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“Estabo I believe the emperor was addressing me” Sebastian Ryker punctuated this statement my pushing past the House Falona councilor to reach the table-map. “May I also remind you of the obvius impossibility of building a fleet in a mere week. No councilors. Our empires strength is in its legions. Not in its sails. Yes in time we may look, no must look to our defences at see for now such an option remains closed to us by the demands of time.”
“My emperor. Our situation is not without hope however. The enemy fleet at present numbers only fifty ships. Though I expect to see more soon. It is a soldiers habit to Imagine the worse. Even should the fleet quadruple in size and even if we presume five hundred men per ship we are dealing with a force of only a hundred thousand. Many of whom will be only sailors, doctors, priests. The fighting force itself will be far smaller. The imperial legions will of course dwarf their numbers. Yet they are not without threat. We have little naval power to speak of almost none. Against these ships of the foreigners which are far in advance of our own, a confrontation of sea for now remains undesirable and not something we can win. This grants them the advantage of mobility and initiative. They will be able to strike where they choose. And so whilst on paper we can dwarf any attack they send we will be unable to anticipate its arrival. They might even have local superiority should our ability to gather intelligence on them remain so poor.” Sebastain took a moment to look into the eyes of the men who would determine if his words would be listened to. From some he saw small nods, a hopefull sign, but many seemed opposed from the outset and from some he could detect no sign. Continuing he began to point at the map-table. “The first concern of my heart is our vulnerability here in the capitol. While I do not fear the enemy can defeat us here and we can make the possibility even more remote, the geography of the capital would make the attempt a massacre of them. We can be cut off. Without the Emperor or council to lead the empire will fracture. We must determine a way to secure communications from the island to the mainland or seriously consider the possible relocation of this council.” At this point he was forced to stop as murmurs rose amongst the councilors and even as some guards forgot their discipline. He noted pleas that the men of house Ryker were not amongst those. “Councillors please hear me. We must Im afraid be willing to make sacrifices to win the war quickly. We must muster the legions. Call up the levies as well perhaps. We can decide more after the meeting with their emissaries. Estabo was right in that. By agreeing we can buy time. Yet we must be on our guard. It could prove to be an attempt to strike at us. But I digress. By placing our might where it can best respond to the enemies’ movements we are best prepared to meet it. It will mean as I said sacrifice, the ports were they do choose to land will be lost. But we can than respond in true force.” He knew this strategy would not go down well with the council but hopefully they would come to see the wisdom in it.
“Also if our histories have taught us anything it is that there is no greater danger than a war on two front. No House desires victory in the north more than House Ryker but I feel we should seek an armistice in the north for now. The North should be eager to accept the reprieve from war and it will free up some of our best troops should they be needed.” He noted with disgust the flush of pleasure on the House Orthus’s councilor face. “Should the council wish it I have draw up the plans in greater detail, I will be glad to go over them should we choose to pursue this course of actions. The deployments of the legions, the patrols of the coast, the use of what ships we have. Finally we must activate the arsenals. If there is to be a war we must have weapons, armour, uniforms and food.”
Shifts of power
#22 Guest_KaL_*
Posted 13 October 2006 - 12:20 AM
Smiling quietly to himself as Sebastian shoves aside Estabo Teis listened intently to his preperations for war. As his speech concluded Teis moved forward to take the floor "Sebastian you suggest not merely arming but a blatent act of war. Assuming our unknown seabearers have spies in place they will no doubt see this as aggressive behaviour and this would undoubtly taint any and all negotiations. We know not even their true strength perhaps across the ocean they have numerous other avaliable fleets and a country with an even grander population. Granted if war is what they desire then their is no doubt we must drag forth the beast of war but a single week would grant us no new soldiers and only a slight increase in armarments production. I give my support to a troop rellocation for an invasion but nothing else" Teis halted glancing around gauging the opinions of the councilmen, as one of his guardsmen lend forward to murmer something "Besides, My Emperor, do you know whether it is true that a creature of enourmous power stalks those boats?"
#23
councilor 
- High Fist
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Posted 13 October 2006 - 07:33 AM
Nathan watched the faces of the various councilors changed, reflecting their knowledge, or lack of in this affair. all except the khorozar councilor - his faced remained expressionless, unlike nathan, who pretended shock and surprise. as he did so, he looked at vandir once again out of the corner of his eye. he was planning something - house khorozor had been too quiet in the last couple of years, and that did not sit well with nathan. it may be paranioa sapeking to him, but it was all in the name of caution. he held no illusions as to how the other houses felt about the screlogues, especially the khorozor. the empire must not be allowed to fail - the emperor and the emperial armies were all that kept some of the other houses from laying seige to the swamp.
as the table quieted down, nathan sat in his chair and continued to observe the meeting. that was the screlogue style after all - to watch and observe, and when the time became advangtages, to contribute. however, he kept one hand within his reach of his pockets, espcially one containing the vials conyes had brought him. there were too many important figures in the room, guards or no guards, and that made it a very tempting target.
so nathan sat back and continued to watch the meeting unfold.
as the table quieted down, nathan sat in his chair and continued to observe the meeting. that was the screlogue style after all - to watch and observe, and when the time became advangtages, to contribute. however, he kept one hand within his reach of his pockets, espcially one containing the vials conyes had brought him. there were too many important figures in the room, guards or no guards, and that made it a very tempting target.
so nathan sat back and continued to watch the meeting unfold.
Question:
Does being the only sane person in the world make you insane?
If a tree falls in the woods and a deaf person saw it, does it make a sound?
Does being the only sane person in the world make you insane?
If a tree falls in the woods and a deaf person saw it, does it make a sound?
#24
Tes'thesula
- High House My House
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Posted 13 October 2006 - 11:22 AM
Bravga rose to his feet, face set with granite seriouness, 'Noble collegues, we must know that what we decide here is done under the shadow of ignorance.' He raised his hand in a gesture towards Sebastian and the Ryker party, 'Valiant Sebastian, you know better than most that I respect the counsel of Ryker in all matters of war, but this is not yet a war. We have visitors from a foreign land, who have undoubtly taken a long voyage and thus taken adequate protections. As I myself, and Armeihn will know, when one travels to the distant continents that shadow our own, one does not sail alone, one travels in mighty fleets. Perhaps our visitors expected to come across savages who would attack without provocation? And now, realising that we are indeed civilized, they send not soldiers, but diplomats, emissaries!' Bravga's voice had risen to fill the entire Council chamber. 'And what of the North?! If the barbarians decide not to accept our terms? Will they sweep down past our diminished defences into Gemmariss, or Jal, or Baliari? No, the dogs shall pillage Seagor and the lands of noble Orthus. The Northern Houses have sheltered the imperial legions for centuries in this war, we do not expect to abandoned at the slightest scare.' Bravga stared at each of the councillors in turn, hands plastered to the table, his gray eyes communicating his disatisfaction. That done, he slowly sat back done.
'The Great House Kios advises His Imperial Majesty that we wait until more information can be gathered, and the emissaries from the foreign fleet state their intentions - which I do not believe will be war, before any military decisions are considered'
'The Great House Kios advises His Imperial Majesty that we wait until more information can be gathered, and the emissaries from the foreign fleet state their intentions - which I do not believe will be war, before any military decisions are considered'
#25 Guest_KaL_*
Posted 15 October 2006 - 03:12 PM
Marago strode the streets in nodescript clothing, his tall statue masked by a worn fraying cloak, a peasant shirt and flat brown pants. He carried in his breast pocket an envelope, a request infact from Lord Teis, to deliver to an apparent mage that Eriles had dealings with in the past.
"It's not like there's some kind Cabal" She had told him and Teis "Just much like farmers watching out for each other, mages tend to gravitate towards each other, it's such a rare and usually poor talent that it remains hidden from all but a few, I know the location of but a single mage in the city but if there is more, he would know for he has long being keeping records infact that is how I meet him" She described her dealings with the now elderly man before continuing "I will sign the letter myself so in that he may find trust for we are a cautious group for if but one of us showed any real strength we would certainly be persecuted,"
A messenger had arrived though declaring a council meeting of which Teis could not avoid and so he had intrusted the task of establishing contact with the mage to Marago. While it was odd that Marago had been chosen for the task while Eriles had gone with Teis into the council meeting he did not see reason to question his lords judgement on the matter, Eriles had been looking rather pale as it was.
He reached a dilapitated alley, a pair of street urchins clambered past him as he walked towards a door at the alleys end. A mouldy sign declared this building to be the "Storkslayer" a bizarre name but intended to drive away the curious he suspected. Pushing the door inward an odd spicey smell drifted out, striding into the entrance, the room was a mess of scrolls, artifacts of questionable use and a few ominous and lightly glowing bottles sat on a shelf. An old man sat behind a desk staring disinterested through Marago "Close the door, you're letting the air escape," He murmered
"I greet you, Urnat," Marago addressed the man bowing slightly.
The mans eyes flicked briefly to him "Place the envelope on the table, if its contents interests me we may speak again" Marago quickly drew forth the letter slightly baffled as to how the man knew his purpose.
"Now go, you're disturbing the animals, your scent is that of a northerner and they are trained to hunt northerners," The man glanced at a box on his left which had began to make deep growling noises, Marago hurried out the door quick to close it behind him. Dipping his fingers into his pocket he felt the second envelope he had to deliver as he hurried off to complete his task.
__________
Teis stared slightly as another of the councilers rose to accept or denounce Rykers terms. Lightly toying with the green khorozor metal clasp of his grey formal cloak he watched the expressionless face of the emperor who had yet to make any gesture and had declined to answer his question. The answer was important for if their was a man of power aboard the ships one of whom the forces of magic were but playthings he would have to meet this individual before any ill will is expressed between there peoples.
He couldn't help but think that this meeting would achieve little but general disatisfaction. Teis suspect some of the houses had all but allied themselves with the northern forces who wished to grow wealthy by sellng their secrets and country men out in exchange for land and safety a noble if treachorous path. He did hold a concern for the seas though, a navel blockade could cripple trade and crippled trade was particularly bad for Kalitia.
His mind snapped back into focus as a new speakers voice rose up.
"It's not like there's some kind Cabal" She had told him and Teis "Just much like farmers watching out for each other, mages tend to gravitate towards each other, it's such a rare and usually poor talent that it remains hidden from all but a few, I know the location of but a single mage in the city but if there is more, he would know for he has long being keeping records infact that is how I meet him" She described her dealings with the now elderly man before continuing "I will sign the letter myself so in that he may find trust for we are a cautious group for if but one of us showed any real strength we would certainly be persecuted,"
A messenger had arrived though declaring a council meeting of which Teis could not avoid and so he had intrusted the task of establishing contact with the mage to Marago. While it was odd that Marago had been chosen for the task while Eriles had gone with Teis into the council meeting he did not see reason to question his lords judgement on the matter, Eriles had been looking rather pale as it was.
He reached a dilapitated alley, a pair of street urchins clambered past him as he walked towards a door at the alleys end. A mouldy sign declared this building to be the "Storkslayer" a bizarre name but intended to drive away the curious he suspected. Pushing the door inward an odd spicey smell drifted out, striding into the entrance, the room was a mess of scrolls, artifacts of questionable use and a few ominous and lightly glowing bottles sat on a shelf. An old man sat behind a desk staring disinterested through Marago "Close the door, you're letting the air escape," He murmered
"I greet you, Urnat," Marago addressed the man bowing slightly.
The mans eyes flicked briefly to him "Place the envelope on the table, if its contents interests me we may speak again" Marago quickly drew forth the letter slightly baffled as to how the man knew his purpose.
"Now go, you're disturbing the animals, your scent is that of a northerner and they are trained to hunt northerners," The man glanced at a box on his left which had began to make deep growling noises, Marago hurried out the door quick to close it behind him. Dipping his fingers into his pocket he felt the second envelope he had to deliver as he hurried off to complete his task.
__________
Teis stared slightly as another of the councilers rose to accept or denounce Rykers terms. Lightly toying with the green khorozor metal clasp of his grey formal cloak he watched the expressionless face of the emperor who had yet to make any gesture and had declined to answer his question. The answer was important for if their was a man of power aboard the ships one of whom the forces of magic were but playthings he would have to meet this individual before any ill will is expressed between there peoples.
He couldn't help but think that this meeting would achieve little but general disatisfaction. Teis suspect some of the houses had all but allied themselves with the northern forces who wished to grow wealthy by sellng their secrets and country men out in exchange for land and safety a noble if treachorous path. He did hold a concern for the seas though, a navel blockade could cripple trade and crippled trade was particularly bad for Kalitia.
His mind snapped back into focus as a new speakers voice rose up.
#26
Tes'thesula
- High House My House
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Posted 16 October 2006 - 12:35 AM
Seram stared at the Councillor Teis, his expression hidden by the veil that covered his mouth and nose. It was his business to know things, and it was his interest to know those all those who dabbled in the subtle arts. It was an affront to his skills that House Kalita, a House that did not feature heavily in the games that Seram and ilk played, knew something involving the fleet that he did not. When he had investigated the boats, he had felt something, but he had not scryed that it was a unitary being, the dread had prevaded the entire fleet.
Leaning forward he whispered into Bravga's ear, his eyes darting around. The Lord of Kios listened carefully while his chief advisor spoke, and then rose to his feet once more, 'My Honourable friend Teis, if there is some information about those who dwell on the ships that you have, it would be to the good of all that you share it with the Council.'
Leaning forward he whispered into Bravga's ear, his eyes darting around. The Lord of Kios listened carefully while his chief advisor spoke, and then rose to his feet once more, 'My Honourable friend Teis, if there is some information about those who dwell on the ships that you have, it would be to the good of all that you share it with the Council.'
#27 Guest_KaL_*
Posted 16 October 2006 - 01:17 PM
"What I have revealed honourable council members is in truth no more then I have already speculated outwardly and in good faith before you, as you surely know I am but newly returned to the city and have spent an...interesting evening dodging attacks from skilled assaliants" Teis glanced around, emphasising the the danger his life had been in through a dramatic gesture of his hand, carefully scanning the group for veiled reactions "My resident experts have reason to believe that a being aboard those ships is resonating an aura of power almost if not equal to that of our great emperor, should any of you find a mage to question you would surely find them sickly and disagreeable as their bodies resist and gain tollerance to this appaulling ambient power" Teis begins to stroll across the room as his speech gains in force
"My sources, of which are my own, assure me that a creature of this latent talent has never before strode our country it is my personal fear that more exist where these ships have come from" Swinging a hand forward he lowers his voice "But all this is ponder and speculation on my behalf and nothing more with barely a scrap of evidence to prove it and so I see there as being little choice in waiting for the emissaries, as I have said move the armies if you will but I would see great cause for alarm if we are ever forced to duel this forgien empire," Teis returned to his seat allowing another speaker to take the floor feeling that he had perhaps laid his cards out too obviously on the table and too easily exploitable for the other houses gains.
"My sources, of which are my own, assure me that a creature of this latent talent has never before strode our country it is my personal fear that more exist where these ships have come from" Swinging a hand forward he lowers his voice "But all this is ponder and speculation on my behalf and nothing more with barely a scrap of evidence to prove it and so I see there as being little choice in waiting for the emissaries, as I have said move the armies if you will but I would see great cause for alarm if we are ever forced to duel this forgien empire," Teis returned to his seat allowing another speaker to take the floor feeling that he had perhaps laid his cards out too obviously on the table and too easily exploitable for the other houses gains.
#28
Valgard
- Bored Microbiologist (not a good combination)
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- Group: Malaz Regular
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- Location:Uk
Posted 16 October 2006 - 03:54 PM
A collaborative effort from cause and me
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Althelsaran stood after having listened to the other councillors.
“My fellow members of the council, whilst I agree with the wise words of the Councillor Bravaga and Councillor Teis, and council against any rash action as suggested by Councillor Sebastian, I also say that we should not be foolish and sit on our hands waiting for the fleet to take all initiative from us. Indeed I have spoken with my ancestors and they warned that he that leads the fleet is indeed a person of great power and to be guarded against.” His voice boomed out cutting across the soft murmur of the other councillors and their guards.
“I suggest a plan of defences along our coasts and especially up the rivers the life blood of our great realm. If these are compromised all will starve, as grain shipments cannot get through.”
“I have already made preparations to protect the riverlands and I suggest that you all do the same and look to your own lands”
The Ryker councillor stood in that moment “What are your plans for the defence if you would share them with us? Will you be providing more men for the levees.”?
“I have ordered that towers and bridges as well as booms be constructed to halt any unwanted travel up the river. My household troops have gathered local militias to act as lookouts and deterrents should any landing parties be landed, there will be few men to give to the levees as the grain harvest must be kept safe. As to a fleet I suggest that those houses that have to most to gain from it pay for it. Dranwreaker will not use it after and so I see no use for us to add as much as those that will be in charge of the fleet later. The main coastal houses and those of the ship builders will have most to gain from it and so I suggest they fund the majority of the burden. We will look to the river and you look to the sea!” Althelsaran resumed his seat to the eruption of the hall as the other houses cried out.
“So in other words House Dranwreaker will serve House Dranwreaker as always. Yet still you will expect the aid of the empire, still you would demand that you be defended by this imperial fleet you would have others build and man. If the sea is secure are not your precious rivers. Why should this council allow you to benefit from its protection without paying your part of the costs.” Sebastian hoped the venom in his voice was not lost on Althelsaran. “To receive you must give”.
“Oh, and what is it that your House gives Sebastian. Your house is a cancer a parasite that infects our empire. You have us pay your way, your family serve in all our institutions and what do you give in return? The only thing house Ryker provides is Rykers and at our expense. If your mothers can’t afford to feed you on their own they should not breed you.” Althelsaran shot back with a smirk.
“At least we don’t pretend to have the best of the empire at heart as you plan and make sure that Dranwreaker will profit from the damage done to the empire. We have stopped you in the past your house is like a sickness at the heart of the empire. Your petty scheming will surely kill it” Sebastian spat in anger something finally snapping at the haughtiness and pride of the Dranwreakers those cancerous snakes always working for profit at the detriment of the empire
“You speak to me of hurting the empire. We that founded it we that nurtured it aided it whenever it was asked for, how many of our countrymen lie dead in the fields of the empire winning its land. Yet you late comers, pathetic mewling sops, dare say that we would destroy that which we hold dear. You are the ones that will destroy all in your ruthless grabs for power; well Dranwreaker will not be so easy, we will not go quietly into the night. Your house is pitiful having to scrabble for dregs from the armies in order to bolster your numbers. When was the last time you won a war and your Janus legion nothing but a private army with which to intimidate other houses to do your bidding” Althelsaran’s voice shook with barely controlled anger over the insults from that upstart house and its petty councillor. How dare they claim that Dranwreaker was out for itself no other house had ever been so loyal to the empire.
Sebastian saw his cousin place his hand on the hilt of his sword. His cousins grip was so tight on the sword that his knuckles were turning white and even from this far away Sebastian could make note of every vein in his brothers hand. The dranwreaker champion must have seen it as well. He took a step forward to defend his master his own sword ready at his side. ”Stand aside Beocca I have reason to teach your master respect” his cousin’s voice was quite calm even yet no one in the room mistook it for less than what it was, a murderous intent. Everywhere in the room guards loosened swords in scabbards and councillors cleared from the path of both champions.
“I do apologise but I can’t allow that to happen as well you know”
“Than I’ll whip the master’s dog in place of the master”
“You can but try.” as he spoke Beocca walked until he stood face to face to with Barrack grinning slightly as if he had waited for this day for a long time “Of course it is high time one dog got whipped.”
“Cousin please control yourself. Now is not the time for this” As he spoke Sebastian could hear Althelsaran speaking to his own man. He could not make out the words over the murmuring that had begun in the hall but he presumed he too was trying to restore order. Still the two champions eyes remained locked. Each was daring the other to make the first move. Sebastian knew if Beocca drew his sword he was dead, that was not what concerned him, he could not allow it here not now. “Cousin please”
“ENOUGH” The emperors voice was like a thunderclap, both the volume the surprise of it shook all in the room. “This is not the forum for your two houses to resolve this dispute”
“Another time Dranwreaker” Barrack spoke breaking his gaze away from that of Beocca’s
“Most certainly, I await your invitation good sirrah” Beocca spoke mockingly to the tall wiry frame as he left to return to his station
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Althelsaran stood after having listened to the other councillors.
“My fellow members of the council, whilst I agree with the wise words of the Councillor Bravaga and Councillor Teis, and council against any rash action as suggested by Councillor Sebastian, I also say that we should not be foolish and sit on our hands waiting for the fleet to take all initiative from us. Indeed I have spoken with my ancestors and they warned that he that leads the fleet is indeed a person of great power and to be guarded against.” His voice boomed out cutting across the soft murmur of the other councillors and their guards.
“I suggest a plan of defences along our coasts and especially up the rivers the life blood of our great realm. If these are compromised all will starve, as grain shipments cannot get through.”
“I have already made preparations to protect the riverlands and I suggest that you all do the same and look to your own lands”
The Ryker councillor stood in that moment “What are your plans for the defence if you would share them with us? Will you be providing more men for the levees.”?
“I have ordered that towers and bridges as well as booms be constructed to halt any unwanted travel up the river. My household troops have gathered local militias to act as lookouts and deterrents should any landing parties be landed, there will be few men to give to the levees as the grain harvest must be kept safe. As to a fleet I suggest that those houses that have to most to gain from it pay for it. Dranwreaker will not use it after and so I see no use for us to add as much as those that will be in charge of the fleet later. The main coastal houses and those of the ship builders will have most to gain from it and so I suggest they fund the majority of the burden. We will look to the river and you look to the sea!” Althelsaran resumed his seat to the eruption of the hall as the other houses cried out.
“So in other words House Dranwreaker will serve House Dranwreaker as always. Yet still you will expect the aid of the empire, still you would demand that you be defended by this imperial fleet you would have others build and man. If the sea is secure are not your precious rivers. Why should this council allow you to benefit from its protection without paying your part of the costs.” Sebastian hoped the venom in his voice was not lost on Althelsaran. “To receive you must give”.
“Oh, and what is it that your House gives Sebastian. Your house is a cancer a parasite that infects our empire. You have us pay your way, your family serve in all our institutions and what do you give in return? The only thing house Ryker provides is Rykers and at our expense. If your mothers can’t afford to feed you on their own they should not breed you.” Althelsaran shot back with a smirk.
“At least we don’t pretend to have the best of the empire at heart as you plan and make sure that Dranwreaker will profit from the damage done to the empire. We have stopped you in the past your house is like a sickness at the heart of the empire. Your petty scheming will surely kill it” Sebastian spat in anger something finally snapping at the haughtiness and pride of the Dranwreakers those cancerous snakes always working for profit at the detriment of the empire
“You speak to me of hurting the empire. We that founded it we that nurtured it aided it whenever it was asked for, how many of our countrymen lie dead in the fields of the empire winning its land. Yet you late comers, pathetic mewling sops, dare say that we would destroy that which we hold dear. You are the ones that will destroy all in your ruthless grabs for power; well Dranwreaker will not be so easy, we will not go quietly into the night. Your house is pitiful having to scrabble for dregs from the armies in order to bolster your numbers. When was the last time you won a war and your Janus legion nothing but a private army with which to intimidate other houses to do your bidding” Althelsaran’s voice shook with barely controlled anger over the insults from that upstart house and its petty councillor. How dare they claim that Dranwreaker was out for itself no other house had ever been so loyal to the empire.
Sebastian saw his cousin place his hand on the hilt of his sword. His cousins grip was so tight on the sword that his knuckles were turning white and even from this far away Sebastian could make note of every vein in his brothers hand. The dranwreaker champion must have seen it as well. He took a step forward to defend his master his own sword ready at his side. ”Stand aside Beocca I have reason to teach your master respect” his cousin’s voice was quite calm even yet no one in the room mistook it for less than what it was, a murderous intent. Everywhere in the room guards loosened swords in scabbards and councillors cleared from the path of both champions.
“I do apologise but I can’t allow that to happen as well you know”
“Than I’ll whip the master’s dog in place of the master”
“You can but try.” as he spoke Beocca walked until he stood face to face to with Barrack grinning slightly as if he had waited for this day for a long time “Of course it is high time one dog got whipped.”
“Cousin please control yourself. Now is not the time for this” As he spoke Sebastian could hear Althelsaran speaking to his own man. He could not make out the words over the murmuring that had begun in the hall but he presumed he too was trying to restore order. Still the two champions eyes remained locked. Each was daring the other to make the first move. Sebastian knew if Beocca drew his sword he was dead, that was not what concerned him, he could not allow it here not now. “Cousin please”
“ENOUGH” The emperors voice was like a thunderclap, both the volume the surprise of it shook all in the room. “This is not the forum for your two houses to resolve this dispute”
“Another time Dranwreaker” Barrack spoke breaking his gaze away from that of Beocca’s
“Most certainly, I await your invitation good sirrah” Beocca spoke mockingly to the tall wiry frame as he left to return to his station
#29
Tes'thesula
- High House My House
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- Group: Malaz Regular
- Posts: 410
- Joined: 09-June 05
Posted 16 October 2006 - 04:37 PM
Khorvyn let out a tightly breath, disappointed that the champions of Dranwreaker and Ryker had not clashed blades, he had long waited to see Barrack in action. By all accounts, the young man was quite the warrior, and as much as he liked Beocca, Khorvyn wouldn't have minded terribly had he been cut up, as long as it confirmed or denied the rumours about the Ryker champion.
He looked around the Council chambers, noting the strained faces of the councillors, all except Vardin, who seemed annoyingly relaxed, the tall man sitting calmly in the Khorozoran throne. Probably just been buggered by that giant worm of his. It's hardly fair that the Jal rides it the rest of the time thought the Mankiller crudely to himself. A grin formed behind the macabre grimace of his warmask, and he turned to look over his shoulder at the rest of the Kios Counsel Guards. He was proud of them, as soon as Barrack had voiced his intentions their hands had snapped up to the grips of their greatswords tucked over their shoulders. Though the Council chambers were hardly the ideal place for swinging 5-foot blades, and entirely the wrong place for Reaper of Men, Khorvyn knew that they would represent themselves well, after all, they had been trained by the finest warrior in the known world...Himself.
Khorvyn au Breffan would be the first to say that he was a simple man, awkward in the subtle and delicate affairs of politics, and so he mentally pulled back from the Council meeting, it was the place of men like Bravga, his lord and friend, not Khorvyn, to control the fate of the Empire. To speak the truth, to Khorvyn the outcome of this meeting did not really matter. If the foreigners were peaceful, than life would continue as normal. If, however, the foreigners decided to unleash bloody-handed War, than they would find themselves facing the Mankiller, Harvester of Men, and awash in a sea their own blood.
He looked around the Council chambers, noting the strained faces of the councillors, all except Vardin, who seemed annoyingly relaxed, the tall man sitting calmly in the Khorozoran throne. Probably just been buggered by that giant worm of his. It's hardly fair that the Jal rides it the rest of the time thought the Mankiller crudely to himself. A grin formed behind the macabre grimace of his warmask, and he turned to look over his shoulder at the rest of the Kios Counsel Guards. He was proud of them, as soon as Barrack had voiced his intentions their hands had snapped up to the grips of their greatswords tucked over their shoulders. Though the Council chambers were hardly the ideal place for swinging 5-foot blades, and entirely the wrong place for Reaper of Men, Khorvyn knew that they would represent themselves well, after all, they had been trained by the finest warrior in the known world...Himself.
Khorvyn au Breffan would be the first to say that he was a simple man, awkward in the subtle and delicate affairs of politics, and so he mentally pulled back from the Council meeting, it was the place of men like Bravga, his lord and friend, not Khorvyn, to control the fate of the Empire. To speak the truth, to Khorvyn the outcome of this meeting did not really matter. If the foreigners were peaceful, than life would continue as normal. If, however, the foreigners decided to unleash bloody-handed War, than they would find themselves facing the Mankiller, Harvester of Men, and awash in a sea their own blood.
#30
Illuyankas
- Retro Classic
-
- Group: The Hateocracy of Truth
- Posts: 7,254
- Joined: 28-September 04
- Will cluck you up
Posted 16 October 2006 - 04:54 PM
Vandir grinned inwardly. For the Council to be arguing this openly, this 'presence' that scared the parasites so had to be real. Scared advisors made worried lords, and that meant opportunities. Taking Athelsaran down a peg or two seemed fitting for now.
"I don't recall Dranwreaker men doing much fighting in the north, Lord Athelsaran. Oh, my apologies, your bowmen are much more suited for an practice field, rather than the mountains the enemy inhabit. You insult my friend Sebastian's heritage, but what of mine? A long history of fighting the enemies of the Empire is all well and good, but the enemies change, and we have to in turn. Your stagnant tactics of defending your house's holdings time and again works well for the wellbeing of Dranwreaker, but this is a threat to the entire Empire. Isolating yourself will only lead to ruin, our ruin and yours.
"I agree with Lord Sebastian's assessment of the situation, and will set into motion whatever preparations we can achieve in a week for an invasion this size. Rather fortutiously, in recent weeks I have begun refitting and recruiting a crew for my fleet of explorer vessels, which are, with the advances used for the Emperor's Glory adapted for the five remaining ships, capable of warship or transport duty and most likely matching the enemy vessels, unless one of the councillors has been holding back information? In either case, this is a tenth of their strength, ready to sail in one more day. If necessary, we could evacuate the entire City by the time the delegation arrives, if that's what the council decides."
Ignoring the hubble his words were creating, the anger on Athelesaran's face and the wry smirk on Sebastian's, he continued, "If what has been said about this presence aboard the foreign fleet is true," glancing at the Emperor and receiving an almost imperceptible nod in reply, producing a faint scowl - let them take that as they will - he was proud of his ability to hide his reactions, but that was merely a secondary effect of producing the reactions he wanted to show, a vital weapon in the Council, "Then they will most likely not only know of our efforts to accumulate our forces, they will expect us to do so. If they comment on it during their audience, tell them we're on manoeuvres. It would be best not to underestimate them, which you would undoubtedly agree with if you weren't jumping in your armour-plated briefs."
Smiling openly now, Vandir sat down and waited for the tirade of abuse he knew was coming, very glad that he had only brought his secretary along instead of the five guards Hrol had argued for. Having just the one man, dressed in ceremonial robes and his characteristic featureless, mirrored mask compared favourably with the other lord's heavily armed escorts. The question now was, what else were they hiding behind surprise and dismay?
"I don't recall Dranwreaker men doing much fighting in the north, Lord Athelsaran. Oh, my apologies, your bowmen are much more suited for an practice field, rather than the mountains the enemy inhabit. You insult my friend Sebastian's heritage, but what of mine? A long history of fighting the enemies of the Empire is all well and good, but the enemies change, and we have to in turn. Your stagnant tactics of defending your house's holdings time and again works well for the wellbeing of Dranwreaker, but this is a threat to the entire Empire. Isolating yourself will only lead to ruin, our ruin and yours.
"I agree with Lord Sebastian's assessment of the situation, and will set into motion whatever preparations we can achieve in a week for an invasion this size. Rather fortutiously, in recent weeks I have begun refitting and recruiting a crew for my fleet of explorer vessels, which are, with the advances used for the Emperor's Glory adapted for the five remaining ships, capable of warship or transport duty and most likely matching the enemy vessels, unless one of the councillors has been holding back information? In either case, this is a tenth of their strength, ready to sail in one more day. If necessary, we could evacuate the entire City by the time the delegation arrives, if that's what the council decides."
Ignoring the hubble his words were creating, the anger on Athelesaran's face and the wry smirk on Sebastian's, he continued, "If what has been said about this presence aboard the foreign fleet is true," glancing at the Emperor and receiving an almost imperceptible nod in reply, producing a faint scowl - let them take that as they will - he was proud of his ability to hide his reactions, but that was merely a secondary effect of producing the reactions he wanted to show, a vital weapon in the Council, "Then they will most likely not only know of our efforts to accumulate our forces, they will expect us to do so. If they comment on it during their audience, tell them we're on manoeuvres. It would be best not to underestimate them, which you would undoubtedly agree with if you weren't jumping in your armour-plated briefs."
Smiling openly now, Vandir sat down and waited for the tirade of abuse he knew was coming, very glad that he had only brought his secretary along instead of the five guards Hrol had argued for. Having just the one man, dressed in ceremonial robes and his characteristic featureless, mirrored mask compared favourably with the other lord's heavily armed escorts. The question now was, what else were they hiding behind surprise and dismay?
Hello, soldiers, look at your mage, now back to me, now back at your mage, now back to me. Sadly, he isnt me, but if he stopped being an unascended mortal and switched to Sole Spice, he could smell like hes me. Look down, back up, where are you? Youre in a warren with the High Mage your cadre mage could smell like. Whats in your hand, back at me. I have it, its an acorn with two gates to that realm you love. Look again, the acorn is now otataral. Anything is possible when your mage smells like Sole Spice and not a Bole brother. Im on a quorl.
#31
Morgoth
- executor emeritus
-
- Group: High House Mafia
- Posts: 11,448
- Joined: 24-January 03
- Location:the void
Posted 17 October 2006 - 09:58 PM
It was night. Wind blew in from the ocean, painting the tips of waves white, rusteling the numerous banners on the Island. Half a dozen imperial warships creaked and swayed, gently probing the strenght of their anchors, dreaming perhaps of the freedom of the open sea. Silent guards patroled the docks and the mountain edge high above. The light of their torches seemed like stars in the distant, the odd flicker all that gave them away for human.
Out of the water, thre figures emerged. The dark split away from them as they broke the surface, opening up as if they came not from the depths of the water but rather from the netherworld itself. They climbed onto the pier, not making the slightest of sound, not gaining even the flicker of atention from the guards. The three glanced around for a second and then they splitt, each moving carefully towards their chosen guard. A glass passed and then the three met at the foot of the stairs. There was no blood, there had been no sound, but they knew there was not a single patroll left alive.
One of them pulled forth a tiny objects from the folds of his black clothes. It was a tiny crystal, pulsating strangely with a sickly green light. He was carefull to shield it with his hand so that it would not be seen from any of the houses or the ships. His other hand reached out to the two others, who grabbed hold of it. Green light seemed to surge between them for a second and then they floated upwards. Slowly at first but they quickly picked up speed and soon they soared upwards, clothes flapping in the wind. As they neared the top the light of the crystal started to fade and just as they passed the edge it gave out and broke, forcing the three to throw themselves forwards to avoid falling to a messy doom far far beneath them. They landed on soft grass, doing identical rolls forwards to reduce the impact and sound of their arival.
The imperial palace covered a whole fourth of the island. It’s massive walls and collums made it seem like a fortress, a castle, a city of gods even. None but the emperor and his bodyguards were ever allowed to enter or venture out of it. There were supposedly thousands of people living there but they were rarely if ever seen. Inside the walls of the palace, a whole world excisted and only the emperor knew its extent.
The three assassins –for that was what they were- climbed the walls and jumbed into a small courtyard. There were no guards, perhaps it was thought that the ones patroling the pier and the edge were enough. If so it would make the assassins lives much easier. Their target was easy to locate, they could feel him even when they were in the water, now his presence was like a pullsing beacon, calling them to him. They knew where he was, but the palace was like a maze. It took them a long time finding the right path through it. Eventually though, they reached their destination. A long halway, walls covered in paintings picturing what they assumed to be major events in the history of the empire. At the end of the hallway there was a set of doors, flanked by two tall, silent guards. There was no place for the assassins to hide. They quickly realised they had no other options but to take what had to be the emperor’s bodyguards head on. These were probably the best fighters the empire had to offer, yet the assassins were confident. They had been chosen at birth to serve the lady and had quickly become some of her most trusted servants. Now, this very night they would prove they deserved not only her trust, but her power.
Without any hesitation they surged forwards, long knives emerged seemingly from nowhere, throwing knives flew, darts were launched. They launched towards the two guards like an unstopable tide, will like a knife aiming to get through the door and to the man on the other side. The guards didn’t move. They stood there, silent, unmoving like statues, only their eyes made it clear they were alive and aware of the attackers. Daggers and darts flew but none seemed to hit. A flicker of movement, a slight change of angle and they went past to clatter against the marble wall or thud into the wood of the door.
The three came with all they had. Knives twisted, danced trying to cut the guards, to seep the blood from their weins and kill them. It didn’t work. They were seemingly unable to do anything. The guards had pulled their swords, long thin things, like long needles with a single, sharp edge. Their swords moved in a blur, easily batting aside all atempts to hurt their wielders. One of the assassins fell, blood gushing from a troath wound so deep the glistening white of bone could be seen among the folds of flesh and muscle. Another threw himself at the closest guard who easily sidestepped, put his hand on the back of the assailants head and slammed his face so hard into the wall bone broke and collapsed under the pressure. And so there was but one man left. One assassin against two guards. Sweat was dampening his forehead, beads of salty water glimmering in stark contrast to the marble white skin and untroubled breathing of the two guards who slowly walked towards him. Their eyes –yellow and green he noticed, funny how such details suddenly take up the world – never wavered from his. He tried to feint but they were too fast for him to gain anything from it. The gripps of his two daggers were sweaty and uncomfortable. He was waling backwards. Backwards! Retreating! How could he, a servant of the Lady retreat from anything. He was of the best and he would not be defeated by two lowly guards. Mustering all his strenght, all his power, the assassin attacked with a fury that was almost otherwordly and for a heartbeat the the two bodyguards were forced to step backwards. Then, out of nowhere a sword shot outwards and cliped his elbow, killing the use of his arm. He swung his other knife, trying to counter but he was unable to. His arm was locked in place. A grip like nothing he had ever felt before had locked around his wrist. Try as he might, there was nothing he could do to get free. Calm resignation filled him. Something warm closed on his face. Fingers pressed against his cheek bones, his jaw, the bridge of his nose. There was a piercing sound, light filled his head, his mind, and then there was nothing.
**
A slight move of the Emperor’s hand and his two guards relaxed. They had been close to spriging forwards he knew, and none of the houses would be particularly pleased with the result he knew. There was nothing more to be done, nothing more to be said. The twelve had made up their minds and now there was nothing that would change for them. He clapped once, bringing the attention of the whole room onto him. Slowly, as if bothered by old age, he stood up.
“My dear councilors. It is obvious that you all are bothered by a threat to the empire. It is touching indeed to see that you love it as much as I do. Yes, something must be done. We cannot but sit here and wait any longer. The strangers have made their move. Several in fact, though the only obvious one is to send their delegation here. What should we do in the mean time? I suggest we mobilize our armies. The strangers are not stupid, mobilization is the natural thing to do in this kind of situation, and I assume they thus will see it as a precaution from our side rather than a sign of hostility. More patrolls along the coast will be necessary, If they decide to land somewhere, we will need to know. We must assume that the strangers have veterans on their ships, and so it will be necessary for us to counter this with our own. The north has not got the strenght of arms to invade us, and so as we do not plan to invade them in the near future we can change the troops there with greener ones and bring the veterans to the south.
Information is the key I believe and we need all that we can get a hold of. I have requested of my servant to go through the great archives for any information regarding where the strangers may have come from. I would be pleased if you did the same with the archives Iam certain your families posess. “
He surveyed the faces in the room for a second before he continued.
“I hope for now this sounds acceptable to you all. Are all in favour of this?”
Out of the water, thre figures emerged. The dark split away from them as they broke the surface, opening up as if they came not from the depths of the water but rather from the netherworld itself. They climbed onto the pier, not making the slightest of sound, not gaining even the flicker of atention from the guards. The three glanced around for a second and then they splitt, each moving carefully towards their chosen guard. A glass passed and then the three met at the foot of the stairs. There was no blood, there had been no sound, but they knew there was not a single patroll left alive.
One of them pulled forth a tiny objects from the folds of his black clothes. It was a tiny crystal, pulsating strangely with a sickly green light. He was carefull to shield it with his hand so that it would not be seen from any of the houses or the ships. His other hand reached out to the two others, who grabbed hold of it. Green light seemed to surge between them for a second and then they floated upwards. Slowly at first but they quickly picked up speed and soon they soared upwards, clothes flapping in the wind. As they neared the top the light of the crystal started to fade and just as they passed the edge it gave out and broke, forcing the three to throw themselves forwards to avoid falling to a messy doom far far beneath them. They landed on soft grass, doing identical rolls forwards to reduce the impact and sound of their arival.
The imperial palace covered a whole fourth of the island. It’s massive walls and collums made it seem like a fortress, a castle, a city of gods even. None but the emperor and his bodyguards were ever allowed to enter or venture out of it. There were supposedly thousands of people living there but they were rarely if ever seen. Inside the walls of the palace, a whole world excisted and only the emperor knew its extent.
The three assassins –for that was what they were- climbed the walls and jumbed into a small courtyard. There were no guards, perhaps it was thought that the ones patroling the pier and the edge were enough. If so it would make the assassins lives much easier. Their target was easy to locate, they could feel him even when they were in the water, now his presence was like a pullsing beacon, calling them to him. They knew where he was, but the palace was like a maze. It took them a long time finding the right path through it. Eventually though, they reached their destination. A long halway, walls covered in paintings picturing what they assumed to be major events in the history of the empire. At the end of the hallway there was a set of doors, flanked by two tall, silent guards. There was no place for the assassins to hide. They quickly realised they had no other options but to take what had to be the emperor’s bodyguards head on. These were probably the best fighters the empire had to offer, yet the assassins were confident. They had been chosen at birth to serve the lady and had quickly become some of her most trusted servants. Now, this very night they would prove they deserved not only her trust, but her power.
Without any hesitation they surged forwards, long knives emerged seemingly from nowhere, throwing knives flew, darts were launched. They launched towards the two guards like an unstopable tide, will like a knife aiming to get through the door and to the man on the other side. The guards didn’t move. They stood there, silent, unmoving like statues, only their eyes made it clear they were alive and aware of the attackers. Daggers and darts flew but none seemed to hit. A flicker of movement, a slight change of angle and they went past to clatter against the marble wall or thud into the wood of the door.
The three came with all they had. Knives twisted, danced trying to cut the guards, to seep the blood from their weins and kill them. It didn’t work. They were seemingly unable to do anything. The guards had pulled their swords, long thin things, like long needles with a single, sharp edge. Their swords moved in a blur, easily batting aside all atempts to hurt their wielders. One of the assassins fell, blood gushing from a troath wound so deep the glistening white of bone could be seen among the folds of flesh and muscle. Another threw himself at the closest guard who easily sidestepped, put his hand on the back of the assailants head and slammed his face so hard into the wall bone broke and collapsed under the pressure. And so there was but one man left. One assassin against two guards. Sweat was dampening his forehead, beads of salty water glimmering in stark contrast to the marble white skin and untroubled breathing of the two guards who slowly walked towards him. Their eyes –yellow and green he noticed, funny how such details suddenly take up the world – never wavered from his. He tried to feint but they were too fast for him to gain anything from it. The gripps of his two daggers were sweaty and uncomfortable. He was waling backwards. Backwards! Retreating! How could he, a servant of the Lady retreat from anything. He was of the best and he would not be defeated by two lowly guards. Mustering all his strenght, all his power, the assassin attacked with a fury that was almost otherwordly and for a heartbeat the the two bodyguards were forced to step backwards. Then, out of nowhere a sword shot outwards and cliped his elbow, killing the use of his arm. He swung his other knife, trying to counter but he was unable to. His arm was locked in place. A grip like nothing he had ever felt before had locked around his wrist. Try as he might, there was nothing he could do to get free. Calm resignation filled him. Something warm closed on his face. Fingers pressed against his cheek bones, his jaw, the bridge of his nose. There was a piercing sound, light filled his head, his mind, and then there was nothing.
**
A slight move of the Emperor’s hand and his two guards relaxed. They had been close to spriging forwards he knew, and none of the houses would be particularly pleased with the result he knew. There was nothing more to be done, nothing more to be said. The twelve had made up their minds and now there was nothing that would change for them. He clapped once, bringing the attention of the whole room onto him. Slowly, as if bothered by old age, he stood up.
“My dear councilors. It is obvious that you all are bothered by a threat to the empire. It is touching indeed to see that you love it as much as I do. Yes, something must be done. We cannot but sit here and wait any longer. The strangers have made their move. Several in fact, though the only obvious one is to send their delegation here. What should we do in the mean time? I suggest we mobilize our armies. The strangers are not stupid, mobilization is the natural thing to do in this kind of situation, and I assume they thus will see it as a precaution from our side rather than a sign of hostility. More patrolls along the coast will be necessary, If they decide to land somewhere, we will need to know. We must assume that the strangers have veterans on their ships, and so it will be necessary for us to counter this with our own. The north has not got the strenght of arms to invade us, and so as we do not plan to invade them in the near future we can change the troops there with greener ones and bring the veterans to the south.
Information is the key I believe and we need all that we can get a hold of. I have requested of my servant to go through the great archives for any information regarding where the strangers may have come from. I would be pleased if you did the same with the archives Iam certain your families posess. “
He surveyed the faces in the room for a second before he continued.
“I hope for now this sounds acceptable to you all. Are all in favour of this?”
Take good care to keep relations civil
It's decent in the first of gentlemen
To speak friendly, Even to the devil
It's decent in the first of gentlemen
To speak friendly, Even to the devil
#32
Tes'thesula
- High House My House
-
- Group: Malaz Regular
- Posts: 410
- Joined: 09-June 05
Posted 17 October 2006 - 11:39 PM
Bravga swept to his feet instantly, his fist audibly striking his chest, 'Though your decision to pull the veterens from the North dismays me Your Imperial Majesty, and I urge you to reconsider, House Kios will not hestitate to carry out the will of Council and Emperor, ' He gestured wildly at Seram, who bowed deeply at the waist, 'My advisor, Seram au Nurn, has quite the collection of ancient texts, and if you so command Emperor, he will be happy to liason with your archivists.'
The bearded sovereign nodded almost impercitibly at Seram, who inclined his head respectivily once more.
'Thank you Lord Bravga, for your ever present support.'
The Councillor of Kios lowered himself back down into his chair, content to serve his Emperor.
The bearded sovereign nodded almost impercitibly at Seram, who inclined his head respectivily once more.
'Thank you Lord Bravga, for your ever present support.'
The Councillor of Kios lowered himself back down into his chair, content to serve his Emperor.
#33
Valgard
- Bored Microbiologist (not a good combination)
-
- Group: Malaz Regular
- Posts: 386
- Joined: 14-May 03
- Location:Uk
Posted 18 October 2006 - 04:05 PM
Althelsaran rose to his feet slowly and stood rigid and to attention. “What the emperor commands I obey. If this is your wish Dranwreaker will do its utmost to see it done. I will instruct my archivists immediately and our full resources are at your disposal as always.” With this he saluted the emperor and resumed his seat.
“Ossa see to this as soon as the meeting is over and make sure Beocca and Barrack don't run into each other as we leave. Blood in the council chamber is not good omen for the future.” He turned and whispered this to his second.
The Emperor turned to Althelsaran “I thank you for your support Dranwreaker.”
“Ossa see to this as soon as the meeting is over and make sure Beocca and Barrack don't run into each other as we leave. Blood in the council chamber is not good omen for the future.” He turned and whispered this to his second.
The Emperor turned to Althelsaran “I thank you for your support Dranwreaker.”
#34
councilor
- High Fist
-
- Group: Malaz Regular
- Posts: 305
- Joined: 30-July 06
Posted 19 October 2006 - 07:34 AM
nathan watched as the various councilors stood up and offered their services to the emperor and the empire. well, he thought, might as well as do it now. raising himself from his seat with exaggerated slowness to allow time fro the council to concentrate their attention to him he began to speak.
"my lord", nathan bowed to the emperor "and my fellow councilors, if i may add a suggestion." his eyed surveyed the room and found the attention of all was fixed upon him. he smiled slightly and continued "as improtant as the defences of the empire are, i wonder - has any thought of sending an offcial envoy of the empire to speak with these newcomers upon their ships? if these people come in peace then there would be no need for bloodshed and the sacrifice of our young men and women would there?"
"as amusing as it is to watch the chest thumping of various members of this council, whom i won't name, i must point out that war should be the last resort. i speak as an advocate of peace." his smile widened as he saw the suspiscion and in some cases, hostility glitter in the other members of the council. "of course, i concede the wisdom of the emperors suggestion, but i believe that the embassy should be an important aspect of our plans. and i would be honoured to lead that embassy with various members of my house"
nathan paused to gauge the reaction of the others. his smile faded. "there will be another reason for the embassy - it is also a fact finding mission. i plan on bringing the menbers of my house because if at some later point they should trun hostile, we will already have scounted various points of importants such as the kitchens and the stores. after all," here, nathan's eyes took on a malicious glint, "a little poison can do wonders in rendering an army useless, especially if there is only one source of food."
looking around the room once more, he sat back down. "well gentlemen? what do you think?"
****************************************
The single pinpoint of light moved through the labyrinth, reflecting off the walls and dimly illuminating the man who held the torch in his left hand. The darkness around the small sphere of light seemed to swallow everything, such that one could barely see before or behind oneself – and that was becoming seriously irritating for Antry. After the last hired killer had been dealt with, he had been wandering down in the maze for a few days by his estimation, give or take a few hours. Considering the amount of time he spent in sunless places, his internal clock had become very accurate – it was a matter of survival.
Antry suddenly felt a breeze across his face. It smelt of salt. He had reached the underground salt lake. The walls to his right disappeared and were replaced by a seemingly bottomless pit. He imagined that he could hear the lapping of water against the walls of the cave, despite the fact that the path he tread on was hundreds of meters above the water – a quite lethal fall, water or not. He sighed and turned his mind back to the problem at hand. The merchant boy (never could remember his name, face yes, but not name) did not have a map and was just wandering without direction – so hell the hell was he supposed find the boy?
Just as antry was contemplating this tricky problem; he heard a scrabbling sound followed by a sharp cry that must have belonged to the boy just ahead. He quickly ran forward, showing the remarkable dexterity that was one of the reasons he was chosen to inherit this post. However, as he ran, a dagger flicked into his right hand, almost without him thinking. A few hundred paced ahead, he came across the boy, or at least the top half. The bottom was kicking at the side of the ledge in desperation to gain a foothold as his arm held onto the ledge in a death grip.
The knife quickly disappeared into Antry’s cloak and his arms reached down to pull the boy as the torch dropped onto the path. After a few heaves and grunts, he managed to pull the boy back onto the ledge. Afterwards, as they leaned against the wall to the left of the path, antry finally spoke to the youngster: “right. I’ve been looking for you for days. It’s time we had a little talk”
"my lord", nathan bowed to the emperor "and my fellow councilors, if i may add a suggestion." his eyed surveyed the room and found the attention of all was fixed upon him. he smiled slightly and continued "as improtant as the defences of the empire are, i wonder - has any thought of sending an offcial envoy of the empire to speak with these newcomers upon their ships? if these people come in peace then there would be no need for bloodshed and the sacrifice of our young men and women would there?"
"as amusing as it is to watch the chest thumping of various members of this council, whom i won't name, i must point out that war should be the last resort. i speak as an advocate of peace." his smile widened as he saw the suspiscion and in some cases, hostility glitter in the other members of the council. "of course, i concede the wisdom of the emperors suggestion, but i believe that the embassy should be an important aspect of our plans. and i would be honoured to lead that embassy with various members of my house"
nathan paused to gauge the reaction of the others. his smile faded. "there will be another reason for the embassy - it is also a fact finding mission. i plan on bringing the menbers of my house because if at some later point they should trun hostile, we will already have scounted various points of importants such as the kitchens and the stores. after all," here, nathan's eyes took on a malicious glint, "a little poison can do wonders in rendering an army useless, especially if there is only one source of food."
looking around the room once more, he sat back down. "well gentlemen? what do you think?"
****************************************
The single pinpoint of light moved through the labyrinth, reflecting off the walls and dimly illuminating the man who held the torch in his left hand. The darkness around the small sphere of light seemed to swallow everything, such that one could barely see before or behind oneself – and that was becoming seriously irritating for Antry. After the last hired killer had been dealt with, he had been wandering down in the maze for a few days by his estimation, give or take a few hours. Considering the amount of time he spent in sunless places, his internal clock had become very accurate – it was a matter of survival.
Antry suddenly felt a breeze across his face. It smelt of salt. He had reached the underground salt lake. The walls to his right disappeared and were replaced by a seemingly bottomless pit. He imagined that he could hear the lapping of water against the walls of the cave, despite the fact that the path he tread on was hundreds of meters above the water – a quite lethal fall, water or not. He sighed and turned his mind back to the problem at hand. The merchant boy (never could remember his name, face yes, but not name) did not have a map and was just wandering without direction – so hell the hell was he supposed find the boy?
Just as antry was contemplating this tricky problem; he heard a scrabbling sound followed by a sharp cry that must have belonged to the boy just ahead. He quickly ran forward, showing the remarkable dexterity that was one of the reasons he was chosen to inherit this post. However, as he ran, a dagger flicked into his right hand, almost without him thinking. A few hundred paced ahead, he came across the boy, or at least the top half. The bottom was kicking at the side of the ledge in desperation to gain a foothold as his arm held onto the ledge in a death grip.
The knife quickly disappeared into Antry’s cloak and his arms reached down to pull the boy as the torch dropped onto the path. After a few heaves and grunts, he managed to pull the boy back onto the ledge. Afterwards, as they leaned against the wall to the left of the path, antry finally spoke to the youngster: “right. I’ve been looking for you for days. It’s time we had a little talk”
Question:
Does being the only sane person in the world make you insane?
If a tree falls in the woods and a deaf person saw it, does it make a sound?
Does being the only sane person in the world make you insane?
If a tree falls in the woods and a deaf person saw it, does it make a sound?
#35
Morgoth
- executor emeritus
-
- Group: High House Mafia
- Posts: 11,448
- Joined: 24-January 03
- Location:the void
Posted 21 October 2006 - 12:00 PM
The Emperor nodded to those who had answered before turning towards those councilors who'd kept silent.
"Councilors, I respect your right to keeping silent, even in times such as these when the lack of advice and cooperation may cost the empire dearly. Nevertheless, you have decided to keep your opinions to yourselves, which is your right. As I am sure you know, presidence indicates that in questions of importance, silence is considered, if not approval, then at least acceptance."
He look at each of the councilor's i turn, a calculating look glimmering in his eyes.
"Well, then that's settled. House Ryker, I would be pleased if you would be willing to take responsibility for the mobilization of the army and the logistics involved."
The pleased grin on the councilor's face combined with the dismay on several others made the emperor want to chuckle. Though they hardly helped the empire at such times as this, he could naught but enjoy observing the rivalries and intrigues between the councilors. Their ingenuity and tenacity both impressed and delighted him. As old as he was, he'd found boredom came easily yet the politics of the empire never ceased to interest.
"Dear Nathan, your wish to put your house at the front line of this potential conflict thus risking both the life of you and your house is indeed admirable. Eventually we might need to build an embassy of sorts to the homeland of the strangers, but if we do, the embassy should be imperial, not of House Screlogue, surely you see the wisdom in this. I am pleased by your initative, but for now I feel our main concern regarding the strangers' homeland should be to actually find it." A few sniggers rippled through the room, the emperor waited patiently for silence once more. If there was one thing he hated, it was to compete with others to be heard, it was demeaning and respectless. He shook his head slightly before finishing.
"As I see it, there is little more for us to decide at this time. We do not have the information necessary to make any more decisions and so i suggest we adjourn this meeting. Unless there are any objections?"
----*----
Lorii stared up at the first person he'd seen in days. His head swam from all that he'd seen, all that he'd learned. Was this what the Labyrinth wanted of me. Was I supposed to see what I saw? The harsh light of the torch caused painfull flashes of colour in front of his eyes. It had been so long since he'd seen strong light his eyes seemed unable to adjust. Shivers racked his body and he almost fell back down into the depths of darkness beneath them. Strong arms locked around however, forcing him to stay within the safety of the ledge. Visions danced everywhere. The big man looked hazy, fussy, as if he was only half real. Perhaps I'm just imagining this. From far off, seemingly floating around his head, came words, a whole sentence, the first he had heard anyone say since he entered this cursed place.
"Are you alright?"
Lorri smiled sadly, looking up at his saviour, trying to focus on his face, trying to see what he looked like. "I can feel him feeding on me" He blinked, forcing the darkness away from his mind. "He feeds on us all". A sigh escaped his lips and then darkness engulfed him. Sleep. Yes, he would sleep, just for a little while.
"Councilors, I respect your right to keeping silent, even in times such as these when the lack of advice and cooperation may cost the empire dearly. Nevertheless, you have decided to keep your opinions to yourselves, which is your right. As I am sure you know, presidence indicates that in questions of importance, silence is considered, if not approval, then at least acceptance."
He look at each of the councilor's i turn, a calculating look glimmering in his eyes.
"Well, then that's settled. House Ryker, I would be pleased if you would be willing to take responsibility for the mobilization of the army and the logistics involved."
The pleased grin on the councilor's face combined with the dismay on several others made the emperor want to chuckle. Though they hardly helped the empire at such times as this, he could naught but enjoy observing the rivalries and intrigues between the councilors. Their ingenuity and tenacity both impressed and delighted him. As old as he was, he'd found boredom came easily yet the politics of the empire never ceased to interest.
"Dear Nathan, your wish to put your house at the front line of this potential conflict thus risking both the life of you and your house is indeed admirable. Eventually we might need to build an embassy of sorts to the homeland of the strangers, but if we do, the embassy should be imperial, not of House Screlogue, surely you see the wisdom in this. I am pleased by your initative, but for now I feel our main concern regarding the strangers' homeland should be to actually find it." A few sniggers rippled through the room, the emperor waited patiently for silence once more. If there was one thing he hated, it was to compete with others to be heard, it was demeaning and respectless. He shook his head slightly before finishing.
"As I see it, there is little more for us to decide at this time. We do not have the information necessary to make any more decisions and so i suggest we adjourn this meeting. Unless there are any objections?"
----*----
Lorii stared up at the first person he'd seen in days. His head swam from all that he'd seen, all that he'd learned. Was this what the Labyrinth wanted of me. Was I supposed to see what I saw? The harsh light of the torch caused painfull flashes of colour in front of his eyes. It had been so long since he'd seen strong light his eyes seemed unable to adjust. Shivers racked his body and he almost fell back down into the depths of darkness beneath them. Strong arms locked around however, forcing him to stay within the safety of the ledge. Visions danced everywhere. The big man looked hazy, fussy, as if he was only half real. Perhaps I'm just imagining this. From far off, seemingly floating around his head, came words, a whole sentence, the first he had heard anyone say since he entered this cursed place.
"Are you alright?"
Lorri smiled sadly, looking up at his saviour, trying to focus on his face, trying to see what he looked like. "I can feel him feeding on me" He blinked, forcing the darkness away from his mind. "He feeds on us all". A sigh escaped his lips and then darkness engulfed him. Sleep. Yes, he would sleep, just for a little while.
Take good care to keep relations civil
It's decent in the first of gentlemen
To speak friendly, Even to the devil
It's decent in the first of gentlemen
To speak friendly, Even to the devil
#36
Cause
- Elder God
-
- Group: Malaz Regular
- Posts: 5,917
- Joined: 25-December 03
- Location:NYC
Posted 23 October 2006 - 08:05 PM
For the insults delivered by House Dranwreaker onto the honour of House Ryker I Barrack Ryker scion of the House formally challenge Althelsaran Dranwreaker to a blood duel. In accordance with imperial tradition and law his position allows a proxy of his House to take his place. Though the blood of lesser men will scarce wash away the stain on mine and my Houses honour it will need to be passable. Let the duel be conducted one weak from the day this letter reaches you in the square of thorns before the eyes of gods and men. I await the reply of your acceptance.
Looking over his work one last time Barrack returned his quill to the ink jar and signed the document. Finally he added the grey wax unique to his house to the page and with the seal of house ryker pressed into it the Sentinels eyes the sigil of House Ryker. He was pleased tomorrow he would send a slave with the document to the compound of House Dranwreaker and a week later his sword would be covered with the blood of Beocca. The loss of his champion might remind the Lord Althelsaran to mind his tongue in public. Still he wanted more, he would make the defeat public. Tomorrow he would send other messangers to the Houses Kios, Khorozar and Screlogue he would invite all to come and watch the champions fall. He would invite even the public he would send messengers to the squares and markets to the inns and taverns to announce the duel. Word of mouth would carry to the rest. Barrack Ryker smiled already he could invision his victory and the humiliation of Dranwreaker in front of the masses.
***
Within the militaries headquarters in the capital Sebastian Ryker made ready the defenses of the continent. It was late into the night and he had already enjoyed two cups of strong parala to keep him sharp. He was poring over maps with his aides and subordinates making sure the plans he had outlined were the best that they could be. “Bring me a map with better detail for the south here” he pointed out the area of his intrest on the map to his aid. The defence of the empire had been placed into his hands and success and failure would be reflected onto his House, he needed to be certain. Holding out a parchment behind him he ordered that it be copied twice and than delivered by bird and rider to the 12th legion the original stored. He felt safe given the numbers of soldiers at his command yet still doubt plagued him. It had been too long since the empire had faced a true foe. How many of the soldiers remained unblooded, untested even. True he could count on the Northen forces to fight but that was but a fraction of a fraction and they would be the last to arrive south. He had tried placing himself into the mind of his opponent but with so little information this proved a pointless exercise. Still he was certain they would concentrate on one or two port cities land their soldiers and than free their fleet for further action. And he was certain, absolutely so that they were here to fight. The others might delude themselves that it was a peacefull exploration mission, that they might want to establish trade yet all accounts agreed they were warships each and everyone. You did not open trade without product to sell and you did not knock on your neighbours door with the pommel of your sword. It was to be a war. At last a chance for House Ryker to shine again as it had in old and he would be at the forefront of it all. “We will amass a strong force here to respond to any threat on the this part of the coast and here…..
***
Kyle Ryker stood in those moments in the lower city. The wind coming off the water was cold and he pulled his cloak tighter. In a way he was glad it was cold he might have shivered despite himself regardless of the weather at what he saw. Let the men think it was the cold. “When was the first found”
“Half a bell ago my lord” one of his men answered. Thirty six dead so far and the other fourteen men of the shard missing. He was sure in time they would be found dead as well. Each had been expertly murdered, a knife to sever the spine a snapped neck one or two had been garroted. Whoever the killers had been they had been good. No one in the whole district had heard or seen anything at least none of them were saying thy had. An entire shard dead, fifty men, it beggared the imagination. An entire patrol just wiped out. Worst though was that it seemed pointless. No one had gone up the stairs, no one not even killers as skilled as these could have avoided the sight and swords of the garrison above and to have entered the labrynth would meet with the same. Either they would die within the maze or from the guards at the exits and as no one could scale the walls it meant the killers were still down here. “You and you” he pointed “take the stairs head to the barracks I want a full sword down here than report to my brother. I want the rest of you to pull in the rest of the patrols no one alone two men together minimum at all times. I want the docks sealed no ship leaves before being searched. I want the perpetrators of this massacre found.”
Looking over his work one last time Barrack returned his quill to the ink jar and signed the document. Finally he added the grey wax unique to his house to the page and with the seal of house ryker pressed into it the Sentinels eyes the sigil of House Ryker. He was pleased tomorrow he would send a slave with the document to the compound of House Dranwreaker and a week later his sword would be covered with the blood of Beocca. The loss of his champion might remind the Lord Althelsaran to mind his tongue in public. Still he wanted more, he would make the defeat public. Tomorrow he would send other messangers to the Houses Kios, Khorozar and Screlogue he would invite all to come and watch the champions fall. He would invite even the public he would send messengers to the squares and markets to the inns and taverns to announce the duel. Word of mouth would carry to the rest. Barrack Ryker smiled already he could invision his victory and the humiliation of Dranwreaker in front of the masses.
***
Within the militaries headquarters in the capital Sebastian Ryker made ready the defenses of the continent. It was late into the night and he had already enjoyed two cups of strong parala to keep him sharp. He was poring over maps with his aides and subordinates making sure the plans he had outlined were the best that they could be. “Bring me a map with better detail for the south here” he pointed out the area of his intrest on the map to his aid. The defence of the empire had been placed into his hands and success and failure would be reflected onto his House, he needed to be certain. Holding out a parchment behind him he ordered that it be copied twice and than delivered by bird and rider to the 12th legion the original stored. He felt safe given the numbers of soldiers at his command yet still doubt plagued him. It had been too long since the empire had faced a true foe. How many of the soldiers remained unblooded, untested even. True he could count on the Northen forces to fight but that was but a fraction of a fraction and they would be the last to arrive south. He had tried placing himself into the mind of his opponent but with so little information this proved a pointless exercise. Still he was certain they would concentrate on one or two port cities land their soldiers and than free their fleet for further action. And he was certain, absolutely so that they were here to fight. The others might delude themselves that it was a peacefull exploration mission, that they might want to establish trade yet all accounts agreed they were warships each and everyone. You did not open trade without product to sell and you did not knock on your neighbours door with the pommel of your sword. It was to be a war. At last a chance for House Ryker to shine again as it had in old and he would be at the forefront of it all. “We will amass a strong force here to respond to any threat on the this part of the coast and here…..
***
Kyle Ryker stood in those moments in the lower city. The wind coming off the water was cold and he pulled his cloak tighter. In a way he was glad it was cold he might have shivered despite himself regardless of the weather at what he saw. Let the men think it was the cold. “When was the first found”
“Half a bell ago my lord” one of his men answered. Thirty six dead so far and the other fourteen men of the shard missing. He was sure in time they would be found dead as well. Each had been expertly murdered, a knife to sever the spine a snapped neck one or two had been garroted. Whoever the killers had been they had been good. No one in the whole district had heard or seen anything at least none of them were saying thy had. An entire shard dead, fifty men, it beggared the imagination. An entire patrol just wiped out. Worst though was that it seemed pointless. No one had gone up the stairs, no one not even killers as skilled as these could have avoided the sight and swords of the garrison above and to have entered the labrynth would meet with the same. Either they would die within the maze or from the guards at the exits and as no one could scale the walls it meant the killers were still down here. “You and you” he pointed “take the stairs head to the barracks I want a full sword down here than report to my brother. I want the rest of you to pull in the rest of the patrols no one alone two men together minimum at all times. I want the docks sealed no ship leaves before being searched. I want the perpetrators of this massacre found.”
#37
councilor
- High Fist
-
- Group: Malaz Regular
- Posts: 305
- Joined: 30-July 06
Posted 24 October 2006 - 12:37 PM
“Great. This is just damned great. Now I have to drag him back up to the surface. Bloody hells – this is going to be really unpleasant.”
Antry said to the empty cavern as he pulled the boy over his shoulders, and began to stagger onwards, following the map that he had memorized years ago as part of his training. Although admittedly, the boy wasn’t as heavy as he could’ve been, probably the result of having lived on nothing but water for last several days. He wasn’t really surprised – the reason most people never make it out was because they never brought enough provisions, and the fact that the labyrinth fed upon them. It was a weak sort of draining of energy, so weak that a healthy, well fed man would not even notice it, except for a slight tendency to puff a bit after a short run. Not eating for several days meant that, well, generally meant that you wouldn’t walk out of the labyrinth, unless someone came and got you.
Antry didn’t bring any food in, but he had the rejuvenation potions that house screlogue extracts from the swamp. Rare they may be, being one of the lords of house screlogue did entitle one to some benefits.
Hauling the boy on his shoulders, antry continued onwards and disappeared into the darkness once more, guided by nothing more than a torch and the map of his predecessors.
**********
It was still night as Nathan walked back to the screlogue compound in the imperial palace. His eyes were focused on the distance and his face was expressionless. He was considering the emperor’s refusal to allow his house to send emissaries. What he had said in the council was true enough, but there was a third reason that he wanted to send those emissaries – wherever these strangers had come from, there was no question that they possessed some remarkable knowledge to be able to great those great ships. Nathan wanted to get his hands on those technologies. With hem, his house could advance itself both in the games on the council and in their pursuit of knowledge, and the resultant rewards of such pursuit. Whatever anyone else may imagine them to be; the lords of house screlogue knew where their loyalties lied – first to their house, then to the empire. For now, the two were the one and the same, but should that one day change….
A sudden sound behind him ripped him away from his thoughts. It was just the sound of cloth rubbing against cloth, but it was enough, considering that is was quickly disappeared and that there was no one behind him, publicly at least, meaning that he was being followed. Nathan kept walking, appearing to be lost within his though, but his knives had already appeared in his, and his mind raced in estimating of the number of attackers and their positioning. His heart quickened and smile almost came to his lips. He may be in charge of finances, but he had forgotten none of the skills of his youth and longed for those heady days when he matched wits and skills with the best assassin in the land.
Turning a corner, he suddenly broke into a run and vaulted onto the roof, and disappeared into the shadows. He waited there for the sound of running feat as those who had tailed him realized that their mark was gone. He smiled. The hunt was on.
Antry said to the empty cavern as he pulled the boy over his shoulders, and began to stagger onwards, following the map that he had memorized years ago as part of his training. Although admittedly, the boy wasn’t as heavy as he could’ve been, probably the result of having lived on nothing but water for last several days. He wasn’t really surprised – the reason most people never make it out was because they never brought enough provisions, and the fact that the labyrinth fed upon them. It was a weak sort of draining of energy, so weak that a healthy, well fed man would not even notice it, except for a slight tendency to puff a bit after a short run. Not eating for several days meant that, well, generally meant that you wouldn’t walk out of the labyrinth, unless someone came and got you.
Antry didn’t bring any food in, but he had the rejuvenation potions that house screlogue extracts from the swamp. Rare they may be, being one of the lords of house screlogue did entitle one to some benefits.
Hauling the boy on his shoulders, antry continued onwards and disappeared into the darkness once more, guided by nothing more than a torch and the map of his predecessors.
**********
It was still night as Nathan walked back to the screlogue compound in the imperial palace. His eyes were focused on the distance and his face was expressionless. He was considering the emperor’s refusal to allow his house to send emissaries. What he had said in the council was true enough, but there was a third reason that he wanted to send those emissaries – wherever these strangers had come from, there was no question that they possessed some remarkable knowledge to be able to great those great ships. Nathan wanted to get his hands on those technologies. With hem, his house could advance itself both in the games on the council and in their pursuit of knowledge, and the resultant rewards of such pursuit. Whatever anyone else may imagine them to be; the lords of house screlogue knew where their loyalties lied – first to their house, then to the empire. For now, the two were the one and the same, but should that one day change….
A sudden sound behind him ripped him away from his thoughts. It was just the sound of cloth rubbing against cloth, but it was enough, considering that is was quickly disappeared and that there was no one behind him, publicly at least, meaning that he was being followed. Nathan kept walking, appearing to be lost within his though, but his knives had already appeared in his, and his mind raced in estimating of the number of attackers and their positioning. His heart quickened and smile almost came to his lips. He may be in charge of finances, but he had forgotten none of the skills of his youth and longed for those heady days when he matched wits and skills with the best assassin in the land.
Turning a corner, he suddenly broke into a run and vaulted onto the roof, and disappeared into the shadows. He waited there for the sound of running feat as those who had tailed him realized that their mark was gone. He smiled. The hunt was on.
Question:
Does being the only sane person in the world make you insane?
If a tree falls in the woods and a deaf person saw it, does it make a sound?
Does being the only sane person in the world make you insane?
If a tree falls in the woods and a deaf person saw it, does it make a sound?
#38 Guest_KaL_*
Posted 25 October 2006 - 08:45 AM
Rain burst from the sky quickly flooding the streets as Teis as his small retinue ventured down the streets heading towards the old quarter of the Capital. He had a meeting with a wiry disgruntled old mage or so he had been alerted upon his return to the household. His mood had lifted only slightly upon the news as his recent successes had been marred by the decisions of the council none could be truely trusted that was certain especially that of House Ryker who he was certain given the choice would welcome a war. Nethertheless he had stood silent during the heated exchange between council members the issue concerned him only in as much as the advantages other houses would yeild from it.
A grey smudge approached through the storm slipping alongside Teis "The shard has been eliminated sir" The figure murmered.
"That was surprisingly quick Redic" Teis replied to his Assasin master.
"It was not our hands that delievered the blow, we merely added our own smattering of carnage before slipping away,"
"So what caused the damage then?"
"We believe a group of expertly trained assasins, clearly seeking entrance into the emperors residence" The assasin quickly replied
"Is the presumption?"
"No a Scythe reported an unusual glowing light on the eastern wall, they're convinced their were figures within it"
"Impressive sorcery for sure, perhaps my meeting tonight will reveal something more, redisperse and await further orders via the usual streams we must bury ourselves deep for the time" Teis ordered his Scythe leader. The man gave a curt nod and slipped off, two figures converged on him and the 3 quickly dispersed into the city.
Marago brought them to a halt before a derelict alleyway "That residence at the far end belongs to the one you would meet sir,"
'Ahh, very well let us meet this raving old man," Teis replied as they made their way down the alley.
A grey smudge approached through the storm slipping alongside Teis "The shard has been eliminated sir" The figure murmered.
"That was surprisingly quick Redic" Teis replied to his Assasin master.
"It was not our hands that delievered the blow, we merely added our own smattering of carnage before slipping away,"
"So what caused the damage then?"
"We believe a group of expertly trained assasins, clearly seeking entrance into the emperors residence" The assasin quickly replied
"Is the presumption?"
"No a Scythe reported an unusual glowing light on the eastern wall, they're convinced their were figures within it"
"Impressive sorcery for sure, perhaps my meeting tonight will reveal something more, redisperse and await further orders via the usual streams we must bury ourselves deep for the time" Teis ordered his Scythe leader. The man gave a curt nod and slipped off, two figures converged on him and the 3 quickly dispersed into the city.
Marago brought them to a halt before a derelict alleyway "That residence at the far end belongs to the one you would meet sir,"
'Ahh, very well let us meet this raving old man," Teis replied as they made their way down the alley.
#39
Tes'thesula
- High House My House
-
- Group: Malaz Regular
- Posts: 410
- Joined: 09-June 05
Posted 29 October 2006 - 10:34 PM
Another stride, another step closer to home, to exaltation. Othul auf Rafell grunted and shifted his pack on his back, adjusting the uncommonly heavy bag to a more comfortable position. The battlefield had been scoured of nearly all its equipment, the thousand men left under Garon auf Ost highly aware that their deeds had entered the realm of legend, and that anything they brought home would be treasured for generations to come. He could see it now, his descendents pointing to his sword hung above the hearth, ‘Aye friend, that is the sword of Othul, who fought with Garon at Highpass.’ auf Rafell grinned broadly beneath his plaited beard, as he had many times on the march back to Seagor, his joy and elation barely contained in his tired body. Even the bodies of the enemy had been raided by the Northmen, each hoping to outdo his brother in finding the more impressive artefact. Othul, always fast on his feet, had found the sword of Hephasius, the man who had led the Imperial forces North, never to return. The staff of the flamboyant High Mage Chennyck, oddly undamaged by the sorcerous conflagration, had been presented to Garon, the architect of the mage’s death. And what a battle that had been! On the dawn of the third day, Othul had been stationed near to the left edge of the Northern line, and had cried out in shock as a figure dressed in crimson and saffron robes stepped into the sky over the Imperial forces, his clothes flapping in the fierce mountain winds. The Imperial Mage, who had been convinced to join the Imperial forces after a visit by the foreign Emperor himself, if the rumours could be believed, spread his arms wide, as if trying to encompass the Seagorians in his embrace. Looking back now, Othul was ashamed at the fear he felt at that moment, the fear all the warriors had felt, facing an enemy that could kill them with a thought, and whose weapons were those of the gods. It was a fear that was unearned, for Garon had responded to the threat, rising above his troops, his black bearskin cloak billowing around him. And then Othul had watched in wonder as the two sorcerers had unleashed their power, exploding the overcast sky with brilliant arcs of light. The entire day they had exchanged blows, as the lesser men fought with steel below, their needs drawing the heat from the air and causing the murder of crows that flocked over the battlefield to fall lifeless from the sky, their anima ripped from their bodies. And then, as the sun dipped towards the horizon, Garon, his figure blazing like a star, pierced the defenses of his foe, and tore him screaming from the heavens, the crimson and saffron robes aflame.
Othul looked up from his reflection, and his heart leapt, for the walls of Seagor had appeared from behind a rise, the doors resolutely closed, the statues of past thayns lining the road almost welcoming to the warrior. The Companions and Garon, upon seeing the city had spurred their horses and raced ahead, their relief evident to all, and a song flew clear of the throats of the Thousand. The battle hymn acted like a drug and Othul felt the weakness leave his body, his back straightened, and he could not help but smile. We are all children here, such is our joy, thought the warrior, clapping the man who marched next to him heartily on the back. The joy turned to confusion as the men who had been riding to the city drew up their mounts a fair few yards outside of the still closed gates.
‘Thenaras, what is going on?’ Othul asked the man next to him.
Sharp-eyed Thenaras auf Klihn, turned towards him, his face set in a grim mask, ‘Son of Gewayn, can you see who walks the walls of Seagor?’
‘I see only men.’
‘Those men are not our kin. We have been betrayed, Kios has betrayed us!’ thundered Thenaras, and the men surrounding the two warriors began muttering as they heard his dire proclamation.
‘No!’ whispered Othul, his heart breaking as he to saw that Imperial soldiers walked alongside the men of Kios on the walls.’ Memphon Ice-Breaker, Jhon the Bear, Algard the Loud, and countless others, heroes all, now dead. For nothing. IT CANNOT BE! Othul screamed at the walls. Tears streamed down his face and he began to rip at his beard, the pain barely noticeable under the hurt of betrayal. Norgan has betrayed us, betrayed us all…
Bravga clawed back to consciousness, his body wracked with sobs, the pain of the Sacrifice as sharp as if had just happened. For many minutes he sat shaking in his bed, his tears staining the comfortable linens that pooled around him. Regaining his composure somewhat he reached over to his bed stand and grasped the bottle of Paracas that was a permanent fixture of his room, and took a deep draught straight from the bottle, gasping as the stimulant did its work. Bravga had been haunted about Othul and others in the Thousand for many years now, and had started sleeping as little as possible, drinking Paracas until his body could literally no longer go on without rest. All the bodies of the warriors had disappeared after the Imperials had finished slaughtering them, and secret records existed, meticulously detailing the lives and deaths of few survivors of Highpass. When Bravga had first started having the dreams, he had dug up the saga of auf Rafell and learned the man had died of a spear wound to the heart, the warrior no longer caring to lift his sword to defend himself. Reading that had almost persuaded Bravga to join his brother in the priesthood, as a penance for his ancestors ancient crime.
But no, the House had needed him, and whatever their ignoble beginnings Bravga could not fail the trust bestowed to him. Sweeping his legs out from his duvet, the Lord of Kios stepped out of his bed. It would not be long before Seram came by with the day’s news, and it would not do for a servant to see his lord distressed.
* * *
Most people used blunt knives to open letters, but Seram felt it was good practise to keep all his blades sharpened, besides, if worst came to worst, another weapon could only be a good thing. Despite the exciting news that the fleet were sending an envoy, there was very little intelligence of any worth to be had on this day, most of the communications concerned mundane matters that needed not to be presented to the Councillor. It was only when Seram got to the penultimate letter that his jaw clenched in shock. Would he really dare?
Yes.
The Shadowmaster shot out of his chair, grabbing the last missive; a folded letter sealed with the grey wax of Ryker, and strode quickly to his master’s quarters, his footsteps unheard by even the guards. Silently he reached Bravga’s door, and with a punctilious knock, announced his presence.
A muffled assent could be heard, and Seram entered, closing the door carefully behind himself.
Bravga was wiping his eyes with a handkerchief as the mage entered, ‘What is it, I didn’t expect you so soon.’
As Seram handed him the note, he began to speak, ‘Most of today’s news was unimportant, but as soon as I read this, I knew that it had to be dealt with immediately.’
Bravga’s brow began furrowing as he read further down the letter, until he threw it to the floor, ‘VANDIR JAL, YOU BASTARD! I will rip the skin from your scalp you ignorant PEASANT! How dare you insult Kios in this way? How dare you insult ME!’ Seram saw that his master’s pupils’ were dilated, and knew that he had once again been drinking Paracas. Though it kept Bravga sharp, it also accentuated his ferocious temper.
Bravga was breathing deeply but had calmed down somewhat, ‘Who did do the deed?’
‘Screlouge, I believe. Their agents are notably incompetent.’
‘Hah! Jealousy does not become you Seram.’ Bravga picked up the letter and once more read what Khrorozor had committed against Kios, ‘How to react? Jal collapses our mines. Pah, we will reopen them. He turns away our business? Were Vandir’s parents related?’
‘I believe not my Lord, though the Jal do have many strange customs, incest is not one of them’
‘Then why is he acting like an inbreed fool? He must know that Kios transport his goods because we are the best movers in the Empire. Who else will he work with? That middling House Pehnik? Newil Pehnik could get lost in his own garden, never mind the Jal mountain range.’ Bravga sighed dramatically, ‘No matter, increase our raids on Khrorozor caravans, and if we are to be punished for a crime, we must be sure that we commit it. Send one of your men to visit a worm greatsmith. We can easily rebuild our mines, and Vandir must learn it is much more difficult to bring back the dead.’
‘As you command Lord.’
‘Good, good,’ Bravga noticed the Ryker letter that Seram had picked up on his way out of his room, ‘What is that?’
‘This?’ Seram quickly broke the seal and read the letter, his eyes flicking phenomenally from one line to the next. ‘It appears that Barrack Ryker wishes to challenge a Dranwreaker man to a duel, for the insults delivered in the Council chambers.’
‘Really? Oh, I feel sorry for Beocca, by all accounts Barrack is a demon with a sword in hand. Alas.’ A smile formed on the unshaved face of Bravga, ‘Pass this letter onto Khorvyn will you Seram, I think he would enjoy something like this. And if that is all…’ The councillor left the question hanging in the air,
‘It is my lord,’ Seram bowed quickly; ‘I will carry out your instructions immediately.’
‘Excellent, oh, and see that we put in an order for more Paracas.’
Seram exited his master’s chambers, still reading the letter from Barrack, a queer look in his eye. Upon crossing the path of one the House guards, Seram thrust the letter into his meaty grip, ‘Be sure that the Mankiller gets this.’ The guard nodded in reply, turned on his heel, and jogged in the direction of the training yard.
Seram watched him go before returning to his room. Sitting down slowly, he sat staring at nothing before reaching for a piece of parchment and his stylus, another moment for thought, and he committed ink to paper.
Dearest Master Jhon,
I know it has not been long since my last communication, but something has come up that I believe you would be interested in. Do you recall when you were younger and contracted the Eastern Fever? How I attended to your learning after Master Thadus caught the disease from you and passed to his ancestors? You may recall that we spent many a night discussing a multitude of topics. Well, something has come up that may turn our idle speculation into reality…
Seram continued to write for a long time, before sealing the letter and hurrying off to do his assigned duties, and preparation for the return of Jhon au Kios, heir of Bravga.
Othul looked up from his reflection, and his heart leapt, for the walls of Seagor had appeared from behind a rise, the doors resolutely closed, the statues of past thayns lining the road almost welcoming to the warrior. The Companions and Garon, upon seeing the city had spurred their horses and raced ahead, their relief evident to all, and a song flew clear of the throats of the Thousand. The battle hymn acted like a drug and Othul felt the weakness leave his body, his back straightened, and he could not help but smile. We are all children here, such is our joy, thought the warrior, clapping the man who marched next to him heartily on the back. The joy turned to confusion as the men who had been riding to the city drew up their mounts a fair few yards outside of the still closed gates.
‘Thenaras, what is going on?’ Othul asked the man next to him.
Sharp-eyed Thenaras auf Klihn, turned towards him, his face set in a grim mask, ‘Son of Gewayn, can you see who walks the walls of Seagor?’
‘I see only men.’
‘Those men are not our kin. We have been betrayed, Kios has betrayed us!’ thundered Thenaras, and the men surrounding the two warriors began muttering as they heard his dire proclamation.
‘No!’ whispered Othul, his heart breaking as he to saw that Imperial soldiers walked alongside the men of Kios on the walls.’ Memphon Ice-Breaker, Jhon the Bear, Algard the Loud, and countless others, heroes all, now dead. For nothing. IT CANNOT BE! Othul screamed at the walls. Tears streamed down his face and he began to rip at his beard, the pain barely noticeable under the hurt of betrayal. Norgan has betrayed us, betrayed us all…
Bravga clawed back to consciousness, his body wracked with sobs, the pain of the Sacrifice as sharp as if had just happened. For many minutes he sat shaking in his bed, his tears staining the comfortable linens that pooled around him. Regaining his composure somewhat he reached over to his bed stand and grasped the bottle of Paracas that was a permanent fixture of his room, and took a deep draught straight from the bottle, gasping as the stimulant did its work. Bravga had been haunted about Othul and others in the Thousand for many years now, and had started sleeping as little as possible, drinking Paracas until his body could literally no longer go on without rest. All the bodies of the warriors had disappeared after the Imperials had finished slaughtering them, and secret records existed, meticulously detailing the lives and deaths of few survivors of Highpass. When Bravga had first started having the dreams, he had dug up the saga of auf Rafell and learned the man had died of a spear wound to the heart, the warrior no longer caring to lift his sword to defend himself. Reading that had almost persuaded Bravga to join his brother in the priesthood, as a penance for his ancestors ancient crime.
But no, the House had needed him, and whatever their ignoble beginnings Bravga could not fail the trust bestowed to him. Sweeping his legs out from his duvet, the Lord of Kios stepped out of his bed. It would not be long before Seram came by with the day’s news, and it would not do for a servant to see his lord distressed.
* * *
Most people used blunt knives to open letters, but Seram felt it was good practise to keep all his blades sharpened, besides, if worst came to worst, another weapon could only be a good thing. Despite the exciting news that the fleet were sending an envoy, there was very little intelligence of any worth to be had on this day, most of the communications concerned mundane matters that needed not to be presented to the Councillor. It was only when Seram got to the penultimate letter that his jaw clenched in shock. Would he really dare?
Yes.
The Shadowmaster shot out of his chair, grabbing the last missive; a folded letter sealed with the grey wax of Ryker, and strode quickly to his master’s quarters, his footsteps unheard by even the guards. Silently he reached Bravga’s door, and with a punctilious knock, announced his presence.
A muffled assent could be heard, and Seram entered, closing the door carefully behind himself.
Bravga was wiping his eyes with a handkerchief as the mage entered, ‘What is it, I didn’t expect you so soon.’
As Seram handed him the note, he began to speak, ‘Most of today’s news was unimportant, but as soon as I read this, I knew that it had to be dealt with immediately.’
Bravga’s brow began furrowing as he read further down the letter, until he threw it to the floor, ‘VANDIR JAL, YOU BASTARD! I will rip the skin from your scalp you ignorant PEASANT! How dare you insult Kios in this way? How dare you insult ME!’ Seram saw that his master’s pupils’ were dilated, and knew that he had once again been drinking Paracas. Though it kept Bravga sharp, it also accentuated his ferocious temper.
Bravga was breathing deeply but had calmed down somewhat, ‘Who did do the deed?’
‘Screlouge, I believe. Their agents are notably incompetent.’
‘Hah! Jealousy does not become you Seram.’ Bravga picked up the letter and once more read what Khrorozor had committed against Kios, ‘How to react? Jal collapses our mines. Pah, we will reopen them. He turns away our business? Were Vandir’s parents related?’
‘I believe not my Lord, though the Jal do have many strange customs, incest is not one of them’
‘Then why is he acting like an inbreed fool? He must know that Kios transport his goods because we are the best movers in the Empire. Who else will he work with? That middling House Pehnik? Newil Pehnik could get lost in his own garden, never mind the Jal mountain range.’ Bravga sighed dramatically, ‘No matter, increase our raids on Khrorozor caravans, and if we are to be punished for a crime, we must be sure that we commit it. Send one of your men to visit a worm greatsmith. We can easily rebuild our mines, and Vandir must learn it is much more difficult to bring back the dead.’
‘As you command Lord.’
‘Good, good,’ Bravga noticed the Ryker letter that Seram had picked up on his way out of his room, ‘What is that?’
‘This?’ Seram quickly broke the seal and read the letter, his eyes flicking phenomenally from one line to the next. ‘It appears that Barrack Ryker wishes to challenge a Dranwreaker man to a duel, for the insults delivered in the Council chambers.’
‘Really? Oh, I feel sorry for Beocca, by all accounts Barrack is a demon with a sword in hand. Alas.’ A smile formed on the unshaved face of Bravga, ‘Pass this letter onto Khorvyn will you Seram, I think he would enjoy something like this. And if that is all…’ The councillor left the question hanging in the air,
‘It is my lord,’ Seram bowed quickly; ‘I will carry out your instructions immediately.’
‘Excellent, oh, and see that we put in an order for more Paracas.’
Seram exited his master’s chambers, still reading the letter from Barrack, a queer look in his eye. Upon crossing the path of one the House guards, Seram thrust the letter into his meaty grip, ‘Be sure that the Mankiller gets this.’ The guard nodded in reply, turned on his heel, and jogged in the direction of the training yard.
Seram watched him go before returning to his room. Sitting down slowly, he sat staring at nothing before reaching for a piece of parchment and his stylus, another moment for thought, and he committed ink to paper.
Dearest Master Jhon,
I know it has not been long since my last communication, but something has come up that I believe you would be interested in. Do you recall when you were younger and contracted the Eastern Fever? How I attended to your learning after Master Thadus caught the disease from you and passed to his ancestors? You may recall that we spent many a night discussing a multitude of topics. Well, something has come up that may turn our idle speculation into reality…
Seram continued to write for a long time, before sealing the letter and hurrying off to do his assigned duties, and preparation for the return of Jhon au Kios, heir of Bravga.
#40
Valgard
- Bored Microbiologist (not a good combination)
-
- Group: Malaz Regular
- Posts: 386
- Joined: 14-May 03
- Location:Uk
Posted 30 October 2006 - 02:59 PM
Alle sat with his head buried in his ale. He was a small unremarkable man someone no one would ever pick out of the crowd. This calm uninterested exterior hid a brilliant mind for well nigh 12 years Alle had acted as the head listener for the imperial city. The master spy for the Dranwreakers it was his job to identify the wheat from the chaff of the rumours that always flew about the imperial city docklands. The other houses had dismissed the common folk as worthless informers, but Dranwreaker knew that most rumours had a kernel of truth. Thus they had decided to harness the river ways and just listen to the passing traders and what they spoke this way many of the spies from other houses had been caught as people picked up on these shifty looking people and gossiped about them soon they would be taken.
Tonight the tavern was awash with rumours from the night before of shadowy figures moving in the night an entire shard had disappeared but nothing had been heard. No one had heard a sound. The tavern claimed that the mysterious fleet had sent ghosts and demons to destroy the capital. Many of the other houses had expressed an interest and the rumours flew. Alle sat intrigued, this talk of demons was nonsense of course, the only spirits were the hierarchy and they would guard against intrusion by any others. But the idea that all this had been caused by the fleet seemed to fit. Something had struck here something new. Of course there was no evidence but his hunches were normally right he would have to do a reading later now it was just time to sit back and relax enjoy the drink and listen for any more snippets that might appear.
Later that night returning to his small home, it was the normal size for what someone could afford on a Dockers salary it was in a quiet nice part of town, he got on well with the neighbours, he fitted in, there was nothing to isolate him from any other in the area. He pulled out the sticks carefully from the stand. The Sticks, the ancient divination method of the riverlands. Each stick was made from a dark wood with a different symbol carved into each one. Few now knew how to cast them truly to gain hints of what might be. Many charlatans practiced this up and down the empire, but they would only deal in platitudes. This suited the Dranwreakers well as this meant that all others believed this method to be worthless. It was anything but it called upon the powers of the hierarchy and harnessed them to understand the spread. Alle prepared to cast. He emptied his mind of all thought a trick that took many years to perfect. Then he opened himself to the other realm where the hierarchy dwelt. Softly and quietly he sent out a plea. “Help me O ancestors it is I Alle. I have need of your guidance, show me the meaning of the sticks and show me what they wish to tell us.” Then he dropped the sticks onto the table before him his mind unconsciously now gathered in their exact placement on the table where each symbol was to be found was mapped out in his mind. As soon as the mind image was fully formed, something else entered his mind a presence ancient and wise, a feeling of immense power swept through Alle. Then the images started, hundreds flooded his mind. The pattern was there something to be discerned a hint no more of dread tiding a new force was rising something from far away had arrived and intended to make a bid for power to seize control of the faiths. Soon a double war would start a war for the souls of the empire as well as for the empire itself. What form these assaults would take was not shown but the warning was clear.
After a few minutes recovering as channelling the ancestors was exhausting, he rose and quickly wrote out a short letter detailing the attacks in the docks the likely hood of involvement of the mysterious fleet and finally and most worryingly the threat this fleet has to the ancestors and to the Hierarchy. He then went to bed leaving the letter out on the table it would be gone by morning as always and in it’s a place a small pouch would be left containing a reward for the information.
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Ossa read the letter again the head listener had struck gold this time his gifts had always been accurate in the past. There was no reason to doubt him now. This was something to be truly worried about another warning of the troubled times to come. He had to tell Althelsaran, but he was meeting Beocca at the moment discussing who should replace the champion should he lose the fight.
Tonight the tavern was awash with rumours from the night before of shadowy figures moving in the night an entire shard had disappeared but nothing had been heard. No one had heard a sound. The tavern claimed that the mysterious fleet had sent ghosts and demons to destroy the capital. Many of the other houses had expressed an interest and the rumours flew. Alle sat intrigued, this talk of demons was nonsense of course, the only spirits were the hierarchy and they would guard against intrusion by any others. But the idea that all this had been caused by the fleet seemed to fit. Something had struck here something new. Of course there was no evidence but his hunches were normally right he would have to do a reading later now it was just time to sit back and relax enjoy the drink and listen for any more snippets that might appear.
Later that night returning to his small home, it was the normal size for what someone could afford on a Dockers salary it was in a quiet nice part of town, he got on well with the neighbours, he fitted in, there was nothing to isolate him from any other in the area. He pulled out the sticks carefully from the stand. The Sticks, the ancient divination method of the riverlands. Each stick was made from a dark wood with a different symbol carved into each one. Few now knew how to cast them truly to gain hints of what might be. Many charlatans practiced this up and down the empire, but they would only deal in platitudes. This suited the Dranwreakers well as this meant that all others believed this method to be worthless. It was anything but it called upon the powers of the hierarchy and harnessed them to understand the spread. Alle prepared to cast. He emptied his mind of all thought a trick that took many years to perfect. Then he opened himself to the other realm where the hierarchy dwelt. Softly and quietly he sent out a plea. “Help me O ancestors it is I Alle. I have need of your guidance, show me the meaning of the sticks and show me what they wish to tell us.” Then he dropped the sticks onto the table before him his mind unconsciously now gathered in their exact placement on the table where each symbol was to be found was mapped out in his mind. As soon as the mind image was fully formed, something else entered his mind a presence ancient and wise, a feeling of immense power swept through Alle. Then the images started, hundreds flooded his mind. The pattern was there something to be discerned a hint no more of dread tiding a new force was rising something from far away had arrived and intended to make a bid for power to seize control of the faiths. Soon a double war would start a war for the souls of the empire as well as for the empire itself. What form these assaults would take was not shown but the warning was clear.
After a few minutes recovering as channelling the ancestors was exhausting, he rose and quickly wrote out a short letter detailing the attacks in the docks the likely hood of involvement of the mysterious fleet and finally and most worryingly the threat this fleet has to the ancestors and to the Hierarchy. He then went to bed leaving the letter out on the table it would be gone by morning as always and in it’s a place a small pouch would be left containing a reward for the information.
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Ossa read the letter again the head listener had struck gold this time his gifts had always been accurate in the past. There was no reason to doubt him now. This was something to be truly worried about another warning of the troubled times to come. He had to tell Althelsaran, but he was meeting Beocca at the moment discussing who should replace the champion should he lose the fight.
