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.