not even the tournament will give peace? Would you pain your friend so?” “It pains me.” Hadgar glared a little.” I fought to unify the three kingdoms as well, I was there when King Hanalius got his head lopped off!” “You also know it was not the dark magics that cast Fall into darkness and curses of lycanthropy and other monstrosities.”
Hadgar remained silent at that statement, and thought carefully before he spoke. “Halmadir is king yes, but he is also my friend, and a man like anyone else.” “And a man must pay for his mistakes, however old they may be.” Myra held his hand again.” The only thing we can do is give the four kingdoms a chance to fight their old grudges before the evil comes. The evil that the cave trolls fear so much.”
“And hence the tournament?” Hadgar sighed. “From that tournament, two warriors will come with us to stop the Shadows from overwhelming all. Two who are not of this land and are not tied to it.” “I know, love...I know. I can even bet who they are.”
He looked back outside the window as the preparations were still underway. “I’m going to die here aren’t I?” he clenched his hand in hers. Myra nodded sadly and returned the gesture.” Yes...you will my husband.” “Will you look after the kids for me when I’m gone?” “I will.” “You...you can remarry if you like, I don’t want you to lonely for the rest of your life.” Myra smiled and turned her husband’s face towards her. With a smile she kissed him deeply and lovingly. After the tender kiss she strayed his cheek. “You are my husband Hadgar Drurgen, and no other man can fulfil that position. I will wait for you, until we are together again in the afterlife, so we can be reborn anew from the stone.”
“I love you Myra.” Hadgar smiled and kissed her deeply as his arms went around her waist. Myria returned the kiss as she closed the shutters once more, enjoying her husband’s love as much as she can from what little time they have left together.
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“Well, I hope you are happy Gorv.” Togo said with annoyance as he picked up a rock and threw it across a puddle on the road they walked.” Three days ago we were at a castle with fine wine, good meat and nice Summer wenches to warm our bodies with. But there you went, insulting the queen and forcing us to run from the second monarch in as many days, whilst it’s raining like the gods themselves are all taking a collective piss!”
“If it helps Togo, she was going to kill us anyway.” Gorvar replied.” Don’t know why though....” “Maybe she thought we were Winter spies?” Togo asked. “Are we?” Gorvar raised his brow. ‘Well if we are, I think Fanran gave us a lowsy severance package.” The Halfling replied.” Neromapia is south, right?” “According to the map, yes.” Gorvar replied as he took out said map.” Couple of days walk from here. Perhaps we can buy some horses?”
Togo scoffed. “Sure, let’s ask the nearest Summer farmholder for an horse. Hello my good sir, can me and my friend buy an horse. Why yes we are the escaped half-orc and Halfling your queen is looking for. Hey, is that a sword in your ha-Aw my face!” Gorvare groaned annoyed.” Fine, but don’t come crying to me if your legs feel numb and you want a ride on my shoulders again.” “I’ll hold my tongue then, now Wolfgen is gone to wherever it is you keep sending him to for weeks, I need all my assets I have left.”
Gorvar gave a faint grin until he stopped. He rose his nose in the air and sniffed like a hound. “You found something, Fido?” Togo smirked. “Hear, smell...battle!” Gorvar picked up Togo and threw him on his shoulder as he ran off.
They ran through the puddles until they came across a group of men with masks attack a stagecoach. The green guards were all slain as the bandits were taking the female passenger’s jewellery of her neck and fingers. One of the bandits nudged at the main bandit with a horned helmet, which marked him a Northman.
The Northman leader rose his brow and walked over to the two adventurers. “Oh boy, this’ll be good...” Togo said as he stood behind Gorvar again. ‘Who are you?” the Northman growled. Togo stepped forward as always. “Greetings milord. I am Togo Chubb, the Halfling bard. And this is my friend Gorvar half-orcen.”
“Tell me, Togo Chubb, the Halfling bard...” The Northman stepped forward as the other bandits drew their sword.” How do you wish to die?” “Several decades from now, in a warm bed, reading a good book, riches all around me and a young naked woman to warm my old bones.” Togo replied.
The Northman chuckled but shook his head.” I’m sorry, but you will die as I rip you apart, limb from limb.” “Well that is not nice.” Togo sighed. Immediately after Gorvar drew his longbow and fired an arrow at the Northman. The Northman grabbed a minion and pulled him in front of the arrow, which killed the minion when it penetrated his heart.
“Why does nobody fight fair anymore?!” Togo shouted annoyed and drew his shortsword. “Bandits and deserters clearly follow a different code.” Gorvar replied as he dropped his bow and drew his axes. “Kill them!” the northman shouted and charged in, going one on one with Gorvar.
Togo stabbed and jumped as he dodged the minion’s their attacks. “Why do you want to work for a man that just killed one of you?!” he asked as he deflected a blow. “ Clearly your employer does not respect the rights of his workers!” “The man was an arse!” one of them replied as he nearly skewered Togo in his spear. “And they say chivalry is dead....” “chivalry does not feed bellies!” “But...’ Togo took out his coin purse with his ever present smirk.” This does?” . He shook it a bit to let the two bandits know it was full.’ Care for a new proposition my friends?”
The Northman used a large two handed ax to attack Gorvar. It made him powerful, but slow. Gorvar danced around the Northern warrior and took jabs at his plate armour with his smaller axes. “Half-breed scum!” the northman shouted as spittle flew from his mouth. The ax embedded itself on the ground as Gorvar dodged away just in time.” I will have your head on a spike!” Gorvar merely growled back and thrusted his knee into his foe’s face.
The northman stumbled back in pain as he held his face. “I’ll gut you like a fi-“ He was never able to complete his sentence as Gorvar kicked him in the groin. The man fell on his knees in pain before Gorvar chopped his head clean off in a flurry of his two blades. As blood rained down on his face, Gorvar readied his axes for another attack, which never came.
Instead the two remaining minions took their horses and ran off. Gorvar looked at his Halfling friend who slid his sword in his scabbard. “The language of gold is quite persuasive, although I fear my new lute made from steelwood will have to wait a bit longer.” Togo said. Gorvar shook his head and walked over to the passengers of the carriage.” You lot alright?” he asked.
The woman was elderly, and a bit shorter then your average human. Next to her was a younger man who no doubt was her grandson, who had a beard nearly the size of a dwarf. Both had the robes of noblemen, with a tabard of a Eagle. “Thank you, my good sers...” she said with a smile.” My name is Sarina of Tor Vollen, this is my grandchild Jacob.” “Wait, THE Lady Sarina tor Vollen?” Togo asked.” How did you get here?”
“We were on the way to Neromapia for the tournament.” Jacob said.” But because the army moves to Rohak, many roads have fallen into bandit hands.” “King Halmadir wishes to stop the fighting Rohak at the cost of his own kingdom...’ Sarina shook her head sadly. “And to that, I lost my champion for the tournament and most of my guards...” “Still, we thank you our lives.” Jacob smiled.’ If there is anything we can do..?”
Togo pondered a moment. He looked at Gorvar, who merely nodded at him. “Lady Sarina, Lord Jacob...how about me and my friend join you to Neromapia and become your champions?” “You are willing to fight for us?” Jacob asked. “Of course. After all, we have some scores to settle.” Togo replied with a mischievous smile.
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Post by Warhammer Gorvar on Jul 27, 2011 21:14:32 GMT 1
Chapter 5: Playthings of the gods.
Hanalius was sat on his horse as he and his small company watched the spectacle below. The banners of wolf and dragons clashed into the blood soaked field below. Men in grey and red armour, pikemen and swordsmen, the odd wolf, archers and knights all fought in a deadly melee, much to his amusement. Sword on shield, sword through flesh, fangs on horse’s legs...a lovely symphony of death. The banners of Winter pushed forward while the Summer line dwindled and slowly gave ground, their dragons absent. It was all due to an new device created for the art of war.
The large repeater crossbow were an invention of the crafty dark elves. It was as large as a man but only required one man to operate. It was a metal structure which moved by gears and pedals, operated by it’s wielder. To it’s sides, the device was loaded with large, dark and sharp arrows, the size of an Halfling. It moved 180 degrees and could fire up until fifteen kilometres away. It was an ‘Anti air’ weapon, and thus was only used to combat creatures that could fly, like airship vessels from the Halflings or in this case....dragons. Any dragon that came close to the Winter line, was shot down nearly instantly.
It fired by triggers, like a normal crossbow did, but at a faster pace and was somewhat accurate, although that was backed with the sheer amount of arrows. Without air cover, the Winter army with their wolves and De Schacht allies had the upper hand.
“Three to one the Winters win this one.” Hanalius pulled out his coin purse.” Any bets?” “No, I agree with you my king...” Brutalis bowed his head.” The Winters are to well prepared and the dragons are gunned down by the large repeater crossbows the Drow gave to the Winter-De Schacht Alliance.” Hanalius sighed.” Shame, I wanted a-“ “I will take that bet.”
Hanalius and his aide glanced to their right where their new companion was sat on her horse. She was wild. Long nearly unkept hair, yellow eyes which seemed to be looking for prey constantly, and a lean panther like form. Like her lord and Brutalis she was dressed in the Winter white tunic with grey vests and trousers, but also an necklace with a bat around her neck which symbolised her true allegiance, the house of Fall. She found it foolish none of the Winter’s recognized the symbol of the former kingdom of Fall as a threat, but as something queer. She grinned a few times in anticipation as she knew the revival of the Kingdom of Fall was nigh.
“Pardon, Sky’re?” Hanalius lifted his brow. “I will take that bet, my king.” She smirked.” I think the Summers might surprise us.” “You’re an fool Sky’re, without their dragons the Summer army is worthless.” Brutalis shook his heavy head. “Need I remind you I am the king’s commander of his armed forces, Brutalis?” Sky’re replied.” I take that wager, my king.” “Accepted, let’s see if you are right or not.” Hanalius folded his arms. “It has already started.” She simply pointed to the repeater crossbows.
Because the Winter commander only saw the battle in front of him, he never saw what happened behind. From the same forest two nights ago, another Calvary charge came. It were grey knights, like the ones from Winter but bore a dragon on their shields and banners. Alongside them were light cavalry riders with leather armour and a red dragon painted on their chests. They were led forward by an red haired woman who rose her bow in the air as she gave her battle cry.
Quickly, the traitor knights and the Red dragoons followed her cry and rode towards the Repeater Crossbows. The commander of Winter turned around to hear the ruckus, and was greeted by the red haired woman’s arrow in his left eye. As the commander fell from his horse, the cavalry charge stabbed and shot the operators of the repeater crossbows and their crew. The red haired woman took her bow once more and lit an arrow from the blazier and fired in the air before the cavalry retreated quickly before it faced the wrath of Winter. As she fled, Hanalius could not help but stare at her. Even from before she was a beauty, and from what he guessed what would happen next, a smart woman.
As the flaming arrow dropped from the air, the roar of dragons filled the air once more and rained down deadly fire on the Winter lines. The cries of burning man, horse and wolf were unbearable to hear as Hanalius winced a little as if he felt a small fraction of their pain. The army of Winter retreated as Summer chased them down.
“Well....” Hanalius chuckled as he threw the coin purse over.” I think I picked a good commander after all, good eyes there Sky’re.” “Thank you, my king.” She said as she counted the golden coins in the purse. Brutalis glared at her and snarled. “Easy Brutalis, don’t be jealous.” Hanalius gave his servant a pat on the shoulder.” We all make mistakes. Let’s go to Winter’s camp before the dragon’s fire reaches us, and someone talks past their mouths. Also, try to find out who that red haired woman was, she caught my eye....” “As you wish, my king.” Brutalis replied, his past anger subsided. With that, the small retinue drove off as the army of Winter was reduced to half it’s number before they reached the same camp.
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Fanran shook his head as he left the prisoners tent, Jonathan as always at his side. Lady Valena, one of the traitor lords he caught two days ago, was still in to much of a shock to answer. She was a shell of a human being, filthy, her dress still covered in blood and in tatters. She was sat in the corner of her cell, her rations untouched.
“Still nothing?” Luc asked as he walked towards Fanran along with Martin and Frederick. “No, nothing.” Fanran replied.” The death of her husband and her sons was to much.” “You forgot rape, father.” Frederick glared a little.” I heard stories the men, OUR men, raped her one by one until Lord De Schacht arrived.”
“He’s right.” Luc said.” After I led the charge I went straight to the keep to make sure your men didn’t slaughter everyone. What I found there was worse. Rapes, pillaging...I thought your people had restraints.” “How dare you insult the king?!’ Jonathan glared.” Especially you two, his son and so called best friend!” Jonathan glared as he peered over his notebook. “I did not speak to you, jester.” Luc pushed the already whimpering Jonathan back. “THAT’S ENOUGH!” Fanran snapped as his blue eyes seemed to embody the spirit of anger. “ I dealt with the matter myself and those men are punished, and I told their wives if they had them. I also spoke wth their commander and he promised me it would never happen again.”
“And it wont, I fear.”
The five men turned around as Lord Vallen’s retinue arrived. “I’m sorry your grace, but Commander Gipson died on the field of battles just moments ago by a cowardly attack from the rear.” Hanalius said as he stepped off his horse.” Me and my men were to late to provide any real aid.” “As always, you appear just to late in a tragedy, Lord Vallen...” Jonathan noted. “It seems the Allfather has taken a like me.” Hanalius smirked.” Or he has a gruesome death in store for me later. Probably the latter.”
“Still, your assistance is much appreciated Lord Vallen, Gipson and the near loss of the Snowpine regiment means the Summers still have half of Rohak in their greedy hands.” Fanran said.” Still I’m surprised you heeded my call to arms, Lady Tundra was quite adamant in making you stay...” “Yes, Elena did weep for my departure, but I promised my safe return soon enough.” Hanalius replied as Brutalis and Sky’re stood behind their king. “ In the meantime I merely wish to aid my kingdom and it’s proper ruler, your grace.” He bowed.” And of course his heir.” He bowed again to Frederick.” I’m sorry I could not make it to your wedding, your Excellency. Congratulations.” Frederick merely nodded.
“In that case....what is his combat experience again, Jonathan?” the king asked his advisor. “He fought alongside Lord Halder Tywin during the Northmen invasion three years ago, my king.” Jonathan replied.” So he has experience fighting men instead of orcs like the late Lord Gipson did.” “Good, your in command of your troops and what’s left of his then.” Fanran said as a order. “I am honoured to defend the realm, your grace.” Hanalius bowed once more, as did Brutalis and Sky’re.
“Father, are you sure?” Frederick asked annoyed.” There are other Lords.” “And I need them to keep the Summers on their side of the land before the Spring army gets here. We need to gain as much land as we can or else the people back home will starve. We need the fertile soil of Rohak to help us feed our people son. Don’t worry, your chance of command will come, my son.”
“We still have the Lady Valena question....” Luc said as he turned to face Fanran. “Lady Valena?” Hanalius asked.” Is she here?” “Yes, as a traitor.” Jonathan said as if it was a warning of sorts.” You don’t need to occupy yourself with that, Commander Vallen.” “Jonathan, bring Vallen up to speed of what happened here and show him to his tent.” Jonathan turned pale in a moment as he heard his king did not require his assistance.“But, my-“ “I managed five days without you Jonathan, I’ll be fine for five minutes.” Fanran said as he walked off with his son and the De Schachts. Jonathan waited until his king was out of earshot before he escorted ‘Commander Vallen’ to his tent.” You should’ve said you were coming.” Jonathan growled. “I did, but I fear my bat messenger got lost. Congratulations on causing a scene to escalate this war.” Hanalius smirked.” But I think you should not have gone as far as to nearly kill yourself.”
“That half-orc will pay for what he did.” Jonathan said as he rubbed his neck, which was still covered with a blue imprint of a large hand.” Besides, you have your war, isn’t that what you wanted?” “I had it to soon.” Hanalius glared.” Brutalis, how many troops do I have?” “Nearly five thousand, my king.” He replied. “Sky’re, do you think we could have won against the Winter army with those numbers?” “No, my king.” She replied.” We need at least eight or nine thousand more.” “To gain over nine thousand troops, it will take nearly an year, my king.” Brutalis added, to which Sky’re agreed.
“See, I’m not ready yet, nor did I ask you to give me an situation, Jonathan.” Hanalius’ good nature disappeared as they entered a quiet portion of the camp, and his tent. Immediately Brutalis shapeshifted into a werewolf and grabbed Jonathan by his shoulders as Sky’re turned into a harpy and held a deadly talon to the advisor’s neck. The other men made sure none would disturb them.
“Your hatred towards Rohak nearly cost me, my kingdom Jonathan.” Hanalius said with restrained anger.” And I also know those men who raped Lady Valena were ordered by you to do so.” “She was going to tell everything, and everyone knows you cant kill a Lady if she isn’t in battle!” Jonathan’s cowardly side took over again.” We needed to keep her quiet!” Jonathan glanced over to Brutalis, whose teeth came ever closer towards him.
“It was not your choice to make, Jonathan. Let’s not forget, I am in charge and she is my responsibility to deal with! I do not pick allies I know who will falter during the first round of interrogations. However it seems you are becoming an exception to that...” Hanalius snapped his fingers, which made Sky’re talon dig a little bit in Jonathan’s skin. “No- no!” Jonathan nearly screamed. “ I wont betray you, I-I’ll never betray you, King Hanalius!” “Good, never forget that.” the last of the Fall bloodline snapped his fingers again which pulled Sky’re back, but not Brutalis.” I’ll deal with this mess you made myself, I want you to remain Fanran’s shadow and tell me if he does something I should know, deal?”
Jonathan quickly nodded as sweats came down as tears as his bowels turned into water. “Good, be a good puppet and you will get Castle Winter and all of Fanran’s lands.” He nodded at Brutalis, which made the werewolf let the advisor go. “I-I will milord, thank you milord...” Jonathan shivered as he went to walk out of the tent. “Before you go....” Jonathan turned, plain fear on his face.” What is the name of the red haired maiden who leads the Summer forces?” “D-d-d-diana B-b-bloomsbury.” Jonathan shook as if he was made from straw. “Diana Bloomsbury...” Hanalius rubbed his chin.” Very well, go freshen yourself up and do your duty.” Jonathan nodded and walked off. As he made his exit, Brutalis and Sky’re erupted into laughter, joined by Hanalius’ characteristic smirk. “That was magnificent, my king!” Brutalis chuckled.” You really do have a way with people.” “I try.” he said with a smile as he looked around his tent.” This will suffice. I’m certain your tents will be as lovely.” “I prefer bats and stags above wolves, my king.” Sky’re said.” And above all, enemies to kill.”
“Patience, my dear.” He smiled at her, despite her still being in her monster-like form.” I promise by next year, the four kingdoms will be reunited, and you will be the most feared warlord...lady...person of the continent.” Sky’re smiled and changed into her human form.” Thank you, my king.” “Now, on to business...” he turned to Brutalis.” We need to make sure Lady Valena does not talk. And since Jonathan did an excellent job in ruining her continued co-operation...we need to end her life.” “You wish me to slay her, my king?” Brutalis turned back into his human form as well. “No, I will do that myself. Just make the arrangements so I can sneak in. Sky’re, go to the survivors of the late Commander Gipson’s regiment and ask them if they know anything of this Diana Bloomsbury.”
“You wish to know how she fights, so you can kill her?” Sky’re asked with a mad glee across her face. “No.” he replied as he poured himself a glass of red wine.” I think I may have found my Queen.”
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Harold Summer chuckled as he felt Fenris pulling at his thumb.” Aren’t you going to be a strong soldier, someday?” he tickled at the little boy. The child laughed it’s little heart out and fell over on it’s back as Soliana came in the room. “Knowing his father, I’m sure he will be strong and handsome.” She smiled as she pecked her husband’s cheek.” Maybe even a heartbreaker.” She said with a hint of regret. “Maybe...” Harold replied with a small smile and held their son in his arms.” Soliana....i’m sorry if I didn’t spend as much time with you as I can.”
“Because you like to spend your time with the whores.” She said to herself, but actually said.” That’s alright dear.” The cartwheels in her mind turned.” However, I know how you can make me feel better, and your son.” “How so?” Harold asked. “I want you to compete in the tournament, in Neromapia.” “Neromapia?” Harold asked.” But love, there is a war on.” “A war your mother does not want you to be part of.” Soliana said.” And it can still bring glory to our house and kingdom if we win.” “I...” he hesitated.” I don’t know, love.”
“You do not want to tell Fenris one day his father fought in the greatest tournament known to the kingdom of three seasons?” Soliana asked.” You do not want him to be proud?” “Of course not.” He quickly retaliated.” I’m just saying...my mother may have need of me.” “Harold, you are twenty summers old and are the finest blade of the land. If your mother wanted you to fight, you would be on the battlefield right now. Besides...we both know it’s because Ser Jorric tells her not to, so he can reap all the glory.” “Jorric....” Harold’s blood boiled at the mere mention of the name. He knew of his...liaison with his mother, and with other knights before him. He didn’t mention it to her because he had the same weakness of the flesh, that weakness which he feels the most ashamed off.
He did not love Soliana, but did care about her and dotted on their son. She deserved better. “Ask your mother for permission if you wish then. You fought and killed Northmen, why should you fear your mother?” “True.” He stood up and handed Fenris over to Soliana.” I’ll ask her right now.” Soliana smiled and undid part of her robe to breastfeed her son. Harold walked out of the room and headed over to the throne room. When he left, the princess could not help but smile to herself. Everything was going according to plan. “Don’t you worry, Fenris.” She cooed as her babe clutched on to her bare breast and began his meal.” Mummy will take care of everything....”
Cerdica thanked the Sungod for both messages she received the moment she sat down in her throne, Ser Feren forever at her side. The first, a letter from Ser Nazan of Maraad informed her that they seized victory today near the village of Maltan. He expressed a certain tactical gratitude to one Red dragoon, called Bloomsbury, whose quick thinking saved them from another major defeat.
“Send for this Lady Bloomsbury immediately, I wish to thank her in person.” She ordered Ser Jorric, who immediately did as told. She was somewhat proud of her lover, he had the obedience of a servant and the presence of a Lord. He was also the source of her second message, send from physician in secret. She was pregnant, she bore Ser Jorric’s child. She kept this news to herself of course, and continue with the lost cousin scheme she had in her mind for some time.
After Fenris, she wanted to be a mother again. She loved Hondrich and thanked the Sungod every day for Harold and the time she shared with her late husband. But they were only given one child, and there was still time for another. She was thinking of names when her son came in the room.
“Mother!” he walked over and kissed her on the cheek three times, from left to right to left again. “ Ser Feren.” He bowed his head. “Your Excellency.” Feren bowed his. “My son.” She smiled for this glorious day.” We won at Maltan, we own a little over half of Rohak, soon our people will be free!” “That’s good news!” Harold smiled.” The Sungod looks over us doesn’t he?” “Of course he would. He saw his children in Rohak and he came through for us.” Everything just felt right in the world.
“If the war is going so great, is it alright if I participate in the tournament next week?” Harold asked. “The tournament?” Cerdica asked absentmindedly.” What tournament?” “The one in Neromapia?” Harold said as if it was common knowledge. Cerdica looked at Feren, who gave a sage like nod.
“Oh yes...sure why not?” she smiled.” You have your father’s sword arm and no doubt we have slain all of Winter’s finest warriors. Go, have fun.” “Aren’t you coming?” Harold inquired; “I’m afraid not son, your grandfather will no doubt be crossed at me for what happened with Rohak and all that, and I know full enough from your uncle Hirondir how nasty he can turn out to be...” she looked deep into her son’s pleading eyes, and could not help but change her mind. He was so much like his father, may the Sungod use his energies wisely.” I’ll try to come by and watch.”
“That’s all I needed to hear.” Harold smiled and held her.” I’ll make the arrangements.” With that her son ran off, while Cerdica resumed daydreaming. Feren folded his arms and was slightly worried. He knew Soliana was behind this. She playing this game hard and fast, he hoped she knew what she was doing. He swore fealty to her and he would protect her with his life, but what in the name of the Allfather was she planning?
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Gorvar growled loudly as he embedded his ax in the gut of an orc warrior. They were green like him, only bigger, stronger...but also dumber. They used crudely made weapons and used bits of armour they either stole or made very badly. The remainder of Lady Sarina’s guard fought alongside him while Togo ‘inspired’ the men with his singing on top of the carriage, far and safely away from the fighting. Along with the carriage was a caravan of Drow merchants from Westend keep, who provided the most in number with their ebon skinned warriors and a single ‘domesticated’ cave troll.
Gorvar had no qualms with fighting Orcs, just as much they had no qualms with fighting a half-breed. Suddenly, a large one with a Northman helmet popped up and slammed his large two handed mace on Gorvar’s head. But Gorvar quickly leaped back from the spot where soon a crater was created by the weapon. He was two meters easily, and wore the armour of a Winter Knight, patched up with Summer plate where the Winter armour was to damaged to be repaired. The irony of both Houses who wanted him dead working together to slay him did not go lost on Gorvar. “Die, half-breed!” the orc bellowed.” Die, half-breed!”
Gorvar ducked and slashed at the sides of the Orc, but he was a though one. Attacks didn’t seem to hurt him, and for one his size he was actually quite fast. He quickly dodged another attack before he went to kick the orc in the chest. But the Orc quickly grabbed Gorvar’s leg and threw him down on the ground. The orc pinned Gorvar’s arms down by stepping on them, which made Gorvar cry out in pain.
“Die, half-breed.” The orc said as he raised his mace in the air to strike. Gorvar tried to struggle free, but found himself stuck with no way out. He saw images of his life flash by his eyes and inhaled one final breath. In that breath, he actually smelled something, and started laughing. The orc stopped to strike Gorvar and glared.” Why are you laughing, half-breed?!’ “No...you die, Orc.”
Before the Orc could question what Gorvar meant, a flash of blackness tackled the Orc down to the ground which made Gorvar loose. The Orc cried in pain as something savaged his arm with snarl sand growls. As Gorvar picked up his axes, a SNAP sound alerted him the orc just lost his arm. As the Orc cried out in pain, Gorvar smiled at the creature that held an green arm in it’s powerful jaws.” Good boy, Wolfgen.” He said before he walked over to the Orc, who cried out as black blood began to soil the brown earth below him. His arm-less foe reached out to Gorvar, pleading almost. “End it, please end it!” “Your wish is my command, pureblood.” Gorvar said as he flicked his axes around his hand and then slashed the orc’s head off.
“That was beautiful!” he heard Togo shout as he ran over.” You nearly died but Woflgen came and then SWOOOSH, you had him!” “Must be the song you were singing.” Gorvar replied as he searched the corpse for coin.” What were you singing anyway?” “Big breasted wenches.” Togo chuckled.” In elven of course, we don’t want to offend Lady Sarina.” “You do know all nobles can speak elven, right?” Gorvar rose his brow. Togo blinked at his friend as his cheekiness disappeared.” R-really?” Gorvar smirked and walked back towards the carriage with Wolfgen. “Gorvar are you serious?! Hey, Gorv! I’m talking to you!” Togo chased after him.
When they reached Lady Sarina, they saw she was speaking to one of the drow. He was roughly a bit larger then her, had long white hair and had of course the dark skin of the dark elves. He wore a bright red vest and blue trousers, completed with a belt with a golden spider. From the black blood on his daggers which were on both his hips, Gorvar knew this drow did indeed fight in battle. He twiddled a silver coin in his hand, in one finger, out the other and so on.
“Ah, this must be Master Gorvar I heard so much about.” The drow smiled as he showed his razor sharp white teeth. “ Guldor of the house Dyrr, at your service.” Gorvar never trusted drow, nor should anyone who knew what they really were. On the outside they were all innocent merchants and tradesmen, sometimes mercs. On the inside they all tried to reclaim the Ice Islands to the north of the continent. The only reason why they survived longer then any other elf did was because of their sexual desires and their half-breed children still looked like them, which made it easy to lie about their heritage.
Gorvar glanced around the bodies of the fallen orc warrior, and saw most of them died by the famous drow repeater crossbows. The small type of course, the larger ones were only used for aerial combat. “You fought well.” Gorvar simply stated. “Indeed we have.” Guldor flipped the coin in the air before he caught it and slipped it in his belt.” Although I hoped we would not have to fight, it’s rather nasty business and most of the time we are not paid for our hard work.” “Your lives depended on it, and I’m sure you need every body to reclaim that island of yours.” Gorvar replied.” In my point of view, you did not waste any hard work.”
Guldor looked Gorvar over, from top to bottom. “You know, my people always liked half-orcs. Smarter then their orc parents and stronger then their humans, best of both worlds.” “Not how my life turned out to be.” Gorvar folded his arms. “Life never does, my friend.” The drow replied.
“Still....” Sarina said as Jacob returned with the other guards.” We want to thank you for your help Ser Dyrr.” “Don’t mention it Lady Tor Vollen.” Guldor bowed.” After all, as one fellow traveller to another, we cannot let you fall to harm can we?” Another Drow, a scantly clad female, walked over to Guldor and muttered something in their native tongue. Guldor gave a quick nod.” My apologies milady but I must be off, I presume you are also headed to Neromapia?” “We are.” Jacob replied.” We are going for the tournament.”
“So are we! We have nice things to sell from our stalls and the like, and also meet up with one of the other houses who no doubt will have flocked there. Who knows, we might participate ourselves?” “I would be disappointed if you didn’t.” Gorvar said. Guldor looked at Gorvar with that damn smile.” I think...we are the same type of man, Master Gorvar.” “I think not. “ He turned to Sarina.” Lady Sarina, I think it’s wise we move, before more orcs show up.” Sarina nodded.” Very well, Jacob?”
Jacob agreed with his grandmother and shouted the orders to move. “See you at Neromapia then, my friends, until then, I bid you farewell.” Guldor made a bow and left to his caravan. Togo winked at the drow female and clicked his tongue as she passed by. The female hissed and followed Guldor. “Ah, it seems the drow are untouched by my charm.” Togo sighed.” Oh well, the Holy Mother giveth and taketh away.”
“Master Gorvar, why were you so rude?” Sarina asked.” They helped us survive the attack against the orcs, we may have lost some of my men.” “They are the reason why these roads are unsafe Lady Tor Vollen.” Gorvar replied. “What, how?” Jacob asked. Gorvar motioned to Togo as they all climbed aboard the carriage. It set off as Wolfgen walked beside it.
“From what me and my esteemed colleague heard from other travellers, my lady and lord Tor Vollen, is that this drow house sold weapons and services to House Winter at Westend keep.” “Weapons?” Jacob asked.” And how do you know it was paid by winter coin?”
He inhaled deeply and spoke in a very fast, but hear able manner“ The coin he had with him was silver and had the mark of a wolf on it and like all bards know, the only people who can use Winter coins are people who inhabit Winter, and since Prince Frederick married Lady Eveline de Schacht in Westend Keep in recent notice they had to buy off the drow because of it’s crossroads nature. What bards also know is that their caravan seems to be travelling light and fast despite the size of the caravan, which means they sold most of their wares, including a large crossbow repeater, perfected a thousand years ago in aerial combat with dragons. And who owns dragons? Summer does. And because they sold said weapons, the war is escalating and King Halmadir has to act, which of course means the routes here are not that very safe anymore.” He inhaled deeply again.” Damn I’m good!’
“All that from one coin?” Sarina took out some needling work. “That is a lot of guesswork.” “I’m never wrong when currency is involved, milady.” Togo smiled. “ Winter coin is useless except in Winter or in drow circles, but they stamp their own mark of a ice peak on it if they own it and that only happens once a month, so these coins were fresh and were from Westend keep.”
“You know a lot about drow culture...” Jacob pointed out. “I travelled along with a caravan once, let’s say I had to go when I may have accidently released one of their cave troll slaves once.” Togo winced. “I see...and you Master Gorvar?” Jacob asked.” Why were you distrustful of them?” “Personal reasons.” Gorvar replied and kept it with that. He looked out the window and saw thunder clouds rolling in. ” Looks like rain.” He said before he drifted off to sleep.
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Lady Valena was still in her corner of the cell room when a visitor came in. She glanced up to him, and relaxed somewhat. “You...” she whispered. “Yes...” he replied as he opened the door to her cell and sat in front of her.” Me...you alright?” She chuckled sadly.” My husband is dead, my sons and their wives are dead, I lost count of how many times they-they.’ She could not finish the sentence. “I know, I’m sorry.” He said.” You knew it was risky.” “I knew, but I never expected the prize to be so high.” She smiled.” It’s funny, James agreed with the plan. He said the people of Rohak suffered long enough. Now look at me, my family gone, my house gone, my own people...and I’m certain you are here to kill me.”
Her visitor merely nodded at the last.” You can struggle if you like.” “No it’s...it’s fine.” She held herself.” I have no need for revenge, I want to be with my family, there is nothing else for me.” “As you wish.” Her visitor said as he came closer.” I wish this didn’t need to have happened.” “Neither of us did dear, promise me you’ll make that bastard pay?” “You have my word.”
A moment paused. “Well, aren’t you going to kill me?” Valena asked. “I just did.” He held out a small needle with a mixture of her blood and a green substance on it.” This is chimera poison from the deep jungles of Izzonosah. It works in a manner of minutes, no pain or painful effects. You just fall asleep.” “Will you stay with me, until I do?”
He held her hand and sat with her.” Of course.” She gave a faint smile.” Thank you.” Her visitor gave a small nod and waited there with her, until the end.
Sky’re looked up from her novel as Hanalius entered the tent.” Did you do it?” she asked her king, who merely walked passed her and went to his bedroom. He closed the tentflap behind him and lit up an altar of a wooden stag. He knelt in front of it and prayed.
Brutalis entered the tent shortly after.” Have you seen the king?’ he asked Sky’re, who merely pointed at Hanalius’ room. “He’s in his room.” Brutalis nodded with understanding.” I see.” “What is he doing in there?” she asked. “Praying.” Brutalis replied. “What for? He took care of a lead that could lead to him.” Sky’re replied.
“King Hanalius knows that this is a game of thrones, and in that game pawns fall. He laments every pawn he loses in his own way.” “Is that what we are to him, or the other kings and queens, pawns?” she slammed her book shut. “What do you want, to be a pawn your owner does not care about, or a owner who grieves if you would be lost?” She paused. “I rather not be a pawn.” “Neither do I.” “Life is unfair.” “I know..” Brutalis replied as he sat down.” I know.”
TBC
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Post by Warhammer Gorvar on Aug 3, 2011 13:02:06 GMT 1
Chapter 6: Twilight falls
The carriage was a few hours away from Neromapia when they found the lifeless form of a cave troll. Cave trolls were large creatures, and most of them very stupid. They had gray-white skin, small bready eyes and long tusks that protruded from their under lip. They were roughly the size of half giants, three meters. They had big muscles and wore loin cloth to cover their sex, or sometimes armour taken from whatever victim, or given to them by their leaders who had the intelligence to trade with anyone willing.
This cave troll was one of those smart ones, as he had clothing that made him look like a noblemen. A long regal cloak (short on the size of an troll but still) with a knight’s armour, a horrible mix of Winter and Summer armour. He even had a custom made steel mace, since not even the craftiest of trolls were smart enough to make a proper mace.
“There are more here.” Gorvar pointed to the corpses of other trolls, who shared their leader’s grizzly death. All over their bodies were small black arrows and stab wounds which coloured the ground with green blood, troll’s blood. “Co-ordinated..” Gorvar said as he walked past Jacob and went to some tracks. “ Smart to, they hid their tracks by mingling with their prey during battle, before they...” he walked over to an tree.” Climbed up the tree...” “Isn’t this a good thing?” Togo asked.” I mean, dead trolls wont bother anyone.”
“Trolls never came above ground before.” Sarina said as her guards had their hands on their swords at all times.” The climate of Spring isn’t hospitable for creatures that dwell in caves.” “Maybe they were on holiday.” Togo quipped.” I would get bored of watching bats and rocks after a while. Oh look, there’s a rock, OOOOH there, another rock!”
Gorvar peered at the treebark as he seemed to see something buried in it. “I’m not so sure, Master Chubb.” Jacob said.” But this isn’t the first time trolls pop out from their tunnels, they have been doing it for some weeks now. And most distressing of all, they attack no villages but rather move to the North. Hell I heard rumours they even set sail to the other lands across the Arcadian sea, pardon my swearing grandmother.”
Sarina smiled and held her grandson’s hand for a spell. “Wait, you find it distressing nobody is burning and raping your villages?” Togo asked.” The people on the Continent of Seasons are very strange indeed...back in Avaria we were grateful if no villages were burned down for a day!” “Why?” Jacob asked. “At every village destroyed, there is always some youth who survives and vows vengeance. They go off to find a mentor, train and go after the leader of the warband and becomes a hero, or something....i don’t know, they’re to many of those lot around.”
“Fair enough...” Jacob rose his brow.” But it still does not explain why the trolls are appearing all over.” “They are running...” Gorvar stated. He pulled out something out of the tree, a small thin needle of sorts, black as the arrows which protruded from the cave troll’s corpses.” The things that killed them are fast, leave nearly no track save for broken weapons. They use old blood.” “Old blood?” Sarina asked. “It’s a term we Avarians use, my lady.” Togo explained.” We believe the Allfather had a son from a previous union with a elf woman. This son was a master forge smith who created al the weapons the gods use to this day. However one day he was killed by the cave spirits that dwarves worship for stealing from their home and cursed his blood to be veins of ore. This ore when melted, and then forged is the most powerful but hard to find ore in the entire world.”
“Yet there are dozens of broken off arrowheads and throw daggers around...” Gorvar patted his wolf, as he was munching down some food.” Which means the assailants had a steady supply of the old blood.” “Only dwarves sell that though, don’t they?” Jacob asked. “They have mines that can go deep enough to find it.” Togo nodded.” And guessing of the lack of dwarven arms, I’m thinking our friends are no dwarves. No tree climbers for starters beard gets in the way. Leaves and squirrels everywhere in their bards, bah..messy.”
Sarina chuckled a little as she walked back to the carriage. Gorvar took the throw dagger with him and sat across of her, as did Togo and Jacob. “What do you think, Master Gorvar?” she asked the half-orc. “I think...” he said as he inspected the throw dagger.” The Summers and Winters are the least of our concerns now...”
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Frederick was reading a book, Eveline was seated across from him reading hers. He couldn’t focus on finishing the page he was on because of the thoughts his mind was going to all the time. His father send him from the battlefields to rest with the other wounded back in Westend Keep, although his wound was very minor compared to the others. While some men had to walk home minus one finger, or an arm, he only had a piece of cloth wrapped around his shoulder from a arrow, shot by one of the Red Dragoons.
Eveline fussed over him, and he loved her devotion for him. She started to grow on him, with each every passing moment. He might’ve started develop feelings for her even. But still, he wish he could be out there. He fought and killed soldiers of Summer, and formed an uncanny team with Martin. It was he, Frederick missed the most. They were brothers by blood now, their blood mingled together on the battlefield and the marriage with his sister.
Still, he sensed there was something he was missing with Martin. He felt closer to him more then Eveline at times, or his father. He didn’t know what, it was infuriating. Sometimes when Frederick had a hard day, the only thing he needed was one shouldertap by Martin, and everything was bright as rain. He wondered..
“Freddy, you alright dear?” Eveline asked. “Hm, yes I am. Why?” Frederick asked surprised. “I’ve asked you three times already. You barely flipped a page in your book for some time, what’s wrong?”
Frederick tried to come up with an excuse...but shook his head and went clean. “Just thinking of the battle, sort of wishing I was there.” “Sort of?” Eveline asked. Her skin turned a tad paler, he knew he had hurt her."You wish you were there rather than with me?!" “Don’t get me wrong Eveline, I love you.” he forced a smile and held her hands.” And every morning I wake up next to you is a blessing...especially since your brother has the tendency to snore like a giant.” She smiled a little at that slight to her brother. “It’s just...” he continued.” I want to help my kingdom and your people out there, but I have to stay here to ‘rest’. Father is afraid I’ll get killed...” “I’m afraid you’ll get killed!” Eveline shouted.” We only had three days together before you had to run off! Please Freddy...i don’t want to lose you.”
“I’ll be fine, Eveline...” he assured her. “How do you know? How many people died the past few weeks, how many had wives or loved ones? How many said they would be fine?” Eveline held his hands tightly.” Please Freddy, enjoy what time we have together.” “I will.” He strayed her cheek.” I will....maybe, after the war...we could go to Vorstland, have a proper honeymoon.” He smiled.” The geysers there are warm, the people friendly....apparently children are quickened there easier.”
Eveline’s earlier distress soon vanished.” I would like that...i’ve never seen much of your kingdom except Rohak, and if I am to be the future queen....which is hopefully only for decades later.” “You’re a kind woman Eveline. Beautiful, smart and graceful, you’ll be a good queen.” He kissed her deeply. “ And a good mother.” He meant what he said, and hoped his feelings for her would come in due time.
The silence was broken as the door of their room was burst open as a messenger came in. “Prince Frederick, Lady Eveline. It’s your brother, he’s grievously wounded!”
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Elena Tundra was a woman who had many friends. Males and female. Some friends were closer then others, some were noly after her money or what was between her legs. But few were like Henselt, a former peer of hers at the university in Whiteberg. They were lovers for those three years until both went their separate ways. He joined the expedition to the lost dwarven kingdom, despite it being a Summer expedition. Like many others, he disappeared shortly after, until now.
He was still the tall, dark haired avatar of handsomeness, and still wore the same brown noble clothing which marked him as a son of Lord Tyrone of Snowflow, one of the bordering keeps near the Summer kingdom. He did not explain why he was gone for over two hours, other then he had to collect funding to pay off his family’s debt for the failed expedition, and thus was always on the move. He went to Avaria, the land her former lover Togo was from. He spoke of giants, and wild dragons and kings with magical swords. She paid it no heed, but only lsitneed to his rough, sensual voice.
After a nice chat of old memories with some nice wine, Eluna properly remembered what she missed most about him. Henselt was a careful lover, and took his time. When after what seemed like a blissful eternity of foreplay, he was on her like a nightcat on it’s prey. She enjoyed how he mounted her, and brought her climax after climax. “Heselt..” she said in between gasps.” I love you...” He did not reply, but merely continued his carnal duties. This struck Elena off, since Henselt was always a romantic at heart.
"Ohhhhhhh, Hensy..." she gasped as she felt her lover’s orgasm, mixed with her own. She felt his seed rush inside her, it was a nice and warm feeling. “Elena..” he breathed and kissed her deeply. She smiled and rested her head on his chest.
After a moment, Henselt spoke. “I heard your betrothed to Percevalt Valen.” “I am.” She nodded.” But I can ask father to annul that if you wish?” She liked Percy, but not once did he sleep with her or showered her with gifts like her other lovers did. “You..dont mind I am, right?” “No of course not.” Henselt smiled.” I was just asking where he went....i wish to talk to him.” “He’s gone south to Rohak.” She replied as she closed her eyes as bliss took her over. “Good...” his voice lowered even more as she felt his grip around her tighten.” That was all I needed to know.”
“Hensy?” she opened her eyes.” What do you me-“ She stared at the now monstrous form of her lover as he growled at her. She found her voice again, but all she could was scream as his talons and teeth ripped through her flesh and bone.
Ten minutes later, Henselt walked out of Lord Vallen’s mansion as he carefully stepped over the bodies of his servants who were slain in a similar manner. The room was littered in corpse, and a few dark lizard shaped creatures who remained in the shadows. At the approach one of them stepped out, which revealed the form of another man who looked like a knight of Summer. “Did you find out where he went?” the shadowman asked.
“She said he went to Rohak, and guessing off what I saw in his room, he took all his magical items with him and left his Winter personnel here. No werewolves or harpies...” Henselt replied. The shadowman took out a handkerchief and gave it to Henselt.” Your mouth, milord.” “Ah, thank you.” Henselt said as he wiped the rest of Elena’s blood of his mouth.” I loved the meal so much, I forgot my manners.” He smirked.
“Her death and the deaths of these servants will raise questions.” The shadowman said. “Let’s burn the place down, blame it on robbers. We move to Rohak now my friend, we cannot let Hanalius raise his army or allow this war to end to soon.” Henselt walked with the shadow knight as the lizards held out there hands as fires started to appear on the tapestries.
“Our brethren near Neomapia have infiltrated the castle. On our word will we be able to snuff out King Halmadir, and even Prince Harold Summer himself.” The shadow knight said. Henselt smirked as the fires began to consume the building.” Very good...the time of twilight has come.” “And it will smother all...” the shadow knight replied as both disappeared into the darkness, as the mansion of Lord Vallen collapsed in a sea of fire.
- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - Diana was escorted by two of the dragon knights as she enterd Castle Emberfire. Never before had she seen such luxuries. Gold and Red tapestries, old armour of heroes long been returned to dust, dragons that flew overhead or were sat on the walls just outside the window.
“In here.” Ser Joric said as he guided her to the throne room. The Queen was a beautiful woman, who wore a long red dress with a dragon motif and a crown in the shape of a golden leave, which marked her heritage to House Spring. To her right was the empty seat of her son, who left with his family to Neromapia for the tournament. “Your grace.” Diana dropped to her knees.” It is an honour meeting you.” “You are Lady Bloomsburry?” the Queen asked. “...I am Captain Diana Bloomsburry your grace, but I am no lady...my father was a blacksmith, my uncle one of the Red dragoons.”
Cerdica rose her elft brow.” Not a lady you say, yet you led a cavalry charge, among that host being many knights I know personally. How did you come to lead such an attack?” Cerdica motioned her to rise. “I had to, your grace.” Diana said as she rose.” Your noblemen are good fighters, but are no real commanders. Lord Tyrone himself said it was best I led the attack after the loss of Lady Valena’s keep.”
“You listen to the orders of a Winter?” “Lord Tyrone of Northend keep sacrificed many men so the people of Rohak, our people your grace, can have a better future. Some of your commanders have no such respect to our new allies, or the Red dragoons.” “How dare you insult our men?!” Jorric shouted. “She speaks the truth.” Faren said, as always at his queen’s side. “ I read the reports and spoken with Lord Tyrone myself, my queen. Many battles could have been won if the communication of the Traitor Wolves and our men was better, and more trustworthy.” “Why should we trust the word of the traitor wolves?” Cerdica asked.
“I can vouch for them, my Queen. Lord Tyrone was one of the kinder overseers of Rohak and treated your people justly. He deserves honour.” “If I may, my queen.” Diana added.” With the death of Lady Valena, the trust between traitor wolves and the sons of summer is very low. If you can speak for them-“ “I know how to run a kingdom, Captain Bloomsburry.” Cerdica said.” Thank you, but that is not why I called you here.”
The Queen snapped her fingers, as a servant came along with a open letter. “Our ally, the one who organised the traitor wolves, has arrived at the Winter camp and is plotting the death of King Fanran, he requested your aid.” “My aid, your grace?” Diana asked. “He saw you fight, and he thinks you are useful. Go to the plain of the Fire Rose at midnight tonight. If you kill King Fanran, I will make you a Lady and you can rule over Rohak under me.” Cerdica ordered with a smile.
“As you wish, your grace...” Diana bowed and walked off. “I don’t know what Lord Valen sees in her...” Jorric stood next to his queen.”She fights like a savage Northmen, using savage tactics.” “and that is how we will win, my dear Ser Jorric.” Cerdica said as she held his hand a moment. “ By being as savage as an orc.” Faren looked at how the two held hands...and frowned.
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Soliana glanced down below her dragon carriage as they flew overhead a battlefield. It was a large wooden carriage, roughly the size of a small house, and was pulled by a dozen dragons on both sides, with one rider in front and one in back of the carriage.
She faintly saw the banners of the red dragon charge into those of white wolf and black lion. She saw villages burning, mountains of coaled bodies besides roads. It was war, it was horrible. She knew nobody cared about the people of Rohak. They were suffering because of this war. Men killed, women raped, children sold to merchants....it had to end.
She saw Harold play with her son, but wondered how many hours last night he spend bidding goodbye to his bastard and his baker’s woman.
In her hand, she held a letter from her friend. In it stood an address in Neromapia and a name. Guldor of the house Dyrr, Market of the Ox. The letter said he was the one who could get her what she wanted. He was the one who would help her get what she and her son deserved. A way to be Queen of Summer.
TBC
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Post by Warhammer Gorvar on Aug 10, 2011 19:07:32 GMT 1
Chapter 7: Arrivals.
“Here we are, milord and lady...” the escort said as they walked from under the trees into the sunshine. Gorvar shielded his eyes with his hand as the sun pierced through, and showed a giant white wall that seemed to span for miles and miles. The portcullis was decorated as a large tree, it’s branches above large enough to hold dozens of archers to fire below and the stone-wooden bulk of the tree sturdy enough to hold out in a siege where normal wooden gates would crumble.
The drawbridge from the bulk lowered down as the caravan approached. Lady Sarina smiled.” Neromapia....” she said as if she just saw an old friend. Jacob smiled and held her hand for a moment. Togo and Gorvar never did see so much splendour before. The men were dressed in golden like armour, though not as decorative as Prince Harold of Summer, and had long green cloaks. Their helmets had the shape of a leaf and their banners and shields bore the symbol of a leaf with two arrows through it.
As they entered inside the walls, they saw a variety of colours which seemed to dance of their eyes. The buildings were all painted with bright colours, and plenty of trees were seen. Man and creature lived in perfect harmony of sorts. The birds fluttered above the bakery, a stag helped push a cart along when it’s wheel was stuck in a pothole and a butcher fed some foxes some of scraps of meat he couldn’t use.
Gorvar thought he saw a bound between man and animal as something personal, like a relationship between siblings. But to see such an bound in the open on such a magnitude, it was astounding. “Three to one bestiality is allowed here.” Togo chuckled. The chuckle however soon disappeared as a centaur who pulled a cart behind him passed by. “I hope that one is from Avaria...” Togo hoped.” Or else I fear I may have to leave this city.”
“All manner of folk come here, Master Chubb.” Jacob smiled.” I’m certain that centaur is just a tourist, like yourself and Master Gorvar.” “The city does look busy...” Gorvar said as they moved under banners of two mounted knights that charged at each other with lances drawn.” The tournament I guess?” “Neromapia is the capitol of the three kingdoms.” Jacob said.” All manner of people come here, even those not part of the Continent of seasons. As they say, all roads lead to Neromapaia.”
“Funny, we have a similar saying one back in Avaria.” Togo said. “Which is that?” Lady Sarina asked. “All roads need taxes.” Togo chuckled.” King Valarius is a money grabbing person of sorts, but by the holy mother do the roads look well kept!”
Gorvar glanced outside the carriage as he saw two groups of people glare at each other. He only needed one glance to see why, one group was tanned and had red clothing which marked them as Summer, the others were clothed in blue and white, which marked them Winter. Before any group could make a move, a group of city guard intervened and shoved both off peacefully in a opposite direction. “Winter and Summer never got along...” Sarina sighed.” Now with the Rohak business, it’s only going to get worse...” “Don’t worry about it grandmother.” Jacob smiled.” We’ll go to our estate and enjoy our well deserved rest before the tournament starts, besides King Halmadir’s forces will no doubt have stopped the fighting in Rohak by now.”
The half-orc looked above and saw a carriage being flown overhead, carried by dragons. “I think Queen Cerdica has followed us...” he muttered to his Halfling friend. “Let’s hope she has better things to do then pursue two adventurers with the smell of a week of no washing...” Togo nodded.
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Diana stepped off her horse as she arrived at the rendez-vous point. The plain of the Fire Rose was a large plain field with Roses that always grew, withered and re-grew in a span of a week. The elders of Rohak thought this place was the roosting ground of a Phoenix, whose magical presence changed the plain so much, it gave the flowers a magical potency. Healers far and wide came for the flowers, which most claim could bring a dead man to life.
“He’s not here yet...” Francis said as he glanced towards the rising moon. Francis was one of Diana’s childhood friends at the village, and one of the most trustworthy people she knew. “Patience, the Queen said he would be here...” she replied. “Oh right, the Queen said so...” Francis rolled his eyes. Diana shot him an angry glare, which silenced him.
Ten minutes passed when two riders came toward them, huddled in dark cloaks. They came of their mounts and walked over to the Red dragoons. They undid their hoods, and revealed they were a man and a woman. The woman had yellow eyes that seemed to pierce through the night, the man was handsome looking with brown hair and eyes.
“Captain Diana Bloomsbury?” the man asked with a respectful tone. “That’s me.” Diana said as Francis began to smirk at the woman. “My name is Perceval Valen.” He bowed.” At your service, and I thank you for meeting me under the cover of darkness, although I’m sadden to not see your full beauty.” She rolled her eyes.
His female companion coughed. “Oh, this is Sky’re, the commander of my armed forces..and clearly someone who needs a cough medicine.” “I’m fine, milord.” She smirked. Valen chuckled as he walked off. He turned back and urged Diana to follow. Diana looked back at Francis, who was more enraptured with Lady Sky’re then her. The two exchanged winks which promised more. She shook her head and followed Lord Valen, cursing men as a whole in the mean time.
“So, you wish King Fanran dead as well?” she asked. “Sort of.” Valen replied. “ I have nothing against the man, but I think Rohak deserves a better leader.” “Queen Cerdica is wise....” she replied. “I wasn’t talking about Cerdica.” Valen smirked. Diana stopped and drew her dagger, which she held in front of his throat.” I will kill you where you stand for-“ “Relax...” Valen said as he lowered her dagger.” I do not intend to take Rohak for myself....I want you to have it.”
Diana blinked.” What....why?” “Isn’t it true the Queen promised you a Ladyship and the right to own this land?” “She did...” Diana said unsure. “Well I’m afraid I have bad news....she wont give it to you.” Valen said as he walked with her to the end of the field.
Diana saw Sky’re and Francis talking still from afar, but they to began to move to a solitary tree. “How do you mean?” Diana asked. “She and Ser Jorric have a love affair, and is bearing his child.” Valen said.” She promised him their child would have Rohak when she is fullgrown.”
“No! The Queen would never-“ “Lie?” Valen interjected.” Monarchs lie all the time, as does everyone in power. Cerdica claims to love her people, and she does to some degree, but she does believe in the divine right of kings and queens.” He pulled out a letter which she opened and read.
Despite the moonlight, she was able to read everything clearly. Her father was a merchant, and thus she was able to read from the lessons he gave her. It all checked out. The seal was real, the autograph of the Queen even seemed real. When the child would come of age, she would gain control over Rohak. Did her uncle and father really die for nothing? Did her little brother almost die for nothing?
“She sees Rohak as nothing more but a toy she sold but wants back.” He said.” Rohak has been in Winter Hands just as long as in Summer hands in the past, Captain Bloomsburry. I think it is time Rohak should stand alone....” “Alone?” Diana snorted.” We are surrounded by Winter, Summer and Westend Keep. We have fertile soil and the Fire Red roses, we are to important to be given up by either kingdom. Besides...Cerdica cares for us.”
“She does, does she? Tell me, why have her men not respected yours until that battle yesterday? Why is she not helping your people by erecting camps and making sure the people who lost their homes are fed and looked after? Why are the traitor wolves the ones with the most numbers? No Captain, your people are still pawns in her game of thrones.”
Diana kept looking a the letter, hoping to find any falsehood. “How did you find this?” she asked. “I have friends in high places.” Valen replied.” And an army of men, ready to defend Rohak if need be.” “Why should you care for Rohak?” Diana frowned.” You are not a Rohakian nor are you a old friend.”
He smirked. “Two hundred years ago, Rohak was a part of the Kingdom of Fall. The only reason why Rohak was lush while Fall was nearly barren, was because of the Phoenix that lived here. When King Hanalius fell to Halmadir Spring, Rohak became a ball that was passed around between Winter and Summer, until the last fifty years when it became Summer again until Honalius sold it because of a failed expedition.”
“Honolius was a desperate man, he needed money for the rest of the kingdom!” Diana defended her former king.” Also...how do you know of Fall? Only the Elders know of that tale.” Valen took out his amulet, that of a black bat. “My name is Percevalt Hanalius, last of the line of Hanalius. And I need your help, Captain Bloomsburry.”
Diana drew her dagger again.” You are a Hanalius?!” “The last one yes, suffering still from Halmadir’s betrayal.” “You consorted with dark powers that swallowed your kingdom!” “Halmadir Spring cursed us himself.” Hanalius replied.” True we did consort with the dark powers, but the curse came from Halmadir himself who destroyed Fall because of his anger.”
Valen sighed deeply. “We are both much alike, Captain Bloomsburry. We want what is best for our people. When the Host of Spring arrives tomorrow, Rohak will be divided. Families will be torn apart as a giant wall will be placed. If we do this right, we can give Rohak a glorious rebirth, like the Phoenix birds that once lived here.”
“And all I need to do is sell my soul to your devils?” Diana glared.” No thanks!” “No devils, I learn from the past...as should you.” He smiled.” I will help you kill Fanran and maintain your hold over Rohak, do what is right for your people.” “And what do you get out of it?” “An ally...” he took out something from his cloak and gave it to her.
It was a smooth, oval shaped object, which felt warm to the touch. Before Diana could ask what it was, the egg suddenly begun to move. Something was moving inside it! She felt it pushing, and drilling it’s way through. A small beam of light erupted from the object after another push. She held on to the object until it burst open...and revealed the form of a small bird on fire.
She gasped as the bird immediately flew and landed on her shoulder. Instinctively she went to push it off her shoulder so she wouldn’t burn...but it didn’t. Despite the near blinding light, she did not burn, or feel much warmer. “A phoenix, for the Phoenix queen.” Hanalius smiled.” And a new dawn for Rohak and Fall.”
TBC
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Post by Warhammer Gorvar on Aug 20, 2011 17:11:15 GMT 1
Chapter 8: The trap is set
Soliana was draped in a long grey cloak, which did not stood out in the crowd. Harold was preparing himself for the tournament in two days time and her son was being taken care of by the maids. She thanked the gullible guards when she told them she felt unwell and stayed in her bedroom at the Summer embassy. Like agreed, one of the Ambassador’s people left a ladder and the cloak at her window so she could climb out and head to the market of the Ox.
It was strange being among so many people. In her life she rarely stepped outside of Castle Winter or Castle Summer. She only saw the small folk from afar and above, like ants. She often wondered how they lived their lives. Did they have to worry of their father disowning them to marry someone you love, to be then betrayed by said loved one and be all alone in the world?
She shook her head to cast the thought out, She didn`t want to feel guilty any more She would unite both Winter and Summer as intended, and end the suffering in Rohak. The houses in Nerompaia were a beauty she thought to distract herself. It was an explosion of colours and shapes. Some houses were square, others were triangular while others more had a queer shape to them, like a spiral.
Spring was known to be the wealthiest in the Kingdom of three seasons. The most population, wealth, food...so artistic jabs such as these were common she believed. Hence the saying ‘Wealthy as Spring’ while her people of Winter were ‘as hard as Winter’ or ‘as assertive as a Summer’, although as of late the new saying ’As poor as a Summer’ had more power then being assertive, which led to Summer’s debts and the sale of Rohak.
The villages the carriage flew past on the way to Neromapia had a similar explosion of senses. Like their capitol, the buildings were all made out of stone instead of wood and had the same queer shapes. There was no logic to it really, since not one building had a same role. She saw a spiral building function as a home in one case and a shop in another. It was madness in a way, and yet the people of Spring embraced it.
A pigeon flew overhead as it carried a letter in it’s bright orange feet, dogs ran with packages in their jaws and even a bear stood watch with a few men of the city watch as they were inspecting a cart that entered from the southern gate. Her people had a close bound with the wolves of the north, and often went hunting or going to war together. It was a brotherhood of sorts, which began generations ago according to legend. The very first human rulers of the four kingdoms all gathered when the elves began to leave the continent.
Each elven ruler of a portion of the continent gave a gift to the human monarchs who swore to protect their kingdoms. The King Voldrig of Winter was given friendship to the many wolf packs in the north, in exchange for food and warmth the wolves would go to battle alongside their human brothers when needed. This call often came when the Northmen invaded from time to time.
The King of Summer, Girond of Summer, was given a clutch of dragon eggs and was taught the secrets of taming dragons. With these dragons he could make riders who would defend the kingdom from giants or cave trolls who were foolish enough to dare a fight with the fire breathing beasts.
Fondrich of Spring was given the wealthiest land of all and friendship of all the animals who lived in it and the trees itself. However unlike Winter, Spring’s friendship with nature forced him not to use wood due to it destroying the trees, hence the stone buildings.
And as last there was Hanalius Fall, the first of his name. Much like the King who fell two hundred years ago, he was the most war hungry and was given the darkest of gifts. The friendship of bats and the darker side of mystical beasts, such as Werewolves or Harpies. Although the very embodiment of a dark knight, it was he who kept the threats from the south at bay, such as Orcs and giants.
Since the Kingdom of Fall was destroyed by it’s own dark magic at the end of the war of the Seasons, many Orc clans were all around the southern parts of the continent, and Spring had often a hard time to keep them at bay. Soliana shook her head again to cast away the history lesson and went towards the market of the Ox. There she found a caravan of Drow merchants. The Drow wore bright red clothing, which marked their sad history and the mission they were on for over three hundred years. Long red robes or red tunics and trousers, covered with priceless necklaces and bracelets which may or may not be magical.
“Avarian crystals!” one shouted on the top of his lungs.” Avarian crystals, from the mines of King Valarius himself!” “Kadanian Golems!” a long haired dark elf female shouted as she strayed a large stone man that stood motionlessly next to her.” Kadanian Golems from the Isle of Kadan itself! Only three hundred golden coins for a servant that will last for many generations!” “Old blood swords!” another merchant raised two black swords in the air.” Old blood swords, from the anvils of dwarves of Khardrazan!”
She knew the Drow were the cousins of the now extinct elven race. Unlike their noble brethren, there were once raiders and pirates who lived on a island far to the north, past even Avaria. The practiced black magic and indulged In every pleasure and vice, which caused their dark skin and white hair and beauty. Their island fell when an alliance of Orcs, northmen and Wild Wizards attacked and drove them off. It is said after the Drow left, the three began fighting amongst themselves for the spoils, which turned the island into a cold, frozen warzone.
The Drow were scattered into Caravans who went off selling their old secrets and weapons to everyone to gather enough coin to create an army and reclaim their island home. They’ve been doing this for over three hundred years. None trusted the Drow, but all were drawn to their weapons which could slay dragons and magic that could turn castle’s into fallen rubbles of ruin.
The letter her unknown friend send her told her to go to the market and find Guldor of the house Dyrr. She looked up at one of the cave troll slaves the Drow kept, and found her spin chilled to the core. She could leave now if she wanted, and go back to Fenris and live her life as the gods intended. Harold was a good man, true he did not love her, but he treated her well. Her father would never forgive her, but her brother mi-
“If you want to go back, now is the time my fair princess.”
Soliana turned around quickly and saw the owner of that voice. He was Drow, who wore a bright red vest and blue trousers, completed with a belt with a golden spider. He kept flipping a silver coin in his hand as he grinned with his razor sharp teeth at her. She gathered her courage, it seemed it was to late to go back after all. “Guldor of Dyrr I presume?” she asked. “Indeed, follow me if you please.” He said as he walked with her to one of the caravans.
The caravans were simple enough, being pulled forward by dark horses. But when Solina stepped inside the small boxes...she entered a large luxurious room. Dozens of servants, drow and halfling, ran around as they prepared drinks to be given to the shoppers outside. Inside the cart which outside looked like it could only house six people, was in reality a two store mansion filled with servants, statues of half naked elven gods and goddesses and furniture she believed she saw belonged in castles.
Guldor led her to a small room, away from the chaos and motioned her to sit down in a large leather chair. “Wine?” he offered as he slipped the silver coin in his pocket and took out a wine bottle from a rack on the wall, just below the golden head of a spider. Soliana only managed to move her hand to refuse. “It’s Kadanian.” He offered as he swayed his hand...and made a simple glass appear. He poured in the glass and offered it to Soliana, who pondered...then took it.
She took a sip. “It’s good.” She forced a smile. She did not lie, it was good, but the golden spider with it’s large teeth did unsettle her. “I’m glad.” He smiled and poured himself a glass with another magical gesture.” So....i heard we both have the same friend who has a thing for bats....” She nodded.” Indeed....” “And my friend says you have a job for me.” He sat down.
No turning back now, she thought. “I need your help with....eliminating someone.” She replied. “Oh, assassination?” he smirked.” I got several of my people who are good in that craft. Who do you want dead then my dear? And most importantly...why cant you ask your own assassins, which I’m sure you have.” “It’s someone from the royal family...the Summer one that is.” She replied.” No man or woman in the three kingdoms would do such a thing because of the balance it could upset.”
“Regicide?” Guldor chuckled.” Oh that sounds VERY interesting....how much are we talking?” “Enough for you to buy that army you have been waiting for, for three hundred years.” Soliana took out a small purse from behind her robe and gave it to Guldor politely. Guldor glanced inside it’s contents...and smirked. “Half now, half later?” “That is one tenth of what I can give you.” She said.” The other nine you can get if you get the job done.” She started feeling empowered somehow...it frightened her. “That is a awfull lot of money....” Guldor placed the purse away.” Not that I mind of course. It’s a tricky job fair enough...but I can pull it off, don’t worry.” He grinned with his sharp teeth again.” So, who do you want dead? King Fanran, your old father? Or your terrible mother in law, Cerdica? Both make goo-“ Soliana interjected, which made even Guldor feel surprised at her newfound courage. “I want you to kill my husband.”
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Frederick was sat next to Martin’s unconscious body in his room in Westend Keep. Martin led an charge into a Summer regiment when some of the traitor wolves appeared from the flank and charged in themselves. Not many of Martin’s and Frederick’s unit made it out alive, Martin himself lost an eye and was covered in wounds, both arrow and steel.
Lord De Schacht was furious when seen and ordered the execution of every Summer prisoner they made. Even now the heads of the prisoners were released into the Summer camp. He was called ‘the Lion of Westend’ for a reason. Ruthless in battle, but caring for his own pride. The healers said Martin might not make the morning, and one by one they all kept watch over him in shifts. Eveline went to bed just an hour ago, she was at her brother’s side for a entire day and a half with no food or rest. The declining health of her brother also made hers decline Jonathan noted to King Fanran. ‘Bad time if we want an heir’ he said without any emotion.
Frederick hated Jonathan more and more every day. The advisor started the entire war with Rohak, as was his father with killing those who were not related to the attack on Jonathan’s life. He saw the flaws, he saw how he could end the bloodshed...but no-one listened. No-one...except Martin. And now he was dying.
“I should’ve been there....” Frederick said as he rubbed his shoulder where an ‘minor’ arrow wound made him return to Westend Keep.” I should’ve been there with you Martin. I could’ve watched your back, maybe fight off that charge...anything.” Martin’s breathing became more laboured. Frederick held Martin’s hand as he felt the tears stinging in his eyes.
“You are one of the few real friends I ever had Martin....you were there for me when I needed you, hopefully I was there for you if you needed me.” He held Martin’s hand a bit tighter. “I’m sorry I let you down Martin...I’m sorry I didn’t object to my father, I’m sorry i...i never got to tell you how much I care for you.” Martin’s breathing did not change. “I see you more then a friend, or a brother....sometimes I....I wish you were...your sister.”
Frederick glanced around the room quickly, as if he feared he would’ve upset someone. But he didn’t, and it felt as a relief. “I...i love you Martin, and I’m sorry I didn’t tell you sooner...” he brushed some of Martin’s hair away from his eyes as he gave a faint smile.” I hope wherever you are...you can hear me, and I hope you think of me not as a fool.” If Martin did hear what Frederick said, he did not show it. The prince of Winter’s smile quickly faded into tears and sobs as he rested his head on Martin’s chest.
An hour passed in silence and soft sobs until Lady De Schacht arrived to watch over her son. “Get some rest, I think you’ll need it in the coming days...” she smiled sadly and held Frederick for a moment until she went to sit next to her son. Frederick nodded and walked off to his and Eveline’s bedroom. Several of his guard were small talking just around the corner as they stood guard in front of his chambers.
“You heard the rumours?” one of them said.” Queen Cerdica is coming over herself for the peace talks tomorrow evening.” “Heard she got knocked up.’ The other added.” Kid is some knight’s son.” “Where did you hear that?’ “The girl I’m seeing has a friend who has a friend who has family in the Red Dragoons or something, dunno. Also heard they’re switching from red dragons to those urghm...whatchamacallem...fire birds.” “Fire birds? Oh yeh, I thought I saw something odd at today’s battle...you know why they switched animals?” “Well clearly their dragons aren’t worth shite anymore with the stuff we got off the dark elves.” “I hope this war ends soon, got a wife and kids back home....” the other lamented.
Frederick passed by and gave a quick nod.” Evening.” He said as he entered the room. “Evening, your majesty.” One of them replied as both stood in attention. The prince did not bother with undressing properly and just threw his clothes all over the floor. “Freddie?” Eveline called out softly from the darkness. “I’m here....” Frederick replied and crawled into bed, next to her. He felt her arms over him, her lovely head on his chest. He heard his men claim how lucky he is for having a beautiful and smart woman like her, but Frederick now knew why he didn’t fee to happy with her. He wanted her brother, but there was nothing to be done about it.
“Martin?” she asked. “He’s resting...” he replied and kissed her forehead as he imagined Martin’s face in front of him.” Get some sleep.” “Cant.” she replied.” What if Martin wakes up, or...or...” “I’ll stay up.” Frederick kissed her again, it came natural now. But it did not stop with one kiss, another followed, and another...
The powerlessness and frustration reached a fever point and he was soon on her like a nightcat on it’s prey, strong and harsh. She complied and let him, and maybe even needed it herself. He didn’t know or cared. His father forced him to marry Eveline, he forced him to leave Martin, he never gave Frederick any real command and always, always blamed him for the death of his mother.
In his mind’s eye, he was making love to Martin and not Eveline. In his mind’s eye he was king and his smiling sister was back home. In his mind’s eye the war was long over and Winter and Summer had peace. He was going to make that happen, no matter what the cost. After their climax, Frederick knew what he needed to do. Cerdica had to die, and his father needed to step down. He was going to make everything right. By the Allfather he was going to make it right.
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Lord Tyrone was master of Northend keep and one of the traitor wolves. As a lord of Rohak, he saw the horrors King Fanran committed on the Rohakian people. True, they were not real people of Winter, but they were still his people. He thanked every farmer every month for producing enough for his keep to be filled with food and made sure enough went back out to keep the farmers fed. He understood how important Rohak was to Winter and how it fed the people up north, but he also understood with the sheer brutality King Fanran treated these people and the surge of Red Dragoons everywhere...the strap would break sooner or later.
When word came he and several others were of the same mind, he joined the rest of the Traitor Wolves and sided with the Summer kingdom. In the beginning it was an alright plan. Together with the Dragons of Summer and their forces they could bring back Rohak to it’s proper owners.
But even now he saw the Summer nobles were just as bad as the Winter ones. The stole the food of the people, took advantage of the women, forcefully conscripted men young enough to fight and worse yet, burned the villages they couldn’t hold against the Winter-De Schacht Alliance. It didn’t matter who would win, this war scarred the land with dragon’s fire and the devices of war. It would be a miracle if anyone was able to grow anything after this. And some paid the ultimate price for this war already, poor Lady Valena....he prayed every day for her soul and that of her family.
“Look, she speaks father.” His son Albert nudged at him. Like his father, Albert was a bit heavy, but a good and smart man. They were one of the few Traitor Wolves who assembled at Captain Bloomsburry’s request. Out of all the forces of Summer, the Red Dragoons were the kindest because many of them served on the Traitor Wolves’ lands and were allies. He followed Diana into battle himself a few times and admired her tactical mind.
She turned a few battles in their favour when all hope seemed lost, and end up saving many lives as a result. When she called them here in the plain of the Fire Rose he did not hesitate. Now she and her Red Dragoons were stood in front of them. Their leather armour was no longer painted with a red dragon on their chest but a Phoenix. Behind her was Lord Percevalt Valen and a host of his man and women, another known traitor wolf of sorts. Tyrone heard Valen was baseborn but due to circumstances unknown, he became the heir of Tirisfal Valen, who named him his heir despite being of no same blood. He didn’t seem trustworthy, but then again he was a traitor wolf as well.
“My lords and ladies!” she declared.” Rohak suffers and the cause of it is this war. We all know how this started, and we all know how it may end.” May, a big word.” Tomorrow morning king Halmadir’s host will arrive and will cut up Rohak in two! Families will be divided and people will starve! There is only one thing we can do to keep Rohak together, and neither Winter or Summer will do just that.”
“But Queen Cerdica supports our efforts.” One of the Traitor Wolves said, one Ser Janester of Voldron, Tyrone recalled. “ She gave us troops and dragons!” “Troops that rape women, force children into war and dragons that burn our fields. No milords and ladies, Queen Cerdica is no friend of ours.” She drew a letter from her sleeve and held it high.” This is an official document from the Queen herself, in it she says her next child will inherit Rohak and do with it as it pleases! The promises made to us are all falsehoods, my lords and ladies!”
Between the gasps, Diana passed the letter towards the Traitor Wolves. When Tyrone got the letter, Albert nodded at his father.” It looks legitimate.” “It is.” Tyrone agreed, he received several letters from the Queen, and all looked like this. “If Summer plans to betray us, we must betray them first.” Diana said.” I lost my father and uncle to this war, and nearly my little brother as well. Our people flee from charred homes and many may not survive the coming months because of lack of food.”
“How can we go against Winter AND Summer then?” Lord Hendrik of Icecone asked. “We have made friends.” She smiled and looked at Valen, who stepped forward. “Lords and ladies of Rohak.” He began.” I have received word my house and fiancé are slain back in Icepeak. I have nothing to lose and all to gain. Many of you are of the same mind. I will share with you a secret tonight, a secret that will ally all of us together. Rohakian, Traitor Wolf and my people.” “Your people?” Albert asked.
Valen nodded and explained everything. At first none could believe he was the last of the bloodline of Hanalius Fall and few even mocked him. But that changed when he snapped his fingers....and all his men turned into wolves that walked on hindlegs and women that resembled birds. One of the Red Dragoons winced slightly when their leader changed.
“King Halmadir cursed my people, and only now do I have enough strength to strike back at him. But I need your help my lords and ladies. If we work together, Rohak will become it’s own kingdom and Fall will be it’s ally until the end of time!” A loud screech came as the sun seemingly came up...but as it came closer, it was revealed to be a hawk made out of fire. All those present gasped at the sight as it landed on Diana’s shoulder...and did not burn her.
“None of you complained when the Queen announced I would be made regent of Rohak. Now, I must ask you my good and faithful lords and ladies....can I trust you to stand with me as we free Rohak once and for all?” A moment of dreaded silence passed, save for the occasional panting werewolf. Then Ser Janester walked over and drew his sword.
Beofre antone could react, he fell to one knee and placed his sword in front of him.” I will serve you, Phoenix Queen.” He said. “As will I.” Lord Hendrick said and drew his sword.” Icecone stands with you!” “So does Freeton!” another Lord added with his sword. “Anchor’s point!” “Federling!” another sword.
Eventually it all came down to Tyrone. The lord of Northend keep folded his arms as all stared at him. “Lord Tyrone...” Diana offered her hand.” Will you join me?” Tyrone slowly walked over and drew his sword, as he come closer the fire of the Phoenix nearly made him sweat as a man on fire. Instead of kneeling he handed it over to her.” You had my sword all along, Captain Bloomsbury.” She smirked a little.” Show us to victory like you did before, and let’s show the Continent of Seasons how Rohak will be remembered for years to come.’ “All hail the Phoenix Queen!” Janester shouted.” All hail the Phoenix queen!” “All hail, the Phoenix Queen!” they all shouted, added with the holws and cries of their monstrous allies.
Brutalis crept over to Hanalius.” Should we tell them of the shadowcreatures?” he asked. “No...not yet.” Percevalt replied with a slight glare.” I will deal with them by other means...” “The half-orc and the Halfling?” Brutalis asked. “And the House of Drurgen.” Hanalius smirked.” No-one kills my people and gets away with it, even them.”
TBC
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Post by Warhammer Gorvar on Aug 28, 2011 9:04:06 GMT 1
Interlude
The sun was shining brightly as it reached it’s zenith. The banners of Spring, Summer, Winter and the other smaller houses such as De Schacht, Tor Vollen and many more barely moved as a small, but refreshing breeze passed by as they hung on flagpoles. Even participants of the drow House of Dyrr and the dwarven Drurgen clan had joined in as one may have guessed of the red flag and golden spider and a black flag with an ax and hammer over an anvil respectively.
The arena was created just outside of Neromapia. It was a great wooden oval shaped arena, filled with plenty of benches for hundreds and enough room to watch on the lower floors for thousands. In the middle of the arena, there was a long wooden fence which would keep two riders from charging into each other. The tournament had begun officially, despite the war in Rohak still going on.
Hundreds flocked to the stalls outside the arena, where it’s vendors sold snacks such as sausages in buns or sweets or tankards of ale, before they moved inside. Small flags were also given to the viewers, which wished to cheer on their champion. Many of the audience picked up a Summer Dragon flag, for the champion had the heart of the people no matter what kingdom they came from, save Winter. Prince Harold Summer was a crowd favourite and was one of the best jousters on the continent.
“In today’s grand melee we have quite the spectacle for you, ladies and gentlemen!” the announcer shouted on the top of his lungs.” Not only do we have Prince Harold Summer himself with us today!-“ He paused as the audience cheered like a cavalry charge downhill.” We also have quite a few exotic participants!”
“As always we begin with a melee before the jousts, and what a melee we have In store for you. The announcer pointed to the left side of the arena.” In the left corner we have the champion for Lady Sarina of House Tor Vollen, may I introduce you to Gorvar half-orcen of Avaria!”
Gorvar walked inside the arena, and did receive quite a few cheers. He bore the Eagle tabard of House Tor Vollen as did Togo with Wolfgen who walked beside him.
“On the right we have Ser Hendrick of House Winter, come from the battlefield of Rohak itself for your entertainment ladies and gentlemen!” The elderly knight and his squire waved as they entered the arena. The Winter and Spring bench cheered as the Summer one boo’d and hissed. He wore the tabard of a wolf on his grey plate armour. He gave Gorvar a quick glare before he slipped his plate wolf crested helmet on.
“More likely for the gold...” Togo said as he gave Gorvar his axes and Wolfgen a rib.” My sources tell me Hendrick is blind on the right side.” “Which right, his or mine?” Gorvar took his weapons. “The sources didn’t tell me.” Togo replied. Gorvar frowned slightly. ” Just guess which one.” ” I don’t know what I would do without you Togo...” Gorvar shook his head as the two fighters walked towards each other.
The two fighters prepared themselves as the announcer counted down from five. Gorvar focused at the Winter knight as a small rock hit the knight on his right, he cursed briefly but otherwise didn’t react. The half-orc smirked as Togo no doubt was the one who threw the rock quickly and gave away which side his opponent was his weakest on. What would he have done without him indeed... “Go!” the announcer shouted and Gorvar cried out his battle cry and charged at the right.
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Post by Warhammer Gorvar on Sept 4, 2011 16:47:15 GMT 1
Chaper 9: the trap springs.
“That one.” Myra pointed out to the half orc warrior. Hadgar nodded his approval as he saw the barbarian and his wolf took down Ser Hendrick of Winter as the crowd erupted in a deafening cheer. He was strong and build like a bear, but fast like a panther. He had the muscle of a brutish orc, but had the wits of a human. Best of both worlds. There were stories that in the days of the elves, evil wizards and sometimes the elves themselves used legions of Half-orc warriors to achieve their goals because of this combination, but that all changed when the mages of Kadan created their fierce War Golems.
This Gorvar half-orcen was an antique, a relic...an old warrior of a forgotten time, brought back to the present with all his savagery. “Did you see him in your visions, love?” he asked to be sure. “No, my husband.” She replied.” But I know for certain, the cave spirits tell me so.” “Then by all means, let’s talk to him.” Hadgar smiled at his wife and helped her from her seat.
The two dwarves walked down their seat as the next match began while Gorvar was led off and unconscious Hendrick dragged out. “My ladies and gentlemen!” the announcer shouted.” He is called the Dragon of the East, the fastest sword on the continent and the prince of Summer...may I ask you to put your hands together for Prince Harold of Summer!”
Hadgar glanced as he saw the blonde haired handsome man enter the arena in his gilded armour with crimson dragons painted on his chest and a long red cloak that flowed behind him. His squire, a youth no more then fifteen Hadgar guessed, took the cloak and the jewel encrusted scabbard as three knights from different houses entered the arena. Ser Joffery of House Manister, Ser Jowain of Westend Keep and Ser Darren of Icepeak. Of course no Summer would dare hurt their prince and only the very foolish thought they would stand a chance against the so called best sword of the land.
The crowd cheered at Harold as he drew his two handed sword. It was queer one, Hadgar thought. The blade was the same like any other, but the sheer length of it seemed to light for a warrior, even one so trained like Prince Harold. The pommel had a red gem in the shape of a dragon and the handle itself was gold. ‘The Sword of the Sun’ they called it, created from an rock that fell from the sky. For generations it is passed down from male Summer to male Summer.
Hadgar did not see most of the match, however short it was. He heard the audience say his sword cut through all others and it seemed to give him speed and strength. In three minutes, one for each knight, the fight was over. “I knew he would win!” an Summer boasted. “ Prince Harold is invincible.” “I want to know he he’ll fair against the half-orc.” Another man said.” Three to one the half-orc would win.” “A brute like that? No, Prince Harold fought against orcs and Northmen. Trust me, that monster wont stand a chance.” “If he is that good, why isn’t he in Rohak then?” another man, no doubt a Winter, asked with a grim tone.” If he is that good he could solve the entire problem there in a week.”
“Be lucky his mother AND grandfather are protective of him.” The Summer replied.” Or else rohak would long be ou-“ “You know the rules.” An Spring Guard intervened and took both by their shoulders.” No talk of Rohak in this arena, can I leave this at a warning or do I need to drag both of you out?” Both men shook their heads and watched the next match begin.
“Not even the sanctuary of Spring will stop the war...” Myra warned her husband.” We must move quickly if we wish to stay out of the crossfire.” “The Tor Vollen section should be here...” Hadgar recalled as he followed the stairs out of the arena and into the many tents outside of it. He saw the banners of wolf, lion, gryphon, spider and even the shark of the Seaking isle’s, the ring of tropical islands all around the continent which were united as one small kingdom. He nodded when he saw the hawk of Tor Vollen.
The two dwarves moved toward the large pavilion as two guards held their spears in front of them to deny passage. “Who goes there?” one guard asked Hadgar. “I’m Hadgar of the House Drurgen, I want to speak to Gorvar half-orcen.” He replied. “Lady Sarina’s champion is resting.” The guard replied.” I cannot let you pa-“
The guard stopped as Myra waved her hand in a circular motion at the two men. “You will let us pass.” She said in a commanding tone. “We will let you pass.” Both said in unison and opened the tentflaps. “Thank you.” She said with a smile and walked inside with her husband.
“Your to good with that.” Her husband commented with a chuckle.” You sure you never used that on me before?” “No...” she replied. “Not even that one time when I took out the trash?” “I do not use the powers given to me by the cave spirits so slightly.” She frowned slightly.” In this case, speed is of the essence.” “You’re an riddle, wrapped in a enigma love.” Hadgar said as they walked toward a section of the large tent where they saw someone being treated.
The Halfling was wrapping a wet bandage over Gorvar’s wounded arm as the half-orc noticed them. “Gorvar Half-Orcen, I presume.” Hadgar smiled. “You see any other Half-Orcs?” Gorvar asked bluntly. He winced almost immediately when the Halfling strapped the bandage on hard. “Watch it, Togo.” “Stop being such a big baby.” Togo rolled his eyes.
“My name is Hadgar Drurgen, I’m here to offer you a job.” Hadgar said.” After this tournament of course.” “A job?” Gorvar asked. “You are a mercenary aren’t you?” Hadgar pointed out.” I heard a great deal about you two.” “What is the job, my good ser Drurgen?” Togo asked with a sly smile. “An expedition towards the Kingdom with no name.” Myra said.” We need more sellswords for any cave trolls we may find, good ones.”
“The kingdom with no name?” Togo asked.” Wait, isn’t that that lost dwarven kingdom place which bankrupted the Summer’s when their expedition went tits up?” “Yes.” Myra replied as she rose her brow curiously at the halfling’s vocabulary. “Lost ruins filled with ancient evils... “ Togo rubbed his chin.” How many times did we went on those trips, Gorv?” “Six.” The half-orc replied. “You sure it isn’t seven?” Togo asked.” I mean that trip to the Isle’s of Cyclops...” “That one doesn’t count.” His companion argued.” That was a trap from that drow sorceress you slept with.” “Ah hell, Kalestria...I remember. Crazy as a sack of gerbils, but in bed...whoo!”
Hadgar coughed, which drew both the adventurers their attention.” I’m sorry to interrupt, but speed is of the essence.” “The tournament just started though.” Togo said. “It’ll stop soon enough...” Myra said in a foreboding voice.” The war in Rohak will reach these gates, and for our safety it is best we are as far away from it as we can.” “You a seer?” Gorvar stood up. “Yes.” “Then you have my word to join you...AFTER the tournament.” “We need to leave now.” Hadgar said.” There is no time.”
“Why?” a elderly female voice sounded behind them. As Hadgar looked back, he froze. “Sarina...” he said with disbelief as the elderly woman was walked in by her grandson. “Father...” she glared.” Come to take away my people now have you?” “Father...?” Gorvar frowned. “Oh, this’ll get good...” Togo smirked, but soon received a slap to the back of the head by his half-orcen friend for it. Togo rubbed the back of his head and glared at Gorvar as Sarina glared in return to her father.
“For seventy-eight years, I did not hear anything from you.” She said.” You missed my namedays, my wedding, the birth of my children and grandchildren, my husband’s funeral...and now you return with that bitch?” Myra remained standing there, as if nothing was said. “Grandmother...” Jacob asked.” What...what is going on?” “You know I am a half-breed Jacob, half-dwarf..” she pointed her tender and small fingers at Hadgar.” He is your great-grandfather, the reason why I have lived for so long because of my dwarven heritage...”
“Look Sarina, I always made sure you were looked after and had enough money-“ Hadgar tried to plead, but Sarina interrupted. “What I wanted was a father!” she shouted.” I heard why you’re here, and quite frankly I don’t care. These two are hired by me, find your own!” she started to cough loudly, which made Jacob to quickly sit her down on one of the chairs of the little sickbay. “The fate of the continent rests on it.” Myra spoke up.” Even your Tor Vollen will fall if they do not come along.”
“Silence, witch.” She said in between coughs.” You are the one who stole him from me.” “Grandmother, please calm down...” Jacob pleaded. “Your health.” “Jacob, my sweet sweet boy...” she held his hand.” You are to good for your grandmother...” Jacob glared at Hadgar.” Master Gorvar and Master Togo are honoured friends of House Tor Vollen, but not subjects of the Peak. It’s their choice, now may I ask you to leave Lord and Lady Drurgen? My grandmother needs rest.”
Hadgar was about to speak, but Myra held up her hand. “We will leave...” she said and then turned to Gorvar.” But when the time is nigh we will ask you again...and I hope for all our sakes, you will listen.” With that she walked off, followed by a distraught Hadgar. The coughs of Lady Sarina filled the silence of the tent as both adventurers looked at each other.
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The House De Schacht had a Black Lion and a golden background for generations. The legends go one of Luc’s forefathers travelled to far away lands in the east in a massive crusade with the other continents to fight back of the wicked thin eyes men of the East, the Van Xia. In that battle, Lord Filips De Schacht of Westend Keep in his black armour became known as ‘The Lion’ because of his ferocity in battle, and the protectiveness he had towards his men like a Lion did to his cubs.
Lord Filip took the black lion and the golden rice fields where he fought many battles against the Van Xia. Now, a thousand years later the line would end with Luc De Schacht. His son Martin was near death, and the healers did not give him much chance. He was aware Martin spawned a bastard with his female drill instructor a few years back, but the law of the Three Kingdoms was firm. No bastard would ever rule any lands.
Children borne from his daughter would be born into the House of Winter, and no doubt Westend Keep would become part of the Winter Kingdom in due time because of no other heirs. She was already with child he heard one day ago. He was grateful, but the child would be no De Schacht.
Luc earned the title ‘Lion of Westend Keep’ during earlier invasions by Northmen, and now again fuelled by the near loss of his son. He cut through Summer and Rohakian alike with his lance, sword and even his bare hands. The people of Westend Keep all fought like lions, despite most of them being farmers or bricklayers by trade. The tragedy that fell on the prince was an outrage which spurned more men into service. In some battles, the banners of the Black Lion outnumbered the banner of the White Wolf.
The Summer’s countered this with Kadanian War Golems, freshly shipped from the island of mages itself. The massive rock creatures were roughly the size of a cave troll, but were moulded into the form of a large, thick soldier with a spear or sword. They were controlled by a Summer who shouted out instructions in the tongue of mages, which made them move and fight. The controller was on dragonback and always out of reach when someone tried to shoot him down.
This was no longer a mere squabble over a piece of land, Luc knew. This was a full out war set in a small province. Winter, Summer, Westend End Keep, The Red Dragoons and the tools of Drow and Kadan mage all fought in a battle that already now for either side was to much.
The lack of food from Rohak already started to starve some of the northern provinces of Winter, which forced King Fanran to buy food of smugglers from Avaria and rice of the Van Xia traders. The irony was not lost on Luc when he ate the eastern rice. He did not care, all he wanted was to kill. To avenge his son, to avenge the end of his bloodline. Cerdica was a dead woman.
“Milord, look!” one of his men shouted as he pointed to the north. Luc lifted his visor from his lion crested helmet...and saw a cavalry charge of neither Winter nor Westend Keep charge into the Golems. The banners showed a blue shark on a white background, which signalled them as the Sea Kings from the islands around the continent. “The hell are those fish munchers doing here?!” the soldier asked. The Sea Kings were four ‘kings’ who each ruled a small chain of islands at the four corners of the Continent of Seasons. His guess was King Farol Seaspring of the Northern Isles, and the leader of the three other kings, joined in the fray.
“I have an idea....” Luc glared slightly. After the battle ended in their favour, which made it a draw in the overall war with equal losses and winnings, Luc rode to the main camp. There he saw Frederick who stormed out of the main tent.
“The fool...” he cursed. Luc noticed Frederick changed when the war started. Before he was a quiet and shy but a good man, and a good husband for Eveline. But ever since Martin fell and his father not giving him a bigger responsibility, the heir of Winter was a different man.. He was back for a few days when the good news came. Eveline was pregnant, but he did not seem to care much. Some started to call him ‘The Mad Wolf’ because of it. It worried Luc.
“He called in the Sea Kings?” Luc asked. “One of them at least. Farol Seaspring, the man who can field an army of his own bloodline. One of his bastards is talking to father now.” Farol had four children, one of them the bastard called Bernard Seaspring, who earned the family name after single handedly killing a whale with his spear. But because each of his sons and daughter had children with the other Seakings, Farol technically ran all four the Sea Kings already. There were bastards to of course, something Farol was known for much to the dismay of his wife before he married her, and most were captains or had other high official jobs.
“I need to talk to your father, we cant call in the Sea Kings in this as well.” Luc said. “Good luck, he kicked me out because he needed to talk tactics with the bastard.” Frederick stormed off. Luc shrugged and went inside, where instead of tactics, he heard other things.
“My father will take good care of your wards.” Bernard said as he smiled through his big bushy green beard as he spoke to Fanran and Jonathan. He was a tall man, with strong forearms and wore the green-blue armour with the shark on it’s chest. His spear was nearly two meters tall, but Luc saw earlier Bernard was deadly with it. He turned to see Luc.” Ah, Lord De Schacht, honoured to meet you.”
“General Seaspring...” Luc nodded.” Fanran, what is all of this?” “I asked King Farol for aid to send reinforcements for the war effort and to fight off the Summer navy which was sailing for Ice peak docks, old friend.” Fanran replied. “What is the catch?” Luc asked.
Bernard chuckled deeply, which turned both Fanran and Luc’s heads. “Sorry, I’m a sucker for puns.” Bernard wiped his eyes. “I....promised to marry off one of General Tundra’s other daughters and send over a ward...” Fanran turned pale. “What ward....?” Luc asked. “I’ll go outside for a moment.” Bernard said as he walked out of the tent. “As will I...” Jonathan quickly added and followed.
“Fanran...” Luc urged. “I...agreed to send Eveline’s child to Foral’s court when it’s ten years old.” “What?!” Luc exploded.” The child isn’t even born yet! And why didn’t you consult me first?! I this Jonathan’s idea?!” “It’s my grandchild to!” Fanran shouted back.” And you should thank me, because with the Sea Kings we can win this war and avenge your son!” “At what cost Fanran?! At what cost?!” Luc retorted as he walked over to the map of Rohak and jabbed at it.” We have twenty razed villages, three burned out castles and over twenty thousand dead! Many of them are farmers who got caught in between armies! I’ll take years before something can grow again on this soil!”
“Rohak is mine, and Summer will pay for what they did!” “Allfather damn it Fanran...” Luc sighed.” Is it still for what Soliana did to you?” “This has nothing to do with it.” Fanran snapped back. “My arse!” Luc replied.” This is everything! They stole her from you and now you want to steal something to make them feel exactly what you feel!” “Get out!” “Or else what?! Send me out, like you did with your son?!” “No!” Fanran shouted. “Then give Rohak back to the Summer’s and be done with it!” “No!” Fanran slammed his fist on the table.” Nooo!” he grabbed the map and everything on it and threw it to the ground. He flipped the table over and breathed like an bull did before a charge.
“I’ve given up to much. I’ve lost land and people to the northmen, my wife, my daughter to the Summer’s, and now Rohak? No, the line must be drawn here, this and no further!” Fanran’s eyes were filled with fury and determination. Luc stared at the monster that was his friend...and sighed. “Very well...” he said.” If only because of our friendship and the blood alliance with our children, I accept.” He did point a finger at Fanran. “But do not mistake that I will forgive you for selling the babe before it’s even born.” With that Luc left the tent.
“Lord De Schacht.” Jonathan said as he waited outside.” I hope i-“ Jonathan gasped as Luc grabbed him by his jacket and pulled him off the floor. “If I find out you had any say over the fate of my grandchild, I will personally make sure you will never have children of your own ever again.” Luc growled and threw the advisor of Winter to the ground as he walked off, and hoped the host from Spring would arrive soon to stop the madness.
The host did arrive the next day, and it was massive. Every soldier had green armour and weapons reminiscent of old curved elven weapons, more beautiful then the ones from the drow, but still deadly. Banners of leaves, stags, bears and other animals were among their massive number. Fifty thousand and more Luc guessed conservatively. He did see quite a few animals in their number besides horses, such as bears and other large predators.
As agreed Fanran, Frederick and Luc rode to the General of the Spring host with his Gryphon banner, and soon saw a few dragons flew towards them. The largest one, who was the size of a small tower, landed as it’s rider stepped off by a small ladder and was aided by her knight, Jorric Luc recalled. None other then the Queen had come, next to Ser Jorric and Ser Faren, the traitor knight.
“Fanran.” Cerdica spoke with no emotion. “Cerdica.” He returned the gesture, despite the anger that flashed in his eyes. The General quickly stood near them. “Your graces, my name is High General Volstik of House Manister.” The general took off his leaf shaped helmet and held it near him as he took a document given to him by another Spring soldier.” In name of King Halmadir, the first of his name, King of Spring and Steward of the Three Kingdoms, I ask you to place down your arms and uphold to the new borders created by the king him-“
No-one saw the arrow, but all saw where it ended. With the quickness of a fox, it struck Fanran square in the chest. As he fell, Frederick cried out for his father and held him with Luc. Before any other order could be made, another arrow came, but this time someone saw it.
“My queen!” Jorric shouted and placed himself in between the arrow and his queen, which ended in him falling down as well. “Jorric!” Cerdica tried to get to him, but Ser Faren and the other knights quickly formed a circle around her. General Volstik drew his sword and barked orders as the sky above turned black. Luc looked back and saw both Winter and Summer camps burned as howls of madness and screeches of terrible monsters rang above.
“What is this treachery?!” Luc cried out. Frederick pulled out the arrow, which was shown to be made from dragonbone. Her glared at Cerdica.” You monster..” “Who do you call monster, you tried to kill me!” she seemed slightly relieved as Jorric seemed to be breathing as he was dragged off to a dragon to be flown away. “I called for peace!” The general said.” Who-ever is doing this I order you to stand do-“ Another arrow flew and penetrated Volstik through the eye.
Chaos erupted through the host and both sides knew, no peace would be possible. Luc picked up Fanran and threw him over his horse and rode off with Frederick as Cerdica flew off with her dragons. Everyone in the Spring Host looked at the young second in command, Volstik’s son. The young man drew his sword, and gave the order to charge, fuelled by the death of his father.
As the army of Spring wadded through Winter and Summer alike, two people from afar smirked at their work. Percevalt smiled and placed his hand on Diana’s shoulder as she withdrew her bow. “And so it begins....” he said.” The rise of Fall and Rohak will come through the ashes of the old.” “I did miss Cerdica.” Diana said. “No matter, we have the three kingdoms warring, and our people did instigate the fires well enough.” She turned to Prince Hanalius. “What now?” “Now...” he glanced over the battlefield of traitors.” We wait...”
TBC
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Post by Warhammer Gorvar on Sept 6, 2011 18:42:38 GMT 1
A guide to the Houses of the Continent of Seasons and beyond.
The Three Kingdoms.
After the War of the Seasons, King Halmadir united the three kingdoms as one and has ruled over them since. Currently, Winter is ruled by King Fanran and Summer by Queen Cerdica Summer/Spring.
House Winter
As one of the four major houses of the continent, Winter is located in the northern part where snow and ice rule. Despite the hardships, it’s people are strong both mentally and physically. They maintain this by traditions and following a pack like mentality and loyalty. The gift the elves left behind was the friendship of wolves, who aided them in numerous times by helping their human brothers in the hunt or in war, or guide lost travellers back home. Ever since it’s creation, the people of Winter fight an ongoing war with the Northmen who invade regularly from their longboats.
The House of Winter is ruled by the Winter family line at Castle Winter. The Winter Banner is a white wolf on a blue background, a banner shared by every lord in the Kingdom.
The major provinces of Icepeak Docks, Snowflow, Snowbloom, Winter’s Peak, Vorstland, Frostwyrm’s bones, Avalan and Rohak have sworn loyalty to House Winter and it’s King.
House Summer
As one of the major houses of the continent, Summer is located in the eastern part where the eternal summer sun rules. The people are a hot tempered folk with skin turned bronze because of the sun, but are more easy going and overall very kind. The elves gave the Summer’s the now almost forgotten art of dragon taming, which makes the Summer Dragon Knight’s one of the rare and powerful knights on the continent and beyond.
The House of Summer is ruled by the Summer family line at Castle Summer. The Summer Banner is a red dragon on a black background, a banner shared by every lord in the Kingdom.
The major provinces are Emberwind, Madrad, Portuga, Hensfield, Tropis, Darlyn, Summer’s End and Dragon’s Calling have sworn loyalty to House Summer and it’s current Queen.
House Spring
As one of the major houses of the continent, Spring is located in the centre of the continent where Spring always brings life to harvests and childbirth’s. It’s people are kind and happy, but also arrogant and believe in their own provinces before their kingdom. The elves left the gift of friendship with nature, so the people of Summer are kin with the creatures of the wild nor do they need to cut wood for homes, which forces them to build their homes from brick. It’s current line of king’s were elves who remained while their kin left, with the now king being the last half-elf on the continent and perhaps the world. Spring has always kept a vigilant look over the forest of Fall, and there have been several times where the horrors had to be repelled back. None, save Halmadir and his loyal guard, know what horrors lurk in those dark forests, save that entire villages can go missing in one night if they are unlucky to be near it.
The House of Spring is ruled by the Spring family line at Neromapia, the capitol of Spring and the Three Kingdoms. The banner of spring is a green leaf with two arrows through it, a banner only shown in Neromapia and several lords near it.
Lesser houses of Spring
House De Schacht
House De Schacht rules from Westend Keep, a large castle located in between the three kingdoms and well known for it’s trade routes. In history, the friendship of Westend keep switched to all three kingdoms depending on it’s current lord and if looking at the genealogy it is seen at one time or another, all three kingdoms have relatives in the De Schacht bloodline or otherwise. It is from Lord Fillips De Schacht’s time that a black lion on a golden leaf became the family banner when he went off to fight against the hordes of Emperor Van Xia in the golden rice fields of the far east. Since then every lord is known as ‘The Lion of Westend Keep’ and every fighting man is known to be as ferocious as a lion in combat.
Westend Keep is ruled by the De Schacht family. The banner is a black lion on a golden leaf.
House Tor Vollen
House Tor Vollen is a mountainous and remote area in the north-eastern portion of the Spring kingdom. Known for it’s ores and riches, it’s people are a sturdy folk of miners and are nearly as skilled as a dwarf. Because of this, plenty of dwarven miners and warriors go to Tor Vollen to share wisdoms with it’s people.
The House Tor Vollen is ruled by the Tor Vollen family. The Tor Vollen banner is a black hawk.
The Sea Kings
The Sea Kings are four lords who rule over a small group of islands located around the Continent of Seasons. Having sworn loyalty to no man, although technically belonging to the Spring Kingdom by a marriage a generation back, they are free to decide among themselves who becomes the ‘King’ of the ‘Sea Kings’. This is either done by war, a challenge of trade or marriage. They are the most skilled sailors of the continent and horse riders due to the exotic horses they breed on their tropical island homes.
The Sea Kings rule the islands around the continent, which number at twenty-six, eighteen inhabited and eight colonies/breeding areas. The Sea Horses have a blue shark as their banner.
The new Fall Kingdom and it's allies.
House Fall
The House of Fall was located in the South-Eastern portion of the continent. A massive forest with villages and castles hidden under the branches. Gifted with the darker side of wood magic, the Kings of Fall were able to call upon the darker side of nature's creatures, such as bats, werewolves and other monsters. However, at the end of the War of the Seasons, the last king, King Hanalius, and his family were all slain by King Halmadir Spring, the first of his name.
After the defeat of the kingdom, it's people and other mystical creatures went insane and ran a rampage which lasted for two hundred years. Until recently when Crown Prince Percevalt Hanalius has recovered enough magical items to calm the minds of his people and rebuild the Fall kingdom.
The House of Fall is ruled by the Hanalius family line at Castle Fall. The Fall Banner is a black bat, a banner shared by every lord in the Kingdom until the fall.
During the fall of the kingdom, none of the province's name were recorded and were forgotten in time. The only ruin left in Fall is Castle Fall which is located in the center of the massive forest.
Rohak
Rohak is a province of Summer where once the mighty Phoenix lived five hundred years ago. Two years ago it was sold to Winter to settle debts made by Summer. It's people are farmers all, but are loyal to their former Queen and hate the King of Winter. However after several betrayals by both rowns, there are rumours of an alliance between those whom are Rohak's strongest and bravest leaders, and the newly arisen Fall Kingdom.
Rohak is currently run by Captain Diana Bloomsbury of the Red Dragoons guerrila fighters, the niece of the late Terrence Bloomsbury who led the movement until his death. The banner of Rohak was a beheaded red dragon, before it changed to a red phoenix under Diana Bloomsbury's leadership.
Outside of Continent of Seasons
House Drurgen
House Drurgen is a dwarven house from Khardrazan and is well known for it’s warrior and archaeology experts. Claiming to have been fighting cave trolls ever since the dwarven race was created, they are expert tunnel fighters and can mine through any known rock known to them. They have a monopoly on the near indestructible Old Blood ore that is located deep in the bowels of their mountains.
House Drurgen is a part of the dwarven kingdom of Khardrazan and owes it loyalty to it’s circle of Clerics, the woman mages who can heal wounds and foresee the future. It’s banner is a Ax and a Hammer over an Anvil.
Drow Caravan Dyrr.
After the fall of their island home of Insulad’umbra, the Drow split up into caravans to rally troops and funding to mount an army to reclaim their island home. However like their elven cousins, the dark elves are a dying breed although a lot more populated still. The House Dyrr was known as a house of cavalry chargers who mounted large spiders with wicked teeth. Now it’s known as one of the wealthiest caravan’s out of the fifteen, although the prince (or princess) of the caravan changes several times in one decade due to treachery.
House Dyrr is part of the Remnants of the Drow Empire and shares the same amount of loyalty to the other fourteen caravans, all united In the common cause to reclaim Insulad’umbra. It’s banner is a golden spiderhead on a red background.
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Post by Warhammer Gorvar on Sept 13, 2011 23:50:02 GMT 1
Chapter 10: War travels on black wings.
King Halmadir sighed deeply as the sun set over his Neromapia. The last dying rays slowly faded over his rooftops and people who returned from the tournament outside his walls. His animal citizens went back to their homes as did his human ones. Night sentries set up along the wall as the torches were being lit.
Every sunset felt like it would be his last. He still looked like a young man, with strong arms and chest covered with scars. But one had to look at his weary face and ears and knew the burden of the crown claimed it’s toll long ago. “Does something trouble you, my king?” his aide asked as she dressed.
He was a king, but his wife died decades ago, and even a half-elf still needed human comforts. “No, just the muttering of an old man.” He smiled weakly. “ Thank you for coming, Alanya.” “Anything for my king.” She smiled as she tied her brown hair back.” You need anything further?” “I’m fine thank you.” He replied as he held her hand for a moment.
“You know where I am if you need me, your grace.” She kissed him before she walked off. He smiled a little as she shut the door to his royal chambers. She reminded him of his first wave, Ilyria. She gave him Hirondir, before they both passed away. He hated his heritage since down. He had heirs, but he outlived them all. Now only Amroth remained, who had no desires for the throne, and Cerdica who was queen of the Summer.
Ever since the tournament started, letters arrived from her asking for the throne. He picked up one of those letters and read it with disbelief still. It said he was getting old, that she was willing to bear the burden of the throne of Spring and Harold the one of Summer. It didn’t make any sense, but there it was.
Halmadir could not allow her to be Queen of Spring as well, her hatred for Winter and the war over Rohak told him enough. Her son Harold was a man who loved his mother dearly and no doubt would take her in his council, and his great-grandchild Fenris was to young. There were bastards sure, and his bastards had children of their own, but the laws of kings was resolute. No bastard was allowed to take his father or mother’s place, not even if he was the last of the bloodline.
He loved his children, but there was no choice. He slipped into his silk breeches and walked over to his door, which he opened and called for one of his guards.” Call in Rodrik please.” “Of course, your grace.” The guard nodded and ran off. Loyal men, Halmadir smiled to himself. He tried to remember this one’s name, was it Ferel? Trogan? No Trogan died two years ago, or was that fifteen?
He shook his head, he was losing his mind he knew. Just a few moments ago he cried out Ilyria’s name when he made love to Alanya because they looked so much alive, and she forgave him bless her soul. He made sure she was going to be looked after when he died, her and her child...his? He didn’t even know.
Halmadir went over to his night cabinet and took his medicine, a small vial of green liquid. They were rare flowers from Avaria, cultivated from the nuns of the Black order. Legends say they can keep death of mind and body away for decades in some cases. He’s been taking this potions for years now, he hoped he could squeeze a few more.
Three heavy knocks sounded on his door, which could only be Rodrik of Varen. “Come in.” Halmadir said as he quickly stashed the vial away. Rodrik was a big man, with a bushy grey beard and forearms like a bear. He was nicknamed ‘The old bear’ for that reason. He bore the same armour he had all those years ago when the Three Kingdoms were all invaded by the Northmen, a green plate armour with the Spring symbol painted on it’s chest with his house’s symbol in front of it, an brown bear roaring. The Bear of Varen, and the Champion of Spring.
“You called, your grace?” Rodrik asked. “Yes, close the door.” Halmadir instructed and sat down on his chair as the old bear closed the door. “I need your help, old friend.” “Anything, my liege.” Rodrik knelt. “ Please...no, old friend. Don’t kneel.” Halmadir urged Rodrik to rise.” Friends don’t kneel for each other.” “It’s instinct my liege.” Rodrik smiled.” After all, you did give me my house.” “Still.” Halmadir returned the smile and motioned Rodrik to sit down on one of the chairs in the room, which Rodrik did.” I need your help.” “Anything milord.” Rodrik vowed.
“I want you to listen to my story, what I did and what will haunt the kingdoms after I will die, and how you will stop it.” “Your grace-“ The old bear tried to interrupt, but Halmadir rose his hand to shut him up.” Very well, your grace.”
The half-elven king smiled and began. “Back during the war of the seasons, atrocities were committed by all sides. Villages burned, women raped, children’s head’s put on spikes...it was chaos. My father was the steward of the last elven king, and stayed to guide King Keldran Spring. I was young when the war started, but I was there when it escalated.” “The Kingdom of Fall, your grace?” the old bear asked, to which the king nodded. “Fall had the worst of it though, I recall how strategically placed Fall was to resources and locations to attack the other kingdoms. Sometimes two kingdoms even sided to claim a single Fall castle before they broke the alliance and fought each other over it.”
The king closed his eyes, as if he saw the bloodshed before him. “For ten years this continued until half of Fall was dead or dying. Hanalius made a desperate pact with dark magicks. The living dead, demons, monsters of horror.” “Dark deeds for dark people.” Rodrik grumbled. “Dark deeds for desperate people.” Halmadir replied.” Rodrik, if your people were dying, wouldn’t you do anything in your power to save them?” “Not if it would cost my soul, your grace...” he replied.
“Then you may be a braver man then Hanalius was my old friend...or me.” Halmadir poured out some wine from the cabinet in a glass. He offered it to Rodrik who kindly refused. After a swig, the old king continued his tale.” Fall was winning back it’s territories and more with his dark allies, now our castles were being burned, our women raped as their fathers and brothers were butchered like animals. After Keldran died in battle, I did all in my power to rally the three kingdoms and seek outside aid like the dwarves and the Sea Kings, even drow...” he spat at the latter.” I still hate myself for having paid Spring gold to those monsters.”
“You did what you had to, to win the war, your grace.” Rodrik tried to assure his king. “At what cost...?” Halmadir asked, but continued before Rodrik could answer. “My army marched toward Castle Fall, and there we had our final battle. I still have nightmares from it at nights Rodrik, the battles we faced with the Northmen was nothing compared to those horrors. Men may be monsters, but even monsters fear the creatures Hanalius summoned. After what seemed like days, I finally came across Hanalius and duelled him. You know how I won?”
“The tales say it was honourable combat.” Rodrik said. Halmadir chuckled weakly.” More like treachery. Hanalius had me, if it weren’t for Hadgar and that...drow, I would’ve been killed.” “How, your grace?” “I tripped.” He chuckled again.” Over a corpse, he had his sword on my neck and was about to behead me but asked me to yield. The drow however shot a arrow through his kneecap and Hadgar disarmed him. I finished the job quickly.” “He...asked you to yield?” Rodrik asked. “And I didn’t give him the same honour...” Halmadir sighed.
“But the stories say he sacrificed his wife for the dark powers.” Rodrik said.” Surely he was a monster.” “She volunteered.” Halmadir said.” She wanted to save her family and people at the cost of her own life. At least that is what the captured soldiers said after the battle.” “What happened after?” Rodrik asked eagerly. “When I slayed Hanalius, the werewolves and harpies still were loyal to the Fall cause...so I was forced to cast my own spell.” “You...were the one who turned Fall into chaos, my liege?” Rodrik asked with disbelief. “We were about to lose, despite King Hanalius’ loss.I was forced to. I had no choice!”
Halmadir threw the glass at the wall, which made Rodrik jump at the sudden outburst. He panted for air as his age caught back up to him.” That is what I tell myself at night, at least.” “You did what you had to do your grace, we’ve had peace for two hundred years!” “Peace based on lies and treachery. A peace that will die when I will.” He took out a opened letter and gave it to Rodrik.” It already started. Volstik was killed a few days ago, his son Farold attacked both Winter and Summer in a fit of rage, or despair, or both.”
Rodrik took the letter with disbelief as read it, and hoped what his king said was an exaggeration, it wasn’t. Acting High General Farold was laying siege to Westend Keep while his second attacked the Summer war bands that scattered to get back to their own lands. Surprisingly the Traitor Wolves did not lower their gates for their allies, nor did the Red Dragoons aid in the retreat.
“When did this arrive?” Rodrik asked. “One hour ago, Alanya brought it to me.” Halmadir replied.” Already Icewind Peak is rallying it’s fleets and Marad is preparing it’s siege weaponry. The Sea Kings made their lot with Winter and Manister with the Summers, only to get back at the De Schachts, although they proclaim to aid the heir of Spring, Queen Cerdica.” “Cerdica is your heir, my king...” Rodrik said.” There is no-one else.”
“That...is why I called you Rodrik. “ Halamdir smiled a little.” There is one more heir, Amroth.” “Your son?” Rodrik asked.” But I thought you allowed him to lose the title of prince.” “I’m re-instating it. I had set my hopes on another child, or Harold would prove to be a proper king. But since neither are fulfilled, I need you to be regent until he comes back home.” “Me?!” Rodrik stood up.” But my liege, I’m just your champion, your knight!” “You have the hearts of the lords and citizens, at least the ones near Neromapia. They all remember you who fought like a bear and held the pass when the Northmen were a stone’s throw away from Neromapia.”
“I’m not sure I-“ “Rodrik, please. I ask you as a friend, please hold the throne if I would come to die.” Halmadir held his friend’s hand. When Rodrik looked up at Halmadir, he did not see his king he served nearly all his life, but an sad old man at the end of his life who pleaded for something nigh impossible.
He did not know why he agreed, but Rodrik could not disappoint his king and the chances of him dying were small. “I will, your grace.” He vowed.” On the honour of house Varen.” “Thank you...” Halmadir held his friend as he sobbed.” Thank you.” “I’m sure you will be here to see your son arrive.” Rodrik smiled weakly. “I know, but I prefer to know that you will be there until my son arrives.” Halmadir smiled as he sat down.
“I’m always at your beck and call my liege.” Rodrik said with a smile.” For many, many years to come.” “I know. Thank you Rodrik.” Halmadir said.” I’m sorry to call on you, give my regards to Bethany and the children and grandchildren.” “I will, my liege.” Rodrik said ands stood up. He bowed deeply and left.
Halmadir smiled until his champion left the room. When the door fell shut, the smile disappeared as he was left all alone in the dark. He wished for Alanya to be with him tonight, but knew if she would, she would likely be killed. He saw the reports of the cave trolls on the roads, the exodus from the tunnels from Hadgar’s reports. They were coming.
“Evening, your grace....” a suave voice sounded through the room. Halmadir’s heart stopped for a moment when he heard the voice and turned around. He saw a handsome looking man, with dark brown hair and clothing. He did not sound or look exhausted from his climb, and the air was full of dark magic. “Henselt of Northend Keep, at your service.” The man bowed.
“You are Tyrone’s son.” Halmadir pointed out. “One of the two, I’m the slimmer one.” Henselt replied with a sinister smile.” Or at least one of the forms I can take.” “You are here to kill me?” the king asked. “Yes.” Henselt said as he took out a dark dagger.” You may scream if you want, after all your kingdom and all kingdoms on this continent will burn with it as the time of twilight comes, and smothers all.”
“I rather die with dignity.” Halmadir glared as he took his dagger from his nightstand. Henselt merely smirked as he charged toward the old half-elf.
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Soliana stood on a balcony as Guldor stood next to her. Nightfall obscured most of the alleyways below, except for the torches and lights from the houses. “Are you sure you want me here?” Soliana asked.” Fenris needs looking after...and-“ “Your son will be fine and your servants will keep quiet.” Guldor replied.” Besides I’m big on the watching your enemy be killed with your own eyes if you ordered the hit.” “He’s not my enemy...” Soliana glared at Guldor.” He needs to pay for what he did to me.” “And death will suit that punishment perfectly.” Guldor replied.” Unless your getting second doubts?”
Soliana kept glaring, but it slowly wavered. “He took me away from my home, took other lovers, fathered bastards....but he was always nice to me.” She looked at the drow prince.” You think I should call it off?” “You wish to spare him?” Guldor asked. “ You do know he’s walking back from some well bosomed noble lady’s house where he indulged himself in carnal delights?” “He is my son’s father still.” she replied. “No, he is Queen Cerdica’s son.” Guldor replied and showed her a letter.” A little present from our communal friend.”
“What is this?” she asked as she took the letter. Guldor did not reply as she read the letter. Her face turned pale when she finished digesting it’s contents. Cerdica was going to have another son. A proper heir for the Summer throne. “She’s going to give the child, Rohak...” she searched for words.” Her child will be heir to the throne of Summer, and mine...” “Yours will be a bastard, cast aside like a dishrag.” Guldor filled in his thoughts. “No, no! Harold would never allow that!” she tried to defend her husband. “You think so?” Guldor folded his arms.” The man already has one bastard you know of, you think he will allow yours to be prince still? He is his mother’s loyal son.”
“No...” she said with disbelief.” He would never...he loves me.” “Let me tell you a little story.” Guldor said.” Once upon a time, a few decades ago let us say, I fell in love with a human slave from our Eastern trades. She was beautiful. Blonde hair like you, pretty face like you,...I think you even have her eyes.” She saw his hand move to her, but he pulled back and continued, like it never happened. “ She was shy, smart and made me laugh. And her songs, dark goddess could she sing.” He smiled a little.” We had an love affair that lasted three years. I took her as my own private servant, clothed her in the finest silks, loved each other in secret. We even got secretly married.”
He looked at her briefly with a small smile, and then back at the alley.” My father found out after those three years, one of my minions sold out his loyalty for a couple of gold coins. You know what he did?” She shook her head. “When I was gone for a deal with another clan, he went in my caravan, dragged her from it and threw her on the ground outside. He ripped off her silk dress and ordered his men to rape her. One hundred and fifty men took her like a whore, princess Soliana. One hundred and fifty men.”
Soliana gasped.” Allfather, I’m sorry to hear that!” He continued.” When I returned, they were still going at it. My father forced me to watch. After his last man had his go, I begged for her release. He promised he would, if she survived Rockfingers.” He pointed at the Cave troll down below who helped prepare the ambush. Soliana gasped again as the horror struck her.” He didn’t!” “He did. She broke in half when the troll had his go. Her cries and his groans still hunt me at nights...” he placed his hands on the rail, and held on to it tight.” My father said ‘This is for ruining our family name with a human whore, let this be the first and last time I catch you or I’ll punish you next.’ I didn’t give him that chance, and I killed him myself that night.”
He pointed at his blue leather chair in his study behind him.” That is his skin, right there.” Soliana shivered and jumped a little as she herself sat in that chair mere moments ago.” Why are you telling me this?!” “Because if your man loved you, he would go to any length to avenge you.” Guldor replied.” Think on that, Princess Soliana of Summer.”
She did think on that, she thought until she saw Harold walk down the alleyway alone. In a blink of an eye, swords and arrows flew at him. Harold however drew his sword and deflected it all. He was called ‘The Dragon of the East’ for a reason, and quite a few drow assassins fell to his blade. The Sword of the Sun. Even in the dark it glowed like a beacon. He didn’t even look afraid, not even when Stonefingers ran up to him, every step an earthquake which left an large imprint on the pavement, and his roar was as fierce as any dragon.
But Harold was smarter and faster. He dodged every cumbersome club attack and missed every time. Harold’s sword cut through the rock hide of the troll and after many stabs, green blood started to pour. Soliana watched the battle nervously until suddenly she bolted from the caravan. Guldor did not stop her and merely looked as the troll that killed his wife so many years ago was finally killed himself. He smirked a little, a penetrating death was fitting for Rockfingers.
Harold leaped on top of the troll and stabbed his sword through the troll’s head. Exhausted, Harold jumped down as slid his sword away. “Harold!” Soliana cried out from across the alleyway and ran toward him. “Soliana?” he asked confused and walked over. She jumped in his arms, and he held her.” What are you doing here? Your alright?” “I’m sorry.” She said.” I’m sorry, I’m sorry.” “What fo-“ his eyes widened when he felt the answer in his chest. He looked down, and found a dagger in his chest. A dagger she planted in his chest.
“This.” She pushed him away as she started to sob.” I want to protect my baby, I want to protect my baby!” Harold held on to the dagger as his tanned skin quickly turned pale. Red blood came from his mouth as he tripped over Stonefinger’s arm. With a betrayed look on his face, the prince of Summer breathed out his last breath.
Soliana gasped for air as she kept walking back. She jumped when she bumped into Guldor’s chest as tears fell from her eyes.” Allfather...what have I done?!” “You protected yourself and your baby, Princess Soliana. Now it’s time to head for the next step.” “N-next step?” she asked confused. Guldor took her around her shoulder and led her back to her home.” You will act shocked, tell everyone you and your loving husband walked back home after a night out. You were both attacked by nasty drow assassins, from another caravan on the other side of the world of course, and your husband gave his life to save yours.” Soliana kept shivering. “Princess, listen to me!” Guldor shook her a little.” What did I say?” She looked up at him, her eyes filled with fear. “What did I say?” he asked again. “...we were attacked.” She said.” He fought, died. So I could life.”
The drow smiled. “Good, keep that up and you will get what you want.” Soliana inhaled deeply, and let out a big sigh.” A throne for my son.” She looked at Guldor.” You did not uphold your end of the deal.” “Pardon?” Guldor blinked. “You did not kill him, I did.” She pushed him away.” You are still bound to me.”
The prince of House Dyrr smirked with his sharp white teeth and bowed.” Indeed I do, what do you wish of House Dyrr, my princess?” “Plant evidence that your failed assassins worked for Spring nobles, Feren told me Cerdica is vying for her father’s throne. That will lose her supporters and I will gain them. I will fly back tomorrow to Summer and get my army now Cerdica has left the kingdom. The people will want revenge and see her as a traitor.” She walked towards her estate as Guldor followed.” You will come with me, you will be the drow who saved me.”
“I am honoured, princess.” He bowed. “No, no more Princess Soliana. I am Queen Soliana of Summer, and I will give my son and people the future they deserve. So shall it be done.” “So shall it be done.” The drow prince agreed.
TBC
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Post by Warhammer Gorvar on Sept 20, 2011 21:35:39 GMT 1
Chapter 11: Chaos and smoke.
Amroth smiled a little as he saw the dock of Stillwater harbour appear in the distance. For days now he and his dwarven friend Eldrik were on this traders boat, the Wavestrider, on route to the Kingdom of Spring. The sea was not to unkind, but the trip felt long. Of the books he had brought with him from his university at Whiteberg, he read all of them at least several times already and the company was nothing to be proud of.
Save for his dwarven friend and the Avarian crew, there was a northwoman who kept her gaze on her drink nearly all the time, an orc trader who strangly had nothing to say and a Halfling apothecary. Out of al three, the northwoman was the one who caught Amroth’s blue eyes. She was large, as all northmen were, and had arms like a bear. Her face was common and her long black hair was tied in a pony tail. An large two handed ax lay next to her table, and guessing off the blade Eldrik said, it was well used.
“Amroth, what are you doing up here so early?” the dwarf asked as he got on deck. Amroth smiled as he looked at his friend. He had long black beard and eyes, his face was grim but Amroth knew if you got to know Eldril Drurgen, you had a friend for life. “It’s been two years sicne I last was home.” Amroth said.” I cant wait to see father again. I hope my letter got through and we have a carriage ride home.”
“I bloody hope so...” Eldrik stretched.” I aint bloody walking five days to Neromapia.” “The people of Spring are kind and always willing to share food otherwise.” Amroth leaned on the bow of the ship as the wind went through his long blonde hair.” If we have to travel by foot, the inns will be glad to take us in.” “As long the ale is well stocked and the wenches have large enough bosoms to rest my head in, I’m not going to complain.” The dwarf chuckled.
“You know you are not breaking any stereotypes with that kind of talk, my friend.” Amroth smirked. “Kiss my arse, elf boy.” The dwarf returned the smirk and walked off to the dining cabin of the large trading vessel. Amorth shook his head and kept smiling at the dock of Stillwater that came toward them.” It’s good to be home...” he said to himself.
Shortly after breakfast, the ship docked at the harbour. As Amroth stepped off, his smile quickly faded when he saw the destruction. Save for the pier, nearly all the buildings in the town were destroyed. There was some rebuilding in place, such as the inn which had his roof rebuild, but from the blackened houses and the faint smell of death, Amroth knew something bad happened. He quickly took a man by his shoulder after he tied a rope from the Wavestrider to the pier.
“What happened?” Amroth asked.” Why is everything destroyed?” “A regiment of Lions came here and burned the place down.” The man replied as if it was a daily occurrence.” A couple of knights from Nerompaia and Tor Vollen drove them off soon enough. Not after they did a number on our food supply though..” “What Lions?” “The ones from Westend Keep of course. Haven’t you heard son, it’s war out here.” The man took over another rope tossed from a avarian sailor. “Bloody tactical location or some shite like that.”
“War?! But King Halmadir would never allow that!” Amroth followed him. Eldrik and the other travellers stepped off the boat, and also found the blackened ruins of the town confusing. “Where are you from?” the man asked. “Whiteberg.” Amorth replied. “Ah...then you don’t know...” the man sighed.” Our king died a few weeks ago. Jumped off his balcony. Think the pressure got to him if you ask me.”
Amroth’s world seemed to collapse. His father, his father he had not seen in a year, was dead. Every good cheer he had were quickly dashed into the ground. Eldrik, the always so loyal Eldrik, overheard and walked over to the man. “How do you mean, he jumped off?” the dwarf asked.” What happened here?” “ It’s a long story.” The man said as he wiped the sweat off his brow. “Please tell us.” Amroth pleaded. The man paused, then nodded at the two.” Aye, fair enough. Come let’s go to the bar, think we all need one.”
They followed the man to the nearly repaired inn. As they went, they saw men rebuilding the buildings as women tried to get wash the black off the buildings. In the debris Amroth saw children playing or find things from the debris. War had come to Spring, and yet everyone moved on, or tried to. The inn had a few customers, knights mostly guessing of the armour and the one squire who bore a hawk banner. The man sat down and ordered some drinks from the old inn keep, who walked with a wooden cane. “Old man Jenkins...” the man said with a sigh.” Lost his wife and daughter to them Lions, has to take care of his grandchildren alone now. The healer had to cut his left leg off to because the wound festered. Poor bastard...” Eldrik glanced at the old man, and saw it was a wooden leg he used to support himself along with his cane. “What is your name then, good ser?” Amroth asked.
“Name’s Flint, I’m a dockworker. Things here have been going to shit even before Halmadir died, gods willing may his soul rest in peace...” “You men there has been war for a while?” Eldrik asked. “Aye, for Rohak. I don’t know the specifics there, but from what I know Cerdica and Fanran started fighting each other over it. It all went down fast. They were calling in old debts, favours...the Wolves made a blood alliance with those bastards at Westend Keep.” he spat at the mention of the Lions.
“A blood alliance?” Amroth asked. “Fanran married off Prince Frederick to De Schacht’s daughter, heard she’s knocked up already. Wolves shagging Lions...disgusting.” Flint spat again, but quickly smiled as he got the drinks of Old Man Jenkins. Amroth smiled weakly and gave him some golden coins.” Here you go, ser Jenkins.” The old man smiled weakly back and stomped off. After a big gulp, Flint continued.” That’s not all. The Sharks are on their side to.” “The who?” Eldrik blinked.
“The Sea Kings.” Amroth remembered seeing several of their ships when they neared the continent.” They hardly take any sides though...” “Means the old wolf paid big coin or promised something.” Flint said.” Anywho, the Dragons bought Kadanian War Golems and all kinds of sellswords. Worse now the war escalated some of our own Houses have flocked to her side!”
“It makes sense...” Amroth did not even touch his drink.” She is the rightful heir to the throne. Cerdica was always an opportunist...” “Rightful heir or not, this war is costing us dearly.” Flint said.” Bandits everywhere, famine, villages burning, castles destroyed...” he motioned the two closer.” There is word the king may even have been murdered...” “Murdered?” Amroth gasped.” By whom?” “No-one knows. Some people say the Summers did it, but Prince Harold died himself by Spring hands. Regent Rodrik had to flee Neromapia himself because of the chaos there.” “Harold died to?!” Amroth was shocked.
“This entire continent is going to hell son, if I were you I would grab the first boat back to Avaria. Not even with Queen Cerdica on the throne now, there will be any peace.” Flint looked up as a man entered the inn.” Flint, we need your help with moving the wounded!” “Aye, aye I’m coming, for the love of the gods...” he grumbled as he finished his drink and walked off.
Amroth’s hands clinged on to his tankard as the news failed to sink in fully. He lost his father, his nephew and now his home was at war. “Amroth, I’m so sorry...” Eldrik placed his hand on Amroth’s shoulder. “I...I need to go to Neromapia.” He said.” I need to talk to Cerdica...” “You sure that’s a good idea?” Eldrik asked.” No offense but...your sister is a bitch.” “She is my sister El.” Amroth stood up.” I have to go see her.” “What about Rodrik?” the dwarf stood up as well. “Tor Vollen in two weeks travel from here, we ca-“
The bell of the church sounded through the village as everyone in the village stood still. It gave one heavy BONG, a pause....and two bongs more. The villagers cried out in fear and ran into their cellars, including old man Jenkins, as the knights sighed deeply and got up from their seats and drew their weapons. Both knew the village was under attack again.
Both ran outside and saw the few militia members left grab their spears and wooden shields. “They’re coming from the sea!” the lookout at the church tower shouted.” Sharks, the sharks are coming!” Amroth was human despite his half-elven father, but he still had better eyesight then an average man. He peered ahead, and did see four long boats with a blue shark on their sails speed towards them.
He faintly saw men in green-blue armour, spears and bows drawn. A horse or two as well. “I think we should leg it....” Eldrik said. “Where to?” Amroth asked.” You studied mathematics, you know how fast those things can sail, and they have horses. They’ll be on us in five minutes.” “Best stay and die fighting then.” One of the hawk-knights said and gave each a sword.” You know how to use these?” “Poke them with the pointy bit, got it.” Eldrik held the blade close to him. “I don’t know how to fight!” Amroth called after the knight, who walked off without giving any mind. “Stay close to me elf boy.” Eldrik said as he pulled his friend along.” My old man taught me how to fight, just do as I do and hope the Sea Kings enjoy a pretty face.” He paused.” Then again that could be worse after the battle if we lose.” “Your not helping...” Amroth glared. “Hey, I don’t sugar-coat how things are!” the dwarf replied.
“Here they come!” the lookout shouted. The boats passed the Wavestrider and leaped on land. The militia archers lessened their arrows, but few found their mark. The knights charged at the Sea Kings men as metal clashed on metal. The militia charged in after the knights, but even then the fighting did not go in the favour of the town. The trident shaped spears and the cheer number of the sharks nearly overran the few defenders. The smell of death hung around the air as the ground began to fill with blood and the cries of men dying sank the courage down to nearly nothing. Already the banner of the hawk of Tor Vollen fell. The Halfling fled as the Orc was stabbed to death while he tried in vain to defend himself with his club, covered with golden coins.
The Sea Kings ran toward Eldrik, who quickly dispatched two with a quick slash and stab. Amroth stayed behind his friend as the chaos unfolded to it’s fullest, and hoped he would not lose control over his bladder. He did not even know how to use the damn thing! A new boat docked as a large Sea King jumped off from it. He could easily have been a northman, he had the size and the build of one.
He wielded a large sword and cut a swath through the unlucky fools who stood in his way. One swoop and a man’s torso was caught in half, the archer who tried to rush him with his dagger lost his head before he could even raise his tiny blade. And he was heading for them. “Big boy, aren’t you?” Eldrik smirked picked up a wooden shield from a fallen militia men. “A dwarf.” The big Sea King smirked, which revealed his crooked teeth.” This will be fun.” “Stay behind me Amroth.” Eldrik said and charged off.
“Eldrik, don’t!” Amroth called after his friend, but it was to late. The dwarf held out his shield which blocked the Sea King’s blade. He then threw it off, and the sword, before he went to stab the man in the chest. “Gotcha!” the dwarf exclaimed...but his cheers were quickly dashed when he saw the man was still standing. With a chuckle the man put his boot on the dwarf’s face and kicked him off. Eldrik flew against the wall, where he fell unconscious. The large man merely grabbed the sword from his gut and stormed over to Amroth. Amroth dropped his blade and tried to flee, but tripped over a piece of debris.
“Weak, Bartrand was not jesting when he said the De Schachts softend the blow for us, all the good ones are dead already!” the large man said and held his blade close to the back of Amroth’s neck.” You are not even worthy of killing...” “Please.” Amroth pleaded.” My name is Amroth Spring, I’m King Halmadir’s son.” “Don’t care, your just a head talking until I put it on a stake.” The large man grumbled as he raised his sword in the air.” Any last words?”
Before Amroth could reply, the man cried out in pain. He quickly turned around, and saw the northwoman from before withdraw her ax from the man’s back before she knocked him over. Several more Sea Kings came, but all fell to her great ax. She was just as fiercesome as the large man, and twice as strong. When the invaders stopped attacking her, she grabbed Amroth by his collar and dragged him to his feet. “Get your friend ready and go to the church, I’ll secure a horse.” She said bluntly and went into the fray.
He did not know what drove him, but he took Eldrik and carried him to the church. He waited there, for what felt like ages until the northwoman rode toward them with a horse. She took the dwarf and threw him in front of her.” Get on.” “But the pe-“ “The town is already lost, former prince Spring. Get on.”
Amroth quickly mounted the horse and held on to her waist as they drove off. He turned his head back only once, and saw the town burn behind them. “All those people....” he said softly. “You’ll avenge them soon enough.” “W-where are we headed?” he asked. “Tor Vollen, to go see the Regent.”
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Post by Warhammer Gorvar on Sept 23, 2011 22:38:11 GMT 1
Chapter 12: Ruins
The blackened buildings and fields around what was once Stillwater harbour was now populated by crows and other scavengers. Of all this, the Halfling had only this to say. “Well, we are royally fucked.” Togo kicked a piece of rubble away. Wolfgen chased after the birds as he barked loudly, which broke the eerie silence of the fallen town. Gorvar grunted in agreement as he looked at the pier, which now bore the banner of the North, which was a Wolf, a Lion and a Shark on a blue background. The wolf howled on top, as the lion roared from below to the left, the shark on the other end.
“Seems the Alliance got here to.” Gorvar went over to the banner and ripped it off.” Every dock it’s the same. The De Schachts or the Winters attack ,softening the towns before the Sea Kings attack from the water.” “Which leaves us with no way to get off this continent....” Togo kicked another piece of rubble.” Care if I cry?” “I think enough tears have been shed already, Togo.” His half-orc friend replied as he ripped the banner to pieces. He threw the ripped cloth into the water, and saw the remains of another large sail on the bottom of the shallow water.
The sail was yellow, and bore the black lightning bolt of Avaria, their home. “They’ve taken our ships to now.” Gorvar pointed to the sail below. Togo walked over and nodded in agreement when he saw.” Clever bastards, cutting off communications and supplies from the outside world so they have to buy supplies from the Sea Kings.” “The Summer fleet is the only thing left to combat these raids...” Gorvar folded his arms. “Think Queen Cerdica will have got past the stage where she is trying to kill us?” Gorvar raised his brow at the Halfling.” You want to test that theory next time we see a Summer patrol?” “Guess not.” Togo chuckled as he took out his map.” Well since this is the last Spring dock, and the Summers and Winters are a no go, we only got one last way off this continent...” “The dwarven tunnels...” Gorvar knew.” Filled with cave trolls and the creatures that make the cave trolls flee in fear.”
“Oh joy.” Togo spat as he folded the map back up.” The next tunnel is a week’s walk. We could’ve gone with Lady Tor Vollen, really since it’s her land we’re going to.” “And risk Queen Cerdica’s wrath?” Gorvar frowned again.” No, we can make it on our own, until we get to her lands.” “If you say so Gor.” Togo looked over the ruins of the town.” What do you think happened to the people here?” “The men sold as slaves along with the children, the women raped first no doubt.” Gorvar stated simply. Wolfgen walked up to them and licked Gorvar’s hand. The half-orc smiled and patted the wolf. “Thank you for keeping up the morale there.” Togo sighed. “I make no illusions. Come, this place has been stripped bare several times over.”
With that, the duo and their wolf left the charred town and moved north to Tor Vollen. They walked for two days as they tried to keep off the roads. Shortly after King Halmadir died, and the corpse of Prince Harold was found, the entire city erupted into chaos. Summer attacked Spring, Winter attacked Summer, Spring attacked anyone who attacked anyone else. Gorvar and Togo remained at Lady Sarina’s estate during the madness and more then once they had to help the guard fend off looters and others.
It was only three days later when Queen Cerdica arrived they had to leave the city quickly. Added with the power of most of the Spring nobles, mostly the Manisters of Irongrip hold, she ruled both Summer and Spring. However Lord Rodrik Velen, the Champion of Spring, refused to bow to her and claimed Prince Amroth is the proper heir to the throne, as King Halamdir instructed. Rodrik quickly left the city and rallied the few lords and bannermen he could to oppose the new Queen of the three kingdoms. Most cheered for her and her dragons, and many a knight pledged to avenge the death of her son. She claimed the drow that killed her son were hired by Rodrik who wished the throne for himself, nearly everyone believed her.
Now the south of Spring was embroiled with a civil war with the centre of the kingdom and parts of the north, while the north now faced the full might of the Alliance of the North by now King Frederick Winter. Gorvar and Togo begged their leave to Sarina because of the bad terms they had when they last saw Cerdica, and fled the city. They tried several docks to find their way back to Avaria, but every dock they found either was swarming with troops loyal to Cerdica, or destroyed by the Alliance. Now the only option was to travel through the burning villages to Tor Vollen, and use the mines there that connect to the old dwarven tunnels, which led to Avaria.
The trick was to getting there. “Gorv, we got company!” Togo pointed ahead of them. The half-orc’s thoughts snapped back to the present as he saw a small group of riders charge toward them. They bore the new banner of a red dragon in front of a green leaf as it holds two arrows in both it’s paws. Togo joked earlier that the Queen had incredible foresight to prepare such a banner when she put the banners up in Neromapia. That jest faded quickly when they were charging toward them.
“Maybe they’re friendly?” Gorvar suggested. An unwilling answer came when a spear narrowly missed them and impaled the tree beside them. “You want to bet?!” Togo shouted as he drew his shortsword.” Oh holy mother, it’s over for us. Game over, there is no way us two-“ Wolfgen growled at the halfling. “Sorry, THREE can handle seven of them on horseback!” “Two men managed to do it.” Gorvar drew his axes.” They prayed to the god that does not care about mortal men and made traps in their battlefield.” “Small problem there. One, all gods don’t care about us and two: we don’t have time for traps!” Togo shouted.
Gorvar grabbed Togo by his shoulder and dragged him into the woods where the Summer regiment followed them, although at a bit of a slower pace because of the trees. Gorvar hid behind one tree and Togo in a other as Wolfgen kept running to distract the Summers. The half-orc stayed there as he held his axes tightly, and waited. The sound of hooves on dead leaves and soil came closer, and closer, and closer.... Gorvar raised his weapons in the air and slammed it to his right, square in the chest of one of them. The man fell of his horse by the powerful blow of the half-orc warrior as his horse rode off.
Togo stabbed with his sword at the horse that came by, and quickly bolted when it fell down. It’s rider tried to get off, but was quickly stabbed again by Togo before he fled into the foliage. The other riders came around and charged back at the two. Gorvar growled and twirled his axes around as he stared the riders down.
One of the riders to the right was taken down by Wolfgen, who tackled him off his horse and proceeded to rip to pieces. Before another rider could turn around, the wolf was gone while the others still charged at the two adventurers. Togo stood next to Gorvar. Both looked at each other, and knew this could be their final battle. With grim determination, they awaited the charge.
The leader of the group raised his spear and prepared to throw at them. Gorvar anticipated the throw, but it never came. The man shouted in pain as an arrow protruded from his chest and dropped the spear. Out of nowhere, a howl emerged and a pack of wolves tackled the outriders down. No, not wolves Gorvar saw...werewolves. The few who were left ahorse tried to flee, but were quickly shot down by arrowfire.
Both stared at the grizzly scene, except Wolfgen who engaged in the same brutish manner as the werewolves in finishing of the Summer outriders. “Did you pray for werewolves?” Togo asked somewhat afraid. “No.” Gorvar replied.” You?” “I prayed for something...anything really.” He admitted. “Next time, try to pray for something specific.” “I did the previous times, but my half naked shield maidens who believe in orgies after a battle don’t ever want to show up.”
One of the werewolves howled loudly in the air as the last outrider’s corpse was thrown all over the place. A moment later, a small group of men and drow appeared on horseback, all with a red phoenix on their chests. From above, a harpie landed on the ground, next to one of the humans. “No other outriders have seen us, my mate.” She said with a screechy voice. “Thanks, love.” The man smiled somewhat nervously and motioned his horse over to Gorvar and Togo.” Master’s Gorvar and Togo Chub?” he asked.
“Maybe?” Togo replied. “Francis Bacon, at your service.” He made a small bow.” The queen send us to find you.” “Which one, Cerdica or that De Schacht girl everyone hates so much?” Gorvar asked. “No, the real Queen of Summer. Queen Soliana.” He replied.” She never forgets old friends.”
TBC
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Post by Warhammer Gorvar on Sept 30, 2011 20:41:58 GMT 1
Chapter 13: The Queen of Summer.
The city guard shoved the remaining Winters out of the city walls. By order of the Queen, all enemies of the crown were exiled from the city and given ten hours to leave the area before they were hunted down. This meant all citizens which originated from Winter, Rohak and the Sea King Isles. “We have lives here!” one shouted.” Jobs, friends, our children go to school!” “Be grateful the queen gives you ten hours of a head start.” The guardsmen said as he pushed the man with his family along.
Queen Cerdica watched from the balcony of what used to be her father’s bedroom. It gave her a perfect view of the city below. She claimed it for her own, a fitting location for an Queen. But the cost she paid to gain it was to much. “My Queen?” Rederico, her steward, asked.” Did you hear what I said?” “Pardon?” she replied. “ The Avarian ambassador is outraged by the actions of the Sea Kings who steal their ships.” “The Sea Kings are traitors to the crown and will be killed for their betrayal.” She glared.” Until this civil war is over there is nothing I can do at the moment. My fleets are to busy fighting the fleets of Winter’s Icewind Peak and the Sea King’s Summerswind, so I cant spare any for an escort.”
“I’ll send the reply, your grace.” Rederico bowed before he left the room. Jorric, ever so loyal Jorric, was still with her as the door shut close behind the steward. Cerdica looked over her city as her banners, the red dragon on a leaf, were set up across Neromapia. Her hands clanged on to the railing. “Jorric, may I ask you a question?” “Of course, my queen.” He replied. “Am I an evil woman?” she turned around to see him. She was dressed in a crimson dress with green undertones. The crown her father wore was now adorned on her head, and her necklace, in the shape of golden leaf, her late husband gave to her was strategically placed slightly above her cleavage. “Always catch them off guard” he used to say. More often then not she managed to persuade deals with her lucky necklace on.
“Evil, your grace?” he asked confused. “My father and son lay dead, their graves are placed in the tombs with the other Kings of Spring and here I am, Queen of everything.” “You mourn them still, your grace.” Jorric came closer.” Ever since the whole Rohak mess started, you wanted what was best for your people and your family.” “And yet my father and son lay dead, Rohak has closed it’s borders to all and half of Summer worships that whore of a daughter in law of mine. And let’s not forget that traitor Rodrik Veren has betrayed me now that bloody Mad Wolf King made an alliance to make my life miserable.” She frowned with anger. It was not aimed at Jorric, never at Jorric.
“My Queen...” Jorric strayed her cheek.” You rule two kingdoms now, with both it’s troubles and joys.” He smiled a little as she held his hand.” You still have the dragons and most of the Summer army and now the Spring army with their animal allies. You can still win this and you can and WILL take revenge on those who murdered your family, my queen.” He moved in closer and planted his lips on hers. She returned the kiss before she broke it off a passionate moment later.” My love...” he added after.
She took his hand and gently guided it to her abdomen. It was to soon for a child to be felt in it’s mother’s womb, but it was still a warm thought, and yet a cold one as well. “I will make this a better place for our child.” She said.” But she can never know she is my blood. A bastard can never be King or Queen.” “I will look after the child and make certain if it is a girl, she is as fiery as her mother, and independent.” Jorric smiled. “And if it’s a boy?” Cerdica placed her hands on his shoulders as she moved closer. “If it’s a boy, I’ll make sure he makes a good lord and a loyal son.” “And he shall be called after my father, and be as strong as Hondrich and Harold were.” She said mostly to herself.
She let out a tear as her lover held her. She loved her late husband, and hoped and prayed every night to the Sungod that he was alright with her having found a new love. And now she added another prayer to him as well, that her son was there with him and would help watch over her grandchild with him...and that he would have revenge. A moment paused as they two found solace in each other.
“You take a huge risk, claiming it to be your bastard.” Cerdica guided him to her large bed. “I love you with my heart and soul, my queen. I would rather kill myself then let your reputation be sullied like this.” He sat down next to her.” I am your knight, and will always be at your side.” “A strong promise from a dragon knight.” She smirked as she kissed him. “A promise I will keep, on my honour and that of Emberfire Keep.” He replied before he returned the kiss. “Good.” She smirked and pushed him on his back as she straddled him.” I have ten minutes before I have to see Feren..” she said as he undid his belt.” And you will help me fill it.” “But my queen, they’ll smell if we made lo-“ “They’ll smell nothing.” She smirked as she took out his male appendage and slipped her lips on it. Jorric groaned with pleasure as she pleasured him with her mouth. He enjoyed it, he loved it.
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His lover’s head bobbed faster and faster as she stroked his member with a firm grip. He strayed her blond hair as he felt his climax coming. He muttered in his native tongue as it neared. With a gasp, his essence shot inside her mouth and rendered him sated. His lover licked every drop clean and swallowed it down before she wiped off the rest with his blanket.
“I think...” he panted.” The talks of our alliance are now made...solid?” “Almost.” Soliana, widow to the late Prince Harold Summer said as she undressed herself and straddled on him. She gasped as his manhood entered her and slowly moved to work her way in before she quickened up the pace, as if he was a mount.
He held her hips as she moved with him. His weakened state was quickly dissolved and back in full gear. He couldn’t let her down, and every time they bedded was a step closer to her crown...and his ultimate prize. She groaned his name over and over again, and well enough he felt the urge to release himself rising again. He sat up and kissed her neck as he held her around her waist, her very smell enticed him. Without warning he quickly turned the tables around and made himself lay on top. She didn’t object as her hands held on to his shoulders.
When his essence entered her once more, he gave one final thrust before he laid next to her. “Now...” she rested her head on his chest.” It is finalized.” She kissed his ebon chest and drifted off to sleep. He held her in his arms, and by then Guldor of House Dyrr knew that Queen Soliana was his. And together with her, he would give his people a home.
TBC
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Post by Warhammer Gorvar on Oct 7, 2011 1:21:04 GMT 1
Chapter 14: The Fish Munchers
Bernard stroked his green beard as he entered Castle Winter. Black flags were placed around the walls and outside every home. For mourning, he guessed. The castle was protected by thick gray stone as wolf statues stood on the wall with two large ones on either side of the large sole gateway into the fortress. It had three rings around the main castle, each guarded by archers and the odd white wolf. Everywhere he saw, every family had at least one of the mangy beasts. Bernard shook his head at the familiarness of man and animal. True his people had a close tie with their horses, but they weren’t everywhere nor did he see any sane man on the isles go hug a shark, which decorated the banners and sails of the Sea Kings.
He patted his horse, Thunder he called the steed, on the side of his neck as he and his escort of ten men passed the third and final ring. The moat around the castle was not filled with water, but rather sharp icy spikes. “They even use the cold to their own advantage.” One of his escorts said. “No use outside of their own lands though.” Bernard pointed out. They waited for a small moment before a voice rang over the castle walls.” Who goes there?” a voice asked. “Bernard Seaspring, for the fourth time and hopefully the final time as well.” The man growled. “Sorry, just procedure.” The sentry shouted back.” Lower the gate!”
The wooden gate lowered until it hit the floor. The Sea King urged his horse forward and entered the castle proper. When they reached the courtyard, the stable hands, all young men and quite a few women, took their horses off them. A few Sea Kings drew their trident shaped spears, but Bernard called them off. “I’m sorry milord!” one of the man pleaded.” We just wanted to take your horses somewhere warm and give them food and drinks.” “A little lesson concerning my people, lad.” Bernard said as he slipped off his mount.” You NEVER touch another man’s horse unless he tells you to.” “Yes milord..” the man agreed eagerly.
Bernard gave Thunder’s reigns over to the stablehand, which his escort did in turn to the others. As one, the group walked up the stairs into the castle. Inside, they took off their thick cloaks as the heat slowly rose. He noticed the braziers alone could not give off this amount of heat. “Bernard!” one of the escorts placed his hand on the wall.” The heat is coming off the walls!” “Must be the geysers.” Bernard recalled something about those from the innkeeper two nights back. They left their longboat at a fishermen’s village along with most of ‘the Kraken School’, his small fleet used for raiding which worked in tandem with the de Schachts. They weakend the docks and fishermen’s villages and pulled back before the Sea Kings came to finish the job.
After their last village, he met his brother’s fleet on the way back to the north. Bartrand was much like Bernard, the only difference being he was pureborn while Bernard was a bastard. But despite that, unlike his other brothers and sisters, Bartrand was the only one who saw him as a brother. “We just sacked a town called Stillwater.” Bartrand said as he brought a golden cup with wine to his lips. He was twice the girth of Bernard, but both still had the bushy green beard bore the green-blue armour with the shark on it’s chest. They watched as a group of survivors from the town were loaded up on one of the larger boats. Bernard’s eye fell on a old man with a cane, followed by three small children as they were pushed into the ship. “You keeping crippled old men, brother?” Bernard asked. “Not a big believer of killing the elderly or the young.” His fat brother replied.” I’ll make sure they get put to work in my castle. The old man’s an innkeeper, well was...” This was his big brother, a kind man who still brought in strays at home and looked after him. Why father put him in charge of a raid group, Bernard didn’t know.
“So, why are you waiting for me here?” Bernard asked as the two walked over to the captain’s cabin. “I got a letter from Castle Winter.” Bartrand held out the letter and gave it to his younger brother.” King Fanran died.” “Took him long enough...” Bernard stated as he read the letter.” What are we being summoned for then?” “My guess is a new deal.” Bartrand replied.” You know how unhappy he was that his unborn child would be made a ward.” “That was pretty stupid.” Bernard agreed.” A six year investment for starters? And what if Princess-pardon, Queen Eveline miscarries? Selling the bones of an whale before it got killed if you ask me.”
“You accepted those terms though, and the new wife for our little brother, Geralt.” His fat brother placed his empty cup on the table where he poured in some more wine from a bottle.” You want some to?” Bernard nodded with a smile and took the golden cup from his brother as Bartrand took out another and poured himself another one. “So, why did you accept Fanran’s terms then?” Bartrand asked. “I didn’t, father did.” Bertrand replied.” You know how eager he is to get into this war.” “And the other Kings?” “Our Sister Morriana used her mouth in more ways then one to persuade her husband, Hendrik is the current leader of San Paridis after an...’unfortunate fishing trip’ which ended killing good King Terfal.” Bernard pouted and made a sopping sound. “And Tragon had his belly full of Northmen and wants other prey.” Bartrand took a sip from his cup.” Father send a missive two hours later and told me to wait here for you.”
King Farol was a man who somehow always knew the right information at the right time and acted before anyone else could use it, and sometimes even thought several steps ahead. Bernard never quite knew how his father came to know this information, but somehow presumed magic was involved. There were rumours he made a pact with a mermaid who would tell the news of events far beyond his lands if he produced a sacrifice in the form of a young virgin girl every year. Bernard saw dragons and didn’t doubt his father would sacrifice anything or anyone for the next gossip.
“So, why me?” Bernard asked. “You dealt with the Winters before, and your bird somehow got lost on sea.” Bartrand replied.” Me and ‘the Orca school’ will be reinforced by the Squids.” “Hendrik sure doesn’t waste time sending back up.” Bernard chuckled.” Remind me to send his kids a new pony each from Salendris.” “I’ll write it down.” Barnard chuckled.” Speaking of, when will you settle down?” “Oh don’t you start to.” Bertrand groaned. “Why? Having children is fun. Love mine, in fact my wife is working on our fifth now.” “Well done!” Bernard went over and held his brother.” Why didn’t you tell me?!” “Horrible memory.” Bartrand admitted with a chuckle.” But enough talk, we’ll find you a wife sometime soon. Right now, you go to Castle Winter and see what the Mad King wants.”
And there he was two days later, the bastard playing ambassador while his fat brother who’s softer then a pillow went off to lead attacks against Spring and Summer. “Ah, General Seaspring.” Jonathan the advisor smiled as he came down the stairs that led to the throne room.” We’ve been expecting you.” He looked around.” Isn’t your brother here?” “Cerdica is sending her fleet to Summerswind and Bartrand loves our sister to much to see her and our beloved brother-in-law get hurt. My condolences for that and the late King Fanran, he will be missed by both our peoples.”
Jonathan’s good mood immediately evaporated. “His grace Frederik Winter, asked for your brother, General.” “And he got me, by orders of his grace, King Farol Seaspring of the Sea Kings.” Bartrand retorted. Jonathan shook his head.” Right, this way..” he led the way to the throne room.
The throne room was large, and was able to fit three large wooden benches which probably were about 25 meters in length. The throne itself was made from the same material of the castle, and as always it had a wolf motif. The throne had the form of a wolf’s mouth, the sides where the king rested his arms were paws. Two large glowing gems shone darkly where the eyes were supposed to be. In the throne itself was Frederik Winter, the smiling and shy youth turned into a bitter man who looked the part of a wizened old ruler despite him being only twenty-four winters. The crown which was once on Fanran’s head now was on his, which gave him a regal bearing of sorts. Bernard saw that beside the throne, nearly forgotten by the grandness of it, was a smaller wooden throne where his beloved queen was seated. Where Frederik was dressed like a warrior king with grey plate and a sword near his throne, she wore her black and yellow dress which marked her lineage to Westend Keep.
The guards in the room were both wolf and lion, and the flags of both Castle Winter and Westend Keep hung side by side. In the corners he did see the united flag of the North. which was a Wolf, a Lion and a Shark on a blue background. The wolf howled on top, as the lion roared from below to the left, the shark on the other end. “Your grace...” Jonathan bowed.” General Bernard Seaspring is here on behalf of his father, King Farol...and his brother, Prince Bartrand.” “My King.” Bernard bowed his head, then smiled and bowed again to Eveline.” My Queen.” Eveline smiled a little at that.” My condolences for the loss of your father. He will be missed by both of our people.”
“Thank you, general.” The king replied as his advisor took his place next to him.” We appreciate you coming here, we know the sea is a dangerous place now.” “Mostly because of us, your grace.” Bernard gave a wicked grin.” But pray tell, why have you called for me?” “I actually called for your brother..” Frederick did not let that slight toward him slide.” But you will do. Now my father is dead, several of our agreements have to change.” “We expected as much.” Bernard nodded.” I assume the ward thing?” “Yes, my wife and I are opposed to sell our child for the sake of this alliance.”
Frederik hated the Sea Kings entering the war, just as much as the de Schachts did. Bernard knew his people were seen as pirates and raiders grown from seaweed, no worse then the northmen. The only reason why they didn’t turn their longboats toward the continent was their allegiance to King Halmadir. But now the king was dead and the continent of seasons fell into civil war, they could struck anyone anywhere, at any time. The only thing that could stop them were the Dragons, but with so few of them and so many longboats it was trying to stop a dam with holes in it with only a few spikes at a time.
“I hope the marriage between my brother, Geralt and Lady Isabella Tundra is still on? She has taken quite well to him and Salendris with it’s horses. Don’t ask me which one she mounted first.” He gave another wicked grin which made Eveline pull out her fan and hid her blush behind it as several guards chuckled. But King Frederik Winter, the Mad Wolf, was not amused. “That marriage will still continue, don’t you fret.” Frederik replied.” No, we offer a demand.” “A...demand?” Bernard was curious.
“You seem to forget I have eyes and ears. I know you take slaves and steal ships from Avaria and Kadan. I have angry ambassadors here who would like to have a word with you on that.” “I can assure you my king, i-“ Frederik held up his hand, which silenced the Sea King.” No. You will listen. I am the king of the North, I lead this Alliance. Your father seems to have forgotten that.” He snapped his fingers.
Immediately the guards drew their weapons and leaped at the escort. The escort drew their trident spears and tried to fight off the wolves and lions. For Bernard everything moved fast, but he recalled having drawn his spear and was able to kill two men, he did not know if it was a lion or a wolf. He recalled Eveline’s face looking away at the spectacle as if she expected it. Clever girl, she played along. One by one his men fell down on the ground, dead. Red blood mattered their green beards as their tridents fell to the ground. In the end, only Bernard remained surrounded.
“No, you will be our ward, general Seaspring. The king said coldly.” And your father will do as we say. To be fair, we hoped your brother would be here, but you will make do.” Bernard knew he was beaten and threw his spear to the ground.” You do know my father hates me, right?” he bluffed. When Frederik grinned himself, the Seaking knew he was outplayed. “If my father did one thing right, it was to appoint Jonathan as a advisor.” The king pointed to the advisor who was still stood next to the king. “ He has friends abroad, among them on your island home of Handrea. Your father loves all his children, even his bastards. He will do as we say. No more piracy, no more slavery.”
“You’re the Mad Wolf indeed to keep me hostage, your grace.” Bernard was taken by his arms by the guards.” You can let me go, I know when I’m beat.” The guards tightened their grip. “ Or not.” Bernard shook his head. “Take him to the guest quarters.” Frederik ordered the guards before he turned to Jonathan.” And send the letter to Farol the letter and what the stake is for treating me like my father.” Bernard was dragged off to his guest room, with one angry thought in mind. They had better of stayed away from his horse.
TBC
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Post by Warhammer Gorvar on Oct 11, 2011 22:13:53 GMT 1
Chapter 15: Honour amongst thieves, traitors and turncoats.
Sounds from the camp awoke Percevalt Hanalius. He stretched out before he quickly washed himself from the basin of water under his bed. He dressed in his armour and placed the necklace with his family symbol around his neck, the black bat of Fall. He took up his razor blade and began smearing white foam on his neck and sideburns. The flap to his tent open-end as his second in command, Ser Brutalis, entered.
“Morning, Brutalis.” Percevalt said as he shaved himself. “Your grace, you have servants to do this for you...” Brutalis growled, which was custom for men cursed with lycanthropy like him. “I rather want men on the walls or aiding our allies rather then be wasted here doing something I can do myself. An advice from my father Ser Brutalis, as long as you can do it yourself, do it.” “I’ll keep that in mind, your grace...” the werewolf in his human form bowed.” I come bearing news.”
“Do tell.” Percevalt urged before he wiped the rest of the foam off from his face. He walked over to his breakfast table where a single loaf of bread, a knife and some sausages were lain down. He sat down in one chair, and motioned Brutalis to sit in the other. The werewolf sat down and took one sausage.“ We found the half-orc and the Halfling.” He bit it in half as he munched it down.” They were brought to Queen Soliana herself. Even ate at her table.” “She’s calling herself queen already?” Percevalt smirked.” Guldor is good at what he does...and the two adventurers themselves as well. The moon goddess does seem to favour us today.” “Our alliance with Rohak and these Summers has gone smoothly as well. It does help most of the soldiers are men who either did not fight during the war here, or were kind to the rohakians.”
“Who’s siding with Soliana then?” Percevalt sliced some parts of the sausage and placed them on a piece of bread. “Maraad, Sun’s Peak and Dragon’s Rest have sworn to her in secret. Emberfire and Dragon’s Peak are loyal to Cerdica and the crown. Basically everyone here until the northern borders of Spring are with us, save for Emberfire.” “Ser Jorric’s keep...that’s our first target then.” Percevalt said.” Gets the point across we are not to be mocked.” “What of Dragon’s Peak? We only have twelve dragon riders on our side, Cerdica the other seventy or more.” “And the hatchery, I know.” The prince replied.” But I know Guldor has that aspect covered with his drow contraptions.” “We are relying a awful lot on the drow, your grace.” Brutalis pointed out as he devoured the other half of his sausage.
“He knows if he wants to reclaim Insulad’umbra, he needs our numbers and magic.” Percevalt replied as he began eating his bread and meat.” And if I can rely on my sources, and I do, he has a soft spot for humans, blonde haired females ones...” “Like Soliana?” Percevalt nodded.” I wouldn’t be surprised if they shared the bed already. Soliana hasn’t had a man in two years, one that claims to love her that is. And Guldor...well, all men are weak when their groin start thinking for them.” He grinned his devilish grin. “Even you, your grace?” Brutalis returned the grin. “Of course not.” He laughed and finished his breakfast before he walked out of his tent with his second. “ What else?” “Sky’re claims her scouts heard rumours the Mad Wolf is holding one of King Farol’ sons hostage to re-establish himself as the main leader of the Alliance of the North. Also Cerdica has send two dragon flights to burn a few smaller Sea King isles in retribution for the defeat of the Royal fleet at Summer’s Wind. Quite a few have been turned to glass.” “Sky’re has good eyes indeed...I hope her offspring will have the same.” Percevalt walked over to the stables where one of his servants pulled up a horse. “When are their eggs due?”
“I don’t know.” Brutalis mounted his own horse.” And to be fair, I rather don’t care. It’s worse enough she picked a human as her mate...no offense.” “None taken.” The prince chuckled and rode off toward Castle Summer. The rode past the armies camp. The banners of the Red Phoenix, the Red Dragon and the Golden Spiderhead intermingled with those of the Black Bat. All knew here the Kingdom of Fall returned, and with the attack on Emberfire he hoped to spread the message to Queen Cerdica Summer. He recalled the death of Prine Harold and King Halmadir and how furious he was. Halamdir was his to kill, he was the one responsible for the fall of House Hanalius and his kingdom. After a week he made himself quiet down and settle for destroying Spring, as was his original goal.
As the prince rode through Rohak, he saw the land healing. Farms were being rebuild, crops being re-sown and dead buried. Every church both to the Allfather and the Sun God were full of Rohakians were bid goodbye properly to their lost loved ones. He was surprised both Winter and Summer religions held an armistice for their mutual grieve. The Allfather was the one who created the earth, the Sun God was the one who gave the spark. He himself believed in the Moon goddess who gave life to the water and guided the lost in the darkness. The Spring believed in the Holy Mother, who gave life to the children of the earth such as men, dwarves and so on (although the dwarves rather believed the cave spirits created them.). The beheaded dragon which signified their loss to Winter was now replaced by the red phoenix, and as Percevalt looked around, he could not help but think it fitting. But he had seen enough.
With a simple mutter, both disappeared to the outside world and a moment later re-appeared outside the massive red walls of Castle Summer. Magic was something both he and the drow brought to their cause, and made magic gateways much easier. The duo passed by rows of Summer guards, who nodded at their arrival. Percevalt looked up and saw the sun was hidden behind the clouds. Odd, the sun in Summer only went away when nightfall came...His attention snapped back to the present when a rider came toward them. “Milord.” The Red dragoons bowed his head to Hanalius.” Francis Bacon milord, I’m here to escort you to the Queen.” “Ah, I remember you; Sky’re’s mate right?” Percevalt grinned. “Urghm, yes...” he blushed a little.” Sky- I mean Commander Sky’re is in the Throne room with the adventurers milord.” “Show us.” Brutalis barked. The Red Dragoon nodded and led the way.
Quarter of an hour later, they entered the throne room. The banners which were hung across still showed the Summer Dragon, but also now bore the other flags of their allies as well. How Cerdica didn’t find out yet, Perceval didn’t know. But then again, she didn’t have the sources he had. Diane Bloomsbury with her phoenix on her shoulder and Lord Tyron with his Traitor Wolves were on one side of the throne while Sky’re and several of her men, or women, stood on the other. On the throne itself was the queen in her long red robe, a white wolf on one side and a red dragon on the other both on a black backdrop on her torso. On her lap was her son who slept in her arms as the drow, Guldor of House Dyrr stood next to her. But what drew his attention were the three figures stood in front of her, an half-orc, a black wolf and a Halfling. The half-orc was still in the armour of a barbarian, bits of chain mail and leather and sported two battle axes.
The Halfling was still in the leather armour dyed green like his people, save his feet which were bare but had quite a bit of hair on them. His fedora hat had a red feather and o, his back he had a lute and on his side a sword. The black wolf was larger then the Halfling and looked as savage as any wolf would look.
“Ah, Prince Hanalius.” Soliana smiled.” I believe you remember Gorvar Half-orcen and Togo Chubb?” The half-orc merely grunted when he recognized Percevalt. It was back in Ice Peak when both were still in service of sorts by King Fanran Winter, it seemed like such a long time ago while in truth it was barely two months. Back then he was called Lord Percevalt Vallen, the adoptive son from former Lord Antony Vallen who took him as a ward five years before he died. He loved his adoptive father and mourned him every day. “Prince eh?” Togo looked at the prince.” Everyone is crowing themselves kings or queen and here you go picking to be a prince, I should give you ten marks for originality I suppose. Also a nice change from Vallen, I never did like that name.” Brutalis growled, but Percevalt held a arm in front of his second. “Mister Chubb, long time no see. I hope you delivered my letter?” “I think we both know the answer to that question.” Togo replied. Gorvar looked at his friend with a slight frown.” I’ll explain later, Gorv.” The wolf walked over to Brutalis, sniffing as he went. Instead of the usual anger, Brutalis bet down on one knee and patted the fellow predator.
“We found them near Stillwater.” Sky’re said.” Chased by Cerdica’s watchdogs.” “Thanks for the save there, by the way.” Togo added. Francis walked past his ‘mate’ with a small smile before he stood next to Diana. “Your brother’s Alliance is weakening the Spring kingdom.” Diana said.” My queen, if we wish to strike a stunning blow to Cerdica, it has to be done now.” “I suggest Emberfire.” Lord Tyrone added.” It’s the closest and we both know it’s her lover’s castle.” “Agreed.” Percevalt added.” Brutalis and his packs could use a proper practice run.” “You sure that’s wise?” Guldor spoke up.” The moment your werewolves and harpies are seen, Cerdica will know of Fall.” “And I will jump for joy when Spring knows it’s final hour has come.” Percevalt grinned his damn grin.
“It’s your call, my queen.” Guldor folded his arms as he looked down at his queen. “If I may...” Togo raised his hand in the air.” May I offer something as well?” “Master Chubb, you’ve suffered enough.” Soliana smiled.” I don’t want to risk my friends into war.” “Your grace, war is our middle-name.” Togo chuckled while Gorvar coughed somewhat. “What do you offer to us then, halfling?” Sky’re asked. “A sneaky way in the castle.” Togo replied.” Allow us to lead a sneak attack inside the castle and kill some people so you have an easier time.” “And In return?” Diana folded her arms. “Some gold and perhaps an escort to Tor Vollen?” Togo asked.
“Tor Vollen?” Soliana asked. “Yes, me and my friend here desperately want to go home, which as we all know is nigh impossible by the Sea of Silence because of a little...shark problem.” Togo walked around as he spoke.” However by underground we could use the dwarves old tunnels to go back to Avaria. And with your coin my most beautiful queen, we could hire some people to escort us in there.” “Your insane.” Tyrone said.” You know cave trolls dwell in those places.” “And all the more reason to have some coin then, I wager. Last I heard trolls like shiney things.” Togo laughed.
Percevalt nodded.” I think it’s a good idea, my wolves and harpies can provide a good distraction while the traitor wolves and drow can attack from below.” “Are you offering my men, your grace.” Guldor asked. “I thought they would be up to the challenge. After all, I have not seen House Dyrr aid us yet.” “Remember that when the dragons come.” Guldor chuckled.” Fair enough, I’m sure my men could use some practice.” “See, we’re all honkey dorey.” Togo smiled. “Then the plans are already made.” Soliana smiled as she held her son close.” Emberwind shall fall.” “It’s time for Rohak to exact vengeance.” Diana glared which even made her own phoenix burn somewhat brighter.” It’s time to make Cerdica pay for our grief.” “Then let’s go at it then. For victory and all that...Stuff!” Togo cheered.” Huzzah!” The rest of the people joined in with the cheers of war and already orders were relayed to the troops. Both sides walked to each other and talked excitedly while Soliana left with her son and Guldor.
Percevalt however noticed Gorvar speaking with Togo in a quiet corner. He couldn’t hear trough the crowd, but a quick mutter from another spell was all he needed to hear properly. “She’s being used again.” Gorvar said to his friend.” First by her husband and Cerdica, now by these lot. They barely asked for her permission.” “You know alliances always break down Gorv, right now we grab what we can and scram.” Togo replied. “We cant leave her like this, we owe her.” The half-orc replied.” We dined with her for Allfather’s sake.” “So did we with Cerdica, and we nearly got killed!” Togo replied.” Look, Gorv, buddy...we have to think of ourselves. We need to get home as soon as possible.”
Percevalt sighed as he dissipated the spell. He couldn’t let them leave for Avaria yet. He saw the prophecy and knew what role these two would play in the future of the four kingdoms. This was a game of chess they were playing, and right now all pieces on the same side of the board were killing each other while the other side was making it’s moves. Already now he could see his packs of werewolves howl into the night and charge over the walls as the men of Summer died by the dozens. Red dragoons charged through the gates with the Traitor Wolves and dragons flew overhead. It would be chaos...it had to be done.
TBC
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