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<blockquote data-quote="Greenfield" data-source="post: 5934197" data-attributes="member: 6669384"><p><span style="font-family: 'Arial'">"I've heard tell that our good friends in Carlisle have been driven from their homes. This presents a great opportunity for us. Seeburn, I need someone to go there and learn the truth of the tale. If it's true, we may indeed have land for our new friends, the Centaurs."</span></p><p><span style="font-family: 'Arial'"></span></p><p><span style="font-family: 'Arial'">Seeburn groaned inwardly, for when his father said "someone" in such a tone, he usually meant his son.</span> <span style="font-family: 'Arial'"></span></p><p><span style="font-family: 'Arial'"></span></p><p><span style="font-family: 'Arial'">Penn leaned over and exchanged a few hurried words with Seeburn and the others, then nodded.</span> <span style="font-family: 'Arial'"></span></p><p><span style="font-family: 'Arial'"></span></p><p><span style="font-family: 'Arial'">"Your Majesty.", the Bard began, "this indeed an marvelous opportunity, and we're all more than happy to help our good friend secure his Principality."</span> <span style="font-family: 'Arial'"></span></p><p><span style="font-family: 'Arial'"></span></p><p><span style="font-family: 'Arial'">The King stood slack jawed for a moment, taking in what had just been said. The Bard pressed on.</span> <span style="font-family: 'Arial'"></span></p><p><span style="font-family: 'Arial'"></span></p><p><span style="font-family: 'Arial'">"I admire your insight into the matter, for to gain this additional territory will not only grant you a buffer between yourself and the Bretons, it will also give your people confidence in your family line. This boon to your son shows your confidence in him, and helps secure your own position, as your enemies will now have two cities to try and remove you from. It will also quell those ugly rumors that Seeburn might have royal ambitions of his own."</span> <span style="font-family: 'Arial'"></span></p><p><span style="font-family: 'Arial'"></span></p><p><span style="font-family: 'Arial'">"Well, of course...", trailed off the King, still trying to figure out how they had gotten to where they were. </span> <span style="font-family: 'Arial'"></span></p><p><span style="font-family: 'Arial'"></span></p><p><span style="font-family: 'Arial'">After working out a few details, the companions left the King's chambers in good spirits.</span> <span style="font-family: 'Arial'"></span></p><p><span style="font-family: 'Arial'"></span></p><p><span style="font-family: 'Arial'">"He was going to pay us what?", laughed Cassius.</span> <span style="font-family: 'Arial'"></span></p><p><span style="font-family: 'Arial'"></span></p><p><span style="font-family: 'Arial'">Seeburn hefted the small purse. "200 Dinar.", he chuckled. "He still thinks of us as mercenaries, I'm afraid."</span> <span style="font-family: 'Arial'"></span></p><p><span style="font-family: 'Arial'"></span></p><p><span style="font-family: 'Arial'">"Well, I propose that the King's generosity be added to the Weregilt for your fallen friends.", Penn suggested. "It will make a clear statement that we aren't for hire that way. Besides, I can think of a couple of widows who can use the help."</span> <span style="font-family: 'Arial'"></span></p><p><span style="font-family: 'Arial'"></span></p><p><span style="font-family: 'Arial'">It was quickly agreed that they'd leave that very night. Of course, most had been drinking, and after returning to the "wake", they drank some more, so no one was going anywhere that night.</span> </p><p> <span style="font-family: 'Arial'">***</span></p><p><span style="font-family: 'Arial'">"Wait, we agreed to do what?", Marcus asked, as he took a sip of Bacchus Blessing to clear his aching head.</span></p><p><span style="font-family: 'Arial'"></span></p><p><span style="font-family: 'Arial'">"Investigate a deserted city, and claim it for the King.", Penn explained carefully.</span> <span style="font-family: 'Arial'"></span></p><p><span style="font-family: 'Arial'"></span></p><p><span style="font-family: 'Arial'">"I thought we were sailing for Hibernia. What happened to that plan?"</span> <span style="font-family: 'Arial'"></span></p><p><span style="font-family: 'Arial'"></span></p><p><span style="font-family: 'Arial'">"The ship will be ready by tomorrow, but getting a crew willing to make that voyage during the storm season? That may take longer."</span> <span style="font-family: 'Arial'"></span></p><p><span style="font-family: 'Arial'"></span></p><p><span style="font-family: 'Arial'">"It's no big thing.", Sylus said from the corner. "We spend a few days on the road, we hunt down the problems, take what we can of value, and head back. What could go wrong?"</span> <span style="font-family: 'Arial'"></span></p><p><span style="font-family: 'Arial'">*** </span></p><p><span style="font-family: 'Arial'">"I'm sorry, but I'm afraid I can't go with you this time.", Nedel said. "I have an obligation to my family, and an opportunity has come up to deal with a long term problem."</span></p><p><span style="font-family: 'Arial'"></span></p><p><span style="font-family: 'Arial'">"Do you need help with this problem?", asked Imagina. "You know we're here for you."</span> <span style="font-family: 'Arial'"></span></p><p><span style="font-family: 'Arial'"></span></p><p><span style="font-family: 'Arial'">"It's not the sort of problem you can help with. I've been thinking about this ever since I lost my commission with the 5th Legion. I'm taking on too many responsibilities and I can't keep neglecting them. I'm going to wrap up my business here in Mor, take the King's gift back to Rome, and then..."</span> <span style="font-family: 'Arial'"></span></p><p><span style="font-family: 'Arial'"></span></p><p><span style="font-family: 'Arial'">"Then? Then what?"</span> <span style="font-family: 'Arial'"></span></p><p><span style="font-family: 'Arial'"></span></p><p><span style="font-family: 'Arial'">"Then I'm done. I'll have settled my affairs with the Empire, and I'll be free to handle the family emergency. I may or may not be here when you come back, I really don't know. I'll miss you all."</span> <span style="font-family: 'Arial'"></span></p><p><span style="font-family: 'Arial'"></span></p><p><span style="font-family: 'Arial'">"Well, be safe and stay out of trouble.", Imagina ordered him with mock sternness. </span> <span style="font-family: 'Arial'"></span></p><p><span style="font-family: 'Arial'"></span></p><p><span style="font-family: 'Arial'">The look on the Sorcerer's face was unreadable.</span> <span style="font-family: 'Arial'"></span></p><p><span style="font-family: 'Arial'">*** </span></p><p><span style="font-family: 'Arial'">The group spent the day making preparations, then set out the next morning.</span></p><p><span style="font-family: 'Arial'"></span></p><p><span style="font-family: 'Arial'">The day broke gray and cold, with a chill wind blowing from the sea. The road was obscured by snow, and the wind stung like icy knives on any exposed skin. The horses were draped in extra blankets beneath their saddles, and their breath formed tiny clouds before them.</span> <span style="font-family: 'Arial'"></span></p><p><span style="font-family: 'Arial'"></span></p><p><span style="font-family: 'Arial'">The teamster they had hired for the trip sat down in the bed of the wagon, threading the reins through the slats of the bench seat, in the vain hope that the wagon sides would offer him some shelter from the razor sharp cold.</span> <span style="font-family: 'Arial'"></span></p><p><span style="font-family: 'Arial'"></span></p><p><span style="font-family: 'Arial'">"Welcome to Pictland in the winter.", Seeburn laughed from beneath his heavy woolen wrap. "Keep moving and you won't freeze. Much."</span> <span style="font-family: 'Arial'"></span></p><p><span style="font-family: 'Arial'"></span></p><p><span style="font-family: 'Arial'">"Marcus, if anything freezes and breaks off, you can fix it, right?", asked Penn, trying to keep up his usual good humor.</span> <span style="font-family: 'Arial'"></span></p><p><span style="font-family: 'Arial'"></span></p><p><span style="font-family: 'Arial'">"We'll just put it back on and let it freeze in place.", the Cleric replied.</span> <span style="font-family: 'Arial'"></span></p><p><span style="font-family: 'Arial'"></span></p><p><span style="font-family: 'Arial'">But good humor ran out quickly, and snow began to fall.</span> <span style="font-family: 'Arial'"></span></p><p><span style="font-family: 'Arial'"></span></p><p><span style="font-family: 'Arial'">The camp that night was a tight one. They secured their tents one to the other, both as a barrier against the wind, but also because it was almost impossible to drive stakes into the frozen ground. </span> <span style="font-family: 'Arial'"></span></p><p><span style="font-family: 'Arial'"></span></p><p><span style="font-family: 'Arial'">Caleb, their driver, set up a lean-to with some canvas as a shelter for the horses, and to contain the light from their fire. They were still within the lands of Dumfries, technically, but between the weather and the war, there were few people to be seen, and no farm houses had been sighted for the last several hours of the day. </span> <span style="font-family: 'Arial'"></span></p><p><span style="font-family: 'Arial'"></span></p><p><span style="font-family: 'Arial'">Still, just because they hadn't seen a friendly face, that didn't mean that there were no unfriendly faces out there, looking for them. They kept their fire low that night, and stood careful watch.</span> <span style="font-family: 'Arial'"></span></p><p><span style="font-family: 'Arial'">*** </span></p><p> <span style="font-family: 'Arial'">The next morning was white. All white. It had snowed over night, and everything was covered in a soft, silent blanket. They could tell where the road was because of the stone markers, but otherwise could have been or gone anywhere.</span></p><p><span style="font-family: 'Arial'"></span></p><p><span style="font-family: 'Arial'">Even the trees were white, leafless Birch trees, white bark against white snow, black branches like skeletal fingers reaching for the gray winter sky, they rattled like bones to mark the wind's passage.</span> <span style="font-family: 'Arial'"></span></p><p><span style="font-family: 'Arial'"></span></p><p><span style="font-family: 'Arial'">Breakfast was porridge and hot tea, then they worked to strike the camp as quickly as they could.</span> <span style="font-family: 'Arial'"></span></p><p><span style="font-family: 'Arial'"></span></p><p><span style="font-family: 'Arial'">The road wove through the hills, keeping to the easiest route if not the straightest. The farmlands of the valley lay behind them now, their stone fences no longer present to guide the traveler. </span> <span style="font-family: 'Arial'"></span></p><p><span style="font-family: 'Arial'"></span></p><p><span style="font-family: 'Arial'">Sylus rode the point, and Seeburn's white hawk, ironically named Blackie, traced lazy circles over head to warn them of unexpected dangers.</span> <span style="font-family: 'Arial'"></span></p><p><span style="font-family: 'Arial'"></span></p><p><span style="font-family: 'Arial'">They skirted the camps of several large groups, avoiding contact. Whether they were soldiers or scouts, hunters or refugees, they were likely Bretons out of Carlisle, and thus enemies.</span> <span style="font-family: 'Arial'"></span></p><p><span style="font-family: 'Arial'"></span></p><p><span style="font-family: 'Arial'">Suddenly a look of pain crossed Seeburn's face, and his eyes darted skywards. "Blackie's in trouble!", he said. </span> <span style="font-family: 'Arial'"></span></p><p><span style="font-family: 'Arial'"></span></p><p><span style="font-family: 'Arial'">And a moment later the enemy was upon them.</span> <span style="font-family: 'Arial'"></span></p><p><span style="font-family: 'Arial'"></span></p><p><span style="font-family: 'Arial'">A huge, howling man-beast landed in Caleb's cart and smashed him with a powerful paw. The man, caught by surprise, fairly flew from his seat and landed in the brush by the road. The draft horse screamed in terror and would have bolted, but the reins were still tightly wound around the teamster's hand.</span> <span style="font-family: 'Arial'"></span></p><p><span style="font-family: 'Arial'"></span></p><p><span style="font-family: 'Arial'">Two more of the creatures sprang from cover and attacked. The first one slashed at Imagina, his claws tearing at her heavy wrap but drawing no blood. The other nearly unhorsed Penn with the fury of his attack, and tore a long bloody gash down the Bard's arm.</span> <span style="font-family: 'Arial'"></span></p><p><span style="font-family: 'Arial'"></span></p><p><span style="font-family: 'Arial'">From the sky came Blackie, with four smaller attack birds in tight pursuit. Without hesitation he dove into Seeburn's magical pack, seeking his master's protection in that place.</span> <span style="font-family: 'Arial'"></span></p><p><span style="font-family: 'Arial'"></span></p><p><span style="font-family: 'Arial'">And the battle was joined. Marcus leaped from his saddle to stand over the fallen drover, his spear in his hands. "Jupiter, give us your strength this day!", he prayed, sharing the blessings of his god with all.</span> <span style="font-family: 'Arial'"></span></p><p><span style="font-family: 'Arial'"></span></p><p><span style="font-family: 'Arial'">" </span><span style="font-family: 'Arial'"><em>Fiero!</em>", spoke Imagina, targeting a lance of flame into her attacker's chest, sending him staggering back in shock and pain.</span></p><p><span style="font-family: 'Arial'"></span></p><p><span style="font-family: 'Arial'">" </span><span style="font-family: 'Arial'"><em>Weave of Steel</em>", Penn incanted as he drew his blade. Without hesitation he slashed at his foe. The beast proved surprisingly nimble for its size, and the Bard's blade cut only thin air. The creature struck back, to be met with a lightning quick rippost that left it dazed for a moment.</span></p><p><span style="font-family: 'Arial'"></span></p><p><span style="font-family: 'Arial'">" </span><span style="font-family: 'Arial'"><em>Verbieg!</em>", called Seeburn as he leaped from his horse, landing beside the beast that assailed Imagina.</span></p><p><span style="font-family: 'Arial'"></span></p><p><span style="font-family: 'Arial'">But the titan sized Barbarian was quickly surrounded by a quartet of blood red birds, darting in and out, pecking and clawing at him in a mad frenzy to get at Blackie, who still hid inside the magic bag. And their claws scored deep.</span> <span style="font-family: 'Arial'"></span></p><p><span style="font-family: 'Arial'"></span></p><p><span style="font-family: 'Arial'">Seeing that the enemy was already within the group, Sylus drew his blade and closed for combat. Seeing that Seeburn had one attacker engaged, he moved to the other, blade held low for a rapid, slashing strike.</span> <span style="font-family: 'Arial'"></span></p><p><span style="font-family: 'Arial'"></span></p><p><span style="font-family: 'Arial'">Behind them Marcus called for his father's aid again, this time in the form of a spear that fought and struck on its own. His foe, however, ignored the distraction and tore at Marcus with tooth and nail, battering and bloodying the Cleric with every strike.</span> <span style="font-family: 'Arial'"></span></p><p><span style="font-family: 'Arial'"></span></p><p><span style="font-family: 'Arial'">Seeburn and his foe were trading blows, and the monster was getting far the better of the exchange. Again and again the Barbarian seemed to step directly into the monster's path, while the hairy mockery of a man managed to step away from Seeburn's blade as if he knew in advance where the blow was aimed. And the birds continued to swoop and strike, a cloud of blood and pain about his head and shoulders.</span> <span style="font-family: 'Arial'"></span></p><p><span style="font-family: 'Arial'"></span></p><p><span style="font-family: 'Arial'">Penn leaped from his own saddle and slapped his horse on the rump to clear it from the field, then drew out the magic wand of healing to try and help Seeburn.</span> <span style="font-family: 'Arial'"></span></p><p><span style="font-family: 'Arial'"></span></p><p><span style="font-family: 'Arial'">But as fast as he could heal the titanic warrior, the birds and the beast continued to strike, bite and slash.</span> <span style="font-family: 'Arial'"></span></p><p><span style="font-family: 'Arial'"></span></p><p><span style="font-family: 'Arial'">Imagina loosed several bolts of magical energy at the birds to try and drive them off, but they remained fixated on Seeburn and his pack.</span> <span style="font-family: 'Arial'"></span></p><p><span style="font-family: 'Arial'"></span></p><p><span style="font-family: 'Arial'">In the rear, Marcus and the summoned spear were double teaming the leader of the pack, but even so they were having little effect. He saw that his friends needed his help, but he was fighting for his life and had none to give.</span> <span style="font-family: 'Arial'"></span></p><p><span style="font-family: 'Arial'"></span></p><p><span style="font-family: 'Arial'">Finally inspiration came to him. " </span><span style="font-family: 'Arial'"><em>Vaporous</em>", he called, summoning a cloud of fog to obscure the field, then escaped under the cover it provided.</span></p><p><span style="font-family: 'Arial'"></span></p><p><span style="font-family: 'Arial'">Seeburn was fighting a losing battle, and his foe was howling with triumph. Penn darted back and forth between the pair of monsters, trying to heal Seeburn and aid Sylus at the same time, and not doing too well at either one. He'd caught a few blows in the process, and wasn't looking much better than the embattled Barbarian.</span> <span style="font-family: 'Arial'"></span></p><p><span style="font-family: 'Arial'"></span></p><p><span style="font-family: 'Arial'">The monsters weren't standing unbloodied either, but showed no signs of falling back. The hungers of winter dictated the scene, for if they fell back now, injured and with no meal to show for it, they would soon die. They had to press on.</span> <span style="font-family: 'Arial'"></span></p><p><span style="font-family: 'Arial'"></span></p><p><span style="font-family: 'Arial'">From within the fog bank came roars of rage as the enchanted spear struck at the pack leader again and again, and the monster bellowed and slashed at the thick cloud, rage driving him to find and kill an attacker that wasn't there.</span> <span style="font-family: 'Arial'"></span></p><p><span style="font-family: 'Arial'"></span></p><p><span style="font-family: 'Arial'">Blackie, realizing that his friend and master was near death, took a daring move and bolted from his safe cover, trying to draw the flying foes off in pursuit. The tactic worked, and they darted across the winter sky in a mad chase. None knew if they would ever see the bird again, for it was clear that he was sacrificing himself to save his master.</span> <span style="font-family: 'Arial'"></span></p><p><span style="font-family: 'Arial'"></span></p><p><span style="font-family: 'Arial'">But the sacrifice came too little and too late. The monster struck while Seeburn's attention was drawn to that furious flight, and Seeburn fell to the ground, blood spurting from his thigh.</span> <span style="font-family: 'Arial'"></span></p><p><span style="font-family: 'Arial'"></span></p><p><span style="font-family: 'Arial'">Now the pack leader finally found his way back into the fight, and he closed quickly on the sound of Seeburn falling.</span> <span style="font-family: 'Arial'"></span></p><p><span style="font-family: 'Arial'"></span></p><p><span style="font-family: 'Arial'">A quick slash of his claws and a howl of triumph, and Penn lay on the ground beside his friend, his ribs laid bare and his heart's blood splattered across the ground.</span> <span style="font-family: 'Arial'"></span></p><p><span style="font-family: 'Arial'"></span></p><p><span style="font-family: 'Arial'">"Sylus, your bow!", cried Imagina, as she loosed a bolt of her own into Sylus' foe. The monster toppled, freeing the Ranger to take up his preferred weapon.</span> <span style="font-family: 'Arial'"></span></p><p><span style="font-family: 'Arial'"></span></p><p><span style="font-family: 'Arial'">His arrow took the second monster high, under and upraised arm, and laid him low. </span> <span style="font-family: 'Arial'"></span></p><p><span style="font-family: 'Arial'"></span></p><p><span style="font-family: 'Arial'">Which left them, bloody and bruised, to face the pack leader, who was all but unharmed.</span> </p><p> </p><p> <span style="font-family: 'Arial'">[FONT=&quot]***</span></p><p><span style="font-family: 'Arial'">The pack leader howled his triumph, then hunched forward and advanced on the spear wielding Cleric.</span></p><p><span style="font-family: 'Arial'"></span></p><p><span style="font-family: 'Arial'">"<em>Vaporous Maximus</em>", cried Marcus, immediately burying the entire area in an impenetrable cloud of fog.</span></p><p><span style="font-family: 'Arial'"></span></p><p><span style="font-family: 'Arial'">Then he ran. He crashed through brush, shattering frozen branches as he went, fleeing as fast as he could. And behind him he heard the enemy in hot pursuit.</span></p><p><span style="font-family: 'Arial'"></span></p><p><span style="font-family: 'Arial'">He reached the edge of a snow covered hill that descended to a creek bed below. Spying a rotted stump, he threw his shoulder into it, dislodging it from its frozen roots.</span></p><p><span style="font-family: 'Arial'"></span></p><p><span style="font-family: 'Arial'">The stump tumbled down the slope, bouncing noisily off of everything in its path. And while it went down, Marcus went sideways, hurling himself into a nearby snowbank where he lay still and quiet.</span></p><p><span style="font-family: 'Arial'"></span></p><p><span style="font-family: 'Arial'">The hairy man beast came bounding into sight, furious that his prey wasn't standing and dying the way he wanted, following the sound of Marcus flight and his tracks in the snow.</span></p><p><span style="font-family: 'Arial'"></span></p><p><span style="font-family: 'Arial'">He never hesitated when he reached the edge of that slope, but went down, following the trail the stump left behind. And at the water's edge, he stopped. No trail lead from this place, which to him meant that his prey had fled either upstream or down. He sniffed the air and turned upstream, chasing the wind that would have carried the scent of man away.</span></p><p><span style="font-family: 'Arial'"></span></p><p><span style="font-family: 'Arial'">Above, Marcus heaved a silent sigh of relief. He waited in the snow until his fingers and toes were so frozen he thought he might not be able to rise. Then, bucking the feathery heaps of powder off his back, he slowly, carefully made his way back to the scene of the battle.</span></p><p> <span style="font-family: 'Arial'"></span></p><p> <span style="font-family: 'Arial'"></span>[/FONT]</p></blockquote><p></p>
[QUOTE="Greenfield, post: 5934197, member: 6669384"] [FONT=Arial]"I've heard tell that our good friends in Carlisle have been driven from their homes. This presents a great opportunity for us. Seeburn, I need someone to go there and learn the truth of the tale. If it's true, we may indeed have land for our new friends, the Centaurs." Seeburn groaned inwardly, for when his father said "someone" in such a tone, he usually meant his son.[/FONT] [FONT=Arial] Penn leaned over and exchanged a few hurried words with Seeburn and the others, then nodded.[/FONT] [FONT=Arial] "Your Majesty.", the Bard began, "this indeed an marvelous opportunity, and we're all more than happy to help our good friend secure his Principality."[/FONT] [FONT=Arial] The King stood slack jawed for a moment, taking in what had just been said. The Bard pressed on.[/FONT] [FONT=Arial] "I admire your insight into the matter, for to gain this additional territory will not only grant you a buffer between yourself and the Bretons, it will also give your people confidence in your family line. This boon to your son shows your confidence in him, and helps secure your own position, as your enemies will now have two cities to try and remove you from. It will also quell those ugly rumors that Seeburn might have royal ambitions of his own."[/FONT] [FONT=Arial] "Well, of course...", trailed off the King, still trying to figure out how they had gotten to where they were. [/FONT] [FONT=Arial] After working out a few details, the companions left the King's chambers in good spirits.[/FONT] [FONT=Arial] "He was going to pay us what?", laughed Cassius.[/FONT] [FONT=Arial] Seeburn hefted the small purse. "200 Dinar.", he chuckled. "He still thinks of us as mercenaries, I'm afraid."[/FONT] [FONT=Arial] "Well, I propose that the King's generosity be added to the Weregilt for your fallen friends.", Penn suggested. "It will make a clear statement that we aren't for hire that way. Besides, I can think of a couple of widows who can use the help."[/FONT] [FONT=Arial] It was quickly agreed that they'd leave that very night. Of course, most had been drinking, and after returning to the "wake", they drank some more, so no one was going anywhere that night.[/FONT] [FONT=Arial]*** "Wait, we agreed to do what?", Marcus asked, as he took a sip of Bacchus Blessing to clear his aching head. "Investigate a deserted city, and claim it for the King.", Penn explained carefully.[/FONT] [FONT=Arial] "I thought we were sailing for Hibernia. What happened to that plan?"[/FONT] [FONT=Arial] "The ship will be ready by tomorrow, but getting a crew willing to make that voyage during the storm season? That may take longer."[/FONT] [FONT=Arial] "It's no big thing.", Sylus said from the corner. "We spend a few days on the road, we hunt down the problems, take what we can of value, and head back. What could go wrong?"[/FONT] [FONT=Arial] *** "I'm sorry, but I'm afraid I can't go with you this time.", Nedel said. "I have an obligation to my family, and an opportunity has come up to deal with a long term problem." "Do you need help with this problem?", asked Imagina. "You know we're here for you."[/FONT] [FONT=Arial] "It's not the sort of problem you can help with. I've been thinking about this ever since I lost my commission with the 5th Legion. I'm taking on too many responsibilities and I can't keep neglecting them. I'm going to wrap up my business here in Mor, take the King's gift back to Rome, and then..."[/FONT] [FONT=Arial] "Then? Then what?"[/FONT] [FONT=Arial] "Then I'm done. I'll have settled my affairs with the Empire, and I'll be free to handle the family emergency. I may or may not be here when you come back, I really don't know. I'll miss you all."[/FONT] [FONT=Arial] "Well, be safe and stay out of trouble.", Imagina ordered him with mock sternness. [/FONT] [FONT=Arial] The look on the Sorcerer's face was unreadable.[/FONT] [FONT=Arial] *** The group spent the day making preparations, then set out the next morning. The day broke gray and cold, with a chill wind blowing from the sea. The road was obscured by snow, and the wind stung like icy knives on any exposed skin. The horses were draped in extra blankets beneath their saddles, and their breath formed tiny clouds before them.[/FONT] [FONT=Arial] The teamster they had hired for the trip sat down in the bed of the wagon, threading the reins through the slats of the bench seat, in the vain hope that the wagon sides would offer him some shelter from the razor sharp cold.[/FONT] [FONT=Arial] "Welcome to Pictland in the winter.", Seeburn laughed from beneath his heavy woolen wrap. "Keep moving and you won't freeze. Much."[/FONT] [FONT=Arial] "Marcus, if anything freezes and breaks off, you can fix it, right?", asked Penn, trying to keep up his usual good humor.[/FONT] [FONT=Arial] "We'll just put it back on and let it freeze in place.", the Cleric replied.[/FONT] [FONT=Arial] But good humor ran out quickly, and snow began to fall.[/FONT] [FONT=Arial] The camp that night was a tight one. They secured their tents one to the other, both as a barrier against the wind, but also because it was almost impossible to drive stakes into the frozen ground. [/FONT] [FONT=Arial] Caleb, their driver, set up a lean-to with some canvas as a shelter for the horses, and to contain the light from their fire. They were still within the lands of Dumfries, technically, but between the weather and the war, there were few people to be seen, and no farm houses had been sighted for the last several hours of the day. [/FONT] [FONT=Arial] Still, just because they hadn't seen a friendly face, that didn't mean that there were no unfriendly faces out there, looking for them. They kept their fire low that night, and stood careful watch.[/FONT] [FONT=Arial] *** [/FONT] [FONT=Arial]The next morning was white. All white. It had snowed over night, and everything was covered in a soft, silent blanket. They could tell where the road was because of the stone markers, but otherwise could have been or gone anywhere. Even the trees were white, leafless Birch trees, white bark against white snow, black branches like skeletal fingers reaching for the gray winter sky, they rattled like bones to mark the wind's passage.[/FONT] [FONT=Arial] Breakfast was porridge and hot tea, then they worked to strike the camp as quickly as they could.[/FONT] [FONT=Arial] The road wove through the hills, keeping to the easiest route if not the straightest. The farmlands of the valley lay behind them now, their stone fences no longer present to guide the traveler. [/FONT] [FONT=Arial] Sylus rode the point, and Seeburn's white hawk, ironically named Blackie, traced lazy circles over head to warn them of unexpected dangers.[/FONT] [FONT=Arial] They skirted the camps of several large groups, avoiding contact. Whether they were soldiers or scouts, hunters or refugees, they were likely Bretons out of Carlisle, and thus enemies.[/FONT] [FONT=Arial] Suddenly a look of pain crossed Seeburn's face, and his eyes darted skywards. "Blackie's in trouble!", he said. [/FONT] [FONT=Arial] And a moment later the enemy was upon them.[/FONT] [FONT=Arial] A huge, howling man-beast landed in Caleb's cart and smashed him with a powerful paw. The man, caught by surprise, fairly flew from his seat and landed in the brush by the road. The draft horse screamed in terror and would have bolted, but the reins were still tightly wound around the teamster's hand.[/FONT] [FONT=Arial] Two more of the creatures sprang from cover and attacked. The first one slashed at Imagina, his claws tearing at her heavy wrap but drawing no blood. The other nearly unhorsed Penn with the fury of his attack, and tore a long bloody gash down the Bard's arm.[/FONT] [FONT=Arial] From the sky came Blackie, with four smaller attack birds in tight pursuit. Without hesitation he dove into Seeburn's magical pack, seeking his master's protection in that place.[/FONT] [FONT=Arial] And the battle was joined. Marcus leaped from his saddle to stand over the fallen drover, his spear in his hands. "Jupiter, give us your strength this day!", he prayed, sharing the blessings of his god with all.[/FONT] [FONT=Arial] " [/FONT][FONT=Arial][I]Fiero![/I]", spoke Imagina, targeting a lance of flame into her attacker's chest, sending him staggering back in shock and pain. " [/FONT][FONT=Arial][I]Weave of Steel[/I]", Penn incanted as he drew his blade. Without hesitation he slashed at his foe. The beast proved surprisingly nimble for its size, and the Bard's blade cut only thin air. The creature struck back, to be met with a lightning quick rippost that left it dazed for a moment. " [/FONT][FONT=Arial][I]Verbieg![/I]", called Seeburn as he leaped from his horse, landing beside the beast that assailed Imagina. But the titan sized Barbarian was quickly surrounded by a quartet of blood red birds, darting in and out, pecking and clawing at him in a mad frenzy to get at Blackie, who still hid inside the magic bag. And their claws scored deep.[/FONT] [FONT=Arial] Seeing that the enemy was already within the group, Sylus drew his blade and closed for combat. Seeing that Seeburn had one attacker engaged, he moved to the other, blade held low for a rapid, slashing strike.[/FONT] [FONT=Arial] Behind them Marcus called for his father's aid again, this time in the form of a spear that fought and struck on its own. His foe, however, ignored the distraction and tore at Marcus with tooth and nail, battering and bloodying the Cleric with every strike.[/FONT] [FONT=Arial] Seeburn and his foe were trading blows, and the monster was getting far the better of the exchange. Again and again the Barbarian seemed to step directly into the monster's path, while the hairy mockery of a man managed to step away from Seeburn's blade as if he knew in advance where the blow was aimed. And the birds continued to swoop and strike, a cloud of blood and pain about his head and shoulders.[/FONT] [FONT=Arial] Penn leaped from his own saddle and slapped his horse on the rump to clear it from the field, then drew out the magic wand of healing to try and help Seeburn.[/FONT] [FONT=Arial] But as fast as he could heal the titanic warrior, the birds and the beast continued to strike, bite and slash.[/FONT] [FONT=Arial] Imagina loosed several bolts of magical energy at the birds to try and drive them off, but they remained fixated on Seeburn and his pack.[/FONT] [FONT=Arial] In the rear, Marcus and the summoned spear were double teaming the leader of the pack, but even so they were having little effect. He saw that his friends needed his help, but he was fighting for his life and had none to give.[/FONT] [FONT=Arial] Finally inspiration came to him. " [/FONT][FONT=Arial][I]Vaporous[/I]", he called, summoning a cloud of fog to obscure the field, then escaped under the cover it provided. Seeburn was fighting a losing battle, and his foe was howling with triumph. Penn darted back and forth between the pair of monsters, trying to heal Seeburn and aid Sylus at the same time, and not doing too well at either one. He'd caught a few blows in the process, and wasn't looking much better than the embattled Barbarian.[/FONT] [FONT=Arial] The monsters weren't standing unbloodied either, but showed no signs of falling back. The hungers of winter dictated the scene, for if they fell back now, injured and with no meal to show for it, they would soon die. They had to press on.[/FONT] [FONT=Arial] From within the fog bank came roars of rage as the enchanted spear struck at the pack leader again and again, and the monster bellowed and slashed at the thick cloud, rage driving him to find and kill an attacker that wasn't there.[/FONT] [FONT=Arial] Blackie, realizing that his friend and master was near death, took a daring move and bolted from his safe cover, trying to draw the flying foes off in pursuit. The tactic worked, and they darted across the winter sky in a mad chase. None knew if they would ever see the bird again, for it was clear that he was sacrificing himself to save his master.[/FONT] [FONT=Arial] But the sacrifice came too little and too late. The monster struck while Seeburn's attention was drawn to that furious flight, and Seeburn fell to the ground, blood spurting from his thigh.[/FONT] [FONT=Arial] Now the pack leader finally found his way back into the fight, and he closed quickly on the sound of Seeburn falling.[/FONT] [FONT=Arial] A quick slash of his claws and a howl of triumph, and Penn lay on the ground beside his friend, his ribs laid bare and his heart's blood splattered across the ground.[/FONT] [FONT=Arial] "Sylus, your bow!", cried Imagina, as she loosed a bolt of her own into Sylus' foe. The monster toppled, freeing the Ranger to take up his preferred weapon.[/FONT] [FONT=Arial] His arrow took the second monster high, under and upraised arm, and laid him low. [/FONT] [FONT=Arial] Which left them, bloody and bruised, to face the pack leader, who was all but unharmed.[/FONT] [FONT=Arial][FONT="]*** The pack leader howled his triumph, then hunched forward and advanced on the spear wielding Cleric. "[I]Vaporous Maximus[/I]", cried Marcus, immediately burying the entire area in an impenetrable cloud of fog. Then he ran. He crashed through brush, shattering frozen branches as he went, fleeing as fast as he could. And behind him he heard the enemy in hot pursuit. He reached the edge of a snow covered hill that descended to a creek bed below. Spying a rotted stump, he threw his shoulder into it, dislodging it from its frozen roots. The stump tumbled down the slope, bouncing noisily off of everything in its path. And while it went down, Marcus went sideways, hurling himself into a nearby snowbank where he lay still and quiet. The hairy man beast came bounding into sight, furious that his prey wasn't standing and dying the way he wanted, following the sound of Marcus flight and his tracks in the snow. He never hesitated when he reached the edge of that slope, but went down, following the trail the stump left behind. And at the water's edge, he stopped. No trail lead from this place, which to him meant that his prey had fled either upstream or down. He sniffed the air and turned upstream, chasing the wind that would have carried the scent of man away. Above, Marcus heaved a silent sigh of relief. He waited in the snow until his fingers and toes were so frozen he thought he might not be able to rise. Then, bucking the feathery heaps of powder off his back, he slowly, carefully made his way back to the scene of the battle. [/FONT][/FONT] [/QUOTE]
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