The War Council

[caela]

Then he nodded her a lazy salute, in drily humoured admiration.

Ysandre smiled warmly at the nod and inclined her head slightly in acknowledgemnt. So she had indeed seen Khael earlier and here was the proof. She couldn't help but wonder what he thought of her attire...would he be as disapproving as the dowager still shielding her husbands eyes? Or would he perhaps approve of her flaunting of convention? She doubt both, somehow she figured he would see it as an oddity and let it go.

Turning her gaze from his she greeted the young serving girl who came to her table. The inkeeper had obviously informed the girl that despite her odd appearance she was of the nobility and to be treated thusly. The girl practically stammered every word until Ysandre simply smiled and placed a warm hand on the girls shoulder.

"There's no need to bow and scrape to me. I'm not one of those stuffed shirts who will holler and growl if you make on little slip of protocol my dear. "

As the girl relaxed with the knowledge that this odd woman wasn't going to do anything more atrocious then be so oddly dressed a small smile curved her lips. "Thank you m'lady. My name's Heather, how might I be of service?"

"Bread, cheese and perhaps some grapes, if the Inn has any from the last picking, and a glass of water please." Ysandre couldn't help but grin at the surprise on the girls face when she said 'please'. Obviously she wasn't used to the nobility using the manners they were taught with those they often considered beneath them. It galled Ysandre that so many "nobles" couldn't seem to grasp the fact that it was the peasants that kept them in the style they were so accustomed to and thus deserved respect and not derision.

"As you wish m'lady." The yound servant girl curtsyed prettily and went to answer to Ysandre's request.

Left to her own devices for the moment Ysandre's eyes turned to those about her once more. They'd seen her here, dressed as she was and she knew the rumors would fly tonight at the banquet. She couldn't help wondering how far any of them would dare to go in their speculations however when she appeared before them in rich gowns with her hair properly done. It had been her experience that what one would say to her when dressed in breeches simply wouldn't be said when she wore a skirt.

 

[Drinking Cap]

The General awoke from pleasant dreams of, in which he had usurped the throne and conquered the Arkonian peoples, when a knock came at his door.

"mmph, took that Isador long enough" he muttered as he regained his senses and rose from his bed. He opened the door, expecting to see one of the stewards ready to announce a military man but all he saw was a girl, a young maid of the palace, holding a tray of food.

"What are you doing here Girl?" he asked sternly "I was not to be interrupted"

"B-beggin' your pardon sire, but the Lady Corvain sent me. Said it should be done immediately." The girl was young, not in her 20s yet, and beautiful. Locks of red hair, freckles on her pale cheeks and ruby red lips. Ilian could not immediately determine the shape of her body, as it was hidden behind the loose fitting garb of a servant, but she seemed slight, with a generous swelling on her chest.

"The Lady Corvain sent you?" He asked, an eyebrow arched. Obviously there had been some things left unsaid at their meeting earlier.

"Yes M'lord, she sent a note" The girl placed the tray of food on the desk and handed Ilian a folded piece of parchment, he unfolded it quickly to read

General,

I am looking forward to our meeting tonight. After the banquet I will be waiting.

Lady Lana

A large and wide grin now beamed on the General's face. Regardless of what was said at their meeting, she was receptive to the idea of the two being joined in marriage. Here she was practically asking him!

"Well my dear, it seems you are the bearer of good news. You also brought my lunch?" he asked, unable to contain the obvious joy in his voice.

"Y-yes sire. Braised veal on rice, I w-was told it was your favourite."

"You were told correctly" He smiled as he lifted the lid on the tray. Not only did the smell of the food make his mouth water but it was delicately arranged as well. The life of a king has many luxuries, he thought.

He gave the girl a knowing smile.

"Nothing like feasting on some young and tender flesh to get the day movingm I've found" He laughed and the girl blushed.

"Is there anything else?" He asked as he slowly took a forkful into his mouth. It was obviously well prepared but the taste was exquisite.

"Y-yes sire, I was told to give you a b-b-bath" She said, her eyes glued to the floor

He laughed

"Well then, I suppose you ought to g-g-get started" he said, cruelly mocking her stammer as he unclasped his tunic and let it drop to the floor. The girl left to fetch the tub and brought it into the center of the room and began filling it up with pitchers of warm water. Ilian finished the meal as she did so.

"It's ready sire."

The general grunted as he removed his shirt. He was no longer in quite the shape he'd been when he was fighting but the definitions of musculuture were still quite defined on his chest and stomach. He heard the girl gasp as he dropped the rest of his clothing, thick and erect penis sticking out proudly.

"Don't get a swelled head girl, I've simply been having a wonderful day" He said as he stepped into the bath, letting the warm water sooth his tired and worn skin. She began to run her wet cloth over his chest when he stopped her, grabbing her wrist and looking intently into her eyes.

"Come now girl, surely it would be a shame if that fine garment got wet in your duties."

Hesitantly the girl stood up and with a look of trepidation began to remove her clothing. The general stopped her when she was down to her frilly underthings.

"My stars, girl, look at you. Sometimes the good lord gives with both hands, eh?" He laughed and she gave a nervous smile. Her body was truly a sight to behold. Her breasts were very large, with a slim waist and full hips. Her legs were long and her pale skin made her look like some full sized porcelain doll.

What was it the men used to say he asked himself as she began washing him again. Then he remembered the expression

"Ah yes, built for fucking" he laughed and the girl continued in her duties. Slowly she was his arms, shoulders and back. Then his chest and stomach, finally reaching his pelvis. The girl looked up at him worried. His erection had not died down and, if anything, the good news today about the Arkonians, the seizure of treasure and the Lady Corvain had made it seem larger than normal.

"Feel free to linger there girl. As long as you'd like." He said as she delicately grasped him and began slowly pumping her small hands up and down. The girl obviously had little experience with this and must have been new on staff. The King's girls usually knew how to give expert relief. Soon he became tired with her novice handling and pulled her hands away.

"Girl, I have no time to teach you this. Use your mouth at least." She looked unsure of what he meant.

"E-excuse me Sire"

"Put it in your mouth and begin sucking. God almighty, what in the world compelled my Uncle to hire you? Your excellent conversational skills?" The girl bit her lip and began doing as he asked. Her mouth was as inexperienced as her hands but the visual of the large breasted servant girl on her knees with his tool in her mouth was very stimulating. Soon the General became bored and his mind, as always turned to his scheming.

If the Lady Corvain is amenable to a wedding...All I should need is to ask my Uncle for her hand tonight...By the end of the week I could be Lord Ilian Cainvale of the Corvain lands...By the end of the month the hidden deposits could begin excavation...Then provided the king, no, the prince meets his death in battle with the Arkonians...Does this girl not know what a tongue is for?....Anyway, if the Prince meets his end...I would be the next Logical heir...Then it is merely a matter of the King's death, natural or otherwise...Otherwise preferably...And I am King Ilian....Ilian the wise...God this girl needs at least a month in the harem...Where was I...Ilian the Great...Ilian the Mighty...Ilian the wealthy, brilliant and invincible

With this final thought Ilian erupted into the Girl's mouth, causing her to gag and sputter as his seed poured into her. She removed her head, causing the last bit of semen to cover his softening cock. His expression unchanged, he motioned to his now slimey cock. The girl who had clearly just gotten her first taste of the stuff was staring at it in amazement, her face coated with his thick white semen.

"Don't leave a job halffinished girl. Clean it" She reached out with her cloth but he stopped her.

"With your mouth, girl." She again leaned over and began licking his excess discharge off.

"Drink up now Girl, it's the stuff of future kings."

After the bath, the General returned to his napping and was woken again, when a steward announced the arrival of Isador.

Isador entered the room and the general took stock of the man. Short and powerfully built, he indeed seemed like every bit the hardened battlefield captain. Isador entered the room and began speaking, greek from the sound of it. Ilian caught only bits and pieces. He motioned his hand up to stop the captain.

"The common tongue, if you will, Captain. I confess I was never one for foreign tongues, unless I had cut them out of their mouths or while in a distant whorehouse."

The captain nodded and removed a bag, that bore the imperial symbol of the Arkonian king. Diplomatic papers, no doubt thought Ilian.

"Well Captain, don't keep me in suspense. Are the papers of value or more reports on just how many sacks of grain they're stacking in a border warehouse?"

 

[TheScarletBlade]

The army,the city gaurd and even the Militia had been rallied.The fire that consumed the Garrison house spread,the red flames branching out,burning all the wooden houses in his warm wickedness with the crackling of the wood as it fueled the fire.Smoke rose high into the ocean blue sky,the dark forboding clouds polluting the air as the entire quarter went up in flame.

The firestarter remained unaffected though.Tain Longwinter was accustomed to the screams of the dying and the shrill yells and commands,all the words making a disordered song: The song of chaos.Standing at the far end of the cobblestone street,the golden hilted bastard sword resting easily in one hand,razor sharp tip angled down towards the rough stounds,Tain stood majestically and firm as people of all sorts began to scatter in a panic from the sector.

All cept the armed forces of Ilia.At the oppisite end of the street,foot soldiers in gleaming armor,hastly put on yet always polished reflecting the sun's dimmed rays,the only sun that was visable was the few strips that could break through the blocking clouds of darkness and ash that began to fall.Looking stright across the street,soldiers equiped with finely crafted yet slender long swords and large nondiscript iron tower sheilds began to make a barricade at the end of the street,Archers forming a line right behind them.

The archers were lightly armored,only wearing fine black and green color's of Ilia with regular long bows,arrows already notched on the string,the archer's skillful fingers already ready.Raising the bows and aiming them at the enraged noble from Arkon,they waited.Not a soul moved,there was only silence and a lack of motion:Calm before the storm.

Tain lifted the blade,the magnificantly crafted blades splendor not marred by the crimson colored blood that stained its razor sharp edge.Lifting the blade and placing his free hand on the other half of the hilt,the young noble began his charge.Without a single doubt in his mind,the young noble came roaring foreward,roaring in defiance of his enemies,his brutal roar heard echoing even over the snapping of wood as the fire wore it down.

The archers were given the command to fire: Yet it did not dismay the young noble.Arrows came at him in volley,the street wide.Without a hesitant step,the young warrior continued,lifting the blood covered blade to tip any of the black shafted arrows out of his path and he continued.400 feet...300 feet,Another volley rang out,the twang of at least twenty bows echoing in unison yet the young noble did not falter as he went head long into the volley,deflecting them once more.Still screaming he got closer: 200 feet...100 feet and then..Hell broke loose.

The noble was upon the warriors but what was he going to do about a wall full of steel tower sheilds? Having inspired fear in one of the new recruits,the line had faltered.Slightly moving back,the rookie had tipped his sheild so it was no longer at a ninty degree angle but slightly back: Tain looked at it as a ramp.Running fall on,his roar renewed by a new breath he went up an over,quickly running up the sheild,his large booted foot leaving massive dents in the sheilds as he only used it to propell himself.As Tain went up and over,his sword slashed in a diagonal downard arc,the keen edge of the point cut clean under the back of the soldier's helmet and cut right through the muscles in the back of his neck and through his spin,cutting a gaping wound yet not fully taking the head off.

The line broke as one man was ground into the ground,his tower sheild breaking under the powerful impact of Tain using his sheild as a ramp,the force broke his arm,the other man dead,his still warm corpse falling foreward,head swiveling back in a weird angle.Proppelled brashly foreward,the young soldier shot at breakneak speed into the reloading archers.His sword held high over his head,his large feet out,he kicked two men full on in the chest and used his foreward momentum and weight to kick them down to their back.Landing on both mens chest with his feet,having ridden them down to the coble stone covered earth,the noble brought the blade down in a downard arc from over his head down his right side to the back of one of the archers,the sharp edge cutting through the cloth of their tunics and cutting them right down the back,blood spurting out of the large cut.

Taking a quick knee of his left side,knocking the wind out of one of the men completely,he whipped the weapon back by flipped it over in his hands and twisting the momentum left,the blade cutting the man's leftward leg completely off at the knee.The leg fell apart and as the man fell,blood spewed from the severed leg,blood seeping into the cracked of the cobblestone road,making a river of blood.

His magnificant blade weaved and cut and the piles began to pile up around him.Spinning the golden hilt in his hands so the pommel pointed foreward,the blade parallel with his waist,the tip pointing backwards,the noble thrusted backwards,sending the blade clean through one of the advance soldier's chest,the blade's razor tip poking through the other side.Flipping his grip around and pulling the blade out as the soldier fell,he spun it around in a backwards swing,it comming horizontally over his buddy to cut into another soldier.

The remaining warriors began to flee to where ever they could,not willing to stand a second longer against the frenzied young noble.One of the common places to hide: The Green Dragon.Running after fleeing soldiers,Tain grabbed one of the soldiers by the top of his back plate and growled,using his upper body strength to hurl the man foreward into one of the Green Dragon's walls.The wall broke to admit the soldier.The heavy armored soldier went crashing down to the ground as he went through the low,large window,busting the window pane.Landing on a table as glass began to scatter everywhere,the man broke the table under his weight.

Fire began to consume the street,looking for something to fuel the hungry fire dead bodies seem to work well.They began to catch flame and the fires began to get larger and larger.The fire's angry red hue reflected off the blood stained blade of Tain Longwinter as kicked in the door.The fire accented his handsome features.Covered from head to toe in blood,it dripping with sweat down his face in streaks.Nothing could match the pure hatred,the brutal flame that was seen flaring in the young nobles seemed to match the spreading flames,sword lowered yet ready everything was red to him,the existance of others or even where he was didn't seem to matter,only the soldiers that now sought to hide from him as he came storming in.

 

[Evil Attorney]

Isador smiled. It was good to be in the General’s presence again.

“No, m’lord, I have not opened it. I thought it best to use the proper tools to preserve the seals, and as I didn’t want the scribes seeing the messages and talking, I thought it best to use the tools for this that I saw you use the last time something like this was captured…if they are still in your quarters?”

The general nodded to a small chest, and soon after the seals were carefully taken off intact.

Isador opened the messages and read it aloud:

To my most Cherished friend and compatriot, Reginald, Duke of Alba:

I have received the shipment of arms thou hast sent me, and the blacksmiths and the horses. They shall prove most useful in crushing the rebellion which has proven so stubborn. Would that thou send me thy forces to aid my most noble cause of uniting my kingdom!!

It shall be no matter soon.

I have sent my messengers to their counsel to listen and pour honeyed words into the ears of those who will listen, and that honey shall become poison soon enough if they are listened to.

To think, the rabble has anointed a King amongst themselves!! And a doddering old fool of a man at that!! He shall fall at his counsel and his nobles shall set amongst themselves like dogs as they blame one another for his death, while my armies thrust deeply to divide their lands.

It shall be a most glorious victory, and a fitting end to such a trying task!!...”

Isador looked up at the General then said, “It is signed, milord, by the viceroy of Arkon...

Which nobles were sent from Arkon? Who accredited them? Was it the royal seal, or the seal of the government? Did they arrive together or separate? ”

Isador looked at the only other piece of parchment in the pouch and unsealed it carefully.

He chuckled and said, “Well, milord, at least one thing is constant…the bounty on you keeps rising…”
Isador showed him a warrant for the General’s death, with a promise of 10 times a man’s weight in gold for the General’s head. Isador looked critically at the General then smirked.

“If you don’t mind my saying so, I think I’ll wait for a larger bounty before I cash that one in. I’m waiting for 30 times a man’s weight before I’d be taking the trouble...”

Just then one of the guards came in without permission. Isador rose in a liquid manner and drew his longwords, and the dagger slipped into his left hand as he tore off his cloak with that hand.

The cloak, weighted with lead at the bottom and made of silk was able to swat blades away, mask a dagger within it and when swatting at the enemy's face, confuse them for a fatal blow.

"HOW DARE YOU!"

The guard stopped, and said, "Beg pardon, but we have a problem..." and proceeded to tell the General and Isador about the havoc Tain was causing.

Isador smiled. Ocasionaly, just ocasionaly, killing was a pleasure, depending on who it was. Longwinter.

Ah...so long ago...so far away...

The longsword he carried. It bore the longwinter family crest. Bastard had been raiding vilages in Isador's area, so Isador paid his estates a visit and after lighting the place ablaze and killing everyone, Isador pried the sword from an old man's hand.

Who he was, he didn't care.
One of his men had hacked him to death during the battle then moved on, not stopping for the sword. Isador saw action that day, just not that particular guy.

Personaly, one dead noble is as good as the next, no matter how they die...or by who's blade.

The Longwinter clan stopped harassing Isador's frontier, but he still didn't like to leave buisness unfinished. Sometimes, work wasn't just work, but a passion...

"With your permission, Milord?"

 

[Paendragon]

King William IV

He stood. "Inside the city? With what result?"

The guardsman filled him in, and added in the attack on the garrison at the end.

William's eyes burned.

"Have Caliburn brought to the courtyard. And bring me a horse. And send a messenger to the Lord General."

The man bowed and ran out.

William turned to Lana.

"I'm sorry my dear. It seems we've been attacked. This must be answered."

What that answer would be depended on what he found when he arrived. An unprovoked attack on the Arkonian ambassador could be difficult. He would have the heads of those responsible. But an equally unprovoked attack on the garrison . . .

"William . . . you're temper . . ." Lana said, standing.

He kissed her hand. "I will hold it if need be, Lana. I promise you. Please see to the banquet. If there will still be one."

And if the need arose, all of Arkon would pay for this insult. He left her chambers at a brisk walk.

* * *​

His horse was waiting for him when he arrived at the courtyard, along with an entire squad of the Elite. Standing beside the stallion was his swordbearer, holding Caliburn, and a breastplate. He took the armor and buckled it over his jacket, and strapped Caliburn around his waist, pulling the blade free to check it's edge.

He mounted the stallion, held his hand up, and brought it forward. They galloped out of the Keep.

 

[landiek]

Commotion brought the guard to his feet and her from her spot. A hasty growl and the man was gone. Ayleece didn't know what to make of the departure and stepped timidly into the hallway. She could hear the screams coming from the courtyard it seemed and hastened to the window.

Her eyes widened as she beheld the young laird fending off the arrows that streamed from above. A pang filled her heart as she hastily debated on whether to assist him or seek some form of safety.

She ran along the cooridor staying close to the windows so that she could see what was going on and finding men runnign in odd directions made her feel angry. how dare any man run from battle.

"Bloody piglets afeared of saving Your King's very life" Ayleece shouted down the thundering corridor.

She ran on and heard the loud crashing noise, she paniced and ran down a set of stairs only to come out to hearing voices remarking that Tain was inside and the voice on the other side was demanding a horse.

"Have Caliburn brought to the courtyard. And bring me a horse. And send a messenger to the Lord General."

Ayleece scooted back against the dark alcove and watched the man exit and head along the corridor. Again she waited unsure what to expect only that she knew that whoever wanted a horse was important enough to make others runs to do his bidding.

Then she watched as another man exited the room. She covered her mouth quickly lest she reveal her hiding place. Her eyes were dismayed as her emotions went into a frenzy of jolting flashes of silver passing her eyes for she finally saw King William in the flesh.

Now Ayleece was trapped in dispair for her alliances no longer existed. Her life before was nonexistant for the old Arkonian king was dead and she found herself in the very hallway with the Ilian King. Her chest began to heat and the heart began thumping loudly as the sweat dotted over her barely covered flesh.

Run, you fool before he discovers you and learns who you are her mind said in a thundering booming ache. All she did was hug the corner and prayed that she would be safe for at least the meanwhile.

 

[Tanuki]

Miria patted her thigh through her skirts. The letter within the velvet covering was still there, strapped to her thigh just below her hip. Her father's letter was meant for King William, and though she didn't know its contents, she knew she had to keep it safe at all costs. Miria had been running, chased by a couple of young men with lustful thoughts. She'd lost them, but she in turn was lost.

The dull roar of combat she'd been hearing seemed to be getting closer. The pounding of many footfalls was coming toward her, and the girl quickly looked around herself. Miria dashed into a dark alcove just as a group of soldiers rounded the corner, heading past her. The girl peeked out, just as another man, tall and impressive, ran past, bellowing curses . . . in a voice too familiar. It was Tain, and he was in some sort of battle rage, not even seeing her.

The young Arkon was attacking the fleeing soldiers, and she gasped as he sent a man crashing through the wall of a building. Inside was brightly lit, and she could see patrons with pints of ale scattering to avoid the flailing body of the soldier, who landed unceremoniously on a table, crushing it. Fingers of flame began to catch fire around the street, and in the flickering light, she saw the swinging sign at the front of the building.

"Oh, stupid me," she whispered aloud, "the Green Dragon!" Still, it seemed too dangerous to venture out, so Miria stayed in her dark alcove. She failed to notice that the growing flames were stripping her of the concealing darkness.

 

[Drinking Cap]

Ilian Cainvale

The General listened to the Captain reading the diplomatic papers. News of troop movements and arms shipments to the Viceroy. The details of how the Arkonian's viewed the conference were also of little use. Still, the seals could prove valyable should discord need to be strewn throughout the noble houses.

"Thank you captain, for bringing these to my attention. Is there nothing else in the pouch?" Ilian asked. Isador unrolled another sheet of parchment and chuckled

“Well, milord, at least one thing is constant…the bounty on you keeps rising…” he revealed the parchment to Ilian, it was a bounty on his head for 10 times the weight of a man's body in gold.

Ilian couldn't help but laugh. Order every occupant of a few border villages slaughtered and these Arkonians had to make things personal.

“If you don’t mind my saying so, I think I’ll wait for a larger bounty before I cash that one in. I’m waiting for 30 times a man’s weight before I’d be taking the trouble...” Isador said jokingly

"I don't mind, Captain, although by that point all of the Arkonian's gold will likely be sitting in my personal treasure room so it might augur well for you to get while the getting is good, as you peasants say" He was simply relaxing in his chair at this when one of the palace guards burst into the room. Isador drew his sword and screamed at the young man. Ilian rolled his eyes. Field commanders can be so high strung, he thought.

The guard proceeded to tell the two officers about the trouble being caused in town. Apparently this one Arkonian boy had been too much work for a squad of theirs and he was now raging through the city like a lunatic. One Arkonian against the entire armies of the capital city. How did the boy think this was going to play out? With him victorious over thousands of troops?

Ilian had hoped that the attack on the Arkonian Nobles would anger them and they would be of little use to the peace efforts. Now it seemed they were deranged enough to single handedly cause the war. This would end one of two ways, capture the boy and execute him, which would lead to war or kill the boy, which would likely provoke the Arkonians to war.

Isador turned to him after hearing this news

"With your permission m'lord?" He asked seeking permission to ride to the city and capture the boy.

"Wait a minute, Captain, don't think I'll be missing out on this. Any chance to see the savagery and stupidity of the Arkonian nobility." He rose and made his way to his dressing room. Dressing he yelled to the guard

"Send word for our troops to surround, but not engage the boy and prepare my armor and sword. Tell the weaponsmaster to specially prepare my sword. He'll know what it means."

Within minutes the two officers were armed and mounted and riding towards the city. As they rode, Ilian noted the steed of his Uncle, some ways ahead of him.

Leave it to my Uncle, Ilian scowled contempuously, not to leave this to his army. Ilian could see from the path that fires were spreading in the city, there was obviously a large gathering of troops near the merchants sector of the town. They rode on, some paces behind the King and arrived mere minutes after him.

The city's garrisons, some 2000 troops were nearly all surrounding the Green Dragon. And the King had formed a battelfield council with some of the more senior officers. The arkonian was apparently still inside the inn, although he could not be seen. Not even from the rather large hole in the wall.

Ilian and Isador dismounted and approached the gathering of Officers.

"Your majesty" He shouted to the King. The King did look genuinely pleased to see his nephew although Ilian could recognize the fires of his King's temper burning. He approached the king and grasped his hand "It is good to see you Uncle, allthough not in these particular circumstances"

"What news of this Longwinter fellow"

One of the Colonel's of the Garrison filled him in. The Green Dragon was filled with nobility atttending the Council and this Tain had stormed in there killing soldiers who had fled into the inn.

Ilian visibly sighed

"What a tragic incident to mar what should have been a day in which peace could have been had. If the Arkonians had been genuinely interested in peace perhaps we could have avoided this war but they send a crazed maniac as a Diplomat. I told you Uncle, never to underestimate the Arkonians bloodlust and warmongering" The general was having fun with this, although appearing perfectly sincere. His desired war was a certainty now.

"Perhaps, Uncle, since our Arkonian beast has trapped himself in the Inn it might be prudent to send me in. He may have some of the visiting nobility held hostage and I am a respected and revered military commander, even amongst the enemy's ranks. Perhaps I can persuade him to end all this madness, so no more innocent blood is spilled."

 

[caela]

Ysandre gasped as the soldier crashed into the Green Dragon as if chased by the very hounds of hell. When only one man followed them in she was even more surprised. It was obvious the man had quite literally gone Berserker and was in the clutches of a sharp battle rage. She could hear the commotion above as a soldier told the General and Captain what was transpiring below though she didn't know what it was she heard and ignored it in favor of watching the young demon making small work of the King's soldiers.

It was dreadful watching the blood of the soldiers flow so freely under his blade and yet amazing at the same time. Vastly outnumbered and yet still he held and gained ground, stalking the soldiers as a panther stalks it's prey. The nobels in the common room shrank back from him in fear but it was Ysandre that noticed another threat. The glow that outlined the fierce warrior wasn't due to him being a demon as some few whispered in fear but from a fire that was raging closer outside.

Without a thought accept to think that he was focused on the soldiers and no one else she pushed away from her table and moved to cross the room. She needed to get outside and see just how close the flames were. People were going to have to be evacuated if it couldn't be stopped and her head was already racing ahead to the wounded and the supplied needed to aid them as she dared to pass within a hairs breadth of the blood soaked man who'd startled them all and seemed the cause of the fire as well. She had no choice but to pass so close as he blocked the path to the door.

 

[Tanuki]

Miria looked with trepidation at the legions of soldiers she could see assembling down every street. Still hidden in her alcove, the girl didn't dare come out to run for the inn, for fear of being shot in the back with a dozen arrows. The young Longwinter noble was creating quite a stir, and Miria wished she could counsel him in the purpose of their mission - to negotiate a peace, not start a war. She had to wonder if that was indeed his mission at all? Perhaps he had agreed to her father's peace mission simply to gain safe access to the city, in which to wreak havoc?

Miria felt her stomach tighten in fear. If such was the case, she herself would be viewed as an accomplice. If she were to present herself to the King's men, she might be arrested as a rebel and executed, or worse, sent to rot in a dungeon. I must speak to the King, to plead my case! she thought, biting her lip and peering out of her hiding place. It looked like a thousand soldiers were standing between her and the palace. The girl shrank back a bit into the shadows, waiting for her opportunity.

 

[TheScarletBlade]

Tain Longwinter moved across the main room of the commons,chasing the fleeing soldiers as men of all sorts moved out of his way,either fearing the swift retribution that might come if they interfered or fearing for the others that might get hurt if they took up action.The two soldiers ran through the kitchen,stumbling in their armor as they crashed through the back door...Onto a long spear.

Impaled completely both soldiers looked at the soldiers wearing Ilian colors and uniforms.They looked at wide eyed horror at the spear that one of the Ilia soldiers pushed deeper into him.Looking hurt,betrayed and in an extreme amount of pain,the soldiers tried to say something but couldn't find the strength.

Tain didn't watch the other people moving around in the Inn yet he saw a beautiful young woman trying to get out of the way,a beautiful woman that looked more important than just some barmaid.He didn't think about it though as he looked to the soldier's dressed in Ilia uniforms.They pulled their polished helmets off to reveal they were the Arkonian sleepers.Each swearing fealty to Tain they all entered into the Green Dragon and barricaded it up quickly.He had a little under 100 men.Most fought with the Tower sheild and sword combination of Ilia's usual soldiers and some weilded bows and every one had visable scars on the face,each man having bled at least once in battle for Arkon.

"Udora,It has been a long time since I have seen you last? how has Ilia been" Tain asked as one of the soldiers that speared the enemy to the wall came to stand by Tain.He had served under the noble's father for many years and had served his clan since he was about Tain's age.The soldier replied with only a brief "good" before asking for battle plans.Tain looked to his men,each one young and strong and having served him or his father in battle before and each one of them faced amazing odds yet the Arkonian's held true and looked to their leader for support.

Pulling a fine wine bottle out of the rack where the wines were,he broke the cap off and began to bath the entire area in wine.When one bottle ran dry he used another one.Having covered the entire common area almost in wine,he yanked a candle from where it rested on a hanger.Looking to the nobles and other non combat personal in the room,he lifted the hand with the candle pointing to the front door "This place is about to get very hot,you might wanna run" Tain said with a slight grin as he dropped the candle to the floor,the fire beganing to spread in the green dragon.

Per the warrior request,the nobles and other people began to rush for the door,everyone scattering quickly and running every where,pushing and shoving to run out into the street and out towards the lines of soldiers.Taking up an steel tower sheild like his fellow soldiers,they knew what he was planning to do.Standing as the flames began to consume the tavern,he was waiting for the panicing nobles to flee the quickly consuming fire.

 

[caela]

Ysandre was startled when the nobles who had been inside the inn suddenly started running out past her in a frenzied rush. Turning back to the inn she growled softly in the back of her throat to see flames licking the inner walls. Watching those running out she was dismayed to realize that the barmaid who had been serving her wasn't among them.

Without a thought the young woman ran back into the inn. Seeing the man who had wreaked such havoc laughing while the nobels fled her temper boiled over. Rushing him she drove two fists sharply into his chests and knew it was only the element of surprise that drove him back to stumble over a chair and crash into the floor. Screaming ever curse she knew at him in four languages she searched the common room until she found the barmaid huddled terrified in a corner.

The your girl was shaking so badly that Ysandre could barely get her to her feet but once she did she managed to guide the girl out of the inn and to safety, all the while feeling the gaze of the warrior who had caused such trouble in such a short time. Coughing from the smoke she'd inhaled she put the girl on her own horse and bid her head to the palace and find her father, "Speak to no one else girl! Find Jonathon Verrieul and tell him his daughter has need of him...NOW." Slapping the horses rump she sent the girl toward the palace and returned to the front of the inn where the inn's owner sat wringing his hands and watching his livelihood go up in flames.

Ysabdre forced herself to watch the building burn as she muttered softly to herself, "This is the price of war. Innocent lives ruined all so that a warrior might tell stories of his own glory. Damn all me to the deepest pits of hell!" The last was a loud growl that turned several head in her direction, she only tossed her head definatly in response and locked eyes with any that would hold her gaze until each one looked away.

 

[TheScarletBlade]

As Tain was lifted to his feet by his small contingent of soldiers,he looked to the woman who had knocked him over.She's strong,I wonder who she is The young noble said as the rest of the nobles began to exit.Finally,running out the front door,the last wave of nobility,they charged in a line towards the soldiers,the perfect cover.

His soldiers began to ready their sheild straps,fastening their steel tower sheilds to their arms and checking the weight of their weapons,they watched as the fire began to rage around them,they stood still though waiting for the orders from their leader.Fearless they bearly moved as the fire continued to consume the wood and other materials in the room that would feed its ever present hunger.

Tain though was busy with other things,having set down his sheild he moved across the room that was quickly catching on fire.He had only one thing on his mind: The noble woman who attacked him.She was beautiful,one of the most beautiful women he had ever seen and they way she moved,he almost couldn't take his eyes off of her,she was fighter: he could see that,the clothes she wore didn't fit her,armor and a sword would be more becoming on her and a sword would enchance the beautiful features of the woman just as much as make up would.

Moving across the common room,brown weather worn boots clomping across the wooden floor,he didn't look like anything much but he approuched the woman keeping his regal air around him.He looked like the noble his blood made him and his serious face softened as he moved across the room to the defiant young girl.The golden hilted bastard sword rested in his dark black sheath at his side.He brushed some hair outta his eyes and then bowed,taking to girls hand gently yet with some force since she probably rejected being touched by him.Pressing his lips to her hand and then setting it back down,he bowed nobly "No woman has ever hit me like that,The name Tain Longwinter....how bout yours?"

 

[caela]

Ysandre hiss softly as the man approached her. His grip on her hand was strong and sure and she couldn't pull free of it. Who on earth was this man? First he comes through wreaking havoc and creating chaos and now he acted as politely as a coutier. Tossing her head beligerantly she made the tail of her braid slap across his face as she hissed regally, "I am Ysandre Verrieul and you will unhand me if you want to live out the day. Of course you obviously have a death wish considering the damage you've wrought."

Ysandre longed to be able to unseath her sword but he hand her sword arm and while she could fight with either hand she was not equally as graceful at drawing her blade with either hand and his grip prevented her from reaching down to pull a knife from her boot as well.

 

[TheScarletBlade]

Her defiance was noted yet his strong hand held her by the wrist,he had eased up after grabbing her hand.He wondered what her problem was.He had politely and nobly advanced and told her who he was and showed no ill will to her or anything and she had to be up in his face.

He figured a woman like her wouldn't back down."I don't have a death wish,I have a wish for vengence.Armed soldiers of Ilia attacked my caravan,I am an Arkon diplomat and we were attacked by uniformed soldiers,in my country if you commit a grievice offense such as that,it is punishable by death,they could attack me all they wanted yet attacking unarmed diplomats and innocent soldiers,but what about you?" The young noble said as the tavern continued to burn down "Why are you here,your obviously a noble by the way you talk down to others but you don't belong in that position,your heart is to wild.You belong on the field of battle,on a horse.Not in a palace being probably hit up by many suitors becuase of your considerable beauty" Tain said as he turned to his men,all the nobles had fled,it was time.

Letting the woman go,Tain brought his right hand down and across to wrap around the golden hilted bastard sword,the diamonds and rubies in the blade sparkling in the fire light.Drawing the blade out,he held it out as his men came to him.He spoke with inspiring passion and a calm head "We face death here,there is more of them than us,we almost stand no chance yet I have always believed in our countries motto: Fight for your Country,Fight for your Woman and Fight becuase you can Fight!!" Tain raised the magnificant blade up,his soldiers responding and crying out their support "Let us go out and meet the enemy,I will see you on the other side of the enemy lines" With that the men began to get into position for their plan.

Seeing that he had a second,the young noble moved back over the beautiful noblewoman's side and grabbed her around the neck and planted his lips right on hers.Kissing her passionately,he brought his other hand down around her waist as he kissed her deeper but only short.Pulling back,Tain smiled and bowed regally and moved off,lifting the iron tower sheild and strapping it to his arm.

 

[caela]

Ysandre's head reeled at his words...a DIPLOMAT?!! Either his King was a fool or absolutly brilliant in sending such a hotheaded young warrior to Ilia. Ysandre rather thought it was the second. Rumor had it that the Arkonian King didn't truly want peace and what better way to ensure war than this?

She barely noticed that she'd been deserted by her own countrymen and left to stand in the street with these strange fierce men of another country. Instead of fleeing them however she stood her ground until Tain reached out and kissed her. She felt her world tilt in that short but passionate kiss and simply stood watching him dumbly for a moment once he'd released her. She watched him strap his shield to his arm and he was mounting his horse before she found her voice once more.

"Stop!" she ordered in a voice that brooked no argument. She waited until Tain's gaze turned toward her once more before continuing. "Is what you said true? You were sent as a diplomat?"

The only answer she got a nod of his head and an annoyed look. She could tell he wanted to be about the business of wreaking havoc and attacking more soldiers but she'd be damned if she'd risk her countries peace for his hotblooded temper. The nod was enough.

"Then don't be a fool Tain. Would you have yourself used as nothing more than a tool to cause a war? What does riding headlong into a fight that was staged for you prove? Your valor or your stupidity? If you were sent as a diplomat than act like one. Claim asylum from the King on the basis of your being attacked...provided your charge backs up your story even the King must abide the laws concerning foreign diplomats which include the protection of the realm.

Unless of course you enjoy being a pawn in a King's game and being sent off to certain death simply because it suits a King to have you start a war for him. Pawns are such predictable creatures. True men think for themselves."

Without waiting to see how her words would be recieved Ysandre turned and walked toward the palace thinking to meet her father on his way to find her and more than half hoping the warriors behind her would heed her words and not get themselves killed and start a war in the process.

 

[TheScarletBlade]

Tain looked to his soldiers and then quickly went back into the stables,the tavern beams and wood starting to crack under the heat of the consuming flame.The flames were fueled to rise higher and higher into the sky as the dark clouds of smoke rose to the heavens,marring the light blue sky,cloaking it in its darkness,polluting the smoke was almost sufficating.

Bursting through the doors of the stable,Tain unhitched all the horses with the help of his comrades and held all the reigns in either hands.He seemed truely effected by what the mysterious young woman said.Ysandre...that was her name...Ysandre he said it over in his mind,promising not to forget as he turned to his myrmidons."Go back to your posts,go back to your garrisons and go back to your women,Arkon doesn't require your blades,only your silence." Tain said as he led the horses from the stables with him,leaving his men to go about their duties.

The final beams were about the snap as the fire raged on,the fire was beyond repair or seeming to die down.Soldiers stood infront of the Green Dragon,watching in all its splendor being consumed:Just when there was the sound of rolling thunder and snapping boards,all eyes looked to the Green Dragon as the sign over head-The one with the snake like dragon,coiling around a flagon,its maw open with sharp saw like teeth gleaming- A group of horses,unsaddled and completely free came rushing through the flames,stampeding foreward.

Soldiers scattered to get out of the way,diving to the side and moving as well as they could to get out of the stampeding horses.As the dust cleared and the soldiers picked themselves up off the ground,Another figure could be seen surronded in flame.Stepping from the flame covered tavern as it collapsed behind him with one final lurch,Tain appeared.Striding fearlessly towards the middle of the street,he stood nobly,his golden hilted bastard sword in his night black sheath at his left hip.His head held high and the blazing red of the fire adding a certian something to his handsome features,he didn't flinch as bows were trained of him,his young defiant yet regal gaze meeting the king's from where the king sat on his horse in the back of the army.

 

[MrWolf]

Khael

Sitting at his table in the Green Dragon, watching the display dispassionately.

Khael cooly noted the Akronian's swordsmanship as he rampaged through the inn. Khael cooly noted that the cheese he was eating didn't quite have the tang of a well aged cheese. Both were equally insignficant.

Setting down the cheese and picking up his goblet of water, taking a sip as he watched the daughter of Verrieul rise and confront the swordsman.

Beh. I may well have to intervene.

"Charon, fetch my sword."

Sending his guard off to retrieve Sangfroid, the sword of his family, Khael turn his attention back to his bread, tearing off a chunk and chewing it methodically as the swordsman allowed himself to be distracted in idly conversation with the Verrieul girl.

Idiot.. He's roused the city yet he stops to chat with the woman? He should be fleeing.

Nodding calmly to Charon as the man returned, with the scabbarded bastard sword in his hands, Khael rose from his seat, gesturing sharply to his two guards to take command of the Inn's servants and even a few of the lesser nobles, carrying buckets of water and even milk and quickly beginning to extinguish the blaze.

As the hubbub of the firefight rose around him, Khael slowly strapped on the bastard sword, coolly strolling over to flank the other man as the noise in the street indicated the soldiers of the King had finally arrived to slaughter the Akronian.

 

[caela]

As Ysandre walked toward the palace she heard the sounds of hoofbeats, two horses if she wasn't mistaken and hoped they were who she wanted to see. Luckily it was and as she rounded the corner she saw her father riding hard toward her with her own stallion coming hard up behind him. Swinging up onto Orion she simply nodded to her father and took the lead, heading back toward the Green Dragon.

A few blocks away she could see the scene clearly, the young warrior, Tain, standing quietly in the street and staring back to the King himself. Khael off to his side and an array of soldiers around them. Everyone was quiet as if they dared not speak or move for some reason. Reigning in Orion she stopped her father and looked to him desperatly. "Father you have to do something, if they kill him it's war. He's one of the diplomats sent by the Arkonian's and killing a diplomat is an act of war. Yes he went berserk but his charge was attacked by our soldiers. We need to find her. And we need to stop them from killing him."

There was more than one reason Ysandre didn't want a war. Their lands neighbored with Arkon's border and if not for some line drawn on a map they could just as easily have been Arkonian as Ilian. She didn't want to see the lands of those Arkonian nobility that butted up against theirs destroyed anymore than she wanted her own savaged and plundered. She didn't want to see their servants and tenants slaughtered or worse. She didn't want the peaceful life at Verrieul destroyed.

With the faces of her friends and tenants running through her head she moved without thinking and spurred her horse forward until Orion stood in front of Tain, blocking him from the aim of soldiers arrows and locking her own defiant gaze with each man before her before speaking in a clear ringing voice to the soldiers before her. "Do you seek to be pawns to the Arkonian King? If you kill this man you are just that."

Brash and impulsive she might be but Ysandre was no fool, she could see that some of the soldiers were quite ready to loose their arrows on her to get to Tain but she could see others pausing...thinking on her accusation. And she could see word traveling down the lines of them. Some nodding as others asked questions. She knew they were confirming among each other that the Arkonian had been attacked and defended himself well. She saw the grudging respect that all soldiers have for another, even an enemy, who fights well and with purpose.

If Ilia went to war she wanted it to be because the King had had his counsil and had time to think everything through. Not because of one moments rash actions. How she hoped this man's charge was near enough to see what was happening and would show herself to back up Tain's story.

 

[Tanuki]

Miria watched events unfold from her hiding place as Tain emerged from the crumbling inn and took up a position in the street, proudly facing King William's legions. Although she heartily disagreed with his actions, Miria couldn't help feeling admiration for the young noble's courage. Still, courage usually led to death, and she had to stop this.

The girl took a cautious step from the darkness of the alcove, not wanting to draw fire from itchy fingers on a hundred drawn bows. Then she watched in awe as a stunningly beautiful young woman on a powerful horse rode out toward where Tain was standing. With the roaring fire and shouts of soldiers, she couldn't hear the woman's words, but it was clear from her manner that she wanted to stop the bloodshed.

Now is my chance, she thought, to stand with an ally for peace. Miria pulled up her tattered skirt and ran toward the woman. An arrow whistled past her, and she heard an officer shout for the men to hold fire, but she didn't look back, for fear of seeing a volley headed toward her.

As she closed the distance, Miria could hear the woman speaking.

"Yes he went berserk but his charge was attacked by our soldiers. We need to find her. And we need to stop them from killing him."

The woman must have been talking about her. Miria came to a halt, next to the horse, which turned its head and snorted at her. The girl paused to catch her breath, then she turned in the direction the brave woman on the horse was facing. King William was there, and another powerful-looking man she didn't recognize.

"King William," she shouted, her voice cracking a bit. "I am Miria Summer, daughter of Lord Ivan Summer of Arkon. This woman speaks the truth, our caravan was attacked, by soldiers wearing the colors of Ilia. This man is my protector. I beg you to spare this man's life, as a gesture of peace, and allow me to give you my father's message."

Miria was careful what she said about Tain, for she wasn't sure which side he was on, peace or war. Waiting nervously for an answer, the girl reached out to rub her hand on neck of the horse, which again turned one big eye to look at her.

 

[MrWolf]

Khael

Khael snorted coldly, shaking his head at the foolishness of the girl.

"The man killed your comrades. He's one of the Arkonians responsible for killing our people in the Borderlands."

"He must be arrested for questioning at the least."

Khael showed no more emotion than usual, but his cold words reminded the soldiers, who hated Arkonians anyways, that this particular Arkonian had just murdered many of them and set their capital city ablaze.

The soldiers raised and drew their bows, one officer waving for the girl to move aside, and a few of the soldiers muttered, "Arkonian lover!" in harsh tones.

Khael crossed his arms over his chest, giving the Arkonian girl a flat stare.

"Then as an equal gesture of good will, have your man thrown down his sword and surrender while we verify your claims."

Even as he made his statement, Khael's mind raced. Could there be any truth to the two women's claims?

Obviously not. The King had not shown the predilection to attack ambassadors, especially not young girls.

And if the soldiers in Ilia's colours did not strike under the king's orders... Then there must be another, seeking war, who can command the army....

Cainvale.

 

[Paendragon]

King William IV

"Then as an equal gesture of good will, have your man thrown down his sword and surrender while we verify your claims."

The King frowned at the two women, gritting his teeth. The man had set fire to his capital! He wanted to ride in there and cut the insolent pup down himself.

Diplomacy . . .

"The Captain is correct. I won't have this in my city. I need a volunteer to disarm the man. Give him the following options. He surrenders, and I will guarantee his safety, or continue in this course, and he and everyone who rode in with him dies. Tell him I'd much prefer the former. I'd hate for any misunderstanding to cause war between our people. Tell him Ilia had nothing to do with the attack on him."

If he had managed to leave anyone alive, it would make it all that much easier to find those responsible. But William doubted it.

 

[caela]

Ysandre's head turned and dark sapphire eyes glared sharply at Khael in a look that would have dropped a man dead if it were possible. Was he trying to make things worse?

Her attention was drawn from him though when a young woman darted forward to stand boldy beside Orion. So this was the Arkonian diplomat. She was exceedingly beautiful despite being dirty and disheveled from her ordeal and she spoke with enough authority in her voice that Ysandre had no doubts of who the girl was. Gods she was young though! The way she phrased her words spoke of her sharp mind though...by soldiers wearing the colors of Ilia. The girl didn't say it was actually Ilian soldiers, just soldiers in Ilian colors which of course gave the King a means out of this mess and could leave everyone with their dignity and honor.

Gazing down at the young woman she smiled as warmly as the tense situation allowed and noticed the girls hand on Orions neck. Let her draw strength from the large stallion if she could. Lord knows Ysandre had often enough. Her gaze drifted between Tain and the King now, waiting to see what would befall them and hoping Tain would see reason. They needed to determine how this had happened and more bloodshed would only serve to hide deeper whoever had set the men to attack Tain and Miria.

 

[Drinking Cap]

Ilian could scarcely believe his ears. His Uncle was actually considering letting the boy live? Ilian himself had seen his Uncles fires burned as he rode to battle against the Arkonians.

The fool is growing soft in his old age, Ilian thought, and yet this may still prove to be a boon to his plans. His Uncles decision to spare the life of the Young man would almost certainly be an unpopular one among the troops, some who had seen their friends die today. Discord meant more troops might be willing to follow a new King, a strong king.

Ilian strolled up beside his Uncle and spoke softly.

"An excellent and most wise decision, Uncle. We must not allow our hand to be forced by these Arkonian war-mongerers. We cannot let the actions of one fool boy jeapordize a chance for peace, a chance to avoid needless bloodshed."

The look on his Uncles face told him that the fires still burned but he was serious about the possibility of seeking a peace.

"I will volunteer to disarm the boy of course. If the men see that I am the one involved they are more likely to see this as an agreeable choice of actions."

Ilians mind was racing. All the talk about investigating the boys claims concerned him slightly. True, none of the attacking men could know their orders came from Ilian but they knew their orders came from someone.

 

[Paendragon]

King William IV

"This eats at my soul Ilian. See to it that the men understand my reasoning."

He wasn't sure he wanted Ilian to be the one to speak to the boy.

"But you're not the one to go. If war is in our future, I'll need you with me. Besides . . . if, by chance, some lose faith in me this day, I'll need them to keep it in you. You won't be seen a part of this tragedy."