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For many seasons had the citadel of Kilkenne, true Emperor of the Northlands lie dormant. For too many had it been falling into neglect. But in the last week, masses have been on the move, all going North. All bearing the black Cross, set against the deep Crimson of the flags. Kilkenne was returning to his ancestral grounds. He was back.
Millions flocked to him, from all through mossflower, bearing well-kept armour, looking as it did the day that the Militia was disbanded. Now was to be a new order in the North. A strong one. Looking towards the mountains, any beast in Mossflower can hear the dull pounding of drums, and sometimes they may see the well-ordered drill marching of the rats and stoats, all in the lorica segmentata of the Imperial Forces of the North. All in synchronization. All with one thing on their minds.
And so the rumour grew, reaching even the lowest parts of Southsward...Kilkenne had returned...But he was dead?
The rumours grew.
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The now sparkling Castle Galathrad, the new palace of Emperor Aubres, was abrim with activity. After having gained the emperorship, Aubres had become sluggish and content, not at all like what he should have been for the horrible events to come. This new Castle, built for comfort and gaudiness, was placed in the Southlands so that the Emperor's guests could avoid being frozen in the cold winds of the North. As such, Aubres' influence dwindled in what was once his most powerful province. Also, news traveled slowly between the two lands, for the distance was great. By the time the news of the strange gatherings and the mysterious and powerful followers bearing the arms of "The Black Cross", the movement was already in full swing. The Emperor, always a keen politician, wanted to know what this strange army was, and if it would serve Him as a protector of his vast realms. He soon sent a large caravan straight to what once was, and still may be, the Citadel of Kilkenne. This huge castle, which could almost be termed as a city with walls because of it's size, was one of the most formidable castles in all of RWL. Long assumed to be taken as a possession by either bandits or a petty warlord in the North, it was most surprising to see Kilkenne's flag waving a new within it's walls. Kilkenne and Aubres had once been allies, long ago, the friendship now shrouded by the mists of time. It was for this same reason Aubres was so eager to send his best followers on this dangerous mission. The Emperor waited many days for the caravan to return, and as always, was impatient. When the caravan finally arrived, most of the caravan were gone, and the few followers that were left were barely alive. Only one wildcat, half-starved and near to Dark Gates survived the night after the caravan was in view of Castle Galathrad, and he made little or no sense at all. The only words they could get out of his pitiful delirious being before he died were "Kilkenne...Black Cross...Allied...Death." the one word that made that poor soul jump with fear was Kilkenne. His very being shook when the name was uttered near him. Death was the word he spoke most, and with the most fervency. Aubres took this as a good omen, thinking that Kilkenne had agreed to ally with him, but many were afraid. One thing was for sure...
Something was brewing in the Northlands.
There was silence throughout the floating raft-citadel of the Pentephraxis Legion. The entire population, mainly composed of sailors, had gathered round the main building to hear what the Lady Ashyra Nightwing had to say.
There was a squeaking of rusty hinges as the large wooden door opened.
Out stepped a wildcat. A small wildcat. Thinner, more tired-looking than the Ashyra of old, but definitely the same wildcat. She cleared her throat and began to speak.
"Ahem. Er.. well... It seems that there have been some very strange rumours flying about. Beasts saying that Kilkenne has returned from the dead? Well... it is true."
A shocked muttering ran through the crowd. Creatures returning from the dead? And our Great Commander believes it? Is she insane?
"No, I am not insane," said Ashyra, as if reading their minds. "Look. We should be passing the castle now."
She pointed to her left. Above the ramshackle buildings and market squares, far off into the distance, somewhere on land, a flag could be seen.
The Black Cross.
(Whoo, back from school)
At the Warlords' Headquarters, Shael sat at the bar, wearily sipping her morning tea, staring into the polished mixing bowl behind the counter, her mind elsewhere. Quite suddenly, the door of the bar crashed open, and a female ferret breathlessly and carelessly made her way over to Shael's area, knocking over several chairs.
The younger weasel twisted on her bar stool, still holding her tea cup, stared up into her second-in-command's anxious eyes, a little annoyed.
"Rayla, this must be important. For your sake." Rayla nodded quickly, and spoke.
"Milady...it's Kilk. There are rumors circulating around the wood that...he's back." Crash! Shael dropped the teacup, and the steaming liquid swirled across the polished wooden floor as Shael grabbed Rayla's shoulders.
At first she just stared, her heart pounding and threatening to explode, processing the information. Then she said weakly, "Kilk? When? Where? How?"
Rayla shook her head, not surprised by her mistress's reaction. "The messengers informed me only this early morning. Most assume he's coming from the Northlands."
Shael mentally berated herself for not being able to know he was coming from the Northlands, but still in shock, she sank to the floor in the puddle of tea.
"Kilk, you can't do that. You're dead. That's not possible. Everyone heard...how you died...Rayla, what proof do the messengers have of this? Surely they're not taking some crippled fox's word for this? It wasn't..."
"Yes, Milady. They saw the-"
"Black Cross." Shael finished, her doubts confirmed as her heart gave a leap. "Rayla, rouse my Guard Legion. We leave now."
"Yes, Milady. Right away." And the obedient ferret raced to do her bidding. Shael stood, squeezing the tea from her dress, muttering under her breath. "What a way to start off the day...learning an old clanmate returned from the dead...almost gave me a heart attack. I swear I'll choke you till you turn blue when I catch up to you Kilk, for all this...worrying me to death..."
A black mist ran through Southward. Dead Eye, The Dark warrior of Southward, sat at the top of his huge castle. A figure was running through his hall. A rat, a messanger.
"Sir! Your forces have been hit by an army all wearing the black cross!" the rat yelled.
" The black cross...but he was killed by Ereptor. How, it makes no sense! The Dark Lord killed him!"
Dead Eye screamed. He remembered the day when he had taken up Blades with Kilk and saw Kilk fall at ereptor's sword. HE himself had been the Leader of the Free People, only under command by the Freedom Fighters. Kilk had fallen, and Dead Eye and the rest lost all hope of ereptor falling.
"So he is alive. The dog. Lived past Ereptor even. The days coming shall be interesting."
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The North Emperor strolled leisurely about his mountain stronghold, laughing at the reports he was getting as the envoys from various warlords roll in. His attacks had surprised all, and the retaliations had come, but he was through attacking. His course was but to regain his former domain in the North, no more, no less.
To DeadEye, he sent this;
"Dearest Ally,
Though you are still a strong warlord, I did not expect that the Horde bearing that name was yours. I extend my apologies for the onslaught, but with such a horde name, I did not know it was you. There will soon be a summit in the North, and I will reveal all intentions. Be there if you want to know.
~Kilkenne, The Emperor of the North Returned
"
As he looked over the short message and handed it to his messenger, a hooded, caped ferret drew into the room, and whispered something in his one good ear.
"You've done well." And the Emperor drew off to his officer's quarters to rouse the Honour Guard.
* * *
"It has come to my attention that the Lady Shael is coming. I want the Guard out in full arms. You are to escort her here. For the rest of you, ready the stronghold for anything...War...even a celebration. I want everybeast and the citadel in their finery in two days' time." He withdrew back to his keep, where he awaited the time that they would all come...
"Ah good." Dead Eye finished reading the message. Then he strolled to his captain.
"Gather the men. We leave these lands to go to the cold north! Kilk is returning!"
ooc: *pokes Tania* You don't have to be high up or anything, just add something for the fun of it.
And I have a strong urge to move this to the role-play forum, but no one will ever catch it there, so here it stays.
bic:
Shael was dressed in her traveling clothes, a tunic and long cape, as she shouted out orders to her private Guard as they moved swiftly over the plains, towards Kilk's mountain stronghold. "Quickly now! Watch the ledge! With luck on our side, we can be there within a couple days." She ran on ahead, spurred on by the thought of meeting an old friend she thought gone forever.
Rayla started jogging next to her. "Milady, I think we should make camp soon."
Shael nodded. "Soon, not now. Wait till the sun is hidden behind the trees. We'll waste no time." She called to her running comrades. "Faster, now, come on, you remember his castle! Think of the beds and food you can have, don't tire! Aye, that's the spirit!"
"Sir, we are now in the northlands. You can see Kilk's army over there!" Captain Urav pointed west.
"Kilk...Tell the army to stay here and set camp. Leave captain Koran here with them, then gather my officers and my personal guard and we will move North in an hour." Dead Eye pulled Urav over to him "Tell them to be well armed. I am not quite sure how Kilk will act to me, since after he "died" I started serving Ereptor during the dark ages"
The Duke John of Northern Allegiance, formerly of the Hexans, motioned to the messenger. "Bring me the scroll." The messenger was half dead, one of several John had had on the edge of Duke Aubres land. John took the scroll and looked through it. "Ahh, so Aubres has fallen. It saddens me much." He looked through it more carefully. "The.....Black Cross......flies again? But.....how can this.....I saw him fall......*looks around* "You see my flag?" he asked. "The new new one with the red and black?" "Yes,lord." The stoat asked. " We have 20 in the back room like it. Get 20 stoats like yourself to carry that. But also, find 20 Wildcats, of my own race, and go down to the bottom layer of my castle. Bring out the flag of the Hexans. The Blue Sphere shall fly with the Black Cross again."
ooc: Heh. But it's nice to see how many people here can be role-players when they feel like it...
bic:
Barely dawn, Shael roused her drowsy Guard, ready to be on the move. They continued to move across the plains, at a fast pace, the mountains becoming more visible.
The young female weasel continued to lead the party, a couple steps ahead of them, with Rayla jogging to keep up with her at intervals to relay their status.
"Milady, Lirah wished me to tell you something."
Shael continued walking briskly. "Speak, then."
"She has the sharpest eyes, you know, and she says she can see some figures in the distance."
"Figures? Vermin or woodlander?"
"She is certain they are vermin."
"What are they doing? Just standing there, or what?"
"She wasn't exactly clear on this, milady, but she claims they're heading towards us."
Shael's eyes brightened, and she quickened her pace, beckoning the others to do the same. "I've never known Lirah to be wrong before, and we're already on the border of Kilk's domain. If they're coming straight for us, it can only mean Kilk knows we're coming and he's sent an escort."
And the twenty female warriors went racing across the plain, and before long, they were within talking distance of the escort party.
Rayla announced breathlessly, "Hail...the Lady Shael Varonne, Empress of Mossflower, to meet Kilkenne, Emperor of the Northlands! We venture here in peace."
Shael walked the last few steps, breathing as normally as she could, not from running, but from seeing and recognizing Kilk's soldiers bearing the Black Cross. She stood there, patiently, almost defiantly, waiting for an answer, not minding the fact she was a head shorter than he was.
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The Captain stopped, his cohort of 200 stopping behind him, still in marching rank, all looking straight ahead, no noise coming from them. THe lone ferret, dressed in his finest lorica segmentata vest and red cloak bearing the Black Cross strode across the open grounds, followed by none as he approached the Lady Shael.
"His honour extends his best to thee." He says cordially, then breaks into a grin. "He sends word that in one day's time, you will be at the Citadel, enjoying yourself among other leaders of the World. We are here to make sure you get there."
The captain lifts his short sword from it's scabbard and holds it straight aloft over his head as the 200 march forward, synchronized, forming walls on each side of Shael's band, not speaking, carrying either their spears or standards bearing a short, familiar red and black flag. The cross.
Before they begin the march, the Captain has one last envoy to extend, "The Emperor says he has something that you lost a long time ago, and also has decided that I am to not leave your side throughout your stay, save when you are in your quarters. Do you agree on his judgement?" His crimson helmet-crest ruffled in the cool Northern breeze as his dark blue eyes remained locked on Shael, perfectly disiplined, awaiting response.
Dead Eye halted his 300 as a lone ferret ran up the hill from the west. The ferret ran up to him, coughing a little.
"Sir...a large group of vermain make their way from that way.." the ferret pointed "I could not tell what flag they hold, but they are well armed. We believe that they are Shael and some of Kilks What should we do?"
"Urav! Tell them to get in formation. Send out a patrol of 20 rats to march ahead of us. Get the archers in back" Dead Eye drew his famous rapiers, Saboth and Ravor. "We move now!"
The day had been dark. Hopeless. The Rebel Usr had taken his mighty fleet of galleons, precursor-class frigates, and battleships, all highly advanced in their design, and swarmed the waterways of Aubres' land. Every major city was taken in the ensuing battles, and there was no-one who could stand up to the mighty fleet that Usr had fielded. Aubres had fallen into the inevitable trap that all must fall into someday. Defeat. He and his followers made a last stand in his hometown of Galathrad. The Marines, coming onshore from the River Nahala, overpowered the tiny and poorly-equipped Militia from the town. Aubres was captured. And Executed. The entire village was burned to the ground, and no-one escaped. Not even the babies, nor the old ones. Everything, and everyone in that small country village, was no more after that evil day.
But there was one who managed to escape the horrible destruction that day. Agglan Muirscant. After the first few major territories fell, Aubres knew he would not survive anothe fornight against Usr. He commanded his Royal Guard, and his only son, Agglan, to flee and take the road to Mossflower. HE flew, and Agglan's Spearhead was made. A small band of highly-decorated officers and veteran troops, they fled as if they were civilian refugees. Agglan was afraid for his life, that the supporters of Usr would find him. So he made a Lizard, Gygar, the leader of his band in name. Now he roamed the fields and valleys, ever wandering....
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"Gygar, get your stinking armour on! An Envoy is coming! Archers, take positions! this could be Usr himself coming into our midst!" Agglan roared.
An envoy was coming from the southern part of Mossflower straight towards him. Judging by the size of it compared to his own army, he was afraid the caravan would try to take over the entire horde if it saw the number of his forces in the open fields.
"Ugh, I should have picked a Marten. Lizards can't say a single word without hissing..." He thought as he watched Gygar yell out more orders to the frightened former Royal Guard.
"Here they come! Watch out, all of you! Archersss, notch arrowss!" Gygar said as the envoy came closer.
Gygar strode out, decked in bright blue just as Agglan's father would have done. He worde a shield embroidered with Agglan's own arms, and wore a beautiful curved scimitar on his side.
There was a terrible amount of suspense in the air. Gygar, with his scaly paw on the ivory handle of his scimitar, his shield, polished brightly, shining in the afternoon sun; and the hundreds of troops standing right in front of him, all bearing spears and shields bearing a picture of a Golden Tree. Minutes passed.
"What do you want, O messengers of the Golden Tree?" Gygar asked, his coal black eyes as hard as steel.
A large ferret in golden armor came forth. On each side of him were two rats holding flags with a giant golden tree on them. "You are in Mossflower, and the relm that now belongs to the master of the tree! We do not speak his name yet, for he has not claimed this land his. But we are a group of fighters he has left in charge of this land. And we saw glint from your armor. We could have slaine very one of you before you took three breathes. Throw down your weapons now!" The ferret motioned for his fighters to lift their bows.
"you are now are prisoners!"
Gygar was stumped as to what to do, and even though the real leader of the band would have chosen to fight, Gygar quickly relinquished the fledgling horde to the strange fighters.
"Yesss, we shall come. Archersss, throw down your bowss! Troopss, put your weaponss down. Obvioussly Usr has found uss." The Lizard said with a heavy sigh. All of the troops ligned up in formation in record time, and waited to be transported to the prison camps that Usr had most likely built. Grave and with not a little bit of resentment, they awaited the orders of their new captors.
"March North! We make to our leader and allies!"
Beatles strolled forth to meet Dead Eye. "Welcome, my friend. What have we here?"
"They are a contingent wearing the markings of Aubres. We have captured them"
"Well, well, this is interesting. Bring me their leader."
Dead Eye motioned to two of his soldiers, who dragged the weary lizard before them. Beatles chuckled to himself. "Hello, brave captain. Loyal to Aubres, are you?"
"Forever, sssscum!"
Beatles now suddenly opened his cloak forth. The lizard gasped, and his greenish eyes bulged out in astonishment. Beatles was clad in armor, and on his chest was the dreaded mark, the yellow penguin. This could mean but one thing.... "But, but... you are of Ussssr's forcessss? Ssssurely not, he serves only Linux!"
"No. I am Usr! Conqueror of your forces!"
The lizard fainted.
"Back off scum. As much as I am your ally I was an ally to the Duke, the true Emperor of Mossflower and Beyond. I bring these to Kilk! They are mine, come near them" dead Eye pulled out his rapiers "And I will slay you myself scum! I am your friend, but you are not touching them! Travel to Kilk's land with me, and he can decide what to do with them!" Dead Eye motioned for his archers "Or you can leave and not come back"
At a motion from Beatles, 500 squirrels materialized from behind the rocks on both sides of the contingent.
"Well, well, so you show your true nature? Remember: I am never unprepared. Had I been so, I could never have conquered Aubres. Your army is pitiful; it has but 300. These archers are just the start of my horde." Then, icily: "Drop your weapons, or you shall never move again"
ooc: We're not fighting, on AIM we're friends.
"You misunderstand friend. This is just an envoy to Kilk. And I will not let you take these prisoners. Motion once to these fools you have, and my archers will slay you. Stale mate. It seems we will both die before the sun goes down. Now listen, if we go to Kilk many leaders shall be there. They can decide what is to be done with these" Dead Eye kicked the lizard "Agreed?" Dead Eye tightened his grip on hsi rapiers a bit.
"My friend, my friend." Beatles chuckled. "I do not want prisoners, they are but a waste, and I doubt Kilk wants them... but that is beside the point. First of all, I have armor, and more archers. It is not so simple to slay me." His voice hardened. "The only thing I will not tolerate is your tone of voice. I do not want the prisoners, but it is the height of insolence to stand here in that tone and speak to me of loyalty to Aubres."
Now Dead Eye raised both swords. " Aubres was a true general and fighter, not some tratior like you! These prisoners are mine, and I take my leave from you now! I once counted you as a friend. I was a fool!" Dead Eye turned around and motioned for the lizard to be picked up and for his army to leave.
The wildcat's voice was harsh. "Traitor, eh? Run or die, fool!" Beatles raised his sword into the air in a flash, and the air was full of arrows.
Dead Eye turned quickly and threw a hidden knife into beatles chest. Though he did not penatrate him, he threw him back and injuryed him a little. Dead Eye turned, picked up the lizard, and ran, following his army as the archers from both sides fired at each other.
Beatles pulled the knife from the armor. It had not cut his skin, but the armor had dented a little. No matter, he thought, that can be fixed on the go.
He turned back toward his officers. "I regret that. Dead Eye had been a friend. But no matter. Double pace, North!"
Agglan had been running along with the rank and file or his small Guard, acting as a petty officer. Now that he saw this strange creature Dead Eye risk his life for his father, he realized the potential for an ally in this tumultous time. He took a bow from a dead rat of his Royal Guard that was caught in the crossfire, and ran up beside Dead Eye, firing his longbow as he went.
"Hello, I am called Agglan, son of Aubres, loyal comrade." He said. Stopping to fire another arrow, he again went on. "I am the real leader of this horde, the lizard is naught but a loyal Seargant of my Royal Guard. Please, if you honour my father, tell no-on about this. I plead with you to let me go. I have nothing of value to you or your commander, and I only want to be left alone." He said. He was out of arrows by that time, and obviously extremely nervous about the response from his father's old friend.
Dead Eye snorted. The son of his old friend. Here, in his position. "I am sorry. As much as I wish to help you you are going to Kilk and that is final. Unles..." Dead Eye took out his rapiers "Revisit your father"
A bedraggled wildcat sat, muttering to herself, in a lone skiff, just setting out from the almost deserted Pentephraxis raft-city.
"Aubres...dead...no, that's not happening... I'll visit his castle, it's near here...surely not..."
She stopped and raised her head. In the distance, she could see a castle. Aubres' castle. It was on fire. She could see the smoke from where she sat. She slumped down into her seat, her head in her hands.
"No."
Who could have done it? Aubres was a kind Emperor, the kindest she had ever known. And he was suddenly just...not there...
Maybe he had a son. An heir. Someone she could go to and ask what had happened. She would take a vacation from her horde, return to the HQ, and begin a search from there..
ooc:
Spy- Well, we can pretend, can't we? It's sort of a role-playing thing we agreed on anyways...Kilk's leader of the Northlands, I've got Mossflower, and there's so many people out there who claim they've got Southsward, got too confusing.... :P
bic:
Shael nodded, returning his gaze. "This is his land, and he knows what is best. Come, give the order to march now," she replied, using this as an excuse to ponder what it was that she lost so long ago. And they all began walking, Shael walking just a few paces' distance from the captain, under Kilk's orders.
Agglan fumed at the apparent carelessness this Dead Eye exhibited about his position. Didn't this Fox Realize who he was? He was the son of an Emperor! Aubres! All trembled at his very name! And yet, Emperors come and go, and the influence quickly dies along with the power. Agglan slowly realized he was not royalty anymore, and just a peice of property to be bargained with. "Alas, I wish not to die, so I unwilingly resign myself to your imprisonment. But tell me now, why take me to Kilkenne? Is he not dead, or has he come back to life just one more time to haunt me instead of others?" He said with more than a small amount of anger in his voice.
"Watch your tounge. This is not imprisonment, but any other way you choice you will die. Kilk is wise and grand king. And I go there already. So you will follow. I do this for Emperor. Now hold your tounge and move!"
After a day's worth of marching, Shael and her Guard, protected by Kilk's Guard, arrived at the gates of his mountain stronghold. She stood next to the captain, her cape waving in the breeze, looking up at the mountain, many memories flooding back. Still curious to what it was Kilk was supposed to give her, she braced herself to enter the stronghold and meet her friend back from the dead...
*ooc* I think I should change my flag to the Blue Parallelogram..heh heh!*ooc*
The Hordes of the Hexans marched north. Finally, they went past the last of the burning. It had been a long and hard march, with many battles on the way. His Hordes, the Northern Allegiance, had triumphed. His flags of old, the Hexans flag, was being carried still by 19 of "the" 20. One had fallen. And his new flags, the crisp mix of Red and Black, all 20 still carried. Except for one change, a smear of blue. He need not hide who we has anymore. The allegiance of the Hexans and his new hordes was.....powerful. For they were marching to Kilk, who had already said that when they got there they could join Imperial. *ooc* I'm pretty sure Kilk would let you join Cal*ooc* Duke John though to himself that he would half to make a flag regiment soon. 20 for the black cross, 19 still for the Hexans of Old, 20 for the Northern Allegiance, and 20 for every other flag he recieved in an alliance. Suddenly he was interrupted by a weasel in a red jerkin,
"Sire, we're encountering resistance!" he shouted, "On the weak right tip!" So, John thought to himself, my idea having scouts in front AND on the side worked. Too bad they might be decimated before he got there. Ah well. 300 was not much. But what supplies he cound take he would. "Wheel the forces around, aim for the battle! All of them!" he replied. "We shall eat our fill tonight!" He supposed he had been foolish for not re-supplying sooner. The troops morale was down, and he needed loyalty among his ranks. The extra fighting and plunder would help them. As usual, he sat back. He only went with his horde at the great battles. Suddenly, a messenger ran up to them. He motioned to the messenger quickly, " What have you brought? Hand it to me!" as he received it he sighed, it was from his Lord, Kilkenne. He scanned it quickly, taking in the fact that Shael was in his presence. However, one thing did surprise him, Dead Eye marching Duke Aubres' son to Kilk. "Treachery." He thought. They had fought side by side when they were with Aubres, and now he was taking Aubres son into danger. They both served Kilk now, he supposed, but Dead Eye was not in his Imperial Army....."Why would he be in Dark?" He questioned to himself. He quickly dismissed the though to another one; Dead Eye surely had made the transition from Aubres to Kilkenne quick, even of he, Duke John, had not. Even John would have disobeyed Kilkenne to get Agglan to safety.....but perhaps Kilk thought Agglan would be safer there. Either way, it was dangerous to transport him through such territories. He decided he would try to intercept them, if he could, but if they got to Kilk's domain first then he would just follow.....a ferret ran up to him,saying that they had won with minimal casualties and had gotten much from looting and stealing. He informed the stoat that they would march til nightfall, trying to cath up to dead eye's escort. He smiled inwardly, thinking to himself that his rise to power was sure. Not to disrupt Kilk from Emperor....oh no. He was content for top 5. Just a place of power where he could end his days in peace, looting and foraging off the land with no need to attack, waiting until the Era came to pass. And when it passed...well, that was a long time away, he thought, better concentrate on the here and now. And with that he marched with his troops, telling his scribe to write of everything that had happened, to chronicle the Horde of the Northern Allegiance!
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The red-eyed ferret paced the ramparts of his castle, the breeze combing his hair softly as he walked, looking down, and soon, he saw it from the south. Metal glinting in the sunlight. His own banners. Those of the Lady Shael. Finally, they had arrived! He beckoned to a rat and a ferret as he raced down from the ramparts, and out the open gate, his crimson cloak swirling with his haste.
"EMPEROR KILKENNE OF THE NORTH HAILING THE LADY SHAEL AND CAPTAIN SHRASK!" The ferret, following along behind him called.
He grinned as he made contact with the first in the party, ignoring all but his captain, who he nodded to and took a place by Shael, now simply in pace with her, moving up to the last stretch of paved road before the entrance of the gate.
" 'Ello!" He greeted cheerfully, his breath making furls of steam around him. "I 'spose you wonder why I'm back...Never really died I suppose...In short, I honestly think I fell out of space and time for a short amount of time..." He says ernestly, forgetting his status for a moment.
"Ahh yes...You've been informed that you are going to recieve something, no? I suppose you want that..." He trails off, stopping just short of the entrance to his great hall, now having passed the outer wall and into the keep, the guards going their seperate ways. He pulls out a parchment from a pocket in his cloak, handing it over;
In flowing script, it reads:
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
To the order of the Lady Shael Varonne,
By decree of the Emperor of the North, Kilkenne Ragingblade, the powers of Empress may be bestowed upon her if she so chooses, creating a bond, not of marriage, but a bond of power between the now combined Rulers of the Northern Territory. This power is, and is not limited to: Declaring war, retaliatory strikes, peace alliances, and any matters needing attention involving the Northlands.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
"Do you accept?" The smoke-grey ferret stares fixedly.
ooc: Not good Ad, no one will notice it here, which is why I didn't move it in the first place.
bic: Shael's paw shook as she finished reading, and she looked up from the parchment and stared back, her eyes locking with his. "I-..." she started, unable to force any more words out, and she read the letter again. The powers of Empress in her grasp once again! She closed her eyes, so many tangled thoughts running through her mind. She felt Kilk's eyes still watching her for an answer. She muttered to Rayla to go with her Guard to the soldier barracks, then she started to walk inside, away from the ears of common soldiers and the wintry environment she was unused to.
The young weasel turned back to Kilk, their height difference suddenly became more noticeable to her as her almond-colored eyes looked up to him. "I don't want to sound rude or prying when I say this, but if I don't ask it now, I probably never will. Why?" she asked plainly, indicating the parchment still in her paw. "And why me?" It was her turn to stare and wait for an answer.
Dead Eye was panting now. Still ahead of his army in the long run, he was dieing. Already half his army had dropped. They numbered 100 now, and most of his other fighters were tired. But now, now he could see Kilk's kingdom. None should stop him now. He sprinted faster, urging on his army. Finally they were at the great gate.
"Oy, who be there? You are in the grounds of the King of the Northland. Ye must name your self to see his higness!" a weasel guard yelled from the wall.
"Enough you prat! I am Dead Eye the Dark Warrior, and with me travel a guard for the son of Emperor Aubres! Let me by now you you shall fall! Kilk awaits me!" And such was the authority of Dead Eye that the guards sat dumb struck. Then the gates opened slowly, and Dead Eye travelled in
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The ferret's grin faded for a moment when posed with a question. He simply started laughing after a moment of silence.
"Shael, you have experience in this issue, you are from the House of Delor, you can help me with my duties. Also, I enjoy your presence..." He grinned nonchalantly as Dead Eye came gasping into the hall. Immediately he turned on his heel, looking at the noble.
"Ah. Finally you arrive. I had heard you were bringing your horde, are you not now? If you haven't heard, Shael is partaking in the governing of the North if she so chooses. The south is no longer of concern for the Imperial Forces I suppose, but I need a regent in the area, that could well end up being you, Dead Eye." The ferret glared as two guards approached the trio, and they immediately retreated back up the hallway.
"Well. Shall we then?" He looked from one too the other and thrust open one of the great doors to the dining hall, now being spread with food for the still arriving guests. "It will be several hours before the others arrive, I fear, but we can...entertain ourselves here, eh?" He gave a roguish grin as he pawed his scimitar hilt over one shoulder, one crossbar and the handle coming through the head-hole of his cloak.
"Hold yourself Kilk! Couple things. Number 1 Beatles is after me and this" and Dead Eye pointed to aubres son "Meet the emperors son. Found him and his gang. And Beatles is chasing me for him. I brought him to you, to figure out what to do!"
Shael smiled at Kilk's irresistable charm, and she folded the parchment and pocketed it in her tunic. She opened her mouth to say something to Kilk, when Dead Eye spoke. "Hold yourself Kilk!" She listened, realizing they might not be heading to the dining hall just yet.
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He cursed under his breath. This newcomer would endanger the North if kept here, and he made a quick decision.
He offered a paw to the younger. "You are to remain here. If you are safe anywhere, you are safe in the mountains of the North. If Beatles is following you, then so be it. He won't be more than a week, so we have time to prepare. But as for now, it's not time to trouble ourselves with foreigners knocking at my gates who are not friends." He turned once more into the hall, seemingly disreguarding all the information, but he was thinking hard as to what he should do as he offered a paw in escort to Shael to make it look less like he was deep in thought, in addition to politeness...
Dead Eye gave the youngster a dirty look, knowing Kilk was troubled. But Kilk was wise, he would think of something. And Beatles could be dealt with. Now, food!
"Men, go to the barracks! Get your grub. Captains, make sure they don't make themselves look like fools! Now, if you pardon me sir, I must go to your table. I have not eaten in four days." and at this Dead Eye Rushed to the table and filled in. But under the table, his paw was touching one of his rapiers. After eating more then double his fill, he turned to the master and lady.
"Now what job in the south do you speak of sir?"
Agglan stared at the floor dejectedly after shaking Kilkenne's hand. This Dead Eye had brought him into imprisonment under Kilkenne, Lord of the northlands. The cursed Rebel Usr was out for his blood, and his horde was all but under the same fate as he. "Poor Gygar, the bloke never had a chance. I wonder what will become of my loyal Guard. Quick Death may be their only hope in this forsaken world, enemies on all sides only because they proclaim loyalty to the kindest Emperor in Redwall. Bachorl! I pray that my life may be short if imprisonment in this freezing place is my destiny." He said lightly under his breath, tears forming in his young eyes. Agglan's legs then shook slightly, and his vision slowly became blurred. The exhaustion from the long run and the emotional stress from the entire ordeal was finally taking over. He was just being led to his table by some armed guards when he promptly fainted; his grey-furred head falling upon the polished cold marble floor.
OOC: Bachorl means a curse word in RWL-lian
Right as Kilk began to answer Dead Eye saw his captive hit the ground. He jumped up and ran to the fallen creature. He took of Agglan's armor, and saw the creature wore a blood tainted leather jerkin. This creature was in worse condition then he thought.
"Kilk! This creature can not die or many lives would have been thrown in vain. He is a good hearted creature. You must get a doctor here now!"
ooc- *pokes Beatles* Kilk's inside, you know.
bic-
Shael sensed Kilk wasn't entirely at ease, but took his paw as he began to lead her into the dining room. Out of the corner of her eye, she noticed the emperor's son sink to the floor, and Dead Eye leaning over him. She suddenly let go of Kilk's arm, wordlessly telling him to do something.
OOC: I am ignoring Beatles' post because he is autoing. No more stuff like that bro...
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Kilkenne looks from left to right, and quickly sweeps his blade from it's place on his back, bringing it out into the open. He proceeds to pick up a cover for a huge roasted meat of some sort, and starts banging it with the flat of the blade, trying to attract attention of anybeast in his standing armies who may be passing from the barracks, as they are all trained in routine field medical procedures. Soon, an inquisitive weasel, who happened to be a higher ranked hordebeast, and therefore more knowledgeable than the rest poked in, and immediately saw the fallen.
"He'll be all right now, I bet." The taller ferret put the scimitar back down the rear hole of his robes, making sure it was securely in before walking to the great window and looking out into his grounds as snow began to lightly fall. "Early in the season for snow." He stated simply, somewhat to himself, but really to anyone who would listen. His mind was still a blur.
The Hexans rode into the edge of the mountains. "So, this is truly the Northlands, eh?" asked a rat. "Yes, it is." replied John. "Though I fear we were too slow to catch Dead Eye......we shall enter Kilk's hall within hours of him arriving. Though he is being followed....hmmm.......another 5 days at least before Usr tries to get him." The scenic beauty was lost on John as he saw the familiar flag of an old friend - and rival. "So, she has returned......guess I'll need 20 flags from her. Heh heh." he thought as he climbed the stone steps of the citadel. "Now, more than ever, it is crucial to help Agglan. Captains, if you find out anything about his location, report to me immediately. We have a fair amount of land up here, stoat?" he asked. The stoat answered,"Yes.....29,000 acres, I believe......we already have our tents pitched, and guards posted." "Good......I go into Kilks hall. We shall see if he accepts me into the Imperial Forces.....though no doubt he shall." John grinned wildly as he fingered his sword, " For he knows I can...help him." He banged on the door "Kilk, can you hear me? Are not there supposed to be escorts? Or are you so far into the citadel the escorts are in there also? Are you there Kilk?"
Dead Eye walked to the large table and took his seat. He saw that the young one was taken away to sleep before sitting. He saw that silverwear had been moved. So he slid out a knife from his pocket. Admitaly 10 guards with spears surronded him. Dead Eye gave them a dirty look then started cutting his meat.
"So Kilk, what job do you have for me?"
The young weasel began cutting her own meat, and took a quick glance at Kilk, who was seated to her left, at the head of the dining table. He seemed to be thinking deeply about something, almost only vaguely aware of where he was, mechanically lifting the fork to his mouth. It suddenly seemed very awkward, only the three of them seated in the large dining hall.
Then Dead Eye spoke. "So Kilk, what job do you have for me?" Shael lifted her fork halfway to her mouth, with another sideways glance at Kilk, who was still lost in his own mind, and lowered her fork. "I think it'd be best to leave business matters until after the dinner. There's been a lot just happened, and you and I have just arrived." She continued talking as she poured herself some warm vegetable soup. "We both made good time, though. Not sure when any others will arrive."
(OOC: Woohoo, finally posting on this again)
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The ferret undid the clasp of his cloak, tossing it across the back of his chair, also unstrapping the uncomfortably heavy scimitar from his back, and placing it on the ground at his side. He wore the gleaming chest armour of his troops, though his was brighter and made of silver instead of steel. He then took off the ornamental helmet that he wore only on special occasions, revealing his dark red eyes and both ears, the full one and the stump, on which an earing dangled.
He looked over at Shael, thinking hard still, but pushing away his plate like he was over-full, having eaten very little. He leaned forward to whisper something to the Empress, but was denied as John burst into his hall. He stood up immediately and looked down on him from his elevated position, resisting the urge to bend over and take the scimitar from beside his chair, just to defend himself.
"John. What are you doing in the Northlands? I know you have joined the Imperial Forces, but I figured we had worked this out by letter? You were supposed to stay in the South and police the region ever so slightly. Well...While you're here, I suppose you can attend this meeting, being a strong warlord and all."
He sat back down again, motioning for a guard from far across the room to his side. The guard shuffled over, he whispered a few quick commands, and the guard ran off out of the hall, presumably to show John's guard their barracks. The smoke-grey ferret then motioned for the traveler to sit. "Pick a chair. There's plenty. The guard eats in forty-five minutes' time, but now the food is for us."
He leaned over and spoke softly in Shael's ear now, as to not disturb the other two. "More were to arrive. You saw none coming when you made the journey? The situation is dire yet still, even with our raiders pounding the ranks of Loren. That aside, I have something yet more pressing to ask, but now isn't the time. Remember to remind me once this meeting is over. What do you reckon Dead Eye's intentions are about ruling the southern lands?"
He sat back up, leaning back in his chair, thinking once again as he shifted the leather tunic under his armour, then leaning back to her, awaiting an answer.
Shael stopped eating, lowering her fork, and staring at her plate. "I don't think he means anything against us. He'd make a fair leader of Southsward, I suppose. About the others arriving, some of my guard did mention to me of spotting creatures further off to the south, and some coming from the east, I think, but I was concentrating more on getting here rather than finding out who they were..." Her voice trailed off. She let go of the fork, leaning back in her chair, surveying the large dining hall from her newly assigned position at the table, her face calm and serene, as she recalled dust-ridden memories.
Dead Eye leaned foward a little after nodding to John. His scouts had reported that John had been following his trail. He slid his rapiers on his lap. Then he noticed Emperor and Empress talking. He leaned foward, only catching every few words like "south" and "Dead Eye" and "journey" Finally Dead Eye coughed. "My lord, I think the time is ripe. What job is for me?"
OOC: The storyline is no longer connected to the game at all. I can move to mossflower, without actually moving there, you see.
As John sat down, he heard dead eye asking " What job is there for me?" He sat down and waited for Kilk answer. As Kilk did, he leaned towards shael and said, "Is Kilk thinking of letting him rule Southsward? Hmmm......let us ask Kilk If you and I may talk together....in his courtyard. I have some plans that might be good...... Kilk?" He interrupted, " May Shael and I walk around the grounds and see if any new armies approach us?
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He leans back in his chair a bit, thinking over Dead Eye's proposal, and then turns to John, who is also wanting something.
"If it pleases the lady, then so be it. Go if you wish, Shael."
He turned to Deadeye, staring him straight in the eyes.
"You are looking for power, no? Power you may well get. Before any part of the Mossflower region is to be taken, you will be a regent of Southsward. If all goes well there, you may move up into a new position in the mid-lands, but not until you have proven yourself once again. You were loyal, then you betrayed me. I do remember that."
The ferret stood up and threw his cloak back on, picking up the scimitar from the floor, twirling it idly as he once more returned to the window, thinking again. He stared off into the falling dusk and light snow, misting it's way to the ground. Things seemed so much simpler when his horde was just that - a horde. Not a small empire to rule.
The weasel raised her eyebrows slightly when John said he had some plans, and turned her head towards Kilk for his approval. "If it pleases the lady, then so be it. Go if you wish, Shael." She placed her napkin on her plate and stood, walking through the entrance hall towards the courtyard with John. The sky had begun darkening, and most soldiers were in the barracks, while others milled randomly about courtyard, tending to duties, and keeping lookout. Shael opened her mouth to speak, and closed it again, unused to seeing the furls of frozen breath issuing from her mouth. She spoke. "So, what's this about?"
Dead Eye got up and pulled out both rapiers. He had seen a glint in Kilks eyes. "Kilk, the southern lands are trashy. Loren lives there. I no longer wish for mossflower either though. The only true place where power can be gained is the sea. My skiffs are growing by the minute. Let me rule the coasts! The only other fools who go by it are Ashyra and her knights. I will be the greatest corsair of all time!"
Dead Eye swung both rapiers in circles, waiting for a reply. He knew that John was near by, and the two had a score to settle. But right now he must gain the coasts. The water ways would be his. John was no doubt coozing the empress to making him the king of the south and Kilks number 1 lieutenet(spl?) But right now Kilk was armed and unpredictable.
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He continued to stare out the window for about a minute, still thinking before the obvious answer dawned upon him.
"I have an idea, DeadEye, that I think will please us all." He peered out onto the grounds, seeing Shael and John passing the window. "A new era is soon to come. Dark times are coming."
The ferret turned to face DeadEye. "We will do this: I will make John the Black Cross' regent of the Mossflower country, so you may have somewhere to dock the navy you will provide the Imperial Forces during the winter. But during the summer, you will arrange for a great port to be constructed on my coastland, and there will be your base. I will keep both from being cut off from land, as long as you pay a 40% subsidy to the Empire of your loot. I would do 60%, but I entrust that you will invest the heavier funding into more ships...Better ships, more arms."
He grinned. "You are not to be a 'Corsair' " He laughed at the word. "You are to be the Grand Admiral of the Imperial Forces, a title far befitting one of your stature in the court of the Emperor. We will begin construction of your ports and the surrounding cities at once, and will stop for winter, then will resume back in the spring. By then, in Mossflower, you should have enough ships to start raiding enemy shores...But this is all contingent on John agreeing to hold the Mossflower Country."
Dead Eye thought. This was a great offer, except for the tribute. But 40% wouldnt be a lot if he used all his cunning. And also, how would Kilk know how much 40% was. If he was short one month, Kilk would never know. But this seemed like the best idea, and with Kilk the only one better then him, none would he fear. Yes, the tribute would try to be made each time. And John would not be ahead of him.
"Kilk, you are a wise creature. I will do all this. Now I must see to my guard, and send a messanger to my horde that they shall travel north and set up camp. Then I shall gather my workers." Dead Eye bowed, then walked outside. But when he saw Kilk turn, he pulled out both rapiers and went to where he had last seen Shael and John.
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The Emperor had noticed a strange glare in DeadEye's well...eyes. He allowed him to leave, and turned his back on him for but a second before the other left. He motioned a guard towards him.
"You. Take twenty with you. These in the hall are fine. Follow DeadEye, if you do not find him, find Shael and John. Something is wrong. He drew his weapons, I heard the steal on scabbard. I will be going as well."
He hefted the scimitar and took off at a sprint, out the door and out into the grounds, his eyes scanning for a lone figure, or two wearing no visible armour walking together, as his soldiers walked in pairs and quads, not wanting to be caught alone. The Emperor saw two figures in the distance, and once again made all haste toward them, throwing off his cloak to gain greater flight of foot.
The ferret had to get there before DeadEye.
Dead Eye had hid behind a tree. He caught sight of Shael and John. Throwing off his cloak he three himself at John, stabbing down. His blades missed any virtual part but the blast had thrown down John. Now John laid on the ground and Dead Eye laid ready to strike.
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He saw John hit the ground and let out a yell of rage, spurring faster, his blade back in two hands, ready to swing a death blow against the usurper. The guard was huffing and puffing behind him, there would be no escape.
The red eyes blazed with battle fury as he came ever closer,
10 meters.
5 meters.
2 meters.
He took the last step as he began to swing with the flat of the blade down towards the rebel's midsection. There was no dodging, it was all a matter of where he hit him at this point.
OOC: Talk about autoing man.......dead eye is possessed.
He walked outside with Shael in the courtyard. " Dead Eye wants to be a ruler, let me guess......of Mossflower or.....the sea? That all may be fine and spiffy [ooc: yes, a nod to ashyra]
in the summer, but for now, I say we set his horde loose. Let them sweep the entirely land, but don't let him keep it. Always keep him moving. Thenwhen hes cleared mossflower enough, we send him deep in the heart of Southsward, and build walls on the edge of Mossflower. If I may, I'd like Mossflower. Then we could have him, with his only choice being the sea, and no fortress for him to hide in. He will most likely try to build a base in Southsward to hide some of his loot, and to man an attack against my fortess of Mossflower. Well. Let him try. Yet have Kilk and you constantly badgering him about more tribute. Make him think that hes walking on a point, and the point is sharp, and he could fall off either side. Then find a new horde, and, if he still disagrees, inprison him, or stick one in between the ribs. What do you say to my plan?" He waited for an answer, when suddenly, he was down, and Dead Eye was upon him. He had thought Dead Eye's antics funny, until now. He must be crazy to risk this. John saw Kilk off running towards them, then concentrated back on Dead Eye. He rolled to his side and pushed him. Back into where Kilk was running. [OOC:2 can play at the autoing game, Dead Eye.]
He motioned to Shael, "Come, into the fortress! Dead Eyes troops are coming this way, and fast. He's probaly sent them to kill me, but they will get you too. Hurry!" he cried as he ran up the steps. "They're coming!" And with that they entered the doors, pausing to tell the guards to save their emperor who was outside beating the crud out of Dead Eye yet not realizing Dead Eye's troops were approaching.
ooc: I was going to say....I couldn't think of any reason why DeadEye would be after me.
bic:
Shael was about to say something in reply to John's plan, when DeadEye sprung on him from behind, stabbing wilding with his rapiers. She immediately stepped back, drawing her own short sword as instinctive defense. She held it out in firmly in front of her, ready in case DeadEye decided to go after her. The weasel then saw Kilk sprinting towards them, his blade swinging towards DeadEye, and she saw John push DeadEye towards Kilk.
ooc: I thought this would make it cool, a power sturggle between me and John. And Kilk, you like hit me, but didnt kill me right? If you killed me, disregard this post I am about to make. And I didnt really auto, because I said that I jumped on you, never said you did anything. If I autoed I would say that John was clumsy and dropped his sword or something.
Dead Eye screamed in pain. All he had thought about was getting to John, not tratioring Kilk. But the pain from Kilk's sword was like the demons were on him. He screamed and and feel on the ground. He looked at the three beasts all around him with weapons. No way could he take all three, heck he couldnt take Kilk alone. He threw his weapons to Kilks feet and laid flat on his stomache. He had no doubt that the position offered a few minutes ago was completely gone now.
(OOC: It was the flat of the scimitar blade, Deadeye)
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The ferret snarled and threw away his scimitar, kicking away Deadeye's rapiers as he went. He put a foot on his back, holding him down, his breath making furling whisps of steam as he breathed heavily.
"What were you thinking, Deadeye? That you could get his position by killing him? Things don't work that way. I pay in power for what is recieved, not deceit." He took his foot off the usurper's back, and offered a paw to both him and John with the glowing redness quickly leaving his eyes as he prepared to pull them both up.
"You two are to work together. As equals. None is more powerful than the other, but you two answer only to milady..." He nodded to Shael, "Or myself. None other. You will seem as free hordes in what you do, but don't forget, you fly the Black Cross, General John of Mossflower, and Admiral Deadeye of all the Seas."
His thoughts had come to culmination, but this didn't settle him much. Odd as this was, he had seen it coming, and there may be more trouble in the future, but for now, it was going to be okay...
ooc: Hm, well, it did add a little more interest...the power struggle, I mean.
The weasel slid her shortsword back into its scabbard, her eyes narrowed as she studied DeadEye. "No more wild ideas. We offer you power, don't think it can't be taken away if you do anything foolish." She looked around, and spoke again. "It's getting dark. I doubt anyone is still hungry, but there is little more reason to stay out here."
Dead Eye threw a dirty look to John, bowed to Shael and a half bow to Kilk, then picked up his rapiers and walked away. He saw some of his gaurd running towards him. He told them to send a message to his horde, and then turned to go and tour Kilks palace.
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He watched Deadeye skulk off into the keep, and once John was back on his feet and steady, the advise that Shael had given finally sunk in and he strode over to her.
"So. What did you make of that, exactly?" He inquired, placing one paw over the shorter weasel's shoulders, in a gentlebeast-like manner, though inside, he knew it was more for his comfort than hers. The ferret set a straight walking course for the great doors to the keep, and the warmth within.
John watched as Dead Eye eyed him angrily and went inside. "You may do well to listen to me, Lady Shael. Good-bye Lord Kilk, and milady. I, erm......trust there shall be guards around our, erm, compounds? It would be rather unfortunate for me, if erm......I'll post my own guards, actually. Good-night, and I trust that we will start tomorrow.
The wildcat spun round to face the small weasel.
"What news have you to give me?"
The weasel flinched. "Er..milady, Lord Kilkenne has just declared Dead Eye Admiral of All the Seas..."
Ashyra blinked. "Admiral, eh? I thought it was a well-known fact that I ruled the seas.. Skiffs, that must mean he has skiffs.. I have competition." She turned to face the two vermin standing by her.
"Vreddle, how many skiffs do we have?"
The rat lowered his eyes. "The numbers are lower than they've ever been, milady. We've lost so many getting this far.."
The fox stepped forwards. "We can't buy any more either. We've got almost no money, and our land is barely enough to keep the citadel on..."
Ashyra smiled, her slightly pointed teeth showing. "Money? We can make more. And we've still got enough skiffs to get past others' defences?
"Yes."
"Let's go then."
Dead Eye was sitting in front of a giant picture. In it showed a mighty wild cat sweeping at a ferret, and the ferret falling. This was of course the picture showing the so called "fall" of Kilk by Ereptor the Great. Dead Eye heard a shuffle at the hall way and saw his captain Urag running towards him.
"Sir, your army is here. They are setting up camp and the workers are ready!" the ferret said
"Good. Tell the workers to contact Kilks people for their job. Funny..."
"Sir?"
"Urag, back in the dark days Kilk and Ereptor had many allies, but only a few they trusted. I need an ally I can trust now. Send a messanger to Ashyra. Here is what it is to say.
Dear Ashyra,
For long now you have held mighty skiffs and ruled the seas. Now I have come with my army. My sources say we are matched. We would die fighting each other, and the seas would be dead. I ask you to travel North to Kilks domain. I ask you to become to join me, become Captains of all my vase armada. Stay the mighty queen that you are. But let me rule with you. We shall only serve the Empress and Emperor of the North. We shall have a mighty ports, and rule the coasts. Please join me.
Admiral Dead Eye Trueflight of the forces of the North, Loyal servent to the rightful Empress and Emperor of the North
The female weasel nodded a good-bye at John, and slowly stepped in pace with Kilk towards the entrance of the keep, savoring what warmth she could feel from Kilk's paw. "I'm not quite sure. I suppose I wasn't all that surprised, I figured there might be a minor fault in there somewhere." They reached the entrance, and walked along the hall, as the guards closed the door behind them. "I hope now DeadEye will make wiser choices."
Instead of heading back to the feasting hall, they walked down a different corridor, leading to all the other places in the stronghold. Shael walked slowly, unsure of exactly where they were walking to. She looked up at him, remembering something. "Kilk, back at the feasting hall, you said you still had something yet to ask of me. What was it?"
John walked into his compound and motioned to his two closest officers. "Dead Eye tried to kill me. I knew Kilk should never of trusted him, I tried to tell Kilk to let ME lead the free peoples. Yet Dead Eye was a traitor then to Ereptor, and I fear he may betray us again. Post guards around the outside, I'm going to sleep. I fear Dead Eye may try to get new alliances. Good-
Night."
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The ferret stared now at the floor, collecting himself at the advent of this question, it bringing his thoughts back to what they hadn't dwelled on for some time.
He cleared his throat. "You've agreed to be the Empress of the Northlands, free from me, not bound." His eyes wandered as he looked throughout the cooridoor. "I was...errrr...Wondering...If you would be so gracious to accept a more binding agreement for the Empresship..." He knew it was a sudden gesture, but he figured it might as well come out as he produced an armlet, silver, emblazoned with a flowing "R" for Ragingblade, his family name.
He stared off into space as one of his captains turned the corner and ran into the coridoor, obviously looking for him. His eyes narrowed. "Yes, Captain?"
The stoat gulped, "Errr... V-visitors, sire. At the gate!"
"Find out what they are doing here, and if they mean well, let them in, but watch them. We've had quite enough excitement this afternoon. If you let them in, find me after one half hour. I need some time to think. Go." He cautiously commanded, giving the captain an appraising look as he ran off.
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(OOC: adds interest, eh...heh.
Good post Deadeye, I commend you on that one, good opener)
As ages come and pass, the pattern of the world weaves as the wheel will, and in one age, called the 3rd age by some, and age to come and and age long past, the wind blew across the rugged mountains. The wind was not the beginning, there are no true beginnings, and the age was about to end anyways [ OOC:Black ages start soon] But it was a beginning. John woke in his sleep, in a cold sweat. He got dressed and hurried outside, where it was the crack of dawn. He yelled at his captain, sleeping outside the door, supposed to be acting as a guard "READY THE TROOPS! We march to launch an attack on the holder of the fringe of the mossflower woods. I shall stay here and strategise with Kilk, You, Roughburn, and you, Wentelclaw, shall lead the troops. I want all 2000 acres of their domain flying the Black Cros by the days end. If not there shall be......repercussions." and with that he went inside, his criers waking the troops and giving his message. It was a beginning.
ooc: Like whoa. Things just got better...^_^
bic:
After the stoat left, Shael reached out a shaking paw for the armlet. Somehow, in the back of her mind, she knew this was going to happen. But she definitely didn't feel prepared for it. She closed her eyes, trying to control her breathing, and straighten out her racing thoughts.
The female weasel's eyes opened, and rose to meet Kilk's, a slow smile on her face. "I accept." She took a tentative step closer to him. "There is no other for whom I would accept an agreement like this." She studied him to see his reaction.
Ashyra's eyes narrowed. "Equally matched, eh? Die fighting each other? My skiffs are more numerous than you think, Dead Eye... And I serve only myself. I've never served an Emperor or Empress before, and I do not intend to.. But I shall travel to the northlands to speak to you in person... and maybe have a word to this weasel who considers himself so far above me..."
* * * *
The wildcat wrapped her thick winter cloak around her. It was cold in the Northlands, far colder than she'd ever imagined. She raised a gloved paw and tapped three times on the huge oaken door. She stepped back and looked up. Far above her she could see the battlements of the wall. How nice it would be to live here...
Dead Eye jumped as as he heard John screaming orders. He listened. So John was already beginning on his plan. Dead Eye got up from his bed and put on his armor and took both rapiers. He walked out into the hall way to see Johns army marching away. He saw John waving them away and Dead Eye came up from behind him and whispered.
"What a grand army John..." he whisspered. He noticed a little flinch from John. "No worry John. I will not fight you. Not under the roof of Kilk any ways. Get breakfast with me?" But before John could answer Dead Eye saw a giant sight. Ashyra's army was moving, almost 100 feet by. He gribbed his rapiers.
"Some one open the gates. Tell Lady Ashyra to leave her troops outside and only bring in her captains. Tell her myself and the other leaders will wait for her" he yelled to 2 soldiers. Then he turned to John "Shall we?"
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His ears heard the movement of the large number of troops, but it didn't register in his brain. To say the truth, lights were flashing and a voice was yelling "HOORAY FOR KILK! WOOOOOOO! HOORAY FOR KILK!" in his head, but his face did not seem to convey this, as a simple, but warm smile spread across his features. He made to embrace the weasel, and did, but after a moment of silence he whispered;
"You've made me incredibly happy. Now I know why I was sent back. I hear a large force outside, I'm sure you have too. Do you wish to attend to such manners, or do you have any other ideas?" The ferret inquired.
OOC: I prefer yelling, not screaming. I'm not a girl.
John pointed to the main Citadel. "I must meet with Kilk. We must discuss our plans tp take over Mossflowe. Needless to say I wish your armies were helping me fight the resistors for a quick and easy kill, but......anyways, If Mossflower is to be my domain I must make myself a presence there. Your place is at the seas. I suppose Kilk will be with shael now, won't he? They'll be getting married before we know it, eh Dead Eye?" John said, chuckling. "I suppose we could have our breakfast in there, though. Come on then." And with that he walked towards the hall.
OOC: "Do you have any other ideas?" <------ ^_^
BIC:
Shael rested her head on his shoulder in the embrace as she listened to him whispering. She replied, "We may as well. So much has happened today, but we should tend to this first." She laid her head on her shoulder again in the silence. Shael looked up again, leaning back a little. "Let's go."
Ashyra watched as a weasel opened the door to the fortress.
"Milady! Leave your army outside the gates! Just bring in your generals!" he shouted.
Ashyra turned to the rat standing beside her. He produced handed over a sword, a huge claymore. The wildcat swung the sword belt over her shoulder and buckled it. Ashyra, Zephyria and Vreddle stepped through the gates to Kilk's castle. They closed behind them with an ominous clang.
"Ash, I don't like this much..." whispered Zephyria.
"It'll be fine... But it seems too quiet for the thriving citadel that I was told of.." replied Ashyra. It was true. The place seemed almost deserted, but maybe that was just because of the cold weather. Whatever the reason, it was still unnerving.
Dead Eye ran to greet them. He shook the captains hands and then bowed low to Ashyra.
"My lady, you look more beautifull and Crueler then ever. May you take my hand and I will give you a tour of my masters castle and hopefully we shall find Lady Shael" Dead Eye extended his hand.
(OOC: Hehe, thought that'd be funny to add...)
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He stared at her eyes for a short moment, then kissed her softly on the temple and reluctantly let go.
"I'll be with you in moments, make your way to the front gate if you wish, they should be in by now, milady..."
Kilkenne sidled off up a staircase, coming back down in a few moments wearing a new crimson cloak, trimmed with the fur of white squirrel, with a matching crimson scabbard for a small short sword on his belt. He had left his trademark scimitar upstairs in his chamber, preferring the short sword to move about better with. When about to turn a corner, he looked two ways, and then took a right where there was no right turn, ducking behind a tapestry, he walked along a narrow hallway to a window, which he unlatched and stepped through, making his way around the keep towards the main gate, fixated on the now busy part of the citadel, with captains and their masters moving about. He trotted briskly over to Deadeye and the one he hadn't yet made the aquaintance of.
"Greetings, welcome to the Citadel of the Mark. I am Kilkenne, the master of these Northern reaches, how may I assist you, or is this the business of yourself, Deadeye?" He inquired, grinning to Deadeye as he talked, as to show him that his formality was really only a front.
John ran up to Kilk, interrupting his conversation with Dead Eye and someone who could only be Ashyra, "Lord, we have established ourselves in Mossflower. The Companions of Kigght are dead....They thought that their fool clan could save them, so I just attacked them by surpise. Should I keep the troops moving?"
Ashyra smiled, but did not shake hands.
"I'm here concerning the little matter of my skiffs... And also, Dead Eye told me to come. Something about... what was it? Ah, yes, serving the Emperor and Empress of the North? Empress? I know you're the so-called Emperor, but I've heard nothing of an Empress... Oh, yes. I am Ashyra Nightwing. Pentephraxis Legion? Ruler of the High Seas? I'm sure you know me."
Shael hurried outside, looking around for the newcomers. She spotted them by the gate after a short moment, adjusted her sword and tunic, straightened her cape, and strolled over to them.
She took her place next to Kilk, acknowledging John and DeadEye with a nod, and turned to the newcomer after she finished speaking. "It's a pleasure to meet you, Ashyra. The Pentephraxis Legion does sound familiar. I haven't heard much about it, since my horde usually roams the southeastern lands, but from what I have heard, I'd be proud to have you as an ally."
She paused. "I'm sorry, I should've introduced myself first. I'm Shael Varonne, Commander of the Daughters of Delor. This happened only recently, so I didn't expect the news to reach far, but I am the Empress of the North." she said quietly but very distinctly. "Kilk here," she turned and smiled up at him, "just appointed me today."
Dead Eye bowed to Shael, then turned to Ashyra "I have asked Ashyra to come here so that she may see the splender of the North. And so she and I may talk about who is to rule the seas. As I stated Ashyra, I wish to rule with you, not against you. Please let us rule the seas, so that no harm comes to us. We can prosper together. Kilk has named me Grand Admiral of the Seas, but you as Queen of the Seas deserve to have some input."
(OOC: Pikepaw, if you came before the first era, you won't understand, I am the most effective all-Northland player ever. Stop doing stuff like this, and I'm punishing you now for it.)
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He looked appraisingly at Ashyra, nodding to her, not saying anything, but as he was about to speak, a captain bustled over and whispered something in his ear. A cruel smile played across his features as the guard ran off towards the barracks.
He turned back to Ashyra, "Ah yes. Shael is my Empress, but your business is with Deadeye, I have other matters to attend to quickly, I will rejoin you in a moment."
His soldiers were pouring out of the barracks by the hundreds, swarming the grounds, three hundred all told, just a simple night guard, an elite core of soldiers, followed by two hundred general archers, who were later to get out, as they were stringing their bows and filling quivers.
The Ferret followed the captain who had returned to their other "new arrival" He stopped about 10 feet short of the crippled creature and addressed him. "No Emperor, eh? You must have been born before my first coming. The black cross has flown across these lands since long ago, wretch. You will not come here and talk to, or about myself like that, unless you are to say it to me. There are millions in this region who owe their lives to myself, my cause, and my struggle. Though some are free, the majority are not, and that is how it is enjoyed." He looked up towards the battlements, with the archers taking positions and notching arrows to their strings, all looking down on the path, ready to slaughter the usurper's feathered friends. Upon closer inspection, a circle of soldiers had formed around the cripple, their shining armour glowing magnificently as their shields and short swords formed a barrier arround the two and the last captain.
Kilkenne smirked. "As I just said. The rule is accepted." His eyes narrowed. "If you don't want that, we may snuff you out now, your few birds are not a match for what I have left in my barracks, or even what is outside. They await my command." The ferret gestured to the archers, and a slow smile played across his features.
John watched as Kilk marched off, and also as Dead Eye and Ashyra walked leisurely through the gardens. He sniffed, thinking to himself what a waste the port s were going to be, but then reminded himself that he would control them too could make some skiffs for a war bearing fleet. He smiled at that, Himself attacking Dead Eye in secret raids. Not likely. "Shael, if you would, you are the closest to Kilk, and I was wondering what new developments there are.....since you were already the empress....what is going on?"
Ashyra looked around approvingly at the stone walls of the castle. "Very nice. I should have invited you over to see my floating city... It's made entirely of wood. It's a bit of a fire risk, but it looks nice.. As for the matter of ruling with you, I rule with no one. I have my clan, the Knights of Invicticus, who I would happily share a place with.. But no one else. How could I know that you're not going to backstab me,like Ragefur did to Shael... I do not share power."
The wildcat turned away and stared across the courtyard, deep in thought.
Agglan awoke slowly, his head pounding from his fall on the stone floor, and his feet almost blue from the cold. He opened his eyes reluctantly and quickly shut them again, the icy wind coming in from the window proving too much for his weakened eyes. He covered his face with his paw and opened his eyes halfway to take stock of his surroundings.
He was lying on a straw mattress with a lantern right next to it, it's flame long been blown out from the freezing wind. The entire room was roughly hewn stone, some old used torches were in their holders on the walls. There were a few decorations in the room. A beautifully made sword hung over a small window (for anybeast's information, medieval royalty never had glass panes for their windows, usually just a metal grate covering it for protection), a shield embossed with some foreign warlord's colours, and a small tapestry depicting a battle that Kilkenne had won in the past age.
The temperature was only about 10 degrees fahrenheit, but in Agglan's bitter thoughts it seemed colder than any winter he could have imagined. After a long pause and quite a bit of debating with himself he decided to try to escape. He got up slowly, being cautious and yet finding that his limbs were much better than they were a few hours ago, although still sore. He walked to the window and looked out. The distance to the bottom was astounding! Apparently Kilkenne's officers had thought of his trying to escape and had put him up in the higher living quarters. Finding also that the doors were well-locked and guarded, he tried to find some kind of weapon to break down the door and attack the guards.
Seeing the beautifully adorned sword on the wall, he reached out to take hold of it. He paused a while, checking for traps and also checking for spiders (he has an extreme diversion to spiders); when he saw a small glint of bronze right below the sword. He wiped off the ice from it and found that it was a plaque.
"This is the sword of the Late, Deposed, and utterly in-competent Emperor Duke Aubres, defeated by the Great Rebel Usr in 1254"
Agglan stared at the cruel words for hours, his few tears freezing as soon as they came from his saddened eyes. It all proved too much. Agglan gave up and wept bitterly, cursing his fate to be held as a prisoner for the rest of his life.
Only a miracle could save him now.
Dead eye was taken a back. Surely Ashyra wished for peace? Why did she tempt him to fight her. "Dearest Ashyra, greatest of the great, your words suprise me. For I do not wish to rule the seas alone, and if to war then you shall have it. The KOI is a mighty clan, but together we can make it mightier. I am no back stabber. Please rethink. Now, I must attend to other bussiness. I must see to Agglan. I have not seen him since his faint. You may come to see the son of Aubres, or leave now. Whichever you like. But please reconsider your answer, or war as none have ever know shall visit KOI. Kilk believe that I should and shall be leader of the seas. I am only doing to his wishes. Please Ashyra, let me join you as leader of the sea." And with that Dead Eye started walking up to where he was told Agglan was.
The wildcat stood, facing the wall, her head lowered. "Well, I don't want a huge war. I can't let you become Ruler of the Seas. I just can't... I made a promise to someone, a long time ago, never to give up my position..."
Ashyra's eyes widened and she spun around. "You mentioned Aubres' son? He's here? Where? Is he alright? Show me!"
OOC: Are you saying that if we weren't involved with the events here that we can't be in the RP? Anyhoo, if we can, here's my bit.
RazorClaw was growing restless. For years he had stayed there, in the heart of the volcano, awaiting more followers. The Black Cross was back, and he must defeat it, he drilled himself over this one goal constantly. And yet, at the morn of that day, he realized that defeating the Black Cross was not plausible. He had already spent many seasons gathering followers and he had only a small bit over half of Kilkenne?s forces. It was time to join them. RazorClaw called out into a special echoing cavern, ?Attention! All troops report to the main entry! I repeat! All troops to the main entry!?
He walked to the main entry. The last creature had just gotten in line. He looked upon his horde, a group of physically fit, well groomed, and well fed cultivated animals, who were all quick in battle. Foxes, weasels, and golden eagles made up the army, for RazorClaw believed them to be the most fit of animals. There were a few ferrets and otters as well, but not very many. They weren?t stupid, but they were very loyal to RazorClaw. He had personally trained each one, which had taken many seasons. He called out, ?We are moving to Kilkenne?s fortress. We no longer have hope of defeating him, so we must join him. If he denies us, do not draw weapons. Go away peacefully and we?ll see if we can join another army, to fight Kilkenne. If he denies us the chance to be with him, we must be against him. Hopefully he?ll accept. Anyways, we move on!!!?
There was a loud cheering from the horde, glad to be rid of the cold, stuffy inactive volcano.
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A season later, RazorClaw had arrived at the fortress? gates. He marveled upon them, speculating to himself. ?Yes, stone, won?t catch fire, hmm, looks like it has some black diamond accents as well, to prevent seismic damage, yes, well, very good.? He looked upon the gates. He attached his golden claws he used for special occasions, putting away his black diamond ones, and knocked thrice upon the gates loudly.
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(I am disreguarding the whole Pikepaw ordeal, sorry for that. I'm putting myself back by Ashyra, having never left, watching her go up to see Agglan)
He turned on his heel, looking from towards the gate to Deadeye as he led Ashyra out of his sight and into the keep. A knocking was coming from the gate, and it was opening. He walked forward, beckoning for Shael to come as well as he stood mere meters from the door, awaiting who his guards saw fit to let enter.
Kilkenne was taken aback when he saw the outside. Millions of troops were camped outside! Four banners flew among them, and Razorclaw stood at his gate.
"Come in, friend! Bringing a peaceable army to the center of Northern power is always a good sign in times of strife!" The emperor stated, smiling.
"What brings you here, anyhow?" He inquired in wondrance of why Razorclaw, a strong warlord of the south would show up in the North. "And have you met the Empress, the Lady Shael?"
Dead Eye turned to Ashyra "You shall not give up your post. You will just be sharing it. War will come, and that I can assure you. The 7 seas must stay as 1 nation. I will not take over, but tule together. And yes, Agglan is here and we shall see him in his chamber in a minute"
ooc:Aus, do you mind if I say I find you dead?
RazorClaw walked in. He stood in front of Kilkenne, and said, "As to your question, no, I haven't met your new Empress." He smiled. "That's a bit slower than usual for you, Kilk, I'd have expected for you to have gotten one seasons ago. But enough talk of that. I come here on important business. The MoonClaw army would like to join with the Black Cross. As you can see, we would increase your numbers vastly. I ask only shelter, and battles to fight. I personally would hear any position you would see fit for myself. I need an honorable path to take, and becoming a petty hit-and-fade group is not an honorable path. As a token of my sincerity, take this."
He gave Kilk one of his golden claws and attached a spare.
"If I ever betray you, stab me in the heart with this so that my horde may know that it was through my own treachery that I died, and they shall stay faithful to you." He waited for Kilkenne's reply. It would probably take a minute to swallow it all, for it was a lot to swallow. RazorClaw knew he certainlycouldn't have thought of an appropriate reply right on the spot if he was in Kilk's position. So, he waited.
Dead Eye got up the stairs and told the guards to open the door. They were a little hiestent, but Dead Eye was not in the mood to talk. Hitting one in the back with the flat of his spear he asked again to open the door. It was opened.
Dead Eye walked into the room to a sight he disliked. Agglan lay on the ground, his fathers sword through his chest. Dead Eye nealed down, and pulled out the sword. Blood dripped all over the ground. Two tears fell out of his eyes. Agglan was dead.
Dead eye got up and saw Ashyra. "My lady, the Emperor is dead." and with that Dead Eye ran down the stairs, making for where he was sure Kilk was. But while running down the stairs he saw a giant army. Razorclaw had shown. Dead Eye was glad, Razorclaw being one of his old friends. He ran down the stairs. He saw Kilk and Razorclaw talking. He inturupted.
"Emperor! Agglan is dead. His fathers sword has ran him threw. The rightful Emperor is dead." Dead Eye waited for a reply. He nodded at Razorclaw, then bowed his head at the thought of Agglan.
Shael's eyes widened, the tiny smile on her face disappeared. She drew in her breath sharply, looking up at Kilk to see his reaction.
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OOC: Sorry for not posting much, there's not really much else I can do...
OOC: How is Bran emperor of southsward? Also, Shael, I'm now the semi-ruler of Mossflower since your in the north.....
John looked up from his papers to see a stoat standing by the door. "Yes?" he inquired. "What is it?" The stoat mubled slightly, but then spoke out clearly "Sir, the surprise attack against the rebels on the edge of the Mossflower-Southsward border was successful. All of the rebels were either killed or captured. We have 3 score of the captured in the prison, the rest, amounting to about 40 random hordebeasts and goodbeasts, are working as slaves in the field. We have raised the Blue Sphere and the Black Cross." John thought over this news quietly. "This is well, that we now control all Mossflower, but.....the new age is coming, and the Northern Allegiance is falling. If I want this empire, my empire, to survive, it must become a different empire entirely. So, take down all the Blue Spheres, and put them in the holds under the fortress, below the prison. Raise the Red Eagle of," John sighed, then rose. " the new empire of Manetheren."
"Yes sir." the stoat answered. " But what of the leader of the rebels?" He asked.
John stood up. " Bring Sha to me. Personally." "Yes sir!" the stoat cried as he ran down the steps towards the guards house. John looked out the window. " My, my, Sha, it has been a long time."
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The Ferret's eyes narrowed for a moment as he thought, and his paw slowly extended to accept the token of service.
"Good. You have come to the right side in this coming war. The darkness that surrounds will soon be broken under a new rule. The only thing I ask of you is to build your forces, and along with my armies, arrange the building of a new outer wall of this citadel so both of our armies may grow into one, along with what the Empress Shael has brought from the south."
Yet another high ranking officer of his army whispered something in his right ear, the one that remained but a stump, but he still heard it and nodded gravely.
"I have bad news. Regent John of the Mossflower Region has seceded from our Empire. A war is brewing. That wall has just become that much more necessary." He turned without looking to Deadeye.
"I apologize for this, but your new position of Admiral must be drawn back, you are to mobilize what is left of your forces to try to help defend this capitol of ours from attacks. If we win this war, then we may be able to get you on the sea just yet."
A third time he turned, and this time to Ashyra. "You have shown up in the hour of the Empire's greatest need for allies. Our paws extend, but not to the seas or the coast. You had mentioned being in a clan of warriors. Would it not be beneficial for us both to help each other in this war that may be the last to cover the earth? The seas cannot keep you safe forever, Ashyra. You know that, as I know that the cold and the distance from the rest of everything the North is can't help me to it's fullest."
The captain that had given the information pawed the ground slightly, impatiently. Kilkenne's head turned. "You heard me. The plans that we had made for a wall will be followed through. Inform everyone in my army they are to start construction at once. Stone is to be quarried, wood to be brought in as supports. I want this done within the month. If others are to show up to help you in construction from other armies, get them started on their sections of the wall. If you finish before this war begins, then you may make it taller, higher, and start digging trenches in front of and behind it. We are going to be besieged in the beginning of the war that will be the last war. Ever."
A strange glint came across the grey ferret's red eyes as he gave the order and awaited response from all of his new allies. He was going back to war at last, there was just one more message to send, but no help would arrive from across the great sea where Raine the Conqueror had gone, he knew this, but he had to attempt it.
War was coming.
Dead Eye grunted. Yet again Kilk was pulling him about. His paws itched his swords, but then he smiled. Now John was going to get payback. Dead Eye saluted Kilk, then said "Kilk, master. I will gather a guard for your fortress. I will take command of the guard, if it is your command."
Just then a stoat ran in. He turned to Dead Eye "Sir, your workers creating the port in mossflower saw John talking with the rebels. It looks like an alliance. Should I pull them back?"
"Yes, bring back all our forces here. Tell my skiffs to guard Mossflower's shores. Gather all my other forces and bring them here." Dead Eye awaited what Ashyra would say.
Quote from: Kilkenne--------------------------------
The Ferret's eyes narrowed for a moment as he thought, and his paw slowly extended to accept the token of service.
"Good. You have come to the right side in this coming war. The darkness that surrounds will soon be broken under a new rule. The only thing I ask of you is to build your forces, and along with my armies, arrange the building of a new outer wall of this citadel so both of our armies may grow into one, along with what the Empress Shael has brought from the south."
OOC: That's meant to me, isn't it?
RazorClaw turned to his econd-in-command, MoonScar. "You shall instruct all of our foxes and weasels to join with Kilk's army in the barracks. As for the rest, get them to the postition where the great wall is to be built. Tell them that they shall have to have it done in a season." He turned to Kilk. I have heard many rumors, my lord, none of them good. I have sent twoscore eagles to scout around the land, checking the movements of various armies." He smiled. "As to Bran Stoneshield and Pikepaw, I have something more... personal with them. If you wish it of me, I shall gladly crush them. I have some contacts, to help me see. OOC: Sorry, bad joke. I have contacts around various places, and I can cobble together a temporary alliance of creatures that would outstrip your own forces. They're all friendly with the Black Cross though, so I couldn't use them when we had open hostilities." He waited.
The wildcat closed her eyes. There was truth in what Kilk said. The seas could not keep her safe forever. When she started building her giant navy, she had not thought ahead. She had not thought about what would happen if she ran out of troops. Out on the open sea, there was nowhere to build guard towers. If she was attacked, she would just lose the land. There was nothing she could do about it. If enough of her land was taken, she would be set back for days, with no hope of recovery other than selling skiffs. As soon as she had her land back, she would lose it again. It was a vicious circle.
Ashyra faced Dead Eye. "Your skiffs guarding Mossflower's shores? That would deprive me of land, the land I need to make skiffs, the skiffs I need to stay strong... Or would I be forced to make more skiffs to get past them? The choice is yours. Remove your skiffs, I attack as normal. Keep them there, I will destroy them. We both know that I have many more skiffs than you."
She spoke to Kilk. "As for the alliance, I'll consider it. But don't expect me to say yes."
Now Dead Eye pulled out both rapiers and growled, aiming them at Ashyra "I called you as a friend. No threats, only kind words. I was trying to guard Kilk. You have gone to far to threaten me Ashyra. You will die with your skiffs. I will take them out myself!" Dead Eye's , um, eyes, were full of rage and hatred. Ashyra had blown him off, tsked him away, thinking she was all mighty. Now Dead Eye would fight her. While watching her he called for his captains.
"Take all our skiffs and leaders and murder Ashyras skiffs. Only attack her skiffs a few times, to show her we mean bussiness."
OOC: haha Ashyra. Just to prove a point I attacked you in regular. Just 1 attack. Only 54 land. But I really wanted to see. Granted I kept murdering your forces, but since expansion is tomorrow I wanted to see. I broke you once out of my 5 attempts, and took 59 land. I am done with RWL until expansion, so attack me if you wish and take back the 59 land and revenge. But this is a point that you arent an undefeated Skiff master.
Shael's narrowed eyes looked between them both disapprovingly, one paw on the belt to which her sword was strapped. "The reason we are all here," she began, "is to make alliances and join forces. This wasn't my- our," she corrected herself, looking apologetically at Kilk, "intention."
"If all the rest you're going to do is threaten each other," she continued, "you may as well come inside, and get a good night's sleep. I shall assume I am no longer needed here." She turned towards the entrance of the stronghold, and looked back over her shoulder. "That is only my advice. I'm not forcing you to follow it. It's just a warning. The wrong choices can lead us all down a blackened pathway." Her eyes wandered off, staring at the dark sky. "On a lighter note, you all have your own quarters inside, I suggest you use them." She looked off her other shoulder at Kilk, pausing shortly to see if he'd come along.
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OOC: Yay, I can write decent role-playing posts again...I suppose it's because we were studying some more poetry in English today, analyzing a poem about seeking the light and avoiding dark pathways.
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He raised a brow at Ashyra. "I could easily double, if not triple the guards at the shores. There is no way you could dock if that is how you want it, Ashyra, but I won't. Just consider the alliance."
The ferret looked to Deadeye, opening his mouth to speak, but only letting lose a get of steam as the cold north air assaulted what was going to come from his mouth.
He looked at the darkening sky, then at Shael. He reluctantly took a step forward and put an arm around her waist and led her back into the warmth of the keep, not saying a word until reaching the staircase leading to his quarters.
He stopped, looking for a moment at Shael. "Your quarters are directly down this hallway. I am retiring to mine. G'night, milady." He stated, quickly embracing her, and withdrawing, his mind whirring, half expecting her to follow for some reason.
Shael turned to walk down the hallway, feeling reluctant to step away from him. She looked over her shoulder, noticing Kilk seemed to be a little hesitant as well. She turned around and called softly. "Kilk." He turned around. "Um, if you ever- I mean, if you need-" She stared at the floor. "-want me to keep you company, just say so. I don't really feel like retiring to my quarters at the moment."
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He laughed awkwardly.
"Sure! I'm not too interested in turning in, either, come on up..." He waited for her to get level with him and stepped up the last few, opening the door to his chamber in a wide sweep.
A fire crackled in the large, plain stone fireplace, spreading light over a table strewn with maps, one with a daggar stuck through the middle, deep in the table. Unfinish letters were cluttering the desk as well, ink smeared on some unimportant parts of the maps. Other than that, the room was impeccably clean. The two crossed scimitars of the Ragingblade family rested above the fireplace, hung on two pegs. In the back of the room, the head to the wall, was a huge bed, ornately carved of a dark wood, spread with a large crimson sheet. The only other furniture in the room was a huge open armoir, full of armour, cloaks, and a few weapons in various drawers, and a single crimson, leather armchair, pulled up to the fire.
"It isn't much, but it's somewhere warm to sleep I suppose." He took off his cloak and tossed it over the back of the chair, unstrapped his armour, pulling it off of his arms and chest with little difficulty, putting the highly polished lorica segmentata on the map table, standing up, he undid his scabbard, putting it next to the armour. He stood up, in only his black leather tunic, made standard for all soldiers so their armour would not cut into them.
He reached to take her cloak. "Make yourself at 'ome..."
The weasel stepped back towards him, allowing Kilk to remove her cloak, as she looked around the room, taking everything in. She smiled. "It's a nice place." She moved towards the fireplace, stretching her paws out, warming them from the freezing temperatures outside.
She dusted off her plain, light brown tunic, removed her sandals by the fireplace, and settled in the armchair. "I missed being here so much, it just made me happy walking around this place again." She commented, looking to Kilk. "Knowing that now, I'm supposed to live here makes me more content." She watched the fire for a few moments, before taking a quick glance at Kilk. "I suppose you're used to living here alone."
ooc: We got a love story going on.
Gotta kiss the girl! LALALALA! Kiss the girl!
A whole new world! A whole new point of view! hahaha!
Anyways...
IC: Dead Eye gave one more look at Ashyra then said "My dear, I am sorry. We must be allies. But if not, leave now. I will miss you though. But you are none of my bussiness now. Good Bye"
Dead Eye walked outside and into his guard lined up. There were one million fighters lined up, with 10 captains out front. "It is good to see you! We have much work to do. Workers, Captain Ugla, start on making towers around Kilk's fortress. The rest of you captains set shifts. Captain Todak and Left Ear, take your forces and make an outer guard. Set up camps around. The rest of you set guards around the fotress!"
(OOC: It's 5:30 AM. In a stupor. Woot.)
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He gazed at the fire, standing still for a moment, reflecting on something before he spoke.
"To tell the truth, I'm no treally used to be doing anything. For a few seasons it was like I passed out of space and time, into my own little world. Odd thing really, but when I came back, I knew there was something undone that I needed to complete."
He sighed. "The Original Marauders were all dead or captured, but the Imperial Forces had been disbanded and were ready to return, and an army greater than all others flocked to me as all of the warlords that came here did. I don't understand why, but the moment I sent out envoys, they all came...Something big is going to happen. Soon. I can feel it, and I don't like it."
He looked at her. "What've you been doing for these seasons?"
OOC: Sorry, my mom was keeping me prisoner yesterday with my homework. :/ Note: When I say Headquarters, I mean the building I described up in the pinned topic.
BIC:
Shael stood up and walked towards the mantel, paws clasped behind her back, looking up at the crossed scimitars, but not really examining them. "Nothing worth mentioning. Mostly roaming around the woods of Mossflower, occasionally venturing out over the Eastern plains. Mostly spent my time at the Headquarters though."
She looked down, watching the dancing flames. "So many warlords left too, while you were gone. Some have come back, but others," she paused, with a specific warlord in memory, "are unaccounted for."
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The Emperor looks oddly at her for a moment, realizing what she was saying.
"Yeah. Raine is gone. He isn't coming back." He drew in a quick breath and reached into his armoir, drawing out a battered chain mail vest.
"He won't be coming back for a while I think. He was swept away in the crusades against the original Marauders. Missing, probably dead." He slides the mail over his head and now takes out a rough, travel-worn black vest, putting it over the mail, and fastening the ties in front quickly. Putting on a pair of thick black gloves, his red eyes glow with a fury unforseen.
"You can use the bed if you're tired. The only problem with my disposition is that I don't sleep." He moved for the back of the armoir, focused on one thing and one thing alone.
The ferret forceably moved the armoir aside and took a sword. The sword was in a scabbard, black with silver trim. The hilt stuck out the top, and was also silver, with the black wrapped around the handle. There was no stone on silver pommel. He also picked up a package from the floor, and unwrapped a storm-battered black cloak, wrapped around daggars of the same make of his sword, both already on a brown belt. He put the belt on swiftly, tying the end of the cord through itself, and attached the sword's scabbard to it as well. Throwing the cloak over his shoulders, he went for the door.
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As he walked out the main door of his keep, he pushed the door bodily aside, striding into the well-lit night courtyard, stalking in the direction of the main gate. A guard from his post on the wall called to him.
"OY! Wot are ye doin'? 'O are ye?"
To this the ferret replied. "I am your Emperor, let me pass. Raise the portcullis. NOW!"
The guard, embarrassed and bewildered sprinted towards the gatehouse, and in a moment the heavy iron gate raised and the cloaked figure walked out into the cold.
His quest for Raine Valthurak had begun...He would find him or die in the process of doing so. The greatest ally of the Original Marauders had to be alive, or he had made such a demise that was worthy of knowing. Near the time of his reckoning, he needed the valiant actions of the only one of the Nine in the Militia he could trust.
It was time.
OOC: Don't have much choice but just to follow along. I'm not going to stay locked up in a bedroom, you realize.
BIC:
Shael stood, a bit bewildered, as she watched Kilk move swiftly through the door. She looked out the window, her naturally slitted eyes relaxing, her lips mouthing silent thoughts. The weasel watched Kilk stride across the courtyard. "Of course...and why not? One is already back from the dead..."
Excitedly, she raced across the room, pausing only to grab her cloak from the back of the armchair, and hurried down the stairs, fastening her cloak as she ran.
She reached the outside courtyard breathlessly, as the guards were closing the main gate. "Stop!" she shouted at them. "Keep it open!"
The guard, in an effort to redeem himself from further embarassment, answered skeptically. "Wot d'ye think yer tryin' ter do, missie? Y'don' 'ave any right ter order me 'bout like that!"
Shael controlled her breathing, and drew her sword threateningly, her eyes flashing. "Open that gate! I am the Empress, and none will speak to me in that manner! Raise it, now!"
The poor guard cowered under her stare and scuttled off to do her bidding. The young weasel sheathed her sword, and hurried outside onto the path. A blast of the night's icy wind caught her unprepared, and she drew her cloak tighter around her.
She spotted Kilk hurrying down the path, and ran to catch up with him. She stopped in front of him, barring his way. She looked down, the frosty wind stinging her eyes. "You're not going alone. I'm promised myself I would find him. I tried many times, and I never did. You can't leave me here." She looked up at him for an answer, ignoring the wind, her cloak fluttering wildly.
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The ferret turned on his heel, his face contorted in a snarl until he looked upon her and took a breath.
"I cannot say no to you joining me on this quest, Shael, but it's going to be dangerous, and I do not need anything to happen to you...Though since you seem to need to, let us go together. It may benefit us."
He looked at her a moment, the black pupils of his dark red eyes contorting with the changing light. Kilkenne waited for her to get in place beside him.
"I'm warning you, we're traveling fast from here until we leave the North. I do not want the enemy forces to know that I've left the mountains."
He began a slow trot, gradually building up to a medium-paced jog on the path, which in most parts seemed to be an underlayer of old cobblestone of which the earth was trying to reclaim. The hooded and cloaked ferret was sure to keep her with him, but he himself ran quite easily, blatantly ignoring anything his body was telling him to do.
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(ooc: I don't know if you want to, but I'm going to go ahead a day or so)
They had been running for the better part of a day, stopping only out of necessity to eat what was availiable in the pine-woods along parts of the path, and to drink from the few sparse streams coming from the mountains. The fatigue of going so far in such a time frame was fatiguing as mentally as it was physically, his mind whirring with thoughts of the old KM, the new Empire, and what had become of Raine. If the rumours were true, he was living...Somewhere in a forest, or a swamp he had heard.
Finally, he stopped on the outside of a pine copse, breathing heavily, he turned to Shael.
"We'll be staying here for at least a day in the cover of these woods, 'love. Sorry for the lack of rest, but we needed to clear the zone of danger." He looked at the setting sun for a moment and then turned into the forest, walking slowly for a few silent minutes, then stopping abruptly at the base of an enormous dead oak tree, seemingly the only in the forest.
Drawing his sword, he prodded the tree once, and walked around it, looking at it hard, trying to see something that seemingly wasn't there. Suddenly, he put the sword half-deep into a knot and put his weight against it, a slim doorway appearing from the bark spot that he had removed. There was a set of steep stairs going downward below the tree.
Leading, he took a small piece of flint from a pouch on his right side and struck it against the hilt of his sword, while using a footpaw to hold a well-placed torch of grass and pine resin that had been left next to the door for just such use upright so that the sparks would ignite it swiftly, despite the amount of dust and fallen dirt.
"Follow me, 'milady, please, be assured to place that door in position before we go."
With his newly lit torch, he waited for her to replace the door, and began down the stairs, which ended abruptly after just twenty two steps. The ferret looked about in the one flickering room that lay before him, and then lighting each of three more torches inside in their turn.
The chamber was spartan. With a small bed, a place for making a fire, and nothing else, it was merely a place to escape the elements. He turned to Shael once more.
"This was used as a hide-out for one of my generals in darker times. It is ventilated through tiny holes in the ceiling as to let us breath and dissipate the smoke, as well as get us out of the elements." He threw off his cloak and laid it on the bare mattress and collapsed on it, moving over almost over the edge so if Shael wished she might have more than half if any of the small bed to sleep on. Kilkenne watched her, thinking hard, his eyes still half open, but fatigue weighing heavy on him.