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Post by Alyssia Kanath on Jun 2, 2011 9:26:21 GMT -5
Erik tried desperately to push against the thick, double doors. “They're barred from the inside. This is useless! Why would they lock the kitchens?”
The six of them huddled around the barred portal. It had been awhile since they had been confronted with any enemies. Though here at the foot of the kitchen doors lay two such men dead. One had a large, marble handled kitchen knife embedded in his chest. The others skull was caved in the back and leaking blood and brains over the floor at their feet.
“Majesty, perhaps they did not lock them? Look...” Davyd turned Erik's attention to the outside of the doors. Large gashes crisscrossed the wood and splinters poked out along where the doors held closed. “These were barred from the inside and someone was trying to get in.”
“The servants!” The Sorcerer breathed, eyes widening. “They may still be alive!” Suddenly he began banging on the doors. “By royal decree I demand these doors open! Any who do not do as ordered will considered the enemy and subj...!”
His harsh words were interrupted by Alyssia clearing her throat loudly. “Because tha' won't make 'em piss 'emselves more, right?”
Erik whirled on her angrily, his frustration coloring his face crimson. “They will do as they are told!”
“Erik, if anyone is in there, they are probably very afraid.” Jhadira said softly, trying to calm the man down. “They don't know what is happening. All they know is the entire castle has turned into a blood bath. They are afraid of everything and everyone. Even you.”
“Maj...Erik.” They all looked at Davyd curiously. This was the first time they had heard the man call the sorcerer by name. Even Erik turned to him, brows furrowed. The struggle between fury and logic apparent in his cobalt eyes. “Erik....” Davyd said again, this time softer. “Please. They're right.”
Erik Morden stared into his Captain's eyes for a moment before crumpling to the floor. Davyd and Jhadira were quick to catch the man as wracking sobs tore from his chest. “Passions! What have I become!?” He cried brokenly. “I'm just as much of a monster as Malledine is! No wonder they don't trust me!” Shaking his head quickly he then buried it in Davyd's chest. They all stared as the tall, imposing man suddenly seemed so small and fragile. “I've spent a lifetime ignoring them. Dismissing them. And now I expect...I expect them to listen to me? What a fool I've been Davy...what a blasted fool...!”
Fighting off a wave of pity for the man, Alyssia snapped into action. Kneeling down she took Erik forcefully by his bloodstained white shirt and shook him. “Snap out o' it!” Davyd tried to protest but he wasn't fast enough, caught off guard by the sudden action and biting tone. “Yer right, you've been a jack ass! Now suck it up an' don' do this in front o' yer people! I 'ave jus' as much sympathy fer yer epiphany as all the rest but damn it Erik, now isn't the time!” She hauled him up physically, forcing him onto his feet. He just stared at her, tears streaming down his blotchy face. Once standing she looked up at the stricken man and her eyes softened. “They need you righ' now. They need a leader. They need someone to save them. An' you can' do tha' if yer wailin' like a babe wit'out a teat.” Alyssia's voice was gruff but the words had lost their cold snap.
Erik stared, “I..I..I...”
Giving a frustrated growl, she shoved him back into the arms of Davyd and Jhadira. “Clean up 'is slop! Fast!”
Nodding mutely, they both took the shaking sorcerer aside and did their best to calm him down.
Victor muttered as she walked up to the doors. “Now what?”
“Pauldo!”
“Y..Yes Arbiter?” His voice was slightly nervous, but afraid of her wrath should he too become a stuttering idiot, Pauldo tried his best to seem collected.
“If I needed you to, could you open this door?”
Adjusting his glasses, the Glyph-Speaker inspected the thick, sturdy door quickly. With a few “Hmm's” and “Aha's” the satisfied man turned and nodded an affirmative to the Warrior. “I do believe I may be able to.”
She nodded, “Alrigh', 'old tha' thought.”
“What are you going to do?” Victor asked curiously, frowning.
She smiled at him calmly. “I's goin' to ask them nicely.”
He looked at her and blinked. “Right.”
Pauldo piped up weakly, “Can't hurt....”
Sidling up to the doors, Alyssia Kanath gently rapped her knuckles against them. “Uh...'ello! This is yer Arbiter speakin'. Well I know you don' know wha' tha' means, but you'll find out soon enough! An' I promise it ain' nearly as bad as all the...blood ...an' killin'...and GRRR...”
Victor drew his hand down his face slowly, sighing. “You have no idea what you're doing...”
Glaring at him she snapped, “Shut up. They don' need folk orderin' 'em around righ' now. Jus' bear wit' me. You'll see...” She didn't' sound so sure herself to be quite honest.
Clearing her throat, she continued, “Now I know yer day's gone straight to 'ell. An' I know yer all really confused. So let me fill ya in on the sit'chee-ation...” In her own nervous attempt at parlay, the warrior's brogue had thickened considerably. It was one of the few tells she had. One the others knew well. Alyssia did not like to be the one negotiating terms. She'd rather be the one smashing heads. A far cry from the woman she was to become.
“Situation.” Victor's voice once again interrupted, correcting her pronunciation.
“I said, shut up!” She hissed at him.
“Ah..a...actually Arbiter, S.Sir Victor is c...correct. It is pronoun....” The Sage's words were stolen from his lips as the full weight of Alyssia's blazing eyed glare bored holes through him. Pauldo squeaked, “Shutting up now!” before clapping his hand over his mouth.
Taking a deep breath, Alyssia continued with her ear pressed to the door. “The King's dead, killed by the Questor. There was a big donnybrook outside an' it's spilt inta' the castle. We, along wit' the Prince are lookin' fer the Princess b'cause she done an' got 'erself caught by Malledork...or wha'ever 'is name is. We's searched all the castle we kin', takin' care o' the bastards tha' are led by the b'fore mentioned arse'ole so it's pretty safe righ' now ta' open the door....”
Erik, looking somewhat calmer walked back up with Jhadira and Davyd. His face had once again taken on that haughty, incredulous look as he said tersely, “What is she doing?”
Victor looked at them, sighing. “Rambling.”
“So look. You don' got any reason ta' believe me. But all I kin' do is tell ya the truth as I sees it. We's the good guys. They's the bad guys. Let us in an' we kin' keep ya safe. Or, ya kin' nae let us in an' we'll open this door anyway.” She paused, breathing quietly as she strained to listen. It was faint but she heard movement in the room. Heard the soft whimpers and spidery unintelligible whispers. “I'd much rather nae do tha'. I'd much rather ya opened the door so I kin' get my people, the Prince one o' them, in there so we kin' find a way ta' 'elp you all. But fact is, I need ta' get in there so we kin' save the Princess b'fore the elf kills 'er.” Then she added as an afterthought, voice taking on a hint of the dramatic. “He may even eat 'er!”
Erik paled, looking as if he were going to be sick.
Jhadira comforted him quickly, whispering “Of course he's not going to eat her.” She then frowned and murmured, “I don't think.”
They all held their breath for a moment, waiting. Just when it seemed the warrior's senseless prattle had been to ill effect, a gravelly voice came from behind the doors. “We gots yer promise that yous won't kills us?”
“Graham!” Davyd said excitedly, voice awash in relief. He hurried up to the door and called through it, “Graham, it's Davyd. We promise. You have to listen to Arbiter Kanath! She tells the truth!”
The others looked to Erik, expecting to see some recognition as well. But with a look of shame, the man shook his head and looked away. He had no idea who this man was by name alone. Sadly, they all realized that he probably knew very few of the men and women who served him daily.
“Well, we don'ts know what an' Arbitrater is, but whoever she is, she sounds like us she does. Don't sounds like no noble or no soldier. So if you's listenin' to her Davy...” There was a brief moment where Alyssia could almost see in her mind's eye the man looking to the others for their assent. “Then so is we.”
The doors shuddered as the heavy beam that held them fast was lifted. A loud bang followed as it was thrown to the stone floor and the thick wooden doors began swinging inward. There was a person for each door. One, the speaker, was a gruff elderly man with skin like leather. Large, rough hands that had seen a lifetime of hard labor beckoned them inside quickly. On the other side was a young girl. Her slight frame struggling with the heavy portal. Dirty blonde hair fell over her face as she grimaced with the effort. She couldn't have been more than twelve.
As the group filed into the kitchens they were confronted with what was left of Castle Tulver's serving staff. And all sixteen of them, both children and adults, were being “guarded” by a very rotund, very angry looking woman wielding a stone rolling pin.
Alyssia looked at the woman. Then looked back at the dead soldiers at the door. Turning back she pointed at the glaring matron with eyebrows high upon her head. Then she pointed back to the bodies. The woman only scowled and slapped the rolling pin against her meaty hand. Realizing they'd been killed by a fat, pissed off cook, Alyssia just started to laugh.
As was usual, no one else shared in, or even understood what was just so damn funny.
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Post by Alyssia Kanath on Jun 2, 2011 10:09:54 GMT -5
Malledine dove to the side just as Argus' body slammed into a set of wooden shelves, the cat thrown off course as a spray of crimson magical missiles shot from the elf's fingers and homed in, hitting their mark. The resulting crash and explosion of glass jars as his body impacted showered the room in a rain of sharp edges and mouldering spell components. The Questor scrambled after the diamond as it went bouncing from his hands and beneath Maddie's chair.
“Oh no you don't!” The girl lashed out with her foot, kicking Malledine in the head and with a sputtered curse he was temporarily stunned and knocked to the side.
“You little bitch!”
Maddie screamed as he grabbed hold of her ankle in a crushing grip. She felt a sickly cold emanate from his hand. A wave of nausea gripped the girl's stomach as painful jolt of negative energy speared up the limb and through her body. As she tried to jerk away, the chair fell over and the bound woman landed hard. With the wind knocked out of her, she lost grip of her surroundings.
Now that the chair had been moved, Malledine lay his greedy hand upon the portal gem. But Maddie's distraction had given Argus time to pull himself out of the pile of wreckage and other than a few splinters, the beast was unharmed.
It was Malledine's turn to scream as his back was laid open with dagger like claws as Argus roared his arrival. The elf twisted, scrambling backward as another slew of words fell fast from bloodstained lips. They rose to a shout, magically enhanced, the words boomed and sound bounced back and forth between the stone walls of the circular room. It was so loud that Maddie screamed again in agony, fearing her ear drums would burst.
Argus answered with a feral scream as the great cat buried his head beneath massive paws, twisting it to and fro. The spell had disoriented him and suddenly there was no sound by which to hunt the elf that had kept him caged in this place. The world around him was hollow, the only noise was the frantic thrumming of his heart.
This gave Malledine the time he needed to crawl to the metal stand. With a cry of pain as waves of fiery agony rippled down his ruined back he righted the device from it's position upon the floor where it had fallen. Now upon his knees he quickly placed the gem between the metal prongs. It hung there, suspended by magic as a soft humming sound filled the room. A noise that his enemies had no knowledge of. Placing his bloody hand upon the flat top of the giant diamond, he then set it to spinning horizontally, end over end. Gasping the destination, the gem spun with the momentum he had given it and behind the stand a flare of magic lit the room with a blaze of yellow light.
Knowing his advantage would be short lived, Malledine turned and cast one final spell to ensure his escape. With a sweep of his hand, from wall to wall, ice crystals began to form upon the floor.
As Argus was shaking off the last remnants of deafness he rose his head to see a wall of ice rising quickly and obscuring his prey from view. With a snarl, the cat lunged. But it was too late. He slammed head first into an impenetrable wall of smooth, sheer ice.
Shaking the sting away once again, the cat paced back and forth in agitation. Try as he might to slash at the barrier with his claws they would not pierce the surface of the magical barrier. With a resigned huff he turned to see young Maddie laying upon the floor, still bound, and quite unconscious.
If he could not kill the elf, he would at least save the girl.
And with that, Argus stalked over to her and began chewing at the vines that held her bound.
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Post by Alyssia Kanath on Jun 2, 2011 10:17:10 GMT -5
“My name's Marm.”
Aly grinned at the much larger woman, “Marm?”
Her inquiry was answered with another scowl as the cook replied tersely. “Tha's wha' people calls me, so tha's me name." Marm nodded her head, thick brown curls bouncing from beneath her bonnet. "Marm.”
“Pleased to meet you, Marm.” Jhadira said cheerily as Victor and Davyd replaced the beam across the doors once everyone was inside.
“Well good work, Marm! On brainin' those two lugs!” Alyssia's crooked grin and excited compliment on her ability to swing that rolling pin brought the first smile from the woman's plump cheeks.
“I couldn'st be lettin' those skullywags 'urt the childrens.”
And sure enough there were children. Eight to be exact. Five boys, three girls of varying ages. The oldest was a somber dark haired lad. The smock he wore was dirty and splattered in blood. Some old, some newer. Alyssia gauged him to be somewhere in his mid teens “Tory, where's your father?” Davyd asked as he came up to the boy, taking him by the shoulders. “Where's Butch?”
The room grew quiet as the lad said softly, “They gots 'im Davy. When those soldiers came swarmin' in after the fight outside town. We was out in the yard pullin' in the goats to keeps 'em safe. When these men jus'...they jus'...” Tory bowed his head, hiding his tears in shame. He couldn't continue.
The eldest, Graham, spoke for him as a rough hand patted the boy's back, “You know Butch. First thing he did was grab that big ol' cleaver 'o' 'is. Yellin' tha' if'n they comes any closer he'd butcher 'em up like 'e did the King's pigs....”
Tory looked up, suddenly angry as tears soaked his dirty cheeks. “He tol' me to run! At first I wouldn't! But...but then he tol' me I had ta' warn the others.... Then I saws.... Then I saws...” His words were suddenly punctuated with choking sobs, “I saws 'im die I dids! I saw those bastards kill my Da, I dids! He got one though....” Sudden pride bolstered the lad's words. “He got one of them bastards in the neck wit' 'is cleaver! I saws 'im go down!”
The room fell silent again as a feeling of loss settled upon everyone. They did not know this man who had been no more than the King's butcher. But the five who had not had the pleasure of meeting the strong, gruff man suddenly felt as if the world was a lesser place due to his loss. Jhadira prayed. Victor lowered his head. Davyd's tears streamed openly as a saddened Pauldo placed a hesitant hand upon his shoulder. Appreciating the gesture, Davyd's own hand rose to cover the Sage's and gripped tightly. Alyssia, for her part, shifted uncomfortably. Furrowing her brows, she looked around the room and tried to stifle the sadness that welled up within her chest. Muttering to herself, and fighting back a tear of compassion, she placed her hands upon a table top and stared at it.
Erik, eyes still wet with tears, strode up to the boy and placed firm hands upon his shoulders. “Do you know who I am, lad?” For the first time the man's voice was gentle. His words commanding and comforting all in one.
The boy kept his head down, eyes averted. Speaking hoarsely he whispered, “A...aye me Prince. Forgives me....” Tory began to kneel.
“No.” Erik kept an iron grip upon the boy's shoulders, pulling upward. “You need not kneel to me this day. Or any day here after.” Even Alyssia's head rose as they all turned wide eyes to the man as he spoke gently to a confused and distraught Tory. The Servants stared at Erik, thinking him suddenly mad. Maybe even regretting allowing him in for it was obvious the new King had lost a few of his marbles. “Your father made a great sacrifice for the safety of everyone. Including me and my family.” Nodding, Erik smiled sadly. “He will be remembered, upon my honor. And you, young Tory...once this business is finished, will be taken into the ranks of the Guard and trained properly. And you will one day make your father's memory proud.” Then with a soft laugh, Erik shook his head with an afterthought. “As if you haven't already.”
Eyes like saucers stared into the face of Erik Morden. In fact, the shocked looks of everyone around him actually caused laughter to spill from his lips as the weight of sovereignty was suddenly lifted from his shoulders. For the first time in his life, he felt an odd sort of joy at bestowing such a kindness upon a person. Especially one of so much lesser station than he. “What!?”
Jhadira clapped, stifling a little squeal of happiness as tears brimmed in her eyes. Pauldo and Victor grinned as Davyd looked into Erik's face, nearly beaming with wonder. Maybe even a little of something else...
“Thank yous yer majesty! Gosh! I promise I'll be the best guardsman since Davy was! He proved one of us peasants kin' make out jus' as good as a high born folk!” The lad exclaimed as the other children ran up jumped around him happily. The adults buzzed amongst one another with curiosity and a bit of shock.
With another deep laugh, Erik shook his head. “You need not call me Majesty either, boy. For upon this day I give up sole rule of these lands.” He turned his head, smiling slightly at Alyssia, who returned a soft smile and gentle nod. Putting his arm around the boy he addressed the servants as a whole, “Today, someone taught me that sometimes it's alright to just...be one of the people.”
One of the young girls piped up, “But if we ain't calls you Majesty, then whut does we calls ya?” Her mother quickly clamped a hand over her mouth, shushing her.
Stepping forward, Pauldo waved his Stylus in the air as though it were a lecture baton. “The new, correct title would be 'Councilor'.” He beamed at the assembled group, quite happy with the idea of teaching them something new. “You may call me Councilor Argorn.” He gestured to a demurely smiling Jhadira who walked up beside him. “And this is High Questor Martik.”
Giving a slight blush, she almost gushed, “Questor is fine. Actually if you really like, you can just call me Jhadira.” She waved her hand dismissively before holding her arms out to the children, “Hello dear ones. Do not fear. Our strength lies in our faith. Not only in the divine, but in ourselves as well. And more than a bit of luck seems on our side! We will see this through.” Her words brought a sense of calm to those assembled and the children gravitated towards the slight woman who was not so much taller than they themselves. They reached out their hands and clung to the softness of her gray robes. It was as if the children gained strength as she encircled them with her arms protectively.
As Victor walked up upon them, they began to shrink back. But Jhadira hushed the children and whispered an introduction. And so he was, suprisingly to him, tugged into the circle as he knelt and began hesitantly conversing with them. Helping his wife distract these poor souls who had seen so much hardship in their short lives. The two offered them hope and comfort.
Pauldo began again, directing the eyes of the adults as he pointed his Stylus to Alyssia, “And this...is Arbiter...Kanath... Ahem...” The scholar cleared his throat in attempt to get her attention.
Arbiter Kanath had abandoned the scene of loving tenderness and instead had busily begun making herself a sandwich. Slapping the last piece of bread over the top of a pile of meat and cheese, she lifted it towards her mouth before stopping with the realization that everyone's eyes were focused on her. Frozen in position, bits of roast pig and bread crumbs tumbling to the table top, her eyes darted back and forth between them.
“Really?” Erik questioned with a resigned sigh.
“Wha'!?” Alyssia's brows furrowed, looking almost offended. “I 'aven't eaten in like...a week! I'm starvin'!” With that, she took a bite and smiled, chewing happily. Then through a mouthful she shoved the sandwich in his direction and mumbled, “Want a bite?”
He began to say something nasty. But Erik stopped short with a blink. “Yes, actually.” Food was something that had not crossed his mind in a very long time.
Suddenly the table was converged upon by nearly everyone in the room.
“Is that pork?”
“I want cheese!”
“We're going to need more bread....”
“Come on kids, you too!”
War and dominance briefly forgotten, Alyssia Kanath and Erik Morden both rolled up their sleeves and made sandwiches for everyone, noble and peasant alike.
However years later, Pauldo never did tell the part where Aly had to actually teach Erik just HOW to make a sandwich. Or even what one was...
Some things were just better left unsaid.
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Post by Alyssia Kanath on Jun 14, 2011 10:55:02 GMT -5
Alyssia sat upon the table top, legs swinging underneath idly, as she addressed those assembled within the kitchens. Bellies were full. Energy regained. And now it was time to plan.
“'ow many servants are we missin'?” She asked, frowning. Tul'ver Castle was not overly large, but it certainly had to support more staff than the bedraggled handful that stood before her.
Graham spoke up, his voice gurgling with age and weariness, “When the soldiers came inta the courtyard we all took off like four pigs wit' their tails twined. All in dif'nt di-ections.”
The rotund Marm stalked over to the table that Alyssia had claimed and whacked the top with her rolling pin angrily. The loud crack and subsequent shuddering table caused the warrior to squeak in surprise. “Whare was de guards! Whare was you, Davy!” Her ire turned upon Davyd, unshed tears making her dark eyes glisten. “I gots at de childrens I could but thare were udders! We don'ts know whare dey is! Likes me Donna!”
Some of the younger children began to wail in fear as the reality of the situation returned to them. The others tried to hush them, fearing they would attract a new slew of enemies.
Davyd, tears in his own eyes, hung his head and whispered to the angry woman, “I'm so sorry Marm. I... There were so many. And under our noses that snake somehow seized control over the castle guard and I was unable to stop him. I...my hands were tied.”
Erik looked away briefly, gathering his thoughts. “This is my fault.” He finally said, turning his eyes back to those assembled. He did not sound wretched, as he had before. In fact, his voice carried with it a sense of peace. Of acknowledgment. “This would have never gotten to this point had I paid attention. Had I listened. Had I seen my arrogance.” Clenching his fist he looked at Davyd. “You are not to blame for this Davyd. But it will be righted.” Erik nodded, more to himself than anyone else.
It was somewhere around mid morning now. At least, that's what it seemed like to Alyssia. She had seen naught a clock or sundial in their hurried flight. But then again she had been too preoccupied to look. Pity for these people trickled it's way from the corners of her eyes as she gazed upon them, huddled in the corner as if their entire universe had begun disintegrating around them. And they felt helpless. Powerless to stop the tide of misfortune that, in their minds, had just been their daily toiling lives. Emerald eyes traveled over the group, that sense of helplessness echoing in her own exhausted gaze.
They needed a plan. And it seemed now that plan had become more complicated. Not only did they have to find Maddie. But now they were confronted with the task of finding what few surviving servants remained. This in itself was going to be nearly impossible. There were only six of them, not counting Khandril who would be in stasis until dusk.
Alyssia hopped off the table and started pacing back and forth, mumbling to herself as she began formulating a plan. Her pace was brisk, all nervous energy as her eyes darted around the room. They could not understand what she was really saying. It was only half intelligible, the sounds whispering from her lips as her mind went in all directions. They watched her do this for about two minutes. Some afraid she may lose her walnuts and start hacking them all to death. Others who knew her better, just realized that Alyssia's mind was like a spider's web of thought. Where most people had a problem and thought in a linear path to a suitable conclusion, Alyssia would immediately have about three hundred thoughts. Then go zig-zagging around them with such incredible (and confusing) speed that no one else could ever hope of making sense of them. Though, it never took long for her to find the kernel she was looking for.
She quickly spun and looked to the servants. “So...wha'? Yer gonna sit in 'ere the 'ole time an' jus' 'ope no one comes for ya?” The warrior suddenly frowned as she strode past a block of wood that held a number of large, wicked looking knives. As she moved, her hand yanked the largest, sharpest implement out and held it up. “B'cause they will!” She shook her head, long fiery hair shaking to and fro with the vehemence of the motion. “An' you'll all be lambs ta' the slaugh'er if ya jus' sit 'in 'ere.” With a swift, downward motion she buried the blade into the thick wooden table. The sound of cracking wood caused everyone to jump slightly.
Tory scowled at the woman, “Whut you want us to do?? They's got armor..an' weapons!”
“These people are not soldiers, Alyssia.” Erik snapped, frowning deeply. “They are servants. Commoners. What do you expect them to do?”
These callous words caused more than one of those “commoners” to look down, faces painted in the shame of what they believed themselves to be. Or not be.
“Aha!” Alyssia pointed at him. Her finger wagged for a moment before the Arbiter strode up to Erik and said almost angrily, “Tha' is yer problem. It's their problem!” She looked back to the group of people, hand sweeping across the room. “You see people unfit. People nae wort' it! Look at you all!? Snivelin' in the corner like rats waitin' fer someone to toss out the day's crust.” Her voice sneered and she punctuated her words by spitting on the floor. “Pathetic!”
At this point, the burly cook Marm stood. She still had that rolling pin. It seemed almost small in the woman's pudgy hand. “We watched our friends die!”
At this, Alyssia jumped up onto the table and pointed to Marm, “Then do nae let their deaths be fer naught! Stand up an' fight for wha' little you 'ave, an' you will be worthy of so much more!” She stalked back and forth atop the table, boots thudding to and fro as the warrior's hard gaze swept over the small crowd. Weary, tear stained eyes stared back with uncertainty. A hush had fallen to those who watched the small woman as she barked at them like an eager street merchant, trying to convince passing customers to shell out gold for a product that may (or may not) live up to the promises that spilled from her lips. “These men come an' invade yer 'ome! Kill yer families!” The woman's husky voice rose to an angry shout as she threw her arm out and leveled an accusatory finger at the now cowering servants. She pointed at the youngest of the group. A small girl, no more than maybe six, as she sat huddled upon an older woman's lap. Her tear stained face was mostly hidden by a mop of straggly, dirty blonde hair. The child stared, wide eyed, at Alyssia. “Orphan yer children!” And then Alyssia's voice suddenly lowered, though still holding the razor edge of anger which cut just as deeply into their hearts as the woman sneered in derision. “An' you all cower 'ere , sobbin' 'bout yer sorry lot an' waitin' for the cats to come an' feast...” There was so much disapproval leveled in those last words that many actually flinched. A murmur rippled through the tiny crowd.
Erik and Davyd looked angry. Neither of them liked Alyssia attacking these poor, tortured people and their own disapproval of her actions was plain upon their faces. The Sorcerer stepped forward, mouth opening in preparation to lash back at the ranting woman. But as he moved, the man felt a gentle hand upon his arm and his eyes darted down to Jhadira. The priestess shook her head, blonde ponytail dancing at the vehemence of her plea. “But...!”
“Let her try...” The small woman whispered. “Look.” Nodding her head towards the group, she forced his gaze to them. The man was almost stunned to see that for the first time, real anger had begun to show on their bedraggled faces.
“We don' know 'ows to fight like dem!” The girl who had helped Graham open the door piped up, her eyes glinting angrily. All eyes turned to her, the only one brave enough to confront angry warrior atop the table before them. “We ain't soldiers! We don' know nothin' 'bout fightin'! Alls we gots is what we gots! They'll kills us!”
At these words Alyssia jumped from the table and stalked up to the now uncertain girl, taking her almost roughly by the shoulders and shaking. “Then fight for it! Fight for wha' you 'ave! An' if they kill you, know you died wit' honor! Defendin' wha' you 'ave worked yer lives to attain!” Her gaze once again returned to the others, eyes now almost pleading as emotion filled her voice. “I don' know 'ow many are out there. I don' know if yer friends, any, are still alive. I don' even know if we will win this day! But I do know this...” Releasing the child she turned to face all of them, and they saw something in those emerald eyes that they had never seen. Faith. Not in any God. Nor in any great power to come save them from the precipice of disaster. The assembled servants saw faith in them. Alyssia believed so completely in their ability to defend what they loved that it made them all more than a bit ashamed of themselves. “One man defendin' 'is 'ome, 'is family, 'is life[/b]...is wort' twenty 'ired soldiers. An' you will nae be alone. If I must die this day defendin' you an' this place you call 'ome, then I go to my fate gladly. I will walk through those doors alone if you would nae walk wit' me. An' I will die wit' no shame doin' wha' you would not.”
The murmur rose in pitch as they all began mumbling amongst themselves. Some nodded in agreement with her words. Some looked scared. A couple seemed to cringe even more as if hiding from what their immediate future was surely about to become. But one emotion that they all mirrored was a grim sort of determination. For the first time, Alyssia's words had struck a spark within their hearts. If they were going to lose their lives...they would do it fighting for what they believed in. And the only thing a peasant truly had to believe in, was themselves. And so they would save themselves. Or die trying.
The Arbiter walked amongst them, now throwing about reassuring smiles as they crowded around her. Like urchins greedily grabbing up spilt coin, those looks coupled with the soft words of encouragement that touched their ears offered a lifeline which they so desperately needed. The youngest lass slid from her caretaker's arms and walked hesitantly up to Aly. Impossibly big eyes, full of hope, gazed up at the woman as a small hand twined in hers.
Looking down, Alyssia's face fell to a gentle motherly smile. The first such look that any of her companions had ever seen cross her face. Pulling the girl against her and brushing the hair from the child's face with her free hand, the woman looked up at her stunned companions and smiled. Her face was almost glowing with pent up emotion as a tears trickled from the corners of glittering eyes.
As Jhadira nodded slowly, smiling in satisfaction, a sense of pride swelled upon Alyssia's face. Pauldo had actually slid his journal from his pack and sat frantically writing, recording for posterity this moment. This first turning point in their story. Erik, grudgingly, nodded as well. He offered her this first small victory in what would be a constant war through their future lives. Alyssia Kanath had earned his respect for doing what he could not. And in turn, the first seeds of friendship sprouted between the future life long rivals.
Where before they had seen only reasons to fear what their Arbiter would become without their guidance, they now saw all the reasons to embrace what she could be. A strong, compassionate leader capable of inspiring their people to build a new beginning. The foundation upon which to build their Clan's future.
So long as they stayed together, they could not be defeated.
They would not.
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Post by Alyssia Kanath on Nov 23, 2011 15:27:00 GMT -5
(OOC: Now that I have net back, figured I'd post a couple parts of this)
The halls they padded down were stained in crimson. The smell of blood, bile and other unmentionable things assaulted Maddie's senses as she tried desperately to not look upon the carnage that now adorned her childhood home. Tears streamed down the young woman's cheeks as she leaned upon the great cat who mirrored her steps. She struggled with silence. Stifling the choking sobs that threatened to tear from her throat at the horror.
Argus, for his part, felt a deep sense of sorrow. He sensed the fear and uncertainty that rolled outward from the human cub. He took upon himself the role of defender for this child as he did for his master. His strength supported her as they walked. Both physically and emotionally. The massive feline consciously radiated a calm and protective energy in attempt to fight the woman's near overwhelming terror.
And with each step she grew stronger.
Her voice only wavered slightly by the time she whispered the beginnings of a plan into Argus' ear. Before they had left the laboratory, Maddie had equipped herself as best she could. Three wands now hung from the thin, chain belt that held her long silken night gown together. A leather purse stuffed with scrolls and potions hung over her shoulder and magical jewels adorned her fingers. She did not have time to memorize any spells of her own. This would have to do.
Now, they had to make their escape into the village in hopes of bringing help to her brother. And if Erik did not still live, then it fell to Maddie to enact vengeance upon those who had betrayed her family. If she could only get outside the castle...
As she knelt there before Argus, speaking softly in hopes he understood her words, she felt the creature suddenly tense. Briefly, his ears flicked back and forth in agitation, long shadowy tail raising as the tip snaked to and fro. Then those silken ears flattened and he sniffed the air curiously.
Softly she spoke, “What is it?” Maddie felt the muscle beneath her hand tighten as the cat tensed.
Argus wasn't sure. All he knew is that he could smell someone else's fear. It was a new scent.
They sat still for a long moment, listening. A soft scrabbling sound touched Maddie's ears, causing her to turn slightly. The young woman held her breath fearfully. Suddenly afraid that they had been discovered by their enemies.
Argus stalked sinuously around his charge, standing between her and where the sound had come from. Strangely enough, he had pinpointed it coming from the wall itself not more than ten feet down the hall. They saw a tapestry that hung not far away shudder slightly as if something had moved behind it. Giving a soft huff, Argus crouched. A quiet growl rippling from his huge chest.
Maddie tensed, hand reaching for one of the magical weapons that hung from her belt.
And then, “My Lady?” A hesitant voice came softly from behind the hanging artwork.
The sorceress recognized that voice, and with a tremble of relief she answered softly. “Donna...?” Unsure, her quivering fingers wrapped around a long, black wand. It's surface was smooth and unremarkable. Upon the end a thin silver band wrapped around the tip snugly, the only ornamentation upon the magical implement.
They both tensed as the tapestry moved again and wide, fearful eyes peeked out at them from beneath it's silken edge. “Lady! Come! Quickly! Before we are discovered!” The soft, fearful voice held a tinge of desperation.
Without hesitation, Maddie began to move towards the voice of her personal servant.
Argus uttered another warning growl, glaring uncertainly at the source of the noise. His companion knelt and laid a gentle hand upon the beast's neck, whispering. “It's alright. I know her. We can trust her.” He flicked his tail once, ears twitching in response. Warily, Argus followed the human cub closely.
They now saw a head poke out from behind the tapestry. The relieved face of Donna, Maddie's life long friend and playmate peered wide eyed from behind. They were around the same age, these two girls. Though of different station, they held as fierce a loyalty to one another just as her brother and Davyd. When they became teenagers, it was decreed that Donna would serve Maddie as her personal attendant, caring for all her needs. They were best friends.
Quickly, Maddie (and with some hesitation, Argus) were ushered through a secret door into a narrow corridor. The two girls hugged one another in obvious relief. Donna's dark eyes clouded with fear. “My Lady I am so happy to see you! I feared you had been lost to us!” The young woman cried, renewed tears of relief flowing from her eyes.
“I didn't even know this door was here!” Maddie said softly with wonder, peering with curious eyes up and down the dark hallway.
Argus watched the two closely, amber eyes focused on this new cub. This was the source of the fear he had sensed. His charge had risen to two. It was nothing he could not handle.
“We servants have known about these secret ways for long years, My Lady.” Donna said softly, almost hesitantly. “It was the first place I thought to hide...”
Thoughts tumbled through the mind of the young sorceress. “Can we get out of the castle safely?”
Donna thought for a moment before nodding slowly. “I...I think so. This tunnel connects to another that leads deeper underground. I am not familiar with all of them, but...” Donna's dark eyes drifted downward to the giant creature that accompanied her mistress.”
“It's alright.” Maddie whispered. “He's a friend. If it weren't for him, I would have never escaped Malledine.”
Donna hesitantly held out a hand. “N..nice kitty..”
Argus sniffed her hand and licked it gently before letting out a soft rumbling growl, trying to urge the young women into action.
“This way my lady. The tunnels reach far under the castle and then out...I think.”
The trio began moving through the dark tunnels quietly, hoping no one would find them.
Hoping for escape.
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Post by Alyssia Kanath on Nov 23, 2011 15:27:52 GMT -5
“You abandoned me!” Pense screeched into the small glowing mirror that he held up to his chubby, sweat soaked face. “First the Watchers shatter my ranks and now that orange haired bitch is picking off my men like flies off a mule's ass!” The man's beady eyes burned like coals in his rage. His face resembled the color of mashed beets and his hair flew askew upon his head. Blood spattered his once fine uniform.
A calm voice answered from the magical scrying device. But the calmness could not completely hide the pain that quivered through it. “I did not have time to wait for you. I was being harried myself. I barely escaped with my own life.”
The rotund lieutenant sneered, “But of course, you DID escape. Were you at least able to take the children.” The last word was sneered with derision, Pense refused to consider Erik or his sister anything but useless brats.
There was a pause. “Eogar's children still walk the halls of Tulver Castle.” That was the most explanation Malledine would give. He did not have to explain his failure to the lower ranking soldier.
At this, Pense uttered a sneering laugh. “So now I have to mop up your left over slop.”
The group of twenty six soldiers who stood near Pense all looked at one another nervously. They had seen the remnants of their compatriots splattered along the walls of the Castle. The air still smelled strongly of fire and o-zone, not to mention blood and worse. More than once they had been forced to stop and clear rubble from collapsed archways in order to keep moving. Bodies adorned the hallways. There were some servants among the dead but they had not come across a single one of the prisoners that they searched for. A ripple of nervous energy spread throughout the troops as they muttered darkly to one another.
Their mutterings were adequately silenced with a piercing stare from their less than sane commander.
Pense glared back into the mirror. “Once I find them and bring them in, I will be giving a full report to the Emperor on your failure, Malledine!” The man wheedled self importantly. “I will see you lashed for this! Abandoning the mission to save your own pointed ears! Tell me, where did you run to? Some hidden cave somewhere to lick your wounds?”
With a note of self satisfaction Pense saw Malledine bristle at his comments, almond eyes narrowing in rage. Just as Pense was about to continue his tirade however, the image blurred. Someone else had taken a hold of Malledine's mirror. The man's pompous ranting suddenly died in his throat as the image of his Emperor came into view.
Khelendrose Argorn could be considered a handsome man at first glance. If one's eyes did not linger too long upon his face that is. His glossy black hair was cropped short and unkempt to match an equally ratty and short beard that tangled down his square jawline and covered a strong chin. Pale skin glimmered with beads of perspiration and just below his beard could be seen a slight flush of anger. Khelendrose's feverish emerald eyes, slightly sunken and rimmed dark, bored holes through Pense's soul and suddenly the man's legs gave way beneath him. Those eyes burned with the fires of madness, flaring and dilated as they focused upon the now sniveling lieutenant.
“Emperor! Forgive me! I did not realize that you were there...I....”
“Silence!” Khelendrose's voice roared, causing even Pense's troops to cringe. “I am very disappointed in you, Pense.”
“But..Majesty!”
Crimson light exploded from the mirror. Pense shrieked in agony as he felt his blood burn through his veins. The troops saw their commander fall to his knees, steam rising from his body as he gibbered half incoherent apologies and pleaded for the punishment to stop before the fire in his blood consumed him. Just as suddenly as it had begun, the pain ceased. Pense was left upon the floor, quivering in remembered horror as his shaking hands still clutched the mirror that held his liege's now grinning face.
“As I was saying...” Khelendrose continued unperturbed, “I am very disappointed in you. First you allow your men to be nearly decimated by a rag-tag group of bird riders, then you lose my prisoners. And now Kanath and her Council are picking what's left of your people off because you're too ridiculously stupid to find and trap them!”
Any sense of calm at the beginning of his tirade had quickly been lost. The last words were bitten off with so much hatred and venom that even the soldiers that stood well out of the line of fire cringed in their armor and tried as best they could to hide behind their shields.
Pense whimpered. “Your excellency, please...” Seeing the terrifying man's eyes narrow, Pense gulped and hurried to continue. “We know where they are and my men have moved into position preparing to strike. They can not escape us. My scouts tell me that they are currently barricaded in the castle's kitchens. There are only two exits. The way they entered, which is now under surveillance and through the serving tunnels that lead higher into the castle. All floor exits are now sealed except one.”
Khelendrose snorted.
Pense's fear began to rise, if that was even possible. He knew that failure in this meant a slow and agonizing death at the hands of his Emperor's Nethermancers. Or worse, at Khelendrose's own hands. He could not fail in this duty or else all would be lost. “Once they move up into the tunnels we plan on sealing the exit behind them. They will have no choice but to be funneled directly into my hands.”
There was silence. Those terrible, calculating eyes studied Pense's fat, sweating face for a moment before Khelendrose's visage relaxed into what looked to be an almost friendly smile. But his Emperor's eyes did not smile. They burned with an intensity that sent terror shooting through the lieutenant's spine causing him to shake almost violently in his armor.
When the Emperor did speak his voice was soft and unusually calm. “Do not fail me again, Pense.”
The image blurred once again and with a shudder of relief, Pense saw Malledine's face in it's smooth surface. “Beware the cat, it is freed and stalks the castle's halls seeking it's master.” Seeing the dismissive look upon Pense's still sweating cheeks in regards to the Questor's warning, Malledine gave a bitter smile. “You may think it no more than a nuisance but the creature is very resistant to magic. And it's claws are sharp and imbued with some kind of innate power. The wounds they make are incapable of being healed by magic or faith.” A spasm pf pain twisted the elf's features briefly. “Do not be foolish and consider it no threat.”
“Yes...Questor.” Pense said quietly, bitterly.
The image was gone as the mirror's magic died.
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Post by Alyssia Kanath on Nov 28, 2011 12:40:56 GMT -5
The two girls crept quietly beside Argus as Donna led them through the twisting tunnels beneath Castle Tulver. The darkness was oppressive, being held at bay by a single sputtering torch that cast fleeting shadows upon the dusty stone walls. The air was dry and both girls had to struggle not to occasionally choke on the dust and dirt that swirled about them. Cobwebs clung to their hair making them shudder in revulsion and fear.
Donna whispered softly, wincing as her voice cut through the silence like a knife despite her best efforts to be quiet. “No one's been down here in years. But I heard Graham talkin' bout it with a few of the other old timers. They said that somewhere in here there's an exit outside the walls.” The girl shook her head, “It must be evening by now. I hope we're not lost.”
Maddie shook her head, looking around in fearful awe. “We never knew it even existed. This is amazing.”
“Story goes, that the old King...before your family came...had some Dwarves come out of the mountains to build them. That he paid them in Oriachulum and jewels for their service to him.” Donna's eyes were wide with wonder at the thought of such treasure and the vision of a team of stout Dwarves carving the very tunnels in which they skulked from the rock brought her imagination to life. She could see in her mind's eye their gnarled hands working with precision as they sang their chanting hymns in reverence of the earth and stone.
“Dwarves?” Maddie was mystified. Dwarves had not been seen in these parts for many long years. They tended to avoid her father's lands after a “disagreement” between her grandfather and a group of traveling Dwarven merchants that had come into Tulver to sell their wares. Maddie knew very little about the incident but since that time no Dwarves had entered Tul'enar and avoided the plains like it was riddled with plague. In all her life, Maddie nor Erik had ever seen a Dwarf. Which was just as well given her father and brother's intolerance of most other races. It was an aversion that Maddie had never shared nor understood.
Suddenly Argus stopped and lifted his head. The cat's lips curled back and his teeth flashed in a grimace as he smelled the dust ridden air, breathing it in and analyzing the scents as they drifted over the roof of his mouth.
The girls stopped, frowning at one another.
Before they could say anything, Argus suddenly took off and disappeared into the darkness.
“Wait!” They both called, suddenly fearful of being left in this strange place alone. They chased after him through the maze of corridors, trying desperately to keep up with the much faster animal.
Upon turning a corner, both girls suddenly skidded to a halt. Eyes widened as they saw Argus laying crouched near what looked to be a body.
A woman lay upon the stone floor in gentle repose. Shimmering onyx hair framed a face so pale and lifeless that the two girls were sure she was dead. The skin upon her face and hands was marbled with blue veins and had an almost waxy look to it. She lay stiffly, hands clasped over her chest and jaw sagging slightly open. The rest of her was clothed in thick black fabric that seemed to be woven from the shadows that flickered around them in the dancing light of the torch. A jacket, slightly loose fitting adorned her upper body, covering all but her hands and neck. Beneath they caught a flash of silk just about her neck that looked to be the deep crimson of pooled blood. Equally black trousers ended in soft boots of dark suede. Jutting out just behind the woman's neck, half hidden by the silky black hair was the grip of some kind of sword that seemed to be harnessed to her back. A number of dark pouches hung securely from a utility belt around her waist.
“I...is she...” Donna stuttered.
Maddie shivered, “I think so... She couldn't have been dead long...it looks...” The girl swallowed hard, “Fresh.”
Argus sat comfortably by the dead woman and began purring softly, eyes half slitted.
Maddie tried to coax him to come along. “Come on kitty...we have to leave...” She made a soft clicking noise with her tongue in attempt to summon him like one would do a tame house cat. Argus just snorted and flopped over on his side, tail swaying lazily.
“He doesn't seem to be listening.” Donna frowned. “Maybe...maybe he knows her?”
Sighing in frustration, Maddie's hands dropped to her sides. “I don't know. But we can't stay here.” The girl tried one last plea. “I'm sorry about your friend boy, but there's nothing we can do for her now. I have to get out and to what's left of my father's soldiers so we can bring re-enforcements. Do you understand?” From experience, Maddie knew that Argus understood more than a normal creature would. His intelligent amber eyes gazed at her complacently, listening.
Still he did not move.
Maddie made a small, frustrated noise. “It looks like we're alone, now.” The girl walked up to Argus and ruffled his silky ears gently. “Thank you for your help. I would never have gotten out if it hadn't been for you. I hope...” She smiled softly as Argus nuzzled her hand affectionately. “I hope I will see you again, my friend.”
With that, she stood and motioned Donna to follow. With some reluctance, the two women started to leave. As they reached an archway leading out of the small chamber the girls were surprised to see Argus jump up quickly and move himself between them and the exit. Uttering a soft, reassuring growl the panther plunked his rear down and went about licking his front paw with a nonchalant attitude.
Maddie frowned. “Move, kitty.” She tried to go around him, but to no avail. Each time the girls tried to move past, Argus swiftly interceded.
“Uh...he's having none of it.” Donna whispered to her friend.
Brows creasing into a pretty little frown, Maddie shook her finger at the cat. “Bad kitty! Now move!” She shoved at him gently, trying to push herself past. Argus promptly edged his body into position and leaned hard, knocking her down before promptly sitting on her.
Maddie gave a little squeal as she fell, then glared up at her furry captor. “Get off!” She tried pushing at him again.
Even with Donna helping, neither of the girls had any hopes of moving a four ton cat who had no intention of shifting position.
“Boy, he really wants us to stay...doesn't he?” Donna frowned.
Maddie tried to think as quickly as she could while being half smothered. With annoyance she finally said, “Alright...we'll stay!”
Those simple words were all Argus needed. He quickly jumped up and stalked back to the body on the floor. Once again purring, he threw himself down upon his side and rolled around happily, batting at the corpse's foot in a playful manner.
Maddie sat up slowly and with the help of her chamber maid regained her footing. The two girls moved off to the side, whispering to one another quietly. “We have to get out of here.” Maddie said as softly as she could.
Argus' ears twitched but he did not move.
“Mistress, I don't think he's going to let us out...”
With an exasperated look, Maddie said harshly, “I have to bring help to my brother!”
“Argus?”
The sudden, soft voice jarred the two girls from their discussion causing them both to shriek. They spun, Maddie's hand fumbling upon her belt for one of the wands. She raised it quickly but almost dropped it to see the corpse, now looking decidedly more life-like, sitting up and rubbing the panther's soft neck with a confused look. Pale blue eyes turned to the girls and they screamed again, thinking that surely this must be some evil denizen come back from the Abyss.
Khandril Frostryn's eyes flew wide as she saw the end of a magical wand being pointed her way. Argus jumped to his feet and the Vampire had only time to utter a swift, “Damn.” before from the tip of Maddie's wand exploded and a glowing green jet of magic burst from the tip and arced directly towards her chest.
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