Three Kingdoms (IC)

[MidKnight]

Askard

Prince Lekain was standing below the Royal family balcony. He stood in front of at least 5,000 soldiers ready to fight. When his highness King Zintos came to view, Lekain raised his sword and his men cheered, applauded and praised in front of his presence, he could hear his men chanting, “Long live the King, Long live Askard!!!” They pound their shields with their swords, and their spears on the ground, then King Zintos raised his palm, and Lekain lowers his sword.

“My fellow warriors, you are the most cunning, most swift warriors I have ever seen. Today is the day you get to be part of the war, you are being sent into combat against the humans. I’m honored and proud, for you have reached the peek, of your oaths. Prince Lekain, please, come my son.”

Lekain flaps his scaly wings and flies up to the balcony, there he kneels in front of his father, “Father, it is my honor to fulfill this duty, I will not disappoint you.”

King Zintos sighs and rest his hand on his shoulder, “As General of the 18th regiment, it is your duty to come back home safely.”
Lekain looks up at his father and bows his head, “As you wish father.”

[Eldora]

Keiron

"My lady?" A familiar voice echoed in the chamber, bringing Queen Aurelia out of her dark reverie and back to the present.

She had been wondering what her father King Blasius would have done in a situation like this. He and his wife Oriana had been the rock on which Keiron had leaned during the years of war with the Orcs. They were long gone, and though the Orcs were no longer a threat, Askard's forces were ever encroaching on their territory and pushing them back into the forest. Now, Damascus refused them the supplies they had agreed upon, making it perfectly clear that they were no longer Keiron's allies. They were giving them no choice but to go to war with them as well.

Though much of Queen Aurelia's reign had been during the time of peace, she had helped to lead her father's army to victory. Her army. She must stop thinking of it has his kingdom. It was hers. Its fate rested squarely upon her shoulders, and she could not shirk her duties as queen as easily as she had sometimes shrugged off her lessons a few decades before. Though in her eighties, Aurelia was still quite young by elf standards, and she still had much to learn about the world, war, life in general...

"My lady, the men are waiting."

"Yes, Salvia, I know. I will be out in a moment. Leave me be."

"They love you, you know."

This caught the queen's attention more fully. She looked up towards the door where her mentor and bodyguard Salvia Hildreth stood. "What do you mean?"

"The people of your kingdom love you. You have ever been wise and fair with them, and they know this. They will do whatever you ask, will follow you even if it means the death of them."

"Yes..." the queen said sotly, almost to quietly to be heard. "That is what I am afraid of."

Salvia came a step forward, her voice suddenly full of venom. "Of course you are scared! You do not deserve to be queen!"

Queen Salvia shot up from the carved mahogany chair in which she had been seated. "What?! What treachery is this you speak, Hildreth?!"

Salvia Hildreth's eyes shown with the fire of defiance. "No treachery my lady, but only truth. Your people deserve a leader who will lead, who loves her people as fiercely as they her. Who has faith in them as well as in herself. But instead, they have you, a palid sniveling frail thing with scarcely a heart for aught but herself."

Such words would have gotten any other escorted to the guillotine then and there. However, this was one who had been with the queen to guide and protect her since the day she was born. Her best and closest, and only friend. And she was right. Aurelia had to stop acting like a frightened child and lead her people. She had to be willing to do for them as they would for her. They had to know what it was they were fighting for, that it was worth fighting for. She stared at Salvia for a long moment, then nodded. "I shall keep them waiting no longer. Come."


__________

General Lorant looked his troops over a final time, making certain that not one hair nor one speck of dirt was out of place. At 165 years old, the warrior was past his prime even among elves. Yet he had fought alongside King Blasius and for a time afterward Queen Oriana as well, and was not of a mind to retire when the kingdom needed his services. It had taken him some time to regain his strength, for peace softens the muscles and dulls the mind, but he would lead his men to the ends of the world if the queen so ordered.

The "old master", as his men often called him behind his back, was a brilliant strategist and genious tactician. However, he was not without his peculiarities. One of the quirks which seemed to get on the men's nerves the most was his obsessive hatred of anything he saw as being the least bit out of order. The gruelling months of training under him had been made nigh unbearable by this, as well as his unusual habit of talking to himself. Sometimes he could be heard carrying on a conversation with someone that did not exist, usually someone he had known from his past. More often though, he would mutter under his breath at an odd moment. In fact, he was doing so now. Something about ignorant younglings getting themselves killed over a loose button. Such talk was to be expected from him, though.

Conlan Burgen pondered this from his position nearly halfway down the fifth line of troops. He stood out like a cardinal in a frozen nest, so different was his appearance from that of those on either side of him. He was several inches shorter, and his ears were flat. He was stockier and larger as well. He was a halfling, and the arrival of a high ranking official, in this case the queen herself, was one of the few times that the full blooded elves gave him respite from their taunting. He was unfit to be a soldier, they said, and a burden to the entire regiment. He was slow, and dim-witted like the rest of his "kind" they said. Over the years he barely noticed anymore, and would ignore them to the point that it would make them lose interest in their game and be quiet. That was, unless one of them made mention of his mother. None of them knew her, and such was a good thing, but he still had difficulty controlling his rage whenever the subject of his birth was questioned. And it often was. He had gotten several scars to prove the fact, but one of the others had been prematurely retired when he had taken his insults a step too far and Conlan had nearly lanced the elf to ribbons for it. Only a good word from his mother had kept him from being kicked out of the army that time. He was an embarrassment to everyone, but especially to her. Yet he strived to prove his worth, that he was not worthless or a burden, and had somehow managed to keep up with his "purer" brothers-in-arms. Still, even that was not enough.

"Burgen! Your left boot is not properly laced! Do you want to trip and fall upon your own sword?"

"No sir, General Lorant!" The sudden order startled him to such an extent that he very nearly jumped into the air. He could hear a few barely-surpressed snickers at his expense, but the old master heard them as well.

"Did I just say something funny?" He snapped.

"No sir, you did not sir!" The company said as one. Conlan quickly died his boot in the very specific way that the general had shown them all to do. He had to fight the urge to roll his eyes. That would only give him more reason to yell at him though. As it stood the general had already planned on some torturous punishment for Conlan's undertied boot and the hair he had found on that other one's uniform earlier. Conlan had no intention of making their predicament worse.

[Ludypoof379]

~ Princess Aliana Mira Cyan~

Princess Aliana stood within the shadows of the trees with a black cloak over her shoulders, with a hood covering her fiery hair. Her eyes watched the thousands of soldiers cheer for their king. She watched as the brother of Dekain flew up to his father, the king of Askard. He was going to be going into war with the soldiers. She couldn't simply sit still as the next ruler go out into those conditions. She was sure that her maids, and most likely other would be upset with her. Especially her mother whose health was fading, just like the kings. She was a niece of the king, and widowed wife of the king's eldest son Dekain.

Aliana seemed to watch the soldiers and how they watched with pride their leader, and their king. They were ready for a war. Her hand tightened upon the hilt under her cloak, the sword that had been given to her as a gift from Dekain. She would fight with his spirit to revenge him. She had not loved him no, but she cared for him more than anyone else. It might have become love one day but they were ripped apart by death. The blow so final none can reverse it. Now war was upon them, if he hadn't died they might still be at peace with one of the kingdoms.

It had been rumored that she might be carrying the child of Dekain, after all they did have a few weeks together. The servants had tightened their watch over her as did the guards, yet with all the excitement over the departure she slipped away from them and now was ready to travel as a silent, and unknown companion. The woods were more of her home than any palace. The woods spoke to her, and she spoke to the life of nature and it listened to her...

[MidKnight]

Askard

Lekain stands up with his head still lowered, King Zintos sighs as he saw this, "My son, it was not your fault that your oldest brother died. There was nothing you could have done."

Lekain raises his head up, "That is precisely correct. There was nothing I could have done, father, but if i had heard about his patrolling in Damascus, I would have gone with him."

Zintos puts a hand on his shoulder, "Then the Dragon gods have blessed us that you have not, for if you did, you would have never come back." Lekains lowers his head again. "Father, there are duties I must intend, if we are to reinforce the base, I must leave immediately."

Zintos shakes his head and turns to where the standing soldiers are, "If you are to leave, there is one person I like for you to take." Lekain looks at his father from behind, "And that would be?" Standing still for a moment, Zintos looks to where Aliana stood with her maids, "Princess Aliana, she could take a nice time out of the castle, we do not wish to smother her."

Lekain shakes his head. "But father, Aliana does not have any combat experience." Zintos stares out across the land, "But she does have a effect on the soldiers morale, for you see, when your brother died, it gave the soldiers a higher morale. If however she goes with you to Fort Deskan, the soldiers will be gladly defend her with their honor." Lekain lowers his head, "Very well father, we will take her along." Lekain spreads his wings and leave the balcony and stands in front of his Infantry, "18th Regiment, Move out." he orders, then an officer came up to him. "Sir, what is the King's wishes?" Lekain looks over to where Aliana is standing, "Prepare for Princess Aliana's carriage, she will be coming with us to Fort Deskan." The officer bows his head, "Yes General, as you wish."

__________________________________________________ ________________________



Lieutenant General Deacon has received word of a fallen base, this angered him, the messenger who gave him the report was nearly dead on his feet from a long ways. "Lieutenant General Cross." the messenger called out to him, "There is also the issue of possible reinforcements heading towards to Fort Deskan. Their numbers will be greater than our own."

Deacon sighs of this news, "I have to report to the king." He says with a raspy voice, but before he left, he ran into the Dragoon traitor, "I shall come with you of this news." Zyan stares at Deacon for a short time, "Fine, but you try to kill our King, I will slay you where you stand." Zyan smiles and moves out of the way for Deacon to walk, Zyan follows him.

Arriving to the King's throne room, he kneels on the floor, Zyan stands by the door, with her arms crossed. "My lord, a messenger arrived from Fort Deskan." Then he looks up, "Fort Deskan has fallen, Dragoons are now occupying the fort, what are your orders my lord?"

[sneakyonfoota]

The King gaped at the news, his face growing a shade pale. Before he had the chance to properly reply, let alone address the lieutenant general, a regally dressed man raised his hand.

"Father, allow me?" he said. His face was unflinchingly calm, though his eyes had a steely intensity.

Prince Siegart, the heir apparent, descended the dais of the throne room and strode past Deacon and toward the door. He glanced back with a hard stare, expecting him to follow.

When they were in the corridor he spoke as they walked, "I understand the urgency of the situation, lieutenant general but you overstep your station. Father--His Majesty--is burdened by the myriad, unfathomable considerations that come of being the high king of our glorious realm. I will not have you add to the immense weight that dares to drag him to an early grave--may the radiant light forbid it." He ceased his step but did not turn. "Come, take that damned Wingly traitor with you--we shall see what the Grand Duke has to say about your vital intelligence."


~

propaganda



You are the proud warriors of Damascus! We are not the favourites of gods, nor does nature shower us with her bounty. In this windswept, sandy and barren country we struggle, we claw, we fight, we build and we persevere. When many of you were but boys we drove back the barbarians to the south and stood as brothers-in-arms--equals--to those who now raise their blades against us. Do not forget for whom you take up your sword and shield, your arrows and your bows--it is for your sons! Your daughters! Your brothers, sisters and wives! But most of all, it is for your king, and for your race! That our people will prosper and endure! For that glorious future we fight! For that unalienable, undeniable right we will slay our foes! Be they Dragoon, Elf or Ogre!

Woe to our cursed enemies, woe to them! Let their spattered blood dye the field of battle crimson that we may mark out passage as we tramp through it! Speed the hated invader of our sovereign land back to his mountain spire! Back to his gnarled trunks! If they not flee, send them to whatever heathen god wrought them! Let them know that Damascus will neither surrender, nor will it fall to such likes as Askard or Keiron!


- Grand Duke Torias of Alrich, Field Marshal of His Majesty's Armed Forces


~

give & take

War is good for business. And business was booming.

Embargo or not, the money still came in--just through different channels. There was always need, after all. No one was free from want, especially during wartime. And the Company was more than capable to address the needs of its clientele.

You say you have a loved one across the border? Not a problem. They may experience some discomfort in transit, however it is the Company's guarantee that they will arrive at their destination safe and sound. Now, there was simply the matter of the fee... Lump sum? Wonderful. Can't do that? Well, a payment plan can be set up for you, however subject to interest. May we suggest to you a layaway plan? Less desirable, yes, but the compounded fees means you save in the long run and it grants some peace of mind knowing that no bill collectors will be knocking on your door.

Of course evacuation is merely one of the many "special" services the Company is willing to provide during these trying times. Do you fear for the lives of yourself and your loved ones? Can't depend on the military to see to your safety? The answer is simple: don't. You simply can't put a price on peace of mind, friend, but that's exactly what a ballista provides: peace of mind. Too unwieldy? Well, we do admit that it is not for every family. Perhaps we could tempt you with one of our packages? All accessories included: armour, sidearms, ammunition, adjustment accoutrements--everything you need to defend or to engage on small-scale guerrilla tactics. We do not judge, we do not ask. We are here to serve you and your business is appreciated.

The Three Lands Company is always at your disposal.


~

damn winglies

"Damn winglies," cursed a worker at his bench.

The slur became increasingly popular amongst the enlisted men. The Elves of Keiron became to be referred to exclusively as "fairies" lately, too.

He was busy at work, filling special arrowheads with pitch, the most crucial step in making what they called a "flamer", an incendiary arrow specially made to fight against the airborne Askardians.

The flamer consisted of a tubular reservoir fitted with a special tip. To prepare it, the flamer was dipped into a bucket of pitch before firing, set alight, loaded and fired. Upon impact, the force of the arrow striking its target would cause the reservoir to shatter, spraying its target with pitch that would ignite and spread. A fletchette attached to the shaft had a chance of still piercing the target if the pitch were to fail. The flamer's weight and awkward shape meant for a stunted range, though its destructive effects proved to be horrifyingly potent. The crossbowmen corps couldn't seem to get enough of them.


~

woes of a trader

Embargoes.

Cut off stock.

Profit loss.

Argh.

Lynaea was beside herself. After years of climbing the ladder she was finally a somewhat respectable journeywoman in the company. But then everyone decided to go to war! So inconsiderate! Ugh. It wasn't so bad when Keiron was allied with Damascus, but since the border closed a month ago it's just been one misfortune after another.

Sheesh. She joined the guild to open up new opportunities, but thanks to this stupid war she was boxed in, all dressed up with nowhere to go and up to her ears in merchandise that's virtually worthless here back at home. You could have gone into something simple and universally useful like commodities, but no! You had to go fancy with the retail! Silks, textiles and furniture! It's an economic upswing with a strong quarter ahead the actuary said. Bah! Stupid actuaries! She choked down her ale furiously. Stupid war!


~

Grogg

A ramshackle building somewhere in the Frontier; refuge and watering hole for desperado and wanderer alike.

A scruffy man sits at the tavern counter, a hessian poncho hanging from his shoulders and a wide-brimmed hat obscuring his eyes and most of his face. He draws on a stick of hard-packed tobacco wrapped in a black leaf, exhale twin jets of dense smoke from his nostrils.

"It's a good time to be a merc," he grated with a smile, showing off his remaining yellowed teeth and one or two gold ones. His sleeves were those of a Gilan ranger, but being a member of the service wasn't necessarily the only way to acquire a uniform.

His partner, a tall orc whose knees nearly reached the counter grunted in response.

"Peace just cramps our style," the man continued. "We need strife, conflict, the cries of battle... seein' the life drain from your enemy's eyes." He took another long drag of his cheroot. "All that good stuff."

The orc fell silent.

"What's the matter? Thought a big guy like you would be all over this stuff."

The orc's unnaturally creased face crinkled when he sneered, amplifying his distate.

"Hy ham a vorrior," he intoned. "Do not meestake me for anozher scavenger like hyuu."

The man in the hat's hand snapped to the orc's shoulder and gave it a firm squeeze. He eyed the orc with a pair of jaundiced bloodshot orbs from beneath the brim of his hat.

"Hey, buddy. Don't judge me, all right?" he growled peevishly. "I like you. And I'd feel bad if I had to carve you a new one--sure, not right away, but I would feel bad."

He let go with an annoyed shove, though the orc barely budged with the effort and once again bent over his drink on the counter and smoke.

"So yeah, as I was sayin'," he continued. "With the battlefield doublin' thanks to the fairies, I done heard from a reliable source that the Grand Duke's making a handsome offer to 'scavengers'--I mean 'warriors' like you an' me over in Esfahan." He leered at the orc and grinned. "Looks like the army can't get enough troops out east fast enough. Can't blame 'em, what with them winglies stepping up their game. Wouldn't surprise me at all if that bitch Aurelia patched things up with ol' Zintos."

The orc growled at that thought.

[MidKnight]

Damascus

Following his steps, Lieutenant General Cross was being chewed out by the prince. He looks back behind him, Zyan, the Dragoon traitor was following behind, but kept her distance. He sighs for a moment when the prince had stopped. "My prince, this 'vital intelligence' came from a soul survivor of Fort Deskan, though this fort is just a small base, it is also our rear flanks. If the Dragoons continue to occupy this base, they will send their forces down to our throat and eat our hearts."

He steps ahead of the prince and turns around with a blank expression, "And as Lieutenant General of the Royal Guards, it is my sworn duty that I inform our King of 'Vital Intelligence' such as this, not to the Grand Duke," he shakes his head when he said 'Grand Duke' he looks behind him, Zyan walked up behind the prince, "I may have betrayed my people, but my loyal service lies with his highness."

She takes a deep breath, "What the survivor from Fort Deskan says is true, I know my race, we are well armed with organized troops and numbers, your fort did not last for half a day. If we are to take back the fort, it will take some strength if indeed the Dragoons in Fort Deskan are receiving reinforcements, I suggest you hire some mercenaries, I heard that Ogres are looking for a good fight against Dragoons." She chuckles as she turns around, "They have a grudge against my so called 'brethren.'" Then she walks back down the corridor and through a exit.


A patrol was at a small bar at the frontier, drinking their fill and wetting their parched throats, they had seen some Ogres their and including Elves, though they do not bother them, for they are not part of the war, if they were, the patrol would have checked them for any weapons, or information regarding their tactics. One soldier had heard the name "Grand Duke" being used, he looked over to his superior, a captain. "Captain, those two fellows are talking about the Grand Duke."

The captain gets up from his chair leaving his drink, several of his men watched as he walked over to the table where the two discussed about a hefty fee. "You there, peasant." But when he saw the looks of him, he notices he was a Mercenary, "ah, so your a mercenary, one of my men overheard your talk of the Grand Duke's hire for mercs such as yourselves. It is indeed hefty though you are likely to fight against Winglies and fairies." He looks at the Orc, but the shudders at looks back at the scruffy man, "Care to know the wager of your "Honest work?"" he says with a despite voice.
__________________________________________________ ________________________

General Zen enters the throne room, there he bows to Queen Aurelia, "My lady Aurelia, your efforts to have a council with King Zintos of Askard has respectfully declined, though I do not understand why you would have a word with him. But I have heard some news from our scouts. They reported of a base that guards an open flank to Damascus, has been taken over, and prince Lekain is leading 5,000 warriors to this fort, but other scouts reported they have not seen any actions made by Damascus."

"Your highness, this has become a perfect opportunity for us to claim one of the Dragoons bases, we can use this element of surprise, my lady I your servant humbly ask of you to send my archers, and I to do this task. For we shall cut down an open path for our glorious Kingdom."

[Ludypoof379]

~ Princess Aliana Mira Cyan~

While Aliana was standing still, watching Lekain and notices he looks directly at her ' Shoot, what's going on now?' she thinks as she watches a soldier come running up to her, bowing first and then start speaking.

" Princess Aliana, I'm so very proud that you will be accompanying us to to the fort." He smiled warmly to her as it was normal for soldiers to talk to her regularly.

Aliana was stunned a moment and said while composing herself, " Actually, I didn't know myself. That king knows me pretty well I think. None the less I am proud to come with you, for you soldiers are the heart and soul of the defense of our country." She takes a step and places her hand on his shoulder and smiles. " Thank you for letting me know."

The soldier stuttered and said, " It's always an honor to be with you my princess." He bowed then swiftly ran off back to his superiors to get prepared to leave.

Aliana sighed and leaned against the tree. Whether people knew it or not she had secretly trained before, she may not have had true experience in a war but she was used to being in constant danger as the forest had been her constant companion in part of her life. As she watched the soldier run off she thought about all the times she had spoken to soldiers. For the past several years she had treated them like almost an equal. She would speak to them whenever she was bored or wished to talk to people, soldiers, and helped them if she could. They responded eagerly to her talks so when Dekain died and she stepped up they viewed her as a personal friend and as someone who would do whatever she could to help them.

Aliana wondered what she should do now. Her servants would pack her things so she didn't have to worry about that and all that was dear to her was right with her at that moment in time. Under the black cloak she wore a black dress because of the time in mourning which she would be in for a little while longer. ' That king Zintos knew what I would try, of course he wouldn't be able to stop me so he made me join the troupe...'

Aliana looked to her side to see her maid coming to her and she sighed, knowing she would be dragged away. She looked to where Lekian was standing and slightly shook her head as she pushed the hood off of her head, revealing her fiery red hair. Now she would have to accompany him, she didn't want to be a figure head really. She wondered how he would react if she came up to him, so she decidedly began to stride towards him ignoring her maid...

Once she reached him she slightly curtsied asked him, " Why did you request for me to come along if I may ask so boldly General?" Her long red hair was being toyed with by the wind, and her eyes were focused on his from under her long eye lashes...

[sneakyonfoota]

"Hear that, Groggy?" said the man in the poncho, giving the orc a pat on the arm. "The guiding light of Providence is shining down upon us."

Then, to the officer, "Hey, if it's got wings I can shoot 'em down. If it can be cut, this nasty cunt right here can slice 'em in two." He took another drag of his cheroot and grinned. "What's your offer, soldier-boy?"

The orc glanced at his partner and then back at the soldiers. These weren't just any regional patrolmen; they were imperial soldiers. He studied their uniforms with his brow knitted and his lip curled. Hmph. From what he heard, it was one of these spineless, dishonourable whelps who started this war with Askard. What a disgrace to His Majesty these lowly dogs who bore his seal were.

[MidKnight]

Askard

Lekain lowers his head when he was asked why would he bring her along to the fort, closing his eyes for moment, and without looking, he says this. "My father, his highness has asked me to bring you on this mission. Though I disagreed with his wishes, he still wants you to come along with me." He reopens his eyes, there he saw the look on the young princess face. Then his eyes caught an officer walking towards him. "What is it?" He asked when the officer arrived.

"General, sir, we got reports of a small archer units scattered across our lands, it would be unsafe to travel by sky, we have no idea where the archers are located, but we managed to catch a few locations, our scouts are searching for the rest." Lekains scoffs "The King's patrol men will find these locations, but if the scouts found any other archers, send them to the patrol men and they'll hunt them down." The officer nods his head, "Yes General as you wish."

The officers then turns around to give the orders, Lekain looks over to Aliana, "Well it looks like your going to travel by carriage after all, but don't worry, you'll be traveling with the 18th regiment, the best there is in this region." Lekain turns his attention back to his armada, watching his soldiers march, another officer came up to him, asking Lekain for orders, Lekain tells him to have the soldiers walk on foot, the officer nods and then turns back to the marching soldiers.

__________________________________________________ _

Frontier

The captain sighs as he brushes the back of his head, "I hate to admit it, but it is true we are in need of mercenaries to help us. Winglies are pushing us back, and with your instincts and muscle, you can help us." Before he turns back he looks back at the scruffy man, "I heard the reward is close to a thousand gold pieces, maybe more, depends on how many months you served." The captain then tends back to his drink.

[MidKnight]

Askard

Lekain lowers his head when he was asked why would he bring her along to the fort, closing his eyes for moment, and without looking, he says this. "My father, his highness has asked me to bring you on this mission. Though I disagreed with his wishes, he still wants you to come along with me." He reopens his eyes, there he saw the look on the young princess face. Then his eyes caught an officer walking towards him. "What is it?" He asked when the officer arrived.

"General, sir, we got reports of a small archer units scattered across our lands, it would be unsafe to travel by sky, we have no idea where the archers are located, but we managed to catch a few locations, our scouts are searching for the rest." Lekains scoffs "The King's patrol men will find these locations, but if the scouts found any other archers, send them to the patrol men and they'll hunt them down." The officer nods his head, "Yes General as you wish."

The officers then turns around to give the orders, Lekain looks over to Aliana, "Well it looks like your going to travel by carriage after all, but don't worry, you'll be traveling with the 18th regiment, the best there is in this region." Lekain turns his attention back to his armada, watching his soldiers march, another officer came up to him, asking Lekain for orders, Lekain tells him to have the soldiers walk on foot, the officer nods and then turns back to the marching soldiers.

[Ludypoof379]

~ Princess Aliana Mira Cyan~

Aliana laughed softly, " The only reason he invited me along is because he knows me well enough that I would have slipped out of here one way or another to go along with the soldiers. I assume he also thinks I shall be safe with your soldiers. " She shook her head, her eyes were very determined and it seemed like he didn't want her to accompany them obviously. She heard him speaking to the soldier and then turn back to her about the carriage. She only nodded to that factor but didn't tell him that she would stay within the carriage. It wasn't her style...

Aliana turned and watched the soldiers marching as well. Lekain obviously didn't know her very well but his brother had watched her and learned her antics. Her maids had left and went and prepared her clothing they thought she should wear. Wondering when they were going to leave she turned and walked into the palace. She wanted to speak with the king for a little while before she left if he was willing to speak to her. She knew the time was short before they would leave.

Aliana walked throughout the hallways and smiled to a few of the other dragoons as she entered the room that lead to the Royal family balcony...

[MidKnight]

King Zintos watched as the soldiers of the 18th Regiment. "The best there is." He says while watching them. "That they are." he takes a deep breath and exhales slowly.

Another officer came up behind, "Your majesty, is it wise to decline the Queen's request for a meeting?" The king lowers his head with both eyes closed, after a few moments of silence he turns around, but only to see the princess standing there.

"Aliana." He says with a smile, and a happy face, "Why are you here? are you suppose to be ready to leave?" He asked with a query look. "I had ordered Lekain to take you along."

[Eldora]

Keiron

The queen studied General Zen a moment, then nodded. "Your information is welcome, but it comes a bit late. I just spoke to General Lorant and his regiment, and they are already preparing to leave for the area. You have my leave to join them, for if we are to strike, we must do so swiftly and with force, and in such a way as they would not expect. I would ask however that as you make your approach that you attack from a different position than General Lorant. The better to heighten the confusion." She let an uncharacteristic smile cross her countenance, some cross between pleasant and mischevious.

She knew that he would likely question her decision to send a troupe of mainly foot soldiers to face the dragoons, but she had thought it over quite carefully. By now, Askard certainly knew of the power of her archers, and would be looking for such a group as General Zen's. They would be travelling on foot most likely, so those archers would only be so effective, since the arrows they used were made for explosive power and not accuracy. That was where Lorant's forces came in. They were strongest on the ground.

[Ludypoof379]

~ Princess Aliana Mira Cyan~

Aliana walked up to the old king and curtsied and then leaned forwards and kissed him on the cheek, " Dear conniving king, you did that so I wouldn't run off and simple follow them. Why am I here? To speak to you of course. If I am leaving than I won't see you for awhile." She smiled and said softly, " Your son Lekain knows nothing of me and what I am able to do." Shaking her head softly she thought of his older brother, " He is," she paused a moment," different indeed from his older brother. I do not know him as I did Dekain but yet he seems very loyal to Askard."

Aliana was a bit of a rebel, she broke a few regulations but in general she was well loved so that she got no real punishment except for a scolding by her loving maids once in awhile. She looked out upon the regiment and knew that her carriage would be shortly waiting for her. She adored the old man, but knew he was stubborn fool, but adored him for doing what he thought was best.

Aliana softly asked out loud, " What am I to do I wonder, being widowed. I'm still not completely sure. I cared deeply for your son but I did not have yet the time for my heart to love him. He was a friend as much as anything..."

[MidKnight]

Askard

The King smiles as he heard about his son Lekain, who is very loyal to the land, and to his kingdom, "The boy is still young, his older brother also loved his country, and his kingdom, but he also did not know himself, Dekain was very good leader when he was still alive. Inspiring the soldiers to continue on the battle, and moving forward." He sighs as he sits down on a chair.

"Back in the rebellion wars, he led 40,000 soldiers to battle, most of them were victorious, others were not so lucky. But he didn't give up, that was on thing about Dekain, he never gives up. Lekain on the other hand, felt like he wasn't there to protect his brother at the time of Dekain's patrol. As you were here, and Lekain was elsewhere, there was nothing any of us all could do." He looks up to Aliana, "My dear, that is why I'm sending you to go along with Lekain, the boy is very eager to battle against Damascus, if he rushes, then all hope is lost. You must try and calm him down." Chuckles as he gets up and walks towards the balcony, "you better hurry to your carriage, the 18th Regiment is about to leave."

__________________________________________________ _____________________

Keiron

General Zen heard the news of General Lorant has already headed out, Zen bows his head, "As you wish my lady, although I have to say, it'll be hard to kill a Dragoon with just explosion arrows and plain arrows, that is why most of my archers are carrying a special arrow." He takes out of his pouch and reveals one, a blue crystal made arrow was very sharp, and the stick was very straight and strong, and the feathers color were red from the Red Robins in the woods. "My lady, THIS is a ice arrow, a Dragoons only weakness, they are much like Dragons, except well, the features of the humans." He chuckles softly.

[Eldora]

Keiron - Queen Aurelia

The queen took the arrow in hand and examined it a moment, then nodded. "Excellent work, General Zen, I am pleased with your work. Very well. Join forces with Lorant and move out immediately. Also..." She paused, a look of concern crossing her features for a moment. "...make certain to keep an eye on a particular few of your archers. I trust you know the ones I mean." She gave him a look that told him all he needed to know. She was well aware that the Thane family as well as some others did not approve of her leadership. But there was no way she was going to allow them to undermine her authority or go against her orders.

[Ludypoof379]

~ Princess Aliana Mira Cyan~

Aliana listened to him as she watched the regiment outside. She knew what the king had said was true. " I know, and accept that there was nothing I could do. I miss him a lot, he was more stubborn than I was in trying to find me. He never gave that up, and he earned my respect. I admit I'm young, but I try to be mature and try to look at things from every angle available to me." The princess kissed his cheek a final time.

" I shall go now. Thank you for explaining things to me, yet I am still sure you are just doing this to keep me from going along more recklessly." She smiled teasingly and then curtsied as she said, " Uncle, I bid thee farewell and good health while we are gone, I hope to see you again soon."

Turning Aliana walked out of the door and headed down to the carriage waiting for her, and inside one of her maids was waiting for her as she stepped from the platform into the carriage, the place where she would reside for the next several days...

[Honey]

~Cristal Zendara

Cristal walked with a fluid grace, despite the sword as large as her angled across her back. She managed to move quickly, without looking rushed as she maneuvered through the streets of the city. Two cloaked figures followed close behind, one step back and to the side in a loose triangle. The trio barely noticed they did so, the people noticed though, after all how could you miss the striking young woman and her two shadows. That was how it seemed, the way they moved as one without excessive gesture or words, simply knowing.

The people of the small city tended to stay out of their way when they came through, except the children. It seemed the pale girl drew children to her, despite the hissed warnings and restraining arms of parents or the rather intimidating shadows following her, one always slipped free to greet her. Even now she was stooping to smile at a young girl, who held a series of rainbow colored stones out on flat palms. Cristal laugh was bright and clear, a rare sound in these times and curled the girl’s hands back over her treasures. She murmured something about precious things and stood, smoothing a hand over the child’s head before continuing on.


~Chipp

Chipp heard the wicked twang of a bow and didn’t hesitate, throwing himself towards the child even as his friends leapt in opposing directions. He felt the sharp sting of an arrow bite into his shoulder and curled his arm more protectively around the struggling girl. The arrow snapped as he slammed into the ground but he made no sound as he rolled quickly for cover. Successfully hidden behind a low standing wall, Chipp peered out to get a look at the situation. Cristal stood in the centre of the street holding the large sword as easily as a child holding a stick her eyes locked with the bowman’s as he pointed an arrow at her heart. Lafend stood closer to the assailant his own bow drawn and locked onto the man.

Small fingers slid over the harsh lines beside his mouth and Chipp ducked down, jerking his head back. The little girl he saved was smiling at him and reached out again, Chipp didn’t know what to do. He couldn’t bite her, Cri had told him that biting was ina…inapr… not good, unless you were fighting and he didn’t think that’s what the girl was trying to do. Usually the people who didn’t have weapons cried and screamed or hid behind things, sometimes they struggled, but they never tried to touch him.

He pulled a face and moved away when she said “Thank you.” He knew the words, Laf had taught them to him, but he couldn’t remember what they meant or what he was supposed to say back. Oh how he hated the words, there were so many of them and they got all tangled up and made his head hurt. When the girl filled his vision once more he shifted and dove over the wall, think to take his chances with an arrow to the heart, then the confusing human child.

~Lafend Zendara

Lafend never took his eyes off the archer on the roof top, though his mind moved a mile while they held the stand-off. The man was obviously a scout, sent to gather information and from his appearance and dress he appeared to be a member of the Keiron army. But why would he attack them and risk giving himself away. It was foolish and made no since to attack three people who by all appearances were just travelers. Wait.. of course it did, he was fresh and egger to make a name for himself, impress his superiors. Idiots, sending someone so green out on a scouting expedition was asking for failure. The boy was over confident in his skills he had nearly slayed a child in his excitement.

A horribly terrifying screech had the archer wavering and looking about. It was what Laf had been waiting for. He sent an arrow singing then dropped his bow turning as Cri slammed her sword into the ground and started towards him. Chipp came diving over a wall as Cri slid her foot into the cup of his hands and went soaring up to the rooftop. He watched, waiting till she caught the edge of the building and disappeared over the top.

“You’re bleeding.” At Chipp’s puzzled look Laf touched his shoulder holding up his now blood covered hand when the boy hissed and jerked back. Laf motioned for Chipp to sit and pulled their small case of medical supplies. When he began to hiss and growl in protest, Laf simply pushed him back and went to work.

“Cri!! CRI!!” The boy shouted as Laf removed the arrow head. Cri was defiantly the more skilled of the two when it came to dressing wounds, not to mention being considerably gentler. But Cri was busy and Laf worked in a pinch, plus he wanted a little payback for the shiner Chipp had given him in practice a few days back. His eye still had a sickly yellow bruise around it.

~Cristal Zandara

“Looks like you’re unarmed.” The elfish man hissed whirling as he heard the soft sound of the chime at her waist. He reached for his bow as Banshee moved up beside her.

“Not exactly.” She smiled, pulling one of the cylinders from the green crystal base and throwing it with killer accuracy straight into his throat. He blinked in shock, stumbled once and fell dead. Banshee let out a disgusted growl as she approached the body insuring it was dead before retrieving her weapon and removing any valuables from the body. She wiped the cylinder clean, carefully retying the trick not to hold it in place before lighting the man a fire. She stood with a soft jingle and said a quick prayer for the man’s soul before taking his weapons and the small amount of money she’d found and heading back to the others. They need to return to the capital and report to the king, quickly.

[sneakyonfoota]

The prince wore an inscrutable expression to Zyan's counsel. When the woman was out of sight his lips twisted into a smirk and then he nearly doubled over in a laugh.

"Ogres?" he said. "Those brutes? That scum? Ha!" He regained his composure quickly, though he wore a crooked grin, his eyes distant as though in consideration. Then, returning his attention to the lieutenant general. "If the wingles are sending in five thousand, then we simply will march forth with ten thousand. They dare defile our homeland with their foul presence! Why, I would rather see Fort Deskan razed than have it remain in their hands."

He traipsed past Deacon.

"Come to the war room if you wish, lieutenant general. Otherwise you would do well to prepare your men for battle. To which front, exactly, will depend on how His Royal Highness the Grand Duke reacts to my words." He trod casually down the corridor. "And don't think for a moment to approach His Majesty again with your manic, fevered words of dread. Also, remember to keep your pet wingly on a shorter leash."

He stroked his chin as he walked. Ogres, hm?

[Eldora]

Damascus - Melantha Sadar

Lafend and Cristal Zendara. The siblings were the talke of much of Damascus, and like most, Melantha had heard tales of their power and skill. But up until now, she had assumed them to be at least greatly exaggerated. Seeing it for herself however, she could not help but feel somewhat guilty, as well as more than a little jealous.

The moment she had seen the three, she had known by description who they were, and like many others had kept her distance. Everything happened so fast after that, her eyes and mind barely kept up. Before she had time to reach the child that had almost been shot, the elf scout responsible had been slain and it was all over. In an odd way it was disappointing that she had been unable to do anything but watch it all unfold.

For once she began to second-guess herself. She was older than most soldiers, and nowhere near as fast or strong as these three. Could she really hope to make a difference in the army? But she pushed those thoughts away. She must. it was her duty to her king and country to do her part in the war effort. She could not sew uniforms or make provisions, but what she could do was fight, at least on par with many of the young male recruits. And one more sword could certainly make a difference in the war. Besides, she owed it to her father to fight for the cause he'd died for.

No doubt these three were going in the same direction as she. But she would not join them. She would keep her distance, as much out of respect as to keep from disturbing them. They were a pack to themselves, and she was more a lone she-wolf. Best to keep it that way. She lingered a while to make sure the excitement was indeed over, then began making her way down the road towards the capital, hand never once leaving the hilt of her father's sword.

[MidKnight]

Damascus

Sighs with little effort, and after discussing the issue of the fallen base, Lieutenant General "Those ten thousand soldiers will be slaughtered and butchered before they breach the walls of Fort Deskan. From what I had seen back in the rebellion wars, One Dragoon warrior fights as 1,000 human soldiers. Prince, do not let their numbers fool you, they are well train, and it'll take a lot of strength to fight five thousand Dragoon warriors." He walks past the prince and enters the war room, there 5 other generals and low rank officers watched General Cross and the prince entered.

"Generals of Damascus, I bring news from Fort Deskan. A survivor from Fort Deskan has arrived this morning, he says Dragoon forces have over-run their positions, the fort was taken, and yet, he heard one of the leading officers, that the prince of Askard will soon reach to Fort Deskan with five thousand Dragoon warriors." He awaits for their reply.

__________________________________________________ ________________________

Askard

Waiting by the carriage, Lekain started to think, wondering why else would his father allow the step daughter of the King would go waltzing around on the field. When he saw the maids placing the items and baggages on the carriage, he knows the princess was behind them.

Walking up to the driver of the carriage, he looked at the body guard, "Hope you two are ready for a long walk." They both laugh, "General sir, we been prepared for this many times, over and over, we'll protect her highness." Lekain nods his head, then he turns his head over to the entrance. "I hope so."

[sneakyonfoota]

The imagination of a teenage conscript tends to exaggerate the truth, Lieutenant General, the Prince remarked inwardly. Not to mention that they were fighting against ogres, not men.

When Deacon and Siegart entered the war room they were met with five pairs of eyes glancing up at them from a map of the Three Kingdoms and models placed representing their dispearsed forces.

All but one of the generals met Deacon's revelation of the Askard advance with naught but the slightest twitches as recognition: General Laugherty struck the table with his palm and muttered indistinctly to himself. At the head of the table opposite to the door, the Grand Duke himself sat serenely, though wore his typical expression of grim vigilance.

"This was not an unforeseen circumstance, Deacon," was what he said after a careful, silent length. "If the winglies occupy Fort Deskan, then it means that the men lacked the resolution to Scorch." Laugherty stared at the Grand Duke's words. "Nevertheless, the situation requires an immediate response." His probing glare now rested upon Deacon. "Lieutenant General. Ready your men and await your orders. Depending on how this war council decides, you may be marching to Kohm as part of the counter-offensive, Lorestan to reinforce our garrisson at Fort Mitanni, or Latakia to relieve General Draghn's regiment."

"Your Royal Highness," started the Prince.

"This is the war room, Colonel General Enlil," chastised the Grand Duke. "We leave behind styles and titles at the door."

The prince gave a hollow chuckle. "Ah, yes. Of course, Field Marshal. That wingly woman suggested that we use ogres..." said Siegart with some amusement. There was something strange about his gaze at that moment... All but General Laugherty again seemed to exchange knowing glances at the prince's words.

"Hm. I see," grunted the Grand Duke. His gaze once again fell on Deacon. "You are dismissed, Lieutenant General."

[MidKnight]

Lieutenant General Cross bows his head, "Yes sir, but sir, if I may." He takes a step forward, "Of what the traitor has said, may be helpful." He crosses his arm, "I fought several Dragoons before, and believe me Grand Duke, the power they possessed, seems unmatched for us, if we brought Ogres into our ranks, we will only give them strict orders of what to do, and where to go, if they want weapons and armor, we will provided them that, but we will not give them full access to any areas of the castle." unfolding his arms and glancing at the prince, "I will be happy to take the mercenaries under my command."

Then he turns around and leaves the room with nothing else to say. Walking in the corridors, he met Zyan, leaning against a wall. It looked she was waiting for him, "Still here are you?" Deacon asked as he stopped right in his steps, the Dragoon traitor gives him a smile, and faces towards him, "And you still have no idea why I betrayed my race, do you?" Shaking his head, "Zyan, I want you to prepare our men for battle, I was given orders to have the soldiers ready, and await for further orders, Zyan, you are coming along with us, I don't want you to be here while I'm gone." She chuckles, "Oh shush Cross, you know I won't do anything to forfeit your ranks." Taking in a deep breath and walks away. "Your such a tease Cross." She says behind his back.

[sneakyonfoota]

"Ah, Lieutenant General," said a voice from down the corridor.

A man wearing a blend of courtly robes and formal martial dress approached Deacon. While age separated Deacon from the man by a decade, physically His Imperial Highness Prince Anatole looked more boy than man. His youngest sister, Lady Sabine, would often joke that he had a baby face. Ah, and his eyes. He carried the same compassionate disposition and capacity for empathy as His Majesty, that was for certain. Certainly moreso than his Imperial Highness, Crown Prince Siegart. But had Siegart and Anatole's places been reversed, who is to say that things would not be as they are?

The prince smiled at Deacon and raised a casual salute. "Received your marching orders, then? I heard from Lady Jane that you've received some urgent news, but would speak no more of it."

[MidKnight]

"Your Highness." Lieutenant General Cross bows his head, and returns a formal smile. "I recently found a survivor from Fort Deskan, So I am to prepare my men for battle and march on to Kohm." He takes a deep breath, "Though your brother suggest we do nothing and leave the base to the Dragoons. Nothing again'st your brother my lord, but I only respect you and your father, the rest here, they live as they were part of the shadows."

He turns around and see Zyan walking the other way, "And a traitor as well." He shakes his head, and turns back to the prince. "I am sorry my lord, is there something you wish to ask of me other than the news of Deskan?"

[sneakyonfoota]

"Well, there's not much I can say for my brother--I mean Lord--I mean Prince Siegart. The great pattern put him where he was best suited. And I have to believe in that. I as his brother and he as our future king." He coughed. "Well, sorry. I guess it's a bit true what they say about the differences between the Imperial Quarter and the Shield Counties." He rubbed the back of his head self-consciously. "And actually, there was something, Sir Cross. I was wondering if there was anything I could do to help you and your regiment in preparation for your newest mission. I'm a bit idle at the moment until the Grand Duke or Lady Jane has me sent away again on an inspection tour."

Despite Prince Anatole's good intentions, he had no real power within the military echelon of Damascus' armed forces. While he is given a de facto rank of brigadier general himself, he was assigned no troops nor was he to attend any of the war council meetings. If anything, he was considered to be a diplomat to serve as proxy for his brother or father.

[MidKnight]

Thinking and pondering for a mere moment, he looks back to the prince, "Well my lord, the traitor has suggested recruiting mercenaries, Ogre mercenaries, to aid us in battle." He goes to a nearby bench and sits down to rest for a bit. "I seen how Dragoons fight, unlike Ogres who fight alone, these warriors fight as one, I seen it a couple of times. They don't take the heads of their fallen foes, or take anything from their dead enemies as souvenirs."

"Which brings to mind, I have to equip the best armor and weapons for my men if we are to take back what is ours." He rubs the back of his head for a moment, after a moment of silence, he felt a hand on the back of his hand, he looks up. "Zyan!" he shouts as he gets up on his feet, Zyan, the traitor smiles as she saw his reactions. "Well, well, well, when one must cry, the other gives comfort." Zyan giggles and takes a step back, "If your trying to refer yourself as a mother, you are not doing a very good job at it." Zyan gives a pouting expression from the sarcasm.

[sneakyonfoota]

Anatole chuckled pleasantly at the Askard woman's antics with the lieutenant general. He then stroked his chin thoughtfully for a moment in consideration to Cross' concerns.

"Hm. Well, since you don't know where you're going to be deployed, I'm afraid that I can't do anything immediately. But! As soon as you do, I can put in a good word for you with the quartermaster. Want you all to be tip top and prepared, after all."

He cradled his chin.

"As for your mercenaries... When I was in Gilan I heard that close to the Frontier is an ideal place to find the best. Old veterans, mostly. The disenfranchised and disillusioned... From all four sides; giving up honour for cash. Well, there's a whole story there that you're probably well-acquainted with." He sighed. "They used to call this the Golden Age, after all. Guess it was for a different reason than a lot of people originally thought..." At least until about two months ago, really.

"Those orcs are really something, though. Could teach some of our greenhorns a thing or two, that's for sure," he said with a chuckle, and then caught himself. "My apologies. I was probably talking about things that I wasn't entirely familiar with. Anyway, if you're going down that way, I think I might help you out by way of gathering up some local support with the landed orcs. Ogres, though, don't usually travel far north our way unless they're exiled or--pardon the expression--pissed the hell off." He glanced around and then leaned in, "but there's also some unsavoury rumours of chattel... bringing in slaves from Dranach, shunted all over the kingdoms." He stood back again. "Just rumours, though. If there were any slave-traders here in Damascus, Justice would find them."

[MidKnight]

"That would be helpful, I would send Zyan here to find any slavers here, but the streets are....afraid of her." Zyan looks at Cross with glaring eyes. "They're afraid of me?" She said with a sharp voice. "Nothing personal." Cross replied, "But on the Frontier, I'll send riders to find any mercenaries." Zyan moans a bit, "I had already done that, I sent a few patrols to the Frontier already.

"What?" Cross was surprised for Zyan to do this, he takes one step towards her, "You already sent patrols?" He stares at her eyes, as she does to him, "When?" He questioned of how and when she done this, "Yesterday, noon, you were still asleep from that bottle of ale." Cross looks away with embarrassment, "so you were in my quarters?" Zyan nods, "And sleep next you like a baby." She giggles, "Shut it, now." Cross demanded.

Then his attention went back to the prince, "Your highness, forgive me, I know I shouldn't be drinking on the job." Zyan pats his back, "All it took was one bottle and he was passed out like a drunken cow." Cross looks back at her, "You calling me fat?" Zyan giggles again, "Well you are the size of a cow, and yet, you didn't eat anything in the past few days." Feeling more embarrassed, Cross looks away again from Zyan. "Well go and send out scouts in the streets to find slavers in the area.

Zyan walks up to Cross, "Lieutenant General Cross?" Cross looks at her, "You didn't say please." She teased, "Now!" He points to where she should go, giggling as she leaves, Cross sighs for a moment, "That lady is going to be the 'death' of me one day, mark my words."

[sneakyonfoota]

Anatole wore a befuddled look for a moment before deciding that the military sphere was beyond his comprehension--or that the answers to his questions would probably be better off not being known, for the sake of his sanity.

"Well! It looks like I've got some chores to do for you, then, Lieutenant General." He gave the two a salute. "Lady Zyan." And then took his leave.

He reviewed what it was he was supposed to accomplish before Cross was reassigned--speak with the quartermaster to see that Cross' regiment received all of the supplies they request or at least haggle for their sake, even if it meant he had to reallocate the inventory himself. Next was to consult the watch regarding notable bounties--if any stood out, he'd have post bills to give to Cross as a "look out" list of potential mercenaries. It was nearly infallible that fugitives would flee to the Frontier than risk prosecution. As for the orcs, he could give to Cross one of his signets along with a letter to the Cracked Earth Tribe. He and the shaman got along quite well, if he could recall--his memory was fuzzy of his time on that particular mission, half for the traditional yohpoh he ingested, half for that concussion he sustained when the chieftain's daughter wanted to get to know him better.

[Honey]

~Cristal Zendara

When Cristal returned to the others, then tension fled her body. This is why I fight, she thought as the sound of laughter and joy filled her ears. Many were amused by Chipp and Lafend’s antics, others overjoyed that the child was safe. It was the little things that made life worth living that kept her going, preventing her from being swallowed up by darkness. An easy smile fell into place as she moved to retrieve her sword and Chipp darted behind her, using her as a bodily shield between him and Lafend. Settling the heavy blade on her back she raised one delicate brow at the two men, watching as Lafend raised a bottle of clear liquid and Chipp pointed awkwardly to the wound on his shoulder.

“Awe, poor baby.” She moved as if to press her lips to the wound easily catching the bottle tossed at her back and promptly dumping a portion of the contents into the wound. It wasn’t very deep but the arrow may have been poisoned and the wound had to be cleaned. Chipp let out a howl and stumbled away from her glaring as Lafend moved up behind him, pouring water from a flask to sooth the wound before quickly slapping a bandage over it. Leaving Chipp to lick his wounds in peace for the moment, he sauntered over to Cri, raising his own brow in question.

“We need to get to the capital, quickly. I fear something horrible has happened, the scouts are getting much to bold for my liking.”

~Lafend Zendara

Lafend nodded and headed towards the mother of the child Chipp had saved. Earlier she had asked what they could do to repay them, he had an answer for her now. With a murmured word he interrupted her conversation and motioned her to one side.

“We need to travel fast to the capital. Would their happen to be horses here. We can compensate you richly for any inconveniences. We need only two.” The woman looked surprised for a moment, then nodded turning back to the group sending two boys running off in opposing directions. When they returned one led a chestnut mare, the other a grey one both saddled and ready for travel. He handed the woman to small bags of coin and led the horses to his companions.

~Chipp

He hated the beasts. They were big, uncomfortable and rather useless when attacked. His eyes narrowed as Cri motioned for him to get in what they called a saddle. He didn’t want to be troublesome, knowing they only retrieved such animals when they needed to get somewhere really fast. But that didn’t make him any less resistant. The creatures brought back things that made his head hurt, memories of people, that made his chest squeeze tight or images of blood and sounds of screaming that filled him with a long forgotten fear. Letting out a harsh stream of air he gripped the saddle and swung himself up, eyes slamming shut as it shifted uneasily. When Laf steadied it he reopened his eyes and reached down, easily pulling Cri up into the saddle with him.

~Lafend Zendara

The two siblings watched in silence as Chipp worked through his eternal battle, then let out simultaneous sounds of relief as he mounted and helped Cri up. Handing his sister the reins of the chestnut being and moved to mount as well, this time upon the grey one. Seated comfortably he turned to look at the others, smiling as Cri shifted slightly in Chipp’s vice like grip.

“What’s the plan?” He asked, an uneasy feeling filling him when Cri tossed him a wicked grin.

“Ogres.” She said before stirring her mount into a canter and racing off. Heavens help them, he thought shaking his head once before starting after them, intent on reaching the Capital before nightfall.

[MidKnight]

Zan nods his head, "If Thane decides to betray us milady, I will kill him where he stands." bowing his head, Giving the queen a look, he had a expression of something that had to be done. "My queen, I've heard rumors that the people here do not trust or love you, but you do have the trust of our forces." He walks over to a window, "But why did we tangle ourselves into this war? It could have just between the dragoons and the humans, it is not our war, but if you say we have to fight, then we will fight." He looks out the window, there he watches people doing what they need to do. "But I want to know what must you need, do you need more land? if so I will stand by you for this." Bowing his head one last time, he turns around and walks out of the room, and heading down to the armory to assemble his men.

__________________________________________________ _________________

1 day later.

Lekain was walking in front of the 18th Regiment, the sound of clanking metal was all could be heard. Watching the road in front of him, he had to be careful where he is leading his men. Looking back at his men, he could see the carriage, then looks back at the trail. Then one of his officers hurried to his side, "General sir, scouts reported from ahead, no archers are found in sight, shall we fly to the base?" Thinking for a moment, he still doesn't trust of how accurate his own scouts reports are, he looks back at the officer, "Take a small number, and fly up ahead, if you did indeed made it to the fort, send a messenger back to us, and then we will fly." The officer nods his head, he turns back to a small squad, ordering to them to fly, they begin to head towards the base.

Lekain watching them as they went up ahead, something came back to him, "Little brother, all you need is your head to think." Closing his eyes, and takes a deep breath. "I will use it." he says to himself quietly.

[sneakyonfoota]

Imperial Palace, Asham, Damascus



"Wh... When?" Prince Anatole asked, flabbergasted.

His older brother, Crown Prince Siegart, heir to the throne and Colonel General of the Imperial Armed Forces gazed upon Anatole through bored, half-lidded eyes. Anatole decided to confer with Siegart after he had made his arrangements for Lieutenant General Cross.

"Late last night," said Siegart. "We've been funneling the men out in manageable companies one after another since then. It's a rather formidable column." He sipped his tea, sighed and then studied Anatole's face. "You seem troubled."

Anatole gave a brief start and then relaxed. "Oh, it's nothing. I just... thought that I'd be able to see them off, that's all."

Siegart gave a hollow laugh. "What were you expecting? To address the men in a grand speech to have them all running out of here with hearts full of valour? This is war, not Harpastum. It is more than just soldiers crashing against each other in bloody grappling with blades and armour. War, like all things, little brother, is chess. Contemplation. Strategy. Implementation. Deceits and gambits." Oh, how he would like to go into details, though he truly doubted that Anatole would be able to appreciate the finer points of war and battle planning that he did. "In any case, Anatole, since you're here, I suppose I should tell you where your next assignment will be." He pushed forward a short stack of papers, the one on top stamped with the royal signet. "You'll be doing a tour of Tartus; starting with Dubrune and working your way north to Leeskan. I'm sure that you'll have the chance to say something inspiring to our good subjects of the West Shield while you're away. As you can see of the itinerary, you'll be expected to be in Masyaf within a month. Be sure to send mother and Sabine our regards."

Anatole chewed his lip. "I... understand." And sighed.

"Don't look so disappointed. Your contribution, though minor, is still essential, and thus important in its own right." Anatole nodded, though the words didn't seem to much of a comfort. "Dismissed," he said by way of farewell, then returned his attention to his documents and tea.

[MidKnight]

Imperial Palace, Asham, Damascus

Zyan was standing on a balcony, she looked as if she was up all night long, she watched Lieutenant General Cross and his men marched quietly out of the palace walls.

Late last night.

"Your ordering me to stay behind?" Zyan protested against Lieutenant General Cross's orders, who was standing there with his arms crossed, "The Grand Duke has ordered me to take my men, but he hasn't said anything about you, your left out of the picture."

"Dammit Cross I want in this battle, you can't force me to stay and obey like some pet that you humans keep around here, I will not be like that." She grabs a bottle of wine and throws it at a wall, smashing some of her own belongings.

Cross slams his fist on a table, "Zyan enough!" He shouts at her with a loud voice, "I can't take you with me because, I know what happened between you and Lekain before your betrayed your Kingdom." Rubbing his forehead, he stares at Zyan's face, "We know that you two had fought and then you fled, we can't risk of you being there will give the enemy a great deal of morale, and if that happens, we will fail of taking back the base."

Filled with frustration and rage, Zyan paced herself back and forth a couple of times, mumbling of what she was trying to say. "Lieutenant General?" She stops and crosses her arms as well, "I never told you why I betrayed my people, have I?" Cross did in face wanted to know why she betrayed them, but he knows that she was going to start jumping to conclusions. "I don't want to know Zyan, you keep your secrets and I'll keep mine, but right now I must take my leave."

Back in the morning

Zyan listened to the birds chip as they woke from their slumber, she watches them as they fly out in the sky to search for food. Returning back inside her quarters, she laid on her bed, thought about what Cross had said, and fell asleep.

[Ludypoof379]

~ Princess Aliana Mira Cyan~

Aliana stepped out of the moving carriage and began to walk beside the horses. There were people who stayed in carriages, and people who didn't. She didn't like being cramped up for day after day so she had pulled her hiking boots on instead of her dainty other shoes (Which she rarely even wore), and began to walk.

Aliana carried herself with swift strong strides as she walked up towards Lekain. She said gently, " I hope you don't mind me accompanying you. It gets rather cramped in a carriage and I'd prefer to walk for a spell."

Glancing around told her that a few dragoons were preparing for flight. She was not sure how well that would go. Silently she walked beside him, for the time being was not the right time to say anything. If he had the whole platoon go ahead it wouldn't be the best of ideas. Even if just half went the idea was sketchy. They needed to be careful, the enemy wasn't stupid and they may let a small group fly through, waiting to see what would happen. They needed to be defensive upon this right now as it was not charted territory that they were used to using.

[Honey]

~Lafend Zendara - Asham Damascus

It was always a magnificent sight, he thought, watching the castle come into view. Even Chipp seemed moved by the grand vision, as Cristal slowed and halted her horse, pausing on the rise for a moment to look over the land. Then like lightning she was off again, flying towards the buildings and bustling streets, Chipp letting out a series of shouts behind her. Lafend stayed for a moment more, then stirred his horse after them with muttered promises of rest and carrots.

He caught them quickly and both riders slowed their mounts as they entered the city. Chipp leapt easily from the saddle, stooping to scratch at Banshee’s head before signaling him to the rooftops. Laf watched the beast fade into shadows and wondered how he could even still move after running alongside them for so long. Shouts rang out as they were recognized and people ran to meet them, it was so different hear from anywhere else, as the trio had made themselves a home in the city. They protected and cared for the people, even on occasion working with them at odd jobs, when times were hard.

~Cristal Zendara

“Aye, you’ve returned! Come in for a bite and tell us of your travels.” A portly man called from the steps of a tavern. The silver haired girl laughed and sent out a wave.

“Not now Treklac, we must report to the King. Tis my duty to see ye safe.” Her accent thickened and she batted her lashes as a few of the patrons filled doorways and windows. Catcalls and wolf whistles filled the air, along with jokes of her manliness, and Treklac’s need of a child to defend him. The laughter helped lift some of the gloom that filled the city, with its ever present talk of war and troops shipping out daily.

The rest of the trip was filled much of the same, and Cri gratefully slide from her horse as they halted before the Imperial Palace. She rubbed sore muscles and nodded her thanks when her brother took the reins and began leading the horses towards the stables. Chipp fell into his usual place at her right and they began their way towards the throne room.

~Chipp - Imperial Palace, Asham, Damascus

Chipp stayed close to Cristal, rarely taking his eyes from her so as not to get lost once more in the large building. He halted a few steps behind her when she stopped before a large set of doors, with men on either side. He knew the one they called King resided behind them, he was the one every one listened to even Cri. He didn’t understand why she did, him and Laf didn’t, they only followed Cri’s orders, nobody else. Though now that he thought about it, she did argue with him sometimes, they used lots of words he didn’t understand, like the two men who stood between him and the door.

He was better with tones and right now, even though he didn’t know what she was saying he could tell Cri was getting angry. Though it wasn’t really obvious as she barely changed, but her voice was colder sending shivers up his spine, he wondered why the other continued to disobey her. He would have let her do what she wanted long ago, when she got like this she scared even Laf and she would never hurt him.

His eyes narrowed as one of the guards made a grab for her arm. Fool, did he want to lose a limb. Chipp growled low baring his teeth as he stepped between the two, more for the guard’s sake the Cristal.

~Cristal Zendara

Cristal took a calming breath as Chipp momentarily blocked her from the two highly irritating guards. They wouldn’t let her through and it was getting on her nerves. This is why I never use the door… I should have just climbed through the window like I did last time, she thought bitterly before letting out another breath.

“Look, I’m here to see the King. Now you can either let me past or I can make you.” She words held a forced patients as she laid a hand on Chipp’s shoulder, motioning him to step back.

[sneakyonfoota]

Imperial Palace, Asham, Damascus



"His Imperial and Royal Majesty is in audience. You shall not enter," the guard intoned with menace to Cristal.

"Is there something the matter?" spoke a woman's voice.

A gurgle escaped from the guard's throat, causing him to ahem to regain his composure. "Ah, nothing, Your Imperial Highness."

A woman of modest dress but embelished with imperial regalia approached, flanked by a pair of greyly garbed maidens to her rear--first princess and third child of the king, Lady Jane. She stopped before the throne room's doors, hands folded in front of her.

"I do trust you've been treating our honoured guests with due kindness and respect?" she asked with a smirk. She wondered where Cristal's brother was.

"Of course, Your Imperial Highness. We were merely ushering them in to see His Imperial and Royal Majesty. However, His Imperial and Royal Majesty is still speaking with the Count of Esfahan."

No doubt pleading a case for the Three Lands Company, thought Lady Jane. "Hm. Well, it can't be helped, then," she said with a sigh. Then, to the mercenaries, "Forgive us, please, Cristal Zendara and Sir Chipp. I'm afraid that my father is at the moment indisposed. I'll go ahead to press the urgency of you speaking with him, however I ask that you please be patient." She waved one of her handmaidens over. "Laurabec will attend to you while you wait. I promise you that it won't take but a few moments."

The handmaiden approached the two mercenaries. She was a tall, olive-skinned woman who was covered with linens draped all about her, her piercing green-brown hazel eyes peered at the them from the slit in her veil, revealing patterns of red dots tattooed onto her skin, radiating from her eyes. She nodded to them and motioned to a chamber across the corridor.

"If you would please follow, it would be my honour to serve you," she said to them.

[MidKnight]

Imperial Palace, Asham, Damascus

After some time of resting, Zyan gets up from her bed, still feeling tired from last night, Zyan thought it would be good to wonder the halls for a while. Still wearing her armor, she feel she doesn't fully trust the Imperial Guards here at the palace.

No matter how demanding they can be, she will walk away, but before she left her quarters, she walks over to the balcony, there she could see the gate of the palace, as well as the market districts.

She looks down as she heard a commotion near the gates, there, she saw a couple of mercenaries, they were seeking an audience with the King. "Good luck." She says quietly, leaving the balcony.

Opening the doors of her room, she looks out, there were two royal guards standing outside, "Lieutenant General Cross has asked us to be your escorts around the palace, he was very specific of where you should be, would you wish to hear where are the strictest parts of the palace?"

Zyan looks down, "I think I know where not to go, the throne room, correct?" the guards looked at each other, "uh, thats correct ma'am." Zyan comes out and closes her door, she looks at the guards then down a corridor, she started to walk, and the guards followed her.

[sneakyonfoota]

Imperial Palace, Asham, Damascus


*whiii--* *whiii--*

The two guards fell before they could react to the all-too conspicuous sound of the blowguns. The first followed the second in a prone heap, caught by the dart in mid-stride. Their assailants were quick to work, standing four men abreast before and behind the Dragoon woman, cutting off all means of escape.

"By order of the Grand Duke, Lord Protector of the Kingdom of Damascus," spoke a helmeted decanus with a red-plumed crest, "we are to escort you to protective custody. If you value your life..." He made a motion to someone behind the Dragoon woman. One of the soldiers who wielded a blowgun notched an arrow and aimed it for Zyan--it seemed to exude a mist like smoke from its tip. "...Then you will come quietly. You have the Grand Duke's word that no harm will come to you. Any attempt to fly or resist will be met with lethal force." At that, the second blowgun assailant reached for his quiver and notched another one of those mysterious arrows.

Unlike the two fallen guards who appeared to Zyan moments before, these men wore white bands of cloth tied over their left elbows and had badges of a shield and sword fixed over the left breast of their armour.

[MidKnight]

Imperial Palace, Asham, Damascus

Zyan had her sword unsheathed, she got her guard ready. She looked at the wounded royal guards, thinking of why would the Grand Duke would send assassin other then send a messenger. Her eyes looked at her blade, there she could see the assailant with a blow dart behind her. She takes in a deep breath, she swings her blade behind her, slicing the blow dart in half.

"If I am to see the Grand Duke, then I don't want your pathetic blow darts pointing at me, it just insults me." lowering her sword, she looks at the leading assailant, giving him daring eyes, "Fine, I'll see the Grand Duke, take me to him." then she sheathes her sword and waits to follow the assassin.

[Honey]

~Cristal Zendara - Imperial Castle, Asham, Damascus

“I don’t really care.” The young woman snapped before they were interrupted by a female voice. Cri turned raising a brow at the plainly dressed woman, very few people within the castle acknowledged her and her brothers. She recognized the regalia before the guard and suppressed a snicker at his lost composure. Though she couldn’t contain the sneer at the Counts name, she found he and his company to be nothing but money grubbing pigs. They weren’t looking out for the people, but simply looking to line their own pockets with gold.

“I thank you milady, but I shall remain here until the King can see me. It is of great importance” She inclined her head in a gesture of respect, then hefted the large sword from her back, nearly laughing aloud when the guard tensed, preparing for the worst. She simply smirked at him and handed the large weapon to Chipp, silently wondering where Lafend was, she didn’t like being separated for long periods of time. It seemed she had no choice at the moment though as she couldn’t very well go looking for him before she did what she came to.

“Banshee.” Was all she murmured to Chipp before motioning to the handmaiden and the room previously indicated. As he began to move away she turned back to the guard and tossed him a saucy grin, prepared to out wait them all.

~Chipp

Chipp eyed the trio of women carefully, bending in a slight bow as he’d been taught before hefting Cri’s heavy sword up to rest on his shoulder, tip pointing skyward, hilt locked in his solitary palm. He moved reluctantly away from his friend to enter the chamber, heading straight for the window to search for the cat that had been his soul companion for a number of years. He knew why Cri had sent him off with her main weapon, to make her appear more defenseless (though he thought any who saw her as such was clearly a fool) and to check on the beast. He could get quite vicious if provoked, often killing or severely maiming people if cornered. He peered about looking to the side at a soft growl to find Banshee crouched low, hiding a few feet away, having stalked them through the castle from above. Chipp pushed away from the window, a foolish grin plastered on his face as he began surveying the room.

~Lafend Zendara

Laf froze at the soft sound of blowguns, his brows drew together as he crept forward, listening to the rise and fall of voices. He slid easily into the shadows, simply becoming one with his surroundings as he came upon the group. The site of the Dragoon confused him and for a moment he thought one had stole into the castle and been surprised by guards, but his eyes quickly picked up that it had been blow darts that had taken out the two men laying at her feet, not a sword. His eyes narrowed as the Grand Duke was brought up and all thoughts of joining Chipp and Cri fled. He would follow these men and find out what exactly had prompted them to take out their own allies.

[sneakyonfoota]

Imperial Castle, Asham, Damascus



"As you will, Miss Zendara," said the princess somewhat distantly. She shot a glance to Laurabec who nodded before the princess entered the chamber with her remaining handmaiden.

The thick and heavy doors to the throne room did a remarkable job of containing the intimate meetings and counsel that took place within. As the guard slowly pulled it open, when there was but a hair's breadth of space between the swinging door and its stationary twin, the corridor was flooded with hushed murmurs and the voice of a man speaking over them.

"--a trade crisis--" implored the voice from within, but was cut off when the court herald boomed.

"The Lady Princess Jane--" the herald announced, but was cut off when the throne room doors were once again shut tight.

Laurabec eyed the two guards and wondered if they were simply arrogant and stupid or if the Grand Duke already had his hold over these men as well. She studied Cristal for a moment before leaning in close to her and gently guiding her away from the guards.

"This is not a setback, Cristal Zendara," whispered Laurabec. "I've been entrusted with assigning you a task. For now the king can wait--there is another who is in danger within these walls, and time is of the essence."

[MidKnight]

Road to Fort Dekain

Lekain was shocked to see the princess up and out of the carriage, when she said she dislikes being in the carriage, he quickly sighs, "As much as I agree, but I have to say that you must stay in the carriage." He looks around for a moment, "Though that is only when we are surrounding in a dangerous environment, and I see no danger."

Walking alongside with the princess, he could still hear the metal of their armor clanking together, his looks back of him, his men didn't look tired, they continued to march. Lekain wondered if this men were trained to relay on their walking rather than fly. "Princess, I uh." he stops to think of what to say, though no word utters through his lips. Giving a low hum, he looks back at her, "Never mind, I thought I had a question, but then it slipped through my mind."

[Honey]

~Cristal Zendara - Imperial Castle, Asham, Damascus

Cristal allowed herself to be moved away, one delicate eyebrow arching once more as the handmaiden whispered to her. It seemed this day was just chalked full of surprises. She motioned with her hand for the taller woman to continue and glanced back over her shoulder to insure the guards could not hear. Once sure they had shifted far enough away and no one else filled the corridor she turned the full power of her emerald eyes on Laurabec and waited for more of an explanation.

[Eldora]

Queen Aurelia - Keiron Palace, One Day Ago

The queen eyed General Zan for a moment before replying. "Our neighbors have chosen to go to war with each other, and we have been dragged into it because the humans decided to break their alliance with us. It is neither for physical or political gain that we are fighting this war. It is for our future. The dragoons and humans were once our allies, however times have changed, and it seems that such alliance is no longer possible until this war is over. Whatever the result may be, it must be. If we surrender, they will both think us weak and turn against us, and we will loose what we have." She sighed. "Unfortunately it seems that in this situation, peace cannot exist without there first being war. It is not the first time such things have happened, nor will it be the last. May fortune be with you, General Zan."

As he turned and left, she turned to her bodyguard and spoke low so that only she could hear. "Who speaks the truth, General Zan or yourself?"

"I did not say that all your people loved you. I did not lie, but I simply told you what you needed to hear, my lady." Salvia answered with a bow.

"Indeed," Queen Aurelia sighed, "and you are nevertheless right." Then she stood from her throne and addressed one of the guards. "Send for my horse Shifrah. I could use a ride to clear my head."

"Your highness, I will go with you."

Aurelia gave her friend a sharp look. "You will do as I say. I will ride alone."

The four words had stung like the lash of a whip, and the elf bodyguard bowed her head in submission. "Yes, your highness." Aurelia almost never asked her to leave her side. The thought of not being at her friend's right hand was unsettling to Salvia, but she could not openly protest. Not here, at least. So she could do nothing but watch from her window as the queen rode off into the distance.

General Lorant and Conlan Burgen - Near Dragoon Fort, Present (If it has a name, please let me know so I can change this.)

In examining the fortress from a distance, General Lorant had come up with a plan that should work well. In order to execute it he would need to send a messenger to General Zan, however he wasn't certain of his location other than the fact that he was somewhere behind his own batalion, which meant the messenger would have to be quick and sharp in order to avoid detection. If he was caught, the man would almost surely die. Unless...

He searched the line of men until one of them in particular caught his eye. "Burgen, come here."

"Y-yes, sir!" Both the halfling and the elves around him looked surprised. Was he being reprimanded for something? No, General Lorant always made it clear and public when he was doling out punishment. He liked to embarass them when they did something wrong, and Conlan had done nothing to warrant it. That must mean he was being singled out for something, a special assignment perhaps. This got the men muttering amongst themselves as he stepped forward, although they were careful to do so under their breath so the old master couldn't hear them. It didn't escape Conlan's detection though.

The general gazed shaply at the men, suspecting what they were doing, and they were silent once more. Then he looked back at Conlan. "I need you to send a message to General Zan. Tell him that we will wait for him, and that his archers should go ahead of us, fire, then retreat to a position behind us to lure the enemy out and in our direction. We can surprise them this way." Conlan wasn't certain, since the old general never smiled, but he thought he could detect a certain lighness in his voice.

"Yes, sir. If I may ask though, sir, why me? I am not-"

"I know what you are. That is why you must be the one to do it. If you are captured, the dragoons are more likely let you live."

Conlan's eyes darkened a bit. He understood the general's reasoning, but he couldn't help wondering if there was another reason. I am the least valuable, so I would not be missed, he thought. Well, he would prove he was worth more than they all suspected. He soluted. "Yes sir, General Lorant. I will not fail." He immediately turned and ran as hard and fast as he could back the way the men had come, drawing some curious and some jealous glances. He could feel their gazes boring into the back of his head.

"I won't fail," he muttered to himself.

[Ludypoof379]

~ Princess Aliana Mira Cyan~

Aliana was glad he didn't think to actually put her back into the carriage, for one she wouldn't have gone most likely. In door and out the other as she has done for many a year. Simply she would have joined another soldier within the platoon.

Hearing his attempt at a question she looked at him expectantly and openly, not like any dainty female would do. She wasn't afraid of the truth. Speaking softly she said, " Feel free to speak openly to me, but only expect for me to speak openly in return." It had a polite feel to it but there was a soft fiery look in her amber eyes, something that spoke out that she wasn't a typical female, let alone dragoon. Looking forwards again she began to softly sing as she walked along:

I hear your voice on the wind
And I hear you call out my name

"Listen, my child," you say to me
"I am the voice of your history
Be not afraid, come follow me
Answer my call, and I'll set you free"

I am the voice in the wind and the pouring rain
I am the voice of your hunger and pain
I am the voice that always is calling you
I am the voice, I will remain

I am the voice in the fields when the summer's gone
The dance of the leaves when the autumn winds blow
Ne'er do I sleep thoughout all the cold winter long
I am the force that in springtime will grow

I am the voice of the past that will always be
Filled with my sorrow and blood in my fields
I am the voice of the future, bring me your peace
Bring me your peace, and my wounds, they will heal

I am the voice in the wind and the pouring rain
I am the voice of your hunger and pain
I am the voice that always is calling you
I am the voice

I am the voice of the past that will always be
I am the voice of your hunger and pain
I am the voice of the future
I am the voice, I am the voice
I am the voice, I am the voice

[sneakyonfoota]

Imperial Castle, Asham, Damascus



"There is treachery in the court," Laurabec whispered to Cristal. "Rest assured, milady will tell you and the others everything, however we must act quickly, for I fear for your charge... The Dragoon woman, Zyan, is targeted by the Grand Duke. Without the protection of Lieutenant General Cross, her life is in great danger." Her eyes shifted warily. The other Zendara was nowhere in sight, however by their reputation, the two (three?) present will have to suffice. "Milady charges you and your companions with the safe extraction of Zyan to milady's chambers. To save face, it would be best for you to be discreet. Do your best to fulfill this mission without being identified. By milady's will, I am to assist however Miss Zendara sees fit."

Laurabec explained further where Zyan was currently quartered. As the Dragoon was officially under the King's protection under the auspices of asylum, it was Lieutenant General Cross who was personally responsible for Zyan. Under the conceit of state security, however, the Grand Duke could hold the Dragoon if for any reason (actual or contrived) she were to even be suspected of betraying His Imperial and Royal Majesty's trust. She explained that it was imperative that Zyan be placed outside of the reach of the Grand Duke, and currently that was in the care of Princess Jane or the king himself.

[MidKnight]

Road to Fort Deskan

As Lekain continued to walk, he pondered for a short time of what to say to the young princess. Hearing the sounds of his armor, it reminded him of the night his brother died. It was raining, and dark, very dark. But he remembered his specifically ordered his men to set up torches around the battle field and burn a pile of logs.

His men were moving in small groups, they've encountered heavy enemy resistance. Lekain and his brother Dekain, were ordered to take control of a fort in Latakia, but they both Elven archers and human soldiers. It was a harsh battle.

Lekain was out of breath, he had to take a small number of his regiment to meet with Dekains forces. But the brothers were apart, one brother was on the far side of the battle, near the fort, and Lekain himself just arrived with his men, they fought against the odds of their enemy.

"Sergeant, take first platoon and head to the rear of the humans and flank them." Lekain ordered, the Dragoon officer nods his head and takes a group with him. Lekain looks over to where the fort was located, there he could see the red light and smoke raising, he could see the smoke raising above the fire.

Back in reality, Lekain looks over to the princess, he takes in a deep breath. "I uh." He looks over his shoulder, "I wanted to say was....thanks for accompanying me." He smiles and looks back at the road.

Fort Xam Nua in Latakia, Askard Territory

General Zan and his archers made a quick pass around several hills. "Alright men, prepare your bows, and take aim." his men prepared their bows. Waiting for the right moment, he heard someone from behind him, looking over, it was a messenger, looking at the young man, he could tell his was afraid of this battle and General Lorant.

"I am guessing that General Lorant isn't is kind as he looks correct?" he chuckles as he lowers his head, "stay here young blood, for I might need you to help us in this battle." Taking a deep breath, he looks over the the north, he had to split his men up to attack the fort, "Fort Xam Nua is said to be the hardest and most defended base in Askard territory, we take over this, we'll weaken their morale."

Looking over to the north, there was a red flag, it meant that the second archer units were ready. He pats the young blood shoulder, "This is it." unsheathing his sword, he yells out one word, "Loose!" his yell could be heard from quite a distance, his archers released their bows, and the arrows fly in the sky.

Looking up at the sky, Zan could see over more than hundreds of arrows in the sky, he smiles. "Beautiful." He says quietly.

A Dragoon guard heard a yell from a distance, he looks out towards the fields, but then saw a object in the sky, looking up, something struck him in several different places, then another. One guard was still alive, but bleeding to death. Acting quickly to alert the others, he reaches to the bell alarm.

Grabbing the rope, he pulled it several times, the bell was loud, loud enough for another fort nearby to be heard. Several Dragoon officers ordered their men to prepare for combat, and archers ready for a volley, but what they didn't know was the second volley was unleashed, this arrow storm wiped out most of the Dragoon archers.

Zan looks over his shoulder, takes a fire arrow and shoots it in the sky to signal General Lorant and his men to attack.

[Eldora]

Fort Xam Nua in Latakia, Askard Territory

Conlan Burgen

Conlan hadn't been able to get out his message. He knew it as soon as he arrived that the message would have done no good anyway. It had taken him some time to realize that General Zan's men hadn't been behind them, but in front. He groaned inwardly. It seemed to him that General Zan's plan was more logical than General Lorant's had been, but he knew that the old master would find some way of blaming him if something went wrong. He always did. Even those full-blooded elves who didn't mean to seemed to push him harder, lay more on his shoulders than they did their own kind, and General Lorant was no exception.

He made no response to General Zan's lighthearted remarks, and only nodded when he was asked to stay with his company. He watched with awe at the arrows took flight like a flock of birds, and nodded again at the general's own appreciation of their deadly beauty.

Zared Thane

Zared's eyes narrowed as Conlan came into view. He could have smelled that half-blood a mile away, even over the stench of dragoons. How Queen Aurelia could allow such abominations into her army was beyond him. Well, at least those around him were starting to see the other races for what they were, little more than animals with brains. It was because of them that the race of elves had been cut down from their rightful place as rulers of the world. All vice, in his opinion, could be traced back to the source - humans. And half-bloods were even worse. The dragoons were a mixed lot, corrupted for their human blood. And then there were those, like that thing posing as a messenger. Elf-human hybrids, the most abhorrent of them all.

If only she had listened to him back when he was slated to become general himself. If only she had listened when he had told them all that a treaty with these animals could not last. And now that he'd been proven right, she still had the gaul to allow such perversions of nature into the army. I'm not going to stand for this, he thought.

General Lorant

General Lorant had sent Conlan out some time ago, and was beginning to wonder if anything had gone wrong when he caught sight of General Zan's signal. He must have gotten ahead of them somehow. Well, no time to worry about that now. "Move out!" He barked the order loud and clear that all his men could hear him.

[Levias]

-Dragoon Camp, Bottom of a mountain, Before sunrise-

"Why are we stuck with this guard duty?"

"I don't know, I signed up to fight humans, not watch over some useless fort."

"Agreed."

Thump

"What was that?" The Dragoon turned and looked into the night's darkness. Even with the enhanced vision that came with being part dragon, he could not see any disturbances.

"I don't know...Probably just an..." His partner said, before two arrows found their way out of the darkness. Each slammed into one of the guards' neck.

Thud-Thud

The sounds of their bodies hitting the floor met no ears. The guards more than twenty meters away thought of the sounds as mere footseteps.

A figure coverred in a black cloak jumped up the wall, grabbing onto the wall's railing with his gloved hands. The cold, empty eyes darted around, looking for enemies, but found none, so he flipped himself over the wall, and successfully infiltrated the camp.

[Ludypoof379]

~ Princess Aliana Mira Cyan~

Aliana walked beside him, listening carefully to the surroundings of the area. Folding her hands behind her back pushed the cloak she was wearing back and revealed the sword that Dekain had created for her use. The sword glinted within the sun as she glanced down at it and placed a hand on the hilt. It was a very simple sword but one of excellence for the purpose of fighting and protection.

Listening to Lekain speaking she looked at him and said, " Prince, it is indeed my honor to accompany you to the fort ahead of us. But I fear that we will not have peace for long."

Suddenly listening carefully she could hear ahead the screams of Dragoons dying. " My prince, an assault has begun. No, do not order me to safety, but let us fight. Do not fly, for I am sure archers are present." She then pulled the cloak hood over her head and began to run a steady swift pace, not on the road, but in the woods, where the grass was soft under her feet and where she was more at home than any palace or carriage.

[Levias]

The shadowed figure sliced open another Dragoon's neck. The camp was on high-alert at the moment. They had figured that someone was inside after the first five bodies were found.

This is some of my most sloppy work... The Assassin thought, watching as a whole squad of four Dragoons came rushing towards the shadows that he hid in. He drew his bow, and pulled back two arrows, launching them simultaneously, before pulling two more out and taking care of the oblivious-and-in-the-dark guards.

Now over half the small camp was gone. The rest decided to flee. The Assassin sighed. He nodded, and looked around the entire camp at his handiwork. Sighing again, he decided to wait on guard now, since the Elves that had hired him wouldn't be there for another two hours.

[MidKnight]

Mica had her hands behind her head as she walked up beside Levias, "Nice work." she says as she looked at the bodies. "But it's not fancy as mine." drawing her sword, she looks down on one of the half dead Dragoon, placing the edge of her blade on the neck of the Dragoon's neck.

In one silent hit, the blade pierced through the neck, the Dragoon was fully dead. Pulling the blade out, she wipes the blood onto her forearm, turning around while cleaning the sword, her eyes quickly stares into Levias. "I know you can do better than that." she says with a joyful sound. Then she walks past him, away to another camp.

[Levias]

Levias looked at her also, knowing she was simply teasing him. "Despite how fancy yours is, mine makes the enemy fear me more..." He said defensively. "And I can do Silent also. I just like it when the enemies don't even know what's killing them."

He leaned against a nearby building, and called out "I'll catch up later, I gotta wait for the employer." He said boredly, knowing that the employer would probably take thirty minutes to an hour.

[MidKnight]

Road to fort Deskan

Lekain heard a loud commotion up ahead, he ran past Aliana, recognizing the men he had sent, they were in trouble. "It is not the fort." he says as he draws his sword, "It's the small squad I sent." He turns around to one of the officers, "Sergeant, take your men down there and help those Dragoons." The sergeant nods his head, "Yes General, as you wish." the sergeant takes his men and heads towards the others.

"Princess I prefer if you stayed in your carriage." Lekain ordered Aliana.

-Dragoon Camp, Bottom of a mountain, Before sunrise-

Mica turns around after cleaning her blade, "Levias, you are so persistent about your skills." placing the sword back, she looks up at a hill. "Well I guess the contract has to wait, there are more coming, I guess the screams of a dying Dragoon can be heard by others."

She sighs as she walks towards the small group, "Listen you wait for the contract, this bunch is mine." She cracks her knuckles, "How much you wanna bet I can take them down in less than five minutes?" she humored him. "I say 30 pieces of gold." she smiles as she stretches.

[Levias]

Levias glared at her mockingly. "We both know that either one of us could. Can I bet that you will?" He asked. Shaking his head, he noticed torches off in the distance. "You take care of them, I'll go get the money, then we're done here." He said, getting up from his comfortable leaning position.

Levias jumped up the wall around the camp, going over the bodies of the first two guards he killed. He landed in front of a Human Legion. He nodded at the guards, who opened up their formation for their captain to walk through. The man scowled at Levias.

"I can't believe we had to hire your filth" The man said, before handing Levias a pouch of coins and gems. Levias nodded, and scowled back. "No better than me having to work for you." He said, before running back into the castle to get to Mica.

[MidKnight]

Mica twirled around a couple of times with her sword drawn, she slashes two of her enemies on the side of their bodies. She looks behind her, 8 plus these two Dragoon soldiers. She wasn't very pleased with the numbers, but their strength was incredible. No wonder the humans had to use them for their help.

Mica twirls her blade, and stabs the first two on their back, she turns around with her chin down, her back straighten out, her stance was, questionable. She smiles as the rest were coming after her. "Bring it on." She says with fiercely.

Lieutenant General Cross came to one of his officers, "The Mercenaries are doing their part, but why Elves sir? I thought we could not trust them."

"No, they can't trust us, since we are the ones betrayed them, but these are Mercenaries, they're loyal lies with gold and jewelry." Cross clears his throat

"So what is the statues of this fort?" he asked, "The fort has less than one thousand soldiers, but if the scouts reports are correct, Prince Lekain's forces have arrived."

Cross takes in a deep breath, "Go tell our new friends that we will gladly pay them a large sum if they can kill this prince." the officer bows his head, "Yes General."

Lieutenant General Cross looks at his army, he raises his sword and shouts one word, "Forward!!" Every human soldier started to move, with their shields up, and swords drawn, they began their battle to retake the fort.

[Levias]

Levias stopped jupon hearing a large trample of feet behind him. He saw the entire legion of humans marching forward, and on officer ran up to him, panting slightly. "Lieutenant Cross Says that we will largely increase the sum of which you're being paid for this if you kill the Dragoon Prince Lekain"

The shadow known as Levias then disappeared and began to run through the darkness towards Mica, who was fighting the last two Dragoons. He jumped in, stabbing one in the neck with his punch dagger, and letting Mica finish the last.

"Assassination time. I'm going to go take the incoming prince and his guard out. You work on his legion. Look out for their Heavy Spearmen." He offered. It was his own way of showing concern. "They say the pay will largely increase if we do. I'm going to do it, then help you out with the rest. Let's both come out of this with our heads, okay?" He asked, before becoming one with the night once again.

The Prince had brought many more troops than Levias exoected in his rear guard. Maybe our last encounter worried him... Levias' thoughts made himself smirk, before letting the bowstring in his hand go. Four black-iron arrows sped throught he air, one missing the intended target. The missed target turned to meet a short-sword shoved into his eye, and then piercing the back of his head.

The lifeless Dragoon fell to teh ground. Levias sighed, wiping the blood from his blades on the fallen soldier, and followed the rest of the rear guard on foot.

[MidKnight]

Prince Lekain turns to his bodyguards, "It seems I was wrong as well, an Imperial Legion forces have arrived early than I thought, but don't worry they're numbers count for nothing, have the archers tend to the sky, and foot soldiers repel their attacks on the fort, we can't afford to lose this fort, we must defend with our very lives." His forces then raised their swords and gave a battle cry.

"All forces divided into three, left flank, you will aid the fort defenses, rear guard, protect the princess, right flank, strike where our enemies weak spot. Let's move." he orders, then his forces have begun their strategy.

Lekain looks over to the princess, he walks towards her, he kept his head down while approaching her, he dare not look her in the eyes. "Aliana, please, get into the carriage, the rear guards will escort to you safety. I promise no harm will come to you of what so ever." Most of his hair blocked his eyes from looking. He kept quiet for a short time.


Mica pouted as she wasn't able to kill the last two Dragoons, "Always a critic aren't you? including a show off as well." When she was told to take our the main infantry, she gives him a look, "Are you crazy in the head or something? I can't take on that, I mean come on, you got the easy job, I swear Levias, when this is done, I swear I'm going to..." She heard a Dragoon coming after with a heavy blow, she blocks it, her arm flexes out and strikes him in the chest, the Dragoon backs away. Mica takes her sword and drives it through the Dragoon's neck.

Pulling her blade out, the Dragoon fell on the ground, "A large pay eh?" She had this smile on her face, it made her excited, "Well I see now, alright then Levias, but you owe me....again." She turns to the main army and attacks them head on, but she wasn't alone, there was a large group of humans following her. "ah damn, humans, I could smell them from here to Lake Ito." she says quietly to herself.

[Ludypoof379]

~ Princess Aliana Mira Cyan~

Aliana watched her prince and was torn between what to do. To obey her prince and go to the carriage, yet she was safer within her precious woods alone with the spirits there. True other soldiers would be roaming but the trees wouldn't give her away. Aliana sadly shook her head and said, " Forgive me my prince. I know where is safer for me. If the enemy sees a carriage they will surely attack. Use it as a decoy if you must."

Aliana turned and ran into the forest, the trees moving apart for her a moment then seemingly shielding her presence within the shadows of the branches. She moved on into the forests, and even though it seemed foolish to do, she knew where she was going...

Aliana swung up into a tree by a low branch, but walked along the branch to another branch that seemingly reached for her from another very large oak tree. She climbed into the tree and there was a small room built up higher in the tree shielded by the other branches and the shadows because of the height. Aliana leaned against the wall and began to watch what was going on below her, while breathing very quietly.

[MidKnight]

The Prince turns around with his royal guards, most of them were well trained. The rest of his men charged towards the fort, and begun their battle. The royal guards stood their ground, Lekain slays a couple of heavy soldiers. he looks over to see a Elven warrior coming, charging at the royal guards. He orders his men to take down the Elven warrior.