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Post by Joe on May 14, 2014 17:02:27 GMT -5
Andal watched the scene with interest. He did not intend to try to overly control Serena's life, feeling important she be confronted early and often with decisions, given her future status. At Ro's words he raised an eyebrow, "The princess herself chose him at the council.. it is her decision whose company she keeps. I will speak with her." Andal wasn't sure what he thought of Blackwell, he had proved himself and able traveling companion but his motives were questionable. Andal also knew little of the history of his house, and that cast them in doubt.
Andal frowned at seeing Serena flee in distress, he turned to Klaus and placed his hand on the shoulder of the old warrior who was still too busy eating to see what was going on. "My lord, please follow the princess from a respectable distance and ensure no harm comes to her. We cannot let our guard down with the enemy so close." Klaus nodded, slinging his sword across his shoulder and making after Serena.
Andal turned to Ro as she spoke again, bowing his head, "I'd be honored."
The garden wasn't as pleasant as it could've been, the dark sky overhead was shrouded by smoke from many fires and wreckage. A constant low hum of the crowds of men outside the walls flowed into the open air. Andal stopped at the edge of a small pool and looked down, studying his reflection.
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Post by Jenny on May 16, 2014 0:06:03 GMT -5
It was black as pitch when one of the three “peasants” knocked out the drainage grill covering their slimy route into Dire Hall’s castle and slid it aside, crawling up one by one, assisting each other, the first climbing up on one’s shoulders and the other two hefted up by hand. It was not difficult, the grill snug simply by being rusted with age. They had been careful not to let the cover scrape against the stone paved ground, and replaced the grill after they had ascended into an alcove. They moved as quietly and carefully as rats, following a crude map that had been resourced by means of spies. At this time of the night, the castle laundry was abandoned, the servants that worked there all asleep. Once inside, they peeled off their foul clothing, trading it for miscellaneous articles of clothing worn by the castle servants so as to better blend in, and stuffing their old clothing away in a place where they would not be easily discovered. Their plans thus far, with a bit of luck, had been successful. They would find the least desirable means of work possible in order to blend in, their “assistance” unquestioned, for no one would complain if a few extra hands allowed others to move on to more favorable tasks. They would abide their time but not linger long, for at the first opportunity they would carry out their orders to assassinate the Lord Holland, likely in the dead of night, like parasites creeping to draw the blood of their victims, feeding on the promise of gold in trade for their services.
---
The small party trailing the young woman and her escorts would too abide their time, skirting around the Velris lands, into the valley spreading out on the far side of the keep. They would await in the agreed upon place, masked in the forest, to observe the likely route that their target would travel once they took their leave to travel to Cairnewn. There had been talk about infiltrating Velris castle, but that was a risky plan what with the increased number of guests. The wretched man-beast would bring news if the young woman and her escorts deviated from that route, and the riders would again proceed to trail them, awaiting their chance to come in like thieves in the night when the travelers were distracted and to abduct the girl in order to serve their own interests. They were privy to their own business and no one else’s, wearing not the colors of Illios, nor of any known enemy to the Golden Kingdom.
---
Serena barely made it to her room before she crumpled, her hand sliding off of the doorknob as she sank down, her body trembling. She nestled her face into her hands, hot tears rolling down her cheeks on their own accord. She was dreadfully embarrassed, having no choice but to flee the ballroom else the public see her tears, angry at Blackwell but also at herself for allowing him to get to her. The ambiguousness of Lord Blackwell’s statement had provoked uncertainties of her future, and she could only think of Cartell taking that place, but alas Cartell had truth in his words though she wished that circumstances could be otherwise. She dearly loved him, but fate seemed to desire to drive a wedge between them… and his absence made her heart heavy. Despairing too that Cartell may have changed, no longer the person she once knew, having accepted the darkness into his own body caused a wrenching pain inside her chest. Andal’s abilities were impressive yet terrifying, and he had dispatched of the Illios soldiers so violently it made her shudder to remember.
She heard footsteps approaching, and she shakily rose to her feet, swiping her hands across her cheeks to dry the tears, but she could not mask the forlorn look on her face nor its redness. When she turned her body to see who had come, she saw Klaus coming down the hall. She was relieved that it was no other for she did find the man to her liking. “Lord Klaus.” She gave him the best smile she could manage.
When Klaus saw the state she was in, it gave him pause. “My Lady,” he began hesitating, finding himself bowing. “I thought perhaps you had retired.”
In that Serena knew that Klaus meant to see to her safety. She was grateful though having been found in a state of weakness made her awkward, she folded her hands together, subconsciously wringing them. “Yes, I will presently…”
Klaus cleared his throat. “I do apologize to have caught you off guard, my Lady… but I worry for your state. I wish you comfort. If there is anything I can do…”
She shook her head. “There is nothing anyone can do,” she admitted glumly. “But I do appreciate your concern. I’ll wish you a good night.” She placed her hand on the doorknob to open the bedroom door.
He studied her face as he spoke, downtrodden that he was helpless to do anything for her. But he would guard her room, that much he could do. “Good night, my Lady.”
Serena nodded and gave him a smile and then closed the door behind her.
She had cried herself out and would not cry again. It was foolish to cry, for it would not solve a thing. It was nothing but an embarrassment. She should be more composed. She was no longer a child, she was to be a queen. She walked into her closet to disrobe and put on a sleeping gown. Sitting down at the vanity, she unpinned her hair and unknotted the intricate braids, then carefully brushed it until it was untangled, lastly weaving it into a single braid as was her custom when she slept.
When she was done, she hung up the fine gown in the wardrobe, smoothing down the folds of the dress so that it would not wrinkle, as it was a borrowed dress. She sought out parchment in the writing desk and slid onto the mahogany bench that matched the writing desk, its surface smooth and cool to the touch. She took out a quill, blotter, and ink well, full of fresh, deep-black ink. It was well that she had learned to read and had learned her letters, for she would not have asked anyone to write the letter. She dipped the nib into the ink well and held the quill over the paper, pausing before she began to write, wondering if it wise to write intimately.
My dearest Cartell,
I hope my letter finds you well. It feels like an eternity since… she hesitated another minute and continued. ... I last saw your smiling face. We did not part on good terms, and I wish I could have told you what was in my heart. But you are far away now, the Lord of Dire Hall, and I am sure you have many duties to attend to.
She paused again, heaving a great sigh, as her eyes tingled with moisture. No, she would not cry again. She again dipped the quill into the inkwell, fighting against a lump in her throat.
I wish I could be sure of your safety, because I know the Illios threaten your castle and likely your own life. I would hope to see you once again before I reach Cairnewn, but I would understand if you would wish to stay away. I do not want to cause your heart pain as my heart is pained. Forgive me my weaknesses, and I would be satisfied only to know that you are all right. Please, find some way of letting me know that you are well, it would comfort me greatly.
Yours,
Serena
She placed the quill down on the table and blotted the paper so that ink would not run. Serena stared at the page, wondering if she should send it. Did she dare? She folded up the parchment and slid it into an envelope, writing, To Lord Cartell, Dire Hall, on the front, and then raising a stick of wax to the candle to soften. She dribbled the melted wax atop the fold, pressing a seal into the wax. She meticulously placed the writing instruments where she had found them. She turned the envelope over so that Cartell’s name could be seen, propping it against the desk. She sat for several moments, deciding that come morning she would make a decision whether or not to have it delivered. With a long sigh, she stood and walked to the bed and snuffed out the candle, then slid under the covers. All she could do was stare up at the canopy when her eyes adjusted to the darkness, lit only by the moonlight streaming through the window. At last she turned on her side, curling up and shutting her eyes when at last she would be able to rest.
---
Though the flowers were lovely, the circumstances outside the keep were not favorable, yet Ro only wished to escape the luxuriousness of the hall. Having long been on the road she favored fresh air and the wind on her face, not sitting on stuffy cushions I the middle of noble guests. She took a seat on a bent parallel to the very pool that Andal was observing, crossing her arms. These fine dresses were not adequate for the night air, she wished to be in her accustomed clothing, feeling too exposed.
Ro lifted her eyes to Andal as his back was turned, studying his form. He looked gallant in his finery, though she was keen to observe his discomfort. “I did not take the opportunity to return your flattery in kind, Lord Andal. You look quite fetching tonight.” As he turned to look at her she had a shining humor in her eyes, her lips twitching into a smile.
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Post by Joe on May 17, 2014 9:09:12 GMT -5
The outer wall portcullis clanged open as Cartell and his party returned from their skirmish. He had been silent most of the trip, part of him was scared of what he had done but the power was too great to throw away and the voice comforted him. As he dismounted one of the castle knights approached him, Sir Calder, who seemed momentarily distracted by the blood stains covering Cartell.
"My lord." The knight bowed before Cartell. "The Master at Arms wishes to see you in the war room."
Cartell nodded, "Very well, tell him I will be there at once after I change my clothes."
Cartell made his way to his rooms, hanging up his armor but keeping on his belt. He washed his face in the water basin, examining himself in the mirror. A smile crept over his face again, for the first time he was not repulsed by his reflection, his image seeming to radiate power.
He made his way to the war room where Lord Foller, his Master-At-Arms, waited. Lord Foller was old, Cartell remembered him from his childhood, he had always been a faithful follower of their house.
Cartell nodded to him as he entered the room, "Sorry to keep you waiting my lord, what news?"
Foller pointed over a map of Dire's End where many small tokens of green and white were placed. "I take it your skirmish was a success." He reached over and pulled one of the white tokens aside, "There are still reports of several more raiding parties, but we've sent our own groups to take care of that. The real issue is our scouts have seen a full-on Illion host approaching from the south-east, at least a thousand men, they likely mean to lay siege to the hall."
Cartell gazed down at the map and cluster of white figures. "Has this keep ever been sieged, my lord?"
Foller nodded, "Yes, several times in history, never successfully. I have every confidence we can hold them back with you here, Lord Holland."
Cartell smiled, "I appreciate your confidence. Still, it will be a bloody battle, how are the men?"
"Spirits are high, we are having success battling the raiding parties and many of these men have been waiting a long time to get back at the Illios." Foller examined a nearby scroll from the quartermaster.
Cartell leaned forward on the table, thinking, "Lord Foller, when our raiding parties return I want you to band them together, that should be at least a couple hundred men. Tell them to make camp in the forest here, a few miles to the south. When the Illios lay siege and the battle begins, we will send word for them to attack and crush them from the rear."
Foller nodded, smiling at the boy, "A good plan, I will make it so."
---
Andal seemed surprised by her comment as he turned to her, her smiling causing his own lips to curl. "You think so?" He looked down, examining himself, "It's been ages since I've worn them." He rubbed his chin in thought, "If I may be frank.. I find this event a bit ridiculous, with the enemy laying siege not a hundred yards below us. Dancing and extravagant food, how can they spare such things?" Andal sighed, "Though I believe Serena enjoyed it very much.. for that it may be worth it."
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Post by Jenny on May 17, 2014 19:34:57 GMT -5
“Yes, quite.” Ro smiled mischievously. But she had no deception in her compliment, accustomed to honesty, but she sobered at his last comment. “I do believe our Lady deserves much mirth. It has been trying times as of late. If Lord Velris desires to honor the Lady Serena, I do not think that the feast was all for naught. Perhaps it is better this way, for one night forgetting that the Illios force is at his doorstep. She looked quite lovely this evening, it is only a taste of her future.”
She let out a long sigh. “At daybreak it is likely that the keep will be sieged once again. We must take care to keep our lady from such dire times. She has suffered much already, unused to the reality of death. Remember, she lived a life of peace. The truth lies heavy in her heart.”
“You would do well to lend your aid, Lord Andal. Although I do not wish to put you in danger, but knowing of your abilities you would turn the tide of the war. You would save many lives. I will fight at your side.” She smiled at him then. “But I do suggest a change of clothes.”
-----
Serena stirred at daybreak. Opening the curtains that surrounded the bed, she squinted at the light. She walked to the window to take a look outside. She did not see past the wall of the fortress. It was for the best, for the Illios attack would cause a heavy heart. She decided to take a bath, draping a robe over her nightgown for sake of decency, opening the door to her bedroom. She saw Lord Klaus standing there, ever vigilant. She wished him a good morning, looking shy at his presence.
“A good morning to you as well, my Lady. I hope you slept well.”
She nodded. “I stirred not once. I do believe the dancing wore me out.” She chuckled.
“And a divine dancer you are,” Klaus relied, as a fond smile crossed his face.
Serena blushed. “I danced well only because Lord Velris was a fitting partner. I would not do well on my own.”
Klaus chuckled. “It warmed my heart to see you so joyous.”
“Have you not slept, my good lord?” Concern crossed her face. “I would not cause you to grow ill.”
Klaus shook his head. “It is my duty to see to your safety. I will have one of your protectors to relieve me. Then I shall take my rest.”
Serena shook her head. “I do not wish for the trouble. I feel quite safe here.”
“Perhaps…” he tilted his head to one side. “Shall I call a servant to assist you?”
“Oh yes, please do. Thank you Klaus. I wish for a bath.”
“I am pleased to serve you.” He bowed, taking his leave to seek out a servant.
She closed the door and went to her vanity, carefully combing out the tangles in her hair. A servant knocked on her door presently. Serena went to open the door. The woman on the other side bowed to her.
“I will see to your bath. I trust you slept well?”
“I did,” Serena smiled. “Many thanks.”
“Thank you, my Lady. I will see to your bath at once.” She bowed again and bustled away quickly.
Serena walked towards the writing desk, where she had placed the letter. She contemplated its delivery to Lord Velris, and decided to give it to him. After all, she did wish to contact Cartell, and her words were genuine.
A knock on the door caused her to turn.
“My Lady, the water,” the voice was muffled. “I will come in to fill the bath, if you please.”
“Oh yes, thank you.”
The servant entered, filling the bath and making sure that it was a pleasant temperature. “Will there be anything else, my lady?”
“If you could bring in a breakfast, I would be most grateful.”
“Of course. Anything you wish.” The woman smiled. “I would not have your breakfast cold. I shall await half an hour before bringing it in.”
“That sounds just fine.” Serena smiled at the woman, pleased at her thoughtfulness.
“My Lady,” the servant bowed and left the room.
Serena disrobed and sunk into the bath, sighing in pleasure. She washed herself thoroughly and quickly, for she did not wish to inconvenience the kind woman. She put a robe about her, deciding to dress after she had eaten. She would deliver the letter at the first opportunity, eager for its deliverance. She dearly hoped for a reply, but she would understand if it was delayed. After all, Cartell had more to worry about then penning a letter in return.
Exactly half an hour since the woman left, she knocked on the door. “My Lady, are you decent?”
“Yes, do come in.”
The servant walked inside the bedroom, carrying a tray with suitable fare for the morning. She placed it on the bedside table, brushing off her hands.
“Will there be anything else, my good Lady?”
“No, that will be all. Thank you.”
The woman smiled and left Serena to her breakfast.
Serena tucked in with zeal, finding herself quite hungry. She cleaned her plate of every bit of food. Afterwards, she dressed in a simple gown and left the room to find Lord Velris, taking the letter with her. Lord Tristan had taken the watch, having relieved Lord Klaus so that he may get some well-deserved rest. He bowed gallantly. “My Lady.”
“Good morning to you. Might you know where Lord Velris is this morn?”
“I do believe he is at breakfast, down in the dining hall with our party.”
“Oh, I hope you were able to join them. I would not have you hungry.”
“I did indeed,” he smiled at her thoughtfulness.
Serena grinned. “You need not linger in the hallway whilst I am away.”
Lord Tristan chuckled. “I shall follow.”
She blushed again, but was in a pleasant mood. She hurried to the dining hall, eager to deliver the letter so that it may be sent without delay.
The party stood from their seats, wishing her a good morning.
“Please, do sit down,” Lord Velris motioned to an empty seat.”
“Oh, I have already breakfast. The letter, at your convenience…” She approached the table, holding it out for him to take. He set it down on the table.
“I will send it post haste.”
“Thank you, my Lord.”
“It is my pleasure.”
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Post by Joe on May 27, 2014 16:49:18 GMT -5
The day dawned with the sky dark with smoke, the siege camps below had not been restless through the night. They were clearly mobilizing for an assault. Andal sat within the dining hall with the other lords and the party. The tone in the hall was much more somber now, all the finery had been removed and hauled away. Those who had been there only to see the princess had returned to their own lands. The hall seemed bleak, an overbearing sense of doom now purveying it along with the dull roar of sound without.
Andal bowed his head as Serena entered, watching as she delivered her letter. His own thoughts turned to Cartell, the boy was dear to him but he did not take time to dwell on things. His brother was stronger than any other boy his age, he only had to overcome his mind to succeed. Word would have been sent to him immediately if he had not shown up at the keep or had fallen ill, so Andal did not fear.
A sudden boom shook the hall, plates rattled and dirt fell from the walls. Andal stood abruptly, "It begins, my lords, we are needed on the battlements."
The view from the walls was one of horror, the host below had grown since they last saw it. Siege towers and weapons were slowly rolling forward, they would be in range soon. The massive army thundered across the plains below, moving steadily towards the keep.
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Post by Jenny on May 28, 2014 17:54:42 GMT -5
At first sign of the siege, Lord Velris hastened servant to bring Serena’s letter to a messenger to deliver it as promised, wishing that the man not be hindered in the thick of things. The messenger would take the safest route, even if it meant taking a detour to avoid the battle.
As the hall shook, signaling that the seize had begun, Serena let out a startled cry, a look of terror crossing her face. She clutched the table as if she feared that the terrible, resounding booms would cause the very room to shatter.
“Princess,” Lord Velris rose from his seat swiftly and took her arm. “We need to get you somewhere safe.” He motioned to Lord Klaus, who moved immediately to escort Serena to the innermost part of the castle, where it had been arranged to keep her in comfort. He noticed how she trembled, and spoke soothingly. “Fear not, my Lady. I will be by your side today.” She allowed herself to be whisked away without protest, giving Andal and her companions a sweeping gaze with a look of concern. “Do not worry, Princess,” Klaus spoke reassuringly. “They will be fine, what with Lord Andal at the lead.”
Serena nodded fervently, completely convinced that Andal was fully capable of watching out for himself and her companions. She was glad that Lord Klaus would be with her, for his presence made her feel secure and his cheerful demeanor would keep her heart from despairing.
As soon as she had left the room, everyone swung into a flurry of action. There was no panic among them, only calculated efficiency. Ro instantly maneuvered herself to be close to Andal, for wherever he went she would be at his side.
When Ro surveyed the enemy, she was completely unshaken. She wore her accustomed clothing, her face half-hidden beneath the hood of her cloak. Her grey eyes were somber and cold, her face terse. She turned her face towards Andal, and gave him a small smile. “At your command, my Lord…”
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Post by Joe on Jun 3, 2014 9:33:17 GMT -5
Andal nodded to Ro, returning her smile. The rest of the party were gathered around him, all not showing a shred of fear in the face of doom. Soldiers began pouring in from the staging grounds below to man the walls, they were determined but nervous upon seeing the enemy below. The defenses were prepared, and archers began readying to fire. "Incoming!" A sentry shouted from the watch tower. Huge flaming boulders were sailing through the sky towards them, men scattered to avoid their impact sites. The impacts boomed across the keep, chunks of wall shattering and crumbling down, a few yells as some unfortunate souls were caught in the debris. Lord Velris was in the rear commanding the archers and other defenses. The castle returned fire, hurling cauldrons of flaming oil into the mass below as arrow volleys began arcing over their heads.
The encroaching army quickened their pace now that they were under fire, breaking into a run. In a few minutes the siege towers would reach them. "Prepare for battle!" Andal yelled to all around him, "Shield-bearers to the gates!" One of the towers was struck by oil and burst into flames, the others continued undaunted. The Illios began returning fire, arrows came at them, striking down a spattering of men. Soldiers carrying great scutum shields and armored in plate placed themselves where the siege tower gates would fall. They would attempt to keep the attackers vulnerable on the gate as long as they could.
Andal had not heard his voice in a few days, he hoped he would not be forced to summon it, but surely he could save many lives that way. Now that he was thinking on it he felt it begin to rise within him but he suppressed it, at least for now.
One of the approaching towers was struck by a catapult and shattered, screaming men spilling from it onto the swords and spears of their allies below. A boulder struck near Andal, the wall bursting away and men cried out as they slipped from the edge of were crushed. A fragment of rock struck his face and he felt a cut along his cheek. Gritting his teeth he helped up the fallen men and moved to aid the shield-bearers as the towers' gates swung down with a deafening boom, and battle began.
---
Cartell was resting in his chambers, sitting on the edge of his bed, looking down at his hands. Alone, his thoughts always dwelled on Serena, his love still burning for her. He wasn't sure of her feelings for him, and he usually pushed the thoughts from his mind with some frustration. He missed them and found himself longing for company, the voice only helped so much. It wasn't the same as a physical touch, but he was glad it was there. He stood, picking up his sword and beginning to practice with it. A slight noise in the hall caught his attention, suddenly it grew very quiet and worry stabbed his stomach. He crept to the door and listened at the edge, latching the lock.
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Post by Jenny on Jun 9, 2014 18:37:06 GMT -5
As the flaming boulders struck the battlement walls, dust was kicked up from crevices and crumbling stone. Ro planted her feet as the stone beneath her trembled, her toes instinctively curling as if to grip herself firmly to the earth. The color of her cloak dulled with a fine coat of dust. Ro turned her face to the side against the splintering wood, fragments embedding themselves into the thick wool of her hood but not harming her otherwise. The others sidestepped or raised their arms against any splinters or chunks of wood that had sped their way. As the shield-bearers made ready to meet the siege tower bridges where they would attach themselves to the walls, the companions followed Andal’s lead, spreading out along the wall and making ready to strike down any Illios that managed to get through the shield-bearers and onto the walls.
Ro maneuvered herself to stand beside Andal, hovering just behind his right side, her naginata at the ready. She breathed in and out deeply, a small smile lighting on her face. The thought of battle thrilled her, for too long her sword had been sheathed. She was not out of practice, however, as before the break of dawn on the roads she had consistently moved through her routine, a martial arts of sorts, her movements looking like a sinuous dance as her naginata reflected the glow of the fire. At these times she was acutely alert to sound and movement as she channeled concentration.
Her grey eyes shifted towards Andal’s face at those last moments before the bridges slammed down and the Illios swarmed the walls. She smiled at him, her eagerness radiating on her face. Her order may be all but extinct, but she again had a cause to fight for: For the Lady Serena, and for the Lord Andal. Almost all at once the falling bridges shook the foundations of the wall, rock chipping away at the impact sites. The shield-bearers held the lines for a good amount of time, but it was inevitable that they would begin to trickle in. She dispatched them in quick strokes, and they were on the ground, dead or dying, before the Illios intruders knew what happened.
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Post by Joe on Jun 9, 2014 21:01:38 GMT -5
The soldiers who spilled forth from the tower were at first poorly equipped mercenaries, falling swiftly to the barricade and flanking arrow fire. Then men in golden armor stepped forward, nobles and knights with brilliant armor and weapons, yellow feathers adorning their helms all displaying the various sigils of the Illion houses. They charged forth with a righteous cry, these were no ordinary soldiers. They were crusaders, knights of the holy city, and their determined assault began to break the barricade of shields.
A path was opened as one of the shield-bearers was felled, and the knights poured through the opening, spreading it wider. The battle spilled all across the wall as the knights continued to advance from the tower.
Andal was in the midst of the fray when a voice called to him, "Lord Andal of Dire's End, false knight and betrayer of the realm."
Andal whirled around and saw his addresser, a tall knight wielding an estoc bearing the sigil of House Tarn. "I am Alester Tarn, Sword of the Citadel. Face me, and let us see justice done."
Andal gripped his sword tightly and advanced on Alester, the two beginning to circle each other slowly. "It is said your sword-arm is unmatched in our time. Since I was a boy I've heard your feats, let us see the true man behind the story." Alester tapped his sword on the stone and advanced, his was more lightly armored than the rest to fit his fencing style.
Andal parried strike after strike, the young Illion lord was fast and deft with his piercing blade. One parry slid forward and narrowly missed Andal's torso, piercing his robe. As the blade passed through the cloth it caused Alester to overextend, his balance miniscully thrown off. Andal dropped his arm and pinned the blade to his side, driving a kick into the knight's chest. Alester's grip was too tight though and the blade did not leave his hand, merely causing him to stumble backwards blade in hand. The young lord seemed momentarily shakened but smiled beneath his visor and attacked again. Andal struck the blow aside and spun, his scimitar whirling across and slamming into the knight's neck. The chainmail prevented it from shattering, but Andal saw blood began to stain the shining metal. Alester grimaced and brought his sword up again, his stance was beginning to droop.
Suddenly a blade came from the side and struck Andal's arm. Andal growled, caught off guard, and grabbed the soldier who had struck him. He pulled the sword away and threw the man to the ground near Alester, preparing to finish him off when Alester drove his own blade into the man's neck. He seemed to be overcome by a momentary mania, "You whoreson, I told you his blood is only for me! Damn your mother!" The pain in the young lord's neck began to bother him, his hand drawing to the wound. Flashing Andal a look of spite he disappeared into the melee around them, retreating towards the tower. Andal looked around, most of the Illios soldiers lay dead or dying, the rest were fleeing the walls. Cheers rose up from the men around him, celebrating victory. Andal ran to the wall parapet, looking down at the fields below. The assault had breached the gate below, but Illios soldiers were fleeing from it back across the field. A feeling struck him, it seemed there were too many still alive for a retreat. He looked side to side, turning around to look at the higher wall above them. All around him men were cheering and helping each other up.
Deafening sound, a blinding flash, and searing pain. The southern wall erupted in flame, stone and debris sailing in all directions as half the keep began to sink and crumble from the gaping wound. A roaring boom followed by screams of agony filled Andal's ears for but a second, he was sailing through the air. A mass of man and rock, wood and metal was all around him. He tried to raise his arms to shield his face but something struck his right arm and it would not move. Air escaped him as he felt his body hit the ground, he tried to breath in but debris buried him in an instant.
Lord Velris pulled himself to his feet, coughing roughly as dirt filled his nose. He struggled to the wall, looking down where he knew Andal had been. The keep had been decimated by some kind of blast, half of it now a pile of rubble and flame. Hundreds of screams and cries echoed around them. Eckard collapsed, a large splinter in his stomach now beginning to pain. "Suns help us.."
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Post by Jenny on Jun 9, 2014 21:32:37 GMT -5
All along the wall, the companions soon had piles of dead or dying enemy at their feet, stepping on bodies for leverage as they battled. Ro regained her breath at the momentary break in the Illios host as the last mercenary was cut down. She saw the glint of gold armor and knew that this was the moment to step up her game. She flicked her naginata to the side, spattering blood in an arc, shifting her body in preparation to meet the swarming knights. She took advantage of any weaknesses in their armor, piercing her sword in armor joints, or the lesser protective mail beneath their helmets. Wounded, they staggered like drunken men. She quickly gave them the respite of death.
Lord Blackwell emitted a sharp cry of pain as a sword was stuck into his side. He raised his sword, his swing shattering the blade that had pierced him. A second blow removed his attackers head. He clutched his side and staggered backwards, taking a moment to take stock of the wound. It was most grievous, perhaps even fatal if he continued at the pace he had been going. So he had no choice but to take up the rear and instead of a frontal assault, he brought down those fortunate, or more specifically unfortunate, that got through the lines.
Ro’s head swiveled to the side as the man identifying himself as Alester Tarn met Andal in battle. Her momentary distraction almost proved her demise, as a soldier in gold swept his sword to cut her down. She dodged and parried, her naginata screeching against the metal of his sword, and she was able to throw him off with her superior stance. As the Illios soldier reeled back, she raised her sword and ran it through an opening at his neck. The enemy clutched at his throat, his death throttle a gurgle of fear and despair.
After her recovery, she swept her gaze over the thrall to assess Andal’s status. The deafening blast followed by the trembling of the wall as large stones crumbled and were cast downward caused her to lose her balance, and she skidded to the side, placing a hand against a section of wall that remained intact, keeping the point of her blade forward towards any enemy that may take advantage of the situation. She was struck by flying stone and debris, splintering wood and a spattering of blood and gore from what used to be whole and alive persons. She cast off her robe in disgust, wiping her face with a sleeve.
In desperation, she rocked to stand firm and darted about to see what had happened to Andal, hopping over boulders and human remains. She halted at the edge of what was once a wall, her eyes seeking out his form. All she saw was the dust kicked up by the rubble that had fallen to the ground at the outer edge of the wall. A sickened feeling settled itself, cold and unwelcome, into the pit of her stomach. Looking about, she searched for a way to get down to the ground, she decided to use the bridge of one of the abandoned siege towers that remained relatively intact though it was creaky and pitched slightly to the side. She darted down the stairs, skipping broken steps and leaping to the ground through a hole in the wall once it was a safe distance to do so. She ran to the pile of rubble where she had last seen Lord Andal and began to search for any signs of his body, her heart having leapt to her throat.
“Lord Andal!” She called out, beginning to roll away boulders in search of him, her adrenaline giving her strength.
---
Even from deep within the castle, Serena felt the tremble that surged through the ground and the sound of the explosion. “What happened? What happened?!” She turned her wide eyes to Lord Klaus, who was frowning deeply, looking towards the sound.
“I know not, Princess. But if you give me leave, I will be swift, only to see what has happened out there.”
She nodded with hesitated consent.
Klaus barreled out of the door, running as fast as his legs would allow him.
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Post by Joe on Jun 13, 2014 8:38:59 GMT -5
Lord Tristan Ondreau ran to Ro's side, his shining armor stained with blood and its many adornments ripped and scattered. "Lord Andal? Where is Andal!?" He noticed Ro's panicked digging, "Bloody hell.." Dropping to his knees he began pulling aside rocks with her. "Were you near him during the blast, what happened?"
Eckard defiantly strode to the watchtower, the pain from his bandaged side causing a slight limp. Shoving a panicked soldier aside he climbed the final stair and peered out onto the fields of the battle below. "You!" Eckard grabbed a nearby soldier, a young man with scared eyes, "Tell Lord Andal that the Illios are preparing another assault, we are to pull up and retreat to Eastover immediately. Run man!" Shoving the boy towards the stairs he began preparations for evacuation.
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Post by Jenny on Jun 23, 2014 17:43:18 GMT -5
Ro glanced at Lord Ondreau only briefly, bent on tearing away rubble and boulders and bricks one by one, her nails becoming ripped to the quick as she did so. If he was buried, he only had minutes before he suffocated, if he had not been crushed to death as it was. “It happened all too quickly to know just what happened,” she spoke over the sound of crumbling and shifting stone. “There was an explosion on the southern wall, at least that is what I believe it to be. Whatever it was, it was devastating. So many broken bodies, so many only recognizable moments before it happened. I would not be able to tell you if our companions are still alive. But I care only for…” her voice choked, and she again screamed “Lord Andal, call to me if you can hear me!” She bent upwards, her head swiveling to locate any other possible sources where his body could have fallen. As the wind touched her skin, she wiped at her face, it was strangely wet. Was she crying?
As Klaus entered the courtyard he instantly realized that the entire keep was in chaos. His eyes darted around on all sides to take in the scene, trying to make sense of it. A young soldier barreled past him. He reached out and grabbed him by the coat, his eyes wide. “What’s happened, boy?”
“Lord Velris has ordered the retreat, we are to regroup for another attack.”
“What of Lord Andal and my companions?” Klaus barked, his voice keyed by anxiety.
“I know not, Sir. Please, I must be on my way. Lord Velris’ orders were given in haste.”
Klaus nodded and released the boy and stepped back out of his path, stumbling as if he were a drunk man. He was hesitant to leave the Lady Serena’s side for much longer. If they were to move, he would have to see to it that she would be smuggled in safety. He darted back into the keep, giving hurried instructions in an authorative voice to a panicked servant, the woman almost crippled in fear. He ordered a soldier’s jerkin and cloak to be delivered to him as quickly as possible. If he disguised her, perhaps the Illios would not catch on that their target was on the move.
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Post by Joe on Jun 29, 2014 8:07:41 GMT -5
His hand was revealed first, bloody and stiff, then his arm, twisted wrongfully around a rock. Andal's body was crushed under the rubble, his sword still gripped in his other hand was broken at the hilt. To all present, his life was gone. Tristan fell to one knee and looked him over, then grimly stood again before dashing off, "I'll try to find a doctor."
People were already fleeing the wall en masse as the Illios began mounting their second assault. A loud horn atop what remained of the keep bellowed the retreat signal.
---
Alester Tarn was back in the Illios camp, he stood before Grand Marshal Filros. The Grand Marshal was suiting up for battle, to be there when they took the keep. Alester stood awkwardly, grimacing at his pain.
"So the heretic nicked you and you ran away?" The commanding voice of the Marshal cut like steel.
"Yes, my lord, but I knew it would soon be time for our ploy so I took my men off the wall."
"The Sword of the Citadel does not run."
The two of them stood in silence for a few moments as servants began putting on the Marshal's armor.
"The Hallowed King himself commanded you to slay this man. You saw him in the flesh, within your grasp, but you failed."
"Next time, I will have him, even if my life goes with him."
"See to it, or your life will go with me."
Alester briskly turned and exited the commander's tent, looking in the distance at the burning keep. Anger built in him but he took a deep breath, trying to calm his nerves. It was clear he could not beat the false knight in straight combat, he would have to improvise.
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Post by Jenny on Jun 29, 2014 21:46:47 GMT -5
Ro cleared the rest of the rubble away as Lord Ondreau ran to find a doctor. She had lowered herself to her knees as Andal’s body was revealed.
"My Lord... My..."
She reached out with a trembling hand to touch the hand still clutching the remains of his shattered sword. She gently moved his fingers to take the hilt of the sword into her lap, pressing her hand into Andal’s, and running her thumb over the back of his hand. The movement of her finger swept a trail through the dust that had settled onto his skin. She reached up and picked the rubble out of his graying hair. Her eyes darted up to the top of the keep as the horn sounded, and craned her neck to look across the battlefield, where already so many dead from both sides lay. She was struck with such rage for the Illion that her body began to tremble violently, her teeth clenching as a stuttering hiss of breath escaped through them. She flexed and unflexed her hands so tightly her skin grew pale as she turned about, then let out a bellow of rage so fierce it sounded quite animalistic in nature. She pulled her naganita from its sheath, satisfied at its metallic ringing response.
She heaved in and out breath, her eyes seeking the host that were mounting their next assault. She would tear them to pieces! “Just dare to get near me, you heathen husks of men! I will kill you all!” Her words ended in a second wail of rage.
“My Lady,” a soldier near her gaped at her, awed by her passion. Seeing that she intended to go out there on her own as she was now caused him to jog towards her, a hand reached out to grasp her sword arm. She didn’t let him get that close, snarling and wheeling towards him, the tip of her sword mere inches from him as he skidded to a dumbfounded halt, his eyes wide and blinking.
Without another word, Ro’s grey eyes beheld the broken body of Andal once more, turned and sped off towards the approaching host. She was a terrifying picture.
"But that's suicide... She can't..." the soldier breathed in a hushed whisper.
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Post by Joe on Jul 11, 2014 20:05:46 GMT -5
Tristan re-emerged from the stairs leading down from the wall, a man in a blood-stained apron was behind him. They ran to Andal's body, the doctor kneeling at its side. Tristan looked around for Ro, spotting a flash of her red hair below the wall. Running to the edge of the wall he reached out his hand, "Ro! What are you doing!?" The doctor yelled after Tristan, "My lord, please! Help me carry him!" Tristan growled, he couldn't abandon to her to death, "Didn't she hear the retreat? Damn it.."
---
A huge emerald plain stretched out before Andal. Tall strands of grass waved in the wind, there was no sun but it was bright, the sky blue and deep. He smelled flowers, the light warmed his face. He heard a laugh, it was feminine and familiar. Andal spun around, a large double oak door now stood independent in the grass. He stepped to it, reaching out to the polished handle. He heard laughter again, the clatter of plates and cups. At his touch the door slowly moved inward, a room appearing before him. It was the grand hall of Duskwell, the dining table full of food and drink. At the end sat his father, not in his old age but as a young man. He looked at Andal, smiling and raising his glass. Andal's mother sat next to him, she cradled a baby, looking up at him with the same warmth. A great hearth sat on the left, Andal's brother Rendell played with a dog, laughing and wrestling. Andal's eyes began to fill with tears, then, at the front of the table were two women. One was young, black hair and full of life. She spoke to a woman seated, joking and smiling. It was his sister Lori, upon seeing him she shouted and ran to him jumping into his embrace. Andal let out a joyous laugh and spun around with her, setting her down again. Smiling at him, she took a step back and held her hand out to the woman seated with her back to him. A woman with golden hair. As tears began to roll down his face he stepped slowly towards her, a sleek, fair hand coming into his view, gingerly resting upon the arm of the chair. A gust of sweet air came in the open bay window, the woman's hair fluttering and sparkling in the warm wind. He reached out for her shoulder, inches from her touch.
Something grabbed his shoulder and pulled him back, the image of the hall collapsed in a black void. The door crumbled into ash and the field turned to sand. Whatever had grabbed him turned him around, and he fell to his knees. It was her.
You're dying my love, should I save you?
He lowered his head, the tears flowed again, but not for joy.
The bare form before him cooed and lowered itself to him, a shadowy hand caressing his cheek.
You've suffered a great deal haven't you?
The form pulled his head upward, staring into the piercing eyes.
But your work is not done, is it?
It pulled him to his feet, and flowed into him, the sands around them beginning to fall away.
As you wish.
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