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Post by Brenton on Jun 27, 2014 10:53:47 GMT -5
When Szven'Xoc got to the second village he immediately began to look around for his contacts within the small space who were supposed to be here to help him. They were two of his most trusted spies within this area and so he knew they would be able to handle themselves just fine. Just ahead was one of them, a man of great height and heavily muscled, wearing armor and holding a sword at the ready while he looked much like an Empire soldier. The only thing that showed who he truly supported was the band with the A insignia around his left bicep.
This was Konner Derriksson, a knight of both the elves and the dwarves as well as a rider and an assassin who was most trusted with the Assassin Empire. No one knew it but Szven had thought about one day handing over the throne to Konner after he died because the king had no next of kin. Which with how this was going, that day very well might be today. Konner, my old friend, how goes the guarding of this small village? One is down and tangos are heading this way. A Spartan who has had to heal herself and a knight who is on a wounded horse if he rides in. They are both strong but I'm sure with you, Shaymen, and I that we can handle them just fine.
Konner looked at Szven and moved his eyes to the right three times which was a signal that someone was coming who was an ally. So Szven'Xoc moved over to intercept and came face to face with the third man in their small party, or more of a boy, who had curly platinum blonde hair that was cut to chin length while his deep blue eyes stared out at the man in front of him. Across the fifteen year old boy's back were two long swords and a long bow with arrows fletched with swan feathers. The boy was tall for his age, standing at five feet and eleven inches, but he wasn't as built as Konner who could have easily lifted him and thrown him across the village.
"My liege, there is no reason to worry about us being unable to handle them for even if they get through then Talon can come in and I'll use my elemental magic to cool the immediate area down. Might as well set up then. I'll be up on a roof across the village with my long bow ready while you go to the tavern and wait in the back room. Konner will stand here and whistle three times in ascending order to let me know they're coming and then I'll whistle twice in descending order to let you know they're coming. That's when we start the attack. That is still the plan right?" Shaymen, for being so young, was speaking in too mature of a manner about matters he shouldn't even know. The way someone grows up when they witness their caretaker get murdered.
Szven nodded and saluted at Konner who nodded briefly as he raised his sword in a mock salute, barely revealing the hidden blades to the trained eyes of Szven and Shaymen. Just a little extra precaution for a time like this. With that, the king took off to the tavern where he slipped within in his human form and went to the back immediately to sit and wait. Shaymen slipped up onto the roof and began picking off the guards one by one and collecting his arrows before he hunkered down at the bell tower of the church with his bow raised and waiting. Konner watched the road from the first village where smoke was rising from and had his fingers clenching and unclenching nervously on the sword hilt to sell the look of a soldier who was expecting trouble.
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Post by Quetzal on Jul 4, 2014 11:12:09 GMT -5
Ri'Shei pulled herself up onto her horse. She always had to pick out the largest horses to accommodate her own tall self, so once she found one that was a suitable size, she tended to stick with it for some time. This one she'd used in a good few missions. As she rode, her eyes scanned the area for any sign of the assassins. They had no tracking hounds with them and her eyes at least failed to pick up a trail. The group did know where the nearest villages were. Outriders went to the smallest to spread warning of assassins. The locals had to be made aware in case they tried anything like the church again.
Morrow was right, she did too easily make assumptions - all Varden supporters were stupid thugs with no sense of law and order; anyone with any sense supported the Empire and wanted them to regain complete control; everyone would be safe and happy under Empire rule. She was too stubborn in her own beliefs and opinions to admit that to herself, though. She thought about that he said none the less. It was certainly true of the assassin. He probably thought he was being a badass, clever and likable. He probably thought himself a great hero, terrorising all those innocents, that he was coming to their aid and would be their salvation or some other egotistical thing like that. While he'd put himself on a pedestal, she hadn't seen a single look of admiration in any eye, civilian or soldier alike. They saw him as an attacker and a fool. Maybe she was assuming too much to think of how the bastard saw himself. Maybe not. That was what she thought of him, anyway.
"I don't have a clue what a Ranger is, aside from the scouts. The assassin looked a bit like a half-elf, so it might be some elf thing. Could be a title he gave himself. At any rate, he was wrong in saying everyone knew the Rangers aren't with the Varden, because unless we are exceptionally ignorant, Rangers aren't common knowledge," she didn't know why he'd mentioned they were rare or what that had to do with their support of the Varden.
After another moment, more thoughts came to her. "Say, what do you think this guy would do if he did manage to take over everywhere? I mean, he won't, his force is far too small and his support very limited, but just imagining. What he do then? An assassin kingdom with no enemies to assassinate. They'd either start killing each other, or wouldn't be able to call themselves assassins any more." It did seem a bit odd to be advertising the people of a kingdom as assassins. If everyone in the Empire or the Varden were an assassin, it would spell disaster. They only needed a dozen assassins in their whole forces. Soldiers, cooks, farmers, physicians, builders, smiths and the like were far more important to have in great numbers.
Ri'Shei quietened as they reached a village. The roofs leading from somewhere near them towards the church were littered with corpses of guards. Way to make their presence known. "The assassin is here. He's left a trail of dead men for us to follow. Do you think he might try the same thing with the church this time? No one's been warned here, there'd be people in there for sure," she said. No outriders had gone ahead so not to spoil any element of surprise they might have left. She couldn't hear any crashing bells or see any flames and smoke, which was a good sign. |
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Post by Timmir on Jul 17, 2014 20:30:41 GMT -5
((I'm really sorry about the lengthy delay.))
Morrow nodded in agreement with Ri'shei's comment about Rangers. It seemed folly for the assassin to believe that whatever his definition for a Ranger is was actually common knowledge. Heck, Morrow doubt that it was even uncommon knowledge. It did worry him though that it might have something to do with the elves. Morrow might be ignorant about many things, but he did know that things usually dealing with elves weren't stuff to be trifled at.
Ri'shei then brought up an interesting topic. Morrow spent a good couple of seconds to think it over before answering her. "To be honest, I'm afraid to even think about it. He'd probably would start off by killing off everybody who doesn't swear loyalty to him. Then start killing everyone who presents even a slightest threat to his rule. That would go on til someone kills him and the vicious cycle will continue for centuries to come. A society based on solely murder and deceit. It's a scary thought the more in depth I think about it." Morrow told her as they rode to the village.
It wasn't long before they had finally reached the village. From the looks of things, the assassin was busy while they were heading this way. "I doubt it. Something tells me this is more of a trap for us then anything else. I wouldn't be surprise if he had some of his goons waiting for us here too. So while this may not be needed to be said, keep your wits about you." He told Ri'shei in low whisper as he got off his horse before sending the horse away. He knew that with an assassin around, being on horseback would not be the best thing at this time.
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Post by Brenton on Jul 17, 2014 21:30:10 GMT -5
Konnor watched the pair ride up on the rode, quickly turning his head and raising his arm like he was try to hide a cough. As he did he whistled the three notes and then turned back to the two, adding in a small sniffle like he had the common cold ailing him. And who said that he couldn't act? As Konnor saluted with his sword, he cast a look around the area and then spoke in a worried tone. "Is there a problem, Sir? I saw smoke from over the hills and since then have been watching the roads but haven't been able to soothe my nerves."
He was ready when the two notes echoed back from off of every building in the village, which is what made him drop and roll forward while bringing his hidden blades out for the Achilles' Tendon in Morrow. An arrow followed him as he dropped and the assassin knew that Shaymen had shot true and straight for the tall woman, Ri'Shei. "Or should I say is there a problem with your leg, Ri'Shei?"
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Up on the roof, Shaymen had heard the notes and quickly whistled his two in response as he drew back the string of his bow. The feathers of the arrow brushed his ear just as the boy released and sent the shaft for Ri'Shei who he hoped would get pinned to the ground through her leg. If not then Szven'Xoc was sure to already be there and commencing on his part of the plan. In a rush, the young assassin packed up and dashed over closer to where Konner was using the rooftops. Every so often he would shoot an arrow at either Morrow or Ri'Shei before ducking into cover and then running for the next spot.
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So the plan was finally in place was it? Well Szven'Xoc was ready as he grabbed a young girl from his mother's hand just to drag her toward the barracks. He was in the center of the village and could see the chaos ahead of him, arrows in the ground and Konnor rolling around using his hidden blades. STOP NOW! Empire soldiers should not follow assassins to a ground chosen by them if they wish to live. Now that you have though I must say that this girl is going to die for it. Or you could back down and take your message to your king who sits atop his throne like a madman while all of this happens. I should have done this years ago when Galbatorix was still young so that he could fear what was really going to happen to his subjects. Now choose!
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Post by Quetzal on Jul 21, 2014 10:17:09 GMT -5
Ri'Shei nodded to Morrow but said nothing, dismounting as he had. The horse snorted before being led away. Her eyes scanned the rooftops, windows and alleyways, searching for any sign of life. The assassins had been here first, so they would have time to rig any traps ready for them to walk into. They would have had time to pick out the best vantage spots, to brief one another.
A man turned to cough. As he did so, she could hear a whistle. Three notes, clearly a signal. The fact that the man covered his mouth told her he was the source. He had a sword too, was the only person in sight, and spoke to them. Clearly an assassin. Sure enough, more whistles returned from all around. Ri'Shei tried to commit where each was coming from to memory, but there too many. No matter, they would simply be wary of all the rooftops. So many assassins would be hard to pick off, anyway.
The whistles had made Ri'Shei alert. When the man moved suddenly, her twin swords were out quickly as possible. Yet he wasn't moving for her and Morrow had the reactions to make a warning shout to him redundant. Instead she looked for whoever was going to attack her. She didn't see anyone, but an arrow was hurtling towards her. The man mentioned something about her leg, so she moved them both. The arrow was too fast, though, and was on her before she could get out the way. Thankfully, a ward protected her and it clattered to the ground harmlessly.
That threw Ri'Shei off. Her wards were good, as befit a magic-using soldier of her rank, but the arrow had stopped too soon. Her own wards would have been more like it was hitting jelly or some other soft material, slowing to stop much closer to her skin. This had been as though it had hit a brick wall a good half a foot away from her. Something else was at work here. There was no time to contemplate what, and little need to if it was on their side anyway. Perhaps Morrow had given her extra wards as they rode without her noticing. Perhaps the gods were real after all and were on her side. Taking heart in her mysterious protector, she lunged to stab at Konnor as he rolled, knowing he wouldn't be able to see anything very well with his face tucked in and moving so fast.
Szven'Xoc appeared then. She gasped to see him clutching a child, shaking and snivelling in fear. A new spark of hate spread fire around her heart. What was this message anyway? She would never do his bidding. "You foul pretender! I knew you were low, but I did not think you would sink so low as to murder an innocent child. If you thought all this coward's hiding behind innocents and archers who themselves are hiding would achieve anything, you are sorely mistaken. All it's doing is making me more and more dedicated to my ever-deepening wish to destroy you and all you stand for. You are worse than Galbatorix. I care not for this message of yours, either. Forget it, deliver it yourself, or stick it up your arse, you craven. I'll have no part in it. I will not bend to someone as low as you. You are naught but dung so low the deepest bowels of the earth would be ashamed to excrete such base filth as yourself," there was so much venom in her voice if it could be given Psychical form a drop might fell an army.
At that, Ri'Shei ran for Szven'Xoc, blades in hand, golden eyes burning light against her dark skin. There was no way she would let that little girl die.
((Ri'Shei actually used a different word to 'excrete'. You can probably figure out for yourselves what it was. Didn't think it would be appropriate to use it on this site though)) |
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Post by Timmir on Jul 21, 2014 14:31:20 GMT -5
Morrow turned as he heard the distinct sound of someone whistling. It was a clear signal to something, and Morrow had a good guess what that something is. A man wearing empire armor then approached them. Judging from the bodies they've noticed earlier, Morrow had little doubt that this man was an assassin. So he kept a good grip on his shield as he watched the man carefully. And sure enough, after several whistles rang out throughout the village, the man attacked Morrow.
The man was fast, that was for sure. Before Morrow could react, the man had rolled around him and had tried to strike the back of his head. The attack proved useless however as the hidden blade only harmlessly scrape against Morrow's armor. "What type of assassin attacks with a dull blade?" Morrow refuted as he drew his spear and swung in a wide horizontal arc. Morrow knew something was up though to have protected him from the strike, though he suspected it was probably Ri'shei's magic at the work.
The leader had then revealed himself with a young girl as a hostage. Morrow growled softly as he saw this and listened to Ri'shei's reply to the man and his demands. Morrow couldn't agree more as he returned his attention back to the assassin that was trying to attack him. He probably would have killed the young girl even if they had surrendered. At least this way, he could trust Ri'shei to be able to save her.
"So is this your leaders plan. Building a kingdom upon the blood of the innocent. How despicable?" As he attacked the man with a quick thrust with his spear. These assassins needed to be dealt with now before they were allowed to spill anymore blood.
A man blended with the crowd that was forming several yards away from the hostage situation. His gaze carefully watched the situation at it went along. The man was wearing a plain black cloak with a scarf and a simple hat obscuring his face. This man was in fact the brother of the heavily armored soldier.
The only reason he was in this town in the first place was because he was on his way heading towards the village Morrow was originally protecting. However, he had stopped his journey when he learned of Konner's presence in this village. It didn't take much for the currently ex-thief to put two and two together to figure out that something was going on. Yet now he had to be careful. Trelik was supposed to be dead now, and any unnecessary attention could blow that out of the water. He just needed to be seen as just another face in the crowd and everything will be alright.
Are you sure you can handle three different wards at once? It's going to be a big strain on your body if they are all attacked at the same time. Trelik heard Neldral's thoughts as they strain to reach him.
I know, but what else could I have done. Morrow and that woman would of been dead by now if I hadn't placed those wards on them, and I'm not taking any risks that this man would attempt to kill the little girl he's holding hostage. Right now, I just have to hope this gem doesn't end up dying on me before this whole situation ends. Trelik responded as his slipped into his pocket to feel said gem full of energy.
Just be careful, okay. I'll lend you what strength I can from this distance to assist you, but remember we're suppose to be dead. If anybody recognizes you, then everything we have done so far would have been for naught. Neldral warned.
I'm more then well aware of that fact. There's no reason he should recognize me. For all he knows, Trelik is dead and I'm just another face in the crowd.
Still someone is bound to notice that there is another mage around assisting these empire soldiers. So these assassins may just end up attacking the whole crowd if they can't find out who it is.
True. I'll just have to figure something out just in case that happens. Trelik thought as his gaze moved towards the rooftops. This was going to get worse before it's going to get better, that's for sure. That's not to mention that Talon was likely nearby and ready to attack if things don't end up going the assassins way.
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Post by Brenton on Jul 21, 2014 15:06:04 GMT -5
Talon was already in the air by the time he recognized the situation was dangerously close to a battle between magic users. Someone was protecting these two that Konner was next to and that meant that his sharpened assassin blades couldn't reach anywhere near the skin. Just wonderful but who could it be and why were they here in the first place? Silently the dragon flew toward the outskirts of the town and then he was certain that it was more than just a magic user. These wards were too strong to be some cookie cutter mage so they had to be a rider or a shade.
Finally the dragon had made up his mind and he shot down out of the clouds, a roar of defiance ripping loose and a jet of flickering flames shooting from his maw into the air around him. His full frame covered most of the first two buildings but the male dragon simply went faster by tucking his wings and then he pulled up into a hover. No one would dare to attack Konner if he was here to protect his rider.
Just then the male soldier attacked the assassin rider and the dragon wouldn't stand for that so he swept his tail around in the air to announce an attack. Next came a white hot blaze of flames directed straight at the soldier while Talon grabbed Konner and pulled him up into the saddle with his tail. Now they were prepared for anything at all.
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Konner laughed as he was caught by the waist and quickly threw off the Empire armor, revealing his normal attire marking him as an elven friend and a Varden supporter as well as a knight of the Dwarves. With amplified tone given by magic, Konner shouted at all of the people gathered in the area. This is not your worry, people of Alagaesia! Be not afraid for one day soon the Varden will free you of those who wish to oppress you in such a manner. Listen to how your precious Empire soldiers won't even take a message to the king and instead wish for a girl to be slaughtered in front of you. Now look at what a true king does when someone threatens the safety of a child and actually means them harm. With that Konner drew his sword and pointed down at Szven'Xoc in a cue to take the floor.
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Szven was in the action of dodging an attack when he heard what Konner said and stepped over to where the girl's mother was. With gentleness born of royalty respecting their subjects, Szven'Xoc took the girl's hand and placed it in her mother's. Forgive me, fair lady. I never meant your daughter any harm and if it had befallen her then I would have slain the person who harmed her. Now take your family and go to your house where you will be safe from an resulting fight that breaks out.
With that he turned back and walked over to Ri'Shei, a smug grin on his face. Raising his voice he spoke to the heavens. Fair words from one as chivalrous as yourself Konner. Now if you don't mind, make sure that this magic user who protects them is found and slain before they cause us harm as well. Szven tilted his head to the side and pursed his lips thoughtfully while waiting for a move to be made by the two Empire soldiers.
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Already Shaymen had scanned the crowd and seen one person staring up at the rooftops and looking haunted as well as worried. Something wasn't right about that man for he was obviously hiding something and he expected trouble while looking toward the spot where the assassin was hidden. With a sigh, the young assassin drew his twin swords and slid to the edge of the roof before flipping down onto the ground right next to the shady man.
"You know there is a much safer way of approaching an assassin who is armed with a bow. Now tell me, why are you so nervous if you don't know who we are? Or should I have Konner come down here and cut your throat on suspicion that you are the magic user? Either way it settles my nerves and may help us in the long run."
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Post by Quetzal on Jul 24, 2014 11:05:42 GMT -5
Ri'Shei's blood was running hot and it didn't help when a dragon flew down towards them. "Well that's just unfair," she remarked. They hadn't brought a Rider with them because they had just been going after the one assassin. "Honestly, that guy must be a terrible fighter if he needs all these hiding archers and a dragon and Rider to defend against us two and a bunch of ordinary soldiers," she assessed, not truly willing to underestimate the lunatic holding the girl hostage.
Konner said something but she wasn't listening, too intent on carrying on running for Szven'Xoc. The people were backing away, and clearly didn't believe whatever it was he'd said. He had just openly expressed support for the Varden, which told them the Varden were to blame for the disruption and the killing of the guards. The guards were often resented for being harsh, but they kept the peace and many local men went off to seek employment as guards, so their families were none too pleased to see them picked off like flies. They certainly weren't falling for the notion that Ri'Shei meant the child harm, seeing her running forward to save it. Was he suggesting she was running to attack her? It looked more to them like she was running to attack Szven and save the child. Szven appeared to be in the wrong here, having taken the child in the first place. He was the only one who'd clearly threatened to kill her, stating plainly 'the girl is going to die for it', when Ri'Shei had only expressed hatred and said murdering children was wrong. She wouldn't say that if she was trying to murder the child. Whatever the assassins had claimed, by openly declaring he'd murder a young child then seeing another assassin trying to tell them that the Empire soldier going to rescue her and punish her captor was actually trying to kill her and the guy who seized and threatened a crying child was in the right, they had lost the village completely.
Quite frankly, to think they'd buy such lies was an insult to their intelligence. Whatever ploy this was, the assassins had used an innocent child for it. Cries of "You can't expect us to believe that!" and "Liar!" went up amidst a chorus of booing. About half staying silent, scared the dragon would kill them if they protested. The children were all crying or hiding behind their parents or older siblings. When Szven returned the woman's child, she spat at his feet and ran away, clutching the girl tightly. She was wailing and crying her little eyes out.
Ri'Shei reached Szven as he made his little show of false chivalry. Once he'd finished speaking but before he turned around, his face safely turned away from her, she aimed an almighty slap at the one cheek visible to her. Because he wouldn't see what she was doing, she hoped it would hit. Right in his smug face. If it did, it would certainly make a loud noise indeed and leave a nice big red mark. "BULL****!" She screamed at him.
Her fury was out of control now, spiralling out of all reason. All she wanted to do was give this monster a slow, painful death. "Are you proud of yourself, lackwit? That poor child will be traumatised. How do you think people are going to react to that? Oh, he gave her back despite saying he would slaughter her, he must be the good guy? No, these people are far smarter than you. I would say they were a hundred times as clever as you, but a hundred times zero is zero, so that would only be an insult."
She turned to face the people, but didn't turn all the way so Szven, Konner and Talon were still plainly in her view. "Two villages away, this man burned down a church even as innocent people, the healthy, the sick, children and the elderly alike, sought shelter there from him. Luckily myself, Morrow there and our faithful soldiers saved everyone, and chased him here. Now he's summoned a dragon and Rider and has archers stationed in hiding all over the place. However weak he may call us, keep in mind he called a dragon against a handful of ordinary soldiers, not what I'd call a fair fight. We will fight to the death to protect you, our people, but it would take another dragon or several times as many men as we have to bring down a dragon. You know how strong they are. It's not safe for you here, and your safety is our concern. You cannot stay in your houses or this dragon might burn them down, and this man might steal your children again when we're fighting elsewhere so can't make him release them and pretend we were in the wrong again. Grab as much of your own money as you can, take as little as possible, just enough food and clothes to keep you alive, and leave this village. Go to what friends or relatives you have nearby, we've warned all the villages for miles around. Else set up camp near one. The assassins seem to be targeting the villages, but there's safety in numbers. They might pick off stragglers in the wilderness. Go now! We'll say whenever this village becomes safe again. I promise you, we will do everything in our power to rid you of these pests. The Empire will crush the Varden in their attack on Uru'baen, and even if these stragglers hang on like a stubborn stain, all the force of our Riders will completely wipe them out." She called out to the villagers.
As the crowd ran off and the first people began filing out the village to safety, most on foot, a few on donkeys or shabby horses, some strong young men and women carrying the ill, elderly and children in their arms or in carts and wagons, Ri'Shei turned back to Szven. "Well? You've done nothing but run and hide. You have no honour, insane foul beast. Are you going to fight, or are you going to hide behind this dragon of yours like a baby behind its mother's skirts?" Her twin blades struck one another, the ring of honed steel on steel echoing around the rapidly emptying streets. |
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Post by Timmir on Aug 1, 2014 6:10:00 GMT -5
((Well it's 6 am as I'm writing this, and I haven't gotten any sleep yet -_- So I thought I would finally get this post done. Sorry for the delay.))
A dragon!? Well this was definitely not something that Morrow had anticipated. And the strange man he was fighting being a Rider made things that much worse. Morrow understood now that their chances for winning a fight against these assassins were completely stacked against them. All they really could do now is hold them off before they could any more harm to this village.
As the dragon breathed fire at him, Morrow quickly dived out of the way. Yet his heavy armor prevented him from being able to move far. His legs were caught in the edge of the flames, and while the ward and his heavy armor took the brunt of the hit, he could feel that his legs were still badly burnt. That's not to mention that the outer lair of his plate mail armor had slightly melted under the intense heat.
Morrow fought through the pain as he pulled himself off the ground and began to hear the Rider's announcement. So this was a trap after all. He should have suspected as much. Yet what choice did they really have. Either the assassins would have killed them, then the child, or they would of killed the child, then them. That's why they choose choice three, and try to save the child from her abductor before any harm would befall on them. That's not to mention that he had a good feeling that Ri'shei or whoever put this ward on them had also put one on the child too.
It wasn't long til he heard Ri'shei counter his argument. He had to admit, she had been one of the most impressive people he's ever met. Any doubts he may have had about her have quickly vanished throughout the day. In fact, he was starting to believe she would prove to be a better leader for his small little squad then him.
It seemed one of the assassins suspect him. Well he couldn't say he was all that surprised. Still they have little reason to kill him yet. All he needed to do was play this cool, and he should be fine.
"Huh... Hey now. No need to be so hasty there kid." Trelik began as he back away from the kid with his hands up. Around this time, the crowd was starting to disperse as people were beginning to leave the village for somewhere more safe. In their panic, none of them seem to take notice of his current situation however.
"I believe your willingness to kill me for just being nervous more then justifies itself. I don't need to know who you are to see your a scary bunch of marauders who wouldn't blink twice to kill us. Holding children captive, killing the guards and firing arrows on those two soldier folk over there, and that's not to mention that beast that had just set two houses ablaze. So please young man, spare me so I can leave with the rest of the villagers. I still have so much I wanted to do." Trelik begged. He had no clue how the boy would react to this, but he was prepared if he needed some more convincing.
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Post by Brenton on Aug 3, 2014 10:15:23 GMT -5
I'm on my way down right now. Just keep that person busy until I get there, Shaymen. Konner had been keeping an eye upon the situation with both assassins and seen that the younger one had someone cornered, in essence, and was interrogating him. A quick search of Shaymen's mind had proved suspicion as to who this man was and Konner had met walls when he tried to get to the man's mind. That threw up red flags all over the place in his opinion and so the rider had jumped down onto a roof and was silently moving around behind Trelik.
As he neared his target, that he still couldn't tell who was, Konner made sure his assassin blades were ready to use. Just then, Talon took to the air higher and Konner dropped down behind the man, making it nearly impossible to get away. Of course if this were anyone who had any worthwhile skills, they could scale a building and escape just as quickly. Yet that wasn't what worried Konner about the man. What worried him was the fact that wards were placed upon people, good wards at that, and the man had strong walls around his mind.
Only riders were so precautious of these situations and so that meant that the man was probably a precautious rider himself. So, riders seem to pop up out of the woodwork today. Except, I don't see your dragon, friend. Are you dragonless or just voyaging alone for the time being? Don't worry, I won't hurt you...Trelik. Konner had seen this man before in many places, and presumed him dead after the last time. But hey, everyone had their reasons for disappearing so Konner wasn't about to tell anyone outside of those three that he had seen Trelik Utharsson. But that meant that Neldral was nearby as well and that could be interesting.
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Szven'Xoc watched at Talon flew away and he assumed that Konner had left with him, before the king had gotten the chance to ask. Well that was good. The assassin king drew both daggers and squared his shoulders while glaring belligerently at the soldiers who assumed he was weak or afraid. "If you need a fight then let's go, but two on one is out of the question and I do still have assassins in the area." To be honest, Shaymen had stopped firing arrows awhile back and so Szven feared he had been captured or worse, killed, by the townfolk. Yet he had a fight to handle and that was all that mattered.
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Post by Quetzal on Aug 9, 2014 4:14:18 GMT -5
((He takes precaution so therefore must be a Rider? Jumping to conclusions much!))
Ri'Shei was glad to see Konner and the dragon retreat, but she wasn't about to convince herself that they were gone for good. Morrow looked to be seriously burned,. That was a shaem. She would have helped him, but standing right next to Szven gave her other priorities. He was managing to hobble along despite the pain, a good sign. A tough one, that guy. Always got the job done.a couple of soldiers went to help him as she carried on attempting to start the task she'd assigned herself. Szven was adressing some soldiers for some reason. Reaching to poke Szven with a sword, she cleared her throat loudly and with great exasperation. "Excuse me? I never said anything about two-on-one. Come on, why won't you fight?!" she thought the slap would get his attention, but apparently his skull was too thick.
((Sorry it's short, with Szven ignoring Ri'Shei's slap, speech and challenge I didn't have much to go on)) |
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Post by Timmir on Sept 3, 2014 19:51:05 GMT -5
((Well I guess I've kept you two waiting long enough. Also, I have to agree with Quetzal that is quite the leap of logic there. I would assume that anybody who knows how would try to keep there minds shielded, and the strength of that shield is based on your ability to concentrate, so anyone can have a strong mental defense.))
Morrow gritted his teeth as he propped himself up with his spear. The pain in his legs was made all the worst by the heat not being able to easliy escape from his metal armor. Yet he stood firm, assuring the two soldiers that went to assist him that he was alright. He might not be able to effectively fight right now, but he wasn't just gonna leave Ri'shei during her duel. Not when it was against someone who's already proven to prefer underhanded tactics to prove his point.
Trelik instinctively put up a wall as soon as he felt a presence trying to reach out to his mind. He had no idea who attempted to get into his mind, but took it as a sign that his act wasn't working. Something that was only proven further by the fact that Konner had dropped down behind him, no doubt a hidden weapon aimed at Trelik's back. Konner then went on to inform Trelik of his suspicion about Trelik's true identity. While Trelik didn't knew what tipped Konner off, he also knew he couldn't let on that the assassin was correct.
"M-my apologies sir, but you must have me mistaken. I'm not a rider, and I sure not this Trelik person you speak of." Trelik said as he continued his act, hoping that the pair would buy it. Yet if not, he had figured out a back-up plan just in case.
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Post by Brenton on Sept 5, 2014 16:46:04 GMT -5
((Sorry for the error in logic...normal logic. Although Konner does have a little less than normal thinking processes. Anyhow sorry for ignoring Ri'Shei completely Quetzal.))
So if you're not Trelik Utharsson, rider of Neldral, then why is it that you hide right here and do everything you can to protect those two. Oh and the fact that the villagers have left but you stand here when Morrow Utharsson is being burned by a great dragon makes it hard not to notice you. Thieves and the sort are overly cautious because they have something to hide at all times no matter where they are. Your voice sounds exactly like Trelik and your build, while I can't see your features, is close enough to him that I am certain you are the rider. Now if you have nothing to hide then show me both of your palms and run water over them.
Konner was ninety percent certain this was the rider he had last seen running from Farore but there was still that doubt in his mind. So he had to make absolutely sure by looking for the Gedwey Ignasia that all riders had on their palms from their bond.
Szven'Xoc looked over at Ri'Shei and smirked slightly, a devilish thought crossing his mind for a couple seconds. "Why would I fight you when you wield swords and I wield bars of iron? Plus what is really to stop an assassin who knows magic to just use a spell to obliterate you in the heat of battle? It looks like an unfair match in all cases and I do have honor to uphold, fair lady Ri'Shei of the Empire. Now run along and tend to your fallen warrior before he is dispatched permanently by an arrow or whatever happens to go through his body."
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Post by Quetzal on Sept 7, 2014 19:07:36 GMT -5
For a moment, Ri'Shei was torn between two of the beliefs she held most dear. One was loyalty, the other upholding the law. Morrow was badly burned, anyone could see. He fought on, but Szven'Xoc was right in that he could not last much longer. He had those wards, the mysterious protection from someone she was relatively certain was not Morrow but some external force. Had they left them by now? The burn was too strong to be held off by wards, perhaps they had been shattered. You could never be too careful. Morrow was at risk of dying here. If she fought Szven, the assassin might die but so might Morrow. If she did not, he would certainly escape to slaughter more innocents but Morrow would probably live. Probably. If only she were better at healing magic, she might help him from here and fight this scum! She had a duty to the people of the Empire. She had promised, vowed in the Ancient Language, to protect it at all costs. Morrow might die, but how many villagers, mothers, fathers, little children, would be saved? It was a tough decision to let someone die before your eyes to save people you would never meet, but it was one she felt strongly enough about bringing justice to law-breakers to make.
"You'll fight me with bars of iron because if you don't defend yourself, you're going to die," she growled. It wasn't the noble thing to do, but she was not a noble person. This was pretty much forcing Szven'Xoc into fighting her, but it was the only way she could see to stop him and it was what the Empire would want. Achieving the end goal was the main thing, how it was attained mattered less.
The best she could do for Morrow was turn and shout "Adurna!" Ice cold water soaked his burned legs and on the surface of his armour. It steamed off the armour, cooling it and the air inside it down, while the ice water on his legs would sooth the burns directly. It would not heal them, but might serve as pain relief and would hopefully prevent the burns from deepening further than they already had. Quickly she flung herself at Szven'Xoc, right blade flying for his stomach while the left aimed a slash at his neck. |
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Post by Brenton on Sept 7, 2014 19:24:45 GMT -5
((Two reasons for this skip in turn. One, Timmir is going on another hiatus with no certainty that he will be back constantly to post. And two is that I am running out of muse for this so this should help somewhat for Timmir and Morrow as well as Trelik.))
Szven'Xoc tutted to himself in disapproval as Ri'Shei made her decision to continue fighting him even though one of her allies was in pain and could die. So he simply whistled as he jumped backward to dodge both swords. That was the signal for a quick and full retreat from the area and no more assaults on villages nearby. As he finished the signal and dodge, Szven changed again, once more changing into what was partially animal and partially human.
With speed born from that mix of blood, Szven'Xoc dashed through the street and past Morrow with but a sideways glance. If he had not been in this position then the king would have stayed to somewhat help heal the soldier in his weakened state. Still now was not the time for such frivolities.
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Konner heard the whistle and handed one of his hidden blades to Shaymen as well as stripped out of the Empire armor quickly. With a muttered phrase to let him know where to meet the rider, Konner disappeared into a darkened alley and used a spell that changed his features enough to make it almost impossible to recognize him. Next he rubbed dirt and oil onto his palm to hide the Gedwey Ignasia before he slipped into a regular tunic with some holes and patches. Next went the old ragged and patched wool pants as well as worn leather boots. Konner muttered a spell to make his weapons and belt look older before he pulled the assassin cloak inside out to reveal a plain wool lining. He put the cloak on and made sure that he looked completely different, spitting out a spell to change the color of his hair to black and the color of his eyes to a dark brown. Now he was good.
Slowly the newly changed Konner Derriksson walked over to Morrow and Ri'Shei, bowing his head respectfully. He spoke in a soft drawl just loud enough for both of them to hear what he said. I can heal his burns but there will be some pain afterwards. Roots mashed up should work if you find the right ones but today I don't have any. Damn dragon gave me so many people to heal and give pain roots to that I'm running on magic only now. So do you wish for my aid?
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