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Post by Jenny on Jan 26, 2014 18:31:10 GMT -5
I’m not sure what I’d do if you were unhappy, he had said… it had touched her deeply. After his words, his eyes became unfocused, as if recalling a deep memory. He must know something of the future, or perhaps the past… she wondered what it could be. But she dare not ask him what he was thinking about, for if he wished to reveal it he would do so in his own time. A change came over him in his ruminations. She saw him become bold and as if far beyond his years. She was taken aback by this, enchanted by him. All too soon, as he came out of his reverie, his body folded as if questioning himself. Again, he had been enveloped by doubt. How could she bolster him? What must she do to awaken that boldness again?
She realized she was staring at him when he spoke, and she shook herself off with a small smile. “Yes, the hour grows late, and we may be missed.” Her voice was bittersweet, as if she too wished to prolong their privacy. She turned her horse as he did, and as he seemed reluctant to return, the brisk pace was little more than a trotting lope. Her eyes remained on her back, wondering at the mystery of him.
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Post by Joe on Jan 26, 2014 18:48:37 GMT -5
As they returned Eyan was standing at the lip of the cave, still smoking his pipe. He gave Cartell a knowing look as they returned and smiled, turning back inside.
As Cartell jumped from his horse he went to Serena, holding his arms out to assist her if she needed it.
Inside the cave Andal suddenly stepped out of the darkness in front of Eyan. "We should be safe tonight, I saw several roaming parties in the night but they were going the wrong way. Our pace saved us this night." Andal looked at Eyan's expression blankly. "What is it?" Eyan gave a short laugh and gestured behind him, "Your brother has an eye for our little princess I think." Eyan's laugh cut short and he looked timid suddenly, certain words might bring Andal pain in a certain light.
He seemed unphased, "Yes.. ever since they laid eyes on each other it seems. I don't suppose I have any reason to stop it." Eyan shook his head in agreement as Andal continued, "Though it could prove.. complicating in the end." Andal turned around and folded his arms, thinking.
Eyan crouched by the fire and added fuel. "They both could die any day, let them have their fun." Andal nodded though he seemed cautious. They both sat by the fire quietly, gazing into the flames.
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Post by Jenny on Jan 26, 2014 18:59:50 GMT -5
She allowed Cartell to help her slide from the saddle and place her feet firmly on the ground. She gave the horse a few good pats on its neck, feeling the power of its muscles as it rippled from her touch. She murmured softly to the beast, “you’re a good boy aren’t you?” She wasn’t scared of horses any more and her body, relaxed, showed it plainly. It had been well of Cartell to suggest that she get to know the horse and the basics of riding, for when on the morrow they pick up the pace she would be ready. “Thank you,” she turned to Cartell with a smile, which spread wider when he took her thanks well. She then went beside the fire, adding a bit of wood to it for good measure, and picked up after herself, munching on the rest of it since it seemed a waste if she were not to eat the provisions provided to her, for they only had so much to go on and it may be some time before they would safely refresh their supplies.
At length, when it was suggested that they rest, she was all to willing to obey, for the anxiety of the day had worn her out, although the minutes she had shared with Cartell alone had left her pleased. She was glad that he was in little pain from the wound that he had received by arrow, though it would undoubtedly leave something of a scar. She hoped that nothing like that would happen again to him, and prayed… for she could not give up old habits easily… that he would be spared in the future. As she lay herself down upon the blankets on which she had become accustomed to sleep on the ground, she brushed her hand against the gifted dagger, finding reassurance.
Eyan and Andal were seasoned soldiers, and while Cartell had held his own much during the mock-duel with his uncle, he had not the same experience. She was determined not only to defend herself, but to watch Cartell’s back as best as she could manage, for she looked upon him quite favorably, as much as she dared to…
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Post by Joe on Jan 26, 2014 19:37:47 GMT -5
Cartell was awoken by the sound of a voice. It was not Serena, it was not Eyan, it was not Andal. He snapped up, sitting up on his bedroll. He saw Serena safely stirring near him and he felt a rush of relief, but the voice continued. "By order of the Hallowed King, show yourself." He looked towards the mouth of the cave and saw Andal crouched, holding a hand out telling them to stay still and quiet. Then he heard the voice of Eyan from beyond the mouth. "It's just me my lords, why do you trouble an old man's sleep?" There was the sound of conversation as the two parties lowered their voices. Cartell stayed prone and shimmied to the lip of the cave, peering out. Three mounted knights on golden armor stood before the small shape of Eyan, along with two free riders. He could hear their conversation again.
"You are well armed for an old wanderer, why so?"
Eyan stood up straight, feigning insult, "Do you think I can no longer carry a blade? These roads are dangerous, and I still have the right to defend myself from brigands, like those you have at your back." The free riders looked at each other, one of them laughing.
"You do have that right." One of the knights said. "We seek a fugitive, several in fact. An escaped prisoner from Sacrosanct, taken by the false knight Andal of West Bend, a known heretic and insurgent. Have you seen them?"
"Bah, I don't bother with such rot, leave me be will ye?" Eyan dismissed them with a wave of his hand and turned to walk back towards the cave.
"Hold, sir." One of the other knights spoke up, "Tell me, what does one old man need with three good horses?"
Eyan's head turned to the horses then back to the knights. There was no good excuse for that, at least not one he could think of.
Suddenly Andal sprung up and slowly descended the cave holding out his arms. "Here I am." The knights and riders perked up and looked immediately on edge, all of them half drawing their blades. Eyan retreated to the mouth of the cave, giving Cartell a worried look. Andal placed his hand on his own hilt, approaching the riders. "Five men for one heretic and an old man." The riders gave each other a look as Andal continued, "Brave souls, I must say." His hand slowly reached up to his face and into his hood, pulling down the wicked masks they had worn before.
"Seize him!" The knights shouted, most of them dismounted, some started to ride forward before it happened.
The sky blackened, though it was already night, the stars fading away. Behind the mask, green embers ignited over Andal's eyes, black smoke raising through the holes. A shadow overcame him, his body encased by some ghastly form. The long, shaded arm followed his ending in a long clawed hand. Its movement followed his as he surged forward, drawing his curved blade. The sword sang from its sheathe and glowed black, the form wielding its own blade of ebon that extended past the reach of Andal's. His footsteps became thunderous and left scorched grass where he past.
One of the free riders broke and fled at the sight, while the others grimaced and continued forward visually shaken. Andal, with his wicked shadow, drew one long slash across the front two golden knights. Their bodies fell in half, blood and entrails spilling forth as they cried out in horrible agony. The last two, seeming to accept their fate, charged forth with martyring cries. The first was struck so hard by the dark fist that his helmet caved in along with his skull. The second was impaled on the dark saber, Andal pushing it farther and farther through his chest, lifting the knight up off the ground with inhuman strength as the body sank down the blade to the handguard. In a swift motion he whipped the sword to the side, throwing the lifeless corpse to the ground in a crunch of metal.
Andal turned around, the shadow around him seeming as if it wanted to continue its slaughter with those inside the cave. It gave a hissing roar of defiance as Andal willed it back to its dormancy. Sheathing his blade, he made for the mouth of the cave. He seemed somehow different now, as if the power had taken some toll on him. "Get them up Eyan.. we must go."
Cartell had been observing, mouth agape. He had never seen this, even with everything Andal had shown him. He wasn't sure what to feel, he was horrified, but Andal had saved them. Was this the truth behind the great feats he had heard of his brother? He stumbled backwards, falling onto his hands as Eyan came over the edge of the cave. "Come children, we must go, now."
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Post by Jenny on Jan 28, 2014 17:22:55 GMT -5
Serena stirred slowly as she heard raised voices at the mouth of the cave, breathing in deeply and rubbing her eyes. She looked about at the bedrolls around her and noticed that she was alone. Groggy and slowly coming to her senses she stood up and looked to the mouth of the cave, the corners of her mouth turned down as she heard shouting. A shot of fear rippled down her spine, sensing danger, and she backed away further into the cave, anxious, for it would not do well to throw herself in the thick of things, not when her three champions had enough to worry about. So she pressed herself against the shadows of a wall and crouched down, her hand brushing over the dagger and withdrawing it, and clinging tightly onto the hilt in an attempt to reassure herself. As her eyes adjusted to the darkness, she saw Cartell prone at the mouth of the cave. She wanted to call out to him but her voice squeaked out her words in a whisper.
Presently, Eyan showed himself when he backed into the cave, his face terse and uneasy. While they remained, it was likely they were not yet in danger. She heard shouting again, sounds of battle and cries of pain. She dared not come forward, even for reassurance, and let out a small whimper for what she heard were noises that could not be human. When Andal came into the cave, it was only then she came out of hiding, but not before she sheathed her dagger. She was pale and shivering, not quite from fear but in response to the dire situation, to make her position known.
At the word that they would be moving, she made haste to pack what they could in the few minutes allowed. As she stepped out of the cave she saw the carnage before her, and slapped her hands over her mouth to stifle a scream. Her hands shook as she raised her eyes to Andal. Could one man have done such a thing? She shut her eyes against the sight, as Cartell took her arm to gently steer her away from the gruesome sight.
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Post by Joe on Jan 28, 2014 18:11:04 GMT -5
Andal and Eyan quickly mounted their horses, Andal looking back to them, "One of them escaped, he will bring the rest down on us any minute." Cartell carefully herded Serena to the horses away from the slaughter, still stealing shocked glances back at it himself. There was one horse left. He looked to Serena, "It looks like we won't have the time to let you drive yourself.. will you ride with me?" He climbed onto the horse and offered her a hand in assistance.
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Post by Jenny on Jan 28, 2014 18:22:21 GMT -5
Danger was mounting by the day, and Serena truly feared for their lives. She would do all that they asked, daring not to deviate in case it would hinder their escape for even a moment. Still stunned and pale, Serena nodded to Cartell and, with his assistance, sat behind him, wrapping her arms around his body securely and pressing her cheek against his back for comfort. By the way she gripped him so tightly, he might tell that she was upset with what she saw. She was not angry at Andal, the killing was necessary, it was just the way they had died that had disturbed her. She told herself she shouldn’t cry, for even if Andal had called her a child more than once, she was doing her best to become mature due to necessity.
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Post by Joe on Jan 28, 2014 18:52:04 GMT -5
Even with the circumstances around them, he smiled as she held him, feeling empowered. Andal and Eyan pushed their horses into a gallop and he followed. It was early morning, the sun just barely reaching over the horizon. On horseback they could reach Cairn's Crossing in a few hours; but horses were also loud and he feared for their chances of escape. As they rode he turned to look over his shoulder at her, "Are you okay?"
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Andal rode his horse hard, driving through the dawn light. He kept them near the river for though it increased their chance of detection, it kept them moving quickly. If they could reach the crossing they would be safe for a time, they were waiting for them - lords and nobles that had joined the conspiracy. His head suddenly swam with vertigo and he nearly fell from his horse.
It's been so long since you called for me, my sweet. I know. How can you treat a lady like this? I've missed you. It had to be done, you saw what was happening. Yes, yes, we slew them together my love, as we did before. You were so deliciously lethal.
He shook his head as he felt her voice fade from his mind, his brain aching from the otherworldly influence. He had been forced to call her, hadn't he? Or am I falling back into my old habits?
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Post by Jenny on Jan 28, 2014 22:29:16 GMT -5
Serena let out a small sigh as they put distance between themselves and the sight of death. She wondered to herself would it always be like this during their flight from the enemy… How many more would stand in their way and inevitably be killed so that the four of them may live? She hoped beyond hope that the situation would not again arise. But if Andal had so much power in him, perhaps they might have a chance.
Still, he had seemed changed after the effort of it, wan and tired, and something in his face spoke of an internal conflict, of what she did not yet know. She had yet to see just how Andal had done the deed, and part of her hoped that she would never see it. At the pace they were riding, she did not loosen her hold, but tried to be mindful of how tight her arms encircled him. She did not want to stifle his breath. But she secretly held pleasure in the closeness of their bodies. She felt safe and secure with him.
She lifted her head when Cartell asked of her well-being. She supposed he had to ask the question sometime and was touched by the asking of it. But what to answer and how? Did he wish to know the truth or was he simply asking to relieve himself from worry? She chewed lightly on her lip as she contemplated her answer. As he turned his head ahead of them to stay the course, she stretched herself so that she may speak as close as she could to his ear. “I… am not sure. I’m afraid to ask, but what just happened back there? Did Andal really do that all by himself? Killing all of those men?”
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Post by Joe on Jan 29, 2014 18:44:21 GMT -5
He looked briefly back over his shoulder then turned back. He wasn't sure what to say or if it was his place, really he just didn't understand it. Looking back, he spoke, "He killed them but.. he did something I've never seen before, used some power.. a spell, I'm not certain. I'll tell you more when we rest."
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They travelled along the dark river through the morning hours and when the sun shown nine o'clock, they had reached the city of Cairn's Crossing. It was an enormous city-state split on both sides of the river. In the middle two keeps sat on both sides of a bridge crossing the river. They stayed near the river off of the main roads. They started to pass many fisherman and small fishing communities as they drew closer to the road. These people were commoners and knew nothing of the state of the realm. Andal drew them up to a small inn on the outskirts and tied up there horses. He gathered them around in the stables and made sure they had not been followed. "We will stay along the river and use the sewers and canals to enter the city. Guards will be posted at the main gates with our descriptions but as long as we can get inside the city and not too overt we should be safe for a time." He turned to Serena particularly, "We have several nobles and high lords on our side, they are awaiting you in the city to pledge their support. From here, we should have an easier time on our journey." He smiled and nodded to her, but he still seemed uneasy like he was in pain.
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Post by Jenny on Jan 29, 2014 19:32:56 GMT -5
Serena had to be satisfied with that answer, and judging by his hesitation, it must have been in a terrible way. She had been told that Andal could use magic, but what kind she did not yet know. But she supposed, of what she felt about Cartell, surely it could not be all that bad. She saw no evil in Cartell… never him… it is impossible, isn’t it?
They rode what seemed forever, for Serena was anxious to put her mind to rest regarding what had happened back there, if Cartell cared to do so. She perked up when they reached Cairn’s Crossing. She had not known what to expect, and was taken aback by how enormous it was indeed. Her eyes trailed over the keeps and wondered what the masters of the city were like. Most of all she hoped that her secret would be safe and she would not find herself in judgment a second time. She watched the fishermen as they passed by. They looked to be hardworking folk, weathered with the hardness of their life. She dismounted at the inn, stretching her sore body from the ride, and remained quiet as they converged in the stable. She could see the wariness on Andal’s face, and was again struck with anxiety. Were the Illios in this city as well searching for them?
At mention of the sewers, Serena wrinkled her nose distastefully, but she was not willing to argue with them, and was glad that she was not wearing a fine dress for it would have been a shame to have dirtied it so. She again felt nervousness coil inside her stomach when Andal confirmed that they were not yet in safety and hoped that their passage would be unnoticed. She felt a wave of nausea overtake her and she took a few moments to catch her breath. She nodded to Andal at mention of the nobles and high lords, and to know that they would pledge their support reminded her of the ultimate duty she would be facing, to become queen. In her anxiety, she failed to notice the pain Andal was in, but could not help herself.
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Post by Joe on Jan 29, 2014 20:07:39 GMT -5
They made their way through the canals without incident. The merchant lords of the crossing had no great love for the Illios, but they had a presence in the city, and many of the people loved them. There weren't many patrols anywhere outside the main streets, and the canals were only home to the beggars and urchins of the city who quickly scattered at the sight of three armed men. They emerged up a stairway that led into an alley. At the end of the alley was a brightly lit street where the commotion of a market could be heard.
Andal led them to the edge of the alley then turned back to them. "The Illios do not have a large presence here but they will still be looking for you. Stay between us and keep your head down, we will be safe to rest soon." They gathered around her and stepped out into the market, it was busy with all sorts of people and the crowds kept them hidden well. They made their way down the street to an iron fence. Behind it was a large mansion with a pristine garden. The gate was locked as Andal approached and he waved to one of the servants tending the garden. As Andal spoke him Cartell grabbed Serena's wrist suddenly, whispering to her. "There are two knights of the Sworn coming down the street, don't turn around." He stepped behind her, attempting to shroud the sight of her distinctive hair and shape. The two knights wore full armor, restricting their vision, but they still seemed to be more aware than normal. They casually looked at the party but didn't catch anything unusual.
Finally Andal got the servant to unlock the gate and they went inside. The mansion was an enormous abode of painted white brick with black trimmings. It stood out starkly against the wooden and stone houses of the rest of the city. They were told to walk around the back of the house to meet the lord of the manor. The back garden was filled with hedges surrounding a clear pool of water. Andal stepped up to one of the many back doors to meet the lord. He was tall and handsome, in his late thirties. His hair was black with pristinely trimmed facial hair. He wore a red tunic with a white shoulder cape, on his tunic was woven the emblem of a phoenix. "So sorry to make you take the back door old friend but, someone like me can't be seen letting fugitives in his front door." Andal laughed with him and, gestured to Serena, "Here she is.. it's been a harrowing night for us. Where can we rest?" The man looked at her with astonishment for a few moments, then a big smile came over his face. "It is a great honor to house my lady, all my servants are at your disposal. They will take you to your rooms, I will gather the others."
They had all been given rooms overlooking the back garden with food and wine waiting for them, along with baths and any comfort they desired. They had free time until dinner, where the rest of the lords would be gathered awaiting Serena.
Cartell had changed out of his armor for the first time in a few days, he was sprawled over his bed in his open room relaxing. Andal had shut himself up inside his room and Eyan had run off to buy things from the market.
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Post by Jenny on Jan 29, 2014 20:33:36 GMT -5
Serena cast uneasy looks at the beggars and urchins in the canal as they passed. In her paranoia of being caught, she wondered if any of them were spies. But they seemed docile enough and as they scattered she began to relax. She was happy to breathe clear air again when they emerged into the alley, for the canals were ripe and stagnant. She could hear the noise of the hustle and bustle of a prosperous city, and desired to take in the delights of the market and browse the wares. But she was reminded that it was not safe to do so at Andal’s halting, and her face became crestfallen. At Andal’s insistence to keep herself hidden and masked between the three of them, she bowed her head and brought forward locks of her hair to help hide her face. She couldn’t help but peek every once in a while when she saw a pretty bauble or piece of clothing.
When Cartell caught her wrist as they stood before the gate and whispered of the Sworn patrol, she shivered with anxiety, wondering what they would do if they were discovered. Then they would be imprisoned if not killed on sight, and she did not wish for Cartell to die. She pressed herself close to Cartell for reassurance. When the Sworn passed by with no clue that they were the ones to look out for, she felt only a thin wave of relief, for here was a new situation in the opening of the gate. Wha if they don’t like me? What if Andal is wrong and this is just another trap? She raised her eyes to Cartell’s face, and since he seemed to be at ease, she walked inside.
Her eyes took in the mansion as they walked up the drive. After several days on the road, she would welcome just to sit in a soft chair again, or lie in a bed! They wove around through the gardens to the back doors, and she wondered why they were not welcome to come inside the front if this was a place of safety. She had had just about enough of this covertness for it soured her stomach. She simply wanted peace again. But the lord of the house thought it was best, so into the back door she would do.
The lords amiable face and good humor put Serena again at ease. He didn’t seem all that bad or scary. She straightened up as her name was called, remembering to be polite in the presence of the noble. She fidgeted a little under his stare, although she had so many people stare of her as of late, wondering if her skin had turned green or the like. “I am honored of your hospitality, my lord.” She was happy to be led to a room.
She was very pleased to see food laid out for her and unshamefully began to eat her fill, being ravenous after only meager rations. Besides, no one was watching her, she was alone for a time and was glad of it. She then allowed herself a bath, gratefully sinking into the warm water. Afterwards, she dressed herself into the clothing made available and felt herself again. She emerged from the room presently, and was told by a servant that dinner would be served in two hours. She settled a hand on her stomach, embarrassed that she had eaten when dinner would be provided. Or perhaps she may have her appetite again for food fit for a noble lord, she did not know.
Serena walked down the stairs, her hand brushing against the smooth wood of the railing and began to explore the estate. When asked how she might like to spend her time, she immediately requested the library. She had never seen so many books, three times as many as in the convent. There were long ladders that led to the very top shelves, and there were chairs and couches for sitting. She asked if she might be able to take a book outside in the garden and the servant said she was free to do so. So she chose a book of poetry and made her way to sit beside the water on a bench.
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Post by Joe on Jan 29, 2014 20:42:43 GMT -5
The garden was surrounded by hedges, keeping prying eyes away. Cartell stepped onto the back patio keeping himself hidden as he observed her. A smile came to him from the simple pleasure of observing her. In the sunlight she was like nothing else, her hair reflecting it somehow in a way he had never seen. He felt sad suddenly, he wondered how much time they had left to know one another. With the gathering of the other lords she would be kept in a much more secure place, likely swept away farther west. He wasn't sure what Andal had planned after bringing her here.
He cleared his throat, making himself known as he approached her. He approached the bench and held out his hand to it with a smile, "May I?"
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Post by Jenny on Jan 29, 2014 20:54:01 GMT -5
Serena was delighted and enchanted by the poetry she was reading, a collection of love sonnets, of which she was impressionable not knowing how love truly felt like. It tugged on her heart strings and she would let out a sigh as she read a lengthy sonnet, written by a man who likened his love as a goddess. This was far better than scriptures to memorize, for scriptures did not inspire the imagination… or the heart, other than what she had been told of the love that god had for all mankind. She then frowned, remembering how unlike she and Andal was, having been brought up in different faiths. She was not sure what The Outlander was and why he was revered. She had been told that he was not a god and that he was not worshipped, so she wondered what relation such a “man” could have with Andal and his brotherhood.
She started at the sound, breaking out of her reverie, and saw Cartell. She smiled at him, closing the book of poetry. He looked better now that he had rested, less unkempt and harried, though she had not minded his appearance. “Yes, please sit.” She made room for him, scooting over to the right side of the bench.
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