Faize readies himself to defend Carmen in an instant.
"Welp, this is getting boring, but atleast I know how to not get my head chopped off by the king" Lucifer muttered to himself and threw the book to the side of his bed. His stomach began growlin. "Well shit, and I can't go raid the kitchen before my first day of work, so I have to work something out" He stood up from his bed and walked over to the two food reserve barrels he had.
"Let me see, I got the feel for some soup maybe, yeah, some soup could be nice" Lucifer rubbed his chin, then opened up the first barrel, it were filled with dried fruits and vegetables. He picked out some carrots, some spinach leaves, and onions. He placed them in a basket, then opened up the other barrel. It were filled with dried meat and fish, so dry that they can be preserved forever. Some chicken were picked out, and placed in the basket. A small black iron pot were placed over the firepit, then filled with water from a bottle named "The infinite lakes". It continued to fill the pot, and the bottle wouldn't be drained.
He placed the vegetable and the chicken in the water, then lit the wood under it. No smoke came from the fire, only heat and flames. The ingredients began to swoll up. With a ladle, Lucifer mixing around in the soup, slowly drizzling some salt in it for a bit more flavor. When it were done cooking, lucifer served it in a wooden bowl, then ate it with spoon made of an animals bone.
"Let me see, I got the feel for some soup maybe, yeah, some soup could be nice" Lucifer rubbed his chin, then opened up the first barrel, it were filled with dried fruits and vegetables. He picked out some carrots, some spinach leaves, and onions. He placed them in a basket, then opened up the other barrel. It were filled with dried meat and fish, so dry that they can be preserved forever. Some chicken were picked out, and placed in the basket. A small black iron pot were placed over the firepit, then filled with water from a bottle named "The infinite lakes". It continued to fill the pot, and the bottle wouldn't be drained.
He placed the vegetable and the chicken in the water, then lit the wood under it. No smoke came from the fire, only heat and flames. The ingredients began to swoll up. With a ladle, Lucifer mixing around in the soup, slowly drizzling some salt in it for a bit more flavor. When it were done cooking, lucifer served it in a wooden bowl, then ate it with spoon made of an animals bone.
Grevious scoffed towards Carmen, the border? War is on the other side, many of his own people were dying because of the high King Magnus. The Lycan peered through the bush, his body emerging from the brush, his tall figure towering over the pair.
"Do you know not of the Tyrant Magnus' rampage throughout the neighboring provinces? I suggest going to the safe haven Montra in the north, within the mountains." He was stating this for concern, surely they would run into the King's men once they fled across the border, troops were on constant patrol to destroy any chance of resistance against the crown. Grevious had battle wounds on his left arm, having his skin and fur burnt off. Grevious came through the bushes and went up to Carmen and the other man, then the rest of Grevious' troops appeared, about thirteen other soldiers. They were all armed but wounded at the same time. They all looked like militia men, those who had fought for the town in defense against bandits, but it was a force that was being destroyed by the King's army.
"Do you know not of the Tyrant Magnus' rampage throughout the neighboring provinces? I suggest going to the safe haven Montra in the north, within the mountains." He was stating this for concern, surely they would run into the King's men once they fled across the border, troops were on constant patrol to destroy any chance of resistance against the crown. Grevious had battle wounds on his left arm, having his skin and fur burnt off. Grevious came through the bushes and went up to Carmen and the other man, then the rest of Grevious' troops appeared, about thirteen other soldiers. They were all armed but wounded at the same time. They all looked like militia men, those who had fought for the town in defense against bandits, but it was a force that was being destroyed by the King's army.
Carmen looked up her blue eyes radiated an almost heartache at their pain, her brow furrowed as she lowered her gaze. She dropped grip on the weapon and simply raised both hands for them to see. She turned her head and nodded for Faize to stand down as well. She extended her pale hand to shake offering a possible truce or at least peace. Her mind payed no attention to her stamped ring being visible, she offered a half hearten smile to the group.
“I know more about Magnus then I would like to, unfortunately he doesn’t take the council from others to well”
She turned her head seeing the other men around her listening to the talk of safety but only shook her head.
“Unfortunately nothing will be done if Idly hide behind the protection of stone walls, people are starving, and already suffering, trust me they won’t be ready for this threat, till it is dealt with I must remain out of sight”
“I know more about Magnus then I would like to, unfortunately he doesn’t take the council from others to well”
She turned her head seeing the other men around her listening to the talk of safety but only shook her head.
“Unfortunately nothing will be done if Idly hide behind the protection of stone walls, people are starving, and already suffering, trust me they won’t be ready for this threat, till it is dealt with I must remain out of sight”
A scowl grew onto Grevious' brow, he looked at Carmen, and noticed the insignia on her jewels. Royalty, ,and it had made sense with her statement of council to the King. Either way the Lycan had the two seeming arrested. "We will take you to our camp, I know who you are Princess Carmen, and your lies will not be mistaken." There he had them tied up and brought to the encampment, it was only fifty kilometers from where Grevious had found the Princess. None the less he would have to find our her secrets for they could lead him and the people to victory. If the Princess has listened in the court holdings and to the commanders within the war meetings this could bring a tactical advantage for the Rebellion.
When he had reached the camp with his two prisoners he took them both to a large tent where he brought them both into, keeping them tied up but shifting into his humanly form. His arm still scarred and destroyed, his poured himself a glass of whiskey, moving towards the Queen. He looked like many of the wanted posters, a blonde haired man, a scar over his left eye, and a permanent fang resting on his bottom lip. Grevious was well known for his treason against Magnus, but he was never known to be leading the Rebellion, rarely showing his face, or merging with the soldiers in battle as to keep his cover. "What do you know of the King's actions if you compel him in court, I wish to know where I might regroup my troops." Grevious was tired, you could hear in his voice, he was tired of seeing his people perish, he wanted to gain the advantage against the Army.
"I will give you the appropriate lodging if you give me the correct answer, so speak!"
When he had reached the camp with his two prisoners he took them both to a large tent where he brought them both into, keeping them tied up but shifting into his humanly form. His arm still scarred and destroyed, his poured himself a glass of whiskey, moving towards the Queen. He looked like many of the wanted posters, a blonde haired man, a scar over his left eye, and a permanent fang resting on his bottom lip. Grevious was well known for his treason against Magnus, but he was never known to be leading the Rebellion, rarely showing his face, or merging with the soldiers in battle as to keep his cover. "What do you know of the King's actions if you compel him in court, I wish to know where I might regroup my troops." Grevious was tired, you could hear in his voice, he was tired of seeing his people perish, he wanted to gain the advantage against the Army.
"I will give you the appropriate lodging if you give me the correct answer, so speak!"
Carmen didnt resist remaining silent as she sat in her binds, she gazed up at him only arching her brow in response. The only feature she had of the king being her eyes she breathed calmly and turned her head. She had no desire to respond to such a hostile tone. With a simple roll of her eyes at his demand of her to speak.
"If I'm not scared of that old monster, what would I fear you, you wish for answers then we can discuss this like proper beings. I have no desire to show you hostility, and you need not show it to me"
She had been fiddling her arms behind her back for quiet some time as she spoke. Sitting still for a moment before unraveling the rope. She wiggled the adorned finger having used its carved edges to ware down the rope fibers. Kneeling herself properly hands clasped over her lap and a gentle sigh. Keeping a calm face having kept to one of her lessons of not showing fear.
"Now then, Far as him being a tyant We may have an agreement. However the man rarely let me in on such meetings"
She extended her arm waving at herself.
"I am not exactly his pride and joy here, far as the war goes my role is more of a pawn, bargain chip if you will. However he has recently allowed a merchant whos business and profits dont add up, but my father is unfortunately easily swindled when he can fatten his purse"
Her face in almost disgust as she referred to such manors, Her eyes glued to the floor her hands tightened their grasp. It almost angered her to think about it all, the people who looked to him starving, children left orphaned over his desire to take more.
"He wasnt always this way, I can almost recall times where he was a decent man..wither its time, or simply greed his mind has grown tainted more over the years. I often question how much hes willing to put a price on"
"If I'm not scared of that old monster, what would I fear you, you wish for answers then we can discuss this like proper beings. I have no desire to show you hostility, and you need not show it to me"
She had been fiddling her arms behind her back for quiet some time as she spoke. Sitting still for a moment before unraveling the rope. She wiggled the adorned finger having used its carved edges to ware down the rope fibers. Kneeling herself properly hands clasped over her lap and a gentle sigh. Keeping a calm face having kept to one of her lessons of not showing fear.
"Now then, Far as him being a tyant We may have an agreement. However the man rarely let me in on such meetings"
She extended her arm waving at herself.
"I am not exactly his pride and joy here, far as the war goes my role is more of a pawn, bargain chip if you will. However he has recently allowed a merchant whos business and profits dont add up, but my father is unfortunately easily swindled when he can fatten his purse"
Her face in almost disgust as she referred to such manors, Her eyes glued to the floor her hands tightened their grasp. It almost angered her to think about it all, the people who looked to him starving, children left orphaned over his desire to take more.
"He wasnt always this way, I can almost recall times where he was a decent man..wither its time, or simply greed his mind has grown tainted more over the years. I often question how much hes willing to put a price on"
His blood boiled for only a moment, he was easily angered however, her words had reasoning. Grevious placed his glass down on a table map, and looked at the Princess, breaking from her bindings. She spoke of the terrors her father acted upon the people, but had she truly known of his horrors? The Lycan walked over to the lips of the tent and opened the flap to show the rows of tents and injured.
"Then you must understand why I fight so hard to protect my people. But I cannot rally more to the cause, they see the death and are deturred to starvation over death for country." Grevious sat back into his seat, pushing his hair from his face, his face was tired, bags began growing under his eyes. The Wolf like man leaned back in his chair, he was growing tired of war, but mostly tired of losing against Magnus.
Grevious' ears perked at the sound of a merchant coming into the land. "A merchant you say? I know of a Quarry being built by a strange company to the Northern borders." He poured another drink and untied her other companion, he looked outside and turning back to the lady Ashdown. Grevious was forming a thought in his mind, to use this lady as a role for diplomatic trade, or persuade his enemies. He could use her for a rallying cry for the peoples. But Grevious' mind was growing weak, looking to Carmen, "Then lady, if you seek to no harm, who do you need to see, my men and I will be returning to Montra, your family's cementry. There we can fortify ourselves and grow stronger in my numbers. But I will not stop you if you attempt to leave, but the King will surely have your head if you were to return to him."
"Then you must understand why I fight so hard to protect my people. But I cannot rally more to the cause, they see the death and are deturred to starvation over death for country." Grevious sat back into his seat, pushing his hair from his face, his face was tired, bags began growing under his eyes. The Wolf like man leaned back in his chair, he was growing tired of war, but mostly tired of losing against Magnus.
Grevious' ears perked at the sound of a merchant coming into the land. "A merchant you say? I know of a Quarry being built by a strange company to the Northern borders." He poured another drink and untied her other companion, he looked outside and turning back to the lady Ashdown. Grevious was forming a thought in his mind, to use this lady as a role for diplomatic trade, or persuade his enemies. He could use her for a rallying cry for the peoples. But Grevious' mind was growing weak, looking to Carmen, "Then lady, if you seek to no harm, who do you need to see, my men and I will be returning to Montra, your family's cementry. There we can fortify ourselves and grow stronger in my numbers. But I will not stop you if you attempt to leave, but the King will surely have your head if you were to return to him."
*matt had been following the princess and grievous for a while and was now circling outside the encampment* a war huh?... well maybe i can help this man if he is protecting his people... * he accidentally steps on a stick and it snaps* shit...
Faize sighs and disables his magick, appearing suddenly beside Carmen."If you want to rebel you need a figure to represent the rebellion else they will all leave. A death can lower morale, but if you turn that death into a powerful meaning you may receive a stronger rebellion than before."
Carmen crossed her arms listening intently, she did resemble Magnus at times, particularly in times of thought. A pale hand rubbing on her chin. She heavily considered her options, she couldnt very well leave those two with their quarry. If they were already damaging the land. It wouldnt be long till the start plucking people for their labor.
"that would be the one, I had thought he was up to something. Most outposts barely make copper profits let alone gem stones. Question is how is he getting his labor, I imagine if hes seeking permission to enter our boarders these are not exactly willing or fair treated workers. Such a thing is a slippery slope starts with them plucking the men and before you know it they will go for wives an children as leverage"
The girl was a shut in but her studies kept her from being completely daft of such matters, She sighed standing to her feet. Crossing her arms behind her back in thought of it.
"My father wouldnt take my head, for the simple fact I look like my mother. Much as he behaves like one who is dead on the inside..Queen Celia was an to an extent still is a weakness for him"
"that would be the one, I had thought he was up to something. Most outposts barely make copper profits let alone gem stones. Question is how is he getting his labor, I imagine if hes seeking permission to enter our boarders these are not exactly willing or fair treated workers. Such a thing is a slippery slope starts with them plucking the men and before you know it they will go for wives an children as leverage"
The girl was a shut in but her studies kept her from being completely daft of such matters, She sighed standing to her feet. Crossing her arms behind her back in thought of it.
"My father wouldnt take my head, for the simple fact I look like my mother. Much as he behaves like one who is dead on the inside..Queen Celia was an to an extent still is a weakness for him"
well maybe i could shoot an arrow with a message attached to it * he then writes on a piece of paper "dear grievous and princess i have a proposition for you go to the inn just south outside the kingdom i will meet you there when you enter ask the keeper for the iron shield he'll know what you mean" he then shoots the arrow just barely missing faize and it strikes the wall* bullseye... * he then starts to run away*
Thraen would suddenly wake up, gasping for air. He sat up slowly and looked around. It was only a panic attack, his nightmares and anxiety causing him to wake up rather abruptly. He would calm himself while sitting up. Looking around, he noticed that the campfire was now just smoking embers and that the logs had burned to ashes overnight. Sebria was wrapped up in a grey wool blanket and was curled up by the fireplace, still sleeping. The nice old woman had been kind enough to dress his wounds while he slept, as Thraen looked down, seeing the wrapped bandages on his upper leg and shoulder.
"Thank you m'lady." Thraen whispered quietly while grabbing the firestick and pushing himself to his feet. He would take the time to wash his hands and face, wetting his long wavey black hair in the freshwater creek before walking back over to the campfire. He would nudge Sebria with his firestick in an attempt to wake her up. But something was off. Her body was stiff, and it wouldn't take long for Thraen to realize that the poor old woman had died in her sleep. He sighed deeply and nodded silently to himself before looking around. The southlands were dead and appeared to be uninhabited. Thraen scooped Sebria up in his arms and carried her to the river. Finding a pleasant oak tree growing all alone by the water, Thraen dug a grave and placed Sebria's body in the earth beneath its branches. After burying her, he would take out his dagger and carve Sebria's name in the treebark on the face of the oak, placing a large upright stone over her grave as a landmark for all to see.
With his work done, Thraen returned to his campsite. The former lord had extensive military training and was clever enough to pour water on the fireplace, smothering the coals and embers until no smoke remained. If the prince's council planned to send a hunting party for him, they would not track him down easily. Thraen stirred the ashes around and rubbed some ashes on his clothes to mask his scent and ward off insects. He then saddled his stolen white horse and, staying low below the horizon between the hills and valleys, Thraen Valour quietly left the scene, becoming nothing more than a whisper in the wind.
Meanwhile, at Castle Ashdown...
Lord Vygoren woke up to a light knocking on his bedroom door. He yawned and stretched before rolling over to look at the door, still laying in his bed. "Who is it? Go away" he said loudly before rolling back over in his blanket. But the door opened anyway, and a short robust looking bearded man walked into the room. The round faced and fat bellied gentleman was wearing a nobleman's uniform adorned with medals, pins and ribbons. It was one of the king's men.
"I'm sorry I didn't bring you breakfast deary," the man said sarcastically with a strong western accent as he approached Vygoren's headrest. "But the king wishes to see you." It was at that moment Vygoren remembered where he was. He rolled back over, sat up and stretched again. A wide grin appeared on his wakening face. Finally, he would get to see the king.
"Thank you m'lady." Thraen whispered quietly while grabbing the firestick and pushing himself to his feet. He would take the time to wash his hands and face, wetting his long wavey black hair in the freshwater creek before walking back over to the campfire. He would nudge Sebria with his firestick in an attempt to wake her up. But something was off. Her body was stiff, and it wouldn't take long for Thraen to realize that the poor old woman had died in her sleep. He sighed deeply and nodded silently to himself before looking around. The southlands were dead and appeared to be uninhabited. Thraen scooped Sebria up in his arms and carried her to the river. Finding a pleasant oak tree growing all alone by the water, Thraen dug a grave and placed Sebria's body in the earth beneath its branches. After burying her, he would take out his dagger and carve Sebria's name in the treebark on the face of the oak, placing a large upright stone over her grave as a landmark for all to see.
With his work done, Thraen returned to his campsite. The former lord had extensive military training and was clever enough to pour water on the fireplace, smothering the coals and embers until no smoke remained. If the prince's council planned to send a hunting party for him, they would not track him down easily. Thraen stirred the ashes around and rubbed some ashes on his clothes to mask his scent and ward off insects. He then saddled his stolen white horse and, staying low below the horizon between the hills and valleys, Thraen Valour quietly left the scene, becoming nothing more than a whisper in the wind.
Meanwhile, at Castle Ashdown...
Lord Vygoren woke up to a light knocking on his bedroom door. He yawned and stretched before rolling over to look at the door, still laying in his bed. "Who is it? Go away" he said loudly before rolling back over in his blanket. But the door opened anyway, and a short robust looking bearded man walked into the room. The round faced and fat bellied gentleman was wearing a nobleman's uniform adorned with medals, pins and ribbons. It was one of the king's men.
"I'm sorry I didn't bring you breakfast deary," the man said sarcastically with a strong western accent as he approached Vygoren's headrest. "But the king wishes to see you." It was at that moment Vygoren remembered where he was. He rolled back over, sat up and stretched again. A wide grin appeared on his wakening face. Finally, he would get to see the king.
A grin grew on Grevious' face, he was surprised by the intelligence of the Princess. She understood the circumstances that were at hand, but the Outpost created by Two Bit was not the only outposts appearing in the area. Grevious gripped his wrists behind his back, standing up he marched out of the tent, relieving himself outside. "I do apologize then Princess Ashdown. I merely have concern for my people, if you wish to leave go on ahead, we are marching to regroup ourselves. The rest of the rebel force is to meet in Montra. I only fear for our journey."
Grevious came back into the tent and wiped crud from inbetween his eyes looking on to the princess and her companion. He placed hands onto his hips standing tall at attention. "You have a choice. I will leave you to it as I was given the choice when I was but a young man and a young pup.."
Grevious came back into the tent and wiped crud from inbetween his eyes looking on to the princess and her companion. He placed hands onto his hips standing tall at attention. "You have a choice. I will leave you to it as I was given the choice when I was but a young man and a young pup.."
Faize grabs the arrow in midair..."We either have a shitty assassin or this is a message"Faize holds the note to Carmen"I suggest we find out"
Carmen stood walking past her posture hadnt wavered from all the mess of being bound an 'captured'. Placing her hands on her own hips with a sigh knowing he was right. Her ringed hand rubbing her temple before equipping her blade back to her side. Tightening the belt its red rose handle popped in contrast with the lands darkened atmosphere.
"What would you suppose I do about it, I have tried many times to voice my opposition. It practically fallen on deaf ears, my father continues to fight for wealth and land, my brothers only care about their personal power"
She stared ahead looking at all the injured men, the look on her face showing an emotion her father and like minded brothers didnt know, compassion and concern filled her eyes. She reached up gliding her thumb below her eyes to catch a stray tear before stiffening her face. Reminding herself in the kings voice such things as shedding tears were for weak hearted children.
"Things were different before my mother died, people thrived, families smiled. Even the poorest of houses was well looked after and fed, She'd roll in her grave if she knew...There hasnt been much I could do about it. The older I got the more they locked me in, My oldest brother acted like I didnt exist, the other wont speak directly to me...and HIM"
She lowered her eyes with a shake of her head.
"I am the one shame he holds, that 'such a weak girl' came from his gene pool. For what its worth I see no strength in watching those below us die, or the lands wither away"
"What would you suppose I do about it, I have tried many times to voice my opposition. It practically fallen on deaf ears, my father continues to fight for wealth and land, my brothers only care about their personal power"
She stared ahead looking at all the injured men, the look on her face showing an emotion her father and like minded brothers didnt know, compassion and concern filled her eyes. She reached up gliding her thumb below her eyes to catch a stray tear before stiffening her face. Reminding herself in the kings voice such things as shedding tears were for weak hearted children.
"Things were different before my mother died, people thrived, families smiled. Even the poorest of houses was well looked after and fed, She'd roll in her grave if she knew...There hasnt been much I could do about it. The older I got the more they locked me in, My oldest brother acted like I didnt exist, the other wont speak directly to me...and HIM"
She lowered her eyes with a shake of her head.
"I am the one shame he holds, that 'such a weak girl' came from his gene pool. For what its worth I see no strength in watching those below us die, or the lands wither away"
The throne-room was draughty at the best of times; hollow and dark. But when Vygoren entered, he would find it somehow lonelier, still. Nary a guard in sight and even the ominous throne itself, stood unoccupied by the far wall. There was only one soul present, a spider of a man who skulked out from the shaded pillars. Vygoren may have recognized him as Caspar, the Royal Steward, Magnus's old-hound.
"Lord Calygarn," he said. "I have been waiting for you. Follow me, if you would?"
Caspar turned immediately, ushering Vygoren after him as he stepped towards the adjoining council chambers.
"I apologize for the deception, but it was a necessary ruse; the King is currently indisposed, owing to a bout of poor health. I hope that I do not need to impress on you the classified nature of that information, however. In here, please.."
A small congregation of high-officials were already gathered by the time Caspar and Lord Calygarn arrived. Anxious whispering filled the air like sawdust.
Meanwhile, Caspar strode around, brazenly taking up position behind the King's own chair. He slowly surveyed the room, awaiting the moment when all eyes were on him, before speaking.
"Gentlemen, thank you for coming. In the absence of our noble King, we must uphold order in the Kingdom and I have summoned you here to discuss-"
"When is Magnus returning? How bad is his illness?"
The room stirred, like an agitated hive, but Caspar was patient and eventually, quiet returned.
"I can assure you all that the King is in good hands and will be back with us, very soon. But we have another matter to address in the mean-time: Princess Carmen has fled the Keep during a time of war. Our spies mention the passing of a distinctive youth that interacted with peasants in the Capital, however she quickly departed on horse-back and our trail goes cold, there."
He turned towards Vygoren.
"Lord Calgaryn, you possess more field experience than anyone of us; do you have something to say on this subject? I'm not implying that you would know the mind of a fifteen-year old girl, but perhaps your knowledge of the terrain will divine some sort of route..?"
"Lord Calygarn," he said. "I have been waiting for you. Follow me, if you would?"
Caspar turned immediately, ushering Vygoren after him as he stepped towards the adjoining council chambers.
"I apologize for the deception, but it was a necessary ruse; the King is currently indisposed, owing to a bout of poor health. I hope that I do not need to impress on you the classified nature of that information, however. In here, please.."
A small congregation of high-officials were already gathered by the time Caspar and Lord Calygarn arrived. Anxious whispering filled the air like sawdust.
Meanwhile, Caspar strode around, brazenly taking up position behind the King's own chair. He slowly surveyed the room, awaiting the moment when all eyes were on him, before speaking.
"Gentlemen, thank you for coming. In the absence of our noble King, we must uphold order in the Kingdom and I have summoned you here to discuss-"
"When is Magnus returning? How bad is his illness?"
The room stirred, like an agitated hive, but Caspar was patient and eventually, quiet returned.
"I can assure you all that the King is in good hands and will be back with us, very soon. But we have another matter to address in the mean-time: Princess Carmen has fled the Keep during a time of war. Our spies mention the passing of a distinctive youth that interacted with peasants in the Capital, however she quickly departed on horse-back and our trail goes cold, there."
He turned towards Vygoren.
"Lord Calgaryn, you possess more field experience than anyone of us; do you have something to say on this subject? I'm not implying that you would know the mind of a fifteen-year old girl, but perhaps your knowledge of the terrain will divine some sort of route..?"
Vygoren was excited to see the king, but felt a shrill of disappointment once he entered the empty throne room. Standing there instead was the king's old hound, Caspar Blackwood, a familiar to the duke of injustice. "Lord Caspar? I wasn't expecting to see you here."
"Lord Calygarn," he said. "I have been waiting for you. Follow me, if you would?" Caspar turned immediately, ushering Vygoren after him as he stepped towards the adjoining council chambers. Vygoren quirked his eyebrows quietly and followed Caspar into the council chambers, his dark green cape flowing behind him as he pondered what was happening. The kingdom was slowly turning into chaos very quietly.
Caspar informed Vygoren of the king's health, keeping his voice down as they hurried to join the council. A small congregation of high-officials were already gathered by the time Lord Caspar and Lord Calygarn had arrived. Anxious whispering filled the air like sawdust, and glances were given to both lords as they entered, some of them even having fear in their eyes.
Caspar strode around, brazenly taking up position behind the King's own chair. He slowly surveyed the room, awaiting the moment when all eyes were on him, before speaking. "Gentlemen, thank you for coming. In the absence of our noble King, we must uphold order in the Kingdom and I have summoned you here to discuss-"
Vygoren's mind wandered for a moment. Thraen had fallen ill. The princess had apparently ran away, and the king himself had fallen sick. He didn't want to consider it, but Vygoren's mind couldn't help but worry for a second if there hadn't been an epidemic spreading, or if the young princess had been kidnapped. The room stirred, like an agitated hive, but Caspar was patient and eventually, quietness returned.
"I can assure you all that the King is in good hands and will be back with us, very soon. But we have another matter to address in the mean-time: Princess Carmen has fled the Keep during a time of war. Our spies mention the passing of a distinctive youth that interacted with peasants in the Capital, however she quickly departed on horse-back and our trail goes cold, there."
Caspar then turned towards Vygoren, his eyes looking curious. "Lord Calgaryn, you possess more field experience than anyone of us; do you have something to say on this subject? I'm not implying that you would know the mind of a fifteen-year old girl, but perhaps your knowledge of the terrain will divine some sort of route..?"
Lord Vygoren locked eyes with Caspar for a moment before looking around the chamber at the other council members. He pulled his flask out of his shirt collar, unscrewed the lid and took a swig of whiskey before sticking the flask back into his shirt. "Aye," he said with a nod of his head. Vygoren pointed to a spot on the old map they had laid out on the table before him. "There's mountains all around the castle. The quickest and easiest route would be through the forest to the east."
Vygoren looked at the map again. "Being that young, she probably won't make it past the river." He paused for a moment before pointing to a location in the mountains that wasn't on the map. "If we go here, we can cut her off before she makes it there. A secret passage winds around into a quarry which leads into the forest. If we leave now, we can make it there in two days."
Lord Vygoren glanced at the map one more time, drawing a mental image in his head. If the princess made it past the river, she could go north or south and there'd be no real way for the riders to pick up her trail. If the council had plans to save Princess Carmen from danger, they would have to act quickly.
"Lord Calygarn," he said. "I have been waiting for you. Follow me, if you would?" Caspar turned immediately, ushering Vygoren after him as he stepped towards the adjoining council chambers. Vygoren quirked his eyebrows quietly and followed Caspar into the council chambers, his dark green cape flowing behind him as he pondered what was happening. The kingdom was slowly turning into chaos very quietly.
Caspar informed Vygoren of the king's health, keeping his voice down as they hurried to join the council. A small congregation of high-officials were already gathered by the time Lord Caspar and Lord Calygarn had arrived. Anxious whispering filled the air like sawdust, and glances were given to both lords as they entered, some of them even having fear in their eyes.
Caspar strode around, brazenly taking up position behind the King's own chair. He slowly surveyed the room, awaiting the moment when all eyes were on him, before speaking. "Gentlemen, thank you for coming. In the absence of our noble King, we must uphold order in the Kingdom and I have summoned you here to discuss-"
Vygoren's mind wandered for a moment. Thraen had fallen ill. The princess had apparently ran away, and the king himself had fallen sick. He didn't want to consider it, but Vygoren's mind couldn't help but worry for a second if there hadn't been an epidemic spreading, or if the young princess had been kidnapped. The room stirred, like an agitated hive, but Caspar was patient and eventually, quietness returned.
"I can assure you all that the King is in good hands and will be back with us, very soon. But we have another matter to address in the mean-time: Princess Carmen has fled the Keep during a time of war. Our spies mention the passing of a distinctive youth that interacted with peasants in the Capital, however she quickly departed on horse-back and our trail goes cold, there."
Caspar then turned towards Vygoren, his eyes looking curious. "Lord Calgaryn, you possess more field experience than anyone of us; do you have something to say on this subject? I'm not implying that you would know the mind of a fifteen-year old girl, but perhaps your knowledge of the terrain will divine some sort of route..?"
Lord Vygoren locked eyes with Caspar for a moment before looking around the chamber at the other council members. He pulled his flask out of his shirt collar, unscrewed the lid and took a swig of whiskey before sticking the flask back into his shirt. "Aye," he said with a nod of his head. Vygoren pointed to a spot on the old map they had laid out on the table before him. "There's mountains all around the castle. The quickest and easiest route would be through the forest to the east."
Vygoren looked at the map again. "Being that young, she probably won't make it past the river." He paused for a moment before pointing to a location in the mountains that wasn't on the map. "If we go here, we can cut her off before she makes it there. A secret passage winds around into a quarry which leads into the forest. If we leave now, we can make it there in two days."
Lord Vygoren glanced at the map one more time, drawing a mental image in his head. If the princess made it past the river, she could go north or south and there'd be no real way for the riders to pick up her trail. If the council had plans to save Princess Carmen from danger, they would have to act quickly.
Earlier that day
As Carmen walked away from Aidan, he couldn't help but reevaluate what had just happened. In a matter of no more than 5 minutes, he had gone from going to empty traps, to taking meals to orphans, to briefly planning his retirement. So all things considered, it was already an off morning. Nothing like this ever happened, everything unusual or strange always happened late at night, when people were too tired or stupid to even think straight. He watched her walk for about 10 seconds before he turned around and started walking back into the Inn.
As he walked through the door, Ezekiel was clearly interested in what he'd run out of the Inn to say so urgently. Aidan walked past several tables before sitting down and picking up his fork. He continued to eat as if nothing had happened, however, it was clear he was just doing this to annoy his friend, who at this point was dying to hear from Aidan what had happened.
Ezekiel broke the silence, "So?" He raised his eyebrows slightly.
Aidan replied with a hint of sarcasm and a grin, "So, what?"
"Don't screw with me Aelius, what did you run out of this building like a fool for?"
Aidan replied, finally letting Ezekiel in on the situation, "She gave me that massive ring, I tried to return it cause I thought she had really messed up and gave me the wrong thing, but then she wouldn't take it back." He smiled as he fidgeted with the ring in his hand. "So, the rings mine, for now."
The last two words seem to spark curiosity in the man behind the bar, he quickly decided to guess at what his friend was going to do, "You're going to sell it, that much is obvious." He began, "Let me guess, a house, maybe? No, some better equipment perhaps, oh, I got it! You're going to travel a bit aren't you?" He threw some guesses into the air, however during his guesses, Aidan has been giving light nods indicating him being wrong to every guess. "Well I have no clue then, just tell me." He said with a slight amount of defeat.
"Well," He started, "To be quite honest, I won't have nearly enough money to get a house once I donate a good portion of i-"
Ezekiel interrupted Aidan with a laugh, "Come on man, stop screwing with me, what's the plan?" He waited a couple of seconds before speaking again, "Wait really?" He squinted, "Have I gone insane or did I really just hear the word 'Donate' come out of your mouth?" He chuckled in disbelief, "Donating, to help people?" he said to tease Aidan.
"Why are you complaining? If I kept the money and bought a house elsewhere, you'd lose half your profits!" He returned the mockery.
"You're a strange breed Aelius." He said as he continued to prepare the meals. As he finished up and packed all the food, he asked, "So, where do you plan on putting the money then?"
"I don't know yet, I'll probably give some to the orphanage, and maybe to other people who need it more then I do. Though I haven't come to a final decision yet."
"Well, when you do," He put the packaged food on the counter, "Let me know."
Aidan said goodbye to his good friend and prepared to go out for the day, 30 minutes late.
He walked out of the Inn and went directly towards the exit of the town. He, of course, stopped at the orphanage and knocked on the large doors at the front. As they opened, a woman opened the doors with slight caution before seeing the lack of a military armor, she spoke, "Yes, hello how can I help you?" Her voice was accompanied by a slight hint of excitement. You never know when some loving or not so loving family would pass by and consider taking one of the children from the orphanages' hands.
He quickly replied, "Hi, I'm here with some donations, some meals." He had the meals in his arms, ready to hand them over and leave quickly, however, this lady clearly wanted to give many thanks to the kind stranger.
"Why, thank you very much! It means so much, such a kind and generous offer, please come in!" She seems happy that the children would be able to eat better for quite a while.
"Well, to be honest, these aren't my donations." He tried to explain, "Some nice lady in fine robes came by the Inn and asked to have these prepared and delivered to this establishment." he paused, then continued, "So I'm afraid you can't directly thank whoever offered these directly."
"Oh!," she said, "Well, if you happen to see this lady again, please let her know how grateful we are for her donation." She smiled.
Aidan helped her bring in the meals and then left quickly as to get to his daily schedule. He left the village and quickly caught up to where he should've been at this point, clearing traps and stocking his bag full of fresh animal remains. Of course, every day, there would be one or two traps that would get raided by the local wildlife before Aidan could reach them, however, this never bothered him much, in fact, it served as time saved meaning he would reach home earlier.
His day went on as normal, except for one thing. Later that day, he was following the stream as he usually does. He lays most of his traps well hidden, as to make sure no greedy people take whats his, but not too well hidden, as to make sure wildlife can actually find their way too it. Most of the time, his traps were along the stream for when animals needed to drink. However, this was one of the rare times he found an actual human body along the stream, one that was actually buried.
He stopped and thought about it for a minute or two. Whoever had been kind enough to bury this lady, likely named 'Sebria', Was either close to consider this person a partner or friend, or a kind stranger who helped set things right after a hard battle. Either way, Aidan felt proud of this stranger's actions. Burying a stranger is no easy task, but burying a friend is even harder. This stayed in his mind as he continued on his trail.
As Carmen walked away from Aidan, he couldn't help but reevaluate what had just happened. In a matter of no more than 5 minutes, he had gone from going to empty traps, to taking meals to orphans, to briefly planning his retirement. So all things considered, it was already an off morning. Nothing like this ever happened, everything unusual or strange always happened late at night, when people were too tired or stupid to even think straight. He watched her walk for about 10 seconds before he turned around and started walking back into the Inn.
As he walked through the door, Ezekiel was clearly interested in what he'd run out of the Inn to say so urgently. Aidan walked past several tables before sitting down and picking up his fork. He continued to eat as if nothing had happened, however, it was clear he was just doing this to annoy his friend, who at this point was dying to hear from Aidan what had happened.
Ezekiel broke the silence, "So?" He raised his eyebrows slightly.
Aidan replied with a hint of sarcasm and a grin, "So, what?"
"Don't screw with me Aelius, what did you run out of this building like a fool for?"
Aidan replied, finally letting Ezekiel in on the situation, "She gave me that massive ring, I tried to return it cause I thought she had really messed up and gave me the wrong thing, but then she wouldn't take it back." He smiled as he fidgeted with the ring in his hand. "So, the rings mine, for now."
The last two words seem to spark curiosity in the man behind the bar, he quickly decided to guess at what his friend was going to do, "You're going to sell it, that much is obvious." He began, "Let me guess, a house, maybe? No, some better equipment perhaps, oh, I got it! You're going to travel a bit aren't you?" He threw some guesses into the air, however during his guesses, Aidan has been giving light nods indicating him being wrong to every guess. "Well I have no clue then, just tell me." He said with a slight amount of defeat.
"Well," He started, "To be quite honest, I won't have nearly enough money to get a house once I donate a good portion of i-"
Ezekiel interrupted Aidan with a laugh, "Come on man, stop screwing with me, what's the plan?" He waited a couple of seconds before speaking again, "Wait really?" He squinted, "Have I gone insane or did I really just hear the word 'Donate' come out of your mouth?" He chuckled in disbelief, "Donating, to help people?" he said to tease Aidan.
"Why are you complaining? If I kept the money and bought a house elsewhere, you'd lose half your profits!" He returned the mockery.
"You're a strange breed Aelius." He said as he continued to prepare the meals. As he finished up and packed all the food, he asked, "So, where do you plan on putting the money then?"
"I don't know yet, I'll probably give some to the orphanage, and maybe to other people who need it more then I do. Though I haven't come to a final decision yet."
"Well, when you do," He put the packaged food on the counter, "Let me know."
Aidan said goodbye to his good friend and prepared to go out for the day, 30 minutes late.
He walked out of the Inn and went directly towards the exit of the town. He, of course, stopped at the orphanage and knocked on the large doors at the front. As they opened, a woman opened the doors with slight caution before seeing the lack of a military armor, she spoke, "Yes, hello how can I help you?" Her voice was accompanied by a slight hint of excitement. You never know when some loving or not so loving family would pass by and consider taking one of the children from the orphanages' hands.
He quickly replied, "Hi, I'm here with some donations, some meals." He had the meals in his arms, ready to hand them over and leave quickly, however, this lady clearly wanted to give many thanks to the kind stranger.
"Why, thank you very much! It means so much, such a kind and generous offer, please come in!" She seems happy that the children would be able to eat better for quite a while.
"Well, to be honest, these aren't my donations." He tried to explain, "Some nice lady in fine robes came by the Inn and asked to have these prepared and delivered to this establishment." he paused, then continued, "So I'm afraid you can't directly thank whoever offered these directly."
"Oh!," she said, "Well, if you happen to see this lady again, please let her know how grateful we are for her donation." She smiled.
Aidan helped her bring in the meals and then left quickly as to get to his daily schedule. He left the village and quickly caught up to where he should've been at this point, clearing traps and stocking his bag full of fresh animal remains. Of course, every day, there would be one or two traps that would get raided by the local wildlife before Aidan could reach them, however, this never bothered him much, in fact, it served as time saved meaning he would reach home earlier.
His day went on as normal, except for one thing. Later that day, he was following the stream as he usually does. He lays most of his traps well hidden, as to make sure no greedy people take whats his, but not too well hidden, as to make sure wildlife can actually find their way too it. Most of the time, his traps were along the stream for when animals needed to drink. However, this was one of the rare times he found an actual human body along the stream, one that was actually buried.
He stopped and thought about it for a minute or two. Whoever had been kind enough to bury this lady, likely named 'Sebria', Was either close to consider this person a partner or friend, or a kind stranger who helped set things right after a hard battle. Either way, Aidan felt proud of this stranger's actions. Burying a stranger is no easy task, but burying a friend is even harder. This stayed in his mind as he continued on his trail.
Faize's right eye glows red as Carmen finishes."You are nowhere near weak your strengths do not lie in fighting or cruelty but in caring of others and the love of peace ....you are far from weak, Carmen. Your father is like all other tyrants that i have taken out in the years past. they were all fools that believed themselves immortal."Faize touches Carmen's shoulder."You are not like your father and that is why i chose to follow you."
Johanna gave a pant as her practice sword once again clashed with the other, with slight chips of wood splintering off to the ground. The other guard, more so an experienced captain, gave a chuckle at the woman, as the two stared eye to eye.
"You've got some moves, Johanna," the captain remarked at her, as Johanna merely continued on with her swinging. The guard continued to deliver her offense, as the captain returned with their defense. Wood continued to be chipped off with every blow that both sword either gave or absorbed, until at last, the captain called it for a break.
Johanna sat on one of the many benches that lined the training ground, as the guard placed her practice sword beside her. The woman wiped her forehead, before the captain approached her.
"You did great, Johanna," they'd praise. "No wonder you've managed to be a royal guard in this castle."
The woman gave a smile. "Well, I had a great mentor," Johanna said. "A great, and rather silly mentor."
The two gave into rare fits of laughter on the training ground, which echoed into the air. After a few moments of the laughter, it soon died down, as Johanna cleared her throat. "But, we should get back to training. It's orders," she murmured.
The captain gave a nod of agreement, as a voice called out, "I'm here for training, Mieadov. Where are you?!"
Johanna turned over to see an impatient figure waiting, with his foot tapping on the ground. The woman stood up, and grabbed her practice sword, as well as the fact that she took another one. Johanna turned over to the captain, who then spoke to her.
"Honestly, Johanna," they began, "I don't understand how you manage with that boy. You seem so patient and understanding in a place where it barely exists."
The woman gave a light shrug. "I suppose that it's because he's someone I could care about," Johanna responded.
"Care about him?" the captain questioned.
Johanna nodded. "Yes," she murmured. "I suppose that... ever since Queen Ceilia had passed, I considered to myself that I.. would attempt to be a mother figure toward the young boy. I haven't seen him look so distraught when he was still rather young, and not so bad." Johanna gave a sigh as she continued. "But, he only continues to push me away." The woman shook her head, as she stared off at the prince. "However, I'll continue to try, because.. I just feel like I have to."
The captain shook their head. "You're a strange woman, Johanna," they mumbled, as the woman proceeded to the impatient prince.
"You've got some moves, Johanna," the captain remarked at her, as Johanna merely continued on with her swinging. The guard continued to deliver her offense, as the captain returned with their defense. Wood continued to be chipped off with every blow that both sword either gave or absorbed, until at last, the captain called it for a break.
Johanna sat on one of the many benches that lined the training ground, as the guard placed her practice sword beside her. The woman wiped her forehead, before the captain approached her.
"You did great, Johanna," they'd praise. "No wonder you've managed to be a royal guard in this castle."
The woman gave a smile. "Well, I had a great mentor," Johanna said. "A great, and rather silly mentor."
The two gave into rare fits of laughter on the training ground, which echoed into the air. After a few moments of the laughter, it soon died down, as Johanna cleared her throat. "But, we should get back to training. It's orders," she murmured.
The captain gave a nod of agreement, as a voice called out, "I'm here for training, Mieadov. Where are you?!"
Johanna turned over to see an impatient figure waiting, with his foot tapping on the ground. The woman stood up, and grabbed her practice sword, as well as the fact that she took another one. Johanna turned over to the captain, who then spoke to her.
"Honestly, Johanna," they began, "I don't understand how you manage with that boy. You seem so patient and understanding in a place where it barely exists."
The woman gave a light shrug. "I suppose that it's because he's someone I could care about," Johanna responded.
"Care about him?" the captain questioned.
Johanna nodded. "Yes," she murmured. "I suppose that... ever since Queen Ceilia had passed, I considered to myself that I.. would attempt to be a mother figure toward the young boy. I haven't seen him look so distraught when he was still rather young, and not so bad." Johanna gave a sigh as she continued. "But, he only continues to push me away." The woman shook her head, as she stared off at the prince. "However, I'll continue to try, because.. I just feel like I have to."
The captain shook their head. "You're a strange woman, Johanna," they mumbled, as the woman proceeded to the impatient prince.
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