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Carmen watched the sage burn out and cleared its burn ashes looking around at the church. It was still in shambles but at the least one wouldnt choke on dust coming here. She picked up her torch heading toward the hall peeking out seeing a few stationed men in their armor. She rolled her eyes reaching for one of her passages taking the tunnel to the back garden. She often would wonder out into it when she could slip away. Taking a seat on the stone bench to pull of her socks as she enjoyed the feel of bare feet in the grass. Pacing around the long dead rose bushes her eyes clouded in thought.

"How much is that man willing to sell for wealth"

She mumbled to herself reaching out to touch the withered flowers watching them fall to the ground at the graze of her fingers. She knew she should have headed back to her lessons but all these responsibilities, thoughts, and rules made it hard for her to focus on trivial things.

"How long before he sees a price on his children or soul"

She glanced up at the castle windows the garden sitting in view of the council room. Shaking her head she looked back down continuing her pacing. It often felt as if she was the only one that didnt think with her pride or pocket.

As the royal courtier entered the King's Throne Room, there was a heavily armored guard on either side of him who always stayed within armslength, carrying large halberds which crossed in front of them as they neared the throne. The courtier was so nervous, he never even spoke a word. He knelt before King Magnus, lowering his head while offering him the folded parchment. The courtier's hand was a bit shakey as he waited anxiously to be dismissed. The letter bore the stamp of Lord Vygoren Calygarn in the form of a serpentine winged lion holding a banner. This stamp had itself been stamped over by Prince Relbregh who left his own insignia on top of it. As the parchment was opened it read:

"Your Eminence,

After campaigning ten months into the Eastern Mountains, flying the Banner of His Majesty King Ashdown and fighting to expand your country to the east, I, Lord Vygoren Calygarn, report great news. The nearby Castle of Estvikt has surrendered to your forces. We left no survivors. King Estvikt fell on his own sword and was beheaded. We burned the bodies and I had planned to show you his head, but the dogs ate his face before I could. We should be arriving within one month's time, first to Prince Relbregh's Tower and then to the King's Gates"

Faize sighs and gets up to walk around the Grounds."Screw it. roof time* Faize climbs out the window and scales the wall of the castle to the roof and sits down."i wonder how many forests the king has destroyed"He looks at the church."Does that man even believe in a God or just himself?"Faize sighs and sees Carmen in the church. "At least she's not like her dad, but that's bound to get her in trouble"He ignites his hand and weaves a picture in thin air creating the image of a dragon.

The largest and youngest looking of the two guards walked over to Lucifer with a smirk on his face. "Well look Gerard, we got us self a scholar here. We need to bow in the dust of this great person, Oh lords have mercy on our souls for even speaking with such a high honor. Let's duel over who shall have the first word with hi..." Before the guard could finish his rambling, he were cut of by the other more older guard with a slap to the neck. "Sigmund, silence. Don't you have any pride in what you do? He scolded Sigmund the turned to Lucifer. "Could we please see some legitimation?" Gerard ordered Lucifer. "Oh got it right here" He said and shoved his hole arm down his satchel, this confused the gate guards. He then pulled out a document signed by Magnus himself. "Well I be damned, so you're the real deal. I'm sorry for Sigmund, he's learning, and he already things that he's above everyone, stupid apprentice. But enough of my chatting, you have a student to teach. Sigmund open the gate" He said and Sigmund began to push the gatedoors open. "Thank you very much Sigmund" Said Lucifer and walked through the gates.

He looked around trying to find the castle, then saw that it were in the about two kilometers away. "**** that" He said and whistled a high pitched sound. The sun were blocked and the shadow of a giant bird. Dust whirled as it landed right infront of Lucifer. It had a look in it's eyes, like he were to old for this shit. "Sorry, but I'm too tired to walk two kilometers, can you carry me my friend?" The bird sighed, then nodded reluctantly, but he were his friend after all. "Great, you are the best raven of all the ravens Faran, and that cannot be said enough" He said and laid his satchel on the ground, then crawled into it. Faran picked it up in it's beak then flew up in the sky. Lucifer poked his head out of the satchel, while wearing aviators goggles. They flew over the forest that surrounded the castle, and the forest were surrounded by the castle gates. Then Faran dived towards the ground. It pulled out it's wings and broke the fall. They had landed. Faran threw the satchel on the ground then flew away, it were pissed over Lucifers lazyness. "Well that were rude of both of us" He said and crawled fully up off the bag, then picked it up. He stood infront of the main door, ready for his new job, to be teaching a princess. Lucifer knocked on the door, then awaited someone to open it.

Carmen remained in the old garden her head turning toward the castle as she herd frantic guards and knights screaming through the stone halls. Her brow rose as she shook her head at how long it had taken them to notice she had slipped out. She chuckled to her self one would think they had been napping on the job again. One of the guards cried out loud enough to be heard at the gates.

"Ahh! Shes run off again!, PRINCESS CARMEN!

The heavy armored men ran frantically through the palace attempting to find her, one barging in at every door. Practically all rooms being checked. One of them so much as rushing swinging the main doors leaving them open showing the panic to the new comer.

Carmen standing in the distance watching them all with a shake of her head, her usual hiding spots were always long forgotten parts of the castle grounds. Most of them having not been touched in a decade if not for her visits leaving the slightest of foot print. She turned looking toward the wall that fenced it all in the gates were a far distance still. Her eyes still lingering on it.

"I could run right now, and they wouldnt catch me"

She mumbled to herself half lost in the idea, the freedom to roam as she pleased, the chance to see what damage had been done with her own eyes. New perspectives on how to fix the situation, there had to be something another way besides killing and taking. Anything beat her fathers options, at this rate shed be married off to whatever lord brought him more heads. She was only fortunate that none of these monstrous men had to much of an idea what she looked like. Suppose that was a benefit to being the families shame.

The demon Valkyrie took note of a fellow warrior as well in this new kingdom she bore witness to. She gazed up at the sky, cherishing its blue, purple, and pink hues as the skies in Hell reflected the overall mood of everyone. Perturbed. Disgusted. Such colors were to cherish, despite that such scenes were seen once a day. Her own crimson hues fell onto the other warrior, hoping it was someone she could befriend. It was obvious by his armor that he was certainly into the fighting, "Hello," she simply and plainly greeted, "Beautiful sunset we are seeing?" His pyromancy abilities caught her tongue, a smile forming as she shared the same abilities as well.

Production of his outpost was going almost more smoothly then he had orginally planned, even with the enslaved workforce, everything was being finished in record time. The Barracks was finished along with the Trade Office, along with a store house and a jailhouse for the slaves. The whole base was nearly finished, and this pleased Two Bit, much as it would please his new employer. However it seemed to Two Bit that he was becoming his own employer, he thought of himself more of a tenant in the area. None the less he sat in his office, his personal extermination forces standing guard at every entrance and exit.

"YOU! Guard, find for me a slave with fast feet, I am to send a letter." Moving his hair from his face, allowing his eye makeup to show, he clasped his hands together as a man walked in, he looked defeated, weak, almost broken. He was pushed to his knees by the Vanguard. He looked to his enslaver, who was holding a letter, with the insignia of a snake with its eyes on fire, and a sword through its neck. "You know of Ashdown? Bring this to the King, say that it is from the Merchant." The man chuckled to himself, watching as the eyes of the slave brighten, clearing mistaking this task as a get out of jail card. Two Bit stood up, walking over to the man, placing a hand on his shoulder. "And if you run, I will find you. If you return successful, I'll feed you and your family a month's worth."

The slave nodded towards Two Bit, slightly terrified as to what would happen to his family if he was not to do what he was told. With that he was off, heading towards the Direction of the Castle of Ash. Two Bit then implemented part two of his plan, with the logging of the forest, enough for a field of vision to be established in case of an attack in the future. But he assembled his vanguard within the yard of the Fort.

"Today marks a day brothers, that we become more then peddlers of gems, and slave masters. We will establish ourselves in these foreign lands. I want some of you to take our wares to the Villages and cities, sell the goods, spread word of work within the fort for those whom seek it. Find the weaknesses of other foreign villages to the North and West. I want to expand..." Two Bit snickered as his people scrambled to the barracks aquiring their belongings and possessions, he was sending his agents all over, to gain more followers as well as turn a profit. Horses and carriages began to be filled with Gems, gold, and metalworking supplies, as well a few carried coin for the purchase of food at cheap prices in poor villages. If his plans would to proceed correctly, the kingdom of Ash will slowly rise from poverty, if he were to fail however, his organization would be pummeled under the might of the King's army.

Within a few hours the slave managed to steal a horse to make the trip less excessive on his body, and ran towards the gates to the castle, he bared marks from shackles around his neck, wrists, and ankles. He did look either like a prisoner, or someone who had been just released from prison. None the less he came to the castle, running towards the Royal Guard, "I bare a message from the Foreign Merchant." He waved a piece of paper into the air, with Two Bit's insignia on it, the Guards would nod, opening the gates for the slave. He would continue towards the Throne room marching to the doors, waiting for them to open for him. When his audience was allowed, the Slave dropped to his knees to bow to the Great King, handing him the letter...

Your Majesty,

I have set up my base of operations ahead of schedule. Building had commenced several days earlier, of which I apologize, however, I have sent fourteen caravan along the roads towards the Capital and villages in the area. Profits should increase, as well as gold within your treasury. I have given my agents specific instructions to only concede business with high ranking Officials. The least needed during war is for the poor to become rich. The man whom I sent this letter with is a captured Captain from your enemy's army, I found him whilst conducting business, I present him as a gift. My lord I will report to you as soon as something important occurs,

Signed,
Luciel 'Two Bit' Carjak

Johanna gave a brief "Thank you." to the nervous comrade, before slipping off to the village in her fellow guard's armor. . .

~

The woman's hand rested on the door, as Johanna gently pushed it open. Immediately as she stepped inside, the guard could feel two children tightly hug her.

"Ma, you're home!"

"Mommy, you're here!"

Johanna gave a light laugh, as the guard closed the door behind her. The woman kneeled down towards her children, and embraced their hugs.

"I miss you rascals so much," Johanna murmured.

The woman stood up, and unequiped the armor when her children had released her. Wiping her forehead, she collapse onto a chair, before her daughter, Era, sat on her lap. Johanna stroked her daughter's black hair, as her son, Misha, held on to the side of the chair.

"Did you two behave?" the mother asked. Her children gave polite nods, as Johanna laughed. "Well, that's good," she said. "Good behavior is the best behavior." Johanna caressed her daughter's cheeks, while ruffling up her son's messy hair. "Isn't that right?"

"Yeah, Ma," Misha replied. Era nodded to her mother, as Johanna sniffed a sweet aroma emitting from their kitchen. "My goodness, that smells good," the woman remarked to her children. "Is your father cooking tonight?"

"Yes, Ma," came the quick reply from Misha. "Pa's cooking."

Johanna smiled. "Well, why don't we ready the table?" the guard suggested. "I'm sure that will makes things easier for your father."

"Sure, Ma."

"I'm alright with that, Mommy."

"Then, let's begin!" Johanna exclaimed, as the three rushed around to set up the table.

Carmen watched as the sun began to fall from the sky darkness raining in. she sighed softly. Today was not the day for her to leave. She turned heading back in taking her usual route through the tunnels. Appearing in the hall watching a frantic guard run past her simply raising a brow. Stepping quietly into the hall then through another hidden door that lead to her chambers. Stretching her arms out with a yawn. She disrobed sighing with relief to be out of the corset and stockings. Exchanging for a light weighted night down of white silk, pulling a pair of slippers on to her feet. Was comfortable to be out of all the fancy attire, relaxing into the bay window another yawn escaping her lips. Wonder how long it would be before someone would lecture her about skipping her lessons yet again.

Faize climbs down from his perch on the roof and knocks on Carmen's window."Hey princess its me"

The hour was late. The night watchmen were standing at their posts with weapons and torches. Relbregh's Palace was empty, as all of the guards were either in the barracks or on duty along the wall. Lord Vygoren and the band of knights had left the palace across the drawbridge and disappeared along the road to Kings Pass, heading westward towards the castle.  Prince Relbregh and his attendants were in the courtyard, getting ready for the hanging of an elderly woman accused of touching the prince's boots. The event seemed more like a festivity than an execution, as the young blonde tyrant sat arrogantly at the head of a feasting table in front of a small audience, getting ready to begin.

As the slender prince looked around at his table, he noticed an empty seat. Just then, Lord Thraen walked up and nodded before taking a seat. Prince Relbregh stood up and tapped his glass of wine before speaking.  "Ladies and gentlemen, we are here to celebrate the execution of this heathen wench." Some of the guards and soldiers threw rotten food at the old woman whilst hurling insults. "What is your name old crone?" The poor old lady was beaten black and blue, with blood running from her nose and lips. "My name is Sebria, and may God curse you Prince Relbregh, you and your miserable choir."

"Sebria, you are charged with touching a member of the royal household. You are to be hanged until sunrise and then fed to the birds. Executioner, hang her." Relbregh's expression became sinister as he took a mild sip from his glass of wine. The executioner immediately carried out his orders, turning to kick the stool out from under the poor old lady's feet. But it never happened. A sudden bolt from a crossbow struck the executioner in the chest. The masked man in black fell over and rolled off the deck. He was dead. Prince Relbregh and Lord Thraen both stood up and grabbed the hilt of their swords. Thraen however was the one holding the crossbow. As he tossed the bow aside, Thraen drew his broad Templar longsword and whirled its shining cold steel blade horizontally towards Relbregh's neck. It was enough to seal the lord's fate.

Prince Relbregh fell back into his chair as his head rolled off to the side. The prince was dead, his assassination being quick and without glamour. Lord Thraen immediately kicked over the feasting table on top of the other attendants as they fumbled to either get away or attack forthright. He would run up the wooden steps to the old woman, who was barely standing upright at this point. But before he could save her, two guards ran up inbetween them holding hooked spears. The first guard attacked headstrong, thrusting his spear at Thraen's chest. The now former lord turned outlaw assassin made it look way too easy, his graceful movements and ability to use momentum with balance enabled Lord Thraen to spin around the shaft of the spear and cut the guard down in one fluid motion and swing of his sword. Just then, the other guard kicked over the stool and the old lady fell about half a foot in the air. Her feet were now dangling as she hang helplessly by her neck, kicking and squirming.

Thraen charged the guard, who twirled around and swung his hooked spear at him. The guard's spearshaft connected with Thraen's blade, but he quickly pulled out his smaller dagger and thrust it into the guard's exposed throat between his helmet and neckguard. Releasing the dagger and causing the guard to fall facefirst, gargling on his own blood, Thraen spun around and with one quick swipe of his blade, he cut the rope from the noose around Sebria's neck. She fell to the deck and laid there holding her neck, feeling exhausted.

Soon, other guards started to run up the steps towards him. Thraen kicked one of them in the chest, causing a domino effect as several guards tumbled down the steps. Still others were climbing up over the deck. Arrows came flying at Thraen from the bastion walls, as archers tried to hone in on his position. He ducked and dodged them as he scooped up the old woman in his arms and jumped off the deck into a hay wagon pulled by a donkey. Thraen took the reigns and with a quick flick of his wrists, the wagon took off out of the courtyard and towards the drawbridge. More arrows whipped and whistled past him as he drove the wagon up to the main gates. Riders on horses took off after him from the stables, and were closing the distance quickly.

"Close the ga-". The watchman's words were cut off. Thraen picked up a small iron farming sickle and threw it at the watchman, stabbing him in the head. Other guards soon filled the void and surrounded the entrance to the main gate with spears ready. The horse archers were closing in and their accuracy was increasing. An arrow grazed Thraen's shoulder, and the gates started to close. On top of these obstacles, more guards were running to the crank to lift the drawbridge. Escape seemed impossible. Thraen turned the hay wagon abruptly, taking it off the beaten path to the more rougher terrain. The riders followed closely behind, but Thraen had a plan. He let go of the reigns and turned to face the threat, running and jumping on to one of the approaching horsemen in mid gallop. He would unsheathe the rider's own dagger and gut him with it, throwing him off the saddle before taking control of his steed.

More arrows flew past his head as he rode the horse up to the renegade wagon and commanded the old woman to grab his arm. She would comply without thinking, still in fear for her life. Thraen would pull her on to the back of his new horse and takeoff diagonally away from the wagon. Just then, an arrow struck his upper leg. Thraen let out a roar of agony but continued to ride towards the gates, which were two-thirds of the way closed by then. Charging headstrong towards the line of spears, Lord Thraen waved his sword around precisively, parrying most of them as his horse reared up and lunged over their heads, trampling a few of the unluckier ones in the process. One of the spears struck Thraen's shoulder and went clean through, snapping the shaft off as he bolted through the gates, knocking the doors wide open.

The horse continued galloping towards the drawbridge, which had already started lifting up to prevent them from escaping. Below the bridge was a moat filled with angry alligators. Lord Thraen was not deterred from his goal. He ordered Sebria to hang on and whipped the reigns again. The brilliant white steed lunged over the gap between the road and the drawbridge. Kicking up dust behind them, Thraen and Sebria took off south away from Relbregh's Tower, where they'd stand a better chance of surviving, even if the southlands were a haven for nomadic barbarians and bandits. As they vanished into the horizon, one of the prince's men-at-arms commanded the other guards to send for a messenger and clean up the dead bodies. It would be a tragedy for the Ashdown tyranny. Relbregh's Palace was no longer as strong as it had seemed. Without the prince and his generals, the chain of command was uncertain. Confusion and unrest would be soon to follow.

Carmen looked up seeing the face of one of her new attendants through her window. She quickly peered her head around to make sure none of the guards could see. She quickly unlatched her window. Leaning back giving room for him to enter.

"make sure no one sees, being close to my chambers after dark is enough for my father to call for your head"

She stood from the sill walking over to her small vanity table to grab a brush, letting her long curled locks fall where they may. Pulling the brush through removing any tussles, once smoothed she weaved a long lose braid to keep it all out of her way.

The door were opened by what looked like a tiny man, possible a midget, in a butlers suit. His eyes looked up and down on Lucifer, studying him with his spiteful eyes.
"I suppose that you are the mountain troll that the king called for, who is gonna teach Princess Ashdown?" Said the man very snobbish. "Actually I am indeed that mountain troll you speak of, but I prefer the word "Teacher" over troll, thank you very much" He said and made quotation marks in the air. "So can I come in or shall I stand here 'till I grow roots?" He questioned the midget butler.
The butler rolled his eyes and let Lucifer inside. "But I will follow you, untill we get to the king" Lucifer nodded and walked inside.

They passed through the castlehalls. Pictures and portraits hang on the walls. The portrait of Magnus Ashdown caught the eye of Lucifer. It were of Magnus sitting on his throne in armor while holding his great mace. It were painted maybe a few years ago, his hair only had some gray stands back then, before it turned into a full silver mane. Lucifer took a closer look "Wow, that's detailed, I think I see a booger up his nose. Like this painting is really detailed, he even got coming wrinkles and crowsfeet. I need to know that artist who made this, and ask him if he could on like this but with more "normal" features" Said Lucifer and ran his fingers on the canvas. The butler stood behind him, with his arms behind his back. "Look at how huge that mace is, do you think that he might be compensating for something, maybe all of this war he's doing is from newly acquired impotens?" Said the butler jokingly and bumped Lucifers leg with his elbow. "Now enough with the rudeness, let's get you to the king so he can tell more about the position that you have acquired" Said the midget and pulled Lucifer along to the throne. Though the little man seemed small and fragile, he pushed open the heavy doors to the throne room. Now there were a good couples of meters between Magnus and Lucifer. "I present my mighty king, Carmens teacher in diplomacy and foreign history, Lucifer Errat" The butler presented Lucifer, who just gave a small wave to the king.

Faize climbs through the window"This is what happens when you dont show up for any classes. After all, Don't you want to learn healing magick?"

Carmen looked with her pale eyes and simply sighed pulling her braid to the side taking a seat at her desk going over a few documents. Mostly trivial ones signing for services done around the palace that kept up its lavish appearances. Stewards encouraged her to take interest in paper work but never dared to allow her voice an important decisions. Inking her quill signing her name to a few papers.

"Of course I do, I was summoned to attend an audience with my father...there was some disagreement"

Finishing her signature adding red wax which she would stamp with her rose plated ring, leaving her symbol along her writing. Shifting to the next paper reading it over carefully before signing, Her eyes glancing over for a brief moment extending her arm to the feather quill once again.

"there was a merchant, he wanted to have an outpost on the border for his business, All it took was for him to flash a ruby and the foolish king folded, but something seems wrong..Guard posts"

She lowered her eyes for a moment before turning a head over her shoulder hands smacking on to her desk. Her eyes widened as her bit of reading knowledge was beginning to race in her head. All of it rose questions a simple outpost couldn't possibly produce such jewels. If this outpost was indeed close enough to their own land why seek permission to enter ours. She tapped her fingers along the wood of her desk the other hand rubbing her temple, her actions when in thought often reflected that of the kings more then a young girls.

"I can't focus on a damn thing, not with that merchant loose among our villagers, but Father will never take me seriously enough to investigate it."

(may i join as this character?)

*matt walks the path through the kingdom*he's here i know it. now all i need is permission from the king to conduct my investigation. *he walks into the castle* hello? anyone there?

Earlier that day...

As the King's eyes roamed over the crisp parchment in his hands, a rare thing occurred: a smile formed on his wearied face.

'My son,' he muttered.

Estvikt had fallen, laying his lands bare for easy conquest. Both Relbregh and his hound, Calygarn, had done well and Magnus found himself in an unusually, charitable mood. He lowered the paper and gazed down on the frightened messenger.

"Rise."

Paying no heed to the aching of his knees, the messenger immediately stood up straight. He was dimly aware of a metallic shuffling sound, but couldn't find the nerve to look directly at the cause, preferring to set his gaze towards the paving stones.

"You have done served me well," said Magnus, standing over the man. "Tonight, you shall find hospitality within my keep, but I want you to be ready by daybreak. I will need you to deliver an invitation to my son: we will be desiring his company for a great feast."

The old messenger could scarcely believe his luck. He had heard of the misfortunes that could befall a man in these dark halls and yet here he was, offered food and rest. He bowed deeply, a tumble of thankyou's spilling out between his chattering teeth.

"I will, Lord. I'll be ready at dawn, just as you say."

"I know. Now, go."

As the courtier scurried away, Magnus was already on route to his chambers, invigorated by a faint spark of paternal pride, burgeoning beneath his breastplate.

__________Sometime later...________

When Lucifer was shown into the King's hall, he would find the room to be occupied by five people.

Having written his letters, Magnus had returned and was sat upon the throne, where his ever-vigilant knights stood alert on either side. Besides them, was Caspar, the King's spindly, Steward, reciting statistics from an over-sized scroll. Lastly and perhaps most notably, a wounded man knelt miserably near the King's feet; pitiful and broken, this was the fate of the slave that had been so generously dispatched by Two-Bit.

As the doors opened, revealing both midget and tutor, Magnus looked up with a scowl. He gestured in annoyance towards them, while turning to Caspar.

"Really? More visitors? I'm going to need to get this door barricaded... And what manner of aberration is that-?"

Caspar followed his liege's finger, which placed the stunted butler, square in his sights. He recognized the staff uniform and coughed awkwardly.

"It is one of mine, Sire."

"Yours? You employ that abomination here?"

"Please don't kill it; it has a stature most suited to scrubbing the latrines, chimneys... crevices in general."

Magnus let his jaw hang agape. He had so many questions.

"It's too late in the day for this, Caspar. I'll let your pet live, for now. Do not expect it to have a lengthy tenure in my keep."

"As you say, my King."

"And you-"

Magnus rolled his great frame around, pointed to Lucifer and crooked a finger.

"-Approach."

*matt opens a door to hear magnus talking behind a wall to the left of the door he crouches down and whispers* this place is strange