“West Port Grey, no water.” I said to a repulsively thin bar maid. It seemed that it was the fashion here in West Port for a girl to starve herself to meet a very unattractive body type. I miss the good country girls from the old east. They had a little more meat where it counted.
The repulsive bar maid returned to where I was sitting at the main bar with a cup of dry grey sludge. “Are you sure you wouldn’t like it with a little bit of water? It’s awfully dry.”
“No miss, that’ll do fine.” I took the rusty goblet from her and slurped the thick substance down. “Another, if you’d be so kind.” The maid took back the goblet and went back to the drink counter.
“Wow, and I thought I liked my drinks strong.” A voice said from the behind me. I turned to see a middle aged man wearing the attire of a middle class merchant. “Do you mind if I sit?” He said motioning to the seat next to me where I had thrown my trail coat and country hat.
“I don’t care. It ain’t my seat.” I took the coat off of the chair and laid it over the back of my chair and placed my hat in front of me on the bar counter top.
The man sat down next to me. “So… where you from?”
I looked back at the man. “You tryin’ to sell me somethin’ or are you one of those… sexually confused individuals?” The man stared blankly back at me as if I had said something totally beyond his recollection. “Forget it. Whichever it is, I’m not interested.” I stared ahead at the collection of brews on the alcohol rack.
The man squirmed in his seat. “No, I had no intention of selling you anything or… umm, yeah.” He took the final sips of his drink and then continued. “I was just trying to make some small talk in a completely… none advantageous manner.”
The skinny bar maid returned and planted the dry alcoholic sludge in front of me. She then turned to the man next to me. “You want another one of those, Grey?”
“No, thank you Eli.” The bar maid then strolled to another table. “So… are you here for business mister…?”
“Chrissy… the name is Jasper Chrissy.” I said to the ever persistent salesman. I took a gulp of the heavy drink and then continued. “And yes I am here for business. I take it that your name is Grey, or was that the name of your drink?”
The young man shifted his body to face me after seeing that I was going to cooperate with his chat. “No it’s not my drink. I ordered the Whisky Musk.” He pointed to a bottle sitting half empty on the alcohol rack. “My name is Vahn Grey.”
“And what business do you have Mista’ Grey?” I asked passively taking another gulp of substance.
“Uh, I have a small trade caravan running up and down the Western Shore. I have a small shop here in the city where I sell my goods.” He looked down at his empty glass and looked to the bar maid and then back to me. “You didn’t share your business in West Port.”
I looked away from the beverages on the rack and faced the persistent man. “I’m a private criminal contractor, or as the average citizen says, a bounty hunter.”
The face of the young man became even more engaged. “Really? Wow. Who are you hunting or is that secret or something?”
“No, it ain’t a secret. I was originally hired to come up here to hunt up the rats that were responsible for the death of Gilden Lar’s two kids.” I slurped down the remainder of my second cup. “But now I’m after some man or… thing that is responsible for the recent gruesome murders at the Dark District. You wouldn’t happen to know anything that would help me out would you?”
“I wish I did. Word on the street is that it hunts at night. I don’t know if that helps you at all.”
I looked down at my hat and then placed it on my head. “Hmm, well thank you kindly mister Grey, but I best be goin’.” I started to put on my trail coat when a very familiar face walked through the tavern door.
Vahn Grey turned to see what I was looking at and then arose from his seat. “Randy… what are you doing back so soon?”
Randy rushed past him. “I just came back for my clothes, Vahn. Sorry for bugging you.” Randy walked into the back.
I turned to back to Vahn Grey. “You know Randolph Debterson?” My tone was low.
“Yeah, Randy and I go way back.” His face changed to one of suspicion. “How do you know him?”
I looked away from Vahn Grey and began to walk toward the back door Randolph had walked through. “I recommend you and that skinny Bar girl get out of here. I have some old chips to cash in.”
Monday, March 30, 2009
Nila
"Don't be alarmed Bonita," I whispered from the shadows. I tossed some clothes on the floor in front of her and pointed to a curtain. "Get dressed I need you."
She hesitated on moving and I scratched my forehead, "Look I don't exactly have time for games, I need you to decipher some tribal runes I assumed you may have been taught about given your background. If you aren't the person for the job than that's fine I'll go someplace else."
"How did you get in here?" She finally asked as she grabbed the clothes and moved behind the curtain to put them on.
"Secret passageway," I answered. "Nearly every building in this city has them since I control the construction companies."
"If you own so much why the need for secret passages."
"I never said I owned them," I grinned at the silence. "I control them, it's much easier than you think."
I moved to one of the walls and gently pushed on it, "Come on they will be checking on you soon, you've been in here for hours."
"Shouldn't we tell Will at least about this?" Bonita asked.
"Oh he already knows a great deal more than he lets on," I smirked. "But I think he told you some of it." The wall slid open and the room lit up as there was a still lit torch in the passage. I moved into the passage and turned back, "Are you coming or staying?"
She hesitated on moving and I scratched my forehead, "Look I don't exactly have time for games, I need you to decipher some tribal runes I assumed you may have been taught about given your background. If you aren't the person for the job than that's fine I'll go someplace else."
"How did you get in here?" She finally asked as she grabbed the clothes and moved behind the curtain to put them on.
"Secret passageway," I answered. "Nearly every building in this city has them since I control the construction companies."
"If you own so much why the need for secret passages."
"I never said I owned them," I grinned at the silence. "I control them, it's much easier than you think."
I moved to one of the walls and gently pushed on it, "Come on they will be checking on you soon, you've been in here for hours."
"Shouldn't we tell Will at least about this?" Bonita asked.
"Oh he already knows a great deal more than he lets on," I smirked. "But I think he told you some of it." The wall slid open and the room lit up as there was a still lit torch in the passage. I moved into the passage and turned back, "Are you coming or staying?"
Bonita
I didn't know what to say. A new flood of emotions poured into me. My knees gave out and I dropped onto the bed (in a sitting position). I looked up at William, "Could you just give me a few minutes."
He nodded in understanding, and handed me some fresh clothes, "why don't you go take a relaxing bath. No one will disturb you there."
I thanked him, and then added, "let's not let Mira know when know who she is."
He gently helped me to my feet, then with his arm around my shoulder led me to the bathing room. It was exceptional. There was a pit under the tub to heat the water. I'd never had a warm bath before, but it was easy enough to figure out.
There were small candles lining the tub, and some scented oils to help me relax. Soon the room was filled with a lilac fog.
(in the tub)With a towel rolled under my neck, and a cloth over my eyes, this was the most relaxed I had ever been in my whole life. My muscles loosened and I found myself drifting to sleep.
When I awoke, the room was very cold and most of the candles had gone out. (after getting out and wrapping a towel around myself)As I used the last candle to light the others, I thought I saw someone in the corner of the room. I gasped as I pulled the towel tighter around me, "who's there?"
He nodded in understanding, and handed me some fresh clothes, "why don't you go take a relaxing bath. No one will disturb you there."
I thanked him, and then added, "let's not let Mira know when know who she is."
He gently helped me to my feet, then with his arm around my shoulder led me to the bathing room. It was exceptional. There was a pit under the tub to heat the water. I'd never had a warm bath before, but it was easy enough to figure out.
There were small candles lining the tub, and some scented oils to help me relax. Soon the room was filled with a lilac fog.
(in the tub)With a towel rolled under my neck, and a cloth over my eyes, this was the most relaxed I had ever been in my whole life. My muscles loosened and I found myself drifting to sleep.
When I awoke, the room was very cold and most of the candles had gone out. (after getting out and wrapping a towel around myself)As I used the last candle to light the others, I thought I saw someone in the corner of the room. I gasped as I pulled the towel tighter around me, "who's there?"
Sunday, March 29, 2009
Cordell
Ever since we got to West Port Will started acting strangely. I was sure Nila had a lot to do with it. He seemed more distant, more distracted. Then Bonita came back into the picture. Things were starting to click into place. He missed her, and was worried for her safety. He had confided in me a few nights ago about his fears of this spy and what she might do to Bonita once she regained her memory.
She (Mira)listened quietly as I flirted with William's guard (hoping to get some information from him), she seemed harmless. Not at all the way William had described her. How did he know anything about her anyway?
My eye twitched a little when I saw Will lead Bonita into his chamber, but I tried not to let it get to me. I knew there couldn't be anything romantic going on between them, but I hated that they were keeping secrets from me. Maybe they aren't going to keep it from me, but are using me to occupy this spy?
"Can you believe those two? She's not even been here five minutes and they already need to be alone." I forced a joke. The others gave me a pity laugh, but they could see the hurt in my eyes.
She (Mira)listened quietly as I flirted with William's guard (hoping to get some information from him), she seemed harmless. Not at all the way William had described her. How did he know anything about her anyway?
My eye twitched a little when I saw Will lead Bonita into his chamber, but I tried not to let it get to me. I knew there couldn't be anything romantic going on between them, but I hated that they were keeping secrets from me. Maybe they aren't going to keep it from me, but are using me to occupy this spy?
"Can you believe those two? She's not even been here five minutes and they already need to be alone." I forced a joke. The others gave me a pity laugh, but they could see the hurt in my eyes.
William
"Assuming the woman you met was named Nila, yes you can trust her," I informed Bonita, keeping my voice down. "She is the one Master Moomow sent me to meet. As to our true purpose here, we are trying to gather the needed people and items to destroy the ancient cache of weapons that the medallion will help us find."
Bonita looked quite surprised and she asked, "But why are Cordell and I needed? Couldn't you have done it with Nila and no one else?"
I shook my head and took Bonita into the next room. I closed the door and whispered, "According to Nila, Cordell holds a key of some kind to finding the cache of weapons and you my dear Bonita, are of royal blood. Your parents were the ruling clan of natives in this area before Bartholomew took over and killed most of them. You escaped to a distant relatives tribe and grew up there, though I'm not entirely certain how much of that is true. It's all from Nila. We can't trust Amber, her real name is Mira and she works for the Order of Peace and Madness, the same one Shilon works for. You remember him don't you?"
She gulped and nodded. I continued, "Well, I'm quite torn truthfully. I don't quite know what to say next. This is not the ideal situation. I don't even make any sense. Sorry, I'll just shut up now."
I smirked and let her ask any more questions, if she had them. I could hear Cordell, Mira and the bodyguard laughing in the next room.
Bonita looked quite surprised and she asked, "But why are Cordell and I needed? Couldn't you have done it with Nila and no one else?"
I shook my head and took Bonita into the next room. I closed the door and whispered, "According to Nila, Cordell holds a key of some kind to finding the cache of weapons and you my dear Bonita, are of royal blood. Your parents were the ruling clan of natives in this area before Bartholomew took over and killed most of them. You escaped to a distant relatives tribe and grew up there, though I'm not entirely certain how much of that is true. It's all from Nila. We can't trust Amber, her real name is Mira and she works for the Order of Peace and Madness, the same one Shilon works for. You remember him don't you?"
She gulped and nodded. I continued, "Well, I'm quite torn truthfully. I don't quite know what to say next. This is not the ideal situation. I don't even make any sense. Sorry, I'll just shut up now."
I smirked and let her ask any more questions, if she had them. I could hear Cordell, Mira and the bodyguard laughing in the next room.
Bounty Hunter
“Pardon…” A gruff voice said to three guards standing in front of the closed throne room within the administrative palace of Westport. “I got an invitation from Lord Lar about a month ago requesting some bounty work.”
“Oh, the bounty hunter” One of the guards said easing his sheathed Long-Cutlass “Lord Lar is in council. Come back in…”
“I ain’t picky about the company”, the bounty hunter said, walking past the guards and pushing through the closed doors. He was met on the other by two other guards who stopped him from progressing.
“You may not enter now sir. Council is in session.” One of the two interior guards whispered, placing a firm hand on the bounty hunters heavy hide trail coat. “You need to go back.”
“You wanna’ remove that hand from my shoulder, boy.” The bounty hunter’s silver eyes glared into the guard’s.
The guard looked down and removed his hand. “Sir we request that you please wait outside for Council to conclude.” The three exterior guards moved into the room and surrounded the bounty hunter.
The gruff older man glanced around. “Hmm, well then you best tell Lar that I’m waitin’ in the grey glass tavern for more info on my bounty.” The bounty hunter turned and brushed through the guards.
As the man walked toward the palace entrance a young page ran out of the council chamber with a scroll in his hands. “Sir, Wait!” The bounty hunter turned around. The page stopped in front of him and held out the scroll. “The information on your bounties as well as authorization to Jerican records.”
The Hunter took and unfurled the scroll. He held it close to his scarred face and then began to walk again toward the exit. “Thanks pup.”
(The Grey Glass Tavern is where Randy is or was staying)
“Oh, the bounty hunter” One of the guards said easing his sheathed Long-Cutlass “Lord Lar is in council. Come back in…”
“I ain’t picky about the company”, the bounty hunter said, walking past the guards and pushing through the closed doors. He was met on the other by two other guards who stopped him from progressing.
“You may not enter now sir. Council is in session.” One of the two interior guards whispered, placing a firm hand on the bounty hunters heavy hide trail coat. “You need to go back.”
“You wanna’ remove that hand from my shoulder, boy.” The bounty hunter’s silver eyes glared into the guard’s.
The guard looked down and removed his hand. “Sir we request that you please wait outside for Council to conclude.” The three exterior guards moved into the room and surrounded the bounty hunter.
The gruff older man glanced around. “Hmm, well then you best tell Lar that I’m waitin’ in the grey glass tavern for more info on my bounty.” The bounty hunter turned and brushed through the guards.
As the man walked toward the palace entrance a young page ran out of the council chamber with a scroll in his hands. “Sir, Wait!” The bounty hunter turned around. The page stopped in front of him and held out the scroll. “The information on your bounties as well as authorization to Jerican records.”
The Hunter took and unfurled the scroll. He held it close to his scarred face and then began to walk again toward the exit. “Thanks pup.”
(The Grey Glass Tavern is where Randy is or was staying)
Saturday, March 28, 2009
Bonita
Still holding his hand in mine I calmly replied, "You don't have to be so formal. Randy blew our cover. Amber knows who we really are. But, she's on our side." I smiled at Amber, she blushed a little then turned to talk the mysterious bodyguard.
"Don't worry about teaching me to read right now. It's not a priority. Amber reminded me what we're doing here, protecting Cordell and her missing medallion." Cordell gave us a little embarrassed half-smile.
I pulled him aside so the others couldn't hear our conversation, "The way I see it, she could get killed either way. We must stay together, no matter what! My chief always said to leave no man behind(or woman as the case may be). Speaking of which, Randy went off into the forest alone. Judging by the way he acts around strangers he could be in great danger. It may be wise to go after him. But I will leave it up to you, after all you are our leader. We're very tired, after fighting off a Leeran (mostly Randy and Amber) and then driving the carriage here. Do you know that older woman who told us where to find you? Randy felt she could not be trusted, we figured we'd get your opinion on the matter."
I looked over my shoulder to see Cordell flirting with the guard while Amber just stood by unsure what to do. I then turned back to William, taking his other hand, and asked him seriously, "what are we doing here, really?"
"Don't worry about teaching me to read right now. It's not a priority. Amber reminded me what we're doing here, protecting Cordell and her missing medallion." Cordell gave us a little embarrassed half-smile.
I pulled him aside so the others couldn't hear our conversation, "The way I see it, she could get killed either way. We must stay together, no matter what! My chief always said to leave no man behind(or woman as the case may be). Speaking of which, Randy went off into the forest alone. Judging by the way he acts around strangers he could be in great danger. It may be wise to go after him. But I will leave it up to you, after all you are our leader. We're very tired, after fighting off a Leeran (mostly Randy and Amber) and then driving the carriage here. Do you know that older woman who told us where to find you? Randy felt she could not be trusted, we figured we'd get your opinion on the matter."
I looked over my shoulder to see Cordell flirting with the guard while Amber just stood by unsure what to do. I then turned back to William, taking his other hand, and asked him seriously, "what are we doing here, really?"
Friday, March 27, 2009
Recovering Randolph
"Oh, if I have to.” Randolph looking rather hurt, “it hasn’t been that long since. . .” taking a whiff “I’ll see you when I’m done.”
Vahn just shook his head. As Randy began to walk out, Vahn replied “take care of yourself. See you in a bit” the oder was a bit over powering, no matter how much he liked Randy he would have to wait. Turning to a waiter “make sure its strong soap.”
---later in the bath—
The door had been barricaded and some angry waitresses were yelling on the other side. “Oh bother, its almost as if they have no sense of decency around here .“
“I’m almost done!” Randy bellowed as his hair was fully lathered.
On the other side of the door the waitresses were chatting, “Who is this guy?”
“I don’t know but he has no warm water.”
“EWW! Men are total slobs. You’d think he’d even try to scrub his own back”
“ but he doesn’t even have a towel… or a new set of cloths.” The waitress grinned manically “YOU HEAR THAT Mr.! You’ll have to come out eventually!”
“Meh, whatever”
the waitress infuriated “OPEN THIS DOOR NOW YOU-”
Randy began ignoring the “help”, Randolph had better things to do then be troubled by hostess want-to-be’s “Perverts”, he had to find out what happened to Tamitha.
I couldn’t have left the medallion with her, I’d never put her in that much danger. thinking, he splashed some soapy water over his face, “well at least Gray is a friend, he’ll help me sort this out.”
----After an open window two faintings and finding cloths escapade, Randy was just slipping into the door of Vahn Gray’s office.----
The Infuriated waitress saw him down the hall. “HOW DID YOU-” shutting the door Randy turned to see Vahn Gray.
“Now Randy what was the favor you need of me?”
“Well two things really, I just need checking up on someone and the other is finding something.”
“Could you be a little specific?”
“Well her name is-” Gray shot him a look as in saying oh really? “Tamitha Millet, its not what your thinking”
“I’ll be sure to make it my top priority-” the maid busted in and grabbed Randy by the caller, then her face went blush as she noticed her employer and his infuriated eyes. “I was-I mean-" frantically looking for an excuse, ” I’m returning these.” Holding up the still soggy green pasted self aspiring to be feces and could be barely be regarded as clothing.
“thank you” Randy said politely “you mind washing those for me”
Biting her tongue, the waitress looked at her boss. “Yes, my dear, that sounds like a fitting task for you to do.”
Consenting and walking out of the room and well on her way to the basement, she began to strangle the disgusting clothing imagining Randy’s head between her fingers, something shook loose. A solid piece of paper with the words “the medallion is on the boat heading to fasten shier.”
(FYI that’s across the sea)
Lord Dinli
"I'm not sure why exactly you'd be waiting for my bodyguard," I said as I came out of the bathroom in my casual attire. "But I sent him out on some errands."
"I'm not sure if you remember me young lady," I bowed slightly to Amber. "But it's nice to meet your acquaintance when you aren't somewhat delusional."
Just then a shadowed figure entered the room from the window and the three women jumped, "Hello William."
He didn't speak he only nodded in acknowledgment. I grinned, "Anyways, why did you come through the window? That's very strange, all of you. The door works just fine." I sat down in one of the sofa chairs and rang the bell for room service.
"Make yourselves comfortable," I gestured to the other chairs. "Oh, and I'm sorry if you disapprove of this hotel. It's the best I could find on short notice, but since it costs about as much as your weight in gold to get a room here. I don't think you should look so disapprovingly." I responded to Amber's obvious disapproval.
They were all three too stunned to respond, for a moment.
"Oh Gertrude," I said looking at her. "Sorry I gave you that letter it must have slipped my mind at the time. I know you only just recently came into my employ but I hope you don't mind that I hired a personal tutor, unless you'd prefer I make time in my schedule to teach you myself."
I smiled kindly at her as I stood up and stepped closer. Taking one of her hands in mine I said, "Do forgive me, I wouldn't have left if I'd realized she could be released so quickly. I didn't expect you to get here for a week from now or more." I kissed her hand gently and waited for her response.
(No he's not flirting with her, at least not intentionally, he's just being formal and kind as Lord Dinli is.)
"I'm not sure if you remember me young lady," I bowed slightly to Amber. "But it's nice to meet your acquaintance when you aren't somewhat delusional."
Just then a shadowed figure entered the room from the window and the three women jumped, "Hello William."
He didn't speak he only nodded in acknowledgment. I grinned, "Anyways, why did you come through the window? That's very strange, all of you. The door works just fine." I sat down in one of the sofa chairs and rang the bell for room service.
"Make yourselves comfortable," I gestured to the other chairs. "Oh, and I'm sorry if you disapprove of this hotel. It's the best I could find on short notice, but since it costs about as much as your weight in gold to get a room here. I don't think you should look so disapprovingly." I responded to Amber's obvious disapproval.
They were all three too stunned to respond, for a moment.
"Oh Gertrude," I said looking at her. "Sorry I gave you that letter it must have slipped my mind at the time. I know you only just recently came into my employ but I hope you don't mind that I hired a personal tutor, unless you'd prefer I make time in my schedule to teach you myself."
I smiled kindly at her as I stood up and stepped closer. Taking one of her hands in mine I said, "Do forgive me, I wouldn't have left if I'd realized she could be released so quickly. I didn't expect you to get here for a week from now or more." I kissed her hand gently and waited for her response.
(No he's not flirting with her, at least not intentionally, he's just being formal and kind as Lord Dinli is.)
Vahn Grey
"Vahn Grey!"
I nearly choked on my drink when I heard him. I looked and held my nose, "Randy, what are you doing in Westport and, more importantly, why do you smell so awful?"
Randy had his usual grin, "Not sure really, but I'm here looking for something that was stolen."
I turned back to the barkeeper, "Get him a bath and some new clothes. On me." After the barkeeper walked off I looked back at him, "I am a merchant and if you came here it's because you think someone might be trying to sell it. I could put out some feelers and see what's going on with it, but you'd have to tell me more about the item in question."
I could see Randy was hesitant, so it must be something extremely important.
"How about you go take that shower and think about it and give me your answer when you are done," I stood and started out the door. "I'll be three doors down to the right in my office."
I nearly choked on my drink when I heard him. I looked and held my nose, "Randy, what are you doing in Westport and, more importantly, why do you smell so awful?"
Randy had his usual grin, "Not sure really, but I'm here looking for something that was stolen."
I turned back to the barkeeper, "Get him a bath and some new clothes. On me." After the barkeeper walked off I looked back at him, "I am a merchant and if you came here it's because you think someone might be trying to sell it. I could put out some feelers and see what's going on with it, but you'd have to tell me more about the item in question."
I could see Randy was hesitant, so it must be something extremely important.
"How about you go take that shower and think about it and give me your answer when you are done," I stood and started out the door. "I'll be three doors down to the right in my office."
Thursday, March 26, 2009
Nila
I smirked as they dropped him at my feet. I raised an eyebrow as a question came to mind, "What happened to Randolph. He was leaving town last I knew."
"He was attacked by mercenaries," The two men clad in black stood before her. The bigger one was talking. "He got away and is somewhere inside the city still and some of the mercenaries got away. There were at least fifty of them."
"Did we lose anyone?"
He shook his head, "Only a few minor injuries and one idiot cut himself."
I scratched my head, I needed these friends of Will's on my side. They were much better than the average moron I had at my disposal. If it wasn't for the few good soldiers I still had I probably would have lost the captive.
He stirred in his sleep and I kicked him awake. I looked back to the men watching me, "Dismissed."
They left the room and the leeran opened his eyes and looked up at me. He looked around quickly and pushed back in horror, realizing we were alone.
I grinned, "Don't worry. You know how this works since I taught you myself. You talk and I don't have to waste a few days making you talk."
He grit his teeth, "They'll come for me."
My grin grew. I leaned closer and whispered in his ear, "Then you must be far more important than I previously knew. I'll make sure you don't die before you remember things you didn't think it was possible to remember."
He attacked, throwing a right hook. I ducked underneath and gave him a hard kick to the pants. I followed with a kick to the side of his head. He hit the floor and moaned. I dragged him into the next room and attached the chains to his body.
"I don't have time to waste playing with you Richard. Let's get down to business."
"He was attacked by mercenaries," The two men clad in black stood before her. The bigger one was talking. "He got away and is somewhere inside the city still and some of the mercenaries got away. There were at least fifty of them."
"Did we lose anyone?"
He shook his head, "Only a few minor injuries and one idiot cut himself."
I scratched my head, I needed these friends of Will's on my side. They were much better than the average moron I had at my disposal. If it wasn't for the few good soldiers I still had I probably would have lost the captive.
He stirred in his sleep and I kicked him awake. I looked back to the men watching me, "Dismissed."
They left the room and the leeran opened his eyes and looked up at me. He looked around quickly and pushed back in horror, realizing we were alone.
I grinned, "Don't worry. You know how this works since I taught you myself. You talk and I don't have to waste a few days making you talk."
He grit his teeth, "They'll come for me."
My grin grew. I leaned closer and whispered in his ear, "Then you must be far more important than I previously knew. I'll make sure you don't die before you remember things you didn't think it was possible to remember."
He attacked, throwing a right hook. I ducked underneath and gave him a hard kick to the pants. I followed with a kick to the side of his head. He hit the floor and moaned. I dragged him into the next room and attached the chains to his body.
"I don't have time to waste playing with you Richard. Let's get down to business."
Wednesday, March 25, 2009
desprate things for desprate times... Randy don't touch that
While being choked "I'll never tell you!" Randolph tried to yell, giving a few jabs sending his attacker hurling backward.
The scene had erupted from out of no where, four men already on the ground. And who knew how many more were around.
"Dash it all!" it was ironic that Randy wasn't even outside the city gates when they attacked. Randy knew that he would probably be attacked, but it was almost as if the opposition was holding a close eye on Nila and that her mere presence had brought on the occurrence. they totally had no idea that I had anything to do with Nila till her interference. just goes to show once a Leeran always a Leeran, (mainly because you'll always be on the run)
Blocking a few arrows with the man he was wrestling with, Randy had a chance to notice where they were coming from. knocking over a few boxes of fish to prevent further men to come from their stinky rise, Randy had to get out. He was out numbered out gunned out-Randy then got a bright idea.
Running a few meters down to the ditch, he jumped in and could see the huddle up stream trying to force their way up, and hear the others from above running to his location. scribbling himself a note he then inhaled some of the powder he had given the captured Leeran, soon he will forget all of his short term memory- he then jumped into the current.
---down current and the next day---
We see Randy emerging from a slime cocoon. the crows cawed and randy stumbled to his feet. well it looks like I'm at the pier. shaking off what seemed to be a hang over Randy thought I promised myself never to do that. *Burp!* better do better next time.
With a blistering headache, Randy looked around "you know ware Tamitha is?" the crow was fairly non responsive. "thought not."
Meandering into a little pub, Randy sat down at the bar. He little banged up and half rank from being in the fish yard. alright Randy play it cool. "water and some crackers please-" looking to his right "Vahn Grey!"
The scene had erupted from out of no where, four men already on the ground. And who knew how many more were around.
"Dash it all!" it was ironic that Randy wasn't even outside the city gates when they attacked. Randy knew that he would probably be attacked, but it was almost as if the opposition was holding a close eye on Nila and that her mere presence had brought on the occurrence. they totally had no idea that I had anything to do with Nila till her interference. just goes to show once a Leeran always a Leeran, (mainly because you'll always be on the run)
Blocking a few arrows with the man he was wrestling with, Randy had a chance to notice where they were coming from. knocking over a few boxes of fish to prevent further men to come from their stinky rise, Randy had to get out. He was out numbered out gunned out-Randy then got a bright idea.
Running a few meters down to the ditch, he jumped in and could see the huddle up stream trying to force their way up, and hear the others from above running to his location. scribbling himself a note he then inhaled some of the powder he had given the captured Leeran, soon he will forget all of his short term memory- he then jumped into the current.
---down current and the next day---
We see Randy emerging from a slime cocoon. the crows cawed and randy stumbled to his feet. well it looks like I'm at the pier. shaking off what seemed to be a hang over Randy thought I promised myself never to do that. *Burp!* better do better next time.
With a blistering headache, Randy looked around "you know ware Tamitha is?" the crow was fairly non responsive. "thought not."
Meandering into a little pub, Randy sat down at the bar. He little banged up and half rank from being in the fish yard. alright Randy play it cool. "water and some crackers please-" looking to his right "Vahn Grey!"
Mira
Bonita… Randy… Cordell… William? The charade of Nobility wore off quickly after Randy met with us. Character flaws bled through everyone’s imaginative roles. Randy is horribly naive in conversation, almost as if he had grown up in a sheltered religious institution; hardly the attitude of a seasoned merchant. Bonita’s attitude showed no hint of the humility required to be a low-class handmaid. And if Cordell is a lady then she would not be staying in this below-par room. Not that it really matters, I have no intention of bringing harm to any of them and I think they know that they can trust me now.
It made me unhappy when Randy left us. Yes, he was odd sometimes, but he was always upbeat and was very sweet whenever he spoke to me. I might also add that he was fairly attractive. But from what I could tell by his body language, I don’t think he liked the way I handled the Leeran.
I suppose my training caused me to react. It is difficult to be gentle or caring when someone has tried to kill you. Why am I feeling guilty? No one was doing anything. No one was reacting. No one else was moving to stop the Leeran from escaping. Geez, Why do I even care what the others think? I mean the only one that did offer any compliment was some old woman, whose opinion I don’t really care for.
When is this William getting back? Cordell’s yakking is starting to put me on edge. Just something about her inflection and pronunciation annoys the jitters out of me.
It made me unhappy when Randy left us. Yes, he was odd sometimes, but he was always upbeat and was very sweet whenever he spoke to me. I might also add that he was fairly attractive. But from what I could tell by his body language, I don’t think he liked the way I handled the Leeran.
I suppose my training caused me to react. It is difficult to be gentle or caring when someone has tried to kill you. Why am I feeling guilty? No one was doing anything. No one was reacting. No one else was moving to stop the Leeran from escaping. Geez, Why do I even care what the others think? I mean the only one that did offer any compliment was some old woman, whose opinion I don’t really care for.
When is this William getting back? Cordell’s yakking is starting to put me on edge. Just something about her inflection and pronunciation annoys the jitters out of me.
Bonita
After Nila left Randy grumbled, "I'm taking this hostage back into the woods to get backup. You can come with me or stay here to await your fates."
I raised my eyebrow at him, "Do whatever you want. We're going to find Will and figure out what's going on here."
Randy glared at me and turned back towards the forest in the carriage. He faded into the darkness.
Once out of sight, Randy was jumped by a dark figure hiding on a tower wall.
Amber and I headed towards Will's hotel, unaware of Randy's tribulation. His room was easy to spot, as it was the only one with a light (candle) on and the drapes blowing through the open window. We decided to scale the wall so not to wake any of the other guests staying there.
I climbed in first. Cordell, who was hiding against the wall, grabbed me and put me in a headlock. I tried to remain calm as the cold metal of her dagger tickled my chin.
Amber jumped in shortly afterwards, "What are you doing? It's us! Put down the dagger."
Cordell, a little stunned, finally looked at her hostage, "Oh, it is you."
After relinquishing me, "Yeah, try that again and I'll throw you out this window. Where's Will?"
"He left some time ago, according to this note, he should be back shortly."
I raised my eyebrow at him, "Do whatever you want. We're going to find Will and figure out what's going on here."
Randy glared at me and turned back towards the forest in the carriage. He faded into the darkness.
Once out of sight, Randy was jumped by a dark figure hiding on a tower wall.
Amber and I headed towards Will's hotel, unaware of Randy's tribulation. His room was easy to spot, as it was the only one with a light (candle) on and the drapes blowing through the open window. We decided to scale the wall so not to wake any of the other guests staying there.
I climbed in first. Cordell, who was hiding against the wall, grabbed me and put me in a headlock. I tried to remain calm as the cold metal of her dagger tickled my chin.
Amber jumped in shortly afterwards, "What are you doing? It's us! Put down the dagger."
Cordell, a little stunned, finally looked at her hostage, "Oh, it is you."
After relinquishing me, "Yeah, try that again and I'll throw you out this window. Where's Will?"
"He left some time ago, according to this note, he should be back shortly."
Saturday, March 21, 2009
Nila
I laughed at Randy's remark about leaving, "You realize the only reason his comrades haven't descended upon you already is that you are in my city. They rarely dare enter it without my permission but I won't stop you from leaving."
Randy ignored my comment and secured the leeran again. I walked over and the Leeran got a good look at me. He tried to jump at me and Randy raised an eyebrow.
The Leeran ground his teeth, "You traitor. We should have kill you when we had the chance, years ago."
"I was too good then," I replied. "And I still am. Don't worry too much though. You were taken down by some of the best, not simple underlings like your former boss."
The Leeran looked concerned and I continued, "I would like to interrogate him myself but he is your prisoner."
"You'll find Lord Dinli is his hotel room, if you choose to stay," I slipped Randy a piece of paper secretly as I passed by him, making sure that Amber could not see it. "It's the big one just down the street, you can't miss it."
I left them to their decision and went home.
Randy ignored my comment and secured the leeran again. I walked over and the Leeran got a good look at me. He tried to jump at me and Randy raised an eyebrow.
The Leeran ground his teeth, "You traitor. We should have kill you when we had the chance, years ago."
"I was too good then," I replied. "And I still am. Don't worry too much though. You were taken down by some of the best, not simple underlings like your former boss."
The Leeran looked concerned and I continued, "I would like to interrogate him myself but he is your prisoner."
"You'll find Lord Dinli is his hotel room, if you choose to stay," I slipped Randy a piece of paper secretly as I passed by him, making sure that Amber could not see it. "It's the big one just down the street, you can't miss it."
I left them to their decision and went home.
Amber and Randy
"Are you daft, man?!" I pulled Randy from the carriage, "She knows where Will is. Even if we can't trust her, we must. They are her leverage. If we don't do what she says they will be killed."
“Leeran’s lie Amb-“
I smacked Randy upside the head.
"Your hostage is getting away." Nila reported calmly.
“He won't be a problem soon. He won't even know wear he is…”
"Must I do everything around here?!" I quickly grabbed my sword and then threw it in the direction of the Leeran. It made contact with the back of his knees, slicing through, sending him to the ground.
Bonita nearly gagged as I reprimanded her, "didn't it ever occur to you to make him immobile?"
Randy sighed.
"Impressive." was all Nila said.
“And little unnecessary” Randy mumbled and shuddered a little. So much for being friendly he thought. Then went to interrogate the hostage, so as not to get on my bad side again. Also being careful not to let the fowl Leeran get an opening to flee. (though it would be difficult seeing as his legs had been severed)
"Alright, now that you know my strength, where is Cordell?"
"Cordell?" she smirked a little as she raised her eyebrow in surprise.
We need to get out of town, Leerans are no one to mess with. Randy thought to himself. Looking at Amber with an inquisitive look as if asking "who’s side are you on?"
“Leeran’s lie Amb-“
I smacked Randy upside the head.
"Your hostage is getting away." Nila reported calmly.
“He won't be a problem soon. He won't even know wear he is…”
"Must I do everything around here?!" I quickly grabbed my sword and then threw it in the direction of the Leeran. It made contact with the back of his knees, slicing through, sending him to the ground.
Bonita nearly gagged as I reprimanded her, "didn't it ever occur to you to make him immobile?"
Randy sighed.
"Impressive." was all Nila said.
“And little unnecessary” Randy mumbled and shuddered a little. So much for being friendly he thought. Then went to interrogate the hostage, so as not to get on my bad side again. Also being careful not to let the fowl Leeran get an opening to flee. (though it would be difficult seeing as his legs had been severed)
"Alright, now that you know my strength, where is Cordell?"
"Cordell?" she smirked a little as she raised her eyebrow in surprise.
We need to get out of town, Leerans are no one to mess with. Randy thought to himself. Looking at Amber with an inquisitive look as if asking "who’s side are you on?"
Dr. Leveret
(This is one of my more... graphic posts. I have a summary at the end if you do not want to read it)
He was beautiful. The man lying under a stained sheet on the operation table was loveliness in angelic form. My mouth watered as I beheld his graceful frame, rising and falling with every breath. Every piece of the man was placed perfectly by my hand. He was a master work of art, the kind that an artist can only produce once in a life time. My insides squirmed with such anxiety as I reminisced High Priest Haley’s compliments on my work. I also anticipated the chance at which I would be able to watch my creation do what it was designed to do. I knew that only in the movements of battle could my child be truly seen for the treasure he is.
My concentration was shattered when a young alchemist burst through the chamber doors. She paused momentarily to catch her breath. “Doctor, a large group of Jerican have infiltrated our facilities. They are slaying many of the Alchemists as well as seizing many of our chemical formulas.”
I started to laugh. “Oh Miss Green, don’t you worry your petty little head. My son will protect us from any little insignificant imperfection.” I walked over to the table and began to unfasten the thick leather cords that held my creation’s body to his laying position.
“Your son, Doctor?” The alchemist walked closer to the table, her eyes fixed on the figure under the sheet.
I pulled all the straps back and tossed them to the side of the table. “Yes, my son Taber; he was badly injured a few years ago, after slipping under a supply wagon in the market.” I gripped the sheet. “He is much better now, Miss Green.” I threw the sheet off of my creation.
Miss Green stared at the body for a few seconds before screaming and running toward the back wall. She withdrew, crying and shivering in the corner of room, while I made the final preparations before awakening my son.
“I am a bit offended that you would treat my son with such disrespect, Miss Green. He has been the only one of my experiments to have survived such a strenuous procedure and you are cowering on the floor because of his uniqueness. Perhaps you are jealous? Jealous that you could never be as beautiful and magnificent as my son.” I checked on a portion of muscle grafting that had not been healing well, and wrapped the exterior tissue with cloth.
Miss Green squeaked from the corner of the room. “Wh… Why would you… How could you do that to your own son?” She slowly stood and looked back over the table. My creation started to twitch as I inserted a thin needle into his neck. The long, curved blade that replaced his right hand forearm planted itself on the ground.
I began to laugh uncontrollably as my proud creation rose from the table in majestic splendor. And I continued to laugh as the pathetic Jerican entered the room to attempt to kill us. And I continued to laugh as my creation sliced through them until all the Jerican in my lab were dead. And I continued to laugh as my creation cleansed the halls of all the cowering degenerate humans, along with my chemical formulas that I had labored so hard to create for his recreation.
And it was only when my body ceased to work from the abundance of puncture wounds caused by my creation’s blades that I finally stopped laughing and fell into final rest.
(Basically, Dr. Leveret has been doing some pretty crazy experiments on his son, Taber. Taber wakes up and kills a lot of the people. Bartholomew gets his hands on many of the new chemical formulas(however not the chemicals used to help recreate Taber) that Dr. Leveret has been creating. Taber is now a new threat.)
Friday, March 20, 2009
paranoia
“Pardon miss, would you mind jabbing me in the neck between the first and second vertebrae just to the left of the nerves and slightly to the right?”
Few bone cracking noises later. “oo you’ve paralyzed before.” As feeling returned to his limbs Randy was allowed to process the information of Bonita blatantly disregarding listening to him and never once looked at the nerve paper. Randy was a little hurt, maybe there was a reason I didn’t find Bonita with Will. Saddened by his thoughts, he just gave Bonita a look saying “why”
Shaking off the sadness, Randolph fixed Amber's neck problems and helped her up. She may have a lot more in her past but… for the moment seemed to be more friendly in the situation.
Putting aside all the hurt feelings of the conversation, Randy Looked at the strange one. “Who would you be?”
“Nila” she answered calmly.
“Nila?” He thought it an odd name.
“Nila” she repeated.
“…Anyways, I've got to get going. Left something in the forest. Rather important don’t you know.” Randolph didn’t trust this new person; she gave off a similar vibe as the strapped Leeran. Definitely someone that couldn’t be trusted, unless you were in her agenda, and Randy feared that Will had gotten himself into something too big, even for his gambling brother.
---Leeran---
The Leeran was enraged by the impudence of these has beens and a horribble job it was of an interrogation.
The Leeran had originally come by to give Randy an ultimatum and proposition, but now he would take his sweet time in disposing of them all.
Though strapped to the horse, I could have broken free from my bonds hours ago but do to the speed of the horses I probably would have gotten trampled or flattened by a wheel. Now is my chance. The medication was beginning to wear off. I have to do this! plan quickly.
The Leeran grinned as he grabbed a large splinter and began to cut his ropes. "you're all going to pay."
--Randy---
Looking over at the captive, Randy splashed some of the Hawkeye into his(the Leeran's) face, then hopped into the carts driving seat, Randy looked down. “I don’t know who you are or what you want, but I’m taking this Leeran. Girls, I suggest we leave. She has the same markings as the Leeran, we shouldn’t trust her. We need to get into the cart and initiate our plan, without this Leeran woman looking over our shoulders.”
Few bone cracking noises later. “oo you’ve paralyzed before.” As feeling returned to his limbs Randy was allowed to process the information of Bonita blatantly disregarding listening to him and never once looked at the nerve paper. Randy was a little hurt, maybe there was a reason I didn’t find Bonita with Will. Saddened by his thoughts, he just gave Bonita a look saying “why”
Shaking off the sadness, Randolph fixed Amber's neck problems and helped her up. She may have a lot more in her past but… for the moment seemed to be more friendly in the situation.
Putting aside all the hurt feelings of the conversation, Randy Looked at the strange one. “Who would you be?”
“Nila” she answered calmly.
“Nila?” He thought it an odd name.
“Nila” she repeated.
“…Anyways, I've got to get going. Left something in the forest. Rather important don’t you know.” Randolph didn’t trust this new person; she gave off a similar vibe as the strapped Leeran. Definitely someone that couldn’t be trusted, unless you were in her agenda, and Randy feared that Will had gotten himself into something too big, even for his gambling brother.
---Leeran---
The Leeran was enraged by the impudence of these has beens and a horribble job it was of an interrogation.
The Leeran had originally come by to give Randy an ultimatum and proposition, but now he would take his sweet time in disposing of them all.
Though strapped to the horse, I could have broken free from my bonds hours ago but do to the speed of the horses I probably would have gotten trampled or flattened by a wheel. Now is my chance. The medication was beginning to wear off. I have to do this! plan quickly.
The Leeran grinned as he grabbed a large splinter and began to cut his ropes. "you're all going to pay."
--Randy---
Looking over at the captive, Randy splashed some of the Hawkeye into his(the Leeran's) face, then hopped into the carts driving seat, Randy looked down. “I don’t know who you are or what you want, but I’m taking this Leeran. Girls, I suggest we leave. She has the same markings as the Leeran, we shouldn’t trust her. We need to get into the cart and initiate our plan, without this Leeran woman looking over our shoulders.”
In the Shadows
They had left and the seekers rose from the ground.
"They have disappeared," One spoke.
"They have taken the Legend," The second commented.
"They have help," The third added. "This newcomer is dangerous. We should stand down until we know who or what it is."
"To have actually killed one of us," They said in unison. "It must be inhuman."
A voice spoke from a shadows after they had gone, "Or lucky." The shadow smirked and disappeared into the blackness in the alley.
"They have disappeared," One spoke.
"They have taken the Legend," The second commented.
"They have help," The third added. "This newcomer is dangerous. We should stand down until we know who or what it is."
"To have actually killed one of us," They said in unison. "It must be inhuman."
A voice spoke from a shadows after they had gone, "Or lucky." The shadow smirked and disappeared into the blackness in the alley.
Bonita
(Sorry for the god modding, Luke)
I pulled the horses to a slow trot as we neared the gates of the city. Ah, it appears to be my lucky day, the guard is asleep (or drunk). I quietly made my way into the city.
Once inside, I stopped near a pub and jumped down from the driver's seat. First I checked on my hostage, then I went to check on the others, keeping an eye on the Leeran the whole time.
"Barg! Who taught ya to drive? You nearly knocked the wind out of us!" Randy hollered with what little strength he had.
"Ah, it was nothing. I'm a natural." I grinned widely at him. He just gave me a look like Oh, geez! "Where to now, captain? Where would we find your dear brother?"
Randy rolled his eyes, "I don't know. If I knew I wouldn't have gone looking for ya."
I just nodded and backed away, and returned to the front of the carriage. Luckily, the Leeran was still there, and still conscious.
"What can you tell me?" I asked, sweetly.
"About what?" He nearly spat at me, "you seem to think you know everything."
"Well, I don't. What do I need to know about West Port?"
"Look, lady, this ain't exactly the kind of place for women. You best turn back to where ya came from."
I was about to inquire more, when a mysterious woman approached me.
"I see you've arrived. Will has been expecting you."
I raised an eyebrow at her. So much for keeping undercover. Let's announce it to the world WE'RE HERE!
As if to read my thoughts, she responded, "Oh, you misunderstood me. He did not tell me you were coming. Come, you and your friends need some medical attention. And, who is this?" she nearly laughed as she stroked the man's chin.
"Buzz off, Lady." the Leeran glared at her.
I pulled the horses to a slow trot as we neared the gates of the city. Ah, it appears to be my lucky day, the guard is asleep (or drunk). I quietly made my way into the city.
Once inside, I stopped near a pub and jumped down from the driver's seat. First I checked on my hostage, then I went to check on the others, keeping an eye on the Leeran the whole time.
"Barg! Who taught ya to drive? You nearly knocked the wind out of us!" Randy hollered with what little strength he had.
"Ah, it was nothing. I'm a natural." I grinned widely at him. He just gave me a look like Oh, geez! "Where to now, captain? Where would we find your dear brother?"
Randy rolled his eyes, "I don't know. If I knew I wouldn't have gone looking for ya."
I just nodded and backed away, and returned to the front of the carriage. Luckily, the Leeran was still there, and still conscious.
"What can you tell me?" I asked, sweetly.
"About what?" He nearly spat at me, "you seem to think you know everything."
"Well, I don't. What do I need to know about West Port?"
"Look, lady, this ain't exactly the kind of place for women. You best turn back to where ya came from."
I was about to inquire more, when a mysterious woman approached me.
"I see you've arrived. Will has been expecting you."
I raised an eyebrow at her. So much for keeping undercover. Let's announce it to the world WE'RE HERE!
As if to read my thoughts, she responded, "Oh, you misunderstood me. He did not tell me you were coming. Come, you and your friends need some medical attention. And, who is this?" she nearly laughed as she stroked the man's chin.
"Buzz off, Lady." the Leeran glared at her.
The Three
(I'm taking a few liberties with Shilon in this one, hope you don't mind.)
Two shadows jumped down in front of Shilon, who was busy running through the streets. At first he thought they were seekers but one of them pushed him to the side and caught a dagger that had been thrown at Shilon's back.
"They are using Dragon Rage," The other said. "They'll be hard to kill, breaking bones and killing them won't be good enough."
"That's why I'm here," The first said as he drew his weapon and charged.
The first one fell after the weapon cut straight through the defense and he tried to move on the ground but to no avail. The other three slowed and came slower.
Shilon breathed more easily and set down the girl, "One for each of us."
"Just like old times brother," The one who was next to him said. "For Yansen."
Shilon felt a peace flowing through him he had not felt sense his days when he stood back to back with Yansen and Winstil.
"Winstil," Shilon grinned. "I thought you'd died ages ago. You stayed behind to fight those armies while the rest of us escaped with the princess."
The other shook his head, "I made my escape as soon as you were safe and I've been in hiding ever since."
"Then who is he?" Shilon inquired. "Yansen is dead but he is as skilled or better."
The man was fighting the three of them alone at the moment and having good success holding his own.
"It won't matter if we don't help him," Winstil said. "Though he may fight like a demi he can die, just like all of us."
"Agreed."
After a few minutes of fighting the four seekers lay on the ground and two of The Three leaned on their weapons or walls. The one who charged first began to move.
"We must leave," He glanced back at us. "I could stand another fight, but you two are getting tired."
"He's right you know," Winstil smirked.
Shilon turned but the third man had disappeared. He looked back but Winstil was also gone. Sent to protect me and then they must be on their ways. Just like old times. He had a genuine smile the first time since he'd last seen his daughter.
Two shadows jumped down in front of Shilon, who was busy running through the streets. At first he thought they were seekers but one of them pushed him to the side and caught a dagger that had been thrown at Shilon's back.
"They are using Dragon Rage," The other said. "They'll be hard to kill, breaking bones and killing them won't be good enough."
"That's why I'm here," The first said as he drew his weapon and charged.
The first one fell after the weapon cut straight through the defense and he tried to move on the ground but to no avail. The other three slowed and came slower.
Shilon breathed more easily and set down the girl, "One for each of us."
"Just like old times brother," The one who was next to him said. "For Yansen."
Shilon felt a peace flowing through him he had not felt sense his days when he stood back to back with Yansen and Winstil.
"Winstil," Shilon grinned. "I thought you'd died ages ago. You stayed behind to fight those armies while the rest of us escaped with the princess."
The other shook his head, "I made my escape as soon as you were safe and I've been in hiding ever since."
"Then who is he?" Shilon inquired. "Yansen is dead but he is as skilled or better."
The man was fighting the three of them alone at the moment and having good success holding his own.
"It won't matter if we don't help him," Winstil said. "Though he may fight like a demi he can die, just like all of us."
"Agreed."
After a few minutes of fighting the four seekers lay on the ground and two of The Three leaned on their weapons or walls. The one who charged first began to move.
"We must leave," He glanced back at us. "I could stand another fight, but you two are getting tired."
"He's right you know," Winstil smirked.
Shilon turned but the third man had disappeared. He looked back but Winstil was also gone. Sent to protect me and then they must be on their ways. Just like old times. He had a genuine smile the first time since he'd last seen his daughter.
William
I answered the door and a black clad man pushed me against the wall with a hand over my mouth. He didn't speak but he handed me a note. It read, "This man was sent by me." And was signed by Nila.
"What do you want?" I demanded.
"The son of Yansen is needed this hour," He said calmly. "I have been following a friend and he needs our help. The world will once again know the fury of our cause."
"Our help?" I asked. "You can fight?"
He nodded and handed me a suit like his that would hide all features. I quickly donned my disguise while he wrote a note for Cordell. We left out the window and hurried through the fresh morning air.
"What do you want?" I demanded.
"The son of Yansen is needed this hour," He said calmly. "I have been following a friend and he needs our help. The world will once again know the fury of our cause."
"Our help?" I asked. "You can fight?"
He nodded and handed me a suit like his that would hide all features. I quickly donned my disguise while he wrote a note for Cordell. We left out the window and hurried through the fresh morning air.
Shilon
I ran as fast as I could through the wet alleyways of the market district with the Legend of Madness over my shoulder. My heart seemed to be smashing in my chest. The light of morning was growing closer. All that remained of festivities of the previous night was party debris and broken bottles of various alcoholics. The roads were deserted with the exception of the occasional drunken officer or passed-out clergyman.
I glanced back behind me to see if my pursuing seekers where still after me. I encountered four of them when leaving through the northern exit of Grim’s Tower. “THE LEGEND OF MADNESS MUST SURVIVE!” they had all said in unison. After a brief fight, I found that it would be in my best interest to run.
The rendezvous point was only a few hundred yards ahead. There would be horses there that I would use to have a more speedy escape.
The sound of shattering glass rang out behind me. I twisted my head to see a single Seeker quickly gaining on me; his spike tipped cleaver at the ready.
I reached my free hand into my stolen naval uniform and unstrapped three knifes. I spun around and hurled the three knifes at his location. Each of my weapons missed, but it did give me five additional feet of slack from my pursuer.
I considered dropping the girl, but then I would not receive the information I needed from Nila, regarding Chanielle. I considered turning and fighting this lone Seeker, but I’m sure the other Seekers would be close behind us. My mind ran through the possibilities, and the probable results.
I concluded that it would take nothing short of Yansen rising from the dead to assist my task in order for me to complete my tasks.
(Oh, Who could ever help Shilon?)
I glanced back behind me to see if my pursuing seekers where still after me. I encountered four of them when leaving through the northern exit of Grim’s Tower. “THE LEGEND OF MADNESS MUST SURVIVE!” they had all said in unison. After a brief fight, I found that it would be in my best interest to run.
The rendezvous point was only a few hundred yards ahead. There would be horses there that I would use to have a more speedy escape.
The sound of shattering glass rang out behind me. I twisted my head to see a single Seeker quickly gaining on me; his spike tipped cleaver at the ready.
I reached my free hand into my stolen naval uniform and unstrapped three knifes. I spun around and hurled the three knifes at his location. Each of my weapons missed, but it did give me five additional feet of slack from my pursuer.
I considered dropping the girl, but then I would not receive the information I needed from Nila, regarding Chanielle. I considered turning and fighting this lone Seeker, but I’m sure the other Seekers would be close behind us. My mind ran through the possibilities, and the probable results.
I concluded that it would take nothing short of Yansen rising from the dead to assist my task in order for me to complete my tasks.
(Oh, Who could ever help Shilon?)
Wednesday, March 18, 2009
Shilon
Nila wanted her alive. Black bag operations are not at all near the top of my specialties. It is especially difficult when the girl I am kidnapping is the new ‘Legend of Madness’. Infiltration was easy. Elimination and disposal of her guards was easy also. Carrying the unconscious girl on my back through the bowls of Grim’s tower was different.
The order of madness was good at keeping secrets. Even I didn’t know that Grim’s tower was not a tower at all but a collection of deep cellars and dripping dungeons beneath West Port’s various palaces and market districts. It was enclosed, and though it was dark, there was little room for me to maneuver.
As I slipped silently from room to room carrying my human cargo, I checked every dungeon cell I ran across to see if Channielle had come earlier than Nila had predicted.
I felt relieved that I hadn’t run into any of the Seekers(The seven protectors of the Legend of Madness). I could possibly beat one in open combat, but any more and I would not last long.
(Yes, its short and incomplete, but I just got a facebook and have been spending way too much time on it.)
Bonita
so much for using code names. Though, I figured Amber had already known our real names. I had watched the fight from a relatively safe distance. I knew the Leeran was not dead (hence my reasoning of asking what to do with his body). So while the others started to feel the effects of his poison I tied him up tightly with strips of wood I had pulled from the trees while they fought. Like Randy, I had anticipated the need for interrogation.
Amber and Randy lay nearly lifeless on the ground. The only thing Randy could do was plead for my help. I didn't quite know what to do. After a moments thought, I opted to put them both in the Carriage as Randy suggested. But what to do with the Leeran? I needed Will's help. It was hard enough getting two people into the carriage with a bum arm. I was glad my chief had used Hawk's eye on us (his warriors) to make us immune to it's effects. I only wish I had seen the fiend coming when he hit the nerve in my arm to make it go numb.
should I tie him behind the carriage and drag him to West Port? the thought was tempting. no, I'll just tie him to one of the horses. The man struggled to be free.
"what do you intend to do with me, you savage?! There's nothing you can do to make me talk."
"Don't tempt me!" I spat back as I dragged him to the front of the carriage by the neck of his shirt.
I threw the end of the rope over the horse and used it as a pulley to lift the man. I didn't care if he was completely on top of the horse or not, so he ended up halfway on. I Then grabbed some more homemade rope and wrapped it around him and the horse.
After securing the ropes very tightly, I patted him on the back and said with a smirk "enjoy your ride."
I walked to the carriage to make sure I had also secured Amber and Randy so they wouldn't fall out the back, then I climbed to the drivers seat. I hope this isn't too different from riding a horse. I shrugged and grabbed the reins tightly with my good hand. I then gave them a good jerk and a hearty "YAH!" We were off, speeding through the trees at breakneck speed.
I could hear the others moaning as we whipped around curves that jumbled them, but there was no time to waste, I had to get to Will before the effects of this evil poison killed my comrades.
**the natives were most likely the ones who helped Lar create the substance to begin with since they had great knowledge of herbs and their effects. Also, I would think that Bonita would have made a lot of rope while they journeyed through the woods, because she would have anticipated the need for it later.***
Amber and Randy lay nearly lifeless on the ground. The only thing Randy could do was plead for my help. I didn't quite know what to do. After a moments thought, I opted to put them both in the Carriage as Randy suggested. But what to do with the Leeran? I needed Will's help. It was hard enough getting two people into the carriage with a bum arm. I was glad my chief had used Hawk's eye on us (his warriors) to make us immune to it's effects. I only wish I had seen the fiend coming when he hit the nerve in my arm to make it go numb.
should I tie him behind the carriage and drag him to West Port? the thought was tempting. no, I'll just tie him to one of the horses. The man struggled to be free.
"what do you intend to do with me, you savage?! There's nothing you can do to make me talk."
"Don't tempt me!" I spat back as I dragged him to the front of the carriage by the neck of his shirt.
I threw the end of the rope over the horse and used it as a pulley to lift the man. I didn't care if he was completely on top of the horse or not, so he ended up halfway on. I Then grabbed some more homemade rope and wrapped it around him and the horse.
After securing the ropes very tightly, I patted him on the back and said with a smirk "enjoy your ride."
I walked to the carriage to make sure I had also secured Amber and Randy so they wouldn't fall out the back, then I climbed to the drivers seat. I hope this isn't too different from riding a horse. I shrugged and grabbed the reins tightly with my good hand. I then gave them a good jerk and a hearty "YAH!" We were off, speeding through the trees at breakneck speed.
I could hear the others moaning as we whipped around curves that jumbled them, but there was no time to waste, I had to get to Will before the effects of this evil poison killed my comrades.
**the natives were most likely the ones who helped Lar create the substance to begin with since they had great knowledge of herbs and their effects. Also, I would think that Bonita would have made a lot of rope while they journeyed through the woods, because she would have anticipated the need for it later.***
"Leerans, more trouble then they're worth." Randy
“Oh, no. We killed him.” Randy looked at Amber with a bit of bewilderment “Well, we won't be able to interrogate that one.”
At least Bonita seemed to be the sensible one, only attacking when he got close to her. Leerans are formidable opponents but better hostages. They need to be, for the secrets they hold-“Dash it all” Randolph just realized the Leeran had both pummel not for instant death but hitting Randolph and Amber in the nerve points. Soon they would both go numb. (Bonita only her left arms should be nullified due to the safety of her involvement.)
Amber went over to a log, probably succumbing to the blows without even realizing it. Amber "We need to get back with the others as soon as possible. Their lives are in danger. Cor--uh, Thelma has something that they want. We need to help protect her."
It was all fitting together those moves her knowing of Thelma(wait did she say… Cordell?), either way she was more then she seemed. Randolph could tell at least that, even in his current state of disillusionment. Words were getting fuzzy and Bonita's words went the way of the wind.
“Bonita there's a nerve chart in my bag would you be a dear get it out for me” his left side and bottom half slowly shutting down to dis-movement.
Now forced to lay by the fire himself; He whipped out, with his functional arm, the other half of the medallion, got one of the rocks surrounding the fire, smashed three fourths of it and discarded the rest into the flames.
Amber's voice got unusually high “Gertie, should the corps be moving?”
Violently looking over, Randy saw the movement for himself. “He must be using an altered version of Hawks Eye, Curse Lord Lar and his experiments. Bonita, be a dear and get us into the carriage.”
At least Bonita seemed to be the sensible one, only attacking when he got close to her. Leerans are formidable opponents but better hostages. They need to be, for the secrets they hold-“Dash it all” Randolph just realized the Leeran had both pummel not for instant death but hitting Randolph and Amber in the nerve points. Soon they would both go numb. (Bonita only her left arms should be nullified due to the safety of her involvement.)
Amber went over to a log, probably succumbing to the blows without even realizing it. Amber "We need to get back with the others as soon as possible. Their lives are in danger. Cor--uh, Thelma has something that they want. We need to help protect her."
It was all fitting together those moves her knowing of Thelma(wait did she say… Cordell?), either way she was more then she seemed. Randolph could tell at least that, even in his current state of disillusionment. Words were getting fuzzy and Bonita's words went the way of the wind.
“Bonita there's a nerve chart in my bag would you be a dear get it out for me” his left side and bottom half slowly shutting down to dis-movement.
Now forced to lay by the fire himself; He whipped out, with his functional arm, the other half of the medallion, got one of the rocks surrounding the fire, smashed three fourths of it and discarded the rest into the flames.
Amber's voice got unusually high “Gertie, should the corps be moving?”
Violently looking over, Randy saw the movement for himself. “He must be using an altered version of Hawks Eye, Curse Lord Lar and his experiments. Bonita, be a dear and get us into the carriage.”
Monday, March 16, 2009
Amber
I don't know what got into me. When I first spied the evil Leeran I became scared and a little anxious, but once he stepped out of the woods and into the light of the fire something kicked in. I was fighting him with ease, dodging every blow and swinging my arms and legs at just the right moment. But, alas, it wasn't enough. He was able to dodge a lot of my blows as well (and I wasn't strong enough to really do any damage). I need that sword! I did a back handspring (which I didn't even know I could do) and landed by the carriage. I grabbed the sword just in time. After killing off our driver, the Leeran was headed for me next. Rex assisted me in combat, but Gertrude seemed reluctant and stayed out of the way. She would only fight if the man came near her. Perhaps she's not as well trained as I thought.
After several minutes, Rex and I had conquered our enemy. "What should we do with the bodies?" Gertrude asked.
"Burn them." Rex and I said in unison. He raised an eyebrow at me, but said nothing.
Exhausted emotionally and physically from the fight, I sat on a log by the fire and began to weep. I am so week. If Shi--oh whatever his name is--if he saw me he would be very ashamed. What is his name? I looked up abruptly, some more pieces of the puzzle had come together. "We need to get back with the others as soon as possible. Their lives are in danger. Cor--uh, Thelma has something that they want. We need to help protect her." I was hoping they hadn't heard my slip, otherwise my cover was blown. They would know my memory was returning to me. I needed to keep up this facade a little longer. Gertrude was beginning to trust me, and though her fighting skills are terrible, she could still be a very important asset to our cause.
After several minutes, Rex and I had conquered our enemy. "What should we do with the bodies?" Gertrude asked.
"Burn them." Rex and I said in unison. He raised an eyebrow at me, but said nothing.
Exhausted emotionally and physically from the fight, I sat on a log by the fire and began to weep. I am so week. If Shi--oh whatever his name is--if he saw me he would be very ashamed. What is his name? I looked up abruptly, some more pieces of the puzzle had come together. "We need to get back with the others as soon as possible. Their lives are in danger. Cor--uh, Thelma has something that they want. We need to help protect her." I was hoping they hadn't heard my slip, otherwise my cover was blown. They would know my memory was returning to me. I needed to keep up this facade a little longer. Gertrude was beginning to trust me, and though her fighting skills are terrible, she could still be a very important asset to our cause.
Nila
I dropped to the ground next to Shilon crouching over the form of a man, "You are still so dramatic aren't you?"
Shilon whipped around and looked ready to attack me but I held up a hand, "I can find the information you want."
He froze and listened, knowing he might be able to win a fight against me, but he'd never get what he wanted from my lips.
I grinned wickedly, "But it will have to come on my terms. My move will come swiftly and when it does I'll need you on my side, free from your captors. I'll contact you when I have found them, but most likely you will have to work with me and the team I've put together. Oh and I would have sent a letter but it has been years since we've seen each other. Since you were in Westport I figured I'd drop by and sorry to say it Shilon, but no one enters my city without my knowing about it. Not even your old order. From everything I have gathered they keep her moving, sooner or later she'll pass through Westport and then I'll make my move. This will be just like old times, right brother?"
I winked as I dove off the platform and down towards the crowd, the cord attached to my body pulled me back ten feet above the ground. I detached the cord and dropped into the crowd unnoticed and disappeared into the night.
Shilon whipped around and looked ready to attack me but I held up a hand, "I can find the information you want."
He froze and listened, knowing he might be able to win a fight against me, but he'd never get what he wanted from my lips.
I grinned wickedly, "But it will have to come on my terms. My move will come swiftly and when it does I'll need you on my side, free from your captors. I'll contact you when I have found them, but most likely you will have to work with me and the team I've put together. Oh and I would have sent a letter but it has been years since we've seen each other. Since you were in Westport I figured I'd drop by and sorry to say it Shilon, but no one enters my city without my knowing about it. Not even your old order. From everything I have gathered they keep her moving, sooner or later she'll pass through Westport and then I'll make my move. This will be just like old times, right brother?"
I winked as I dove off the platform and down towards the crowd, the cord attached to my body pulled me back ten feet above the ground. I detached the cord and dropped into the crowd unnoticed and disappeared into the night.
Shilon
“Tell me everything you know about Grim’s Tower.” I held a young priest dangling over a balcony towering over the infamous dark district. It was late; the sun had set approximately three hours ago. Night life danced and paraded about in a blur of light below us. The young man, whose robe I gripped, reminded me of a fish. He flailed about silently, causing me to struggle to hold him up. I thought it was humorous that he was so anxious to be free that he would rather plunge to his death than be in my grasp. His dark robe was wet from the cold showers that had recently passed over West Port. “I will only ask you one more time, what do you know about Grim’s Tower?”
The priest stopped struggling and looked up into the sky. “My loyalty is to the order. My mouth shall not betray our mission of peace.”
“Do you really think that you are bringing yourself peace, priest? Do you really believe that the order will save you from me?” I pulled the Priest back over the railing and threw him to the ground.”
He raised his head and faced me, his nose bleeding profusely. “You are nothing Shilon. I know what you are really after.” He backed up against the tower wall, his voice rising to a panicked scream. “I’ve seen your leash. I know about the young lady that holds the heart of the old monster named Baine. She is the one that protects me and every other member of the order from his claws and teeth. He would not bear any harm to come to her and that is what makes him little more than a dog.”
I drew a long knife from a strap on my thigh and walked toward the priest. “The only way that harm would come to her, little priest, would be if the order finds your body and I can assure you that they won’t be able to find enough of it to draw conclusions.”
The priest stopped struggling and looked up into the sky. “My loyalty is to the order. My mouth shall not betray our mission of peace.”
“Do you really think that you are bringing yourself peace, priest? Do you really believe that the order will save you from me?” I pulled the Priest back over the railing and threw him to the ground.”
He raised his head and faced me, his nose bleeding profusely. “You are nothing Shilon. I know what you are really after.” He backed up against the tower wall, his voice rising to a panicked scream. “I’ve seen your leash. I know about the young lady that holds the heart of the old monster named Baine. She is the one that protects me and every other member of the order from his claws and teeth. He would not bear any harm to come to her and that is what makes him little more than a dog.”
I drew a long knife from a strap on my thigh and walked toward the priest. “The only way that harm would come to her, little priest, would be if the order finds your body and I can assure you that they won’t be able to find enough of it to draw conclusions.”
Rex/Randolph, Bah! just call me Randy
Camping for the night, about two miles out from Westport. Rex with the dazed buggy driver, Amber (a rather nice, Ditsy, person) and Gertrude (who seemed to be a little more pleasant with her cheerful counter part) discussed what had happened recently. Never-the-less the fact remained the same, they had no idea what their next step should be. Lord Dinli off playing royalty, and the Jerican just a little agitated at the sudden loss of their comrades. Randy had a lot on his plate.
"So what have you guys been up to?" (not going to reiterate the older posts)
“Really… so Bruce left you for bacon meat. Rough. Well, I’ve been doing ok. Since we’ve been separated.” Smiling Rex handed another piece of meat around. “Yes, I have a plan. At the town that burned down, there is a rouge general, he can help.”
--through the eyes of Amber—
The conversation seemed rather drab, talking about towns I don’t know, and about people and other places that seemed to be of no consequence. Though Rex seemed to know Gertrude rather well or at least had a similar training… she couldn't really be his servant. how can I know that? Oh! So many things I wish I knew that I used to know, as apposed to knowing things I never seemed know!
Amber bit her tongue in frustration, it seemed that the only way to deal with the frustration was the happy go lucky front. Whoever did this to me-I’ll make them pay…Why am I thinking like this, it’s almost like I’ve been trained to kill.
Rex looked at her oddly “you alright?”
Amber's thoughts interrupted “wha- yes”
---Back to Randy –
Rex concluded ”So the plan is: I do that while you and Amber (directing it to Amber) if you're willing, take over the Jerican base.”
Standing up, Amber stared into the black of night, “we have trouble-” a grin from the shadows “big trouble”
"So what have you guys been up to?" (not going to reiterate the older posts)
“Really… so Bruce left you for bacon meat. Rough. Well, I’ve been doing ok. Since we’ve been separated.” Smiling Rex handed another piece of meat around. “Yes, I have a plan. At the town that burned down, there is a rouge general, he can help.”
--through the eyes of Amber—
The conversation seemed rather drab, talking about towns I don’t know, and about people and other places that seemed to be of no consequence. Though Rex seemed to know Gertrude rather well or at least had a similar training… she couldn't really be his servant. how can I know that? Oh! So many things I wish I knew that I used to know, as apposed to knowing things I never seemed know!
Amber bit her tongue in frustration, it seemed that the only way to deal with the frustration was the happy go lucky front. Whoever did this to me-I’ll make them pay…Why am I thinking like this, it’s almost like I’ve been trained to kill.
Rex looked at her oddly “you alright?”
Amber's thoughts interrupted “wha- yes”
---Back to Randy –
Rex concluded ”So the plan is: I do that while you and Amber (directing it to Amber) if you're willing, take over the Jerican base.”
Standing up, Amber stared into the black of night, “we have trouble-” a grin from the shadows “big trouble”
Saturday, March 14, 2009
Shilon
(I changed the post, to make a little more sense)
“Harmony, Madness, and Justice.” I whispered to myself as I looked over three distinctively different open books, all lying side by side on the table I was using to study. I turned to an entry in the first book, “… And over the innocent shall I always be a protector…” I flipped to another page. “…For the bloodshed of a woman or child, even in war, is among the highest of sacred violations… Remember, remember the oaths that you have made to harmony, for it is the only way that one can find peace of body and spirit.
I studied the pages of the first book for about four minutes, and then turned to the second. “Behold, it is by our seeds that the conspiring spears of the wicked are set upon each other… If the loss of innocence is required for the demands of peace then do not burden your minds… for the greater victory will justify the lesser loss… And thine actions shall be rewarded with the peace thou hast sown.”
I turned to the third book, which was a compilation of various journals. “I, Roberto Gheston Thrisfalen, have started this creed as a single chain to a great link. Over time we shall become a vast, steel net that no man, nor woman can escape…Through our swords, there shall be no good or evil. All that shall remain is justice… No bloodline has endured such a burden as our linage… Justice is the only way to find true peace.”
I put the final book down and pondered my reading. Peace… What is peace? Is it kindness, and charity? Is it silence and desolation? Is it balance and justice? I once knew… when I was younger and stronger, I knew which was right. I used to think that all were right. I used to think that all had the answers to peace. But now I realize that peace is unattainable. Peace is one if life’s infinitive driving forces to help men to better themselves, but it is never truly attainable.
I looked away from the book. I could feel my eyes begin to water, but I quickly wiped them. I shall not shed another tear for my past, but rather, I should be focused on the future. I still have innocence that I must protect now; those that I have lost are passed. And since none of these doctrines of peace have saved anyone, then I will have to make secret war on them all.
I pulled out a piece of parchment and began to write.
Dear Nila:
I beg your forgiveness for my resignation from among the noble protectors of the treasure, but much like your late lover and my late friend Yansen, you have sat in your secret places and allowed Madness and Bartholomew to bring this country to the dust.
I confess, I am the partial reason for my own misery, but I have forsaken my past sins and my loathsome titles. The only reason I remain in this state of compelled servitude is not because of love for any of the orders, but rather I remain to keep the only three people I care about in this world safe.
I hope that this letter is taken in by an understanding heart, and a wise mind. I hope that you can forgive me for severing my connection to the our cause, but I must do it. It would be better that the power in that place of secrecy be destroyed than it fall into the wrong hands. If a return letter is sent, I hope that you will not refer to me as a Thrisfalen, for that name is truly dead.
Always your brother,
Shilon Thrisfalen
“Harmony, Madness, and Justice.” I whispered to myself as I looked over three distinctively different open books, all lying side by side on the table I was using to study. I turned to an entry in the first book, “… And over the innocent shall I always be a protector…” I flipped to another page. “…For the bloodshed of a woman or child, even in war, is among the highest of sacred violations… Remember, remember the oaths that you have made to harmony, for it is the only way that one can find peace of body and spirit.
I studied the pages of the first book for about four minutes, and then turned to the second. “Behold, it is by our seeds that the conspiring spears of the wicked are set upon each other… If the loss of innocence is required for the demands of peace then do not burden your minds… for the greater victory will justify the lesser loss… And thine actions shall be rewarded with the peace thou hast sown.”
I turned to the third book, which was a compilation of various journals. “I, Roberto Gheston Thrisfalen, have started this creed as a single chain to a great link. Over time we shall become a vast, steel net that no man, nor woman can escape…Through our swords, there shall be no good or evil. All that shall remain is justice… No bloodline has endured such a burden as our linage… Justice is the only way to find true peace.”
I put the final book down and pondered my reading. Peace… What is peace? Is it kindness, and charity? Is it silence and desolation? Is it balance and justice? I once knew… when I was younger and stronger, I knew which was right. I used to think that all were right. I used to think that all had the answers to peace. But now I realize that peace is unattainable. Peace is one if life’s infinitive driving forces to help men to better themselves, but it is never truly attainable.
I looked away from the book. I could feel my eyes begin to water, but I quickly wiped them. I shall not shed another tear for my past, but rather, I should be focused on the future. I still have innocence that I must protect now; those that I have lost are passed. And since none of these doctrines of peace have saved anyone, then I will have to make secret war on them all.
I pulled out a piece of parchment and began to write.
Dear Nila:
I beg your forgiveness for my resignation from among the noble protectors of the treasure, but much like your late lover and my late friend Yansen, you have sat in your secret places and allowed Madness and Bartholomew to bring this country to the dust.
I confess, I am the partial reason for my own misery, but I have forsaken my past sins and my loathsome titles. The only reason I remain in this state of compelled servitude is not because of love for any of the orders, but rather I remain to keep the only three people I care about in this world safe.
I hope that this letter is taken in by an understanding heart, and a wise mind. I hope that you can forgive me for severing my connection to the our cause, but I must do it. It would be better that the power in that place of secrecy be destroyed than it fall into the wrong hands. If a return letter is sent, I hope that you will not refer to me as a Thrisfalen, for that name is truly dead.
Always your brother,
Shilon Thrisfalen
Lord Dinli
I stretched and got up from my resting place in the chair I had decided was most comfortable. Thelma was asleep on the bed. There was a knock on the door. I looked out the window and raised an eyebrow.
I told them not to come til noon. It was just after sunrise.
I went to answer the door and opened it a crack, dagger ready in my other hand.
"Room service?" She looked familiar.
"Nila?" I asked questioningly.
She nodded, barely perceptibly, "Mind if I come in and touch up the room?"
"Of course, rough night yesterday," I was also aware that the balcony had a visitor on it as well. After she had come in and I'd shut the door, I asked, "Who's that?"
She sat down on was had been my bed and the man walked in. He was big, brutish and intimidating, but it only made me more on edge and I quickly moved to be between him and the sleeping figure on the bed.
"Don't let him frighten you Lord Dinli," Nila said. "He won't do anything without my approval."
"Why is he so loyal?" I was sincerely curious.
"A long time ago something precious to him was stolen and the only reason he didn't go after it was they said they'd kill his family if he did," She looked sad. "They waited a month and tried to kill him and his entire family anyways. They would have succeeded had I not intervened and given him a second chance to reclaim what he lost, but I wasn't fast enough to save his family."
She looked like she had a tear in her eye.
"Who are you really?" I asked her.
She smirked, "You don't really want to know. Don't worry William Thrisfalen, heir to the Thrisfalen throne, I don't want to stop you. I think we might be able to help each other."
"What makes you think I want the throne?" I spat at her. "My place in protecting the ancient treasure."
"I know," She said straightly. "I have come to offer you a position in the organization I'm a part of."
"What are you talking about?"
She stood up and came closer, I brought the dagger around in front of me and the dark man took a step forward before she held up a hand.
"I can handle this whelp," She shook her head. "I'm talking about a secret group that exists above and beyond the two Orders of Peace. Only a very few of every year are invited to join us. We are the protectors of the treasure, those foolish priests of madness seek to create darkness and somehow form peace from the outcome. They don't understand the nature of the thing they are touching."
"And you do?" I spat at her, dagger still ready to strike.
"No," My heart actually dropped, I had truly hoped she knew the answer. "But I know who does."
There was a knock on the door.
"I have to go William. Think about my offer," She and the dark man went to the window and disappeared in the early morning light.
I told them not to come til noon. It was just after sunrise.
I went to answer the door and opened it a crack, dagger ready in my other hand.
"Room service?" She looked familiar.
"Nila?" I asked questioningly.
She nodded, barely perceptibly, "Mind if I come in and touch up the room?"
"Of course, rough night yesterday," I was also aware that the balcony had a visitor on it as well. After she had come in and I'd shut the door, I asked, "Who's that?"
She sat down on was had been my bed and the man walked in. He was big, brutish and intimidating, but it only made me more on edge and I quickly moved to be between him and the sleeping figure on the bed.
"Don't let him frighten you Lord Dinli," Nila said. "He won't do anything without my approval."
"Why is he so loyal?" I was sincerely curious.
"A long time ago something precious to him was stolen and the only reason he didn't go after it was they said they'd kill his family if he did," She looked sad. "They waited a month and tried to kill him and his entire family anyways. They would have succeeded had I not intervened and given him a second chance to reclaim what he lost, but I wasn't fast enough to save his family."
She looked like she had a tear in her eye.
"Who are you really?" I asked her.
She smirked, "You don't really want to know. Don't worry William Thrisfalen, heir to the Thrisfalen throne, I don't want to stop you. I think we might be able to help each other."
"What makes you think I want the throne?" I spat at her. "My place in protecting the ancient treasure."
"I know," She said straightly. "I have come to offer you a position in the organization I'm a part of."
"What are you talking about?"
She stood up and came closer, I brought the dagger around in front of me and the dark man took a step forward before she held up a hand.
"I can handle this whelp," She shook her head. "I'm talking about a secret group that exists above and beyond the two Orders of Peace. Only a very few of every year are invited to join us. We are the protectors of the treasure, those foolish priests of madness seek to create darkness and somehow form peace from the outcome. They don't understand the nature of the thing they are touching."
"And you do?" I spat at her, dagger still ready to strike.
"No," My heart actually dropped, I had truly hoped she knew the answer. "But I know who does."
There was a knock on the door.
"I have to go William. Think about my offer," She and the dark man went to the window and disappeared in the early morning light.
Friday, March 13, 2009
The Dark Shrouded Man
He didn't speak for a long time, then after they were out of sight he continued his path to Westport, I need to report this to my master.
His thoughts, however, were not on what he had seen. His eyes filled with tears after a few minutes of reminiscing and he wiped them away and sat up straight. He had to report, quickly. He increased his pace and took a different path, he should arrive at Westport a few hours before sunrise, just before the other group, if he was quick enough.
His thoughts, however, were not on what he had seen. His eyes filled with tears after a few minutes of reminiscing and he wiped them away and sat up straight. He had to report, quickly. He increased his pace and took a different path, he should arrive at Westport a few hours before sunrise, just before the other group, if he was quick enough.
in the carriage
The girls left there carriage and shuffled into Randy's. The shadowy figure looked displeased at the occurrence. Arnold (Randy) looked back waiting for the slightest hint of aggressive behavior, this man was likely to be a Jerican (though admittedly he was very conspicuous) could it be a double bluff?
“Oh, don’t be doll, Gertrude, servant of my brother… Call me Rex, my middle name.” if Randy was going to have another alias it, by George, was going to be a good one (Arnold Rex Carnigin the magnificent? Could work).
Breaking the facade “you do know he won't remember a thing by tonight right?” Rex held up two canisters of strange powders, “little mementos from some friends”
Shifting his attention “who’s the girl?” Amber seemed a little discomforted when he looked penetratingly into her eyes. She also had the demeanor of a Jerican with something else. Oh, Randy those weeks of Jerican hunting, has made you paranoid.
Looking back at Bonita “what’s with the civil clothes, last I knew you were running around with a tomahawk in your mouth yellin’-.” Seeing that Bonita was still a little uncomfortable with the blatant disregard for formal custom. She glared piercingly at him and he reworded the question.
“I mean you were knee high to grasshoppers then, and my gambling excuse of a noble brother how is he doing these days? good I hope.”
Bargity, these guys are no fun. Very grown up.
Rex had forgotten how much of a prune Gertrude was. That’s what I get for being spoiled with childlike spontaneity, for months on end.
“Well, girls don’t be shy. Inform me of everything.” Looking out the window, Rex wasn’t sure if that would be the last he would see of the shadowy carriage driver.
“Oh, don’t be doll, Gertrude, servant of my brother… Call me Rex, my middle name.” if Randy was going to have another alias it, by George, was going to be a good one (Arnold Rex Carnigin the magnificent? Could work).
Breaking the facade “you do know he won't remember a thing by tonight right?” Rex held up two canisters of strange powders, “little mementos from some friends”
Shifting his attention “who’s the girl?” Amber seemed a little discomforted when he looked penetratingly into her eyes. She also had the demeanor of a Jerican with something else. Oh, Randy those weeks of Jerican hunting, has made you paranoid.
Looking back at Bonita “what’s with the civil clothes, last I knew you were running around with a tomahawk in your mouth yellin’-.” Seeing that Bonita was still a little uncomfortable with the blatant disregard for formal custom. She glared piercingly at him and he reworded the question.
“I mean you were knee high to grasshoppers then, and my gambling excuse of a noble brother how is he doing these days? good I hope.”
Bargity, these guys are no fun. Very grown up.
Rex had forgotten how much of a prune Gertrude was. That’s what I get for being spoiled with childlike spontaneity, for months on end.
“Well, girls don’t be shy. Inform me of everything.” Looking out the window, Rex wasn’t sure if that would be the last he would see of the shadowy carriage driver.
Amber
(This was supposed to be before Gertrude's post, I am a slow typer)
I stared out the window at the beautiful forest scene passing by our cozy little carriage. Our ride seemed to glide on a cut line through a seemingly impenetrable wooded expanse. The two horses pulling the stage coach enriched the air with the sound of trampling gravel. The fresh pine soaked the senses with a fresh, yet bitter smell.
Gertrude sat in her seat with her nose crinkled. “I hate the smell of horses.”She said to herself. She turned to me. “How is your head, Amber?”
“Feeling much better.” I responded.
“Do you remember anything about… what happened recently?” Gertrude asked. A look of concern came over her face.
I sighed. “No… nothing recently.” I looked down at my lap. “Things are still fuzzy.”
I loathed the uncertainty of not having any recollection of my past. I had a strange feeling that my name wasn’t really Amber. Although, Gertrude was so kind to me I was getting a hard impression that everything she was telling me wasn’t entirely truthful. She had told me that I had been found by Lord and Lady Dinli while they were on route to a town that I had no remembrance of.
There were other things; small tendencies that I have that I cannot fully understand. Earlier today while we had stopped for a brief lunch, I noticed that I had calluses on my back and waste. I also found it unusual that a farm maid, such as Gertrude professes me to be, should have so many scars on the various parts of my body. I must have raised rose bushes with scythes for thorns to answer for some of my longer smarts.
The worst of the tendencies, or should I say the most frightening of the tendencies, must be whenever I see that long steel sword that hangs from the belt of our transporter. I can never loosen up whenever I am in sight of his weapon. It isn’t that I am scared of it or him, but rather I have a great desire to obtain the weapon. It is similar to the urge a cat must feel when a mouse runs across a room. My eyes are focused on the sword while my ears absorb every word of everyone’s conversation along with the various sounds that stand out amidst the forest ambience.
“Pardon ladies,” our driver called through the front facing window, “I don’t want to startle you bunch, but we got a coach that’s been following us a while now. And might I add that whoever it might be is acting awfully strange.”
Gertrude slowly eased her head outside the stage coach’s side window. “I don’t believe it.”
“Who is it?” I asked
“Stop the carriage. I think he is a friend.” Gertrude commanded.
After hearing her reaction, I looked out the side window. About one-hundred yards behind us, a small stage coach was rapidly approaching with a young man hanging out the coach’s left side window, flailing his arms about, screaming, “HEY BONITA, WILLIAM!! ITS ME… WAIT!!!”
Bonita… I thought the young man must have had us confused with another group, but Gertrude seems to know him as well.
I stared out the window at the beautiful forest scene passing by our cozy little carriage. Our ride seemed to glide on a cut line through a seemingly impenetrable wooded expanse. The two horses pulling the stage coach enriched the air with the sound of trampling gravel. The fresh pine soaked the senses with a fresh, yet bitter smell.
Gertrude sat in her seat with her nose crinkled. “I hate the smell of horses.”She said to herself. She turned to me. “How is your head, Amber?”
“Feeling much better.” I responded.
“Do you remember anything about… what happened recently?” Gertrude asked. A look of concern came over her face.
I sighed. “No… nothing recently.” I looked down at my lap. “Things are still fuzzy.”
I loathed the uncertainty of not having any recollection of my past. I had a strange feeling that my name wasn’t really Amber. Although, Gertrude was so kind to me I was getting a hard impression that everything she was telling me wasn’t entirely truthful. She had told me that I had been found by Lord and Lady Dinli while they were on route to a town that I had no remembrance of.
There were other things; small tendencies that I have that I cannot fully understand. Earlier today while we had stopped for a brief lunch, I noticed that I had calluses on my back and waste. I also found it unusual that a farm maid, such as Gertrude professes me to be, should have so many scars on the various parts of my body. I must have raised rose bushes with scythes for thorns to answer for some of my longer smarts.
The worst of the tendencies, or should I say the most frightening of the tendencies, must be whenever I see that long steel sword that hangs from the belt of our transporter. I can never loosen up whenever I am in sight of his weapon. It isn’t that I am scared of it or him, but rather I have a great desire to obtain the weapon. It is similar to the urge a cat must feel when a mouse runs across a room. My eyes are focused on the sword while my ears absorb every word of everyone’s conversation along with the various sounds that stand out amidst the forest ambience.
“Pardon ladies,” our driver called through the front facing window, “I don’t want to startle you bunch, but we got a coach that’s been following us a while now. And might I add that whoever it might be is acting awfully strange.”
Gertrude slowly eased her head outside the stage coach’s side window. “I don’t believe it.”
“Who is it?” I asked
“Stop the carriage. I think he is a friend.” Gertrude commanded.
After hearing her reaction, I looked out the side window. About one-hundred yards behind us, a small stage coach was rapidly approaching with a young man hanging out the coach’s left side window, flailing his arms about, screaming, “HEY BONITA, WILLIAM!! ITS ME… WAIT!!!”
Bonita… I thought the young man must have had us confused with another group, but Gertrude seems to know him as well.
Gertrude
I thought I heard my name whispered in the wind. "Bonita, wait up!" I heard again.
"Stop. Someone is trailing us. I think he is a friend." I told the mysterious man who drove the carriage.
He brought the horses to a stop just as the other carriage pulled beside us. There he was, grinning like a goon, just as goofy as the day I had met him.
"Arnold!" I winked, letting him know to use a fake name, as I jumped from the carriage "I am so glad you caught up with us." turning to the mysterious man, "thanks for taking us this far. We will be joining our master's brother now."
Before anyone could say anything, I had Amber in Randy's carriage and we were on our way to West Port once again.
"What's going on? who was that? who is this?" Randy inquired.
"This is Amber. I don't know who he was, we had no other choice but to go with him. We must find the others, who knows what kind of trouble they are getting into." I explained quickly, then whispered, "I will explain more later, but somewhere no one will hear us. ok, (loudly)Arnold."
"Ok. . .?"
"Gertrude." I finished for him.
**sorry for speaking for you, I tried to make it sound like something Randy might say :D**
"Stop. Someone is trailing us. I think he is a friend." I told the mysterious man who drove the carriage.
He brought the horses to a stop just as the other carriage pulled beside us. There he was, grinning like a goon, just as goofy as the day I had met him.
"Arnold!" I winked, letting him know to use a fake name, as I jumped from the carriage "I am so glad you caught up with us." turning to the mysterious man, "thanks for taking us this far. We will be joining our master's brother now."
Before anyone could say anything, I had Amber in Randy's carriage and we were on our way to West Port once again.
"What's going on? who was that? who is this?" Randy inquired.
"This is Amber. I don't know who he was, we had no other choice but to go with him. We must find the others, who knows what kind of trouble they are getting into." I explained quickly, then whispered, "I will explain more later, but somewhere no one will hear us. ok, (loudly)Arnold."
"Ok. . .?"
"Gertrude." I finished for him.
**sorry for speaking for you, I tried to make it sound like something Randy might say :D**
Reunion
The situation had changed and Randy was alone again. Not to mention heading to, at best, a rough situation. Jerican aren’t exactly the most friendly of folk. And heading right into the hive of them all wasn’t the most well thought out things Randy had thought over it for a while. “bartender I need a drink.”
Mulling his thoughts over, Randolph was thinking of what some of the interrogated Jerican had told him. But the most interesting thing was that the whole deed seemed to lose its value as if it had entirely lost its meaning and was of no importance anymore and his attention had seemed to shift. Something more has to be going on.
“everyone clear out. we're closed.” Shuffling out a little disappointed that he wasn’t able to finish his water, Randy meandered into the distance.
well time to face the music. But first to make sure this thing is safe. Pulling out a medallion from his pocket Randy stared eerily at it. “what is it about you that has the Jerican so interested in you?” it had bothered him from the first day the at Damien (the first Jerican encounter) had lusted after it, and almost anyone who saw it afterward. So, to take extra precautions, in one of the distant towns Randy had a duplicate made and traded with Tamitha's while she slept.
“Dash it all! I’ll get to the bottom of this if it’s the last thing I do. I promise master Moomow”
Hiring a coach, Randolph scheduled a ride back to the monastery. Randy was looking for time to think and what better place then on the move, being able to rest and getting some great council from an old colleague. Yelling out the window, “Master Moomow I’m coming home!”
-After getting some sleep-
The sun was high and it was warm in the cabin of the carriage. Time was rather daunting being alone. Randy “hey what’s up?”
The driver responded with a scowl “Driving.”
Ouch, guess he is still bitter about the rigorous negotiations and isn’t wanting anything to do with me. its ok you’ll warm up Randy said to himself especially when he tries my monkish stew! … now just to wait till the next rest stop.
Eyes glazed over and staring off into the baron waste land noticed another carriage pass by. “Bonita!?! Driver! Driver! Follow that carriage!”
the driver responded with more distaste "what do I look like, a magician?"
“oh come on! Free stew!” the driver was unenthusiastic about Randy's bribe. “Alright-Alright! you do not have to take me all the way to the distant town, Just follow that Buggy.”
With a few mutters, the driver finally complied.
Randy's mind was now bubbling over with enthusiasm and questions: why was she dressed all up who’s that girls she’s with and is the shadowy figure Will? Popping his head out the window, Randolph was grinning like a Cheshire cat
Mulling his thoughts over, Randolph was thinking of what some of the interrogated Jerican had told him. But the most interesting thing was that the whole deed seemed to lose its value as if it had entirely lost its meaning and was of no importance anymore and his attention had seemed to shift. Something more has to be going on.
“everyone clear out. we're closed.” Shuffling out a little disappointed that he wasn’t able to finish his water, Randy meandered into the distance.
well time to face the music. But first to make sure this thing is safe. Pulling out a medallion from his pocket Randy stared eerily at it. “what is it about you that has the Jerican so interested in you?” it had bothered him from the first day the at Damien (the first Jerican encounter) had lusted after it, and almost anyone who saw it afterward. So, to take extra precautions, in one of the distant towns Randy had a duplicate made and traded with Tamitha's while she slept.
“Dash it all! I’ll get to the bottom of this if it’s the last thing I do. I promise master Moomow”
Hiring a coach, Randolph scheduled a ride back to the monastery. Randy was looking for time to think and what better place then on the move, being able to rest and getting some great council from an old colleague. Yelling out the window, “Master Moomow I’m coming home!”
-After getting some sleep-
The sun was high and it was warm in the cabin of the carriage. Time was rather daunting being alone. Randy “hey what’s up?”
The driver responded with a scowl “Driving.”
Ouch, guess he is still bitter about the rigorous negotiations and isn’t wanting anything to do with me. its ok you’ll warm up Randy said to himself especially when he tries my monkish stew! … now just to wait till the next rest stop.
Eyes glazed over and staring off into the baron waste land noticed another carriage pass by. “Bonita!?! Driver! Driver! Follow that carriage!”
the driver responded with more distaste "what do I look like, a magician?"
“oh come on! Free stew!” the driver was unenthusiastic about Randy's bribe. “Alright-Alright! you do not have to take me all the way to the distant town, Just follow that Buggy.”
With a few mutters, the driver finally complied.
Randy's mind was now bubbling over with enthusiasm and questions: why was she dressed all up who’s that girls she’s with and is the shadowy figure Will? Popping his head out the window, Randolph was grinning like a Cheshire cat
Cordell
We made our way to a little tavern Will said was the meeting place and we walked inside. Will approached the barkeep and I followed behind him. He leaned against the table and I took a seat on one of the barstools.
"I'm here to see Nila," Will whispered.
"Nila doesn't see anybody," He replied without looking up from his drink making.
Will whispered again, "Tell her William Thrisfalen is here and I'm sure she'll make an exception."
He grunted and whispered to one of the bouncers who walked over to a door in the very back of the tavern. A few minutes later the bouncer came back.
"Alright listen up," He announced. "We are closing up early tonight, everybody out."
The bouncer was a big guy and nobody argued with him. In a few minutes the room was empty and a woman walked out of the back room in a black shirt and black skirt, she had blonde hair.
She walked straight to William and punched him across the face. Surprisingly, he was knocked to the floor.
Before he could get up, she had a dagger at his throat, "Why do you think I should trust you with anything?"
"What are you talking about?" William asked, still slightly stunned.
I didn't know what to do so I just sat there, too terrified to move. She stood up and took a seat next to me. Her anger seemed to turn towards me.
"Did you lose something on the way here?" She asked me, obviously baiting me.
"Yes we did," I replied honestly. "I was hoping you could help us find it."
"Found and recovered, no thanks to either of you."
I was getting angry, Will had stood up.
"From what I heard you've been around for twenty years doing this sort of thing and you left it where it was," I replied. "Why'd you let somewhat give it to my mother in the first place if it's so important."
Nila turned to Will, "You haven't told her?"
Will shook his head, "She isn't ready."
Nila turned back to me, "Well if you want you can learn from the best."
I grinned as I replied, "Oh? Who's that?"
She stood up and turned to leave, "When you are ready to learn I'll be in there."
"Sheesh, no sense of humor," I grumbled. "Wait up Nila."
I followed her into the room and she closed it behind her.
"What about Will?" I asked.
She raised an eyebrow, "What about him? He can take care of himself. Didn't you hear about the army he almost singlehandedly routed?"
She shook her head, "I guess that's when I was having blood poisoning from that herb one of your agents gave me."
She shook her head, "That was me and it was to protect you in case they tried to use hawk's eye on you." Seeing my cluelessness she said, "It's a mind-altering agent used in brainwashing unwilling victims to serving the priests of madness. The fool don't realize we've infiltrated every corner of their organization and could cause it to tumble at any moment. They are so sure of hawk's eye that they don't even believe it has a natural counter."
I nodded, "Can we begin the training now?"
She grinned, "Of course, but it will only last for a few hours. You need to keep up the guise of Thelma and Bruce for the time being. If the noble and his wife, who just got to town, disappeared it would be quite suspictious."
We trained and when we got done and I was preparing to leave she said, "Don't worry, you'll see me in the morning."
I left and found Will gambling with the other men. He stood up and smirked, "Better luck next time suckers."
We left and got back to our room with enough time to catch some sleep before sunrise.
"I'm here to see Nila," Will whispered.
"Nila doesn't see anybody," He replied without looking up from his drink making.
Will whispered again, "Tell her William Thrisfalen is here and I'm sure she'll make an exception."
He grunted and whispered to one of the bouncers who walked over to a door in the very back of the tavern. A few minutes later the bouncer came back.
"Alright listen up," He announced. "We are closing up early tonight, everybody out."
The bouncer was a big guy and nobody argued with him. In a few minutes the room was empty and a woman walked out of the back room in a black shirt and black skirt, she had blonde hair.
She walked straight to William and punched him across the face. Surprisingly, he was knocked to the floor.
Before he could get up, she had a dagger at his throat, "Why do you think I should trust you with anything?"
"What are you talking about?" William asked, still slightly stunned.
I didn't know what to do so I just sat there, too terrified to move. She stood up and took a seat next to me. Her anger seemed to turn towards me.
"Did you lose something on the way here?" She asked me, obviously baiting me.
"Yes we did," I replied honestly. "I was hoping you could help us find it."
"Found and recovered, no thanks to either of you."
I was getting angry, Will had stood up.
"From what I heard you've been around for twenty years doing this sort of thing and you left it where it was," I replied. "Why'd you let somewhat give it to my mother in the first place if it's so important."
Nila turned to Will, "You haven't told her?"
Will shook his head, "She isn't ready."
Nila turned back to me, "Well if you want you can learn from the best."
I grinned as I replied, "Oh? Who's that?"
She stood up and turned to leave, "When you are ready to learn I'll be in there."
"Sheesh, no sense of humor," I grumbled. "Wait up Nila."
I followed her into the room and she closed it behind her.
"What about Will?" I asked.
She raised an eyebrow, "What about him? He can take care of himself. Didn't you hear about the army he almost singlehandedly routed?"
She shook her head, "I guess that's when I was having blood poisoning from that herb one of your agents gave me."
She shook her head, "That was me and it was to protect you in case they tried to use hawk's eye on you." Seeing my cluelessness she said, "It's a mind-altering agent used in brainwashing unwilling victims to serving the priests of madness. The fool don't realize we've infiltrated every corner of their organization and could cause it to tumble at any moment. They are so sure of hawk's eye that they don't even believe it has a natural counter."
I nodded, "Can we begin the training now?"
She grinned, "Of course, but it will only last for a few hours. You need to keep up the guise of Thelma and Bruce for the time being. If the noble and his wife, who just got to town, disappeared it would be quite suspictious."
We trained and when we got done and I was preparing to leave she said, "Don't worry, you'll see me in the morning."
I left and found Will gambling with the other men. He stood up and smirked, "Better luck next time suckers."
We left and got back to our room with enough time to catch some sleep before sunrise.
Nila
I was sitting at home when there was a knock at the door and a note slid under. I picked it up read read.
"It's here."
Not entirely sure what the note meant I was glad it continued.
"The key has returned, but a little girl is the owner of it."
I was not happy. I got dressed in some of my nicest clothes and left. I quickly found the small girl being dropped off near the debtors yard and shook my head. What a foolish little monk. I was glad it was dark. I approached the child after he'd left and she hadn't moved yet.
"Well hello my dear," I said calmly. "Nice little medallion you have there. Would you be interested in selling it?"
She nodded without hesitation and I pulled out a bag full of jewels.
Her eyes went wide when she saw them and I smirked and pulled them back, "The medallion for this bag."
She quickly handed me the medallion and I let her have the bag.
The girl whispered, "Thank you miss."
"Thank you my dear," I turned and left. I breathed a sigh of relief, the entire kingdom was looking for this medallion, that little girl would have been killed if it had been found on her. Bartholomew was not the forgiving type.
I got back to my home and snuck in the back way. The tavern was unusually busy today and I didn't want to be seen dressed that way in there. I checked and found the medallion just as secure as it was and relaxed.
There was a knock on the door. This time there was a voice instead of a note, "There is someone here to see you."
"You know I don't see guests," I replied, still infuriated that a child had been left with it.
The guard was being persistent, "He says his name will have some meaning to you."
"What is it?" I replied.
"William Thrisfalen."
My head turned towards the door and I clenched my teeth, "Tell him I'll see him and tell the other guests we are closing early."
"How early?"
"Now."
I changed into more casual clothing and took a deep breath before walking out.
"It's here."
Not entirely sure what the note meant I was glad it continued.
"The key has returned, but a little girl is the owner of it."
I was not happy. I got dressed in some of my nicest clothes and left. I quickly found the small girl being dropped off near the debtors yard and shook my head. What a foolish little monk. I was glad it was dark. I approached the child after he'd left and she hadn't moved yet.
"Well hello my dear," I said calmly. "Nice little medallion you have there. Would you be interested in selling it?"
She nodded without hesitation and I pulled out a bag full of jewels.
Her eyes went wide when she saw them and I smirked and pulled them back, "The medallion for this bag."
She quickly handed me the medallion and I let her have the bag.
The girl whispered, "Thank you miss."
"Thank you my dear," I turned and left. I breathed a sigh of relief, the entire kingdom was looking for this medallion, that little girl would have been killed if it had been found on her. Bartholomew was not the forgiving type.
I got back to my home and snuck in the back way. The tavern was unusually busy today and I didn't want to be seen dressed that way in there. I checked and found the medallion just as secure as it was and relaxed.
There was a knock on the door. This time there was a voice instead of a note, "There is someone here to see you."
"You know I don't see guests," I replied, still infuriated that a child had been left with it.
The guard was being persistent, "He says his name will have some meaning to you."
"What is it?" I replied.
"William Thrisfalen."
My head turned towards the door and I clenched my teeth, "Tell him I'll see him and tell the other guests we are closing early."
"How early?"
"Now."
I changed into more casual clothing and took a deep breath before walking out.
Tamitha being left behind
West port land of the Lars, debtor camps and Tamithas extended family.
Tam pleaded “But randy I want to stay with you!”
Randy explained “Come along, Tamitha you’re always the responsible one”
Tamitha argues “But I don’t see how this is different from any of those other cities.”
Randy began to explain “Because, Tamitha! Fighting Jerican isn’t exactly the safest of things for a kid and now you have a chance to live a normal life… don’t make this any more rough then it has to be.” Handing her the pack “there is a map back to the monastery if you ever get the chance, food rations, and an extra set of clothes-”
Tam replied “You already know the stolen deed is a trap why are you going?”(info from one of the Jericans they had met on the way)
“Because there is more,” Randy explained
Tam rolled her eyes “Don’t give me that bees wax!”
Randolph bartered “As much as I- there is a friend, a renegade general formally one of Bartholomew’s highest, I’ll find him and see if I can’t do any changes to the current situations. When we’ll be coming down the valley expect two big explosions. It's your job to get as many of the debtors to be ready for that signal. Now my little rebel, are you satisfied?"
Wary at the proposition she stared into the eyes of Randolph. “Now remember it may be a while till the explosions happen so be patient.” he continued.
Giving her a tight squeeze, Randolph then nudged her towards her new home. “I know they're in debt, and it's not like what you're used to but-“ Tamitha gave him a greater hug and grinned fighting off some tears “be expecting a force to be reckoned with.”
Messing up her hair Randy walked away “be a good kid.”
Tam pleaded “But randy I want to stay with you!”
Randy explained “Come along, Tamitha you’re always the responsible one”
Tamitha argues “But I don’t see how this is different from any of those other cities.”
Randy began to explain “Because, Tamitha! Fighting Jerican isn’t exactly the safest of things for a kid and now you have a chance to live a normal life… don’t make this any more rough then it has to be.” Handing her the pack “there is a map back to the monastery if you ever get the chance, food rations, and an extra set of clothes-”
Tam replied “You already know the stolen deed is a trap why are you going?”(info from one of the Jericans they had met on the way)
“Because there is more,” Randy explained
Tam rolled her eyes “Don’t give me that bees wax!”
Randolph bartered “As much as I- there is a friend, a renegade general formally one of Bartholomew’s highest, I’ll find him and see if I can’t do any changes to the current situations. When we’ll be coming down the valley expect two big explosions. It's your job to get as many of the debtors to be ready for that signal. Now my little rebel, are you satisfied?"
Wary at the proposition she stared into the eyes of Randolph. “Now remember it may be a while till the explosions happen so be patient.” he continued.
Giving her a tight squeeze, Randolph then nudged her towards her new home. “I know they're in debt, and it's not like what you're used to but-“ Tamitha gave him a greater hug and grinned fighting off some tears “be expecting a force to be reckoned with.”
Messing up her hair Randy walked away “be a good kid.”
Lord Dinli
The carriage stopped in front of the inn that Lady Dinli and I would be resting in. I got out first and helped Thelma out of the carriage. We walked inside, a couple of men grabbed our bags and the host led us to our room.
Once we were inside and our things with us, I said, "Do not disturb us until lunch tomorrow. We have had a long journey and need to rest."
The host nodded and the bellboys left the room. Thelma turned to me and raised an eyebrow, "What did you mean by that?"
I rolled my eyes, "I'm going to go out and meet with the contact I was told about. You can come along if you'd like."
She looked pleased and went into the bathroom with the clothes I tossed her to change. I changed in the main room and in a few minutes we were both ready to depart out the window.
Once we were inside and our things with us, I said, "Do not disturb us until lunch tomorrow. We have had a long journey and need to rest."
The host nodded and the bellboys left the room. Thelma turned to me and raised an eyebrow, "What did you mean by that?"
I rolled my eyes, "I'm going to go out and meet with the contact I was told about. You can come along if you'd like."
She looked pleased and went into the bathroom with the clothes I tossed her to change. I changed in the main room and in a few minutes we were both ready to depart out the window.
Wednesday, March 11, 2009
Sir Lar
The large debtors’ village facing Turmhole Dam sat peacefully in the morning chill. A faint yet piercing breeze wove through the town, creating a tapestry of snow covered homes and drifting streets. All was quite except for the sound of river water, still flowing between frozen shores.
The still, cold morning air was interrupted by shouts coming from inside the upper tower of Sir Lar’s keep. “Father, you fool!” Sir Lar screamed as he read a letter regarding his father’s recent squeal to Bartholomew. “I will soon have Jerican swarming my Debtor yards.” He threw the letter into a crackling fire where it was consumed. “It will only be a matter of time before the Land Dragon project is found out. And with ten of the titans built and five more in construction there will be no way I will be able to move or even hide them in time.” Sir Lar put his arm against the mantle of his fire place and gazed into the flame. The room was warm and snug, but to Sir Lar it was suffocating. Beads of sweat began to form on his forehead. Sir Lar lowered his tone to a frantic whisper. “I guess losing Tristy wasn’t enough, he had to go and get me killed as well. I should have known that making any kind of deal with him was a bad idea. Never try to earn a profit by standing between a lapdog and his meat biscuit.”
The door to Sir Lar’s study opened slowly and Samuel Haley quietly entered the room. Sir Lar turned his head to see his old tutor then turned back to the flames.
“Tolgen, was that you making such a fit?” Samuel asked as he stepped into the center of the room. “Is something troubling you?”
“My father went and resigned us to the gallows, Sam. He reported to Bartholomew that I have been involved in some interesting projects.”
“Oh, Did he? That could be distressing.” Samuel Haley said with a hint of impassiveness. He walked to Sir Lar and placed a hand on his shoulder. “It will all be well, Tolgen… I wouldn’t worry too much about your safety.” Samuel left Sir Lar’s side and walked over to a bookshelf that was near the door.
Sir Lar turned to face his old friend. “I didn’t mean to greet you with that, Sam. How was your trip to West Port?”
“It was good… Productive is probably the better word.” Samuel Haley took a book from the shelf and leisurely brushed through the pages.“ I think you will be happy to know that I brought a visitor back with me from West Port. She is very eager to see you.”
Sir Lar left the fireplace and approached his heavy oak desk. He then lowered himself into a thick wooden chair. “Who from West Port would I have any interest in seeing?”
“Perhaps the dead.” Samuel Haley smiled and set the book he was holding back on the shelf. Sir Lar stared at the old man with a puzzled look on his face. Samuel Haley began searching through the spines of the books on the shelves. “I wouldn’t worry about Bartholomew and his agents… She won’t let anything happen to you.” He picked up another book from the bottom shelf and turned around to face Sir Lar. “I would be much more worried about her and her… Demons.”
“Who? What are you talking about, Sam!?” The beads of sweat that had built up on Sir Lars forehead now began to stream down the sides of his face.
Samuel ‘s turned his body toward Sir Lar. “Abatha… Tristy…” eight personages emerged from various points around the room almost as if they had come out of the walls. “…LAR!!” They all said in an unnatural unison.
Sir Lar stumbled out of his chair and backed against the window behind his desk. “What is this Samuel?” Steam and hissing came from the fireplace as the flames went dead. A faint blue light coming from outside the study’s window was the only thing that offered visibility to the room.
“Don’t be afraid, Tolgen.” whispered one of the eight personages as it crept into the light. “You don’t need to be afraid anymore.”
“Who are you?!” Sir Lar called back.
“I am Madness…Brother.” The personage came to the front of Sir Lar’s Desk and removed its hood, to reveal two unmistakable, big, blue eyes.
“Tristy!” Sir Lar said in disbelief.
“You’re lucky, Tolgen; you will find peace much earlier than me.” Tristy turned her back around and began to walk into the darkness of the room.
“Tristy, what are you…” her figure was replaced by a hail of arrows that quickly ended Sir Lar’s life.
“What are you thinking girl!!” Samuel shouted out as he ran to the body of Sir Lar. “I did not tell you to kill him.”
Tristy turned back to face her now deceased brother. “I spared him, Samuel. I did not want him to live in fear the way I do.” Tristy walked to the door “You made me this creature, so do not blame me if my actions seem unusual.” Tristy’s voice changed to a command, “See to it that Bartholomew receives all of the plans to Sir Lar’s projects.” Tristy and the seven other personages fled the room.
Samuel Haley knelt alone in the room with the body of Sir Lar. “I thought that she had come to protect you, Tolgen. It is dreadful that even I, a High Priest of Madness, could not have seen this move. I had no idea how perfectly she would fit her role as the new Legend of Madness.” Samuel pulled a white handkerchief from his breast coat pocket and laid it over Lar's face. “Although, I think she was right when she said that you were spared from this war. I only wish that she had chosen another way.”
The still, cold morning air was interrupted by shouts coming from inside the upper tower of Sir Lar’s keep. “Father, you fool!” Sir Lar screamed as he read a letter regarding his father’s recent squeal to Bartholomew. “I will soon have Jerican swarming my Debtor yards.” He threw the letter into a crackling fire where it was consumed. “It will only be a matter of time before the Land Dragon project is found out. And with ten of the titans built and five more in construction there will be no way I will be able to move or even hide them in time.” Sir Lar put his arm against the mantle of his fire place and gazed into the flame. The room was warm and snug, but to Sir Lar it was suffocating. Beads of sweat began to form on his forehead. Sir Lar lowered his tone to a frantic whisper. “I guess losing Tristy wasn’t enough, he had to go and get me killed as well. I should have known that making any kind of deal with him was a bad idea. Never try to earn a profit by standing between a lapdog and his meat biscuit.”
The door to Sir Lar’s study opened slowly and Samuel Haley quietly entered the room. Sir Lar turned his head to see his old tutor then turned back to the flames.
“Tolgen, was that you making such a fit?” Samuel asked as he stepped into the center of the room. “Is something troubling you?”
“My father went and resigned us to the gallows, Sam. He reported to Bartholomew that I have been involved in some interesting projects.”
“Oh, Did he? That could be distressing.” Samuel Haley said with a hint of impassiveness. He walked to Sir Lar and placed a hand on his shoulder. “It will all be well, Tolgen… I wouldn’t worry too much about your safety.” Samuel left Sir Lar’s side and walked over to a bookshelf that was near the door.
Sir Lar turned to face his old friend. “I didn’t mean to greet you with that, Sam. How was your trip to West Port?”
“It was good… Productive is probably the better word.” Samuel Haley took a book from the shelf and leisurely brushed through the pages.“ I think you will be happy to know that I brought a visitor back with me from West Port. She is very eager to see you.”
Sir Lar left the fireplace and approached his heavy oak desk. He then lowered himself into a thick wooden chair. “Who from West Port would I have any interest in seeing?”
“Perhaps the dead.” Samuel Haley smiled and set the book he was holding back on the shelf. Sir Lar stared at the old man with a puzzled look on his face. Samuel Haley began searching through the spines of the books on the shelves. “I wouldn’t worry about Bartholomew and his agents… She won’t let anything happen to you.” He picked up another book from the bottom shelf and turned around to face Sir Lar. “I would be much more worried about her and her… Demons.”
“Who? What are you talking about, Sam!?” The beads of sweat that had built up on Sir Lars forehead now began to stream down the sides of his face.
Samuel ‘s turned his body toward Sir Lar. “Abatha… Tristy…” eight personages emerged from various points around the room almost as if they had come out of the walls. “…LAR!!” They all said in an unnatural unison.
Sir Lar stumbled out of his chair and backed against the window behind his desk. “What is this Samuel?” Steam and hissing came from the fireplace as the flames went dead. A faint blue light coming from outside the study’s window was the only thing that offered visibility to the room.
“Don’t be afraid, Tolgen.” whispered one of the eight personages as it crept into the light. “You don’t need to be afraid anymore.”
“Who are you?!” Sir Lar called back.
“I am Madness…Brother.” The personage came to the front of Sir Lar’s Desk and removed its hood, to reveal two unmistakable, big, blue eyes.
“Tristy!” Sir Lar said in disbelief.
“You’re lucky, Tolgen; you will find peace much earlier than me.” Tristy turned her back around and began to walk into the darkness of the room.
“Tristy, what are you…” her figure was replaced by a hail of arrows that quickly ended Sir Lar’s life.
“What are you thinking girl!!” Samuel shouted out as he ran to the body of Sir Lar. “I did not tell you to kill him.”
Tristy turned back to face her now deceased brother. “I spared him, Samuel. I did not want him to live in fear the way I do.” Tristy walked to the door “You made me this creature, so do not blame me if my actions seem unusual.” Tristy’s voice changed to a command, “See to it that Bartholomew receives all of the plans to Sir Lar’s projects.” Tristy and the seven other personages fled the room.
Samuel Haley knelt alone in the room with the body of Sir Lar. “I thought that she had come to protect you, Tolgen. It is dreadful that even I, a High Priest of Madness, could not have seen this move. I had no idea how perfectly she would fit her role as the new Legend of Madness.” Samuel pulled a white handkerchief from his breast coat pocket and laid it over Lar's face. “Although, I think she was right when she said that you were spared from this war. I only wish that she had chosen another way.”
A Dark Man, continued
He rode slowly up to the gate and saw the women sitting there waiting for him. He was pleased, but didn't let his expression show it.
"Good day ladies," He said as he brought the wagon to a halt. "I guess this means you've made up your minds." He helped them both aboard the wagon, "Don't worry. It will take a little while to get to Westport, but I'll make sure you get there."
(Yes, I know, extremely short. He is not a man of many words.)
"Good day ladies," He said as he brought the wagon to a halt. "I guess this means you've made up your minds." He helped them both aboard the wagon, "Don't worry. It will take a little while to get to Westport, but I'll make sure you get there."
(Yes, I know, extremely short. He is not a man of many words.)
Tuesday, March 10, 2009
Amber
After picking up the remains of Bruce's note, Gertrude and I discussed what the man had said.
"can you believe those two left us?! they just left us! And all they gave us was a name?!" Gertrude kept going on an on.
I don't know what she was so worried about. the man seemed sincere to me.
"I think we should trust him, especially since neither of us know how to get to West Port.
"What other choice do we have? Lord and Lady Dinli ditched us at the physician's home."
I gradually started feeling better as the day went on. We decided to return the physician's cart and meet the man in an hour. I was still a little unstable, so Gertie let me ride on her back. She was so good to me, like the sister I never had.
"I can't believe you let me carry on like that, I must've looked like a blithering idiot to those town people."
"Well, you will never see them again, so don't worry about it too much."
When we got to the gate, she set me on the ground. We didn't see the man, so we looked around. After a few minutes we decided to sit on the ground and wait for him, that is if he was ever going to show up.
"can you believe those two left us?! they just left us! And all they gave us was a name?!" Gertrude kept going on an on.
I don't know what she was so worried about. the man seemed sincere to me.
"I think we should trust him, especially since neither of us know how to get to West Port.
"What other choice do we have? Lord and Lady Dinli ditched us at the physician's home."
I gradually started feeling better as the day went on. We decided to return the physician's cart and meet the man in an hour. I was still a little unstable, so Gertie let me ride on her back. She was so good to me, like the sister I never had.
"I can't believe you let me carry on like that, I must've looked like a blithering idiot to those town people."
"Well, you will never see them again, so don't worry about it too much."
When we got to the gate, she set me on the ground. We didn't see the man, so we looked around. After a few minutes we decided to sit on the ground and wait for him, that is if he was ever going to show up.
The Dark Shrouded Man
He shrugged as she didn't seem to understand his statement.
"It seems you don't know yet what I speak of," He turned away but said softly. "Your friend went to Westport, I can take you there if you desire. Don't worry I don't mean to harm you."
"Who are you?" He smiled slightly as she asked.
"My identity is unimportant," He turned back. "Your friend appears to have amnesia. Probably temporary but two women shouldn't travel alone these days. It is not as safe as it used to be."
Gertrude stood up and couldn't decide what to say. She could barely hear him whisper, "I miss the old days."
"It's your choice young lady," He glanced back at her. "You can come with me and be safer or go alone and take your chances with the weather and the bandits."
"You are going to help me for free?" She asked.
He laughed, "No, if you don't have the money, I'm sure that noble friend of yours does. Pay me whatever you have on you and I'll give you my word that I'll deliver you safely to your friend in Westport or die in the attempt." He rose and became even more menacing as he spoke, but his words bore conviction that he spoke the truth. "Meet me at the gate out of the city in an hour if you want to go."
"It seems you don't know yet what I speak of," He turned away but said softly. "Your friend went to Westport, I can take you there if you desire. Don't worry I don't mean to harm you."
"Who are you?" He smiled slightly as she asked.
"My identity is unimportant," He turned back. "Your friend appears to have amnesia. Probably temporary but two women shouldn't travel alone these days. It is not as safe as it used to be."
Gertrude stood up and couldn't decide what to say. She could barely hear him whisper, "I miss the old days."
"It's your choice young lady," He glanced back at her. "You can come with me and be safer or go alone and take your chances with the weather and the bandits."
"You are going to help me for free?" She asked.
He laughed, "No, if you don't have the money, I'm sure that noble friend of yours does. Pay me whatever you have on you and I'll give you my word that I'll deliver you safely to your friend in Westport or die in the attempt." He rose and became even more menacing as he spoke, but his words bore conviction that he spoke the truth. "Meet me at the gate out of the city in an hour if you want to go."
Monday, March 9, 2009
Gertrude
"My, what do we have here?" the doctor inquired as Bruce introduced us and laid the girl on the bed, "looks like the young lady had a stroke of bad luck."
"you're telling me." I muttered. I was about to ask Bruce what to do, but when I turned around he was gone. great, what am I supposed to do now? sure, he gave me a note, but I can't read it dummy!
"So what exactly happened?" the doctor began examining girl.
"What a funny nose you have. has it always been that way?"
"please excuse her bad manners, she was hit by a large pine cone, or rather it fell on her."
"Oh, I've seen those, they can be quite deadly if you're not careful. Well, there isn't much more I can do for her. just keep doing what you've been doing. keep her awake for the next twelve hours or so if you can. I will loan you my cart, so you can wheel her around. Just be sure to return it as soon as she recovers from this delusional state she's in."
"sure thing." I helped him get the girl into the cart (like a wheel barrow) and then waved goodbye.
"ok," I began to speak to the girl once we got outside "you still haven't told me your name."
"oh it's Amber."
"Amber (if that's really your name) can you read?"
"of course! any fool can read! see that sign tailor. and that one butcher. and. . ."
"I believe you!" I then handed her the note Bruce gave me, "can you tell me what this says?"
Just as I was handing her the note, a man with a bushy mustache went rushing by me chasing a little boy with bright orange hair. his coat flapped in the wind, knocking the paper away from Amber's hands.
"bye bye birdie, fly away to your mother."
the paper flew about, dodging people as I chased it, until finally it fell to the ground. I was about to pick it up when a man with black boots stepped on it, nearly on my hand. I looked up into his dark eyes, he made me nervous. I was frozen with fear, he seemed to know who I was, but I had no idea who he was.
"you have something that belongs to me."
I shook my head, confused, "no. no sir, I don't have anything. . ."
"you're telling me." I muttered. I was about to ask Bruce what to do, but when I turned around he was gone. great, what am I supposed to do now? sure, he gave me a note, but I can't read it dummy!
"So what exactly happened?" the doctor began examining girl.
"What a funny nose you have. has it always been that way?"
"please excuse her bad manners, she was hit by a large pine cone, or rather it fell on her."
"Oh, I've seen those, they can be quite deadly if you're not careful. Well, there isn't much more I can do for her. just keep doing what you've been doing. keep her awake for the next twelve hours or so if you can. I will loan you my cart, so you can wheel her around. Just be sure to return it as soon as she recovers from this delusional state she's in."
"sure thing." I helped him get the girl into the cart (like a wheel barrow) and then waved goodbye.
"ok," I began to speak to the girl once we got outside "you still haven't told me your name."
"oh it's Amber."
"Amber (if that's really your name) can you read?"
"of course! any fool can read! see that sign tailor. and that one butcher. and. . ."
"I believe you!" I then handed her the note Bruce gave me, "can you tell me what this says?"
Just as I was handing her the note, a man with a bushy mustache went rushing by me chasing a little boy with bright orange hair. his coat flapped in the wind, knocking the paper away from Amber's hands.
"bye bye birdie, fly away to your mother."
the paper flew about, dodging people as I chased it, until finally it fell to the ground. I was about to pick it up when a man with black boots stepped on it, nearly on my hand. I looked up into his dark eyes, he made me nervous. I was frozen with fear, he seemed to know who I was, but I had no idea who he was.
"you have something that belongs to me."
I shook my head, confused, "no. no sir, I don't have anything. . ."
Sunday, March 8, 2009
Bartholomew
He knew he had a lot of enemies but he still had to see it for himself. He smiled as he came into view and a feeling of victory swelled within him. The feeling subsided quickly as he realized the battle was only beginning, the key was still no where to be found. It had slipped through his spies and eluded his armies.
"Isn't the destruction of these monks and their monastery most precious, my lord?" One of his mistresses asked.
He grinned, "Yes, but something isn't right about it. They have searched the catacombs and cleared them out as well, correct?"
The general to his left nodded, "And they did fight hard but they and the one they called Master Taldonis died fighting to protect the place."
"Good, by week's end we march on this nation's capitol city and in a few months we will toast to victory inside their palace walls."
If I can't have the key, I'll just take over the old fashioned way. It will cost more lives, but those are easy enough to come by.
"Isn't the destruction of these monks and their monastery most precious, my lord?" One of his mistresses asked.
He grinned, "Yes, but something isn't right about it. They have searched the catacombs and cleared them out as well, correct?"
The general to his left nodded, "And they did fight hard but they and the one they called Master Taldonis died fighting to protect the place."
"Good, by week's end we march on this nation's capitol city and in a few months we will toast to victory inside their palace walls."
If I can't have the key, I'll just take over the old fashioned way. It will cost more lives, but those are easy enough to come by.
Friday, March 6, 2009
Lord Lar
Lord Lar stood up from his beautifully embroidered chair and surveyed the masses of people dancing about the magnificent West Wing ball chamber of the Tabakka. He smiled at the grandeur of the majestic palace. All of the thousands of people dancing about were men and women of power and influence. Dukes, Generals, Ladies of the northern courts, leaders of various religious sects, even a tribal lord from a distant land; all stood below him on the ball room floor, being intoxicated over Bartholomew’s physical vision of power and potential standard of civilization. Of all my strong wines, of all my sweet chemicals, this city was the greatest of my mind consumers. So many of these nobles and aristocrats have come to this country to discuss the possibility of war, but this place has sent them home with wonder and amazement. What else could diswayed the most stoic minds of this world, leaning on the verge of breaking into war? Only West Port has that power. Everything from the grand palaces to the skyward towers, to the glistening markets, to the vast and intimidating fleet off the miraculous docks, down to captivating Dark Districts; all were a testament to the world of the power of this Empire. This is the beautiful mask of Bartholomew’s magnificent kingdom and I, Lord Henry Gilden Lar, am its Master and Commander.
I watched as the final dance concluded for the evening and listened to Duke Eldrey’s public address on his splendid visit to West Port. That bribe had cost a pretty penny, but it was worth it to have such a distinguished member of Northern Parliament confirm the wonder of West Port in front of this prestigious crowd.
When the crowd had dispersed I stood and began to walk to my bed chambers. An alchemist apprentice being escorted by a West Port Guard intercepted me during my transit.
The Alchemists began to speak, “My Lord, Dr. Leveret would like to present some new products for your approval.”
I, of course, approved. I loved a good visit to the Chemical facilities under the Dark Districts. Perhaps the good Dr. will have some free samples. I inquired as to what I was reviewing.
The apprentice Alchemist leaned closer. “My Lord, We have developed several solutions that you should find… beneficial to Bartholomew’s cause.”
I watched as the final dance concluded for the evening and listened to Duke Eldrey’s public address on his splendid visit to West Port. That bribe had cost a pretty penny, but it was worth it to have such a distinguished member of Northern Parliament confirm the wonder of West Port in front of this prestigious crowd.
When the crowd had dispersed I stood and began to walk to my bed chambers. An alchemist apprentice being escorted by a West Port Guard intercepted me during my transit.
The Alchemists began to speak, “My Lord, Dr. Leveret would like to present some new products for your approval.”
I, of course, approved. I loved a good visit to the Chemical facilities under the Dark Districts. Perhaps the good Dr. will have some free samples. I inquired as to what I was reviewing.
The apprentice Alchemist leaned closer. “My Lord, We have developed several solutions that you should find… beneficial to Bartholomew’s cause.”
Vahn Grey
The trip had gone along smoothly, better than could have been hoped considering. Then again I had hired extra guards for the caravan considering the people we were escorting. Lord Dinli had chosen a very good time to come along though, passage in and out of Westport was becoming tenuous. A noble's presence would surely forestall any long holdups at the customs house.
"Vahn," Bruce was calling to me. "You look troubled what is it?"
"It's just," He sighed. "Your being here eases my worries and increases them."
"I understand," He had a steady face. "Do not be troubled. I will not be in your hair for long. The gates are approaching." He pointed to the gates.
The guards began the routine inspection and opened one of the boxes of goods. I handed the guard who approached me my trading license and my manifest. He glanced at them both and then asked Lord Dinli a few questions about his homeland. He answered them flawlessly, of course, and the guard didn't seem to know if the questions were correct and so he moved on and finished the inspection.
"Alright you are clear, go on ahead." He waved for the caravan to pass through into the city and we began making our way to the warehouse.
"Vahn," Bruce was calling to me. "You look troubled what is it?"
"It's just," He sighed. "Your being here eases my worries and increases them."
"I understand," He had a steady face. "Do not be troubled. I will not be in your hair for long. The gates are approaching." He pointed to the gates.
The guards began the routine inspection and opened one of the boxes of goods. I handed the guard who approached me my trading license and my manifest. He glanced at them both and then asked Lord Dinli a few questions about his homeland. He answered them flawlessly, of course, and the guard didn't seem to know if the questions were correct and so he moved on and finished the inspection.
"Alright you are clear, go on ahead." He waved for the caravan to pass through into the city and we began making our way to the warehouse.
Lord Dinli
We arrived a few hours before sunset. We went to the doctors house first and I dropped off Gertrude and Mira, with a letter for Gertrude that contained some money and a contact when she was done taking care of Mira. She'd be meeting back up with us in Westport.
I brought the carriage to the docks where the wagons were just finishing being loaded up. I saw a familiar face at the head of the wagons.
"Lord Dinli," He bowed slightly when he saw me.
I hopped down from the wagon and shook his hand, "Vahn Grey, please call me Bruce, it's good to see you again. It's been nearly a year now. You've changed quite a bit, you seem, happier now."
"A lot of things that had burdened me have been removed from my mind," He smirked. "Let's get those horses switched out and get a move on. We'd best be on the road, tight schedule to keep and in about two months we will make it to Westport."
I brought the carriage to the docks where the wagons were just finishing being loaded up. I saw a familiar face at the head of the wagons.
"Lord Dinli," He bowed slightly when he saw me.
I hopped down from the wagon and shook his hand, "Vahn Grey, please call me Bruce, it's good to see you again. It's been nearly a year now. You've changed quite a bit, you seem, happier now."
"A lot of things that had burdened me have been removed from my mind," He smirked. "Let's get those horses switched out and get a move on. We'd best be on the road, tight schedule to keep and in about two months we will make it to Westport."
randy and the passing of time
(top of a hill)
“Well, well, well” brushing some dirt off his cheek, his eyes watered as he saw the gates of west port. “What a glorious sight” months had passed and taking out jerican had began to weigh on Randolph. Though it wasn’t all bad, Tamitha had grown a full inch.
Sad thing though Tamitha had probably seen more then a combat medic though not to the same ends.
Staring at the comfortable sight of West port, Tamitha broke the silence and ran “I can finally take a bath!”
R. “girls”
Catching a few more glimpses of terrain, before he tried to catch up, noticing something odd about the city. It seemed to be split in half. One half devoted to tents and seemed rather run down the other fairly normal but odd just the same.
---(bottom of the hill and near the entrance)
“Hey wait up.” called Randy as they approached the main gate
“Well, that’s intriguing mates; never quite saw a four foot soldier before.” Referring to Tamithas wearing of chainmail.
“Well may we enter?” randy asked the guard.
“It’d be my pleasure… if it being you have the toal payment.” Indignant at the slight taunting, Tamitha and randy looked at each other.
---(the other side of the gate)
Meandering in town again, the alias Carnigin the magnificent had again been revived. Though no actual performances done just as of yet, though the wair of there jurny shown on the old mans face. “Few first stop the inn.” Tamitha offered no resistance.
---(in a shady office high in a tower near the main gate)
A heavily armored man rushing into a wooden office slightly a pant he bluttered “Sir you know missing jerican in the round about cities. I think the Jerican slayer is hear!”
“Max, I know” the shadowy figure swiveled around in his chair revealing from the window a man hung upside down in a court yard down below squirming for his freedom.
“Well, well, well” brushing some dirt off his cheek, his eyes watered as he saw the gates of west port. “What a glorious sight” months had passed and taking out jerican had began to weigh on Randolph. Though it wasn’t all bad, Tamitha had grown a full inch.
Sad thing though Tamitha had probably seen more then a combat medic though not to the same ends.
Staring at the comfortable sight of West port, Tamitha broke the silence and ran “I can finally take a bath!”
R. “girls”
Catching a few more glimpses of terrain, before he tried to catch up, noticing something odd about the city. It seemed to be split in half. One half devoted to tents and seemed rather run down the other fairly normal but odd just the same.
---(bottom of the hill and near the entrance)
“Hey wait up.” called Randy as they approached the main gate
“Well, that’s intriguing mates; never quite saw a four foot soldier before.” Referring to Tamithas wearing of chainmail.
“Well may we enter?” randy asked the guard.
“It’d be my pleasure… if it being you have the toal payment.” Indignant at the slight taunting, Tamitha and randy looked at each other.
---(the other side of the gate)
Meandering in town again, the alias Carnigin the magnificent had again been revived. Though no actual performances done just as of yet, though the wair of there jurny shown on the old mans face. “Few first stop the inn.” Tamitha offered no resistance.
---(in a shady office high in a tower near the main gate)
A heavily armored man rushing into a wooden office slightly a pant he bluttered “Sir you know missing jerican in the round about cities. I think the Jerican slayer is hear!”
“Max, I know” the shadowy figure swiveled around in his chair revealing from the window a man hung upside down in a court yard down below squirming for his freedom.
Thursday, March 5, 2009
Lord Dinli
I ran quickly to the carriage and hopped inside. Gertrude was patching the injury and I laughed slightly.
The girl, Mira, was only semiconscious and the injury wasn't actually that large.
"The bleeding isn't that bad," I relaxed. "Just a concussion." I concluded as I checked her eyes. "As soon as Thelma gets back we'll be on our way."
I turned to go before pulling out the small wooden box and handing it to Gertrude. I didn't respond to her curious glance and I hopped out of the carriage to face Thelma.
I smiled, "This is for you." I handed her a piece of wood attached to a string that would, as for as Mira was concerned, look like the key. "And don't worry about girl, she'll be fine in a few hours. Just a little bump on the head."
Thelma looked very relieved and I helped her into the carriage before I began driving to the next town.
The girl, Mira, was only semiconscious and the injury wasn't actually that large.
"The bleeding isn't that bad," I relaxed. "Just a concussion." I concluded as I checked her eyes. "As soon as Thelma gets back we'll be on our way."
I turned to go before pulling out the small wooden box and handing it to Gertrude. I didn't respond to her curious glance and I hopped out of the carriage to face Thelma.
I smiled, "This is for you." I handed her a piece of wood attached to a string that would, as for as Mira was concerned, look like the key. "And don't worry about girl, she'll be fine in a few hours. Just a little bump on the head."
Thelma looked very relieved and I helped her into the carriage before I began driving to the next town.
Cordell
I couldn't stand it anymore, Bonita had nearly killed that poor girl and she barely seemed to care, surely Will can do something. He was off a short distance in the forest whittling with a knife. He seemed lost in thought and unsure how to act next.
"Wi-- I mean Bruce," He looked up at my words. I wasn't sure what to say.
He stood when he saw my face, "What's wrong Thelma?"
"It's about Gertrude," I was concerned and his face became more serious. "She hurt a girl in the forest and I'm afraid she's going to die."
I couldn't stop myself and I began to cry as he took me in his arms. He spoke softly, "I have to go check now." He sheathed the small knife and took off running with the trinket he had crafted.
"Wi-- I mean Bruce," He looked up at my words. I wasn't sure what to say.
He stood when he saw my face, "What's wrong Thelma?"
"It's about Gertrude," I was concerned and his face became more serious. "She hurt a girl in the forest and I'm afraid she's going to die."
I couldn't stop myself and I began to cry as he took me in his arms. He spoke softly, "I have to go check now." He sheathed the small knife and took off running with the trinket he had crafted.
Wednesday, March 4, 2009
Gertrude
"I don't want a fight. I just want to know what you're doing." She didn't seem to comprehend. She got completely up, and seemed very weak. apparently I hit her a lot harder than I thought She reminded me of a drunk soldier, the way she staggered about trying to hit me with her dagger.
"Come now, you're much too week. I could easily take you down. Come, give me the weapon."
We circled one another a little, while I shot questions at her. After a while it had become quite humorous, "Vi Ver yu Spyin on Loord Deenlee uzin da teenkel vood?" I said with an accent matching my name. The girl grinned and dropped her weapon. Her knees began to buckle, I caught her just in time.
"Who is Lard Deeny? What is you--ooo what a pretty flower."
"Come, let's get Thelma to find us something to stitch that wound before you lose anymore blood."
Practically throwing the girl into the carriage where Thelma and I slept I said, "time to wake up, I need your help."
"Wha--? who is this?"
"She was spying on us."
"So you beat her up?" Thelma started backing away.
"No, stupid. I hit her with a pine cone. Give me something to stitch her up with."
"That must have been some pine cone. Does Bruce know?"
I chuckled a little, "it's his fault we're in this mess."
"what did he do?"
"You don't want to know. Come on, just help me before she passes out. If she goes to sleep she may not wake up."
Thelma's eyes got wide, and I could see a little compassion in them. She held up the girl's head while I stitched it. "Hey, honey, it will be ok. Stay with me here. what is your name?"
"Have you ever seen a unicorn? I want a unicorn. Gosh, you're pretty."
I just rolled my eyes. Thelma was getting concerned, her eyes started to glisten as if she truly cared about this girl. "Oh, why did you have to hit her so hard?"
"I was trained to hunt rabbits, how was I supposed to know it was lethal to humans?"
"Come now, you're much too week. I could easily take you down. Come, give me the weapon."
We circled one another a little, while I shot questions at her. After a while it had become quite humorous, "Vi Ver yu Spyin on Loord Deenlee uzin da teenkel vood?" I said with an accent matching my name. The girl grinned and dropped her weapon. Her knees began to buckle, I caught her just in time.
"Who is Lard Deeny? What is you--ooo what a pretty flower."
"Come, let's get Thelma to find us something to stitch that wound before you lose anymore blood."
Practically throwing the girl into the carriage where Thelma and I slept I said, "time to wake up, I need your help."
"Wha--? who is this?"
"She was spying on us."
"So you beat her up?" Thelma started backing away.
"No, stupid. I hit her with a pine cone. Give me something to stitch her up with."
"That must have been some pine cone. Does Bruce know?"
I chuckled a little, "it's his fault we're in this mess."
"what did he do?"
"You don't want to know. Come on, just help me before she passes out. If she goes to sleep she may not wake up."
Thelma's eyes got wide, and I could see a little compassion in them. She held up the girl's head while I stitched it. "Hey, honey, it will be ok. Stay with me here. what is your name?"
"Have you ever seen a unicorn? I want a unicorn. Gosh, you're pretty."
I just rolled my eyes. Thelma was getting concerned, her eyes started to glisten as if she truly cared about this girl. "Oh, why did you have to hit her so hard?"
"I was trained to hunt rabbits, how was I supposed to know it was lethal to humans?"
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