|
|
Post by Blindside Tex on Dec 12, 2018 12:09:29 GMT -5
The kingdom of Haell. The strongest kingdom of the 7. Earl Bowmen led his men into battle, though he only led them into battles that must be fought. The city was lined with a wall that could be seen from miles away. Protection. The farms were filled with vegetables, the grassy pastures filled with livestock. Haell was the strongest because it had an Earl that would lead them, an Earl that led them to the top above all else.
The other kingdoms held leaders that were not as well off. Skorravik is one of the most notable. Lord Rasmuth was a strong lord that led by an iron fist. His men were strong. His people were fed and had roofs over their heads. Though, the riches went to him. The gold and the silver resided in his fortress. Lord Rasmuth pushed his men to conquer those around him, he pushed back other lords of the 7 kingdoms, fighting against them for power and riches. It turned into a battlefield, the west against the east. The other lords pushed back, protecting their people as Rasmuth’s men invaded by foot, by boat...any means possible. The trade center was broken and a council was held between the other 6 kingdoms. Earl Bowmen was to come up with an answer, to come up with something that Lord Rasmuth would settle for to end this time of war.
**
Snow fell lightly over the city, the air was crisp. Shadows crept along the ground cloaking the city in the darkness of night. Guards stood at their posts by the light of flickering flames. Beneath their noses a few men rushed through the shadows and scaled a portion of the wall. They wore all black with a simple red seal on their right shoulder marking them as Rasmuth’s soldiers. They moved through the city fluidly as it slept. The lights were out in the homes except for the rare window that cast light into the streets. They skidded to a stop at the edge of a building, guards stood in a circle with one guard at the center speaking to them giving orders. One of the men chuckled beneath his mask as he easily slipped passed and into the back alleyways. He scaled easily up the back side of the castle, leaping from ledges, followed by his partner. They were trained for this.
They landed on a balcony that looked into a room that held a single lantern that flickered happily. “Get in, get the girl and get out. That’s what the boss said.” The lead soldier spoke to the other he gave a nod as he pulled the door open. It creaked slightly.
A woman sat up quickly in the bed. “Who’s there?” She questioned, the cold of winter crept into her room. She shivered slightly as it blanketed over her. She could see the flakes of snow pushing into her room. “Armine is that you?” She slipped from her blankets. The woman had on a white tunic that was worn and larger than her size, she wore black pants. Her hair tasseled around her face, curving this way and that. Her eyes were a shade of evergreen that struck the night. She reached to her nightstand and pulled a dagger off of the top of it. “Who’s there?” She questioned again, her breath shook slightly.
She spun then to a sound behind her, the dagger sliced through the air and caught something in the shadows. Blood splattered onto the ground. A groan came form the shadows. “You stupid girl...” The soldier groaned holding his arm a deep gash in his forearm.
The woman stepped forward her blade pointed at his throat. “Who are you?” She questioned her voice strong her eyes trained on him.
He chuckled from beneath the mask his eyes looking over her. “It is not I you should worry about. Lady Keva.”
Keva spun quickly then to a sound behind her. She ducked down as the other soldier swung at her. She was shoved into the lantern which toppled to the floor. Glass shattered and the flame of the candle went out, leaving them in a room of darkness. Keva held her dagger forward. “Whoever you two are, my father will deal with you accordingly, I assure you.” She drew her brows together. She sliced forward and slashed into the chest of one of the men. He growled out and lashed forward. The man grabbed onto Keva’s arm and tackled her to the ground, her dagger clattered to the side and skidded across the floor.
“The Earl can not do anything to me.” He snickered as he cupped a damp cloth over Keva’s face. She struggled against him, gripping onto his arms. Soon her grip weakened and her eyes fluttered until she was limp in his arms. The soldier turned to his counterpart. “Are you too injured to carry on?” He questioned his eyes serious.
“No of course not.” The soldier replied as blood dripped down his arm. “I can manage.” He gave a nod. “Let’s get out of here.”
**
The next morning as the castle woke. A scream came from Lady Keva’s room. “Earl! Countess!!” A servant rushed down the hallway toward the dinning room. “Earl!” She rushed into the room and fell to her knees, blood on her hands. “Something terrible has happened.” Tears welled in the woman’s eyes.
Earl Bowmen sat at the table, his brows scrunched together. He had short hair that was combed back and cut short on the sides, it was dark brown like his daughter’s hair. His eyes were a grayish blue as he glanced to his wife the Countess. He ran his fingertips over his face that held the shadow of stubbled hairs. “Where is Keva?” He questioned as he looked back to the servant.
“Earl...” The servant watched him as she fought back tears. “You must come.” She rushed from the room with the Earl and the Countess on her heels.
“Why do you have blood on your hands?” The Countess questioned, she had hair much the same as Keva’s, her eyes were a dark forest green. She wore a beautiful blue and white dress. The colors of the kingdom.
When they reached the room Earl Bowmen stepped forward, his breath caught in his chest. “C-call our captain...” He stared to the splatter of blood. His eyes fell upon the dagger that was tossed on the floor. He glanced to the nightstand, the sheath for the dagger rest neatly upon it. “She defended herself.” He spoke as he looked to the splatters of blood. He then lifted the dagger that had dried blood on the blade.
“Earl.” A man stepped forward, he had a thick well kept beard and he wore leather armor with pelts of fur to keep him warm in the winter. He dropped down to a knee as he bowed his head.
“Captain Yusik.” Earl Bowmen spoke his eyes falling to the man. “Find my daughter.” He spoke as he marched off.
“Adam.” The Countess rushed after him. “Adam....” Tears streamed down her cheeks.
The Earl turned to her and held her in his arms, he too had tears welled in his eyes. “We will find her my love.” He spoke and kissed her forehead. “Keva is strong. We just need to find her...to find who would do this...”
**
The sound of chains clattering echoed against the mask of the drowziness. A pain entered Keva’s shoulders and wrists then. She took in a sharp breath as her eyes fluttered open. Her head hung forward, her arms were stretched above her head, her feet dangled just inches above the ground. Her shoulders ached. She tried to move but the blood had drained from her arms, she wasn’t strong enough to pull against her ties.
“Ah, you’re awake.” A man sat before her, he had a scar down the right side of his face that was aged into his skin. As he stood he stepped forward, his eyes even with hers. “Lord Rasmuth would like to speak with you.” He smirked. “But, not in this condition, no.” He shook his head. “You see. The lord needs you to do something for him.” He chuckled.
Keva pulled slightly against the shackles that held her. “I wouldn’t dream of doing anything for that pig.” She spat in the man’s face. Her legs came up and she wrapped her legs around his hips tightly pushing herself up just enough to pull herself from the hook in the ceiling. She brought her elbow down harshly into his cheek as she released herself. Keva collapsed onto the ground her wrists still shackled.
The man staggered back as he snickered. He held his hand to his cheek. “You are quite the fighter aren’t you?” He mused. “Your reputation doesn’t lie.” He sat down in the chair then as he watched her. “Feeling a bit woozy?” He questioned.
Keva closed her eyes a moment, fighting against the horrible spinning sensation that surrounded her. “I would rather die than do anything for Rasmuth.” She spoke as she pushed herself to her feet only to fall back to her knees. Her body was incredibly weak from lack of nutrition.
“You’ve been kept in that state for three days, Keva. You’re in no condition to fight back against me, or Rasmuth.” The man knelt down before her he cupped her cheek. “Don’t worry though.” He smirked, “You won’t remember a thing by the time we finish with you.”
**
Magic. Such a powerful thing that was locked away. Only those that hold lineage of magic could tap into the power when pushed hard enough. Magic had been hidden from this world for nearly a century. It was a thing of the past. But it wasn’t something that Rasmuth had given up on. Over the next few weeks Rasmuth’s scientist hooked Keva up to machines that he’d built. He shocked her. He injected her with chemicals. A witch doctor was brought in to read manuscripts. Insignias were cut into Keva’s forearms.
Screaming....
Fighting....
Pain...
Darkness...
That became Keva’s life. Rasmuth made sure that she wouldn’t be found. He placed her in a cabin far to the north, away from his own village. He locked her away in the basement, hidden. It wasn’t until the third week that breakthrough happened...
“Again.” Victor, the name of the scientist that led the torture on Keva spoke.
Keva whimpered as shocks flooded through her body. Her eyes opened and sparks formed in her pupils a gentle glow remained.
Victor stepped forward and gripped her chin, a grin on his lips. “That’s it.” He tilted his head. “One step closer hm?” He tapped her cheek. “Again.” He stepped back and nodded to another man that pressed a button on the machine. “Don’t turn it off this time.” He turned as Keva fought against the shackles that held her into the chair. Her muscles tensed and her back arched. He held his hand up as he watched her eyes begin to glow a bright white color.
“Sir?” The man questioned, her voice fearful.
“Not yet.” He tilted his head. “Increase the voltage.”
“Sir...”
“Do it now.” Victor snapped.
Keva screamed as the voltage was pushed to maximum. Sparks flew from the device as it threatened to fail against the electricity that coursed through it.
**
A burst of power emitted from Keva. The shackles melted from her and she fell forward from the chair, her breathing was quick. She stood, shocks of voltage danced around her. Her eyes were trained on the man before her. She reached forward to the scientist and gripped his throat, electricity coursed through him, killing him in a matter of seconds.
A clapping sound came from the edge of the room. “Look at you.” A man stepped forward. He had blonde hair and blue eyes. He was dressed well, a seal upon his chest. Rasmuth. He grinned as he looked to her. “We finally woke the beast within you didn’t we?” He questioned as he stepped forward. He stared to her. “I wouldn’t if I were you.” He watched her hand twitch. “Those insignias on your arms.” He smiled. “They protect me from your magic.” He grinned. “How else could I control you?” He snickered. He slammed a book down on the table before her. “Read this.” He ordered.
Keva looked to the page the old ancient text. She glanced up to him. “I...”
Rasmuth reached forward and gripped her jaw. “You will read it Mage. You belong to me.” His voice was harsh.
Keva looked down to the page, she took in a deep breath before she began to whisper the lines. Her breathing increased as she felt her magic channeling the magic. When the last word of the spell was spoken suddenly a swirl of magic lifted her from the ground. Keva fought against it. She tossed and turned until finally she was dropped to the ground where she landed on her hands and knees.
Rasmuth grinned as he lifted her chin and looked into her eyes. “What is your name?” He questioned.
Keva stared to him a long moment. She seemed to be thinking intently. “I...”
Rasmuth chuckled, “Good. Come, Mage.” He ordered.
Keva stood and followed him from the room.
**
Keva stood as snow fell around her. She walked to the gates of a city, her cloak draped over her shoulders. She wore knee high leather boots and tight black pants. She looked up to the men that stood before her.
“Is that?” One of the men questioned. “That’s Bowmen’s daughter...” He rushed down the stairs. Keva stood at the gates to Netherfall a city that was to the south of her father’s kingdom. “Lady Keva.” The knight spoke as he rushed forward. His eyes looked up then as Rasmuth marched over the hill toward him with soldiers at his side. “Lady Keva come.” He gripped her hand and rushed her forward.
“Now!” Rasmuth called.
Keva raised her hands and balls of fire formed in her palms. Her eyes swirled with the color of fire. She rushed forward taking out each person easily. Flames shot from her hands and soon enough she stood in the center of town. Flames surrounded her. Her expression was blank, her eyes vacant. She stopped moving as soon as she’d killed the last man that now lay before her. Her eyes stared down to him. A single tear trickled over her cheek.
Lord Rasmuth chuckled as he rode his horse into the burning city. “This is incredible mage.” He spoke as he glanced around. He looked to his soldiers that began looting the homes. “I want you to go to Talendor next. I want you to level the city, every single building.” He spoke as he watched her. “Kill anyone who tries to stop you.” Rasmuth had used her to destroy a few small insignificant towns, stealing their riches. But this, this was the largest attack he'd had her do and she'd killed the entire city in less than an hour...she was stronger than he'd ever imagined her to be.
“Yes my Lord.” Keva blinked several times. She bowed deeply and she turned and began to walk from the city.
**
Earl Bowmen rode his horse through the countryside, alone. He wore a thick pelt of a cape upon his back. His silver crown upon his head. He rode into a small village where he dismounted his horse. He took in a breath as he glanced to the vigilantes that stepped from their homes. The Huntsmen. He pulled his daughter’s dagger from the saddle of his horse. It was an intricately done item. It held a blue jewel upon the hilt and swirls of designs beneath the leather wrap. The Earl took in a deep breath. “I do not ask the Huntsmen for anything, nor do I pursue you...I have come to ask a favor...” He spoke his eyes looked to a few of the men. “I am in need of help, I will pay.” He stepped forward and set his daughter’s dagger upon the table. “My daughter was taken from her room a month ago, my men have scoured the countryside looking for her. We have not received a ransom letter, or any other form of communication....” He lowered his eyes. “I fear the worst for my daughter...” He set a kerchief on the table that belonged to Keva, her initials were stitched into it. “Name your price and I will follow through, whatever the cost...” His eyes were full of sadness as he looked up to the boot stokes that clicked toward him.
|
|
|
|
Post by Blindside Tex on Dec 12, 2018 20:08:05 GMT -5
The Huntsman - known very well for exactly their name. Hunting, killing, fighting. Though they did any task that came their way, however it took a desperate person to come their way. Many feared them - because of what they were. Others put their beliefs aside and came to them. They always did the job, they never failed. That was their guarantee. Their price though was always great, because in the end it cost them almost everything to be a Huntsman.
There are many stories about what they truly are. The reality is only they know first hand. How they became what they are - is a secret, and many who survive the ritual - don’t remember anything. They don’t even remember who they were before hand. By becoming a Huntsman - you give up who you are and embody their ways. And once you become one… it is against the rules to try and figure out who you were, because it does not matter anymore. You are a Huntsman.
Many fear them like they are demons themself, but the truth was they were damn near close. Demon blood flow through their veins. The Reckoning, of which they drink the blood, was a right of passage for those who wished to join. Many did not survive, actually most did not survive. Those who do - change forever.
They become creatures who look, breath and bleed just like humans. However they do not age, they can only die in battle, and only if they are beheaded. Even if someone rips their heart out - they will just regenerate. Each Huntsman has similar power - but not like a mage or warlock might have power. They have strength, agility and endurance like no one else. Each also has a unique sort of power, a little closer to magic in this respect. Though this magic can be given to someone else.
Darkness and demonic temptation threaten their lives. A Huntsman would never have peaceful sleep again, some avoid sleep. For the nightmares that follow are endless and painful. The demons in the untouchable realm threaten them - reach across and hurt them. In other times these demons even offer more power - but that darkness is forbidden. The temptation is strong, and will drive on to insanity. The demons never stop - they try every day. The elder, in the late years of 500 or 600 tend to grow weak to their calls. And so their insanity will fester.
When it is time to die - the Passing will commence. A challenger will step forward to the Elder. Should the challenger win the duel, ultimately killing the elder - the Elder would pass their powers to the challenging Huntsman. Typically once the winner receives their Brand, their new power with it, their loss to the demons happens swiftly. The power just brings more torturing. The challengers often fight their Elder not for the power - but to end the Elder’s suffering…
Never before has the world seen a Huntsman with two brands. But for the first time ever - there was. Not just two.. but Three. And even more amazing was that this person was not even a man, but a woman. The first woman in their 3000 year long clan to ever survive the Reckoning and become a Huntsman…
Though it was not because she was man or woman, but because she was the rare and few to grow up within the clan. She was a trade. A man came to the Huntsman seeking their help - and he traded his freshly born daughter as payment. Typically the Huntsman might decline this trade… but they accepted. The daughter ended up growing up within the circle of men - they trained her to fight since the moment she could stand. This ultimately bred the greatest fighter, from the greatest men.
The night of her Reckoning was one that every Huntsman feared. For this entire clan of some odd 100 men held their breath for fear their daughter would die. She did not have 1 father, she had 100. She was the first to hand on to her memories of her youth as well. When she woke from the Reckoning - she named off each man of the one hundred…
Rane. Having completed her reckoning at the ripe age of 24 - she maintained the same body. She was only 80 years old. And she bare three brands, meaning she had the power of 4 Huntsman stewing within her. Naturally - that put her at the top of the list in terms of strength and power.
The Huntsman had no official leader. There were several who held responsibilities but no single person rules the people. Rane’s job? She was Head of the Hunt. When a contract was signed - she would be on the front of the line, leading the men right into the hunt, or the battle. Her first contract was to kill the last surviving Dragon - the Golden Drake Larix, who had been destroying cities left and right just for the pleasure of it.
It had been quite some time since they received a contract. What they did between contracts was their own - they often goofed around, drank, trained, whatever they wanted. They truly did not need gold, they had an amazing stash. Their drive to fight though was the true reason. Their payment was just a way to keep them from doing small annoying tasks. No, they wanted to fight in wars, bring down beasts and shed blood. It was much a need for them. However they vowed to never pick a side - only if they were contracted.
Though it took a great act of desperation to call upon them. Many refused due to their beliefs, others say it is an unjust way to win. No respect came to those who hired the Huntsman. Many Kings avoided their aid simply because the people would often turn their back on their King…
So it was only the greatest of problems that one would come. And for once in quite some time… someone came. One of the blacksmiths - who stood holding a fresh blade in the air turned as he heard incoming hooves. Many heard the Earl far sooner than he was visible, they knew someone was headed their way. The Huntsman turned, his black cape shifting. The black cape - with a beautiful black fur lining the hood and sides. This was their trademark, every Huntsman wore it.
“Earl” His voice was gruff and deep. He smiled “Seems you are in need of our aid hm? Come… You must speak to Brandon, he will organize the contract…” he waved the Earl into the largest building in the center of the village. An older gentleman stood over a table, his head lifted and then he smiled. He already had contract paper out. He knew they were coming… he could smell them. The fresh scent of royalty, in need.
At the table sat Rane. She was smaller than the others by a long shot, with long red flowing hair. There were several tight braids within the mix of wave curls and waves. She had her fingers clasped into her cloak, having pulled part of it onto her lap, fingers running along the seam. She did not say anything - just observed.
“Earl Bowman.. his is Rane our Hunt Master, she would lead our men into the hunt. I am the Contract Coordinator, we will set the agreement and sign…” he held his hand out towards the chair. “Sit… would you like some tea?” He questioned, waving over one of the men. Another man stepped forward - cape an all, holding a hot pot and he poured three glasses of tea.
Rane nodded, her eyes studying the Earl. “So, what has happened to bring you upon us?” She questioned curiously. “Someone you Love is lost, gone… You want us to find her. But you know who took her, it will be a fight to get her back..” She lifted a brow.
|
|
|
|
Post by Blindside Tex on Dec 12, 2018 21:50:46 GMT -5
Earl Bowmen followed the man into the large building. His eyes glanced to Keva as he took his seat, she appeared to be the age of his daughter. But he knew better. He knew the Huntsmen were ageless. He turned his eyes to Brandon whom spoke, “Tea, yes.” He replied though his eyes moved back to Rane. The Master Hunter. He set his daughter’s dagger before her with the kerchief wrapped around it, a bit of blood on the kerchief from the night that his daughter was taken. His eyes lowered slightly when she spoke, Someone you love is lost, gone... The words shook him. “Yes, my daughter Keva.” He spoke his eyes looked back to her the bluish grey was filled with pain. “She was taken from our home almost a month ago...” He looked to the dagger, staring to himself in the reflection of the beautiful hilt.
“She defended herself, there was blood. Though, I am uncertain if it was her blood.” He paused as he looked to the other men in the room he lifted the glass of tea to his lips. “No ransom has been asked for her return as most would expect. Whomever took her, they were skilled, not a trace was left, nothing at all to go by.” He shook his head then as he held the mug close. “I fear...” He let out a breath, trying to maintain his composure. “I fear...something horrible has happened...” He looked to Rane. “Not death, something worse than that...far worse...”
The Earl set his tea down and he pulled an old tattered book from his pouch on his hip. He set it upon the table. “Sir Galahad Ichbod.” He slid the book forward. “One of the final mages, you Huntsmen must know him, he was alive only 100 years ago.” His eyes moved back to Rane. “His blood runs through my veins, so much has been done to hide that and the magic has skipped generations but...” He lowered his eyes. “I fear someone discovered that Keva is of that bloodline, and I fear that is why she was taken, if not for ransom. Someone wants her as their private mage.”
Adam leaned back in his chair, “Her potential is very high for her to hold magic.” His hands shook. He stared to Rane for a long moment. “Please, you must save her...you must get her back from whoever took her...” He lowered his eyes to the dagger again. “I don’t know what my wife would do...what I would do...if we lost her...I’ll pay anything...anything you want...anything...” Tears had welled in his eyes.
**
“Rue.” A voice called out. “Would you have a look at this.” A man stood over a charred body. He chuckled slightly. “What the fuck does that? How did they light this whole damn town on fire?”
A small woman stood in all black leathers, a dagger on each thigh a bow across her back. She looked up with icy blue almost white eyes. “Hm. I could tell you.” She smirked. She had almost pitch black hair that fell around her face straight as straw.
“Then you will.” The man chuckled as he lifted a golden coin. “Rasmuth has this kind of power?” He questioned.
“No.” Rue spoke a grin on her lips, “He only controls the one who does.” She kicked the body and it broke into ashes. “Wouldn’t want to get on Rasmuth’s bad side now would we?” She questioned and crossed her arms.
“What the hell is it that he’s controlling?” The man questioned, Grey, he was the leader of the Guild of Thieves. “A dragon? No...the Huntsmen took out the last dragon years ago...” He crossed his arms.
Rue watched him a moment, “A mage.” She replied as she plucked a silver necklace from a corpse. “Ah fancy this one?” She held it around her neck a moment and giggled.
“Rue.” Grey growled lowly. “You’re a double agent for a reason.” He hissed. “Tell me.”
The girl chuckled as she kicked a small rock, “I’ve seen her before, the mage.” She glanced to Grey. “Before a week ago...I swear I have seen her, but I can’t place where. Her eyes aren’t the same.” She shook her head. “Before a week ago Rasmuth hadn’t spoken about the mage, now she follows his every command like a damn dog.” She leaned against a charred brick wall and looked to her leader. “I followed him into the city with her. He let her go first.” She let out a breath. “The guards...they rushed forward like they knew her, like they were protecting her from us. And then...” She paused, “Rasmuth gave the kill order. He told her to attack.” She bit her lip, “I watched as a single woman destroyed everything here, she lifted her hands and fire came from her fingertips swirling around the poor guards...and the women and children...everyone...she didn’t hold back.” Rue took in a breath, “And then you know what happened?” She questioned as she looked up to Grey. “When she’d killed the last one, she just stopped, like a machine. She stopped and stood there she didn’t budge an inch. She waited for Rasmuth’s next command.” She shook her head. “I’ve never seen anything quite like that.”
Grey watched Rue with a loose jaw. He lit a pipe and puffed a few draws off of it as he thought. “Interesting.” He shifted his weight. “I thought all of the mages were dead...” He puffed again. “Unless one with the bloodline has activated their powers somehow.” He shook his head, “But, from what I understand it can be a painful process...and there is no guarantee.” He glanced to the men that moved in and out of the homes. “Let us return home to the guild. Where is the next strike Rue?”
The woman took in a breath. “Talendor....”
“What?!” Grey’s eyes widened slightly. “What is Rasmuth doing?!” He snapped.
“Conquering, one city at a time, that’s always been his goal, Grey and now he has the power to do so.”
**
The door pushed open to a tavern. Keva walked in, her eyes were a crimson color. A change from the spell that bound her to Rasmuth. She walked forward and sat down at the bar. The bar tender walked over and glanced to her a moment. “What can I get you?” He asked with a gentle smile as he dried a glass. Keva didn’t respond, she only stared forward, her expression blank. Her jaw tightened slightly. “Miss?” He asked as he slowly set the glass down. “Are you okay? Do you need help?”
Keva’s eyes finally moved to him, “No. Help.” She spoke her words broken slightly. “A drink, yes.” She nodded then.
A knight of Rasmuth’s walked in and sat down next to her. He chuckled as he looked to the bartender’s baffled expression. “She’s not very good with her words.” He looked to her, “We were just leaving, hm?” He gripped her bicep and pulled slightly. He leaned forward. “Lord Rasmuth gave you orders, we are to continue to Talendor, Mage.” He growled he stared into her eyes a long moment.
“Yes, of course.” Keva nodded. “My apologies.” She stood and walked from the bar.
The knight chuckled as he set a few coins down on the counter. “For your trouble.” He smirked before he walked out of the bar as well.
“Wait!” The barkeep rushed out into the cold winter air after the two. “Wait.” He ran around in front of Keva and placed his hands on her shoulders. “I can keep you safe dear.” He nodded and looked to the knight. “I can end this for you.”
Keva swallowed as she stared to him, her expression still emotionless. “You are in my way.” She spoke softly.
“I’m trying to help you.” He didn’t move.
“It would be wise for you to let her go now.” The knight grinned. “She doesn’t want your help, do you?” He snickered. “You’ve about two seconds.”
“What have you done to this poor girl!?!” The bar keep wrapped his arm around her shoulders. “God damnit all of the men from Rasmuth’s kingdom abuse their women!” He tugged her along. “Come on dear.” He gave a gentle smile. “I’ll get you help.”
Keva closed her eyes a moment. Kill anyone who tries to stop you. Rasmuth’s words echoed in her mind. Suddenly she slipped from his arms, her dagger was pulled in the blink of an eye and it slashed across his neck. Keva stared to him as he fell to his knees gripping his throat, choking on his own blood.
“Very good mage.” The knight chuckled. “Come on.” He kicked the barkeep over and snickered.
“That girl killed Jimmy!” A man from the bar called. “She just killed him!”
Others rushed from the bar. The knight grinned. “This could get interesting.” He watched as a group of men approached.
Keva stood blood dripping from the tip of the dagger. She glanced to the men as they surrounded her. One shoved her forward. Keva grit her teeth. She pulled her other dagger and the fight commenced. She was swift on her feet as she blocked attacks from the men. She sliced into a few and then she was knocked to her back by one. He held her down with his foot on her chest. “I’ll slit your throat like you did his!” He growled.
Keva took in quick breaths. Rasmuth’s words playing in her mind again. She reached forward and gripped the sword, it melted to her touch. She then reached forward, lightning came from her fingertips electrocuting the man. She got to her feet and stared at the others. She brushed a bit of blood from her nose as she marched up to one of the frightened men. She gripped him around his throat.
“Mage.” The knight spoke. “That’s enough, it’s time to go.”
Keva’s grip on the man tightened only for a moment before she released him. She turned and marched off without another word. She reached down and lifted her daggers from the ground and returned them to the sheaths on her thighs.
The knight stood with a smirk on his lips he looked to the three remaining men that stood with fear in their eyes. Their friends dead upon the ground in front of them. “Rasmuth sends his deepest condolences.” He grinned as he turned and followed Keva down the road into the night. “We will stop soon.” He spoke as he caught up to her. “Just ahead there is a town called Gala. We will sleep there tonight.” He looked to her, his brows tucked together, a wet line ran down her cheek. She was crying. The knight cleared his throat as he looked ahead. “You don’t even know why you’re crying mage.” He spoke his voice rough. “You’ve no family, no friends. There is no humanity to a mage. There is no reason to cry.” He stopped her by grabbing her shoulder. “Those men deserved to die, they stood in your path. You are to complete your mission, nothing else. You do as Lord Rasmuth asks, and you do it well. Understand?” He questioned. Though Keva only stared at him. She reached up and brushed a bit of blood from her nose. The knight grunted slightly, “Let’s go.” He ordered as he continued on.
About thirty minutes later they arrived in the small city of Gala. The knight walked into the inn and offered a smile to the innkeeper. “1 room for the evening please.” He set money down on the table.
“Of course.” She smiled back, her eyes looked to the seal upon his shoulder wearily. “A knight of Rasmuth’s?” She questioned.
“Yes.” He grinned, “We are just passing through.” He glanced to Keva whom stood with her arms crossed as she stared to the flickering flames in the fireplace. “Thank you.” He reached over the counter and grabbed the key.
The woman watched him carefully, “O-okay...your name?” She questioned.
“Logan.” The knight replied. “Good night.” He stepped to Keva. “Come.” He spoke as he walked into the other room, a tavern with a barkeep. “Good.” He smiled. “Come on.” He led her up the stairs. He unlocked the room and pushed the door open.
Keva stepped into the room she walked over to the bed and sat down. She stared out the window a long moment before she removed her boots and her cloak and she lay down in the bed. Logan watched her a moment before he slipped his jacket from his shoulders, removing the seal of Rasmuth. He walked down the stairs to the tavern and grabbed a table. He ordered himself a drink and food. He leaned back in the chair as he drank from his mug happily. They had four days by food before they would reach Talendor.
|
|
|
|
Post by Blindside Tex on Dec 14, 2018 19:33:58 GMT -5
Rane leaned back in her chair, legs crossed over another, fingers curled around the delicate mug. She lifted it and took a gentle sip - warm green tea, her favorite. She tilted her head as he revealed the mages name, she lifted a brow and glanced to Brandon.
Brandon nodded, he was pushing nearly 200 years of age, give or take, no one really counted anymore. Except Rane - she counted each and every year, for the 100th was quite a special one. “For Ichbod we would do just about anything...” He pulled the contract up and wrote down a number. “The Huntsman owe Galahad a great debt, and for that - we will do this contract for free. After this is done we will consider the debt paid, your next visit will cost” Brandon winked and then he signed the bottom. He turned the paper to Rane - who signed on the line.
This was the first in centuries that the Huntsman would do something technically for free. The history between the Huntsman and Galahad was long, but in the end the Huntsman failed, for the very first time, and it cost Galahad his life. So it was his family they owed most...
The contract was turned to the Earl - who stared at it. “I couldn’t... possibly sign...” He raised a brow. “Is this a trick?”
“Earl, trust us - we would happily take your money, but we are respectful. Sign” Rane nodded and watched as Adam slowly picked up the feather and scribbled his name down. Once he did Rane began to adjust herself. “No one tracks better than me - I’ll come with you. Take me back to your palace and I will start there, where she was hurt... Brandon, assemble the squadron, We will leave in 10 minutes” she then looked to the Earl. “We will find our daughter... I promise you that.” She then walked out of the room, her boots clicking on the tiled floor.
Her steps lead her to the huge barracks. Except everyone had their own room, all collaborated in one giant building - a food hall in the middle, where all great feasts occurred. Her room was like everyone else, small, she at the end of the day - was not special. Though, even the “greatest” person had the same size room, with the same old cot.
As she entered she reached up to the wall where her bow and quiver were mounted. She grasped them and attached the quiver to her hip, her bow slid over her shoulder. She put together a satchel filled with goods, one to attach to her horse...
She came back moments later, an assembly of 15 men stood. 5 Stood with sword and shield, 5 with large axes and swords, and 5 with bows and guns. They would form an unstoppable force in battle, having never lost a single man even in battle. They watched each other - not the battle, this was the important part. As long as they survived the battle would be won, but should their forces decay...
“Earl” Rane bowed her head and climbed onto her steed. Within moments they were trotting down the road, the sun still high in the air. They would make it back if they didn’t stop - just in time.
***
“This is her room...” The Earl spoke timidly. He opened the door and stood at the door. Her men were downstairs, eating food at the banquet the the Earl provided. The moon was high in the sky, and a looming darkness spread over the sky, with only a few clouds floating by.
Rane stepped into the room and she looked about. The bed was made, the floor had been cleaned. The place looked normal as ever. “The knife” Rane turned her head and glanced to him. The Earl shuffled through his bag and handed it to her. Rane drew the knife and then set it on the ground. Her eyes shut and then her fingers began to glow - a light energy slipped from her fingers and to the blade.
The blade began to glow - and then it released a purple kind of magic in to the air. Etched by this purple color - formed bodies, two. Slowly the color began to shift to show the true color of the people, until they appeared before them as if two real humans. The details were very real. They watched the Earl’s daughter and her foe battle.
The insignia on the attackers shoulder - Rasmuth, it was clear as day. The young woman stabbed forward - the attacker’s blood splashing over the floor. But it was over quickly - she was abducted. The dagger lay on the ground...
“Don’t” Rane turned as the Earl was already preparing to dash down the hallway, as if to chase the bodies. “They’re not actually here...” She spoke and lifted the blade. She took the sheath and strapped it to her thigh and sheathed the dagger. “The last memory of this dagger...” She lifted a brow. “I can tap into the history of objects, and this was the last one...” She stepped to the Earl.
It was then that there was a rushing of steps up the winding stairs, a courier. “Earl, news of a terrible attack on Draventown, some evil deed leveled the whole thing... it’s gone” he shook his head.
“Do we know who attacked?” Rane questioned as she turned towards the man, who was out of breath from the long winding staircase he just climbed.
“Rasmuth, for sure.”
Rane turned her gaze to the Earl - who was petrified in his stance. “Well then... I will start there” she smirked. “You will want to bolster your forces, just in case. I will see what has happened in Draventown, my next steps I will detail via courier as well. The next we speak, Earl, I will have your daughter...” She nodded and then made her way down the long stairs.
Her men were gathered swiftly, they scooped up and food and finished their ale, and soon enough they sat atop their steeds - slapping their reigns towards the lingering smoke in the distance. It was no coincidence that Rasmuth was leveling cities, so swiftly too. A typical battle would give way to courier to deliver word during the act, not just after... No, the speed of the word had to have been done by mage, and likely his daughter, likely indeed...
They came upon the destroy city - only smoking embers in the path, houses that were partial or completely destroyed. And bodies. Dead bodies every where. Some in an ashen form, ready to be blown away by a gust of wind, or terribly burnt...
She wanted to be digested, or terrified but this sort of thing was almost normal. This is what the Huntsman did...she pulled the dagger from her thigh and tossed it to one of her men.
“It was her” he spoke and nodded. “She was here, at least. I can’t say if she did this...” He spoke. Rane slipped from her steed and approached a ruined home... she leaned down and picked up a handful of ashes and let it drain from her grasp in a string of dust. The ash turned purple and an image appeared.
Keva... walking calmly down the street with her hands in the air - fire every where, destruction, the earth shaken and rumbled...
Rane stood and watched, her eyes slightly wide...
|
|
|
|
Post by Blindside Tex on Dec 14, 2018 20:33:39 GMT -5
“Look.” Grey spoke his eyes on the horizon. A group of horses came over the hill toward the destroyed city.
Rue lifted her eyes she crossed her arms, “A rescue brigade so quickly?” She questioned curiously. “No.” She stared to the group. “Huntsmen...” She glanced to Grey a brow raised. “Why would the Huntsmen be here?” She grabbed a few more items. “Unless...”
“Speak to them.” He looked to her. “Find out why they are here.” He climbed onto his horse then. “I’ll see you back in Haell hm?” He grinned as he rode off.
Rue crossed her arms she kicked a brick and grumbled to herself slightly. “He’d better pay me good for this.” She chuckled, “A triple agent.” She rolled her eyes as she watched the Huntsmen from a distance. Rue leaned against a burnt building, she glanced to a dead charred body on the ground. “If I knew he was to use the girl in this way I would have done something to stop it...” She muttered to herself. Rue yelped then as she was grabbed harshly by one of the Huntsmen. She struggled slightly, “Hey! Stop!” She batted at his arm and twisted from his grip. “I’m on your side here buddy.” She brushed off her top and adjusted it.
“Rane.” The Huntsmen spoke, “She was here when it happened.” He shoved Rue forward toward Rane.
Rue gave a sheepish smile she glanced to the Huntsmen and then back to Rane. “I was here.” She agreed. “I rode on horseback next to Lord Rasmuth...I am of Grey’s men...the Thieves Guild...I am a spy for him within Rasmuth’s kingdom...I didn’t know about the girl, I didn’t know Rasmuth’s plans...he has always been set to conquer every other kingdom...but now I fear he will.” She shook her head and sighed. She knew better than to try to lie her way through anything with the Huntsmen, she knew of their powers. “I didn’t see the mage until a week ago.” She stared at Rane, “Rasmuth didn’t speak of the mage before then.” She shook her head. “The girl follows his every command...” She looked away, looking to the ashes on the ground. “Please tell me you’ve come to stop the girl.” She looked back to Rane. “We have to stop her, she’s headed to Talendor....I don’t know what Rasmuth did to that girl but...she’s a machine, she follows his every cue....his every command, and when she has completed her task she just stops...” Her voice was fearful as she spoke as her mind replayed the horrors that she saw.
**
Logan woke the next morning he yawned and glanced over to the other bed in the room. Empty. “Shit!” He leaped up and pulled on his gear before he quickly rushed from the room. He rushed down the stairs, nearly falling over. He skidded to a stop at the front desk. “Hey!” He rang the bell several times.
The woman stepped forward her eyes looked to the knight, “May I help you?” She questioned.
“The girl I was with. Where is she?” He asked his voice agitated.
The woman watched him a smile formed on her lips. “She left early in the morning, you better get a move on if you want to catch her.” She chuckled.
“Damn.” Logan growled as he rushed from the doors. He sprinted through the small town, his boots clicked loudly against the cobblestone pavers. He grabbed the reins of an old man’s horse. “I need this!” He shoved the man to the ground as he climbed onto the horse and kicked its sides. The horse took off on a canter.
**
Keva walked along her eyes forward. She was two towns over by the time that Logan had woke up. She held her hand to her stomach as it growled. She walked into a small shop, her crimson hues glanced to the man behind the counter. “Good morning.” He smiled. “What can I get you?” He asked.
Keva set a few coins on the counter. She took in a few breaths, “This one.” She spoke as she pointed to a blueberry bagel. “And...” She looked to him, her brows pulled together.
“A coffee?” He smiled cheerfully. “I will make you one that will go well with the bagel.” He smiled as he took the coins. “Please, sit.” He nodded.
Keva sat down at the table in the corner of the bistro. Her eyes glanced out the window. She let out a long breath as she waited. Soon enough the bagel was before her as well as a mug of fresh coffee. The man smiled to her as he moved back behind the counter. Keva bit into the bagel as she stared outside. Soon enough she’d finished. “How far to Talendor?” She questioned as she looked to the man.
The man smiled to her. “You still have a few days travel time. Just head north out of town. The best rest stop for you this evening will be Wessix.” He watched her. “Are you traveling alone?” He questioned.
Keva watched him a moment. Her expression was blank. “Yes.” She replied. “Wessix.” She nodded then she turned and left the bistro. The man raised a brow as he watched her leave. Keva walked from the town her arms wrapped around herself, she shivered slightly as a fresh snow began to fall.
“Hey!” The thunder of hooves came from behind her when she was about an hour outside of town. “Mage!” Logan growled as he jumped down from the horse. “You don’t leave without me!” He snapped as he gripped her shoulder.
Keva drew her brows together. She winced slightly from his grip on her. “We have a mission to complete.” She replied her eyes staring into his. “You are hindering me from continuing.” She pulled against his grip.
Logan didn’t release her, his grip only tightened, his eyes were angry. “Listen to me Mage! I am your escort, you will do as I say!” He snapped.
Keva took in quick breaths, his grip was hurting her. She grit her teeth slightly, “You will release me.” She spoke her eyes staring to his.
Logan reached forward and gripped her around her neck tightly. “You will listen to my orders mage!”
Keva choked, she gripped onto his arms as her feet lifted slightly off the ground. She shut her eyes then and her hands began to glow.
Logan yelped, his grip suddenly released and he dropped her to the ground. He staggered back gripping his arms, the metal and leather of his armor was melted seared into his flesh. “You bitch...” He growled as he lunged forward.
Keva moved swiftly, her dagger pulled from her thigh and she stabbed forward. Logan slammed into the blade, it sliced through his torso. Keva stared into his eyes a long moment before she pulled the blade from him, blood dripped from the blade into the snow.
Logan gripped the ground, it was just below his sternum. He groaned as he fell to the ground. “Stupid....mage....” He growled. “Rasmuth will....kill you...”
Keva sheathed her dagger as she stepped over him. She placed her hand on the shoulder of the horse a moment before she climbed on and she gave a gentle kick to his sides. The horse took off then, leaving Logan lying in the middle of the road gripping his wound.
|
|
|
|
Post by Blindside Tex on Dec 14, 2018 21:08:36 GMT -5
Rane turned as there was a yelp, she held her hand up to her huntsman. Her eyes glanced to the woman before her, she didn’t say a single thing and she began to spill everything she hand. Her arms crossed her chest and she raised a brow. She stepped forward and grasped the woman’s collar. One of her brands, located on her thigh - burned slightly as her gifted powers activated. Her eyes glowed bright yellow briefly and then her grip on the woman released. “You are telling the truth...” She raised a brow. “You must really want us to help huh...”
Rane stepped back and nodded to her men, who lowered their weapons. “We are headed to stop her...If we want to do this right - then you have to go back to Rasmuth, you must act as if all is fine. The information you have given me has been beyond helpful...” She nodded and then paused. “You say she is controlled, by a spell?” She questioned.
“A curse” Rue replied and shook her head. “I don’t know much of it, only that she follows his very command.”
“What is her task?” Rane questioned.
“Destroy Talendor, and kill anyone who tries to stop you...” Rue tilted her head. “Why?”
“Because magic is finite. It is easy to play with, Rasmuth is not here to change it. She is going to destroy Talendor. But what if I don’t try to stop her?” She grinned. “We cannot do anything to prevent her from destroying Talendor, but we can break the curse.” She nodded. “You must go back to Rasmuth, and also... tell your Guild to prepare themselves. I will track this woman down, if your men see a Green Flare, it means flee...understood?”
“Yes..” Rue nodded and then she was released.
Rane leaped to her horse and slapped the reigns. Her men quickly followed, leaving standing with dust surrounding her. “Gavin” Rane waved her hand. Suddenly one of the men jolted forward. He held his hand up as they ran - a trail of yellow color lead them forward. It was her exact path, her scent. They were wolves now, on the hunt. This exact group, their powers - nothing every got away, ever.
They quickly came to a small cafe, she stepped inside, her men standing outside waiting. The owner of the cafe was wiping off his counter as she entered. “Hello, welcome” he smiled.
Rane stepped to the counter and raised a brow. “I’m looking for someone...” She spoke softly. “A woman...” He pulled a picture from her pocket and set it on the counter. “Have you seen her?” He questioned.
The man glanced down and nodded. “She ordered a blueberry bagel and... a coffee...” He glanced to her. “Why...are you looking fo-” he paused. He realized then that she was a Huntsman. “I’m sorry, actually.. I think I have mistaken.. I haven’t seen her..” He shook his head. “She looks lik-”
“You've told me enough, I can see when you lie, you know.” She chuckled and then backed up. “I wasn’t going to hurt you, and still won't... Thank you, have a good day” she put the picture back in her pocket and came back outside. She mounted and rode swiftly off in the distance. The scent was gone, for some reason. But this was to Talendor, the only direction she might take.
They rode until they came across a man, who lay on the ground - very still, near death. He bore the symbol of Rasmuth. Rane pulled her horse upward to him, but did not get off. She waved to one of her men - who jumped from their horse and knelt next to him. “He’s almost gone, bleeding out... Stab wound..” He spoke and glanced up. “No use” he kicked the guy over.
“Come on, let’s go” Rane waited for him to mount once more and they rushed onward.
“I smell her” Gavin spoke and they rounded a hill. They weren’t far.
“Linger back, I will approach her alone. Track behind us..” She spoke and slapped her reigns, she ran out past them.
She caught up swiftly to Keva. She approached and held her hand out. “You... must be Rasmuth's mage, are you not?” She smiled and trotted along next to her. “Headed to Talendor, I heard...” She tilted her head and looked to her. “Do you know the way? I am headed there myself, perhaps I could tag along?” She questioned, testing out the waters by doing so. Who was this woman, how would she react?
|
|
|
|
Post by Blindside Tex on Dec 14, 2018 21:57:53 GMT -5
Keva didn’t turn her head as Rane approached her. She stared ahead. “Yes.” She replied to her question of if she was Rasmuth’s mage. Her eyes stayed forward, her expression blank. “Talendor yes.” She replied. She was quiet for a long moment her brows drawn together. She turned her head, her crimson eyes looking upon the woman next to her for a long moment. Her eyes moved to Rane’s thigh where her dagger was strapped into place. She took in a breath and looked back forward. “I must get to Talendor.” She spoke, “I have a mission and I must continue on.” She blinked a few times, her hand that held the horn of the saddle gripped tightly, her knuckles turned white. “I do not know the way...” She finally spoke after a long moment of silence. “Did my Lord send you?” She looked back to Rane, her eyes once again looked to the dagger. She looked back up to Rane as she took in another deep breath. “If he has sent you...then you may help me...” She looked back ahead.
A trio of horsemen approached the two from the other direction. “What do we have here?” A man asked, he had a scraggly beard. His clothing was dirty. He grinned a smile that would cause most to vomit, his teeth were either missing or discolored. He rode between the two. “Two beautiful women?” He questioned as he reached over and gripped the reins of Keva’s horse. “Looks like we got lucky, eh boys?” He chuckled as he grabbed the reins of Rane’s horse. He jerked the reins of Keva’s horse causing it to rear.
Keva gripped onto the saddle and held on. Though one of the other men grabbed her and dragged her down to the ground. The man on the horse had his dagger pulled, it was aimed at Rane. “You will not move.” He spoke his eyes threatening.
Keva was on her back in the snow she stared up to the sky as snow continued to fall. One of the men stood over her and chuckled deeply. “What’s with the eyes on this one?” He questioned as he reached down and grabbed her. Keva grit her teeth as he gripped her collar holding her close to him. “I’ve never seen eyes like yours before girl.”
“Release me.” Keva spoke her voice full of a royal tone.
“Oh is that how it works, eh?” The man chuckled. The other came up behind her and grabbed her spinning her around.
Keva reached forward, her hand slammed against the man’s chest. He jolted as electricity coursed through his body. He then fell to the ground seizing, blood dripping from his nose. The other man grabbed her harshly. “What the hell did you do, eh?” He questioned.
The leader jumped down from his horse at that point, he had his dagger pointed at Keva. The other man pulled his sword. “Let’s kill this one, hm?” The leader questioned. “We can take the other.” He glanced to Rane, he’d slapped a pair of shackles onto her wrists and secured her wrists to her saddle.
Keva pulled her sword, her eyes trained on the men, waiting. The leader lunged forward with his dagger and the clash of blades echoed through the valley. Keva moved about quickly with precision and grace. She held her sword as though she’d trained for years to fight with it. Her blade caught the man’s side and blood splattered onto the ground. She spun then as the other man went to attack, her blade stopped his sword just inches from her face. She stood there her sword crossed before her, her eyes stared into his. Her breathing was quick as she shoved him back to break their swords apart. Keva dodged to the side as the leader stabbed forward. All the while her expression was completely calm, blank. The leader’s dagger sliced into the other bandit then causing him to fall to the ground.
“I’ll kill you!” The leader spun around.
Keva stood her eyes watching him closely. He reached to his hip and pulled a pistol. He aimed it at her and pulled the hammer back readying it to fire. Keva lowered her sword as she watched him. The other man stood from the ground chuckling as he held his side. “He’s going to blow your brains out girl!”
Keva’s eyes moved to him a moment before she looked back to the leader. She very calming sheathed her sword. Then the sound of the gun firing echoed loudly. In an instant Keva raised her hand and a swirl of fire shot from her hand, her eyes filled with swirling fire. She walked forward as the fire surrounded the leader engulfing him. His screams were of agony as he fell to his knees. The last bandit took a few steps back his grip trembling. Keva turned her eyes to him then. She walked up to him as he took in shaken breaths.
“Please...” He begged. “I’ll go...I won’t speak of this...” He trembled as Keva reached forward and placed her hand on his shoulder.
Keva stared into his eyes a long moment. Her other hand reached down and she slipped her dagger from the sheath. In an instant she brought the dagger upward, slicing the blade between his ribs and stabbing it into his heart. The bandit choked as he leaned forward into her. Keva ripped the blade from him and she ran the blade along his clothing, wiping the blood from it. She then sheathed the dagger and turned. Keva stepped to her horse, she placed her hand on his nose and she stared into his eyes as he breathed heavily. She pat his shoulder gently before she looked to Rane. She tilted her head slightly as she reached up. Her hand gripped onto the shackles, the metal melted and disappeared into ashes. She climbed onto her horse. “I am told Wessix is where I should stay this evening.” She spoke, her eyes moved to Rane. She searched her eyes a moment before she looked back forward. “Is that where you were to stop?” She questioned as she rode forward as if nothing happened.
**
Rue rode her horse east of the destroyed city. She rode through the night until she came to Skorravik. The gates opened to her arrival in the early hours of the morning. She rode to the stables and climbed from her horse before she made her way to Rasmuth's fortress. She climbed the stairs and looked to the knights that stood guard. They moved from her path and allowed her entry. Rue walked into the throne room and knelt to one knee before Lord Rasmuth. “The messenger was sent to Earl Bowmen of the destruction of the city, my Lord.” She spoke her head bowed. “What may I do next?”
Rasmuth grinned as he looked to her. “I would like you to join up with Logan and the mage. I want you to help lead her into the city, I want to know the look on the faces of the people as their home is destroyed.” He grinned.
“Yes, my lord.” Rue stood, she spun and began to walk from the throne room.
“Oh, and Rue?” He questioned.
“Yes, my lord?” Rue turned, her eyes meeting his.
“There will be much money in this, do not fail me.”
“Of course, my lord.” Rue nodded as she left the throne room, to head north to find Keva.
|
|
|
|
Post by Raven on Dec 14, 2018 23:54:55 GMT -5
Rane looked to her - surprised by her response. She was calm, collected, and focused like no one she has seen before. Even the most intense Huntsman did not maintain such a composure of such...neutrality. Rane studied her for a long moment... not an even twitch of her lip, it almost ate her up in a way.
Rane cleared her throat "I will show you the way..." she nodded. She thought in that moment she could easily lead this woman away. It would give them time... It would make Rasmuth angry too though... Her horse slowed down as 3 people approached. She pulled her brows together. She didn't do anything - she wanted to see what this mage could do.
Rane leaped from her steed and drew her blade. She remained quiet - her eyes watching them. She dodged several attempts of their attack - though she waited. She saw the power of this woman in the vision, she wanted to see it now. Was it real? Of course it was, the visions never lie. She had never seen a mage before, even being a Huntsman. She was still young though...
Rane yelped slightly when she was clasped - unexpected. She was paying attention to Keva too much, and not her opponents. She stepped back then when the power emerged - she watched. The blindly destroyed them with ease. A wave of her hand and the shackles fell off. And then... like nothing happened at all - she just went on talking.
Rane cleared her throat and climbed her horse. "Yes...Wessix is the best place to stop... we... will stop there" she glanced up to the sky, then she pulled out a compass. "A little... this direction" she turned her horse. She glanced over her shoulder - her men were far off in the distance, quiet - if she didn't already know they were there - she would truly not have known.
Rane nodded and glanced over to her as they walked. "So, what... is your name?" she questioned. "I'm Rane" she smiled briefly and then glanced back forward. They trailed through a forest and soon enough came upon the small trading city of Wessix. It was quiet, didn't even have guards or the like. They waltzed in and made their way to an inn...
|
|
|
|
Post by Blindside Tex on Dec 15, 2018 0:37:52 GMT -5
Keva looked to the compass that Rane pulled out. She watched her intently a moment, her eyes moved to the dagger. She stared briefly before she looked back forward. It was then that Rane asked her of her name. She took in a deep breath, her brows pushed together. Her expression changed in this moment. It was a look of confusion. “I...” Her jaw tightened slightly. “I am Rasmuth’s mage.” She looked to Rane then her expression becoming blank once more. “You may call me mage, that is what I am called.” She looked back forward as they entered the forest. Her eyes didn’t even trail to an owl that ‘hooted’ in the tree above them.
Silence. That is what Keva traveled in. Her mind was as blank as her expression, the only concern she had was getting to Talendor. When they came upon Wessix she slipped from her horse and tied him off. Keva glanced to Rane a moment before she entered the inn. Keva walked up to the counter and looked to the young man behind the counter. He smiled to them, when his eyes fell upon Rane, the seal of the Huntsmen. “Good....evening...” He looked to Keva though his eyes adverted quickly from her crimson eyes. Keva reached into her satchel and pulled out coins. She placed them upon the counter. The man looked to her, “Oh no, no charge.” He gave an uncomfortable smile.
Keva watched him a moment, her expression still blank. “Okay.” She spoke as she took up her coins and grabbed the key from his hand. She looked to the key a moment.
“Room 22, it’s um...upstairs...I really don’t want any trouble...” He pointed to the stairs.
Keva’s eyes moved to him and then followed his hand as he pointed to the stairs. “No trouble at all.” She spoke and looked back to him, her brow raised slightly. She then turned and walked up the stairs. She slipped the key into the door and pushed it open. Keva then set the key on the nightstand as she looked to the room. Two large beds, a gorgeous view from the balcony. Keva moved to one of the beds and sat down. The sun had already set over the horizon, the moon was lifting into the sky. Keva reached forward to a lantern, as soon as her fingertip touched the lantern fire swirled within it. She shifted slightly and she leaned forward unlacing her knee high boots. She slipped them from her feet and then she unclasped the cloak about her shoulders. Keva sat for a moment thinking it seemed. She then stood and stepped to the bathroom where she ran a hot bath. As the water ran she removed the clincher about her waist and she lay it upon her bed. She removed her tunic and folded it neatly. This left her in a black tank top. Her arms were wrapped tightly around her forearms from her elbow to her wrists, hiding the insignias. Keva removed the straps for her daggers and she removed her sword from her hips. Everything she removed she neatly placed upon her bed. Keva then unclipped the wrap. Slowly she pulled at the wraps unraveling them. Her brows drew together slightly as the cloth was pulled away from the deep wounds that were not fully healed. Keva clenched her jaw as the cloth stuck to one of the wounds. A bit of blood trickled from the deep cut as she rolled the wraps back up. Lord Rasmuth had instructed her to never removed the wraps in public, and only to remove them when she was to bathe. Keva set the wraps upon the bed neatly and then she stepped to the bathroom where she slipped into the hot water. The water gained a pinkish tinge as dried blood from her wounds was washed from her skin.
Soon enough Keva returned. She stepped to the side of her bed where she began to clasp her daggers to her thighs once more. She left her sword leaning against the bed. Keva then carefully wrapped her arms back up, her jaw tightened as she did so. It was a painful task to wrap the wounds. Keva pulled on her tunic and buttoned it up before she tightened the cinch back out her waist. Her eyes glanced to Rane then. She stared to the dagger. Her dagger. Keva sat down on her bed. “That is a very unique dagger.” She spoke finally her eyes looking to Rane. “Did Lord Rasmuth gift it to you?” She pulled one of her daggers and looked to it. It was plain. There wasn’t anything special about it. He didn’t give her anything of any worth. She was a tool and nothing more. A machine to destroy the cities for him. She did not deserve fine blades. “Who are you to Lord Rasmuth?” She questioned then her crimson eyes watching Rane. This was the most she’d spoken, the most questions she’d asked since Lord Rasmuth had forced her to enslave herself to him.
Keva tensed slightly then, she grit her teeth. A slight glow came from beneath the wraps. Her eyes swirled with a white magic. She took in quick breaths. After a few moments she relaxed. Her eyes watched Rane a moment before she lay back on her bed. She stared at the ceiling, her hands clasped over her abdomen. “My apologies, I am not to question you.” She spoke and then closed her eyes.
**
Earl Bowmen paced as he stood on his balcony. He stared out over the snowy landscape, smoke still rose in the distance from the burned city that continued to smolder. “That is our daughter...why didn’t we protect her?” He breathed.
Ellena stepped to him and hugged herself to his body. “We couldn’t have known this would happen my love.” She spoke into his chest. “The Huntsmen will find her, they have sworn to do so. They will not fail.” She looked over the land as well then, her eyes sad. “I can only hope they find her and...that this destruction was not her choice...our Keva...she would never do this...”
**
Rue trotted into Wessix, her eyes heavy. She found her way to the inn and threw a few coins down. “I need a drink.” She spoke with a smile to the man at the counter.
He poured a beer and slid it across the counter to her. “Drink up. Long day of travel?” He questioned.
“You’ve no idea.” Rue grinned and chuckled. “Have you seen any peculiar characters? Say a man this tall.” She held her arm up above her head. “Kinda funny lookin’....he would have been with a girl. The girl is about....” She thought a moment. “Like this.” She held her hand up. “Pretty, long hair...princess like.” She giggled and took a long drink. “Oh. Her eyes are red...hard to miss.” She grinned then.
The man looked to her a long moment. “Hm...and who are you to ask?” He questioned.
Rue reached into her pocket and pulled out a metal seal. She set it upon the table. “Grey’s right hand.” She spoke, “I’m here to keep you safe, buddy, I’m on your side.” She took another long drink finishing off the mug. She set it down and put the seal back in her pocket. “So? Have you seen them?”
The man leaned forward as he set another mug on the counter. “This ones on us.” He smiled. He glanced around to the other patrons in the bar. “I’ve seen your girl. But she wasn’t with a man. She was with another woman. Red hair. Huntsmen...”
Rue raise her brows. “Oh really?” She smiled. “Perfect then. They here?” She took another long drink.
“Yes.” He nodded. “They’ve a room.”
“Good, good.” She tossed a few more coins down. “A room please.” Rue finished her second glass and took the key from him.
“They are in 22. I’ve given you 21.” He spoke and searched her eyes. “Who is the girl?”
Rue grinned to him. “Wouldn’t you like to know?” She asked as she snatched the key from his hand and she jogged off up the stairs. She paused outside of 22, listening. Her key to her room jingled as she stood there. She was in awe that Rane had somehow gained the trust of the mage so easily.
|
|
|
|
Post by Raven on Dec 15, 2018 0:55:20 GMT -5
Rane glanced to the inn keeper and then grinned. "Not at all..." she smirked and then followed Keva upstairs. As they got to the room - she pulled her quiver and bow and leaned them against the night stand. She then removed the dagger and set it on the table, she glanced to it for a long moment and then glanced up. Her eyes watched as Keva undressed.
Rane sat on the edge of the bed and pulled out her personal knife and sharpened it - as she did every night. She then pulled a small tub of boot shine out and cleaned her boots... as she did every night. Her hands moved to her pillow and she straightened it out before sitting down.
By the time she finished Keva emerged from her bath. Keva lifted a brow - eyes looking to the seals. They were familiar, in a way, they reminded her much of her own markings. How they were burnt into her skin, enchanted with magic... Rane stood and walked over to Keva - her hands slowly moved to the cloth of the wrapping and she began to wrap her arm. "I am a Huntsman" she smiled as she finished up the bandage. "Have you heard of us?" she questioned. "We are hired soldiers, essentially. This knife was the payment that I received. My task is to find someone Talendor" she shrugged. "So, I am basically just his tool too... for now" she stepped over to the knife.
"I have markings like yours..." she slipped her cloak off and pulled her leather jacket off. With one hand she lifted her sleeve and revealed a very intricate brand. "It gives me powers..." she smirked "Not quite like yours... but unique, it's why Rasmuth would go through such a trouble of hiring me..." she smiled then and lifted the knife - her knife. She handed it over to Keva. "Would you like to see it? It's pretty nice" she handed it to her and then sat down on the edge of the bed.
|
|
|
|
Post by Blindside Tex on Dec 15, 2018 1:54:24 GMT -5
Keva drew her brows together she took in a breath. She winced slightly as Rane wrapped her arm, she was truthfully in a great deal of pain from the deep cuts. “Huntsmen?” She questioned, thinking. She shook her head. “No...I do not know.” She sat back up her eyes looking to Rane, her expression was curious. She watched as Rane pulled back her sleeve to reveal the intricate brand upon her skin. Keva looked up to her then, “Powers like me?” She asked, her breathing quickened slightly. She closed her eyes a moment. “He hired you?” She questioned. She held her arms close to herself. Her thumb traced over one of the wraps. “He paid you?” Her eyes lowered slightly. She traced the wraps on her arms a moment.
Keva took in a breath then as Rane offered the dagger forward. Keva looked to the blade, her brows raised as she looked to it. She looked to Rane then a long moment. Keva then reached forward and took the dagger into her hands. As soon as her fingers curled around the hilt her eyes lit a white color and the beautiful emerald green color returned to her eyes. Keva took in a quick breath. Tears welled in her eyes. She let out a soft sob. She fell forward from the bed onto her hands and knees. “H...help...” She whimpered her voice full of pain. Her breathing trembled. Her hand held onto the dagger tightly. The seals beneath the wraps glowed a bright red. Keva took in fast breaths. “P...please....help...” She gasped as tears poured from her eyes. “Please....make it stop....”
Keva grit her teeth as she gasped for air. Her eyes began to glow white once more, she let out a cry of pain as power swirled around her. She was lifted up from the ground. She writhed against the power as it engulfed her.
The door to the room pushed open then. “Holy shit!” Rue spoke as she slammed the door shut. “What did you do?!” She cried as she shielded her eyes.
The light then suddenly disappeared and Keva was dropped to the floor. Her breathing was ragged as she held herself up on her hands and knees. Tears still rolled down her cheeks. She trembled as she pushed herself to her feet. Her eyes had returned to the crimson red color, blood leaked from her nose. She staggered and nearly fell. Rue rushed forward and caught her. Her eyes wide. “What was that?” She asked as she held Keva. “Hey...” She looked down. Keva’s head lulled to the side her body had gone limp. “Hey wake up...” She groaned as she fought to support Keva. “You’re not light you know?” Rue adjusted her carefully as she pulled Keva to the bed and set her down, Keva’s legs hung over the edge and her feet touched the floor. She looked to Rane and gave an uneasy smile. “Rasmuth sent me to lead her to Talendor...please tell me you just broke the curse...I...I can’t watch her murder people again...” She looked Keva then as she crossed her arms. “Someone must miss her...” She shifted and grabbed the dagger from the floor, turning it over in her hands. “Didn’t you have this beauty on your thigh earlier?” Rue questioned with a smile. She handed it forward to Rane. “So who is this girl? Who hired you to find her?” She lifted Keva’s feet and hauled them onto the bed then. “Must be someone rich to hire the Huntsmen?” She questioned as she stepped back slightly. She looked to Keva and she stepped forward, “What are these wraps?” She questioned as she reached forward and touched the wrap. Keva winced in her sleep, she let out a soft whimper. Rue drew her brows together, sadness crept into her eyes. “What the gods has Rasmuth done?” She questioned softly.
|
|
|
|
Post by Blindside Tex on Dec 15, 2018 2:12:45 GMT -5
Rane turned her head as the door slammed open. She squeezed her brows together as she watched the thief enter the room. Rane rushed to Keva’s side - she grit her teeth and placed both arms on her shoulder, trying to hold her as she shook in pain. When she grew limp - she helped Rue carry Keva to the bed.
“Technically I am bound to not tell...” She raised a brow. “Her father hired me... To find her and bring her home, she has been kidnapped. Her bandages there - hold the Seal of the Master, Rasmuth uses it to control her. If she acts out of the mark then it burns her even more so. Eventually - going down to her bone, and killing her...” She shook her head.
“The dagger is hers, actually. The spell cast upon her seemed to have strip her memory, or perhaps stored it away. The dagger is an item she cherished, perhaps given to her by her father... but the memories within the dagger - the emotion linked to it - anything of that great power can break a curse, if strong enough” she pursed her lips. “But I’ve never done this before, only read about it. I’m not even sure if it worked... so we must be prepared for when she wakes. If she is distraught and tries to... you know... kill us” she took in a shark breath.
As Keva rested - Rane sat back in the chair next to the bed. “You know” she glanced over. “We do a lot of jobs for real cheap. Pay...never really matters. Its the fact that someone has come to us. If its what we deem a good deed then we usually take it no matter the pay. If its sinful, or dark, we make the person pay out the ass - simply to deter them away from doing it. That all things have a cost, the worse it is - the greater the cost. Often times the people who pay grand amount of money don’t get what they’re looking for anyways...” She chuckled and shook her head.
“Our service is to the people, at the end of the day. We do the things that others won't, or can’t, to make the world right. It just depends on that the world believes right is...” she grinned and then stood as Keva stirred.
|
|
|
|
Post by Blindside Tex on Dec 15, 2018 2:50:12 GMT -5
Rue watched Rane her eyes lowered when she told her that Keva was kidnapped. “I feared it was something like that...” She whispered softly. “She just showed up, out of the blue...this powerful mage that does everything that Lord Rasmuth asks without any questions...shit...I would have fought against him if he’d asked me to barbecue an entire city of people. But...she just...did it...no questions you know?” She sighed softly.
Rue sighed softly as she listened to Rane. “I hope for our sake that it worked...otherwise...” She bit her lip. “I can only imagine the things that she can do...” She then lowered her eyes as Rane spoke of the payments, how it worked. “I know....I’ve heard of the great good that the Huntsmen have done...” She whispered softly. Her eyes then moved to Keva as she moved slightly. Rue tensed slightly.
Keva’s eyes fluttered open and she sat up slowly. She held her hand to her head. She stared to the floor for a long moment before she stood. Her brows tucked together as she looked too Rue and then to Rane.
Rue offered a smile, “Hey...” She spoke, her voice fearful.
Keva’s eyes moved to her then. She stepped forward and stopped before Rue staring to her, her expression emotionless. She then reached around her and grabbed her sword before she placed it upon her hip. “I must get to Talendor. Do you know the way?” She questioned.
Rue raised her brows, her pulse was racing. “Oh Talendor?” She nearly squeaked. She looked to the sword upon Keva’s hip. “I’m not sure I’ve heard of it, sorry...” She looked too Rane with worried eyes.
“Yes, Talendor.” She turned and pulled her boots on. “I must get there.” Her eyes moved to Rane. Her brows tucked together as she stared to the dagger once more. “You know the way?” She questioned then. “To Talendor?” Her eyes looked to the dagger again, her brows pulling together as she did so. She then pulled on her cape and clasped it. Keva looked to the two a moment. She then turned and walked from the room.
Rue looked to Rane, “Um...I’m not sure that...uh...that dagger thing worked right...uh....” She looked to the open door. “You see what I mean when I said she’s a machine? She has no personality...how did you even get her in here? How else can you break the curse? What if it can’t be broken? We have to catch up to her.” She then rushed out from the room chasing after Keva.
Keva was two blocks down the road by that time. The snow was falling quickly. She held her arms close to her body as she marched forward. She pulled her cloak up as her body began to shiver. She wouldn’t last long in the storm, but she also wouldn’t stop because of the spell.
**
Lord Rasmuth stood in his chamber his arms crossed. “So tell me again...why is this glowing red?” He questioned curiously.
A man stood before him. The man had marking tattooed into his skin, his eyes were a hazy grey. He chuckled, “Ah your puppet has tried to defy you.” He grinned, “Not to worry, she can’t act against what you’ve told her to do. She tries, and the insignias upon her arms will stop her.” He pulled a book from his robe and opened it. “See?” He questioned as he set the book before the lord. “She is your puppet to do as you please. If you wish any more of her just say the word, she can be told to do anything even if you are not there to give her the order. You can speak to her through this spell here.” The man pointed.
Lord Rasmuth grabbed the book and looked it over. “Why did she tried to deviate from what I have told her?” He growled.
“She is not a machine my lord. The spell will bind her, but she may fight it every now and then. No need to worry though. She can’t remove the seals from her arms we cut them deep.” He chuckled. “She is at your disposal, my lord. And besides, the spell that you had her read created that much more of a bond. It is twice as strong. It is nearly impossible to break.” He grinned.
Lord Rasmuth took in a deep breath. “This better not fail.” He growled as he looked to the sorcerer before him. “It will be your head.” He slammed the book shut angrily.
“I assure you, she is yours, she will make Talendor fall.” The man spoke as he watched the lord.
|
|
|
|
Post by Raven on Dec 15, 2018 16:35:54 GMT -5
Rane looked to Keva a she woke - she was hoping for her to be cured.... but she knew better. The seal on her arm was complex. She wasn't one that truly understood magic, but she knew a little bit. The magic runes and seals - the more complex they appeared meant the spell was likely advanced. She wondered who could have cast it? This was a forbidden kind of magic, it took some one of rather strong power to do it. Just knowing that Keva wasn't the only powerful mage out there was worrisome.
Rane slipped out with Rue, her hand holding her bow and quiver, knife already strapped to her leg. "I know it didn't work, not completely. She faltered, which means that she is weak. I might have to take it a step further... I have an idea, I can only pray it works. Go catch up with her, I will be with you shortly" she spoke and then she made her way out of the Inn. As she left the front door - her head looked to the window - where the inn-keeper was peering at her, eyes studying.
Rane made her way across the street - and into a small building. It had several cages with carrier pigeons, and a man at the counter, another who was cleaning the cages. She stepped over to the small table and sat down - with feather and ink she wrote a quick letter.
I am with Keva now. Her mission is to destroy Talendor, and anyone that tries to stop her. I cannot try to stop here, instead I am technically helping her. If I try and stop her - she would easily kill me, and her Journey would continue. That is the spell's command. I have found her dagger has caused her to relapse briefly. Magic is controlled by emotion - the dagger was part of who she was before, of which she cannot remember - as the memories were swiped away.
I fear the only way to truly break this spell is by presenting her with the strongest emotional influences she had in her life, you and your wife. We will arrive in Talendor in one day. We are horse back, myself and Rue - a friend of mine. One white horse, a brown and my black steed. Should see us - it is imperative that you meet us as swiftly as possible. I will try stop her at the Farm village just outside the Kingdom. If you want to save her and your people - you will meet us there.
~Rane
She sealed the letter and then walked to the counter. The man turned and then smiled. "Huntsman" he bowed his head. "To what do I owe the pleasure?"
"I need this sent to Earl Bowmen, with your fastest pigeon" she slid the letter forward.
"As you wish" he nodded and he walked over to beautiful all white pigeon and attached the letter. He then watched as the pigeon flew away in a rush.
When he turned around - Rane was already gone, 3 gold coins in her wake. She rushed to her steed and climbed onto him and slapped the reigns. She stood slightly as they bolt through the city - a speed unlike any horse. She could see Rue and Keva walking over the crest of a hill. She caught up within a few minutes, her horse slowing down to their pace.
"Apologies." she smiled "There is another farm town right before the Kingdom, Hilltown, would be a good place to catch our breath before going into the Kingdom" she looked to Rue.
"Mmm yeah, I hear they have good apple pies" Rue smirked and then glanced to Keva briefly. "Thanks for letting me tag along, it's been a while since I've seen you" Rue smiled, as she played a white lie.
"Indeed" Rane nodded "What are you headed to Talendor for?" she questioned. "Rasmuth has me in search of a particular someone, who I've vowed not to name"
"Ah you know, gotta work these sticky fingers for him. A few things to take before..uh..." she glanced to Keva. "So I'll need about.... 15 minutes head way before she arrives, eh?"
"That is all it takes?" Rane questioned, her eye brows lifted in surprised.
"Well, they don't call me the master thief for nothing ya know" Rue grinned.
|
|
|
|
Post by Blindside Tex on Dec 15, 2018 17:51:34 GMT -5
Rue caught up to Keva. “Hey, wait up there!!” She called, she had Keva’s horse towed behind her. “You forgot something....” Rue offered a smile, to which she was greeted by a blank look from Keva. “Uh...you know thank you is something that um...might fit this situation? Eh?” She gave a sheepish smile.
Keva grabbed the reins of her horse. She pat his shoulder before she climbed on. Her eyes looked to Rue a long moment. “You do not bear the seal of Rasmuth.” She spoke her brow raised slightly. “Why?”
Rue’s eyes widened slightly, “Oh um...” She pulled the seal from her pouch and held it forward. “I do, I just--...”
“It is to be worn on the right shoulder. Is it not?” Keva questioned, her brows tucked together.
“Uh...” Rue bit her lip. In that moment Rane rode up. Saving the day. Rue looked to Rane with a thankful smile as they bantered back and forth. Her eyes then looked to Keva. “Think you can wait 15 minutes tomorrow?” She grinned.
“I have my order.” Keva replied, her body shivered. “Is this what Rasmuth has asked? That I wait?” She looked to Rue a long moment.
Rue raised her brows and then smiled. “Yes, I was hired by Lord Rasmuth. See?” She pulled coins from her pocket. “I have a few things that I must get before you go into the city you see?” She questioned and then she glanced to Rane. Keva made her uncomfortable. The lack of emotion. She’d never seen someone like this before. “So what is it that you plan to do? How will you destroy Talendor, mage?”
Keva looked back forward, her brows quivered slightly. “I am to level the city, every single building.” She replied, her words exactly as Lord Rasmuth had ordered it. “I am to kill anyone that tries to stop me.” She looked to Rue. “Are you trying to stop me?” She questioned then her crimson eyes prying.
Rue shook her head. “Gods no.” She chuckled. “I was only curious how. Will it be another barbecue? Hm? Something different?” She grinned, “Your magic is incredible, mage...do you prefer to be called something other than mage?”
Keva grit her teeth slightly as she looked back forward. Her silence drew on for a long time. “I...” She gripped tightly on the horn. “I am Rasmuth’s mage, nothing more.” She spoke, her body shivered.
“Are you cold?” Rue questioned. “You know there is this city, just ahead, it’s a bit to the west...we could gather better clothing for you, to keep you warm you know? Rasmuth didn’t give you warm weather gear.” She chuckled, “The Lord doesn’t always think of the cold up north. The east stays relatively warm.”
Keva shook slightly, “No, I must get to Talendor.” She looked forward, her expression blank.
Rue looked to Rane. “Help me out here huh?” She laughed. “You’re going to freeze yourself mage.” She looked back to Keva. “What good would you do our Lord if you are a frozen meat block?” She questioned playfully. Truthfully she was just trying to buy them more time.
Keva’s jaw tightened. She glanced to the two, a brow raised. “I do not need to lengthen the journey.” She snapped her fingers then. Suddenly it was as if a bubble of warmth surrounded the three. The wind stopped blowing, heat swirled around them. Keva looked back forward. “We stop at Hilltown.” She spoke, “I will provide you with 15 minutes before I move on Talendor.” Her voice was focused as she rode on.
Rue let out a breath. “Tough...uh...crowd huh?” She let out a defeated laugh as she looked to Rane.
**
Ellena stood on the balcony looking out over their lands. The beautiful white pigeon came swooping in. She reached up and looked to the Huntsmen seal upon the letter. “Adam!” She cried as she rushed into the room. She opened the letter and began reading right away. “Oh gods...” She breathed as tears welled in her eyes. “Adam!” She pushed into the study.
Adam looked up, he had a glass of whiskey in his hand, his eyes were swollen from crying. “My love?” He asked his eyes fell to the letter. “Is it?”
“Yes, she’s found our Keva.” Ellena rushed forward and handed him the letter. “I will ready the horses and a few men.” She nodded.
The Earl took in a deep breath, “Ellena...” He looked to her, “What if we’ve lost her and there is no return? What if she kills us?” He questioned.
She reached forward and cupped his cheek. “I believe in the Huntsmen, if she says it will work, then it will.” She turned, “We can’t give up on our little girl, Adam. We have known that this danger exists since she was born. We knew.” She turned and then walked from the room.
Adam leaned back in his chair as he looked to the writing. He pulled his feather and scrawled out a letter on parchment with the seal of his kingdom upon it.
Rane,
I thank you for locating our Keva. I understand the danger that you have placed yourself in and I am grateful. Ellena and I will be there soon. I pray that this works.
Regards,
Earl Bowmen
He rolled the letter and stepped to his balcony. He whistled and a beautiful falcon came swooping down and flew off swiftly. “Fly fast my friend.” Bowmen spoke with a nod.
**
As the day drew on Keva continued on her forward march, her eyes didn’t deviate from the path before her. They came through a forest that was thick with trees and wildlife. Rue pulled jerky from her saddlebags and munched on it happily. “Want some?” She questioned and offered some to Rane. She glanced to Keva, “Do you like jerky mage?” She questioned. She then sighed as Keva ignored her. “Do you think I made her angry?” Rue questioned in a whisper to Rane, a smile on her lips.
Soon enough they crested a hill as they emerged from the forest. Talendor could be seen in the distance, the huge white walls of stone surrounded the city. Catapults on each tower. The city was lit up well as dusk came upon them. Keva stared at the city, studying it. Just before the city, a good 10 miles was the small town of Hilltown. A farm town with a tiny inn. Keva rode into the city and dismounted. Keva wrapped her horses reins to the hitching post before she walked inside. “A room, for 3.” She spoke as she set coins upon the table.
The innkeeper looked up, a smile split his lips. “My lady, what an honor.” He bowed his head. “It is good to see you in good health Lady Keva.” He grinned then. “Here.” He held a key forward that was on a golden ring. “Our best room. Fit for a Lord or Lady like yourself.” He grinned and then looked to the other two. “Some interesting friends you’ve made, Lady Keva.”
Keva’s brows pulled together, she took in a breath as he spoke to her. She looked confused, and uncertain. She reached forward and took the key. “Yes.” She nodded, she turned and walked up the stairs.
Rue chuckled as she slapped a few more coins on the counter. “Forgive her, she’s exhausted, a full days worth of traveling in that storm. A Lady like herself isn’t used to such rough travel conditions, hm?” She chuckled as she followed Keva up the stairs. She watched as Keva entered the room. Rue turned to look to Rane then. “Bowmen’s daughter?!” She exclaimed, her voice hushed. “That’s Earl Bowmen’s daughter?” Her eyes were wide. “I knew I recognized her!!!” She giggled then. “Well, that’s an interesting turn of events eh?” She chuckled. “Bowmen knows me very well from the Guild. He and I go way back! You see, I may be a dirty thief to you, but I supply a much needed balance to things.” She grinned as she entered the room. She felt the bed and then felt the second bed. “Oh this one!” She grinned as she flopped down on it.
Keva stood she drew her brows together. She’d removed her cape and had just placed it on the bed that Rue took. Her jaw tightened slightly as she lifted the garment and carried it to the other bed. She carefully folded it and set it at the foot of the bed.
A knock came from the door. “Room service.” A man spoke.
Rue jumped up, “Now that’s what I’m talking about!” She grinned. “I need to hang out with princesses more often.” She giggled as she opened the door. Her eyes widened as she looked to the tray filled with food before her. “Oh wow!” She exclaimed as the man brought it in. She sniffed the air and licked her lips. “This is excellent.”
“Our owner has offered this on the house for Lady Bowmen.” The man bowed his head before he left the room.
Rue grabbed a plate and threw several things on it. “Ah that’s the ticket.” She grinned as she munched on shrimp, potatoes, chicken, veggies. They had sent up a feast.
Keva removed her boots and sat on the edge of her bed. She looked to Rue, her brows scrunched.
“What? You’re not hungry?” Rue questioned. “Here.” She stood and made up a plate. “It’s good, even someone like you could uh...enjoy something right?” She handed the plate forward. “Right?” She asked again a brow raised.
Keva looked to the plate of food before her as she held it. She let out a breath before she ate a few pieces of food. Rue got up for a second helping of food. For such a tiny thing she ate a ton. She poured herself a glass of wine and brought another to Keva. “Drink up, you’ll like it.” She grinned. Rue looked to Rane and smiled. She kept an eye on Keva’s glass and she’d fill it each time Keva got low until she’d had about three glasses of wine. Rue grinned. “See? You can enjoy life, mage.” She spoke as she set her empty glass down.
Keva removed her cinch and her tunic carefully folding everything. She set everything on the night stand before she climbed into the bed. Soon enough she was fast asleep. Rue glanced to Rane, “Lady Keva is one of the kindest nobles I’ve ever met...” She muttered softly. “How could Rasmuth do this to her?” Her voice was sad, not the same playful Rue that she usually was.
**
Late into the hours of the night a knock came from the door. Rue was taking up her entire bed. She budged slightly to the sound. Then another knock. “Coming...” She muttered as she rolled from the bed, her hair was a mess as she stumbled sleepily to the door. She pulled the door open and immediately she straightened. “Earl. Countess.” She bowed deeply.
“Ah Rue.” Adam spoke, “I wondered if that was you. A good friend you have here.” He glanced to Rane.
Keva was rolled on her side fast asleep. “Keva...” Ellena whispered as she stepped forward, she knelt next to the bed and brushed her hair from her eyes. “My sweet girl.” She spoke softly.
The Earl then looked to Rane. “So...how do we want to do this?” He questioned.
It was in that moment that Keva began to stir. Her eyes fluttered open. Ellena didn’t budge she had a soft smile upon her lips. “There you are.” She looked into her daughter’s crimson eyes. “Your father and I have been worried sick, we’ve been looking for you...”
Keva tensed as her eyes stared to her mother. She took in several quick breaths. Adam stepped forward. “Keva?” He questioned, he could see the fear in her eyes.
Keva sat up quickly and stood. She moved to the center of the room. Her eyes swirled with fire as she looked to her parents. Ellena stepped forward and carefully took her daughter’s hands into her own. She gave a gentle smile. “It’s okay.” She spoke as she stared into her eyes. She pulled her into an embrace then. Adam stepped forward and hugged onto the two.
Keva’s eyes took on a black aura. She whimpered. She grit her teeth and her body began to tremble. She stumbled back from her parents. “St-stop....make....it stop...” She gripped her head.
Ellena stepped forward and placed her hands on her daughter’s shoulders. “I’m here for you, Keva. Your father and I are here.” She spoke in a calm voice.
Keva cried in pain was tears began to roll down her cheeks. “I...I killed...I...” She stammered. “I...killed those...I...can’t....make it....stop....please...” She stumbled and her mother caught her, shushing her and brushing her hair from her eyes before she wiped away a few of the tears. Keva’s body tensed then as a white magic surrounded her once more. She was ripped away from her mother and suspended into the air. Keva fought against the magic. She screamed as a dark aura was pulled from her body. It swirled around her quickly before suddenly it burst into flames. Flames raced around Keva’s body as she floated in the air.
“Keva!” Ellena went to step forward.
“No.” Adam grabbed her arm. “Just wait.” He stared to their daughter. “Don’t touch her just yet.”
The magic dissipated around Keva and she lowered to the ground, she lowered until she was laying on her back. Her eyes were a bright white color. She held her head as she whimpered. “I...I...killed...I...killed them...so...many...I...” She sobbed. “Stop it make it stop...” She begged.
“You’re okay now dear.” Ellena spoke as her husband held her back.
Keva’s body tensed again as more darkness seeped from her body. She gasped for air as she fought against it, blood dripping freely from her nose. Then the light began to fade from her eyes. The emerald green color remained. She began to cry as the memories of what Rasmuth forced her to do came flooding into her mind. “No...” She whimpered as she sat up slowly, she hugged her knees to her chest.
Ellena knelt down and hugged her daughter. “Shhhh.” She kissed the side of her head. “You’re okay...” She glanced to Rane. “Is that it? Is she okay?” She questioned.
Keva winced as the brands on her arms glowed from beneath the wraps. She groaned in pain. “No....no....that....” She grit her teeth in pain. Keva staggered to her feet she removed the wraps from her arms. She stumbled toward Rane and ripped her dagger from the sheath. She curled Rane’s fingers around the hilt of the dagger. “Please...” She breathed. “Please make it stop...” She whimpered. She staggered back and fell onto the bed, her chest rising and falling quickly. “I...must...destroy....Talendor....” She was fighting against the curse. “I must...kill....them...” She squeezed her eyes shut, her hands were balled into fists.
Ellena stared to the seals, the advanced design of the pattern. “Adam...” She breathed, her voice fearful. “How....do we stop this?” She looked to Rane then. “Please...save her.”
Rue stared to the insignias, “Holy shit he cut those into her?!” She snapped as she rushed forward. “Twisted bastard...” She examined Keva’s arm.
“Make...it....st-stop...” Keva pleaded as she whimpered. Her eyes were filled with darkness. “Pl....please...” She shook her head. “I....” She sat up quickly and gripped around Rue’s neck. She slammed her against the wall harshly. “Kill anyone who tries to stop me. I must destroy Talendor.” Her grip faltered and she stumbled back, tears streaming down her face.
Rue stood with wide eyes, she glanced to Rane and then to the dagger. “Do...you have to cut those out of her skin?” She asked, her voice full of fear.
Keva grit her teeth as she fought against the spell, “I...can’t....stop....it....” She whimpered. “Please...” Her voice was full of pain.
|
|
