That Evening...
A light wind wandered through Kings Pass as the sun and the horizon cascaded, the bright orange sky making the horrible kingdom of Ash, for only a second, seem peaceful. If you would have dropped someone at the entrance of the Kingdom, perhaps they would've thought it docile, even friendly. This, we know, is not true, not in the slightest. The kingdom keeps working, fighting to stay alive and fighting to distance themselves from the gloomy jaws of the tyranny sitting atop the system, ready to collapse down and end the lives of anyone who dared defy or even question the hierarchy. Most people believe the best course of action would be to rise up, to forcefully remove Magnus from his throne and change everything. Though, honestly, who in their right minds would rise up against the king when even associating with rebels can put your severed head in a bucket? So everyone just keeps fighting their own battles, fixing the small problems, just waiting for an opportunity to finally end this cycle of poverty and murder.
As Aidan made his way out of the forest, he adjusted his pack and swung it back over his shoulder. He wasn't used to carrying that many goods, luck had been on his side during the hunt that day, all his traps had gone off with some poor thing stuck inside. Not only that, but the number of wildlife he was able to pick off with his own arrows would be on its own enough to last him quite a while. He got on the path and started walking up towards a small but active shopping district.
The community was pretty well knitted and a lot of the people knew each other. Aidan himself was quite the regular around those parts. His piercing blue eyes and wavy black hair was somewhat recognizable to a lot of the vendors and locals. Though he tried not to, he got some attention as the supplier for multiple stands and markets. He would have preferred if no one knew or bothered talking to him, but it was something he would've had to deal with either way. People were clearly not too enjoyable for Aidan, often just giving nods and avoiding conversation was his way of communicating, or rather, not communicating with people he didn't know in a close or intimate way.
For such a slim, and in some ways, weak person, Aidan was pretty tall. He stood at a proud 6'3, towering over most people and making him seem way more intimidating than he actually was. While he may seem like a fighter, a hunter or a cold-blooded killer, he usually only kills when hunting, and won't engage anyone unless completely necessary. His light leather clothing usually just allows him more maneuverability, allowing him to up and outrun anyone who thinks they can follow at his speed.
As he passes through the market, he hands off bags of meat and furs to vendors who had put in orders while also collecting the buyer's money. He had been doing this for quite a while, it had almost become routine. The same thing every day, every week. The only thing he looked forward too was heading to the Inn to drink a couple rounds and pass out.
As he walked in, the man behind the bar seemed to smile, then he proceeded to call out;
"Well, there you are!"
Several people turned their heads as his voice joined the choir of conversations happening between friends and family. Having caught the attention of many people, Aidan visibly cringed and gave an awkward smile as he walked across the room and sat at the bar.
"How've you been Ezekiel?"
He smiled and grabbed a mug as he replied, "I've been fine, mostly just wondering whether or not you would get caught in the forest at night. You must be more careful when you go out there."
Aidan scratched his head, Ezekiel had a point, nighttime was when the crooks and criminals would gather in the forest to do business. He replied, "I know what I'm doing, don't worry about what time I get back."
Ezekiel handed over a mug of ale and washed his hands off. Aidan took a sip and looked around to see a room full of slightly tipsy adults. "I see business is booming," he said wiping the foam from his mouth.
"Taxing season, it's my favorite time of the year." He chuckled.
"Really? I've got to admit, that's a new one for me, someone who actually enjoys the taxing season." Aidan took off his bag and started moving things around.
"You know, for everyone else its a struggle, but you tell me when you're down on your luck and you're almost out of money, where do you go?"
"A bar" Aidan let out a brief laugh, while most people don't bare well with Aidan, he'd become very fond of the barkeep, mostly out of the pure requirement to deliver goods and drink his heart out.
Ezekiel started again. "Hey, speaking of business, I'm running out of supplies, you catch anything good today?"
As Ezekiel finished his sentence, Aidan pulled a leather sack out of his bag and let it drop on the table, "Nothing special, but it was a great day."
Ezekiel opens up the sack and shakes his head in slight disbelief, "I still don't understand how you do it, never ceases to amaze me."
Aidan smiles, proud of his achievement, but his moment of pride is interrupted when a soldier bursts in and starts crossing the room, moving past tables until he stops at a middle-aged man. By the look on the soldier's face, he was not in for a friendly chat. He grabbed him by the arm and tried to drag him out the door. That was until the man tried to fight back and threw a punch. In response, the young soldier started beating down the man until he had fallen unconscious. Everyone was quiet, the previously rowdy and talkative room had seemingly frozen in place around the beatdown. No one said anything or did anything out of fear of following in the old man's steps. Aidan wanted to do something, hell, he was certain more than half the room wanted to jump the soldier, steal everything he had and toss him into the forest. But he sat there, Ezekiel in front of him, waiting for the event to pass.
As the soldier walked out with the man tied up, the life slowly started returning to the room. People downed their drinks and rubbed their eyes wondering why, and who would be next.
"I knew him," Ezekiel started, "A regular, probably came here to drink his money away when he couldn't pay the taxes. Poor man, that was awful."
Aidan sat there, still in disbelief. He could've done something, he should've done something. Offer to pay his debts, speak out against the act of violence, anything! But he didn't, he couldn't. His mind continued to race as he finished up his drink and made his way to his room, ready to pass out for the night.
A light wind wandered through Kings Pass as the sun and the horizon cascaded, the bright orange sky making the horrible kingdom of Ash, for only a second, seem peaceful. If you would have dropped someone at the entrance of the Kingdom, perhaps they would've thought it docile, even friendly. This, we know, is not true, not in the slightest. The kingdom keeps working, fighting to stay alive and fighting to distance themselves from the gloomy jaws of the tyranny sitting atop the system, ready to collapse down and end the lives of anyone who dared defy or even question the hierarchy. Most people believe the best course of action would be to rise up, to forcefully remove Magnus from his throne and change everything. Though, honestly, who in their right minds would rise up against the king when even associating with rebels can put your severed head in a bucket? So everyone just keeps fighting their own battles, fixing the small problems, just waiting for an opportunity to finally end this cycle of poverty and murder.
As Aidan made his way out of the forest, he adjusted his pack and swung it back over his shoulder. He wasn't used to carrying that many goods, luck had been on his side during the hunt that day, all his traps had gone off with some poor thing stuck inside. Not only that, but the number of wildlife he was able to pick off with his own arrows would be on its own enough to last him quite a while. He got on the path and started walking up towards a small but active shopping district.
The community was pretty well knitted and a lot of the people knew each other. Aidan himself was quite the regular around those parts. His piercing blue eyes and wavy black hair was somewhat recognizable to a lot of the vendors and locals. Though he tried not to, he got some attention as the supplier for multiple stands and markets. He would have preferred if no one knew or bothered talking to him, but it was something he would've had to deal with either way. People were clearly not too enjoyable for Aidan, often just giving nods and avoiding conversation was his way of communicating, or rather, not communicating with people he didn't know in a close or intimate way.
For such a slim, and in some ways, weak person, Aidan was pretty tall. He stood at a proud 6'3, towering over most people and making him seem way more intimidating than he actually was. While he may seem like a fighter, a hunter or a cold-blooded killer, he usually only kills when hunting, and won't engage anyone unless completely necessary. His light leather clothing usually just allows him more maneuverability, allowing him to up and outrun anyone who thinks they can follow at his speed.
As he passes through the market, he hands off bags of meat and furs to vendors who had put in orders while also collecting the buyer's money. He had been doing this for quite a while, it had almost become routine. The same thing every day, every week. The only thing he looked forward too was heading to the Inn to drink a couple rounds and pass out.
As he walked in, the man behind the bar seemed to smile, then he proceeded to call out;
"Well, there you are!"
Several people turned their heads as his voice joined the choir of conversations happening between friends and family. Having caught the attention of many people, Aidan visibly cringed and gave an awkward smile as he walked across the room and sat at the bar.
"How've you been Ezekiel?"
He smiled and grabbed a mug as he replied, "I've been fine, mostly just wondering whether or not you would get caught in the forest at night. You must be more careful when you go out there."
Aidan scratched his head, Ezekiel had a point, nighttime was when the crooks and criminals would gather in the forest to do business. He replied, "I know what I'm doing, don't worry about what time I get back."
Ezekiel handed over a mug of ale and washed his hands off. Aidan took a sip and looked around to see a room full of slightly tipsy adults. "I see business is booming," he said wiping the foam from his mouth.
"Taxing season, it's my favorite time of the year." He chuckled.
"Really? I've got to admit, that's a new one for me, someone who actually enjoys the taxing season." Aidan took off his bag and started moving things around.
"You know, for everyone else its a struggle, but you tell me when you're down on your luck and you're almost out of money, where do you go?"
"A bar" Aidan let out a brief laugh, while most people don't bare well with Aidan, he'd become very fond of the barkeep, mostly out of the pure requirement to deliver goods and drink his heart out.
Ezekiel started again. "Hey, speaking of business, I'm running out of supplies, you catch anything good today?"
As Ezekiel finished his sentence, Aidan pulled a leather sack out of his bag and let it drop on the table, "Nothing special, but it was a great day."
Ezekiel opens up the sack and shakes his head in slight disbelief, "I still don't understand how you do it, never ceases to amaze me."
Aidan smiles, proud of his achievement, but his moment of pride is interrupted when a soldier bursts in and starts crossing the room, moving past tables until he stops at a middle-aged man. By the look on the soldier's face, he was not in for a friendly chat. He grabbed him by the arm and tried to drag him out the door. That was until the man tried to fight back and threw a punch. In response, the young soldier started beating down the man until he had fallen unconscious. Everyone was quiet, the previously rowdy and talkative room had seemingly frozen in place around the beatdown. No one said anything or did anything out of fear of following in the old man's steps. Aidan wanted to do something, hell, he was certain more than half the room wanted to jump the soldier, steal everything he had and toss him into the forest. But he sat there, Ezekiel in front of him, waiting for the event to pass.
As the soldier walked out with the man tied up, the life slowly started returning to the room. People downed their drinks and rubbed their eyes wondering why, and who would be next.
"I knew him," Ezekiel started, "A regular, probably came here to drink his money away when he couldn't pay the taxes. Poor man, that was awful."
Aidan sat there, still in disbelief. He could've done something, he should've done something. Offer to pay his debts, speak out against the act of violence, anything! But he didn't, he couldn't. His mind continued to race as he finished up his drink and made his way to his room, ready to pass out for the night.
Faize sighs. "one of those kings, huh? Its a wonder why he still leads."Faize smiles. "About the magick class."
"I see that my presence isn't appriciated, so I will take my leave" Said the butler and turned around. Lucifer quickly placed his hand on the man shoulder. "If you tell me your name, we could go get a beer later" Lucifer gave a smile to the little man. "I'm Baltimore, and I would like to have that beer later" Nodded Baltimore and left the room, leaving Lucifer with the king.
Lucifer cleared his throat, then rubbed his chin alittle. "If I say or do something that might offend him, I'm as good as dead. Well here goes nothing" He thought and approached the old but still fearsome as ever king. "As Baltimore, great man if you ask me, presented me: I'm Lucifer Errat, the one you call for to teach your daughter diplomacy and foreign history. And before I get my head throw on the chopping block, read this" He pulled the same piece of paper out of his satchel that had allowed him entrance. "It's been signed by you, King Magnus Ashdown, of the Kingdom of Ash" He held the parchment forth so the king could read it.
Lucifer cleared his throat, then rubbed his chin alittle. "If I say or do something that might offend him, I'm as good as dead. Well here goes nothing" He thought and approached the old but still fearsome as ever king. "As Baltimore, great man if you ask me, presented me: I'm Lucifer Errat, the one you call for to teach your daughter diplomacy and foreign history. And before I get my head throw on the chopping block, read this" He pulled the same piece of paper out of his satchel that had allowed him entrance. "It's been signed by you, King Magnus Ashdown, of the Kingdom of Ash" He held the parchment forth so the king could read it.
Carmen finished her paperwork turning in her seat to face him, a slight smile on her face. Propping her elbow on the desk resting her chin on the open palm of her hand. For a moment her features of beauty shined with her smile her name meaning of garden and symbol of a rose almost made sense. Between her gentle apperance and heart that concerned it’s self for others. Her smile broke with a slight sigh dropping from her face, how could she be happy knowing the people of their country had to starve and watch their friends family and neighbors suffer. Now even more threatened them with this merchant lurking about like a fox loose in a hen house.
“Don’t suppose you have anything I could use to sneak out of here”
“Don’t suppose you have anything I could use to sneak out of here”
Faize nods."Princess, I'll be coming with. Believe me i'll be useful if I'm with you. And here"Faize hands her an orb of fire.*Fire mirage...it basically turns you invisible. A trick i learned long ago"Faize puts a similar orb in his arm and fades from view."I'll be able to sense you no matter where you go. when its time to end th magick i'll teach you how to do so.
Carmen nodded placing the orb back in his hand scattering to get a few things in the room. Rushing over to her wardrobe a divider keeping her covered as she changed in to one of her more simpler gowns of deep red. Pulling on over it a dark cloak which she pulled the hood over her head. Once dressed she rushed to her desk penning a letter. In her perfect hand writing followed by her rose stamp. Should she not be back by dawn this would keep her father from beheading anyone for disappearance.
Dearest Father.
I cannot rest knowing the people that look to our family for leadership are suffering.
If you refuse to show hear me, and my pleas to at least protect them from those who will harm them.
Then I shall myself, investigate the matter and stand on the forefront. War and battles are not a woman’s game, but I shall play to do what is right. Should I suffer the same fate as Celia I ask that you pray at least once for our countries soul if only for my absence.
Sincerely
Little Rose
She stared at the paper having signed it “little rose” having been a pet name of sorts one the king had used frequently. Back when Queen Cecilia beside his throne, before the kingdom grew its clouds, before his cares were filled of money and power. She rolled the scroll seeling it again with her wax symbol placing it neatly on the bed in her place. She grabbed one last item being the sword that had been forged for her the day she was to start combat practice. It was light weight shining steel the handle red leather, steel between the handle and blade forged to the shame of leaves. It’s end a steel rose. She looked at the blade carefully was perhaps the one thing that assured her the old man had not completely forgot himself, or the happiness of the past. She stepped over taking the orb in hand her eyes set on Faize.
“This will not be a safe trip, the merchants were already tipped off of my suspicion, if they are aware no one knows I have left the palace they will use it as opportunity to assasinate me before I can pose them threat.
She looked down gripping on her sword tightly her body couldn’t help but shiver, she was terrfied of it all but what choice was she left with. This had to be done the people were suffering, everyone was busy fighting for power and wealth but who fights for them. She took a deep breath holding the orb closely bringing herself to her wall trailing her fingers along the bricks pushing in on one opening the secret door.
“This will take us outside”
Dearest Father.
I cannot rest knowing the people that look to our family for leadership are suffering.
If you refuse to show hear me, and my pleas to at least protect them from those who will harm them.
Then I shall myself, investigate the matter and stand on the forefront. War and battles are not a woman’s game, but I shall play to do what is right. Should I suffer the same fate as Celia I ask that you pray at least once for our countries soul if only for my absence.
Sincerely
Little Rose
She stared at the paper having signed it “little rose” having been a pet name of sorts one the king had used frequently. Back when Queen Cecilia beside his throne, before the kingdom grew its clouds, before his cares were filled of money and power. She rolled the scroll seeling it again with her wax symbol placing it neatly on the bed in her place. She grabbed one last item being the sword that had been forged for her the day she was to start combat practice. It was light weight shining steel the handle red leather, steel between the handle and blade forged to the shame of leaves. It’s end a steel rose. She looked at the blade carefully was perhaps the one thing that assured her the old man had not completely forgot himself, or the happiness of the past. She stepped over taking the orb in hand her eyes set on Faize.
“This will not be a safe trip, the merchants were already tipped off of my suspicion, if they are aware no one knows I have left the palace they will use it as opportunity to assasinate me before I can pose them threat.
She looked down gripping on her sword tightly her body couldn’t help but shiver, she was terrfied of it all but what choice was she left with. This had to be done the people were suffering, everyone was busy fighting for power and wealth but who fights for them. She took a deep breath holding the orb closely bringing herself to her wall trailing her fingers along the bricks pushing in on one opening the secret door.
“This will take us outside”
"Alrigh remember you may not see me but i can see you."Faize touches Carmen's shoulder."Believe me that won't have a chance to attack you."
Carmen looked over her shoulder offering a polite smile grabbing a torch from the wall to light their way. She peered out seeing no guards stationed outside her tower. She breathed with relief thankful they had chosen this particular night to slack off. She lead they way towards the old garden passing through its long withered flower beds. Though scared she continued to mark with her head and shoulders high.
“I know you mean well, but I can’t spend my life hiding in my keep doing nothing, letting the strength and suffering of others protect me”
Extending her arm touching a single old flower watching it fall to the grown at her graze continueing forward toward the back of the castle gates. She sighed softly keeping her eyes on the skyline the clouds once again blocked out the moon and the stars.
“A garden doesn’t thrive if you refuse to tend to it, a country dies if it’s leaders don’t step up and look after its people. My mother use to say....though my father and brothers seem to long forgotten her life and wisdom, but”
She looked over her shoulder offering a smile almost genuine, a smile the royal family had once been proud of. Her eyes radiating with the glow of an ocean at sunrise reflecting the fire of the torch in its blue.
“The rose remembers the heavens”
“I know you mean well, but I can’t spend my life hiding in my keep doing nothing, letting the strength and suffering of others protect me”
Extending her arm touching a single old flower watching it fall to the grown at her graze continueing forward toward the back of the castle gates. She sighed softly keeping her eyes on the skyline the clouds once again blocked out the moon and the stars.
“A garden doesn’t thrive if you refuse to tend to it, a country dies if it’s leaders don’t step up and look after its people. My mother use to say....though my father and brothers seem to long forgotten her life and wisdom, but”
She looked over her shoulder offering a smile almost genuine, a smile the royal family had once been proud of. Her eyes radiating with the glow of an ocean at sunrise reflecting the fire of the torch in its blue.
“The rose remembers the heavens”
Faize walks to the flowers and waves a small golden flame over them and watches as the flowers renew themselves."But with the right care they can flourish once more, becoming more beautiful than ever."Faize sighs."I barely remember my own mother you know....she died when i was young."Faize douses the flame on his hand.
Carmen looked at the gate wall reaching to clear some of the vines ignoreing the feeling of thorns puncturing her skin. What could be made out as a door buried behind it all. She handed him the torch and placed the orb on her person keeping her hands busy ripping at the vines.
“My mother died when I was little, she was fathers council he wouldn’t make a move with out her opinion, but after I was born her health took a hit, she got weaker with each passing year. Eventually there was nothing left”
Carmen whipped her brow after the door was clear reaching into a pocket of her cloak pulling out a small key. She stood turning a few of the locks that had been sitting on the door near rusting. With each click one falling to the ground bringing chains with it.
“I look more like her then my brothers, so a lot of my fathers council simply refer to me as a ghost, and he” she gazed back toward the kings keep almost saddened “he hasn’t wanted much to do with me since, looks at me like a curse haunting him, though he still brings me the occasional rose...so part of the good man he once was is still there under all his demons”
Swinging the old door open she retook the torch leading way through the gate carefully not to alert anyone with sounds of her chatter. Once outside she looked over the paths.
“I still go to the cathedral and pray that he is able to break out of his darkness”
“My mother died when I was little, she was fathers council he wouldn’t make a move with out her opinion, but after I was born her health took a hit, she got weaker with each passing year. Eventually there was nothing left”
Carmen whipped her brow after the door was clear reaching into a pocket of her cloak pulling out a small key. She stood turning a few of the locks that had been sitting on the door near rusting. With each click one falling to the ground bringing chains with it.
“I look more like her then my brothers, so a lot of my fathers council simply refer to me as a ghost, and he” she gazed back toward the kings keep almost saddened “he hasn’t wanted much to do with me since, looks at me like a curse haunting him, though he still brings me the occasional rose...so part of the good man he once was is still there under all his demons”
Swinging the old door open she retook the torch leading way through the gate carefully not to alert anyone with sounds of her chatter. Once outside she looked over the paths.
“I still go to the cathedral and pray that he is able to break out of his darkness”
Faize sighs."i'm sorry...."Faize holds silence for a few moments"Lets go ok?"
"You may be dismissed, captain. And the rookie."
As the sobbing filled his ears, the captain and rookie politely exited the room, with a glimmer of fear in their eyes.
"Please, sir, have mercy on us!"
Prince Calvin turned around in the dimly lit room that was his chambers, as he proceeded toward the one who spoke: a thin, tan man with gray-ish hair and dulled green eyes. A quiet sigh slipped through the prince's lips, as he spoke toward the begging man.
"I will have mercy on you," Prince Calvin informed. "All of you, in fact." The prince gave a chuckle at their relieved faces, before Calvin walked over to where his sword rested. He'd yank it out of its hold, before walking back to the fearful villagers, and pressed the blade against the man who begged for mercy.
"That is, if you all cooperate."
The man, and the three others around him, nodded quickly, as the prince moved the sword away. "Y-Yes, sir!" piped a young woman, with auburn hair, dark brown eyes, and pale skin. "We'll c-cooperate! W-We promise!"
Calvin gave a big grin at the four, kneeling villagers before him. "Excellent," the prince purred. "So, speak!"
As the sobbing filled his ears, the captain and rookie politely exited the room, with a glimmer of fear in their eyes.
"Please, sir, have mercy on us!"
Prince Calvin turned around in the dimly lit room that was his chambers, as he proceeded toward the one who spoke: a thin, tan man with gray-ish hair and dulled green eyes. A quiet sigh slipped through the prince's lips, as he spoke toward the begging man.
"I will have mercy on you," Prince Calvin informed. "All of you, in fact." The prince gave a chuckle at their relieved faces, before Calvin walked over to where his sword rested. He'd yank it out of its hold, before walking back to the fearful villagers, and pressed the blade against the man who begged for mercy.
"That is, if you all cooperate."
The man, and the three others around him, nodded quickly, as the prince moved the sword away. "Y-Yes, sir!" piped a young woman, with auburn hair, dark brown eyes, and pale skin. "We'll c-cooperate! W-We promise!"
Calvin gave a big grin at the four, kneeling villagers before him. "Excellent," the prince purred. "So, speak!"
Carmen nodded her head following the path through the mountain forests leading down toward the base of the mountain. She held her torch high to try and see through the dark thicket of trees. It was to be a few hours before they would even reach the villagers. The trip was a long one specially on foot, she moved as fast as her feet could travel, keeping her hair and face under the hood, the villagers wouldn’t know her face but last thing she would need is an off duty guard to spot her. She very well couldn’t get far with her investigation being invisible the entire time. She half wondered if the king would respect her decision or go ballistic. Certainly there would be no concern he was far to ashamed of her to consider her that valuable of a loss. He had two ruthless sons that would carry on his legacy. The king fought for wealth and land, her brothers for power. Gripping a free hand on the rose of her blade to calm her nerves and thoughts.
Releasing her grip a hand touching on the ruby earrings and few jewels she was still adorned in underneath the cloak. She turned her head slightly face still beneath the dark cloth of her cloak. Perhaps she would stop at the house of children left behind by their fallen shoulders surely in hard times food was scarce for them. It being one of her budgets that had been cut by her oldest brother. Her jewlary would buy them plenty of supplies should she find one of the supplied taverns. They usually found them selves well stocked in tax season, a single golden brown lock slipping out from her cloak.
“Faize I have a few stops to make once we are in the village”
Releasing her grip a hand touching on the ruby earrings and few jewels she was still adorned in underneath the cloak. She turned her head slightly face still beneath the dark cloth of her cloak. Perhaps she would stop at the house of children left behind by their fallen shoulders surely in hard times food was scarce for them. It being one of her budgets that had been cut by her oldest brother. Her jewlary would buy them plenty of supplies should she find one of the supplied taverns. They usually found them selves well stocked in tax season, a single golden brown lock slipping out from her cloak.
“Faize I have a few stops to make once we are in the village”
Faize only replies softly"I'm with you all the way"
*matt awakens on his bed in his room inside the inn* whew what a night *he walks to his door to find a note stabbed to it with a dagger* hmm interesting so i need to kill a prince in this kingdom then i get... 10,000 gold pieces! *he quickly grabs his gear and runs to a tree near the castle* what a run now i got to climb up this tree to get a vantage point *he climbs the tree and ready's his bow*
Magnus smirked at Lucifer's mention of the chopping block.
"You are a wise man, to fear such a fate. But you need not worry; I am in a benevolent mood, today."
This 'benevolence' clearly did not extend to the captured officer, shackle near the throne.
"Provided that you are who you say you are-" continued Magnus.
At this Caspar, the King's Steward strode over and began carefully pruning over the words on Lucifer's scroll.
"-And you perform your duties adequately, then all shall be fine."
He paused momentarily, awaiting Caspar's verdict. The sharp-nosed Steward tipped the frame on his spectacles, straightened his back and gave a nod of the head.
"It appears in order, my King."
Magnus gave a satisfied grunt.
"As my daughter's instructor, I would like for you to equip her with the necessary skills of court life. She is not without intelligence but she is... afflicted by a naivety that will not serve her in this hard world. My greatest wish is simply that she comes to understand that there will always be those in 'our' position, as there will be those in 'his' position."
Magnus gave a grim nod towards the wounded slave, not a short distance away.
"I do not want her to succumb to such a fate; she must learn to be wise, for sure - but it is strength, above all, that will ensure her survival. Teach her this."
"You are a wise man, to fear such a fate. But you need not worry; I am in a benevolent mood, today."
This 'benevolence' clearly did not extend to the captured officer, shackle near the throne.
"Provided that you are who you say you are-" continued Magnus.
At this Caspar, the King's Steward strode over and began carefully pruning over the words on Lucifer's scroll.
"-And you perform your duties adequately, then all shall be fine."
He paused momentarily, awaiting Caspar's verdict. The sharp-nosed Steward tipped the frame on his spectacles, straightened his back and gave a nod of the head.
"It appears in order, my King."
Magnus gave a satisfied grunt.
"As my daughter's instructor, I would like for you to equip her with the necessary skills of court life. She is not without intelligence but she is... afflicted by a naivety that will not serve her in this hard world. My greatest wish is simply that she comes to understand that there will always be those in 'our' position, as there will be those in 'his' position."
Magnus gave a grim nod towards the wounded slave, not a short distance away.
"I do not want her to succumb to such a fate; she must learn to be wise, for sure - but it is strength, above all, that will ensure her survival. Teach her this."
Lucifer glanced down at the slave, thought that the king were into some kinky shit, then saw that he were a prisoner. "I shall do my best, I have traveled all over the world, so I might learn her a thing or two." Said Lucifer and bowed. He glanced at the captured officer. "May I ask who the shackled person at the bottom of your throne is?" He asked, hoping to avoid the same fate. "Also where shall I stay while I teach her, and where shall I sleep?" He asked curious.
Time would pass through the night a maid walking in to check the princesse’s chambers and tend to the flowers to ensure they were bloomed on her rising. The sound of a water pitcher shattering against the stone floor echoed through the great halls. The maids eyes laid upon the empty tower the girl no where to be seen, her sword taken off of the wall. A simple scrool with the wax rose holding it shut lay upon the bed. The maid frantic ran the sound of her feet pounding upon the Coblestond. Screaming as she tried to pass through the guards attempting to hold her back.
“She’s gone your majesty!,”
The frantic old maid pushing into the throne room her apperance worn and wear as she had attempted to search the tower upon the discovery. She rapidly approached despite not being permitted holding out the sealed scroll. It’s vibrant red rose printed stamp shining bright in the dusk. The old woman huffed as she kept her arm extended to pass him the paper.
“Her blade, and one of the trainers entrusted with her are also missing”.
Else where Carmen’s feet had reached the capital villagd her eyes gazed at its condition took all of her to hold in the heartbreak of it all. The torch long gone, and the orb effects were off her cloak hiding her features well. Reaching up she pulled off the heavy set of gold and rubies that had adorned her. First heading into the tavern, placing the jewlary on the counter the only thing to be seen from her was the paleness of her skin and rose coloured lips.
“Sir I take it your establishment is a well stocked business”
Though her apperance was well hidden her posture, speech and mannerisms still could be pegged for a highborn. The tavern keeper eyes the jewels in almost splender his jaw dropping onto the counter.
yes in fact the most in town, you looking for room and wine perhaps.
Carmen smiled with a shake of her head at the offer.
“Afraid I am not staying long, but I would assume that is a fair payment to have meals done up and brought to Celia’s children”
The orphanage was once her mother’s estate before marriage as a lady in waiting before marrying into the palace, it was turned into the home for many of the lone children to have a safe place to reside. It’s upkeep hadn’t been sought to since the queens passing. Carmen had tried many times to persuade her father and brother other wise, this was the most she could do for them right now. The tavern keep looked at her with wide eyes but nodded his head to her request before charging into the back kitchen yelling for the workers to prepare food and delivery carts. A soft sympathetic smile on her face as she mumbled to herself
“Shame this is the only thing I can do under the circumstances”
“She’s gone your majesty!,”
The frantic old maid pushing into the throne room her apperance worn and wear as she had attempted to search the tower upon the discovery. She rapidly approached despite not being permitted holding out the sealed scroll. It’s vibrant red rose printed stamp shining bright in the dusk. The old woman huffed as she kept her arm extended to pass him the paper.
“Her blade, and one of the trainers entrusted with her are also missing”.
Else where Carmen’s feet had reached the capital villagd her eyes gazed at its condition took all of her to hold in the heartbreak of it all. The torch long gone, and the orb effects were off her cloak hiding her features well. Reaching up she pulled off the heavy set of gold and rubies that had adorned her. First heading into the tavern, placing the jewlary on the counter the only thing to be seen from her was the paleness of her skin and rose coloured lips.
“Sir I take it your establishment is a well stocked business”
Though her apperance was well hidden her posture, speech and mannerisms still could be pegged for a highborn. The tavern keeper eyes the jewels in almost splender his jaw dropping onto the counter.
yes in fact the most in town, you looking for room and wine perhaps.
Carmen smiled with a shake of her head at the offer.
“Afraid I am not staying long, but I would assume that is a fair payment to have meals done up and brought to Celia’s children”
The orphanage was once her mother’s estate before marriage as a lady in waiting before marrying into the palace, it was turned into the home for many of the lone children to have a safe place to reside. It’s upkeep hadn’t been sought to since the queens passing. Carmen had tried many times to persuade her father and brother other wise, this was the most she could do for them right now. The tavern keep looked at her with wide eyes but nodded his head to her request before charging into the back kitchen yelling for the workers to prepare food and delivery carts. A soft sympathetic smile on her face as she mumbled to herself
“Shame this is the only thing I can do under the circumstances”
"May I ask who the shackled person at the bottom of your throne is?"
Magnus seemed almost pleased to reply to such a question. All the more opportunity to revel in the downfall of his enemies.
"Certainly. It might be hard to believe it, given his current state, but this 'man' was once a Captain, waging war against me."
Magnus shook his head, tapping his tongue against his teeth.
"Not a healthy career. Anyway, he was actually sent here as a gift and I'll confess that he's proved entertaining."
He paused.
"But maybe you are right..."
It was becoming unclear who the old King was talking to, as his eyes passed up and over Lucifer's shoulder, boring into the empty shadows on the walls. A strange smile grew on his grey lips.
Yet as quickly as the bizarre episode had taken him, it apparently vanished and his focus was once more clear. He exhaled slowly, palming a bead of sweat from his forehead.
"Sorry. The day has been long. You were asking about lodgings? It will not be uncomfortable: we have an abundance of guest rooms and my staff shall ensure that you have everything you need. I promise that I am not as poor of a host, as the rumours would tell you."
He smiled, though there was a wrongness there, crooked and cruel.
Magnus seemed almost pleased to reply to such a question. All the more opportunity to revel in the downfall of his enemies.
"Certainly. It might be hard to believe it, given his current state, but this 'man' was once a Captain, waging war against me."
Magnus shook his head, tapping his tongue against his teeth.
"Not a healthy career. Anyway, he was actually sent here as a gift and I'll confess that he's proved entertaining."
He paused.
"But maybe you are right..."
It was becoming unclear who the old King was talking to, as his eyes passed up and over Lucifer's shoulder, boring into the empty shadows on the walls. A strange smile grew on his grey lips.
Yet as quickly as the bizarre episode had taken him, it apparently vanished and his focus was once more clear. He exhaled slowly, palming a bead of sweat from his forehead.
"Sorry. The day has been long. You were asking about lodgings? It will not be uncomfortable: we have an abundance of guest rooms and my staff shall ensure that you have everything you need. I promise that I am not as poor of a host, as the rumours would tell you."
He smiled, though there was a wrongness there, crooked and cruel.
"Move! You need to hurry faster peasants!" Then a loud crack of a whip against the weak flesh already ripped from hours of beatings due to insolence. The slave unable to listen to direct commands, Two Bit was at the forefront of the caravan, a long whip at his hip. It was a long nights ride until the early afternoon, but he was making sure his company was busy, going further east towards enemy country. This gave him a good resource to pick from with almost hundreds of refugees fleeing from war within their old countries. However it seemed that their capacity was becoming overfilled, but Two Bit hadn't cared, he would fill the forests with corpses if he absolutely had to.
There was an arrow shot through his leg, a painful grin came to Two Bit's face, then his guard began to spring into action. His people willing to kill and murder for the protection of their profits, but they cared not for Two Bit, as did Two Bit. Money talks, it's words carried more influence than that of an adviser.
He stopped the caravan and pulled out a small soccer ball sized orb, it was made of a thin crystal with an electrical current powering through it. The Foreigner laughed at the slaves throwing it on the ground, the current was magic of sorts, but it was a trapping device. The Slaves hollered in pain being stuck in place, in to much pain to move. Two Bit pulled a blade from a fallen comrade, also pulling the arrow from his leg. Blood flowed from his leg as he limped towards a few rebels had marched their way towards Two Bit as he llimped across the dirt. One ran towards him with a short sword drawn and swinging at Two Bit's shoulder, but the rebel was surprised to have a blade run through his chest.Two Bit then grabbed the rebel's blade to have his and another. Two Bit marched into the wood, laughing a bit to himself as he did, slicing away at the rebels as he moved inwards. His people seemed to withhold themselves against the strength of the weakened rebel forces, however it seemed to be a 20 to 1 ratio between the rebels to the Two Bit Company. Suddenly he grabbed the collar of one of his men and looked to his eyes. "We will manage against this, But if more come we will perish. Get the King's men to the south, or something, we need troops." With that his man disappeared into a black mist and appeared again within a few moments.
The red cloaked man appeared to a small outpost filled with the King's guard, they all stood tall against the threat of that the armed Foreigner showed. "Two Bit's company has been attacked. Rebels sneaked past your defenses. The King will know of your mistakes if we not get your support." He then vanished from sight, returning to a caravan of slaves and dead soldiers both friend and foe. Two Bit sitting atop a carriage, and laughing to himself, a few of the caravan's men lay scattered on the ground. A problem in the source of man power, but he could convert some of the slaves to his will.
There was an arrow shot through his leg, a painful grin came to Two Bit's face, then his guard began to spring into action. His people willing to kill and murder for the protection of their profits, but they cared not for Two Bit, as did Two Bit. Money talks, it's words carried more influence than that of an adviser.
He stopped the caravan and pulled out a small soccer ball sized orb, it was made of a thin crystal with an electrical current powering through it. The Foreigner laughed at the slaves throwing it on the ground, the current was magic of sorts, but it was a trapping device. The Slaves hollered in pain being stuck in place, in to much pain to move. Two Bit pulled a blade from a fallen comrade, also pulling the arrow from his leg. Blood flowed from his leg as he limped towards a few rebels had marched their way towards Two Bit as he llimped across the dirt. One ran towards him with a short sword drawn and swinging at Two Bit's shoulder, but the rebel was surprised to have a blade run through his chest.Two Bit then grabbed the rebel's blade to have his and another. Two Bit marched into the wood, laughing a bit to himself as he did, slicing away at the rebels as he moved inwards. His people seemed to withhold themselves against the strength of the weakened rebel forces, however it seemed to be a 20 to 1 ratio between the rebels to the Two Bit Company. Suddenly he grabbed the collar of one of his men and looked to his eyes. "We will manage against this, But if more come we will perish. Get the King's men to the south, or something, we need troops." With that his man disappeared into a black mist and appeared again within a few moments.
The red cloaked man appeared to a small outpost filled with the King's guard, they all stood tall against the threat of that the armed Foreigner showed. "Two Bit's company has been attacked. Rebels sneaked past your defenses. The King will know of your mistakes if we not get your support." He then vanished from sight, returning to a caravan of slaves and dead soldiers both friend and foe. Two Bit sitting atop a carriage, and laughing to himself, a few of the caravan's men lay scattered on the ground. A problem in the source of man power, but he could convert some of the slaves to his will.
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